One of the most humbling and uplifting experiences I've had to date is to ask some of the people closest to me to write a letter to my future husband.

I didn't give them any rules, i just asked them to write it. As i read through them i might have cried a little, because these women understand and see parts of me that i sometimes don't. I have surounded myself with some pretty phenomenal women through the years and it shows through their words.

So here are their letters to my future husband. 

Sammi

Almost ten years ago i was goofing off during a dance rehearsal and made a best friend. She's the one who taught me how to put on makeup and how to basically flirt with guys. She shared everything with me; thoughts, family, and sometimes boys. Once, it happened once, and there was two years between the time we dated the same guy. She's the one who runs through rain with me and puddle jumps like a 5 year old. Because that's needed. She also makes really good tea. I keep her long time. 

To whom it may concern:
I'm 4 months away from claiming 10 whole years of best friendship with this woman who will be your wife. So, I can claim a little bit of expertise in the Emily Belshe department. In 3 years, we will have been best friends for half our lives and as the years roll on and you bring children into the world, along with me and my husband, we'll move into one of those "lifetime" friendship categories.

However, if there is one thing I have learned about marriage, it is that you truly marry your best friend. And so, knowing that, I know that I will have to hand that title to you. (Though, I'm still keeping the "best girl friend" and "best childhood friend". You can't have those. Sorry 'bouts it.) In this letter, I am officially entrusting that sacred title to you.

Along with "best friend", there are a few other titles that come along with marriage to this wonderful woman.

- Protector: The heart that Emily has entrusted to you is the strongest, most fragile heart I know of. It is because it has been broken many times, and instead of giving up, she has stuck it out, and rebuilt her heart one piece at a time. A rebuilt heart knows the cost of loving and losing, yet chooses to love anyway. This is the heart she possesses. This is the heart she has given to you. Protect it. Treasure it. Show her that, to you, it is the most precious gift in the universe. If you've gotten this far in your relationship, then you know that loyalty is one of her best qualities. She holds on and doesn't let go. She will never turn her back on you. No matter the mistakes you have made in your life, if you are moving forward and you promise to keep her heart safe, she won't ask more from you.

- Playmate: Emily has the soul of a 5-year-old. Really. Dinosaur noises. That's all. By those two words, you should know exactly I mean. Love her free soul. Coloring books, blanket forts, goldfish crackers - the children's section in the library. These are things that will bring out her inner child. She will be the greatest other in the world because she finds just as much joy in these things as children do. (Maybe more.) Until then, she needs someone to be a child with her. And then, when the kids come along, you bet your best buttons that she will expect you to continue the simple joys of  childhood with her and your children. She is someone you can enjoy doing pretty much anything with - even eating dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets and Capri Sun.

- Adventurer/Curious Explorer: As explained previously, you married a free soul. This will require adventuring of all sorts. Camping, travelling, 3 a.m. runs to get pizza. Take her outside - to breathe. Far away from civilization. Free from distractions and cell phone reception, so she can recharge her soul. Take her to a city she's never been. Try new food. Indulge her in her current obsessions. A few years ago, it was collecting records. Right now, it's learning plants. (Always books. That's a given.) Take her home. Let her show you the city she loves through her eyes. Be wild and crazy with her family. Take her to your family home. Show her your world. Create your own world together, wherever you choose.

- Comforter: 3 letters that will save you T E A. For reals. Tea is her go-to. Just like you. When her days are hard, ask about it. And make tea. When she's ready to tell you, she will. Hold her close. Kiss her softly. Be gentle with her soul. Do what you can. Sometimes you will be able to fix her problems, but other times you will not. Her heart will ache and yours will ache for her, but hold her and be her rock and time will do the rest.

-Spiritual Leader: The gospel of Jesus Christ is the most important thing in Emily's life. She leans on her Savior and clings to Him for dear life. I have been blessed to watcher her and help her on this journey just as much as she has helped me. It's your turn. Together, with the Savior, you will raise a righteous family. Take leadership. Call for family prayer, Family Home Evening, study scriptures together. These are requirements for your family - things she has always planned on. Take her to the temple. Return and remember those covenants you made to God and each other. Hold her up when she struggles and she will do the same for you.

