The Joy We Find Through Christ

Last night I came to the realization that the only reason I was excited for Christmas was because Santa was coming and I was excited to see what he brought. Then it hit me that I wasn't even focused on Christ that evening. It hit me that I had the holiday all wrong. Christmas is not about the gifts, or Santa Claus, or the stockings hung with care. It's not about the stories, or movies, or the snow. The holiday is about the celebration of the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ, about the Savior himself.

Through Christ, we can find joy.

Right now I am watching the movie "The Nativity Story". A clip of which was put to the song "Mary's Lullaby" and posted yesterday. I decided I needed to start and end the day with Christ. This morning, we read Luke 2. This evening, watched this movie.

I just finished reading a talk by Marion D. Hanks. He said, "Faith in God and Christ make for righteousness in the world and for happiness. One who knows has said: “God exists in the world. He exists wherever men let him in. Perhaps it is only humble men, men in search of him, men with a great need for him, who really let him in. And God comes to such men not only because of their great need for him, but also because of his great need for them as his allies in the divine task of creating a better world, a better human society, a real kingdom of God.” (P. A. Christensen.) ("Joy through Christ", Ensign, July 1972, 104)." I would advise you to read this talk if you have the time. It points out six observations that Marion D. Hanks had, and how to find joy through Christ, and turning to Him in our times of need.

Then in his talk "Joy and Mercy" by Dallin H. Oaks, he exclaimed, "But despite all we can do, we cannot have a fulness of joy in this world or through our own efforts. (See D&C 101:36.) Only in Christ can our joy be full. This is why the angel proclaimed: “I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. “For unto you is born this day … a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10–11.)"

 
Only through Christ, can we have true joy.

I testify that Christ is truly the son of God, and that his birth was not only miraculous but a moment of overwhelming gladness. I know that Christ lives, and that through him, we can be saved. I know that God not only exists, but that he created us and provided a way for us to return to him again. I know that we can truly find joy if we turn to Christ.

- J

Merry Christmas Eve

Today I Am Happy About...

Good Luck

Okay, I am not exaggerating when I say that I have THE best luck. Okay, not usually... But today, I do! I was sent on an errand to get an 11 inch digital picture frame from Staples. It was 50 $ off and my mom was really excited about it. So, I get to the store with Talia and as she waits for her family's laptop, I asked around to find this so-called picture frame. I found the picture frames and to my great dismay, the 11 inch digital picture frames were sold out. SAD DAY. I was more than bummed, and when I called my mother to tell her of this sadness, she was even more bummed out than I was. I got frustrated, hung up the phone, and was just plain miffed. I walked around, found a sweet deal on a bluetooth headset and purchased it. While waiting for Talia to get her laptop, I saw a man walk in. He said he wanted to return something, so of COURSE, I eavesdropped. Guess what he was returning?! An 11 inch digital picture frame!! So, I ran over to the man and quite loudly proclaimed "are you really returning this?!" and after he said "yes" and explained that both his sister and his brother and he had bought these picture frames, so he was returning his. I asked him if I could buy it after he returned it. Both he, and the cashier said sure. So after he returned it, guess what I did? Yeah, no difficulty guessing there. I bought myself (aka my mother) the picture frame, and pranced out of there with a GIANT grin on my face.

Guess what? (Yes, I am asking you to do a lot of guessing today...) I am suuuuper happy now. Yay for me and good luck!!

So good luck... Thank you for visiting me.

I am happy that you chose me!

You're the best.

- J

Today I Am Happy About...

Christmas Caroling

Tonight my family went caroling. At first I was thinking it would be incredibly lame... But I gave it a chance. I slid on my newly purchased Adidas shoes, I put hand warmers in my gloves and put them on, wrapped a scarf around my neck, zipped up my jacket, and walked out the door. We drove to the first home and started singing. I was amazed. We had a 3-part harmony going as we sang Silent Night. Then we joyfully sang We Wish You a Merry Christmas. We hopped back into the family van and drove to the second house where we repeated the gesture but added Away in a Manger.

