Monday, November 23, 2009

Feeling the Birthday Love


First off, thanks for all the warm wishes. Just a little hello, happy birthday, adds up and makes a birthday that much sweeter. Second off, I received the BEST gift I could EVER receive, a SEWING MACHINE! Ohh, I'm sooo too excited.

Another great gift was I won a blog giveaway. I have the button on my sidebar, but I dont know if you've noticed. It's over at Leelou Swag. It's the "favorite things" giveaway, and you can win something small and simple like a candy bar, or something big (it hasn't been offered yet). I won this cute little bracelet, and on my birthday, pretty sweet. Thanks Savvy Girl

At least I hope I won it, it said I won, but I haven't gotten an email back yet.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Upcoming Events

I'm sorry that I've rarely posted lately, but it's going to get even worse with the upcoming events
1. My Birthday is in a couple of days
2. A big dance
3. Family from Washington is going to be here
4. Thanksgiving
5. Black Friday Shopping
6. My birthday party
7. Christmas Festivities will begin

I won't leave you completely I promise!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

My Personality

So I took this quiz on facebook, but it's not just any old quiz, it analyzes your personality by answering around 30 questions. It was put together by a psychologist from a university in the east somewhere. It is required in Idaho to take this quiz for a psychology class (my favorite subject). Anyways, this was very interesting to me. If you have ever wanted to know about me, read this. I can promise that if you know me well you will be shaking your head yes the entire time in agreement, and if you don't know me, well then read this cuz you will learn more than you'd ever need to know about me. Now, it's kinda long, (mostly for my record) so I wont cry if you don't read it, but if you have time its very interesting. Or you can just take the quiz here.



Extroversion
Very Introverted. You are very reserved and quiet. You enjoy solitude and solitary activities. Your socializing tends to be restricted to a few close friends.

Agreeableness
Very Agreeable. You have a strong interest in others' needs and well-being. You are very pleasant, sympathetic, and cooperative.

Conscientiousness
Disciplined. You set clear goals and pursue them with determination. People regard you as reliable and hard-working.

Emotional Stability
Somewhat Stable. You are generally able to cope with stressful and frustrating situations, even though you find them somewhat upsetting.

Openness to Experience
Somewhat Traditional. You enjoy tradition but are willing to try new things. Your thinking is neither simple nor complex. To others you appear to be a well-educated person but not an intellectual.


Your Good Side: Humble
Humble Types are peace-loving, somewhat timid, and seek social acceptance by going along with what others want. These individuals are described by others with terms such as calm, agreeable, cooperative, composed, warm, preserving, and submissive.
Your Bad Side: Gullible
Gullible Types follow the crowd rather than thinking for themselves. They are described by others with such terms as simple, down-to-earth, dependent, easy-going, and servile.

