Dumbledore: "Words are, in my not so humble opinion, our most inexhaustible form of magic."
Alma 31:5 - "An now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just - yea it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword [wand], or anything else, which had happened unto them - therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.
Get it? Words are magic or the word of God is brings the spirit, which is the magic that can transform us and change our hearts. Therefore, the word of God = magic.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
7, 49, 1176, 70560
However you look it at, that's how long I have until I report to the MTC. weeks, days, hours, minutes. It's all the same. I was going to post it on facebook, but when I tried to do that, I threw up a little bit inside. Too real.
Don't get me wrong, I'm really excited. It's just still a little surreal. It's a bit like a good hamburger with all the goods on top. It tastes sooooo good. But in one bite there is just too much to swallow.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Don't get me wrong, I'm really excited. It's just still a little surreal. It's a bit like a good hamburger with all the goods on top. It tastes sooooo good. But in one bite there is just too much to swallow.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Who Woulda Thunk
Sometimes life takes you by surprise. Two years ago I never would've thought I'd be the person I am today. I never thought that:
my heart would melt whenever I listen to opera
52 days from now would mark the first day of my mission to California, Santa Rosa
I'd miss provo
I'd refer to myself and the collective BYU as "we"
"[Bilbo] used often to say there was only one Road; that it was like a great river: its springs were at every doorstep, and every path was its tributary. 'It's dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door, ' he used to say. 'You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.'"
Life's quite the adventure, isn't it?
And that's what Jenny thinks.
my heart would melt whenever I listen to opera
52 days from now would mark the first day of my mission to California, Santa Rosa
I'd miss provo
I'd refer to myself and the collective BYU as "we"
"[Bilbo] used often to say there was only one Road; that it was like a great river: its springs were at every doorstep, and every path was its tributary. 'It's dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door, ' he used to say. 'You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.'"
Life's quite the adventure, isn't it?
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Sorting and struggling
Struggling for words, that is. My mind, my heart, my whole being is a bit all over the place - like the tazmanian devil. My heart longs to write what is going on, but it just isn't happening. I don't know whether I should write about fear, excitement, guilt, blessings? All of these feelings and more sit inside of me like giant, pukey mess. Forgive my graphic imaging. There doesn't seem to be anyway to sort out the pukey mess, so I might as well embrace it. Oops. Another gross visualization.
The solution isn't simple or even possible. But I can tell you some things that I think would tidy up this mess:
A walk with a friend
A drive with the windows rolled down, and me and someone else singing at the top of our longs.
Okay. So I went with the messy barf analogy. But now that about it, that holds bad connotations. I don't feel bad, just a little bit.... overwhelmed, nope not that.....ummm..... maybe foggy? Yes. Foggy. I'm a little fogged up. Nothing is clear except for a few, very important things. Let the other important things fall by the wayside. No big deal. Right?
And that's what Jenny thinks.
The solution isn't simple or even possible. But I can tell you some things that I think would tidy up this mess:
A walk with a friend
A drive with the windows rolled down, and me and someone else singing at the top of our longs.
Okay. So I went with the messy barf analogy. But now that about it, that holds bad connotations. I don't feel bad, just a little bit.... overwhelmed, nope not that.....ummm..... maybe foggy? Yes. Foggy. I'm a little fogged up. Nothing is clear except for a few, very important things. Let the other important things fall by the wayside. No big deal. Right?
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
All my trust
Today was an answer to prayers. A productive day, filled with things to do, places to go, people to see. It was nice to visit campus again and feel at home - with a purpose and peers I recognized. It was nice to chat with a good friend who had nothing else to do but chat with me.
As I drove home, relishing in the goodness of the day, I listened to some awesome country music. Like this
Nothing better. I glanced a little to the left to see this.
I call them, "Joseph Smith Rays." Magical. I glanced in my mirrors and saw this.
A magical rainbow. They were both put there as a confirmation that things will get better and everything is alright. He is looking out for me.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
As I drove home, relishing in the goodness of the day, I listened to some awesome country music. Like this
Nothing better. I glanced a little to the left to see this.
I call them, "Joseph Smith Rays." Magical. I glanced in my mirrors and saw this.
A magical rainbow. They were both put there as a confirmation that things will get better and everything is alright. He is looking out for me.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Infancy
I wish I was a baby. When a baby is presented with something new, he/she has no fear of exploration and discovery.
