A Blast From the Past

Ok, so I came across some high school videos of me and some of my "cool cat" friends. haha. It's funny to look back on those memories and remember how care free life was. We just cared about having fun, laughing, and letting our imaginations run wild. Even though we weren't the brightest at times, hence the following video, we still created memories and friendships that we wouldn't change for anything! Oh how I miss my friends!

-What high school is "really" like-this video pretty much explains it all. 

-"It's Gonna Be Me"-My cute husband, Steven (in the white shirt), and some of our friends. 

TLC's "Breaking Amish"

I don't watch T.V. all that much, but when I do I often find myself turning to the TLC channel. I grew up watching this network and have loved some of their shows over time. However, I've recently discovered I often feel crappy after watching this channel, and I believe this is because of the lack of morals portrayed in their newer shows. One in particular is Breaking Amish. This show is so depressing and makes me sick to my stomach. I've only seen it once, but I do see glimpses of it by watching the commercials, and I can see exactly the type of life these young adults are now in... which is a scary life. I just feel so bad for them. They were abruptly brought into to such a foreign environment (New York) full of opportunities/experiences to choose badly with no appropriate guidance or counsel. They pretty much were set up for failure. I guess you can say I'm angry with the producers and all those who support this show because things could have been done in a much healthier way- in a way that would promote success in these individuals lives. I wrote a letter to them expressing my feelings, and surprisingly, they've already responded to me. They appreciated my concern and said they highly respect viewers' opinions. It felt good knowing they cared about me and how I felt. There are also multiple other shows that are recent, or are coming out soon, that I feel do not inspire or portray life in meaningful ways. I hope to see positive changes in content from this network in the future.

Words of Wisdom

Words of wisdom from a prophet of God:
"Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come, seas may heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail.This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden. This is the place of the New Jerusalem. . . . This is the place where the Savior will come to His temple.
We are living in a time of great crisis. The Country is torn with scandal and with criticism, with faultfinding and condemnation. There are those who have downgraded the image of this nation as probably never before in the history of the country.
I plead with you not to preach pessimism. Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world…It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may yet have to pass through.
We must be on the optimistic side. This is a great nation; this is a great country; this is the most favored of all lands. While it is true that there are dangers and difficulties that lie ahead of us, we must not assume that we are going to stand by and watch the country go to ruin. We should not be heard to predict ills and calamities for the nation. On the contrary, we should be providing optimistic support for the nation.
We must tell the world how we feel about this land and
this nation and should bear our testimonies about the great mission and destiny that it has.
If we do this, we will help turn the tide of this great country and lessen the influence of the pessimists. We must be careful that we do not say or do anything that will further weaken the country. It is the negative, pessimistic comments about the nation that do as much harm as anything to the country today. We who carry these sacred responsibilities must preach the gospel of peace, and peace can only come by overcoming the things of the world. Now, we must be the dynamic force that will help turn the tide of fear and pessimism." (Ye Are the Light of the World 350-51)

-Harold B. Lee 1974

I think this is perfect considering our recent election. We have so much to be grateful for and to look forward to. Be positive and help build up others, no matter who they be! I love my life. I love my country. I love my God!

Is it too early?

I know, I know, Christmas isn't for another month and 21 days, but I just can't help turning on some Christmas music every now and then. It just makes me so happy and brings back all those cozy, childhood memories of spending Christmas with the entire family. I wish I could experience those feelings every day. They truly are the salt to my life. Family moments full of love make my life richer, sweeter, and more memorable. I know it's a little early to be listening to Christmas music, but if it only makes me happier and think of family more, why not? :) Hopefully being this excited won't make waiting for Christmas take too long. Happy Holidays everyone!!!

Concerning Abortion

So I came across this message on Facebook and it really put things into perspective. I can't believe how anyone could justify the precious life of a human being as not existing life. Just because it's not fully developed doesn't mean that it is not "real" life. I believe a baby is just as much a life on the day of its first heart beat as it is on the day it's delivered. It just amazes me how anyone could give more respect toward life on mars than towards the life of a human being. I guess it's just one of Satan's tactics- to get us to believe that killing an unborn baby isn't a bad thing when it's not considered a "real life," and that we shouldn't feel bad, because we're not really murdering anyone. Well Satan, I have a question for you- then what exactly is being killed? Nothing!? He's a sick, gross, and twisted man.

