Number 35

Go to girls camp.

     I love girls camp. I really do. This year the theme was "Race to the temple." It was incredible! To kick off camp, we walked to the Jordan River temple. Yes, we walked 17 miles starting at 5am all the way there. As we walked, we related our journey on the trail to our journey through life. We called them "temple tips."(Thank you Mom for the cute name.) It was amazing how many there really were. For example, sometimes we have to "choose the right, but hang a left" because life doesn't always go as planned. We have to listen to the spirit. After being in that environment for so long and really pondering my life and progress towards the temple, we started getting really close. When we were about two miles away, people started breaking down. People sat down on the ground and said they couldn't go any further. While picking people up, I was reminded that the closer you get, the harder it seems. I was thinking about just that when we entered the temple grounds, and all of our families surprised us by being there, cheering us on. I looked at my mom who walked it with me, and just started to cry. It's going to be amazing when I finally make it there.

   

     Of course we had the actually camping part as well. For those of you (who shall remain nameless of course) who make fun of me for being so clean, I will have you know that I did not shower the entire time I was up there, so bite me.

    

     My mom did such a good job. We had so much fun! I won a pink flamingo. Named Stevie. In a minute to win it game. I was determined. He was proudly stationed outside my tent for the remainder of camp, and has now taken up residency in my closet. He's cool. We also ate a lot of delicious food. I was definitely a fan. Oh, an we made some cool crafts. I was definitely a fan of that too. And we sang a lot of obnoxious songs. They were great. And we glow stick danced. Best thing ever! And we hiked. That was fun. And we played games. Who doesn't love games? And I learned to shuffle. Best new talent ever! And we had testimony meeting. I love testimony meeting.

  And camp was basically the greatest.

Number 34

Go to EFY 

     I kind of love efy. A lot actually. It might be one of my favorite things in the whole world. It's right up there with Disneyland, the color purple, great music... you know, all of the finer things in life. ;) This time was no different of course. In fact, this was probably my favorite efy I've ever been to. I learned a lot of things while I was there. I learned a lot of things about the gospel, other people, and even about myself. I also learned a lot about my relationship with the Savior, and that my friends, is an absolutely beautiful thing. He really did live and die for us, and he loves you. I promise. 

Number 30

Get caught in the rain.

Some friends and I went to the temple yesterday afternoon. Aw, aren't we cute? ;)

And on the way home...this happened. Emily happens to have a super fun convertible Jeep which we love to ride in...most of the time. It rained. We were in our church clothes. If we hadn't been in skirts I'm sure we would have thrown our hands in the air and screamed with the radio up, but as it was, we were definitely caught in the rain.  

Why can't I be this excited about scripture study again?

Oh, wait. I know! It's because we're talking about my dad here. Quote of the day:
"The pearl of great price is 60 pages of pure excitement!" Oh dear...here we go again.

Courage

He is Risen

     I know this video is kind of long and that you have probably seen it before, especially if you're in seminary, but I really hope that you will take the time to watch it again. I promise it will be worth it!

     I watched this video all the way through for the first time in Seminary earlier this week. I cannot even express the feelings that I felt, but I'm going to try. Close your eyes for a minute. You're probably going to feel silly, but humor me. Rewatch in your head all of the pain that Christ went through. Remember his face when he told his disciples goodbye with such perfect faith, knowing one of them was going to betray him shortly. Remember his face when he asked Heavenly Father if there was any other way for us to be saved, and he realized there wasn't. Watch as he washed the blood off of his hands in the river as he carried out the atonement. Watch as he is betrayed by a "friend." Watch as the crowds shout for his crucifixion, and Mary cries out in pain. Can you even imagine standing there watching that? Watch as he is mercilessly whipped, and a crown of thorns is pressed into his head. Watch as he carries his own cross through the mocking crowds. Watch as his hands are nailed to the cross without any sort of restraint while blood drips down his face. Watch as he prays for the wicked people who crucified him while his loved ones watch helplessly. Watch as after all of that, he finally sends his spirit back to Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ was no stranger to pain and suffering. The amazing thing is, he had the power to take all of that away. He did not have to go through any of it if he did not want to. Why would someone so powerful go through all of that? Do you really believe he did it for you? I just want to tell you he did. If you don't believe me, ask. If you ask with a sincere desire to know, and with as much faith as you can muster, He will tell you. You will not be able to deny the feeling of the love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for you. That is why Jesus went through all of that pain. It's because he loves you. He did it for you personally. He did it for me personally. He would have done it for just one person if that is all it would have helped. We are that important to him. If you don't know that for yourself, please ask. It will change your whole view of life and what's important to you.

