The Thing About Icebergs Is...

A few things to think about.

2012-02-02T16:08:00.000-07:00

Me: God, can I ask You a question?
God: Sure
Me: Promise You won't get mad?
God: I promise
Me: Why did You let so much stuff happen to me today?
God: What do u mean?
Me: Well, I woke up late.
God: Yes.
Me: My car took forever to start.
God: Okay.
Me: At lunch, they made my sandwich wrong & I had to wait.
God: Huummm.
Me: On the way home, my phone went DEAD, just as I picked up a call.
God: All right.
Me: And on top of it all off, when I got home, I just wanted to soak my feet in my new foot massager & relax. BUT it wouldn't work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did You do that?
God: Let me see, the death angel was at your bed this morning & I had to send one of My Angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that.
Me (humbled): OH.
GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road.
Me: (ashamed)
God: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick & I didn't want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work.
Me (embarrassed):Okay.
God: Your phone went dead because the person that was calling was going to give false witness about what you said on that call. I didn't even let you talk to them so you would be covered.
Me (softly): I see, God.
God: Oh and that foot massager, it had a shortage that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark.
Me: I'm Sorry, God.
God: Don't be sorry, just learn to Trust Me.... in All things , the Good & the bad.
Me: I will trust You.
God: And don't doubt that My plan for your day is Always Better than your plan.
Me: I won't God. And let me just tell you God, Thank You for Everything today.
God: You're welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I Love looking after My Children.

“Let’s talk about rape for a moment. Rape is not what George Lucas did to your childhood. Rape is not what happens when a sports team beats another sports team by a wide margin. Rape is not what happens when your electric bill is higher this month than it was last month. Rape is when a person violates another person in the most despicable, degrading way imaginable and among the myriad of terrible things humans can do to one another, rape is among the worst. I think the casual misappropriation of the concept of rape extending all the way to its widespread comical usage is disgusting even by Internet standards. ”

-Jeffrey Rowland

I love my family.

2012-02-02T08:27:00.001-07:00

Every single member of my family. My parents, my siblings, everyone.

It's amazing how family can make you feel so much better when you are feeling down.

And the support and love that they are continually giving baffles my mind.

My family is the best family for me. There is a reason I have the parents I do, and the sisters and brothers I do.

We were meant to be together forever, and help each other through the trials and hardships that are brought to us.

I love my family, and am so grateful for the strength in the gospel and the love that they share.

Especially right now.

2012-01-27T17:05:00.001-07:00

I need to learn how to control my emotions.

Can I be honest?

2012-01-10T23:09:00.002-07:00

I am the happiest I have ever been.

I am in love with the greatest person in the entire world.

My semester has started off strong.

I am now confident again in my choices for the future.

I really have nothing to complain about.

But, for some reason, my brain is still so full of things that I am worried about.

I just need to breathe.

I just need to think.

I just need to analyze.

And I need to know that everything will work out the way it is supposed to.

Stay calm and be strong.

2012-01-08T18:37:00.000-07:00

"If you are too busy to read the scriptures, then you are busier than the Lord intended you to be."

To the man downstairs:

2012-01-07T10:11:00.001-07:00

Stop trying to ruin my life. Seriously. I am supposed to be a teacher, whether I actually end up being at a school for a long time in my life, or I stay home and watch my kids. I am meant to be a teacher. I have been wanting to do this since I was nine years old. Stop trying to make me doubt it now.

Oh, and I am marrying Ryan. So stop trying to sabotage that, too. It isn't going to work.

In case you didn't know, I am way stronger than you might think I am. I have many people who stand beside me who are willing and ready to help me in a moments notice. So, go ahead. Try to fight me. Try to tear me down. I can promise you this. It isn't going to work.

I know what is coming in my life, and you can try to stop it however you want to. But in the end, it will come.

So, the semester just started yesterday.

2012-01-05T08:04:00.003-07:00

And already I have had so many thoughts bounce around my head. I don't know if they are from me, if someone is trying to tell me something, or if someone else is just trying to take me away from the path. Either way, I am SO confused about everything school related, and I have no idea what to do about it.

Wise words from our Prophet.

2011-12-21T12:35:00.002-07:00

"Seek a companion with whom you want to spend eternity. If you choose wisely and if you are committed to the success of your marriage, there is nothing in this life which will bring you greater happiness. When you marry..., you will wish to marry in the house of the Lord. For you who hold the priesthood, there should be no other option. Choose a companion carefully and prayerfully; and when you are married, be fiercely loyal one to another. Priceless advice comes from a small framed plaque I once saw in the home of an uncle and aunt. It read, “Choose your love; love your choice.” There is great wisdom in those few words. Commitment in marriage is absolutely essential. Your wife is your equal. In marriage neither partner is superior nor inferior to the other. You walk side by side as a son and a daughter of God. She is not to be demeaned or insulted but should be respected and loved."

--President Thomas S. Monson

He is We kick?

2011-12-03T14:57:00.001-07:00

"Forever is a long time. But I wouldn't mind spending it by your side. Tell me everyday I get to wake up to that smile. I wouldn't mind it at all. I wouldn't mind it at all."

Oh, He is We. You write the songs of my soul. <3

2011-12-02T15:02:00.001-07:00

I want to be so lovey-dovey!

But at the same time, I am worried to be.

I'M ENGAGED!!!

2011-11-28T21:02:00.001-07:00

This boy really is rather romantic. :]

Alright, alright. I guess I will tell the story, if you REALLY want to know.

I spent my Thanksgiving break away from home this year. It was the first time I haven't been with my family, which was kinda weird. I spent my Thanksgiving break with my boyfriend and his family. In Alabama. And, let me tell you, it was a GREAT time! I met his family, and they were pretty great. I absolutely love them.

Anyways, moving on. Last Tuesday, he was driving me around Alabama, and showing me different places and telling me memories from his teen years. We went to DeSoto Falls, and it started to rain. As we were looking at the falls, Ryan was holding me, and he started talking about all the places we have been to together, and all the things that we have already gone through, and how it has been a great journey. I will let you know, I did NOT see this next part coming. He said that there was only one thing left to do in order to keep the journey going. I said, "Yep!", then continued to just look at the falls. Then Ryan said, "And it's to do this." Then he got on one knee, and asked me to marry him. Of COURSE I said YES!

Waterfalls, rain, and a proposal. It was perfect for me.

Here is the ring!

Man, do I love this boy. :] And I am so excited to spend the rest of eternity with him.<3

Starting on November 18, 2011 at 12:10 AM...

2011-11-16T20:49:00.001-07:00

I will be having a WONDERFUL time!

Breaking Dawn midnight premier with Trishy. A girl date. :]
Drive down to Utah Friday afternoon.
Leave Saturday morning to go to ALABAMA!
Spend a week with my amazing boyfriend!
Thanksgiving with his family. :]

All in all, I think I will have an amazing time. :]

Oh how I love missionaries. :]

2011-11-11T17:06:00.001-07:00

Connolly, Me, and Moon

Moon, Spencer, Matt, and Connolly

Connolly and Moon. They are two of the Elders that served in our ward, and helped Malcolm choose to serve a mission for the church. They both recently returned home, and decided to come up and visit. I will forever be grateful for them. :]

Friday, November 18, 2011

2011-11-11T09:37:00.001-07:00

This day will be the day where I will be the most tired I have been this semester.

Why, you ask?

Guess you'll have to wait until next week to find out!

:]

Today was the best day.

2011-11-07T18:17:00.001-07:00

I got the strongest feeling that I was whole. That I was clean. That I was pure. That I was forgiven. On top of that, I got the strongest feeling that I needed to move forward with everything I have been planning over the last few weeks, because that is what the Lord wanted for me, and He approves of everything. Because of that, I will move forward with everything I have planned when I have them planned.

And I am SO excited!

Can I be a bit lovey-dovey?

2011-11-04T07:56:00.001-06:00

This is Ryan. He's my boyfriend. I feel SO lucky to be able to say that!

He's from Alabama. Yep, a Southern boy. Although he doesn't talk with his Southern accent... Which makes me sad, but I understand why he doesn't.

He has brown hair and blue eyes, which is the perfect combination, to me at least. :]

We have been dating for close to six months now, and I can't believe that it has been that long already! But, I also can't wait to see what is in store. :]

Can I be 100% honest with everyone?

I freaking love this boy.

Like, for reals.

More than anyone else before.

More than I thought I could love anyone.

And the reason why I feel so lucky to be able to say that is because there was a time when I felt that would never happen to me.

And look.

It did.

And I have never been happier.

This is Ryan, and I love him more than anything. And I am so glad he loves me, even with all my quirks and random things I like.

He knows EVERYTHING about me... And loves me, just the same.

And I am so grateful

“Faith in God includes faith in His timing.” Neal A. Maxwell

2011-10-31T23:07:00.001-06:00

It is amazing to me how things are so interconnected, and so intertwined. Over the last few days, I have been starting to see more clearly how connected everyone really is. I have also been starting to see how the Lord wants me and others to learn about various things. Case in point, the quote above.

For my Teachings of the Living Prophets class that I am taking this semester (for those of you who haven't taken it and still need a religious class for some semester, take it! Seriously, one of the best religion classes I have ever taken), we are learning about Dallin H. Oaks for this week. For every member of the Quorum of the 12 and the First Presidency, us students are asked to look up biographical information on them, and then read two talks given by them, one that the teacher assigns and one that we are able to choose. So, we have done that now for President Monson, President Eyring, President Uchtdorf, Elder Packer, Elder Perry, Elder Nelson, and now Elder Oaks. But, anyways, I digress. The teacher talk that was given to us for Elder Dallin H. Oaks was a talk entitled "Timing." This was a CES Fireside (or Church Educational System) back in January of 2002. In the talk, he discussed the importance of allowing the Lord's will and timetable to take over in our lives, and not try to force our own will or timetable on the Lord. Within the talk, he quoted Elder Neal A. Maxwell's quote which is the title of this blog.

"Faith in God includes faith in His timing." Never before has this quote rang so true to me. Growing up, I had a plan out for my life. I would graduate high school in 2008, go to BYU, graduate by 2012, marry in 2012/2013 in the temple, begin having kids by 2014, and be happy. Now, I am not saying that some of those things won't still happen, but they have shifted ever so slightly.

