While Shopping

Apparently amusing things happen to me while I am on shopping trips. Tonight I went out to buy supplies to make cookies for our ward's enrichment meeting tomorrow. We are having pumpkin spice cookies with apple juice and milk. Yum. What a perfect treat for fall. I purchased 4 large cans of pumpkin, 4 spice cake mixes, 4 bags of chocolate chips, 1 gallon of apple juice and 1 gallon of milk. I piled all of this onto my front seat and was on my way home when my car began beeping at me. Beep, Beep, Beep. What on earth? I have my seatbelt on. Hmm. I look down and to my amusement my groceries were heavy enough that they had set off my cars automatic seatbelt alarm for the passenger seat. Upon further examination I noticed they were not heavy enough for the airbag and that had turned off. I seriously laughed out loud alone in my car. I'm glad that my car is smart enough to be concerned that my pumpkin & milk didn't have it's seatbelt on and was too small for an airbag. :)

4,520,000

Four million, five hundred and twenty thousand. That is the number of red blood cells I have per millimeter cubed. That means I have bajillions of red blood cells because I have a lot of millimeters cubed in my body. I also have six thousand five hundred white blood cells per millimeter cubed and my hematocrit is forty. Those are all healthy values. I'm healthy! Oh and I have A- blood.

Our physiology lab on Friday was a blood lab and nobody wanted to get poked so I volunteered. Apparently I had cold hands and I am a clotter, not a bleeder because it took 5 tries to fill up all of the tubes we needed. But minus one dizzy spell when I was standing up (definitely should've been sititing down) it was fine. It is amazing to sit and look at your blood cells. Each one created to carry oxygen throughout my body. My physiology teacher always talks about the divine architects. I like that phrase. And I thought a lot about that on Friday. We truly are children of God, created in his image. We are loved.

Other things to note from this weekend: The Fourth Kind was weird. I don't believe in aliens and the company made me mad for portraying it like it was all real when it in fact was all a fake. A nutrition test about 14 vitamins is hard. I love volunteering with children. Stake Conference was amazing. I love the chance to learn from my leaders. I LOVED Where the Wild Things Are. It was SO good. Not your typical movie, but still so good. Boys. Are. Confusing. I love getting up at 5:30 but every now and again sleeping til 11:00 is just what a body needs. My puzzle is coming along. Slowly but surely. And now, into busyness... but just one week until I am done and packing for HOME!

Just a day...

Today was a just a day. An ordinary day in the life of busy college student Rachel. Work, class, class, studying, class, a project with Heather, walking home together in the rain, grocery shopping and laundry.

But when Heather and I went grocery shopping tonight I had an experience that made me smile. We went our normal route through the grocery store past the breads and into the produce section. We started together and then drifted apart as we were buying our separate items. I had just finished choosing some zucchini and moved over to buy some red and green peppers. I looked over them, and then started to feel around to find the ones I wanted. I only go shopping every two weeks so I like to choose the freshest ones. There was a guy standing there just looking at the peppers. He looked at me. Then looked back at the peppers. This was a guy that had the look about him like he's got it going on. He was attractive and just looked confident, like he's got the whole the world. But this boy looked back at me again. And then with the most sheepish face he asked me "How do you choose?" I smiled and showed him the ones that were clearly older than the others and helped him pick out some fresh ones for his bag. He smiled, said thank you and left. I just smiled to myself and thought you should never judge by first impressions because even the confident stranger needs help sometimes.

Forgetful.

