Sunday, November 14, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
"Craikey!"
Yes, I'm an Interior Design major.
Please let these photos communicate the struggles I go through on a daily basis as I struggle to survive the terrain of the Clarke building. Observe Jessica in her natural habitat, doing what she does best....being crazy, crazy, crazy.
This broadcast brought to you by the Sara Smoot Corporation. Please no reproduction.
Please let these photos communicate the struggles I go through on a daily basis as I struggle to survive the terrain of the Clarke building. Observe Jessica in her natural habitat, doing what she does best....being crazy, crazy, crazy.
This broadcast brought to you by the Sara Smoot Corporation. Please no reproduction.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
"I'm Stronger Than I Ever Knew."
My favorite poem is often quoted by Elder Ballard. He quoted it again during his CES address.
"The Oak Tree" by Johnny Ray Ryder Jr.
A mighty wind blew night and day.
It stole the oak tree's leaves away.
Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark
until the oak was tired and stark.
But still the oak tree stood its ground.
While other trees fell all around.
The weary wind gave up and spoke
How can you still be standing oak?
The oak tree said, "I know that you
can break each branch of mine in two,
carry every leaf away;
shake my limbs and make me sway.
But I have roots stretched in the earth
growing stronger since my birth
you'll never touch them, for you see
they are the deepest part of me.
Until today, I wasn't sure
of just how much I could endure.
But now I've found, with thanks to you......
.....I'm stronger than I ever knew."
"The Oak Tree" by Johnny Ray Ryder Jr.
A mighty wind blew night and day.
It stole the oak tree's leaves away.
Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark
until the oak was tired and stark.
But still the oak tree stood its ground.
While other trees fell all around.
The weary wind gave up and spoke
How can you still be standing oak?
The oak tree said, "I know that you
can break each branch of mine in two,
carry every leaf away;
shake my limbs and make me sway.
But I have roots stretched in the earth
growing stronger since my birth
you'll never touch them, for you see
they are the deepest part of me.
Until today, I wasn't sure
of just how much I could endure.
But now I've found, with thanks to you......
.....I'm stronger than I ever knew."
"And the world will know..."
I love the line from the "Newsies" song, but it's part of what I want to portrait.
Our Stake President: Pres. Kusch challenged us during our recent Stake Conference to rewrite our testimonies. He said: 'If you have a blog, blog about it. If you have FB, FB about it.' So, here I am. Thinking and re-exploring my feelings about my testimony of the Gospel.
I'm grateful for my awesome roommate Staci who provides me with awesome incites late at night when we stay up talking. Many times it ends up being about scriptural things since we read our scriptures at the same time. Last night, she reminded me of some of my favorite verses and favorites sections of the Book of Mormon...namely, 1st Nephi.
Last year provided me with a look inside Lehi and his family that only a handful of people can say they've had in this life. I was ablt to play the role of Laman's wife in the Hill Cumorah Pageant (2010). I'd had some background knowledge and experience in 2005 when I visited Guatemala and Mexico to see some of the ruins and places that archeologists believe to be the Book of Mormon places. For whatever reason, this family came ALIVE for me. They sang, they breathed, they struggled, they fought, they rejoiced, they bore testimony, they lived had families of their own, they lived ordinary lives. I came to love them. Yes, even Laman and Lemuel. It helps me relate to Nephi in his disappointment when they choose to disobey the things they are taught. I also love to think of Sam as Nephi's 'Hyrum." The super strong older brother who is always supportive of the fact that his little brother is the prophet.
Staci and I were specifically talking last night about all the women in these men's lives. They were SO influential. They changed generations. They aren't necessarily spoken of by name, but they had influence. Whether for good, or for 'not so good.' Which made a BIG difference. The influence they had effected the rest of the people in the Book of Mormon. Their influence was mostly, in my opinion, over their husbands. It didn't matter whether he was the prophet, or if he was the prophet's brother. There is a clear distinction with the brother's in their family. Two brother's decided to choose what was wrong, the other's decided to follow the Lord.
I LOVE this family. Nephi is my scripture hero. I look to his example. That is such a strength to me. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father chose Nephi to carry and look after the plates for 30 years in order for me to have the opportunity to communicate with my Father in Heaven through them today. I've felt Heavenly Father guide me through them before.
In addition, I know that the Prophet Joseph, having the little schooling and education that he did, could not have made up the stories and experiences in the Book of Mormon! He was a young 14 year old kid who was humble and simply asked for help. Because of that humility, Heavenly Father was able to show himself and His Son to Joseph in order to begin the process of bringing the truth back to this Earth and to our time. His family was crucial in supporting him in his work. That too is another example, besides Lehi's family, that Heavenly Father specifically places us in family units for us to learn and grow.
