My butt has been in overdrive work mode...and its a dang good thing cause I am super behind on watching lectures for classes PLUS I have three exams next week! EEEK! I always forget how crazy October gets for school. Its kind of a bummer because I LOVE fall and I have to miss out on most the fun activities because I am locked away in a COLD, DARK library!

I am going to the temple Saturday! I cannot wait. I really loved conference. I felt like every talk answered the questions in my heart and mind. I have a stronger desire to do better on my commitments spiritually because I know the impact that the Lord has on my life. I also know that putting Him first causes everything to fall into place. That natural man is a pain in the butt...but Imma beat him.

I loved the saturday sessions of conference! I honestly felt like every talk was directed at me. Seriously, each one fit one of the areas in my life that I have been searching for direction and answers. I am so grateful for modern day revelations and for a Prophet who carries the mantel of God; a prophet who is inspired and dedicated, who radiates love and compassion, and who embodies Jesus Christ.

Favorite quotes thus far:

-"The suffering we experience is a valuable, if painful school for improving our own actions."

-"We need to consistently do more and become better"

-"Declare your witness, your testimony to your parents and family"

-"Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely; though we are imperfect, God loves us perfectly; though we are lost and without a compass, God's love encompasses us."

-"Real love does not support self destructive behavior."

-"Do the best you can, all that is within your reach."

-"It is possible to achieve the impossible, it is possible to find true happiness now and forever."

-" The Savior is there-reaching out-asking us to change."

October is going to be my spiritual feast...and I really need it so believe me when I say I CANNOT WAIT!!!

First weekend: General Conference

Second weekend: The Group's Temple Trip (The Group being anyone who wants to come, but specifically including The Brow, JJ, and East Coast Curtis (ECC))

Third weekend: Stake Temple Day (Ward Temple Trip)

Fourth weekend: I'll find something to make it spectacular!

I have had a really uncomfortable feeling recently and I couldn't quite place my finger on it...then I had someone show me a quote and it suddenly made sense:

“TO GET YOU FROM WHERE YOU ARE TO WHERE HE WANTS YOU REQUIRES A LOT OF STRETCHING, AND THAT GENERALLY ENTAILS DISCOMFORT AND PAIN.”

Wow. I have not blogged in FOREVER! It's been crazy busy. I had to go to California for my little sister's wedding (yes I have a sister...its complicated) but before I left I had to take 2 exams and then today I had a huge therapy exam. So needless to say my head has been stuck in the pharmacy books.

I just finished reading this book (The Peacegiver) and once I get it back I will share some quotes/thoughts. It was an amazing book and if you are looking for a book on the atonement that will really move you...well READ IT!

I am really super excited about conference this weekend. I don't really have any exams next week (okay so I have one...but its pharmaceutical ethics...) so I am going to be able to watch all of it! YAYAY!

Today, on my last connecting flight to California, as we were getting ready to land the pilot came over the intercom and informed us that we were carrying home a fallen soldier. There were two honorary escorts on the flight to bring this soldier home. The plane broke out in applause and tears for the young boy who died fighting for our freedoms. As I got off the plane, I saw the escorts with another group of soldiers preparing to remove the casket from the plane. As I sat there with tears streaming down my face all I could think of was, "Well done thy good and faithful servant"

Now I don't know anything about the soldier who died. But it doesn't matter-he died fighting to protect the freedoms which I hold dear-ones we all hold dear. And as I think about all the other many men and women who fight everyday on our behalf, I hold my hand to my heart and I am indeed grateful. I don't care what your political beliefs are-I just hope that as you read this you will take the time to say a prayer for each soldier and take a moment to say thank you for all the ones who have died fighting for us.

Just a reminder to myself:

JUST KEEP SWIMMING

and a extra special thank you to The Brow-I needed that boost.

I went to the Temple today-it was my first time back since I took out my endowments. It was still as beautiful and sacred as the first time. I think I prepared to many things to workout in my heart and head that weighed down my brain, but it was still so important. I love the temple. I love the clarity it brings. I love being taught over and over again. I love being reminded of my covenants.

Most of all I love being reminded that I am a Daughter of God. I think sometimes the world tears women down so much that we forget that simple, yet absolutely necessary trait about ourselves. My friend Arianne made me this CD and on it there is this song that I have listened to almost every day the past two weeks-and every time I do it brings me to tears. That was my favorite part the first time I went through the temple and today I was again reminded that it brings me such comfort, such joy, such love.

Do you understand who you are?
Part of the Father lives in you.
And if you continue on this path
Every promise God has given will come true.

Heaven on earth, in the House of God so much fills your heart and mind.
Woman of great worth, woman of promise, daughter of the divine;
Pure and holy, in a long white dress
You promise forever and you are blessed.
And the Father looks down and the angels surround that place.
They know the truth—all that you can do
And you do too, 'cause you have eyes to see
What heaven sees in you.

Along with this song, there was a section in the BOM that I couldn't stop going back to in my personal studying this week. Inside the temple, I read the verses again and it made sense. I guess my lesson for the temple was to remember that Joy comes through and in our Father in Heaven and our Savior. I am beyond grateful for the love of my father in Heaven. I am grateful for my family and friends who support me constantly. I am grateful for my roommates: for Sarah because she is my partner in crime-my confidant and my friend; for Stephanie because she loves like me and reminds me its okay to be human. I am grateful for the temple. I wish everyone could understand how close we can actually be to our father when we are in the temple. I would give anything to be in the temple every day-it is the one place I know without any doubt that my Father hears me and is constantly there. If only everyone could know that.