Making a House a Home

Man, it's sure been a long time since I've written. So much has happened!! I've moved to a new apartment because I am now a Community Ambassador at my complex. I have some wonderful roommates and I sure love them! I've had some amazing experiences that have truly shown me that we create the environment we want/need to live in. By hanging pictures of Christ and various other religious artwork, our home has a different feeling. I always feel safe when I come home to my place. Also, I know that by living the gospel and by going to church regularly, this also brings the Spirit into our home. It's been amazing! I know that I always want our place to feel safe so that people we know can come here as a haven and to know that they are protected. Just some random rambling, but I hope I got my point across. Anyway, here are some pictures of our cute apt. Enjoy!

 First off, this is my private room! It's a tad messy, but you get the jist. Because I am a Community Ambassador, my rent is paid for and I get my own room. *Note: that is a KING size bed!! my goodness

 I get both sides of the closet! More room for my clothes.

 This is the view you would see after walking in our main door. The Living Room and Kitchen. We are pretty dang good at decorating.

 Here is what our tiny kitchen looks like. It's small, but very functional.

Um, be jealous. This is the view from outside my bedroom window. I wake up to this everyday. It's beautiful. This is our courtyard where we hold the movie nights and where we will have our dance next week!

Finding Him...

Since it is now summer, if I am not working, I am not doing anything. So, I've dedicated a lot of this time trying to better myself by working on self confidence, reading my scriptures more regularly, and staying in touch with a lot of my friends back home and those on missions. Another thing I have spent a lot of time doing is watching a LOT of chick flicks. I love a good, romantic, love story. In fact, I know that someday I will have the opportunity to live my own "Happily Ever After."

“What we love determines what we seek. What we seek determines what we think and do. What we think and do determines who we are — and who we will become.” 
― Dieter F. Uchtdorf

By watching these movies and meeting some amazing young men in the different organizations I am a part of, I have had the opportunity to reflect on my own ideas about marriage. Although I am not dating, why shouldn't I be able to think of this peculiar topic? Ha! Peculiar! Most girls dream of this day from a very young age, and a lot of girls already know a lot about the details they want for their own wedding! Here, I'll share some of mine. :)

I want my wedding dress to be slimmer fit, with three quarter length sleeves, a slight collar, and all lace. It is just so elegant, isn't it?!

And of course...for the ring...I was a vintage styled wedding ring. Somewhat like this... :) Beautiful, isn't it? 

Wouldn't this be a beautiful cake topper? And...it would be the start of my own Willow Tree collection!!

I think to go a long with my vintage wedding theme, this cake would go perfectly!

I used to want a fall wedding, but as of lately, I've decided that I want a spring or summer wedding. Therefore, I need to have springy colors right?! So, my colors will be peach, mint, and gray :) 

Wouldn't this make a perfect bridesmaid dress? 

Stylish refreshments!

I also like these gray dresses for bridesmaid dresses :) 

And...ofcourse...I want to get married in the temple :) 

As important as these kinds of plans are, the most important is my desire to get married in the temple and the process that it will take to get there. Ever since I was a young girl, I learned that the LDS temple was a place where people could go to get married and still be married after death. No other place than the temple could do this for couples. It wasn't until I got a little older and I learned how important marriage is and how sacred this covenant is that I decided for myself that this place is where I want to be married. Growing up as a young woman in the church, we were often asked to make a list of qualities that we wanted in a future husband. 

Many went as such:

-Blonde hair

-Blue eyes

-Returned Missionary

-Wants to be married in the temple

and of course...my favorite

-A british accent... :) 

Now that I am older, in college, and have dated a few different guys, I've learned what qualities I really do find important in a future spouse, and even those qualities I look for in the young men that I date. 

-A returned missionary is preferred

-A young man who loves me for all of my strengths and for all of my weaknesses. 

-Someone that I can talk to about anything and everything. We could stay up laying or sitting on the couch talking about our hopes, dreams, past, and desires. 

-Someone who has remained pure before marriage and will be able to give their all to me. 

-A man who honors his priesthood and has a desire to exercise the authority that he is blessed with. 

-someone who wants, and loves children. 

-And most importantly, a young man who is worthy to take me to the temple. 

Now, you have to understand...I have quite a few more qualifications on my list, but a blog is not a place to list all of them. I also recognize that I can't expect to find a young man fitting all of these qualifications if I am not preparing myself right now. I've always been taught that a good relationship and a celestial marriage begins way before the actual engagement. I need to make sure I am worthy and living the gospel fully before I can expect to get married or meet that special someone. 

I guess you could say these are a few thoughts that are running through my mind this late at night. I am so very grateful for the knowledge I have gained over my youth through conversations with my young women's group, my parents, friends, and even with some of my closest guy friends. I am so thankful for the opportunity to spend eternity with my best friend (whenever I find him), and to return to my Father in Heaven. This gospel is one of hope, growth, and an opportunity to show and express our desire to return to our Father by following his commandments, fulfilling our covenants, and bearing some of the hardest trials in our life. This is an amazing gospel and I know it to be true, and I have my own burning desire to become the best I can be and to return to my Father in Heaven and to His kingdom above. I KNOW that I am a daughter of royal birth and that I am His daughter. I matter, and I am of infinite worth. 

