Very Humbled 9/29/08

I am very humbled by some of the things that happened this weekend, so I wanted to write a gratitude list for this past weekend, but I might put some explanation into some of these things.
I am grateful to my Heavenly Father that:
-I was able to start teaching piano and spanish lessons again and I have
confidence that they will go well. The kids are really sweet and the mom seems really rich. and understanding.
-I went to the conference and it was amazing - the talks were written as though they were made just for me.
-I really loved Sister Beck's Talk, and apparently she's getting a lot of persecution and I couldn't even tell, her faith and dedication was so strong.
-Uchtdorf's talk was amazing. He spoke about our divine qualities to create as women and to create something wonderful in everything around us. "how many smiles can we create today?" It was really cute, and awesome. I hope that I don't forget that. :)
-I saw Cassandra, she is awesome.
-During the middle of the conference, something amazing happened. Debbie came next to me and told me that Lisa's pregnant! I can barely believe that still!!!!! But we're both super excited. It makes me feel pretty old though because agewise the baby could be my kid so that's kindof weird but I'm still excited about it. Not as many mixed feelings as I thought I would have, I'm just worried about Lisa and afraid that she'll stress out a lot, because she takes so much upon herself, but she did quit her full time job recently, so that's good. I think it will help their relationship too, though I'm sure it'll be a huge adjustment for everyone. *I'm still pretty excited though*
-After we got back Emily and I watched legally blonde on tv, and that was a lot of fun since I've been thinking about that movie a lot this week.
-Afterwards, I was able to practice for an hour at Dalton Center, and I know that the Lord was helping me a lot with that, somehow He made it possible.
Okay, this is long, so I'll ttyl. I hope everyone's doing well!
Love,
Sunshine

Gratitude List 9/26-27/08

I am grateful to my Heavenly Father:
-That I made it through the week.
-That I'm practicing more and have callouses!
-I saw the elders and they told me about an awesome new investigator that I'm going to try to meet.
-I'm starting piano lessons again, and maybe Spanish but I'm not sure yet.
-I get to see a broadcast tonight.
-I hung out with the Gilberts yesterday.
-Brian's doing really well. He's amazing.
-Emily cleaned the apartment and it looks incredible.
-I have good friends that I love.
-Jamilyn and I are going to have practicing parties on Tuesday and Thursday. Yay, Bartok.
-I've been printing out my xang and blogs so I can keep a good record of my life - a little bit easier than gold plates if you ask me.
-Debbie's happy because she got a sub for her shift.
-Kati absolutely loved her card that I gave her. That is awesome.
-The stars were really beautiful last night.
This week had a rough start but it ended well. I'm grateful that my Heavenly Father loves me and wants me to be happy and puts people in my life that want that as well.
Love,
Sunshine

This Week 9/ 27/08

This week was first not so good, and then good. It was rough trying to catch up with homework and another tough lesson. But then after that I was just like, NO. I will conquer my practicing, I'll prove it to Mr. Fedotov that I CAN do this. It was cool that on Wednesday when I was really discouraged the Elders came to visit me at work and they told me to read David and Goliath to help me feel better so I did the next couple of days and felt a lot better. I guess I just need to pray and actually have faith that the Lord can help me. If he can part mountains and aim a stone at some giant's head then why wouldn't He help me practice? So my goal is to practice 3 hours a day every day. I know.. many freshmen and sophmores easily do that, but I didn't so this is a big step for me. And Thursday and Friday I did practice. Well, Friday was only 2 1/2 but we had a long sectional so I guess I counted that towards it. I don't know if I can do 3 today but I at least want to get a good chunk in despite all of the things to do today.
I'm going to start to teach piano again to this one family. they have 3 kids and also want to learn Spanish so it is ideal for me. I'm going to teach the first lessons today. That's kinda exciting, because I need money, and it's like worth 6 hours of work at the library. :)
Brian and I have been doing well. He's doing really good actually, and I'm really pleased with that. He seems happy. I think our relationship's pretty good, although I did miss him a LOT yesterday. And here's the funny thing. We decided that it would be ok to date other people while he's been away. Well, no occasions have come up yet but I've been nervous that they would. And Brian knows that it's something I need to do eventually. It's because my dad was giving me advice about it and you know, when he does that it gets to me, and I realize that maybe he's right. But actually, since we agreed on that it's helped our relationship be more relaxed and not missing each other as much as we would. I really love him though, so it's funny. But I just know it's the right thing, even though it's crazy and weird, it feels right, and that's the best thing that I can go off of right now.
I just ran into the elders just now! I see them a lot nowadays. They said that there was this girl who's an investigator who speaks spanish and I'm like, "Awesome!" so I want to go with them to their meetings but they are at 4 on Saturdays and that's when I was going to teach. :( Well, maybe I can work something out, we'll see. Well, I should go now, I hope everyone has a good weekend and a great next week!
Love,
Sunshine

