june sixth two thousand + seventeen

 

June 6, 2003 I became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I was baptized in Kirtland, Ohio in the Shoshone Brooke. This brooke (at the time hit me maybe mid shin) ran through the visitor center in Kirtland. My grandma and grandpa Hunter were serving their first mission, which is why we were visiting. It just so happened I turned 8 years old the week before we went back to visit them. I remember walking into the water with my dad, knowing that I didn't fully  understand everything at the time, it was the right thing. As I came out of the water, I felt new. I felt whole. I felt pure. I felt clean. I felt like a higher being was proud. I then walked into the Newel K. Whitney Store and up to the School of the Prophets room. (if you don't know church history...read D&C) From there my grandpa confirmed me a member of the church and I received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Those feelings and impressions that I had in that room at that moment are so dear to my heart. Years have past, and the love that I have for my Heavenly Father and Savior have grown and grown and grown. I have grown closer to them little by little, day by day, step by step.  My other grandparents also served in Kirkland and about 4 years after my baptism we were able to go back. Once again, seeing my grandparents be illuminated with the light of Christ, confirmed to me that this is the true everlasting gospel.

 

I always have been in awe of the grace, elegance, and beauty the temple withholds. As I have visited open houses, attended the temple grounds, and participated in baptisms for the dead. I felt safe. new. whole. clean. pure. I feel very vulnerable to say this next part, but for me I feel like it's part of who I am. There was time in my life where I wasn't temple worthy. The reason is unnecessary, but as I once was able to enter the temple doors I no longer could for a period of time. As I applied the atonement into my life and recommitted myself to the temple, I could not wait to get back. I remember the day so vividly when I was able to go to the temple again. Right then and there I knew, that I would do everything in my power to stay there. To stay worthy. Because like I said in the temple I felt safe, new, whole, clean, pure.

I moved away to Logan for school after high school. I lived no longer then 2 minutes and 38 seconds away from the temple. As I attended weekly (I became a little obsessive one might say haha). I just couldn't get enough. I wanted to be in the temple. As my temple attendance became regularly, I found myself wanting more. I wanted to do more then baptisms and confirmations. I met with my bishop (s) for about two years having this desire to go through the temple to receive my own endowment. I was told so many times, "not yet", "in the future", and so much more. I became frustrated...WHY could I not go through. I wanted to so badly. So I studied, I prayed, I read my scriptures. I wanted to make sure that the ONLY reason why I was not going through the temple,  was because the timing wasn't right. I wanted to be ready. As I met with my bishop a month before graduation, he said
"Jess, I want to tell you the Lord loves you. He is so proud of you and your diligence in preparing for the temple. If you still have the desire, the Lord would be pleased to welcome you in his house." tears. tears. tears. Streamed down my face. My time to enter into the temple was now.

The Lord's approval was all I needed. I was surprised however, how many people disagreed with my decision when I told them. I have not served a mission, nor am I planning on serving a  full-time mission anytime soon. I am not dating anyone--so marriage isn't going to happen yet. (Husband where you at? haha)  Everybody wanted a reason and well I didn't have one other then I wanted to, the Lord felt as if I was ready, and I couldn't wait any longer for it. The adversary is REAL. oh so real. As I listened to others opinions, viewpoints, etc. I started to doubt my feelings, my answers I received, and questioned if this is something I really wanted to do. Fear and Faith can not exist together. You either have fear or you have faith.

I continued with faith that this was right thing for me. My baptism day was perfect and I wanted this day to be even more perfect. Both set of my grandparents work in the Ogden Temple. I wanted to do my session when they could be there. It just so happened June 6, 2017 was on a Tuesday. That Tuesday my grandpa Hunter would be officiating the 6:30 endowment session. Could it get any more perfect? NOPE. I set my day. Got my dress (which I love! I got it at Qnoor). Picked out a bag (hardest part for me). Invited all my loved ones and waited patiently for the day.

The day came and now even a week later...I'm speechless. I felt safe. new. whole. clean. pure. I was able to see my grandpa as soon as I walked in to the recommend desk, he said something I will never forget. He said "welcome home". As I went through Initiatory my heart was so full. I am a daughter of God. He is my father. What an honor and privileged it is to know that. I met up with my mom in the bride room and oh my goodness. Heart Eyes times a million. From there I walked into the ordinance room. Seeing my grandpa and grandma reminded me of my baptism day. From there I watched every single one of my loved ones walk in. My heart was soooo full. I have always looked up to everyone that was there with me and just knowing that I had their support reminded me that families really are forever and everlasting. As I made it to the celestial room...It just felt right. I really am at a loss for words. If you know me, you know that I am not one to show lots of emotion. My gramps walked in and as we embraced... I finally understood what he meant when he said "welcome home". The temple is the House of The Lord. It is his Holy Place where he resides. Yet, as I come worthy to the temple and partake in every saving ordinance I am "coming" home.

