i love to see the temple.

for any of you who got home taught in october you will know that the theme of the home teaching was the temple. my roommates and i all have separate home teachers, but we usually end up sitting in on each others home teaching lessons so i got to hear about the temple and its importance 3 times last month. it was so great and made me realize that i really needed to go to the temple. now ... dont judge me ... but in the three semesters that i have been here i had not et been to the temple here to do baptisms. well, jill and i decided to go wednesday morning. we got up super early (because i had class at 9) and we went and did baptisms. it was so wonderful. i really do love going to the temple. it really changes the way i look at life. i was so happy all day long. i just wanted to do stuff, homework, scriptures, fun, i just wanted to do all of it. i was so happy. well wednesday night my roommate caty mentions that she would like to go to the temple and did we think she should go on thursday or friday. i remembered that my classes from friday were both canceled and quickly voiced my opinion for friday. so, today i got to sleep in and then around noon caty and i went to the temple. i have never been to the temple twice in a week in my whole life but i was so happy to go. i absolutely love the temple. it is such a blessing in my life. i hope to be able to keep up going at least once a week for the rest of the time i am here. i know that it will be such a good thing and really help me to be happier and more successful. i challenge all of you to take the time to make it to the temple this next week. nothing can substitute for the joy you get from going to the temple. i love you all!

scripture of the day:
Mosiah 2: 6 And they pitched their tents round about the temple, every man having his tent with the door thereof towards the temple, that thereby they might remain in their tents and hear the words which king Benjamin should speak unto them.

today i am thankful for:

* being able to go to the house of the Lord and do baptisms for the dead.

* roommates who go to the Temple with me.

* the ability and opportunity i have to be at this school and the blessing it has been in my life.

* a car that allows me the opportunity to serve others by driving them places they need to be.

* medicine that helps those who are sick to feel better (steph has been sick).

<3.

the great nerf gun attack of 2010.

a few days ago jill went to the store and returned home with a nerf ball gun.

we have been having a lot of fun have mini nerf gun wars. all the boys that have been over to visit are very impressed and jealous of the nerf gun. well, today after class jill and i were bored and decided the perfect way to perk up the day was to have a nerf gun war. so we were off to the store. we bought an automatic tommy 20 nerf gun

for myself to use in this fight and then two smaller nerf guns

for the other people we fought to use. we also bought some cheap sale halloween candy to put in little baggies for our home teachers and fhe brothers. we got home and prepared the candy bags and wrote everyone little notes of appreciation and love ;) then we decided who to have the nerf gun war with. so we head over to nauvoo (all our boys live in the nauvoo apts) and we get to the third floor. jill and i hide our nerf guns on the floor to the side of the door and knock. tyler and kyle were very excited to receive their candy bags. then i told them there was an even more exciting present. i pull the two nerf guns out and they were super excited. they were pretty much like little boys getting nerf guns for christmas. then jill and i grabbed our nerf guns and we attacked! they were running around and trying to hide. it was so fun. then we just hung out with them for the next 45 minutes. i really love my home teachers. they are pretty much my brothers away from home and i am so happy when they do fun things with me and spend time with me. it was a pretty wonderful wednesday evening. :) i love nerf gun attacks, what a happy way to brighten your day and have fun.

scripture of the day:

1 Peter 3: 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers.

today i am thankful for:

* boys who think it is fun to get attacked in their own home, and not annoying :)

* jill! i have missed her as my roommate. i love having fun with her and being silly.

* having friends in my classes so that i can talk to someone.

* prayer, it has been such a blessing in my life these past few days.

<3.

toy story 3.

back in june i went to see toy story 3 for my birthday with megan and stephanie, however, if you remember from my post the movie died 30 minutes in and i never got to finish it. well, today my roommate went out and rented toy story 3 and we decided to watch it later that night. my home teacher tyler heard from my other home teacher kyle that we were going to be watching it so he asked if we could watch it after his soccer game so that he could come and watch it with us. so we decided to wait. we got bored when thinking about waiting and so we decided to go to his soccer game and cheer him on. it wasn't too cold, and it was so fun. so after the soccer game we went home and got ready for the movie. tyler came over and we were set to go.

jill, lauren, and i were on the big couch and we were all very in to the movie and we were all huddled, snuggled, and cuddled together and kept gasping, and oooo'ing and awww'ing. it was probably really funny. tyler just laughed at us the entire time. i felt like such a girl, haha, but it was so fun and i loved the movie! my most favorite part was probably mexican buzz light-year :) overall it was a good night and i was so happy to finally get to see the entire movie! (oh, and yes, i did almost cry at the end of the movie). i love fun wholesome movies that everyone can get into and enjoy!

scripture of the day:
Moroni 7: 19 Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ.

today i am thankful for:
* wholesome, fun, and interesting movies.
* ward activities that will come to pass and be wonderful :) (look for a blog saturday or sunday to explain this one;)
* my most amazing home teachers!!!!
* roommates who are willing to bundle up and go spend time with me supporting the boys in our lives!
* being a girl and being able to gasp in movies and have people think its funny, yet normal. :)

<3.