As an ISFJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you takes things in via your five senses in a literal, concrete fashion. Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit into your personal value system.
ISFJs live in a world that is concrete and kind. They are truly warm and kind-hearted, and want to believe the best of people. They value harmony and cooperation, and are likely to be very sensitive to other people's feelings. People value the ISFJ for their consideration and awareness, and their ability to bring out the best in others by their firm desire to believe the best.
ISFJs have a rich inner world that is not usually obvious to observers. They constantly take in information about people and situations that is personally important to them, and store it away. This tremendous store of information is usually startlingly accurate, because the ISFJ has an exceptional memory about things that are important to their value systems. It would not be uncommon for the ISFJ to remember a particular facial expression or conversation in precise detail years after the event occured, if the situation made an impression on the ISFJ.
ISFJs have a very clear idea of the way things should be, which they strive to attain. They value security and kindness, and respect traditions and laws. They tend to believe that existing systems are there because they work. Therefore, they're not likely to buy into doing things in a new way, unless they're shown in a concrete way why its better than the established method.
ISFJs learn best by doing, rather than by reading about something in a book, or applying theory. For this reason, they are not likely to be found in fields which require a lot of conceptual analysis or theory. They value practical application. Traditional methods of higher education, which require a lot of theorizing and abstraction, are likely to be a chore for the ISFJ. The ISFJ learns a task best by being shown its practical application. Once the task is learned, and its practical importance is understood, the ISFJ will faithfully and tirelessly carry through the task to completion. The ISFJ is extremely dependable.
The ISFJ has an extremely well-developed sense of space, function, and aesthetic appeal. For that reason, they're likely to have beautifully furnished, functional homes. They make extremely good interior decorators. This special ability, combined with their sensitivity to other's feelings and desires, makes them very likely to be great gift-givers - finding the right gift which will be truly appreciated by the recipient.
More so than other types, ISFJs are extremely aware of their own internal feelings, as well as other people's feelings. They do not usually express their own feelings, keeping things inside. If they are negative feelings, they may build up inside the ISFJ until they turn into firm judgments against individuals which are difficult to unseed, once set. Many ISFJs learn to express themselves, and find outlets for their powerful emotions.
Just as the ISFJ is not likely to express their feelings, they are also not likely to let on that they know how others are feeling. However, they will speak up when they feel another individual really needs help, and in such cases they can truly help others become aware of their feelings.
The ISFJ feels a strong sense of responsibility and duty. They take their responsibilities very seriously, and can be counted on to follow through. For this reason, people naturally tend to rely on them. The ISFJ has a difficult time saying "no" when asked to do something, and may become over-burdened. In such cases, the ISFJ does not usually express their difficulties to others, because they intensely dislike conflict, and because they tend to place other people's needs over their own. The ISFJ needs to learn to identify, value, and express their own needs, if they wish to avoid becoming over-worked and taken for granted.
ISFJs need positive feedback from others. In the absence of positive feedback, or in the face of criticism, the ISFJ gets discouraged, and may even become depressed. When down on themselves or under great stress, the ISFJ begins to imagine all of the things that might go critically wrong in their life. They have strong feelings of inadequacy, and become convinced that "everything is all wrong", or "I can't do anything right".
The ISFJ is warm, generous, and dependable. They have many special gifts to offer, in their sensitivity to others, and their strong ability to keep things running smoothly. They need to remember to not be overly critical of themselves, and to give themselves some of the warmth and love which they freely dispense to others.

ISFJs place a great deal of importance on their personal relationships. They're generally very giving and loving people, who place the needs of others above their own. They sometimes have a problem with becoming overly emotionally needy, and with keeping their true feelings hidden from others. They take their commitments very seriously, and seek lifelong relationships. ISFJs are extremely dependable, and put forth a lot of energy into keeping things running smoothly. They sometimes have difficulty saying "no" when asked to do something, and therefore may be taken for granted.
ISFJ Strengths
● Warm, friendly and affirming by nature
● Service-oriented, wanting to please others
● Good listeners
● Will put forth lots of effort to fulfill their duties and obligations
● Excellent organizational capabilities
● Good at taking care of practical matters and daily needs
● Usually good (albeit conservative) at handling money
● Take their commitments seriously, and seek lifelong relationships ISFJ
Weaknesses
Don't pay enough attention to their own needs
May have difficulty branching out into new territory
Extreme dislike of conflict and criticism
● Unlikely to express their needs, which may cause pent-up frustrations to build inside
● Have difficulty leaving a bad relationship
● Have difficulty moving on after the end of a relationship

ISFJs as Parents
Parenthood is seen as natural state and duty to the ISFJ. They are responsible about ensuring that their children have their practical needs met, and try to teach them the rules and observations of our society so that they grow into responsible and independent adults.
ISFJs may have difficulty administering punishment or discipline to their children, although most are able to overcome this discomfort because they feel it is their greater duty to instill their children with sound values. As individuals who value order and structure, they're likely to create well-defined boundaries and roles for their children to live within.
ISFJ parents have a very difficult time if their children grow into "problem" adults. They tend to believe that it is their responsibility, and that they didn't work hard enough to raise their children well. This may or may not be the case, but usually it isn't. ISFJs usually put forth a lot of energy and effort and don't give themselves credit for doing so.
In many ways, an ISFJ makes an ideal parent. Their children will not lack for structure, appropriate guidelines, or warmth and affection. Their children will remember and value the ISFJ parent for their warm natures and genuine efforts on their children's behalf.

