God Gave Us Families

When we moved into this little apartment, I had the itch to just start from scratch in the home decor department.

The walls here are white, like I've always wanted, and I felt like it gave me a clean slate to decorate how I've always wanted to.

It has been so fun working on different DIY projects and getting rid of decor that never really was my style, but fit with where we were living. 

I'll be sharing a few of those projects here and there as I finish them, but today I'm so beyond excited to share my personal favorite piece of new decor.

We had two open walls that I didn't have anything for. 

I stared at them for about a month just trying to figure out what I wanted to do.

One thing that kept coming to mind for the front room wall was an oversized print of The Family: A Proclamation To The World. 

I kept coming back to that idea so I began searching for prints on Etsy.

My search took me to Sincerely Us Shop where I literally fell in love with everything I saw. 

Seriously you guys, I want every single thing in their shop!

When I came across their canvas prints of The Proclamation, The Living Christ, and The Articles of Faith I about died because I loved them so much!

It was exactly what my front wall was missing.

I was blown away by the quality and just how gorgeous they are in person.

I mean that grey washed wood, the twine to hang them, and the cutest fonts... yeah they're amazing!

I can't wait to have a place with even bigger walls soon enough because I can only imagine how amazing they'll look!

On top of the fact that these signs are gorgeous and every single one of you needs them... I also absolutely love the reminder they give to my family each day.

Today Hunter said "I love those signs, every day it reminds me that family is the most important thing in life."
I couldn't agree more.

They are the first thing I see when I come in the door, the last thing I see when I walk out, and everything I want to teach Oaklyn and baby C.

The Proclamation gives so much guidance in such a short message. 

Family helps us to progress and develop and each family member is placed together for a reason.

It makes me think of the primary song and the line "God gave us families, to help us become what he wants us to be."

I couldn't agree more.

I know that my family is shaping me into everything I need to be.

The Proclamation is just a simple reminder of how God designed families and how following the design He has for families can bless our lives.

I'm so thankful for my own family and that I have these three pieces hanging on my wall as constant reminders of what we believe, love, and cherish.

So seriously guys, your wall is totally missing these... just trust me ;)

Click here to purchase them for yourself!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

0

Within the Walls of My Home

Photo credit to Kiely Ro Photography 

Part of me is saying it's not worth my time to write this post, but the other part of me is saying "hey wait, isn't this why you started a blog?" 

Sooo... here goes Nothin!

I'm not going to tell you who I voted for, because to be honest that shouldn't matter.

If you liked me before the whole voting scene went down, why should that change?

I won't define you by who you voted for, and I sure hope you won't, me. 

We all woke up this morning and went about our lives per usual, correct?

Maybe a few were celebrating, a few were crying, and a few were upset, sure... but we all lived the same Wednesday we always do.

Because that's the thing... this country will not change over night.

America has undergone some pretty rough things in the past, if you paid attention at all in school you'll agree with me there, and somehow we survived it all.

If you aren't a fan of the new president, that's fine, but please don't act out irrationally.

The United States of America is and should be just that... United.

With each other, with our neighbors, with our families, and our president.

I get it, you don't agree with everything he stands for... but will you ever agree with everything a president stands for?

Probably not.

I didn't agree with quite a few things our last president changed and believed in, but my life still went on and I chose to focus on the bigger, more eternal picture. 

If you're planning on moving tomorrow, so be it.

But as for me, I am entirely proud to be an American no matter who is in office.

Our country is not defined by our president, it is defined by our people.

So try, and try hard, to be a people of love, compassion, and empathy.

You may not agree with him, me, or her... but you can still choose to represent yourself in a respectful matter.

Alright, now that those thoughts are out... 

I want to ask you to think about what is most important to you.

Think real hard.

I hope more than anything, you are thinking about your family.

Whether that be your immediate family, extended family, or those that are "like family," those are the people we should truly be thinking about right now.

I encourage each of you that are reading this to stop scrolling through Facebook and posting your differing opinions on people's statuses and to think about what you can do to create a stronger family focused on Christ. 

