God Does Exist

Well, I thought that I was catching up but... clearly I was wrong. But it has been quite the last couple of weeks. There have been many many ups, and just a few downs. But most importantly, I have learned a lot, and laughed even more. So here it is, the last 3 weeks of me:

Conference was REAL good for me. I feel as though I have been on a spiritual high ever since. I know that our Savior lives, and sometimes, during my weeks, all that I need is a simple reminder of that. On Friday, October 9th, Lindsay and I went out for a little girls night and shopping date. But it was this night that I was reminded how much I love this earth, and how grateful I am for God's creation. Because just look at this sunset. Pictures do far from justice.

Saturday, October 10th: 

I am quite sure that I slept in really late and did some homework. But highlight of the day was hiking Kanarraville Falls with Keaton. Its kind of like a mini Narrows hike. It is absolutely breathtaking, fun, and wet. Plus its even better when you get to share it with a real hot date. 

After a lovely hike we went to the yummiest Indian restaurant here in town. It was heavenly. 

And then, even better, to finish off the day Keaton dyed my hair. Yes, he hated every second of it. Yes, he did a wonderful job. So, YES he is a keeper ;)

The following week was especially tough, mostly because it was the week before fall break, and everyone was just about dying. But good things still come, and this week Nicol and a Slurps Up run was one of them. However, Nicol is always a good thing. 

However, the week just kept getting better. Wednesday night I got the news that Deb and Mom were coming to visit me for fall break and well that just killed me because I miss those 2 ladies more than life. 

Thursday, October15th: 

Warning this story is very graphic. Discretion is advised. This day started off like any other day. I went for a run up the mountain and suddenly I needed to poop. (I actually knew this was going to happen because I had accidentally eaten breakfast right before, so I knew it was going to just run right out of me. So having been prepared, I brought myself some toilet paper.) So, I ran off the trail, quite far actually in order to take care of my business. I squatted down and began pooping, but right before my very eyes, like literally 2 feet in front of me was this snake. And this was not just any snake, it was HUGE, and it was slithering right towards me. So I screamed and cried, and pooped a little bit faster. But, as I went to pick up my toilet paper, you would not believe what was on it... a freaking tarantula. And it was HUGE. So I screamed and cried a bit more. I was suddenly in a panic because there was no way I was going to use that toilet paper, and I had this snake coming towards me and I am in the desert. So there are NO trees and leaves to save you. And just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, there was an old couple who were just happily out for a little stroll also coming right towards me. So, picture this. Me, butt naked, behind a small tree in the desert on the mountain, pooping, with things literally coming towards me at every angle. All that I needed was something to wipe with and then I could get the heck out. So frantically looking around me my options were cactus, pine needles, the snake, tarantula covered toilet paper, or a rock. I chose the rock. I grabbed it, and wiped real quick, pulled my pants back up, waved good morning to the old couple, and booked it down the mountain. Needless to say I was completely mortified, and panicked. I wish I would have had a camera or something because I would have recorded the whole situation.

I get SO much crap from my friends about wiping with a rock, but seriously, what would you have done?

Luckily, the day just got better. I got a lovely call from Aunt Kelli saying that they were on their way to St. George and were planning to stop for lunch here in Cedar City and asked if I would like to join. Um DUH. I love my Christensen's. It was so great to be able to see them, and chat, and have some family time. 

Thursday evening was the Backyard Bash where there were lots of activities and games and fun things. So we enjoyed some long boarding, drift trikes, snakes, and tenting. Just such a lovely evening. 

Friday, October 16th:

This was the day I had been waiting all week for. It was the day that Mom and Deb were coming and I could NOT wait. However, it ended up being the longest day ever because they didn't arrive until midnight. But it was worth every second of wait. There was nothing I have wanted more than to be in Mom's arms and feel sweet Deb next to me. And that was what I got. We laughed, talked, and cried all night long until our eyes wouldn't let us. Plus, we had big big plans for the next day. 

Saturday, October 17th:

First, I woke up and got to kiss my mother good morning. Second, I got to jump into bed with Deb. Third, me, mom, Deb, and Nicol got to eat breakfast together. I realized that it was all these little things that I miss the very most. Finally, we made our way down to St. George. (Mom was here and that meant shopping haha) We first stopped by the temple, took a little walk around, and just enjoyed the peace and comfort that comes from the House of the Lord. 