ISFJs as Friends
Although the ISFJ is likely to place God and family above their friends in their priorities, they genuinely enjoy spending time with friends and colleagues. In fact, ISFJs usually feel a strong need to talk problems and issues over with people before making decisions on their actions. Some ISFJs like to discuss things over with their friends, rather than their families.
ISFJs enjoy spending time with most other types of people. The love to observe people's reactions and emotions in situations, and so enjoy being around diverse types of people. The ISFJ usually remains reserved around others, and does not open up very much. However, since they have a need to talk things over with others in order to make decisions, they do really need some close confidantes in their life. Their preference for these companions is other Sensing Feeling Judgers. They really enjoy and respect the company of Intuitive Feelers as well, but are not able to relate to them quite as well.
Friends of the ISFJ will value them for their warmth, dependability, depth of emotional awareness and understanding.


Still with me?

Monday, November 9, 2009

Troubling My Soul

How do you begin to help a person? When their mom died 2 years ago while she was pregnant, and now their dad's body is taken over by cancer and he's told he has 6 months to live, laying on a hospice bed. Now they will have to move to a new school in California, and they have no knowledge of the gospel, don't know families can be together forever. How do you begin?


My dad's friend is this man, the one dying. His daughter is in 8th grade and his son is in 6th if I am correct. This girl is a social outcast, died her hair black, Walmart clothes, poor hygiene, and people don't like talking to her. Now that is TRUE testimony you CAN'T judge. I can't imagine not being LDS and having your mom die, and now she found out she has 6 months left to be with her dad. I think maybe I'll write my testimony in a Book of Mormon, and highlight some scriptures, and then pull her aside one day in the hall. At the same time, I don't want to be someone pushing religion at this hard time in her life. I don't know how to proceed. Oh I need help!

Piano

Well here are the current stats.....
Accompaniment: 11/20
Top Hand: 52/50
Recognize: 57/100
I didn't realize I was this close! About everyday I learn a new accompaniment! The hardest part now is going to be learning 40 more hymns that I will recognize the tune to. This got a little easier because I decided to let Christmas songs be included, but still I think I'm doing good for only playing for a year and a half! I think I'm on track to getting it done!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

What Makes Me Lovable

That is the topic for today's gratitude challenge. I think most of my lovable qualities are my divine qualities, they kinda crossed over. I don't have much to say other than that. I don't want to focus on me yet again, so I'll leave it at where it is.

Gratitude Challenge

Yesterday's was do random acts of service. It was great because the day before I randomly got a call for a service opportunity the next day. I went and put flyers out to raise awareness about a 5K run/walk for a lady in my ward that has cancer. It was great being able to help her out. I also did random acts of service around the house and through my words.
That's about it.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Flashback Friday Time

I was able to scan this in my computer tech class after finding it on Wednesday. It made me sooooo happy.

Kaitlyn and Celeste Age 6
At (my) Great Grandparents Home

GC Day 16

Today's challenge is to look in the mirror and find some things I love about myself. I'm not going to share that, but one thing I do want to share with you is.....
When I first started this challenge I went onto the website and got the widget code so it could be on my blog. What I didn't realize is the sentence on the widget is only a fraction of the actual challenge. They go into much more detail on the site, you click on "download challenge" or something of that nature and it opens an adobe window. Imagine how disappointed I was to find out I've only been doing half of it. I also realized that each week has a theme....bummer. So if you are doing it, make sure you check that out. Or maybe you already did and I'm just a dumby.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Divine Qualities

I'm starting to feel really concieted. The next 4 challenges I believe are all about me. I hope I don't start sounding like a self loving person, because that's the opposite of what I'm trying to become right now.

Today's challenge is to identify divine qualities in me.
1. Testimony: I have a strong sense of who I am and where I am going. I know without a doubt that I'm a child of God, He loves me, and He wants to see me again.
2. Scriptures: On the whole I love the scriptures. I know they are there for my knowledge and help.
3. Faith: I know without a fraction of a doubt that if I pray Heavenly Father will give me the answer He has ready for me. Time and time again I have been a witness to that.
4. Desires of my Heart: Everything I strive for I try to do with a mind set of what I'm trying to achieve, eternal life with my Heavenly Father.
5. Homemaking Skills: I love learning about things that I can use for when I'm a wife and mother. At least once a day I'm baking deserts, cleaning, making dinner, playing piano, learning how to mend clothes, or caring for children.
6. Advice: I've been told I give great advice. I focuse on the future and not just here and now results. I focus on how Jesus can help us through it, and not trying to do it all yourself.
7. Loving/Caring and Understanding: I think one of the reasons I want to be a psychologist so much is because I understand people. I realize what they are going through even before they tell me about it, just because of how I observe. I realize that everyone has challenges. I've also been told that they feel genuine love from me. I try to give the benefit of the doubt, something I've learned from my grandma. I try to let everyone know that they are of worth because they are a child of God.
8. Love for my Heavenly Father: I feel like I know Him on a greater level than most kids my age. I know that He has a plan for me, and all of my faith is in Him.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Effect of the Challenge

