25 More Things You Don't Know

I was looking through my blog and came across an entry with 25 things you don't know about me. Jill had asked for 50 and I said I would do the other 25 later. I don't want to make a liar out of myself, so here ya go!
1. For some reason I am embarrassed to admit that I like to sing, but I really really do!
2. Every single time I hang out with someone, when I get back and I'm alone I analyze everything I said and what I should have said or done differently. It's quite exhausting.
3. Even though some of the church pop music stuff is pretty cheesy, I like it
4. I have to be holding something to be able to fall asleep
5. Sometimes I get offended way to easily. Workin on it!
6. I like to make up crazy stuff to do
7. I can entertain myself with just about anything
8. I like to do research on how to help kids with disabilities in my spare time
9. I hate admitting that I like someone or that I want something for fear of disappointment
10. I love corny jokes. They make my day
11. I think I laugh differently depending on if I REALLY think its funny or if I'm just being nice.
12. I used to have an extremely thick accent.
13. I don't like eating in front of people, but when I'm alone I don't stop eating.
14. My favorite thing to do is to ask people a bunch of random questions to get to know them better
15. I don't like telling people what my favorites are
16. I've done four knitting projects and thrown all but one away. The one is hiding.
17. Half my clothes are from DI
18. I'm pretty sure I'm addicted to popcorn
19. I'm learning how to branch out and eat more than just chicken nuggets and fries
20. I like the way boys smell and I'm sensitive to it
21. Most of the things I say are quotes from nieces and nephews
22. My dreams are never normal
23. Horton Hears a Who is probably one of the best movies ever
24. Most embarrassing moment- I peed my leotard at a gymnastics meet because I was too embarrassed to ask to go to the restroom
25. I like to try to be creative when doing stuff, but I'm not that great at it. It's still fun though!

Strength follows Adversity

Things have been pretty crazy the past month. The hardest thing that has happened is that Grandad passed away. He has taught us all a lot and we will never forget all of his weird quirks. While I was at home it just seemed like it was one thing after another. It felt like things would never get better. While trials are still present in my life, I have a stronger testimony of so many things because of the adversity that I have faced.
Sometimes we wonder why everything happens to us all at once. Often in church we reply with because the Lord is testing us to see if we can make it. Somewhat true. However, the Lord knows what we can handle. He knows us better than we know ourselves. I think He tests us and pushes us to a point where we don't think we are going to make it so that we can see how strong we actually are. I know for me that sometimes I feel that all is lost but I still have a glimmer of faith and somehow I always make it through. I have the strength to do hard things as I rely on the Lord. I know that is true.
I also think trials occur to allow us to use our faith that we have been building up during the hard times. As we use this faith, we simultaneously increase our faith on faith. Crazy, eh?!?! Trials are such a blessing to it and it is sad that at times we lose focus of that. God knows what we need. We have to trust him and know that He is going to do what is best for all of His children. Because God loves us, He gives us adversity. He gives us the opportunity to be humbled and rely on Him. Adversity allows us to step back and look at our life and re-prioritize. It allows us to gain experiences that we can use to help others in the future. It refines us and strengthens us. I am grateful for the adversities of life. He never said it would be easy, but it is most definitely worth it.
Everyone will face adversity in their lifetime. Not to worry though, as Elder Wirthlin said, "every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude." The promise of eternal life and knowing that one day we WILL live with God again is enough to get me through even the hardest of times. I know I will be blessed for being faithful despite, and perhaps even because of, the adversity that I face in this life.

Spring Term

Michael dumped me which is a bummer, but it is alright. I am making lots of new friends and enjoying my time up here! I am taking a class on how to teach writing and I actually like it a lot. I am excited to do a research paper on how journal writing affects middle aged students with emotional/behavioral disorder with their anger management. It should be pretty cool.
It has been raining a lot this week. I really like the rain, but I HATE the worms. Worms are disgusting little creatures and they are slimy, wiggly, and just downright nasty. Their guts are all over the place because everyone steps on them and it is super gross.
Not too much is going on right now. Just waiting for Cami to have her baby. We have a cool ward activity tonight that I'm excited for. It should be fun!