Juventud de la Promesa!

Last night, we decided to go up to Salt Lake, and try to get into the Luz de las Naciones, Juventud de la Promesa, in the conference center. It's been over a year since I've really had to use my Spanish. We managed to get tickets out front, and got decent seats up on the balcony.

What a wonderful feeling it is to be among these faithful saints. I sat next to a woman named Juanita, from Venezuela. The family in front of me looked like they had never been in a Mormon church before. I even saw a couple families who definitely didn't speak Spanish. Each child had their own headset for English translation! No matter who people were, we all came together for a celebration of culture and of the Gospel.

What did I learn this week. I still love the Spanish-speaking people. I love the Gospel. I haven't forgotten my Spanish, and David Archuleta sounds just as good singing in Spanish.

Decisions, Stress, and Blowing off Steam

This week was more difficult than I expected. With a lot of deadlines coming up, I met with one of the deans in the Marriott school, just to discuss what I can do to better myself. Per usual, I realized that there are so many more things I should be doing. I need to get internships and jobs, and just learn out to represent myself better. Combine this with decisions I needed to make in my personal life, and by the time afternoon rolled around, I was beat! I thought about just binging out and watching Netflix, but I went for my favorite de-stressor:

Driving! I had a hour and a half before a date, so I broke out of the football traffic, and started blasting up the canyon. I made it all the way through in less than 15 minutes, so I came back and drove all the way up to Aspen Grove as well, probably going much faster than average. But it felt great!

What did I learn this week? Besides the fact that I should take pictures for my blog instead of stock photographs, I need to be more proactive in my own self-improvement. Also, sometimes we just need a good way to blow off steam. Some people go on a run! I, being "less than athletic," prefer blasting up a canyon with loud rock music. Doesn't matter what it is, sometimes we just need a break.

Blessed in things Spiritual and Temporal

This week, I have been so blessed, spiritually and temporally, so lets start off with the spiritual! On Tuesday, I missed ward temple night, but I knew I needed to go. I decided to take a personal trip to the new Payson Temple. First of all, it is fantastically beautiful. This certainly contributed to the feelings I felt inside, but even more than that, were the impressions I got. Ironically, it started in the bathroom. Don't quit reading, I'm serious! For those that don't know, in the temple, we wear white to symbolize purity. Before I went in, I stopped in the nicest bathroom I've ever been in. Looking in the mirror, my clothes looked completely white. I promise it is not due to any special laundry skills that I possess. Instead, I took a moment to think, "Am I as pure and white as these clothes?"

In the Book of Mormon, the Prophet Alma taught,

"I say unto you, ye will know at that day that ye cannot be saved; for there can no man be saved except his garments are washed white; yea, his garments must be purified until they are cleansed from all stain, through the blood of him of whom it has been spoken by our fathers, who should come to redeem his people from their sins." -Alma 5:21

I know this scripture isn't talking about literal clothes. The savior is begging us to use the wonderful gift of the atonement, and that through this gift, we can be completely clean. when we are completely clean, we  are worthy to receive greater guidance from the Holy Ghost.

What will I change because of this experience? Every time I take the sacrament, or attend the temple, I must consider, "Am I clean?" If not, fix it.

Busy Busy Busy!

I don't have much to report this week! I thought that after the grammar test, there would be smooth sailing! I guess I forgot that I'm still a college student, because I was at the library every day until late in the evening! Assignments, readings, quizes, tests, and papers are never ending. But I had a goal. I wanted to finish everything by Friday evening, so I could set this weekend aside for....

General Conference!

It's hard to believe its been six months since out last conference, but it's true! I've already watched two sessions, and I'm starting a list of the ones I want to go back and listen closely. I've got a lot going on in my life, and I know there is counsel waiting for me, I just have to be ready! What have I learned so far? It pays off to set aside time to listen to the words of modern-day prophets. So I'm going to finish this up, and get ready for Priesthood session!