Reflecton

A few weeks ago on campus there was a beautiful art display of Mark Mabry's photographs, the exhibit was titled Reflections of Christ. These amazing photographs have been displayed in the Mesa, Arizona Visitors Center and are now currently on diplay at the Joseph Smith Memorial Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Thanks to the wonderful world of YouTube you can all experience this powerful collection via my blog. Please enjoy these photographs and feel of Gods love for you with my favorite hymn, Come Thou Fount in the background.

Fall Fun

I love the magic and comfort that comes with the change in temperature, it is one of favorite things about Rexburg, SEASONS and fall is the very best! When the lush green leaves turn vivid shades of yellows, reds and oranges I find myself walking around town in wondering awe of the beauty that is all around me. I love walking out of my front door each morning into the crisp autumn air passing trees that shimmer on my way to class. What could be more inspiring? I love the words of Elsie
Brady in her poem...

LEAVES
How silently they tumble down
And come to rest upon the ground
To lay a carpet, rich and rare,
Beneath the trees without a care,
Content to sleep, their work well done,
Colors gleaming in the sun.
At other times, they wildly fly
Until they nearly reach the sky.
Twisting, turning through the air
Till all the trees stand stark and bare.
Exhausted, drop to earth below
To wait, like children, for the snow.

Last Saturday, my good friend Paige and I made plans to rent a movie from Redbox and ended up pumpkin diving in a local pumpkin patch on the way. It was the funniest thing! We are masters at drawing attention to ourselves in public. I am sure we should be embarrassed or at least pretend to be shock but we just end up laughing uncontrollably at our foolishness. There is never a dull moment when we are together, that's why we are such great friends. Paige Olivia, this is one reason why I love you so, thanks for always making me laugh and remember how fun it is to act ridiculous!

Finding joy

Its already midterms, I can hardly believe how fast this semester is flying by. I have been so swamped these past few weeks with planning Communication Day and cramming for my seven, yes you read that correctly SEVEN midterms! Today I just had to take a break and play on my computer. I love Photo Booth on my MAC, it serves as a great way to lighten the mood in the library. Here are a few pictures from today.

Possibilities

Many times in life we are lead to remarkable life changing situations, in these moments, one must stop and realize the crossroads awaiting. This week I have had such moments arrive in my life. I had the opportunity to plan a large communication event, hosting respected professionals from across the United States. Learning the art of event planning and hosting has been valuable in my career in communication.

I had the pleasure of hosting a professional from Washington D.C., in doing so I was the honored recipient of one-on-one career advising with insider tips on how to launch a communication career on Capitol Hill. In a matter of a few days it is incredible to reflect upon the knowledge gained from such an experience.The possibilities seems endless and I work through this semester. With the new year rapidly approaching I am reminded that by December of 2009 I will be a college graduate, then what? How do I choose the path in which I embark, where do I go to fulfill my passions?

I received great advise from many who have aggressively pursued their ideal careers, the advise was that YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL, JUST NOT ALL AT THE SAME TIME. My innate desires to communicate and administer aid to those in need are burning within. We can not expect the worlds solutions to answer the worlds problems, we must take out passions and act for the greater good.

Truth, Knowledge, Power &Triumphs

In a meeting today, held for student leaders, I had the privilege to discuss topics and learn from two great men here on campus, President Kim B. Clark and Henry J. Eyring. Through a case study lead by Brother Eyring we discussed leadership principles and focused on Matthew chapter 18 verses 15-17. There is great power and knowledge found in the scriptures, knowledge that if applied personally, the small and simple things will become the greatest in life.


In keeping with tradition President Clark opened the discussion for questions from the students. I bravely asked a question I had been pondering lately, “President Clark, you often address students at the start of BYU-Idaho and those who are leaving, during commencement, what advise do you have for all of us in the middle”? In true President Clark manner he graciously accepted my question, then turned his mouth up in a teasing smirk and said, " Be one that gets to the end, GRADUATE”. All those in attendance chuckled at his joke, however he has a point.

Enduring to the end starts at every step of this mortal probation we refer to as life. The greatest gift is eternal life, the light at the end. In all that we do there is some stepping stone that propels us ever onward. Graduating from BYU-Idaho is the completion of one phase of my life that will propel me to the next leading me closer to my return home, to a loving Heavenly Father that has shared in all of my shortcomings and mighty TRIUMPHS.

After answering my question he once again turned to me a bore testimony that The Lord knows me, personally, he loves and cares for me. This strong testimony priced my heart and spoke directly to my soul. It is an amazing experience to have an area seventy as the president of this university. To have this man who is set apart as a special witness of the Savior Jesus Christ, bear personally testimony, pointing directly at me, expressing the love my heavenly father has for me was a tender moment amidst the crowd. I am humbled at the opportunity I have to study at this institution. I am eternally grateful for the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I humbly pray that I might live up to my potential and help give those in this world who have lost their voice or not yet found it the encouragement and skills to raise an ensign to the world.

Only the Beginning

There I sat in the University Relations meeting, along the U-shaped conference table, anxiously awaiting the start of the meeting with my name on the agenda! This semester I am in an event planning class that has given me many opportunities to associate with faculty and strengthen my business skills. I am so grateful for the many opportunities I have to pursue my dreams especially my passion for public relations.