     Now I want you to close your eyes again and see Mary enter the tomb to find it empty. See her turn to the voice coming from across the room. See Christs perfect, resurrected face. See how calm and happy it is. See the light radiating from his eyes. See the deep joy radiating from Mary's face as Christ walks towards her. Listen to Jesus testify that we have the same God, and the same Father. Isn't that such a contrast? Isn't it such a beautiful thing  to know that after all of the pain and suffering Christ went through, he was resurrected on the third day. He was at peace. He was able to see his loved ones and Heavenly Father again. Because of this, we can, too. Jesus Christ made this possible for us. Without him, there wouldn't be much to look forward to after this earthly life. Because of Christ, we know we will be resurrected. We know we will be able to be with our loved ones again. We know that we can live with Heavenly Father again. That is why we celebrate Easter.

     I love my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with all of my heart. I know I am here for a reason. I know I have things I need to do in this life that no one else can. I know through Jesus Christ, I can do those things. I know Jesus went through the atonement for me. I know he loves me. I know he really did live again. I know one day I will be able to personally thank him for it face to face. I can't wait for that day.

Number 45

Go to the temple with friends.

You know those weeks (or months) where you feel a lot like a chicken running around with its head chopped off? For the past little while I feel like I've been running around like crazy just going, going, going all day long without stopping for air or getting very much done, for that matter. Then something amazing happened. One of my very favorite people sent me a text asking if I wanted to go to the temple later that afternoon. Did I ever! It sounded like heaven on earth. It did not disappoint my friends, it did not disappoint. It was the breath of fresh air I needed so much. It forced me to stop and think of nothing but my blessings, the scriptures, and my relationship with the savior. I needed that. I needed to be forced to slow down so that my thoughts could be redirected by the spirit. Min, Jacob, Derek, and I were able to sit in the temple for about an hour and a half and talk about the scriptures, life, the gospel, you name it. I cannot even tell you how good I felt by the time we left. I felt brand new. I felt like an old, wrinkly shirt that had been dry cleaned and pressed to perfection. I think that's the best feeling in the whole world. I love the temple so much. It's by far my favorite place in the entire world. It's the greatest.

