tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37002482876048974852024-03-13T11:44:48.527-07:00a day in the life of morgan alexis..Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-983834970470304912013-04-26T21:14:00.000-07:002013-04-26T21:14:08.819-07:00A testimony of a smileI feel compelled to write this memory down so that one day I will read back and remember how our happiness can affect those around us.<br />
<br />
A month or so ago, I went to a bar with some of my classmates. We sat around talking and eating half priced food...to say I felt good about it, is an understatement. I was truly happy in the moment and talked until the moment we decided to part ways. As we were walking out of the restaurant, there was a huge glass display sitting to the right. Inside the glass display was a GIANT cake, it was huge! As we all began to stare at the cake, a worker noticed and told us that if we could guess how much the cake weighed he would give us a free cupcake. Everyone put in their guesses and everyone got rejected. Finally, he unveiled the number...25 lbs! We all laughed as we thought back to our guesses and started to turn and walk out. Suddenly, the worker looked right at me and said, "You have the most beautiful smile. Don't you ever lose that smile...I noticed it all night long." I felt all the blood rush into my face literally a half second after he complimented me. I thanked him and walked away in shock as I thought about all of the beautiful girls I was with who each had bigger, whiter, straighter teeth than I had.<br />
<br />
Second memory...<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago I went to Walmart. I was leisurely walking down every aisle (like normal) when I finally made it to get some eggs. Another gentleman walked up at the same time so I stood and waited my turn (and apparently I was smiling). The man grabbed his eggs and then turned to me and said in an accent, "You have a great smile. Girls don't smile anymore these days. You should always smile." I thanked him and asked him where he was from. He had recently moved to Vegas from South Africa and we continued to chat for a second and then he shook my hand and walked away.<br />
<br />
Last memory...<br />
<br />
Last week I went to a country dancing bar with a few friends. It was a little chilly out and we all stood in line waiting to get our ID's checked while taking a few pictures. The bouncer started to check ID's and let two of my friend's in. He then got to my ID, looked at my picture, then up at me then back to my picture. He replied, "You have a very nice, big smile." I thanked him and went inside to go dance.<br />
<br />
Why do I care to remember these experiences? I have never felt very great about my smile. Before I got braces I never smiled with my teeth and once I got them off I did much more but I was the token person that people were "intimidated" of because I walked around school not smiling and not even realizing it. I have never looked in the mirror and thought that I had an amazing smile but, let this be proof, don't ever hold back your smile.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-22916542405102779502013-04-26T20:56:00.000-07:002013-04-26T20:56:20.136-07:00Live where you are and be happy.Remember that one time I was really into blogging? Yeah, me too...sometimes I feel sad that I am not as good as I used to be. I have always loved looking back on memories and lessons I have learned-they are great reminders, empowering, and remind me of the places I've been.<br />
<br />
It's April 26th..11 months ago I made one of the biggest decisions of my life and drove my little VW bug up to Las Vegas to move in with two girls I had never met before. I was excited, nervous, anxious, happy, etc...you name the emotion, I felt it. These last 11 months have been a journey for sure. I have grown in ways that I couldn't have imagined. I have made mistakes that have hurt my heart more than I ever knew. I have become part of such a big, special family here in Las Vegas. I have chosen to be who I want to be each day.<br />
<br />
To say that it has been rough to be away from my family and friends would be an understatement. I miss them every day and wish I could be there at the snap of my fingers, but I have learned something great while being up here in Vegas--Live where you are and be happy. Do I have my sad moments? Yes. Do I long for home every once in a while? Of course. I have never been happy with where I am at in life up until this point. It amazes me to realize that it simply could be a choice I made to be happy. I used to have an inner struggle where I told myself 'I would be happy when...' but I have come to realize that I can be happy now! It doesn't matter what people say about you. It doesn't matter what people think about you...you can be happy!<br />
<br />
Annnnd, that's my soapbox for the day.<br />
<br />
XOXO,<br />
<br />
MorganUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-91693051679463869512013-02-26T18:27:00.002-07:002013-02-26T18:27:16.142-07:00Where has the time gone?It has been months since I took the time to sit down and think to myself and then write about it. Last semester was such a whirlwind. I experienced all sort of emotions--extreme happiness for starting a new chapter of my life, sadness and loneliness from being away from my incredible family, stress and incompetency from school and church. You name an emotion, I felt it. But, I have grown so much since I have been here. I have grown in ways that I didn't expect myself to. <br />
