Happy Birthday Dalin!

Happy Birthday Dalin!

WOW! I can't believe you are 14 now. You can go to dances! Ahhh.  

I owe you a snickers cake when I get home. :)

I miss you.  Don't get any taller.  

You are a smart boy.  It's been watching you grow up.
My protective younger brother.  

Thanks for being my partner in crime. 

Love you,
~Linz

Photo Credit: Gwen Hawkins                  

Happy Birthday Sadie

I am blessed to be your friend.
Have a great day.
Ps. I randomly chose this picture and then realized it said Colorado.
~Linz

Happy Birthday Chandler!

Photo credit: Gwen Hawkins

Chandler,
Happy 18th Birthday.  I can't believe you are 18.  I also wish I was there to celebrate with you.
I hope you have a great day.  It's been fun watching you get older.  You are a great example.  You stayed positive when you hurt your leg.  You help others when they need help.  You are good at baking yummy treats.  I love you. Enjoy your day
Love,
~Linz

Great quote

Those special people

The past few months, 

I have been reflecting on the people that made a difference in my life, the past year. 

They were there for me and still are. 

The two girls that are now my best friends. 

They took me in and understood. 

They lifted me up, provided comfort and laughs. 

Those 4 boys in that special apartment. 

They provided a refuge, a place to go. 

They saw a girl in need.
Their friendship didn't stop after that semester.
It continued.
Then there was that gentleman that boosted my confidence
and still sends me those early morning texts.
And I can't forget those that have always been there.
Taco salads and many phone calls.
They all hold a special place in my heart.

~Linz

My thoughts on...

Valentine's Day. 

I like Valentine's Day. 

and although I haven't had a special person to share it with

I have had some pretty good valentine days. 

It's all about the attitude.
It doesn't have to be a terrible day. 

Serving others and making it special for you and others in your life.
Make the day for the people in your life who do matter.
When you focus on making others happens, it causes you to be happy.
That's what counts.
Decorate a room
Make a yummy treat
Cut out a billion hearts and throw them everywhere
Make heart shape pancakes
Pass out candy
Do something nice for your roommates, friends, or family.
Make it fun.

~Linz

so far...

So far the first 10 days of February have been great. 

February 1st, I went through the temple. 

Many special people came to support me.  

I got to spend time with my Oregon grandparents

I have gotten to see Chandler play in a few high school soccer games. 

I watched Dalin play a school basketball game. 

Was blessed to find a bunch of clothes for the next 18 months. 

Sister-brother date at Mariscos

Make 2 fruit pizzas in one night

Skype my roommates, whom I adore. 

Cross off an item on my bucket list and have one of my photos make it into the newspaper. 

Waking up to heart-felt facebook messages
Crepes before church

Family Movie night

Fish tacos with wonderful friends. 

Yeah, it's been a good month so far.

~Linz

Last day...

Today is the last day of January. 

It has been a good month.
I learned a lot.

My time in Rexburg was nothing but great. 

Went to a missionary training meeting. 

12 hours. Wow. 

February is going to be a month of new experiences. 

Going through the temple tomorrow. 

Entering the MTC in 20 days. 

So much happening

All so fast.

~Linz

Puzzle Pieces

It's interesting standing here at this point in my life and looking back

How things in life turned out

and now here I am. 

How rough patches happened

How I hated going through them 

How God guided me through them.

It's kinda like seeing puzzle pieces coming together. 

I know without those changes

I wouldn't be where I am supposed to be. 

Where God wants me to be. 

Where God has a plan for me. 

Where faith is required. 

It's going to be an adventure. 

Where more of the pieces will be added. 

~Linz

Random updates

Now I'm here suddenly I see

Standing here it's all so clear

I'm where I'm meant to be

And at last I see the light

And it's like the fog has lifted

And at last I see the light

1. It hit -22 this morning.  I woke up to go to my 6:30 class, no power.  
2. Our door freezes shut every time it gets opened.
3. Do you know how hard it is to find cute, cheap, below the knee skirts...? Nearly Impossible.  Suggestions welcome.   
4. I dyed someone's hair for the first time.
5. I got to practice being a missionary.  Cool experience. 
6. Went to a dance battle...interesting
7. Also, 37 days left til the MTC.  Freaking out? Yes. 