In contrast, when I am presented with a new situation, fear wells up in my stomach, my mind races with self-conscious worries, and I begin to doubt everything I knew before.
Therefore, I wish I was a baby.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
In contrast, when I am presented with a new situation, fear wells up in my stomach, my mind races with self-conscious worries, and I begin to doubt everything I knew before.
Therefore, I wish I was a baby.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
This summer is just another chapter
I'm feeling a bit lost for words, and overwhelmed by teary emotions I approach the end of my summer. "My summer" because I owned this summer. So many firsts, so much learning, hard decisions, growth, changes, and, of course, a ridiculously large amount of partying.
I'm nearly brought to tears thinking about becoming Beatrice and weekly trips to Trafalooga. I can hardly stand the number of goodbyes I spent. My stomach flutters when I think of new relationships I formed and relationships the merely grew. Sadness drowns my heart when realize that the Villa is no longer "home." That my friends don't live next door. That there isn't Macey's icecream just down the street. That nothing will ever be the same.
Nothing will ever be the same.
That's a hard truth to swallow. And I find myself having to swallow it more and more every day. But I must swallow hard, digest, and move forward. I'm definitely not the same woman I was 3 months ago. I am stronger and smarter. I can face the world before me with new knowledge and insight. I can do this...
...but not without a few tears and quick glance back at the magical summer that brought me to this point.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
I'm nearly brought to tears thinking about becoming Beatrice and weekly trips to Trafalooga. I can hardly stand the number of goodbyes I spent. My stomach flutters when I think of new relationships I formed and relationships the merely grew. Sadness drowns my heart when realize that the Villa is no longer "home." That my friends don't live next door. That there isn't Macey's icecream just down the street. That nothing will ever be the same.
Nothing will ever be the same.
That's a hard truth to swallow. And I find myself having to swallow it more and more every day. But I must swallow hard, digest, and move forward. I'm definitely not the same woman I was 3 months ago. I am stronger and smarter. I can face the world before me with new knowledge and insight. I can do this...
...but not without a few tears and quick glance back at the magical summer that brought me to this point.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
How to
How to tell when you are happy/living life to its fullest:
You don't have time to read from your humongous blog-list. And you don't care. You are much too content in your own life to try to enjoy another someone's life for even five minutes. All you care to do is relish in your own happiness and joy and then write about exactly that.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
You don't have time to read from your humongous blog-list. And you don't care. You are much too content in your own life to try to enjoy another someone's life for even five minutes. All you care to do is relish in your own happiness and joy and then write about exactly that.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Somewhere more familiar
The other day, I was listening to my friend describe her road trip home to Ohio. As she was driving through Indiana, she began to cry. The surroundings and environment were so familiar to her that she felt like she was home, even though she wasn't. Yet.
As I was sitting there my brain was freaking out
*Attention. Attention. Life Metaphor. This is a Life Metaphor. Attention.*
While we are away from our Heavenly home, we often see and feel things that bring so much peace, and we wonder why. Well, I know why. It reminds us of home, heaven, our Heavenly Father.
Oceans, animals, music, friends, family, words - all of them are put here to remind us of a more familiar place. I can't wait to go home.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
As I was sitting there my brain was freaking out
*Attention. Attention. Life Metaphor. This is a Life Metaphor. Attention.*
While we are away from our Heavenly home, we often see and feel things that bring so much peace, and we wonder why. Well, I know why. It reminds us of home, heaven, our Heavenly Father.
Oceans, animals, music, friends, family, words - all of them are put here to remind us of a more familiar place. I can't wait to go home.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Road Map
Today, I had the fabulous opportunity to sing in a masterclass, where the master was Dolora Zajick. While she may not be the most endearing person, she definitely motivates you to become better. Within 12 minutes of working with me, she bluntly told me, "You are a self-protected person. You need to loosen up and let it all hang out."
I wanted to say, "Really?! How'd you guess?" with a very sarcastic tone in my voice. I think every teacher of mine has come to this conclusion in a similar, ridiculously short, amount of time.
Ms. Zajick was right. Yes, I am a very self-protected, self-conscious person. It comes with my horrible perfectionist mentality. I've known this for years, and now she knows. What she doesn't know is where I've been and how far I've come.
