Poor Romney, Poor America, Poor Brother

This semester I've been studying a lot of Isaiah. Mostly due to the fact that I'm in the religions class for "Writings of Isaiah". But now that I actually am understanding Isaiah's words, I LOVE to study Isaiah. Anywhere I can find his words, I get so excited like I found a hidden treasure. I've been really enlightened on just how important his words are to us--and now that I know how to read them--I eat them up. Did you know that Isaiah is the most quoted Prophet in the scriptures? Or that he's the only Prophet Jesus Christ has ever specifically called out by name (3 Nephi 23:1-3) and then commanded us to know his words. And Bruce R. McConkie said, "It just may be that my salvation (and yours also!) does in fact depend upon our ability to understand the writings of Isaiah". I also went to a Religious Symposium that talked about how 2/3 of the Doctrine & Covenants had Isaiahannic language. Regardless, Isaiah is a  very important guy.

As I've been able to read his words and actually understand them this time around, I've been intrigued to see how he describes our day so accurately and to see what will come in the future. Sometimes (okay--so most of the time) I get use to how our world works and I'm not surprised by the good and bad out there. I know our world is bad. But I don't exactly realize just how bad it is or why. It's just all I know in life. But the more I begin to understand the laws of heaven and earth and then read about Isaiah's description of our apostate conditions of the world in the latter-day--an epiphany occurs and I finally see things more clearly. I'm so grateful for Isaiah's doom and destruction detailed descriptions and then for the flip of a switch, with the messianic and millennial prophecies that have brought me to appreciate Christ and the Plan of Salvation to greater extents than I have before.

You might be wondering why I'm mentioning this little Isaiah monologue? Well, I feel bad for what happened last night. I feel bad as I've snooped around some on the internet and seen what some of the Republicans have said about how all is lost. I feel more invested in this election as 1) this was my first time voting 2) Mitt Romney was clearly what America needed politically right now and 3) I have seen a very hard working brother spend the last 17 months working a couple of years off of his life with this campaign.

For those of you who don't know John--you would want him on your campaign too--for starters. He's not perfect--but he has a lot of integrity, drive, and ambition. He's tenacious in nature. And he's always working towards improving anyone, any program, or any event to become closer to the ideal. Because he loves. He did this with siblings, neighbors, his deacons quorum, FHE lessons, learning how to be a home teacher, his failed entrepreneurship businesses he started in high school, his school assignments, his military service, his mission, at the MTC, and at school here at BYU. He rarely does anything relaxing--besides taking short naps because what is relaxing to him--is thinking or reading something that stimulates his mind onto something new that can be improved. He's an interesting character, whom I have closely watched the most of my life. He's lived in more hotel rooms than his apartment in Boston right now. I follow him around whenever he's in Utah for a day or two. I'm serious--for exapmle--I'll do his laundry and make him food and then he'll feel inclined to bring me along as he goes to chat with his ROTC buddies, his old roommates, his old girlfriend, his best friend from the mission, old Monticello wardies, his teams for Romney events etc; and I just kinda sit on the bench and observe and listen and pick up bits of information that he never communicates to the family about what he's been doing on the campaign. He never goes into too much detail; but I haven't been surprised when he worked his way up in the campaign to planning events left and right for the Romney's and interacting with them directly. He's not the same John he use to be 17 months ago--the stress he's dealt with hoping events are pulled off right are lined into his face and etched into his voice. He admits that campaign life has taken a toll on him--even admitting that he finally wants to be a boring person who just wants to be married and excited when boring and simple things happen to him during the day. Poor John. I know that out of anyone  I know, he wanted Romney to win--if not because John loves America, but because he actually understands the intents of the Governor and what Governor Romney would able to do if he had been elected. And then to give your life to it for awhile. Aw, I ache for my little-kid-brother John. I love him. I know him. He'll bounce back after recouping.