Because that is what matters, and if you have faith in The Lord, you have faith in our country. 

So as for me, I'm not freaking out about this election.

I can't believe we ended up with those two candidates... but I knew I could live with either one of them in office because they make temporal decisions, not eternal. 

As for me, I'll be using these times of disagreement as a time to teach my children what really matters.

And, I'll be doing this within the walls of my own home; where only mine and my husband's opinions matter.

My goal is to make our home a sanctuary that my family looks forward to coming home to.

That will only happen if I teach them correct principles, not those of hate and judgement.

I'll teach them that racism is two sided and can be demolished if we have the pure love of Christ in our hearts.

I'll teach them to respect others even if they have a differing opinion.

I'll be teaching them that women are strong and important, but men are too. 

I'll be teaching them that love conquers all hate and to love as they wish to be loved.

I'll also be teaching them that the going will get rough, but it's how we handle ourselves in those moments that defines us.

I'll teach them that we will always respect our president because he/she is an imperfect person too, and everyone deserves a chance.

I'll teach them to pray, in all things and through all things.

Last but absolutely not least, I'll always emphasize that the world we're living in currently is not forever. This world is in control of our Maker, and he has a plan for us that will make every trial and hardship worth it to experience pure and complete joy. 

So if today, yesterday, or tomorrow you're having a hard time, try a little harder to remember that all that really matters, is what happens within the walls of your own home.
If you really want to make a difference, raise the next generation of voters to have a little more love, understanding, compassion, honesty, and faith in their hearts.

All my love,
Aleigh Joy

2

Don't Blink

Today after breakfast Oaklyn and I headed into my bedroom. 

I set her on the rug just outside the bathroom with toys surrounding her.

I turned some music on and began doing my makeup just as always.

This is part of our routine every morning.

I am able to get ready for the day while Oaklyn plays and wears herself out for her first nap.

As I was applying mascara a song I hadn't heard in a while came on.

Instantly a feeling of nostalgia hit me.

I pictured myself driving back to the high school with the windows down, cheer uniform on, big bow in my hair, pom poms in the front seat, and singing along to the radio.

I looked over at Oaklyn who was grinning away at me and practicing her clapping.

I glanced in the mirror where a sticky note from Hunter hung "You are Beautiful! -Love, Hunt"

I turned towards our bedroom where wedding photos were hung above our bed.

Then I thought to myself... "How did I blink and get here?"

I took a moment to re-live the memories that were playing in my head.

I saw myself walking to the ASB room to get the run-through banner for the football players while stopping to talk to friends on the way.

I pictured standing on my box with my pom pom over my heart as the National Anthem played.

I pictured Hunter throwing the game winning pass and my best friend giving me "the look" and my teenage heart bursting. 

I re-lived standing in the parking lot after the game, Hunter holding me tight, while day dreaming of the life we're living now.
I saw myself slow dancing with Hunter at his senior prom and thinking "how could life get better?"

Time is a crazy thing, it also seems to get shorter with age.

I swear I was just meeting Hunter for the first time. I can just see him diving into that pool right as I walked in and thinking to myself "I want him."

Weren't we just going to prom together?

It feels like yesterday that I said goodbye to the love of my life for two whole years anxiously awaiting his return with mascara stained cheeks.
I can remember every detail of his return and still love reliving that day thanks to this video.

I could've sworn we were just driving away from our reception, two giddy newlyweds.

Wasn't Oaklyn Just born? How is she almost 8 months?

Like I said, I blinked and got here.

Time is short and memories are precious.

That song tugged at my heart strings a bit and for a moment, I really missed those days.
Then my eyes got teary as I thought "I'm so glad I blinked and got to this spot and not anywhere else."

 I now have a sweet little family of my own with my high school sweetheart and life could not be better.
I can't imagine how much more our little life will have changed the next time I think to myself "How did I blink and get here?"

