10:00 am Saturday - I was preparing for an opera masterclass. My nerves were slowly rising from my stomach to my chest. I had to do something to prevent my heart from exploding. So naturally, I made a quick playlist. The playlist wasn't extensive. It just included three of my all-time favorite albums. These three never fail to comfort me in a time of need. As I was thinking about these three albums, I realized my brothers' influence on my musical tastes.
Album #1 - Oldest brother, Dave, introduced me to this favorite - Mika, Life in Cartoon Motion
Album #2 - Second oldest brother, John, introduced me to an awesome kids that I love dearly - Justin Roberts, Meltdown
Album #3 - Third oldest brother, Jake, introduced me to my favorite band and another comfort CD - Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband, Dream Big
I love my brothers so much. It is wonderful to find their influence on me, because I feel blessed to have been influenced by them. I see their influence everywhere - the choices I make, the things I enjoy, the music I listen to, the things I do.
I don't know exactly what I'm trying to say, but I think sometimes we take siblings for granted. And I don't ever want to do that. I will try to never take for granted the influences God has blessed me with.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Rock on
This semester I am taking Geology 101. Despite what you may be thinking, it is actually one of my favorite classes so far. The teacher is great and he makes learning about dirt really exciting. This week we learned about layers. A Mr. Hutton, an old, dead geologist, discovered the geologic principle,
It's true. I am a rock. Life has taken me through landslides, peaceful rivers, volcanoes, and metamorphism. Some experiences help me grow, some wear me down, and some carry me to extraordinary places. Each one of them contribute to my character, my layers. What's on the surface may be deceiving, but with one slight peek beneath the surface, you will discover the layers. Layer upon layer adds brilliance, beauty, and individuality.
Often times, I wish the weathering and erosion would give me a break so I could breathe and enjoy the ride. But no matter how much I wish, trials never go away. And I guess I wouldn't want them to go away. Because it is during those rough times that we grow in experience and beauty. The Grand Canyon is nothing without weathering and erosion. I am nothing without trials and hardships.
I wish that I could peel back all of the layers of the people around me. I want to learn all about their life travels. Where did the volcanoes, rivers, and wind carry them? What caused them to become so beautiful?
Rocks and people all have a story to share. Let's listen and learn.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
"The present is the key to the past."
The layers of rock we see today teach us about the past - what living organisms were on earth, how old the earth is, etc. As I was thinking today, I thought, "I am a rock."It's true. I am a rock. Life has taken me through landslides, peaceful rivers, volcanoes, and metamorphism. Some experiences help me grow, some wear me down, and some carry me to extraordinary places. Each one of them contribute to my character, my layers. What's on the surface may be deceiving, but with one slight peek beneath the surface, you will discover the layers. Layer upon layer adds brilliance, beauty, and individuality.
Often times, I wish the weathering and erosion would give me a break so I could breathe and enjoy the ride. But no matter how much I wish, trials never go away. And I guess I wouldn't want them to go away. Because it is during those rough times that we grow in experience and beauty. The Grand Canyon is nothing without weathering and erosion. I am nothing without trials and hardships.
I wish that I could peel back all of the layers of the people around me. I want to learn all about their life travels. Where did the volcanoes, rivers, and wind carry them? What caused them to become so beautiful?
Rocks and people all have a story to share. Let's listen and learn.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Dumb
I've learned a lot these last few weeks, and I'm trying to catch up my blog with all of my inspirational thoughts. At the BYUSA adventure experience, I truly learned so much. It was ridiculous. In a lesson, the teacher said this:
"I was scared. But the things I experienced... weren't scary at all. I was just being dumb."
One of my greatest flaws is that I kind find fear in almost anything. I fear what people think. I fear that I will have bad health when I grow up. I fear I will run out of gas in the middle of nowhere on the way to Idaho. I fear that I am not trying hard enough. I fear that I will fail. I fear. Period. When I am afraid, it overwhelms my whole body. I hate it. But I am slowly realizing that I could live in fear of everything, but that would be dumb. Plain stupidity. Yes, it is natural to feel afraid, but it is a choice. We can choose to conquer our fears and have faith. The two- fear and faith- cannot coexist. I know I can do hard things. God knows I can do hard things. He has faith in me, I have faith in Him, so I can have faith in myself and my surroundings and forget my fear.