It got me thinking. Wouldn't it be nice if every time you met someone, they also handed you a road map of where they've been and where they are headed?
But then again, relationships wouldn't be necessary and getting to know someone would be superfluous. The mystery and discovery of the "relationship" process would be lost completely. But just thinking about this idea motivates me to find out more about who my friends really are. Where have you been? What makes you the person you are today? Think for a second or two.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
I wanted to say, "Really?! How'd you guess?" with a very sarcastic tone in my voice. I think every teacher of mine has come to this conclusion in a similar, ridiculously short, amount of time.
Ms. Zajick was right. Yes, I am a very self-protected, self-conscious person. It comes with my horrible perfectionist mentality. I've known this for years, and now she knows. What she doesn't know is where I've been and how far I've come.
It got me thinking. Wouldn't it be nice if every time you met someone, they also handed you a road map of where they've been and where they are headed?
But then again, relationships wouldn't be necessary and getting to know someone would be superfluous. The mystery and discovery of the "relationship" process would be lost completely. But just thinking about this idea motivates me to find out more about who my friends really are. Where have you been? What makes you the person you are today? Think for a second or two.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Tag, you're it!
Do you remember when you were little and you would play tag? There was a home base, or just a "base" where no one could harm you. No one could touch you. Some kids wouldn't leave the base for fear of getting caught. But most kids were satisfied running around and coming home occasionally to catch their breath.
Last night, I caught my breath. I love all of my friends, and each helps me in an extraordinary way. But I will always have a home base - friends I can turn to, be safe with, and return to the world, running with renewed courage. It doesn't matter that we haven't seen each other in months or even years. And it especially doesn't matter when our lives change so much, you're not sure it will ever be the same. It's not the same, it's better, like cheese or wine (so I've heard).
Every day, I am left to wonder what I did to be blessed with so many wonderful friends. As Julie Andrews sings in the sound of music,
"I must have done something good."
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Last night, I caught my breath. I love all of my friends, and each helps me in an extraordinary way. But I will always have a home base - friends I can turn to, be safe with, and return to the world, running with renewed courage. It doesn't matter that we haven't seen each other in months or even years. And it especially doesn't matter when our lives change so much, you're not sure it will ever be the same. It's not the same, it's better, like cheese or wine (so I've heard).
Every day, I am left to wonder what I did to be blessed with so many wonderful friends. As Julie Andrews sings in the sound of music,
"I must have done something good."
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
I remember days
How to make all of your days good:
Don't rely on the energy from the bag of cookie dough you just ate
Think ahead and charge your ipod (or a friends' ipod) before work
Don't let good friends make you eat bad things
Read your scriptures in the MORNING. (why must I always forget this one).
Sleep
Work hard
(Now, if only I could think about these things at the beginning of the day - not at the end)
And that's what Jenny thinks
Don't rely on the energy from the bag of cookie dough you just ate
Think ahead and charge your ipod (or a friends' ipod) before work
Don't let good friends make you eat bad things
Read your scriptures in the MORNING. (why must I always forget this one).
Sleep
Work hard
(Now, if only I could think about these things at the beginning of the day - not at the end)
And that's what Jenny thinks
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Happen
I cannot believe the happenings of the last few months. I am overwhelmed by the new creature I have become. Opera, friends, mission call, temple, family vacation - a drink, blended and chopped together, that I partook, not knowing how it would affect every fiber of my being. Not only does the newness burn in my heart, but it also sparks in my fingers and toes.
My tongue yearns to taste the past months' experiences again. But the mind is wise and knows that one cannot look back. One must progress and combine new ingredients to make me into an even better individual.
I wish I could describe how becoming Beatrice, opening my mission call, or my renewed love for family affected me, but words will never suffice the spirit and happiness I feel inside. Giddy, content, full. My heart just doesn't know what to do with itself anymore.
If what they say is true, if progression truly does equal happiness, than I must move on. But I cannot and will not forget what I have learned and who I have become.
Onward ho!
And that's what Jenny thinks.
My tongue yearns to taste the past months' experiences again. But the mind is wise and knows that one cannot look back. One must progress and combine new ingredients to make me into an even better individual.
I wish I could describe how becoming Beatrice, opening my mission call, or my renewed love for family affected me, but words will never suffice the spirit and happiness I feel inside. Giddy, content, full. My heart just doesn't know what to do with itself anymore.
