Tuesday, January 31, 2012

We're the perfect two...

I absolutely love love love this song! My roommates showed it to me last semester and I just remembered how much I love it! Also, I'm learning to play it on the ukulele.

"Don't know if I could ever be 
Without you cause boy you complete me
And in time I know that we'll both see
That we're all we need.

Cause you're the apple to my pie
You're the straw to my berry
You're the smoke to my high
And you're the one I wanna marry."
--Auburn


Perfect Two by Auburn on Grooveshark

Monday, January 30, 2012

Master, the tempest is raging!

There is a lesson that I have had to learn the last few weeks. In the movies, when the hero of the film stops and says to themselves "You know, I really don't think things could get any worse." and then they get hit by a bus or their mother dies: those times really happen. But, I honestly believe that it is in times such as those that we can and must have the most hope. They are the times that we have the most opportunities to grow, to become better people, and to grow closest to our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ. I know that, no matter how hard things get, we can always make it out of whatever trials we are experiencing. That is a lesson that I have learned before and that I have had to desperately cling to lately. One thing keeps happening after another and I sometimes wonder how things could have possibly gotten as bad as they have. But, I know that I can make it. I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel even if there is no hint of it in sight at the moment. But, I also know that I don't have to travel this long road alone. In General Conference, April 2009, Elder Jeffry R. Holland said, "because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path--the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel." I hope that that is something that we can all remember, not only in times of trial, but always. Our Savior Jesus Christ sacrificed His life and suffered for our sins and for our sorrows so that we could have companionship during this, our test on Earth. Never forget that He is there for you and that He loves you. He wants to help you and will. Mosiah 24:14 says "And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I , the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions." 


This hymn has come to mean so much to me and I thought that I would just share a few of the lyrics.
"Master the tempest is raging.
The billows are tossing high!
The sky is o'ershoadowed with blackness,
No shelter or help is nigh;
Carest Thou not that we perish?
How canst Thou lie asleep, 
When each moment so madly is threat'ning 
A grave in the angry deep?

The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will, 
Peace, be still!
Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea,
Or demons or men, or whatever it be,
The Master of ocean, and earth, and skies;
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,
Peace, be still! Peace, be still!
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,
Peace, peace, be still!"
--Master, The Tempest is Raging

Sunday, January 29, 2012

An ode to the greatest friends.

The last few weeks, there has been something continually on my mind. And that is how amazing all of my friends are! I have the single most fantastic group of friends! Really though, every time I see or think about them, I can't help but think how awesome they are and how blessed I am. I honestly can't get over how lucky I am to know all of the people that I do. When we get together, we have more fun just sitting and messing around with each other than I do on my favorite ride at Disneyland. Though, the combination of my friends and Disneyland would be phenomenal! I like to imagine that in fifty years, we'll all still be friends and we'll get together, all of us old with canes and dentures, and sit and laugh and mess around like old times. And all of my kids are going to refer to them as "Aunt ----" and "Uncle ----". I absolutely love my friends. Anyways, my friends, thank you for being amazing! I'm sad that so many of you are leaving me for your missions so soon. But, you are all going to be fantastic missionaries!! 

To some of the good times we've had!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Day 9- Dream

I love this song. That is simply all that I have to say. Please listen to it.

"I was a little girl
Alone in my little world
Who dreamed of a little home for me
I played pretend between the trees
And fed my house-guests bark and leaves
And laughed in my pretty bed of green

I had a dream
That I could fly
From the highest swing
I had a dream."
--Priscilla Ahn


Dream by Priscilla Ahn on Grooveshark

P.S. If you're wondering what all of these music posts are about, go here.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

So blessed!

