My First Article

Hello loyal followers! Today I am going to re-post my first article in the upcoming magazine LDSgirls.org. I hope you enjoy!

Every girl has a story; a story of triumph, defeat, struggles, and blessings. Each story aims for the happily ever after. The gospel of Jesus Christ provides that storybook ending with the sealing of families here on earth. Love truly is a fairy tale, especially within the temple. The temple marriage would be nothing without love as a foundation. God made a plan for all of us to fall in love. He had a plan when he created the woman. He had this idea for two strangers to fall deeply in love, and care for each other so much they would take part of themselves and create another human being. How amazing is that? On top of all those blessings, He has paved a way for them to be together forever.

 In today’s society, the world portrays marriage as a burden and a weak decision to make in life, especially for women. Society makes marriage appear like a death sentence towards our independence. Little do they know, it is the opposite. It strengthens women and gives us power to overcome all obstacles. I was married at the age of 18. I had no idea that was how things were going to play out in my life. I trusted God's plan. I am now 20 years old, and a sophomore in college, sealed to the man of my dreams; my eternal soul mate. God’s path for us is not always easy. 

I grew up in what the church calls a “part member family”. As a child, my father was not a member of the church but taught me in ways of high moral standards and how a woman should be treated. At the age of 5, my father’s interest in the church grew and he soon developed a testimony of the restored Gospel. It took many years for him to fully convert, body and soul, to the church. Because he believed in the power of the Priesthood, he had the strong desire to be an eternal family and set that goal for all of us to work towards. Through his experience and his example, I feel I am blessed with the ability to see the light of Christ in others. This amazing blessing paved the path to my own love story. 

Although my husband, Kyle, was not a member of the church at the time of our courtship, I saw the light of Christ in his eyes and knew he was the one. I was seventeen years old when I introduced the Gospel to Kyle. I was scared that it would have a negative impact on our relationship, but I continued to hold onto the light I saw in him and trusted God’s plan. To my surprise, Kyle accepted the Gospel and all its fullness and was baptized four months later. The Gospel is the foundation of our relationship. I knew if we held on to the Gospel and the blessings promised by our faithfulness, our goal of being sealed for time and all eternity would be obtained. He proposed, shortly after his acceptance of the Gospel, at the Dallas, TX Temple. We were both excited for our new journey. 

We desired to be married in the temple, but I felt prompted by the Holy Ghost to be married as quickly as possible. Due to the one –year rule for converts, we could not get married in the temple immediately. I was scared about the consequences of this decision, but I trusted God’s plan for me. We made the temple our number one priority after getting married, and here we are now, sealed for time and all eternity. In our journey towards our sealing, we matured spiritually in the Gospel. The promises the Gospel teaches us, the blessings I held when I gave Kyle his first Book of Mormon, the blessings of marriage, and the blessings my father shared, have blossomed and continue to bless our lives. I have been blessed with my own love story. It is different from others but the result is still the same. We will all have a fairy tale if we remain faithful to our covenants and trust God’s plan. God has a happily ever after story for each of His daughters. His only requirement is to endure to the end with faithfulness. 

Katie's 5 Ways of Improving Happiness!

I have just been in the worst moods the last few days! It caused me to have a migraine from you know where! It has also effected my school work and energy to fulfill my obligations as a student! I really sat down last night and discussed it with my husband and we both reached the same conclusion. It is all in my head.

I read an article from KSL, a news station based in Salt Lake City, UT about 5 things we can do to be a happy person. http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=23962051&nid=1010&title=5-things-you-can-do-right-now-to-be-happier

I want to ask my readers what they think about this. Are there little things we can do to make our lives easier and more enjoyable? I came up with 5 little things of my own that I can personally work on and I think we all could do as well!