This is what I miss the very very most. 

The next several hours were spent shopping and dropping and eating. Being with Deb in Utah meant I got to show here all the best things in life. So Swig cookies, Iceberg shakes, and lots and lots of mormons. When we were all shopped out, we headed back north to Kanarraville Falls where I took my lovely ladies for a hike. Once again, it was blissful. It was pretty last time, and it was pretty again this time. So I don't actually feel bad that you have to see similar pictures again.

Being reunited was oh so SO good. 

Sunday, October 18th:

Sunday was Sunday. We got up and went to church, but actually ended up going to the wrong ward. It was okay though, because we chose the ward that was having a linger longer. The Lord did us real good. We mostly just relaxed, cooked a dang good dinner, and hung out. Mom and Deb got to meet Keaton and that was great. Also, Nicol and Deb became the best of friends and I love that. Mostly, it was just nice being in the same room with Deb, and being able to cook with Mom again. We enjoyed dinner together, and headed over to the devotional. Finally, to finish off the night, Keaton had rented the drift trikes for the weekend, so late Sunday night when it was pouring rain, we went for a ride and just drifted all around campus. It was SO so fun. Plus, we came home to hot pumpkin chocolate chip cookies from Mom. What more could you ask for in a day? Probably nothing if you ask me. 

Monday, October 19th:

I was absolutely dreading this day. Only because Mom and Deb were leaving. I hated having to say goodbye again. But I was more than grateful to be able to spend time with them. I loved being able to show Deb my life around here, and for her to meet the people that I love here. I loved being able to chat with my mom, and to cook in the kitchen with her. I loved being able to pull funny tricks on the 2 of them. I love my Deb and I love my Mom. I am counting the days until I get to see them again. 

Luckily it was Fall Break. So after having said goodbyes, Keaton, Nicol and I just did some homework and relaxed around the house for awhile. Nicol went to work, and Keaton and I had a pedicure party. Look, he even painted my toes for me.

Definitely a keeper right ;)

That night Keaton and I went out for a little dinner date and just laughed the night away. I really do love spending time with that boy. 

Tuesday, October 20th:

Keaton, Nicol and I made our way down to St. George to go to the temple. It was absolutely beautiful. Keaton got to both confirm and baptize us, so that was exciting. I am so grateful for the love, and peace that can be found at the temple. I know without a doubt that this church is true, that my Savior lives, and that He wants us to return to Him. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to attend the temple and for friends who share the same testimony.

Thursday, October 22nd: 

They opened up a Chik-fil-A, and the town has been going wild about it. So we joined the madness and enjoyed some chicken. It is always such a treat to eat out when you're at college. So that was a treat. 

Also, greatest highlight of the day: Keaton and I made things official. FINALLY. Surprise right ;)

Friday, October 23rd:

First off, it is Brinle's birthday. I was so sad that I couldn't be there to celebrate and party with her. But I am so grateful that she is my sister, and that she was born. I am grateful I am stuck with that girl for eternity. 

Friday night, Keaton was feeding the missionaries. So we cooked a yummy meal and ate with the missionaries, and Keaton's roommates. It is kind of funny and almost a whole different world feeding the missionaries at college. But still SO good. 

Saturday, October 24th: 

If every Saturday was like this, I wouldn't complain. We found ourselves a beautiful place in the mountains called Yankee Meadows. We ate some breakfast, and braved the chilly morning air. We went exploring and hung our hammocks. We spent the next 3 hours reading in the wilderness. It was almost surreal. I really have developed quite the heart and love for it down here in southern Utah. You can have the desert and palm trees, or you can have the mountains and snow. Dreamy right? 

The view was beautiful, nature is just perfect, and Keaton is absolutely wonderful. 

That night Keaton was invited to a Halloween party, and I was his date. We threw together last minute costumes and ended up being grapes. If you ask me, we looked great. It was so funny and so fun. Plus, we even got to go bowling as grapes. How often do you see that? Probably never.