<br />
This journey that I am on has made me feel unsure about myself. Unsure if I am capable of what lies ahead, unsure of where I will end up in my future, unsure of if I am cut out for this program. Then I look at the people in my program that surround me; they are my family. They have been there for me every step of the way and I thank God every single day that I have such a close knit bunch to hang out with for wayyyy too long every day :)<br />
<br />
The bottom line is that there are blessings everywhere in our lives. Even though we might find ourselves in an unideal situation, if you look closely you will see the silver lining. I am truly blessed and I never want to forget that.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-28380507259814663912012-09-30T18:29:00.001-07:002012-09-30T22:39:55.513-07:00Life happens. I have been back to school for over a month now. It is surreal how fast and slow time can move at the same time. I look back to the lack of summer that I had due to school. I think of being with my family for two weeks and loving every minute of it. Then...I came back to Vegas. I got settled in and got started back with school and life went on. I hate to admit it, but I felt alone, lost, and confused. I discovered that "home" is truly where your heart is.<br />
<br />
School became a chore. All I wanted was to be with my family and I couldn't do that if I was here in Vegas trying to pursue my dream. This feeling started rolling into every aspect of my life. The once strong, independent girl that moved out to embark on adventures of her own personal journey was fading quickly under all of the pressure. Life became too hard to bear and so, instead of caring I became numb to every situation in my life. <br />
<br />
As the weeks have gone on I have battled through every obstacle and even though it has gotten better, it has been a struggle. It has felt as though one thing has piled on top of the other and my legs are getting tired from treading water for so long. There have been glimpses of light in the cracks along the way but as soon as I see it, it quickly fades into the darkness. I tried to start planning the rest of my life under all of the pressure of school while keeping everyone else's plans in mind. I was making decisions for myself to plan the rest of my life out and then I got a huge reality check. Monday I received the email I never expected. It told me that I would not be receiving an email for the next 9 months and told me that I shouldn't write them either. After having thought I had been numb to this situation I was in for the last 4 months when I stopped getting as many emails, I realized that this was not the case and that my heart was broken.<br />
<br />
Life happens. It happens whether you are making choices that will bring you happiness or choices that will bring you sorrow. It happens whether you want it to or you don't. It happens whether or not you have a plan for yourself. At this point in my life I have come to realize some of the most precious principles through the loneliness and sadness that I have felt.<br />
<br />
1. Happiness is a choice. "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." -Dumbledore<br />
<br />
2. No matter what choices you have made, God will continue to love you. He knows your name, he knows YOU better than you know yourself.<br />
<br />
3. The choices you make always have consequences, whether they are good or bad.<br />
<br />
I know that through my Heavenly Father and His son I can be made whole. I know this truth through and through, but it takes time. So, instead of making plans for my life based on everyone else's plans, I am going to trust in God and know that I will be taken care of through the pain, sadness, and sorrows--one day I will feel whole again.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-34418401137187923742012-08-17T00:11:00.001-07:002012-08-17T00:11:10.099-07:00A Woman of KindnessToday we headed to Scottsdale for sister's birthday to do a little shopping. We headed out to make it to a few stores and hitting up Sprinkles cupcake store before heading back. <br />
<br />
As we walked out of the cupcake store we were approached by a homeless man on a bicycle. As I began hearing his story, I immediately turned off my ears and began fidgeting around on my phone thinking that my mom and sister would do the same. This was not the case. I stood there for a moment more to realize that my mom had been intently listening to this man. I was taken back at first but when I listened to their conversation. I looked up to that man on the bike. He had tanned, leathery skin, long greyish hair, and you could tell his clothes needed a good washing. He didn't ask for money, in fact, all he wanted was information about a church that would be able to help him and his wife who had no where to go. I watched my mom and her actions will never be erased from my memory. She opened up her purse, took out a $20 and extended her arm in his direction. His response probably surprised me even more so than my mom's. He immediately responded, "Oh, no I can't take that. I wasn't expecting any money." Her big, green eyes welled up with tears as she pushed the money toward him once again. She responded, "I know, I want to give this to you." The man reached his hand out and took the money and replied, "What is your name?" "Linda," she responded. "I'm Patrick. I sure am glad I was guided toward you. Thank you, Linda." <br />