If what they say is true, if progression truly does equal happiness, than I must move on. But I cannot and will not forget what I have learned and who I have become.
Onward ho!
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thank Yur
"Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life - well, valuable, but small - and sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it, or because I haven't been brave? So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn't it be the other way around? I don't really want an answer. I just want to send this cosmic question out into the void. So good night, dear void."
Kathleen Kelly
Kathleen Kelly
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Quirky perks
Costco sized bag of chocolate chips
No shower for 4 days.
Brushing teeth at the kitchen sink
Walks on the beach
Sand up the wazoo - literally and figuratively
phone calls to keep track of family plans every twenty minutes
going through 4 gallons of milk in 4 days
teasing 8-year-old nephew in the back seat and getting in trouble with his parents (my brother)
Unicornasaurus
Walking bare foot. Everywhere.
Twisted ankle, pounding headache, blistering sunburn, scraped knee
Very little to zero phone calls
etcetera
etcetera
etcetera
and much more to come.
This is what I call heaven
And that's what Jenny thinks.
No shower for 4 days.
Brushing teeth at the kitchen sink
Walks on the beach
Sand up the wazoo - literally and figuratively
phone calls to keep track of family plans every twenty minutes
going through 4 gallons of milk in 4 days
teasing 8-year-old nephew in the back seat and getting in trouble with his parents (my brother)
Unicornasaurus
Walking bare foot. Everywhere.
Twisted ankle, pounding headache, blistering sunburn, scraped knee
Very little to zero phone calls
etcetera
etcetera
etcetera
and much more to come.
This is what I call heaven
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
I'm feeling beachy
1. Lots and lots of food
2. some planning
3. more food
On our first night away, we ate at a buffet in Las Vegas.
{My niece, Sophie, has been trained well by her mother, and she said some hilarious things when we were in Las Vegas. When a lady walked by in hardly any clothes she said, "Yucky!" As we walked by all of the slot machines she said, "Those are all of the money wasting machines, right mom?"} The first thing we did on our first full day at the beach - go to Costco of course. We may end up selling all of our leftover food before we leave.
Yesterday, we boogie-boarded, rolled in the sand, and I took a nap. It seems like as long as you are at the beach(or disneyland), everything else in life will be okay. For example, I don't mind the sand in my chips, because I'm at the beach.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Self, Great Day!
I went to sleep last night with this feeling - a feeling that today was going to be great.
I was right
I woke up and within the hour someone texted me about the article I was featured in in the Daily Universe. My friend, Kimberly, thought I was interesting enough to be her "feature article" for her journalism class. Swell. When you are featured in an article, that's about how you feel. Swell. (You can read the article here)
Then I headed to work. My zune (microsoft's version of an ipod) decided it would be a good time to fail. Not a funny joke, but somehow I made it through work listening to my department's mediocre musical choices. But half way through my shift, I no longer cared that I wasn't listening to my own music. Apparently, I'm so good at working that they decided they wanted to hire me full time. Ironic, considering I've complained about some things recently, but nice, nonetheless. Besides, it's nice to feel appreciated every once in a while.
I watched a sweet episode of Ellen. She made me laugh and even forget the wonderful excitement that was ahead of me.
I warmed up, meditated, ate some food, and readied myself for my performance. I felt so prepared. And now I am left speechless at how happy and content I feel. The cast/crew members I work with are constantly lifting me up and tonight was no exception. Wow, words literally cannot express my happiness. Nothing is so satisfying as a job well done. And none of it is possible without my friends and family. I am constantly reminded that I am nothing. But luckily, we have loving Heavenly Father, and loving people that can make us so much more.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
I was right
I woke up and within the hour someone texted me about the article I was featured in in the Daily Universe. My friend, Kimberly, thought I was interesting enough to be her "feature article" for her journalism class. Swell. When you are featured in an article, that's about how you feel. Swell. (You can read the article here)
Then I headed to work. My zune (microsoft's version of an ipod) decided it would be a good time to fail. Not a funny joke, but somehow I made it through work listening to my department's mediocre musical choices. But half way through my shift, I no longer cared that I wasn't listening to my own music. Apparently, I'm so good at working that they decided they wanted to hire me full time. Ironic, considering I've complained about some things recently, but nice, nonetheless. Besides, it's nice to feel appreciated every once in a while.