the night before hallows' eve.

well, not really, but two nights before hallows' eve. friday night my roomies and i were sitting around not doing much when we decided to make up costumes and go to a party just for the heck of it. so the creativity began. lauren and jill already had their outfits. lauren was a cat and jill a nerd. i decided on a cowgirl when lauren said she had a cowgirl hat. then we decided that caty could easily be a bee. we ended up running out of really great ideas so shelby ended up being a nerd with jill. (steph was off somewhere with her brother). then we all got dressed up in a hurry and headed off to the party. none of us were technically invited to this party but one of the boys in our ward set his status to say that they were having a party in their lounge and that anyone who wanted to come was invited. so we headed out and we got to the party and walked in and saw we were the only ones who had bothered to dress up, it was embarrassing for about .2 seconds but then everyone start clapping and cheering for us and apparently we were a big hit. so we went in and played some foosball. boys kept coming over and talking to us, which was fun. my cap gun was a huge hit. boys were really impressed by it and kept coming over and shooting it off to scare people. we also played some pool and danced a little. we met new friends austin and patrick. we left kinda early because jill and lauren had planned on going to idaho falls to go to dr. slaughters, and then to a scary movie. but by the time we got home it was a little too late for them to make it on time. so we ended up getting steph to dress up as a sheriff, not as cool as me though cuz she didn't have a hat. then we all went to sammy's (new restaurant in town). while we were at sammys we told new friends they should come with so they came over and then after our time at sammys we headed over to the cheap theater to watch a scary movie. we got a dollar off because we were dressed up, which was so great! so i ended up getting in for $2! we saw devil (watch the preview!) i ended up liking it. i think it was more of a thriller than a scary/horror movie. but then we came home and pretty much went to bed, but it was such a fun great night!

scripture of the day:

Moroni 7: 12-13 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually. But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

today i am thankful for:

* fun roommates who are creative and silly.

* really cheap movies so that i can have a fun with my roommates for our halloween celebration.

* fun people who have parties and invite random people to join them.

* my cap gun and what a big hit it is with the boys. :)

* pictures from my roomies cameras. its like i dont even need a camera anymore.

* time to sleep in.

<3.

fhe.

for fhe on monday we decided to carve pumpkins, seeing as it is the pumpkin carving season. it was one of those activities that i absolutely love and can't wait until i can be at home again and can do fun stuff like that with my family but, i love my byui family this semester so it was so much fun! we got there a little late because we had to go buy some pumpkins. at the store we decided to split up into groups of two and be pumpkin carving teams. stephanie quickly claimed shelby as her partner, soon after jill claimed lauren, so caty and i were left as a team, i was very pleased! caty is so funny, i love her, so i was glad to be her carving partner! we got to the boys house and dawson and kyle were off purchasing a pumpkin themselves. we waited until they got there and then we sang a song (give said the little stream), said a prayer and had a little spiritual thought and then began the festivities. caty and i decided on a werewolf as our design. it was a little more detailed than we thought we could do, but we decided to go for it! and ... it turned out awesome! big papa (our fhe dad) carved their pumpkin, all alone, sometimes brother dallon liked to pretend he was helping, but he wasnt. it was pretty funny. the other 3 boys just bummed around the living room doing strange things, which was also pretty funny. i forgot my camera at home when coming up to school so i keep having to resort to stealing photos off of facebook for you guys to see. these ones are from my "brother" dallon.

all of the carvers as we began the carving process:

big papa carving his pumpkin while holding a knife very dangerously:

the stephanie/shelby team looking cute:

the lauren/jill team being silly:

the janaya/caty team hard at work:

the big papa/dallon team "working":

brothers "mike/kyle" and skyler (sj) decorating the home with halloween costumes:

some carvers and the finished products (man with a mustache, skulls, a werewolf, and an owl on a tree branch):

we had a blast. after we were done carving the pumpkins big papa decided to show us his manly skills and ripped a phone book in half. it was very impressive actually. dallon only had one picture of that up on facebook and it was really bad and blurry so i left it out. but here is one where the boys all covered jill in the ripped pages:

all in all it was a really fun night. i really enjoy fhe this semester. i am pretty sure i have never looked forward to it so much, i cant decide if it is because we have such great fhe brothers or if it is because i am not the fhe mom this semester and dont have to worry about planning activities. its probably a combination of both, but either way i am very happy i love fhe so much!

scripture of the day:
Proverbs 18: 24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

today i am thankful for:
* my daddy. he blesses my life so much and is able to relieve much of the stress i have in my life.
* my family! i decided sometime last week that i missed my family and was going to fix it by writing everyone emails, so i did. i got back replies and it made me so happy to hear about life. i plan on keeping it up!
* the internet. it is amazing to me how quickly you can share things with people. and how easy it is. it is such a blessing to me.
* jackets. it is getting cold here in rexburg and has even snowed a few times (nothings stuck yet) and i am so glad that i have jackets and coats that i can use to layer up.
* insurance discounts. i found a paper in my car from a year ago that i can fill out and send in so that my insurance will be lower, yay!!!
* my byui family! it is so great to know so many wonderful people up here and to feel comfortable talking to them and asking them for anything. i absolutely love it!
* my roommates. they are amazing. i have never loved my roommates so much. we have such fun together and i feel so close to all of them.
* knowledge. i am trying so hard at my chemistry class and i feel like i know so much and then i dont do so hot on the tests, but today in my science foundations class we had an in class group assignment and it had to do with chemistry and i knew all the answers. its nice to know that even though my grade in that class isn't the greatest i still am learning and growing.

