Fall Semester 2013. Home stretch!

I haven't done an "update" post in a while. I thought I'd let my readers know what's going on in my life.

It's mid September and I can smell the fall coming! I am working this semester, the first time since I left Texas over a year ago. It was an adjustment at first, getting up at the crack of dawn, then going to straight to school, but I adjusted eventually.

My favorite part about living in Utah is definitly the fall season! The hot cocoa, the GORGEOUS color change, the mountains in a fall sunset. Being from Texas, the change of color went from green to dead. That's about as gorgeous as it gets. If there is color change, like ACTUAL color change, it doesn't last that long. In Utah it lasts for at least a month, and the color change on the mountain side is a beautiful sight to see!

This semester, I am taking Principles of Animation (such a fun class), Web Essentials, Intro to Technology and Digital Motion Picture Essentials. At the end of this semester, my Technology class will provide me my third science, and I will obtain my Associates of Science Degree. I'm pretty excited. Something to show that I'm halfway down in my arduous major. My major is fun here at UVU, but they are probably about 25 credits more than the average Bachelors Degree because of my Video Gaming concentration. I was going to transfer to BYU, but now that I fell in love with this major, and no where else has it, I just can't seem to part ways with it. It's still up in the air. I feel like the Lord wants me doing this. I was very torn coming into the fall semester, I was taking family classes to prepare for my BYU transfer, but something didn't feel right, so I switched them all back to my Digital Media: Gaming and Animation classes. Time will tell. *Deep Breath* It'll be okay!

I really like my job. It's a very "get in the groove" kind of job, and a lot of responsibilities are on me, which I like, because It allows me to strive to be better each day.

Kyle is almost done! Thank the Lord! He is on his last year. I'm so ready for him to be done I can't even tell you! I'm ready to move on with our lives, at least for him to start making some good money, rather than living from semester to semester. BUT, on the bright side of these few years of struggle, we grew a lot. I mean, a lot. We have grown so much from the time of our first kiss, to our "I do's" to now. We talk about it sometimes, how we've grown and what exactly made us grow up. We talk about our future on a daily basis, from kids, their upbringing, how we want to parent, their education, our finances, where we want to be and what it will take to get there. It's what keeps us going to be honest.

The things I feel like I've improved on is reading our scriptures together. I LOVE reading them with him, because we discuss what we just read, and I feel like I have such a better understanding of the stories and morals being taught to me.

Kyle is doing an internship with the Utah Grizzlies Hockey Team as their Public Relations/Marketing Manger. What a wonderful blessing. It opens doors for the day he graduates and he is doing everything he can to get his foot in the door come graduation day. I'm very blessed to be married to him. Sometimes it gets hard to keep going, but he always reminds me of the great things we have done and the great thing that are in store for us.

And of course BYU Football!! The season has been throwing us around already and we've only played 2 games! The season opener loss to Virgina was a tough one. It depressed me to be honest with you. Going into the Texas game, I was nervous. I expected a loss. I really did. But when we came out and won, it was an amazing feeling! Words cannot describe how awesome of an experience that was for me! BYU will always be in my heart, forever! I'm a diehard, what can I say.

I am constantly being reminded, especially lately, that the Lord has a plan for us. That's not just a cliche, it's fact. The Lord has a path for you, and He knows what we are going to do before it even comes into our minds.We have to humbly keep this in mind. Always. Don't fixate your thoughts on the future to the point where you forget about the present. Go out of your way to help others have a good day. That's what makes MY day great, is when I have the opportunity to help others. If I died today, that's what I would want to be known for, is for helping others. Not for anything else. 

Thanks for your time readers! I hope you all have a great week! Until next time!

~Katie B.

"I Am A Champion And You're Gonna Hear Me Roar!"

Katy Perry released her new single a few weeks ago. I was anxiously waiting the night it was released, both nervous and excited for something new from one of my favorite artists of all time. "Roar" did not disappoint me. It is very inspiring and can apply to any situation!

I don't usually talk about this sort of stuff on this blog, but I just had too. Although Katy Perry and I can disagree on A LOT of things, I love her personality and the music she writes. It captivates me and just puts me in a really good mood. Our personalities are very similar as well, which explains a lot haha. 

How would you apply these lyrics? 

I apply them to school and also to society. Everything I stand for is something that society likes to degrade, or "knock me down". Marriage (especially at a young age), standing for Christ and His Gospel, society is going to hear me roar! And nothing can stop me! "You knocked me down, but I got up, already brushing off the dust.." 

"You hear my voice, you hear that sound. Like thunder, gonna shake the ground." Speak out for what you believe. Do not hide only because the truth is unpopular. Now is this what Katy Perry is saying in her lyrics? No probably not, but I'm taking words and relating them to a special, impowering meaning to me, which is also something YOU can do. 

