Exciting happenings

New pictures from Multnomah Falls in Oregon up on the Portfolio Site!

Happy Sunday my friends!!!

I'm in this really bad habit of starting blog posts and then not finishing them. Which explains my lack of posts. haha ops.

I was writing the other day when my mom said to me "how do you have so much to write about?" haha well to answer your question mom, I guess the more you write, the more you have to write!


And oh my GOOD-NESSSSS there are so many things to be excited about.


Exciting happenings:

1) I have been invited to coach competition team. This is a great opportunity and is proof that things really do work themselves out and that God really is involved in the details of our lives. God cares.

2) I turn 18 on Thursday! That's 4 days away!!! WHOOO!

3) The Ogden temple celebration is this Saturday! After many long practices I am so excited to be able to join together with so many other youth in celebration of this awesome gift the Lord has given us.




4) The Ogden Temple will be dedicated next Sunday! The Ogden temple has been under renovation since I was a 12 year old. It is so exciting to finally have my temple back. By far the greatest 18th birthday present I could ask for!

 5) Conference is coming up soon! For us Mormons the Conference excitement is about the equivalent of Christmas. Conference is an opportunity for everyone to listen to living prophets speak. For me it means the tradition of watching church on TV in my pajamas, It means the tradition of making food with my family, and most importantly it means hearing the things the prophets of God have to say. Every time I watch I receive something that seems to be directed specifically to me. It will be broadcasted on TV, the radio, and online in several places and to learn more about where you can watch or listen to conference CLICK HERE! I encourage everyone, Mormon or not, to tune in to this incredible experience on October 4th and 5th. I promise you won't regret watching!!!



So many fun things. Things are happening and life is swell. In the words of C.S. Lewis:

I love this so much because it speaks truth about the reality of life. Too often we find ourselves reminiscing on the past and wishing we were still there. I feel that sometimes we forget that God has a plan for our future, and not just for our past.  We can't see the big picture so we just assume that there isn't one. God has exciting plans for us, but in order to accomplish those things we must sometimes give up things we desire, suffer trial, and often ride into battle.

After all, you cannot be crowned Kings and Queens of Narnia, until after the battle is won.




The question is not; "who will win" for we already know the outcome of the battle, the question is rather; "what side will we be on?" Because while we already know that God's army will win, it is up to us to decide if we will be fighting for him or against him. And if we decide to fight for him we will find that he has great reward for us. We will find that we become heirs to the kingdom of God, a gift in which I will gladly ride into battle for.

feel my sunlight



p.s. I wrote an ENTIRE blog post. Snaps and claps for me!!!

I'm walking away from power tumbling

 

I have been staring at this blank page for several minutes now. I don't know how to write this post. My heart feels like it is being ripped out of my chest and I think the only thing harder than writing this post will be pushing "publish". But this post needs to be written. So here it is:

I'm walking away from the sport of power tumbling.

This has been a long thought out decision involving lots and lots of tears and even more prayers. And even though I don't want to, I know it is the right decision.

I had planned to tumble one more year before I retire from the sport to go on a mission. But I feel that it is time to let go now. There are countless reasons as to why I've made this decision, but what it really boils down to is that this is what my heart, and what God, is telling me to do.

I think I've know that It was my time to retire for a long time, but I wasn't ready to accept it myself until now.

Tumbling has been my life for the past 11 years. It has been what I eat, sleep, and breath and the thought of not having it scares me, but it also excites me about what the future is going to bring.

Last year I competed at my final tumbling competition. The last 11 years have been long and wonderful, but winning is not something I'm used to. I usually found my self on the lower end of the podium, but at State Championships last year I finished with a silver medal, and in the words of my coach, I "finally pulled through when it mattered most". When that medal was put around my neck somehow I knew it would be my last.

And then Thursday night at the gym was when it hit me. I had my ankle taped and my wrist brace on and I was ready to tumble when the last 11 years began to flash through my mind. I received spiritual confirmation to my many prayers that it was time to be done. Tears began to form in my eyes as I sat there trying not to imagine my life without tumbling. I hadn't said anything to anyone about what I was thinking, when Teri turned to me and said something along the lines of "you know you're done don't you?" It was in that moment that I knew that was it.

I cried on and off for the next hour and a half. I talked with Teri and my coach Steph and I knew that I was making the right decision, even though it was the hard one.

Steph posted on my facebook page something that hit me really hard. She said,

"As I have experienced life I have learned that occasional Heavenly Father gives us clear direction on what to do with our life and THEN the majority of the time He leaves it to us to use our agency. Unfortunately, We can not be given all the answers... Seriously, no fair! Nonetheless, We are here to learn from experience and you have this wonderful opportunity to grow by using the beautiful gift of choice given to you. God will love you always and He will support you. Remember We are your family at Flipside and we love and support you too!
Love you,
Steph"

So, I am walking away from the sport of power tumbling. The only way I can describe how it feels is to describe the ending of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, when Peter and Susan have to say goodbye to Narnia knowing they are never going back. 

 

The greatest things in life happen because you have great people around you. So I have some people I need to say thank you to.


-----------------------------------------------------------

Jill,
You have been a significant part of my life since I was a little 11 year old. You've always been one to make sure everything was right in the gym and I appreciate that so much. Anyone who can get there eye scratched by a 12 year old, and then still love them deserves an award. Haha you always had my best interest in mind and you are a very big reason as to why I am where I am today. Thank you for inviting me to join your first competition team. I remember my first state championship when we only had 11 kids competing and to think about how much we have grown since then makes me so happy. I wouldn't have been able to stick with this sport for all these years if it wasn't for you. I also need to thank you for supplying me with a job for almost 5 years. I love my job so much and am so thankful for the opportunity to work with such incredible people and to have a blast doing it. You are amazing.