<3.>

lessons from the Lord.

yesterday i was feeling the stress of many things on me at once and i decided to head out to my usual thinking spot. it is a church that is out on one edge of town near some fields. i drove out there, parked the car and then spent a good 25 minutes staring at this one tree trying to figure out why i felt so stressed, and why all the trials in my life were coming at me, and how i was going to get everything done that i needed to. after those first 25 minutes i was still staring at the same tree and the thought popped into my head, "how often do you let what you are focused on determine what you see." i then proceeded to look up and from where i was sitting, and from this spot at the church you are up on a hill and when you look out you can see out over rexburg, sugar city, and st. anthony. it is so pretty and is even the reason that i go to this spot to think. i realized that i have been focusing a little too much on my "woes" and not enjoying all of the blessings that my heavenly father is still giving to me. it was a good lesson, one that i really needed in the moment. i am so grateful for my Savior and the little things He does in my life to help remind me how much He knows and loves me. well, after this i decided to take some pictures to display my experience, so here they are.

the tree.

a little to the right.

more to the right.

seeing further past the tree.

broadening my horizons.

the view that i get to see when sitting and thinking.

up next to the tree.

three photos that show the whole view of why i go to this spot to forget my woes and work through trials.

what a beautiful wonderful lesson from my Heavenly Father. He knows and love me, i am so grateful for that.

scripture of the day:

todays scripture is not really a scripture but some thoughts taken from Elder Uchtdorf's October Conference Talk, 'Of Things That Matter Most' ... "If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most ... We would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter the most ... Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship - the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace."

today i am thankful for:

* the blessings the Lord gives me.

* the lessons that i am able to receive through the gift of the spirit.

* a mother who knows.

* friends and family at home who make me feel loved and important.

* smiles from strangers.

* time to study.

<3.

the 2 most handsomest men in the world.

about three days ago i was going about my business, just doing some homework in the living room and in walks my roomie jill. she is carrying some flowers and i think to myself, "i wish someone got me flowers." she walks around the couch, sits down, and hands them to me. needless to say i started to think my mind powers had grown stronger than i had realized. so i take the flowers and i see this note:

they were from my home teachers. i started smiling from ear to ear like a giddy little girl but i didn't care. i was so happy someone had given me flowers (and the two most handsomest men in the world no less). i am so grateful for my home teachers. i feel like they really care about me and they have been so nice to me. they show up at least once a week just to say hi and see how i am doing. they text me a couple times a week to make sure im having a good day and see if i need anything. it has been such a blessing to have such good home teachers in my life. i really appreciate them. i wanted to let you see them (since you are probably wondering what the two most handsomest men in the world look like) but i have no photos of them, so if you promise not to tell, i stole pictures of them off of facebook and so ... here they are!

tyler

and kyle

and here are my flowers. they really made my day!

thanks kyle & tyler!

scripture of the day:
Enos 1:12 And it came to pass that after I had prayed and labored with all diligence, the Lord said unto me: I will grant unto thee according to thy desires because of thy faith.

today i am thankful for:
* that the 2 most handsomest men in the world care about me enough to bring me flowers and make me feel loved.
* a roommate who lets me use her printer.

* my family.

* lotion. it is unbelievable how quickly the cold can suck all of the moisture out of our body.

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 10*7*10.

i love that the Lord blesses my life! ...
* tonight is night two (yes i know, not too impressive yet) that i have gone to the gym. **
* i am having an easier time sleeping at night and waking up in the morning.
* i am poor which keeps me from eating out, and buying junk food and sugary items.
* my roommates are really encouraging and helpful.
* my book of mormon teacher always has great stories that make me feel the spirit.
* my little brother makes me feel good about myself.
* my lab partner doesnt yell at me or say i am stupid (like we heard from some other lab groups in chem.)
* i am here, and i have been blessed with a body and mind that help me in my life and make me feel important and strong.

** jill and i made the goal to get physically fit together. last night was night one and we walked to the hart (gym) ran on the elliptical for 30 minutes and then walked home. it was good, it has been a long time since i have worked out. then tonight we convinced stephanie and lauren to come with us and we all walked to the hart. then steph and lauren went to bikes and jill and i ran on the elliptical for 45 minutes. after jill and lauren did some ab work. then we all walked home. once we got home we pushed the couches around in the living room and did abs for a while (russian twists, seals, supermans, & the plank) and then we did stretches, and stretched each other. it was wonderful. i feel so loose and stretched out and i loved it. anyways, we have made plans to do this every night and i am really excited about it. it has been really good so far. and since the start of the semester i have lost 20 lbs! which is pretty exciting. i guess thats what happens when you are poor (no sugar and junk) and walk to classes 3 days a week!