Anyone that has followed up on her in the news, knows it's about Russel Brand-Ex Husband. 

But it's inspiring nonetheless! 

Speak out people, speak for your believes. Stand up for Christ and His Gospel. You are a champion, and let society hear you ROAR! 

"Don't Worry...Load The Wagon."

Earlier this week I just couldn't sleep. I was troubled by life's curveballs thrown at us earlier in the day and I just couldn't shake it. You want to know something I've noticed? When the 'bumps' in the road come our way, they're all at once. It's as if a bomb is dropped one after another, at least for me. 

My husband had already went to bed and I just could not shake the feeling of worry. 

I felt prompted to go find a talk or read scripture to calm my nerves, it's not like me to let things bother me into the night. I went to lds.org and searched "Worry" hoping to find something relevent. And I found this...http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/-dont-worryload-the-wagon?lang=eng&country=afe

A talk given by Elder Carl B. Cook about not letting anxiety get in the way of moving forward in faith. 

fmaonline.net

I read through this talk, jotting down quotes that stuck out at me, and begun to slowly calm down. I was still worried of the roadblocks put in my path, but there was one word that really stuck out to me. Action.

abundancetapestry.com

My mind was fixated on the word. Elder Cook emphasises the teachings of Joseph Smith regarding action and connecting it to the work of the Gospel and Christ's teachings. I felt comfort in this because I knew that I will exhaust all options in making things right and put forth effort to work out my troubles, that the Lord would take care of the rest. 

The title of this post (and the title of the talk) is titled after a phrase Elder Cook's Grandmother used to say. "Don't worry about the mules going blind...just load the wagon." He interpreted this into his own words. "Don't let your anxiety about the future stop you from moving forward in faith." Very well put Elder Cook. 

quiltersclubofamerica.com

 I have another challenge for my readers. If any of you read my previous posts, my "5 Ways To Be Happy" post last year, I talk about writing in a journal. How about having a separate journal for your spiritual thoughts? Weird I know, but hear me out. I have a journal for my general thoughts (spiritual as well) but I also have a small journal that I take to church with me, or when I read scriptures with my hubby. It helps gather your thoughts on what you just read or heard. It's a great tool to remember what you learned spiritually and it helps you grow. 

Thanks for tuning in to today's post! Until next time! 

~Katie B. 

The Gay Marriage Ruling and Abortion: Where government is God?

So many things to think about. So many things are going through my mind. I wanted to address these huge monumental decisions that have been made this past week. I will begin with acknowledging my heavy burdened heart. 

We all have opinions, and this blog is about mine. If any readers don't like my stance or views, I will not apologize. I commend any person for standing firm in their beliefs, regardless of political views and differences that we may have. Standing firm gives you respect in my book. Truthfully, there are very few people in my friends list that actually care and stay firm and not "go with the flow" and just do what's popular. I commend them for that. 

According to the constitution of the United States, us Christians have to stop and ask ourselves, why can't they be married. Anything where the government is involved turns corrupt and lacks moral standing. So this was just a matter of time in reality. On the other hand, politics used to be fighting for your moral standings and beliefs, not this "politically correct" nonsense that half the time doesn't make any sense. 

I put Christ and His gospel into my everyday life. Yes, even in my politics. You can say that's wrong, but I feel that it is right. This country was founded on christian beliefs and was only made possible by His grace and protection. We are the chosen country of this earth. I firmly believe that. Because I put Him in my everyday decisions, I was very saddened by the decision to throw out a major part of The Defense of Marriage Act. Like I said earlier though, it was bound to happen when government is involved in anything so divine. Marriage is a blessing provided by God Himself. Let's break down the institution of marriage. 

A man and woman, so different in every way shape and form, come together as one. Isn't that just beautiful? Two totally different people, of different minds, different bodies, different spirits come together. They are bound together by God (NOT the government....I wish) for and in all things. They come together body and soul and create another life out of their love for themselves, each other, and of God. Again, beautiful. Now, I know not all couples can have children, and yes it is sad. BUT with that being said, He will bless you and fulfill your life in other ways. A way that is different to every couple. 

This is something that I stand for, and will continue to do so into the eternities. I strongly believe that the definition of marriage was given by God and not the government. Now because we live in a world where our government oversteps their boundaries on a daily basis (not what our forefathers intended!!) of course it will be defined and change over time. Of course it will. It makes perfect sense. When we take God out of the picture, the everlasting foundation called "the truth" changes. 

What I don't understand from some christians is when they say "God hates gays" or things like that. That couldn't  be further from the truth. To be honest, that is horrible to say to anyone! I would never bully or be hateful to anyone. Everyone that knows me, knows that this is true. Standing up for what you believe in and being firm in your foundations is completely different then being hateful and spiteful and just plain nasty. 

Now on to the abortion segment.

