Dedicated to Megan...

Are you happy now? I'm joking of course but one of my dearest oldest friends (who I was tragically ripped away from in my youth) suggested that I needed to be more diligent in my writing. I am of course giving my self a break as diligence would require more than simply two entries but I will strive for more...

In my English class today a touchy subject was addressed which will only be briefly mentioned here as it contains sensitive material. I was sad to learn that most of my class was exposed to sex at a very young age and most believed it was the crowning achievement of their teenage lives. Even my teacher suggested that sexual activity for teenagers defines all other experiences in high school and gives personality and character to each person 'smart enough' to defy parental council and 'just do it.' I had the opportunity to share my views, that sex is something so powerful, so special that there is a time (after marriage) and a place (not in my presence) for this sacred gift.

This spurned a legion of thoughts which ultimately led me to the conclusion that above all else in life, I am grateful to be born of goodly parents, that my husband was born of goodly parents. Therefore we were taught somewhat in the learning of our fathers and hopefully highly favored of the Lord. I am so grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to have a temple recommend and access to a temple so close. I am grateful for repentance that I require daily. I'm even grateful to be in Las Vegas surrounded by so much sin and unhappiness. I literally can feel the spirit leave my body just driving around in certain parts of town. I see dispare in so many eyes, and worse I see hate. However, amid the damaged city I see 'hope smiling brightly before us' each time I go to church, or am able to share my testimony with someone. I have been able to recognize a stronger spirit and I receive witness that the church is true.

This is all for today, I must away (I love old English phrases and I am reminded of Col. Brandon in Sense and Sensibility when he says this to Ms. Dashwood). Off to homework...

Expect nothing, live frugally on surprise...

Recently I went to see the movie Dan in Real Life. At the end of the movie, Steve Carell is writing in his column about the plans we make in life and how the twists and turns take us places we don't expect and he says, "Instead of telling our young people to plan ahead, we should tell them to plan to be surprised." This really got me thinking about my own life and the plans that never materialize and I realize that even though my hasn't followed the perfect route that I dreamed up for myself there is someone infinitely wiser that is guiding me (surprising me).

I am so grateful for the surprises in my life. Five years ago, at seventeen I could have told you who I was going to marry, what I was going to major in, where I was going to live, and how much money I would be making. Oh how the world changes in just five years. With the introduction of Adam Turney into my life, so many surprises have twisted me around. Never in a million years would I have guessed that I would be living in Las Vegas. This alone has blessed my life in ways I am not sure I comprehend even now. The people who have touched my life and changed me for good, the blessings that I didn't know could be, the kindnesses we've been shown, it has been amazing.

I am amazed at how much Adam loves me. I didn't understand that someone could love me so completely because I'd never been given that love. I am also surprised at how much I can love him, and how close we've become. Its almost as if we are growing up together in love. I often think of moving down to Las Vegas, how my husband litter ally took me to the desert, with nobody but each other to cling to. I attribute a major part of our growth as a couple to the days when we feel especially lonely and vulnerable out here without our families. It has been an incredible part of our marriage.

I am overwhelmed at the out pour of blessings from a loving Heavenly Father who is watching over us. I have seen a surge of blessings come as we attend the temple every month. I see Adam balance work and school, and somehow I balance work and school and yet we still have ample time to be together. Speaking of school, I should go study for my Math assessment test tomorrow. I will surely be surprised if I get into the class that I want :)