Her Magical Mystery Tour

One of my closest friends, Kenzey Aukema, recently wrote a post about all of the things that she liked about me as a friend. You can read that here. So, not just to pay back the favor, but for her to realize how awesome she really is, here is my list about why she is a pretty great friend and person.

• Kenzey is an extraordinarily random individual
• Kenzey does what she wants without thinking of what other people think about her
• Kenzey has a very strong testimony of the Gospel
• Kenzey longboards
• Kenzey plays the drums with intensity (see right)
• Kenzey helps me make up my mind in important (although risky) situations
• Kenzey shares her telescope and insight with me at 2 am in the morning
• Kenzey lets me help her when she is in a sticky spot
• Kenzey listens to my advice and takes what I say to heart
• Kenzey supports me when no one else does
• Kenzey exercises like a man
• Kenzey has high moral standards
• Kenzey likes awesome music and LOVES The Beatles
• Kenzey is very headstrong
• Kenzey realizes the things in her life that she needs to change.
• Kenzey rebels against mainstream and makes it a point to be an individual
• Kenzey lives out loud and talks with truth
• Kenzey tells me things I need to hear when I don't really want to hear them
• Kenzey has more wisdom than most
• Kenzey thinks things through
• Kenzey doesn't pontificate anything (which is refreshing)
• Kenzey is caring and thoughtful
• Kenzey has PLENTY of self-discipline
• Kenzey reads and ponders the scriptures
• Kenzey is progressing towards the House of the Lord through her actions
• Kenzey is hilarious
• Kenzey is beautiful
• Kenzey loves antiques
• Kenzey appreciates the beauty the Nature willingly offers to us without prejudice
• Kenzey loves her nieces and nephew
• Kenzey is an amazing person and is growing into the intellectual, loving, responsible, and spiritual person she knows that she is capable of becoming

There are so many more things that I could say, but I don't have an eternity to write and I'm dyslexic so it's kind of painstaking to spell all of these words correctly thus far. I love her to death and I am so lucky to have her in my life. I couldn't ask for a better friend than her. :)

Check out her super-cool blog here!

Before I Die, I Want To...

Before I die, I want to be able to find the stories within the stories.

I found this this photo at a website purely dedicated to peoples' wants and wishes that they want to fulfill before they die. All of the entries are Polaroids pictures with handwritten statements on them. There are hundreds from all over the U.S. They inspire me so much. I love to see all of the thoughts and dreams of every type of individual. Some may be shallow, like becoming rich; some are heartfelt, like wishing for children or families; and some are soul-searching, like the one I posted above. 

Because I was so inspired, I made one myself. Although I have a Polaroid camera, I must say that film is hard to come by these days and when you do find film, it's not cheap. I found a website named Polaroin where you can make your own Polaroid picture and even choose your own vignette color without downloading any software! 

Before I die, I want to look myself
in the mirror and smile because I  know
that I made a difference.

Before I die I would like to do several things, but this is the most important to me. I would love to make a difference in someone's life, even if it's not totally life-altering. I don't need a medal to feel accomplished. When I can see that I truly made a difference in someone's life,whether it be brightening up their day, or helping them make it through a tribulation, I am happy. 

I would love to see your own special Polaroid pics and hear your inspiring dreams! 

Comment them below or if you are viewing them on Facebook, post your dreams on the FB Post.

Here's one more inspirational Polaroid. :) 

SPEAK THE TRUTH,
EVEN IF YOUR VOICE SHAKES.

Smile Like You Mean It.

This is Buddy the Elf. Smiling is his favorite. Today, I started to wonder why it's not acceptable to say what we feel. Buddy the Elf is a perfect example of telling people what he's thinking. In the movie "Elf", he said what he felt and he meant what he said. Society has taught us that we are only to say things that will flatter people, not what they need to hear. Society says, "It's only a white lie." 

Society is wrong to tell you that. 

I read a quote today that someone posted on Facebook that said this:

The truth is rarely pure and never simple.

(Oscar Wilde) 

Am I the only one that wonders why the truth has to be perceived that way? I try to say what I think and feel, but most of the time people take what was said too critically. We should take what others say and build ourselves up. We should not build hatred against them or walls to keep them away.

I'm not saying to tell everyone the most vicious thoughts that cross your mind, but the truth is easier than people make it sound. Don't say things with the intent to hurt people and if you do that, you will see a difference. Not everyone appreciates the truth, but as soon as they're exposed to it, they will get used to it. It may be easier to some more so than others.