I also know that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us. His Plan is specifically for us to learn to become like Him, which is what this life is all about.
We DO have a living prophet on the Earth today. He is Thomas S. Monson. He is so kind and has a big heart.
I believe our Church is different because of Authority. Heavenly Father has blessed us with a tiny bit of his power here on Earth. I'm grateful that we have that authority to bless our lives in the form of worthy priesthood holders.
I guess there will be more to come later on...
Our Stake President: Pres. Kusch challenged us during our recent Stake Conference to rewrite our testimonies. He said: 'If you have a blog, blog about it. If you have FB, FB about it.' So, here I am. Thinking and re-exploring my feelings about my testimony of the Gospel.
I'm grateful for my awesome roommate Staci who provides me with awesome incites late at night when we stay up talking. Many times it ends up being about scriptural things since we read our scriptures at the same time. Last night, she reminded me of some of my favorite verses and favorites sections of the Book of Mormon...namely, 1st Nephi.
Last year provided me with a look inside Lehi and his family that only a handful of people can say they've had in this life. I was ablt to play the role of Laman's wife in the Hill Cumorah Pageant (2010). I'd had some background knowledge and experience in 2005 when I visited Guatemala and Mexico to see some of the ruins and places that archeologists believe to be the Book of Mormon places. For whatever reason, this family came ALIVE for me. They sang, they breathed, they struggled, they fought, they rejoiced, they bore testimony, they lived had families of their own, they lived ordinary lives. I came to love them. Yes, even Laman and Lemuel. It helps me relate to Nephi in his disappointment when they choose to disobey the things they are taught. I also love to think of Sam as Nephi's 'Hyrum." The super strong older brother who is always supportive of the fact that his little brother is the prophet.
Staci and I were specifically talking last night about all the women in these men's lives. They were SO influential. They changed generations. They aren't necessarily spoken of by name, but they had influence. Whether for good, or for 'not so good.' Which made a BIG difference. The influence they had effected the rest of the people in the Book of Mormon. Their influence was mostly, in my opinion, over their husbands. It didn't matter whether he was the prophet, or if he was the prophet's brother. There is a clear distinction with the brother's in their family. Two brother's decided to choose what was wrong, the other's decided to follow the Lord.
I LOVE this family. Nephi is my scripture hero. I look to his example. That is such a strength to me. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father chose Nephi to carry and look after the plates for 30 years in order for me to have the opportunity to communicate with my Father in Heaven through them today. I've felt Heavenly Father guide me through them before.
In addition, I know that the Prophet Joseph, having the little schooling and education that he did, could not have made up the stories and experiences in the Book of Mormon! He was a young 14 year old kid who was humble and simply asked for help. Because of that humility, Heavenly Father was able to show himself and His Son to Joseph in order to begin the process of bringing the truth back to this Earth and to our time. His family was crucial in supporting him in his work. That too is another example, besides Lehi's family, that Heavenly Father specifically places us in family units for us to learn and grow.
I also know that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us. His Plan is specifically for us to learn to become like Him, which is what this life is all about.
We DO have a living prophet on the Earth today. He is Thomas S. Monson. He is so kind and has a big heart.
I believe our Church is different because of Authority. Heavenly Father has blessed us with a tiny bit of his power here on Earth. I'm grateful that we have that authority to bless our lives in the form of worthy priesthood holders.
I guess there will be more to come later on...
Saturday, November 6, 2010
My First Gym Experience
OOOOOK. For many of you know know me well, know that I DO NOT like the gym. I never have. Its been a little silly fear I've had for a long time. I SWORE I would never ever go. Until today.
My wonderful roommate Staci signed up for a Lazyman Ironman which basically gives her the whole month to complete an Ironman. (the whole biking, swimming, running thing...bleh) She's gone biking the last few days and came home super super oober sore.
She was complaining, bless her heart, and I told her she needs to keep it up. (Preachin to the choir, i know! That way at least one of us is getting in the physical exercise.)
I casually mentioned I would go with her one of these days.
WEEEEELL, this afternoon we are the only two home and she says..."Jess, we're going to the gym." I whined and complained for about ten minutes. Until she reminded me..."You SAID you would go with me!" I responded, OK, but only because I SAID I would.
Again, I'm slightly afraid of the gym. Perhaps its all the people i feel staring at you. Like a fish bowl. Perhaps, its the fear of the unknown. I dont know. But, i went. Staci taught me all the things to do like type in your campus login name, how to adjust machines, wipe things down when you are done, etc, etc, etc.
But I did it! I biked TWENTY ONE miles in a half an hour! 21 = 30! WOW! I feel SOO SOO SOO good and didn't realize how much i needed it. Stac - thanks for MAKING me go. :)
My wonderful roommate Staci signed up for a Lazyman Ironman which basically gives her the whole month to complete an Ironman. (the whole biking, swimming, running thing...bleh) She's gone biking the last few days and came home super super oober sore.