Steph,
Oh Stephanie... You have no idea the impact you have had on my life. You have always been the best at knowing exactly what I need, and exactly how to give it to me. Your part in my life has far exceeded the role of "coach". You have become my "Sensei" which includes everything from mentor, to physical therapist, to motivator, to roll model, to best friend. I have always looked up to you. You have gotten me through some of the roughest parts of my tumbling life and I would not have been able to become the tumbler I am today if I didn't have you. I still carry my lucky turtle you gave me whenever I have something hard or tricky I need to do, and the rose you gave me at your last competition is still in my room as a reminder of how much you have done for me. I also still have your autograph because you will always be famous to me. Thank you for all your pep talks, your jokes, and your hugs. I couldn't have done it without you.

Lance,
It's been a while since you've been my coach, but I still need to say thanks. You got me to my first national championships which was one of the most exciting times as a tumbler. I remember the moment when you told me I had qualified as one of the best moments of my life. You believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself. I remember the long nights at the gym with you, Shawn, and my dad as I learned my full, and learned how to get over my fear of the foam pit. There were times when you would stay at the gym until 11:00 at night coaching me. There have been very few times in my life where I have had someone so dedicated to my success as you were. You also inspired me to learn to play guitar. I always loved the way you would bring your guitar to tumbling meets and play to us while we competed. And even though I won't be tumbling forever, I do know that I will be strumming my guitar for a very long time.

Shawn,
You were my first real team mate and have always been one of my best friends. You have been one of my best supporters. When I was a little 14 year old tumbling with the high school and college kids you were always the very best at making sure I was included. I always loved tumbling with you because tumbling with you made me feel like I was somebody. You were one of the very best motivators and you got me through so much. The times we stayed late at the gym were some of the fondest memories I have of tumbling. I will always remember the time we had a funeral for a fire truck and then laughed until we cried. I love that even though we haven't tumbled together for a long time I still consider you my team mate. I can't wait until I get to sit on the other side of the judging table with you!

Teri,
My best friend. I love you so stinking much. You are the best to talk to. I love our long talks that last until after everyone else has left the gym. I always feel like I can tell you things and that you will understand them, including things things inside the gym, as well as outside. I'm so happy that you joined us for nationals in Texas, and that you decided to stick around after that. I love that we share the same childhood heroes and I will always remember the day that we saw them in person and how we both cried. You will always be one of my best friends.

B,
We weren't team mates for a super long time, but you taught me something that I will never forget. You taught me that there is more to life than tumbling. You showed me the kind of life I want to live. You are one of the greatest examples in my life of someone who loves the gospel. You made me love it even more. You are one of the happiest and most fun people to be around and even though you don't know this, you helped show me the kind of person I want to be. I admire the way you can talk to anyone about the gospel and how you can't help but be friends with everyone. Thank you for your example.

Britt,
You are going to do incredible things. You have been such an incredible teammate and you are always so much fun to be around. You are always the person I go to if I want to be crazy because you don't care about what people think. Our game of twister with sponges sums up our friendship in a nutshell. haha Keep being incredible.

Nicole,
You are one of the funnest people I have ever gotten to know. You have brought so much fun to the gym and I am so glad to have been able to know you. I will always remember the  the DI run to get ugly costumes, the all nighter Christmas party, and the team hike. You have made this gym feel like a party. Thank you for your friendship and for being such a great coach.

Kalon,
You have already read how incredible I think you are here, but I need to say it again. You were my biggest roll model when it came to tumbling. You were the person I dreamed of being. But what I admire more than the world records is the way you handle trial, and the way you treat people. You have been through so much, but you are still so strong. I want to be like that. And you are always so kind to everyone you meet and so humble. I still wear a green Kalon Nation bracelet every day as a reminder to live my life like the incredible people I look up to. I will never forget when you told me I made you cry with that blog post. You will forever be the world champion in my eyes. Thank you for being the great person you are.

Justen,
You only coached me a few times, but I always looked up to you in this sport. You have almost 2,500 friends on facebook, but you took the time to learn my name. In the few times you have coached me you have taught me a lot. And I will forever remember the tumbling competition when I finished my pass better than I ever had before and you gave me a congratulatory hug. And aside from tumbling I admire the way you are able to combat trial. You are an incredible person and I am lucky to have been able to know you. And I laugh every time I think about the time we asked you for your autograph and you responded with "no that's weird I know you!"

Miki,
My darling little sister. I love you so stinkin much and I have loved tumbling with you this last year. I know you won't tumble forever, but I want you to know that I love watching you tumble. You make the rides to and from the gym so much fun and you remind me so much of myself when I was a little tumbler. Keep being amazing.

Mom and Dad,
Thank you for allowing me to have this opportunity to tumble. Thank you for the checks that allowed me to do this sport. Thank you for driving me to the gym several thousand times and for spending forty something Fridays and Saturdays at tumbling competitions. There is no way I would have been able to do it without you. I love you!

