Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Inspiration

Sunday was our last Sunday in Relief Society. It was HORRIBLE! I blame my mom for being such a leaky faucet. I "thought" I didn't get emotional; but I proved myself wrong as I stood up to talk and immediately got choked up. I realized that sisters really do need RELIEF society for the sole purpose of just releasing our tears. (I think it helps the boys in the ward if we don't drain ourselves in front of them).

I was suppose to talk about receiving revelation. All week long I never really put any thought into what I would say. Wednesday night I woke up, frantic, in the middle of the night with a sentence stuck in my head. I couldn't find paper or a pen so I tried texting it into my cell phone. Then I woke up again-somehow knowing that I had written it in my phone wrong. The next morning I barely remembered the experience, let alone the sentence: Sometimes creative people will find alternative paths to accomplishing their goals. Weird. I know. I really don't understand it, except for the fact that it somewhat relates to a priesthood blessing i recently received and my patriarchal blessing.

Then, on Friday I made a trip up Salt Lake to get my flute fixed. I borrowed the truck and felt quite independent. Its been awhile since I have done anything stupid/beckyish so I should have realized that my luck was past due. While filling up the truck, I accidentally (promise) locked my keys and cell phone in the truck. I walked into 7/11 and asked the worker if i could borrow a phone. He handed me a cordless which only would let me dial (801)numbers. Luckily, I had two (801)numbers memorized: John's and Emily's. John was working at the MTC and didn't answer. Emily answered, gave me pity (which almost got me crying), and then suggested a phone book. After calling many numbers that directed me to different places, I got ahold of a locksmith.

One of things that touched me the most was how the workers at 7/11 treated me. The Mexican who handed me the cordless kept offering over and over again for me to borrow his car, drive to provo, get my brothers key, and drive back! I didn't take the time to fill him in on how stupid it would be to trust me with his car--instead, i kindly told him that I couldn't do that. The lady also working didn't look very nice. She was really overweight and wearing her pajamas! She felt bad and kept mentioning how expensive locksmiths could be, and I realized that I hadn't asked him how much everything would cost. So, I called the guy back and began bartering with him and he dropped the price from $65-$40 on the condition that I pay in cash. Only having my debit card, the workers let me buy little 25 cent candy's and gave me the allotted $10 cash back every time I purchased something with my debit.

Soon I was in the truck and driving home with a grateful heart. I realized that at one point, my goal was to get back into the truck. The way to accomplish that goal was different from how I would expect to accomplish it. I was grateful for the experience. This is what I learned from yet another, one of my entertaining moments from life:

1)I should always know where my keys are.
2)NO judging. People who don't have nearly as much going for them and are not LDS sometimes have the biggest hearts and spirits. The Lord is no respector of persons especially for the people who he will sometimes send to be somewhere at the right time and in the right place.
3)I truly do feel for my future husband and what a life he will live because of me.
4)I LOVE 7/11!

Nathan Patrick Garlock


This picture cracks me up every time I see it! hahahaha. Meet Nathan. One of my best friends. Hmm...to sum him up: he's fetching, scintillating, facetious, and genuine. Ok-so i through in some big words from dictionary.com. But i figured i wouldn't want to blow up Nate's ego or anything if he ever later reads this.

Nate grew up in Washington with me. We didn't know each other all that much before I left for Georgia, but we've always remained friends. Sometime I'll write out our interesting friendship in one whole story, but for right now, Nate is going to Tolousse France on his mission. He plays around like he's a little rough on the edges, but has a huge heart. Nate can be goofy, serious, and spiritual. He knows too much about me and some (including my moods). He makes me happy (which is so confusing to emaily). And I know that I love him to some degree...its a good thing he goes to BYU-I. :) There's too much to say and I know you mom--that you're reading this because you love to stalk me.... :) so i'll save it for pillow talk this summer with you mom<3. Haha :) Anyways, I love the frienship I have with this kid. He's going to be a great missionary.

FHE

Last semester I was FHE Mom and loved my calling! My family was kinda like The Office. We all had interesting personalities and loved each other. Here's a picture of one of our typical Monday nights.