I guess I will end with my testimony and some final thoughts. I know this gospel is true. That Jesus is the Christ. That through him, by him, and because of him we can be made whole, clean, and pure. That we are sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves us. I testify that we are never alone, that angels are surrounding us. That the Temple truly is a safe haven, where we can continually be reminded of who we are, why we are here, and where we are going. Oh how glorious will be the day when we will be welcomed home by our father, but until then I will be in the temple becoming the Jessica I know he wants me to become.

AMERICAN

....first off...I will admit that I am not the most political person you will ever meet. However, I will admit that I am truly proud to be an American. As we come close to election of a new president...I felt as though I needed to say a few things, for my sake, to reflect on why I am proud to be an American.

If I were to pick a time period that I wish I lived in, I would pick my grandparents era. You see they dealt with war (just like us), they had hard times/economy (just like us), they had to work (just like us)...basically what was different the way I see it was the people. People cared more about others and less for themselves. In all my studies in college or high school I would always hear that America is an individualistic country. Which at first (and I still do) I thought that, for us being able to be individuals is so empowering. We get to CHOOSE what we want to be, who we want to be, and what we want to do on a daily basis. But as I look at a my "time period" compared to my grandparents...I have realized one thing. Individuals (80% of people--not everyone) are so caught up in their world that we (yes I'm including myself) care more about OUR OWN LIFE and don't even think twice about HOW we got here, WHERE we will or are going, and WHO helped us to get here. 

I had the chance to go to a Broncos  game earlier this year. It was when they played San Francisco 49ners....which meant I got to witness first hand Kaepernick, kneel as the National Anthem was sung as Military Personal and Police forces were standing proudly around him saluting the flag. (thank you to those members of Broncos nation that booed him)--NOW before everyone freaks out... I am happy that they booed him, because I strongly disagree with his CHOICE in disrespecting the Anthem, Flag, Country, and men/women who have allowed him to have a career doing something he loved. Yes, I know he was "protesting"..blah..blah..blah... Here's my thing, in America he gets plenty of press conferences, media time, and have enough money he, could've and should've made a statement differently. Which makes me bring up my next point about the political situation we as a COUNTRY are in. 

Hillary vs Trump: Trump vs Hillary. I do not mean to offended anyone. But I'm just going to be straight up and real with ya'll....half of you that post on social media about the election have zero sense what you are talking about. My biggest thing that upsets me is 90% of the time individuals are arguing over PEOPLE instead of the issues at hand. "Hillary this" "Trump that" "I heard this" "I saw this"....guess what people...90% of what you see in this day an age through social media is pretty far stretched. However, for me actions speak louder than words. Always have.

Remember my grandparents generation--well you see I got taught from them that when you borrow something, you return it better than how you received it. That family is always there, always. That education is important not because it could land you a job, but because learning is never ending. I learned that hard-work (gardening, animals, school work, house chores, etc.) and dedication (with everything) will not only be more REWARDING in the end, but you, yourself will APPRECIATE whatever "it" is a lot more. That in the end helping someone ACHIEVE something, will also BENEFIT you. So as I look at the two candidates that are running to be the FACE of America, I get sick to my stomach. Because when I reflect back on past generations neither Trump or Hillary have actions that reflect what America was founded on.

Think about it. America was founded on men and women who came over from all over for FREEDOM. Freedom from everything. Then we as a country fought ourselves for more freedom, as we also fought and will continue to fight others for our freedom (at least I hope so). It was founded on dreams, families, careers, education and so much more. 

President Lincoln stated 

"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."

All I have seen Trump and Hillary do is destroy Americans, without us even realizing it. I have never seen a more heated debate and negativity in an election season that I can remember. Americans (I included) I feel, are forgetting how great this country is. All I ever see anymore is the negative things they are doing. Yes, it's always easier to see negativity, but as I have researched on my own I have found less, very less positives for either of them. Which is I why I do not feel comfortable voting for either of them.

