Sunday

Today I taught Sunday School. I enjoy teaching the gospel and today I had really great class participation which makes me very excited. I'm also loving discussing the Old Testament! So much fun!!

Saturday

This is my Aunt Farris. She is my Grandma Oldham's youngest sister and the cutest and most loving women I know. I love to visit with her and hear about the wonderful lessons she's learned throughout her life. She's as sweet as can be and wears her cute little string of pearls everyday no matter if she's in jeans or dressed up. LOVE her!!!

Here we are again at the conference! We are looking a bit tired by the third day. I was relieved that the third day was my favorite which made it go by so much faster!!

Saturday evening Kendall and I went to the BYU vs. Utah game. It was a great game mainly due to the fact BYU won! Who knew that I'd get as hooked on basketball as I am. I can't wait till the next game I can make it to.

Friday

I actually won!!

At the Gifted and Talented Conference they have a creativity section where you rotate around to different stations. In between each station they give away door prizes. I never win or feel like I never win any drawing so I was ecstatic when they called my number for the last door prize. I'm not sure what I'll do with an earthquake and volcano kit but I'm sure I'll have a great time!!

Thursday

Red Lobster

On Thursday I headed to Layton for a conference for three days. Lennon, Raegan, and I stayed with my Uncle Doug and Aunt Farris. Thursday night we enjoyed a lovely dinner at Red Lobster and a night out at the movies.

Wednesday

On Tuesday I bought a new camera. Which I LOVE - just look how small it is! It will make this whole picture of the day all that more enjoyable. I also watched the BYU game which didn't end near as great as I was hoping it would. They lost by 4 still an exciting game though!!

Tuesday

Training to be an airplane pilot...

OK, not really I just feel that way every Tuesday while I'm at class. It went a lot better this week because I participated in the discussion a bit more which means I wasn't wasn't near as bored. On Tuesdays I should take a different picture but school is all that I get done. So I'm pretty sure that for the next four months my picture of the day for Tuesdays will have something to do with school. - Not too exciting but what do you do?

Monday

Barf Bags...

Monday night I had to try out a microbiology science experiment to do with my class on Tuesday. The title on the experiment was barf bag microbiology - gross but perfect for the age of kids I teach! I bought a bunch of sugary cereal and then you add water and some yeast, close the bag up and wait for it to pop (barf). I was glad I tried it out because it worked better with the snack size ziplock bags instead of the big ones. The kids had a great time watching their bags and the great things was it really did look like barf so they found it disgusting!

Sunday

Sundays are one of my favorite days of the week! I enjoy the change of pace from the routine of life that this day brings. I still feel busy but it's a different busy as I shift my focus from the worries of everyday life to concentrate on things of a more spiritual nature. Today I gave a talk in Sacrament meeting. I was asked to speak on Standing in Holy Places. It was a topic I enjoyed researching and thinking about throughout the week. I thought I'd post my talk for those of you who'd like to read it. It's a bit long filled with many great quotes. I just thought I'd give a fair warning.

“Stand Ye In Holy Places”

