Wednesday, April 20, 2011

21

I am 21 years old and I have 21 days until I leave! :)

This week is my last week of work. I can't believe how fast this came up. I guess everything seemed so far away but everything is starting to come into focus. I am loving every moment of it too! I dream about Brazil almost every night and only my imagination can picture what it will actually be like. My dreams are good!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Knotts Berry Farm

                                                                        My favorite Ride
                                                                           Family Picture

                             Waiting for the stunt show, I caught some clouds in good formation
                                              Not the best picture-but one of us all together

This past Saturday we went to Knotts Berry Farm. This place holds a lot of dear memories for me-I grew up going to this theme park. It was a last minute trip but we all had a blast! The weather was just a bit on the chilly side but otherwise perfect. Funny jokes, Funnel cake, Fantastic rides= A FABOLOUS day!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Sometimes...

Sometimes, I get to a point where everything must come to a halt!
Sometimes, I need to take a minute to myself.
Sometimes, I feel alone.
Sometimes, I feel I have no friends.
Sometimes, I feel like the ugliest person in the world.
Sometimes, everything sucks.
Sometimes, I cry my eyes out
Sometimes, I wish I could run away from here.
Sometimes, I want to tell you what I am really thinking.

Sometimes, I laugh as loud as I can.
Sometimes, I smile.
Sometimes, I feel like I am on top of the world.
Sometimes, I don't feel guilty for eating that piece of chocolate.
Sometimes, I look myself in the mirror and say... "Your hot, Lindsey."
Sometimes, I don't wear make-up.
Sometimes, I dance like no one is watching.
Sometimes, I wear my heart on my sleeve.
Sometimes, I sing at the top of my lungs.
Sometimes, I think the word "sometimes" is an awkward word.

We all have our moments of "sometimes." I think it's okay...afterwards, it brings us back to reality and we remember who we really are and what we can do!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Feelings of...

                            Six months until we meet together and listen to a prophets voice again...
    The messages that were given to us were words of inspiration, advice, and mostly love. I think Elder Holland's talk summed up what General Conference is every time. I usually leave conference feeling so rejuvinated and ready to take on the world with my armor in hand. I do feel that way but this time, I have a lot of other feelings too.

    The first feeling I have is gratitude. It was said that it's not easy to be a Latter Day Saint in a world so harsh. I always thought it was but more recently I have seen the difficulties the adversary can have on me. However, because I have the gospel in my life, I know how to combat these evil forces and stand valiant. I have gratitude for a prophet and apostles who love us individually and take the time to ponder and pray about what they speak on each conference.

    A feeling that I have come to be familiar with all to well the past few months is guilt. Right now, I have never felt more guilty. I feel like I can do so much better and I have the constant question burning in my brain of, "Am I good enough?" This conference our leaders spoke a lot on marriage. They counseled us to seek marriage, RIGHT NOW! Obviously, that is something I can't really do right now on a count of I am going on a mission. However, I am still not married. I haven't really written this down so as I type these next few sentences my heart is pouring out onto the keyboard through my fingers. Being married is all I have ever wanted since I was a little girl. As I got older, I came to know of the Lord's plan for me. I had to learn to make his will, my will. So there is nothing for me to do except what he wants me to. After coming to this knowledge, this is where the trial and adversary come in. I began to develop feelings of doubt in myself; my self esteem went to a low and I wondered if I would be a single sister forever. I finally shook those feelings by immersing myself in prayer, scripture study, and exercise. With the counsel given today, I guess I just am  feeling kind of bummed again because I can't heed that counsel right now. I guess the question now is, am I the exception for right now? Now, that I have got that all off my chest, I kind of feel like a goober. Are these feelings normal or am I just weird???

   I also have the feeling of get up and do! Service was mentioned quite a bit as well and it just makes me want to serve people. I pray that I may have opportunities to do so.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

General Conference

This weekend is General Conference. Will you be watching and listening to what the leaders of the church have to say?

I am so excited for General Conference. My family and I have watched the first session and were waiting for the second to start. As my mom exercises, Jared doing homework, and Jessie playing her various computer games, I think about how I am so grateful for these people in my life. I thought about my dad and how he is at work, to provide for us. The spirit of General Conference always brings a spirit of love to me.

I like to take notes and sometimes when I am trying to take notes so diligently, I think if what I am writing will help my future. Sometimes, I get caught up in taking notes, that I miss some of the words they say. I don't like that. Sometimes, it is better to just listen. When needed, the spirit will whisper to us what we need to know or remember. Only if we seek for it.

