Confirmation

Monday, I toured BYU Provo campus for Chandler with my family.  

This was the school I longed to be at a few years ago

A school, I had wanted to be at my whole life. 

but..this wasn't where I was supposed to be.
At first, that concept was not easy to grasp. 

I had better grades than my friends, who got in.
Why didn't I get in?

I hated the thought of going to BYU-Idaho.

If I had been given the option of choosing, I'm not sure if I would made the right one. 

Monday, as I was walking the provo campus

It was again confirmed to me that I was where I was supposed to be.

Why?

I'm not sure. For now only God knows.

This is the only time in my life, I can think of, where God made the decision for me.  

Which in the end, was the best. 

BYU-Idaho is the campus that best fits me. 

It's where I can excel the most

It fits my personality more.

The people there are more like...me. 

The only thing I can really say is I love it there.
I love the choice God made for me.

Because it's the right choice. 

~Linz

To do...

 

I saw this list and really liked it.  Thought I would share it.

I need to start living it. 

~Linz

School/updates

• Currently, I want to punch whoever made Capsim in the face.  :) 
• I am very behind on my journals, and will get more behind due to reason above. 
• Econ test. uhhh.  Let's cross our fingers. 
• It pays to stand up.  Due to the fire at the IVY, we have had construction in our apartment for 2 months.  We asked them for compensation.  They will pay for our white glove cleaning done. YEAAAH! one less thing to worry about. That saves me $35 and a day of cleaning.
• Ps. If you are thinking about living at the IVY, maybe reconsider.
• My teacher nixed our final project. YEAAAHH!! (and it was the last class of the semester today)
• I love the assignments that I work hard on, (but don't think I'll get a good grade) and then I get 100%  on it. OHYEAH.

• "Don’t let the people who do so little for you, control so much of your feelings and emotions."  

  Have a happy Monday.
  
  ~Linz
  

Change

Story of my life.  But in the end, I wouldn't have it any other way.
I have learned and experienced so much. 
~Linz

Being Nice

I looked at the date of my last blog post. Friday. 
I was wondering what to write about. 
Then I saw this story. 
It brought tears to my eyes.  (It's long, but worth the read).

A NYC Taxi driver wrote:

I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.

There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard
box filled with photos and glassware.

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.

She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her.. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.'

'Oh, you're such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive
through downtown?'

'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly..

'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice.

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice..'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.

We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired.Let's go now'.
We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.

Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move.
They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?' She asked, reaching into her purse.

'Nothing,' I said

'You have to make a living,' she answered.

'There are other passengers,' I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug.She held onto me tightly.

'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.'

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life..

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day,I could hardly talk.What if that woman had gotten an angry driver,or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.
But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

We live in a world where this doesn't happen often. 
So the topic of this post is on being nice.
It really doesn't take a lot to make someone's day. 
A simple hello, an acknowledgement, a hug. 
These simple expressions will stay with this person forever. 

We are constantly taught to be Christ-like.
So do it.
Go out be nice, don't be rude.
Be a friend to all.
~Linz

:)

Don't you love e-mails like this.  Made my day.

Lindsey,

I want to commend you for taking ownership for your learning, I applaud your reserves and extra effort.

Great job, this mindset will take you far, very similar to an entrepreneur's mindset.

Best,
Sister______

Random

I have started several blog posts not sure how to complete them. 

It's been over a week since the last one. oops. 

Having a bad day isn't fun, but it makes you appreciate the good ones....a lot. 

I am glad for friends that give wise advice. 

Friends that help me be better. 

I am ready for a month vacation.  

3 straight semesters of school is tiring. 

I am grateful I live in America. I can practice the religion I want, wear what I want, live how I want.  

Random enough for you?

~Linz

The Perfect Leader

For my business class we had to read this article, Jesus the Perfect Leader

You can find the entire article here

I loved the article

Here are attributes of a perfect leader:

1. Fixed Principles- He knew who he was and why he was here.  He followed the rules, he didn’t make them up as he went. 

"Jesus operated from a base of fixed principles or truths rather than making up the rules as he went along. Thus, his leadership style was not only correct, but also constant."