I hope you know these titles I am passing on to you are not unreciprocated (yeah, I just made that word up). Emily will protect your heart, indulge in your joys, comfort you in times of need and be your spiritual anchor and partner. It's something that comes with the territory of marriage. By now, you should have learned many of her quirks - her love of flannel and beanies, and weird desire to wear lipstick with the flannel and beanies (and all other clothing), her love (that word doesn't quite cover it) of books, her inability to keep goldfish alive, her pride of being El Salvadoran (pupusas anyone?), and I repeat, dinosaurs noises. She'll learn your quirks - you might have different taste in music, you might hate rain (I really hope you don't), you may have a weird obsession with Thai food or a mole on your left elbow shaped like a turkey. Whatever her quirks and yours, the most important thing is that you love each other and are willing to make a run at eternity. If you put the Savior first, and each other's needs ahead of your own, eternity will be the most joyous thing in all of ....well... eternity.

And so, it is with great joy that I pass these titles on to you. Keep them well.

Love,
Samantha Hogge

Katy

This woman has seen me through a lot as well. She is the one who is patient enough to coach me up the rock wall when my limbs are shaking beyond belief. She's the one who has helped my wanderlust on so many occasions by taking me to see new places. Some of the most raw conversations have happened as i've sat in her passenger seat. She gets that sometimes i don't need words, i just need presence. She also understands my ridiculous need for shameless cuddles. 

To the man Emily has chosen to marry,

You already know what you're getting yourself into by now, considering you asked the game-changing question. By now you've realized you're about to commit Eternity to this woman. Let that sink in for a moment. Wait. Keep letting that soak. Breathe. Okay.

It's a wonderful feeling, isn't it? Because you're getting one of the great ones. Eternity is what you want, what Emily deserves. It's what you deserve too. And Emily can give that to you. You will be hard pressed to find a more loyal, caring, faithful, and loving woman. You'll never doubt that she loves you. But don't use that as an excuse to make her angry. Don't test that. You will lose. Accept that now. If you've been searching for someone on God's side, you know by now that you've found her. Plus, you get the added bonus of her fantastically diverse personality. You get humor, laughs, giggles, ab-busting chortles, and did I mention she's hilarious? On top of that, she'll always be there for you and down for an adventure. Never stop taking her on adventures. 

Speaking of adventures, you're about to start the best and longest one with one of the best travel buddies. Keep fueling her desire for adventure and you won't regret it. Challenge each other to be better. Hold true to her and God. Because you can be sure that she will be true to you and already is true to God. Be patient, kind, and understanding with her. She is no more perfect than you are. Be open. Emily is incredibly easy to be open with and will always make you feel accepted, while still encouraging you to be and do better. Having that open communication with her is going to be the best reward to your adventure together. The things you're going to learn from her, about her, about yourself, those are priceless. Take it from someone who knows. 

Emily has already had incredible experience making a measurable difference in the lives of those around her. Get excited. You're next. Do us a favor though, and take care of her to the best of your abilities. And when your abilities fall short, fall to your knees. She needs you and your prayers. She needs your love and companionship. She needs you. She has a tenancy to exhaust herself. Be there to slow her down when she'd running too fast. Be there to catch her when she falls. Figuratively and literally, because she can sometimes be a bit clumsy. Your shoulder better always be available to her. Please keep in mind she has an army behind her and if you ever hurt or neglect her then you will be unleashing more fury than you can imagine. You have been warned, Not that you need it, since you've decided that she's the one you want to spend Eternity with already. But it never hurts to know you've got people holding you accountable. It keeps you honest. 

She is going to be your best friend, if she isn't already. Don't forget that. Don't let monotony set in and don't lose sight of what you love about her. The same goes for Emily. Both of you, never give up on each other, on God, on your families, on your dreams. Be accountable to each other. Be patient, even when you don't want to be. Be what the other deserves. Be what you deserve. Keep those smiles. Don't fall for the false lure of perfection. You don't need it. You need each other's quirks. You need the imperfections to grow. You need the journey just as much as you want the destination. Swallow your pride. Be the bigger person. Take counsel from one another willingly, but don't be cynical. Constructive criticism is a good thing, but meanness has no place in a marriage. Continue to pick each other up, always. Stay close, to each other and to your families. And she's a keeper. We all look forward to watching you two grow.