I watched a sweet episode of Ellen. She made me laugh and even forget the wonderful excitement that was ahead of me.
I warmed up, meditated, ate some food, and readied myself for my performance. I felt so prepared. And now I am left speechless at how happy and content I feel. The cast/crew members I work with are constantly lifting me up and tonight was no exception. Wow, words literally cannot express my happiness. Nothing is so satisfying as a job well done. And none of it is possible without my friends and family. I am constantly reminded that I am nothing. But luckily, we have loving Heavenly Father, and loving people that can make us so much more.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Scary Yellow Bricks
High expectations, busy-ness, disappointment, discouragement, aching toes, an empty stomach, enlightenment, fear, growth, very little sleep, love, embarrassing moments, re-dos and friendship.This weekend has been a bit of an emotional roller coaster. What with late night rehearsals and work early in the morning, it's hard not to be emotional.
I underestimated how much I would learn in this opera experience. I overlooked the challenge. The height of my pride gave me the illusion that this experience would be a short, quick hop over the fence. In reality, I'm facing an opponent the size of the wall of China. The excitement of the moment often causes one to disregard the winding, long, looming road that indeed lies before the Emerald City. When I received this role, no one mentioned wicked witches, angry trees, or poppy fields (metaphorically speaking, of course). Thank goodness, I've got a brain, a heart, some nerve, and a whole lot of support. Understatement of the year- I have been humbled incredibly-there's definitely no place like home(or comfort zones for that matter).
Welp, I'm off to see the wizard. Here's to hoping he can help me rock the stage next week.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
I underestimated how much I would learn in this opera experience. I overlooked the challenge. The height of my pride gave me the illusion that this experience would be a short, quick hop over the fence. In reality, I'm facing an opponent the size of the wall of China. The excitement of the moment often causes one to disregard the winding, long, looming road that indeed lies before the Emerald City. When I received this role, no one mentioned wicked witches, angry trees, or poppy fields (metaphorically speaking, of course). Thank goodness, I've got a brain, a heart, some nerve, and a whole lot of support. Understatement of the year- I have been humbled incredibly-there's definitely no place like home(or comfort zones for that matter).
Welp, I'm off to see the wizard. Here's to hoping he can help me rock the stage next week.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Thoughts on Becoming Beatrice
It's hard to become someone else, when you don't know exactly who you are
Magic is like faith. It cannot exist in the presence of fear.
I(and Beatrice) need to get over ourselves
Some insecurities can be made up for in determination
Firsts are hard. Real hard.
You can find emotions you never knew existed.
Becoming Beatrice has been a long, hard journey. I don't want it to end.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Magic is like faith. It cannot exist in the presence of fear.
I(and Beatrice) need to get over ourselves
Some insecurities can be made up for in determination
Firsts are hard. Real hard.
You can find emotions you never knew existed.
Becoming Beatrice has been a long, hard journey. I don't want it to end.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Heaven
A wise woman once told me that music is the language of angels.
As I was singing in a practice room today, I caught a glimpse in the mirror. Of a young woman with a frizzy ponytail, a concentrated face lacking make-up, a t-shirt and some men's shorts. I stopped singing. Such a plain sight could not possibly produce such a beautiful sound. I sat there thinking for a bit - in awe of the image and the melodies I was witnessing. How could this girl in the mirror be speaking the language of heaven?
I'm first to admit that my voice isn't perfect. But, despite its imperfections, God chose to give me a voice. And for that I am eternally grateful. To feel heaven and angels flow in and out of you on a daily basis is a beautiful thing.
And that's what Jenny thinks
As I was singing in a practice room today, I caught a glimpse in the mirror. Of a young woman with a frizzy ponytail, a concentrated face lacking make-up, a t-shirt and some men's shorts. I stopped singing. Such a plain sight could not possibly produce such a beautiful sound. I sat there thinking for a bit - in awe of the image and the melodies I was witnessing. How could this girl in the mirror be speaking the language of heaven?
I'm first to admit that my voice isn't perfect. But, despite its imperfections, God chose to give me a voice. And for that I am eternally grateful. To feel heaven and angels flow in and out of you on a daily basis is a beautiful thing.
