A New Year of Adventures, Love Mom

I LOVED being together as a family over Christmas! It was wonderful to have everyone home! My most favorite moments in life are when we are all together.

Tomorrow is a significant day of new beginnings for each of you. New jobs, new states of residence, new shows, new semesters, new classes, new challenges, new adventures and new opportunities await you! It is all so exciting! Isn’t it wonderful to be alive and have the chance to experience these great things?

The Family Proclamation reminds us why we chose to come to this earth to experience these things. It states: “we are beloved spirit sons and daughters of heavenly parents with a divine nature and destiny.” All we do in this life should be preparing us for, and helping us “progress toward perfection and ultimately realize [our] divine destiny as heirs of eternal life.” The proclamation also reminds us that as we experience this life, happiness is most likely to be achieved when our lives are “founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

I hope that as you experience these new opportunities, you will continue to stay focused on the things that you chose to come to this earth to do. The Savior has taught us how we can do that.

“Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.” Doctrine and Covenants 6:36,37

 

I love each of you and continually pray for your success and happiness! You have such great potential to be powerful influences for good in this world! As you remember the Savior in all you do, with His help and power and strength, nothing is impossible!

Keep Moving Forward

 

Love, Mom

Family, I want a baby

I want a baby. I must be getting to that point in my life where I feel my biological clock ticking because I’ll be scrolling through Instagram, see a picture of the cutest baby ever and send it to Nick with something along the lines of “This is my baby. I want it.” Forget baby hungry, I’m baby starving. Who knew it would happen when I was 22. Anyways, Nick and I were talking the other night and my spiritual progression came up. I mean how I behave. I was proudly stating to Nick that I had already finished our lesson preparation for this Sunday (5 days before our lesson) and was pointing out how I had been telling people to pray to receive answers and even suggesting to Nick that we go to the temple. Now it’s not that I am not religious; I am just a lot more private about it than other people. But lately, Nick has been pointing out that I am more vocal and forthcoming about it. Which makes me proud of myself. I think it means I’m maturing or more comfortable with myself or something. Anyway, Nick started laughing at me as I am pointing out all my religious moments over the past couple weeks and told me to not be too proud. Of course, being the typical girl/wife that I am I got defensive and launched into how being good gets me what I want. And I want a baby. I explained to him that if I am really really good I’ll get one (I realize this sounds extremely spoiled but if you think about it, it makes sense. It’s the basis of what every little kid is taught from the moment they can understand what is going on. People work hard at work to make money, get their dream job, pretty much everything. Why couldn’t it work with a baby?) He didn’t understand so I set about explaining. I told him about how two weeks before I met him two years ago I made a conscious change in my thinking and behavior to become more invested in church and to focus on making myself a better person. I was never a bad person. But I was 19 and I was more focused on making friends and going out than I was on having a calling or focusing on others. Well, Nick was my reward. And it was awesome. We dated for four months and I was more in tune with the Spirit in those months than I had been the entire time I was at BYU so far. After four months, Heavenly Father decided to see how dedicated I was to this decision to be better in my life and Nick dumped me. I’m not denying it. Nick dumped me. And I did not see it coming. Well I decided that I would be fine and instead of going off the deep end and going out every night or worse staying home eating ice cream until I was too roly-poly to get to church, I threw myself into my ward activities. I wasn’t going to risk going backwards and starting all over again. I wanted to continue forward. Within weeks of Nick and I breaking up, I was called to be Relief Society teacher in my ward. It was the most fun I’d ever had in a singles ward. I met a whole bunch of girls I had lived next to for two years that I had never taken the time to get to know. I actually became friends with my bishop (a thought that had previously been extremely daunting…I don’t know why) and I was feeling great about myself. I was a totally better person and I grew a lot. And I enjoyed the whole process. It was awesome. And because I was so good, Nick came groveling back four months later. And he loved me all over again and the rest is history (WE GOT MARRIED!!! YAY US!!!)

After I finished this little heated speech to Nick, he smiled at me. Having said most of it in one breath I was still trying to breathe. I asked him why he was smiling. He told me I had just shared my testimony in a way. I didn’t understand but when I think about it for a minute I guess he is right. I had faith that if I was true to my beliefs and if I tried harder that I would be blessed. I had faith in Heavenly Father that He would provide the things I needed and wanted. I didn’t have major trials. Mine were trivial compared to what a lot of people have to endure. But at the time they seemed hard. And I am better because of them. My good thoughts and actions turned into habits and I love them. So right now I am trying to be super good because… babies: going to the temple, praying more (because honestly I forget sometimes), being more on top of my calling, being a better wife and friend, that sort of thing. Baby steps, but that’s ok. Change takes time.”

Love, 

Ali

Family, Love Sister Rose, The Poet

“Eye Sight”

By Rebecca Rose

 

When I woke up this morning,

My right eye was a blur

Covered with some crusteez

It made me growl a “grrr”.