And to every other teammate and coach I have had over the last 11 years,
You have all had a great impact on my life. I am so thankful for each and every one of you and for the excitement you have brought to this journey. Thank you for the laughter, than you for the friendship. Thank you for everything you have taught me. Thank you to all my coaches for pushing me, and thank you to all my teammates for cheering for me. I love you all so much. Don't every stop being awesome.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

For those of you who are still wondering "Why?" there are several reasons. I won't share everything with you, but I will share the big ones.
1-I need to focus on my school. With tumbling I have almost no time for homework and now that I have 4 college classes I have to be able to do homework at a descent hour during the day.
2-I need to focus on preparing for a mission. It is my biggest goal right now and even though it is still a year away I want to be able to focus on that and not have other things weighing on my mind. This will allow me to spend more time in my scriptures like I would like to.
3-I want to have more time for my callings. I am on Seminary Council, a Family History Consultant, and Laurel Class President and I want to be able to serve to the best of my ability. Lately I haven't been able to do that because I have been preoccupied with tumbling. Thursday night at the gym the song "All Of Me" by John Legend came on the radio and even though it is a different context than what the writer intended the song to mean, I realized that I need to give my all to God, and in return he will give me everything. I once herd a quote that said to "give up something you love for the God I love even more." This never had so much meaning as it does now.
4-Lack of progress. I have been at almost the same level for the last 4 years and it doesn't feel worth it to me to continue in the same place for a 5th when I could be doing other great things.
5-Injury. I have been injured several times with tumbling and with this sport there is no way you can avoid pain. Even though I'm not currently injured enough to unable me from tumbling, I am often in pain. I am tired of the pain. I also fear that future injuries could interfere with being healthy on my mission.
6-I suck at change. I know that this doesn't make sense, but if I were to tumble until I left on a mission I would have to give up everything to do with the sport all at once. I would have to say goodbye to friends and coaches, give up training and competition, leaving my amazing job, and say goodbye to my second home all in one day. I don't think I would be able to do that. So letting go of competition and keeping the rest feels like the better option. I know that the rest will eventually come, but easing into it slowly might be an easier transition.
7-It feels right. Even though everything in my head is telling me it's not, my heart is telling me it's time. I've prayed about it. I've studied my scriptures and this is what I'm supposed to do. This is right for me.

So that is why I'm moving on to the next chapter

And even though I won't be competing anymore, I still do plan to work with the team at least until I leave on my mission in a year. And I will still be in the gym almost every day to coach classes to the little ones just beginning their journey.

I don't know exactly what's next for me. I know that in a year I will serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints and until then I will continue coaching, serving on Seminary Council, serving as a Family History Consultant, and serving as Laurel Class President. I'll keep blogging and growing my skills as a photographer and graphic designer. I will finishing my last year of high school, apply to colleges, and preparing for a mission. I plan on opening up an Etsy shop, taking judging courses so that I can be a tumbling judge when I get back from where ever I go on a mission, and maybe learning to ride horses better.

I can't see exactly what the road ahead of me looks like, but I now that it's good. In the words of C.S. Lewis,

 

I can't wait to see what's ahead.

feel my sunlight

p.s. Shout out to the football team for their win last night! It was an awesome game!

 

we are a meeting attending people

Never in my life have I ever walked out of a meeting that was better than the one we had today. Never in my life have I left a meeting in such a good mood.
Never in my life have I completely fallen in love with a group of people in a meeting.
Never in my life have I ever thought "man that was fun" after a meeting.
Never in my life have I enjoyed meetings.

Living as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, we are often faced with meeting upon meeting for our various organizations; Young Womens meetings (girls 12-18), BYC ("Bishop Youth Council" who are presidents over youth organizations ages 12-18), YCL Girls Camp meetings (5th and 6th year girls who are "youth camp leaders" and in charge of camp), Family History Consultant Meetings (family history consultants help people learn about family history work), and Seminary Council Meetings (a group of youth who help plan seminary activities and invite people to take seminary.)

And those are only the meetings that I personally have participated in.

And I'm only 17 years old.

So we are a meeting attending people. Yet, nobody enjoys meetings. So why do we keep having them?

Because in a church with 15,082,028 members, things need to be discussed, things need to be planned, and meetings need to be held.

I have the opportunity to hold a calling to participate and serve on a seminary council.

As a council we help plan activities, invite others to participate, and ultimately strive to help bring others to Christ.

I've been in a lot of meetings, but for some reason the seminary council meetings are some of the best and most fun meetings I have ever been in. As I left our meeting this morning I began to ponder what sets these meetings apart from other meetings I've been in, and what can I myself help do to make other meetings more enjoyable to sit through.

So here is what I have come up with.

#1 Everyone wants to be there.
Attitude is everything. If you decide that it is going to be boring before hand than it will be, but if you decide that it is the place to be than it will be. Keep a positive attitude no matter what and you will find that you will have a better time.

#2 Participate
Nothing can happen until you open your mouth. Don't be afraid to work your ideas into the conversation. Your opinions matter and things are much more fun to plan when you are helping with the planning.

#3 Share testimony
So far in seminary council I have been able to hear the testimonies of every single person on the council because everyone has been given a chance to give a spiritual thought or lesson. Sharing your testimonies and sharing spiritual thoughts helps bring people together as friends. By sharing testimonies you can bring the people in the meeting closer as a group, and a close knit group is much more likely to get things done.

#4 Listen and qualify
Let everyone have an opportunity to talk. And if you hear something you like then let everyone know. There is no better feeling than sharing your idea with the group and having someone respond by saying "I love that you just said that...." By qualifying and lifting up other people you make it easier for people to share.

#5 Don't forget to laugh
Keep the spiritual moments reverent, but when it comes to discussing activities and whatnot don't forget that a little laugh here and there can make all the difference. Marjorie Pay Hinckley once said that “The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache.” Well I think this same quote can apply to meetings. "The only way to get through a meeting is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache."


 
So there you have it. Ways to make your meetings more exciting. Let me know how your meetings go!



feel my sunlight



p.s.On a totally unrelated note: have I mentioned that I New York for EFY on SATURDAY?!?!?! I'm more than excited and I can not even handle it. It took a lot of work, and I had to give up my chance to compete at National Championships, but let me just say that I cannot handle my excitement for it.

p.s.s. Enjoy this video of a cute old man dancing. This is the kind of mood I am in right now.