The fourth and fifth homes we walked to and instead of the .. interesting .. Away in a Manger, we sung Joy to the World (which I had a KILLER harmony for). We were met with giant smiles and grins at the fourth home, good friends of ours and our neighbors and they seemed very happy we visited them. The last home were other neighbors whom I was friends with when I was younger. We sang Silent Night, Joy to the World, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and they were so happy. They told us how they were at mass the week before and they had talked about how no one celebrated the true meaning of Christmas anymore. They told us that they were discussing how no one caroled anymore, and how they remembered when we were younger, how we would carol to their house, and how they missed the days we would sing of Christ and His birth. Then the two days later, there we were. Singing of the glorious birth of Christ. Joy to the World! Christ had come :)

I walked in the house with a huge smile on my face knowing that I made someone's Christmas, and that they, without knowing, had made mine. Not that I had forgotten about Christ, but they had reminded me that it isn't the presents or the visit from Santa Claus that make the holiday. It is Jesus the Christ who's joyous, wonderful birth we celebrate, that makes the holiday. It is HE that we should rejoice in. It is HE that we find faith in, and whom we renew our faith in.

I testify Jesus is the Christ, and that he was born in a stable to the virgin Mary. That he grew up and testified to the world of his divinity and of God, our Father. I know that we are truly loved by both our Savior and God the Father. I know that if we trust in them, and if we remember the TRUE meaning of Christmas, we can be happy and we can remember continually the blessing our Savior is in our life.

- J

Today I Am Happy About...

"Firework"

by Katy Perry

Pay attention to the lyrics... Especially these:

Do you know that there's still a chance for you?
'Cause there's a spark in you!
You just gotta ignite, the light, and let it shine-
Just own the night like the 4th of July.
'Cause baby you're a firework,
Come on, show 'em what you're worth.

You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced

Even brighter than the moon 

It's always been inside of you

And now it's time to let it through

I never really 'got' the song, to be honest. Until I watched the music video last night, and I finally understood what the song is saying. And what it means... everything she is saying.... It makes me happy. I love this song because it proves something- Life is hard, and it WILL knock you down, but if you find the light, and the strength within, you can make it.

There is always going to be a chance for you. If you feel worn down, and knocked over, don't give up! You can do this... Show the world what YOU are worth. You can shine.

So, Katy Perry, touche... 

You made a song that actually meant something.

Thank you for the message shared. It actually moved me.

- J

Today I Am Happy About...

"You Make My Dreams Come True"

by Hall & Oates

I heard this song as a "guilty pleasure" song on NBC's "The Sing-Off", and I've been singing it ever since. It is TOTALLY a guilty pleasure of mine. I dance to it, and I sing the lyrics at the top of my lungs. Sometimes I just dance and lip sync at the same time and act like its NBD. Yes, I just said NBD to mean 'no big deal', which means I'm pretty much a big deal. Kidding. But seriously, this song is just one of those songs that makes you happy! You can't help but tap your foot at least! And for me, it's much more than that. This song is the ultimate "HAPPY song". So, if you need a cheerer upper, listen to this. Actually, watch the video above, and trust me, you'll be smiling in no time.

So, Hall & Oates, you're brilliant.

Thank you for giving me something cheesy-

So that I can dance like I'm 10 again.

- J

Today I Am Happy About...

Christmas Goodies

Tonight I went over to the Denton home. It was decorated beautifully! I loved all the Christmas colors, candles, plates and decorations. It was awesome, seriously. I was blown away with the amount of detail she put into her home.

Anyways, so there were a dozen or so people gathered in her home and everyone brought a plate of treats. I made delicious brownie bites. I made brownie batter and then found a mini muffin tin and poured the batter halfway in each of the little holes.  I then melted peanut butter and poured a little bit of it in the center. Then I poured more batter on top. After they were cooked it was pretty much like a brownie bite with peanut butter on the inside. DELICIOUS.

I went around the table and took a few goodies from each plate. I got two plates of goodies. And guess what?! They are so delicious and I brought them home and shared them with my family!

So, Christmas goodies, I love you.

Thank you for being yummy in my tummy.

And for being there for me when I needed something to smile about.

- J

Today I Am Happy About...

Chester See

Check out his facebook fan page. 

Check out his youtube page.

Thanks to the amazing Lorin Thompson, I have found this boy, and his remarkable music. It makes me happy. I listen to it and it soothes my soul, and makes me feel like everything in my life is okay.

Like, I know there's a million artists that sing beautiful songs that touch those that hear it. But Chester See is amazing, and he sings with such love and emotion.