She was complaining, bless her heart, and I told her she needs to keep it up. (Preachin to the choir, i know! That way at least one of us is getting in the physical exercise.)
I casually mentioned I would go with her one of these days.
WEEEEELL, this afternoon we are the only two home and she says..."Jess, we're going to the gym." I whined and complained for about ten minutes. Until she reminded me..."You SAID you would go with me!" I responded, OK, but only because I SAID I would.
Again, I'm slightly afraid of the gym. Perhaps its all the people i feel staring at you. Like a fish bowl. Perhaps, its the fear of the unknown. I dont know. But, i went. Staci taught me all the things to do like type in your campus login name, how to adjust machines, wipe things down when you are done, etc, etc, etc.
But I did it! I biked TWENTY ONE miles in a half an hour! 21 = 30! WOW! I feel SOO SOO SOO good and didn't realize how much i needed it. Stac - thanks for MAKING me go. :)
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Life is Fragile.
I know. I'm blogging about some of the wackiest things. But, they are cool.
God Bless Eugenie Blanchard!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40010878/ns/world_news-americas/?gt1=43001
God Bless Eugenie Blanchard!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40010878/ns/world_news-americas/?gt1=43001
Skipping Thanksgiving?! GASP!
Dear Friends -
I'm NOT A SCROOGE! I absolutely ADORE Christmas.
Just not RIGHT after Halloween!
We always tend to "skip" Thanksgiving.
There are so many things to be grateful for. Not that we can't listen to Christmas music. Music is just SUCH a powerful thing for me....it tends to take me all the way to December.
Please try to understand my feelings.
the end
I'm NOT A SCROOGE! I absolutely ADORE Christmas.
Just not RIGHT after Halloween!
We always tend to "skip" Thanksgiving.
There are so many things to be grateful for. Not that we can't listen to Christmas music. Music is just SUCH a powerful thing for me....it tends to take me all the way to December.
Please try to understand my feelings.
the end
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Dear Marissa-
Its ok even if you don't know me.
I don't know the situation, but I can see.
You are young and beautiful, but so is he.
I'm here to tell you...you have the choice. Break free.
He makes you cry.
You don't deserve that lie.
Love is something you can not buy.
Please be strong enough to tell him goodbye.
I don't know the situation, but I can see.
You are young and beautiful, but so is he.
I'm here to tell you...you have the choice. Break free.
He makes you cry.
You don't deserve that lie.
Love is something you can not buy.
Please be strong enough to tell him goodbye.
Happy Meals VS. Same Sex Marriages
OK, I know these two subjects are two completely different categories. They got me thinking. So, here is more blogging regurgitation.
I've also never ever made any political kind of comments on any of the social networks i'm apart of, until now. BUT, they are things that I'm interested in.
San Francisco has issues. They are thinking that its ok to pass a law that says Happy Meals can't be sold with toys unless the meal is more healthy. BUT, they are also thinking its ok to pass Same Sex Marriage laws. Maybe I"m opening a can of worms, but I needed to get that out.....Granted, healthier Happy Meals makes ME happy. BUT, Same Sex marriages is something I DO NOT believe in. Just sayin.......
Another point I'd like to make is that there is a person that is so important to me has the name "Gaye." She was named that when the meaning of the word was 'happy.' Which is a good word to describe this person. She is so kind and truly Christ-like. That word is so special to me that I don't use it in the slag form many use it today, which makes me sad.
I also read an article in the Scroll this week written by Jessica Black. Her point is that homosexuality is a reality in our world and we need to show respect. I think we need to be loving and kind to ALL kinds of people. That doesn't mean we have to agree with their life style.
I've also never ever made any political kind of comments on any of the social networks i'm apart of, until now. BUT, they are things that I'm interested in.
San Francisco has issues. They are thinking that its ok to pass a law that says Happy Meals can't be sold with toys unless the meal is more healthy. BUT, they are also thinking its ok to pass Same Sex Marriage laws. Maybe I"m opening a can of worms, but I needed to get that out.....Granted, healthier Happy Meals makes ME happy. BUT, Same Sex marriages is something I DO NOT believe in. Just sayin.......
Another point I'd like to make is that there is a person that is so important to me has the name "Gaye." She was named that when the meaning of the word was 'happy.' Which is a good word to describe this person. She is so kind and truly Christ-like. That word is so special to me that I don't use it in the slag form many use it today, which makes me sad.
I also read an article in the Scroll this week written by Jessica Black. Her point is that homosexuality is a reality in our world and we need to show respect. I think we need to be loving and kind to ALL kinds of people. That doesn't mean we have to agree with their life style.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)