As far as American and Romney goes. I feel bad for America. That the people are disappointing me. I will always Believe in America. But the people--will they just align right along with the words of Isaiah. But perhaps, this helps us gauge where life is right now. And why we need a Messiah to return again to the Earth. As Isaiah says it best in the prophetic perfect (speaking of what will happen in the Millennium):

For the LORD is  our judge, the LORD  is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.-Isaiah 33:22

Looks like the Lord will be in every branch of our government: judicial, legislative, and executive. And whats more--he is also our Savior.  On one final note--at my Stake Conference this last week, Elder Lynn G. Robbins told us that no matter what happens, the Lord needs us to be his covenant people in the way he has always wanted his covenant people to be. We can't let our surroundings, our economy, our leaders, our wars, or our poor education keep us from being the light on the hill that God needs us to be. He needs his covenant people to exude happiness, peace, and faith in the future. To be his righteous remnant and prepare for the millennial day; by living in the millennial way.

And May I Present To Ya.....Costa Ricaaaaaaaaaa!

This is long over due. However, I figured it would be a good thing to blog, instead of studying for a midterm that I'll take in a few days. Naturally, that's the Monday morning feeling. Don't judge Mom--I'll still study! I just haven't really journaled some of my latest feelings yet. I've been so busy with school and living life that sometimes I forget that I have a mission call. And then I remember and then I have pure excitement, love, and a tinge of thrilling joy run all the way through me and I get soooooooooooooooooooo happy! It's kinda ridiculous. But I love it so so so much. It's amazing the kinship I feel to this land. For reals, though--I know that I was called by God, through a living prophet--specifically to be in Costa Rica for 18 months--to do something great. Here is a little of what I've been able to find out about Costa Rica (because let's be real here--before the mission--I hadn't really ever had a single, solid thought about that country...I'm sure I knew it was a country...I think).

So the night I got my mission call, Bishop Sloane gave me a phone call to congratulate me and tell me that he adores Costa Rica! He said that he's been there multiple times on business and that, out of all the Central America countries, Costa Rica is the number one, the safest! The prettiest. With the friendliest people. Apparently, it has the connotation of being the "Switzerland of Central America".

The next day I met someone who served in Panama (Costa Rica's southern neighbor) and he said his mission always said there were only 3 types of missionaries--the good ones, the bad ones, and the Costa Ricans. Whatever thats suppose to mean.

I also talked to this girl who served in C.A. and was in my Freshman Ward and she said that all the other C.A. countries kinda have a grudge against Costa Rica because the people are the "most prideful".

Prideful? Doubt it. I think compared to the other surrounding countries--maybe--but only because they're doing better. Costa Rica has the highest literacy rates in  C.A. and has free college! They also are very green! And love natural fruit.

Apparently, I have 2nd cousins that have vacationed to Costa Rica and LOVEDDDD the beautiful beachy/jungle, Spanish feel of the place. Both also talking about how friendly my future fellow Costans are!

Some girl in the Marching Band told me about all the scorpions that were in her clothes when she put them on when she went to Costa Rica! Dumb, dumb girl to tell me this. Then my roommates decided to look up all the other weird animals--like a basilisk (from Harry Potter--yes). Monkeys...I hope I can outrun! And these little cuties! I'm not worried about them. Maybe I can keep one in a jar to make me happy.

About a week after I got my call, I was able to find a girl who served in Costa Rica about 4 months ago and now teaches at the MTC. I found out where she lived, went to her apartment,  hoping she wouldn't think I was weird doing this, and then introduced myself and chatted for awhile. She was so awesome! We talked everything Costa Rica. She gave me advice about the country's weather, people, and what to plan on! About how humid it is--and how much it rains! Which I'm partial to both climates, thanks to being born and raised in the Pacific NW and then polished in the Deep South. So I know I'll be stinkin' wet (smelly) and a happy girl!

I really don't know exactly what I want to say in this post. I've been doing my digging about Costa Rica--as I've told people I'm headed there. I ate dinner with the cutest couple on this Earth (some 2nd cousins) who are expecting their 1st baby soon (on 12-12-12---really well planned and executed, eh) and who both served missions and taught at the MTC, and who also went to Costa Rica in February, and we just chatted about the Gospel. And it was so great.  And I want to be them in 5 years.