Here are clips of lyrics from his songs... see for yourself:

You're everything that my life's been missing
And now I can't believe that this is happening to me
Through the good, and bad, the happy, and the sad

You won't be away from home
You'll never be alone

'Cause I day without you just isn't fair
See the days I can hear your voice
I'm left without a choice-
Plus I get weak in the knees
Fall head over heels baby
And every other cheesy cliche
Yes I'm swept off my feet
Oh my heart skips a beat 

I love you more with every single day
And you should know, That I wont go, I'm here forever
As long as time allows us, We'll always be together
Because you're the one and only love I've ever known 

Honestly, this won't do
How is she doing?
I tell myself that I'm feeling swell
But I know I'm such a fool
I can take it as a new beginning
But you know I don't feel that way
Who will take all this pain away?

Anyone else think this guy has got his head on straight?? Everything he says just melts my heart. I am pretty sure if he said "you're my heaven" to me, I'd be at the altar this afternoon. But seriously, I just love his music and he makes me happy.

So, Chester See, thank you for speaking to my soul;

Helping me lose all control.

You've helped me feel again.

- J

Today I Am Happy About...

The gift of Forgiveness

Today there is one thing that brings me more joy than words can explain, and that is the gift of forgiveness. Whether it is I, that needs to be forgiven, or if it is I that is doing the forgiving... The gift of forgiveness is a glorious gift!

Jesus Christ while on the cross said, "Forgive them, for they know not what they do." And he didn't just say these words, he meant them, and that was evident through his life and ministry. The Son of man had power to forgive, and he did so, willingly. He had such mercy and he forgave those who had trespassed against their brethren, and to those who were simply unclean. If people were repentant and obedient, and willing to humble themselves, they were cleansed from all iniquity.

Forgiveness is all about humility, and empathy. Not only humbling ourselves, but opening ourselves up to truly feeling empathy for those around us. Feeling godly sorrow for feeling angry or upset towards others. Truly having empathy is a gift I didn't think was possible until I asked God for help, and he showed me it was something I could work towards.

Time and time again throughout The Bible, it says something along the lines of "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors" and that if we expect to be forgiven, we must forgive others.  The other day it hit me... Duh! Forgive and be forgiven. It doesn't mean that you have to have sinned some great sin, but no matter the size of your transgression, whether it be as small as a white lie, or as great as a sexual sin, you can be forgiven. After you go through the process of repentance, there is one tiny step we often overlook. It comes down to the fact that if we want to be forgiven, and we are obedient and keeping all God's commandments, and if we are willing, we must also be willing to forgive those who have wronged us. If we can do that, we can be forgiven.

It is all about faith. It is all about mercy. That is what the gift of forgiveness is about. Willingness to submit to the Lord in humility, and in His mercy, he will forgive. He has the ability to blotteth out transgressions and if we repent, He will forgive.

What a glorious, wonderful, priceless gift!

It was a struggle for me to forgive those who had hurt me, and I didn't want to. I felt I was somehow better than they because of the things they had said or done. But after earnestly asking for God's help, I realized that it was such a burden I had been carrying around. And I have forgiven everyone. For every unkind word, or broken heart, or lie. Every bad thought I once had, I no longer have. I feel as if a HUGE weight has been lifted off of my chest. I am walking around, and I am happy. I am content. I feel at peace. And, to all those who feel you may have hurt me... You're forgiven.

So, forgiveness I am so grateful for you.

You're the anchor in my aching soul.

You've given me a second chance at life.

- J

Today I Am Happy About...

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

I woke up frustrated, and I was angry. I admit I felt in a way I had been gypped in the way my life had turned out. But I got dressed and ready, and I went to church like kids like me do. And after stepping inside the doors of the church, I immediately had a change of heart.

The topic was hope. There were two speakers from the congregation. One was my high school friend Kevin Goehring, who just returned from serving a mission in Germany, but struggles speaking English. I found myself lost in his words. He spoke of hope. Real hope. He explained how too often we get lost in the world's view of hope. How we hope for a good grade on our test, or we hope that we get a certain gift for Christmas. But, this is not real hope. Real hope is setting a goal and working hard toward that goal. We can hope for something, but we put forth all of our efforts into making that goal a possibility.