A few years ago while living in Rock Springs, Wyoming I had a very special and significant experience in my life. It has changed my life because it changed the way that I have viewed and felt about attending my church meetings. At the time I was attending a singles branch made up of mainly 19 – 20 year olds. Because most of them were attending college in either their first or second years and I was through with school and working professionally I really didn’t feel like I fit in. However, I really did not want to attend a family ward either. So I attended the branch and made the best of the situation. After a few months it was time for our stake conference. On Saturday evening I attended the adult session of conference more out of a feeling of “I know this is where I should be” instead of a feeling of “This is where I want to be” I was sitting by myself and feeling quite alone and a little discouraged about life. I remember thinking – “This is just an extra meeting, no one would have missed me if I would not have come. Then I would not have been surrounded by so many people and feel so alone.” I do not remember anything in particular that was said in that conference, but I do remember the beautiful feeling that filled my heart and soul. In a lonely world I felt peace, joy, and inside I felt light both a brightness as well as a removal of weight. I left feeling very happy and renewed to do the things that the Lord has commanded me to do because He wants me back to live with Him. As I drove home I pondered on the change in me and I remember making a promise in my heart that I will always be found gathering with the Saints in church meetings. I will gather on Sundays, I will gather at Stake and General conferences, and at firesides. I will gather so I can “stand in Holy Places and be not moved”. Often I have reflected on this experience when it seems hard to attend a meeting and I have remembered that I need the meeting more than the meeting needs me.
What does standing in Holy Places mean?
Standing in Holy Places can be both literal and figurative. There are places on earth that if we visit we are literally standing in a Holy Place – A place where very sacred and holy events have taken place – The Sacred Grove, The Garden of Gethsemane, or any of our beautiful temples. In these places, the Spirit of the Lord is felt strongly because of what has transpired there.
A Holy Place is anywhere we feel the influence of the Holy Spirit, a place that fills us with peace, love, joy, happiness, and hope. Most often it is not about getting to a place but being within us the type of person in which the Holy Spirit can influence and guide and direct. Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander defined a holy place as a “sacred space where we find spiritual refuge, renewal, hope, and peace.
Sharon G. Larson recounted an experience she had with her father. She said, “Dad hugged me and said, “Now, Sharon, be in good company.”
I thought, “What is he thinking? Doesn’t he know I’ll be here by myself?” And then I realized—that is exactly what he was thinking.
Standing in holy places is all about being in good company, whether you are alone or with others. It’s being where the Holy Ghost is our companion—alone or in a crowd. When we determine within ourselves that we will control our thoughts and our actions and be the best we can possibly be, the best of life will come to us.
A holy place is where we feel safe, secure, loved, and comforted. That’s how it was in our heavenly home. Standing in holy places and being in good company bring feelings of how it must have been in that home we left behind, the home that seems so far away at times.”
I love Sister Larson’s definition of a Holy place the words: safe, secure, loved, and comforted are all feelings I desire to have daily – always.
Why has the Lord commanded us to stand in Holy Places?
The Lord wants us to stand in Holy Places because He loves us. He knows the trials and temptations that we all face here in mortality and he wants us to learn and overcome so that when we return to Him we are found worthy to live with Him Eternally.
President James E. Faust said: “We are bombarded on all sides by a vast number of messages we don’t want or need. More information is generated in a single day than we can absorb in a lifetime. To fully enjoy life, all of us must find our own breathing space and peace of mind. How can we do this? There is only one answer. We must rise above the evil that encroaches upon us. We must follow the counsel of the Lord, who said, “It is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places.”(DandC 101:22)
We unavoidably stand in so many unholy places and are subjected to so much that is vulgar, profane, and destructive of the Spirit of the Lord that I encourage our Saints all over the world, wherever possible, to strive to stand more often in holy places.
As children of the Lord we should strive every day to rise to a higher level of personal righteousness in all of our actions. We need to guard constantly against all of Satan’s influences.”
How does attending all our church meetings help us to stand in Holy Places?
Church meetings are a critical part of helping us rise above the filth of the world. It is the time each week that we gather together to strengthen each other and bear testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here as a ward family we find brothers and sisters who care and are concerned about us individually. Who are willing to help us to stand with them on holy ground.
In addition to being strengthened by those around us Sacrament meetings give a weekly opportunity to experience something very special and sacred. Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander taught, “Sacrament meetings are really more than just meetings. They are sacred moments in a holy place. During these weekly moments, we reflect on the most merciful act of sacrifice this world has ever known. We ponder the love of God, who gave His Only Begotten Son that we might obtain eternal life. As we partake of the sacrament, we remember Him and express our willingness to take His name upon us and to keep His commandments. Careful personal preparation, including our own sacrifice of a broken heart and contrite spirit, is prerequisite to the regular spiritual renewal offered through worthy participation. We must be willing and capable of slipping away from the world for just a few moments in order to reflect on holier things. Without this spiritual renewal, our faith is easily overcome by the secular and profane.”
We have a responsibility each week to come out of the world and stand on holier ground. It is up to us to prepare for these sacred moments. Elder Neuenschwander further explained, “The spiritual renewal we receive from our sacrament meetings will not exceed our preparation and our willingness and desire to be taught.”
Since my experience a few years ago I have learned that the Lord always misses us if we are not standing in places that are holy. Our church meetings are not only Holy Places we should stand in each week, but also prepare us to stand in Holy Places throughout our weeks. Our meetings give us strength, offer us peace and give us a refuge from the storms of life.

Favorites for the Week...

Annie left a comment last week to the effect she wouldn't hope for a post like it every week with my pictures on it. In the past I have been a sporadic blogger to say the least. So I can understand her skepticism. However, I've sort of felt like it was a personal challenge so Annie here it is my third week of a picture a day.

