The Gum Story

   My professor challenged each one of us in my business writing class (MCOM) to buy something and give it to a random stranger this weekend.  We then had to write about that experience in our blogs.  I was worried when I heard that because I knew I would be leaving thursday night for a trip, so I had to act quickly.  I went to the store on thursday and finally decided to buy a pack of gum.  I love gum so I figured whoever the lucky someone was, would appreciate gum as well.  I had to go to the library after my classes to study, but I was on the lookout to give someone the gum so I could fulfill my assignment :)  A girl came up to the table I was studying at and asked if she could join me at the table to study.  She sat on the opposite side and we both started studying in silence.  Then very subtly the thought came that I should give this girl the pack of gum, and I knew that was the right thing to do.  Now I just needed to find the right time to give the gum to her.  The time came when she looked up and asked me a simple question that I can't even remember now.  I answered the question, pulled out the gum, and told her I had gone to the store and bought this gum.  I told her I wanted to give her the gum because I felt like she needed it.  She stared at me with a blank stare and wide eyes, and then started tearing up as she looked at me.  She told me that she loved gum but had just run out of her pack the day before.  Then she went on to say that her day had been horrible and she was so sad and frustrated with everything.  She had been feeling lonely all day and was hoping something would help her day be brighter...and then I came along with a pack of gum.  She was so grateful for me that I took time to buy gum and then give it to her.  She had a smile on her face and immediately put a piece in her mouth.  That was such a cool experience to have because I know the Lord watches out for each one of us and knows what we are going through.  He puts people in our paths to help us and lift us up.  I know the Lord used me to help cheer this girl up even though it was just giving her a pack of gum.  I am so grateful that we are always looked out for and taken care of!

Food, food, food...yum!

   My grandma lives in Germantown Village and she loves it here.  Basically, it is a nice apartment complex (very similar to a hotel) for individuals who live independently, but are still watched out for here.  Also, there is an assisted living section and skilled nursing section that residents can move into if needed.  The halls are all indoor and it is a very nice place.  Lots of activities go on around here like yoga, wii bowling, bingo, swimming, tai chi, field trips to the city, and so much more.  Things always seem to be something going on around here and I'm always surprised how active some of the residents are.  One of my personal favorite activities around here is the room with all the jigsaw puzzles.  I absolutely love jigsaw puzzles and would work on them for hours if I could!  Puzzles pull me in, are addicting, and make me want to keep working until I finish them! Usually someone is always down there as well, so I can talk to them and hear their interesting stories.  I love it!
   Food is in abundance here as well, and I always seem to gain some weight when I come.  I am on vacation though so it's ok right?! :P  Every sunday there is a huge brunch in the dining room that always fills me up so much!  Food ranges from fruit, salad, soup, waffles, eggs, vegetables, meats, and many different entrees that are all so tasty!  Today, I ate so much that I thought I was going to pop! I loved it though because it's variety from my normal staple foods back at school.  The people here are so nice and welcoming, and it is always so fun to watch and see how they interact together.  I'm grateful that my grandma has the opportunity to live here and be in a safe environment that she enjoys.  She has so much to do here and can meet many people, and I know she is being well taken care of here.  Love you grandma!

Tennessee!!

   I'm so glad when daddy comes home...I get to go to grandma's!!  My parent's are the best and bought me a ticket to fly out to Memphis, Tennessee to see my grandma! :D I have not seen her in almost three years and was so anxious to see her to catch up with her.  My mom flew out to Tennessee with me and we are having a great time so far!  We flew out early friday morning, so we didn't get much sleep but that was ok.  I was able to sleep on the flight from Denver to Memphis and got a good nap in.  Waking up, I was a little disoriented which my mom was amused by since she was trying to talk to me.  I absolutely love flying and wish I could fly more often because it is so fun!!  I always wish the flight would be longer so we can stay in the air longer :)  We arrived and I made sure to get a picture with our plane because it had a horse on it.  It's not often that there are animals on the wings of the plane you're on ;)  We rode in a taxi and finally made it to my grandma's apartment, and I got to give her a big hug!  She is the cutest and she makes me so happy!  I love her laugh, the way she talks, and her different mannerisms.  Best grandma ever!!  I love being here to talk with her, hear her stories, and enjoy the time together.
   

Sabbath Blessings!

   I am so incredibly grateful that today is Sunday!  Being able to go to church today, partake of the sacrament, and hearing things that were meant exactly for me, was such a blessing.  This past week was super rough because I had so much that I needed to accomplish for school.  I felt very overwhelmed, stressed, and felt so down because I felt that I could not accomplish everything that I needed too.  I worked really hard every day to get everything done on time and in the right manner.  I know I was not going through this week alone though.  I prayed to Heavenly Father to help and uplift me during this past week.  I knew that He would help me after I did all I could do, so I was trying hard to do my best to partake of that promise.  That promise is completely true!! I made it through this week with the Lord's help.  He truly did uplift me, give me strength, and helped me through all of   my assignments, papers, and tests.
   Going to church today I felt exhausted physically, emotionally, and spiritually and was seeking comfort.  Today was ward conference with all of our stake leaders and it was exactly what I needed.  A revelatory experience indeed.  The topic was all about whirlwinds and how we get through them, react to them, and overcome them.  We are all going to experience different challenges and trials in life that bring us down and try us in many ways.  The beauty about this life though is that the atonement of Jesus Christ is always there and encompasses everything about our lives.  No matter who we are, what we do, and the mistakes we make Christ has felt everything we've felt and knows how to help us.  He will never forget us, forsake us, or stop loving us.  Everything about this meeting was exactly what I needed to hear.  I know the Lord inspired the talks I heard and helped me to hear what would comfort me the most.  I know we all go through hard times, but I am so grateful to know there is a loving Heavenly Father who is there for us.  He has a wonderful plan for each one of us!!

General Conference!

Well, I am finally back to writing in my blog! It has been a crazy couple of weeks and I am now sick, but things are looking up :) This weekend was absolutely wonderful and I have looked forward to it for a long time. First, on friday, my beautiful friend and roommate was married for time and all eternity in the Bountiful Utah Temple. She looked absolutely beautiful and was glowing with happiness and excitement. It was so exciting for us as friends to be there with her and support her on that day. It seemed like time just flew and it was surreal to see her getting married. The first of our little group of friends is married now! Crazy!!
    The other best part of this weekend was that it was General Conference for the LDS Church!! I always love conference because it is a time to be with my family and to listen to our prophet and leaders give counsel from the Lord. I know that they are truly inspired and receive personal revelation from the Lord on what they need to specifically say to us. The Lord is aware of us, knows who we are, and knows what is going to tempt and try us in this life. I know that our leaders are always seeking to gain inspiration to know how to best teach us and help us, and I am so grateful for all that they do! I learned so much listening to general conference and received many answers to my prayers. I am so glad that I was able to take time this weekend and listen to our prophet's counsel. If you have any questions about our church please visit mormon.org. I know it will bless your life like it has mine :)