Doors

"A prophet with the keys; opening doors and letting us make our own decisions to walk through or close them."
~Anonymous

Time

There are times in life when God gives us trials where time feels like an eternity.  Time is a funny thing: it flies when you're having fun and stays forever when you're miserable.  The hardest thing I'm having issues with right now is accepting that the Lord is in charge and everything will happen in His time, not mine.
My very best friend is on His mission right now serving the Lord, and although two years isn't that long, it feels like an eternity to me.  I used to cry every night, wishing and hoping, for help and comfort, and then a special someone told me, "Missions are like a circle; you take one step farther into the field and one step closer to home."
Staying busy isn't going to be enough for the next year: I'll have school, church callings and work to keep me sustained, but in order to keep myself from going insane, I need to fully indulge myself into the Lord's work.  I need to submerge myself into the Gospel and Trust that the Lord will make everything better in the end.  If its not any better, its not the end.

2014 - New Year's Resolution

I'm not too big on the New Year's Resolution thing just because I like to forget and not fulfill my wish. But, for once, I actually do have a Goal for the New Year. I am going to be a Missionary. I'm going to listen to the Lord, have Faith and Trust that things will happen right.
"The Lord will put people in our path, words in our mouth and He will touch both our Hearts."

What Heaven Sees In You

Sent to this earth
You were saved through the ages for this day
and time
Child of great worth
Child of promise, daughter of the Divine
Pure and holy in a little, white dress
You were held in a circle and you were
blessed
And the Father looked down
And the angels surrounded that place
They knew the truth, all that you could do
And you will, too, if you have eyes to see
What heaven sees in you
Dressed in white once more
Making promises to follow in God’s way
So much lies in store
For the little girl who enters at the gate
Pure and holy in a little, white dress
You were led into the water and you were
blessed
Repeat Chorus
Do you understand who you are
Part of the Father lives in you
If you continue on this path
Every promise God has given will come true
Heaven on earth
In the house of God, so much fills your heart
and mind
Woman of great worth
Woman of promise, daughter of the Divine
Pure and holy in a long, white dress
You promise forever and you are blessed
And the Father looks down
And the angels surround that place
They know the truth, all that you can do
And you do, too, ‘cause you have eyes to see
What heaven sees in you
Will you have eyes to see
What heaven sees in you

About ME

Where are you supposed to start when someone asks you to describe yourself?  There's so much and yet so little that you can actually say to someone so that they will understand, but I'll let you be the judge of everything I say.  I guess you could say that I'm not an average girl...I can't cook, I'm not into all the "girly stuff" like shopping (unless its for food)!!
I love to be outside and always moving: hiking, fishing, horse-back riding, boating, rock-climbing, camping, biking, etc.  Oh, and (this is a Major one) but I LOVE to work on cars.  I am a Grease Monkey and I don't care what you think about that, because its something that I love doing and no one can tell me what I can and cant do. 
Ok, so I have a confession...even though I have a picture of me sitting on a very sexy bike, I have never actually ridden one, but I would So Love to!  Speed and off-road make my mouth water; jacked up trucks and fast cars are a huge factor in my life, but not as big as my family and friends.  They mean SO MUCH to me, and let me tell you something....I am a very calm and patient person, until you mess with the people I love, then you going wish that you never knew me.
Now this next part is just going be random because I don't know how to phrase it all.  I have two black Labrador Pit-bulls but my favorite kind of dogs are Huskies.  I love music but Country music is what I live my life by; cute country songs are the foundations of my dreams.  I love action-packed, adventure, romance movies, but I am a sucker for Disney.
I love taking pictures, I love those lazy days when I can stay in my sweats and eat pepperoni and cookie dough on the couch (don't worry, not together).  I have a sense of humor and yes, I am very sarcastic.  I love to sing and dance and just be creative in any way that I can possible (which is not through art, I suck at that).
Ok, so instead of writing the rest of this novel, I'm going to let you decide.  IF you want to get to know me more than just what I've told you briefly about on here, you can talk to me for yourself.  I hope that some of you brave souls are up for that challenge.  Well until then...don't have a good day, Make it a GREAT Day!!!

