Out of Trials Come Triumphs

The thing I've learned from unrequited love is that I can love, even when things aren't going the way I want.  It is because of these people that I have no fear that I can make that part of a relationship work.  There are other parts that I need to work on, but I am confident in my ability to love.

Depend on the Lord

But He That Doeth the Will...

10 Ways to Stay Close When You’re Far Away

1.            Communicate

   Some ideas for communicating long distance would be text, phone, video chat, Snap Chat, letters, email, and Facebook.  Find what works for you.

   2.      Use your imagination

   Describe what you’re doing, what you would do, flirt some, hugs kisses, trace your “fingers” along their hand, describe what you’re wearing, paint a picture with your words.

   3.      Play games

   Tag works over text. (Try different kind of tags like flying ninja kick tag, or penguin tag.) You can also play Yatzee, Uno, Pictionary, and charades, over Skype.

   4.      Send a hug

   Two paper hands tied to a string. It’s a long distance hug.  These cheesy ideas are fun and usually get at least a giggle.

   5.      Write a story together

   A story has an introduction, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution.  (Person 1: Once upon a time there was a hippo, his name was bill… Person 2: …bill loved to play outside…)

   6.      Give sincere compliments

   I’m really proud of you.  I believe in you.  You are awesome because ____. You are so attractive.  The more specific it is the better. This applies whether you’re far away or close together.

   7.      Do the things that you did before. 

   It might have to be modified and done differently to work long distance, but if you used to go bike ride, each go for a bike ride and tell the other person about it, or get a video camera for your helmet and video the experience.  If you liked to snuggle up and watch a movie, put in your favorite movie and Skype while cuddling a pillow.

   8.      Take pictures

   If you miss someone pictures help you stay connected.  You can see what they’re up to, and if there have been any drastic changes.  It can also supplement describing things, sometimes it’s best to leave it to the imagination, but every once in a while, shoot them a picture of you doing what you’re describing.

   9.      Be there for them

   If they’re having a crisis, be the cyber shoulder to lean on.  If they’re making a huge decision give them some encouragement and reassurance.  If they’re sad talk it through.  If they have nightmares, send them a teddy bear and sing them a lullaby.  (You know how to be there for your friend)

   10.  Send gifts

   Getting snail mail is fun, especially when it is something unexpected.  It doesn’t have to be extravagant, it could be something you made, or a little trinket that meant something.  Look up the area, sometimes flower shops will do delivery.

   
   

   
   

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

I've been dreaming about working for Disney, or being part of the team, since I found out that was something that existed.  I've decided to live a little, and not have to know how things are going to work out with school, but to apply for an internship. (All it takes is faith and trust-Peter Pan)  I don't need it for Grad credits.  I really want to do it and would love it on my resume.  I'm excited for the things I could learn and the people I could meet.

Trusting in the Lord

Recently I received a prompting to not go back to school this semester, to stay home and take classes online.  I wasn't sure how it was going to work out, but I knew it was what I was meant to be doing.  I took some risks.  I made my decision and would not be able to turn back.  I sold my housing contract.  Recently I've seen dividends.  While planning my classes I found that not only would I not be behind, but I would be ahead! It would also be cheaper.  There are several other things that are beneficial.  This experience has strengthened my testimony of the Lord and that He knows best.

I got the picture from here.

Boundaries

I'm reading the book boundaries in marriage, and even though I'm not at that stage of my life yet, it is really insightful. For example, they talk about how boundaries allow us to take ownership (like property lines) they delineate who owns what. They allow each person to take ownership of their own feelings and attitudes. No one causes you to feel anything... they can create circumstances where you are predisposed to feel a certain way... but they can't force you to feel that way. You decide.
Here is the link to the book. 

Substitute for sugar

I used to pile sugar on everything! Now that I cut back on sugar though... the entire world is sweeter.  The more sugar you have the more your body craves it, but when you don't have sugar fruits and vegetables are so very sweet.

Often in my family for breakfast we will have "rice milk and sugar."

So what did I do to add some zing to that without adding sugar?

I added Vanilla!  Vanilla tastes sweet but you don't get the calories and a little bit goes a long way.

Goals

I wasn't perfect, but I feel like I did significantly better.  I've been making scripture study a bigger part of my life and I've found scriptures come into my head more.  The scripture that came into my mind is Alma 48:17 It's about captain Moroni, how if every man was like him, Hell would be closed.  I want to be like that, so I figured I ought to study him, his life, his choices and his character.  I was also thinking about the scriptures where it says that God "giveth liberally" to those who ask.  that has a lot of implications to me.  I have to figure out what it is that I need to ask for.  More importantly however, I need to "pray in faith"  I've been thinking about faith and what that means for me.  Faith is an action (not an inaction). Which means I need to do something.  I figured out the things that would really help.  (Also I was thinking that personal progress really worked for me so I wanted to create goals that mirrored the program)1. being geneology and indexing because the general authorities in the last conference said it strengthens and protects us against temptation (10 hour project). then there were some other ones that were less important.  I had an interesting discovery, I came to the "avoiding bad habit" part and realized that it wasn't an action, it wasn't something I could do.  I decided I needed to find a replacement activity.  I decided that When I get in the mindset that I end up in bad habits, it might be "easy" (with some practice) to divert this mindset into a good channel by writing letters.  

Back to the "giveth liberally." It gave me a different picture of Heavenly Father.  As if he is just waiting to give me these blessings and he's not going to skimp on them either.  He is generous in his gifts. This is a huge perspective change for me.

I figured all this out by reading and keeping a journal.

Compliments

Most people realize to some extent how words can affect people.  One phrase can tear down or build up a vulnerable person.  For sure it can make or break a day.

One day I decided my friends needed to know just how beautifull they are.  So i proceded to tell them every chance i got.  It was awkward at first but not unbearably so.  Now it is normal.  I am pleased with every smile i can create.

One thin I did not expect to find is that as I compliment others, more seem to be compelled to compliment me back.  As if every one is waiting to express what they feel, but are waiting for the "OK."

Today i was singing as I walked along between classes, and a girl did something that i found extrordinary.  She asked what I was singing, walked along side me and asked if i would keep singing because i had "a really pretty voice, and i want to listen to you sing."  I  was stunned and touched.

I have always wished that i had a voice that "turns heads"  so even the simple motion of a head turn can mean a lot.

Actions can speak louder than words, in a sense some actions are compliments.

        They say "you are worth my time"
For example, a couple days ago I went to go get my alundry out of the dryer, only to find them already folded with a sticky note that said "love mom :) "  It brought me to tears because I had recently been sick, and being at college, away from my mom, I was thinking a lot about how she used to care for me when i was sick.  This gesture was so tiny for someone to do, but so HUGE to me.  It made me feel special, and important.

I had some friends at camp whoat lunch would go around with a colorful sign saying "free compliments" and as people would walk by they would find real things they could compliment about them.
They made so many people's day!

Thank you all you considerate people out there!