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 10*6*10.

today i was able to see the hand of the Lord in my life ...
* i feel close to no stress.
* i was able to go to the gym with jill, it was good.
* it didn't rain on my while walking to school.
* i am making new friends each day.
* i feel comfortable with people that i barely know.
* our fhe boys are fun and great.
* my home teachers too are fun and great!
* things are working themselves out.
* my dad has knowledge that helps and blesses my life.
* shad does cute things that make me feel good even if they might be on accident.
* my mom helps relieve my stresses.

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 10*5*10.

my life is blessed by the Lord ...
* i have a father that i know loves me and would do anything for me, and i that i can call him anytime, with any problem and he will help me. he is the perfect example to me of what my Father in Heaven is like.
* the Lord gives me peace and comfort when i need it the most, as long as i turn to Him.
* my roommates are nice and wonderful and understanding. they help me when i need it and i love them for it.
* the boys in my ward are wonderful and always make me laugh and feel welcomed & loved.
* even in the most stressful of days and situations i find people that make me laugh, what a joy and a blessing.
* my foods class had me make chili, which in turn made my lunch and my dinner free.
* i am happy, even among everything.

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 10*4*10.

i love the Lord ...
* fhe was super fun, once again, even though we just played a card game.
* stephanie helped me out with something when i really needed her to, such a blessing.
* i did not have my intro to fcs class which gave me some extra time to study for my chem test.
* walking to school keeps getting easier and easier.
* even though i had a super stressful day i still had fun and laughed, i am so grateful for an apartment of girls that i love and feel comfortable with.
* i know i say it a lot, but my home and family management class was once again amazing! i would call it the best religion class i have ever had ... only ... its not a religion class.
* my little brother talks to me and makes me happy.
* i have what i need when i really need it.
* my testimony and faith in the Lord help me through countless on going trials that would otherwise be impossible to get through.

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 10*3*10.

i can see the hand of the Lord in my life daily ...
* the second day of conference was just as amazing as the first.
* i have roommates who have roommate prayer and all gather together to watch conference.
* i have knowledge from the Lord on how to live my life through scriptures and the prophet.
* i always seem to have time to get the things that i need to done.
* i am able to memorize things i need to.
* i have great friends and roommates.
* i laugh and am happy!

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 10*2*10.

the hand of the Lord is relevant in my life ...
* first two sessions of conference were amazing!
* we have had so much roommate bonding and it has been so great!
* i woke up in time to wake other roomies so we could all up for conference on time.
* we played wallyball with some fhe boys!
* jill and i went out to idaho falls and i got a gift for shad.
* i got to take a nap.
* i got to hear from one of my favorite people ... TANIA!!!!

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 10*1*10.

i love to see the Lord working in my life ...
* my chemistry class was cancelled today, so i only had one class and got to sleep in and be able to finish my homework before it.
* tomorrow is conference and i am so excited!

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 9*30*10.

i love to see the Lord working in my life ...

* my chem lab partner is very nice to me even when i dont understand what is going on.

* i got to all my classes on time.

* jill let me borrow her car to go get my car that i left at the hinckley building.

* my little brother doesnt think my friends are creepy, even if he sometimes should.

* my roommates are fun and make me laugh.

* my roommates made me ice my wrist so it would feel better and explained to me how it is swollen and promised that the extreme burning sensation was normal.

* i laugh everyday.

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 9*29*10.

the hand of the Lord in noticeable in my life ...
* i had real food for lunch.
* i had fun playing wallyball.
* we passed clean checks.
* i got 100% on my lab safety test.
* a little contention going on in the apartment was resolved.
* my home and family management class was amazing, as always!
* i found 2 new favorite songs.
The Only Exception by Paramore
&
The Man Who Can't Be Moved by The Script
* jill has been letting me borrow her power cord from time to time while i wait for my new one to come.
* the Lord blesses me in my weaknesses to help me become strong(er).

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 9*28*10.

the Lord blesses my life everyday ...
* i had time to come home and get my lab book i forgot. (i cant do lab without it).
* i was able to do my laundry.
* i finally got to go buy groceries, fruits, milk, and chicken!!
* my science group finished our project for this week.
* i talked to jayce on the phone and he helped me to understand boys a little better.
* even though i forgot to take pills i still tried all of the salads we made in foods lab and didnt get sick.
* the weather is still nice! and i will take it as long as i can!!

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 9*27*10.

today i was able to see the hand of the Lord in my life ...
* i have the most amazing (and funny) fhe brothers in the world!
* (this may technically be old, but i think it counts for today after the day i had) the Lord answered my prayer last semester and told me to move to brooklyn apartments and to live in the 43rd ward and now i have the amazing fhe brothers and such great guys in the ward who let you in to their apartments and feed you cookies, just because they like to be nice. :)
* i live in idaho, and for fhe we made apple juice/cider and played football outside, and it was beautiful and something new.
* i have a scholarship that helps me to live and be able to go to school.
* i have somehow begun to care about school and homework and getting good grades.
* i wasn't awkward.
* a.) i had a football in my car, which impressed the boys quite a bit and b.) i actually caught the football while playing a two-hand touch game which also really impressed the boys.
* i have great roommates who i love and feel completely comfortable with.
* i got to see an old roommate and talk to her for a minute.
* i have a car that can fit a lot of people in it for when we have to drive out to the idaho falls boondocks for fhe at the bishopric members houses.
* i have a mom who does nice things for me when i need it, and who does nice things for her other children as well and i know that if i ever really need anything i can call her and she will do what she can for me.

