Courtship, dating, or whatever the kids do these days

*Disclaimer* These are my opinions and have pondered a lot over them for awhile. My views have changed on this subject and will continue to change.

Okay, so I know I am not that old and have a ton of experience in this area, but I still have a point of view. Lets begin with where I was five years ago. I did not believe dating was anything to get excited about. I mean yeah it's fun to have someone pay for your meal or activity, but I just didn't get the hype. Also, I had other interests than boys. Don't get me wrong I would definitely have crushes, but I kept it to myself.

I went on two dates the whole time I was in high school. One was for prom and the other was just with my friend. Once I moved away and attended a Young Single Adult ward, I knew I wanted to get into the dating scene. I literally had no idea how to flirt and also what boys were looking for in girls. I knew I didn't want to commit to anything because I was going to go on a mission. The only thing I truly knew is that I was going to be true to myself.

Now my dating time before my mission was okay. I got to know some young men who I thought were great! But nothing too interesting happened except for my first kiss on my grandparent's porch. That didn't end up the way I thought, but looking back on it I am okay with it.

So my mission happens right. And some missionaries had that special someone that I would occasionally hear about. I was not looking forward to dating AT ALL! There were all these fears that I would have nothing in common with anyone and I still felt I didn't know how to flirt. I literally forced myself to read about dating and courtships from the prophets (those were all the resources I had readily available to me). I also prayed about having a better understanding of it and a changed heart to the idea. Also getting dating advice from companions and others were some alright resources, haha.

Well I got home from my mission and actually was talking to someone. We previously talked about our relationship upon me moving to Utah. There was some anxiety to thinking I was going to jump into a relationship really fast. We also talked about that I was going to date and get to know other people so I could get a feel for things. The relationship didn't go as perfect as I thought, but no relationship is. I have no regrets or resentment from this relationship at all. I grew from it a lot. And we remain cordial to one another.

I continued to date throughout this process meeting a lot of wonderful young men. Some of them we had a lot of the same interests and others we had some good times. I don't regret any of those dates. I got to know myself a lot and meet some fine young men. But nothing where either party committed.

I will admit that I have had a lot of doubts. Not in the sense that I am never going to get married, but just that I can be happy without someone till he comes along. I had some breakdowns as well. Thankfully I have great friends, parents, and others who will hear me out and be patient with me.

So here are my point of views: 1. I will always be true to who I am. This includes my standards, the activities that happen, and my feelings. I don't just impress people willy nilly. If someone truly wants to get to know who I am, they will see my quirkiness, flaws, attitudes, and interests.
2. This is a subcategory of the first one, but COMMUNICATION is key. This is broken up into two ways. The first one is that we have to be able to carry a conversation. Look me in the eyes and talk to me. I don't know what you are thinking or what you are going to say. But take the time to get to know me and I will do the same.

Dating is so fun! And I am so glad I have many opportunities to get to know people. I don't expect perfection because I am not perfect. And honestly, I will say I do occasionally get down about dating, but I always remember that I am still learning and maturing.

I will say that right now dating is my biggest trial. But it's something I work on week by week. Eventually the right one will turn up and until than I'll keep working on myself and my goals.

Georgia [Will Always Be] On My Mind

Over 10 years ago, my parents gathered my family together to inform us of some big news. My parents shared with us that my dad had received a job offer for a company in Georgia. I was shocked! What?! I had never thought my family would move, especially from our home in Tooele, UT. At 10 years old, I thought my world was coming to an end because I had to move away from my friends. 

It was one of the hardest things I have ever done! I was leaving behind the little of friends that I had and moving to a state I knew nothing about. The only thing I knew was that it was the state that I had to stop at before getting to Disney World. 

The move to Georgia proved to be one of the best things in my life! I was introduced to many people that have come very dear to me. And I grew as an individual so much. I wouldn't be who I am today if we didn't move.

My fondest memories of this home are numberless. I began and finished middle school and high school here. I got all dressed up for stake dances with my friends. Different types of forts were created and slept in just to be taken down the next day. Early mornings spent in the basement with Hanna because of tornado warnings. Going from two to three to no roommates. One goldfish that lasted a whole 3 years (RIP Cameron). All the joyous holidays spent with family and friends. The hot August that family came into town for Nathan's wedding. And the welcoming feeling of always returning home after trips and vacations. 

The best feeling was coming home from my mission! The home is a refuge from the outside world. I could take the time to recuperate without the pressures of the world. And my family was there and helping me out each day. My parents always made home a safe place where we could be open and straight forward on our feelings. 

Now all my siblings are out of the house (technically speaking with Hanna on a mission) and my parents are off on a new adventure! They are moving to Ohio to serve more and provide for our family. I was sad when they shared that they were moving. I never thought they would move away from Georgia. But the Lord needs us in various places.