Called to Serve Him

    Elder Braiden R. Shumway was set apart as a full time missionary to serve in the Villahermosa, Mexico mission Tuesday night.We dropped him off at the MTC on Wednesday. He hasn't even been gone a week and I'm already checking my e-mail 9 times a day to see if he's written me back yet. It's getting kind of ridiculous. On the bright side, thanks to my wonderful, wonderful friends, I did happen to track down not just one, but two Oklahoma quarters in order to complete our collection before he left. I'm sending him one in the mail this week with a death threat just in case he were to lose said quarter.On the other bright side, I stole his mattress--which is waaaay more comfy than mine--the very night he left. It makes my bed super tall, which kind of makes me feel like "Princess and the Pea." I kind of wanted to ask my mom if we had any frozen peas to put under said mattress, but I had two fears. A)What if I can't feel it and it destroys all my childhood hopes and dreams and I end up in a blubbering, mascara running mess, and B) What if my mom didn't get that I was kidding...mostly.
     Even with all these new perks I am slowly discovering with a certain older brothers absence, I still miss my best friend like crazy! I was really, really depressed at the beginning of this week until a few things happened. One of Braidens friends who I really admire told me this, "He is doing something amazing, and the letters they send home are the best things in the world. It gets easier, I promise." I can't wait to start getting those letters and to hear about all of the amazing things he is doing! I also heard a quote that said, "Missionaries leave their families for two years so others can have their families for eternity." The final thing that really put my mind at peace was a personal confirmation from my Heavenly Father that he is doing the right thing. He is going to mexico so that other girls can be best friends with their brothers for eternity, too. I am so grateful to have an older brother who is willing to put aside everything for two years to go out and serve the Lord.
     I have a testimony of this gospel. I know Heavenly Father loves each and every one of his children. I know that he loves me personally. I know he knows my name, my trials, and my deepest desires. I know he does everything he can to break through the distractions of the world each day to give me a "spiritual hug" and whisper, "Allie, I love you. Be a good girl and do the great things today that I know you can do." I am so grateful for the love and blessings he gives me each day. I am so grateful for the patience he has for me. I know Jesus Christ is my savior, and I love him so much! I know he loves me too. I know he suffered through the atonement for me personally because he loves me that much. I know I can always rely on him. I know he wants me to return to him too. I can't wait for the day that I get to wrap my arms around him and thank him for all that he has done for me. I hope with all my heart that by the end of this life, I will be worthy to fall at his feat and speak to him personally. I love this Gospel with all of my heart. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love it when I am so full of the spirit that I just can't contain it anymore and it comes out in the form tears, words, or I will admit-occasionally the giggles. The gospel makes me so happy, and I know it is true.

What if The Book of Mormon was written by Dr. Seuss?

Nephi: Of goodly parents I was born

I've never drunk, I've never sworn
This is Lehi, he's my dad
Laman, Lemuel, they are bad
And who is this? Why this is Sam
Yes, this is Sam;

Sam: Sam I am

Laman: That Sam I am, that Sam I am
I do not like that Sam I am

Sam: In a tent, my father dwelt

Laman: And it's so hot, I think I'll melt

Lemuel: Our father's brain is out of whack

Laman: Yeah, it's too hot, I'm going back

Lehi: Then go and get the plates my dear

Laman: On second thought, I'm staying here

Nephi: You said you'd leave and go away
Now all you want to do is stay?

Lemuel: That Nephi always gets his way

Laman: Here we are in this damp cave

Sam: We would not be here if you'd behave

Nephi: I will go and I will do
There's the angel, that's my cue
Laban's had too much to drink
Now he'll lose his head, I think

Nephi: Look what I found, a brother from the quorum

Sam: We will take him home, we will call him Zoram

Lemuel: Oh great, another pathetic life form

Laman: Our gold and silver we have spent
I do not like it in this tent

Lemuel: I cannot read the Liahona
I must have drunk too much Corona

Laman: We hate it here, we have no lives

Lehi: Then go back to the city and get some wives

Lehi: A tree, a tree, I see a tree
The fruit is white, the fruit is free
A floating building, could it be?
Why do they laugh and stare at me?
Laman, Lemuel, come and see

Laman: We will not eat your precious fruit

Lemuel: We will not wear a tie and suit

Laman: We will not help you build your boat

Lemuel: We do not think that it will float

Laman: No not this boat, it will not float
Not even in a shallow moat
I do not care what Nephi wrote

Lemuel: We will not eat your fruit I say

Laman: We will not eat it on a tray

Lemuel: And we won't eat it in a tent
Not even if your clothes you rent

Laman: We'd rather have a can of spam

L & L: We will not eat it, Sam I am

Sam: You do not like it, so you say
Try it, try it, and you may
Try it and you may I say

Laman: Sam, if you will let us be,
We will try it, you will see

L&L: Say, we like this fruit of life
Sorry that we caused such strife
You've saved us from an awful jam
Thank you, thank you, Sam I am

I hope this made you smile. :)

EFY 2011

 EFY! Anyone who has embarked on this great adventure would understand that it just cannot be put into words, therefore, take a look at these, um...., fantastic pictures!