Thinkin Of You

"If you love something, set it free; if it comes back, it's yours.  If it doesn't, it was never meant to be."
It all may sound hopeless, but there's Always a light at the end of the tunnel.  If you set something free that doesn't come back; don't worry, the Lord is in charge, he'll help you find something good.
Like John always said, "Everything will be okay in the end; if it isn't ok, then it's not the end."

Waiting for Superman

She says, “Yeah, he’s still coming, just a little bit late
He got stuck at the laundromat washing his cape”
She’s just watching the clouds roll by and they spell her name like Lois Lane
And she smiles, oh the way she smiles

She’s talking to angels, counting the stars
Making a wish on a passing car
She’s dancing with strangers, falling apart
Waiting for Superman to pick her up
In his arms, In his arms
Waiting for Superman

To lift her up and take her anywhere
Show her love and climbing through the air
Save her now before it’s too late tonight
Oh, like a speeding light
And she smiles

 

 

I wanna be the girlfriend that can last and push through the tough times.  I wanna be the girl in this song; waitin for Superman (John) to come home from savin (teachin the Gospel) the world (the people of TN) and sweep me off my feet.  But I know it doesnt work like that.  Before John left, he told me that he was always gonna remember me for my laugh and my smile.  So I guess Lois Lane and I have something in common.

Crazy Uncle

For once, Si is right...schockin, don't ya think?

Missions

We're all faced with different obstacles that sometimes make serving missions seem difficult. To those who have such thought and feelings: if you don't now have a testimony, you can gain one on a mission. Your girlfriend/boyfriend will be all right. You can learn the scriptures and discussions well enough to be effective. You'll have the courage you need to talk to strangers. You can be obedient. You can do it.

Some of you may be fearful about your ability because to this point in your life you have struggled. Perhaps you've not been academically gifted or socially prominent. I agree that being socially graceful, well educated, experienced in leadership, and able to speak well are useful talents for doing missionary work. But there is something beyond these which can give a missionary his/her real power.

Lorenzo Snow

 “When you find yourselves a little gloomy, look around you and find somebody that is in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom which the Lord bestows upon you; and the first thing you know, your gloom is gone, you feel light, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, and everything seems illuminated.”

God Speed

Yesterday, My boyfriend John, entered into the Provo MTC.  There he will stay for a week and a half, then fly out on Dec 31 to the people of Knoxville, Tennessee.  I can't say that I don't miss him, because I do, but I can say that I am so Proud of him for already having the decision to give two years of his life to the Lord.  Here are a few of my favorite pictures that he and his family took yesterday.

That's what a Proud Dad looks like

 

MaryJane, Josh, Rachel, John & Copper

Rachel & John

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"My dear sisters, I have a simple faith. I believe that as you are faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, as you draw closer to Him in faith, hope, and charity, things will work together for your good. I believe that as you immerse yourselves in the work of our Father—as you create beauty and as you are compassionate to others—God will encircle you in the arms of His love. Discouragement, inadequacy, and weariness will give way to a life of meaning, grace, and fulfillment."

What!? You think I'm cute???

Infants or Babies are some of the cutest things that I've ever seen in my life; they're miracles sent from heaven to us to love, to cherish and to hold on to.  Day by day they grow and learn by what they see and hear around them.  Its amazing to me that this baby in the picture used to be me, and look at me now...A Beautiful baby Girl.

In 18 short years this is what I've transformed into: like coal into a diamond.  Through trials and tribulations, something Beautiful has transformed.  I was amazed and in awe when John, my loving boyfriend, first told me that I was cute...I cant wait until he returns from serving the Lord to see what I've transformed and grown from in the next 3 years.