With a "home" of my own, I know that home is centered on Jesus Christ. These houses are physical things that provide us shelter for our physical needs. The home is where all of our needs are met. Love, support, and service should reside in a home. It is a place the Spirit can dwell and add to our growth. And even though my family won't be living under the same roof again, we live under the truth that we will be sealed forever. 

A young girl's dream

First let me start off my telling you a story. When I was a little girl, I was obsessed with the movie 'Space Jam.' I loved it so much because it was the game of basketball. I also loved the Utah Jazz because my dad loved the Utah Jazz. He was passionate about basketball! He played in high school and even played church ball. I loved going to his games to watch him play. Did I know what was going on? Haha, absolutely not. But I knew he enjoyed it and I did to. I would practice at least 2-3 times a week at my shots in my driveway. I would play H.O.R.S.E. with my siblings. I knew I wanted to play for the WNBA. 

Well reality set in and I realized I was much too girly to play basketball, so I left it on the shelf. I would occasionally shoot hoops here and there, but I was never good at it anymore. On the mission, there were some good games of basketball, but again not many shots. 

2019 is new year! I decided to give myself the goal to try a new sport and to stick with it. So, when ward basketball game around, I knew I wanted to do it. With great motivation from my roommates (who as the team), we all got out of our comfort zone. 

I would like to say I scored half the points for the season, but that would be a over statement. My goal was to make at least one basket in the season. And.I.Did!! I was so hyped that we ended up winning that game. I was proud of us to make it to the elimination round. We didn't make it to the playoffs, but it was still one heck of a season! I finally know how long to stand in the key and what a zone is.

            

Now I know these pictures look epic and I did feel epic, but I can't say that I was the best. I did play my hardest though! And I did something I have never done before! It was the best time! Putting that jersey on and having the adrenaline kick in was one of the coolest feelings ever. In the words of Nike "Just do it!" Do something that you have always wanted to do! Yeah it wasn't the WNBA, but I was able to accomplish a young girl's dream at 21.  

Working on a dream

Just a quick update on where I am at in my life. I am currently starting week 5 of school (pats myself on the back). It has been one heck of a trip so far! Assignments due left and right, and always trying to balance school, work, and social life has been a new challenge. Along the way, I have decided to try out some new things. So here is where I am at!

I am taking 4 classes (9 credits total)
-The Eternal Family: By far my favorite class! I am learning so much about how Heavenly Father loves all His children even though we have different views. I have learned that the decisions we make will not only affect us, but our future families as well. 
-Digital Media Marketing Strategy: Holy moly! I didn't know how much we implement strategy in our lives. Each week as a class, we come up with our own assignments. I have learned a lot about how to use a strategy to draw people in.
-Interpersonal Communications: Did you know you are always communicating with someone or your self? It's true! You never are not communicating. I am learning about ways on how to improve myself in how I express myself to others. A lot of reflection has been made on my part.
-College Success: This is a good class. We talk about how we are going to make the best out of our college experience. It has been good for me to explore what I want to do with my life and how I plan on accomplishing it.

I am still working at BYU Pathway Worldwide. I love it! I love talking to people about their pursuits and trying to help them have a successful college career. I also have made some really good friends. 

I witnessed some really good news last week! Eliza and Cambria are my third cousins one time removed!! There was a divine reason that I was drawn to Eliza's post to move in with them. We continue to laugh, host parties, and strengthen one another. Truly blessed!

As far as talents and hobbies, I am still working on the ukulele. I have been learning new songs, and Cambria has a ukulele now so we have jam sessions. Both of us joined together also to do acroyoga. It is so fun and challenging! I still attend the temple every week. I love being renewed to the things that are taught in the temple. I attended three new temples in three weeks.

Overall, my 2019 is going great! I have had some breakdowns, but I've grown from those experiences. This truly has been a dream of mine to attend college at a brick and motor school. I have been very impressed with this experience and thank my Heavenly Father for it many times. It's a dream that I am continuing to work on, especially for planning for the future. It's a one day at a time process, but I keep moving up.

Happiness makes the world a better place

As this year has come to a close, I've thought a lot about where I am in life and how my life possibly could be different. A few weeks ago in Relief Society, the sister teaching the lesson posed the question "What if you got what you wanted when you were twelve or fifteen? How would your life be different?" I thought about it; it took me a sec to remember what I was even doing in my life at that time. I can wholeheartedly say I am a happier person then I was at twelve. I know there were many things I wanted at a young age that kind of turned me into a selfish person. And if I didn't get them, I was grumpy. It happened a lot. I would get jealous of what people had and how many friends they had. I wanted to have attention! But I realize now, no one wants to give a grumpy person attention. 

My attitude entirely changed when I moved away from home. (My home life didn't push me into a grumpy attitude, it was my own choosing). When I moved away, I had to depend on myself to get an education, make new friends, and do well in my job. It was hard because I had to come out of my shell a lot. And it was very rewarding! I had a change of mind and heart. I was able to rely on the Spirit better, and love more deeply. 