2. He understood others.

Jesus was a listening leader. Because he loved others with a perfect love, he listened without being condescending. A great leader listens not only to others, but also to his conscience and to the promptings of God.

3. Selfless leadership- He put himself and his own needs second and others first.

4. Responsibility – he gave others tasks so that they could grow.

Jesus trusts his followers enough to share his work with them so that they can grow. That is one of the greatest lessons of his leadership. If we brush other people aside in order to see a task done more quickly and effectively, the task may get done all right, but without the growth and development in followers that is so important.

5. Accountability- People tend to perform at a standard set by their leaders.

 A good leader will remember he is accountable to God as well as to those he leads.

6. Used time wisely.

Time cannot be recycled. When a moment has gone, it is really gone. 

~Linz

21st Birthday

 Well I am now 21.
Yes this post is a week late. 
My friends are great. 

Birthday celebrations started Monday. 
3 people in our FHE group had birthdays this week. (June is the best month)
I was told by Moriah I couldn't come home til her class ended at 7.
I stayed on campus til 4.
I got bored and hungry. 

 I hung out at Megan's, since I was banished from the apt.
Kevin picked me up and we got food, went to the nature park, watched planes, and saw the ducks.






I came to the apartment and friends were there.
We had non-alcoholic margaritas.
Had funfetti cake balls made by Caitlin.
I loved seeing everyone. 
Andrew gave me his free wings that he earned.
Gift from the heart. (thanks for trekking all the way to the "prison")
Moriah got me reeses and chocolate chips (4lbs worth)  so I can make my cookies.
Kevin gave me roses. Precious.
Ps. balloons that light up?
Awesome!
 I got a bday package from my family.

We went to Southgate and got pulled pork sandwiches and danced. 

Watched a movie at Blackwill. 

It was a good day. 

Filled with messages and phone calls.

Friday, 15 of us went to Texas Roadhouse.

That was pretty chaotic. 

But really fun.

I rotated between 3 tables the whole night. I barely ate. 

Seriously, I have great people in my life. 

Thanks to all that celebrated with me.

~Linz

Idaho

Dear Idaho,
The past few days I have fallen in love with you. 
Your pretty blue skies and green pastures.

I love staring out at the scenery on drives with the windows down.
The scenery is enchanting.
The gorgeous sunsets. 

The glistening blue water in the canals. 

The quaint little towns with few buildings. 

You are perfect when there is little wind and the days are warm.
I wish you were like this all year round.
I would stay forever.

 

~Linz

Father's Day

To the greatest Father,
I love being your daughter.  

I love our dates to the grocery store. 

I miss the days of cutting coupons with you and watching Rescue 911. 

Thank you for taking our family on vacations

I got to experience what it is like outside of our little town

Thank you for working hard for us. 

You are a great example to me.  

I love the way you love Mom.
I want my future companion to be like you.

You are funny, self-less, and hardworking.
Thanks for being my dad and providing for me. 

I love you. 

Love, 

your little girl

Birthday Letter

Dear Mom & Dad,
Yeahhh 21 today. Whoa How do you feel about that? 
I just wanted to thank you both for being wonderful parents.
Thank you for living life the way you did.  Thanks for choosing to have me.  You both work hard to give me a life most kids don't get to have.  You always make sure I am happy, even when it means sacrificing your time, money, and sleep.  I am truly blessed.
You push me to excel to make goals and never give up to they accomplished. 
Thank you for giving me options and opportunities to experience life.  College has been so hard but the experience has been worth it.  
I am so grateful for being taught standards, hard work and principles.  After 21 years, I finally get it.  It's important.  You taught me numerous skills that have helped me, living at college. 
I am proud of the person I have become, because of you both.
Your love for me is incredible, no matter what I do, you love me. :)
I have enjoyed the past 21 years being your daughter and look forward to many more.
I love you both.  Thanks for being great.  I miss celebrating birthdays with you and making my own cake. Ha ha. 
Love,
Lindsey