It's Cool...

... To have a kid while in school. :) haha. 
For my media class, a group of us girls put together THIS video promoting having children while in school. As a soon-to-be mother myself, I often wonder what it would be like to be going to school while having a baby. Thank goodness I'll be done with school in December and having our girl in January, so I won't have to experience it, but I wonder if I did have to go through with that if I'd have the strength and necessary attitude to finish. Because so often students with their babies are felt sorry for, this video was made in hopes to accentuate the positive aspects of having a baby while in school. Hopefully it changes the perspectives of some people. :) 

Taking the Time to Listen

The other day, as I was walking to my car, I couldn't help but notice the song playing from the bell tower. At first I didn't know the name of the song, but definitely knew it was a well-known church song. I stopped to listen and the words to "I am a Child of God" went through my mind as the bells chimed. It was beautiful and to know that such a strong message was being rung throughout all of campus made my heart jump for joy. I had never really stopped to listen to the bells prior to this, but as I took the time to listen that day I learned the importance of stopping, listening, and remembering my importance as a "child of God." no matter how busy life is. This is definitely something I could do more often and I know that when I do, I will be happier, and I will be filled with God's love.

Doing Something Extra-ordinary

Couldn't help but think of the sweet orphans I served in Ecuador while watching this.  I wish I had the courage to do something like this amazing lady. Maybe someday...

-What a wonderful example of how to live like Jesus Christ. <---(Click this link to watch this Mormon Message).

"You Are Beautiful... No Matter What They Say"

 So after watching Miss Representation in my media class, my heart was full of love for every single person out there. I just wanted to run out in the crowd and yell to the world- "YOU MATTER! You are a child of GOD, not an object to be degraded or looked down upon! NEVER let anyone trick you into thinking you need to be something else. You are wonderful! You are beautiful! JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!!!" My heart ached for all the people out there who have let the media influence them into believing they need to be something different, whether it's being skinnier, more beautiful (according to the world's standards), more vulnerable, or even more masculine (for men). It just makes me sick to the stomach. The media's influence is everywhere! If we're not careful, we can run the risk of acquiring the belief that we are "not good enough." If so, we will live very unhappy and sad lives. My prayer for all the women and men out there is to find your value within, and treasure it up. You matter, no matter what the world tells you.
-Christina wants us to believe it too :). I added the "images" part. Read the lyrics as though you are singing them to the world. 
Everyday is so wonderful
Then suddenly
It's hard to breathe
Now and then I get insecure
From all the pain
I'm so ashamed

I am beautiful
No matter what they say
Words [& images] can't bring me down
I am beautiful
In every single way
Yes words [& images] can't bring me down
Oh no
So don't you bring me down today

Heckedy Peg!

From talking to my mom, I know I loved books as a little girl. I’m sure I had many favorites during different phases of my childhood, but there is one book in particular that I remember loving. The tone of my mother’s voice, the detailed pictures, and intense story line will forever remain in my mind. The name of the book is Heckedy Peg. This story is about a conniving and ragged witch with only one leg who tricks seven siblings, named Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday into lighting her pipe, which then causes them to turn into food. Long story short, the mother gets her children back by guessing which child is which food, matching each food with corresponding items the children wanted from the market.  

            When I was young, I didn’t quite understand why I enjoyed this book so much, but now as I’m older I can see why. The art in the book is absolutely amazing and its intricate details set the tone for the story. For instance, wherever the witch is, the art is dark and intimidating whereas the art involves light and warm colors wherever there is safety. In addition, each paint stroke is so detailed you feel as though you can touch and feel the objects in the paintings. Apart from the fabulous art, I thoroughly enjoyed the way my mother read this book to me. She would change her tone of voice when necessary and had the absolute best witch voice. It was creepy but kept my interest. As I write this assignment, I long to travel back in time and have her read it to me again. The bonding felt between us as we dove into the story with our imaginations is something I cherish.