1. Time Management.
This is a HUGE problem for me. People say that they don't have enough time in the day, and that is true for some, but for me it is not! I put things off till last minute or do them at night when I am tired and my attention span lasts as long as a blink of an eye! What can I do to fix that? Well, instead of a weekly planner, maybe an hour by hour planner. Plan what assignments to do in a specific time frame. Plan what time to start dinner, and how long it'll take. And while the dinner is cooking, plan what part of the house you'll clean. I love doing things like this to music, especially to Katy Perry, something spunky, upbeat and fun to listen to while your getting things done! Plan when you'll work out and how long. It's all about time frame! I think this alone will help reduce my stress tenfold!

2. Write In a Journal

This has helped me tremendously. It gives you time to really reflect on your day and the decisions you've made. I like to do it before I go to bed. It relaxes me. It's also a great therapeutic tool. Your journal never judges what you have to say, your inner thoughts, ideas, opinions, struggles and so on. It can come to be your best friend if you let it. I highly encourage my readers to take the time to do this. It doesn't have to be a novel. This goes back to time management, make the time in your day to reflect and how the next day can be better.

3. Take A Walk

Provo Canyon

Sometimes we need a break from everything, especially technology. We all don't realize how much it really dictates our lives on a daily basis. My husband and I used to do this all the time, and I want to start back up again. Especially with us living in the mountain west, the scenery is beautiful and the air is so refreshing. Like the journal, it is a way to reflect on the day, enjoy God's creations, and relieve stress. Go with your friends, spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, or by yourself. Take your phone only for emergency reasons and keep it in your pocket/purse. I love seeing the mountains with snow on them with a purple/pink dusk sky behind them.

4. Be Attentive to Others

There are many people out there struggling with various problems. Illness, depression, family problems, finances, and much more. I don't know about you but a smile for me goes a long way. Go out of your way to help others. If someone drops their backpack, their papers, items of any kind, even if you are in a hurry, go help them. Talk to strangers when you are waiting in the elevator. Talk to someone in class or at work that you have never bothered to talk to because you don't know them. Stand up for those that need it, even if it isn't popular to do so. Little things like this really make me happy. I enjoy helping others. When you do help someone, do not expect it in return. When you go through life  wanting to give and not recieve life just falls into place. It doesn't mean we won't have problems of our own, but those problems that we do have just work themselves out naturally.

5. Language 
 Last but not least, language. This has more than one meaning. I was told the reason why people use swear words is because the way they sound activate a feeling in our brain that sends a thrill. It's thrilling to use language like that! But in reality a thrill does not last. Swear words are commonly used in describing a frustration and can bring us down, or provoke irritation. I struggle with this. When we use clean language it automatically sets us apart from society and provides a better atmosphere for us to be around. I need to be more attentive of my choice of words and provide myself a better environment on a daily basis. The second definition I am referring to is how we speak. Instead of pointing out the negatives in our lives, speak of happy things that uplift us. I'm not saying be happy 24/7. That can be overkill! But focus on HOW we say things. Focus on the positives in our lives.

http://www.number27.org/wb-language.html

These are the things that I can work on in my life, and I hope it has helped anyone else who struggles with promoting happiness in their lives. Thank you for taking the time to read and have a great weekend!

~Katie B.



 

My Story: Chapter 1: The Beginnings of Eternity

I was thinking, have I told my story to my readers? I am currently working on an article for a brand new magazine called ldsgirls.org about temple marriage and all the prep it takes and how life fits into all that. As I was brainstorming I asked myself have I told my story on my blog? I don't think I have! So here is chapter 1!

 

 

Our first picture as a couple

Let us start on the night of December 30th, 2009. I had just got off of work at Subway and my cousin Tara was in town from Houston. We were planning on going out to IHOP for pancakes and to just chill with Kyle.  But for some reason my Dad wouldn't let me go out. So being the trouble makers that Tara and I were, we still saw Kyle anyway. He came by the house when every one was asleep and we walked around the neighborhood. I had butterflies in my stomach, I knew he wanted to ask me to be his girlfriend, but I was just terrified! We had gone on a formal dates, and several casual hangouts and I really liked him. I had never truly felt this way before. Tara was committed to witness this event no matter what. She came up with a scheme as he was about to leave. "Hey Kyle, we're starving! If I gave you some cash will you go run to Jack in the Box?" Being the sweet man that he was he went.

