Tomorrow I speak in Devotional : Task #24

I am very excited to give the thought in front of my school for devotional tomorrow!

With the excitement though comes some CRAZY nerves...

I hope no one reads this before tomorrow morning when I give the thought... 

If you do... then SHHHH... Don't give it away!

I can do ANYTHING good

by: ME

What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

·        Would you have the courage to take challenging classes and do what it takes to be an “A” student?

·        Would you work toward accomplishing your goals?

·        Girls, would you go sit by that kid from your English class who is sitting alone in the café?

·        Boys, would you ask that sweet girl out that you have been making awkward eye contact with in class for the past month?

Brothers and Sisters, I testify the power and success that comes from positive thinking. I also testify of the even greater power that comes from trusting in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

In the April 2003 priesthood session, President Monson said:

“Life’s journey is not traveled on a freeway devoid of obstacles, pitfalls, and snares. Rather, it is a pathway marked by forks and turnings. Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed: the courage to say, “No,” the courage to say, “Yes.” Decisions do determine destiny.”

He then went on to say:

“…Though the task seems large, we are strengthened by the truth: “The greatest force in this world today is the power of God as it works through man.” If we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. That divine help, however, is predicated upon our worthiness. To sail safely the seas of mortality, to perform a human rescue mission, we need the guidance of that eternal mariner—even the great Jehovah. We look up, we reach out to obtain heavenly help.”

With the Lords constant guidance in our lives we will not fail. As we live our lives righteously with a positive attitude, spirituality, faith, determination, and courage we WILL not fail in life. We... can... and will do... ANYTHING good.

Of this I testify, In the name of Jesus, Christ

Amen.

BOOM, there you go. Three Minutes in front of a good number of students.

I really hope I don't wet my pants...

-Oh but I will be wearing a skirt-

...You get the point.

LOVE, ME

Trials: The Lords Perspective

You know, recently (as you can probably tell by my lack in blog posts...) I have been struggling through the muddy parts of life. AKA... I've had a few trials lately.

Well sir, let me tell you something.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Also known as "the Mormon church"

Is true.

The GOSPEL is perfect.

The people in it are not, but that is the point of life, to learn and grow.

Awwwh... God is Good.

I've felt the love and peace that comes from reading the Book of Mormon recently...

For, it is on the days that I did not read it that I found myself feeling unable to move forward through trials.

I feel as though I can testify of the LOVE our Heavenly Father has for us.

He sent us HERE on earth so that we could follow the plan and learn for ourselves how to become more like him.We rejoiced in the plan which allowed us to come to be tested and tried on earth because we understood that there must be an opposition in all things. We were so excited for this adventure.

Recently I have found so much peace and comfort through trials as I have come to realize that the Lord will never leave us alone... and as my best friend Charlotte told me:

" If he brings you to it, he'll bring you through it..."

Those are words of wisdom.

In fact? If he brings us to it, he will bring us through it and then as you are faithful through it, he will shower you with blessings from on high.

I know that my life has great things coming.

So I am making the choice to find joy in the journey NOW and then.

Life is simply wonderful.

I am a blessed girl.

Love, Sydney

Day #23: Family TIME

Task #23: Strengthen Family Relationships

Drove home to Orem to spend some time with my family.

Tried to tell them I loved them in word and deed.

SUPER successful.

I love my family.

And I am constantly working on getting better at showing it.

Love, Me

Day# 22: I'm a SUPPORTER

Now today's task was kinda different. I didn't really WANT to do this but decided that I SHOULD..

So?... I DID!

Task# 22: Attend the Schools Volleyball Tournament

I am just glad I didn't get hit in the face with the ball or something.

Love, The Supporter

Day 21: Got my BOOGIE on!

Today I fulfilled a few things but will tell you about two of them

Task # 21: Make T-shirts and wear them to a dance. LET LOOSE and go CRAZY!

Check!

and

CHECK!

I love my life, I love my friends... Everything is wonderful.

We had some GOOD, CLEAN FUN!

Gotta love the BC

Love,

The Party Animal

Day 20

Task 20: Sit by someone new

Well, someone new sat by ME.

Her name is Niki and she is quite a doll.

She sat by me and talked to me in the Caf and I was so grateful.

