Gratitude Unlocks the Fulness of Life

"Gratitude unlocks the fulness of life. It turns what we have into enough." 

-Melody Beattle

I am SO happy. Truly, this time in my life is one of blessings and happiness. When we are so blessed, I often find this is a good time to sit back and reflect upon our blessings.

1. I am surrounded by so many wonderful people.
I'm not sure there are adequate words to express how much the people I'm surrounded with mean to me. Last semester was a time of contention and loneliness, replaced this semester by an incomprehensible feeling of belonging, friendship, and love. My roommates mean so much to me. Each of them has touched my life in more ways than one.

Jesse, you are making some fantastic choices in your life to grow and progress. No matter what obstacles you might be facing, you always get back up again and keep going. I have never met anyone so hardworking and resilient as you, so willing to sacrifice so much to gain knowledge and truth. Thank you for being a wonderful example of self-control, patience, and strengh.

Nichelle, you are AMAZING. I don't know what we did without you! You always brighten my day, are one of the kindest people I have ever met, and are a wonderful example of what it means to have charity toward others. You are so forgiving, and have opened up so many opportunities to grow closer to all those around us. Thank you for always showing me that it's better to be positive than negative, better to forgiven than hold a grudge, and better to socialize than sit at home.

There have been countless others who have blessed my life this semester. I have never been so grateful for such a wonderful ward, particularly the best FHE group a mom could ever ask for. I am surrounded by so many wonderful men, who are willing to drop whatever they are doing to serve and bless our lives. Thank you, to all of you, for being such good examples to me, making me laugh, and being so supportive of all that I am doing. You guys are the BEST and I will remember your examples forever.

2. I have been called to serve as a full-time missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

On May 16th, 2013 I will report to the Provo Missionary Training Center, set apart as one worthy to represent Jesus Christ. I will be serving in the WA-TAC aka the Washington, Tacoma mission. I could not be more excited. One of my dreams has come true. I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve a full-time mission.

It's HERE!

Addressed to Sister Kaylyn Marie Johnston

Thank you to all of the wonderful people that came to support me as I announced my call!

3. I have the opportunity to commune with the Father weekly in the House of the Lord.

On the most special day of my life, I was blessed with a miracle. Tamara Rimington and her dear mother saved the day. I cannot thank both of them enough, especially Tammy, for being right by my side as I had the opportunity to go through the House of the Lord. What a blessed day! And what a blessed day every time that I return.

I LOVE this temple!

this girl is AMAZING!

4. I am learning to love learning.

School is kind of challenging this semester. But, despite the challenges with classes, I'm learning to better appreciate the blessing it is to be here at Brigham Young University, a school directed by the Savior Himself.

"The school...was accepted in the heavens and is a part of the great plan of life and salvation. Jesus Christ Himself is directing the school" -Karl G. Maesar

"Intelligence is the great object of our holy religion"

"All our studies are to be conducted according to the spirit of the living God. We cannot afford to lose the spirit"

6. I'm having fun and making memories! 

Band Banquet with the FANTASTIC 2013 cymbal line

Baking some cupcakes for FHE

Ward Tubing Trip to Soldiers Hollow!

with my bestie after my Mission Farewell Talk

These guys are great!

Ice Skating!

Valentines Dinner with Christina at Zupa's!

with Nichelle at dinner

Valentine's Day Trip to The Chocolate

Fun times at Nickel City

Nichelle's FIRST time at the Provo Temple!

We didn't rent a puppy, but this cutie ran in our apartment

Country Dancing!

Cheering on Trent and Cameron at their soccer game

When this wonderful and amazing women went through the temple! 

Ice Skating!

Love these girls and cannot express my gratitude for their support on a very special day!

These two are great :)

Day trip to SLC!

Finally, I've always wanted a picture like this :D

best. cheesecake. I. have. ever. had.

roomies!

Keith's Birthday Party!

one of our typical Sunday dinners...that occur EVERY Sunday!

Happy Birthday Josiah!

Nichelle and I may drop out of college and start our own party planning business...

7. I have the opportunity to serve in my community.

This semester has brought fewer, but no less special, opportunities to volunteer with the missionaries in the MTC. I have had some pretty funny experiences, like being asked by an Elder going to serve in Indiana if there were a lot of turtles, because his teacher from Maine had said there were a lot of turtles in the East. :p

I have had the blessed opportunity to become a Program Director for the Y-Serve program Family Literacy, dedicated to promoting adult, child, and ESL literacy skills in the Provo region. What a wonderful opportunity to meet so many people who have touched my life, learn more about service, and remember why I want to pursue the dreams I'm pursuing. Family Literacy has truly blessed my life.

chilling with Samuel H. Smith after volunteering at the MTC

In less than one months (as of yesterday) I will be twenty years old! In two months (as of yesterday) I will have entered the Missionary Training Center to serve as a full-time missionary. For now, why not count my blessings and enjoy the moments and memories of right now!