Conference: called to serve

Oh how beautiful is the sunshine pouring down from the sky and oh how neglected this blog has been this week. I mean, we had conference and I have yet to blog about it... SHESH! I need to get with the program.

So.... CONFERENCE!!!! 

Conference was fantastic. Incredibly extremely entirely fantastic. I took an entire 60 pages of notes. Yes you read that right....60 PAGES! Granted, I write really BIG and I also draw a lot of pictures that take up space, but still, this should count for some kind of record. Feel free to send me any awards.

This conference brought so much peace and direction into my life just when I needed it the most. 

This conference weekend has reaffirmed my desire to serve a mission in a year and a half. I love this gospel with all my heart and I can honestly say that if the prophet called me up and asked me to leave tomorrow I would go without giving it a second thought. I don't know how I'm going to survive the year and half wait, but I think my mom is glad the wait is there. Oh how I desire to obtain a name tag.

Thanks to this reaffirmed desire, I have spent much of my free time pouring over missionary blogs, pinning missionary things on pinterest, and scrolling through the comments on this facebook page for sisters who are preparing to serve missions. Which is probably why this blog has remained untouched.

So since I am not able to leave on a mission right now I think I'll make this quote my new goal. Whose with me?

So you watched conference... now what? The end of conference is a time to change. It is a time to re-evaluate your life and to see the areas where you could become better. Its a time to listen to the Lord speak through the voice of prophets. The words spoken in conference are true and if we follow what they say we will become better and we will become more like Christ.

I saw a tweet about conference that said

"Day one: take notes

 Day two: take notes

     Day three: take action"

Although it may be "day six" when it comes to conference (thanks to my lack of blogging) we still have time to take action. For me it is becoming a better missionary.

I know that if we follow the words of the prophets and we apply what they say into out lives that we will notice a change in ourselves. I have a testimony of this gospel and I believe it to be true with all my heart. I found so much joy in conference and I can't wait to take action.

What action are you going to take?

feel my sunlight

p.s. for those of you who missed conference you can watch it HERE!

p.s.s. GUYS!! My bangs are finally long enough to fit into a ponytail without being braided!
*cue happy dance music*
*proceed to happy dance*

Tumbling stuff and also conference stuff.

They told me Jr. Year was the hardest year.

They told me third term was the hardest term.

They wonder why third term of Jr. Year makes me cry.

So, I started writing this post a while ago, but due to the above statement it never got finished.

Ah blogging world, oh how I wish I had adequate time to interact with you more often.

So.... meet results.


For those of you who don't know about this meet (you must be new, welcome) click here and here to get the prewrap (see what I did there gymnasts?!) on what went down this weekend two weekends ago. Anyways, I competed at the KLI this last weekend on the 14th and 15th and it went not as expected.

Unfortunately, I had a minor mistake that was sadly unfortunate. It was unfortunate because this kind of mistake discredits the rest of that pass giving you zeroes for the rest of the skills. I finished my first pass okay, and did a pretty good second pass, but unfortunately found myself at the bottom of the totem pole when it came to awards. Last place bites, but you know what? I was okay.

I was okay because of the experience I had at the meet. I had the chance to talk to the one and only Kalon Ludvigson a few times as well as give him a couple hugs. He said that the statement I made about him in THIS BLOG POST mad him "cry for like a week." I hate to make people cry, but in this case I am quite happy about it. Thanks for being the incredible person that you are and for inspiring so many people both inside this sport and outside of it. I will forever feel privileged to be able to say "I know him" when talking about you.

I enjoyed this meet so much thanks to the incredible people I had around me. I must say that I love my coaches so much. Not every coach can make you laugh moments after you make a mistake, but I promise you mine can. I couldn't do it without you.
I also thoroughly enjoyed running around the arena as well as city creek with this fun chick. Teri had been there for just about everything the past few years and I am so lucky to be able to call her my teammate. Love you Teriyaki!!

So, this blog is in need for a return to the gospel don't you think? I haven't written a good solid church topic post in a while. It's time.

I have a few things to talk about. First off, I'd just like to say that temples are the best. They are seriously the greatest thing. I feel so blessed to be able to live so close to so many temples and to have opportunity to perform God's work within the walls.

Secondly, let's talk about conference for a minute.

I love conference.

Last week we had a seminary assembly and I had the opportunity to team teach a short lesson about conference with the incredible Adam Dummer. This topic has been on my mind quite a bit since then and can I just say that I am SO excited for conference.

I want you all to take a second to watch this video. It speaks so clearly the words that I wish to portray to you through my blog

Conference is truly my favorite time of year. Conference morning just about edges out every holiday morning in its greatness. I love it so much because it is a time when we get to hear from real and living prophets.

In the times of the Bible the Lord spoke to his people through prophets. (Think... Adam, Moses, remember those guys? Thought you might) The Lord spoke to prophets in the bible, it would only make sense to me that he would continue to speak to his children through modern day prophets, and HE DOES!

Conference is a time where we are addressed by modern day Prophets, Seers, and Revalators. The Lord speaks through them just as he did in times of old. He speaks through prophets to talk to his people. He speaks through prophets to talk to you.

I have a strong testimony that the words spoken in General Conference are the words of the Lord.

The Lord has declared that...

"whether by mine   

own voice     

             or by the voice 

of my servants,        

      it is the same."