Even with all the twists and turns that have come, I can honestly say that I have never been this happy. I have never felt the Lord's guidance in my life more than now. And, I have an increased faith in the Lord's timing. This is why I wrote this blog, to share with you all my testimony of that. I went through a rough time, where I felt alone and insecure. I seriously believed that my desires would not be met, because there wouldn't be a single person who would be able to accept my past and love me unconditionally still. But, the things that have happened in my life were things that I was not planning on. That proved to me that the Lord has a plan for each and every one of us, even though we may think that we will be left behind. The Lord's plan is fulfilled on HIS timetable, not on mine. Every joy, every happiness and strength that I have felt has come because I was ready for it. It didn't come before, because I wasn't ready for it. It didn't come after. It came at the precise moment that it did because the Lord knew I was willing and ready for it. I am so very happy to be in the place where I am now. The Lord led to things occurring the way that He did because He had a plan for me, and wanted me to be worthy to be on the path.

Back to where this blog started. "Faith in God includes faith in His timing." There are many who are struggling because they don't understand why they haven't received various blessings, even when they are working so hard at it. There are others who receive those blessings, but think that the timing is off, or don't feel necessarily that they deserve them. I can say, without a doubt in my mind or heart, that the Lord isn't going to give you a blessing before you are ready for it. He offers and gives them when He knows that you are worthy and willing to receive them. Whether you are still waiting for a blessing to come, or are beginning to lose your faith, I ask you to remember that the Lord has a time and a place for everything. He won't promise something and then take it away, especially if you are living the way that you are supposed to. They may not come when you want them to come, or when you expect. But the Lord knows exactly what He is doing, and we just need to place our faith and trust in Him. As we do so, we will begin to see how the Lord has a plan, and will interconnect everything in order for you to learn what He is wanting to teach you.

I know that the Lord's timing is everything, and I just need to trust in His way. Without this faith and knowledge, I would not be where I am today. This has helped me and strengthened me in a way that nothing else ever could. I am grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and am so glad that I am able to have a strong testimony of this Gospel. Every life experience I have been able to face has led to me being where I am today, and I know that they will help me in my future life.

Recipe book?

2011-10-26T18:26:00.000-06:00

So, I am thinking about putting together a recipe book, full of delicious dishes that I would love to try. But, I am having a hard time finding recipes. So, here is my question to you, readers. Do you think that you could send me a favorite recipe of yours? I would so greatly appreciate it! Thanks!

Wanna know the best way to wake up on a Wednesday morning?

2011-10-19T07:53:00.001-06:00

By realizing that in the middle of the night, your phone fell to the ground. As you reach down to get it to shut the alarm off, you hit your head on the corner of your desk that you didn't realize was that close.

Ow.

My talk on Honesty.

2011-10-16T19:41:00.002-06:00

Good afternoon, brothers and sisters. My name is Symone Stout, for those of youthat don’t know me. Today I will betalking about something that most of us have been taught since we were little…the principle of honesty.

“Honesty is the best policy.” We have all heard that saying, right? But what exactly is honesty? According to the dictionary, it is “thequality or fact of being honest; uprightness and fairness; truthfulness,sincerity, or frankness; freedom from deceit or fraud.” President James E. Faust also added to this,saying, “Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth telling, truth speaking, truthliving, and truth loving.” Honesty is animportant aspect of life. Not only do wehave to be honest with those who we associate with, including family, friends,ward members, and anyone else you may come in contact with during your life,but we have to be honest with ourselves and with the Lord. Every action, every choice made is known byyourself and the Lord. Whether you arehonest about what occurred or not, you will know exactly what happened.

In the society that we live in today, it is easier to lie,to deceive, and to justify various actions. Elder Marcos A. AIDUKAITIS said, “Scripturalteachings on honesty are clear, but unfortunately the world seems to be muchmore flexible. The world even classifies people according to different levelsof honesty. Sometimes we hear of people who are ‘very’ honest, ‘mostly’ honest,or even ‘a little’ honest.” (Honesty in the Small Things)

When it comes tobeing dishonest, it is easier to lie about little things than the bigthings. Kinda like when you were late toa meeting… or late to anything, for that matter. Why you don’t have an assignment. Why you don’t want to go on a date. Why you don’t want to see a friend. I know that I have been dishonest in one, ifnot most, of the things mentioned.

While you may not think that you have been dishonest,chances are that, at one point, you weren’t being completely honest withyourself or those around you. PresidentBrigham Young said, “If we accept salvation on the terms it is offered to us,we have got to be honest in every thought, in our reflections, in ourmeditations, in our private circles, in our deals, in our declarations, and inevery act of our lives.”

If it is so easy to lie, cheat, deceive, or justifynow-a-days, then why should we be honest? What is so important about being honest?

In True to the Faith it says, “When we are honest in everyway, we are able to enjoy peace of mind and maintain self-respect. We buildstrength of character, which allows us to be of service to God and others. Weare trustworthy in the eyes of God and those around us. On the other hand, if we are dishonest in ourwords or actions, we hurt ourselves and often hurt others as well. If we lie,steal, cheat, or neglect to give the full amount of work for our pay, we loseour self-respect. We lose the guidance of the Holy Ghost. We may find that wehave damaged relationships with family members and friends and that people nolonger trust us. Being honest oftenrequires courage and sacrifice, especially when others try to persuade us tojustify dishonest behavior. If we find ourselves in such a situation, we canremember that the lasting peace that comes from being honest is more valuablethan the momentary relief of following the crowd.” Howard W. Hunter, before he was President,stated, “We often speak of that scriptural reference, ‘Man is that he mighthave joy.’ There is a joy that comes to one from being honest. Let me tell youhow. By this means you can have the companionship of the Master and you canhave the Spirit of the Holy Ghost. Violations of the code of honesty willdeprive you of these two great blessings. Could you believe that one who wouldlie or cheat or violate the Word of Wisdom could have the companionship of theMaster or have the Spirit of the Holy Ghost?”

That is why it is so important to be honest. Being honest leads us to happiness, allows usto keep the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and have the Lord’s guidance withus at all times. By being honest, wewill be open to blessings and better willing to do the work of the Lord. Being honest allows us and lets us feel goodabout ourselves and our life. Beinghonest with those around us leads us to have better relationships. The Lord wants us to be happy while goingthrough this life.

Doctrine and Covenants section 97 verse 8 says, “Verily Isay unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken,and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea,every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me.”

Now, if I can be completely honest (given my topic), therehave been times where I made mistakes. And, instead of fixing them right away or telling the truth about it, Ifound a round-about way to deal with them. I chose to not talk about them, or to not tell the whole truth when Ineeded to. Instead of making thingsbetter, it actually ended up making things worse. I wasn’t happy, I wasn’t fun, and I wasn’twilling to listen to others because I really felt like I knew what I wastalking about. When I chose to behonest, when I chose to tell the truth, everything included, I feltrelieved. I felt better. I felt like I could be happy again, and thatI could live a life full of happiness. Ijust needed to be honest with myself, with the Lord, and with those around me.

Brother and sisters, I know that, in this world, it iseasier to lie. It is easier to bedishonest, especially when bad decisions and mistakes are made. It is easier. But, being honest in all your doings, and with all those around you willnot only lead to happiness here on Earth, but eternal happiness in the nextlife. I can testify to the truth ofthis. The Lord wouldn’t ask us to behonest is all our doings if He didn’t provide a way and if it wasn’t importantto Him.

Elder Richard J. Maynes said, “Remember, the Lord expects usas members of His Church not only to appear to be good but also to actually begood.”

Please start today to be more honest, if you feel like youaren’t. Allow the Spirit to guide anddirect you. Heavenly Father won’t leadyou astray. He wants you to be happy,and wants you to feel like you can have good relationships. All you need to do is start being honest.

I know that this Church is true, and that the Lord iswatching over us. I know that thescriptures are true, and that they hold guidance to help us get through oureveryday life. I know that the Spirit isthere to help us and guide us. I knowthat Thomas S. Monson is a prophet, and that he is leading us in the way theLord desires us to be led. I know thatwe can be happy while on Earth and that we can do right, even when it seemseasier to do wrong. Of this I testify inthe name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

My view on families.

2011-10-10T21:49:00.003-06:00

Today was a pretty rough day. I don't know why, but today I felt off. I felt super lonely, and that I couldn't really talk to anyone, which sucked.

Over the last few days, I have been having some impressions and feelings come into my life that have made me gain a better understanding of where my life will be taking me. I am really so excited to see the direction my life will be taking me, and to see the joy and happiness that will come from following these promptings.

While at Church on Sunday, and in my religion class here at school, I can't help but notice that we have been talking about families, and how Satan is working extra hard to break up families.

For most people on Earth, families are a source of happiness and love. Family leads you, guides you, allows you to feel loved and appreciated, and helps you when times get tough. Your family is the one group of people that will always be there for you, no matter what. At least, that is the case for me.

I have been thinking a lot about my future family over the last few days. Who will be a part of it, when I will be blessed to be a mom, how I will raise my children, etc. No, I am NOT saying that I will be starting a family anytime soon, but it has been something that has been on my mind. Since I have started thinking about it, I have realized that I am having roadblocks placed in my path that would, in my teenage years, prevent me from pushing forward. These feelings of loneliness, insecurity, and failure; all of these would have made me not want to progress, not want to keep moving forward.

But, I am different now. Yes, I do feel this way at times, but that isn't going to prevent me from pushing forward. I have a greater knowledge, and that includes knowing that even when I am feeling alone, I am not really alone. I have an earthly family and friends who love and support me. But, above all, I have a Heavenly Father who is there for me, no matter what. Even when I have made the worst mistakes, or not been the best I can be, He is always there to offer a hand and pick me back up. He is there to show me the way back. Because I know that He is there, I know that I don't need to worry.

My Heavenly Father has made promises to me, to us, His children. As we stay valiant to His commandments, and do as He asks, He will give us those promised blessings. While I see those roadblocks in my path, I can still know that, eventually, they will pass. I will keep pushing forward, and I will not allow ANYTHING to take away my goal of a temple marriage and an eternal family. Even during my "rebellious" teen years, a temple marriage was always my goal, and it is more so now. I want an eternal family, and I will do anything to get it.

Satan is trying his hardest to tear me down, and not reach my goal. I can feel it. What he doesn't know is that my secret weapon will never falter. What is my secret weapon, you ask? It is my testimony on the family. I know that having a family is part of God's plan for His children while living in this earthly state. I know that families can be together forever, and that God has included families in His Plan of Happiness because He knows the joy that can come from having a family. I have a wonderful family as it is, and I know that my future family will bring me continual joy. I just need to keep my head held high, and remember that what God has promised will come as long as I stay positive and work towards following the commandments.