And that's what Jenny thinks
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Things
I learn a lot. I want to blog about it. This week I've learned:
1- How good I'm not.
2- I can control myself when it comes to food
3- You are always happier when you are thinking of others
4- My friends are some of the best people in the world - and they really are all over the world at this point.
5- TV is a waste of my time
6- It's true. Eating healthier does make you feel better... in so many ways.
7- No challenge is to big for me to handle
8- I can do hard things
9- Filling out mission papers is tedious
10- I enjoy solving problems
11- I can become Beatrice.
12- Nothing replaces the smile you see when you give a sincere compliment. Same vice versa
13- etc, etc, etc
One last quote from Emily's blog that really hit me - "Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same thing." Dang it.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
1- How good I'm not.
2- I can control myself when it comes to food
3- You are always happier when you are thinking of others
4- My friends are some of the best people in the world - and they really are all over the world at this point.
5- TV is a waste of my time
6- It's true. Eating healthier does make you feel better... in so many ways.
7- No challenge is to big for me to handle
8- I can do hard things
9- Filling out mission papers is tedious
10- I enjoy solving problems
11- I can become Beatrice.
12- Nothing replaces the smile you see when you give a sincere compliment. Same vice versa
13- etc, etc, etc
One last quote from Emily's blog that really hit me - "Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same thing." Dang it.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
I keep thinking about people, so naturally I will continue to blog about them.
So, we go through life meeting people. When we first meet someone, we really have no idea what will become of that relationship.
For instance, when I casually met Sam in Fall 2009 we were both planning Preference dances and interacted very little. I never thought that a year and half later we would be sitting at Cafe Rio talking for almost 2 hours.
(Sam, I apologize for the picture. It just represents our relationship perfectly. Please forgive me. :) )
For instance, when I casually met Sam in Fall 2009 we were both planning Preference dances and interacted very little. I never thought that a year and half later we would be sitting at Cafe Rio talking for almost 2 hours.
(Sam, I apologize for the picture. It just represents our relationship perfectly. Please forgive me. :) )Around fifth grade, I started carpooling to Salt Lake Children's Choir with Elizabeth. 10 years later and we still keep in touch despite the large plot of land in between Provo and Philadelphia.
(Insert picture of me and Elizabeth here.)
It's amazing how God places people in my life and how he can wind two hearts together. Friendship is a miracle that astounds me daily. If you are reading this, I'm sure you have touched my heart. Thanks.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Kumbaya
I was sitting around the campfire with my family this weekend. I didn't realize how much I love the campfire and how much I miss my millcreek canyon.
But I also realized something else- campfires are riddled with memories.
Falling in the stream with friends at several family parties.
Youth conferences with my fellow Olympus 2nd ward stripling warriors.
Burning school papers the summer after Junior year with my graduated buddies.
Hours of signs and mafia at girls camp.
Getting to know the Madrigals for the first time.
Celebrating Harry Potter's birthday.
Backyard parties.
And more...
As I stared into the wild flames and shimmering coals, I remembered all of these moments. It seemed as though the fire had collected the love from these special moments and kept them for me to experience all over again. The feelings of deep belonging, happiness, and love returned to my heart as if they were all happening again-at the same time. Although it is sad that I have drifted from many of the people in the memories, I am so glad that I can keep them in my heart.
Campfires are magical.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
But I also realized something else- campfires are riddled with memories.
Falling in the stream with friends at several family parties.
Youth conferences with my fellow Olympus 2nd ward stripling warriors.
Burning school papers the summer after Junior year with my graduated buddies.
Hours of signs and mafia at girls camp.
Getting to know the Madrigals for the first time.
Celebrating Harry Potter's birthday.
Backyard parties.
And more...
As I stared into the wild flames and shimmering coals, I remembered all of these moments. It seemed as though the fire had collected the love from these special moments and kept them for me to experience all over again. The feelings of deep belonging, happiness, and love returned to my heart as if they were all happening again-at the same time. Although it is sad that I have drifted from many of the people in the memories, I am so glad that I can keep them in my heart.
"When such a friend from us departs,
we hold forever in our hearts
a sweet and hallowed memory.
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to Thee."
we hold forever in our hearts
a sweet and hallowed memory.
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to Thee."
Campfires are magical.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
It keeps going and going and going and going and going and.....