<br />
With that, my mom turned around and headed toward the car. Tears streamed down her cheeks. This, is a kind, valiant woman. I cannot express to you the example I have for a mother. Someday I will try to explain to my children how amazing of a mom she was, is, and has been to me. For this, I am grateful and proud to be raised by a woman of kindness.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-5474608624202364922012-07-17T21:26:00.000-07:002012-07-17T21:26:27.050-07:00Out On My OwnEvery day I wake up and one of the first thoughts that runs through my mind is how blessed I truly am. I attempt to open my eyes (then close them a few more times in hopes that time will stop and I will be able to sleep a little bit longer), I throw my scrubs on, throw my hair up in some sort of mess, and hop in the car to get to school. The car rides each morning are usually on the quiet side-someone will make a comment in hopes to break the silence, but I can't help but silently look out the window and just think. It becomes the little bit of quiet time that I appreciate more than words can express.<br />
<br />
Being on my own has been a learning and growing experience to the max. I thought I had grown up and matured to a pretty high potential when living with my family, but as I have been out on my own I have grown infinite amounts. I have made mistakes, handled situations differently than I would before, and have been able to have some of the most meaningful conversations of my life. <br />
<br />
I am grateful to be on this journey. I know this is where I am supposed to be and have met some of the most amazing "family members" that I will cherish forever. I thank my Heavenly Father for the tender mercies in my life.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-6429044221848002652012-06-25T12:33:00.004-07:002012-06-25T12:33:56.037-07:00A little bit of sunshine amongst dark clouds.I wish I could be anywhere; anywhere but here. I sit quietly in the physical therapy library, books and binders surround me. I feel enclosed by the bookshelves, there is no way to turn, no way to escape. My maroon scrubs clench onto the smell of cadaver and formaldehyde and as I sit and attempt to study, my nose is constantly reminded of where I just was. <br />
<br />
I dreamed that I would be in California with my family, only to have too many obstacles prevent that from happening. Who once told me that growing up would be "fun?" They were incredibly wrong.<br />
<br />
As I stare at my papers, books, and computer the words seem to separate themselves and disappear. Where are they going? If there is one thing I am certain of, they are not being absorbed in my head. For so long this was my dream-this was the one thing that I knew I wanted to do. I never thought it would be so difficult. I never realized that when I didn't perform like I did in undergrad, I would mentally break down and wonder and question, "Is this journey really the one for me?" <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As I take a step back I look at the big picture. School is not who I am. School is helping me learn and grow into someone that I want to be. For this reason alone, I know that this is the journey for me. I will never be Morgan, the Physical Therapist--I will be Morgan, a woman who practices Physical Therapy. To some, this may sound complicated, confusing, and rather synonymous. Life isn't about my accomplishments, it's about finding joy in the journey-no matter how grey the weather can be-there is always sunshine amongst the dark clouds. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-daNF4TY4Czw/T-i8vOsVk8I/AAAAAAAAAO8/1PYDzpYb5JQ/s1600/laugh-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-daNF4TY4Czw/T-i8vOsVk8I/AAAAAAAAAO8/1PYDzpYb5JQ/s1600/laugh-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-31947930143695987572012-06-09T16:34:00.002-07:002012-06-09T16:34:45.072-07:00Time.Time--a unit of measurement that defines how we spend our lives. Questions and statements can be made on a daily basis in relation to time.<br />
<br />
"Do I have time to run to the grocery store?" "Is there enough time to attend an event?" "It takes too much time to read my scriptures before bed or I don't have enough time to make my bed in the morning before school."<br />
<br />
Everything we do as human beings in this day and age is securely fastened around schedules and time until something drastic occurs--the birth of a baby, the holy union of two friends, the loss of a loved one. It's experiences like this in life that allow us to stop, smell the roses, and realize what is of true importance. We are able to more clearly remember that this Earth life is but a small moment. <br />
<br />
Personally, I cannot express the gratitude that I have for my family and friends. For two weeks now I have officially been living on my own--I have come to realize the importance of progression in life and I understand that this is one of those steps. Each day I think about my family-the love and support they provide, the comfort and peace that they bring, and the many laughs along the way.<br />
<br />
The same question repeatedly goes through my head, "How did I get so lucky?" Some day, I will be able to answer that. Maybe I needed all the help I could get while here in this life (this seems like the most obvious answer)? Maybe I could only learn the things I needed to with my own family? It's a mystery, but what I do know is that families are forever. There is no amount of time that could define the importance of my family. I hope that every day they don't ever have to wonder about my feelings for them because if there is anything I am beyond sure about in this world of uncertainty, it is the love that I have for my family. <br />
