Nature is the art of God

This past Friday Carl and I decided to hike R Mountain to watch the sunset. We had previously watched a new show, Expedition Impossible, and we were inspired to forge large rivers, walk millions of miles, and climb extensive heights. But alas, in Rexburg all we had was R Mountain and it would have to do. We really enjoyed ourselves once we reached the top. It was amazing how fast the sun actually set--I was expecting it to be a gradual descent, but one minute it was there and the next it was gone. It made me think about how fast life goes by. But that is another topic entirely :)

Besides the sun, nature seems pretty constant. It does change with seasons and odd weather patterns, but generally it is always there, inviting us in. I don't think I take as much opportunity to enjoy this gift from God now that school and work are a big aspect of my life. I am always struck in the temple of the things we learn about the creation, and I often wish I could not only understand it better, but enjoy it more. I am quite partial to Kentucky's green-ness with its trees and real grass, but I think God loves all of his creation. This includes the mountains and the dry desert air that currently surrounds me. I hope I can find true, and not artifical, happiness in this western nature before we leave it.

“A home without books is a body without soul.”

My secret to happiness today is reading. I have been reading ever since I can remember. My mom was really good about teaching my siblings and me how to read and keeping the love of reading inside all of us. A good book to me is like an escape. It's a place a can go if I am experiencing any kind of emotion and either feel justified in my feeling (if it's positive) or uplifted (if I am feeling down). Young adult novels will always be my favorite type of literature no matter what; yet, now that I am finishing up my education as an English major, I know that there are all types of genres to learn from. My British literature teacher is currently having us read Victorian and Modern British literature and apply their themes or concepts into a challege we are currently facing. It is amazing that any kind of literature that is wholesome or good can bring a better perspective of life and the life we are currently experiencing. Doctrine & Covenants 88:118 states, "And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith." This I know to be true as I continue to become not only a better reader, but a more educated individual by seeking and learning from the best books.

Carl and I both love to read, and it is one thing I am very thankful we have in common. It is Carl and my's goal to one day have a library in our home, much like the Beast gives to Belle ;) Though we know this is wishful thinking, we do want our home filled with good books for our children to love and cherish throughout their life.

A New Beginning

This is my third attempt to keep and maintain a blog and this time I am determined. I feel like I have a lot of stress going on in my life, and writing is a good way to let it all out and find peace. Through this blog I hope to post little bits of happiness that exist in my life and hopefully it will inspire others to find their own.

I have been wanting to start a blog ever since Caitlin Anderson began her blog a couple years ago. It became an even greater desire once Erin Stolworthy began her blog. There was no denying it--I needed to have one of my own ;) We have been best friends ever since high school, and I have been trying to acquire some of their great strengths and apply it in my life. They give me great happiness to me. They are both so different and have become even more different and distinct since we went our seperate ways to college. Caitlin has amazing motivation in many aspects of her life--school, church callings, social life. I like to pretend to have motivation to do homework, but if you see me on my laptop I am most likely playing Spider Solitaire. Erin has a great desire to become an educated person. Her knowledge is displayed verbally and textually, and anyone can become uplifted by her insights. They are both amazing friends to be and still are a source of happiness in my life.