This year, Katie (my amazing roomate and cousin) took my place as FHE mom. Although I miss my old group, I love my new family. Last Monday we went to Bro. Quist's house for FHE. It was so much fun to see him with his family and be in his home. (He's the 2nd counselor in the Bishopbric). We had a lesson, played a game, hung out in his house and ate really good homemade ice cream and brownies!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

last ward activity

On thursday night we had our last ward activity up in the canyon at this amazing cabin-mansion-coolest-house-ever. There was a full inside-basketball court, tree house, playground, 3 huge family-living rooms, ping-pong and air hockey tables, and a beautiful kitchen! I had so much fun. Our ward had a talent show/last ward movie premiere with all our fhe movies, which all turned out amazing.
Here's bales (my future roomate, going down the slide)
And the treehouse.



More pictures will COME!! :)

tunnel singing :)

A group from my ward decided to go tunnel singing last sunday night.
BYU has a ton of tunnels!

It was so much fun to be singing our favorite hymns with 4 part harmony.

I love my freshman ward! :)

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

eight years

This was a letter i left on emily's blog for her birthday in October. I realized earlier today that I wanted to keep a copy of it. She has been my best friend for quite some time. :)




Dear Emily,

By now I am sure you have observed your room and some of the notes that Katie and I left up for you. I just wanted to do something special since you are special to me. Happy Birthday Emily! You have been one heck of a friend and I have never loved a friend as much as I love you. I know we're different--but I like it that way. You are a great friend and i love you.

After elementary school I was suppose to go to Narrows View but some things didn't work out and the school district let me pick between the two UP middle schools. I decided to go to Drum even though my heart was set on being with my elementary school friends and following after John (who went to Narrows View). I prayed all year that I would find a good LDS girl who would be my best friend. Then I met you. And now look at us. You are an answered prayer.

Remember in the fifth grade when we first got to know each other? I came home with you from Drum every Wednesday (i think) when my mom was in Europe. We were devastated when I moved out of Mrs. Lewis's (you know my memory, i hope i get this all right) class and I can remember pushing my desk all the way to the portable thinking we wouldn't be together anymore. You introduced me to Pride and Prejudice that year. I loved having someone like a sister around.

Then our Girls Camp adventures started. I specifically asked to have you be in my cabin. You woke me up that first night with a flashlight in my face asking me to go to the bathroom with you. Of course I went and we started traditions. From Cows to Lady Bugs, Washington to Utah, we had a blast. Pajama pants, stargazing, girl talk, and friendship bracelets all come to mind when I think of our years of Girls Camp together. My least favorite girls camp years would have to be every one of my Georgia ones. Can you guess why? I'll never forget being sad and almost depressed one year and you listened to me, then took me to a vacant picnic table, and we both kneeled and each said a prayer out loud. You gave me a hug and I cried. My week was a turning point from then on and I had some amazing experiences. You mean the world to me!

Seventh and Eighth grade rocked our socks! We thought our seventh grade year was great from hiding Blaine's saxophone to reading the same book on the portable patio. FUDGE. When I got cut from the volleyball team my eighth grade year I went straight home and would not cry in front of my family. I immediately called you on the phone and cried. Or the time when we went on a field trip and I had a dizzy headache and you took care of me. Once again, you were there for me. Do you remember our switch offs for lockers, from swimming stuff to books? Or how we passed notes in Powell? New Years Eve was a giggly fest. THE ORANGE BALL. Man, how excited we were for those first couple of dances (that were way lame) that we went to. 2b^2. Its funny that it's always me that becomes obsessed with boys.

I was beyond crushed when I found out for sure that I would be moving to Georgia. Finally, i had found a friend who I loved and I was heart broken! I cried cried myself to sleep for several nights. I remember praying for the determination to keep our friendship going and not to lose contact with you. We would practice talking on the phone (so you could get good at it), I would fill you in on all of my new friends, we would plan visits, and go to to EFY and girls camp every summer together. I was determined to always have one friend even if you were going to be 2000 miles away.

Our first EFY was a parting and began our EFY madness. Too many jokes, memories and boys! Toad and frog (???), Sean, David, Heath, Ben, Shane, Matt, Petey, and ..... We grew so much during those weeks! Remember how we always said a prayer together every morning and night? Just between the two of us. Tacoma #2 was out of this world but Georgia was pretty tite too.

I did move to Georgia and everything turned out all right. I made friends, but it was hard. I remember being sad in the way that I just never ever laughed. I fake 'laughed' about things that were not funny in Georgia at first. But I would talk to you on the phone and would have laughing attacks. No kidding how many hours we have spent on the phone together or just laughing with each other! It never once was awkward talking to you after a few months. We always picked up where we last were and filled each other in.