When someone asks you, "Do these pants make my butt look big?", don't you think they would rather walk around while looking nice or be temporarily upset? The person you answer should not be mad. They did ask you a question and they should respect that you care enough about them to tell them the truth. 

This next example is very important. Say what you feel. No one has to ask you a question for you to take that initiative. If you like someone, tell them. How can you expect to change anything between the two of you if you don't take the effort to tell them how you feel? I'm the worst about matters of the heart, but if that someone you care for doesn't reciprocate the same feelings, don't be heartbroken. There is someone out there waiting to tell you they feel the same way about you. You just haven't met them yet.

There are so many other examples that I could tell you, but just know that if you are not being honest with yourself, there is no way you are being honest with others. People will respect you for sharing what you feel and what you think. 

It takes courage to be yourself. 

Don't let others take that courage away from you. 

So next time you smile, smile like you want to. Smile like things are good in your life, but only if they are.

 Smile Like You Mean It.  

:)

( I mean that.)

Perfectly Imperfect

These days, people always want everything to be perfect. But what is perfect? 

Dictionary.com says that perfection is excellence or completion beyond practical or theoretical improvement. But do we realize that mistakes and errors are what make our life perfect? Everything happens for a reason. We learn from our mistakes and we grow from our trials. Our lives become perfect when we realize that we can make them that way. Sometimes things may happen and they may not be what we wanted to happen, but they work out for the better. The way that I like to look at my own life is that it's a beautiful mess. Things in my life have not been perfect, and you may even say that it's been the exact opposite. What matters is that I can grow from those experiences and learn to accept that things aren't flawless. When things happen that aren't to our liking, we have a bad attitude which is what ruins things. When we have a good and upbeat attitude about a mishap, the outcome is so much more different. Find the beauty. Go with the flow. Don't upset the nature of things just because the nature of things  upset you. Things go wrong in my life every day, just like every one of you, but I am so happy that they happen. I know that I'm about to learn something or that I need to improve in certain areas. When something happens that's out of my control, I may wish that things were different but if I waste all of my time sitting, waiting, and wishing of what could have been I will only upset myself more. Why dwell on something that we can't change? Basically, what I'm trying to say is that all of the imperfections are what make our lives perfect. Without the trials, the tribulations, the mistakes, and the mishaps, you would not be who you are now. Those things shape you, your personality, your disposition, and ultimately your life. Don't fight what is inevitable. Take the mistakes, hit the ground running, and go with it. Things will turn out so much better if we embrace imperfection instead of resisting it.
So again, perfection is excellence or completion beyond practical or theoretical improvement. By finding the perfection in imperfection, and growing from trials we improve. So the word itself indicates that perfection can only be gained through imperfection.

Beautiful Girls All Over the World

Today, I was looking at some blogs where the bloggers wrote what they would tell themselves earlier on in their life. Maybe when they were 16, 18, 21, ect... I started thinking about what I would tell myself when I was younger and went through the hardest times of my life, but then I started thinking about other girls and common issues with girls while growing up. Here are the things I wish I could tell every girl, whether she is going through hardship or just getting through a bad day.


1. You are worth a fortune and a half. 
     There is no other person on this earth that is at good at being you than you. Dr. Seuss said this, "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You." Everyone has their own talents, and there is something that you can do that other people only dream of doing. You are an individual. Don't conform, and don't try to go against what people are doing to avoid conformity. That just means you're conforming to nonconformity. 
2. You are strong.
     There is not one thing that you cannot handle. You are given these trials because God knows that you have the strength to overcome them. Do not ever ask yourself or God "Why me?". Instead, ask yourself if you are going to let the situation beat you up and leave you for dead or if you are going to rise above it and learn from it. "Anyone can hide. Facing up to things, working through them, that's what makes you strong." - Sarah Dessen
3. Don't cut yourself off from everyone that you know and love.
    Those people are there to help you rise above from your sorrows. Even if you cannot confide in them all, there is always one person willing to listen. I know that your mom isn't the first person that you would choose to tell all of your secrets to, but there is nothing that can take away the love that your mother has for you. 
4. Find an outlet.
    Sometimes having a hobby can be the most therapeutic antidote for your troubles. Dabble in things you normally why shy away from. Try to paint, draw, write poetry, sing, take up the guitar. This gets your mind off  things and helps you discover your own value and self worth. 
Here's the first painting I did to get my mind off things going on in my life.

