A Day of Little Miracles

So Mondays are typically HORRIBLE days for me. But I was particularly dreading this Monday because I had SO much to do and so little sleep/time. So because of the extra dread, I was sure to say extra prayers that I could have a good Monday today. Let me just tell you that God has answered my prayers in the smallest, yet most meaningful ways today and the day is not even over yet.

1) I was going to wake up at like 5am to get some mandatory things done before 8am class. I was unable to wake up until my normal time at 6:15am, but I still was able to get everything done and get to class on time. I am a firm believer in Alma 37:37: "yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep." He really does. He keeps me asleep a little longer when I would wake myself up and stress myself out.

2) I had 5 minutes of classbreak today and decided to book it down to the vending machines to grab a snack. I was on the 4th floor, the elevators are usually incredibly slow, and the vending machines are in the basement. I decided to run for it regardless. When I got to the elevator, it was on the third floor headed up. I went down, got my snack, and when I came back the elevator was there waiting for me. I made it back with time to spare.

3) This is the teeniest tiniest most random thing. But apparently when I put my earrings in this morning, one of didn't actually make it in the hole, but was just kind of pinched on. I didn't realize this until I scratched my ear in class and it fell off with the back still on it. It was just a miracle that I didn't lose it and shamefully walk around with only one earring all day.

All in all, it's been a great Monday and I thank my Heavenly Father so much for that!

New Life

So I have started my new semester at BYU in a new apartment with new roommates, new ward, a new outlook.

So far, it's been AMAZING. I've been here 2 weeks now and have enjoyed every second. Ok, there may have been a few weird seconds, but overall, life is great.

Also, our apartment has started a blog so if you would like to experience the inter-workings of apartment 219, feel free to follow at 219girls.blogspot.com

What Would....Tyra Do?

Hi, I'm Susan, and I have recently become addicted to ANTM. (Hiiii, Susan)

This is an addiction that formed in the matter of a few weeks. It is a direct result of having no school and no job, a completely responsibility-free summer in New Hampshire. After watching 4 episodes on YouTube this evening, I decided to call it a night.

As I went to bed, however, I realized I would never be America's Next Top Model. First of all, I would never audition. Second of all, as the plus-size model so eloquently put it, "your body is a temple, and sometimes my body wants cheesecake!" I'm not plus-size, but it would be better if I were because as is, I'm just the inbetween girl that doesn't really have a place in the industry. *sigh* Oh well, more cheesecake for me!

ANYWAY, that's beside the point. The point is that I have a better goal in mind. This is where it gets good and cheesy. What if we put all the fierceness of being a model into being a servant of the Lord?

Smiling with your eyes = having His image in your countenance

Standing up straight = standing for what's right in a world of slouchers

Creating tension = being anxiously engaged rather than just floating along

Not posing = not just going through the motions, but really feeling what the Gospel is all about

I hope that this is making sense, even if you don't watch the show.

One more thing: The models on the show look to Tyra most of all as their example. Tyra gave this whole weird presentation about how she is the "Goddess of Fierce" and she needs an heir to throne.

Well Jesus Christ is my example. He is everything I want to be. I know if I watch and learn from His example I will come out on top; I will inherit all my Father has in store for me-which makes a contract with Elite Model Management and Covergirl look about as valuable as the stupid bug that keeps flying around me. On that note, I'm signing off and shutting down so the bug won't be as attracted to this vicinity.

Love is like riding a bike.

I realized this today as I rode down a hill without holding the brakes, just feeling the cliche wind in my hair.

The most important part of both is trusting yourself. Once you learn to ride a bike, you never forget. You do, however, have to relearn how to trust yourself. See, ah, I don't really know how to describe it. It all made since while I was on the bike.

I guess what I'm trying to say is: first love is hard. It takes a while to find the balance and the brakes, and eventually you may fall face first and chip a tooth. From then, you have a choice to make. You can get back on the bike or not. If you chose to get back on the bike, you already know how to ride it now, you just have to learn to trust yourself. It's a leap of faith, but if you don't take it, you'll never feel the wind in your hair.