Sunday, October 25th:

Today was Stake Conference, and it was wonderful. In particular, President LeFevre spoke (He is 1st counselor in the Stake Pres. but he is also my institute teacher and such a great guy). He talked a lot about recognizing God in our lives. The past several weeks have been exhausting, yet so exciting. I really only post about the exciting things, but I swear there have been some really hard times. But the past several weeks, I have come to know my Savior more and more. I have come to know and to recognize that He is in every aspect of our lives. There is a hope and light of God that is so pure and so real. It is a hope that cannot be denied, and it is a light that cannot be denied. More recently, I have challenged myself to recognize the tender mercies of the Lord. For me, tender mercies have been anywhere from a perfect sunset, to spending time with Mom and Deb. Whatever it may be, I know that the Lord knows me, and for that I am grateful. I am grateful to know that He gives me exactly what I need, right when I need it. 

Through the light, hope, and the tender mercies there is evidence that God does exist. This beautiful earth is evidence that God does exist. The happiness that this life brings is evidence that God does exist. The fact that we are here, and alive is evidence that God does exist. I am grateful for my Savior, and I know that He lives. I am grateful for the tender mercies that make living just a little bit easier. I am grateful for my parents and for the example and love that they have for our Savior. I am grateful for this life of which I am a part.

I pray that we can all more closely look for evidence in our lives that God does exist.

xoxo,

ellie d. 

My Heart I Give to Him

I am trying to catch up so I apologize for posting yet again...

After a long week of emotions and school, the weekend could not have been more perfect.
Friday October 2: I struggled through the day of school, and anxiously awaited 3 p.m. because that meant my classes were over. There were big plans for the weekend, and I was ready. So around 4:30, Keaton and I made our way down to St. George. Little did he know what he was getting himself into... because I was taking him to meet THE Teftellers. So after a pleasant and relieving drive down, we met at Red Robin for dinner. Honestly, the whole situation was a little funny because it was Keaton and I, and then the Tefties, and like 10 more thirty-year olds who we were all married and had kids. So after dinner we went back to the condo where all of the married folks were staying, and we watched some BYU football until I got bored. Then Keaton and I went on the cutest, most perfect little walk (for like an hour I felt like I was in the movies). We strolled around a pond, and sat on a bench, and just talked about life and everything in it. It was absolutely perfect. We tried to pet some geese, and failed, so we headed back to hang out with the oldies. They were still watching football, and probably changing some diapers, and we were still just a little bored. So, we quickly ran out and headed to the movie theater. We ended up seeing Martian, and even sat in these seats that made it like 4-D because they moved and shook with the movie. It was quite the experience, but such such a good movie. We headed home to the condo for the night and went to sleep. As morning rolled around, I was grateful for beds, because the floor isn't near as nice as it was when I was kid. We were woken by screaming babies, and running kids (I don't think I missed that). We ate some breakfast, and said our goodbyes and made our way back to Cedar City.

I am forever grateful for the Teftellers and for their examples in my life. I hope that one day I can be half as good as they are. I am also grateful for Keaton, and for his example and his attitude. Every single one of these people are so, so good for my soul. 

Saturday October 3 and Sunday October 4: General Conference. I had been looking forward to conference ALL week, but actually like months ago. It seriously could not have come at a better time. So Saturday we all watched and conference together, and by that I mean, Nicol and I watched conference while Keaton and Anna slept. Saturday night Nicol and I rode bikes and got dinner and had a cute little girls night. And to finish off a perfect day, Keaton, Cory, Anna, Nicol and I all slept outside in our hammocks. 

Sunday morning we woke up and packed up and all headed home to take showers. We gathered back together and made the biggest, yummiest conference breakfast. Plus Becks, Lindsay and Talon joined us! I wish so badly I had pictures. But we made crepes, baked oatmeal, eggs, and sausage. It was seriously the best meal I have eaten since being here at college. Sunday for conference, we laid out all of our mattresses in the living room, and projected conference onto our wall. Conference started, and well once again Nicol, Becks and I watched, while Keaton, Cory and Anna slept. It was an absolutely perfect day. 

This is how good conference was for Cory and Keaton.

I hope that everyone watched conference, and if you didn't, go watch it now. I don't think I have ever been so uplifted, and so comforted from conference before. If I could, I would write a novel about all of it... but here are just a few of my favorite things. 

Saturday Morning:

This session was by far my favorite. More specifically, Dieter F. Uchtdorf was my favorite. He spoke of 3 things we can and should devote our time:

1. Simplify life

     This life and this gospel is so simple, yet so profound, and it simply WORKS. 

2. Start where we are

     "We don't need to be more of anything to become who God wants us to be." Our Savior will take us as we are, and He will shape us into who we should be. 

