Christmas

I love Christmas.  
I love celebrating the birth of Christ.  The savior who has done so much for me.  Christmas is about Christ, hence Christmas.  
So it breaks my heart when I see people write:
Merry Xmas
or say
"Happy Holidays"
or see
 store fronts splashed with Seasons Greetings
or hear 
that the kids are on "Winter Break"

Why do we see the need to take Christ out of our lives, We need him.
Since when did it become offensive to celebrate the life of our Savior or talk about Him in public?
Which leads me to this next part:

"For 50 years, we’ve systematically attempted to have God removed from our schools, our public activities. But then at the moment we have a calamity, we wonder where He was."~Huckabee

"It’s far more than just taking prayer or Bible reading out of the schools. It’s the fact that people sue a city so we aren’t confronted with a manger scene or a Christmas carol. That lawsuits are filed to remove a cross that’s a memorial to fallen soldiers...And to get to where that we have to abandon bedrock moral truths, then we’ll ask well, where was God."
 ~huckabee

"Wise Men Still Seek Him"

Just a thought.  I know it's a bit scattered.

 Enjoy your Christmas. 

~Linz

Announcement

It never was in my plan, desires, or options. 

I wanted to finish school and get started in a career.  

The Lord had a different idea. 

I woke up one day in June and the thought was so strong. 

It caused me much grief, anxiety, and stress. 

Weeks of no sleeping, heart pounding, hard to breathe.  

I kept pushing it out of mind.  

NO! This is not for me.  

Then General Conference came, no it wasn't the big announcement that did it.  

It was these two phrases:

"Leave all this and serve me."- Holland

"We can't insist on our timetable, when God has his own."-Eyring. 

It's interesting how when we choose to do something right, it becomes that much harder.
Doubts filled my mind everyday.
But I knew I could no longer deny these feelings.

"If we are not willing to grapple with the frustration that comes from honestly and bravely facing the uncertainties we encounter, we may never develop the kind of spiritual maturity that is necessary for our ultimate preparations."

So it is with much anticipation, nervousness, and excitement that I announce:

 I have been called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for the next year and a half. I'm going to the Denver Colorado North Mission, leaving February 20th.

~Linz

San Fran Adventure

Remember that one time when I had to go get my suitcase?

Well I accompanied my dad on a business trip. 

Woke up way too early for being on vacation. 

I was the navigator/secretary. 

Picked up Moriah. 

Got the privilege to see San Fran from the 36th floor. 

The view was incredible. 

We were so lucky, it was clear, (no fog), sunny day.

We were meeting our good friend Cory for lunch. 

There was time to kill so we decided to walk the 1.8 miles to his work

We weren't sure where to go.

Moriah asked this guy and lady.  The guy gets a big, goofy grin, but doesn't say anything. 

"Moriah, lets go."

We turn to walk away, he turns and starts to follow us. 

We run into Dad, We have a stalker!

We weren't even out of the building 2 minutes and already a crazed person was following us.  

He followed us for a bit.  

Then we got into a sketchy (ghetto) block. 

That was FUN! 

We had four guys start hollerin at us.  They start to follow us. 

Then further down the block... a group of three guys, "Hey Ladies"

It was an experience, for sure.  

We found Cory.  So exciting. He has a beard!

 We toured this building. 

So pretty.
There was three weddings in the 10 minutes we were there.

 We got lunch at this cute little sandwich shop.  

Caught up on our lives, told Cory about our adventures. 

The day was so fun.!

It was lovely to spend time with friends. 

Dad and I got a nice dinner. I got to spend quality time with him. 

It was a great day. 

Stalker: 1

Being hit on: 7

San Fran is always an adventure and this time it definitely didn't disappoint!

~Linz

Home

The past few days have been...hectic

• Friday I arrived at the airport a bit late.  oops. 

 They would't let me take my suitcase (with all my clothes, blowdryer, christmas presents etc)

Cool.  Sadie took it back to rexburg. Moriah took it home. 

These two are my heroes.  

So I have had this outfit the past 4 days...until I go to Moriah's and pick it up. 

Don't judge.  

• My baby brother now towers over me. shoot. 

• I was reunited with my best friend.  (yes he is 6... again, don't judge)

• I learned that you can eat 4 cookies in one sitting, and it does count as dinner. 

•  I learned that staying the night at the hospital isn't very fun:

My facebook status summarizes this:After staying a night in a hospital (keeping my grandma company), hospitals should really think about running things more efficiently. Is it really necessary to check someone's vitals every hour? Then you have the medications nurse coming in every 2 hours...why can't they both come in at the same time? Doesn't sleep heal everything?

• I almost became a delinquent.  I forgot about jury duty! I was actually supposed to go in and I forgot.  That was a heart attack and a half.   No worries, I don't have to go to jail.  

 More updates to come. Enjoy Christmas Break.

 ~Linz

Happy Birthday Moriah

To one of the greatest friends ever. 

Happy 21st Birthday!

21 Reasons why I like/love/adore Moriah...

1.  She helps me fold my laundry

2. Brings me my favorite candy to class

3. She shares tacos salads with me

4. She makes a great relief society president

5.  She is excited about the gospel

6. Stocks up on cards for the future

7. She loves when I bake and compliments me

8. She encourages me

9. She finds me potential husbands (see video below)

10. She loves her family, especially her brothers 

11. She compliments me and boosts my confidence

12. We have the same thoughts on a variety of topics

13.  When I have doubts, she is there for me

14.  When I have a breakdown, she comes over to comfort me

15. She will be a great mom, mama bear protection!

16. She goes out of her way to help others

17. She has a great sense of humor

18. She has my back

19. We can have deep, intellectual discussions

20. I am comfortable around her

21. She is always looking out for others

Have a great birthday Moriah. Love you!

~Linz

Update

It's been a while since my last post. 

Finals, projects, 2, 2 hour long epidemiology tests, white glove, 

baking (double batch of cookies, 1 pumpkin cheesecake, a plain cheesecake, french toast, buffalo chicken taquitos.)

Home TOMORROW!

I'm excited. 

Better Update coming soon :)

~Linz

BYU-Idaho

There is something about this place

Something, that makes me want to stay 

There is a special spirit here

Maybe it's where I have grown the most

Maybe it's where I feel the most comfortable

It makes me sad to know that soon

It will be time to move on

~Linz

Random

Emotions on the surface

Can't shake these feelings.

Tired of the tears

Am I supposed to face my fear?

Thought things would be better

but apparently not.

Things gotta change

though not sure what.

Somethings gotta give

time should be soon.

What am I supposed to do

Show me my purpose.
Sleepless nights
Hard to breathe
Racing thoughts of confusion.

Things gotta change

though not sure what.

Somethings gotta give

time should be soon.

~Linz