I love Christ-like people. She is DEFINITELY one of them.

Love, me

Day 19: Guess who got way behind in posting?.... again.

Task #19: Do Insanity Work out!

CHECK!

Have you ever done it?.... SOOOO hard. 

But SOOOO good.

Guess who wasn't walking too well the next day?...

SORE.

LOVE, The Sydster

Day # 18: Another Quick Post!

So, this year I am working on being a better student.

In order to do this I have had to change a lot of things.

I am very happy to report that I am an A student. I plan on getting A's at the end of this semester.

Here's one thing I decided to change today to fix that.

Task #18: Take notes in EVERY SINGLE CLASS. You'll learn more and remember more!

I felt good!

I felt smart!

I felt WONDERFUL!

I find it VERY exciting going to classes these days, I am becoming a good student who LOVES to LEARN! The thought that I can ALWAYS learn something new is very inspiring to me. I will NEVER learn too much!

Ahhh, God is Good.

He gives us school, church, and other ways we can LEARN and GROW!

With Humility, 

and MUCH love...

-The "A" Student-

Day # 17 Monday Madness

Drove to Orem with my pals so that they could get a haircut from my Mom.

Spent the day there, relaxing, doing homework, and obviously HAIR as well.

WELL... the classies and I decided that we were going to go back up to Salt Lake and go to a dance that night.

The dress was "Decades"

PERFECT I thought. 

Cross another thing off my list.

Task #17: Dress in a 40's-50's inspired outfit and wear it somewhere. Get decked out, head to toe!

That I did my friends,

THAT I did.

Each one of the classies dressed up in a different Era. See if you can tell which is which.

40's-50's - ME

60's - Hay

70's - Charly

80's - SJ

90's - Kar

We had a blast getting ready for this dance.

There was a whole lot of laughter at the incredible "hair height" some of us were able to accomplish.

Quite tragically though,

the music at the dance was a drab...

and we got there a little late anyways.

HA oh well, Life goes on and is STILL FABULOUS!

Ready, Set, ACTION!!

Love, Sydney Darling

Day # 16: Happy happy SUNDAY!

Tonight I did something that I have, actually done before.. 

I had a Sunday get-together.

BUUUUUUTTTT...

Let me tell you the fabulous thing I checked off my list TODAY...

Task # 16: MAKE DELICIOUS FRENCH TOAST

Yes, I know what you may be thinking right now.

You've never made french toast before?!..

Well no. I haven't.

Here's the reason...

I, quite simply, have never really liked French Toast, so why make it?!?...

And once again... there you go.

Because I have never really enjoyed French Toast.. I decided to make my OWN recipe and make it so that even I enjoy eating it.

So as I started happily slaving away in the kitchen (Now when I say "Slaving" I mean more of an "Indentured Servitude" type of slaving [I signed myself up for that job!]) the doorbell kept ringing and more and more people kept showing up.

Grand Total: 32 people

for the record...

That IS the record for # of persons crammed into that living room

I am proud.

But more than the number of people who showed up,

I am VERY proud of my FRENCH TOAST.

As many people left they commented on that being the 

"best french toast they had ever had"

(I wonder if I could get a ribbon for that?...)

What was my secret? Many of them asked.

Well here's what I used.

French Toast:

Thin White Bread

Vanilla

Milk

Eggs

Vanilla

Cinnamon

TOP SECRET GLAZE SAUCE INVENTED BY ME: (Or so I like to believe)

Milk

TONS of White Sugar

Tons of Brown Sugar

Vanilla

Butter

Lots of HEAT

LOTS of STIRRING

Lots of LOVE.
Sprinkled with powdered sugar.

AMAZING.

Satisfied.

Good Day to you!

Love, Betty Crocker Herself

Day #15: My Crazy-Awesome Life.

Task #15: Dye my hair...

Always wanted to do it...

Never have.

I was too scared to go all out so I dyed my hair a warm dark blonde... maybe one day I will work up the courage to go darker.

Anyways, Yesterday was amazingly fun. 

The CLASSIES and I went to Orem.

(Which is where my family lives)

And my Mom did mine, chars, SJ, and Tyler's hair.

What a classy day.

I love my life.

LOVE,THE DARK BLONDE.