I think--I'm already growing to love Costa Rica so much. And as weird as it is--I already stinkin' love my mission. I feel like I'm in for a lifetime of blessings--of happiness--to be truly wow-zered (which isn't really a word) by how much joy can come into your life by living the Gospel, coming unto Christ through genuine, sincere, and continual worship; and helping everyone else do the same thing.

"Our ultimate goal is to become like the Savior, and that goal is enhanced by our unselfish service to others." -E. Robert D. Hales

   *And here's a quick shout-out to the temple. I double stinkin' triple LOVE love LOVE the temple. Good thing Costa Rica has one (pictured above)! Its been a month since Friday and I've been able to go 9 times, which still doesn't fill the desire in me to always go. Everyday I look at my schedule and try and think of how I could possibly squeeze it in--I don't understand much--but I know it is the House of God. And I feel a sacred, holiness that resides within. And every time I leave--I leave with an incredible, set-apart-feeling from the world. I just see life in an easier and happier light.

The Best & The Worst---But Mainly The Best

The last 2 weeks have been kinda crazzzzzyyy? Nah. REALLY crazy. Crazy is probably an understatement. High points and low points galore. Smiles and tears. Peaceful moments and hectic moments. Many prayers. Many tearful prayers. A lot of tears, actually. For good and bad. I just felt overly sensitive. I cried in the shower every morning. I cried in bathroom stalls on campus. Tears accompanied sincere prayers that were said multiple times a day. You know it's bad when it's not that time of the month for you to be so emotional and you're still crying. Get the point? And honestly, looking back--I just felt so much (more than I thought I could feel, that it was just plain overwhelming) that I would consider it one of the most struggling times I've had in a longggg while. I constantly felt pressure to be discouraged or to give up on everything that I was overloaded with i.e. midterms, papers, assignments, uh rocky mountain, rocky mountain, and rocky mountain etc etc etc. And then I had such a strong desire to be so happy when I would get the mission call and see the fam and be in the temple that I was just plain worried that I would miss out on something because my mind was constantly going. Constantly. Now that I look back I remember something someone told me and that I now notice. Maybe it's from general conference...but everyday I became a little stronger. Your faith grows when you need it.  What I really want to express is that I know that God lives. Without a doubt--I believe and know with all my body and spirit that God is our living Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, loves us and are both just waiting for us to come unto them. Granted, I've had a testimony of this for a long long long time. But I am grateful, so very grateful, that we have moments in our life when life does becomes ohhhh so difficult--and we have the opportunity to become more acquainted with God's love and power. What a blessing! He is always ready to extend a hand and lift us up into his arms to be with him. Our gospel is one of love. And of hope. And of the power of God.

And aren't I lucky to take an awesome sabbatical to Costa Rica?! As excited as I am to be about the business of extending hope and teaching my favorite subject (the gospel) to the beauties of Costa Rica; I am more excited to be able to just live a pure life of service. I know that most people serve missions because they want to share the gospel with others (which is great and all and that reason is up there) but I have always just had a desire to acquire the greatest amount of joy through serving God. From my earliest memories in Primary, I remember feeling the desire to serve. I knew that I loved God and that I wanted to serve him forever. I couldn't place how I knew or what I did to know--I honestly think it's just a trait that accompanied my spirit from the pre-existence. I have a theory that it sneaked through the veil and sticks to me like glue; or--it's just a spiritual gift. But the theory sounds pretty pleasing to me...

Amidst all the sad tears from playing the game of life and rolling the dice and finding out that you just lost a turn---somewhere in there I got my mission call! For my journal's sake: here's all the knit and gritty deets. The Friday before (on the 28th) the letter was supposedly moved to "shipping" status on the website that the Stake's Executive Secretary could see. But the call didn't come til Wednesday. (no comment on the SLC to Provo public mail delivery time...) I had planned on having my roomie who checks the mail, text me as soon as she saw it in the mailbox because I'm one of those crazy 10-hour-a-day-living-on-campus gals and wouldn't be home til 6:30pm. But I had my usual 3pm scriptures study break and I convinced myself it was worth going home to be the one to check the mail, and I could just read the scripts at home today. So I dallied home in the sunshine, smiling, and if I could whistle I would've been.

