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.