So, at the start of this 180th Annual Conference, I hope and pray that I can listen and remember what the prophet and leaders have to say to us.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

41

Oh Man! I have 41 days until I leave... The light is starting to shine at the end of the tunnel. The last few weeks have gone by super fast. To be honest, I am just ready to leave. Waiting in anticipation is a very hard thing. It doesn't matter if your a little kid going to Disneyland the next day or if your a grown adult waiting in line for the next iPad, or if your waiting to go on a mission! I am holding on strong and doing really well, so these next 41 days are going to be a breeze. I am having a hard time not buying anymore clothes though. I have way too many and I already won't be able to take some of them with me. *slanted face*

Yesterday, I went to the temple and it was absolutely gorgeous. It was such a perfect day and I was so grateful for it. I can hear the birds singing their songs now, and it makes me believe today will be another awesome day. Here is a picture ot two.
Taken from behind-taken against the sun

                                                            Taken in front- with the sun

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Grandpa

   It's not often I speak about when my Grandpa passed away. I miss him so much and on some days it's hard to think that he isn't on the earth with me anymore. After about three years of both my Grandpa and Grandma passing, my family is cleaning out thier house. My Aunt Devona gave me my grandpa's scriptures to take with me on my mission. She knew that I was in need of a new set. However, after sitting her for awhile, flipping through the dusty pages and the smell of old paper drifting in my senses, I feel as though I can't take them with me. Old bookmarks, sacrament meeting programs, qoutes, hand written primary songs, fill these precious pages. I stared at his name that possesses the front of these and so many precious memories come flooding back to me. My grandpa may have never put to full use of these scriptures as he should, but they were his; Just as the set I have now are mine. I can picture my grandpa now telling me, "Here Lindsey, take these with you... use them." And then he would smile.
   I learned a lot about this man by turning these pages. A few scriptures marked, perhaps his favorites, and programs with his name annoucing that he would be giving a talk, tells me that he had a testimony here on earth. I feel it. I know that he is continuing his purpose and work and learning so much on the other side.
   My grandma gave him his Bible and when I read the sweet note she wrote him I too hope that he found "peace of mind and comfort." And when our Aunt Ruby gave him his Book of Mormon/Doctrine and Covenants/Pearl of Great Price, I thought, "what better Christmas gift to give than this."
   I am so grateful to have these scriptures and to learn more about my grandpa!
  

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Busy, busy, busy

   Maybe this whole writing every day thing isn't working out the way I thought it would. This week I found myself extremely busy. I am grateful that life is keeping me busy because it lets me forget about how long I have left until I leave. Or how short, depending on how you look at it.
   I babysat three times this week- in a row for different familes. I love babysitting because it gives me a chance to do what I love. Which is take care of little kids. I look forward to the day where I can be a mommy to my own kids. I honestly wouldn't mind if the parents did not pay me either. I don't care if I am 21 and still babysitting, I love kids. They make the world a better place.
   I finally bought my mission shoes today! I bought a brown pair and a black pair. They are comfortable and as cute as a missionary shoe can get. *shrug* I am so excited to be wearing them everyday til the sole breaks a hole in them.
   Agh! This should have been the first topic of agenda to write about but I just remembered- my online VISA application was completed this week. Which means my paper application should have been accepted by the Brazil Consulate. I am so hopeful and have so much faith that my VISA will go through in time. I continue to pray and I know that my Heavenly Father is listening to me.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Two days have passed? What?!?!

        I, as a human being, fails at life! I haven't blogged for two days. Not only did I break my promise to myself but I just totally went overboard by not writing for two days. Okay, I don't really fail but I still can't believe that two days have gone by since my last post. I guess I have been busy...
       Friday was a pretty normal day. I went to work and when I came home, I let myself take the time to relax just like I deserved. It was much needed because I was stillf feeling the effects from my immunizations I received.
       Saturday was an awesome day! Dad, Tommy, Jackie, and I spent our morning in the temple. It was a beautiful day spent there and I love to be able to feel the spirit. We got home at 3:04, to be exact, and then we had family visit us from out of town. It was an exhausting day but a good day. I missed our family and it was nice to be able to catch up with them.
       Now it is Sunday and we are not going to Stake Conference. Not really sure why but some of our family is still here so maybe that's why. Okay, well bye!