 

So my eye, it’s not quite right

But that’s no trouble to me,

I long for a better sight

Give me a heavenly sight to see.

 

To look at all of God’s children

And see them in a proper light,

Of all they are and can be

When dressed in pure, temple white.

 

We all go through this crazy world

With opportunities to choose.

Sometimes we are not certain

If we’ll win or if we’ll lose.

 

I’m not always blinded physically

I’ve got two eyes that work.

But when I’m blinded spiritually

My duties I might shirk.

 

Be certain not to lose your sights

Don’t let them get too low.

Set them high to reach beyond

Onward, forward is where we go.

 

When we can look beyond ourselves

And look through heaven’s eyes,

We’ll do more good than ever dreamed

When we look beyond the skies.

 

Where are your sights set now?

Is it on the Father and the Son?

With the power of the Holy Ghost

This battle will be won!

Love Sister Rose, The Poet

(“The Ugly Cry,” taken the day Rebecca left for her mission)

Dear Family, I’m a college grad!!

Dear Family,

After finishing up my degree in December, I can’t help but reflect back on my college experience. I loved it! It was such a great experience that has truly taught me so much and has helped me to grow as a person. I’m so grateful for everything that has happened, the ups and the downs.  Throughout it all, I have grown closer to my Heavenly Father.

Last semester, I embarked on the final part of my degree—student teaching. I had told myself all summer it was going to be challenging, but nothing I can’t handle. I could do this. How intimidating were 12-year-olds, anyway?! Then August came, and just a few weeks before I was about to start student teaching, I panicked. I felt sick all the time and kept thinking that this was a mistake. I couldn’t be a teacher. I didn’t want to do this. I just wanted it to be over. What a great way to start out, right? And I hadn’t even started my student teaching yet! I was terrified that the next few months were going to be one of the most miserable experiences of my life. So I turned to my Heavenly Father, and just prayed that I could get through the whole thing.

(Me and my co-workers in the office where I worked most of my college career!)

He answered my prayers. I was blessed by having an amazing mentor teacher who welcomed me and supported me the whole time. I had amazing support from other teachers, friends, and family.  Student teaching wasn’t easy, by any means, but I had the confidence I could do it and the strength to work hard because of the support I had. Anytime I was struggling, I turned to the scriptures, and I always found the comforting words I needed to keep me going. Student teaching was an amazing experience for me, and I know I could not have done it without the strength, comfort, and support my Heavenly Father gave me along the way.  I know that he’ll always be there for me, offering the guidance and support I need, no matter what circumstances I’ll be in, and I am so grateful for that blessing in my life.

I’m a college grad!!

-Emily

Family, Love Marshall, a Sunday School Teacher

Our Incredible Organization: Thoughts on Elder Uchtdorf’s 2013 October General Conference talk “Come, Join With Us”

Family,

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is an incredible organization. It is one of the fastest growing religions in the world. However, when you think of all that is asked of us as members, it is understandable why many people do not understand why the church is so incredible.

In a talk given by Elder Uchtdorf mentions that members of the church participate in church callings, home and visiting teaching, full-time missions, weekly family home evenings, temple work, welfare and humanitarian service, and assignments to teach. Members also attend 10 hours of general conference twice a year and three hours of church weekly. Members of the church also participate in family history, youth camps, devotionals, scripture study, leadership training, youth activities, early-morning seminary, maintaining church buildings, and of course there is the Lord’s law of health, the monthly fast to help the poor, and tithing.

So why would anyone want to join this church? For everyone, the answer to that question is slightly different but the over arching theme is because the church is amazing! Although much is asked of members of the church, we also receive a lot.

I recently taught a lesson in church where I asked everyone what they love about our church.

These are some of their responses:

“I love that the church offers a peaceful reset to my hectic life. Attending three hours of church on Sunday and reading the scriptures and praying throughout the week allow me to perform better at work and school.”

 

“Because it is true!”

 

“I joined the church because I wanted more than just one to two hours of motivational talks on Sunday. I wanted to be enriched daily.”

 

“Ever since I was a young child, I recognized that families that were members of the church were happier and closer than other families. Since then I have always known that even if I still didn’t know if the gospel was true, I still wanted my family to be members of the church. Now that I know it is true, it is further proof of how amazing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is.”

 

“Because I love the unity and friendship. I love that no matter where I go, there will be a group of members that meets on Sunday and will welcome me.”

The church is amazing. Even though we are asked to give a lot, we receive far more than we ever give. That is what is so incredible about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am lucky and blessed to be a member.

Love Marshall, a Sunday School Teacher

Fam, Your Frozen Brother

Fam,

Frozen is a beautiful story, and I love it.

Let it go is a beautiful song, and I love it.