 

Us at the Botanical Gardens in Fort Worth, TX

While he was gone Tara demanded that I "cut the crap" and kiss him already! "Katie, this is it! You better get out there and lay one on him or I'll force you!" I was horrified by what would happen if I wouldn't, so I agreed. I saw his car down the street. I panicked and went back inside. Tara yelled "KATELYN LEANNE, GET YOUR BUTT (editing this) OUT THERE RIGHT NOW!" She shoved me outside and locked the door to where I couldn't go back in. I slowly walked to the car and he handed me the bag of food. "Thanks, that was really sweet of you." He then replied with a smile, "Anything for you" It was silent. Here I was, hanging over his car window! I knew Tara was watching, and would kill me if nothing happened! He leans in....

 

"Well thanks again" I said nervously. As soon as I stepped away, I instantly regretted it. I wanted to kiss him but I was just to shy! I knew Tara would rip into me. As I watched him drive away, I noticed there was only one burger in the bag. Was this my second chance? Will I blow this one too? I told Tara about this convenient mishap, and all she said was, "OK, I'll be waiting."

 

Botanical Gardens in Fort Worth, TX

He came back and turns out the burger had slipped out of the bag. There we were again. Just me and him, my stomach drops out of nervousness, my breath short. Am I going to blow this? For the second time?  I started to panic again, was I ready for this? I wanted to scream at myself for being so stupid! Just kiss him, I thought. This is it! He just smiled at me. "Goodnight Katie, I'll be a phone call away." As he drove away I couldn't help but smile. I came back inside with my cousin berating me. "Why are you inside?? Well?? ARE YOU HIS GIRLFRIEND OR NOT??". "Not yet" I said. I couldn't help but smile. "Tara, are you even going to eat that burger?" She just laughed. "No, I'm really not that hungry."

 

Later that night, we were texting and talking on the phone. I told him that I really liked him and the fact that he just smiled at me, not expecting anything and understanding how nervous I was meant a lot. I felt like it was in my hands, and in my time. I told him after that moment, I knew I wanted to be with him. He asked me to be his girlfriend later that night. I (obviously) accepted. As funny, or ridiculous as this sounds, that night was the beginning of our journey to eternity.

Building a foundation

Earlier this week I attended an institute class (religious courses) that it's primary focus was to teach how to  build a foundation in relationships on Christ and His Gospel. This goes for anything we do in life. The relationship does not have to be with your wife/husband boyfriend/girlfriend, but for anyone in our lives. Parents, siblings, friends, family, co-workers etc. When we build a foundation on His words and way of life, we will always have something to fall back on. We will have His everlasting love to lift us up in times of trouble and hardships. We can all say these things, but it is a different story to live what we speak. I find this to be so true especially in my marriage.

foundation is built on his investigation of the gospel, and it made my testimony grow ten fold. We have a foundation of Christ

 When I met my husband, I introduced him to the Gospel and said that this was my way of life and who I was. I wanted everything out in the open and I was scared to death that it would run him off. But to my surprise, it didn't. It drew him in closer. It made him curious and fall in love with me even more. That is how our relationship grew. Our in our marriage, not only because of how we met, but because marriage is indeed of God and a wonderful part of his plan for all of us.

I encourage my readers to think about every relationship you have in life and ask yourself what is the foundation of those relationships. Whether it be a co-worker, church member, spouse, parent or child. Was it built upon Christ's love? Was it built on charity? Was it built to help one another? I guarantee if you re-establish that foundation with these qualities, improvements will follow. I took a lot from that class this week and felt the need to share. I hope all of you are having a good week. God Bless.

~Katie B.

Gun Control/Video Games/Society as a whole!