For the last week or so, I have had so many crazy things to complain about. Honestly, in my opinion, I would almost be justified to skip all of my classes and just lie in bed all day. One thing just keeps happening after another. But, what good would that do anybody? Not much. Now, I wish that I could say that from the beginning I just had an "attitude of gratitude" and that I was just counting my many blessings. But, let's be honest. I'm quite prone to pessimism. While I was in in the bathroom curling my hair, however, something happened that made me realize that I really am so blessed! And it made me realize/remember other things that have happened this week that have shown the same thing. While I was getting ready, just rocking out to Brandon Flowers and being a tad bit of a whiny-pants, the doorbell rang and the post-man dropped a package on my doorstep. And it was totally for me! My adorable Aunt Teruko and Uncle Kenny that live in Hawaii had sent me a little care package loaded with Hawaii paraphernalia ranging from a surfboard key chain to a big box of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts. I couldn't believe how sweet they are!


That's only one of the awesome things that has happened to me in the last week. Even amongst all the garbage. My family surprised me and came up to visit for the weekend, I got to talk to my best friend this morning, I found a big check that I had lost in my wallet, my roommate stayed up late with me when I needed someone to talk to, and a sweet friend sent me flowers. These are just a few of the things that have happened. But honestly, I am so blessed. I should be feeling grateful instead of being so down. 

Day 8- Please Don't Stop the Rain

I haven't heard this song in a while actually but this morning it came on to one of my Pandora stations and I remembered how much I love it. It's pretty great!

"If it's going to be a rainy day,
There's nothing we can do to make it change
We can pray for sunny weather
But that won't stop the rain.

You're feeling like you've got no place to run
I can be your shelter 'til it's done
We can make this last forever
So please don't stop the rain."
--James Morrison


Please Don't Stop the Rain by James Morrison on Grooveshark

Check it out!

I have some pretty cute sisters.


Sunday, January 15, 2012

Visit from the fam!

So, yesterday morning, a glorious thing happened. My family called me and told me that they had just loaded the car and that they were on their way to visit me for the long weekend. And four hours later, they were walking in my door! Basically, it's been amazing having them here! I have missed them so much already and it's so fun playing with them. We've spent the majority of our time so far partying in the pool/hut-tub at my parents' hotel, taking SUPER long drives through beautiful Idaho country and looking at the Tetons, and just chilling. And, though my parents are staying at a hotel, the little girls have been experiencing true college life (AKA staying up until all hours of the night) at my apartment and having a party! Though we were all really tired and made it obvious to our parents we'd stayed up all night, we've had a lot of fun together!



Unfortunately, Brooke couldn't be here because she's partying in Disneyland and Palm Springs for the week. I don't really feel bad for her... But, here's a picture of her too since she's pretty cute. 

Friday, January 13, 2012

Lemons...

Sometimes, life doesn't even give you lemons. It gives you a pile of rotten seeds that you have to plant, water, weed, and then wait for the lemons to grow. But, when they do grow, you can still make some really good lemonade.

Day 7- Marchin' On

So, as I was reviewing my music posts this far, I realized that the majority of the artist/songs that I chose were fairly old. And, though I think that some of the best music is from that time period, there is some excellent music today too. So, I'm going to share a few of my favorite more-recent songs for the next couple of days. Today's choice is called Marchin' On by OneRepublic. This is just one of my favorite feel-good songs. I love it!

"We'll have the days we break,
And we'll have the scars to prove it,
We'll have the bonds that we save, 
But we'll have the heart not to lose it.

For all of the times we've stopped,
For all of the things I'm not.

We put one foot in front of the other,
We move like we ain't got no other,
We go when we go,
We're marching on."
--OneRepublic


Marchin On by One Republic on Grooveshark

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Day 6- Ghost Story

Sorry it's been a million years... It's been a rough week. :) Anyways, Ghost Story. What a fantastic song! And Sting! Ah, what a gent! (As dear Jeremy Sherms would say). Seriously. Sting (and The Police) are one of my favorite artists! I absolutely thrive off of their music. Give this song a little listen. Also, you should look up and read all of the lyrics. They're pretty great.

"You were my compass star.
You were my measure. 
You were a pirate's map.
A buried treasure.

If this was all correct, 
The last thing I'd expect:
The prosecution rests.
It's time that I confess:
 I must have loved you."
--Sting


Ghost Story by Sting on Grooveshark

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

I believe.