         -Doctrine and Covenants 1:38

Conference is a time of Joy, a time of rejoicing, a time of worship, and a time to turn to the Lord for council. I invite all, whether you are LDS or are not, to tune in on April 5th and 6th to see what this "conference thing" is all about and I promise you that if you sincerely listen, you will be changed in some way.

And to all women ages 8 and up I have another invitation to you.

I have a very strong testimony of conference. I know that these are true and living prophets that are speaking straight from the Lord. I have received answers to questions and comfort in times of trial countless times just through listening to these conference talks. I love conference and I want to share this love of mine with those around me so I ask you to tune in and to partake of this goodness.



feel my sunlight



p.s. Did I mention you can watch conference in your pajamas? Church in your pj's? Greatest thing ever.
p.s.s. This whole "blog post thing" needs to happen more. Don't you think?
p.s.s.s. Shout out to Dallin Checkets who is running for SBO! Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor!

amongst trial

Sometimes you just need mornings filled with sunshine and literature. Words and clear skies make for beautiful mornings.

This is going to be somewhat of a sporadic post with multiple subjects that have no relevance to each other and it will most likely resolve into some churchy topic. It should be exciting.

First off I'd like to give a shout out to Britney who opened her mission call last night to the Uruguay Montevideo Mission. She is going to be a fantastic missionary. Thanks for your example Britney!

(left to right, Me, Britney, and Lauren)

Secondly, I feel this picture needs to be shared just because it is funny and also 100% real.

Isn't this fantastic though?

So, let's talk about tumbling for a minute. This next weekend I will be competing at the Kalon Ludvigson Invitational. For those of you who have been reading this corner of the internet for over a year--which is only few of you due to the recent growth in readers I have had over the last few months--you would remember these two post when I wrote about the international competition competition I competed at and my experience with that.This is happening again this weekend and I can't wait.

I am competing at this same competition this weekend and I am ever so excited for it. It should be an exciting weekend. I'll keep you updated on how this competition goes. 

For those of you who haven't been around this blog long you might not know a lot about what I am talking about. I am a competitive power tumbler. This competition is in honor of Kalon Ludvigson who a year ago was the greatest tumbler in the world. He holds the record for the highest degree of difficulty, or in other words, he competed the hardest passes ever done. I was there when he did this. 

This last August he was injured while tumbling. He is currently paralyzed. I don't know many specific details about his condition and I am in no place to pretend that I do, so I am just going to say this; Kalon has always been an inspiration to me. I started competing in this sport 7 years ago. Kalon has been the greatest tumbler ever since then. I remember watching him tumble for the first time in shock that the human body was even capable of doing what he did. I wanted to be like that.

Over the years I was privileged to be able to see Kalon tumble at just about every meet I attended. Even more than his tumbling I was impressed with his sportsmanship and the way he was ever so humble about his incredible ability. I was also privileged to be coached by him and coach Justen many times at different clinics. I was able to catch a small glimpse of what he was like in the gym away from spectators eyes and this taught me that glory at the meet doesn't come from desire alone, but from lots of hard work which he undoubtedly gave.

Since the accident my respect for Kalon has only grown. His strength has made me realize that awards and titles don't define a person, but rather their actions and the way they treat people does.
Kalon is a fantastic person and I cannot wait to compete at this international competition held in his honor.

Maybe it is the fact that I just finished The Fault in our Stars by John Green which is inevitably about cancer, or the fact that I am competing at the KLI next Saturday, but I am currently in awe with the strength of people going through hard times. I am amazed with these people who have endured the hardest of times, yet still are able to see good in the worlds and who are still able to share good with others.

On this same note I want you to watch this amazing video by Stephanie Nielson who is also one of these incredible people.

I personally don't know what it is like to go through this kind of trial of this magnitude, however, I have through example observed others who do. I have know that amongst the toughest of trial and hardships there is always still good in the world. There will always be dark clouds, and we will always have vegetables to eat, but in the same, there will always be sunny days and there will always be ice cream with sprinkles for dessert. I see life as something to be thanked for. I know that God's plan, if followed, will carry us through the darkest of times until we eventually see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

For me I had to crash your car at 4:45 in the morning to realize just how special mornings are. God teaches us lessons through trials and we will always be stronger for it. Kalon and Stephanie are only two examples of the incredible people I have observed go through immense trial with such grace. I am also amazed with the Carling family who lost their dear mother this last month, with the Winchester family, who lost Paul to Cancer just over a year ago, I am impressed Meg Johnson, with those who knew Clair Kenyon, and with countless other who have impressed me with their noble lives.

It is people like these who make me remember the things that matter most.

I hope we all, weather we or loved ones are amongst the deepest of trials or not, will take a moment to remember what matters most.


feel my sunlight


p.s. I just had the thought that I should write a book but then I realized that that is basically what this blog is, a long book about me, my life, and those things that matter to me. So to all of those who take the time to read this blog of mine I thank you, for you have made this "book" possible.

Why Christ is the center of my life.

 

The Church posted this picture taken by John Power of the newly opened Gilbert Arizona temple that was dedicated this weekend. It is quite simply one of the most fantastic photographs I have ever seen. It just needed to be shared. Click on the picture to go to the original Facebook post.

Now, the first thing I need you to do is click play on this video. It's short, just do it.

This video is a direct representation of how I feel about the gospel and my Savior Jesus Christ. I agree in whole with everything it says and I hope that I can add my testimony in words that will help you understand why I choose to life my life differently. This video asks for me to share my story. This is my story.

I was brought up in an FM 100.3 kind of home. Where Sundays mornings meant smoothies for breakfast and nachos before church. I was brought up in a home where calling someone the "S" word was calling someone stupid. I was brought up in a home where prayers were said before meals and scriptures were read before bed. I was brought up in a home were we strived not only to be "good" but to be "great".