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 9*26*10.

today i was able to see the hand of the Lord in my life ...
* church was great, i got my new calling, my home teachers gave me about a million hi-fives, we steph and i sat by our fhe brothers in sunday school and one of them made us paper rings, which we then used to become captain planet! (if you remember captain planet.) i was "earth."
* jilly taught me a little bit of how to play the ukulele. it was fun. maybe one day i will actually be good.
* lots of people came over and visited us today.
* i got a 20 minute nap that was pretty much the best nap ever! :)
* lauren let me borrow some bread so i could have a pb&j for dinner. yes that is correct, i had a sandwich for my fast sunday dinner, it was a little sad and pathetic, but you take what you can get i suppose.
* i have amazing roommates!

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 9*25*10.

today i was able to see the hand of the Lord in my life ...
* i got to sleep in.
* i got my quizzes done.
* i got to watch the RS broadcast at my house with my roomies! (not to mention the broadcast was sooo good.)
* jill bought fish! (they are so fun and cool, more to come later.)
* our apartment stays clean for the most part.

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 9*24*10.

today i was able to see the hand of the Lord in my life ...
* i got a little extra sleep because my first class wasnt until 1015.
* i always learn so much in my home & family management class.
* my heart attack from wednesday was fixed. **
* friday = tlc day, we all sit around and watch 'say yes to the dress' and 'four weddings' and just have fun and discuss our future wedding and dress.
* jimmy johns delivered us some free sandwiches to promote us eating there. ***
* the repair man came and fixed our cabinet door so now my stuff isnt open to the viewing eye of the public.
* im happy.

** i took my first chemistry test on wednesday. i have been studying and preparing for this test for quite sometime. we take all of our tests in the testing center and then they put the scantron through as you walk out and as soon as you get out there is a display board that shows everyones score next to their i-number. so i finish my test in a little less than half an hour (she said it would take at least an hour) and i felt really confident about it, however that confidence soon faded as i looked at the grade board. next to my i-number was the dreaded number ... 79%. i had a mini heart attack and was extremely confused as to how i could have done so poorly. i went home in a little bit of a bad mood. today, when i went in to my chem class the teacher handed back the tests for us to go over. i was, of course, not very excited to go over it. after all of the tests were out and ready to be gone over she told us that there had been a mistake in the grading rubric and 4 of the questions had been set to the wrong answer. instantly my interest was peaked and i was very glad to go over the test. turns out that i did not get a 79% but rather a 91%, which was much more what i was expecting. i was so happy! (stephanie kept telling me that a 79% was good and that i should be proud of myself. needless to say, i wasnt. it has been a long long time since i last believed that nothing but an 'A' was acceptable. it is a little weird to be back there, but like it or not [hopefully you dont think im prideful] i am really smart, and i might as well do my best and get good grades rather than slack off and just get mediocre ones.)

*** i have been here for 3 weeks now, and since that time jimmy johns has come twice to give us free sandwiches! not only are they delicious, but they are reasonably priced. i havent actually gone and bought one yet, but i figure if they keep bringing them to me for free i wont ever have to. i guess that is the good thing about living so close to jimmy johns!

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 9*23*10.

today i was able to see the hand of the Lord in my life ...
* I got up early, for once.
* i got some alone time, with myself, just to relax.
* jill let me eat some of her rosemary bread. delicious!
* i got the lab partner i wanted in chemistry.
* i got to have a mini nap.
* jill made chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.
* i got to watch a new movie, pretty cute.

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 9*22*10.

today i was able to see the hand of the Lord in my life ...
* jill gave me a ride to school when i was late.
* i remembered at the last moment to grab my iCard so i could take my chem test right after class.
* i only had homework for one class.
* stephanie lets me use her printer since mine died last semester.
* we had an amazing home & family management class.
* i was able to get all my cleaning done & we passed clean checks.

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 9*21*10.

today i was able to see the hand of the Lord in my life ...
* my little brother called me and we had a nice chat. it was something i had been hoping for. (more for a connection to my family than for him to call.)
* i got my new calling for the ward, and although it may not be the most well known or glamorous calling, i am super excited!
* i am taking a foods class, which means that every tuesday i get to eat tasty food that i make, for free!
* i enjoy telling the truth.
* i remembered that i had jello, delicious!
* new friends!
* jill made a chore chart so we can keep our home happy.
* stephanie vacuumed our room.