Monday

I had Monday off from work for Civil Rights day. So Kara and I decided to go and see a movie. I've wanted to see The Fantastic Mr. Fox since I read the book a couple of weeks ago. We ran into one small problem there was only one theater showing the movie. A cheap theater in American Fork - Not a problem that it was cheap or in American Fork but a problem that it was evident the moment we drove up that everyone in the town had the same idea as we did for their afternoon of no school. We tried to get a good picture of the line we waited in for about 15 min. Really a line? The last line I waited in was for the midnight showing of Harry Potter - I'll wait in line for that but for a movie at the $1.50 theater??? We had fun though. The movie was OK not what I was really hoping for but OK. We also had some yummy dessert at a little bakery and as always it's lovely spending a few hours with such a good friend.

Tuesday

I decided to take a picture of one of my favorite people I eat lunch with... there will be pictures yet to come of Annette, Reagan, Greg, and Darlene - This is Terry - he is our schools psychologist. I give him a hard time about psycho analyzing me during lunch and he gives me a hard time about a lot of other things. It makes my 45 minutes of lunch oddly enjoyable.

Wednesday

This is nothing exciting - I'm listening to Harry Potter any chance I get because I have a student who I told we should read a Harry Potter book together. He wanted me to read #6 with him but he was half way through it before he told me I should start reading. So I opted to wait for #7. All of the CDs are now on my computer, ipod, and in my car. Like I said I've got to listen any chance I get or he'll have it read and I'll still be on Chapter 10.

Thursday

I didn't get my picture taken earlier in the day on Thursday so it ended up being an "as I go to bed hurry and take a picture of me." I just happen to be carrying my plant upstairs to put it back on my dresser - it had been in the kitchen getting some light for a couple of days - So this plant that I've kept alive since June was my companion for the picture. - I'm weird I know.

Friday

I went bowling with some of my friends. We played three games... I broke 100 twice and scored 99 once. I feel like I'm a winner if I break 100 so I felt it wasn't a bad night. I also decided that a bowling alley is a place I wouldn't like to spend a lot of time there. Maybe it was just a Friday night but there were quite a few interesting people.

Saturday

I have a few fun pictures for the day: #1 Kendall and I decided to take on a crocheting project. We are attempting to crochet beanies. I've got to take mine out and restart. My head isn't quite as big as I thought. #2 Maurianne and I ate dinner at Zupas. I love their soup and sandwiches. We decided to add a dessert and it was very enjoyable. It was also a lot of fun to catch up with Maurianne.

#3 Maurianne and I went over to Kara's for a going away party. Kara is off to Russia for 4 months. Kara it's going to be an amazing adventure and I can't wait to hear all about it!!

And there you have it a week in my life! Pretty exciting huh??

For Annie and Liz

Dear Annie,

Anything to make you happy! I will post my favs for the week! Since I'm putting them in my book it won't be a big deal. Have a little more faith in me and be optimistic:)

Love you!

Olivia

Dear Liz,

I really don't think an old vhs is a fair trade... You can keep both just make me a loaf of Aunt Farris bread next time I'm staying with you (Ok I know that's a ridiculous request so I'll settle for a plain old loaf.) The movie wasn't everything I remembered it to be but it was very enjoyable. Oh and no those aren't cakey chocolate chip - I used the recipe on the back of the chocolate chip bag. Really pretty good. I'll thank Aunt Lexie for that suggestion later!

Love you!

Olivia

2010

When I switched over to this new blog I thought I've got to be better at posting. And I did have good intentions but my life has been consumed with a new project! Liz and I along with our cousins Marianna and Kera have decided to document our lives by taking one picture of ourselves each day. Our rules are simple: we have to be in the picture and it could be of us doing anything. I am proud to say that I am 17 days strong and haven't missed a day yet!! Some days aren't very exciting but I'm having fun! Here are some of my favorites from this week. Enjoy!

This is were I'll be spending every Tuesday evening for the next four months! Education at it's finest! In this class there are only three students so I sit all by myself staring at my professor on the computer. Everyone in the class sees me on a web cam. It's like skypeing for three hours. It may be a long semester!

This is NOT a picture of me documenting myself sleeping in. Instead it is documenting that I went to bed before 9:30 p.m. This never happens even though it should more often.

Liz and I were given Hello Dolly years ago when we were little girls for a Christmas present. We loved to watch it! On Friday night my roommate Julie and I put it in and enjoyed an old classic.

Saturday Kendall, Kara, and I enjoyed a great BYU basketball game. With this win they improved to 18 and 1. It's a great year to be a Cougar fan!

There is nothing like a warm chocolate chip cookie to complete a lovely Sunday afternoon. I wish I would have had more people here to share them with me!