Sorry if this is a really random post, it is just something that has been on my mind for the last few days and I needed to get it out.

Number 400 (it's kinda short... Forgive me)

2011-10-07T20:03:00.001-06:00

You won't win, Satan. No matter how badly you want to.

2011-10-06T21:34:00.005-06:00

I want to write. I need to write. But every time I start to write...

I lose the words.

My life would suck without you.

2011-10-04T14:46:00.001-06:00

I can already tell that, for the next few blogs, I am going to be all lovey-dovey gushy stuffs about a lot of different things. I am warning you now for that all. The first people I will talk about are these two lovely ladies.

Me, Chelsie, and Jillise. :]

I have known these two girls now for just about three years. THREE years! I cannot begin to express how much my life has changed in the last three years, yet alone the fact that these two have stuck by my side through it all.

Chelsie is my roommate, my twin. She has been my room-roommate since our second semester out here, so there have only been two instances when we have both been in Rexburg where we haven't lived together, this semester being one of them. Regardless of that fact, we still see each other daily. She knows more about me than I do myself, and, at times, it is scary. But, she has been such a blessing to me since I met her. She has listened to me laugh about stupid things, cry about hard things, and has pulled me back up when I have fallen. I know, without a doubt, that I would not have gotten through the last three years, but the last year and a half especially, without her by my side.

Jillise is my ginger. We lived together our second semester, and every semester after that. She has transfered out to BSU, and I can tell that she absolutely LOVES it and is thriving out there. But I still miss her guts. We still talk often, and I love her. I know that I can call her about anything, stupid or not, and she will listen to me. She will give me advice, even when I don't really want it, and will help me see the other side. She is one of the greatest people that I have ever met, and I am SO grateful for her.

We are The Three Amigas, The Three Musketeers. These girls have brought some of the best blessings I could ever ask for, and I am so glad that they have been with me. My life would seriously suck without the two of them, and I just felt the need to express my love and appreciation for these two girls today. I am thankful that I was able to go up to Boise with Chelsie in order to see Jillise this last weekend. It was a much needed break. I am glad that we were able to have fun, be with one another, and talk about things that we needed to talk about. I am so happy about these last three years, and can't wait to see what lies ahead for us all.

Love you both SO much! <3

You know, it's weird.

2011-09-28T07:51:00.003-06:00

Sometimes, you feel like you are doing the right thing, and it turns out to be wrong.

Sometimes, you feel like you are doing the wrong thing, and it turns out to be right.

Heavenly Father sure has a plan for each of us, and is willing and ready to let us see it, if we want to.

Sometimes I say some of the dumbest things.

2011-09-26T08:09:00.002-06:00

Which leads to it not coming out right, which leads to me wanting to explain, which leads to things becoming worse than they were, which leads to me just feeling dumb and horrible, which leads to me not wanting to talk because I know it will just be bad. AND because of this, I get very little sleep, even if everything ended out okay before it was time for bed. Ugh.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RYAN!

2011-09-24T10:46:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to the kindest, sweetest, handsomest Southern gentleman that I could ever ask for. I love you SO much and I am SO happy to have you in my life! I hope that this day brings a smile to your face, and shows you that you are loved and appreciated by SO many people, including me. I love you!!

Finances

2011-09-22T11:49:00.000-06:00

Parking ticket. Paid.

Tithing. Paid

Looked at my account. Saw that, as long as I don't spend any more money this week or next, I will have enough to go to Boise and back for General Conference weekend AND get an oil change.

Right now, everything is a-okay. :]

2011-09-18T21:33:00.002-06:00

Every single day, there is something new that you do that makes me love you more and more. <3

Catch up time!

2011-09-18T10:28:00.000-06:00

Dear readers of my blog,

I haven't really been blogging lately, and I can't tell you why. Yesterday, I wanted to blog, but just didn't start. So, I am going to today.

I started school last Monday, and I can't tell you how happy I am to be back on campus, running into old friends and making new ones. I am a full-time student, with 12 credits. I know that this is going to be a difficult semester already, but I can't help but just be so excited about it.

I was reunited with CHELSIE! And I LOVE IT! I missed having her lovely face out here in Idaho, so I am happy to have her back. It is hard not living with her, but I still see her every day. It just sucks having to leave at curfew. Ugh.

Trishy is HUGE! Seriously, I am sure that she is going to pop sometime soon. I cannot WAIT to meet baby Elliott, and smother him with extra love, since I know Trish and Russell will be loving him day in and day out.

My new roommates seem like nice girls. I have been SO busy this last week seeing all my friends who are back at school after serving their missions that I haven't had the chance to get to know them... But I still have 13 weeks or so to get to know them. It will happen.

And I am so in love with my boyfriend, I can't even begin to tell you. There will be a whole other blog post about that, I am sure. I am sad that he is in Alabama, and I am here in Idaho, but things are still so great. I am so blessed.

Anyways... That's my life right now. I will try to write more later!

Oh crap.

2011-09-13T10:55:00.000-06:00

I am missing school on the 21st and the 22nd of November in order to visit my lovely boyfriend in Alabama.

On the 22nd, I have a paper due, and an Exam for my science class that I just found out about today.

Do you think the teacher will allow me to turn in the paper early and take the exam early?

I sure hope so...

Ugh, stressing already and the semester just started.

Quote from Neiko Ryan Mullens

2011-09-05T22:23:00.000-06:00

"Christ died for a HOPE that we would turn to Him for our salvation. There's no guarantee that you will seek Him but He still died for the HOPE of it. What would you do if your friend sacrificed themself for the Hope of your future? Would you take it?"

Sigh

2011-08-23T21:58:00.000-06:00

I miss him.

I had a really good first week of being 21. :]

2011-08-13T22:21:00.000-06:00

Four mile hike up to Comet Falls! :]

Best Birthday Surprise Ever?!

2011-08-08T23:50:00.002-06:00

Having Ryan show up from Alabama. What a great day. :]

You know...

2011-08-04T14:32:00.001-06:00

Watching all these VEDA videos kinda makes me wish I had the courage to tell my story.

Maybe one day.

There is no reason for me to be awake right now.

2011-08-03T23:48:00.000-06:00

Dad and the boys are asleep, mom and the girls are all at Girl's Camp. Boyfriend is out midnight fishing (seriously, though. Who does that? ;]). So, really, I could be sleeping. But, I have something to say.

TODAY was the day when I appreciated all that my mom does. My mom is a stay-at-home mom. And it's really difficult to see the kinds of things she does until she is gone, and asks you to take over mommy duty. I have had to do this a couple times over the last few years, and trust me. It doesn't get any easier. But what I can say is that I have an increased amount of love for my mom and the things that she does. I had one hour where all I wanted to do was take a nap, and Ian and Patrick wouldn't let me. They kept throwing things at me, asking me questions, wouldn't watch TV. Frustrating. The one break I got today was a trip to Walmart by myself. No wonder my mom likes to take her time when she is there without the boys. It allllll makesssss senseeeee!

Anyways, basically I love my mother. And while I am exhausted, I can't wait for the time when I will be a mother to wonderful, crazy, loud, obnoxious children. With a mom like me, they are bound to be that way. :]

So, I dislike thinking about the future.

2011-08-01T22:07:00.000-06:00

With going to China, I will miss out on a semester at school. Which might lead to me not being able to go on Fast Grad. If that is the case, then I will be done with school (if all goes according to plan) by December of 2013, with Student Teaching being done (again, if it goes according to plan) in Winter 2014. That means that I will HAVE to get a job and pay for those two semesters by myself. ON TOP OF the fact that I have $0, yes $0 going to China right now. My dad told me that he didn't know how much they could help since Malcolm is on a mission, which is totally understandable, but at the same time it isn't easy getting a job, and so I have no money to go to China. UGH! I gotta breathe... In... and Out... In through the nose... Out through the mouth... I am rambling. Could you tell?

Remember how I said I was doing VEDA?

2011-08-01T10:36:00.000-06:00

Day One. Check it out. :]
Although, after watching the video, I realized there was a LOT more I could have said. Oh well, I am sure people will learn things about me as the month goes on. :]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6jNFwbkIBY

My Talk for Church

2011-07-31T14:12:00.000-06:00

Good morning, brothers and sisters. As was said, my name is Symone Stout, and for those of you that don’t know me, it’s probably because for the last three years I have been at school at Brigham Young University-Idaho. I was asked to talk about the things I have learned about myself and what has helped me while attending school, and let me tell you, I have learned so much in those years, I don’t know if I will be able to fit them in the ten minutes given me. But I am going to try.

Never before have I learned so much about myself, through both life experiences and reading the scriptures, and especially in combining the two together. I’ve never been that successful in finding ways that the scriptures can be applied to my life, but these last few semesters have really given me the opportunity to find various ways that the scriptures can not only apply to my life, but help lift me up during difficult times.

One of the things that I learned is found in John 18:37. This reads, “Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” The line, “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world” says to me that Christ understood that He had a specific plan designed for him to follow while on the Earth. So, we need to know that we, also, have a plan to follow while on Earth, and we will find the greatest happiness as we work with our Heavenly Father to make sure we are on the right track. Never have I seen this principle as clearly as I do now. I have started to see how everything in my life is all part of a wondrous and detailed plan, and I am grateful that I am able to have a Heavenly Father who is willing to help me keep to the plan. Because of this realization, I have started to work harder at being a righteous Daughter of God, in order to be in tune with the spirit and to know what God wants me to do with my life. I have worked on fixing things in my life that I need to in order to truly be on the path that the Lord wants me to follow. This has helped me feel better about every trial I have gone through, and those trials that I will face later in life because I know it is part of my plan and that it will all work out.

Another thing that has helped me through my trials is Doctrine and Covenants 122. This whole section is very good, and very inspiring. It talks about when Joseph Smith was in the Cartherage Jail. He was very frustrated at all of the trials he was facing at the time and questioned God about the reasoning behind his obstacles. The last line of D&C 122:7 reads, “know thou, my son [and daughter], that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.” This has helped me the most. What a great way to look at trials, or any experience that we will go through. Although they may be difficult, if we remember that they are for our good, we will be better prepared for anything else life throws at us. If we start to look at things in this point of view, I am sure we will all be better able to get through life with our heads held high, ready for what the Lord will bring about.