 

Accept it & Have Faith in HIM

December 13, 1995

18 years ago I was brought into this  at 6lbs 1oz to take on the trials and hardships of life.  I've also been enjoyin the amazin thrills that life has to offer.  I've gone through many things but look where I've ended up: I've graduated high school, started college, found the love of my life, and have started preparin myself for a Mission for The Lord.  I can't wait to see what the next few years brings me.  I love you guys!!!!  Thanks for everythin!!!!

Make a Wish

The hard part is acceptin that you're not in charge and that The Lord will take care of you.

John Rayburn

"I never imagined in a million years that I would ever find someone who loves me as much as my heart is capable of loving them.. I was never a big believer in happily ever afters... I never thought I would feel this way about a lover AND a best friend, at the same time.. I didn't believe that such a happy heart was in store for me... And this guy proved all of that wrong. I'm the happiest girl on earth, and two and a half years...that's nothing, when I've got an eternity full of complete BLISS with him ahead."

Meghan would wear this.... O.o

I'm Giving Christ My Son - Author Unknown

This year for Christmas I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving.
The thrill just wasn't there.
No pictures taken with Santa Claus,
My decorating has no flair.
Two suits and socks...no fun.
I've bought him all white clothes because...
This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I've spent more time in the temple,
Felt strength come from His words.
I've reread November's Ensign,
And my testimony stirred.
Our family prays more frequently.
My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems close because,
This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers,
Gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion,
Their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence,
I'll miss his smile a ton.
For those two years we will pray for him,
I'm giving Christ my son.

I stare at his face when he's not looking.
I memorize his eyes, their shine.
He's always hungered for the part of him,
That makes his soul divine.
The stories and lessons he always heard,
His choice and mine are one.
I'll put my faith in God's hand,
This year, I'm giving Him my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter.
I think I finally understand.
Christ's birth should be celebrated,
By giving him a hand.
It's because I know Christ lives and reigns,
That all his packing's done.
My gift has taken years to make,
This year, I'm giving Christ my son.

The hands I washed, the hands I held,
The hands I taught to pray;
Now knock on doors to find the ones
Who will listen to what he'll say.
Because I know Christ needs him,
Until all the gathering's done
My gift has taken years to make
This year...I'm giving Christ my son.

You were born to GLOW

Live Like You Believe - Jenny Phillips

Someone Needs Your STAR - Jenny Phillips

You were born to reach Eternal Life

Once upon a time
A child was born into this life
Heaven could be seen in her eyes
There was no doubt she was divine
And if you are still you will feel the truth
That the princess in this wondrous story is you

It's your time
It's your destiny to shine
So arise
Be true to the royal
That's inside of you
Don't settle for the story that
The world would have you write
You were born to reach eternal life
Let faith fill every chapter
Let the Savior lead you to
Happily ever after

When the forests fills with darkness
And wolves seek your soul
Just know
You are simply in the place between
Your once upon a time and your triumph in the end

It's your time
It's your destiny to shine
So arise
Be true to the royal
That's inside of you
Don't settle for the story that
The world would have you write
You were born to reach eternal life
Let faith fill every chapter
Let the Savior lead you to
Happily ever after

To Do List...

TRUCKS =))

Just not red ;p

JBR

Waiting for Superman by Daughtry

This will be my song for the next two years.  Life will be tough, but I know that Superman will come back to pick me up & sweep me off my feet in his arms. =))

Missionary Work :)

Smile & Share :)

YOU have a Beautiful Smile =D

My Girls :)

So grateful to have these girls in my life today :) Sisters & Moms are God's way of giving us Special Friendships =D

Commitment

You were born to reach Eternal Life.  I was born to reach Eternal Life.  I WILL live an Eternal Life with My Heavenly Father :)

I Promise.