Love, Lindsey

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Yellow Fever, Typhoid Fever- no big deal

Today, I recieved my immunizations for yellow fever and typhoid fever. The shot itself did not hurt at all. Although, throughout the day I was feeling a little bit of the side effects. Mostly I just had body aches and I was really really fatigued. I came home from work and fell asleep. I never do that. So now, I will probably be up for awhile. At least tomorrow is Friday right?

This week has been super busy with work. I worked extra hard and extra long but it was worth it. Have a good night.

Lindsey

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

For once... I have nothing to say

I stared at the computer screen trying to figure out what I should write about tonight. My mind was blank. I didn't have any thoughts except, "I am so tired I wish I could fall asleep." But I can't because, I am watching American Idol and I wanted to write something. I promised myself to write at least once a day and I am sticking to it. I got off work at 4:57 p.m. today. I never ever get off work that early. I also got home with 15 minutes. I never get home that fast either. So, I decided to exercise and then go to institute. It was a wonderful evening and institute was truly a very great spiritual experience.

I am so excited to be in Brazil in 55 days! Brother Connect, who is Brother Gibbons' boss, lent me his Porteguese Audio Cds. Basically, it teaches to to speak the language and you repeat it back. It's so awesome! I am so happy and grateful that he let me borrow them.

Well, I am spacing out, so peace homie.

Love, Lindsey

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Bees were humming, sweet birds singing

 Today was such a beautiful day inside and out. I could not have asked for a better day to follow all of these hard and stressful weeks I have been having recently. I am grateful for the beautiful sun that shines down on us each day. It reminds of God and his glory and love that he has for his children. I am grateful for the opportunity to smile and laugh-for without it we cannot endure. I am so grateful to the tender mercies that the Lord so willingily gives me each and every day.

I purchased three shirts and a skirt today! 10 points for me. I love shopping, especially for a mission. It's so grand.

I have noticed that I have been spending most of my free time exercising or doing something for my mission. I find that exercising takes my mind away from all my stress and worries and gives me the proper amount of time to just focus on one thing and focus on well, me. I enjoy it very much but my feet are killing me all the time now. Any suggestions for tired feet? Oh... take a break? I don 't think so... My break is when I am sleeping through the night. Which I should start soon.

If anyone ever takes the time to read this silly blog posts, I hope you know how grateful I am to you; for taking the time to read about my day. Thank you! Well, goodnight.

Love, Lindsey

Monday, March 14, 2011

A great Monday it was

I recieved a letter from my Mission President! It actually came Saturday but I didn't walk to the mailbox til Sunday evening. I was so extatic to see something straight from Brazil. I love the letter because he is talking directly to me. It says, "Dear Sister Heydorn." My mission president offered some advice to me, some scriptures and quotes to read, and then gave a me a revised list of a few things that I may need to bring with me. This letter truly gives me hope that I will make it to Brazil in May-on account of all the visa setbacks these days. I love the tender mercies from the Lord. He makes everything better.

I also did my taxes today. I don't owe anything this year!!! Yay! I am not getting much, but hey, every little bit helps, right?

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Ouch! That really hurt, and it's still hurting

This morning, my finger and a razor had an interaction that left me with half a finger nail and a wound. One would think that a razor could do little damage but I am proof that it does a lot of damage. At least I have a styling camoflauge band-aid to keep me in style.

My Sunday is going well... The sun is shining. I just returned home from church and I must say that it was a good day. I love feeling the spirit of the Lord and gaining insight from others who speak to us at church. I also think that my Sunday School lesson went well. We learned about Brigham Young, who was the second prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My 12 and 13 years olds are so full of life and energy. I love listening to them laugh and discuss such events that happened to them during the week.

My little sister gave her first talk during Sacrament meeting today and she spoke on faith. I was reminded about this principle and how it plays a part in my life. I strive to live my life by walk. Or in other words, I walk by faith. At times, I am not sure how things will pan out, but that is when faith is needed the most. I know The Lord has great things in store for me and I must continue to live in faith to see those things un fold in my life.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

So little to do with so much time- Wait.... what?

Sixty days until I leave! I have waited three months so far and have got just two more left. Among the shopping, scheduling appointments, and figuring out tasks that I have never even really thought about, I am grateful more and more each day that I had five months before I leave from the time I got my mission call.

It's a beautiful day in the High Desert and what makes it more beautiful is the fact that it's Saturday. My weekends are precious since I only have a few left. I spent my morning doing Zumba, went shopping, and spent time with my siblings. I enjoyed the sunlight and slight breeze as I washed my car. It's just the beginning of the evening portion of the day and I look forward to finish preparing my Sunday School lesson and maybe even Zumba again... we'll see.