After the Crowd Goes Home

You were probably thinking this post was going to be about an athletic game, huh? I guess you can consider a garage sell a game. There is some strategy to it-lowering prices with customers to an agreed upon amount. Anyways, I must get to the point. KSL is amazing! This weekend my husband and I had the opportunity to help out with a garage sell at his grandparents' home. After it was over and no one else showed, we posted pictures of the "valuable stuff" on KSL. Within no time, the items had multiple views. It will be interesting to see how quickly these things sell. What a great way to earn a little extra cash if your too lazy to put up a sell in your yard. And if you're too lazy to do that, I guess you can take a trip to D.I. and leave with no cash in hand... just sayin'. KSL is just one of those great things that makes life a little easier. What amazing resources we have through technology!

Positive Mood Management :)

Since we've learned recently about the uses and gratifications of music I think it would be appropriate to share an experience I had with music that assisted me in managing a positive mood. In no means did I begin with a positive mood, but after realizing music might help, I turned on some happy music in hopes it would help. And it did! So here's the story... I came home the other day to a stressed husband making dinner in an incredibly messy kitchen. Dishes were overflowing and counter space was near non-existent. I had a busy, rough day and just really wanted to come home and relax. Being at school all day with a pregnant body is no fun some days! Anyways, I jumped in to help with dinner and the interaction between us was not at all upbeat and positive. Our stress kept rubbing off on each other and we just about had it. Steven, my husband, was able to clear some of the dishes out of the way while I finished up details on dinner and by the end we felt a little better, but things were still not all the way better. He soon after left for a lab at school and I was left at home with all these question marks as to why that experience was so horrible. Dwelling on the negative didn't help the situation any better so I decided to turn on some music. Listening to the happy music put me in a positive mood and I was able to get the kitchen cleaned and write little love notes that I hid around the house for my husband. When my husband returned, my positive mood helped him be positive, and we both were able to talk about and solve our little predicament. The rest of the night went great! I'm grateful for music and it's ability to influence our mood positively when it seems like we can't do it on our own. 

Labor!? Who's says it needs to be painful.

So, my husband and I recently began hypnobirthing classes. The focus of hypnobirthing is to make your birthing experience as pain-free and enjoyable as possible. It prepares you to be in tune with your body and do all you can to relax so your muscles can do what their meant to do. A lot of media tells us that childbirth always is a painful, quite dramatic experience. This creates a lot of fear in women and many go into labor not knowing that it can actually be a peaceful, beautiful experience. Fear created in women causes their bodies to go into fight-or-flight mode and the blood needed to loosen the uterine muscles right above the cervix (which allow the baby to come out) actually detracts from them and goes to other parts of the body, such as in the hands, feet, and brain, where they are not needed at the time. :) This causes much pain for women as other uterine muscles bring the baby down. I'm so excited to be learning of a very positive approach to childbirth rather than going into this whole experience with expectations I've been taught in the movies. 

A Good Laugh!

The Hunger Games- A Bad Lip Reading

I have not had this good of a laugh for a looong time! Every now and then everyone needs some comedy in their lives. I'm grateful for people with a good sense of humor who create media like this. Enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjGk_jU6t5A&feature=player_embedded

-"And that's how baby's grow?" :)

Zoomin' and Groovin'!

 

So, as my husband and I traveled home to Nevada Thursday night it got to a point where we both were bored and about to fall asleep. I decided it would be a smart idea to turn his iPod music on full blast, since my stereo doesn't work, to keep us both interested in the drive and each others' company. One of his favorite songs came on and before we knew it we were traveling over 90 mph. It was funny to see the effect a fun, groovy song had on him. He had no clue he sped up and it kind of took us by surprise. Maybe this experience is similar to the effect upbeat music has on us when we exercise. It'd be fun to look into that. So, next time you guys pump up your music in the car, just make sure you keep an eye on your speedometer. :)

The Perfect Way is the Lord's Way

 Mormon 9:31-34

31 Condemn me not because of mine ^aimperfection, neither my father, because of his imperfection, neither them who have written before him; but rather give thanks unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our imperfections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been.

 32 And now, behold, we have written this record according to our knowledge, in the characters which are called among us the^areformed Egyptian, being handed down and altered by us, according to our manner of speech.