3. Grace

     After all we can do, and after all we have done, His grace is sufficient. "Exaltation is our goal, and discipleship is our journey." More than anything in this world, He wants us to return to live with Him. And as long as that is our goal, and we do our part in simplifying life, and beginning where we are, His grace will make up for the rest. 

Saturday Afternoon:

Jeffrey R. Holland is always a winner, just listen and learn this:

   "Believe in God and yourself. You are doing better than you think you are."

How can I say more? I think sometimes we are far too hard on ourselves, and we fail to believe in what is most important, Him. He knows us, and He loves us, and He wants us to return to Him. And to do that, we simply have to believe.

Sunday Morning:

There was so much good, and so many profound things that were said, I don't even know where to begin. However, I think that Russell M. Nelson said some of my favorite things:

      - teach fearlessly 

      - speak UP and speak OUT

Both of these things are so simple, yet so profound, and can be applied to every single aspect of our lives. No matter where we go, whom we teach, and what we teach let it be fearlessly. Never be afraid of what you have to say, and don't be afraid to share it. I hope that we can speak up and speak out, and do so fearlessly. 

Sunday Afternoon:

Devin G. Durrant gave 2 challenges-

     #1: Save money each week

     #2: Ponderize a verse of scripture each week

I am so excited about these challenges, particularly #2. I have always wished I was better at knowing my scriptures but I have never really committed myself in doing it. So what better way to do it then by being challenged. I hope that each of us will partake in this challenge and become more familiar with the doctrine we preach. I know that as we do this, we will grow closer to our Savior, and we will be more in tune with the spirit. 

Kim B. Clark said 

        "We don't have to be perfect, just be good at getting better." 

I think far to often we focus on reaching perfection and always being perfect, but simply we should focus on being better than we were the day before. Reaching perfection won't come just over night, it will take a lifetime of being good and getting better. And I know that, that is exactly what the Lord would ask of us. 

I wish every weekend could be conference weekend. We are so blessed, and so lucky to be able to hear from our living prophet, and from our apostles and most importantly be taught by the Spirit. I love this gospel, and I love my Savior. I am so grateful for every day and for every opportunity I have to follow Him, and to serve Him. I am so grateful for His infinite Atonement, and for the chance I have to become perfect, even as He is. 

Saturday morning session began with the opening song, I Know that my Savior Loves Me. This would be my testimony last of all, 

"My heart I give to Him, for I know that my Savior loves me."

xoxo, 

ellie d.

Be Happy

I am getting so behind! I don't even know where I left off... but here's the latest and greatest of the past week or so...

Last Friday Night, got kicked out of the bar so we hit the boulevard. Just kidding, that's just a song from Katy Perry. But really, Friday, September 25. Last week was Homecoming Week, which meant double the fun, double the party, and double the RED. I went to school like every other day, and then in the afternoon, I had a final for my Outdoor Adventure class. Guess what the final was? Repelling and a fire. (Easiest and greatest final you could probably ever have). So we drove up the canyon, and went repelling and had a huge bonfire and roasted some marshmallows and sang songs and did all the cute fire stuff you typically might do. And here's some pictures to prove it.

But the night was still young, and I had been waiting all week for my Friday night. So rushed home, changed and got ready so quickly. Keaton came over, and then we headed over to Forever Red. It was this massive, crazy, fun party up on campus. There was super sweet band, so SO much food, games galore, and RED. So naturally, we danced, ate, played, and laughed. Then there was this huge firework show, and I LOVE fireworks. So we laid and watched and listened. Friday night was True 

T-Bird night. (Definition: kiss someone next to Old Sorrel under a full moon. Really its just a chance for you to get as many free kisses, free mono, and free diseases. Appealing right?) Well, Keaton and I were not huge fans of this plan, and decided we would just make our own True T-Bird... So, Keaton took me to get ice cream... and if you know me, you know that ice cream is the way to my heart. So we ditched the crowd, and went to Subzero. (Let me tell you about this place. It is SO good. They literally make the ice cream right in front of you. Like you start with the cream and sugar and good things and then they freeze under the salt and whatever else makes ice cream hard, probably hydrogen. SO good.) We drove up the mountain to the C, and enjoyed our ice cream under the stars, with the view of our cute lit up city. How much better could it get? A cute boy, ice cream, stars, and being outside. Well, it did get better. Keaton and I decided to go swimming in the cute little pond in town. It was FREEZING. I have been in cold water, but this was COLD. So swimming did not last long but it was fun and wild while it lasted. Finally the night came to an end, and bed was calling my name. 