Facts

1. I love the sun.  I love laying outside soaking up the rays. 
2. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints- I love it.  
3. I hate the rain. I hate the smell, being wet, the dark dreariness of it. everything.
4. I love reeses and chocolate chip cookies
5. I don't like candy- not a fan of fruit candy -jolly ranchers, skittles, starbursts. 
6. However, I am not a fan of chocolate.  (I don't like chocolate ice cream, or ice cream for that matter, chocolate cake-not a fan.)
7. I am a hamburger and pizza type girl
8. I love hip-hop type music but I also love Disney songs, the Piano guys, some country, classical, basically anything.  
9. I love deals (my Dad taught me well) and know all the good deals in town for foor.  
10. I love being around people that make me laugh.  
11. I don't like when all the attention is on me. 
12. I love to bake and I love when people love my baking
13. I love to read (some of my favorite subjects- Slavery, Civil Rights, Holocaust)
14. I don't understand why people are treated different because of skin color, or ethnicity. 
15. I have a mischievous side-I love pranks. 
16. I love pictures, I love taking pictures, they capture a moment in time.  
17. I love my family, my parents are amazing and they are my best friends. 

And there is a bit about me.

~Linz

Random

It's been a week since my last post. Wow.  

After the midpoint of a semester comes, the weeks just fly by. 

It's been pretty busy.  

I started registering for Fall classes on Tuesday.  

I only have 8 classes left to take! dang. 

I have been working on Econ.  Test coming up.  

Working on I-night stuff. 

Went to Bill Cosby performance

Got introduced to the coolest website ever.  

I think my nerdiness came out.  But this website is so cool.  

It turned my cheesy high school resume into something classy-grown up.  

I'm pretty excited about it. 

Here is the link, you can create a website too. 

https://byui.optimalresume.com/modules/documentcenter.php

It's like a resume generator. 

Went to BWW's for Steven's Birthday.  

P.s I'll be 21 in less than a week. Crazy? yeah.

I have been working on some blog posts, but it's a work in progress.  

There is an update for ya. More to come. 

~Linz

Friday

Today was great. (well the last half). 

Went to the I.F. Temple. 

With the girls

That in itself was...hilarious.
(It was one of those moments where you know you are supposed to be serious, mature, and well-behaved; but it was quite near impossible.) 

Old-fashioned names, elderly men, and the Lucky Summer Ward...it was all too much
more to the story here

Megan did my hair.  

Then Texas Roadhouse. Delicious. stuffed. goodness. 

Singing in the car, giggling, windows down. 

This Friday was already great.
Drive-In Movie- Snow White and the Huntsmen.
We decided to walk in, the line of cars was just too crazy. 
Watched it with Jamal & his friends.
All in all. A great, crazy, successful Friday night. 

Just what I needed.

 1. Megan hijacked a text 2. I hijacked instagram 3. Those famous rolls 4. Waiting to eat 5. Group                                             6. Idaho scenery 7. Free appetizer

~Linz

Memorial Day

Well Monday was a success!

So happy. 

I was worried that there wouldn't be enough food.  

There was plenty.  -Thanks to all who brought food.

Luda counted....60 people showed up.  wow. 

An hour before the party started

Migraine hit. 

(The kind where your vision goes out and your left arm goes numb, followed by pain)

Yeah so not cool. 

But, I was able to have fun.  Thankfully.
(Lots of pain meds and prayers) 

I loved seeing everyone.
Nothing makes me more happy then when all my friends come together.

Photos Courtesy of Kevin Evans

 I wish I had more pictures. Oh well.

~Linz

Currently...