This challenge has for now, changed my view for the better. I give a lot of benefits of the doubt, look at the brighter side of things, give compliments, and I work around what life has given me. I appreciate the reminder everyday to challenge myself to become more grateful. I think that this challenge is going to become an annual, semiannual, or maybe monthly thing. It's a great reminder, and although there are some things I'd change, overall it's good. I still have 7 days left. Let's see how it goes.
P.S. Did anyone else decide to do it with me?
P.P.S. If you didn't, now is a great time to start, you'd end a day before Thanksgiving, basically perfect timing!



Thanks to the two people that voted, you others out there reading, please vote, it's all anonymous and it'd really help me.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Touched Today

It's kind of long, but keep reading.

Lately I haven't wanted to read the Book of Mormon. I've thought "it holds no power for me". I also think back to the great experience I had in August, but it didn't matter, I just didn't want to read it. Lately I've become so overwhelmed with life that I've felt like I can't do anything. I KNOW that is the devil, but I can't help but host the thought. So many principles in the church can't be applied to me right now either because of my age or my family situation. That makes me feel so upset and I sometimes wish I could control people, but not for long, because I remember that that's why Jesus is our Savior. I guess I'm a little scared to succeed in too many things because I'm afraid I'll become prideful, I haven't learned how to be humble yet. So life has just been scaring me in general.
Today in seminary we had a lesson about how the devil works. Afterwards our teacher told us why he wanted to be a seminary teacher. He said it was because he wanted to see if kids had experience a mighty change of heart. On one test we had we had to write an essay about the Book of Mormon. So he said that while correcting them, he could tell that students had indeed experienced a mighty change of heart. He proceeded to read some to us so we could understand how other kids in our class were doing. After reading about 4-5 he said "I'd especially like you to hear this one, it's really well written". It said,
"The Book of Mormon is an important book to read. It can teach us about who we are, where we come from, and where we are going. It teaches us the steps Heavenly Father needs us to take to return to Him. It helps us know what steps we need to be taking to be happy in life and be the best we can. It's just a great comfort to know that Heavenly Father took the time to have this book written for us. This book could have a huge impact on one's life if they allow it to. They can learn that someone out there loves them and wants only the best for them. It can change some one's life completely around. Instead of heading to a place of sadness, they can head to eternal happiness with their families. After reading the scriptures they learn how to live their life following light. There are a couple of steps that you must take to know its from God. The most obvious answer is to pray and ponder. You must ask Heavenly Father to help you know it is right. You have to understand what the scriptures are teaching and try to learn with an open heart. Finally, you must follow this scripture, Moroni 10:4-6.
While reading my scriptures I try to follow these steps. I pray and diligently search to know the scriptures. I do my best to have an open heart and follow his commandments in the scriptures. Many times I have prayed to Heavenly Father that He will give me direction in what I need in life. After praying I will randomly open my scriptures and the scripture will teach me exactly what I was looking for. I love the power the Book of Mormon holds for this generation."
It was mine. After reading it I was almost in tears, along with my seminary teacher. He testified to us that God loves us and that the scriptures will remind us of that and when we read them, Satan will have no power over us. After class I walked up to Him and asked Him if I could take my paper, so I'd always have this reminder.
After wards it was lunch and I had a somber heart and it was hard for me to go back to the busy ways of the school. I quietly pondered the things in my heart as the noise of the world was around me. I truly felt in the world, but not of it.
I was definiteley touched today.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Family History