A third thing that has opened my mind is a quote said by a classmate. Her mother used to tell her, "What's the point of being clean and modest on the outside when on the inside we are rotting?" Matthew 23:26-28 says, “cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also… Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye…indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of…all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” What an interesting thought. We can dress modestly, make sure we are clean and pure to anyone who is looking at us on the outside, but if we are unclean and impure on the inside, what will it matter? We must maintain clean thoughts, actions, and language at all times. How we act and think define who we are. Mosiah 4:30 gives more explanation on this principle. It reads, “But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.” If we want to be clean and pure, we must start from the inside.

As we become clean, we will feel as Joseph F. Smith did after his dream, which was discussed in a talk given by President Gordon B. Hinckley. While serving his mission in Hawaii, Joseph F. Smith had a dream where he was on a journey. He made it to his destination, but felt he needed to bathe and put on clean garments. After he did so, he went and knocked on a door, which opened to the Prophet Joseph Smith standing in the doorway. Joseph Smith looked at him and said, “Joseph, you are late” to which Joseph F. Smith replied, “Yes, but I am clean- I am clean!” Gordon B. Hinckley said, “His declaration ‘I am clean’ gave him self-assurance and courage in facing anyone or any situation. He received the strength that comes from a clear conscience.” When we become clean in our own lives, we, too, can feel of that strength and courage. We will feel more inclined to go to the Lord because we will feel clean and worthy to do so. A lot of times, as we sin, we don’t feel worthy or like we are able to talk to the Lord. But, we should know that that is the time we should talk to Him the most. And, as we make the needed changes in our lives, and as we become cleaner, we will begin to feel the desire to talk to Heavenly Father more so than ever before. I can testify to the truth of that.

One last thing that I have really taken to heart over the last little while is some advice given in 2 Nephi 32:3. This verse reads, “feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” I know that when my roommates and I tried our hardest to read our scriptures daily, and learn what the Lord wanted us to, the Spirit was stronger in our apartment. We all got along better, and were able to help one another more so than before. Brothers and sisters, the scriptures are true. They were given to us in order to help us and provide a way for us to learn what the Lord wants us to do. As we feast upon them and study them with an open mind and heart, we will be able to see those things that the Lord wants to teach us. We will be able to find those things that apply to our lives, and they will help strengthen us and increase our knowledge. It is possible to apply the holy writ to our lives and if we try, we will be able to draw closer to our Father in Heaven. I never saw that before, but ever since I have changed how I study my scriptures, everything has started to become clearer.

Now, this may not be EVERYTHING I have learned, but it does cover some of the important things.

I am so grateful that I have had the chance to learn all these things, and for the willingness I have had to apply them to my life. My life has changed over the last little while, but I feel so much better knowing that the Lord has provided a way for me to be on the path back to Him. I am grateful for the classes and experiences I have gone through, and I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I am grateful for my family, friends, and all the people Heavenly Father has placed into my life. I am grateful for the church, and for the spirit I receive every Sunday. I have a testimony of this gospel, that it is true. I know that the scriptures are true, and that trials and every day experiences are for our good. I know that the Lord is always listening, and is willing and ready to help us when we choose to ask for His help. I know that we will all be continually blessed as we read the scriptures, and follow the commandments of the Lord. I testify that this is true, and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

So, for the month of August...

2011-07-29T16:31:00.000-06:00

I will be participating in VEDA, or Vlog Every Day in August.

I am kinda worried I won't be good, but regardless, I am going to give it a shot.

Stepping out of my comfort zone...

Yikes...

One year ago today...

2011-07-26T09:55:00.000-06:00

was the day that I found out life would never be the same. It is amazing to me, though, at how much I have grown and developed in the last year. Instead of allowing life and trials to bring me down, I was actually raised up. I feel so much better about the life I am living, and I know that without my life going through that change one year ago, it never would have happened.

I am so grateful and humbled for the Lord's help over this last year. Never did I expect to be helped and lifted up so much, but He did. I am amazed by that.

I am grateful for the family and friends who didn't leave my side. You truly don't know how much I needed your support, and I am SO thankful that you were there for me.

While it's weird to think back to how things were a year ago, I am glad that things are different now. I am a different girl, one who has grown and knows EXACTLY what she wants. And she won't allow anything to get in the way of that.

One year ago today, my life took a turn that I never expected. But, overall, I am glad. Maybe one day you will be able to know what happened, but for now... Just know it was a change for the better.

Midnight Showing of Harry Potter!

2011-07-15T16:31:00.000-06:00

Even though yesterday turned out to be super hectic and not at ALL what I expected it to be... It ended up being a pretty great day. :]

2011-07-10T11:40:00.001-06:00

It's amazing when and how Heavenly Father answers prayers.

The Holy Ghost

2011-07-08T13:34:00.000-06:00

The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. He is important in the lives of all those who live on Earth, since the Holy Ghost helps to comfort and guide us all. He is a gift from the Lord to help us here on Earth.

In the book of John, the Savior tells us about what the Holy Ghost does, and what the disciples (and us) need to do in order to receive the Holy Ghost. John 14:15-17 teaches us that the Holy Ghost dwells and resides with us, and comforts us when we need to be comforted. John 14:26-27 shows us that the Holy Ghost teaches us all things, brings all things to our remembrance, and helps us have peace. John 15:26-27 shows us that the Holy Ghost testifies to us of Christ. John 16:7-8 tells us that the Holy Ghost is around to reprove the world of sin, righteousness, and justice. In John 16:13-14, it is told that the Holy Ghost is there to guide us to all truth. All of these verses help us to know what the Holy Ghost can do, and how He can help us here on Earth. In order to have Him in our lives, we need to have faith in the Lord, trust in Him, get baptized, and live a life worthy to have the Holy Ghost reside with us at all times.

“The gift of the Holy Ghost adapts itself to all these organs or attributes. It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being. In the presence of such persons, one feels to enjoy the light of their countenances, as the genial rays of a sunbeam. Their very atmosphere diffuses a thrill, a warm glow of pure gladness and sympathy, to the heart and nerves of others who have kindred feelings, or sympathy of spirit.” (Pratt, Key to the Science of Theology, p. 101.) This quote was taken from the Institute Student Manual for New Testament. This quote helps to show that, not only can the Holy Ghost do those things that are talked about in the scriptures, but the Holy Ghost can help all of us reach our highest potential. The Holy Ghost can help us all become what Heavenly Father wants us to be, our greatest selves.

After Christ died, the Holy Ghost was brought to the Apostles to help them fulfill their missions after the Savior's death and resurrection. The Holy Ghost helped by testifying that Christ had risen from the dead and had been resurrected. The Holy Ghost also helped the Apostles be able to share what they knew to be true with others, and they would feel the power of the Holy Ghost within them, and those who were listening to the Apostles would know it was true, as well.

The Holy Ghost has helped me in my life so much, especially recently. I know that the Holy Ghost blessed me with comfort during the last few months. He has helped me feel of the Savior's love for me, and has helped me know that I will get through the tough times. The Holy Ghost has also testified to me of the truth of all the things I have learned and continue to learn about at church, and I know that as long as I continue to live my life worthily, the Holy Ghost will always be there to comfort me, testify of the truth of things to me, and will help me feel the Lord's love, especially during times of discomfort. I am grateful that I have had the chance to receive the Holy Ghost, and have made the changes I have in order to keep this gift with me all the time.

This is my boyfriend.

2011-07-08T12:03:00.000-06:00

I kinda like him a lot. :]

The Institution of the Sacrament

2011-06-30T22:37:00.003-06:00

The Sacrament is a very important aspect of our Gospel. It is taken every week in order to take the time to think about where we stand, and remember the Lord’s sacrifice for us. But there is much more to the Sacrament than just partaking of it.

“The Savior instituted the Sacrament the night before He was crucified, near the time of the Passover celebration. Many centuries earlier, the feast of the Passover had been instituted to help the children of Israel remember when the destroying angel “passed over” their houses and delivered them from Egyptian bondage (see Exodus 12:21-28; 13:14-15). The blood of the unblemished Passover lamb that saved ancient Israel was a symbol of the blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who redeemed all mankind.” (Taken from assignment sheet.) This explanation helps lead to us seeing relationships between both the Passover and the Atonement of Christ, and the Sacrament and the Atonement.

There is a relationship between the Passover and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The Passover was the ordinance of sacrifice that others did before Christ came. They sacrificed an unblemished lamb whose blood saved ancient Israel. When Christ came, His Atonement took over the Passover. So, He was the last sacrifice. From then on, instead of doing the Passover, the Sacrament was done.

There is a relationship between the Sacrament and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The Sacrament is the symbolism of the Lord’s Atonement. It is the ordinance done today that helps us remember the Lord’s sacrifice for us all, and helps us to remember to follow the commandments in order to allow the Lord’s sacrifice to not be for nothing.

The Sacrament is the eating of bread and drinking of water that stand as symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. John 4:13-14; 6:48-53 adds to the understanding of the symbolism of bread and water. The water is a representation of the living water. As we drink of the living water, we will never thirst and will receive everlasting life. The bread is a representation of the bread of life. As we eat the bread, we will not die. This bread came from heaven. The Lord was the bread of life and the living water. He came from Heaven in order to help us, His brothers and sisters, to make our way back to Heaven. If we eat of His “flesh” and drink of His “blood”, known as taking the sacrament, then we will receive eternal life, which is what these scriptures were explaining.

We are commanded to partake of the Sacrament weekly in order to help us remember the Lord. This is a part of our testimony to the Father that we remember Christ, and if we remember Christ we can always have His spirit to be with us. Mosiah 5:13 applies to this because we need to remember the Lord in order to truly serve Him. If we don’t remember the Lord at all times, we aren’t really serving Him.

In the Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew 26:26 and 28, we learn that the Sacrament is done in remembrance of the Lord. He died for all those who believe on His name, for a remission of our sins. We need to do all that the Lord did while He was on Earth, and bear record of Him. Within the additions and corrections for these verses, the word ‘ransom’ is used. Ransom means a consideration paid or demanded for the release of someone or something from captivity. Properly partaking of the Sacrament (also known as taking it worthily) ransoms us because the Lord died to save us from captivity. If we are keeping the commandments and worthily taking the Sacrament, we will be saved. We will gain eternal life, which is what Christ wishes to give us.

While taking the Sacrament, I have a list of things I would like to remember. I would like to keep in mind that the Lord suffered and died for me, personally. I need to remember that the Lord wants me to think of Him always, and He wants me to do those things that He did while on this Earth. I also need to work on being worthy every time I take the Sacrament, and if I do all this, I will be blessed.