<br />
I thank JaKelle Westergard, though I didn't know her, she has helped me to remember this one most important truth about families.<br />
<br />
"I have a family here on earth, they are so good to me, I want to share my life with them for all eternity. Families can be together forever through Heavenly Father's plan. I always want to be with my own family, and the Lord has shown me how I can, the Lord and shown me how I can."<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-9036541734619143172012-05-30T23:09:00.001-07:002012-05-30T23:09:02.644-07:00My next chapterLife is all about progression. It is about growing and bettering ourselves and becoming the people that we want to be. I used to think that life was all about accomplishing things--educational goals, jobs, marriage, etc--until I realized that it is the experiences and choices that we make that help us learn and grow versus making a name for ourselves. <br />
<br />
Tomorrow, I begin a new chapter of life as a Physical Therapy student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I am scared, excited, nervous, anxious, happy, etc. I have so many emotions about this experience that I am going through. I cannot believe it is here. For so long, my goal was to get into school and now, here I am and I have made it in. Life, at times, can seem so surreal. I am not sure if I would consider this a dream, but I do know that it feels amazing to accomplish a goal that I set for myself and even though I know it is going to be difficult, I could not be more happy for the path that I have chosen for myself to take so I can grow as an individual. <br />
<br />
Here is to finding joy in the journey, Morgan!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-42165215580431455822012-05-30T22:52:00.000-07:002012-05-30T22:52:12.066-07:00My point of viewIt was a hot, sunny summer day in Vegas. Cookie cutter houses lined each side of the street. It did not look or feel like home to me. As my dad, mom, and sister walked to the truck parked in the parking lot, I turned toward my new home. A silent tear rolled down my cheek as I walked toward my front door. I turned back to look once more--I smiled and held back the tears as I waved goodbye and watched the truck travel the street until I could no longer see it. I walked up the stairs into my new bedroom where I ripped back the bed spread and curled up into a bawl underneath the sheets. I laid there for what seemed like forever, sobbing until eventually the tears became silent. I was on my own. Instantly, I was scared--was I even old enough to be on my own? Who was going to take care of me?<br />
<br />
I allowed myself to cry for about ten minutes and repeatedly told myself in my head, "It's okay to be sad. It's okay to cry." I stood up and went to the bathroom where I could look myself in the mirror and tell myself it would be alright. As I stared straight at my reflection, I saw a sad and scared girl, but finally when I peered into her eyes I knew that she would be okay. Everything was going to be just fine.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-57171665236878927512012-05-14T01:01:00.002-07:002012-05-14T01:01:24.199-07:00Mother's Day Phone CallI can't believe Mother's Day has already come and gone. What a day it was! I feel blessed to have a mom who loves me and is my best friend through the good times and the bad. Today I had the privilege of speaking in church. Hopefully I was able to do some justice to motherhood. On another note, Bry called today. I went over to listen to him talk. I wasn't expecting to say a word to him or even let him know I was there but just wanted to hear his voice. He sounded amazing. His laugh is contagious--I couldn't help but smile. It kind of came to a quiet time when Jen, his sister, whispered to let me talk to him. I panicked. My stomach flip flopped 10 times, my hands became cold and clammy, and I felt like I was going to throw up. I silently pushed the phone away--I didn't know what to say to him or if he'd even want to talk to me. I continued to listen to him when I glanced at my phone and noticed I only had five minutes til I needed to be out the door and on my way to the church building to give my talk. I packed up my stuff and as I began to leave, Jen told Matt (his brother) to put him back on speaker phone so that I could at least say hi. Matt proceeded to tell Bryant, "Hey Morgan's leaving so here she is." Ohhhhh, no big deal....SURPRISE.....I have just been here the whole time and you didn't even know. So I awkwardly grabbed the phone and began talking to him and telling him how great he sounds. He talked to me for two or three minutes in Spanish and said whatever else and I then it was time for me to leave. As I talked to him, an overwhelming feeling came over me that everything was going to be just fine. Talking to him just felt "right." I can't even describe the situation and do it justice, but all I know is that it was like our hearts connected and spoke the words we couldn't say to each other. I love that man with all of my heart. What a great day it was to be able to hear that cute missionary's voice! Keep it up Elder King!