Unseen+a cool guy in a monster suit! I love you guys!

Lookin' sharp boys!

Hey Sid! We match!

Can I tell you a secret? Trey is 6'3". I was pretty proud of myself at this moment!

Ken and Sid! P.S. Hey Sid, you might want to put your eyeballs back inside your head...you might want them later!

I got to wear the company flag! "Who are we?" "UNSEEN!"

The S.P.I.C.E. Crew! Minus me of course!

My counselor Kari and I! I love you Kari!!!

Playing "Go Fish" with High School Musical face cards in a hall we weren't supposed to be in...oops.

Almost caught by the boys for an inescapable lung crushing bear hug!

They got me!

I'm flying! Do you want to know what was really going through my head at this moment? "Trey, if you don't catch me, I'm going to kill you!" But it's ok, look at the sheer concentration on his face! :)

Dog Pile!!! Guess who's at the bottom? Yep, my counselor Tanner!

All nighter Friday night! Wooo! This is me, looking through "the eye" to make sure the BC's weren't in the lobby!

"Real men sleep under the bed." I guess that makes me a man?

Did you know if you lick someones elbow while they aren't looking they won't feel it? Yep, we warned J not to fall asleep!

What can keep you awake all night? Yep, "purple stuff," and lots of it!

Steavie, the dorm rock, was hungry!

My roomie Becca....and Christian? Hey! What are you doing in there!? ;)

Did you get enough food Sid?

I could get used to this! ;)


Thanks for an amazing week guys!

Youth Conference 2011- "The Living Water"

For youth conference this year, my ward went up Provo Canyon to go camping and boating on Deer Creek. This weekend has been my very favorite part of summer so far! I don't know how to put it all into words, and to be honest, we were lacking so much sleep it probably wouldn't be very funny unless you were there, so to save you time and boredom, I will just give you a top 10 list.
1. Boating
2. Jumping and switching tubes
3. Playing Corners down the canyon at 40 miles per hour...in the middle. (Sorry boys!)
4. Brother Ellis and his Pinkie Pie pony.
5. 50 year old bikers. (Yes Landon, we know you liked it ;)
6. Sister Gower and Sister Stingers stories!
7. Sitting around the camp fire until 3 am.
8. Corners down the Canyon time two/Abby and Landon's face marks on the windows.(Gross!)
9. Chandler...keep digging that hole ;) Sister Gower does not personally know Ulysses S Grant (She's not that old), I am not 12 (I know what  you meant), and yes, Sister Stinger is pregnant (and does not dance!)
10. The unity that was born, the friends that were made, and the spirit that was felt there.

The Apostle Song

This made me laugh really hard. Enough said.

Plans

I think sometimes we lose sight of whats really important. Sometimes we forget what we are really supposed to be doing. There are plans floating all around us, but in the end, only one matters. There is only one that will lead us back to where we all want to be. This is Heavenly Fathers plan. He has the only perfect plan. He has thought it all through, even our little choices in Jr. High and High School. He has also thought through the huge, life changing ones as well. He doesn't give us a complete map, but he does give us pieces. He tells us to get baptized, go to the temple, go to church, etc. He also gives us the Holy Ghost who gives us the details along the way. Sometimes, I want to follow Allies plan. Of course I keep going on the big map, and I do listen for my details, but I forget everything works out like its supposed to. Sometimes I forget my map or plan has already been planned. I forget God already thought everything through for me. Sometimes I want good things that aren't on my map. That doesn't make them bad, they are still good things. It just doesn't make them good for me. I read this great little book called "He Loves Us, and We Love Him. You've memorized it. Now live it." It picks apart all the values in the YW theme. It really put meaning to the theme for me. I highly suggest reading it. (Even the boys. Just insert son where it says daughter :) Just remember He has a plan, and if we live it, everything will work out like its supposed to in the end.

efy!!!