Of course a lot of people love it, Disney’s Frozen has done really well. Elsa, a future Queen, is born with greatness. However, her parents don’t realize this, and despite their best intentions, they push away Elsa’s talents and identity. One day after a few failures of trying to figure herself out, she has a break through moment and the song “Let it Go” is born. She is able to accept herself as she is and begin to tap the wonderful talent that is inside her.

Finding herself wasn’t without hiccups. She pushed away people that were willing to help and tried to do things alone. Alone she did do great things, but she still needed her sister and close friends there to help her to rise to her calling of Queen.

I think that all of us can relate to her journey in some way or another. I’m not suggesting that we relate because our parents or everyone’s parents are bad. In my case I am extremely grateful for amazing parents that work incredibly hard for me because they love me. However, all of us have been told by someone or something or some group or in some way that what makes us great, really isn’t great. In fact we often feel pressure that we should change. And additionally like Elsa, when we search out who we really are, we have a tendency to push away those that would help because we falsely associate them with those who have hurt us.

The resolve, that Elsa had, to let the doubt and fear go, to stop pretending and start living is incredible. That attitude is most of the time easier said than done though. But it can be done! As children of a loving Heavenly Father we can become great. Alternatively living here on this imperfect earth, we can be told some pretty confusing things that can hold us back. Sometimes the culture or place that we live in creates barriers. But despite those barriers, there are people and there is the Gospel of Christ to guide us over those barriers. We can stand strong in our lives through accessing the guidance of the gospel, and we will stand stronger when we stand together.

Your Frozen Brother

Hello Family, Love NYC

Today I’m writing to y’all from New York City! I find this city so fascinating and I love it here so much! I thought this would be the perfect place to write everyone a big apple update.

First Some Exciting News

So while I’ve been here I’ve stayed with two great friends of mine. While I’ve been staying here at Elisabeth’s she experienced an exciting life opportunity. On Tuesday Elisabeth booked her first broadway show! HOORAH, it was so exciting. On Tuesday night I went to see Matilda, the musical with Carter, and after the show he told me the exciting news!!! I about died and I was making all sorts of a scene yelling about how cool that was – and Elisabeth wasn’t even there! So we called her and took her out for gelato to celebrate.

I also got to meet up with my friend Oyoyo who is also out here in rehearsals for her first big show! She took us to this little thai restaurant just around the corner from her studio, and then after lunch let us come up to see their rehearsal space at Pearl Studios. I was so excited, and I’m so happy for her.

The more I’m here and the more I picture my future life in NYC, the more I want to be singing and performing out here! I can’t wait to be auditioning for shows and giving this crazy life a chance.

Michael, a BYU friend who was also in NYC for Adweek and I made a visit to the NYC public library on our way to an Agency visit.

The Real Reason I’m Here 

Ok, so let’s be honest the real reason I came to NYC this time, was to see shows and run away from school 🙂 haha. But my other, more logical reason for coming was Advertising week.  Adweek is a national conference for all the latest and greatest news and ideas in the advertising world. As students we weren’t exactly excused from school to go, but our professors supported those of us that choose to come. So about 18 of us from the advertising program left for the week to meet agencies and advertising big wigs during the conference out here. I has been neat to be able to envision more of what my life will really be like when I move out here in a few years.

Katie and I posing like the poster before we saw Cinderella!

Broadway

Of course I had to spend my nights at the theater while I was in NYC. With a friend landing her first big broadway gig, and my love for musical theater of course you’d find me at the theater. Among other shows two of my favorites were Cinderella, and Big Fish, a newer musical! There is such a fun nature about an evening at the theater that I just love.

After being in NYC 6 months ago and not seeing The Book of Mormon musical I couldn’t not see it this time. So a few days ago, after the beautiful Cinderella matinee, Katie and I decided to try for standing room tickets at the Eugene O’Neil Theatre. Long story short, WE GOT IN! And for super cheap too. It was so funny! It was well written and the talent on stage was top notch! I was dying and I thoroughly enjoyed the show. Before the show started while we were waiting in line we talked to the people around us and told them that we were “real mormons!” It was exciting because people would talk to us about our church, and during the show they wasked us if it was accurate, etc. It was a fun opportunity to talk to people about what we believe and meet some new friends in NYC!

Meaning From My Visit

While I’ve been here I’ve been reminded of how fast paced this city is, but I’ve also been pleasantly surprised to find that I’ve found many moments to think and ponder about life, and my future. Although I didn’t find any remarkable revelatory visions, it was good to get away and think about things that are important to me. It’s neat that no matter how busy our surroundings, we can always find the peace we need to keep moving.

Did I mention that I love it here? I might just miss my flight tomorrow and have to stay here for a while longer. 🙂 Maybe forever!

Hope y’all had a good birthday weekend for mom without me.

Love,

Your Big-Apple Brother

Related articles

• “The Book of Mormon” is on a mission to entertain (denverpost.com)