 

And here it was--just like this on Oct. 3, 2012 at 3:11pm or sometime around then.

I shed some quick happy tears (that it arrived on time--with my short time table). 

And then texted and talked to the folks about it. 

I spent the next few hours in class (the first hour I texted everybody in my phone when the opening ceremonies would be) and then spent the second hour actually getting excited to open it (before this point, I could care less because I knew the decision was already made). 

I'm glad I was excited though. 

 

 Here's some of the peeps that were there. Not pictured: Natty, Nora, and Bro. Watts.

 

There were no tears. Just a lot of smiling on my part. My eyes didn't skip down either. I just read it off the page, "the San Jose, Costa Rica" mission. I definitely had never thought of Costa Rica. Spanish speaking Central or South America ideas had been thrown out--but I didn't care--I was willing to go to the hardest and ugliest mission there was. But it just felt right from the moment I read it. So I smiled. And people talked about how tan I would be. And Jane and I reminisced about taking Spanish together at BYU my sophomore year. And my poor family kept yelling (semi-rudely) over the speaker phones that they didn't hear what I said. It was wonderful.

As soon as I made all the important phone calls, I drove to Bro. Palmer's house in Orem to pick up my temple recommend. They went ahead and interviewed me the night before and initiated my temple recommend--but due to church policy--they held it hostage til I had my call issued. The rudypoo's. I guess I respect their exactness in following the rules. :) 

 And here' s a quick shout-out to Emily for turning 22 on the 5th of October. Best friends for 11 years and still counting. I went and danced my heart out for 2-3 songs at her party before heading over to see my parents, who had just flown in.

Friday on Oct. 5, I was able to go to the temple! We went up to Bountiful (my favorite childhood temple) and I was yet again, spoiled to have Jim and John fly in. I still don't think they realize how happy it made me to have them there. Or how much I love them. Even if it cost a lot of my money and even if John was only in Utah for a few hours (and was exasperated to see he missed 30 texts/emails from the campaign--just during that 1 1/2 hour of being phoneless) they made my dreams come true. 

It was wonderful having Bro. and Sis. Holbrook, Carolyn, and Nora come too. It made it all the more special. Oh, and I was soooooo grateful for Sis. Christianson who was the temple worker who assisted me. She was the cutest (maybe 5 feet tall?) old lady who had on this cute knitted shawl, perfect white curls, and the sweetest smile. As soon as we walked past the temple recommend desk, she was waiting for me and hugged me immediately and told me she loved me. She gave me a bunch of hugs (and I never even told her how much hugs meant to me). I was pretty sure, she was sent to be my angel from Heavenly Father. She waited for me every moment, made sure I had the prettiest temple dress on and gave me lots of tissues with love. I loved her immediately.  I was never embarrassed to ask her questions--even if I could go to the bathroom. Haha. Oh, I love her and hope to have a spirit that shines like hers when I'm old.

General Conference was the next day. I sadly said goodbye to John the night before, and enjoyed conference with my parents, Jim, and Katherine. 

Rocky Mountain then came and went. I couldn't have pulled it off without every volunteers help! And prayers. Honestly, it was a crazy day and evening; but I was so grateful to have my mom there to see me perform at devotional and our best show! I love the Cougar Marching Band. I got to sneak out of performing at RM's dinner break (when our band did a 5th quarter concert on the 50-yard line) and I never want to forget what I felt as I got to listen. Right in front of the band in the stadium was where I stood. Our music, sounded so gooooooooood that I was in tears with a smile. I love this Band! My greatest hope was that every person involved would benefit from the Spirit of BYU. It's something I am so grateful for--and often have to remind myself how much I loved BYU after living in Georgia. They were two polar opposites; but I wouldn't appreciate or have the love for BYU, if it wasn't for my sweet time and experiences in Georgia.

Now for some kicks in giggles (especially if you've read this beast of a post already). Here's Bro. Mac asleep at the football game last Saturday!