The Sacrament is a great blessing in my life. Every week, it reminds me of all the things that I need to do in order to gain the blessings the Lord wants me to have. Whenever I start my week off with taking the Sacrament, everything is better and easier to endure. I love this Gospel and the strength and blessings I receive from believing in it.

Thoughts from a Classmate

2011-06-25T01:51:00.002-06:00

"What's the point of being clean and modest on the outside when on the inside we are rotting?"

We must maintain clean thoughts, actions, and language at all times. How we act and think define who we are.

Preparing for the Savior's Second Coming

2011-06-24T21:17:00.002-06:00

In order to help us prepare for His Second Coming, the Lord has placed various signs to watch for within the scriptures. In Mark 13, here are many verses that have signs that the Lord has made sure to give us. Included are the Lord’s request for us to watch for times when people will deceive us (v. 5), His request for us to be prepared to share our testimonies in front of those who may not believe us (v. 9), and His request for us to prepare for His coming at all times, since we don’t know the time of His arrival (vs. 33, 35, and 37). All of these are here to help us be better prepared for when the Lord comes, so we need to heed to this advice.

Not only is advice given in the New Testament to help us, but the Lord has provided more words of advice for us in the Doctrine and Covenants, and in the Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew. In D&C 87:8, the Lord says that we need to stand in holy places and be not moved. In JST-Matt. 1:32, He says that we will see the abomination of desolation be fulfilled. In JST-Matt. 1:37, the Lord says that if we treasure up His word, we won’t be deceived. In JST-Matt. 1:46-50, it is said that we need to be prepared at all times, because no one knows when He will come. If we are prepared, then we don’t need to fear. In D&C 33:17, the Lord advises us to be faithful and pray always. In D&C 45:56-57, the Lord says that we need to be wise, and receive His truth. We must also have the Holy Ghost as our guide, and we need to work hard to not be deceived.

The Lord doesn’t want to come to a world full of people unprepared. He wants to make sure that we are as prepared as we can be when He comes. That is why He has provided us with signs and advice. As long as we take this advice and use it well, we will have no need to fear. His love of us all will save us. We just need to do our part. As long as we study the scriptures, and follow His requests, we will not be surprised at the signs that arise.

It's Father's Day.

2011-06-19T11:40:00.000-06:00

I have the best daddy in the world. I know, I know. EVERYONE says that. But, I really do mean it.

His love for me has never gone missing. Even when I wasn't doing the right things, or when I was struggling with making the right decisions, he still loved me and cared for me. He still showed that love. He had patience with me. And, when I needed it most, he gave me precious advice.

Every year for Girl's Camp, my dad would write me letters. One letter for every day that I would be away. In the letters, he wrote spiritual things, scriptures that he felt I should study that day, and he would bear his testimony. This last year, when I went through my life changing experience, he wrote me letters that had basically the same idea. I keep every letter received, and I treasure the fact that my father took the time to do that for me.

My dad is a holder of the priesthood. I so greatly appreciate the fact that he is a worthy holder of this great power, because I know that he is able to give me father's blessings whenever I ask. The priesthood is a wonderful blessing to me, and I am glad that I was able to see how my dad treats that power.

My father is the example I look to now when focusing on finding MY future eternal companion. He is a great leader, a wonderful man who helps when asked, and he loves all. He is a spiritual person, always worthy of the priesthood, and he always tells me the corniest jokes, which I love.

I love my daddy. I love that I will be able to call him my father from now into eternity. He will always be my daddy, and I love love love him.

Happy Father's Day, daddy. Thanks for being the best daddy ever. <3

The Widow's Mites

2011-06-17T21:45:00.000-06:00

In Mark 12:41-44, we are told the story of the widow who gives a gift of two mites into the treasury. While, to many others, it may not have seemed like a lot, it truly was a lot to offer. The widow truly gave all that she had when placing those mites into the treasury, and she did so because she loved the Lord more so than anything else. She understood the true meaning of loving God with all your might. Loving the Lord is the first great commandment. As we follow this, we are able to do so much more in our life. She truly sacrificed all she had.

Even though the widow gave less money than the wealthier people, she gave her all. This was an acceptable offering to the Lord because the widow didn't hold back. While she may not have had a lot, she understood the importance of giving back to the Lord, and she did so with what she could. Those who were wealthier held back, and didn't give what they should have, because of greed and pride. The widow didn't show signs of these. She had faith, love, and understanding. By having all those, the Lord was able to see that, while this may have been a huge sacrifice in the widow's life, she truly loved Him, and wanted to give back. 2 Nephi 25:23 applies to this because, at the end of the verse, it states, "... it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." The widow did all she could do, and that is all the Lord asks of us.

Besides the donation of money, I, personally, can sacrifice my time in order to do the things the Lord wants me to do. This will help me better follow the widow's example of sacrifice and obedience because I will be sacrificing more of what I have for the Lord, and showing my love to Him by doing so.

There is a lot we can learn from this story, and we should take the things that we learn and apply them to our lives. I know I plan to do so, from now on.

Pretty Darn Close to the Best Sunday Ever.

2011-06-12T13:24:00.000-06:00

As I sit here in a fort made of chairs and blankets, watching the extended edition of The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, and think back on today, I can't help but be happy.

My little sisters are no longer little anymore. They turned 16 today, and I can't believe how fast time is flying by. My sisters are such amazing young women, full of love and hope. They are such wonderful examples to me, and I look up to them more than they probably know. I know that things have been rough for the two of them over the last few months, but I know that things will be okay as long as they stick to what they believe, and how they act. I love them so much, and I wish them the best on this wonderful birthday.

I am endorsed for next semester, and can soon register. I also got a temple recommend, so now I can go and do baptisms for the dead once again. I am SO excited about this! I haven't gone to the temple for a LONG time, and now I get to go again, and I am so so so so happy.

All in all, this is pretty darn close to being the best Sunday ever. Only a few things could make it THE best Sunday ever, but I am okay with it being close.

I hope each and every one of you has an AMAZING Sunday!

Today, while talking to Cleverbot.

2011-06-11T19:40:00.000-06:00

Cleverbot: Levicorpus. Sectumsempra. Imperio. Expelliarmus. Expecto patronum. Wingardium leviosa. Crucio. Muffliato. Diffindo. Lumnos. Flippendo. Avada kedavra.

Me: Did you just kill me?

Cleverbot: Yes, harry potter style baby.

Me: Well played, well played.

Parables and Accounts that teach Eternal Truths

2011-06-10T00:01:00.002-06:00

Every parable that is taught within the scriptures is used as a way to show others eternal truths. Within a few chapters of Luke (16-18), many parables are taught that are meant to help us gain knowledge on various eternal truths.

In Luke 16:1-12, the Parable of the Unjust Steward is given. The truth that should be learned from this parable is that we should start to prepare for an eternal future, one after death, instead of the Earthly future most people will prepare for. As we do this, we can increase our faith in the Lord and not worry as much about the worldly things.

In Luke 16:19-31, the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus was given. The truth we should learn from this is that, in the world after this life, there are two separate places, paradise and spirit prison. But, even though there are two places, Christ bridged the gap between them in order to help those in spirit prison find their way to paradise.

In Luke 17:11-19, the Parable of the Ten Lepers was given. We learn that all are equal in the sight of God, and we need faith in Him in order to truly be healed. Once we are healed, we should thank our Heavenly Father, and become humble before Him.

In Luke 18:1-8, the Parable of the Unjust Judge is given. We can learn, from this parable, that the Lord wants us to pray, and to not expect to be so easily forgiven in order to stay away from those things that made us sin in the first place.

In Luke 18:9-14, the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican is given. The eternal truth that can be learned from this parable is that we need to be humble as we pray, and not look at self-righteousness as an assurance that we are doing all that is right. God wants us to be humble, meek, and submissive.

All of these truths can help us learn those things that will help us grow and become a better Child of God, if we allow the truths to help us. The Lord has given us these parables to learn from, so we need to take the time and effort to study them and find what the Lord wants to teach us. As we do so, we can increase our faith and love in the Gospel, and in the Savior.

Holy Crap.

2011-06-07T14:25:00.002-06:00

I said no. I said I wasn't ready. That may have been the first time I have EVER done that.

I feel great!

Found on StumbleUpon

2011-06-04T23:56:00.001-06:00

A Disciple of Christ

2011-06-03T14:05:00.000-06:00

Throughout various chapters in Luke (chapters 10-14), we learn various things that we need to do in order to become a disciple of Christ, and what can be considered costs in becoming a disciple of Christ. The list that I made is this.

What we need to do to become a disciple of Christ

Study and hear the words of the Lord.
Pray the correct way.
Give all that you can give.
Ask, seek, and knock.
Treasure up the things of the Lord, not of the world.
Have faith.
Seek the kingdom of God.
Be prepared.
Enter in the straight gate.

Counting the costs

Letting things of the world go.
Becoming prepared at every time.
Placing your trust in the Lord's hands.

One of the things that I know I can work on, out of the things listed above, is studying and hearing the words of the Lord. I have always had a somewhat difficult time with reading my scriptures on a daily basis. While I have gotten better at it, it is still something that I have always struggled with. I know that, by reading the scriptures every day, I will feel closer to the Lord and I will be able to know what things the Lord wants to tell me. This will help me know the different things that I need to work on in order to be more on the path towards the Lord, and will help me find the goodness that exists every day in my life.

But, even with this all, there is one main thing that is ultimately required to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. This is to give up all that we are for the Lord. All worldly things, all things that aren't important in the long run need to be given up in order to truly get closer to the Lord. While it may be something difficult to do, it is what is required in order to truly become a disciple of Christ. And I hope to work harder on being a disciple of Christ.

Dear Body,

2011-06-01T18:45:00.000-06:00

I know that you like to go through the occasional freak out every once in a while, but this back pain is pretty bad. It has been going on for a few days now, and I would appreciate it if it would stop. Please take my request into consideration.

Thanks,

Symone

Wanna know something great?

2011-05-31T23:43:00.000-06:00

I ran into an old friend (well, more like an old Girl's Camp Counselor) while down in Utah this last weekend. Like, literally saw her a few minutes before I was supposed to leave Orem. And she looked at me and said, "You look happy. Are you happy?"

Wanna know something great?

I could honestly say, with no hesitation in my voice, that I AM happy. It is the greatest feeling in the whole world.

I.

Am.

Happy.

And I love this feeling.