Gosh, I don't even know where to start. It breaks my heart. It truly does. It is NOT a women's health issue. It really isn't, the "health" issue, is a rare occasion. I would go around saying "Abortion is NOT okay...EXCEPT....." Then I saw this 'analogy' that really made me stop and think. 

Do you think my older sister looked at her daughter as a "women's health right" or a "women's health issue" 

This is what people are viewing as "a burden" and denying life to many wonderful human beings. If this beautiful girl wasn't in my life I wouldn't know what to do! She is the closest thing I have to a child right now and Kyle and I enjoy just being with her every second we get! 

Here is a fact. People choose (mostly) to have sex. They make the choice to potentially create another life. Denying life is a huge mistake for any person to make. Have you ever asked a woman, preferably a single mom if she wished she aborted her child? I'm sure you are also going to meet someone who wishes they haven't. 

The institution of marriage and children are two of God's most precious gifts. Let us protect these gifts and enjoy all the wonderful things in this world. God bless! 

~Katie B. 

What's Missing?

It has been a while since I've written a post on this blog. A while for me anyways. It was a very rough end to the semester. I was studying every extra minute I had for my 8 credit hour math course that I wasn't sure I was going to pass. The thought of failing a class just mortified me, especially with how hard I work just to enroll at the beginning of every semester. Wondering about money for books, travel schedules between Kyle and I, it's a stress, but it's all worth it.

I think we can start to see the light at the end of a long looong tunnel...

The time came for final exams, I had A's in all my classes except for this class that should have a warning label attached to it before you confirm registration: WARNING: Could cause immense stress and can imitate the feelings of being in Hell.

Yeah, this is about how I felt last semester. 

Everyone told me I was crazy to take that class, but I wanted to be done with it once and for all. Utah has different requirements than Texas does, and those requirements require taking a lot more math than wanted. I just wanted to be done with it.

I took that exam, and it was difficult. VERY difficult. I knew I didn't pass and was preparing myself to take it this summer and working hard to keep my head and emotions held high. I checked my grade later that night, and lo and behold, I passed. I literally got down on my knees and thanked God because I knew that it was a miracle. My teacher had dropped my lowest quiz grade which allowed me to pass the class. I considered this a blessing from God.

On top of that blessing, Kyle had gotten good grades as well as a new better paying job with UVU. This job will also bring half tuition IN STATE which amounts to around 2000 for a whole semester. Great blessings were being brought upon us.

It is so easy to forget the many blessing we receive in life. I noticed a change in my life once the abundance of blessings were given. I slacked off. I shirked my duties that I was constantly on top of during the semester. Such as Visiting Teaching, staying for all 3 hours for church etc. I noticed a change in me. In my attitude. I started feeling depressed, worried about other's gossip that I was hearing about me (which didn't bother me at all until I started slacking off). Why was I feeling this way? What was missing?

Christ. Christ was missing. Although He is always with me in my endeavours, I was missing Him and ignoring promptings from the Holy Ghost. I went to church and felt so much better. It was like having a headache and the ibuprofen working immediately. I felt empowered, and I felt right.

Why did I slack off when I clearly received blessings for my diligence?

Good question. The only honest answer is because I got lazy. Which is normal to do. But because I am endowed, I feel that I am held to a higher standard. Being spiritually fed is just as essential as being fed physically.

It is going to be a busy summer with summer school, Kyle working a ton, but it also going to be fun and used to the fullest.

We are human. That's the problem. We make mistakes but we are also all born with the Light of Christ inside of us. That is our own guide of right and wrong, eventually leading to peace.

A Women Praying in General Conference

General Conference was amazing as usual. I loved all of the talks given. I have taken General Conference for granted most of my life. It wasn't serious until I met Kyle when I started to take it seriously and listen to the counsel given by the Lords appointed. When I introduced him to the church, I told him about the famous semiannual event, and he thought it was the coolest thing.  I then began to change my viewpoint about it, and listened to the wise words of our General Authorities.

I had the privilege to attend the Saturday morning session of the 183rd General Conference. I was so excited and felt the spirit the whole drive there! The talks were all amazing, but the one that spoke to me the most was Sister Dalton's talk on women and their virtue. She quoted "We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us and we love Him." from the Young Women's theme. From the time I was 12, this has been stuck in my head and I have NEVER felt oppressed by men or unequal in the eyes of God. As soon as conference was finished, a women behind me said, "Well there it is! The first woman to pray in a General Conference. My life is complete!" Yes, that is verbatim. I immediately became discouraged. Why would you focus on just that, out of all the wonderful talks and words of wisdom that were just given to you? My favorite quote that morning was this. "Our daily contributions of nurturing, teaching and care-giving and caring for others may seem mundane, diminished, difficult and demeaning at times. And yet, as we remember that first line in the Young Women theme, 'We are daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves us...' it will make all the difference in our relationships and our responses." -Sister Dalton