I loved my trips out to WA all by myself. I would be so giddy with excitement to see you at the airport! I even missed my first solo flight at Thanksgiving. My summers were beyond spectacular. Sure we got on each other nerves but, but I grew so much! I would be an only child in GA for 10 months and then fly out to your place and become a twin! It was amazing. I wish I could truly express how much I loved every minute of those trips. We read, watched, dated, talked, went to concerts, ate, and walked. Trek was great and I was there to help you kinda move. I loved your family reunion. In fact, I didn't want to go home one year. I just wanted to move with you to Utah and enroll at Timpview. But I'm glad I went home. You were there for me when I had my first break up. Slept with me and held my hand. I am who I am today because of you.

You could see how sad I would have been if I wasn't right back at your side for college. I fretted over not being at the same University with you and am so grateful that God knew what was best and that we are together once again here at BYU. So many memories. You understand me. Very well. I don't know who I would be like if I would have never prayed for a best friend and then treated you like one. I do know that I would be different. I love you. Happy Birthday dearest! Happy 8 years.

I love you!
Becky

These were taken from my high school summer's with emily. When her family was moving, we chillaxed in the bathroom because 1) we didn't want to get in the way of the packers and 2) the packers smelled really bad! Haha... so we enjoyed reading. I lucked out with the most comfortable spot...the bathtub! :)


Michael, is one of Emily's nephews! He is so smart and lovable! I will always love playing this cute little guy! We sure do love him<3

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

learning about myself


Today was crazzy...seriously. I have so much to do in so little time. Its like I could have a panic attack and flip out on everyone and everything if I wanted too. Luckily, I feel okay. I know it'll all pass....hopefully.

So, where to start? I didn't get much sleep last night--i was tired for the most of the day. I realize that when I'm tired, I tend not to think very well, I get distracted, and am more stressed. Which is why I am GOING to try and finish this up as soon as I get my mind all settled.

I got a text message today from someone who was really worried about one of the girls in my ward. I knew that she was having some trouble...I found out that she tried overdosing twice!!! And every time her boyfriend found her and made her throw up. That's serious. Freaky serious. I didn't know what to do. So, I texted my Bishop and prayed during my scheduled "nap time" (devotional). The bishop was really glad that I texted him and called the boyfriend and talked to him. Anyways, its all a mess. I need a hug.

Then I lost my water bottle. AGAIN. I swear, why is it that I lose things all the time? I'm beginning to think that I'll never grow out of this breaking-losing-thing syndrome. I prayed and guess what...found it! Yea, its a miracle I inherited my Oma's faith. Campus is HUGE. :)

I was in one of those stressful, pity-me moods. When I knew that I needed to think of others and pray. So I prayed as I walked home. It was a REALLY LONG prayer. I realized a lot of things:

1) I have no idea why I got into BYU. Even Fall semester!! I have no earthly idea WHY I'm Relief Society President. I'm definitely not the cream of the crop.

2) Apparently, I'm suppose to be here at BYU and the RSPrez. You know, my patriarchal blessing says that I'll "attain many notable achievements in the fields of education and training". Sometimes, I want to say HA HA!!! I have about the same memory as someone who just was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. And that I'll "preside in various calling's in the Church". Of course these quotes come with a lot of other information. But the point is that if that's what is meant to be in my life then alrighty, I'll live faithfully and it will be a miracle if I'm blessed with even HALF of the things my patriarchal blessing says. I won't complain any longer. I don't doubt the power of God. If he wants to help me, then I will gladlylet him!

3)When I was 16 I made a commitment to myself. I have always been blessed spiritually. Moving from Washington was the hardest thing I had ever done in my LIFE! I went through heck those first several months away. (for a future blog entry). But my Savior has always been there for me. I have always felt my Heavenly Father's love and Spirit. So, I was 16, sitting on a mountain at trek, singing to myself. I realized how much others sacrificed because of their testimonies. And then I realized what I wanted to give. What was at the heart of everything I have ever wanted (and what I find A LOT in my patriarchal blessing) is to serve. I want to give my time, my talents, my money, my children, my knowledge to God. I want to do his will. I want to do go where he wants me to go and be the person he wants me to be and say the things he wants me to say. The best thing I can give him is my agency. Since then I have always remembered and st rived to do that. I'm human. But I love serving.

