Southern Hospitality.

If you ever want to relax, head on down to North Carolina. 

I did not even touch this picture with any editing tools. AND IT'S FEBRUARY! However, the beach was not the best part. The best part was just hanging out with Ma and Pa Z-i-n-e (translation: the Strouds) and having them show me everything in the smallest town in the United States. I loved every second of it, obviously because I was with them, but because being with each other reminded us all of the mission. It was a perfect weekend to get away from the commotion of the Nation's Capitol.

I asked Ma and Pa to see their high school yearbook back to when they first started dating...make sure you read the caption...

And look at them now!

Yeah...everyone wants what they have. I guess you can say I learn more from them just by where they are now. And you sisters (you know who you are) if you don't go and visit them, you're missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime. I mean, c'mon!  That, and I am a completely devoted UNC fan as of now.

Now, back to public transportation and not-homemade BBQ sauce.

A little extra help.

“Perhaps if we would do our work in behalf of those of the unseen world who hunger and pray for the work we can do for them, the unseen world would in return give us help in this day of our urgent need. There are more in that other world than there are here. There is more power and strength there than we have here upon this earth." -John A. Widtsoe

I got to the temple this weekend with some friends, and just sit and reflect on how the Atonement doesn't just help those who are sad--because what about the times you're not sad? It would be...sad...if that's how you were all the time. Jesus Christ helps those who are happy. It's the same idea as only praying when you need something. 

"Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare..." -Alma 34:27

Just make sure you tell Him what's going on, so He gets just as excited as you do about the things going on in your life.

Peace with the unknown.

As most people do, I was listening in church. Even if you catch a fourth of Sacrament meeting, you're golden. Thankfully, this phrase was one of those things I caught:

"Be at peace with the unknown."

So it's probably a heck of a lot easier to just say that, but to actually do it? That's a different story. It's called the eternal perspective. My poor companions have heard me talk about this, but it really is the thing that saves my life. It's something I've been experimenting with since I was little kid. It all started with my dad. He is easily the most loving father on the face of the earth, and through just being who he is, he taught me how Heavenly Father works: as long as you work as hard as you can, no matter how cute you are, no matter how much money you have...you'll always have enough. So, "become as a little child, meek, submissive, full of love," and it's OK to not know what you're going to do tomorrow, next year, or even in the next five years. If you work, and the key word is IF, you'll always have your hands full...

"Be still, my soul, the Lord is on thy side...all safe and blessed, we shall meet at last." -Be Still, My Soul

Be in love.