Let's go. Let's forget our fears and move on. Let's jump over the fences of fear and graze in greener pastures. Without fear we can accomplish so much more. We can be who we were truly meant to be - divine human beings.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Let's go. Let's forget our fears and move on. Let's jump over the fences of fear and graze in greener pastures. Without fear we can accomplish so much more. We can be who we were truly meant to be - divine human beings.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Stalactites
Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Minnetonka caves with the most amazing group of people - my BYUSA team for this coming year. The caves and the people are both important for this blog post.
Like most other caves, the Minnetonka caves contained hundreds of beautiful formations - stalactites, stalagmites, etc. Despite the chill and dampness of the caves, it was a beautiful to be there. It was amazing to behold a six foot stalactite that had been hundreds of years in the making. My amazement continued as I learned that most of the stairs had been created by men who were paid very little to do a excruciating, life-threatening job in almost pitch black. They sacrificed so much just so thousands could have access to the underground beauties. As we toured the various caves, we approached a stalactite formation that had been vandalized by boy scouts. They had knocked it off and tried to glue it back together to no avail. Another stalactite had a dark, mulchy coloring unlike the creamy, tan colors of the other formations. The guide told us that this is what happened to formations that were smothered in oils from human hands. The stalactite had been contaminated and couldn't grow anymore.
What a contrast. People who chose to preserve and protect and people who chose to vandalize and contaminate the formations. This is similar to our lives. Each day as we interact with different people, we have a choice. A choice to protect and preserve or vandalize and contaminate. Individuals, like rock cave formations, grow slowly, year by year, experience upon experience. It often takes humans so long to grow so little. Each inch of growth - spiritual, emotional, physical, social, etc - is very important. The time it took for us to come this far is easily backtracked. I think that it is important that as we interact with people we choose to preserve and protect their personal growth. Help them grow more. Don't smother them with criticism, negativity, insults, or ignorance. Even the casual remark, brief neglect, or forgotten smile can slow down the growth of our fellow men.
As I thought about this, I glanced at the 27 phenomenal students and the several coordinators surrounding me. My heart grew two sizes as it was filled with gratitude. I had known most of these people only 24 hours, yet they had all made the decision to preserve and protect me. They gave me the benefit of the doubt and loved me despite not knowing me. At that moment, I knew this year would be great. I was surrounded by people who wouldn't smother or vandalize my efforts to grow, they would only enhance my growth.
Let's choose today to uplift all of those who we may meet. Let us preserve them with a simple smile, encouraging words, or a bear hug.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Like most other caves, the Minnetonka caves contained hundreds of beautiful formations - stalactites, stalagmites, etc. Despite the chill and dampness of the caves, it was a beautiful to be there. It was amazing to behold a six foot stalactite that had been hundreds of years in the making. My amazement continued as I learned that most of the stairs had been created by men who were paid very little to do a excruciating, life-threatening job in almost pitch black. They sacrificed so much just so thousands could have access to the underground beauties. As we toured the various caves, we approached a stalactite formation that had been vandalized by boy scouts. They had knocked it off and tried to glue it back together to no avail. Another stalactite had a dark, mulchy coloring unlike the creamy, tan colors of the other formations. The guide told us that this is what happened to formations that were smothered in oils from human hands. The stalactite had been contaminated and couldn't grow anymore.
What a contrast. People who chose to preserve and protect and people who chose to vandalize and contaminate the formations. This is similar to our lives. Each day as we interact with different people, we have a choice. A choice to protect and preserve or vandalize and contaminate. Individuals, like rock cave formations, grow slowly, year by year, experience upon experience. It often takes humans so long to grow so little. Each inch of growth - spiritual, emotional, physical, social, etc - is very important. The time it took for us to come this far is easily backtracked. I think that it is important that as we interact with people we choose to preserve and protect their personal growth. Help them grow more. Don't smother them with criticism, negativity, insults, or ignorance. Even the casual remark, brief neglect, or forgotten smile can slow down the growth of our fellow men.
