My Inner Elizabeth Bennet (Feb 28-March 5)

Last Sunday I wrote down 5 things that stuck out to me from all my meetings and taped them to one of my dressers. I decided to focus and think about them throughout this past week.

-Outreach

-Inspiration

-How can I feel those spiritual testaments everyday?

-Walk

-Spiritual Force

Inspiration

I woke up Sunday morning wishing for more time to get things done the next day. I got a text a little after that from another RA asking what time my first class was the next day. I informed him it was 9am. (I work the caf at 8). He texted back saying, "Good. Sleep in. I'll take your 8am shift". I forgot that he owed me a shift from a few weeks ago.

Needless to say he became my favorite person.

I was able to wake up and get my homework done! Blessings!

In a small way this was inspiration. I needed that extra hour Monday morning.

Outreach

This word was really powerful for me all week.

Outreach=Service

I constantly noticed everyone reaching OUT to help others. I love service, but something about calling it outreach really changed my perspecitive. It helped me visualize reaching outside of myself towards the heart of someone else.

I noticed it at FHE when Jessica planned food Jeopardy. Instead of points you won food.

I saw everyone helping each other with midterms and tests.

We had a crazy freak snow storm Thursday night and so many people always rush to make sure everything is clear and safe for Students.

It was some of the biggest and prettiest snow I had ever seen.

I noticed outreach through all the RA's this week as well.

This weekend our school hosted a Remote Area Medical Clinic. We had many many volunteers and doctors come and provide free dental, eye care, etc to whom ever showed up. TONS of students volunteers (some had to direct traffic in the freezing cold from midnight till 6am). I also had the opportunity to meet a lot of people who came from all over just to help. One couple flew all the way from California just for the one and a half day clinic. I was so overwhelmed by the amount of love I felt for people. ALL people!

How can I feel those spiritual testaments everyday?

The answer comes from two things. 

1. OUTREACH

Constantly serve those around you and the lights of heaven will shine down upon you.

"To love another person is to see the face of God".

2. The Sacrament

In Ward Council we have been finishing up the Sabbath Day training videos. They are incredible! My testimony of the Sabbath and Sacrament have grown immensely! By taking the Sacrament worthily each week, we make a covenant to remember him always. As we do this we are able to have the holy spirit with us, which allows spiritual testaments to become evident everyday.

Walk

"We walk back to our Heavenly Father, not ride our mopeds."

-Brother Himes

Walking takes time. I love walks. They are probably hands down one of my favorite things to do when I have free time. It helps me think and most importantly channel my inner Elizabeth Bennet.

"Yes, we often walk to Meryton. Its a great opportunity to meet new people."

-Elizabeth Bennet

Walking is a fantastic place to either communicate with friends or meet some amazing people. 

We walk through this life. And on that walk we get to meet and spend time with some fantastic people. 

Tuesday night I worked the game room and I was switching shifts with John John and we ended up watching the first Harry Potter. I love that movie.

Thursday after our RA meeting we decided to go to Cook-Out and a whole bunch of people went. We left and I just smiled at how awesome everyone is! I am so grateful they are in my life. 

Some of my girls came and watched The Lizzie Mcguire Movie in my room Friday afternoon. It was the best start to spring break!

Kaylee. I adore her! She sits and lets me rant for hours! She came and watched Youtube videos in my room for like two or three hours Friday night.

I went to the lacrosse game with John John on Saturday and we ended up hanging out with Kellen and Ammon, two people on ward council with us. I just kept laughing and laughing! 

Heidi. I realized I don't have a picture just with her. I will get one! I picked up Heidi from work and we went and ate at Mano Taco and went and got gelato. We watched The Young Victoria and then talked till 11:30pm.

I also became Elizabeth Bennet by wearing a Jane Austen dress on Sunday that Heidi let me borrow. I went for a lovely walk around 9am as the birds sang and I hummed all the music from Pride and Prejudice.

Spiritual Force

Please go reread President Nelson's talk from the October 2015 General Conference. It was one of the most powerful talks for me. That was what our lesson was on last week. It talks about how we need spiritual strong women in this world. That is what I want to continue working on everyday. 

I love the word, force. It holds such power. I want to move things with my spirituality. (Yes. Luke, the force is with you).

But really, think about how strong and powerful being a spiritual force is. I hope people can one day describe me as just that.

We still have challenges. I came upon a scripture this week that really helped me.

D&C 78:18

And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.

This week I found myself smiling a lot. People are just funny and life is beyond hilarious! As we do things with joy and "be of good cheer", we will be blessed. Blessings are waiting just around the river bend.

And in truth, life was made so that man may have joy.

(If you couldn't tell, I am on a MAJOR Jane Austen kick. So if you discover a way to transport me back in time, please let me know. I will be taking all communication in letter format.)