Apostle of the Lord

Today Elder Russell M. Nelson came to BYU-Idaho to speak at our Tuesday devotional. I had the opportunity to sit in the second row and be up close and personal. I have seen a few other apostles at BYU-Idaho before and they have always been amazing spiritual experiences. Today's experience, however, is by far the greatest. It is custom that when the prophet or apostles enter the room, everyone stands. Today as I stood up as Elder Nelson entered the auditorium the Spirit hit me like I've never felt it before. I felt pressure on my chest and I felt as though I couldn't breathe for a second. Then the Spirit rushed through me as I saw him. I have never felt the Spirit quite like that before in my life. I continued to feel the Spirit as Elder Nelson gave his talk. He spoke of searching the holy scriptures and seeking an education continually. After the devotional I had the amazing opportunity of shaking Elder Nelson's hand. I looked in his eyes and told him that he looks like my grandpa right down to the sparkle in his eye and that he is my favorite apostle. He smiled at me and said, "Well, thank you, it's so nice to meet you." What a great man! It was definitely an experience to remember forever!

Sistee

Yesterday was my 20th birthday and it was an amazing one for two reason. The first is my sister. On Thursday I got home from class and I got a call from my older sister who lives in Provo. She said, "What are you doing?" and I said, "Nothing much, just got home. What are you doing?" and she said, "Just driving to Target." and then she said, "Have you gotten my package yet?" and I said, "No, not yet, hopefully it comes today." And then she smoothly asked, "What apartment are you in again? I don't know if I wrote the right one on the box." I said, "309". She said, "Good, that's what I put." So that was that and we ended the conversation and hung up the phone. Then about 10 minutes later, there's a knock on my bedroom door. I say, "Come in." My back was facing the door so I hear it open behind me so I turn around to look who it is. And there, standing in the doorway, was my sister. Holy crap. My first thought was, "This is a dream." And then I realized I wasn't dreaming and I almost started crying as I got up to hug her. What an amazing sister I have. She drove 4 hours from Provo on icy roads just to be with me for my birthday. I have been feeling kind of homesick so I was so glad to have her with me for my birthday. I love my sistee more than she knows; she's such an amazing example to me. My birthday was also awesome because I have amazing friends. I love Hannah Montana. And on my birthday my friends surprised me with all this awesome Hannah Montana stuff. I love it. My friends and my sister did a lot to make my birthday special and it was definitely a special one. Thank you to them and everyone who sent me birthday wishes. Thanks mommy and daddy for the George Foreman!! It will make my life easy =] Love you!

New Blog, New Semester

So I'm starting a blog... This is way complicated for me. I probably will suck at this for a while. In addition to starting a blog I am also starting my third semester at BYU-Idaho. I guess even though it's -29 degrees here I am blessed to have the opportunity to receive my education at this university. Every day I have the opportunity to walk on dedicated, holy ground and attend my classes in dedicated buildings. I get to start every class with a prayer and a hymn. I get to listen to servants of the Lord speak inspired words every Tuesday. I live and attend a place that has the Lord's university and his temple on the same hill. That is truly an amazing blessing and I plan to take full advantage of it. I miss my friends and especially my family while I am here but my family has sacrificed much to allow me to come here and I will not disappoint or take for granted their sacrifice. I love my family.