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-46677263583352518842012-04-17T23:16:00.003-07:002012-04-17T23:16:53.621-07:00He answers.The semester is nearing its end and for me, that always equals stress. This semester is much different than others. It's my LAST undergrad semester. Where did the time go? I have really enjoyed this semester in preparation for Physical Therapy school. I could not have asked for a better Internship. For this Internship, I am required to write a report and in the syllabus it lists several things that I need to include. Last week I noticed that I was missing one of the papers. I searched high and low and couldn't find anything. I basically had decided I would redo it when I noticed in the syllabus that it also mentions that we weren't allowed to redo anything because that would count as 'academic dishonesty.' I immediately began to stress. What was I going to do? It began to consume my thoughts for three days. I retraced my steps with no hope in sight. <br />
<br />
Then, yesterday happened. It was lunch break from my Internship and I was cruising with my windows down in the blistery summer heat. I began to stress again and my immediate thought was to pray. Once this thought came into my head, I quickly dismissed it because I had been really lousy at my personal prayers lately and didn't want God to feel like I was using Him. I sat in my car thinking about it for a few minutes when I finally gave in and said genuine prayer in my heart. Only a minute passed or so when I felt prompted to open up my glove box. I opened the box to find the exact paper I had been looking for, folded neatly on top of all of the papers shoved in there. I hardly ever put papers in that box, so that would be the last place I would have looked.<br />
<br />
God is merciful and kind. He doesn't care about your faults, but only about the progress you are making. He doesn't make you feel shameful for not talking to Him. Instead, He opens His arms a little bit wider, waiting for you to come to Him. God loves me, a spirit of infinite worth, and because I know of this truth, I know He loves everyone. God answers prayers, no matter great or small.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-26001705775632470112012-04-09T00:14:00.000-07:002012-04-09T00:14:15.889-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-239SGCKUQ0Q/T4KLMxiCNSI/AAAAAAAAAOk/YXYbaPDNGz8/s1600/follow-me-550x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-239SGCKUQ0Q/T4KLMxiCNSI/AAAAAAAAAOk/YXYbaPDNGz8/s320/follow-me-550x500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Sometimes in life we lose our way. It may be for just a short moment but other times it seems to drag out for eternity. I am only human and sometimes I lose sight of what matters most. I am grateful for my Savior and His atoning sacrifice. He is always there for me even if I forget the way. I have a divine purpose, I have been taught that ever since I can remember! Now, it is just time for me to search and realize the truth that lie within those words. I am a daughter of my loving Heavenly Father who loves me and I love Him.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-47420417024410168842012-02-26T20:58:00.005-07:002012-02-26T20:58:47.371-07:00Oxymoronic.This weekend has just been a mix of emotions for me. I have had to do a whole lot of soul searching to figure out what my deal is. There are two things that I have had to come to terms with-both of these concepts oppose each other and maybe that is why it is so hard for me to deal with.<br />
<br />
#1. Happiness is an attitude. It does not matter how hard one's circumstances are, an individual can be happy regardless. So often I wait around hoping that happiness will find its way to me when in reality it's already here! I just have to be the one to choose it!<br />
<br />
#2. I am not happy. I do not like who I am and at times I get frustrated because I expect myself to change much more quickly than it happens. I look in the mirror and I do not see the 'child of God' that I should see. I compare myself to others only to fall short. I magnify the mistakes I make only to discount any of my accomplishments. I am falling short in spiritual goals--leading into other areas of my life. I hate this period of my life-I hate feeling alone, or like a tagalong. I am happy for others who find love and happiness but their happy feelings seem to remind me how hard of a time I am having being lonely. <br />
<br />
By no means am I looking for sympathy. I am a 21 year old girl, trying to figure myself out. I am struggling and searching for myself and eventually I will get there. I know it. I just want to write these feelings down so that I, personally, can look back and think about what was going on in my life during these times and I can either change my situation or my attitude. <br />
<br />
Tomorrow is a new day, hallelujah, and therefore another week to begin anew. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-6623835979703267712012-02-25T16:04:00.001-07:002012-02-25T16:04:55.549-07:00Lent's celebrate!Yes, you read that title right. Lent is here and a challenge came from a patient at Physical Therapy to give something up for it. I didn't really want to but I decided it would be the best time to sacrifice something. So what am I giving up for 40 days? Facebook. That's right...I have officially gone Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and today without signing on. I don't remember the last time I went that long. Sad. <div>