This whole mess is just,...well.. a mess! I have many thoughts on the matter that I want to express.

       First off, the Sandy Hook shootings are just the worst thing that can possibly happen to our society. Innocent children at risk in what is supposed to be one of (if not the most) safest environments other then their homes. As a former child care giver, working in an elementary school, this hits me pretty hard. I can't imagine what I would do in a situation like that. It is such a heart breaking tragedy that unfortunately can not be prevented.

How can we predict an event like this? How can we prevent this from ever being a possibility. That's just it. We can't predict/prevent situations like that. There are already security measures in place that he worked around to even get to those children, I mean what more can you really do? Background checks? Ok, this 'argument' I have a major problem with and here is why. Do you think this man thought about a background check? Do you think this man thought to himself, "I'm registering my weapon, but still planning to kill these innocent children, so they won't suspect a thing!" I'm confident in myself that criminals with the intent to harm don't obviously follow laws in the first place. I'm also fairly confident that going into an elementary school with the intent of killing as many people within  sight is illegal in the state of Connecticut.

What other law can you put in place that will prevent something like this from happening? This is what criminals do, they break the laws that are in place. So you think that the solution to this is to put more laws in place for them to break? Will a background check prevent that? Absolutely not! The second argument that I have been seeing all over Facebook/media is that we should just strip the right all together! At least assault rifles, because the Government knows best right? The only people that will be restricted by that are the people already following  laws. Why would you trust the Government to take away your weapons to leave you defenseless? Is it "In GOVERNMENT we trust" or is it "In GOD we trust"? I don't know about you but I'll put my faith and safety in the hands of God rather than Government. The fact that people trust them period is what is wrong with this society in my opinion.

Recently the Supreme Court ruled a Missouri law unconstitutional for requiring a drug test to be done if receiving welfare because it causes 'stereotyping' among it's recipients. So according to this country it is easier to steal money from hard working taxpayers and coast on the earnings of others than the right to bear arms.

Another issue I see is the blame game towards video games. That bothers me immensely. I have had a passion for video games since I was 3 years old. I have good parents that taught that video games were a good part of life, a tool to expand my imagination. They did not use it as a parenting tool. I was taught the discipline of balance. School first, chores, then came the video games. A reward after all the hard work was finished. Those teachings of responsibility have greatly diminished since then. The society now is all about "reward now, work later."

Granted, video games were different in my child hood then what they are now. Is Call of Duty mindless killing? Yes it is. I cannot argue with that. What about Hollywood? The movies Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Django Unchained? The top of the box offices, and the highest violent/Gorey mainstream movies in the history of Hollywood. That's only ok because it is something society likes and accepts. Contrary to that, playing that game is a choice. It is apart of agency. So is going to the movies. It is the parents responsibility to allow a child to play games like COD, and watch movies like Django Unchained. It is their responsibility to teach "work now, play later" and what is best for their child's development. I am the same age as the shooter, and when I play games such as Call of Duty, it does not want to make me go out and kill innocent people.

It bother's me when "Pro-Gun" advocates blame video games on the Sandy Hook tragedy. That is just as bad as blaming the gun instead of the man behind it. They just want the media to leave them alone, so they go to the next thing on the list. Why don't we all take a step back and place responsibility on the rightful target. The man behind the news headlines, behind the gun. Don't blame the video games, don't blame the guns. All that does is infringe on the rights of others that follow the laws already in place and restricts their liberties.

These are my thoughts on the issues. I am not afraid to stand my ground and speak up for what I believe in. I encourage discussion and debates. Placing laws on already abiding citizens only leads to a divided country.

Sincerely
~Katie B.

It's 2013!