Hopefully you're getting more excited everyday to marry and remain married to Emily. She is a beautiful soul and you must be pretty amazing yourself if she picked you. Congratulations on finding your eternal companion. Congratulations on the life you will spend together. Chin up buddy. You got this. You got the girl.  

Sincerely,
Katy 

Eden

This woman though. She's the one currently sleeping in the bunk above me. The one who constantly laughs at the fact that i talk and laugh in my sleep. She's my midnight buddy, who i go to when my brain wont stop thinking at midnight. I knew the moment i met her that she would be important, i mean, i guess thats why i asked her to live with me the second time i met her. She's a spiritual giant and inspires me every day. I adore her. 

To the man who holds her heart:
When you were little and learning numbers, were you ever told to “count the beans”? and one by one the beans would be counted and put back in the jar and you’d be on your way? Well Emily, she’s not a bean counter, she makes soup. She’ll be the chef as she learns to count. She’ll be off on an adventure with those beans, though everyone else just sees a pile of beans to be counted.
Emily sees the typical and makes it all an adventure! She thrives on new experiences and adventures (just the word “adventure” makes her smile and light up and her energy automatically rises…and then she takes you with her). She’ll surprise you continuously, you can count on it. Life with Emily won’t be dull in any way, but it will be reliable and faith-filled.
She is a good one, she sees God in all things and is close to the spirit. Trust her. Cherish her. You stand in a place of honor and respect because she chose you. She is an elect lady. So know you must be a pretty darn awesome guy (don’t let that get to your head).
Hug her often, tell her she’s beautiful. She’s tough but sensitive. Take her longboarding at least once a week and don’t indulge her cocacola habit too much. Listen closely to what she says, but don’t be afraid to state your opinion and counter her. Trust her, she’ll follow through. Let her love the kitties, let her paint the walls, be interested in her hobbies and share your thoughts with her. Let her serve you. Don’t be perfect.
You’ll have grand time with this one! Be yourself always and her heart will forever be yours. And remember, she’s not just a bean counter, she makes soup.

 Kristina

She know the best jokes that make me laugh the hardest- aka the cheesiest. She is always fun to be around and the absolute best teacher I've ever met. She is another one of my late night buddies because when we talk it matters. She's the one who sits with me on the kitchen floor when im upset and drinking tea. She brings perspective in the most refreshing ways, especially of the Spiritual type.
To Whom it May Concern:

Hot dang, I hope you realize what a lucky guy you are. Emily is hilarious, fun, smart, beautiful, sassy, and packs quite the spiritual punch. Basically, she's awesome. You clearly picked a winner, so I've got to congratulate you on your taste in women.

I hope you know this by now, because you want to marry this girl, but Emily likes to adopt random animals that show up at the doorstep, she sings loudly at odd hours of the night, and she drinks copious amounts of tea. So consider yourself forewarned about what you're getting yourself into. I hope you like Josh Groban/hipster bands/Les Miserables/party music/pretty much every type of music, because you will definitely be hearing it a lot. If you don't like it, you have no business marrying Emily, because what even do you have in common? Just kidding, if you don't like it, I'm sure you're a wonderful person, and you two love each other deeply. (But really, you should like music a lot.)

You must be a pretty stellar guy if Emily wants to spend eternity with you, so congratulations on that. Keep it up, and remember that Emily is amazing. She will give you so much love and support, and make every day a wonderful, funny, spontaneous adventure. It sounds cliche, but take good care of her, because she deserves it.

You, sir, are amazing! Good luck embarking on this new stage of your life, you're going to love it!

Kristina Bohman (Emily's roommate)

Arielle

This is my little one. Her and I became friends when i climbed into bed with her and said "Oh, hey, hope that we are on this level, because if we arent we are now". She gets my obsession with movies and put up with my sporadic taste in music. I think my favourite way to wake her up was with a puppy. She is so supportive and full of love. Watching her grow is one of my greatest blessings. 