As I thought about this, I glanced at the 27 phenomenal students and the several coordinators surrounding me. My heart grew two sizes as it was filled with gratitude. I had known most of these people only 24 hours, yet they had all made the decision to preserve and protect me. They gave me the benefit of the doubt and loved me despite not knowing me. At that moment, I knew this year would be great. I was surrounded by people who wouldn't smother or vandalize my efforts to grow, they would only enhance my growth.
Let's choose today to uplift all of those who we may meet. Let us preserve them with a simple smile, encouraging words, or a bear hug.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Great Mercy
I've been thinking a lot about friends lately, and I have been hearing this hymn a lot. Very fitting.
Each life that touches ours for good reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above thru words and deeds of those who love.
What greater gift dost thou bestow, what greater goodness can we know
than Christ-like friends , whose gentle ways strengthen our faith, enrich our days.
When such a friend from us departs, we hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory, bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.
For worthy friends whose lives proclaim devotion to the Savior's name,
Who bless our days with peace and love, we praise thy goodness, Lord above.
Now, I know you can read this and get a lot out of it. But I would just like to emphasize the truthfulness of this song. God blesses me so much by surrounding me with wonderful people. I am positive that I don't deserve these blessings, but I am so grateful for their words and deeds and the laughter and smiles they provide. There is no greater gift or goodness than my friends. They are all such wonderful examples to me in multiple ways - spirituality, kindness, courage, strength, confidence, happiness, care-free, I could go on forever. My friends, despite their religion or faith, strengthen my faith and enrich my days.
Sometimes, when I look back on people I used to be friends with, I get a bit sad. But it truly is a miracle. Friends leave an imprint on my heart. Even though many things can never be the same with people who lose touch, one thing is always for sure - they have left a sweet and hallowed memory in my heart forever. Even though friends may go separate ways, I can take comfort in the knowledge that I will hold them in my heart forever. Not only that, but memories of these wonderful people bring my closer to God.
I am a stress case. I worry a lot, and I drive myself completely insane. Can you imagine how crazy I would be if I didn't have friends to bring me peace and love. Friends provide for me a sanctuary where I can be myself and forget my worries and my strife. Friends=Hakuna Matata. I am not worthy of my friends. Truly, I praise God for sending me such remarkable people. I can't express my gratitude, but the lyrics to this song sum it up pretty well.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Each life that touches ours for good reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above thru words and deeds of those who love.
What greater gift dost thou bestow, what greater goodness can we know
than Christ-like friends , whose gentle ways strengthen our faith, enrich our days.
When such a friend from us departs, we hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory, bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.
For worthy friends whose lives proclaim devotion to the Savior's name,
Who bless our days with peace and love, we praise thy goodness, Lord above.
Now, I know you can read this and get a lot out of it. But I would just like to emphasize the truthfulness of this song. God blesses me so much by surrounding me with wonderful people. I am positive that I don't deserve these blessings, but I am so grateful for their words and deeds and the laughter and smiles they provide. There is no greater gift or goodness than my friends. They are all such wonderful examples to me in multiple ways - spirituality, kindness, courage, strength, confidence, happiness, care-free, I could go on forever. My friends, despite their religion or faith, strengthen my faith and enrich my days.
Sometimes, when I look back on people I used to be friends with, I get a bit sad. But it truly is a miracle. Friends leave an imprint on my heart. Even though many things can never be the same with people who lose touch, one thing is always for sure - they have left a sweet and hallowed memory in my heart forever. Even though friends may go separate ways, I can take comfort in the knowledge that I will hold them in my heart forever. Not only that, but memories of these wonderful people bring my closer to God.
I am a stress case. I worry a lot, and I drive myself completely insane. Can you imagine how crazy I would be if I didn't have friends to bring me peace and love. Friends provide for me a sanctuary where I can be myself and forget my worries and my strife. Friends=Hakuna Matata. I am not worthy of my friends. Truly, I praise God for sending me such remarkable people. I can't express my gratitude, but the lyrics to this song sum it up pretty well.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
At the ol' ball game
Today in church, I had lots of good, inspiring thoughts. This was one of them.