<3.

the time is now ... for the story that was to come later.

today in my home and family management class we were learning about goals, why its important to set them and how to accomplish them and such. well my teacher found a whole bunch of pictures online about peoples goals and put them up on her power point. at one point she went off on a little tangent and hit the button for the next picture to come up ... now, when she planned this powerpoint she just clicked and grabbed any pictures that said "goal" on them without really looking at them. she saw this one and read what it said without examining the photo and thought it was cute so she put it in the slideshow. so here we are, a group of girls sitting in class staring at this:

it took a few minutes of us trying to stifle our laughter for her to realize something was up. by this point we are all dying with laughter and she just keeps looking at us, and then looking at the picture, and then looking at us, back and forth. then, one time looking at the picture she realized what she had done ... and then she couldn't stop laughing. half the class was crying because they were laughing so hard. it was pretty much the funniest moment of my life. and that was the story, i hope that you enjoy.

scripture of the day:

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be though an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (this is my new roomie, caty's, favorite scripture. today marks the day of her two year baptism date!)

today i am thankful for:

* fun times at the twizl berry.

* songs that everyone can sing to.

* roommate prayer.

* comfy shoes.

* peanut butter & jelly.

* fhe brothers who bring dessert.

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 9*20*10.

today i was able to see the hand of the Lord in my life ...
* I met a lot of new people in my classes.
* fhe was changed from 630 to 7, i didn't get home from the library until 630.
* i made it to class on time even though i woke up a little late.
* steph and i were able to find cubby desks next to each other at the library.
* the 4 hours i spent at the library felt more like 2.
* i had a really good day.
* i got to have a good laugh in my home and family management class.**
* our fhe brother, dawson, cleaned off the dishes that we used at fhe and put them in the washer.
* i was able to get all of my homework done before coming home.

** this story will come later, i need time to find the picture that goes along with it.

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 9*19*10.

today i was able to see the hand of the Lord in my life ...
* i got to sleep in a lot!
* my roommate, jill, made breakfast for me and the rest of the roommates.
* church was amazing, and so much fun.
* my home teachers are so great, and they brought me cookies!
* jills home teacher, sterling, included me in their home teachingness and made me feel special. and he owns a limousine and is gonna give us a ride in it!
* i got to sit and just hang out with some roomies and laugh until we cried.
* i got tons of compliments on my hair, and how shiny and long and pretty it is.
* i got to see someone (my home teacher kyle) do a pretty amazing card trick.
* we had roommate prayer.

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 9*18*10.

today i was able to see the hand of the Lord in my life ...
* i was able to got to the library for 4 hours with stephanie and get some things done.
* i was able to sleep in a little more than usual.
* stephanie made me lunch.
* i have had a lot of time today to relax and prepare for my second week of classes.
* i was home alone for a little while, so i got some nice relaxing time to myself.
* tomorrow is sunday!

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 9*17*10

today i was able to see the hand of the Lord in my life ...
* i actually enjoyed my time in the library doing my homework.
* i got to spend some low key time with some of my roomies. i do enjoy having fun, like yesterday, but i also am an old soul at heart, i really just love hanging out and spending time with people. i dont have to be doing anything exciting to have a good time.
* my mom posted on her blog so i got to see a little glimpse of what life at home is like. it is amazing how being away for four months at a time can make you realize how much you just really always want to be home.
* i was able to gain a greater understanding of what i am doing here (byui) and was able to use that to prioritize my life a little.
* i feel loved, all the time, even when i feel overwhelmed, or alone, i always feel loved, like someone is looking out for my best interest and taking care of me.
* life has an interesting way of working out. and it is both frustrating, and gloriously wonderful!!

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 9*16*10.

today i was able to see the hand of the Lord in my life ...
* my chemistry lab was cancelled so i was able to visit a teacher from last semester and sit in on her class (which i absolutely loved last semester, and actually really miss this semester).
* i got a break from school work to just have fun! ( ** see more)
* i got to randomly run into an old friend who i had been hoping to see.
* i was able to meet new people and make new friends.
* it didn't rain on me while i was walking home from school.

** so tonight i went to play wally ball at 6, which by the way, wally ball is one of my new most favorite things. you don't have to have any talent to play, you just get to have fun and laugh and get a little exercise in between.i played with jill, shelby, stephanie, stephs brother andrew, mike, and lockman. it was so much fun, as always, and i had a blast. but anyways, after we got done playing wally ball we headed back to our apt (we being just us girls) and decided to take some cookies to our new fhe brothers, so that they would see that we are nice and wonderful. so we went over and hung out with them for a while and it was way fun. they are so funny and i think it is going to be a great semester with them as our fhe brothers. then while we were hanging out with them our friend kyle called and said he was at our apt but we were missing, so we all left to hang out with kyle. jill decided to go see someone else she knew so just caty, steph, lauren and i went home. we found kyle waiting for us on our porch. some people were hungry so we decided to walk over to subway. i had already eaten, as had kyle, so we just went for the company. then while we were at subway our friend from last fall walked in with his girlfriend. it was way crazy. so we were excited to see him and we all got hugs, which was good, because boy hugs are good. then jill showed up and brought her friend, mark, along and so we had a huge group of us just hanging out at the subway. after that patrick and his girlfriend left and the rest of us decided to go play pool in the lounge so we played a few games of pool. then kyle went home to do some homework and we went up to our apt and made some cookies and watched "when fish attack" which was a crazy show. but we just hung out and talked, and laughed and it was so much fun, and it was such a well welcomed break for a little while. anyways, as you can see i am having a good time, but don't worry, im still getting things done.