Dearest Future Hobo,
You have got the best girl I’ve ever known. Her quality is not often found in this world. She is not just a unicorn, she’s a damn Pegasus. She continually shows me kindness and helps me grow. I would have withered without her. She showed me how to thrive, she’s got a green thumb, that one. I tear up just thinking about her. She is very unique and it took me a long time to truly appreciate every single facet she has. She is kind, funny, wicked intelligent, marvelous, childlike, energetic, moody, introspective, spontaneous, and down to earth. I could literally go on for eternity. Which is the amount of time you will have with her, if you play your cards right. ;) I’m sure you are every ounce her equal. I would not have let her go through with this otherwise. Emily is to be cherished, pushed, understood, and just loved. Placing your heart in her hands is the best decision you will ever make. Emily has a fierce love that she wants to share with everyone and it is not to be taken lightly. Emily has built up a fort around her heart. It has twinkly lights, big blankets, and pillows galore. Oh! And books. You cannot forget the books. Reading books, coloring books…you name it. This place is very sacred to her and she might retreat from you and spend a long time in said fort. Do not be alarmed. This time is necessary for her AND for you. You can coax her out of the fort, but never force her out of the fort. That is not nice. Emily will give you the world, but you also need to fulfill her needs. She needs lots of outside time (not unlike the 5 dogs y’all will have), alone time, cuddle time, forehead kisses, cooking together, and be sure to spend a lot of time raising and teaching your kids. Lastly, and most importantly, walk hand in hand with your Emily toward Heavenly Father. Always chase that goodness because she will be.
Love,
Arielle


 Ivy

 She's my adventure buddy, esepcially when it means Hobble Creek. She asks important questions and is one of the best listeners i've been blessed with. People are often confused by our friendship and it brings us great joy. It's the perfect mix of an Introvert and an Extrovert. Music is meant to be blasted, and she understands this. She gets the different parts of me- one part country one part city girl. She is one of the most understanding and caring people i have had the pleasure to meet. She's one of the best people and i'm so thankful to call her a best friend.


Dear Future Husband of my best friend Emily:
The truth is, I probably don’t like you. I trust Emily to make the right choice and all, but what you have is special, and I don’t know if I know of anyone who is special enough to have her for the rest of their life. I’m not scary, and I’m not tall and I can’t really do anything to you, but I want you to know that I love Emily and the fact that I’m letting you marry her means that you might not be as bad as I tend to think you are.
Know, son, that there is a gauntlet that you must walk. There are things that you must do. Emily loves you heart and soul and I know that you know how important that is. But when she agreed to share a life with you, it doesn’t mean that there are two lives who are working together. What it means is that you became one life. Your life is her life and her life is your life and I don’t mean that you live in each other’s lives. I mean your life is your life, “your” being defined as You and Emily. This is you and Emily’s singular life.
So I want to offer you some advice to keep your life happy.
Kiss your life on the nose every once and a while.
When she teaches you how to do pigtails on your little girl, it is okay if the pigtails are crooked. She doesn’t care if you are perfect. She only cares if you try.
If you don’t like tea, give up on that. You love tea now.
Let her sit on your lap and let her tell you about her day and then tell her about a song that would have been the perfect sound track to that part of the day.
Come home with dirty hands from fixing things. Have a passion and let her share in it. Even if you could just do something faster yourself, let Emily help. She wants to help you. She wants to be part of what you’re doing. She loves people for their passions. She makes them hers.
Read books to her. Use different voices for each character. She’ll probably help you. In fact, just buy two copies of each book your read so that you can read them together.
If you walk in on her doing mommy-like things, just hang out in the door and watch her in her element. You are helping her fulfil a life dream.
Make sure that she has a dog. (This one is a selfish one and a subtle reminder that she promised to name her golden retriever after me.)
I want you to know that you don’t have to prove your love to Emily. Emily loves unconditionally and just because she can. But when you fight, let her know when the fight is over. Give her closure. And then bury the hatchet.
Instead of buying her cut flowers, just get her a potted version of the same thing.
When the family gets together, I hope that you are the kind of man that will go around with Cristina and take pictures with Abuelita. Watch her with happy eyes and then drag her out onto the dance floor to dance with her crazy family.
Be the kind of dad that will have the kid’s friends in the house. Be the kind of religious leader that your kids can go to and can look up to; if some of your kids have friends that don’t have dads, know that you are now their father, because Emily will be their second mother.
Take adventures. You just married the most willing and able adventurer ever. Take her to misty rocks and just sit on them. Ask important questions. Don’t talk bad about her to her friends and help your friends say only good things about their spouses as well.
Again, Emily does not care about perfection. She cares about growing and loving, and luckily, you can do that together. I don’t need to tell you how lucky you are. You know. And I don’t need to tell Emily how lucky she is. She knows.
Love,
Ivy
Cristina