'Till next...

-Lins

I should be studying.....

I should be studying....but I have a lot on my mind... One of which involves me cleaning my room... Another is how on earth I am going to pay for a camera that is $1,300 and a lens that is the same amount as the camera... I have two sessions that I am scheduled to do when I go home next. This will help improve my photography skills, and earn money towards that camera. If any of you need seniors, missionary, family, or any other kinds of photos taken, let me know and I would be glad to do them. I will need to charge a small fee, but it's not much compared to all of the other photographers out there. Plus, you get ALL of the photos on a cd and they are released to you. Anyway, I am proud of my work, so I think I'll show off for a minute...

Alright, that's enough bragging for now. I've also been thinking a lot about my summer and how busy I am going to be!! Between working a part time job for Vivint and a part time job on campus as an Orientation Leader, I will also be a Community Ambassador for the complex that I live at!! I will be tremendously busy. But I know it will be worth it and those jobs are just a means to an end. Guess what!! I get to go on a trip to Disneyland with the other Orientation Leaders!! I am so excited to spend time with them and to get to know them better as well.

One last thing to talk about today, that I was supposed to talk about last week, is the one year anniversary since my grandmother passed away. On April 16, my Grandmother Petersen passed away unexpectedly. I remember the day so clearly and know that I will remember all the details for the rest of my life. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her. I was closer to her than any of my other extended family. From the time I was a little kid until the final months of her life, she attended all of my events! These included my baptism, endless dance recitals, track meets, and choir concerts. She always lived within two streets of my house and I spend many afternoons in her house talking with her or out in the garden picking fruits and vegetables as we talked about the goings on at school and in my life. She was and still is an amazing example to me and the rest of my family. She was always so selfless and was willing to do anything for anyone. As a child, I had many headaches and other multiple health problems. Because mom was at work, I was able to call and ask Grandma to bring me some ibuprofen. Most of the time, she was able to do that for me. Another thing I remember is how strong she was in the gospel and how she lived the gospel. I hardly ever heard her utter an ill word toward anyone, and if she did, she was quick to apologize about it. She always read her scriptures and said her prayers. I remember her always talking about genealogy and how important it is to do it. I used to just shrug it off and try to get out of doing it with her because I would much rather play outside. Now I wish I would have spent time doing so.
I am so very grateful for the knowledge I have about life after death and how I know that we will be together again. I can't imagine what it is like to believe that death is the end; but I am grateful for what I have been taught. It's amazing to know that she is watching over me and to know that even though she may not physically be at my future events, she will be there spiritually. It's taken a year to get to the point that I am right now, and I know that I am still in the healing process. Coping with a loved one passing away doesn't happen overnight, but it takes years and even into the rest of a person's life. But I know that through the Atonement of Christ, we will be able to feel the peace and comfort that we need. We can't do this alone and we need our Savior's help. Ask him for comfort, for understanding, and for peace of mind. He will always answer.
Below I have added some pictures of my grandmother, her garden, and other memories I have of her. Enjoy.
Until next time
-Linsey

My cousin Julie, myself, and my grandma at Conference Breakfast

My grandma and great uncle Willie (her brother) 

All the siblings at the funeral 

Each family member put a flower on the casket

Part of my grandma's garden. 

This picture was taken a week before she passed away. This was the last picture that was taken with both of us in a picture together. 

Trials

Today did start off any different than any other Sundays. I got up, worked on a bit of homework, ate, got ready for church, then left for church....alone. This is a very regular occasion. I often sit by myself during all three blocks of church. However, recently I have tried a few new tactics in order to meet new people. Instead of sitting by myself, I ask someone new if I can sit by them. And I usually try to do this for each meeting. The goal is to meet three new people each week. By doing this, I have met a lot of wonderful new people!! I also have been attending ward prayer every Sunday night at 9. None of my roommates like going or want to go, so I yet again attend alone. It took me a few weeks until I made more of an effort to sit by different people at ward prayer, because I normally sat by the same people.
Now, regarding the title of this blog post "Trials." This was the title of our lesson today in Relief Society and boy let me tell you, I sure needed this lesson. It really helped me to think. Heavenly Father places many difficult trials in our lives for many different reasons. One of which, that I most appreciate, is so that once our trial and difficult times are passed, we are able to better appreciate those sweeter moments when life is wonderful and there are not any troubles. Another, is to better prepare us for Celestial Glory and to enter into the Kingdom of God. These trials are tailored to our daily lives in order to make us stronger.
                           "...He even indicates that some of the weaknesses and infirmities given to us can actually     become a strength to us. It is in our weakness and extremity that God’s power is fully felt. Only when, of ourselves, we are helpless is His help truly appreciated." Neal A. Maxwell