And a kid in my ward served in Norway (he didn't serve with John--but had heard a lot about him--not surprised). Anyway, I saw these pants and knew that John missed out on his mission for not getting some! Haha...

Naturally, I have an AWESOME ward this semester (and I'm sad to leave it next semester). Just about every FHE group carved pumpkins on Monday night and this one, was my favorite.

I'M GOING TO COSTA RICA PEOPLE!

And I'll blog all about my life (with pictures too) once I finish this week off! Two midterms, two papers, 2 rehearsals in 2 days. And then just a parade and a Homecoming Game and I'll be free at last FREE AT LAST! Til next week then:)

Fishy Mishy Update

Mission papers have been in for 7 days. The poor Stake Executive Secretary has gotten to know me real well. I've made it a point to text him and call him and email him. Seriously people! You'd be surprised at what happens when you make a righteous decision and little things just go all haywire. Oh well. Story of good vs. evil. The papes finally have moved from, "With Church Headquarters" and "Received" to "Ready for Assignment". I'm not freaking out. At all. I just want to be able to go to the temple with the fam when they come next week. I already scheduled my appointment too! Woot woot! I hope it's grand.

Anyway, I need a mission call to get a recommend. And I need a mission call to know where I'm going. Which I'm curious about. The Lord knows, although every few days I've been sending up some suggestions his way. Lately, I've been on a Nauvoo, Illinois kick. It would just be sooooooooooooooooo cool! I could dress up as a Pioneer. AND they have 300 couple misisonaries...which would be like having 300 grandparents all within a block of me! But ya never know at these things. I know I'll have the same enthusiasm for just about anywhere. Except for getting called to the Spirit World. That may be tad unfortunate.

Along with the mission drama. I've been overwhelmed with a horrible, nasty cold. Luckily, its just about passed. Except that last night I could barely keep my eyes open and I just kept talking and mumbling on and on to my poor visiting teachers (that's what I get for letting them come at 9:15pm!). Add Rocky Mountain to all of this! I'll be so excited when THATs passed. I have a great committee, they pretty much do all the work. Except that I see how it all comes together and what they're forgetting and what needs to happen. So it stresses me out.

So naturally, I decided to NOT study. And play on my blog for a bit. Talk about how excited I was to get my papers, see my family, and go through the temple. I'm dreading my next two weeks of school work load. It's really intense. I really don't know how it's all going to get done. With Rocky Mountain. And the Rhoden clan. And General Conference. And mission excitement.

But as history has proven, time ALWAYS moves forward. A blessing and curse. Hopefully this time, I'll make it with the blessing part---lots of time working hard and on the knees. And knowing that one day. I'll be all caught up! And prepared for life. Ha! I hope.

Band Bonfire

 There's nothing more that I love then being with band kids at a bonfire. Playing music...ahem, making music. Uke's, guitars, beatboxing, humming, harmonizing, and naturally--improvising. Dumb dumb lyrics as we sing about Band people and jokes. Oh, and I love the s'mores. Not surprised to see sacrificing "marshmallow men" either!

How Utahns Pull Off A Ward Activity

Last Saturday, my roommate Carolyn invited us to her Home Ward's (in Provo) Annual Neighborhood Picnic. I had a blast! And enjoyed smirking at how well everything turned out. Definitely not the type of activities I grew up with in my Washington and Georgia wards. Nevertheless, the people are the same. So we enjoyed "family ward people watching" and laughing at similar personalities that we all have in every Ward of the Church.

RIP Big Red :(

 

I begged my roommates to come with me for a ride....but they denied. That's what I get for being the youngest in the apartment.

This is for our children and our grandchildren. I'm sure we'll marry them off to each other.

The pink cotton candy was disgusting! Don't like bubblegum.

Did you see the fox?

IF only you could see this guys cheeks! I've been on an "old man" streak recently. I think all old guys are soooooo cute.

A star for an "angel child" (as Dad would say).

That's all folks!

Les Miserables

I love this book.

I love the music.