 She is the most important person to me that walks this earth. When men break my heart or frustrate me she is my first call. When i am going through ANYTHING she is the first one i call. I call her about 3 times a day. She is the one who grounds me and helps me to see things clearly. She is my protector and loves me more than anyone ever has- except for maybe my parents. I have her for eternity and I am so grateful for that. She is my sister. She makes me laugh harder than anyone should have the power to and frustrates me more than anyone ever has.


Dear Emily’s future husband,

Welcome to the family. Since you are still here, it means you are up to muster and have survived the family. That is no small feat. Now you are stuck, I mean blessed, with Emily for time and all eternity. Things are going great, you are all in love and mushy and glowing and stuff right now, it’s kinda gross, but I suppose I understand. We too, were that way. And still are for the most part. I want you to know what a lucky man you are. I know that you feel that way now, but even in the future when she is driving you crazy, you are still a lucky man. My sister may be a pain in the behind sometimes, but she is a good woman. But she is also very delicate. She would like you to think she can take it all on and be fine and that she doesn’t need help or can handle whatever life throws her way. Don’t get me wrong, she can, but she is going to need you to be there to help hold her up and strengthen her and sometimes to be there while she cries. Let her cry, or snuggle her until she does. She needs to let it out more often than she does.  Don’t kid yourself, she’ll hold you while you cry when you need it too. And you will, more often than you want to, but it’s good to let it out. I am sure she will snuggle you as well. Ew. Anyway. Someone once told me that marriage is never 50/50, one of you will always be taking or giving more at any certain time. Trials will come to you where you can only give 20 and she will be giving you 80. Other times she will need your 75 because 25 is all she can muster. It will always be like that, be willing to give your part regardless of how much it is, with love and graciousness. You have married into an awesome family. We always talk and know each other’s business. Don’t worry, we will love you anyway, and I hope you will do the same. I realize there will be some stuff kept between the two of you, but know that she will need friends to vent to or bounce ideas off of and it won’t mean that you aren’t her best friend, because if you have made it this far, then you are. It just means she has others who love her and want her to be happy and know her, for the moment, a tad bit better then you do. And that’s okay. As you grow and spend life together you will know the parts of her that have changed as you have grown together. And that’s as it should be. But until then, it’s okay that we can tell when she is upset if you can’t yet. You’ll learn. Now to you. Obviously you are temple worthy. Let’s keep it that way. Of course in your head you are thinking, duh! But life is a test and sometimes we mess up. Get back on that horse buddy and keep going. She will love you regardless of your mistakes, as you will love her regardless of hers. The important part is to repent and keep going. Stay worthy to go to the one place that will bring you ultimate peace and comfort. Go to the temple regularly, the apostles say once a month. Sounds easy, but it’s not. Life gets in the way if you let it. Don’t let it. Stay worthy of your priesthood. Again, duh, but again, life happens and it can be hard.  Always apologize. Sometimes it may not be your fault, or you may not think you are at fault, but apologizing can open the gates of communication. Holy cow, that is the hardest thing in the world when you get married! Communication!!! Everyone, every family, does it differently and you are meshing two completely different people into one family. Just talk about everything. Even finances. You might as well get that out in the open in the beginning. Some things will be uncomfortable to talk about at first, but just keep doing it. Don’t get mad at the stupid stuff. You will. But then you need to get over it. If she’s pissed, tackle her, tickle her, cry and just snuggle her. It works for me! But really, work things out. The whole, never go to bed angry thing, ya know what? If you are that mad, maybe you need to cool off over night. I think the rule should be don’t say anything out of anger you will regret in the morning. Tell her you love her, make out or whatever, then talk in the morning. Or later that night. Ew. And you will get angry. Don’t be a jerk about it. Be careful with her, she says mean things fast to win the argument, but you don’t get to do that. Really she shouldn’t either, but that’s a habit she will have to break with you. While she dishes it out, she can’t take it. And I don’t mean that in a snide way. I mean it in the, you love her so be aware that you can hurt her and don’t do it, way. You know what it’s like to be hurt by those you love, and you know that the scars of others words and actions last far longer and go far deeper than any physical injury you have received. Don’t give her scars. Or I really will be mad at you and not like you. We all come with baggage. You have some, she has some. Some of the stuff you may have dealt with and some will come roaring back to life later on in your marriage. It’s okay. EVERYONE HAS ISSUES!!! The difference between those who have healthy marriages and those that don’t last is the willingness of you and your spouse to deal with those issues. That may mean counseling, alone and together, it may mean medication. You know what? Whatever it takes. There will be times in your marriage that are hard, again, life’s a test. Lean on the Lord and on each other and get help if you need it. And you probably will, so just get help. I know it feels like you will just love each other to pieces and can’t imagine ever being angry or making a wrong decision or hurting her, but it will happen and that’s okay. It’s where you go from there that matters. I mean, it’s not okay, but you can repent. Follow the guidance of the prophets and general authorities. They know what they are talking about. It’s going to take work, but then again, most things worth having in this life do. I also heard another great piece of advice, “People who spend money on experiences are happier then people who spend money on things.” Don’t get into debt. If you can help it, don’t do it! It really is a vice and it doesn’t feel good or do you any good either. Have fun with each other, don’t watch too much t.v., laugh with each other, go to church with each other, have water fights-not food, that sucks to clean up, have laundry fights, do the hard stuff together, serve her and love her, she is your ticket to heaven. And when things suck, fake it till you make it. You will make it, she’ll make you make it!  Remember who she is, her potential, her amazingness. And if you forget, remind yourself again. Talk about kids, about how you want them to grow up. Set standards in your home now so that you can have the spirit with you to guide you in guiding them. Take the time to keep the spirit in your home. Don’t come home cranky. Or go to your room until you can be happy. If she has been home with the kid(s) and managed not to kill them then don’t come in all pissy and ruin the mood. Totally not worth it. The best thing in the world you can do for your children is to love their mama to pieces. They will watch and learn from you. Always, they are always watching. It will always be her above them, and that’s okay, she’s your eternal companion-they are just exchange students who need the education you can give while they are with you. Teach them while they are young, talk about the gospel in your home. Don’t be ashamed or nervous or worried about what they will say when you are out or if they will offend others by repeating what they learned in family home evening.  Their little souls need the gospel, even when they are too young to understand it, they feel the spirit and that is what they need. Make sure you are the kind of dad that gives that to them, it’s not all up to Emily. Really? Just love each other, make one another your priority and it will be okay. I love you and I am grateful for anything and everything you needed to go through and do to be the one to take Emily to the temple. She is special. Treasure her. Love her. Love the Lord. Follow Him and you will never go wrong.