Autumn :)

All Over The Road ~ Easton Corbin

Could It Be - Charlie Worsham

A Stepping Stone

Before I go to bed, I do have one more thing to say...
I know that My Heavenly Father lives.  I know the Book of Mormon is a Testament of God.  I know that God loves me.  I know that God gave his Only Begotten Son to die for me because He loves me.  Jesus atoned, not only for the sins of the world, but also mine.  He died for ME.  The wounds on His Hands, feet and sides PROVES that.  His love for me is shown through His wounds.  My love for Him is shown through the service I provide to His Children.  I know that I will see and live with God again.  I know I am a BEAUTIFUL Daughter of a Heavenly King.  I Promise I will have my Own Happily Ever After in one of God's Holy Temples with one of God's Christian Soldiers.  I will STRIVE to do what I know is Righteous & Truthful.  I love this Gospel & I love God, and because I know this, I know I will succeed and reach Eternal Life.
I say these things with the fullness of my Heart, In the name of Our Beloved Savior, Jesus Christ,
Amen.

Future Planning =P

Corn Stalks

Mmm :) Yummy ;)

Just Right

Cowboys..

My Creation =D

He's a Keeper :P

Cowboy boots ;)

Roses :)

Now who does that sound like? ;)

Night Train - Jason Aldean

See You Tonight ~ Scotty McCreery

Friday Night - Eric Paslay

Can't Help - Parachute

A Thousand Miles - Vanessa Carlton

Love in a Box ~ Workday Release

It Goes Like This ~ Thomas Rhett

W.O.W.

Words of Wisdom...and so true... :)

Breathe :)

Enjoy the little things in life: like the seasons changing, the weather changing temperatures, the leaves changing colors, and the feel around you. :)

Listen to the Prophets - Do it. Live it. Love it.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf: We are living in a great season for all women in the Church. Mother's are an essential part of our Heavenly Father's plan for eternal happiness; they are endowed with a divine birthright. They are the real builders of nations wherever you live, because strong homes of love and peace will bring security to any nation.

Thomas S. Monson: Being a mother has never been an easy role. Some of the oldest writings in the world admonish us not to forsake the law of our mother, instruct us that a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother, and warn us not to ignore our mother when she is old. The scriptures also remind us that what we learn from our mothers comprises our very core values.

I am LDS - Do it. Live it. Love it.

A missionary must be in tune with that Holy Spirit. He/she must recognize its guidance and inspiration. His life must be pure so he can count on that Spirit in all that he does.

How can you prepare to enjoy the Holy Spirit?

1. Keep your life clean—in thought and action. Immorality is Satan’s most potent tool against us and leads to more unhappiness, grief, regret, and self-degradation than any other sin. It is deadly to our eternal progress. Avoid it like a plague....
2. Pray from your heart—then listen for God’s answer.
3. Develop a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ by practicing its teachings in your daily activities.
4. Stand up for what you believe. Set the standards for your life and don’t be swayed by lower standards of others. You are in charge of your life!
5. Honor your priesthood, which has come to you from God and will serve as an armor for you throughout life as you respect its mighty power.
6. Set long-range goals. Determine in advance your course of action. Map out where you want to go and how you are going to get there. This will help you resist the temptations of Satan when they come—as they surely will.
7. Keep the commandments. That will lead to happiness and fulfillment.
8. We have discovered that the best way to prepare for a mission is to have the spiritual experience of teaching the gospel to others before you are called. We urge you to reach out to your friends, help teach them the gospel by teaming with the full-time or the stake missionaries, bearing your testimonies in that atmosphere. You will then become acquainted with how the Holy Spirit works to guide others to the truth, and you will recognize its sweet influence in your own experience.

Missionary Work - Do it. Live it. Love it.

"No power on earth or in hell can stop this work or thwart the purposes of the Lord to have His soul-satisfying gospel message go to His children. It may take disasters in many forms to bring it about. But the purposes of God will be achieved. His children will hear the gospel of salvation in His own due time."
~Ezra Taft Benson

Maybe..