All my love,
Aleight Joy

3

This Body is Amazing

(photo by Erryn Kowallis Photography)

It was the day after I had Oaklyn...

I was standing in our hospital room's bathroom about to tie my gown back up after nursing my new little baby.

She was snoozing away in her daddy's arms.

She was content, he was smitten, and I was sore/exhausted.

Right before grabbing the tie I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.

My eyes widened and my already cloudy mind panicked.

"Why do I still look pregnant? She's out of there. What is still in there?"

The nurse came in a few hours later.

"I'm here to check your swelling."

"Okay good, my ankles seem really puffy and my fingers are extra swollen."

The nurse touched my ankles and looked up at me "Yeah you are still really swollen. I'll be back to check on you tomorrow before you leave."

"Oh, that's it" I thought, "I'm just swollen, it will all go back to normal soon enough."

The next day I was getting dressed to go home.
I brought a sweatshirt and leggings.
Very, very, tight, pre-pregnancy leggings.
There was no way I was going home in those. Especially with that diaper I had to wear.
Thank goodness I had the stretchy pants I wore to the hospital.
The next few days I spent much time weeding through my closet trying to find clothes that weren't too small or too big because I wasn't the size before pregnancy or during pregnancy.

Thanks to nursing, constantly being on the move with a baby that loved being rocked, and a fussy newborn that didn't like when I left her to go eat... I started to shrink rather quickly.

I was back in most of my pre pregnancy clothes with the exception of some pairs of jeans, in a few weeks.

But the loose skin, the stretch marks I didn't know existed, and the lost muscle definition haunted me every time I saw my reflection.

I know every new mother thinks it. Of course, some more often than others...

"I miss my body before kids."

I was more limber, I was stronger, my skin was tighter, you could see my abs poking through, and I felt comfortable in my own skin.

What happened?

I'll tell you what happened...

Something amazing happened.

I grew a child in my own body for 9 months and 5 days.

I stretched and often ached but I did that.

My body did that.

I gave birth to a child.

I'll spare you the details, but that's no walk in the park.

I gave Oaklyn life.

My body gave Oaklyn life.

I have fed her for almost 7 months.

I have nourished and helped her grow.

My body has supplied her with food, it knew how to give her food.

I have rocked her and held her til my arms feel weak but she has been comforted during the fussiest times by being held close next to me.

My body pushed through the longest nights to help calm a little baby that was hurting, hungry, and had her days and nights mixed up.

When my mind told me I couldn't, my body kept going.

My body has recovered from the most amazing miracle and excruciating pain any human will know, because it is amazing.

It's hard to see the changes made and it's hard to work towards what I want to become.

I'm aloud to have a few thoughts, on occasion, of disappointment.

I wouldn't be human if I didn't.

But, it is also so important to remember that this body has been through much sacrifice to bring forth the miracle of life.

And that is the most important thing this body will do.

I will still continue to search youtube to find that miracle workout to get rid of that darn pooch... but I will also strive to remember, and I hope that you mothers will too, that these bodies of ours sure have done some incredible things.
Give yourself a little more credit because, your body is amazing.

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

0

A Thankful Heart #1 (Round 3)

For the past few years I have dedicated a series of posts in November to recording many things I am thankful for.

They are both big and small, random and predictable, but I seriously love doing this!

November sure snuck up on me this year and I just remembered I haven't begun my thankful posts yet!

Our Christmas tree may be up (all three actually), we may watch a Christmas movie every Sunday, and Christmas music may be playing over here frequently, but that doesn't mean I have forgotten about Thanksgiving. 

So... Here's to being thankful for all the many blessings in my life :)

If you want to read from years past here ya go!

Also, I would love to read all your thankful posts too!