So, why does this bring me joy? Well, I find joy in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I find joy in the ability I have to pray to a loving God, and ask him for things I need. I find joy in the ability I have to pray and plead with Him for comfort, or strength. The strength I receive from God in times of great struggling and difficulty is more than just a pat on the back and a push back into the world. It is the sharing of a heavy burden. It is the feeling of peace that comes from my Savior Jesus Christ. My Savior and my Father in Heaven are two people that understand what I am going through. Every struggle, every pain, every sadness, every loss. Jesus Christ has felt every thing I feel. And, through Him, I find peace in knowing that I don't have to struggle alone.

So, today, I am grateful for the church in which I belong. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am grateful that I have a loving Savior who is always there for me. I am grateful for the support that the church is for me, that it is a place where I know I can always feel joy.

So, thank you to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

For being the rock in my life.

- J

Today I Am Happy About...

j.wride j.wride j.wride j.wride

j.wride j.wride j.wride j.wride

j.wride j.wride j.wride j.wride

Today I sat around and thought of something that made me happy. You know what made me incandescently happy?? The thought of j.wride. I know, I'm obsessed.. But, hear me out.

j.wride is more than my favorite band.

j.wride are more than my best friends.

j.wride means so much to me. they are my support group.

I used to claim myself on being their number one fan. But now, well, I've missed a show, and I'll miss their CD release, and it's sad because I fear my number one spot will be lost to other crazed fans who know all the words to every song, and take pictures at every show. Well, someday, I will take back my place as supreme fan. Then you shall all see that I would do anything for these boys. 

You name it, I'd do it. Well, besides the fact that I'm flat broke and can't be there for their concert. But still, I would give up all the time in the world for these boys. I will do whatever it takes to get them on top. Why? Not just because these are talented guys, but because these boys deserve it. They have worked harder than any other artist I've seen. In addition to full time school/work, this is what they do full time. Every day. They work their butts off for their music. It is everything to them. And their music is everything to me. So why would I not do everything in my power for them??? It's as clear as day to me. They make me happy. Each person. Each instrument. Each note. Each song. So, why would I not do whatever it takes to help them rise to the top? Why would I not support them every single step of the way? I promise to do whatever it takes.

Well, j.wride.

Thanks for being there for me always.

For being my lifeboat.

- J

Who I Am Grateful For:: Adam Stokes

Amazing 

Dapper 

American 

Musical

Stellar

Talented

Outstanding

Kind

Entertaining

Super!

Yes, I could write more, and be more descriptive, but the drugs are still in my system, and I am not thinking as clearly as I should.

There are a few things I want you to know-

1) You set SUCH an example to me.

2) You dedicated two years of your life to the Lord, and I look up to you so much.

3) You are one of my heroes... I don't know if saying "thank you" could ever be enough.

But Adam, you are amazing. I don't think I could name a person who has been a more loyal and constant friend and example to me. You're always there for me, even though you're across the world. I don't care if you're in the house next door, or in the Philippines, you are someone I don't want to ever forget about. You are one of those people I feel privileged to know; Lucky to be friends with. I don't know how it all happened exactly, but all I know is one day I woke up and realized even if it were just as friends, I wanted you in my life forever. You're the kind of person that I can't just let slip out of my fingers, you're someone I need in my life. You make me happy, you make me smile. When I have a bad day, or even when something really great happens, the first person I want to tell.... is you. 


So, thank you for always being patient with me and listening to my ramblings. Thank you for reading all my letters and not thinking I'm a crazy person when I send you packages on your birthday, and Christmas, and every other 'event'. Thank you for understanding me. Thank you for praying for me. Thank you most of all, for just being YOU. 

- J

Happy Thanksgiving:: 100 Things I Am Grateful for!

"One single grateful thought raised to heaven 

is the most perfect prayer." 