This idea of thinking extended far beyond my white tight years.

My idea of a good time was the time I spent with my wardies at activity days. I was that weird kid that LOVED seminary in jr. high. I couldn't get enough of it. I was (still am) that kid that proclaimed the week I attend EFY to be the greatest week of the year. I am that kid that goes to the temple before the sun comes up on Tuesday mornings and that goes to mission prep at 7 am every Sunday morning even though I don't have to. I'm that kid that would rather listen to church music thank Miley Cyrus and who gets giddy with excitement when conference rolls around.

Now, I don't say this to toot my own horn, but to tell you what I believe in. I am a generally happy person. Granted I do have some incredibly hard moments and I do have things that make me sad, but in general, I live a happy life. The source of my joy comes from these things. It comes from avoiding worldly things and living a Christ centered life.

I must add in a declaimer right here that I am far from perfect. I mess up on a daily basis an I have to repent more often than I would like to admit.

I have given you what I do because I believe, but I have yet to tell you what I believe. I believe in Christ and his ministry. I believe in his visit to the Americas and the record of this visit known as the Book of Mormon. I believe in doing good and avoiding evil. I believe in what Christ taught and I believe in living it as well. I believe Thomas S. Monson to be his representative as Prophet on the earth today. I believe he is a true Prophet and that Joseph F. Smith was called of God to reorganize Christ's church as it was organized when Christ was on the earth. I believe that Christ suffered for not only my sins, but also my pains and afflictions. He knows exactly what I am going through and he is always there to help.

I have told you what I do because I believe, what I believe, and this is why I believe. The reason for my action and my faith originated with the frilly white socks my mom put on me on Sundays, but they are not the reason I live this way now. I had a fantastic start given to me by fantastic parents, but their efforts in bringing me up in the gospel are not solely the reason for my testimony today.

I believe today because I had a desire to know for myself. I had a desire to know if the things my parents had taught me were true things. I read from my Book of Mormon and I prayed asking God to let me know what was right. I stand before you (figuratively of course, since I'm sitting right now) today to tell you that without a doubt I got an answer that this gospel was true. There were no earthquakes or explosions, there were no ministering angels. and I did not hear voices or see visions, but I did receive the quietest of answers that was significant none the less.

I share this with you because I have a desire for others to feel the same joy that I feel. Christ and the life he lived has brought so much goodness to my life that I want to share it with those around me. So I ask you: if you have never heard of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints until now, inquire to know more; If you know about it but aren't sure you believe in it, pray to know what is right and true; If you believe that it is true but are not living the way you should, make a change; If you are doing what you should, look at what you could do to be better.

Life isn't about being perfect my friends, it is about becoming like Him who was perfect. We do not start in perfection, but we can grow to it. we have been given this opportunity to be changed thanks to Christ and his Atonement.




Tell my your story.
#ComeUntoChrist


feel my sunlight



p.s. Took the ACT today. That was exciting...

Intro to my beliefs: The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints

Dear friends of blog land,
I apologize for my temporary unintentional hiatus I've taken from this lovely blog land. I have been enveloped in tumbling, school, work, and whatnot that this cute corner of the internet has been set on the back burner. (not literally... don't set computers on fire people.)

So, I have had some things running through my head recently and I have two topics that I would hope you would take the time to read about. Not because I want recognition for myself, but because I want you to know and understand what I believe, and I want you to have this great joy I feel in your life.

This first topic is dedicated to my countless friends that don't share the same faith as I do. This is for those of you who don't understand the time I turned you down when you offered to buy me coffee, or why in the world I choose by my own free will to wake up at 5 am on Tuesday morning late start days to attend the temple. I know it seems odd from the outside looking in on my life, but I just hope that this post will make me and my faith a little clearer to you.

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints (LDS church), popularly known as "the Mormons".

The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints is Christ's church on the earth today. This short video accurately describes how the LDS church came to be.

*****intro to Mormons video*****

The Bible is widely known to much of the world, however, during this same time period Christ had another land of followers. These followers lived in the Americas and they are the ancestors of the American Indians. After Christ's death and resurrection he visited these people. The record of his ministry to the people in the Americans is called the Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon is not meant to replace the Bible, but rather to serve as another testament of Jesus Christ.

To me it only makes sense that if God had prophets on the earth in the times of the Bible, He would have prophets on the earth today. Joseph Smith was the first prophet of these modern days. He did not create the church, but rather, he reestablished it for these later days. {To learn more about Joseph Smith's story and to watch one of my FAVORITE movies CLICK HERE.} The prophet on the earth today is President Thomas S. Monson.

I believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints is the true church and it has been reestablished by the hand of God onto the earth by his prophet Joseph Smith. I believe Joseph Smith was a true prophet and I also believe that Thomas S. Monson is the true prophet today. And lastly, I have a strong believe that the Book of Mormon is true.

Now, I want to shift gears a little. You may be wondering "how does any of this apply to me?"

We live in a world of trial and turmoil. We live in a time of much confusion as to what is right, what we should do, and what we should believe. I want you to watch this short video and we will talk after.




I feel like the world often feels like the frantic, tragic, scary world depicted in this video. We live in a world where the family is attacked, and morals questioned, where crime is high, and charity low, where talk of religion is not allowed to be spoken of at work or in schools. I feel like there is no question as to why the world would be confused when in this scary state of chaos, But in this state of chaos I have found a source of peace.

This source of peace is with my Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ and with his church restored to the earth for these later days.