Let me know if you join the "thankful heart" challenge! ;)

1) My Husband

Didn't see this one coming did you? ;) I know everyone thinks their husband is the greatest and of course I think mine is as well so I'll just say, my husband is the absolute greatest man out there for ME :) I loved him the first day I met him and I can't believe I was lucky enough to marry him. He's literally everything I could have ever dreamed of in a husband. He keeps me on my toes and never ceases to make me laugh. He rubs my sore pregnant feet and thanks me for carrying our child. He is so driven to be able to support our family and focused on the bigger picture in life. He is always reminding me what it means to be Christlike and he strives to better himself every single day. Everyone he meets loves him and respects him for who he is because he is always himself. A guy on his football team told him the other day... "Hunter, you're the perfect definition of a real Mormon." I just love that! He really does practice what he preaches. He loves me in ways I've always dreamed of being loved and will go out of his way to make me happy. He helps with dishes, he sweeps the floor, he always thanks me for making dinner, he patiently listens to all I have to say, he works, he goes to school full time, he plays football, and he is thrilled to be a daddy to our little girl. I married the man of my dreams, and I am beyond thankful for him.

2) My Camera

I invested in a nice camera around this time last year. I was so skeptical to spend so much money on one toy for myself. It was my first big purchase and it took me forever to decide if it was really worth it. I'll just say, it was SO worth it! I LOVE having memories preserved forever and I love that these images are good quality. I'm working on pursuing a business in this area and will hopefully have the courage to one day really get it going. Photography has been a growing hobby of mine. I've always been the one that is rounding everyone up for a group picture. I cannot wait to take pictures of our baby girl! If you need some pictures done for Christmas cards, let me know and I would love to take pictures of you and your family :)

3) BYU

I may not attend this school, but my husband does and I am SO thankful that we are here for his education. This university is perfect for both dating life and for married life. We have met so many wonderful married friends at this school. I love that Hunter is able to take religious classes for credits and that they pray before classes. I'm SO thankful for the BYU football program and what it stands for. I love that the team does firesides, watches Mormon messages during some meetings, prays together, are able to give blessings together, and even has a wives club. What other school has a wives club? There wouldn't be enough wives! It really is a wonderful school and the spirit definitely dwells on campus. I sure hope our children decide to attend Brigham Young University one day too.

4) Food to Eat

I have never had to worry or wonder if there would be food on the table for me at dinner time. That is definitely something I have taken for granted. Since being a newlywed and trying to balance everything out on a small budget, I have really understood how blessed I am to always have a warm meal in front of me. I LOVE cooking. I'm so thankful I am able to continue pursuing that love by cooking for my husband and being able to get all the ingredients I need. 

I'll end there today.

Those are just a few things I am constantly feeling thankful for, but there are many more to come!

I love keeping a list throughout my week and jotting down things I'm thankful for.

I love the happiness it brings me knowing that this life I'm living may not be perfect, but it is so so wonderful :)

1

A Thankful Heart #2 (round 2)

I usually try to post these on either a Saturday or a Sunday because that really feels like the end the week to me.

I know Sunday officially gets the title of being "the first day of the week" but Monday really feels like the first.

So, I'm a bit behind because Sunday was extra busy for me.

In all good ways! 

This week felt long, yet it totally flew by.

Each day was long, each night was short, and then it was the weekend.

I don't mind at all...

We're at 52 days and counting until that cute missionary comes home :)

Anyhow, let's get on with it:

1) Those in the armed forces.

(I actually think I did this one last year as well. But, with it being Veteran's Day and all... I decided this one seemed fitting. Lately I have seen more and more friends of mine make the decision to join the armed forces. Whether is be the army, the navy, being a police man, or the marines I have seen numerous young men and women make the decision to serve our country. I just want to say, THANK YOU! Seriously, thank you to each and every one of you. I can't imagine what it would be like to go into war, but I do imagine it being terrifying. I truly look up to your bravery. I am so grateful that I am safe here at home because each of you are out protecting our country. It's amazing, and I just thought you deserved a little bit more recognition.)