Something that I have been thinking about lately is the topic of preparation; whether it's preparing for the day ahead, preparing for a mission, preparing for a future, or most importantly preparing for when our Savior comes again. No matter what, procrastination never pays and I really learned that while I was in school.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:83 states, "He that seeketh me early shall find me, and not be forsaken." I like this scripture because it's short and bold enough to let us know what we need to do. We should constantly be seeking for rightousness. Seeking for our relationship with The Lord. Seeking for our salvation. If we slip of the path, then we must get back on quickly and not look back. These are just some thoughts... Sometimes, it seems like we have all the time in the world but we actually don't. Going back to school, I always felt that the end of the semester was so far away but before I knew it, I had projects and finals coming my way, and I was kicking myself because I knew I could have been better prepared. :) Procrastination stops today, not tomorrow. ;)

Love, Lindsey

Friday, March 11, 2011

A bad day takes a turn for the good

Life is a funny thing. Life is a curveball. Life is well, life!

As I contemplated what to write about tonight, I kept going back to how my day went. It started out good, then turned to bad, then ended quite well. I have the Gospel of Jesus Christ to thank for that. I also have to thank the kind words and deeds that people offered not knowing what it really did for me at that moment. A simple notice of a haircut down to making sure I got to my car safely is just enough to turn my day around. So thank you! I dedicate this blog post to you, even if you never read it.

I spent my evening at the Redlands California Temple and how grateful I am to have such a marvelous blessing in my life. My spirit is rejuvinated and I can sleep tonight knowing and being continually reassured that comfort surrounds me, always. My Savior loves me and I love my Savior.

 




Thursday, March 10, 2011

I wonder if they have that in my size? Which by the way, is size awesome!

I just finished my Zumba workout! I feel as if I could go run a mile and then Zumba again. Not only did working out inspire this title for my blog post but also the immense amount of clothes shopping I have been doing lately. :)

Since I am going on a mission, to Brazil (wha wha), I get to buy myself all new blouses and skirts. (That's the rule, right...hehe). However, one would think buying new clothes is so simple. I mean, a girl walks into the store and sees twenty different things she likes, tries them on, and they all fit perfectly! Well, this is wrong! Clothes shopping is hard for many reasons. One factor is size and another factor is modesty. You can find one or another but it seems to me that it's a rarity to find both these days.

I recently have lost 30 pounds and trust me, I feel amazing! However sometimes, it still depresses me to walk into a store and not find one thing that fits me correctly. Department stores always have the cutest clothing and it looks good on the rack but when I am wearing it, it definetly does not! So, when I do find that perfect gem of clothing I treasure it, take care of it, and wear it the best way I can.

It saddens me to see so much immodesty these days. It's difficult for girls who want to dress modestly and yet, there are tank tops, halters, low cut shirts everywhere. I am one who believes that a girl says a lot about who she is by the way she presents herself. This includes the ways she dresses. Dressing modestly shows self respect. I don't want to offend anyone if your reading this, I am just simply stating my opinion. So please, keep reading...

I hope that I can be an example to the young girls out in the world. I hope that they will choose to be modest and love the skin they are in by giving themselves the respect they deserve. We are all daughters of God and we are all unique. I love you!

Okay, it's time for American Idol. :)

Love, Lindsey

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

It's 11:47pm and I find myself writing a blog...

Okay peeps-or if there is anyone out there who will "follow" me through my blog. I found myself rather frustrated as I was trying to set up this blasted blog account. It's not simple nor is it quick. The process of creating this was time consuming and I had to re-type the securtiy word thing like 30 times just to get it right! Okay, that's enough rambling. Now that I am here and finally writing, I guess none of that really matters.

Let me get to the real reason why I created a blog. I am going to be a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have 63 days before I leave and well, I need this to keep me busy!  I thought this would be a good idea to have so I can write my thoughts as May 11th draws closer. I can tell you one thing though, I am so EXCITED! Oh- I guess I should write where I am going; Cuiaba Brazil- I already know this is the GREATEST mission in the WORLD! 

I hope my words don't seem too confusing-afterall, I am tired and it's almost midnight! Well, whoever is reading this I hope you continue to follow my 63 day blog until I bust a move and make my way to Brazil.

Goodnight.
Love, Lindsey