What I'm Grateful For #6

The right to vote.

Actually, it's our duty.

Today, I voted. It doesn't matter who I voted for. It matters that I took the time to vote. Whether it takes 10 minutes or 5 hours. It is important for us to vote because there are a LOT of people out there fighting for our freedoms. And one of those freedoms is the freedom to vote.

So, if you didn't vote. I encourage you to register to vote so the next election (national OR local) you can vote.

- J

What I'm Grateful For #5

SKYPE!

I love being able to have face to face conversations from across the country. It makes life so wonderful when I can sit on my computer and talk with someone like we're side by side.

I am so grateful for Skype for keeping me sane during the months I'm away from my friends and my people. :)

- J

What I'm Grateful For #4

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

WHY? Because I got an extra hour of sleep last night.

It's pretty crazy how when we're kids, we hate to sleep. When we're awake, we wanna stay awake, and when we're asleep, we just wanna wake up. Life is just so exciting as a kid- So much to explore; So much to learn.

Then you grow up and all the sudden you realize you actually like sleep, and you need it. 

So, since I still love my sleep... I am grateful for the extra hour I get once a year :)

- J

What I'm Grateful For #3

Tonight I am grateful for:

HALEE HAINES!

One of my absolute best friends and my old and future roommate.

She makes me laugh. She keeps me grounded. She loves me even when I'm insane. She has taught me so much about life and myself. She is just an awesome person, and having her be my roommate last year was a complete and total blessing!!

She's one of those friends that are simply irreplaceable.

I love you Halee!

- J

What I'm Grateful For #1 & #2

As you know, every November, I post what I am grateful for every day. Unfortunately, I forgot to post yesterday, so here are my posts for the 1st and 2nd of November :)

Today I am grateful for medicine and sleep.

If you know me, you know I have a million medical problems which I don't really like to talk about much... BUT I have realized that medicine is my best friend. It helps me in so many ways. Helps me function. Helps me be myself. I appreciate the medicines I have more than anything.

Also, I am grateful for sleep. I haven't slept well the past couple months, BUT, I remember how good it was when I did sleep- and I loved that. So last night, I slept decent, and I am sooooo grateful for that.

- J

Lesson Learned

Recently I've been doing a lot of thinking and internal changes. I have realized that I have not been someone that my Heavenly Father can really be proud of. Now, if you're reading this, know that God always loves you- always has, always will. He loves you no matter what you do. He is your Father and he loves you unconditionally.

That being said- I personally felt I could do better. I feel the past couple months (since April-ish) I have been slowly changing into a person I am not even proud of.

Recently, with the help of some close friends, I made some goals that I have been following, and I would like to share with you and encourage you to do the same:

1. Pray when I wake up

2. Pray over meals (any and all meals)

3. Study a talk each week

4. Read scriptures every day

5. Say evening prayer

Those five things have changed my life. I am finally becoming that person I used to be- that person that I would look in the mirror and smile at. Someone that I'd wanna just pat on the back because I was doing such a great job, all considering.

For those who don't know- I have had a lot of health challenges. But recently I realized they are all ridiculous blessings. I have seen real friends come out of the blue and just love me. I have seen family sacrifice for me. I have seen members of my church pray for me. And, perfect strangers take concern for my well-being. Most people don't get those opportunities. But I have been lucky enough to have those occasions. So, to all of you- stranger or friend: thank you. 

Anyways, because Satan is such a stinker and is always tempting me to revert to the "not-so-good" me, I have to fill my time doing things to keep myself productive. For "an idle mind is the devil's playground". I have been writing music. I have been working on a project for the girl I nanny for (her birthday is coming up). I have been writing letters. I have been contacting old friends and reestablishing friendships. All these things aren't much. No one would be impressed but me. To me, this is HUGE. To find good things to fill my time with.

Okay, so at this point, you're probably skimming to the bottom to see if I've written anything profound here at the end...

Well, I haven't. But I will say this- You can be anyone you want to be. And anything is possible. It is possible to overcome any weakness if you pray for help, strength, and ask those around you for support and encouragement. Heavenly Father loves you and he wants you to be the best you can be.

"Do the best you can, where you are, with what you have.”

 

And when all else fails, you start again. God and Jesus Christ will never leave you comfortless (John 14:18). 

Good luck!

- J 

That One Time I Was In The Daily Universe

It was brought to my attention that I never posted about the article about me in the Daily Universe, BYU's newspaper! This article is definitely something majorly good in my life. I feel blessed they chose to do an article about me!

Here's the link:

http://universe.byu.edu/index.php/2012/04/11/local-band-helps-student-raise-money-for-surgery-when-diagnosed-with-brain-tumor/

Let me know what you think!

Thanks friends.

- J