Love,

Your new sister, Cristina



The last couple of weeks i've started up the habit once more of reading Conference talks and planning my weekly goals and studies around them. It has infinitely blessed my life. Last week it was a talk that helped me to clear my life of everything that was stopping me from hearing my Heavenly Father's guidance in my life. It helped me to come to Him in humility asking what i could do to be better, and believe me, i got answers. The hardest part was actually doing them, but my faith in my Heavenly Father has increased so much. It is His plan of happiness, but not easiness. I know that right now is a time in my life that i'm going to have growing pains. The growing pains that come with constant progression are exciting and empowering to me.

This weeks talk was President Eyring's last conference address. It was phenomenal and i can't wait to study it all week.


“And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy” (D&C 11:12–13).



On Sunday morning i awoke with a fierce determination to set goals and to reach them as the week went on. Know one thing, i am a very stubborn and determined person. Once i get my mind latched onto something I have to do it.


Life had me strung out and i was ready for a change, so i wanted to do things that led to habits. I wanted to make goals that helped my emotional, physical, and spiritual well being. I prayed about it throughout the day and at the end of the day i had three goals set. Another thing that you should know about me is that i love the number three.


1. Wake Up Every Morning at 6:30

I don't do mornings. That's a straight up fact. SO WHY IN THE WORLD HAD I MADE THAT A GOAL? I asked myself that every morning when my alarm started going off. I like to challenge myself, thats why. I like to take something that i've been telling myself that i can't do and go out and DO IT. I enjoy breaking down my own limits and seeing what happens. 