"I believe in pink.
I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner.
I believe in kissing.
I believe in being strong when everything seems to go wrong.
I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls.
I believe that tomorrow is another day and
I believe in miracles."
--Audrey Hepburn

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Day 5- Unforgettable

Nat King Cole has always been one of those old classic singers that I am totally in love with. His music just makes me feel happy. I love it. One of my favorite songs is one called "Unforgettable" that, after he died, his daughter also sung and she put their tracks together and made it a duet. It is absolutely beautiful. Please give it a little listen. You won't regret it.

"Unforgettable, that's what you are.
Unforgettable, though near or far
Like a love song that clings to me
How the thought of you does things to me.
Never before has someone been more

Unforgettable in every way
And forever more, that's how you'll stay.
That's why darling, it's incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable too."
-Nat King Cole


Unforgettable by Natalie Cole on Grooveshark

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Day 4- You're My Best Friend

Queen is one of the most fantastic bands of all time. Ask Jeremy Sherman. This is one of my favorite songs by them. Enjoy!

"Ooh you make me live
Whatever this world can give to me.
It's you. You're all I see.
Ooh you make me live now honey.
Ooh you make me live.

Ooh you're the best friend that I ever had.
I've been with you such a long time.
You're my sunshine and I want you to know
That my feelings are true.
I really love you.
Ooh you're my best friend."
--Queen


You're My Best Friend by Queen on Grooveshark

Monday, January 2, 2012

Day 3- Will You be There?

I absolutely love this song!! It's one of those songs that you can feel and not just hear. Especially during the chorus, you can just feel the power of the song. It's amazing. 

"Hold me
Like the river Jordan.
And I will then say to thee
You are my friend.

Carry me
Like you are my brother
Love me like a mother
Will you be there?"
--Michael Jackson


Will You Be There (Single Version) by Michael Jackson on Grooveshark

"17 Miracles"

If you haven't seen this amazing film yet, I strongly recommend it. The plot of the movie is the story of the Mormon Willie/Martin handcart companies and their journey to the Salt Lake Valley and the struggles that they faced. It is truly inspiring and it really made me grateful for all that I have been blessed with in my life. I realized as I watched this movie, if it weren't for the Mormon pioneers and their incredible faith, I would not be living the life that I am now. I wouldn't have a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel, or maybe even a knowledge of it all. I owe so much to the many saints that gave up everything they had, some even gave their lives, to find and settle Zion. I am eternally grateful for the sacrifices that they made and hope that I may always keep their memories with me. And, in times of trial, I hope that I can look back on their example and remember, that "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13) and that miracles have not ceased to exist.


The thing that amazed me most about these saints and their stories was their incredible faith in prayer and also the results that that faith, and God's love and mercy, brought about. Time after time, when under horrible circumstances, someone would kneel in humble prayer and ask God for protection and aid and it was almost always given. Their prayers brought them food when there was none, healed their sick, protected them from danger, and gave them the strength to carry on and eventually make it to the Salt Lake Valley. One miracle was always followed by another. I hope that someday, I can have faith as strong as those saints of the Martin/Willie handcart companies.

"What a glorious legacy of faith, courage, and ingenuity those noble early Mormon pioneers have left for us to build upon. My admiration for them deepens the longer I live."
--L. Tom Perry

"You are familiar with their story. You are the fruit of all of their planning and of all of their labors. Whether you have pioneer ancestry or came into the Church only yesterday, you are part of this whole grand picture of which those men and women dreamed."
--Gordon B. Hinckley

"Of all the stories of American pioneers and settlers, none is more inspiring than the Mormon trail... Let us remember that the Mormons of a century ago were a persecuted and prosecuted minority... While today, in the short space of 100 years, their faith and works are known and respected around the world." 
--President John F. Kennedy

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Day 2- Three Little Birds

I mentioned earlier this week that I was going to have a little musical party on my blog and thus far I have failed miserably. However, today's song is a gem.
"Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be alright.
Singin': Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be alright."
--Bob Marley


Three Little Birds by Bob Marley on Grooveshark