 33 And if our plates had been ^asufficiently large we should have written in Hebrew; but the Hebrew hath been altered by us also; and if we could have written in Hebrew, behold, ye would have had no ^bimperfection in our record.

 34 But the Lord knoweth the things which we have written, and also that none other people knoweth our language; and because that none other people knoweth our language, therefore he hath prepared ^ameans for the interpretation thereof.

- I love this little story about Moroni and his insecurity of writing in the reformed Egyptian. At the time, this was one of his "imperfections" per se, but it's funny to me that the Lord made everything work out in the end through His translator, Joseph Smith. It was almost as if he had no imperfection. He did what the Lord asked and the Lord prepared a way for us in these Latter Days to understand the Book of Mormon. Sometimes in life it seems like we are far from doing the perfect thing. I think we all need a little reminder at times that if we are doing what the Lord asks (though it may not seem like things are perfect) and do our best, he'll make up the rest and everything will work out! :) 

Unbelievable ULTRA-sounds!

I want to make a post on how amazing ultrasounds are! (actually... I just want to show pictures of our cute baby girl). Haha, no, but really... ultrasounds are so neat! It was such a treat to be able to watch her move on the screen a couple weeks ago and be able to see her heart pumping. It was so comforting to hear that her vital organs looked good, as well as her head, spine, fingers, and toes. Also, I am so glad we were able to find out that she was measuring "on time." Although she couldn't tell us herself that she was doing well, we were able to receive that message through an ultrasound. What a blessing modern technology is! 

(Sorry the photos are blurry. My phone pics. always show up worse on the computer)

I'm a GIRL!

Mom and Dad can't tell who I look like, but I do have a big forehead like theirs! :D haha. 

YOU CAN BE A CHAMPION!

Champion: a person who fights for or defends any person or cause
             So as I was listening on Pandora, I came across the song "Hall of      

                 Fame" by The Script. Have any of you heard of them, or have heard this song? I was surprised to hear such positive lyrics, except one curse word:) But overall, it was inspiring and made me feel good inside. It was good to know that some band out there is going against the norm and writing upbeat lyrics rather than depressing ones. This song focuses on being a champion and that you can become whatever you want! So, I'm wondering... What kind of champion do you want to become? I want to be a champion of motherhood. 

*Watch this video and remember that you can do anything! 

http://www.directlyrics.com/the-script--hall-of-fame-music-video-news.html

Resources, Resources, Resources!

As I've been preparing my Relief Society lesson this morning, I've thought a lot about how lucky we are to have so many resources to help us when preparing any kind of lesson/talk for church. We have all the church lesson manuals (including strength for youth), the scriptures, the bible, the bible dictionary, the Doctrine and Covenants, lds.org, ensigns, conference talks,  videos, and many others I have not listed. These are all such great media sources that better prepare us in sharing the gospel. I look forward to using multiple church resources to enhance my lesson tomorrow and hope they work together to bring the spirit & inspire the sisters. I love accessible, good media!

Is This Stuff Real?

So, have any of you ever heard of mediums? Well, I've heard of them before, but I've never really cared to learn about them. I come from a religion that believes in revelation from God, but to be able to receive communication, or revelation, about those who've passed on anywhere and anytime is not something I thought was possible.. until now. Well, I am not completely convinced yet, but watching this lady (Theresa) on TLC's show Long Island Medium today got me thinking. The things she had to say to people matched closely what I as a Latter Day Saint believe about the afterlife. Some of the things she mentioned to people was that those babies who had passed on either through miscarriage or termination are still alive on the other side, that we look great (our bodies/spirits look perfect) after we die, and that our loved one's (especially our spouses) are there on the other side to greet us when we die. These are some of the truths people were reassured of on this show, and it made me so happy to see them find so much comfort in the afterlife. I am grateful so be able to say that I KNOW that we get to be with our families after this life and that the spirit life is a place of peace, forgiveness, and joy. Our passed on family members love us and are watching over us and only want us to be happy. I love to imagine that there are many connections out there in the world with heaven. I hope to have a neat experience of my own someday.