 - G.E. Lessing

1. My livestrong bracelet because it reminds me of those who have it worse than me, but still live strong.
2. Covers because when I am cold, or sad, hiding under the warm covers always helps me feel safe.
3. Speed limit signs because they keep us safe on roads where we may otherwise be tempted to go too fast and risk someone's life, including our own.
4. Laundry shoot because I am lazy and it allows me to drop my laundry to the laundry room from my room.
5. My blankey/handkerchief because when I have a stuffy nose, I can always have something nearby to blow my nose in.
6. Hands because without them, I don't know if I could do it- they pick up game pieces, they blow my nose, they feed me.
7. Love because it gives all girls (guys too) something to look forward to.
8. Sunflower balloons because they make me smile and keep my room happy.
9. Toilet paper because I would fail miserably without it, and it helps me when I have colds and need to blow my nose.
10. Laptops because sharing one good desktop computer in a home with 5 people is just asking for trouble.
11. Video cameras because I can capture so many amazing moments that pictures couldn't.
12. Lens cleaner because I just hate when my glasses are dirty.
13. Light bulbs because they illuminate so much light without burning out a candle, and they're just so much easier to use.
14. Humor because laughter makes those hard days bearable. And good humor is everything.
15. Good friends because they bring life back into me when I feel as if I might never feel the joy they feel.
16. Backpacks because they make it a lot easier to carry all my books, binders and folders.
17. Lunchboxes because they keep your food cold/hot until lunch time.
18. Glasses because I just hate being blind!
19. Clementines because they taste just sooooo delicious.
20. Silverware because eating without them would be quite difficult, and personally, I love eating, so the easier, the better.
30. Candy because everyone needs a little energy in their life, and candy tastes so yummy:)
31. Hangers because they are so convenient and make it possible to have unwrinkled clothes, without having to iron your clothes every time- (and on that thought....)
32. Irons because they always make your clothes straight and presentable.
33. DVDs because they allow you to watch your favorite movies over and over and over again.
34. My chef jacket because when I peeled a pomegranate and the juice spat up everywhere, the chef jacket protected my new white shirt.
35. Cut (and canned) green beans because they are SO much better than the fresh ones!
36. Nose hairs because they keep foreign objects/particles from going into your lungs through your nasal cavity.
37. Teeth because eating, talking, smiling- would all be just pitiful without teeth, and plus, I enjoy my teeth.
38. Turkey roaster because it saves my mom a lot of time and gets the turkey cooked in half the time an oven does.
39. Puppies because they are simply adorable.
40. Fuzzy socks because they are super comfy and they keep your toes very warm. Plus, people are always jealous of fuzzy socks.
41. Lotion because I hate dry hands and lotion keeps my hands niiiiice and moisturized.
42. Naps because even though I rarely am able to actually nap, naps are amazing.
43. Taylor Swift because she always sings exactly what's on my mind and helps me put words to my emotions.
44. The plastic white hangers at target because I am OCD and love all my hangers to look the same, and target makes that possible.
45. My Good Happens blog because it reminds me of all the reasons I have to be grateful.
46. Pretzel M&Ms because they taste delicious, are completely addicting, and never get old.
47. AC because it keeps me cool, and I'd rather be cold than too hot.
48. NCAA tournament because it gives me something to enjoy during the school year that makes me incredibly happy!
49. March Madness because the madness gives me something to look forward to and it's always there for me- completely dependable. Except for the outcome.
50. Sneezing because it gets all the nasties out of your nose.
51. Fall time in Northern VA because there are leaves everywhere and you can walk down a street and see literally a hundred different colors in one row of trees!
52. Babies because they remind you of how much you've grown, and how much you've learned.
53. Converse because they make me feel cool. yes, I just said that.
54. Plaid pattern because it is a fabric creation that has changed the world- okay, not literally, but I love plaid. Makes me happy.
55. Ability to hear because there are so many sounds and life experiences that can only be heard, and I can't imagine life without my hearing.
56. People who can give me rides because I can't drive anymore and rides are my favorite. How else am I supposed to get places?!
57. Freckles because they are fun and pretty and they make cool patterns ;)
58. Coats because without them I would freeze! But I can easily take them off if I get hot.