Ezra Taft Benson stated

"..if you vote for the lesser of two evils you are still voting for evil and you will be judged for it. You should always vote for the best possible candidate, whether they have a chance of winning or not, and then, even if the worst possible candidate wins, the Lord will bless our country more because more people were willing to stand up for what is right."

With that being said...I pray and hope for Americans to stand up for the FREEDOMS that those before us so rightly fought for.

If you have not read the Deceleration of Independence or the Bill of Rights. I STRONGLY encourage you to. They are beautifully written. Those men weren't just thinking about themselves, but I strongly believe they were thinking of generation for years to come. With today's election I would argue that it is completely opposite. We want a chick to be president or we want a dope business man to be president. People...have you ever wanted something so badly that once you get it, it's not what you thought its all crack up to be. Say you may want this fancy car, but then you didn't realize the payment... etc. I fear that once this election is over, no matter who you vote for, we will be worried for whats to come.  (do I need to mention that the House of Representatives and Congress will be HIGHLY effected by this)

Isn't it sad how something bad has to happen in certain cases for people to come together? I pray oh how I pray that instead of being a country who is focused now more than ever on being a individualist country (having our opinions matter more than the matters at hand), will be able to come together for what is RIGHT. That we will hold doors open for people, that we will respect our elders, mind our manners, get off our technology, and find the beauty in this great Country that those before us fought so hard for. Just as my sis and I thought that this flower shaped flag was too adorable we had to stop for a couple pics. I am proud to be an American, even if I feel like this country is going to explode. haha

CONCERTS

Just a reminder...but I am a concert fanatic. Straight up. You say concert and I am there. Here is a recap of the concerts I went to this summer!

My girls and I went to Keith Urban. It was a much needed girls night out, jamming out to country music. I have never been a huge fan of Keith, but I will say hearing him live made me like him a bit more. He is a very talented guitarist and musician. Even though I didn't get his guitar that he gave away, I am still happy that I went. 

Tim McGraw will never get old to me. Never. Him and Faith Hill were my childhood and now my comfort music I guess you could say. haha Plus the only way you'll get me to come to Provo is for him. haha (but really) Him and Faith are having a tour next year and mark my words I will be going. Tim thanks for celebrating America with me. I will see you again soon!

See these three in my picture. They are pretty much my second parents and older sister. I have gone to multiple concerts with them and well we basically are the concert crew. This concert was SOOO Good. I don't know about you, but ol' Rock and Roll is something that America is missing out on in the music world. STYX did not disappoint. I may have been the youngest one at this concert. But I sang my heart out anyway.

Guys, I have been to a lot of concerts. (if you couldn't already tell haha) Coldplay was SPECTACULAR. Oh my goodness. For the first song to start out with confetti meant that their closing had to be even bigger and better. (most concerts end with confetti).  Every body had a wrist band that lit up with the music (mine didn't work, still upset about it). I didn't know all the songs, I know shame on me...but I danced my heart out and the songs that I did know, I belted. Coldplay ended with more and more confetti, fireworks, and just amazing-ness. I literally am still in awe of how amazing it was. 

Random Recaps

This post is a bunch of random recaps that happened over the summer.  :)

Kamie Lynn graduated. Growing up down the street from your cousin is a blessing I never fully understood, till I moved away to college. She basically my other little sister, whom I am extremely proud of. She headed to Dixie State to play soccer and as a freshman is starting and KILLING it. I am so excited to see her and the places she goes. I love ya Kam, and always remember I'll bail you out. haha :)

Ice cream and temple runs are always a good idea. Specially this day, only Abbie will fully understand why this picture makes me shake my head and laugh hahaha. I sure am thankful for these human and their friendship over the years. 

 My (other) cousin Cody, left on his mission to San Antonio, Texas. Spanish Speaking. Once again, having my younger cousin grow up, made me feel old. However, I have loved receiving his emails and hearing about his experiences. He has always had a kind, genuine, humble spirit about him and I sure hope Texas knows how lucky they are to have him. Cod keep up the good work. I love you and so does your family. Go Cod Go. :)

Due to my CRAZY work schedule and school schedule this summer I was only able to run up to our annual Hunter fishing trip for a night. But that night was ever so much needed. See this handsome guy. He's my grandpa. We are butt chin buddies for life. I am 21 years old and still to do this day he is the only person I will let bait my hook, gut my fish, and de-bone my fish. My dad comes in a close second, but gramps just does it perfectly. Dutch oven dinners always taste good, and a good game of sequence with long talks with the family are good for the soul. It was a much needed, night away. 