Thanks for the Birthday Wishes! 5/9/07

Hey I thought I'd make this easier and say thanks to everyone who's wished me a happy birthday! I really appreciate it! And don't worry, if you post after this I'll tag you tonight! ! My day's actually going pretty well! Hope that everyone is having a great summer/end of year so far! I guess I'll make a list of some of my summer plans while i'm here :) I'm gonna be pretty busy when I think about it!Start my first jobTake a summer math classTake viola lessons and voice lessonsPlay the piano for the young women at churchGo to Nauvoo with the BranchEat some home cooked chinese food and learn some more chinese ,' )Hang out with friends from high school, especially ones I haven't seen in a while.Go to Brian's promSee Kayla *squeal*!!!!!!!!!Hang out with the GilbertsWork on some geneologyGo to annarbor with DebbieClean.. a lotPractice!!Take an institute classSee Katie Turner when she comes to Michigan!Can you believe there's still stuff missing? well, I'm sure some of y'all have big plans like that too! Post 'em on here if you want I'd love to read 'em!Thanks again y'all!! Love,Stephi

9/14/08

So what we do is we write a list of when we recognize the hand of the Lord in our lives throughout today or even this past week. Maybe today, it's blessings that I'm grateful for, or is that the same thing?-I had lots of fun at the dance with Emily.-I have a new visiting teaching list (a calling-ish)-and I'm visiting teaching awesome people.-and Debbie's my companion.-I'm grateful that the apartment's doing well, that we have quiet times and fun times and we all are there for eachother.-We have internet and cable! Yay!-I've been writing in my journal today-I can watch general conference several months late-the lessons at church were meant for me.-it stopped raining today!-I was able to write a melody yesterday.-I have more minutes on my cell phone now!-My family loves me.-Brian loves me.-I made it through this week (it's been a long one!)-Annalaura played "My kindness shall not depart from thee" in Sunday school.-I have good friends - it's nice to see all of my friends from the branch and from WMU again!-I'm really grateful for Brian's family too, they helped me out on Wednesday when I was having a bad day, and Emily gave me a hug too. -I've been keeping track of my gas miles.-I have a job and financial aid money.-I love my major.-I turned in my study abroad application.-We have AC-We are safe from the storm - there was a tornado warning but we were safe. :)-I looked nice today, and I noticed it, and I think that's a blessing too.-My Heavenly Father and Savior love me.Wow, that list came faster than I thought it would. And look how many things! And I feel so much happier. I hope I try this more often, maybe just on my own or for more people I'm not sure. Either way, I'm grateful, and I hope others try this too.Love,Stephi

9/15/08

I am grateful to my Heavenly Father that:-I woke up on time.-I had a scripture study, even if it was a short one.-I have good friends.-I was able to vent to Debbie today.-I took a nap.. naps are nice.-I was able to get the recording I needed for conducting class.-my GA complimented my conducting ^^-I had some divine help making it through my classes today.lol. -I was able to brighten Jamilyn's day some by complimenting her pictures, and it was nice to see her today, I love seeing Branch members on campus! -FHE went pretty well, we were able to do some service for the outside of our beloved building.-I am grateful for Brian - he really understands me and is always willing to do anything to make me happy. He was very sweet to me today when we talked on the phone. -I thought of a present to give him, I hope he likes it!-My dad cheered me up today.-Emily is happy because she got her internet. She is awesome and so fun, I like having her as a roomie.. we even did dishes together! :)-Writing this list helps me feel better.-Jana read dr. seuss at FHE today, a new book I've never read before but really liked.Well, it's time to go. I am very grateful for these things and pray I can find more things tomorrow and be myself. Love,Stephanie