This is what I need right now. I just need to a breather, just a few seconds, to reflect on this year. Time won't stop slipping through my fingers. I just need a little break to think about the new creature I've become in the last 12 months of living. Because, as much as it surprises me to say this, I have become a new creature. My experiences this year have changed me in unbelievable ways. But the slippery nature of time prevents me from recognizing these changes. Ugh. More thoughts to come. At least I know one thing will never change - my love for Sunday walks.
God should've made life with a pause button.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
God should've made life with a pause button.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Have you changed the world? Would you like to?
The answer is yes. Even if you don't think you have changed the world, you have.
But that's not my point.
I was thinking. Christ changed the world. My most important is the calling to be Christ's hands. When we take the sacrament, we take Christ's name upon us. As I magnify my calling, I have the power to change the world as Christ did - our Savior and Son of God. As I take the sacrament, I act in his stead. Christ cannot be on this earth physically, but we can be his substitute and change the world like He could. I fully accept the calling. I can change the world in ways I do not comprehend. Christ instills power in me to do so.
That is so empowering and motivating to me.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
But that's not my point.
I was thinking. Christ changed the world. My most important is the calling to be Christ's hands. When we take the sacrament, we take Christ's name upon us. As I magnify my calling, I have the power to change the world as Christ did - our Savior and Son of God. As I take the sacrament, I act in his stead. Christ cannot be on this earth physically, but we can be his substitute and change the world like He could. I fully accept the calling. I can change the world in ways I do not comprehend. Christ instills power in me to do so.
That is so empowering and motivating to me.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
I got it made
I am so blessed. But this week, I am particularly grateful for 2 things.
1. Avery Anne Barrett - Okay. I know she doesn't have a middle name, but it just makes the flow so much nicer. Middle name or no middle name, she's still my best friend. We are so similar and so different and I love it. I don't know how I could ever live without her. We share our fears, joys, worries, embarrassing moments, plates, colds, silverware, EVERYTHING. I am so lucky to have her. I still believe the lie my mom told me - that Avery and I were twins separated at birth.
2. Singing - I love singing so much. SO MUCH. I am so blessed to have this talent - the talent to express emotion in the purest, most natural form. There is no explanation for how I feel when I sing. All I know is that when I sing, I feel. I feel everything. And I think feeling is so beautiful. It makes me feel alive. I think Georgia O'Keeffe said it best when she said,
How lucky am I? I can sing and I have the greatest roommate ever.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
1. Avery Anne Barrett - Okay. I know she doesn't have a middle name, but it just makes the flow so much nicer. Middle name or no middle name, she's still my best friend. We are so similar and so different and I love it. I don't know how I could ever live without her. We share our fears, joys, worries, embarrassing moments, plates, colds, silverware, EVERYTHING. I am so lucky to have her. I still believe the lie my mom told me - that Avery and I were twins separated at birth.
2. Singing - I love singing so much. SO MUCH. I am so blessed to have this talent - the talent to express emotion in the purest, most natural form. There is no explanation for how I feel when I sing. All I know is that when I sing, I feel. I feel everything. And I think feeling is so beautiful. It makes me feel alive. I think Georgia O'Keeffe said it best when she said,
"Singing to me has always seemed the most perfect means of expression. It is so spontaneous. After singing, I think violin. Since I cannot sing, I paint."
How lucky am I? I can sing and I have the greatest roommate ever.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Out Loud
All of the knowledge inside your mind, heart, and soul is confirmed as undeniable truth when you say it out loud. An awesome experience today told me so.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
10,000 Lakes
One of my new favorite songs is 10,000 lakes by Ryan Shupe. My favorite line is this:
"Give me eyes to see. To perceive, to believe, to imagine the possibility. The possibilities."
We are all guilty of complaining about our unknown futures. Don't deny it. But there is no reason to complain, really. There are thousands, millions of possibilities. Each of them better than the next. Every day has possibilities that we can't even imagine. We are blessed with the freedom to choose - to choose which possibility becomes reality. What God has in store for each of us is an astounding mystery that I can't wait to discover.
So, please, please, give me eyes to see, to perceive, to believe, to imagine the possibilities.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
"Give me eyes to see. To perceive, to believe, to imagine the possibility. The possibilities."