This is why I wake up at 5am on Tuesday mornings to go to the temple, this is why I spend my Sundays at church meetings, this is why I spend an entire weekend listening to 10 hours of the prophet speak twice a year. This is why I dress modestly. This is why I don't drink coffee, this is why I have clean language, this is why I study out of an ancient book, this is why I write this blog.

Peace.

My testimony of the gospel has given me so much peace in my life. I have had hard things happen to me, but every day is made brighter through Christ who is the light of the world. I have a testimony of this Gospel and I know the church is true and I invite you to come unto him, for he is calling to you saying "abide with me".





feel my sunlight



p.s. To learn more about my religion click HERE, or email me at feelmysunlight@yahoo.com. To request a FREE Book of Mormon click HERE!


p.s.s. I'm in the midst of making a relatively big decision that has to do with this summer. I am 99% decided on what I am going to do. I'll give you a hint... It has somewhat to do with this blog post and EFY, yet will require me to give something up this summer that look forward to every year involving tumbling. More on that later.

2013 in review

 

 

 

 

 

2013 was a big year. I did a lot, I felt a lot, And ultimately, I grew up a lot. Here is a trip through my 2013 year.

The time I competed on a sprained ankle at an international meet

The time I competed at State Championships and qualified for National Championships

The time I went to Vegas and competed at Regional Championships

The time I went to EFY SLC Special edition. 

The time I went to Missouri to compete in the 2013 Power Tumbling National Championships

The time I went to EFY AGAIN!

The time we prayed for Kalon

The time I started 11th grade

The time I saved the day at Girls Camp and took over when the speaker didn't make it. #brownsugar!

The time I turned 17

The time I became a REAL blogger for Christmas

The time I said goodbye to 2013

As you can see, this year has been big. My testimony has grown mountains, I have traveled farther than I ever have before, and I have met so many incredible people, and had some many incredible opportunities. It's been a good year, but I can't wait to see what 2014 brings!

Shout out to the amazing people I've met this year that have changed my life! Including but not limited to: Mama Shell Bell, Papa Spence, Mama G, Jett, The Charititez, My awesome roomie from the Charititez, ANNNDDD... The Humble Bees. I love you all.


Now, I think it's fit to write some New Years Resolutions. It's a must really.

Tumbling
place top 3 atleast twice
hit mobility
qualify for National Championships in Louisville, KY

Spiritual
go to the temple at least twice a month (and every week when possible)
read the B.O.M. AGAIN!
Index more
Read my scriptures EVERY SINGLE DAY
go to mission prep
be a better missionary
EFY EFY EFY

academic
work harder on homework
get better grades
improve my ACT score (I still don't know what I got on the first one)

My sister and I are also going off sugar tomorrow due to the fact that I am training for competition season, and she is one of the leads in the school play. Rules: all natural sugars are fine. No candy, icecream, soda (even if sugar free) or treats UNLESS it is a special occasion ie. birthdays, holidays, celebrations, etc.


Anyone want to join?



Well, that's about all from me. I can't wait to see what 2014 brings. I wish you all a happy New Year!



feel my sunlight



p.s. After 2014 comes 2015... the year I graduate and go on a mission. This is my last year as a child. AHHH

Come unto Christ 2014 theme

Whoa!  Two blog posts in two days? I'm rockin it!

The year 2013 ends tomorrow. That means we have a new youth theme.

The theme for 2014 is...drum roll.... "Come Unto Christ"

Now I want you to click right HERE and watch THIS VIDEO

(I'm having issues with the embedded code and it won't let me put the video right onto my blog so the link will have to do.)

{Notice the first girl that sings. Her name is Noel and I used to tumble with her. I think she is pretty dang awesome and an incredible singer. Way to rock the 2014 theme Noel!}

 

I think this is a theme that is evenly applied to everyone on this earth. We could all come a little closer to Christ weather you have never heard his name before and are just learning of him, or you have known him before but you have let his presence slip from your life, or even if you have him in your life, you could always use a little more time with him.

I think that by coming unto Christ we are also coming unto happiness. Like I said In my last post Christ brings happiness and he is the only way to achieve true happiness. Like I said before, I know this because I've tried it. Christ brings happiness and who doesn't want to be happy?

One of my favorite stories in the Book of Mormon is when King Lamoni realizes of the truth of Christ and the glory of God because of the example of Ammon.

"The light which did light up his mind,

 which was the light of the glory of God, 

which was a marvelous light of his goodness...

this light had infused such joy into his soul, 

the cloud of darkness having been dispelled."

           -Alma 19:6

Dispel the darkness and let the light into your life. Raise the curtains a little higher and open the window a little brighter, for he wants to shine his light on you, you just have to let him.

 

What are you going to do to let him in?

feel my sunlight

 

p.s. Um, so you know how most people take a break from things like exercise during the holidays? Ya somebody must have forgotten to tell my coach that because I can't move. Good thing we have Steph around to make us work because comp season starts in 20 days and ahhhhhhh!

H A P P Y C H R I S T M A S

Guess what everybody! I'm a REAL blogger now!!

I got a big fancy pants camera from Santa and I'm very excited about it. For those of you who were wondering its a Canon Rebel xsi. Pictures of random objects to come.

I thought I'd do a quick post before we go to breakfast at our cousin's house to wish you all a very

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!

Last night we had our annual Christmas Eve party at my Grandparent's house. We did white elephants and I think mine requires to be shared. This is my family... as the Avengers. Enjoy!

Here are a few free printables/e-cards for your Christmas holiday. Feel free to print/share/save them!

AANNNDDD... for the spiritual portion of this Christmas facebook post.



Here are two videos that I highly recommend you watch if you haven't already. If you have seen them feel free to watch them again. They are FANTASTIC! I especially enjoy the adorable little lamb in the first video. So adorable.