Miracles

2011-05-27T20:04:00.002-06:00

In Matthew 17:14-21, the scriptures tell us of a time when Christ healed the son of a man who had a devil within him. The man said that he had brought his son to Christ’s disciples, but that none of them could cast out the devil. Christ did, and the son was cured. Afterwards, the disciples asked why they were unable to cast the devil out from the boy. Christ said that their unbelief led to them not being able to do this thing. He also said that they needed faith, prayer, and fasting in order to gain back the belief and be able to cast out devils again.

There are many times when miracles don’t occur for various reasons. Sometimes, those reasons are because we need to change something in our life, and make it better. We can learn about different things that are needed to bring miracles about within the scriptures. In 3 Nephi 18:20, we learn that we need to have the belief that if we ask of things that are righteous, the Lord will provide a way for us to have them. That belief will help us bring miracles to pass. In Doctrine and Covenants 50:29, we learn that we that we need to repent and be cleansed from all sin in order for miracles to come, both in our lives and in the lives of others. In Doctrine and Covenants 42:48, we learn that faith is needed at all times if miracles are to come. There are many different instances within the scriptures were we can learn about the different things that are needed to allow miracles to show in our lives.

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with various other religions, we can see miracles every day. Some are small and simple, some are larger. But they continually happen, even today. We just need to have faith that the Lord will allow those miracles to occur according to His will, time, and allowance. As long as we have faith, are clean, and are willing to believe in miracles, they will happen. We just need to trust the Lord, and the rest will come. :]

2011-05-26T00:35:00.000-06:00

Can't help but feel like every memory that we had in the past two years literally means nothing now.

Well, that's okay.

I am better off without you anyway.

And I am going to China.

So HA!

I love reading inspiring things.

2011-05-22T14:00:00.000-06:00

Last night, I was on StumbleUpon (Chelsie, Jillise and Trish... I am now hooked. Ugh.), and I stumbled upon this link.

http://www.theinspirationtree.com/

Honestly, go and read some of the posts that have been written. They truly are inspiring.

Walking on the Sea

2011-05-20T17:34:00.002-06:00

In Matthew 14, there are a few verses that talk about Christ walking on the sea. How the apostles reacted was with fear and trouble when they first saw Him walking. They didn’t seem to believe that it could be real, that Christ could walk on water and not drown. Since they didn’t have an understanding, they believe that Christ was just a spirit who was there to freak them out, in a way. But, when Christ said that it was him, and that they shouldn’t be afraid, they started to show more faith. Peter did this with his response to finding out it was Christ walking towards their boat. He believed in Christ, and had faith in Him, and said that if it truly was Christ, then He should allow Peter to walk to Him. Christ did, and Peter walked a little way closer to Christ, but then he saw the wind and how the water was reacting to the wind, and began to be afraid. Because of this, Peter began to sink. When Peter started to sink, he called out to Christ and asked to be saved by Christ. Christ immediately reached out His hand to bring Peter up out of the water, showing the timing Jesus used to respond to Peter’s request. Walking on the sea is something that many people don’t understand, and can’t seem to grasp. Even today.

In D&C 88:67, a principle that can be found is that those who are filled with light can comprehend all things. You can become filled with light by having faith in the Gospel and the things the Lord wants of us. Since Peter had faith, he was able to somewhat comprehend how to walk on water, and that is why he was able to walk on water, even if it was for just a little bit. In order to get through the storms of life, we need that faith. We need to be filled with the light of the Lord in order to see that the storms we go through are actually for our benefit. Faith, hope and love truly will help us get through everything. I have been working on this for a while, and I love it. I love having the faith necessary to see the good in absolutely EVERYTHING that is thrown at me. Life truly is amazing, and it is a huge blessing to be given the chance to live this life.

Don't Leave It On The Desk.

2011-05-18T10:43:00.000-06:00

There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States .

Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course their freshman year, regardless of his or her major.

Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.

This year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class.

One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him. "How many push-ups can you do?" Steve said, "I do about 200 every night." "200? That's pretty good, Steve," Dr. Christianson said. "Do you think you could do 300?" Steve replied, "I don't know.... I've never done 300 at a time." "Do you think you could?" again asked Dr. Christianson. "Well, I can try," said Steve. "Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it," said the professor. Steve said, "Well... I think I can...yeah, I can do it."

Dr. Christianson said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday.. Let me explain what I have in mind."

Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. No, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend witha party in Dr. Christianson's class.

Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?"

Cynthia said, "Yes."

Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?"

"Sure!" Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk.

Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a donut?"

Joe said, "Yes." Dr. Christianson asked, "Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?"

Steve did ten push-ups, Joe got a donut. And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their donut.

Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship..

When the professor asked, "Scott do you want a donut?"

Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own push-ups?"

Dr. Christianson said, "No, Steve has to do them."

Then Scott said, "Well, I don't want one then."

Dr... Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?"

With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten push-ups.

Scott said, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!"

Dr.. Christianson said, "Look! This is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it." And he put a donut on Scott's desk.

Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow.

Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr.. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?"

Sternly, Jenny said, "No."

Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?" Steve did ten....

Jenny got a donut.

By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say, "No!" and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks..

Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.

Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert count the set and watch Steve closely.

Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row.. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students inthe room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.

Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set.

Steve asked Dr. Christianson, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?"

Dr. Christianson thought for a moment, "Well, they're your push-ups. You are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want." And Dr. Christianson went on.

A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don't come in! Stay out!"

Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come."

Professor Christianson said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push-ups for him?"

Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut."

Dr. Christianson said, "Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?"

Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. "Yes," he said, "give me a donut."

"Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?"

Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.

Dr Christianson finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. By this time sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavybreathing; there was not a dry eye in the room..

The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a doughnut?"

Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you."

Professor Christianson quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?"

Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda.

Then Dr. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a donut?"

Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?"

Dr Christianson, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone; I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not.. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push-ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes."

"Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?"

As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.

Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said, "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, 'Into thy hands I commend my spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten. "

Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile. "

Well done, good and faithful servant," said the professor, adding, "Not all sermons are preached in words."

Turning to his class, the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not His Only Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever. Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid."

"Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?"

Makes you think, doesn't it? I know it made me think.

I freaking love my sister, for reals.

2011-05-16T21:18:00.000-06:00

Picture message from sister:

If I went to cannibalism, I would eat him for dessert.

I literally laughed out loud. Love it.

I am proud of myself.

2011-05-16T10:44:00.000-06:00

I have been sticking up for myself, what I believe, and how I feel things should be lately. That is why I am out here in Rexburg, to learn how to do that. And I am finally getting it down. I haven't been the best at doing that as I have grown up, but I am starting to get better. And I LOVE IT!

Parables

2011-05-12T10:03:00.000-06:00

What are parables? My own definition is: a parable is a comparison between something spiritual and something worldly. Using this comparison, we can learn about spiritual things in an easy way if we choose to learn about them. Parables are also an easy way to teach many people something. Many different religions use parables as a way to teach their followers. Christ did it during His time on the Earth. Using those different parables, found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, we can learn the different things that the Lord wanted to make sure His people knew.

We can also use those parables to answer different questions. If you wanted to find the answer to describe the future growth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you would just have to read the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven. If you wanted to find the answer to why the Church sends out so many missionaries, then you'd just have to read the parable of the gospel net. If you wanted to know why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has grown remarkably even though it is fairly new compared to most world religions, then you could read the parable of the mustard seed in order to find the answer. If you wanted to know why some of the members of the Church are willing to sacrifice so much in order to maintain membership in the church, the parable of the treasure and the pearl of great price can lead you to that answer. And if you wanted to know why some members of the Church choose to leave it, the parable of the tares can help explain why. Even in today's world, these parables are things that can help us learn and grow spiritually.

The parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46) talk about sacrificing all you have in order to gain that treasure in your life. The Gospel of Christ is compared to the treasure or the pearl. In order to obtain that treasure in my life, I would be willing to sacrifice whatever was necessary in order to keep hold of this treasure. My schooling, my time and trips I am planning to make, my housing, my car, my friends, whatever was necessary in order to keep hold of this wonderful treasure, especially since I have a knowledge of how amazing this Gospel truly is. Some of the sacrifices my family made included giving up some of their worldly possessions and worldly objects that they enjoyed in order to truly take hold of the Gospel and allow it to bless their lives.

In the parable of the net cast into sea (Matthew 13:47), I believe that the net represents both the Church and the fact that so many different kinds of people all around the world have been "gathered" into it, and the word of Christ and how many different people can believe it. To be gathered in the net can be to learn the different lessons of the Church, and believe it. This can also mean to become one with one another, and work with each other in order to become a better people. The representation that is brought by the gathering the good into vessels and casting the bad away is, essentially, to make sure that those who are true followers of Christ and His Gospel are kept safe and blessed, while those who aren't followers of Christ don't have power over those who are, and aren't as blessed. But, these are just my thoughts.

Parables are a great way to teach someone principles of the Church, and helped me growing up better understand the different things that I needed to understand in order to be better prepared for the more in depth things I would be taught later on in my life.

Thoughts for the day.

2011-05-11T12:24:00.000-06:00

I really don't know if my life can get any more beautiful.

Amongst the turmoil, the temptations, the mistakes, and the regrets...

There is love.

That love has never left my side.

So, although the plans didn't turn out as I thought that they would, and everything that I had planned on occurring has basically fallen to the wayside, I have the chance to make new plans. To do new things. To not be held back. And, I have the chance to love again.

And for that, I am grateful.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T11:38:00.000-06:00

This is my mom and I when I was a baby. Cute, huh? My mom was hot. That's all.

Dear Mommy,

Honestly, I love you. I have never been more sure that you and I chose each other in the Pre-Existence than I am now. This last year has been hard. I know that it has. Actually, the past 20+ years have been hard. But I am so grateful that Heavenly Father allowed the two of us to be together for time and all eternity. You are such a big blessing in my life, and I am so grateful that you are my mom. You have shown such love, compassion, patience and acceptance than I could have ever asked for. You have always been a friend to me, and always will be. I know there were times in my life where I acting like a lame-o and kept you out of my life. But, you still stuck by my side, and tried to help me to the best of your ability, and I love you for that. Times have been tough, but even through it all, you have never stopped loving me or anyone else. You are so willing to help others, even if it takes away from things you want to be doing. You always were at school, and I loved that. Thank you for being such a wonderful example to me. You are someone that I want to be like when I have kids. You truly are my hero, mom, and I want you to know that I love you.

Always,

Your first daughter.

This is a more recent picture of us... if you consider recent over 3 years ago. Hahaha but now, my mom is smokin'!

Love you, mom. Always and forever.

Something that I truly believe.