~Linz

Reason # 286 Why I love BYU-Idaho

Monday I didn't go to class (because I am leaving in a few weeks)

I get an email from my teacher.  

He let me know what we discussed in class

And that I should complete an assignment for next time

and that he would see me Wednesday.  

Incredible.  

What other school would that happen at?

Where a teacher goes out of their way to contact missing students.  

I LOVE this school. 

I have been blessed by having the privilege to come here. 

~Linz

Update #?

Today was awesome. 

Spirit. 

Church. 

Friends. 

Games. 

Good food. 

The end. 

~Linz

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

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today it's my dad's birthday!

Dear Dad,

Happy Birthday! 

Thanks for being a great dad to me.

Thank you for your encouraging notes.

Thanks for encouraging me and being so understanding.

Thanks for being so prompt to help me, when I need help.

Thanks for loving me.

Thanks for all the morning you made me breakfast before seminary.

Thanks for teaching me how to cook.

Thanks for spending time with me.

Thanks for being an example for me.

Thanks for loving the gospel.

Have a Great birthday.

I'll be home soon to make a yummy treat.

I love you!

 Love,
Linz

Current Thoughts

Sometimes a day doesn't turn out the greatest. 

Sometimes a day turns into days. 

Tomorrow will be great. (I hope)

I have posted these before... but here they are again:

I love this quote:

"What you see and experience now is not what forever will be. You will not feel loneliness, sorrow, pain, or discouragement forever. We have the faithful promise of God that He will neither forget nor forsake those who incline their hearts to Him. Have hope and faith in that promise. Learn to love your Heavenly Father and become His disciple in word and in deed." - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

and this song..

and this friendship

The end.
~Linz

Thanksgiving

So I started this list and was going to do it every day.  

That was a fail. 

So here it is...

November 1- Today I am grateful phone calls and parents that are understanding.
November 2- I am grateful for warm, sunny days in Rexburg, especially in the Fall.
November 3-I am grateful for boring days, because they make me appreciate the people in my life.
November 6- I am grateful that I live in America.  We have the right to vote, the freedom of speech, this didn't come without a cost though.  Many gave their lives so we can enjoy these freedoms.

November 7- Today I am grateful that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ.  When results of the past days are making life uncertain and scary, one thing hasn't changed for us.  We still have President Monson as our president.  He receives divine inspiration.  I know it. 

November 8-Today I am grateful for good health. Being sick is the worst.

-

• I am grateful for my parents and my family
• I am grateful to attend BYU-Idaho, it is a great school
• I am grateful for standards and for parents that taught me them
• I am grateful for the men and women who are or were fighting for my freedom
• I am thankful for music
• I am thankful for technology

The List goes on. 

Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy. 

~Linz

Planning

Life Lesson # 312

After talking with others and from my own experiences. 

I have learned this:
Don't try and plan your life.
It never works out.
God throws you a curve ball or adds another option

and everything changes.  

The thing is...go with it. 

He knows what He is doing.  

~Linz

Someone Is Always Worse Off

Life lesson # 286

Capstone class our teacher has the greatest thoughts to start off class. 

He showed us this population clock. 

In fact, by the time you have read this sentence: 9 babies were born and 4 people died. 

That means someone somewhere lost a loved one, a mom, dad, brother/sister.

The clock shows a lot of interesting statistics: like how many people just discovered they have cancer, how many were an accident, how many discovered they have diabetes.   

It is really eye-opening. 

Check it out. 

As much as you think you are the only one with problems

You aren't.  

2. I went to an assisted living center yesterday.
I met an elderly lady named June.  

She was lonely and appreciated our visit.
She made us promise to come back.
It broke my heart.  

Just remember that there is someone who is feeling more lonely, more sad, more sick,  more (fill in the blank) than you. 

~Linz