Like true, heart-wrenching, soul swelling, 

heart-strings-a-pullin', tear ducts on hypersensitivity

 LOVE LOVE LOVE.

From the first time I remember coming into contact with the magnificent works of Victor Hugo (thank you Curtis Senior High School) 

I was, oh--a 5thy.

And young and dreamy and had a HUGE heart. 

So naturally, I became a fan. 

 When I'm ________, 

I'll curl up inside a corner, hide, and listen to songs on repeat.

Needless to say, Christmas Day?!

GAH! I think I found my Christmas presents for the family.

Advice from Elder Busche

Advice from Elder Busche

Amazing. I just started Yearning for the Living God by Busche. Apparently, it's amazing as well.

The Heavens Smiling Down

"He who knows the why of his existence, will be able to bear almost any how."

-Viktor Frankl

Believe In America: Romney & Ryan

As mentioned before, John came into town to pull off a Finance Event in Provo for the Campaign. I got to meet his other co-workers (entertain them, feed them, flirt with them, go see Obama 2016 with them). And as I talked to them, I got more of an idea of just how hard of a worker John is--I always had suspected as much. But really, I've had multiple conversations this weekend and have been able to observe and analyze what things John does over and beyond what other people do (including his co-workers). The event was great! My friend asked me if I wanted to go with him, so I had a lot of fun talking his ear off. Poor kid, he saw the best and worst of me because of some unexpected disappointments. But after the event we walked Center Street and ended up at Sammy's for some food and I got over my...anger, before the tears could hit my tear ducts. It was a close one, or Brian would've had no clue what to do with a sobbing Becky. I took lots of pictures (mainly for my Mom). I think I have become much more photo-friendly now with an iPhone. John flew out last night on a Red Eye, but he stopped and gave me lots of hugs. Which always, always helps me forgive and forget instantaneously.

So naturally. I got persuaded into doing John's laundry. Guess what I found while I was snooping around! Yeah, that's right, John's got himself a Romney first-class Sharpie! Coolest.Thing.Ever.

Jordan Betteridge volunteered to drive in the Secret Service Motorcade when Ryan flew in.

Ice ice baby!

The room of the general reception ($1,000 for public and $20 for students). As you can see, the students dominated the front. We enjoyed being all squished up next to each other.

Where the older, more dignified, richer population socialized while we waited for Ryan.

My favorite people! They helped out the campaign quite a bit by letting John stay and eat at their home.

Fancy shmancy food.

One of Romney's sons.

The man.

Check out his ear piece. And his microphone on his cuff.

Political speaking posture cracks me up.

Love

Brigham City Temple Open House

I had a great labor day weekend. Very enjoyable, spent with family and friends and did very little homework. Thursday I got a phone call from John. He told me he was flying in the next night to do an event for Paul Ryan in Provo. I was stoked to see him! It'd been a few months. And then Katherine and I talked about going to Brigham City to see the Temple Open House. I've never been through a temple open house before and to say that I loooooovvvvveee temples is an understatement. So we got the bright idea to beg, plead, bribe, snuggle up to Johnny-boy to use his rental car to take me and some friends up to Brigham City. We may have forgotten to tell him how far away Brigham City was from Provo....so most of the night, this is what he was doing!

Sending emails, texts, and phone calls working on the event for Paul Ryan. Oh, how I love this boy! He wins brownie points for being so great (and for buying us all pizza). And I realized just how similar we are--yet again. Siblings have the same humor; like when someone mentioned how a teenager died because of an unfortunate air vent on a bus ride--John and I were uncontrollably laughing. Or how we both listen to music, really really really loud in the car. And that we both love the same type of songs. And dance the same way. Etc. Etc. Here are some pictures of our awesome time:

The mountains right South of Brigham City were SO BEAUTIFUL.

The group!

Katherine & I

This collage was at the very end of the tour (outside of the temple).

Sorry about the picture not turning. Funny story: when we first arrived some 12 year old boys were sizing up Alex and then we heard them whisper, "Look! Jesus decided to show up"

This is for you Mom.

"That's my Father's House" -Shawn