2011-05-01T18:06:00.000-06:00

I believe, and know, that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know me, personally and individually. They know the intents of my heart, my thoughts, and how I am truly feeling. They know what I need to go through in order to become strong. They know how to guide and direct me in order to stay on the path back to Them. That, no matter what, They will always love me always. No matter what mistakes I make, what sins I commit, what things I do in my life, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will love me and try their hardest in order to get me to be the best person I can be. And that is what I have been working on.

Being the best person I can be.

I am grateful for this knowledge, and for knowing that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will always be there for me. I am so very blessed, and can't believe the great things that I have been given in this life.

What a beautiful life.

The Baptism of Christ

2011-04-29T11:59:00.000-06:00

The baptism of Christ is an important event that occurred, for everyone on this Earth. Not only did Christ get baptized to humble Himself before the Father, and be obedient in keeping His commandments, but also to be an example to all those who would come after Him, and to show men the straightness and narrowness of the way back to Heavenly Father. John, though, was hesitant to baptize Jesus Christ. The reason why John was so hesitant was because he understood that Christ was greater than he was, and John didn’t see any real reason why Christ would need to be baptized, so he was hesitant. But Christ knew the importance of getting baptized, and had John do it. After Christ was baptized, the Holy Ghost descended upon Him like a dove. There are many things that we can learn about the Holy Ghost. Those things include the fact that the Holy Ghost is a personage, and is in the form of a personage. The “descending like a dove” signified the truth of the matter, and the validity of the Holy Ghost to John. That baptism of Christ helped to show and prove, in a way, that the three members of the Godhead are really separate beings. The Father spoke from Heaven, Christ was baptized by John, and the Holy Ghost descended from Heaven AFTER Christ was baptized. This baptism helped to create a precedence of how we should be getting baptized. And not because someone here on Earth tells us to get baptized, but because it is a commandment from Heavenly Father. I am grateful for Christ's example, and the love He showed to us by making sure to follow all God's commandments.

The Priesthood is Amazing.

2011-04-28T21:40:00.000-06:00

You ever get the feeling that you have done something right, but you just want the confirmation from Heavenly Father?

I did. And I got a blessing from a worthy Priesthood holder who said the exact things that I needed to hear.

I am so grateful for the Priesthood in my life, and for those who hold it worthily, and for the things I was told from Heavenly Father.

How some people talk about their relationships really worries me.

2011-04-23T20:44:00.000-06:00

Like, think about it. If you are in a relationship with someone, you should be fully committed to them, right? You shouldn't want any other girls, you shouldn't want to talk to any other girls, and your feelings of love and emotions of the same sort should be directed to them, not someone else. Right?

At least, that is what I think. And I have heard one too many guys here at school that have had girlfriends, but have "pursued" other girls. I mean, come on. Not only are you playing with the heart of BOTH girls, but you are only hurting yourself. Imagine the pain that you are causing, the hurt that is being felt by one of the girls, if not both.

And, I know, girls do the same thing. Date one guy, but still go after another one.

Come on! You are supposed to be in a relationship. If you aren't happy in the relationship, why are you still in it?

Sorry, I know I am rambling. This is just... something that really bugs me.

What are your opinions on it?

John the Baptist: His Birth and Mission while on Earth

2011-04-23T12:54:00.002-06:00

In Luke 1:14, Zacharias was told that joy and gladness would come about because of his son, John’s, birth. He was also told that many people would rejoice at his birth. Many people would rejoice because, not only was John the Baptist born to prepare the way of the Lord, but his testimony and teachings would help others be prepared to accept the Lord and be a better people. Zacharias was told of John’s mission before John was born by the angel Gabriel. This shows that Heavenly Father had foreordained John to this work while he resided here on Earth. While in the womb, John knew who the Lord was, and who Mary, his mother, was even before birth, leaping in Elisabeth’s womb at the sound of Mary’s voice (Luke 1:41). Because of this, Heavenly Father blessed him with the chance to grow and wax strong in spirit (Luke 1:80). John prepared the way of the Savior, baptizing many and preaching about the Lord for many months, and then he baptized Christ. His testimony of Christ and of the Gospel, and his faith helped many others come unto Christ and be edified in him. He wasn’t jealous when people started to follow Christ more than him, because he saw the importance of Christ’s work, and knew that all was how it should be. I believe that the reason why people would rejoice over John the Baptist is because he was someone who showed strong faith and had an unwavering testimony of the truth. Many people throughout his lifetime would look up to him, and be thankful for the example he was. Because of this, great joy and thankfulness would be spread throughout the land, even to this day. I am so thankful for John the Baptist, and for the example he is, and continues to be today.

I need a set schedule.

2011-04-21T13:59:00.000-06:00

I do. Sleeping in until 10 o'clock every morning, while nice, is NOT what I should be doing. I should be out and about. So, here's what I am thinking...

9:00 AM- Wake up
9:30 AM- Go for a run (either on the treadmill or outside)
10:30ish AM- Take a shower
11:00 AM- Go to Trishy's with my laptop and work on homework
2:00 PM- Take a break from homework
3:00 PM- Do more homework, if needed.

All of this in tentative, and could change at all times... Hahahaha
What do you guys think? Is there a better schedule I should follow?
LOVES

Start of a new semester...

2011-04-18T21:33:00.001-06:00

We'll see how it goes.

New photography project

2011-04-13T13:17:00.000-06:00

I have an idea for a photography project. I am SO excited about it. I just have to buy a letter game, either Scrabble or Bananagrams.

My idea is titled "Love is..." and I will be placing the letters to spell out what love is at various places. On a park bench, on a kitchen counter, etc. I hope it works out the way I am picturing it!

Anyone know where I can buy one of the above listed games?

Hi All

2011-04-12T19:36:00.001-06:00

In case you didn't know, I am a picky eater. Like, extremely. And I don' really like when my food is touching...

But, when my grandma gives me a bowl of rice and chicken that would normally be separated, but aren't... I have to eat it. Or my grandma will not be happy.

I love my grandma. :]

What is love to you?

2011-04-09T21:26:00.001-06:00

Readers of my blog, PLEASE let me know!

I have an idea for a project! :]

This is my family.

2011-04-08T22:30:00.001-06:00

I absolutely love them. :]

2011-04-07T14:40:00.002-06:00

I was given this life because I am the only one strong enough to live it. So don't judge me, because if you were in my place you wouldn't survive.

Dear you,

2011-04-06T09:43:00.001-06:00

Yes, you.

STAY OUT OF MY DREAMS!

Sincerely,

Misao

Someone Like You

2011-04-06T00:00:00.000-06:00

"Never mind, I'll find someone like you,

I wish nothing but the best for you, too,

Don't forget me, I beg,

I remember you said,

"Sometimes it lasts in love,

But sometimes it hurts instead."

I love my little sister.

2011-04-05T22:29:00.001-06:00

"When all else fails, remember that this girl and Jesus love you(:"

Spring is coming...

2011-04-04T13:10:00.000-06:00

And with it comes a lot of changes in my life.

I will be living at Northgate, which are some of the newer apartments here in Rexburg. AND I will be moving into an apartment alone. I won't be living with girls that I have known before, I will be living with all new girls.

And I am kind of freaking out.

I will be in a new ward, which I am super excited about. And I am ready for a new adventure.

I just got accepted, and I am going to CHINA! AHH!!! You have no idea how happy this makes me. For reals. I am going through an organization called ILP. Super stoked.

I have friends from back home coming out to school, I have a car, and I have big plans for next semester. Especially when it comes to my photography. I will be using a lot of time to really work on it, and get better at it. I can't wait!

While there are many changes coming, I know that good will come from it.

Alright, friends. Thanks for letting me vent for a little while. I love you all.

I love finding new clothes!!

2011-04-01T10:27:00.000-06:00

And new jewlery that I can look at and wish I owned... Anyways, moving on.

Sydney from The Daybook is doing giveaways today, and the places that are allowing her to do giveaways are just AMAZING!

Like... Gussy Sews. Seriously, go look at this stuff. I want to buy something.

Or... Adri Apparel. Look at this hoodie. And these earrings. Seriously, I want.

Will I get these? Probably not. But it doesn't hurt to look at them. :]

Within the next few days...

2011-04-01T00:53:00.001-06:00

I am going on a Photo Adventure.

Even if I have finals to do.

Even if I have no time.

Even if I would rather just sit at home and do nothing.

I need to get out and take pictures of the world around me. I need to practice my photography. I want to see the beauty in this town called Rexburg.

I need a Photo Adventure.

Don't Stay Silent.

2011-04-01T00:07:00.000-06:00

"The strategies of the Enemy to deceive, attack, and distract are made even more effective if he can divide us from one another. Division comes in many forms—contention, disunity, gossip, backbiting. But perhaps the most insidious is silence.

The principle of silence, or the code of silence, in the face of evil has been the foundation of secret combinations and the works of darkness since Cain murdered Abel. Please turn with me to Moses, chapter 5, verse 29:

And Satan said unto Cain: Swear unto me by thy throat, and if thou tell it thou shalt die; and swear thy brethren by their heads, and by the living God, that they tell it not; for if they tell it, they shall surely die; and this that thy father may not know it; and this day I will deliver thy brother Abel into thine hands.13

Wherever we find secret combinations, we find the code of silence. But silence has also become part of the culture of society.

The Savior taught us about silence in the parable of the Good Samaritan.14 When the priest and the Levite came upon a wounded man by the side of the road, they were silent. They took no action to help, nor did they tell anyone of the man in trouble. The Samaritan, in contrast, spoke in word and deed. He bandaged the man’s wounds and took him to an inn. The Samaritan told the innkeeper about the wounded man and arranged for his care.

The man by the road represents so many of our brothers and sisters, so many of us wounded by the perils of mortal life and the battles of the Great War. And yet, in our modern society, the Enemy has spread fear of getting involved when someone is in trouble and has fostered a social stigma that attaches to people who speak up in the face of evil. The Enemy whispers, “Don’t get involved; it’s not your problem. Don’t tell; you will be a tattletale.”

Here is an example: a lonely, confused young man gets addicted to pornography by first starting with the wrong movies and then edging into material that is increasingly sleazy, vile, and immoral. He stops going to church, and there is darkness in his eyes. The young man is spiritually wounded on the battlefield of the Great War. His roommates know. But they are silent. They do nothing to help him, and they say nothing to him or to anyone else as he descends into an earthly hell until he is bound in the chains of awful addiction.

