A Day at Temple Square

So, this past Tuesday, for the first time in my life, I was able to visit Salt Lake City and Temple Square. My roommates and friends, Sariah and Hannah accompanied me there.

As, we got out of the car, and started walking up the hill to Temple Square, I couldn't help but smile. I was finally visiting a place, that I had seen in pictures and on TV, and one that I thought would take me years to finally get a chance to visit.




The first thing that my eyes were drawn to, was of course the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The Temple is so beautiful and magnificent. I couldn't believe I was finally standing there in the shadow of the temple. As, me and my roommates went about our day at Temple Square, we explored many things and met and chatted with many people. We met two Sister Missionaries of the Church, one of them was from Hawaii and the other was from the country of Taiwan.  The sisters were very nice, and they took us on a small tour of the North Visitors Center. Speaking with them and seeing how the work they do at Temple Square as missionaries for the Church, can help so many people and can help spread the Gospel, has really made me rethink if I should go on a mission for the Church, possibly one to Temple Square.


When we went back around to walk by the Temple, we met an old man, who is pictured here with us. He is a Host at Temple Square. He was so cute telling us different stories about the temple and the other buildings at Temple Square. He also told us that he reads 10 chapters of the Book of Mormon everyday! Which we thought was amazing! I truly hope that from his kind words and example, that I can be better at reading my scriptures on a daily basis.


Later on in our day, we went to explore the Relief Society Building at Temple Square, which also houses the Young Woman's Organization and Primary Organization of the Church. Me being a Relief President in a student ward at BYU-Idaho, I wanted to gain inspiration and knowledge about what more I could do as a Relief Society President, to better assist and council the sisters in my ward. When we entered this building, we met a nice lady, who was serving as a hostess in the building. She took us on a short tour of the building. One thing that was amazing to me, was that when we met her, she said, "Oh, you must be the girls from BYU-Idaho." One of the hostesses that we had talked with near the Temple, had told her that we were visiting from BYU-I. It amazed me that they had been watching us, but at the same time, it felt good to know that we were being watched, because it helped me see that people really do watch us, and that we always need to be an example, and as the scriptures say we need to "...Stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places" (Mosiah 18:9).


While we were at Temple Square we also took a short tour of the Conference Center, where the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is held twice a year, in April and October. This building was amazing! When we got to walk into the actually seating area of the Conference Center, my eyes were drawn to the stage seating area, where President Thomas S. Monson, the Prophet and President of the Church and the other General Authorities sit during conference. It truly was a magnificent site, as was the rest of the building. On the roof of the Conference Center, there is a beautiful garden, which was amazing to see on the roof of a building. This picture was taken on the roof. I love this picture!

As we finished our tour of the Conference Center, we walked through the Hall of the Prophets which had a head sculpture of each of the prophets of the Church, up to President Gordon B. Hinckley. This was special to me, because I walked up to the sculpture of President Hinckley, and just stood there for a moment. He was a great man and did a lot for the Church, its members, and he greatly helped in the effort of spreading the Gospel all over the world. I miss him a lot and am truly happy that in a way, I was able to pay my respects to him.

Overall, our time and my first trip to Temple Square, will be one that I never forget! I am grateful that I was able to share it with Sariah and Hannah. They helped to make it even more special for me. I do wish that I didn't have to leave, but now that I have been, I know that I will indeed, someday go back. Temple Square, the Temple itself, and the many other places that we visited helped me to feel the Spirit of the Lord and helped me to see what great dedication, hard work, and great effort can accomplish. I love being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I want to encourage anyone who reads this blog post of mine, whether you are a member of the Church or not, take a trip to Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. There is so much to see and do, but more than that, there is so much to learn and understand.

Everything Must Come to an End

So, the Spring Semester begins here at BYU-Idaho on Tuesday. Normally, it would mean that my life would be filled with homework, tests, church duties, and work, but this semester is a bit different.

This semester will be my last at BYU-Idaho. That's right, I will be a college graduate in about 3 1/2 months. It's crazy to think that I am going to be finished. It seems like just yesterday, my parents were dropping me off for my first semester at BYU-Idaho.

BYU-Idaho has been my home on and off for the last 2 1/2 years. I have learned a lot both inside and outside of the classroom. I have made friends, lost a few, had some great roommates, had some horrible ones, and had a wide variety of good, bad, exciting, and sad experiences while I have been here.

In many ways, being a student at BYU-Idaho has helped me to discover myself. It has helped me to know who I really am, what I stand for, and what I want for my future.  I also have been able to strengthen my Testimony of the Gospel, so, so much more while I have been here.