59. Shoelaces because otherwise I'd either have crappy shoes or no way to keep my shoes on.
60. Mashed potatoes because they taste delicious and they are my favorite food.
61. Ability to switch majors because otherwise I'd still be an engineering major... And I'd hate that.
62. Commercial Recreation major because I finally found a major I love- deals with people and events and life!
63. Memory because there are so many wonderful things that I would hate to forget. Remembering things is an incredible blessing!
64. Work because it gives me the opportunity to earn money by actually working for that money.
65. Tupperware because it allows me to snack on thanksgiving dinner for the next week.
66. Scarfs because they keep your neck warm and can help you outfit look colorful and stylish ;)
67. Whistling because I just love to whistle!
68. Ability to move because I don't know if I could live if I were paralyzed, I'm not that strong of a person.
69. Curtains because they protect your privacy and keep the cold out of the apartment.
70. Trashcans because it would be disgusting if trash just hung out on the street and all over the counters.
71. Doctors because without them I'd be dead. Simple as that.
72. MRI/CT scans because they find things that doctors cannot.
73. Medicine because they ease your pain, and they heal your sicknesses, and make you better.
74. Laughter because some people just have the funniest laughs and laughter is contagious!
75. Personalities because it would be really lame if everyone was the same person- cookie cutters of each other. I like variety.
76. Color because as pretty as black and white is, color has so much life!
77. Voice because your voice allows you to sing and talk and communicate with others in an incredible way.
78. Photographs because they capture moments so easily so you never have to forget a face or a memory.
79. Ability to cry because its nice to let out emotions and crying allows you to deal with what's going on.
80. Surprises because it's nice to have something unexpected pop into your day! and your life!
81. Blinking because if I'm gonna die, I can just blink 3 times and they'll pull the plug ;)
82. Potatoes masher because it makes homemade mashed potatoes possible in an easier and quicker way.
83. No tubes because Katie had tubes to help her after her surgery and it was terrible, I am grateful that in my surgery I didn't need tubes.
84. Chimneys because Santa Claus can now come down and leave presents in my stocking!
85. D.C. - the actual city - because it is so beautiful and has so much historical significance. Plus, it has so many smithsonians that have amazing art and artifacts to look at and explore.
86. Pickles because I tend to always crave pickles due to their deliciousness and unique taste.
87. Board games because they are good clean fun and because you get to know people so well through playing games.
88. Compression cuffs because when you are in the hospital, not only do they keep away the blood clots, but they manage my restless legs syndrome and just feel good on my legs
89. Finally making the basketball shot after like 100 tries because I was trying SO hard and failing miserably!
90. State of Virginia because it is where I am from and there are so many memories from my childhood and teenage years here.
91. Nail polish because it allows me to bring color to my hands and feet without having to get permanent coloring from tattoos or something.
92. Pilgrims and Native Americans because they made this tradition possible.
93. Talented people because they make my life sometimes easier, other times just better. They give me something to smile about. They help me where I lack.
94. Oven mitts because they help me so I don't burn my hands.
95. Temples because they are a place where I can feel the spirit and be close to God.
96. The atonement because the Savior suffered every pain including sadness and fear, so that I don't have to be alone, so that I can have someone with me through every struggle. I am grateful for the atonement because through the atonement, I can repent and return to my Father in Heaven.
97. Rocking chairs because I love just sitting and rocking and thinking. I especially love when I rock with a baby in my arms and rock them to sleep. It's a magical thing.
98. That I don't have to wear diapers because all these poor babies in the house are crying getting diaper changes because they obviously can't be potty trained yet. I am glad I can just use the restroom when I need to.
99. My health because so many people have worse health problems and struggles and in comparison, I've got it pretty dang easy. I look around me, and how can I not be grateful when people are sick, and dying, and I am so alive!
100. Brain Tumor because it is through this brain tumor that my eyes have been opened and that I have seen how the love of friends and family can bring hope into what seems like a dark situation. This tumor has helped me see so much good and my life, it has humbled me and put my life into perspective.