Some people in the church are making a huge deal out of the fact that a woman prayed in conference. To be honest, as a woman, I don't understand it. Why does the gender of a benediction or invocation matter?  Isn't it the words within the prayer that count? I think Sister Dalton put a woman's value very well in the following quote. "We must never lose sight of the strength of the women. It is mothers who most directly effect the lives of their children. It is mothers who nurture them and bring them up in the ways of the Lord. Their influence is paramount. They are the creators of life. They are the nurturers of children. They are the teachers of young women. They are our indispensable companions. They are our co-workers in building the kingdom of God. How great is their role, how marvelous their contribution." I feel empowered by this statement. 

Why must we focus on the gender of a benediction rather than the wisdom from witnesses of Christ? Because some of us are seeking equality from the wrong source. Some woman are seeking acceptance or equality from man rather than God. I think Elder Cook summed this up in one simple statement. "For those who reject God, there is no peace." Instead of wanting to be equal to man in the eyes of God, they throw God out of the equation. The majority of the uproar are coming from women within the church. So let us break this down. 

                          

If women seek equality from men, they will never be satisfied. That is a promise. Why? Because they do not give it. How can they? What can they honestly do? They do not have the power to comfort you in the ways God can. Equality comes from God. God see's us all, men and women, equally. I have a testimony of this. I firmly believe that something as good as a prayer can be perverted by the contentious spirit of Satan. Satan's spirit has turned this (for some) into a power struggle. Something as holy as a prayer. I encourage those who struggle with this feeling of oppression to turn to the Lord and not to man. Turn to Him and He will comfort in the ways you need. 

I have felt nothing but loved and blessed being a woman in this church. Being a wife in His holy bond of marriage. Preparing to be a mother. These are blessings that I am privileged to obtain. Let us not focus on something as simple as the gender of a benediction/invocation. Let us focus on the message within the prayer and more importantly on the message  of the talks given through divine inspiration!

Al Fox: Tattooed Mormon : My Response to gossip and judgement

Wow. That is the word that kept going through  my mind when I read this article. Her words were so true it was empowering. Al Fox's article is about her being a new convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, (aka Mormon Church) and her new move to Utah. She didn't know why the Lord wanted her there. She took the long journey to the beehive state in search of a new life and following the Lord

It goes on to say how people judged her for her appearances, her tatoos to be exact, that were done before her conversion. She felt hurt, judged, misplaced and overall confused of why the Lord sent her here. She now knows her reason for being here. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765626083/Al-Fox-Tattooed-Mormon.html?pg=1  

I was just overwhelmed at how personal and real this post was. I feel her pain in a different way. Kyle and I made this journey to Utah because we wanted new and better things. We wanted the spiritual aspect of Utah. I wanted BYU. I wanted the culture. I am not from Utah, and I wasn't raised in a normal Mormon family home, so I understand where she is coming from not being raised here. Utah Mormon's are different than what I am used to in Texas. We made a risk by jumping here, but it's worked out because we trusted the Lord and that is a fact! 

My favorite part is the way she spoke to those particularly who struggle. To those who were judged, gossiped about, mistreated just because of their decisions in life. I know this all too well. I know in my heart and soul that all the major decisions in my life have been made with the Lord in mind. Getting married civilly,  moving to Utah, being sealed for time and all eternity, being a homemaker with little money, and so on. I have seen the fruition of all these decisions that have been judged by others, and those people know exactly who they are. These decisions come with trials and hardship, but the blessings always overcome them. If this were a year ago, I might have been crying or worrying every second what these people think about me and my decisions.  Now I have grown so much. The reason is because I turn to the Lord for judgement and NO ONE ELSE. I am much happier because of it. I am sealed to my soul mate because of it. I am taken care of by the Lord and my husband. I am going to school, receiving a great education. My husband is going to school, working very hard, supporting me financially  physically, emotionally and spiritually. I have (for the first time in my life) a residing Priesthood holder in my home. Life is good! 

All these emotions came to me while reading that article. I hope other's read it and feel inspired to share their stories and help others that are going through what you have already conquered  Go and help someone. Talk to a stranger at church, or in class. My new years resolution this year was to not gossip. I have been on the other end, and it was a horrible feeling. I do not want to be like the ones that talked about me when I needed some to talk to. I want to be a light for anyone that needs it. Gossiping and being judgmental drives the spirit away and I highly encourage people to think twice before they engage in such an act. 

I had to take a hard look into what I was doing and how I felt when it was done to me. I repented and am trying to make a difference. Again, think twice before you gossip, especially about family or close friends. 

Be proud of yourself for who you are and what you're doing with the blessings you are given! Use  them to help others! That is truly the work of Christ!