Last night I was home alone all night. I wrote a paper, read it to my family and did some other homework. It was time for bed. I turned out the front room lights. Then I went and brushed my teeth then I came back out and got a drink and decided to lock the door since I would be alone falling asleep. I reached for the lock and found it already locked. My heart started racing. What on earth? Had someone come home while I was brushing my teeth? I called down the hallway and stepped into the rooms but found no one. Now I was really freaked out. I went and grabbed a kitchen knife and opened all the closets and looked under all the beds and in the showers. To my surprise and relief there was no one there. So then who locked the door? I went and stood in front of it and tried as hard as I could to remember when I possibly could've locked it. But I had no success. I have no memory of locking that door. I am a rather forgetful person. I have been known to forget what I am saying in the middle of saying it and I have to use my planner or I get all discombobulated. But this takes my forgetfulness to a whole new level. Never before have I completely freaked myself out because I forgot something. Good grief.

For SFL 100.

Here is an example of what I am working on this week. This is for SFL 100 (Strengthen Marriage and Family). The assignment was to write a sacrament meeting talk about a principle found in the proclamation.

The second paragraph of The Family: A Proclamation to the World states “All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.” (The Family, ¶ 2). From this simple statement we learn several truths to help us in our journey through mortal life.

The scriptures state “I, God, created man in mine own image, in the image of mine Only Begotten created I him; male and female created I them.” (Moses 2:27, The Pearl of Great Price). I am currently taking Physiology, which has again and again helped me to understand that it is not by chance or accident that we were created. One one thousand. In that one second your body just created two million new red blood cells. Two million. And each of those cells will be used to carry oxygen throughout the body. President Gordon B. Hinckley taught it this way, “Our bodies are sacred. They were created in the image of God. They are marvelous, the crowning creation of Deity. No camera has ever matched the wonder of the human eye. No pump was ever built that could run so long and carry such heavy duty as the human heart. The ear and the brain constitute a miracle. The capacity to pick up sound waves and convert them into language is almost beyond imagination. Look at your finger and contemplate the wonder of it. Clever men have tried to match it, but have never fully succeeded. These, with others of our parts and organs, represent the divine, omnipotent genius of God, who is our Eternal Father” (Hinckley, 1996, p.46). Elder LeGrand Richards states “There are many who think their bodies are their own and that they can do with them what they will, but Paul makes it plain that they are not their own, for they are bought with a price, and that ‘If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are’” (Richards, 1966, p.380). If we understand these sacred truths about our creation in the image of God, we will desire to obey the counsels regarding our bodies. We will live Word of Wisdom. We will not allow our bodies to be covered with tattoos or excessive piercings. We will dress modestly. We will obey the law of chastity. Ultimately, we will treat our bodies with respect and reverence.

The next truth we learn is that each of us is a “beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny” (The Family, ¶ 2). Little children learn early the words to the song “I Am a Child of God” but how many truly understand the magnitude of those magnificent words? At a recent Church Educational System Fireside, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf told the story of The Ugly Duckling and then said, “Much of the confusion we experience in this life comes from simply not understanding who we are. Too many go about their lives thinking they are of little worth, when in reality they are elegant and eternal creatures of infinite value with potential beyond imagination” (Uchtdorf, 2009). He went on adding, “You are something divine. More beautiful and glorious than you can possibly imagine. This knowledge changes everything. It changes your present, it can change your future. And it can change the world” (Uchtdorf, 2009). We know from scripture that “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (D&C 18:10, The Doctrine and Covenants). Once we learn this truth for ourselves a further understanding of it will help us in interacting with those around us. Joseph B. Wirthlin taught “Jesus Christ is our greatest example. He was surrounded by multitudes and spoke to thousands, yet He always had concern for the one. “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost,” He said. “What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?” This instruction applies to all who follow Him. We are commanded to seek out those who are lost. We are to be our brother’s keeper. We cannot neglect this commission given by our Savior. We must be concerned for the one” (Wirthlin, 2008, p.17). It is our responsibility to first apply the knowledge of our divine nature to ourselves. We must learn and act upon the knowledge that we are children of God. Then it is our duty and privilege to reach out to others in service and love.

I testify that we each were created by a loving Heavenly Father and that because of this we have the potential to become like him. Our loving Father created a Plan of Happiness to allow for our return to him. This included the need for a Savior. I bear testimony that Jesus is the Christ, that his Atonement is infinite and eternal. He suffered and died for each of us. I witness that we each are of infinite worth and that each of us has a purpose. We are loved.