Cheers to recapping those pictures I wanted to remember. :)

DENVER BRONCOS

Guys...this post is a post, of one of my dreams that came true. Fasten your seat belts!

For those who know me, know that I L.O.V.E. Football! (Disclaimer: I don't necessiarily have a favorite team, I enjoy watching certain players succeed.) Remember the Titans is my favorite movie. I would rather pick to watch any sport movie over a chick flick any day. Super Bowl is about as big of a holiday to me as Christmas is. If you don't believe me...ask my friends. haha

I came home from work and school one day in the summer and was ornery to say the least. ha It was just a rough day and I was exhausted. I opened up my lap top, dreading the fact that I had homework to do. Little did I know, my dad is a sneaky son-of-a-gun and he had Denver Broncos football tickets, sitting, right there, waiting for me. I screamed. I was SO happy. I couldn't believe it. I really couldn't.

My dad and I headed to Denver! We drove for what seemed like hours, seeing how all I wanted to be was at the game, taking it all in. My dad, being who he was decided to have me site see a few things. We went to Steamboat and ate a late lunch, it reminded me a lot of Park City, but was beautiful non-the-less. From there we headed to Rocky Mountain National Park. Guys. Nature is really a neat thing. As soon as we got into the park, my window was rolled down, breathing in the fresh air. Below there are two pictures of Elk that I captured as we continued to climb the mountain. Climbing the mountain...haha...oh how eerie it was. As we were ascending to 12,000 ft above sea level, fog decided to join us. I am not kidding when I say we could not see anything less than a foot in front of us. Knowing that on both sides of the mountain were straight drops off, wasn't the most comfortable feeling in the world. Also, I found out that I would never be able to survive climbing Mt. Everest (not that I ever would want to), but man did I have a headache from the lack of oxygen I was receiving. 

VoDoo Doughnuts is like this famous doughnut shop that I see on social media all the time. Well folks, they are freaking delicious. The day before the game, dad and I explored good old Downtown Denver. I have never been to Bass Pro shops, loved every second of it. Ate one too many doughnuts, and checked out Coors Field. The whole time itching for 6:00 to hit, so I could see some football.

Literally, still to do this day, this whole experience  seems surreal, it was everything I wanted.

Look how cute my dad is posing with all the professionals. haha

Every high school in Colorado has a helmet in this case. Which if you as me is pretty dang cool.

My dad told me we were sitting fourth row in the end zone. Being the blonde that I am sometimes, I was thinking like fourth row, end zone, high up. Which I was totally fine with. But oh how I was in for a surprise. We walked into the stadium and my dad kept walking down to the field. WE WERE LITERALLY FOURTH ROW IN THE FREAKING END ZONE. People I teared up. I'm not even kidding. I took over a 100 pictures, and will spare everyone, only showing you a few. haha I sat in awe as the players came out and warmed up. I thought college players were big, are you kidding me, these guys are massive. The whole experience was literally perfection. I could hear the players on the field, I could hear the smack of pads hitting...I love football. From the opening kickoff-to the last second in 4th quarter, I sat in awe as if I was dreaming this was actually happening. My dad got me a pretzel to eat, and it took me pretty close to the whole game to finish it, because I couldn't take my eyes off of what was happening in front of me. 

Von (freaking) Miller

It was like the clouds were cheering for the Broncos. 

Dad, thank you for dragging me to Colton's little league practices, and games when I was growing up. Thank you for letting me fall asleep in the car pretty much both ways (it felt like I haven't slept all summer ha). Thank you for making one of my many dreams come true again. Thank you for always being there when I need you in every way possible. I love football, but I also love you.

St. Geezy

A girls trip to St. George is always a good idea. Cass and Heid are more like my older sisters. We were fortunate to stay at the Entrada Golf Course. Goodness the room was amazing. We completely lived it up. High School Musical 2 was filmed here. We reacted every part we possibly could. Soaked up so many sun rays and ate one to many bags of White Cheddar Cheetos. Since Cass and I turned 21 this past summer it only seemed fitting that we pulled our first slot machine. It was a blast hahaha. Needless to say, my first pull I got all straight sevens. I felt like I was a million bucks. haha We didn't last for long, seeing how I hate smoke with everything in me. The other night we went to see Tarzan. It was beautifully done, even if Jane didn't wear a yellow dress. ;) We finished off the trip with eating more food and shopping till our bank accounts were pretty much empty. Yes we did share a dressing room, because lets be real, why wait for your own, when you can share? Goodness I sure love my family and I always have the greatest time!

Until, next time!