Arise

It seems the theme of "Arise and Shine Forth" keeps appearing in my life.  We had a lesson on it last week in Relief Society and tonight I sang in a Jenny Phillips' fireside centered around this.  Of course, it is the youth theme for this year, so naturally it is rather wide spread, but I've been pondering more about it than I ever have before.  In the past, when I heard that phrase, I mostly thought of being a good example and focused on the "shining" part.  But I've been realizing the importance of the very first word.  We are commanded to "arise."

Arise is a call to action.  It's not a passive thing.  Sister Elaine S. Dalton said, "Arise and shine forth is a call to each of you to lead the world in a mighty cause."  I love that.  It is too easy to live life passively (at least for me).  It is much easier for me to be an observer rather than a doer.  But "arise and shine forth" is a call to action.  I must not sit passively expecting people to come to me.  No, we are not agents to be acted upon.  I'm done waiting around and letting other people take the action.  I've decided that I'm going to get out of my shell more and "arise."  I'm going to leave behind the cares of the world and rise up, not just for myself, but for others.  I'm going to act and serve and befriend and lead, just as Sister Dalton asked us to do.

I love the scriptures.  And I love how there are always new things to learn from them.  I'm sure one day I'll be reading this same scripture and gain a whole new layer of understanding.  So wonderful.

Life in Provo

 So I'm back in Provo as you may have gathered from my last post and life is great!  I was worried about going to school during the summer and feeling burnt out, but so far I can't complain.  I suppose it helps that I am only going to school right and not working right now.  I've gotten used to going to school and working 20 hours a week, plus an hour commute each way and so life right now seems like a piece of cake!  Though it would have been nice if my job didn't fall through.  Oh well, this is a welcome reprieve.  And I will be teaching sewing lessons again and hopefully doing some babysitting soon to keep some money coming in.

But right now, life is a breeze.  I forgot what it's like to have large chunks of time to study and to be able to really delve into a subject.  I can actually get all my homework done, get enough sleep, and still have time to be social more than once a week.  Who'd have thought going to school could feel so much like a break?  It also helps that I'm only taking three classes (though since it's condensed it's fast and furious).  They are certainly challenging - especially accounting, but I'm enjoying them.  I also have found myself falling in love with acting and singing all over again in my acting and voice lesson classes.  (I probably will write a whole post about acting because I feel like I'm learning so much about life and myself in it.)

This weekend has been great.  Friday, my sister picked me up from school and we met our roommate, Kelsey, at the mall.  We tried on sunglasses and my sister almost convinced me to buy these crazy Edith Head (who Edna Mode from the Incredibles is based on) looking sunglasses.

 

The sunglasses looked a lot like this.  Don't worry, I didn't get them after all.

Then we went to the "red lipstick event" at Sephora and got our red lips on.  Oh how I love red lipstick!  (But that may be obvious to those of you who are around me much.) 

Saturday morning Jen and Kelsey and I went for a bike ride over to the Farmer's Market.  That may not sound like that big of a deal, but for me it was.  You see, I haven't ridden a bike in years.  The last bike I got was in third grade.  I think I actually last rode in junior high, but still, it's been a while.  It took me a bit, and it turned out to be a confidence issue more than anything else, but I did it! It's about time I conquered that fear. 

The Farmer's Market itself was wonderful.  More of a craft fair than fruits and vegetables, but it was still wonderful.  I love seeing the fruit of people's hard work and creativity.  I love talking to people at Farmer's Markets.  We met so many friendly, wonderful people. 

Just arrived at the Farmer's Market

The three of us after our lunch of El Salvadorian pupusas.  

And yes, we all wore hats.  Kels and I are always looking for occasions for wearing hats.  I think riding bikes over to the Farmer's Market on a Saturday morning is the perfect occasion for wearing a hat.

Fourth of July

Jen and I after running the Freedom Run 5k. Aren't the shirts really cool this year?

Jen attempting to take our picture on a timer. For some reason I really like this picture.

My fourth of July outfit. I believe holidays are for dressing up. I had people ask me all day if there was a reason I was dressed up, and I simply said, "for the holiday." Someone even said I looked like Snow White. Can't say I minded that : )

Family BBQ with the family, done inside with class.

Stadium of Fire, fireworks.  We had the perfect view of them and fireworks all along the valley at my friend's ward party.  This is how fireworks are supposed to be in my mind.  Big, beautiful, and with friends.

Yesterday was a fantastic Fourth of July.  Probably one of my favorites.  Good company, good run, good fireworks and good food... Except I don't even want to think about food because I've been in bed all morning sick.  Luckily yesterday was such a good day, it almost compensates for being sick.