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 9*15*10.

today i was able to see the hand of the Lord in my life ...

* i got to have some roommate bonding time when i got home, which is always fun and makes me feel more at home in my home.

* i understood the things that we were doing in chemistry, and didn't look like a loser because i didn't understand.

* i still haven't died, and/or passed out, while walking to & from school or up & down the many stairs i must climb.

* i was able to do my laundry (and had clothes to wear while doing my laundry).

* i was able to "bond" with a bunch of girls in my home & family management class over the fact that we don't like our intro to FCS teacher (which many of us have together the hour before).

* a new friend in chemistry who makes me feel like i have someone i can ask question when i am a little confused about what is going on.

* i only have one 745 class this semester instead of 4, like last fall.

<3.

hand of the Lord journal 9*14*10.

for my book of mormon (second half) class we are required to keep a hand of the Lord journal (this will most likely look like my "today i am thankful for's) for at least 30 (consecutive) days during the semester. last semester was not my finest hour in the area and so i have decided to try a new approach for this semester. seeing as i am becoming a more online type person i have decided to do my hand of the Lord journal on my blog. i will still do normal posts from time to time, but hopefully i will be able to do this consecutively for 30 days and fall in love with it and continue to do it throughout my life.

today i was able to see the hand of the Lord in my life ...

* i was able to "go" (we had to sit out in the hallway because the gym filled up) to devo with some of my roomies and hear some things i needed about the spirit of gratitude vs. the spirit of entitlement.

* i was able to take a nap that i desperately needed and still finish the things that i needed to.

* my roommate reminded me to stop and eat dinner while i was caught up in my work.

* i got to learn how to make lollipops (which i was thinking about wanting to learn to do the other day) in my foods class.

* kate (a roomie from my first semester who got married) is in my foods class so we were able to be cooking partners and we were both able to tell each other when we were confused about something without feeling stupid.

* i had time to eat breakfast this morning (i didn't get home to eat again until 315 and i left at 725).

<3.

back in rexy.

well, i made it successfully and safely back to rexburg! stephanie, my roommate from my first semester (who i am living with again this semester) flew over to AZ and then drove up with me. we went all the way from tempe to preston idaho on saturday. then we stayed in preston saturday and sunday night at megan's house. monday morning we were up and out the door by 550am. we made it to rexy about 5 minutes before check-ins started. we stood in a line to check-in, i thought that i was going to freeze, it probably wasn't even that cold, but i guess i got used to AZ weather. then after we both got checked in we went up to the apartment, # 207. we were the first ones there so we had the first pick of the bedrooms, which was what we were hoping for. after we put stuff into our bedroom to save it we went and found some things to put into the bedroom across the hall to save for jill (another roomie from my first semester) & lauren (a friend from first semester who had previously lived with jill). then we started unloading my car. later i went to my storage unit to get the rest of my stuff. i also went with jill to her storage unit to get some of her things, and we were greeted by some dead mice all over her storage unit, it was really gross, and i was glad it wasn't my storage unit. since then we have mostly just been hanging out and having fun before the first day of classes tomorrow. yesterday we went and played wallyball (like volleyball only you can use/play off of the walls) for 3 hours with a bunch of people. it was so much fun, but my legs were definitely sore afterwards, and my arm is a little sore today, but it was all worth it. my two new roommates who i just met when they moved in seem really nice. they lived together before and are already friends. their names are caty and shelby and i think we are going to have a lot of fun living with them this semester. i am really excited about having a fun living situation. tomorrow is my first day of classes, i normally will have book of mormon and my chemistry lab on thursdays, but my chemistry teacher emailed everyone and said we weren't going to have class, so i just have one class tomorrow. i am really excited, it is the second half of book of mormon, i took the first half last semester with the same teacher and i really liked him. i feel like he taught me so much and i am looking forward to having another semester of classes with him. this semester i am taking 6 classes for a total of 15 credits. other than chemistry and book of mormon i am taking, foundation science, intro to family & consumer sciences, home & family management, and intro to foods. i think it will be a good semester, but a lot of work! i will probably be spending a lot of time in the library doing homework and studying. well, i love and miss you all already, but i am so happy to be back with my friends!!

scripture of the day:

Alma 30:60 And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell.

today i am thankful for:

* roommates that i know and love!

* staying up late talking to my roomies about our lives and boys.

* being able to see megan before coming up to rexburg!

* a car that i feel safe traveling great distances in.

* roommates who all gather in the front room to do homework together.

just in case anyone wants my new address it is:

janaya l. johnson

345 S. 2nd W. Apt 207

Rexburg, ID 83440

<3.

when He comes again.

yesterday evening as the sun was setting there was a brush fire somewhere out of rexburg that caused some pretty amazing things in the sky. we were in and out of the house looking at the sky for about 3 hours. i won't lie, i did try to convince people it was the second coming, but i don't think anyone actually fell for it. it was all pretty amazing though. here are a few of the photos that i took on my iphone.

it was pretty crazy but so amazing!! for more (probably better) photos check out megans blog!!

scripture of the day:

Alma 5: 28 Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye are not ye are not prepared to meet God. Behold ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath not eternal life.

today i am thankful for:

* repentance so that we can be prepared to meet God in that last day (the real last day).