I close with the words of our prophet, Thomas S. Monson, “Each of us should remember that he or she is a son or daughter of God, endowed with faith, gifted with courage, and guided by prayer. Our eternal destiny is before us. The Apostle Paul speaks to us today as he spoke to Timothy long years ago: “Neglect not the gift that is in thee.” “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust.” At times many of us let that enemy of achievement—even the culprit “self-defeat”—dwarf our aspirations, smother our dreams, cloud our vision, and impair our lives. The enemy’s voice whispers in our ears, “You can’t do it.” “You’re too young.” “You’re too old.” “You’re nobody.” This is when we remember that we are created in the image of God. Reflection on this truth provides a profound sense of strength and power” (Monson, 2004, p.67). It is my prayer that we will each remember that we are all created in the image of God, beloved spirit sons and daughters of heavenly parents, with a divine potential and infinite worth.

Slow Dance

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask "How are you?"
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say "Hi"?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

Slow Dance, by David L. Weatherford

This was shared by one of my FHE sisters tonight. It was definitely a thought I needed to hear tonight. The next two weeks are going to be INSANE. Between now and next Monday when Thanksgiving Break starts I have four midterms, two big papers, a diet analysis, 10 quizzes, and 2 reading assessments. It would be easy to get caught up in it all and focus on myself. Easy to run around like crazy and forget about all the people in my life. Easy to let the little things slip away from importance. But the thought shared tonight helped me find perspective and focus. So my goal for the next two weeks is to work ridiculously hard when I am working so that I work through all the things I need to and still have time for the other things in my life.

P.S. Happy thought(s) for the day... Our nutrition teacher had us scheduled to take a quiz over a new chapter in the middle of the midterm. That happened last time and I just guessed on the quiz because I didn't have time to read because I was trying to study for the midterm. So instead of letting myself fail again I raised my hand in class and asked him to change it. He agreed and I became the hero of the moment. Also, as I was leaving class I realized I was missing my jacket. I had been sitting on a bench just before class and must have left it there. I went back out hoping it might still be there and to my joy it was! Oh I love BYU!!!

Life lately.

Note: This is an obnoxiously long post; only read it if you are bored or really really care.


I despise getting behind in my blogging. Because I feel like I can't blog again until I catch up. And that usually takes more than the few minutes I have to spend on blogging a day so then I don't do it but then I've gotten further behind and so then it takes even longer to catch up and in the end I am where I am now... a whole month gone by without any substantial blog posting. Sorry to my future self for missing wonderful things that deserve being written about and sorry to the five people who read this. I will now spend some time doing a general catchup of my life and then resolve myself to stay more on top of it from here on. (ha. we'll see.)

I think the quickest and most effective way to explain my life as of late will be to explain how I am doing academically, physically, spiritually, emotionally and socially.


Academically: School is hard. But I love (and I mean really truly love) my major/minor. I know without a doubt that I ended up in the right place. Physiology is kicking my butt. The test I failed... that was in that class. But I'm studying hard and it'll all work out. On the plus side... just a week after I failed that test I totally rocked my nutrition test so obviously I'm not a complete failure. (Yes, that thought crossed my mind.) My family life classes are going well and I LOVE D&C from Brother Richardson. Next semester should be good. I'm going to be taking 3 normal classes, 1 MFT seminar (to make sure that is what I want to do) and then I am going to do an internship two days a week. Sweet, yes? I'm excited. I also started volunteering at a Family Treatment Center where I get to work two hours a week in the nursery just playing with kids ages 0-11. It is the happiest thing ever. I love it.