4)So, let me tie all this together. I realized today why I really want to be a nurse. Not only do I think our bodies are just about the coolest creation ever, but I love serving people. Its something that had to grow inside me of me because i was definitely a rude, prideful, and selfish kid. And then I changed. I want to help heal people. Being RSPrez somehow helped me see this. I want to serve anyone and everyone.

I went running. Its my destressor. I'm still out of shape, but John promised he would buy me a Mac if I as healthy as I want to be by his birthday! And I love to run. I ran to emily's on just a slim thought that maybe it would help my mood. Tiffany (emily's sister-in-law) had just found out Oliver is autistic. He's 2. She was so sad and helpless, talking to me about it. I am becoming to realize that my little thoughts are more often promptings than not. Even though I needed a boost, I knew my Heavenly Father needed me to help someone else. I was glad to be there to listen. I think I'm going to surprise her with something tomorrow on my run.

That was part of my day. I feel like I grow so much everyday and that I really should start tearing it up typing away in my blogs! I just can't seem to stop though. Emily and my mom says that boys will stop falling in love with me if I am not so much an open-book. Maybe I'll start typing more and talking less...who knows.

Tomorrow i take my Nursing Essay. I'm gonna need to write about qualities that would make me a good nurse and why I want it. I'm scared to death. Should have gotten a blessing.

P.S. I saw LLAMAs today on campus!! And after my run these boys pulled their love seat outside their apartment into the sun and were eating goldfish and root beer. They asked if I would join them. It was beautiful outside, and I sadly denied two guys! Haha...can't get much better than that. :)

Sunday, March 14, 2010

ten minutes

for ten minutes, im going to type. nate is studying tonight and i really wanted to talk to him. yes, he's one of my best friends. and yes, he got his mission call!!! hello TOULOUSE FRANCCCCEEE!!!! :) i am so excited for him. he has no idea.

my weekend has been fantastic...in so many ways! but for my future children's sake, i'll keep it to the boring and menial things i have learned recently. i love love love being relief society president. and no, its nothing i expected-and im trying not to be cocky-i promise. in a few weeks i'll be released from my calling. i know whats coming, im dreading my last meeting where the bishopbric asks what i have learned. i keep thinking, pondering, and wondering what i have learned and how i have grown. because i have in so many ways.

there are 70 girls in my relief society. i love, care, and know each one of them. i love them more than i ever realized was possible for such a diverse group. last semester i was quick to judge and justify "she's cute, but...". i feel horrible for some of the things i have thought and said. joseph smith said once that you should "hold your tongue" and "do not injure the character of anyone!". I want and need to be more kind. wouldn't it be great to be known for never saying anything negative about anyone? for everything you say about someone will only build them up?

sure the girls in my relief society are not perfect. i see them texting in church or wearing immodest cloths and i can't help but still fill love for them. at least they made it out to church i think, or im grateful they just have cloths. just seeing them smile or hearing their comments makes me feel so much LOVE. its insane! i am so astonished and amazed by the power of God. today during my welfare meeting the bishop asked to talk to me afterwords to let me know that one girl (a friend of mine, we're not close, but we're friends) can not pray in public for any meetings. i related some other news to the bishop about two girls who are agnostic. it basically broke his heart for a moment. bishop robbins just began rambling and had his head in his hands. he cares for them and loves these girls more than i do. i felt so prompted to just listen to him. my heart went out to him. how hard it must be to be a bishop. to know so much and have to be so strong. for the love that you feel that you had to pray to receive. sometimes i just wish i could help these girls make right choices, to share some of my faith or testimony with them. i went to the bathroom and said a prayer for my bishop and myself. my heart breaks, but the Lord always heals it. the power of God is so powerful. i've learned that as a leader you shouldn't be asking the question, "how can i teach so-and-so a lesson", but "how can i bring this person to Christ so he can heal them." i don't know if i'll ever be cut out to be a bishop's wife or anything, but i know i love our priesthood holders. i honor their faith, happiness, and strength in keeping confidences.

my ten minutes has been extending...but,

i said a prayer in front of a 1,000 people tonight. sister sherri dew spoke to us in commemoration of our relief society birthday on march 17th! :) it was wonderful and i was terrified! i was amazed at the peace i felt as i sang our closing song before i prayed. "true to the faith that our parents have cherished". i remember who my real parents are, and that i could be true to them. i didn't even trip over the cord at the podium! afterwords sis. dew gave me a hug and asked me to be a good girl. it was a wonderful meeting.

life is good. i love God. i love my family. and i love my friends.