marching on

Hello hello! 

I figured I'd take some time to post an update! The past few weeks have been incredibly busy but also incredibly rewarding and enjoyable. I had lots of mid-terms, and let me tell you right now that going to the Testing Center to take a test is not nearly as fun as going to hand out tests. But regardless, I got through them and survived relatively unscathed. 

I went with some friends to True Blue Foam. We had a really good time, even though it was freezing cold. 

Before

and after! We are definitely loyal, strong, and TRUE blue! 

Then, that Friday I went to celebrate Julia's birthday with her and some friends. We went to dinner and then went to see the Saratov Approach. So I was a little nervous going to see it because I'm a baby and terrified of everything, but I was so glad I did get a chance to watch it. It was incredibly inspiring and truly made me reflect on the relationship I have with my Savior and Redeemer and my fellow men. It made me ponder whether or not I truly exhibit Christlike love to all those around me. It for sure gave me some insight. For more information about Mormon missionaries and my religious views, check out the "What I Believe" tab to the right. :) 

Julia's makeshift cake and candle!

Love her! 

The following Saturday my friend Casey and I ran a 5K! It was really hard, I'm not going to lie. But, we made it! It was actually a lot of fun. 

Then a week of madness passed with work and school. Last Friday night my roommates and I went out to see a movie and grabbed some dinner. We had delicious Thai food! 

Saturday morning I ran a 10K! It was surprisingly easy and I actually really enjoyed it. It was a really nice course, and despite the fact that it was freezing cold it was great! I actually ended up placing 2nd in my age division with a time of 56:51! For 6.2 miles, I will take it! Thanks to my wonderful sister and brother-in-law, Katie and Scott, for taking me up to Highland and cheering me on! 

Before the race

After the race with Katie and Scott

With my medal! I was a little excited about it! 

Little spiritual plug for the week: 

I am amazed at the tender mercies that the Lord blesses with me with every day. Henry B. Eyring gave a wonderful talk in the October 2007 General Conference entitled "O Remember, Remember" (see the full version here: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/o-remember-remember). One thing that really resonated with me was that he wrote in a journal nightly. He recalls: 

"Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done.

More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. And I grew more confident that the Holy Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance—even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened."

I decided to put that to the test. I have been recording in a little journal every evening how I have seen the Lord's hand in my life. I am absolutely amazed at the little things Heavenly Father blesses me with that comfort me, make me happy, or are true answers to my prayers. Though they are small and seemingly simple--a smile, a phone call to my family, running into an old friend, a letter-- they add up and show that Heavenly Father does care about me in my life and He is watching over me. He blesses me with the little things that honestly matter the most to me. I challenge you to try it out. Evaluate how the Lord blesses you. You will be amazed at how you see His hand and love in your life. We, like Nephi of old, can learn that the "tender mercies of the Lord" are evident because of our "faith" (see 1 Nephi 1:20). 

Really though, hakuna matata! 

Mallory

life in color

I cannot believe it is October! Seriously, that is just so insane.

Things are going so so well! My classes are tough but I just finished my first wave of midterms. Thankfully things will be far calmer for the remainder of this week. How lucky I am to be a part of the ComD program! I love it more than anything. Work at the Testing Center is so good! I am there so often, it is weird when I go there to take a test rather than work. However, I'd much rather give out tests than take tests of my own. 

Well a lot has happened in the past few weeks!

One of my old roommates, Hailey, opened her mission call. She is going to be serving in Copenhagen, Denmark! It was so fun to get back together with all our spring friends and celebrate this happy moment with Hailey!

Some of the girls of 2204 :)

Spring friends! 

Congrats Hailey! I am so proud of you and couldn't be happier for you!

Well this past week was one of my roommates, Erika's, birthday! What a wonderful day we had celebrating such a wonderful girl! We went out to dinner and got sushi! I will admit, it was my first time trying it and I was a little leery, but I actually really liked it! I was pleasantly surprised! I guess there's a first time for everything! Afterwards, we had a lovely little party for her at our apartment. 

Roomies! <3 

This past weekend was General Conference (for more information about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, check out the "What I Believe" link to the right). It was an incredible weekend of inspiration and learning from our beloved modern-day prophet, Thomas S. Monson, as well as the apostles and general authorities. My lovely friend Kirsten was fortunate enough to get tickets to the Saturday afternoon session. We had a total blast up in Salt Lake. While the boys we went to Conference with were at the Priesthood session, Kirsten and I got to explore Temple Square and get in some much needed catch up! We went out to dinner afterwards. It was a great day with new and old friends.

Love her. 

Ran into Lindsey on Temple Square! Shout out to her for also receiving her mission call this past week. :)

Perfect day. 

How blessed I am! I attend an outstanding university, live in a wonderful ward with fantastic roommates, have some pretty incredible friends, and I have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I cannot express my gratitude enough to my loving Heavenly Father. Remember that life is beautiful and you're never fully dressed without a smile! 

Hakuna matata,

Mallory