Mixed Media Sunflower
Water Color, Acrylic, & Rice Paper

5. It's not love.
    You may or may not have a boyfriend. He may or may not have said "I love you." He thinks he means it, and you think you mean it when you say it back, but in reality it's just infatuation. I know you feel like you need that attention, but that's what friends are for. Boys only make things more complicated. Instead of going on dates alone with the boy, go out with several friends including him. The outing will be way less awkward (and cheaper!) and you will get to know each other better that way. Don't exclusively date until you're ready for a commitment such as marriage or a major heart break. And for those who think sex is necessary, it's not. If you still think it is, just ask yourself if a baby is necessary. No birth control is 100% effective except abstinence. Someday, a man will come along and make you forget about every time your heart was broken. He will complete your life but more importantly, when it's time, he will make sure that you know that you're really the one that completes his. Just remember, you can't rush love. If you force it, it won't be true.
6. Only do things you're comfortable with.
    Even if your friends are doing something and they really want you to go, nothing is worth trading your dignity for. Learn how to say NO. There will be several opportunities for you to do the right thing. What could possibly persuade you to want to do the opposite of what you know is right? If it is illegal, immoral, or insane, don't do it. 
7. If you have to lie, don't. 
    Trust is a complex thing. People only give you their trust once. If you're lucky, they may trust you again but it won't be like before. Lying can only make things worse. Don't take shortcuts or rationalize a decision. If you have to rationalize, you are only telling yourself rational lies. The worst thing about lying is that when you lie to others, you are ultimately lying to yourself. This includes telling half of the truth or excluding some of the facts. 
8. Be confident.
    Even if you're not confident, fake it. People respect people with confidence, but don't be overly confident. After faking the confidence for the first couple times, it will come to you naturally. When you believe in
yourself and what you are capable of, you will realize that you are awesome! No one can take that away from you once you realize that. But they can make you think otherwise before you learn it. Make it a point to realize your greatness before others try to tell you that you are anything less.
9. Don't compare yourself to others.
    If you always compare yourself to others, you will never be happy with yourself and/or your accomplishments. And if you are comparing yourself to others accomplishments and you're proud of yourself, you may need to reevaluate your motives. Albert Einstein said this, "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." You have the ability to do it, so what's stopping you from trying?
10. You are beautiful.
       No explanation needed. Just never forget that. 
Here are some inspirational words from Mother Teresa 
"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it.
 Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it.
 Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it.
 Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. 
 Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. 
 Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it.
 Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it.  
 Life is life, fight for it." 

We Seek After These Things

I was fortunate enough to go to a Youth Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from Thursday to Saturday. There were 700+ Mormon teenagers there! This is all of the attendees before a dance.

Youth Conference does not even compare to EFY, but it was still spiritual and fun! Some of the statements that stood out to me from the speakers are as follows.
Bishop J. Nathan Jurgans spoke of a man that asked "How do we save our youth?"
The answer was TEACH THEM WHO THEY ARE.
Brother Brehm Thomas Bell played a song by John Wilson during a class. Some lyrics that really spoke to me were, " I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else to do what God has called me to do myself."
This made me think more about missionary work. We are here on this earth because we agreed to living the Gospel and helping others realize that they did too. We should always give ourselves and our time for others. Even when we are not speaking about the church, our actions are speaking louder than we can imagine. People look at what we do, how we act, and what we say to figure out who we are. And we are Latter- Day Saints. We as the youth are a chosen generation, we were born to be kings and queens, sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. We have the strength to overcome Satan's sophistries by living the 13th Article of Faith.

"Don't just avoid the bad things, seek after the good"

Some things Sister Elaine S. Dalton said in a video shown were very inspiring. She said that there is light in the eyes of those who choose virtue. "Cleave to your covenants, stand in holy places,  lay aside vulgar things, return to virtue, and let virtue our thoughts unceasingly." 

I am so grateful to be a member of the only true church on this earth. Many say "I know the church is true" when bearing their testimony, but how many feel it in their hearts? In Alma 32, it states that we do not seek after perfect knowledge, but should practice and build up our faith. We can know the church is true by believing it is true and practicing the faith and precepts given to us. The Holy Ghost will only be with those who seek the light and truth.

2nd Nephi 28:30- For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.
We should always want to be the ones who listen to the Lord's counsel and seek to learn more and not the ones who believe that they know all there is to know. 


If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Yes Please!

While on Etsy today, I found this wonderful bouquet made from vintage brooches! Definitely having this instead of silly old flowers at my wedding!

The price for this awesome brooch bouquet is a whopping $445, but I think that yard sale by yard sale, this could be created for under $30. I have to give it to Angelika, this is the most unique wedding bouquet I've ever seen! So I guess I have a new project... Saturday morning yard sale hopping doesn't sound too bad! :)