2) Candles

(Yep, I'm getting real deep now. I'm totally serious though. I loveeee candles! They make everything feel more comfy and snuggly. This time of year calls for a candle to be burning no matter what hour of the day it is. I had a rough day on Friday. It just kept getting worse and all I wanted to do was take a nap. But, I had sweet brother's football game to go to. So, I dimmed the lights, played Christmas music, and lit a candle. I sat there for a few minutes and everything just felt better. My heart felt warm and my room smelled amazing. When it was time to leave I had to force myself out of my room. I felt so peaceful and happy. I'm that girl that will go out of my way at Target just to smell the candles. I'm the one that will light every candle in the house before it is dark. They are just, cozy and I really really love them)

3) Missionary Work

I LOVE missionaries! Maybe it's because I'm a convert and I had THE most amazing missionaries teach me the lessons, or maybe it's because they are always so happy and nice, but it's probably because I have a realllyy cute missionary in Ohio right now and every time I see a missionary here I think of him there :) Either way, I love missionary work so so very much. I love getting letters and emails from Elder Moore telling us all about his success and the people he is teaching. He has developed such a love for those people and wants the best for each of them. Because all of my amazing friends were so willing to share the gospel and be amazing missionaries, I am a member of Christ's church today. This church has the biggest missionary program of any other church, we clearly put a very strong emphasis on sharing the gospel. We want everyone to feel the happiness we feel. There is nothing secret about the Mormon church, in fact we knock on your doors to tell you all about it! I am pretty much best friends with the sisters in my new ward. I seriously love them and I am so sad that one of them is going home in December! I have had the opportunity to go teach with them a few times and each time my heart is filled with so much joy. The work they are doing is amazing. I love seeing everyone's faces light up as we testify of gospel truths. It changes lives and I am witnessing it right before my own eyes. I witnessed it in myself, and now I am able to see it in others. I really love this gospel and I would love to share more about it with anyone who would like to know more. You can email me with any questions at ajoy94@gmail.com or simply request to speak with a missionary right here. It never hurts to ask! Anyhow, I am so grateful for missionary work all around the world. I really really love being Mormon)

Well ta ta for now!

I'll be back soon :)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

0

Conference Weekend

"Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith."

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

^ I loved that talk. I just loved it so much!

This entire conference hit home for me.

I really enjoy conference usually, but this time, it couldn't have come at a better time.

And though I'm sure I'll be saying that for the rest of my life, I am so so grateful for every word spoken at this year's general conference.

I was able to attend every session this year.

A total of eight hours over the span of two days sitting in the conference center.

It was amazing. 

Being in the conference center with thousands of other Latter Day Saints was an incredibly spiritual experience.

I couldn't help but just look around as we were singing each congregational hymn.

I love being Mormon. 

And, I am proud of it :)

The weekend consisted of hearing amazing inspired words from the general authorities of the church and seeing (and meeting!) lots of great friends.

Remember sweet Morgan??

Well, I almost peed my pants as we were running towards each other meeting for the first time!

We both had plans to go to conference and that being said, we got to actually meet each other!

Like I said, conference could not have come at a better time!

She is a darling girl with such a sweet spirit about her.

We were able to attend the Salt Lake Temple (uhm gorgeous!) together with Emily and her family as well to do baptisms. 

Amazing. 

I could not have asked for a better weekend, truly.

(other than dropping my purse in the water at city creek and the maid throwing away my keys at the hotel... but hey, why waste my breath right?)

I already can't wait for the next conference.

Oh, and by then... my sweet Hunter will be home!!

The perfect bonus :)

Here's some pictures!

Because, I wouldn't be me without snapping hundreds. 

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

1

A Seriously Happy Friday!

I have a very special story to share with all of you today!

Meet Morgan Rupp: 

(aka my long lost twin, soul sister, best friend)

So once upon a time Elder Hunter Miles Moore wrote an email that said something along the lines of this: "Morgan is doing really well! She is 18 and her friend Emily is in our ward. She has come to church twice and she is doing awesome. She has a preach my gospel and she has been studying it. Hopefully she gets baptized :)"

So, I pray for every single one of Hunter's investigator's, and especially 18 year old girls because I was once that 18 year old girl that was being talked about in a missionary's email home haha. But, I never knew how much this sweet girl would end up meaning to me.