We are all guilty of complaining about our unknown futures. Don't deny it. But there is no reason to complain, really. There are thousands, millions of possibilities. Each of them better than the next. Every day has possibilities that we can't even imagine. We are blessed with the freedom to choose - to choose which possibility becomes reality. What God has in store for each of us is an astounding mystery that I can't wait to discover.
So, please, please, give me eyes to see, to perceive, to believe, to imagine the possibilities.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Suckers
Life is like a sucker.
It tastes good. Every lick, every moment leaves you wanting more.
Sugar dances on your tongue to your divine enjoyment.
But.....
It's hard. No matter how many times you lick a sucker, it's still hard. Delicious, but hard.
That's how I feel about life as of late. Yesterday, God gave me so many beautiful reminders that I really needed - I'm smart, beautiful, capable of making decisions, and just me. Just as I was beginning to think myself, "Self, Great day! I am so happy, I should get some icecream," God kindly interrupted my happy-icecream-thoughts with reminders that life is still hard.
Life is like a sucker.
It tastes good. Every lick, every moment leaves you wanting more.
Sugar dances on your tongue to your divine enjoyment.
But.....
It's hard. No matter how many times you lick a sucker, it's still hard. Delicious, but hard.
That's how I feel about life as of late. Yesterday, God gave me so many beautiful reminders that I really needed - I'm smart, beautiful, capable of making decisions, and just me. Just as I was beginning to think myself, "Self, Great day! I am so happy, I should get some icecream," God kindly interrupted my happy-icecream-thoughts with reminders that life is still hard.
Life is like a sucker.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Little do they know
Walking on campus, Puccini's La Boheme blasting in my ears. Students clamor around me. Little do they know that I am enraptured in a passionate duet of High C's and Italian accents. Little do they know I'M EXPERIENCING MAGIC, HERE!!!!
I never really use headphones that often. Actually, I am often disgusted at my generation's tendency to be constantly "plugged in." But after my musical experiences today, I think it is safe to say that you might see my head confined between those two little buds more often. Those earbuds carried me from my busy world to a magical place where all of the music was mine. I would like to repeat this experience as often as possible, thank you very much. I shall call it music-magic and it shall be mine and I shall call it my music-magic.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
I never really use headphones that often. Actually, I am often disgusted at my generation's tendency to be constantly "plugged in." But after my musical experiences today, I think it is safe to say that you might see my head confined between those two little buds more often. Those earbuds carried me from my busy world to a magical place where all of the music was mine. I would like to repeat this experience as often as possible, thank you very much. I shall call it music-magic and it shall be mine and I shall call it my music-magic.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Still
His hand is outstretched
still.
After all of our sinning and mistaking, neglecting and forgetting.
still
His hand is outstretched.
still
He just waits for us to reach back.
still
Aren't we lucky?
still
And that's what Jenny thinks.
still.
After all of our sinning and mistaking, neglecting and forgetting.
still
His hand is outstretched.
still
He just waits for us to reach back.
still
Aren't we lucky?
still
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Mush
Why do I spend so much time reading blogs? I love reading words. Bloggers like Emily Janette, Taylor Ann and Courtney Jane create new word recipes almost every day. I can just eat them up. I sit there, tasting and experiencing their thoughts as if they were mine. And they are.
Until I draw my eyes away from their delicious words. At that moment, my own thoughts roller-coaster into my head. I quickly realize that I am not Taylor Ann, C. Jane, or Emily Janette. I am Jenny. My thoughts swim too quickly to be caught and made into a delicious recipe of words.
I am Jenny the wanna-be-blogger-with thoughts that swim too fast, and a life that doesn't slow down. Despite my speed, I must put down my thoughts and make them into something - mush(a soft or soggy mass) or perhaps, someday, filet mignon. So here it is - mush. And it will probably always be mush. But it's my mush.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Until I draw my eyes away from their delicious words. At that moment, my own thoughts roller-coaster into my head. I quickly realize that I am not Taylor Ann, C. Jane, or Emily Janette. I am Jenny. My thoughts swim too quickly to be caught and made into a delicious recipe of words.
I am Jenny the wanna-be-blogger-with thoughts that swim too fast, and a life that doesn't slow down. Despite my speed, I must put down my thoughts and make them into something - mush(a soft or soggy mass) or perhaps, someday, filet mignon. So here it is - mush. And it will probably always be mush. But it's my mush.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
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