Physically: I got sick again and missed another three days of school. That was hard. Plus then in trying to get caught back up in school I didn't get to the gym but for the past week everything has been totally good. Heather Jean has an early morning job so I drive her to work and then go to the gym. I come home, shower and am off to work by eight. We go to bed early and it's been working really well. I'm feeling really good. I lost a little bit of weight in the past few weeks but since then nothing has moved. But my shape is definitely changing. I had to retire two blouses today because they are too big and my newest jeans are falling off. So I'm doing something even if the scale hates me. I'm still working on it.


Spiritually: The only reason I need to tell you about this aspect of my life is because I absolutely love the gospel. I am so blessed to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is means everything to me. Being here at BYU is a wonderful opportunity for me right now. Last week we had a CES Fireside by President Uchtdorf. If you have time you should watch it. It was absolutely AMAZING. Truly this is a man called by God. His talk was inspired if only just so that I could hear it's message. He taught that no matter what our trials we need to remember who we are, where we came from and where we are going. He told the story of the Ugly Duckling and told us to see our real reflections, to know that we are beautiful. You really have to watch the talk to have any idea of the impact it had on me.


Emotionally: The last while has been filled with some rocky times. I hit a bottom and wasn't sure what I was going to do. Then I had some experiences where I was reminded that I don't have to do everything and that even more so I don't have to be perfect in all I do. I need to remember to focus on the climb not the destination and how fast I'm getting there and if I'm doing it exactly right. The trouble is I sometimes am very self critical. I set goals for myself and even if I make progress I doubt myself, I question. I have a hard time believing in the worth I know I have (why President Uchtdorf's talk meant so much). But with some prayer, fasting, faith, help from friends and family and inspired words from prophets (see previous post with quote from President Monson as well) I realized that I was dragging myself down, that ultimately I know the answers and I have to choose to live them. So I did. And this week since then has been amazing. I have been blessed with opportunities to reach out from myself, to help others. I don't know if any of that made sense. But the reality is I'm so happy to be me. I wouldn't choose my life to be any different and I am so grateful for the ups and the downs that come. Because both help me to learn and grow. And isn't that point of being here?


Socially: Oh my. I think I will just let my pictures speak for themselves. My social life is just fantastic. I have wonderful friends. I am SO grateful for the friendships I have developed with different people. I'm especially grateful for Heather. She means the world to me as a roomie and best friend. So here are my adventures from recently in picture form. They include: a play with Heather, my birthday party, a Sunday drive up the canyon, a trip home, a football game, Halloween at Lagoon and a night of homemade pizza and yozone!





















Other things to note:
- I adore fall. (especially of the Indian summer variety).
- I go out of my way to step on crunchy leaves. And when I step on them and they make that wonderful crunchy sound it makes me grin. A giant giddy grin from ear to ear.
- I love my purple leather jacket. (Yes, I have a purple leather jacket)
- Puzzles make me happy. (Although an insanely hard 1000 piece one probably wasn't the best choice).
- I'm applying to be an EFY counselor next summer. :)
- Music keeps me sane. (Current favorites: 5 Browns, Pride and Prejudice Soundtrack, things from Patrick, Narnia soundtrack and Hannah Montana)
- There is nothing better than a Utah Symphony concert and then a night talking to a good friend.
- Cell phones are stupid when they break. But I love my phone and appreciate it so I won't complain.
- Women's soccer is rough but it is not supposed to look like this.
- BYU football makes me happy. Especially when they actually play like the team they are and win 52-0 like yesterday.
- My mom is amazing. :) (So is my Dad.)
- I LOVE my sister and my brothers.

"Remember that when you help another up a mountain, you are a little nearer the top yourself.”

- Thomas S. Monson
“Great Expectations,” CES fireside for young adults, Jan. 11, 2009


I LOVE this thought. So much. Especially when you consider the perspective on life that I am working from right now. (See previous post... it's the climb.) I am so grateful for a living prophet.



P.S. I promise I haven't died. I have lots of stories and thoughts to tell. I'm just trying to do a lot right now and I haven't gotten blogging to the top of the to do list yet. But soon, promise.