And today, I am grateful everyday that I had a change of attitude. I know I would be far off if I hadn't. And interestingly enough, I have everything I have ever wanted so far in life right now. I have a wonderful family that I talk to literally everyday. I was able to serve a mission and meet people that loved me and I loved them. I have been able to work and go to school, pursuing an education that is challenging and rewarding. I have many wonderful friends who support me and help me grow.

As I reflect, I think of the song "Never Enough" from The Greatest Showman. It represents a moment where you are in a relationship. Nothing compares to this relationship, not even all the stars in the night sky! This relationship is everything you have and it is the best thing in your life! This relationship can represent anything in your life. I take it as that nothing compares to the true happiness we can have in our lives. No gold or spotlights will ever represent the worth of my happiness. My happiness comes from my testimony in Jesus Christ, my family, and the experiences I have. 

2 Nephi 5:27 "And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness" 

Starting out on a journey

"As with any Journey, who you travel with can be more important than your Destination."
            -Anonymous

Woah, where has these 3 months gone?! I can't believe we are at the end of another year. It is hard to move on to a new year. We have to do our best to hold onto the things that we have grown from and keep moving forward. 

As I have reflected on this past year, these are the moments I have grown the much and see God's hand in my life.

• The last six months of my mission were the hardest! It's crazy to think that I was on a mission earlier this year. I was tired, exhausted, sometimes lost, but always filled with the spirit. I had great companions who motivated me and loved me as I struggled. I came to love people I had never met before and serve them selflessly. My testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ was built stronger. And I can say that I do depend on my Savior for a lot of things, but I am able to do that through the Atonement.
• Prayer is vital! And so is listening! We have the ability to receive our own revelation. But what are you doing in preparation to receive that revelation? You need to be going to your church meetings, reading the Book of Mormon everyday, and rely on the Holy Ghost. Praying is the way I communicate with my Heavenly Father. I tell Him my struggles, I thank Him for keeping me safe, and providing me with opportunities to grow.
• Families are forever! I will be able to see my nephew Matthew again! My brother and sister in law will have the opportunity to raise their son in the way of truth and light. And my family has always been there to support me in my decisions. They are my rock! 
• Utah is where I need to be right now. I will admit at the beginning of 2018, I was not planning on moving to Utah. But prayer became vital in this decision. Also talking with my parents. And it has been so great! I have met so many people that have helped me grow, and make memories. I was blessed with the best roommates anyone could ask for. I am continuing my education in a field I didn't plan on. I have a wonderful job, and a place to call home. 
• And I can't even express how grateful for the people in my life right now! Honestly my journey has been the best because I have so many people who love and support me. I have a new outlook on people. This is what I believe and how I treat those I meet. Everyone has a story, no matter where you are in life. If you are seven, twenty two, or sixty three, you have had experiences that I haven't. You have taken life by the reigns and said "yeehaw". My goal in meeting people is to learn their name, their story, and something new. I hope in return I can share a laugh with you or give you some advice. So far I have been successful. I invite you to try it! Also, I know it's not easy moving into a new area or ward. I always wanted someone to come to me to introduce themselves. But if we all saw it that way, no one would meet anyone. So I have really stepped out of my comfort zone and am the first person to make a move. I've met so many wonderful people!

Over all, 2018 has been a really great year! I don't know how 2019 could be better, but I know it has to be! What lies in store for 2019? Well, I am going to develop some talents, strengthen and make new relationships, and continue to try to be like Jesus. Also, I will be attending LDSBC to further my education! Bring it on 2019!

#LighttheWorld

Going into Social Media Marketing means I have access to news, movements, and moments that are posted on the fast pace world of the Internet. One that has caught me interest is #LighttheWorld presented by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is the third year that they are doing it.

My first year I wasn't as involved as I hoped for. I was able to be on the front line of inviting others to light the world on my mission. As missionaries, we had a little calendar that we strategically added to our planners. I would write the scripture on the mirror everyday for my companions. I was very involved!

This year, the Church of Jesus Christ has invited us for four weeks to light the world in different, but specific ways. 

Week 1: Light the World-Focus on how to serve globally

Week 2: Light your Community-Find ways to help and serve in your community

Week 3: Light your Family-Show love to those closest to you

Week 4: Light your Faith-Increase your faith in Jesus Christ

I am so excited for one of the ways to serve. Last year, vending machines were placed in popular locations. People were able to purchase items for those in need. They will be having one at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. I hope I can do it!

I am definitely going to take on this opportunity to Light the World! It will be different especially since I work with members of the church and only see members of the church. But this will help me reach out and stand out! There are blessings for taking the time to serve. And this isn't limited for 25 days, but we can Light the World 365 days. Be a light!