I considered it a success if i was out of bed by 7. Praaaaaise good friends who helped me with my goal! My friend gets up way earlier than that because he has to be at work by 6- i worry for him and his sanity- so i asked him to text me at 6:30 to help me wake up. So he was the one i was accountable to every morning and it helped immensely. He would text me songs to wake up to, which made waking up that early a lot more bearable.

End Result: I woke up every morning at 6:30ish and was out of bed by 7. I had more energy throughout the day and i felt like every day was more productive. I was able to see my favourite constellation, Orion, when i woke up, and I was able to set aside quiet time in the morning to do important things. I felt like i had more energy to do everything! Although, to be completely honest i usually took naps after i'd been up for a couple of hours annnnnd Friday was a bust. Eden tried to wake me up by taking all my blankets but 6:30 am Emily tends to be extremely stubborn and demands sleep.

Waking up at 6:30 was step one of a two part goal.

2. Study My Scriptures Daily

Real talk: I've been horrid at studying my scriptures for the last little stretch of my life. Sure, i'd read them, but how much would i actually get out of them? I made this a goal because i wanted to start a habit, one of studying my scriptures daily. Drinking out of the well, as my Bishop calls it. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes on Monday morning and sat down with my well loved scriptures.

Let me tell you, this goal was a game changer. This goal is what made all the difference this entire week. This goal was one that i am making every day for the rest of my life because my heavens, so many blessings poured out of this goal.

I started to read and ended up in Doctrine and Covenants Section 6. This entire section is an absolute gold mine. I don't even know where to start to describe how it spoke to my soul. As i read, each verse seemed to speak truth and goodness to me.

Verse 8 is what hit my heart and hit it hard: Verily, Verily I say unto you, even as you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation. 

 I realized that in that moment that Heavenly Father was very aware of me and aware of the desires of my heart. Because the night before i had asked of Him how i could help to lift those around me and jumpstart my re-determination to chase goodness. And my answer was this...

3. Attend the Temple Daily 

When i got this answer i was confused. I told Heavenly Father that i was already busy enough as is and was looking for answers on how to simplify,  how in the WORLD was i going to pull it off?! The answer i received was "Can you just trust me for a moment, little one?". My goal was to attend the Temple daily and share my love of the Temple with others.

This was my favourite goal, hands down. All Summer I volunteered in the Temple once a week for about 5 hours and it was my favourite day of the week. The Temple is my happy place, especially my Cupcake(Provo Temple). It is the place where i have run to for peace throughout the last five years, its the place where i have received answers that have changed my life, and it is where i go to gather strength to face the trials in my life.

Tuesday rolls around and it turns out that my Ward had a Temple Trip planned. I had felt so busy and so rushed throughout the entire day, but i was excited to attend the Temple. My friend Rachel and I decided to do Sealings instead of a Session and it made all the difference. Real talk: Sometimes the here and now overwhelms me, especially when i think about my future. Sometimes it weighs my soul down because I feel like i'm not progressing in the ways that i see all my friends doing- getting married, graduating, having children, and so many other things. Sealings ground me. They remind me of the future that I am working for every day and I refuse to settle for anything less. One day I will kneel across from my best friend and make promises that will last into the Eternities. My knowledge of Forever Families helps me to understand that all of this *waives hands at struggles* will be worth it. Sealings remind me to be patient in Gods timing and work on bettering myself.


Wednesday was a meh day. I think thats the only way i can adequately describe it. I made plans the week before to go to the Temple with one of my best friends, Sammi. She's fantastic and one of the wise people in my life who keeps me sane. She is also a huge example to me of the kind of woman i strive to be and the kind of Spirit i want to one day reside in my home. Anyone who has stepped into her tiny apartment understands what i mean, and Jon is a lucky man to journey with her for the rest of Eternity. She also has a love for fresh grape juice and turkey cheese and cracker lunchables. We decided to attend a Session and I was in charge of keeping her awake. Real talk: I am a Spiritual cryer and i am not ashamed. When i feel the Spirit it tends to leak out of my eyes, and I dont think ive ever attended the Temple without crying- even if just a little. That Session had me crying within the first couple of minutes as I began to reflect on the Atonement and the love that Heavenly Father has for His children. Sessions bring me so much peace for the past, strength for the present, and joy for the future.