Like Me ;P

Calm Down

Calm down, it'll probably never happen but I know several people who would be SHOVING people to get to the front of the line.. ;P

Brace Yourself ;P

Thank You for lovin me the same

Where's the night train going? O.o

Dear Tori,

I HATE when this happens!!!!

This truck needs to be black. Period.

Handiwork

Or who help you change your Dad's oil ;)

Say a Prayer

"Not all things work the way you want them too, that's why TRUST & FAITH are two very important keys in life.  Have FAITH that all things will come to pass and TRUST in the Lord's time schedule.  Because its not your time, its HIS time."
~Anonymous

Meet Him Halfway

Christ meets YOU where YOU are. There is no hurt too big, no problem too large, no sin too awful that He can't meet us when we come. Only 1 thing is needed; that we believe He died & rose again for US & so we come to Him with sincere hearts & ask Him to be our Lord & our God. I have seen druggies, murderers, people who aborted finding Christ & walking with Him. Don't let your shame stop you from coming to Him. Jesus said, "I stand at the door (of your life) & knock. If any man opens the door, I will come in."

Happy Birthday to MY VERY BEST FRIEND, SISTER & MOM!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D

How well do you know ME?

My first name ________________________?

My last name _________________________?

My favorite soda _______________________?

My dream car ________________________?

My birthday __________________________?

My favorite color______________________?

My eye color ________________________?

My natural hair color __________________?

My favorite candy ____________________?

My nickname ________________________?

My shoe size ________________________?

Most common thing on my mind _________?

Something I can't live without ____________?

My occupation _______________________?


Text me your answers!!! :)

Where do you fit?

Heaven's Glow

I've been thinking... the temple is THE SAFEST place for you spiritually. You don't have to worry about all of the commotion that's going on in the world--all of the spiritual storms, the tempests and the earthquakes. The world we live in is becoming more and more overrun by Satan and his followers. I promise you that as you make the temple your goal, as you seek refuge from the storm, you will feel peace in chaos.

D&C 121:7-8

 7 (My son/daughter/your name), ^apeace be unto thy soul; thine ^badversity and thine afflictions shall be but a ^csmall moment;

 8 And then, if thou ^aendure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy ^bfoes.

If Joseph's trials were but a small moment, then the trials I have can't be too far off.

Imprints

Your name is imprinted in the wounds on his hands, feet & side.  So when you're feeling overloaded with life and trials, know that The Lord Died for YOU to know EXACTLY what you're going through.  No matter what it is that you're struggling with, HE will help you through it.  I admit that I'm not perfect: I go to work full time, I have college life full time, I am the Laurel President, I have a family, I have friends, & I have things to do in between.  I want to read the Quad before I turn 18, I want to become a better person, I want to have a better idea of what I would like to major my studies in, I would like to decide whether or not I'm going on a mission.  There's a lot I need to do and it seems like very little time to do it in.  I become stressed very easily and I hardly ever have time to relax.  I'm still trying to prioritize my life and put the Lord first, but I want you all to try it as you go on with your life.  Prioritize your time and don't forget to include time for yourself.  I know its hard but "YOU can do HARD Things."

One Day Too Late

Time continues on whether you like it or not, so don't make the same mistake twice.  Learn from your mistakes, Act Now and have FUN because you only have one shot at it.

In Better Hands

Everyday, through all of our trials, Jesus is and ALWAYS will be there behind you.  He has many names: Father, Brother, Savior & Redeemer.  Let Him BE that person that you NEED.  You are in better Hands now, because they are HIS HANDS.

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Ditto

Be TRUE To Who You Really Are

Trust

Heavenly Father is in charge. He will put things in your path that you can handle if you trust in him. "...all things will be for your good." (D&C 122:7). Nothing is to hard for two people if one of them is the Lord.

Tori's Procrastination