1. Currently I am wishing this headache would go away.  It's been over 24 hours.
2. Wishing that I could give some of my 556% in business to Econ.
3. Wondering what to reply to a letter
4. Waiting to go to BWWS for FHE
5. I love that people stop to talk to me in the MC
6. Waiting for pictures so I can finish my memorial day post
7. Wanting water...really bad. 
8. Working on econ hw. 
9. Find that people are very interesting. 

~Linz

Protected

Today I'm especially grateful for the Lords protection over my family.
The outcome of yesterday's events could have turned out very differently.
Thankfully it didn't.
Everyone is ok.
Life can change in a blink of an eye.
Remember to start off your day with prayer And ask for the Lords protection. We may never know when we need it.
I am glad my brother and his friends are ok.
 Angels were watching over them.

Closing Time

It's emails like this that scare me.  

I went on fast-grad to graduate faster, to get out of here.

But it's becoming all too real now. 

I just can't believe that I am almost done with college. 

I don't want to leave. 

I hate the weather here. (I want to live somewhere tropical for the next 10 years.)

But the atmosphere here is amazing.  

I will be leaving behind the life I have lived for the past 3 years.
I will be leaving behind great friends. 

I will be leaving behind a safe-place. 

Going to the real-world. 

 It's exciting yet...sad, scary, bitersweet. 

~Linz

Fans & Fire

Well the past few days have been eventful in a weird sort of way. 

Thursday I was on campus when I heard there was a fire at my complex. 

2nd time in the past month.
I came home to bright orange restoration trucks.
Crews came to our apt 2 floors down.
We had water damage and the manager said we would have to move out.
What?!
Good thing we didn't.
We just have to have loud fans in our apt.
We have blue tape reminders on our doors to keep them shut.
The living room and kitchen are super hot and we just stay in our rooms.
The crews came back and cut sections out of our walls.
We also got plastic strip to our apt aka the red carpet.
It has been an adventure.
The fans stay til at least Monday.

Update: It's Wednesday and the fans are still here.  We found out it makes our bread go moldy faster, melts chocolate chips, nothing is safe.  Can't wait til they are dont and our apt is back to a normal temp.
~Linz

Big Picture

You know what is really hard? Seeing the big picture. 

What does God have planned for me? 

I thought I had things planned out. good things. 

Things I would have been great at. 

But they didn't happen. 

Why?

Trusting is a difficult attribute to learn. 

So here's to that someday...

Where I will eventually understand.

 

 ~Linz

Dear

Dear Econ,
Hate you. Along with accounting.
Why must you be so...
~Frazzled student with test coming up


Dear Girl in Devotional,
You don't need to text during the prayer or laugh every three seconds.
Thanks.
~Trying to listen

Dear Sunshine,
Love you! I wish I could sit outside more.

Dear Person who will remain anonymous,
Clean up after yourself! This is getting out of hand.

Dear Friends,
Let's continue to hang out and have fun.
College is ending all too quickly.
It's spring time!
~Love,
Lindsey

Mom

Happy Mother's Day to a great mom.  

Always there for me and encouraging me. 

Loves me no matter what. 

Always packs for me. 

Got me through my hardest semester. ever. 

I'm glad to call her my best friend. 

I love you mom. 

Love,
Lindsey

Parents

 

Meet the parents. 

Can I just say I am so blessed. 

My parents do everything to help me to be happy. 

They take us on vacations to experience new things.  

They provide for us and are very generous. 

They love me.  Infinite love. 

They make me laugh. 

They encourage me. 

It's funny how growing up changes things. 

Parents aren't so annoying anymore. They become more of a friend. 

I love my parents. 

They have taught me and made me who I am today. 

For that I am grateful. 

~Linz

Missing

Currently (lets be honest, this whole semester so far) I miss the friends I made last semester. 

Sometimes I wish I could go back in the past. 

But I only want the positives not the negatives.

 I always make friends towards the end. The end of EFY, the end of semesters. 

Then the time runs out.  

The new semester won't ever be the same as the last one. 

People move. School changes. People change. 

But I do miss those special friends.