Top 12 of 2012

Because everyone else is doing it, I figured I would too. Here's my top 12 for the year.

12. Disney fun

Spent leap day and the last day of the year at Disney World. Disney fun for 24 hours on leap day and 20 hours to ring in the new year. During our leap day visit I was able to meet Cinderella- it made my day. During our New Year's visit Jennifer was able to meet Belle and we got to go through the new Fantasyland. 

11. Haircut!!

Cut off 12 inches of my hair. Donated it for Locks for Love. Got a new do and got highlights and lowlights too. 

10. BYU Football

Drove to Georgia to see BYU football play Georgia Tech. Mom and dad met us up there. We won. It was a fun game. Georgia Tech has some bad attitude fans though.

9. BYU Basketball

Drove to Kentucky to see BYU Men's Basketball team play in a NCAA game. We ended up losing but it was fun to be back in the same arena as the team and to root for them. I love my boys in blue. 

8. Birthday

Turned 25 years old. Quarter-of-a-century. Cannot believe it. 

7. Official RN

Took and passed the NCLEX in January. Took it on a Friday and it was the longest weekend of my life waiting to find out if I passed or not. Finding out that the past 16 months hadn't been a waste and I could finally start my dream job was beyond words.

6. First guy 

Went on my first date with a guy that I met while at camp at TGIFridays. Which lead to my first boyfriend and everything that entails- including first break-up. The break-up thing, I wouldn't recommend that to anyone- it's not very fun. We saw The Amazing Spiderman, The Dark Knight Rises, started the series Firefly, went out to dinner, went to Carowinds, etc. I learned a lot about myself and a lot about what I want in a boyfriend/ future husband.

*no pictures :(*

5. First job 

Got my first job as a nurse- Camp Kanuga, Camp Bob and Youth Week at Kanuga. Had the best time. 

We didn't have a/c but it didn't matter because we were having fun and spending time outside. It was so fun to learn from other nurses and to get the experience of working as a nurse. Met some very cool people along the way.

4. Virginia trip 

Drove to Virginia for Charlie and Steven's open house. Couldn't pass up another chance to see Charlie, Steven and Sam.

3. Texas wedding 

Flew to Texas to see one of my best friends get married. I loved seeing Charlie come out of the Houston temple dressed in white, sealed to her husband for eternity and looking beautiful! Helped set up the reception and spend even more time with the McClellan sisters.

2. First hospital  

Started my job at the hospital working with some wonderful children and their families. Some might think that working with children in a hospital is hard, but it's not bad. We see kids come in hurt, they get fixed, usually in surgery, and then they get to go home. There are up days and down days just as there are in any other job. 

1. Family

Spent time with family. Had visits in North Carolina from the parents and drove down to Florida for some family time too. They are the one constant in my life. Nobody knows me better than my family members and there isn't many other people that I act like myself in front of. My sister is the one I can laugh with. My brother will always be my protector- even if he's in the middle of the ocean on a tugboat. I love them dearly.  

2012 was full of patience- to know that answers would come, courage- to step out of my comfort zone, gratitude- for plans working out, trust- in the Lord's timing, smiles- for the happy days, comfort- for the sad, lonely and depressing days, laughter- when reminiscing about the good ol' days, confidence- to know who I am and to feel good when around and getting introduced to new people, friendships- new, old and the ties that bind us forever and hope- in a better tomorrow.

2012 was a good year- here's to hoping that 2013 is even better.

Luke 24

Luke 24:6

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

December 23

Today I was reminded that it is Joseph Smith Jr.'s birthday. I love this video as it shares the many things that Joseph did to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ. It also has excerpts of testimonies from people that were close associates of Joseph. I am so grateful for the gospel in my life and everything that brings into my life as well.

Luke 23

Luke 23:38

And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Christ did come. He came into this world as a little child. Meek and lowly. He performed many miracles. He was about His Father's business. He taught those around Him how to serve, to be kind to one another, the importance of keeping His commandments, He laid out the organization of His church, and He taught His gospel.
This chapter is about the crucifixion of the Lord. We all know the story of how it happened. But I really love that while He was being mocked and being crucified for being what He said He was, there still on the cross were the words King of the Jews. That is what He was and still is. He is the King and the Savior of the world.

Luke 22

Luke 22:32

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

There is so much in this chapter. Christ is betrayed by one of His own disciples. He does the sacrament-  the sacrament is in remembrance of Him. Christ goes to the Mount of Olives. He does this so He can take upon Him the sins of the world. He bleeds from every pore. He asks for His disciples to not enter into temptation and to stay with Him. Even an angel comes to help HIm through the process.

With everything that is said within this chapter I really liked the above scripture because with all that was going on at this point in Christ's life- He was still praying for those around Him. He could have been selfish but again He put others first. He prays for us, that we can have and keep the faith that we need and then use that faith to help others around us.    

Luke 21

Luke 21:26

Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Christ will come again. He has said so Himself, there have been prophets after prophets telling of the signs. Christ will come again in all power and glory. I cannot wait for the day that this happens.

Luke 20

Luke 20:34

And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world would marry, and are given in marriage:

Nothing really to do with the above mentioned scripture but this is one of my favorite Christmas songs-