I read this story on Oprah.com, I seriously advise you read it:: 

Biggest surprise? "That this science existed. So many self-help ideas are like meringue—you take a big bite, and there's nothing there. What I discovered was the 'there.' One study from the University of California, Davis, actually quantified what happens when people are grateful. They really are more optimistic, more apt to help others, more joyful, and genuinely healthier. Related studies have found they're more resilient, less stressed, and better strategic thinkers. All because they focus on what's right in life."

Second biggest surprise? "Grateful people may recover faster from trauma. I interviewed a lot of men and women who have bounced back from calamity—a mountain lion attack, a horrific car crash. The common denominator is they all believe in the power of their mind to find relevance in their situation and make something better come of it."

How "thank you" changed her: "I now find magic in the mundane. It's kind of like when I got glasses as a kid: I could actually see the individual leaves on a tree. In the same way, thank you power has helped me recognize slivers of life that might have bypassed me before: my daughter's handstands, enjoying a view. I'm also more creative—better able to look beyond the obvious and come up with new story angles. Certainly the research shows that grateful people are more innovative thinkers."

It is days like this, that I am truly grateful. Friends and family gathered together to share food, and love, and to just be with each other. It is days like this that I am grateful for, that give me hope and perspective and allow me to be grateful for the things that I too often overlook. Things I too often forget about. I am grateful for so many things that I don't realize until I sit down and think- really hard.

So, thank you to my Heavenly Father for this beautiful earth and for the great blessings I have. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to the earth and allowing him to suffer so that I, along with friends, and family, can return to you. Thanks be to God for his majestic and beautiful eye in creating such a beautiful earth!

Being grateful, and choosing to be thankful has changed ME because it has allowed me to see past myself, and realize that it is my selfishness that has torn me away from the people I love. If I remember how small I really am, and how much God has blessed me with, I really can do so much good in the world by being selfless and serving those who have served me.

Anyways, that's all for now- more confessions to come.

- J

Who I Am Grateful For:: Emily Anne Snow

Think you're my best friend? Did you pack up and leave your family and life- a solid job and your adorable little brother, and leave them in Germany and fly to Utah, where you knew no one, had no job, and wouldn't be attending school? Yeah- if you've done that.... You're my best friend.

Emily and I at my Summer Ward Campfire!

Us with Alan :)

*Us with Jamen*

Jamen, Emily, Me

I think I have more pictures with this girl than could ever fit on this blog... But each picture is filled with 1000 words and a million memories- brings out smiles and laughter. I love Miss Emily Anne more than anything.

Emiy and I @ j.wride/bashaw&thehope concert

Em, Matt Bashaw, Me, Kalen Gilleese

This girl radiates beauty. Not only is she beautiful on the outside, but she is deep, genuine, honest and she's a beautiful person on the inside.

Me and Em at Benton Paul in SLC

 
The two of us have been through so much together, and she's been there for me every time I needed someone to accompany me pretty much anywhere! And I didn't thank her enough- so, Emily, THANK YOU! For all those long nights...

Us at the Cameron Rafati/Jason Reeves Concert!!

Me, Cameron Rafati, Emily

Emily, Cameron Rafati, Me :)

Em and I in front of Jason Reeves

Lorin, Emily, Me, Jason Reeves, Kaylee

There's never a day that goes by, that I don't look back and wonder how this girl has put up with me...

Em and I watching FOOTBALL

Kailee, Emily and I at Ask For The Future's LAST Concert

She ALWAYS has a way of making me smile... And I don't care if we're just laying in someone's backyard, she makes simply being together, the best.

Me and Emily on my BIRTHDAY @ Jake's

Jake, Miranda, Emily, Me, Kailee

Words can't describe the kind of friend Emily is to me, she's the kind of friend that NO MATTER what, she'll be there- supporting you, holding your hand, hugging you till you can't breathe, tackling you to the ground till you break down laughing.

Em and I @ my Birthday Party

Anna, Me, Ethan, Catherine, Lisa, Miranda, Emily, Michael, Karrae

Emily, Miranda, Me

Em and I getting dolled up :) - general conference weekend!

Through smiles and sass, through kid games and class. This girl has been there. Who could ask for anything more? :)


Emily Anne Snow

ENCOURAGING
MEANINGFUL
INTELLIGENT
LOVELY
YOUTHFUL


ARDENT
NATURAL
NICE
ECCENTRIC


SPECIAL
NUTTY :)
OBLIGING
WELCOMING



Miss Emily,

You may not believe me when I say this- but you moving here was an absolute miracle. I know I kinda am the worst friend ever (and never went to walmart with you)... But know I'd take back all the times I said no for one more hour with you. I know we fought and disagreed and sometimes even wrestled, but those disagreements were proof that we cared about each other. Cause you can't hate someone you don't care about, cause in order to hate- there has to be enough feeling towards that person, enough hurt to make you angry, to make you hate. And usually when we fought, it was because I was frustrated with my own stupidity. So, I apologize for all our fights. I wish I could take back every word.


Thank you for always being there when I needed to complain, or cry. Thank you for sitting with me and just being there when I was too frustrated to talk, and just waiting patiently in case I needed anything. Thank you for holding me those times when I broke into tears not knowing if I could make it to tomorrow. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your friendship. You, my friend, are one in a million (if not a lot more).



I love you. A million red m&m's. I love you. A million red swedish fish.

- J