Being Crafty

I

So those of you who know me pretty much can say I don't do crafts. I don't sew, paint, or scrapbook things. Unlike my oldest sister who is the craft queen, I prefer putting pictures, video, and memories to a DVD rather than making it into a cute scrapbook.

But today, Beckie and I went to Wal-mart and decided to make something. So we bought wooden letters- for me An H for Hillary We also bought paints and brushes. Then we went home and painted them black and also put this glossy spray paint to

make the letters look smoother. It was a rather simple project

, but a craft nonetheless.

II

Quite a few weeks ago, I found an old 2008 calender sitting in a box. I knew I couldn't use it for its original purpose, so I decided to recycle some of the pictures. The pictures were very professional and beautiful. So I cut them out and got a frame and now they are hanging up. Wall art at a very low price!

Here is my finished product.

I miss you BYU-Idaho.

So it has been close to three months since I graduated from BYU-Idaho. And it seems as though it has been forever. Probably because I miss it. I was thinking how I miss it when we would say prayers before we began class. I remember if there was a particular difficult subject or test that day, a prayer would be absolutely necessary. Sometimes in classes, we discussed gospel principles and related them to scholarly topics. It was really nice to be allowed to discuss religion in our academic studies. It put a new perspective on things.

I was very grateful that teachers taught and led by example. I found it especially useful when professors would describe a personal and religious example to illustrate a concept. It showed me they had a great deal of humility and faith even though many of them had doctorate degrees. They were full of knowledge, but were willing to allow the spirit to teach them too.

I am also very touched when at the end of the semester, one of the very last things they share is their testimony. I remember the very last class at BYU-Idaho, my communications professor told us that he had a firm testimony in the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was short and sweet, but it was nonetheless effective.

For the last four years, I had my life planned out. I had a schedule. I knew I had to learn this and that by a specific time. And now life is wide open. This is scary! I also like to plan and be in control of what is going to happen, but when I don't know what I am going to do or where I am going to be, the feeling is rather overwhelming. This uncertainty makes me appreciate the good times at BYU-Idaho.

I know a lot of people are excited to graduate from BYU-I. They want to rush out of Rexburg as fast as possible. They don't like all the rules like the dress code and curfew. Or the small town atmosphere. They complain. I just want to say that I enjoyed my time there. Now I know it is time to move on, but I am thankful I had the chance to spend four years there. And I am grateful for the members that sacrifice their time and money to make it possible for us to attend this institution.

Testimony

Hi

So today was fast sunday, so that meant testimony meeting. So I felt it would be appropriate to share my testimony today.

On October 5th, I went to my first live conference session in Salt Lake City with my sister, Beckie. The talks were very good. I especially liked President Monson's talk on service and Elder Holland's passionate talk on the Book of Mormon. As I was listening to

the apostles and prophet speak, I was thinking, how can THE CHURCH NOT BE TRUE? Seriously, their testimonies of the gospel, the firm and unmoving faith they have for these church principles makes me have a firmer testimony that these are truly men of God. They are not fakes. They are men who are trying to be better everyday.

I want to specifically bear my testimony about the prophet and apostles and general authorities. I know that they have been called of God and are here to strengthen and guide the members of the church.

I also want to express my gratitude for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ's love and sacrifice. I know that the Book of Mormon is a sacred word of God. Thank you. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.