Now, not too long after this email was sent (and Morgan, I actually haven't even told you this part yet so this is for you too!) I was feeling slightly stuck in life and needed some inspiration. That tends to happen when life gets repetitive I've noticed. I learned something in the past: when this happens, trust in the Lord and seek direction through him. So, I read my patriarchal blessing. I love those pieces of paper. My goodness, they have helped me through thick and thin. As I was reading I came across a paragraph that has stuck out to me before, a paragraph that has both scared me half to death into thinking I need to go on a mission, and a paragraph that has lead me to where this story really begins. 

Without going into too much detail, I read it and felt the spirit witness to me that I would need to be prepared to talk about the gospel whenever necessary but in all reality very soon. 

I got pumped and prayed for missionary experiences every day after that and for ways that I could share my happiness that I have found in my church. 

I truly believe that I have been through several trials to become a member of this church so that I can share my story with others. 

In those few days I had a coworker ask me about modesty, I had a friend ask me about the temple, and I had more questions on my Q&A section of this blog about my faith.

Those ya see, were just the build up though because then on Sunday August 4th I received a call from Cincinnati, Ohio.

That call was from the sweetest, strongest, most precious girl. 

That girl was Morgan Rupp :)

Between the tears we were both able to share our stories, and talking to her was as if I had known her my entire life.

Morgan had been meeting with Elder Moore and he noticed some similarities in our conversions. He felt prompted to give Morgan my phone number when everyone around her was tearing her down. And let me tell you, they were tearing her down. 

The entire time we spoke, the spirit was with us both. We clicked instantly, I still can't believe that we only "met" less than a week ago. I loved her instantly.

It truly is crazy how much love I developed for this precious girl. I wanted her to be baptized more than anything in the entire world. I wanted her to have a lifetime of the happiness she truly deserves. I want that for everybody, but for Morgan, it was different.

She has a testimony like you wouldn't believe. Her faith shines so incredibly bright. The light of Christ shines from within her and her sweet spirit can fill anybody with happiness. 

Sunday to Friday felt like an eternity as each day I prayed my heart out to Heavenly Father in hopes that she would be comforted through the week. I went on temple grounds one night and prayed in the parking lot in hopes that she would send me a picture of her in white. 

And today, she did :)

Today our Father in Heaven looked down at one of his precious and beautiful daughters being baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and I have no doubt that he is smiling and so pleased with her decision. 

Morgan, you are amazing. The Lord has wonderful things in store for your life. You have joined the Lord's army and you will be so greatly blessed for it. You have helped increase my testimony and you have helped me discover a yearning to share the gospel with all who will listen. I can't wait to see the wonderful woman you turn out to be as you follow God's plan for you. I love you Morgan! Best Friends For Eternity!

Ya'll this church is true, my favorite book is blue, and I love being Mormon. 

Amen.

All my love,
Aleigh Joy

P.S. Read all about her beautiful story right here! She is such an amazing girl!

3

Sunday 'Spiration

I realize I left the "in" in inspiration off, but it flows better ya know?

As I was getting ready for church this morning I decided to search youtube for an inspirational video to listen to.

Technology is a really cool thing people.

Lately I have been struggling with explaining how important the temple is to me.

I can't stress how thankful I am for temples all over, but it is so hard to tell others that who can't even walk inside. 

I've tried so hard to find the perfect answer to helping others understand just how special temples really are in our faith, but no words ever seemed to completely express that.

Therefore, I decided I needed to watch something on temples.

I found the most amazing video.

I teared up at how perfect he explains everything. 

Watch it for yourselves.

And hopefully, just maybe, some of you may better understand how sacred temples truly are.

I love the temple.

I love the sweet spirit I am filled with as I get to participate in the wonderful work we do inside. 

I know that temples are part of God's plan for us and I know that as long as I keep myself worthy to enter the temple I will receive numerous blessings.