<br /><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px;"><div class="" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/general-conference/2011/10/a-time-to-prepare.p9">
"I know our greatest happiness comes as we tune in to the Lord (see <a class="scriptureRef" href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/37.37?lang=eng#36" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #486fae; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Alma 37:37</a>) and to those things which bring a lasting reward, rather than mindlessly tuning in to countless hours of status updates, Internet farming, and catapulting angry birds at concrete walls. I urge each of us to take those things which rob us of precious time and determine to be their master, rather than allowing them through their addictive nature to be the master of us. Let us be as quick to kneel as we are to text."</div>
<div class="" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/general-conference/2011/10/a-time-to-prepare.p9">
-Ian S. Ardern</div>
<div class="" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/general-conference/2011/10/a-time-to-prepare.p9">
I need to focus more on loving myself and focus less on what is going on in everyone else's life. I need to learn to love myself rather than comparing myself to everyone else. I need to make more time to grow spiritually than to waste it aimlessly on facebook. Just one way to help become the best ME!</div>
</span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-26615263756593115572012-02-21T19:40:00.001-07:002012-02-21T19:40:21.301-07:00Change. It's inevitable. Time moves on and things change. Some things get better while some seem worse. People grow up and some seem to be left behind. Sometimes it seems as though people come into our lives to make us realize that WE are the ones who need to make a change.<br />
<br />
So change! Don't get down on yourself if you have a rough day and you don't handle every situation perfectly. You can do it! Here's to starting new and becoming the best person you want to be!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-76213921615009703722012-02-14T19:20:00.002-07:002012-02-14T19:20:31.802-07:00A letter to myself.Dear Morgan,<br />
<br />
This last weekend you had an experience that helped you grow a little bit more. You were put in a situation where someone judged you and you knew it. You overheard what was said and it didn't help your self esteem one bit. You felt alone, sad, and afraid to be yourself. You went home and cried because your heart hurt knowing that someone just 'didn't like you.' You sat there feeling worthless and alone when your thoughts turned to your Savior. You thought about how he had felt all of the pains of the world when he atoned for your sins. You remembered that people mocked and scorned him as he walked through the streets with the cross on his back. Your heart hurt even more knowing that your Savior had been through what you just experienced only infinitely worse. Remember that you don't want to be someone who makes people feel inferior or worthless. You want to be someone who can build others up so that after they talk with you they will know of their worth. They will understand that they are created in God's image and that all that truly matters is what He thinks. You know it is hard to grasp this idea and it is definitely hard to not care what people think, but as you grow up other situations will arise and you may feel down again. Think of your Savior carrying that cross and know that ANYTHING is possible. If He could do it alone, you can do it with Him!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
The 21 year old YOUUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-58917012533055931892012-02-01T23:36:00.002-07:002012-02-14T19:21:28.679-07:00at a loss.It's been just over 4 weeks since you've gone away to a better place. A place that I can't even imagine: endless opportunities to serve and countless blessings to gain. You were my hero and you always will be. I've tried to pretend that it feels like you aren't really gone--like you are just vacationing somewhere for a while but you'll be back. In a way, it's somewhat true. I know I am going to see you again-I'm not too worried about that. You were my hero and still are. You are a perfect example of service to others and as I look around at this world I know it was a better place because of you. I have been at a loss for words lately. I don't know what to say about what has happened or even how to feel. I experienced the coping ability to become numb to feelings which is good if you don't want to experience pain but at the same time it makes me feel detached from the world I live in. Grandpa, I love you. When I first found out that you had cancer, I prayed and prayed that you would beat it. I cried and hoped that you were strong enough. As I grew up I found out you were very capable of doing that, but your body started to slow down. For these past 4 years I cried because all I ever wanted was for you to be at my wedding. I didn't want you missing. I now know that you wouldn't miss it for the world. I know you'll be there and you'll have a pretty darn good view. But for now, I am at a loss of words and am grateful for the plan of salvation that allows me to be with you again one day. I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my grandpa you'll be.