California Road Trip!

My roommate Jeniel and I made a quick trip down to San Diego! One of her mission companions was getting married. Jeniel asked me, "Hey, do you want to go to California?" I don't know if she was expecting me to take her up on that but I said. "Sure!" I didn't want her driving down there alone. Plus I have a fabulous cousin in the area so she wouldn't have to stay in a hotel. So with some planning and a lot of homework cramming (and not getting much sleep the week before) we were off to the sunny state of California! To keep this story short, I will list a few of my favorite moments on the trip:

• Singing in the car! We tried to learn the lyrics to a few songs (Life is a Highway, Defying Gravity, Si Vas Para Chile, the "Potato" song :o)
• Doing a session in the San Diego Temple with Jeniel. That temple is so gorgeous and it was so wonderful to be there with a great friend. I love the temple!
• Seeing my cousin, Janine! I love her so much. She is one of my most favorite people in the WORLD! We were hardly around to see her and the family. But we were so grateful for their kindness in letting us stay with them in the beautiful house. Thanks Janine, Paul, Paul, and Carlie!
• Taking jumping pictures on the beach (lots of good laughs)
• Having a "reflecting moment" at a reflecting pool in Balboa park one night. I love meaningful conversations with a close friend.
• Listening to "Narnia" in the car

A special thanks to "Vinnie", Jeniel's faithful car who got us there and back safely without any problems. (No, I am not texting and driving in this picture. Even though I do look "intexticated." We were safely stopped in a parking lot trying to set the GPS to find the nearest Costco or Maverick to fill up . . . This was a common occurance during the trip.)  I was also very grateful for the GPS and internet on our phones.  Without that we would have been lost and confused a lot more.  Thank goodness for technology!  I'm grateful for opportunities to go new places, see new things, gain experience, and strengthen friendships! 

just another Manic Monday

Mondays are really stressful for me this semester because of my clinic schedule, classes, etc. The stress of Monday spills over into Sunday night as I dread the next day.

In my scripture study today I read the scripture D&C 38:30
"I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms . . . if ye are prepared ye shall not fear."

If I take the time on Friday to prepare for Monday, then I won't fear it so much. Preparation dispels fear and strengthens faith. The way to prepare is to "treasure up wisdom" through studying, pondering, and gaining knowledge and understanding. This applies to spiritual and temporal preparation. Both will help rid my mind of fear and bring confidence and faith as I face Monday Madness.

A little tender mercy

As I was walking into my building on campus at 7:45 a.m. with a banana peel in my hand from my breakfast on-the-go, a guy was walking out the door. He looked at me and said, "Hi, how are you?" as he waited so he could hold open the door for me. I thanked him. He then said, "I hope you have a great day!"

I have never seen this person before. He was just being nice and I really felt his sincerity. It made my day! I felt the Spirit and the love of Heavenly Father through the kindness and optimism of another one of His children.