I didn't want to post any more today but I have to write about this, and Shelli I hope you are reading this and you will tell Brother Campbell.
We had a lesson in Sunday school about family history and temple work. Now, this is a tender subject with me because on my dad's side of the family we are the only LDS family as far as I know in the entire line, they are all baptists. I know my parents aren't going to do this, so I feel like it all rests on me. With all the hype of not waiting and being prepared and that the second coming is nigh I feel like I should be constantly doing something to prepare myself for it. So I was so overwhelmed I started crying, I just couldn't fathom doing ALL of that family history, plus getting the work done, plus doing everything else I'm working on for my own sanity. It was too much. But I couldn't just do nothing, especially since I found out this is a commandment.
Just for the kicks of it, I asked my dad's mom if she happened to have any family history done. (I don't know a thing about her family, I know her and her new husband, but that's it, no parents or anything. And my dad's dad, I know him and his parents but that's it. And I know not one thing about my step grandparents at all.) Well, she told me that not only would she tell me their information, but she has THIRTY BOOKS full of stories, pedigree charts and records. That means, I really don't have any work/researching to get done, just the temple work, getting them baptized and their names in so they can be sealed.
Now there is a true blessing that brought me to tears yet again today.

Why I Blog

The last couple of days and weeks I've been trying to think of why I blog, is it for me or the readers, is it for a place to vent or a place to count my blessings, why is it there?
I think the very first thought that came to mind when I started my blog is "I want to be like them", them meaning all of my family members out there who have popular blogs that are read regularly. I wanted to be popular on the blogosphere and have people look to me for inspiration, their daily laughs, or whatever. Now I'm realizing, that is a bad goal to have in mind. Here are my goals that I think I have for my blog.
1. I want it to be a place where people can know what I believe. I want it to be a place where I can share my testimony and a place where I don't have to be afraid to express that. How lucky I am to be in a country where I can do that!
2. I want it to be a place where people can be inspired. I don't want it to be a place where there is a bunch of negativity, although I'm not going to limit myself (I have my bad days). I want to share uplifting things in the world that is so full of bad things.
3. I want it to be a journal. So many things happen that are great to have a record of. It's exciting to go back and read what I've written and see how I was feeling, and see how my style has changed or improved.
4. I want it to be inviting. I want to keep it changing and a place where it has an inviting mood and is fun to look at so people want to read it. (this is kind of starting to sound like a house, maybe that's why I like it, it's MINE and I can do whatever I want with it and if somethings wrong with it it's my problem, not because of what a family member did.) I want the music to be positive, the language to be clean (though, can you really see me swearing in real life, let alone on a blog?). The whole look of it needs to be appealing, not to pick on anyone, please forgive me if your blog is like this, but I can't stand the blog backgrounds that are all about trends, peace signs, dark hearts, twilight backgrounds (though I'm a fan as much as anyone else), neon colors, etc. Keep it simple and clean, that's who I am.
5. I want to have it be dependable. If you look at my archive I have really REALLY stepped it up when it comes to writing. When I first started I wrote 3/4 posts a MONTH. Last month I wrote 22! That's only 9 days I missed that month. I am doing better than those family members I looked up to for regular blogging. I want it to be a place where you can count on me being there.
6. I want to be an example. I want people out there to be able to look at my blog and say "hey, not all teenagers are into icky stuff, some actually know what they are talking about, some have dreams and goals and know who they are and realize they aren't the only person in the universe". I was going to start into something but it has to be for a later time. I want it to be a place where people can see the benefit of the young women's program and what a difference it makes in MY life, can't even mention all those around me. I want those reading to know I'm just like you, I have trials and strengths. The thing that is getting me through is my faith in Jesus Christ and the church, that's the difference. And I hope that by blogging you can see that.

Anyways, hopefully my blog posts will be for the benefit of those.

I am soooo excited for coming blog posts! So many great posts, I'm finally accomplishing things in my life.

See the World Through the Eyes of a Child GC

Well, I think I've already been doing that through Ande and my posts, like the one of me going on a walk with her, and then yesterday's post about Halloween. But one thing I'm really looking forward to is the Christmas season. I cannot wait to show Ande the magic in Christmas. The bright lights, the elves, the music, hot chocolate, trees, decorations, and SANTA! This will be the first Christmas where she finally knows of these things and gets to see how truly magical this time of the year is. I wish she was old enough to know the spiritual aspect of it.
I am jumping in my seat thinking about all the festivities that are coming up where she can find joy and she can learn and her eyes can become bright with the sweet spirit that is around this time of year.
I simply can not wait.