     How I love efy! Its like living outside the world. I had the chance to go to efy two weeks ago with my dear friend Madison Amelia. You can truly feel the spirits of all the righteous youth surrounding you. I had no idea there were that many good youth in the world. The spirit is so strong there and if you're listening you can learn so many new things and get important personal revelation. My company was the best! There were so many good kids and I made so many new friends. When I came home I felt so good and was ready to take on the world. I hope I can make it last and keep all the good new habits I learned there.

The adventure of a life time

The adventure began last Thursday. I traded in the comfort of my home and bed for a tent and a wet sleeping bag, the hot sunshine for pouring rain and 80mph winds, my Lehi home for a prairie in Wyoming, a luxurious car for a handcart on wheels, and yes, my most comfortable T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers for a full pioneer dress, bonnet, and raincoat. What does all this trading equal? The best week of my life at the Lehi Gateway stakes Trek!

When I began my adventure, I was not sure what to expect. I thought, "sure, its going to be a great experience, but I already know a lot about the pioneers, what more do I have to learn?" It turns out a lot! I thought I already knew about the suffering they went through and the hardships they faced on their perilous journey, but it turns out, I had no idea! I never knew how much it hurt to have soaking wet shoes and socks for an entire two days. Or how much pain is involved to watch your tent collapse when the never ending 80mph winds rip and shred your tent right before your eyes, as everything inside including your only dry pair of clothes, your sleeping bag, and any other possessions allotted in your 17 pound bucket are completely soaked, with no hope of anything drying out because the rain never stops. Or how emotional it is to be in Martins cove, where you can almost hear the wolves tearing and eating the dead loved ones of the courageous Martin handcart company.

I don't know how the Martin and Willy handcart companies did it. Its a complete mystery to me how anyone could have that much courage, or that much faith. The theme of our trek was "fresh courage take." It turns out we needed a lot of courage as lightning flashed right outside our tents, and as our small campsite was torn apart by the raging wind. Or even as we had to keep telling ourselves, just take one more step, even though as we took that step, we could hear the water squish out of our shoes, just to be filled with more water in the next step. Or for me, to lead my family through the wind and rain as the big sister (or youth leader) everyone looked to for advice as to know what to do next. Then again when I had to play "prayer of a walking child" in martins cove, when I was crying so hard and filled with such strong emotion that I could not see my challenging music. Then again and again as we saw a hill ahead we would have to pull our handcart over, knowing it would take all our strength.

I think it took the most courage of all to hear President Ogden bring us the news, that we would have to leave a day early. Even though we were all soaked to the bone, and the missionaries told us there would be a foot of snow in the morning, no one wanted to leave. Yet, we once again pulled all our courage and faith we had left, and ran into the raging, never ending storm to our tattered ripped apart campsite and loaded the handcarts one last time to pull them to the buses. I had never before in my life, and probably never will see again so much determination and fire in so many young teenagers eyes. Over the course of the trip, the spirit was so strong. The veil was so thin, and everyone felt so close to God. Many people saw visions of the pioneers, and we could feel their presence among us, walking with us, and daring us to take one more step, and giving us the courage to do so. The young men weren't just young men anymore. They were like the Valley boys who rescued the Martin handcart company. They were lifelines again and again to the young women. I am not sure how many times I was offered the only dry clothes they had left, or how many boys surrounded my tent holding it up through the storm so I would have somewhere sheltered to sleep that night. No one wanted to leave the place where so many miracles happened, but we gathered our courage, and helped each other load the buses, and come back to the comfort of our homes, back to the sunshine of Lehi, back to our real families, back to dry clothes and shoes, back to home. I found even though we were no longer in the incredible place, we still had the lasting friendships, the lasting memories, the lasting courage, and the lasting faith we had gained there.