* scriptures.

* cameras and the amazing things and pictures they can capture.

* brothers with big mouths who tell you parents about the help you need.

* parents/fathers who lend you money so that you can be safe.

* a Heavenly Father, who, in a round about way, made sure that i am safe and protected just the way He promised me He would.

* megan! haha, i love joking with her and being super sarcastic. it is way fun.

<3.

i wish that i knew what i know now when i was younger ...

today in my book of mormon class my teacher, brother belnap, asked all of the returned missionaries what they wished they had known, learned or done before serving their mission. these are some of the things that were mentioned:

* prayed more
* learned patience
* read their scriptures everyday
* gave more service
* loved all those around them
* had more faith
* trusted in the Lord and in those around them
* gained a greater understanding of the plan of salvation
* learned more about the creation, the fall, and the atonement
* learned to control their anger
* followed the promptings of the spirit as soon as they came

these are really just a few of the things that were mentioned. as i sat there listening to all of these things i just kept thinking that, although i have never served a mission, all of those things were things i wish i would have known, learned, or done in my youth. what important things they all are. they can bless our lives so much and keep us so safe from sin and temptation. i wish that i knew what i know now when i was younger. i wish that i put in as much effort to read my scriptures, say my prayers, and learn through the spirit. i wish that i knew what i know now when i was younger. i wish that i had taken the time to learn more about the gospel, more about the importance of the temple and sacred ordinances and covenants made there. i wish that i knew what i know now when i was younger. i wish that i partook of the sacrament with a greater understanding of the atonement, and that i was more willing to use that atonement for my advantage to more fully bless my own life. i wish that i knew what i know now when i was younger. i wish i knew the love that my parents have for me and that i had an understanding of all that they do for me and all of the time they spend praying for me, loving me, caring for me, worrying about me, and helping me. i wish that i knew what i know now when i was younger. i wish that i was more open to helping others and allowing others to help me. i wish that i knew what i know now when i was younger. i wish i felt the urgency to be better than i am, to "rise up and have done with lesser things." i wish that i knew what i know now when i was younger. i wish that i knew that i could trust in the Lord in every aspect of my life, that He knows better than I, and that His will, not mine, will bring me true happiness in life. i wish that I knew what I know now when i was younger. i wish that i turned to the Lord in trials, and knew that His gospel could heal my soul and piece my life back together better than anything else. i wish that I knew what I know now when i was younger. i wish i knew the blessings and strength that can come from a fathers blessing, and that it is okay to ask for a fathers blessing for things other than just sickness or school. i wish that i knew what i know now when i was younger. i wish that i had tried a little harder, done a little better, and stuck it out a little longer. i wish that i knew what i know now when i was younger. i wish that i saw and loved others the way that my Savior sees and loves them. i wish that i knew what i know now when i was younger. i wish that i had turned to my parents when i was going through a hard time or had a problem. there are so many things that i know now that i wish i would have known when i was younger. things that i wish i would have seen, or noticed. too many times we just don't allow ourselves the opportunity to grow, whether it is because we are too scared, too unaware, or too prideful. i wish that i would have allowed myself those opportunities. i wish that i didn't have to look back on my life and wonder why i waited so long to figure out all the things that i know. the knowledge that i have is so immense, i am continually astonished by it. i am so grateful to know that the things that i have learned, and the things that i have a knowledge of are true. that they are unwavering. that they are real. that they are the only way to live my life that will truly bring me happiness. that they are there to bless my life, even when it seems like they might be more of a hinderance or punishment. i truly do wish that i knew what i know now when i was younger. what a difference it would have made in my life.

what i know now:
(this is a quote from "the fellowship of the unashamed" given in a talk by Elder Eyring, but it pretty much sums up what i know now and how i feel about what i know.)
"I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made; I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tinted visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, positions, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with patience, am lifted up in prayer, and labor with power. My face is set, my goal is heaven. My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided or delayed, will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table with the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up for the cause of Christ. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me and when He returns for His own He will have no problem recognizing me."

I love this gospel. What a blessing and a joy it is in my life. I am grateful everyday for parent's who were wise enough and brave enough to live it's teachings everyday and to the fulness of their ability. It has made all the difference in my life.

scripture of the day:

it is your lucky day ... for today i have two scriptures of the day!!

Enos 1: 4-5 And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens. And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.

Alma 5: 14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?

today i am thankful for:

* the sneaky little 'devil' who put money into my account so i can be more able to make it home. (thank you anonymous giver).

* stephanie and her printer since my printer has decided to give up and die.

* brother belnap and all of the many insights i learn from him and his class.

* the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

* family

* the funny squirrel who keeps trying to break into our house to eat the cookies on the table.

* what i know now.

<3.