I'd like to add my testimony to the videos above. Christ's birth was the most significant event in the history of mankind, but without the things he did during his life his birth would be just that, another birth. I know that he suffered for our sins, our pains, and our afflictions, and he ultimately died for us so that we can return to live with him. We are here on this earth to become more like him and I pray that this Christmas can be a reminder to you of what he did FOR YOU. Let him in your life and follow him. He loves you.


Merry Christmas!


Feel my Sunlight


p.s. My readers are my favorite. They really are.

The dream lives on

This post is going to be different.

This post is going to be about Power Tumbling.

This is a topic that used to be among my repertoire and appeared more often than not among my writing. I mean, I did write a blog on just this topic alone for 4 whole years. (eatsleeptumble.blogspot.com) At one point in my life this was THE MOST important thing. Nothing else mattered. In ways this has changed, although in retrospect, it hasn't.

Let me give you a quick back ground since I know I have several newer readers who don't know a whole lot about this lovely sport and how deep my roots are tied in it.

I began this sport at the age of 7. This was 10 years ago.

I walked into the gym wide eyed and shy. I was a skinny toe head that never imagined where this sport would take me. I never thought it was anything more than "tumbling class" but still, I adored it.

This love for cartwheels and handstands continued as I traveled through a few years in this dance studio, a year in a lady's unfinished basement, and eventually landed me in a small gym called Flipside Tumbling.

This little place was where my story really began. This was the place that really started it all.

Flipside was run by Jill, who was also my teacher at the time. Jill would continue to be my teacher, she eventually became my first boss, and to this day I am proud to say I still call her "coach".

I learned how to do a back handspring and was invited to join Jill's first competition team. My wide eyed self still didn't know how much this would entail.

I walked into my first meet in my little pink and black leotard scared as can be. I did a few back handsprings and decided that this was the place I wanted to be and the thing I wanted to do.

Long story short (well, as short as a 10 year story can be) I continued in this sport for the next 7 years. I became better. I started to become obsessed with the sport.

I have competed in countless competitions including many State Championships, a few Regional Championships, The Kalon Ludvigson Invitational (an international meet), as well as the U.S. Power Tumbling National Championships 3 different time. I have met some incredible people, seen some incredible things, and had the experience of a lifetime.

Now I share this with you because I want you to get where I'm coming from. I am a well experienced athlete in the sport of power tumbling. I have been a part of this sport for a long time. I have had unimaginable opportunities, however, I will never be a house hold name.

At one point in my life amongst the trophies and medals I dreamed of becoming the greatest tumbler in the world. I dreamed of standing atop the podium with my face broadcasted to TVs everywhere. I dreamed of signing autographs and wearing USA on my sleeve. This has not happened, nor will it ever happen.

In truth, if I disappeared from the tumbling world very few people would notice. I am not great, I hold no real titles, I am not what you call "elite" and I ultimately have done nothing for this sport, however, this sport has done everything for me.

It has taught me so much. I have been forever impacted by the people I have met, the trials I have overcome, and the life lessons this sport has taught me. It will forever be a piece of my heart and will forever be one of the greatest pieces of my life.

Today I am preparing to enter into my 7th season of competition. I am training this year to compete in the Utah State Championships, the Kalon Ludvigson Invitational (international), and I am hoping to compete in my 4th US National Championships in Louisville, KY.

In conclusion I have discovered that I am still that wide eyed little girl that walked into the gym that one day 10 years ago. I am still in awe with the whole thing and want nothing more that to be a part of the fun. I am still that little girl that dreams of being great someday, and while I may never make it to the podium on the world stage, I now have an even greater dream.

Today I dream of standing on a much bigger podium. I don't dream of standing before thousands, but I dream of standing before my Maker. I dream of meeting my father in heaven and being called worthy of his kingdom. Because in this event medals and standings will not matter to him. What will matter is the love you show, the faith you acted upon, the people you helped, the good deeds you did, and the good you did in the world. I dream of standing before him on this great day being able to say I did all of these things. Today this is my greatest dream.








The dream lives on.



This is not a normal post. This is a   L   O   N   G   post and if you made it through the whole thing I applaud you.



feel my sunlight



p.s. Competition season starts in 26 days!!!

To Believe

Hey friends! I have had quite the eventful few days (and by eventful I mean PJs and Pinterest and cough drops) I have been home sick with bronchitis and I also discovered I had asthma. whoot! whoot! I got myself an inhaler! I am seriously the coolest kid on the block right now.

While bronchitis isn't fun, it's not bad at all compared to what others in this world have to deal with. All around I feel pretty dang blessed. I've had opportunities that are unimaginable for most people and I've had the support of a lifetime, I have had the chance to meet so many fantastic people, and I have had warm arms around me the entire time. I am so so thankful for these oppurtunities.

While I have been fortunate, and the majority of those around us have been fortunate to have enough, there are those around us who don't. There are those who don't know where there next meal will come or who don't remember the last time they laughed.

In a world full of so much darkness and fear it is often hard to see light at the end of the tunnel. But there IS a light at the end of the tunnel. We just have to keep moving forward. He hears your prayers and someday YOUR peace shall come. Someday we shall live in peace with our Savior, The Prince of Peace.

Now I as that if you only watch one video this week let it be this one, and if your like me, hit replay a few times. It left me dead in my tracks.

 

Ya. I know. I am blown away, but even more, I am proud to say that I believe that this day shall come.

feel my sunlight

p.s. Driving in the snow is a scary thing.

Sunday Afternoon Bountiful Temple Photography Excersion

Bountiful Temple pictures up on the Photography blog! Check them out HERE!