Thursday was a kidney punch. Thursday was just plain hard. I had been prideful and the opportunity cost for my pride was a painful one. At one point i just plugged in my headphones with Valhalla by RL Grime playing, walked around Campus, and talked with God. I told Him how frustrated I was, asked how i was going to work on things, and I listened. I stood on the edge of campus and gazed upon the mountains and the city below me and felt this overwhelming peace and humility wash over me. I felt answers flood my understanding and I felt such a rush of energy to do and be better. I felt such a determination to be true to myself and to the Daughter of God that i am, it was such a humbling and empowering experience. And i hadn't even gone to the Temple yet. I met Ivy for dinner and discussed with her my whirlwind of a day as we headed to the Temple. Ivy, how do i even begin to tell you about Ivy. You know those people that come into your life and the Spirit whispers This one, pay attention because this one is important. That's Ivy. Also, this quote- "Great minds discuss ideas;average minds discuss events;small minds discuss people" Eleanor Roosevelt. We dicusss ideas; like what joy really means, what nacho cheese is called if its not on nachos, and what lessons life has taught us. That night we decided to do Initiatories, which are the best when you want to really learn about yourself. I cry every single time and my face hurts from smiling so much. I really gain a sense of how blessed i am, how powerful my God is, and how beautiful the promises i've made with Him really are. When i left the Temple that day i gained a greater understanding of myself and how to deal with the trials that were on my plate. Afterwards we sat on the fountain and discussed what the Temple had taught us that night and it was such a refreshing experience. Another thing that i truly admire about Ivy is that she is very genuine and talks about real things. She inspires me a lot and is constantly trying to help those that she loves. 


Friday I spent 2 and a half hours planting tulips. So basically it was already a great day; digging in the dirt, playing with bugs, and laughing while swapping stories with my coworkers about our past love lives. I decided to end this journey alone and headed up to the Temple right after work. The week had been tiring, but i could feel the changes within my soul begin to take place. I could feel the determination to chase goodness settling upon my shoulders. I attended another Session and felt so much power on my behalf from those on the other side of the Veil, from those who have passed on. Real Talk: I have a sister that died before I was born but there is not a doubt in my mind that before I came to this Earth her and I were very close. I feel her presence every time I am doing work within the Temple and am so thankful to know that families can be together forever and that when i make it to the other side its going to be party because we are going to be together again. I had been studying Doctrine and Covenants Section 6 the entire week, so when i had a moment to study my scriptures in the Temple i opened up to that section. 

 14 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time.


The lessons i learned from the Temple this week are as follows,

1. I am meant to be Courageous. I am meant to be brave, speak my mind, and be true to myself. 
2. I do not believe that joy is happiness, I believe that joy is a mixture of all emotions- good and bad. I believe that in order to have joy we must live. To live life to the fullest is to be joyful. That means taking the good and the bad as they come and appreciating them for what they really are, not trying to change them to be something they aren't. Joy is so much deeper and richer than just happiness. 
3. I was not at the Temple because God wanted me to be there, I was there because i wanted to be there for God.  (Ivy, thank you) 
4. The Temple is a place of continuous learning and growing. It is a place that breeds progression and gives you the strength to go forth and do. 
5. Chandeliers help me to understand the Eternities. 
6. Pride and joy do not coexist within my soul.


 I have been pretty timid when it comes to a lot of things in my life-especially when it comes to joy- the last couple of months. I've used trials as crutches, but no longer. I am a woman that speaks my mind. I am courageous and i am meant to do hard things. I am a Daughter of an all powerful God. I am meant to progress and grow. Growing pains hurt, but they are needed in order to be the best that you can be. When i attend the Temple i feel like i am coming home. The peace there is unparalleled to anything else on this earth. It is where Heavenly Father speaks to His children and it is where He moves mountains. It has blessed me and those that i love beyond measure. 

I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows the desires of my heart and who admonishes me to rise and go forth and do. I am thankful for my relationship with Him and the love that i feel every day. This week has turned on a switch within me, and I am thankful for the opportunity to repent and do better every day. 

34 Therefore, fear not, little one; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.

This is my testimony, this is my prayer, this is my joy. 
This is my journey of chasing goodness. 



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About Me
My thoughts are stars i cannot fathom into constellations

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