Oh, brothers and sisters, don’t leave the wounded on the battlefield! Stick together. You don’t need to be a more “righteous-than-thou” person. We are all sinners. We all have troubles. We have all been wounded spiritually. But you who have felt the redeeming power of Christ, you who know His love and His grace, you know He can heal all wounds. If you reach out in a spirit of love and humility, you can help the spiritually wounded find the Savior. If you need to, call for the medics: talk to your bishop, call the Dean of Students, tell someone who can do something that you have a friend in trouble. Don’t be silent. Don’t leave the wounded on the battlefield!"

President Kim B. Clark

I have never been okay with failing a class.

2011-03-31T22:12:00.000-06:00

Ever. In fact, I have only failed one class ever in my whole life. ONE CLASS! And, because of that class, I have been working my butt off to try and get my GPA to be better.

I actually have worked enough to bring my GPA up to a 3.2. I am very proud of that.

But, here's the thing. I am fairly certain (like 85% sure) that I will fail one of my classes this semester.

85% SURE!

And, I don't care... In fact, I am somewhat okay with failing it.

Is that bad?

Okay, for reals.

2011-03-30T10:21:00.001-06:00

I need to start getting work done. The end of the semester is in just over one week. ONE WEEK! How did I get back into this mess of not wanting to do work?! I need to get out of this funk, or I will NOT, I repeat, NOT do well on my finals.

Oh, please help me find a way to concentrate.

Loves <3

Isn't my brother a stud?

2011-03-23T21:52:00.000-06:00

So, my brother is now in the Provo MTC. We are so excited for him, but sad at the same time.

He is so excited to go! He is going to Puerto Rico on his mission, which is where my mom is from. Crazy stuff, huh?!

I miss him already, but I know that he will do well. :]

Good luck, Elder Stout!! You will do great things.

My Dad

2011-03-17T14:13:00.000-06:00

The guy in the picture? That is my dad. Today is his birthday, so I decided to write a blog all about him.

My dad grew up in Washington, so when we go visit Seattle, he knows where most of the non-touristy places are. Which are actually pretty cool.

He is a doctor, and a darn good one. At least, I think so. He cares a lot about the people he works with and the patients he sees, and you can totally see that.

My dad is one of the greatest men I have ever met. He respects the priesthood, and understands the importance of it. He is compassionate, and slow to anger. He loves all, and says the funniest jokes.

He has always been there for me. He still loves me, even when I have made mistakes. He has never left me, and he has always been such a constant person in my life.

I truly love my dad, and I am so grateful for the influence he is in my life.

Happy Birthday, Daddy. I love you. :]

My "wish list"

2011-03-17T00:13:00.000-06:00

So, there are certain things on my "wish list."

Like... this.

Or, this.

Or, maybe this.

Or, this.

Yep. Someday, I will have these things. :]

You know what?

2011-03-16T19:31:00.000-06:00

I am actually grateful that things didn't work out the way I wanted them to at the beginning of this semester. There are so many things that I have learned, not just about myself but about the gospel and about different things. I have grown so much in the last three or so months, emotionally and mentally and spiritually. I really don't know if this amount of growth would ever have come if things had happened according to my plan.

This is proof that the Lord really does have a plan for everyone, and it isn't always what we have planned.

So, thanks for allowing things to not go according to plan. It helped me grow. :]

I want to...

2011-03-16T14:52:00.002-06:00

Get better with my photography. Does anyone out there have any photography project ideas that I can do in order to get more practice? I would appreciate ANY idea!

Thanks!

I Love This Necklace!

2011-03-15T15:56:00.000-06:00

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65900391/heart-shape-143-i-love-you-necklace?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=App_Seller&utm_campaign=fb_seller_item&utm_content=items
(copy and paste the link to see it :] )

So, if you ever feel so inclined to spend about $50 or so on me, you should totally buy this necklace!

Hahaha just kidding. :]

<3

Missionary Song

2011-03-13T00:12:00.000-07:00

Woot woot! Chelsie and I (you can find her here) made a song about missionaries to the tune of the Jonas Brother's song "Burnin' Up." Here are our lyrics. And a video of the song. Hope you enjoy! :] (P.S. you don't have to watch the video if you don't want to... Actually, you should just play it to hear the song. Since there is a lag between the sound and video. So yes.)

First Verse

You’re hot, and we’re cold

Cuz we’re stuck up in Idaho

You’re down there, in Utah

Waiting to go to Mexico

Chorus

You’re going towards the equator

And you’re gonna bring the people their Savior

Proselyting all around Tampico

While you’re burnin’ up, burnin’ up in Mexico

Come on Elders

Second Verse

Water bottles, scriptures

Sometimes stopping to take pictures

White shirts, name tags

Never by yourself, never taking a drag

Chorus

You’re going towards the equator

And you’re gonna bring the people their Savior

Proselyting all around Tampico

While you’re burnin’ up, burnin’ up in Mexico

Third Verse

You’re walking around

The sun is beating down

Oh!

Investigators are found

All around the town

Chorus

You’re going towards the equator

And you’re gonna bring the people their Savior

Proselyting all around Tampico

While you’re burnin’ up, burnin’ up in Mexico

Rap

Yo, they’re burnin’ up in this place tonight

The Elders sing it loud, and they’re feeling right

This Gospel’s for real, don’t try to fight it

It’s easy to share, and that’s no lie

Stop, drop, and roll and touch your toes

You keep on burnin’ up more and more

Chelsie and Misao playin’ it down

Come on, Elders, bring the chorus around.

Chorus

You’re going towards the equator

And you’re gonna bring the people their Savior

Proselyting all around Tampico

While you’re burnin’ up, burnin’ up in Mexico

Burnin' up, burnin' up in Mexico

Remember Who You Are

2011-03-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

Within the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I think that we, as humans, tend to forget to really stop and think about who we are, who we always have been, and who we can become.

My name is Symone Misao Stout. I was born in Utah on August 8, 1990 to Julie Pena Stout and Sean Stuart Stout. I am the oldest of six children. I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints since I was born. I have lived in Utah, Indiana, and Washington. I am going to school in Idaho. I have met some of the most incredible people here at school. And I am a Daughter of God.

With everything that goes on in my life, it is sometimes difficult to remember that I have a Heavenly Father. That He wants to help me with all the things I need to get through. And since I am a Daughter of God, I have a divine nature and individual worth. But what do these statements REALLY mean?

Divine:

· of or pertaining to a god, especially the Supreme Being

· proceeding from God or a god

· godlike; characteristic of or befitting a deity

· heavenly; celestial

· Informal . extremely good; unusually lovely

· being a god;

· of superhuman or surpassing excellence

Nature:

· the elements of the natural world

· the particular combination of qualities belonging to a person, animal, thing, or class by birth, origin, or constitution; native or inherent character

· the instincts or inherent tendencies directing conduct

Individual:

· a single human being

· a distinct, indivisible entity; a single thing, being, instance, or item.

Worth:

· good or important enough to justify

· excellence of character or quality as commanding esteem

· usefulness or importance, as to the world, to a person, or for a purpose

Basically, we are of worth to our Heavenly Father. Every single one of us means something to Him, and that will never change. We all have a bit of Diety within us, and we can become Gods and Goddesses if we just work on it.

"It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses... There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal... it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit." -C.S. Lewis

We are all immortal. We all lived before being born here on this Earth, and we will live again after we die. Why is that so hard to remember while here on Earth? Why is it something that we don’t think about as often as we should.

YOU are a Child of God. I am a Child of God. We can become Gods and Goddesses. We can live with Heavenly Father. We can live with our families for ETERNITY! We just need to remember that, and in so doing, work hard on keeping the commandments and staying worthy to get the blessings the Lord wishes to bestow upon us.

You are a Child of God. You have a divine nature and individual worth. You are loved and cherished by a Heavenly Father who will always be around to help you through every experience you will face. He constantly wants to help you, and He will always love you with His entire heart, whether you feel like He does or not. Keeping this in mind will constantly bring happiness and joy at all times.

You are a Child of God. And I love you, no matter what. There are always people who will love you for you. Don’t lose sight of that. Ever.

Washington sets my soul on fire.

2011-03-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

I came home for the weekend, and already feel so much better than I have all semester. While trips to Utah and Boise helped me feel better, nothing gets me to feel the best I have felt than coming home and spending time with my glorious family.

2011-02-23T10:31:00.001-07:00

It's a silly game that I am in the middle of.

The Thing About Icebergs Is...

A few things to think about.

I love my family.

Can I be honest?

To the man downstairs:

So, the semester just started yesterday.

Wise words from our Prophet.

He is We kick?

I'M ENGAGED!!!

Starting on November 18, 2011 at 12:10 AM...

Oh how I love missionaries. :]

Friday, November 18, 2011

Today was the best day.

Can I be a bit lovey-dovey?

“Faith in God includes faith in His timing.” Neal A. Maxwell

Recipe book?

Wanna know the best way to wake up on a Wednesday morning?

My talk on Honesty.

My view on families.

Number 400 (it's kinda short... Forgive me)

My life would suck without you.

You know, it's weird.

Sometimes I say some of the dumbest things.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RYAN!

Finances

Catch up time!

Oh crap.

Quote from Neiko Ryan Mullens

*Sigh*

I had a really good first week of being 21. :]

Best Birthday Surprise Ever?!

You know...

There is no reason for me to be awake right now.

So, I dislike thinking about the future.

Remember how I said I was doing VEDA?

My Talk for Church

So, for the month of August...

One year ago today...

Midnight Showing of Harry Potter!

The Holy Ghost

This is my boyfriend.

The Institution of the Sacrament

Thoughts from a Classmate

Preparing for the Savior's Second Coming

It's Father's Day.

The Widow's Mites

Pretty Darn Close to the Best Sunday Ever.

Today, while talking to Cleverbot.

Parables and Accounts that teach Eternal Truths

Holy Crap.

Found on StumbleUpon

A Disciple of Christ

Dear Body,

Wanna know something great?

Miracles

I love reading inspiring things.

Walking on the Sea

Don't Leave It On The Desk.

I freaking love my sister, for reals.

I am proud of myself.

Parables

Thoughts for the day.

Happy Mother's Day!

Something that I truly believe.

The Baptism of Christ

The Priesthood is Amazing.

How some people talk about their relationships really worries me.

John the Baptist: His Birth and Mission while on Earth

I need a set schedule.

Start of a new semester...

New photography project

Hi All

What is love to you?

This is my family.

Dear you,

Someone Like You

I love my little sister.

Spring is coming...

I love finding new clothes!!

Within the next few days...

Sigh