THIS SUNDAY'S MUSINGS

Because of my mother's dietary restrictions, she & my father share the same piece of broken bread of the sacrament.  How beautiful is that - to share this emblem of our Savior's atoning sacrifice with your eternal companion?  This sacred symbol of the ultimate, all-consuming, eternal love of Christ spiritually fills & feeds two souls.

Partaking of your own broken bread is not less-than or less spiritual, my mother simply cannot consume a whole bite of bread without serious physical consequences.  But her special circumstances brought a unique light that filled me with a special love today during the sacrament today.

NELSON DATE PT. EM

Rainy days mid-July call for Nelson dates & driving through pretty neighborhoods.

NELSON DATE PT. OLAF

Only so many of these dates left.

I'M GOING TO BE A MISSIONARY

I've been called as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! I'm assigned to labor in the Colorado Denver North Mission!!!!  I'll be speaking English and report to the Provo MTC October 14th!

I am honored to have been found worthy to represent Christ in this capacity.  I can't wait to dedicate my life to sharing His love with the people of Denver!

"WEEKLY" PICNICS

We had this adorable idea of weekly picnics throughout the summer.

Super cute, right?

But we forgot about this little thing called humidity.

And how when the humidity level reaches above 70%, paired with a temperature above 90 degrees, that things get a little unbearable.

So weekly picnics this summer have been about a handful, but still good.

MESA VERDE

Mesa Verde was one of the most stunning places I've experienced.  It's a beauty that requires pondering.  It isn't a beauty that takes your breath away in the moment.  You don't see it's majestic & grand existence until you've spent time in it, understanding and contemplating it.

DENVAH, CO

First stop of the trip was Deeeeeeeeenver, Colorado!

Visited one of my mom's little brothers & his family.

Got to visit the temple where my parents were sealed for time & all eternity.  Such a sweet experience.

Trekked around the area - Red Rocks (wow), downtown Denver, Mt. Falcon, and the Air Force Academy.  Kicked butt hiking a mountain behind the academy.  Everyone else hiking there had packs on their back that weighed more than me & were totally BA and we looked absolutely pathetic, but one of the best hikes I've been on & it was g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s.

LAST STAKE ACTIVITY

My last stake activity as a youth!  It was wonderful to be able to celebrate the pioneers who laid a foundation & sacrificed an incredible amount for what they believed to be true.  I am eternally grateful for all they've done for us.  I'll miss spending this special time with my sisters, but I'm excited (really excited) for what the future holds for me now.

FIRST DATE + PARTY

We had a surprise first date + party for this sweet girl!  So many wonderful friends & family helped an enormous amount to have it all come together so wonderfully.  From the picnic in the park, to a group of cute kids hiding in the dark, to speeding to get people home before curfew - the evening was a success.

BIRTHDAY TEMPLE NIGHT

We had a girls night at the temple for Elif's birthday.  It was so peaceful to be able to go & spend time to reconnect, away from everything.  My testimony of the learning aspect of the temple is strengthening & I'm so touched by everything He wants me to learn.  Temples truly are the Lord's House & I'm blessed to be able to enter within my family.