Day # 14: SUCH a fun NIGHT

This is going to be a quick post. 

Task # 14: Hang out with someone new!

His name is Andy.

He is way awesome.

CHECK!

LOVE MY LIFE!

Love, me

Day # 13: Simplify The Life I am living

Good day my fellow blog lovers!

I have (yet another) confession to make. 

I do too much.

Well at least my brain does. 

ahhh... I know.

Terrible.

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." -Leonardo Da Vinci 

(Quoted by Dieter F. Uchtdorf, LDS Church First Presidency)

That is my quote of the day.

I definitely need it.

So do you know what I did for my task today?

I MEDITATED! 

HA!

Not exactly a way to simplify my life but It really helped me compartmentalize the things in my mind and simplify it as well.

Bliss I tell you, bliss.

Task # 13: MEDITATE (Crossed Legs, Hands and EVERYTHING!)

I looked a little something like this.

Minus the yellow jump suit.

oh, and the fabulous scenery. 

In fact, I was wearing a dress today.

And I just happened to turn all the lights off in my office and found a lovely corner in my office.

It took the stress headache far away.

BEAUTIFUL.

I think this will become a common occurrence.

Take some time to connect your

Mind, Body, and Spirit.

Its quite remarkable.

LOVE, 

the Buddha woman!

Day #12: Day in the life of a classy Citizen!

Well hello there!

Yesterday was a BRAIN-EXPLODING day.

It was still a great day though.

I learned this: I can do hard things, I can do ANYTHING in fact as long as it is the Lords will, and so long as I have his help.

BOY do I need his help.

ANYWAYS,

In the recent quest to become a more classy Citizen, I have worked on several obvious things such as: Posture, the way I dress, the way I treat others, etc.

Some things that I have figured out in my thoughts about some less obvious ways I can be more classy are:

-Picking up trash (On the floor in the halls or walking outside on the streets)

-Clean the table before I leave it (In public and at home)

-Leaving the public restroom better than I found it

etc.

etc.

So for Task #12: Be a "less obvious" but more classier citizen

I am going to make these things a habit in my quest to become more of a classy person

Because I care about myself, others around me, and the world I live in..

For God created them all.

I am grateful to live such a wonderful life. 

Mine is filled to the brim with blessings.

Talk to you a little bit later!

LOVE, SYD

Day# 11: Check!

Here I am again.

Lovely.

Today was my first REAL day of school.

That last sentence probably either made you shutter in disgust

oooor it quite possibly could have made you jump for joy with excitement for me.

I,

my dear bloggers

was jumping for joy with excitement.

Not quite kid on Christmas, but you get the point.

It was quite a darling day, and two sweet fellow schooler's even came up to me and told me they read my blog.

I was thrilled.

It's fun to know that my somewhat exciting life

is actually somewhat exciting to other people.

So I just wanted to take a minute and say thank you.

thank you for reading.

And for liking me. :)

Now, back to task!

Task# 11: Take time to study alone in the library.

That I did.

And you know what?

I think I am going to do it more often.

And a result of me doing it more often will be a beautiful set of STRAIGHT A's!

Now, I don't know how many of you know this...

perhaps you can see evidence of some, or all of my blog posts.

but I am going to let you in on a secret.

I, Sydney

am ADD.

HA, yep, that'ss right... you heard me, the cats out of the bag, la la la, what ever.

But while my little ADD brain and I sat in the library and worked together I got so much homework done! The only distraction I had was a full bladder, and an instant idea for the list I am about to share with you.

5 Studying Tips for EVERYONE 
(definitely good for people with ADD)

1. Find somewhere quiet and secluded. (For me it was a study room in my school's library)

2. Clear and prepare your area  (Declutter)

3.Get rid of all distractions (Phone, computer, other assignments, etc.)

4. Review topics the day you are given them (Don't procrastinate instilling them in your memory.)

5. Just DO it! You can sit there and stare at your paper all you want. You can fiddle with your pen, tap your fingers, think about that good looking boy/girl in your last class, day dream about your next blog post, or what ever your distraction may be...

BUT

You could ALSO...

Close your eyes, clear your mind, focus all your attention in to the task at hand, and then just GO to work. ACT, DO, BEGIN, ACCOMPLISH! I did this today, and I definitely see success in my future!