9/16/08

-The weather was great today.-I read scriptures and ate breakfast at home.-I was able to take a shower even though I woke up late. And still practice when I got to campus.-I finished my paper before it got late! yay!-I practiced later and when I played the 3rd piece I felt better (because I've been discouraged lately.)-I've been writing in my journal and that's great, and it helps a lot.-Debbie and I get along. -Uch talked about the exact same thing we learned in class yesterday - how awesome it that??-I talked to Cassandra!!!! :)-I made the cutest birthday card ever for a friend. - I'm sure he'll like it!-My roommates and I watched Lingo for a few minutes - lolOverall, not a bad day. :)Love,Stephi

9/17/08

So today was frustrating in a lot of ways, so hopefully this list will help me, because I know that a lot of good came from it as well, especially for my practicing!-Happy Birthday to Justin!-I made it on time to my conducting class.-I felt good about my exam.-I looked nice :)-I had divine help to wake up.-I had a wonderful thought of my lovely conversation with Brian last night to help keep me going this morning..-The weather is amazing right now.-I learned some necessary golden rules at my lesson - so now, hopefully I can make good use and fill up those practice hours, and fill them up well!-I was able to get the food I needed.-I felt good as I was practicing today! -My coworkers are nice and interesting people. :D-Debbie waited for me to finish practicing tonight.-I watched the news with Emily and saw the Queen of England on TV- she's so cute!-I also saw Palin - she gives me hope in this election, she sounds like a really strong person that can make some real change and do some good and keep her integrity.-I was able to still write in my journal and write this list.-Brian's still writing in his journal with me. This is his 4th day in a row! I know, world record. I love him very much. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for these things and that he watches over me and wants me to succeed in life - that's a great blessing.Love,Stephi

9/18/08

Such a long day, but so many good things!I am grateful to my Heavenly Father that:-Emily rode the bus with me and it was fun!-Brian helped me wake up earlier in the morning. He even woke himself up early just to wake me up. how sweet is that? well, I kinda needed him too because I needed some extra motivation. -That my "interesting" dream was just a dream.-I was on campus for 2 hours before orch and practice I think.. 1 1/2 in the morning.-Jamilyn practiced orch music with me! that was so helpful and fun we should do it again sometime. -I survived orchestra, and realized that this is tough stuff for everyone. -I hung out with Don and he shared his sandwich when I was really hungry.-I had fun at work, and saw the elders, but different ones I didn't know.-My coworkers helped me - and Sam helped me try to get an envelope.-I mailed Justin's birthday card at a decent time.-I went to this amazing Quartet concert.-I saw many great people including Karin! she sat by me for the second half it was like old times it was great. And Emmalynn and Andrea sat by me for the first half. -Karin, Rachael, and I talked to the violist and he was super nice and gave some great tips, and his wife and little baby Valeria were so beautiful. the baby was SUPER adorable!-and Rachael and I spoke Spanish with them, how cool is that? Rachael is fun to do that stuff with. She helps me come out of my comfort zone I think. She's great.-I was able to practice afterwards. -Emily took me home, even though Debbie would've, that was nice of them to be willing.-I'm writing this list still! :)-Brian's writing and reading still! I hope this is helping us. At least I feel optimistic at the end of the day, and am grateful for my many blessings. today has been quite an awesome day.Love,Stephanie

9/19/08

It's late, so this will prolly be short. Today I've been sick and tired but I took a nap and that was amazing, then I went to this awesome party. I hope everyone has a good weekend!I am grateful to my Heavenly Father that He is watching out for me He is always helping me:-I made it to classes on time.-I practiced enough, at least I think so considering I was sick.-I did better on this spanish quiz!-Kati, Rachael, and I had a listening party - that was fun. lol. and Emily brought the score to campus. That was good.-I got to practice in Fedotov's room afterwards, that was fun. -Debbie helped take care of me afterwards.-I took a nap - that was quite amazing. -Brian helped cheer me up when I needed a better perspective.-I went to this awesome party and really enjoyed being in the presence of these awesome sisters. I know that sounds cheesy, but I really did love it and I love learning about them and being with them because they're so awesome.-I'm going to sleep now, nite nite.Love,Stephanie