BYU-Idaho has helped me appreciate being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints so much more. I am a convert to the church and being able to attend devotionals, church, the Rexburg, Idaho Temple, and religion classes has really helped me to better understand many aspects of the Gospel. As well, those things have helped me to gain a better love and understanding for the Scriptures, as well as teachings from the prophet and other general authorities.

About two semesters ago, I got called to be a Relief Society President in the Ward that I attend on-campus, which means I was over a number of the sisters in my ward. This calling has been both a blessing and a challenge for me. Sometimes it is hard, because I am quite a bit older than the majority of the girls that are usually in my Relief Society, so sometimes it can be hard to show them that I understand them and that I here to help them. On the other hand, being a Relief Society President has truly been a blessing. I have learned a lot about myself, about the church and the gospel, and about how to work with and lead other people. I have been blessed to get to know many wonderful people through my calling. I love this calling because it has taught me a lot about patience, charity, loving others, leadership, friendship, and many other things.

Anyways, there are many, many things that I love about BYU-Idaho! I gotta say its going to be hard for me to leave this place.

My last semester here at BYU-Idaho will be an interesting and busy one, but I sure hope it will be fun too. I am blessed to have 3 wonderful roommates/friends this semester and I looking forward to spending it with them and making some great memories with them. I'm looking forward to once again serving as a Relief Society President in my Ward again. I'm looking forward to the wonderful classes the I will be taking. I am also looking forward to being the President of BYU-Idaho's PRSSA Chapter and getting it more established.

BYU-Idaho will forever be my home. This place will always have a special place in my heart. I truly plan to make the most and the best out of my last semester here. And then..............well who knows................... 

:-)

Quotes and Sayings that I Love

There are many quotes and sayings that I love. These quotes and sayings help me get through tough times and helps me remember many of the important things in life.

"The future is as bright as your faith." -President Monson

D&C 4:2-Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

"Our obligation is to love and teach and never give up." -Elder Quentin L. Cook

"Focus on being the Right Person and you will be found." (I don't remember who said this)

"Where love is, there is no disputation. Where love is, there is no contention. Where love is, there God will be also." -President Monson

"Turn to the Lord. Exercise all of the faith you have in Him. Let Him share your burden. Allow His grace to lighten your load." -Donald L. Hallstrom

Love One Another

Live, Laugh, Love

"I am in a dress, I have gel in my hair, I haven't slept all night, I'm starved, AND I'm armed! Don't MESS with me!" (Miss Congeniality) 

 "Simplicity is the ultimate form of Sophistication."(Leonardo Da Vinci)

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." (Eleanor Roosevelt)

"Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none."~William Shakespeare

"Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it." ~David Star Jordan

"I am in a dress, I have gel in my hair, I haven't slept all night, I'm starved, AND I'm armed! Don't MESS with me!" (Miss Congeniality)

“The gospel is the good news of Christ. It is the revelation that the Son of God came to earth, lived a perfect life, atoned for our sins, and conquered death. It is the path of salvation, the way of hope and joy, and the assurance that God has a plan of redemption and happiness for His children.” (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

"Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind...or forgotten." (Lilo from Lilo and Stitch)

"Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust." (from Peter Pan)

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” (Walt Disney)

“All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them” (Walt Disney)

"If you understand the great plan of happiness and follow it, what goes on in the world will not determine your happiness." -President Boyd K. Packer

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."-Mohandas Gandhi

"Man's greatest happiness comes from losing himself for the good of others." -President David O. McKay

"...Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk.” - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"True Christianity is Love in Action." -President David O. McKay

Things I have Learned Outside of the Classroom at BYU-Idaho

So for the past 2 1/2 years, I have been attending Brigham Young University-Idaho. BYU-Idaho is one of the 3 church schools that operates through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or as much of the world knows us “Mormons.”
I am going to be graduating from BYU-Idaho in a few months, and I must say that I am truly going to miss this beautiful campus and all the wonderful people I have met here. Its hard to think that I will be leaving soon, but another part of me knows that I have spent all the time that I need to here, and that its time for me to move on.
I have learned so much since I first starting attending here. I have learned lots of things from the classes I have taken, as well as from the teachers that I had for each of those classes. But I have also learned many, many things outside of the classroom. I have learned things about people, the gospel, and life in general. From attending BYU-Idaho for so long, I have actually created a list of things that I have learned “Outside the Classroom,” that relate to being a student here at BYU-I:

1. Get along with your roommates. Even if you don’t like them, find a way to, because you will be living with them for the whole semester.
2. GET INVOLVED!!! There is so much to do, to see, and to simply enjoy.
3. Attend the Temple! It is here for us, and you can much go any time you want…What a Great Blessing!
4. Follow the Honor and Dress Code! I think that this is pretty self-explanatory, but I have seen so many people break the Honor and the Dress Code here at BYU-Idaho. Those of us who choose to attend school here, can by no means say that we didn’t know the rules before we got here, because we all had to sign a copy of the Codes. The Honor and Dress Codes here at BYU-I, are meant to help us stay on the right path. They are meant to help us strive to keep the goal of being able to go to the Temple someday(to be married). Plus, the codes are not the university’s rules, not President Clark’s rules, or the Housing Office’s rules, they are Heavenly Father’s rules and we must follow them, so that we can stay on the right path.
5. Food Storage is a Must! I know that being a college student, we are often broke-but trust me if there is a freak snow storm in Rexburg-you will be happy you have that food.
6. Enjoy Family Home Evening! If you really commit yourself to getting to know the members in your Family Home Evening group, they can become like your 2nd family.
7. Explore Rexburg! Do not just hide up on campus! Yes, Rexburg is quite a small town, but believe it or not there is so much to do here! When the city puts on fun events go to them, go check out the restaurants and other good hang out spots in town, or take a day to explore one of the 3 parks in Rexburg. Rexburg offers so much to the college students who live here, so take advantage of it all!
8. College is the time to Date! Ok, I know that people call this BYU-I-DO, and that people say things like “Ring, Before Spring,” but college is a time to date! I know that it is important to get married eventually, and I plan on doing so someday, but it is not something that should be rushed. Of course I have seen situations that have worked out just fine, but I would say to Single BYU-I students, date as much as you can. You can meet so, so many people while attending school here and there so many great, not to mention cheap, and fun date ideas that are available to you here on campus and in town. Dating will help you to find out, just what you are looking for in an eternal companion, and will eventually help you to find that person. Just a note of caution: do remember the standards that you have, and stick to them!
9. College is where you will make life-long friends! Again in the 2 years that I have been attending BYU-Idaho, I have met tons and tons of people. Some I liked, some I didn’t like, and some that I know will be my friends for life. College is the time to meet friends. This is the time where you will create life-long bonds with many of the people that you meet. Remember that when you go off and graduate, don’t loose touch with your friends. Have reunions everyone once in a while, it will help to stay connected to the great memories and the great people that you met while in college.
10. If you want to do something, Do It!!! If there is a club you want to join, a job you want to apply for, a class you really want to take, a cute guy or gal you want to ask out, a play you want to try out for, or whatever else it is you want to do…then do it!! This is one of the best times in a young adults life. You will learn so much, grow so much, and learn so much about yourself from the things that you choose to do, participate in, or enjoy while you attend BYU-Idaho.

Brigham Young University-Idaho is an amazing place! Attending this university, has very much helped me to become the person that I am today. I have gained a stronger testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ from attending here and a stronger sense of knowledge about many secular topic from attending here. BYU-Idaho will forever have a special place in my heart, and I hope to never forget the things that I learned while attending this university.

A Difference of Opinion is a Good Thing!!!

I am 21 years old, I am from California, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or the Mormon Church as most of the world knows it, and I am a Democrat.

Now I know that some people that read this will think, will what's the point with me mentioning that I am a Democrat? Well, I attend one of the Universities that is owned by the church that I belong to. I have been a member of the LDS Church for almost 3 years now, and I have been attending BYU Idaho for 2 1/2 years. Well most of the people I know who are LDS, are Republicans. For me it is sometimes hard to be around so many people who are often times very, very conservative.

I am a moderate Democrat, and some of my own political beliefs fall on the Republican side, but I am also fall the other way, as well. Sometimes I get a lot of crap for being a democrat and being a member of the LDS Church. Other members often ask me, how I can be a democrat and still be a member...oh trust me it is possible.

Being at BYU Idaho is very different, than being back home in California. California is a very liberal state, so when I am in my hometown, people are not as shock or horrified that I am a Democrat. But being here in Idaho it is sometimes the opposite. I really love being a member of the LDS Church and attending BYU Idaho, it is my second home.

I just wish that some people were not so close minded about politics and about having more than one view on issues. And many of the people that question me, often also are very against President Obama. I think that, that is sad...because you can not like President Obama, but I think that it is still important to understand that he is trying to help our country get out of the mess it is in, and that he does deserve some respect and support.

Now, this only happens sometimes, most people are very accepting and welcome my different political views, which I greatly appreciate. I am grateful that the majority of people I have talked to see that the other side of the political scale is not really bad.

I love the church I belong to, I love the great university that I attend, and I am grateful that I am able to know enough to have my own thoughts and political views about important issues.