Happy day you guys,

Go and DO something new...

like... RIGHT NOW!

Love, ME

Day #10: I'm consistantly a day behind in the RECORDING of my tasks

Hello, hello!

Here I am, yet again a day late in recording my task for yesterday.

Now yesterday wasn't exactly a TASK but it was (of course) something I had never done before. Something I had ALWAYS wanted to do.

Yesterday, I had an interview to be an EFY counselor for this SUMMER!

ahhh...

I was nervous, but so excited.

In about 4-6 weeks I could quite possibly know what my plans are for almost the whole summer.

And since I love living a life ruled by plans, to do lists, etc.

I am VERY hopeful to know whether or not I got a job.

I did the best I could.

&

I feel as though it is in the Lords hands now.

Task #10: Apply and Interview to be an EFY Counselor!

Boom! 

And There you go.

Much love,

the LM&LL lady

Day #9: MISSIONARY SUNDAY

Sunday is always a good day.

This was a DAY full of the topic of missions.

I drove down from Salt Lake to go to Best Friend, Cameron's Homecoming Talk in church.

He did SO well, I was a proud best friend.

That, I am excited to say though, is not the only exciting thing that happened as I sat there smiling from ear to ear for him.

As I sat there, I felt a small "flame" be ignited in my heart...

It was a burning desire to serve a mission.

This has never happened to me.

I feel so excited.

So unsure,

So bright eyed and bushy tailed.

I think I am going to serve a mission.

In December of this year I will be able to start my papers.

Sometime next year I will probably be serving the Lord.

Sharing the gospel, teaching this message of happiness, peace, and JOY wherever I am called to serve. I could not be more excited!!

Well, this leads me to Task #9: Write a Missionary!

Meet Elder Gluch! (It's pronounced like GLUE, cool huh?)

He's serving in Taiwan.

Quite the handsome young devil I must say. 

(Wait... not a devil.. but you know what I mean!)

The thing that makes me the happiest about him is that he is out there

working hard,

riding a bike around,

speaking a very difficult language,

SERVING the LORD.

Doing his work!

That will be ME! 

NEXT YEAR!

...that is... unless the Lord has different plans for me. 

Which he might...

BUT

We'll see. 

Love,

MEEE

Hey you!

JUST DO IT!
whatever "it" is... DO it!
Ready, Set, ACTION!

Day #8: Hola Bonitas!

In seventh grade, I took spanish... It was hard for my little ADD brain.

I honestly didn't put the work in it to do well... 

Plus I only took one year of it.

That was it.

It wasn't until that lovely day during my junior year when I went to the Dominican Republic that I wished I had taken more years of spanish.

So guess what I decided to do for task number 8?

Well, have you ever seen "Other Side of Heaven"?

The part where he is learning the language so he reads one verse from the tongan book of mormon or what ever language it is. And then one verse in English.

Long story short, he ends up learning the language!

SOOOO

Task #8: Get a Book of Mormon in Spanish and read a verse from each every night

So yesterday, Char and I FINALLY did it. We went to good old Deseret Book and got ourselves a spanish Book of Mormon.

I started last night and I am excited to get rollin!

Love,

Sydney 

Day#7: Done, and DONE!

It was New Student Orientation at the LDS Business college, and because of my responsibilities on Student Council. I got to be there RIGHT at 7 am.

Lovely, right? 

yep.

ANYWAYS... the reason why I am telling you this is because the night before, my phone died.

and I didn't know where my charger was.

SOOOO I was worrying all evening that I wasn't going to be able to wake up at six am to get ready.

So I prayed

and I prayed

and prayed a little bit more.

And guess what happened the next morning?

A miracle.

In the early morning I was suddenly awaken, and it was still dark outside.

Unaware of what time it was, I quietly crept down the stairs to avoid waking the sleeping girls that were sprawled out on the living room floor.

I rubbed my eyes and focused on the time the clock showed

6:08am.

I quietly made my way back up the stairs again and fell to my knees in prayer of thanks for the little miracle Heavenly Father had blessed me with.

On my way to the school I thought to myself how I could do something different today for my task.

And then it came to me.

I needed to go out of my comfort zone in some way today.

so...