Life is a baseball game. You have a coach who knows what is best and is there to guide you. You play on a team made up of people you love. They support you in everything you do, even when you fail miserably. They cheer you on and encourage you. You have fans as well who you might not know personally, but from far away, they are impressed and you often motivate them to be better. You are on an allstar team, but there is also a pretty good team opposing you. They mock you in various ways (hey Batter! Batter! SWING! Batter! Batter!), distract you from what is important (the game), and they may even cheer when you make a mistake. There also may be hidden ruts in the field that trip you or slow you down. But despite the opposition, you are supposed to hit this really fast-moving ball, with a stick and run from first base, to second base, to third base, and then home again.
You see, life is a baseball game. We have a Heavenly coach who knows all and can guide us through anything. We have a team made up of friends and family, fans who may be our friends or who we may not know at all. There is always opposition whether it be temptations, Satan, being made fun of, etc.(Hey Batter! Batter! SIN! Batter! Batter!) We experience trials regularly like a rut in a field. We have tasks and missions set out for us that we must complete like a player must touch all of the bases before running home. And our ultimate goal is to make it home -home to our loving Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and our family for eternity. And when we make it home, it is like scoring a point for good, for righteousness.
Go team!
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Life is a baseball game. You have a coach who knows what is best and is there to guide you. You play on a team made up of people you love. They support you in everything you do, even when you fail miserably. They cheer you on and encourage you. You have fans as well who you might not know personally, but from far away, they are impressed and you often motivate them to be better. You are on an allstar team, but there is also a pretty good team opposing you. They mock you in various ways (hey Batter! Batter! SWING! Batter! Batter!), distract you from what is important (the game), and they may even cheer when you make a mistake. There also may be hidden ruts in the field that trip you or slow you down. But despite the opposition, you are supposed to hit this really fast-moving ball, with a stick and run from first base, to second base, to third base, and then home again.
You see, life is a baseball game. We have a Heavenly coach who knows all and can guide us through anything. We have a team made up of friends and family, fans who may be our friends or who we may not know at all. There is always opposition whether it be temptations, Satan, being made fun of, etc.(Hey Batter! Batter! SIN! Batter! Batter!) We experience trials regularly like a rut in a field. We have tasks and missions set out for us that we must complete like a player must touch all of the bases before running home. And our ultimate goal is to make it home -home to our loving Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and our family for eternity. And when we make it home, it is like scoring a point for good, for righteousness.
Go team!
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Speaking
Nothing speaks more directly to my soul than music and lyrics. The combination of words, melodies, harmonies, and rhythm pulls my heart to the surface. My emotions become raw and unbelievably real. I can't quite describe it, but the song can always exactly describe my music. The floating melody, the blending harmonies, the words - all of them combine to perfectly define my being at that particular moment.
Some people can study and listen to music at the same time, but that is not a possibility for me. Music distracts me. Music overwhelms me and my mind floats elsewhere. There is no concentrating when there is music on. But I wouldn't have it any other way. The way music speaks to me is worth the sacrifice.
Just like someone who is learning a new language may understand the language better than they can speak it, I feel like I understand music better than I can speak it. Music speaks to me, but I can't always seem to speak its language as fluently as I wish. But you know, that's alright. I feel entirely blessed that music speaks to me so frequently and fluently. Someday, when I can speak music fluently, I will describe to you how it makes me feel.
Basically, what I'm trying to say is music speaks to my soul and often defines me at many different moments in my life.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
Some people can study and listen to music at the same time, but that is not a possibility for me. Music distracts me. Music overwhelms me and my mind floats elsewhere. There is no concentrating when there is music on. But I wouldn't have it any other way. The way music speaks to me is worth the sacrifice.
Just like someone who is learning a new language may understand the language better than they can speak it, I feel like I understand music better than I can speak it. Music speaks to me, but I can't always seem to speak its language as fluently as I wish. But you know, that's alright. I feel entirely blessed that music speaks to me so frequently and fluently. Someday, when I can speak music fluently, I will describe to you how it makes me feel.
Basically, what I'm trying to say is music speaks to my soul and often defines me at many different moments in my life.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
And that's what Jenny thinks.
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