Saturday September 24: It was a good day, I got to do some community service in morning and then did some resting. And then, THE football game. We went to the Tailgate, and ate really good food, and lots of it. We found some sweet spots at the game, and so it began. The game, and screaming, and laughing and partying all night long. Definitely a successful night. 

Sunday September 25: I think Sundays are my favorite day of the week. Always. I love going to church, and I love how easy and relaxed they are. Anyways, we went to church, (and yes we were late, AGAIN). But after church, we did some cleaning, a little bit of homework, and then we prepared family dinner. Nicol and I made some Chicken Puffs, and potatoes, and salad. And it was SO yummy. But listen, Sunday was a big day, because it was Supermoon Sunday. So, Keaton, Cory, Nicol, Jerika and I made our way up the mountain to watch this special event. I know I don't have any pictures of the actual moon, but I hope you all watched it. It was beautiful, just like these souls.

Have you ever had to make your own selfie stick? Well this is how. Cool right?

Tuesday September 29: Tuesday was "Hammock Around on Campus" Day. So, that is exactly what we did. Keaton, Cory, Nicol, Anna and I busted out the hammocks and hung around. But, we didn't just set them up like you normally would. Cory, being himself, needed to be the coolest. So we hung my hammock literally 25 feet up a tree. It took Keaton and Cory almost a whole hour of set up and several near death experiences, but they did it. And it was super RAD. So, as I would say, when life gets hard, hammock it out. I wish the pictures could do justice. It was really freaking high, and but really freaking cool.

Almost a near death experience for Keaton and Cory. 

Can you tell how high he is? Really high. 

"Hey look, me and my friends are sitting in a hammock!"

(that's me)

This is the bff, KB.

Well, that's about it my friends. It was been a whirlwind of a week. So many emotions and so many things going on. I wish I had some crazy cool spiritual experience or thought that I had this week, but I can't seem to think of one. But here are some things that I have been thinking a lot about this week.

#1: Life is absolutely nothing what you think it might be. BUT, it always turns out alright. And sometimes it turns out a whole lot better. Never in my life did I think I would end up at a school in Utah. Never did I think I would be studying Nursing. Never did I think I would meet so many cool, exciting, and incredible people. Never did I think I would end up here, here in Cedar City. But look where I am. And not for one second would I change it. I am so grateful for the opportunities that I have been given, and for where I am now. I am grateful for the people that surround me, and for friendships, and adventures. 

#2: There is no need to rush. So many days I wake up, and I feel like I have to go go go. I think that the world makes us feel like we always have to be going, and moving on to the next step. Like honestly, I have felt like I needed to come to college, get married, start a family, and just GO. But we don't. This is the only time in my life that is for ME. And I can do absolutely anything and everything that I want to. I have no idea when, or who I will marry. I have no idea where I might end up. But I do know, that this time in life is for ME. There are countless opportunities, and so SO many things to do. And I know that there are so many things that I want to do before I get married. So mom, don't you worry... I don't plan on having a ring on my finger anytime soon ;)

#3: Be happy. In everything we do, in all the places we go, be happy. There is no reason not to be. We are blessed to live in such a beautiful world, surrounded with so much good, and with such good people. My good friend Ryan sent me this quote this week: 

"Let's choose our priorities carefully, making sure that God comes first, and we'll find that other things settle into more manageable spots. And then, when we are cheerfully doing all we can, let's be assured that God will do His part, and make things right."
My friends, I would echo this with my testimony. Let us always put God first, and find joy in Him, and in the things we do, and with those around us. Let us find joy in doing what He has asked us to do, and let us find joy in the things that might just happen. I know that He lives. I know that as we put Him first, and as we always keep our goal to return to Him in sight, the rest will work out. I want nothing more in this life than to be able to return to my Father in Heaven, and to do so with joy. I know that my Savior loves me. I am grateful for my parents, and for their endless examples. I am grateful for this gospel and for blessings, and comfort it brings to my life. I am grateful for the choice that I have to be happy. I pray that as we continue about our journey, we may do so happily, and humbly. I pray that one day, each of us may return to live with Him. 

Let us be happy, and watch conference this weekend. 

xoxo, 

ellie d.