Task # 7: Talk to people you don't know. Go to them, don't make them come to you.

So this is what I did. And although I didn't get any photos to share with you today..I was excited to report that I fought through the awkwardness I felt, and walked up to several new students at lunch.

I think oftentimes I find myself shying away from opportunities to get to know and be friendly with people because I am insecure with myself. Sometimes I get so self conscience of being awkward that I miss out on chances to be friendly, kind, and all together Christ-like.

I am missing opportunities to grow. 

It is because of this very fact that I chose this task today.

GO and DO.

Follow the impressions to talk to people.

Just DO it!

My life gets better and better every day, because I am choosing to ACT!

I am so grateful.

With Love,

Sydney

Day #6: LOVE LOVE LOVE my LIIIIIIIFE

My Dear friends, 

I am happy to report that I am still "Just Doin' It!"

Yep, I sure am.

With a few very minor set backs (aka Technical Difficulties), I am finally on a roll again.

And tonight as Charlotte (Only the coolest chick anyone could ever ask for) and I sat and worked on task #6, we watched one of the most romantical movies of all time........ We leaned against each other, sighed and then over and over again agreed that:

"We are SOO in love with LOVE..."

And as impatient as our young minds may get at times, we are so grateful that we are single.

We are so grateful that we have a life full of love to look forward to with our future darlings.

As for now, we've decided that we love our exciting lives. We have decided that we are going to keep loving, keep improving, and keep being the classy (more or less ;)) ladies that our Heavenly Father intended us to be. 

Ahhh... Life is so good.

"My cup runneth O'er"

  actually is a phrase that comes to mind when thinking of my life - that so consistently is filled to the brim with blessings from on high. 

This year is already beautiful.

Magnificent,

Exciting,

Fulfilled,

And if I might be so bold, I'd say this is my best one so far.

I've got great friends, some dear friends in Orem, 

and some dear friends here in Salt Lake.

I have a hilarious, and awesome family who I love so much.

I have the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that brings so much peace, everlasting joy, and meaning to my life.

I have these things and so much more. 

I have music, whether in my head, streaming through my green headphones, or crooning from the speakers of my computer... 

It's all so beautiful. I am a lucky girl. 

Sometimes, I even sing duets with Dean Martin, Frankie, Sammy or Nat in my car late at night. 

(I think I might be in love)

My life is bright and brilliant.

Now, back on TOPIC: No, not love... but TASK #6: Have a CRAFT night

CHECK!

Done,

and

DONE!

These are paper plates... that are going to be hung on someones door. Someone we LOVE of course.

We're hoping it'll make their day...

Who ever they are.

Cute huh?...

We thought so!

with love & a tired yawn,

-Syd...oh, & Char too-

MUAH!

DAY# 5!! : A little late on the post.. sorry

So yesterday I went to document my post about task #5 and guess what?...

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES. ugh.

So here I am today, posting my task from yesterday...

which will be the same as every Wednesday for the rest of the year.

ACT of KINDNESS (Service)

YAAAAYY.

Yesterday we made cookies for a dear friend.

The only problem was that he is Lactose intolerant...

hahah... great.

It's the thought that counts, right?

 this is Char... and SALLY my awesome roomate!! (She's from CHINA!!! I love her!)

Wow, I wear that headband and that sweater.... QUITE frequently.. :)

Love, Syd

Day #4: First day in the GREAT SALT LAKE city

Day # 4 Task: Read a book in a book store!

My dear best friends, Charly and Karli came with me on my adventure today. I have always loved reading, I have always LOVED book stores as well. So naturally, my task today I decided to do something that I had never done before...

...something that I have always dreamed of doing... 

TODAY, on this VERY lovely day in the GREAT Salt Lake City, I checked yet another thing off my list!

THANK YOU Barnes and Noble.

 haha...apparently we need help.

I assure you that we really did read... these pictures were just us documenting the experience!

What a wonderful evening with two of my best friends!

want to know who else we hung out with tonight though?...

He's really cool, and looks like a famous person.

.... Coolest kid in the world. His name is Seth... 

We like him.

...Not just because he looks like that guy who plays Edward...

We LOVE our lives!

Ready... Set... ACTION!

xoxo, Syd