Wow, the year ended with so many great occurrences! Kyle and I were endowed in the Salt Lake City Temple on the 8th of December. We were able to go home and visit family/friends down in Texas for the Christmas holiday! Kyle and I were sealed on the 22nd of December for time and all eternity in the Dallas Texas temple. It was a great day. Also, my Uncle Larry was baptized into the LDS church in December as well. AND last but not least my cousin Karlee was called to serve in the Calgary Canada mission and I was there to see her find out! Great things happened! I guess it was the Lords way of trying to even things out from the hell of the beginning of the year, with the deaths of my Nana and Grandpa and other family struggles that came with all that. It was very difficult dealing with all of that, but I am at peace that it was all a part of God's plan for me.

This semester is a busy one, but I feel so incredibly blessed coming into it. I had many worries coming into the spring semester, but each one of them are slowly being solved by blessings that have been put in our path. Anywhere from finances to school/books. I feel like the Lord is letting me know that he is proud of me, and that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. My new years resolution this year is grow spiritually ( i have so much by preparing to go to the temple/being sealed/endowed) but I want to build on that now. I want to be disciplined to kneeling for my prayers every night, and read the scriptures not only with Kyle but my own independent study as well. Also, be on top of my studies, and kick that laziness in the butt. The Lord has put me in this position to go to school, and I want to take advantage of that blessing, because being a married student, it truly is a blessing. I'm glad I started out the semester celebrating my 2 year wedding anniversary. It's a good reminder of why we are doing what we're doing, why we are in Utah, and what we want to accomplish by being here. Another new years resolution for myself is to keep negative thoughts to myself and pray for peace for them to leave so I can only focus on the positive aspects of my life. Having negative thoughts towards anyone/anything only hurts the one who has them, and can just get worse from there.

Anyway, I hope everyone had a great Christmas and a happy New Years. I hope we all make new resolutions for life, and just the year of 2013. God Bless you all! Thanks for reading!

~Katie B.

GIVE more RECEIVE less

Man, this semester has just been both great/exhausting! I'm just so glad it's coming to a close. Next semester for me is going to so much worse though unfortunately. Two math classes back to back, Monday - Friday for two hours a day. I have an Animation class every day of the week, a digital media essentials class, along with an online class (health, Utah requirement) and also another technology requirement. A total of 20 hours. Wow, I mean wow. That's a lot for me. I'm a little worried that I won't be able to handle it. Can I handle it? As long as I stay on top of it. This semester was both a job and a struggle, especially the second half. Finances tightening, classes are harder, it just kind of came all at once to me.

I'm excited for a lot of things. Kyle and I are taking out our endowments in the Salt Lake City Temple this Saturday the 8th of December. Woah. It's kind of surreal. Seriously. It's been a very long time coming, but I NEVER gave up. Never. I always worked hard to make this happen, not just since I've been married (But that is where the sweat and tears came in!) but since I was baptized. It's what I've been taught, by leaders and family by their words and examples. I just need to take a second and soak it all in.

I hope everyone is doing well. I really do. I hope we can get through all of whatever we are going through in our lives. Whether it be finances, family drama/tragedies, relationships/marriages, school, anything. I strive everyday to not focus on the hardships of just life in general, because they are always going to be there. I am by no means perfect, my anxiety has been at an all time high with my mind LOOKING for problems. It's just been stupid the way I've been thinking. I had Kyle give me a priesthood blessing and it has solved my major anxiety.

I have a request to ask my readers. (If there are any ha ha). I made a promise to myself that I will GIVE more than I RECEIVE this Christmas season. I have two things I am going to do. Mostly I am going to do these things when I come home to Texas for the winter break. I am going to take $5 dollars, (5 One dollar bills) and when Kyle and I go out on the town, I am going to give one dollar to either a homeless man, or a charity. I know what you're thinking. "Five dollars? One dollar each? That's nothing..." Anything is better than passing them by and feeling sorry you didn't. I know we've all been there before, and besides, it's all I got. I encourage you to donate your time mostly or just get the coin jar out and next time you head to Wal-Mart, and put it in the Salvation Army. Anything is better than nothing. I hope you all have a great December. God Bless!

~Katie B.