I've had quite a few trials of my own while living here. Up until my senior year of high school, I only planned on one university to attend, and that was Utah State University. Both of my parents graduated from there as well as many of my aunts, uncles, and cousins. It wasn't until February of that year that I began to feel differently. I remember after walking around the campus of Utah Valley University one day during a break of the Utah Wrestling State Championships (I was a wrestling manager for four years), I had a feeling and heard "voices" telling me that this is the school I needed to be at. I shook the feeling away and moved on with the rest of my day and eventually my week. Later I finally decided to talk with my mom about what happened. I distinctly remember crying to her as I told her that I was not supposed to go to USU, but to UVU. I never even considered moving south!! Especially to Utah County. Where I am from, we talk about Utah County almost in a negative way and how they live in their own "bubble." 
Now, after living here for eight months and away from home, I am here to say that it is a trial that I am supposed to endure. I will admit, I still call my mom every day, and if I don't, well....that never happens. I always call her without fail. While I have good days and bad days, one question always lingers on my mind that has not yet been answered; "Why am I here? I am unhappy here, yet I KNOW this is where I am supposed to be." Even though I have not gotten a sure answer to these questions, I know that by trusting in the Lord and leaning upon the leaders of my ward, it has sure been easier to get through some very rough times. 
Anyway, I hope your Sunday was as fantastic as mine and that you all learned something during your church lessons. 'Till next, 
       -Linsey 

Freshman Fifteen...?

I never thought that I would be a product of the "Freshman Fifteen." However, my first semester of college was extremely hard for me due to a drastic lifestyle change. I now was not spending 8 hours in a classroom and I was spending a lot of time in my apartment  I never really had a problem with eating when I lived at home. I was pretty conscious about what I ate and how much I ate. I did really well for the first two months, then after getting home from late night games for the Athletic Department, I was starving because I hadn't eaten, so I binged when I got home. It became a regular habit  and I found myself becoming even more upset with myself. So, this is the reason that I am really going to focus on losing weight, eating healthier, and creating a more active lifestyle for myself. I feel like I need someone to answer to each week or else I won't follow through with my plan. My goal is to loose 25 pounds (which is ideal for my height and age). I also made a deal with myself that once I loose that weight, then I will cut my hair. It's getting a little too long and unmanageable  So, it's my motivation. Until next time,
-Linsey

Short one on the right ;) 

After about two months in college. Turning into a chunk. :( 

And Ta-Da!! This is the body I want to go back to. Also, this is the haircut I want again. :) 

5 Things About Me

Not much new has happened since I lasted posted. It's been pretty slow around here. I guess I can start by stating that this new semester is going to be a beast. It has already started out pretty hard. Well, I can't think of much to write about right now, but let's start with a little game. What are five things people in general wouldn't know about me...? Well, let me tell you.
1) I am a really short person, but just to justify it, I am 4 ft 10 in. I've been shorter than all of my friends for most of my life. I used to get really self conscious about it and hurt that people would tease me. Now, I just try to embrace it.

2) A lot of my life I have spent being "ill". Whether it be a chronic sinus infection, or just getting colds all the time. It really stinks and makes it hard on the rest of my life. I always tell my mom what I would give to truly feel good and to not feel crummy. But I have been able to become more grateful for the days that I have that are "better" days. I am grateful for the technology we are blessed with and for the medicines that we use.

3) Along with multiple health problems, I have a hearing deficit. Most of it is in my left ear, taking away most of the hearing. Over the years, I feel that my right ear is also losing hearing. I never realized how much I was missing until I tried a hearing aid one time. It was awful. I felt like a fish out of water. I heard noises I never could hear before. I distinctly remember sitting in the car with my mom after picking up the hearing aid and me asking her what "that noise was", she didn't know what I was talking about. So I tried to mimic it. She notified me that it was the air conditiong in the car. I never heard what that sounded like. I'd never heard the air conditioning in the house, the rumbling of the fridge, or the rustling your feet make when you walk across a carpeted floor. Hearing is something I think people take for granted. As cool as it was to hear a lot of new thing, it was scary. So therefore, I decided to continue living the life I knew and to not continue wearing a hearing aid. I want to try to learn ASL and use it in a future career. I find the whole deaf culture fascinating.

4) I have a horrible fear of the dark. It wasn't until I moved to college that I began sleeping in pitch black. I've even started wearing an eye mask. However, when I go home to visit, I still have the bathroom light on and my door closed. When my roommate isn't here, I sleep with my lamp on. I can't stand the dark.

5) Lastly, I'm a sentimental person. Little things mean a great deal to me. It may be a simple phrase, a watch, or even a piece of Tupperware. I try so hard to not take every little thing said to me to heart, but I do. Whether it be good or bad. I have a few items from my Grandmother Petersen's house, she recently passed away, and I cherish those little items. They mean the world to me and are incredibly special to me.

Well, there you go. There's a little look inside of my life. More posts to come soon!! I don't have classes on Monday, Wednesday, or Fridays, so that leaves more time for blogging.
Till Next
-Lins