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-58302694760335384522011-12-28T20:28:00.000-07:002011-12-28T20:28:36.137-07:00I feel sick to my stomach today. Not the kind where you feel nauseous but more so a heavy heart that seems to have sunk straight to my stomach, if that makes any sense at all. I have been thinking a lot today about the atonement of my Savior and how I wish I better understood how powerful it is and can be if actually used. I have a strong testimony of the gospel, there is no denying it. Sister said something powerful that hit me, "People don't realize that the sin is what makes them feel bad, not the atonement. The atonement is what makes us feel better and happy." I have felt as though I understand the atonement but it seems at times as though I forget the importance of it. I know I am a human being and cannot perfectly comprehend everything in my life but I do know that I just want to be able to make my Heavenly Father proud. I want to be the best person that I can be and not use the atonement only for a "quick fix." I want to learn about the atonement, use it, and then live it each day. These are my thoughts and feelings for today. I am grateful for a Savior who so willingly suffered for me so that I might be able to use to atonement and look myself in the face to realize there is more to understanding myself and the atonement so that I can effectively apply it into my life.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-31745327195808937622011-12-21T22:52:00.001-07:002011-12-21T22:52:43.208-07:00Not until I said it outloud.Do you ever have those moments where you don't realize you know something until it just slips out of your mouth in conversation?<br />
<br />
Often times I feel like a little genius is hiding in my body. He comes out at the perfect times and teaches me things that I never knew I even knew. Freaky, but true story.<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago I was privileged to babysit for one of my closest friends. She is so sweet to me and genuinely sits and listens to me talk about my life story. As we sat in her family room we talked about Bryant and how he was doing. We talked about her past and how she had a missionary back in the day. She did not end up with him and in the end she said it was the biggest blessing of them all.<br />
<br />
Currently, I can't see myself falling in love with anyone else. Bryant is the one for me. He treats me better than any other man on the face of the earth and I have felt beautiful around him whether I was at my lightest or heaviest. He makes me feel special.<br />
<br />
As I sat and talked with my friend I asked her a simple question that came to my mind. "If your missionary hadn't left on his mission, would you have married him?" Her reply came quickly, "No, we never got to that point." This is where I taught myself something I felt I knew but had never felt rock solid about it until I said it out loud. "If Bryant hadn't left, I would have married him the next day." Tears quickly filled my eyes and I felt peace. More peace than I have felt about Bryant since he has been gone. The doubt stopped filling my mind and I knew where I stood with a surety. <br />
<br />
Now, a lot changes in 2 years. We may be different people, but I really hope that all that happens is that we became new and improved models of ourselves. I know what I want. I know who I want. Sometimes 18 months feels like it's forever away, but in the end I know that it will be worth it whether I end up with Bryant or I learn a great lesson from this situation. I believe that we are here on this earth for a purpose. We are here to learn very specific lessons. I know that it is through our experiences that we learn and grow and the Lord would provide those opportunities to grow. I know I am supposed to learn something from this time in my life and if it isn't to help me realize what an amazing man is in Argentina right now, then it is definitely something to learn about myself. <br />
<br />
One way or another, I will encounter trials and learn from them-this is on of the greatest blessings to me in itself.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-64936741429721407192011-12-21T22:41:00.001-07:002011-12-21T22:41:24.585-07:00He has a plan.Sometimes I feel as though I am in a dream. My life is changing around me and I feel as though I am unphased and untouched by it. I am a character in a foreign world just trying to figure out my next move. Life has been crazy lately. I am at a major turning point in my life. I have applied to PT school and am just waiting to hear back from all the places I have applied. Never in a million years did I realize I would handle this situation as I am now. Normally I freak out, obsesses over, and try to figure out how I can control the situation. It has gone much differently. I feel calm, cool, and collected. I look at every invitation to interview as an opportunity rather than my life depending on it. I know these are direct blessings from serving others. I also know that I have the greatest missionary out in the world and he has brought countless blessings into my life. Someday I will look back and remember sitting on my bed and writing about the blessings from my Heavenly Father. He has a plan for me--it feels good to sit back and trust in Him.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-2985353075473197442011-12-09T10:38:00.001-07:002011-12-17T05:32:03.319-07:00I sat in that cold, metal chair next to your bed. I watched you as you laid there, pain swept across your face. All I could feel in that moment was how unprepared and useless I felt. I could only seem to mutter, "Are you okay?" over and over and all you could do was give a slight chuckle because you and I both knew you were far from okay. For a moment I sat there on that metal chair and wished I could take the pain from you. You laid there with your eyes closed, only periodically opening them and turning to see if I was still there. You gave a slight grin each time you saw me still sitting there. Tears welled up into my eyes as I watched you try to get comfortable and no position provided relief. I tried to hide them as you turned to me, but I know you saw them. I am trying to be strong and be someone that you can count on. I want you to always trust in me and know that I will fight for you through and through. I know that we are going to be okay, Grandpa. Because of my knowledge of the Plan of Salvation, I feel comfort. I feel joy. Sure, I feel sadness and pain, but I know it's measurably less pain than what I would feel if I didn't have the knowledge that I know. I hope that I can always remember that we are just spirits in human bodies rather than vice versa. In the perspective of forever, it will only be a short while before we meet again. "What joy this sweet sentence brings."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-71772064885105309852011-12-03T13:45:00.001-07:002011-12-03T13:58:17.710-07:00forever.it feels like it has been forever since i've seen you. in just 8 days it will have been six months since i have seen you. i remember the phone call i got from you right before you went into the mtc. it is definitely a moment i will treasure forever. i don't remember what you said to me but i remember getting a feeling as though it was exactly that i needed to hear. as we said goodbye my heart sunk. i felt like i wouldn't talk to you for 2 years and the thought of that was too hard to handle. you must have known i was struggling because you said the perfect thing to me that made me realize it wouldn't be forever until we talked again--"goodbye until p-day." i feel super lucky that i have heard from you almost every week since you've been gone. yeah there were the times i was in peru and you didn't write my email down right (typical you), and when you'd get transferred and what not but when it came down to it i always get an email from you. i love mondays because i finally get to pretend like you're talking to me face to face. you are more than just the boy that i love--you are my best friend and i wouldn't trade that for the world. as i talked to one of my very dear friends the other night i had this distinct realization-you are the ONLY person in this world that knows everything about me. i have told you everything-my shortcomings, my feelings, my thoughts, everything. i've never been afraid to tell you about what i am thinking because i know you aren't judging me. i know you are changing so much right now but i also know that you are still the same bryant that i know. my heart misses you. as i was running around the neighborhood this morning i just thought about you and realized that we are growing so much while we are apart. this opportunity for you is changing your life and making you realize what is important to life. and it is making me realize how much more i want to keep you in my life. some people say to not rush and get married. they say that forever is a long time and you don't have very much time to do the things for yourself as an individual. in the perspective of forever, i understand their point, but....i just think forever is just enough time that i could have to be with you.<br />
<br />
i love you as a person, as a best friend, as the most amazing human being that i have ever met. i love YOU, elder king.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-33532867229489012302011-11-25T10:21:00.001-07:002011-11-25T10:25:37.991-07:00awkward moments tend to follow me.oh hey morgan.<br />
<br />
remember how awkward this thanksgiving weekend has been? yeah, someday you will look back and laugh but for now you can be weirded out. boys will be boys, right? just remember what truly matters. always remember to be honest and kind and treat others with respect. remember to act like the age that you are. you are not in high school anymore! find the blessings and answers that you receive in the awkward moments and walk away knowing that you are going to be blessed and become an even better person than you were before because your prayers have been answered hard core. awesome. oh, and hey...keep your chin up. the only way to look is up!<br />
<br />
love you, you're great.<br />
sincerely,<br />
<br />
morganUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700248287604897485.post-48980241911281998162011-11-24T19:19:00.001-07:002011-11-24T19:23:18.439-07:00if only.i have been quite bitter on this thanksgiving day. i am grateful for the opportunity to spend time with the family but i feel like a part of me is missing. my other half. he's another continent away and i can't help but miss him. someone who comforts me and understands where i am coming from. lately i have felt really unstable with all of the changes that others are going through around me. i like to feel in control of my life and so when i feel like there is a loss of control i feel "off." basically, i just miss bry and i wish time would speed up a little bit. if only, if only.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1