I know that I can be sealed to my sweetheart for time and all eternity in the temple and that we will be able to create an eternal family because of it.

I cannot wait for that day :)

I know that the work we do inside is incredibly important.

I love the temple, and I love being Mormon.

Happy Sabbath my friends!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

1

Happy Anniversary Aleigh!

Today is June 14, 2013.

...and although I'm sure you already knew that, what you might not know is that as of today I have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for an entire year.

And I have never, ever, ever been happier. 

I could easily ramble on and on about what a crazy year this past year has been.

I could probably type a novel about how much I have learned and experienced.

I could also retype my conversion story and explain more in depth all that occurred.

I could also reflect on the trials and struggles that have helped me get to this point.

But...

I would rather leave you with my testimony.

Because...

That is what truly matters. It has kept me going, through it all. 

I testify that the True church, Christ's church, has been restored on earth today. I know without a doubt that our loving Heavenly Father and his beloved son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith in the Sacred grove on that lovely Spring day in 1820 to calm all fears and help him begin the restoration. I was like Joseph, confused and needing guidance from my Father in Heaven above. He knew this, and helped me gain a testimony of the true church after much prayer. I absolutely know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that if you read it with an open heart and sincerely ask if the words within are true, you will receive a confirmation that it is in fact all true. I know that the Bible is also the word of God and that both it and the Book of Mormon can be used as tools to help guide us spiritually through our journey on earth. I know that my Father in Heaven loves me and cares for me. I know that he wants me to return to him and I will do everything I can to stay on the path that turns to him. I am assured that he has a plan for me and will guide me and help me as long as I ask. I know that our Savior loves us so much that He died on the cross for each of us so that we may gain eternal life. More importantly, I know that He lives and overcame the chains of death. I know that we have a living prophet on earth today, Thomas S. Monson, and that he has been called of God to lead this church. I know that families can be together forever and just typing that sentence fills my eyes with tears. The temple is the House of the Lord and the spirit dwells withing those walls. The work inside is so very sacred and special and because of it we can live with our families for time and all eternity. I absolutely know that I made the right choice to be baptized a year ago. I am positive that I will be blessed for my decision. I know without a doubt that I am a member of the one true church and I will always be proud to represent it. I am a child of God, I am a daughter of a God, I am a Mormon. I absolutely know it, I will always live it, and I most definitely love it.

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

Ps. Feel free to ask me any sort of questions.

or you can meet with the missionaries and even chat with Mormons online!

We would be more than happy to give you a Book of Mormon as well :)

Also, this video is amazing.

5

Good Friday

This year, I took it upon myself to really understand what Good Friday is.

Upon some research I found something quite funny...

We have 2 Friday "holidays" every year:

Good Friday, and Black Friday.

Upon getting in the shower this afternoon I thought about the differences in these two. 

Black Friday; a day when Americans wake up at absurd hours in the morning to push, shove, and blow a bunch of money that they may not even have on things they wouldn't have bought any other day.

And guess what, I'm one of the crazy people that partakes in the shopping binge. (no judgement here)

Then we have Good Friday, a day to remember the last few moments that the Savior spent upon this earth being tortured, for you, me, us. 

A day to think of all the Good that he had done, and all the happiness he brings us still today. 

To think about the atoning sacrifice he made, and to remember that he truly does love each of us more than we can comprehend. 

 About 2000 years ago, on a Thursday Jesus sat down for his last meal with who he thought to be his closest friends. One turned his back on him that night (Matthew 26:14-16, 25). Another claimed he would die alongside Jesus, only to deny that he even knew him in the next few hours (Matthew 26:31-35). That Thursday night and into Friday morning, Jesus was betrayed, arrested, denied, endured trials, and sentenced to death (Matthew 26:47-27:26). Friday he was mocked, tortured, and crucified (Matthew 27:27-44). Matthew 27:50 tells us that he “gave up His Spirit”. For every flawed person who would ever walk the earth. Especially you. Yes you who grew up in church. You who never went to church. You who says your prayers every night. You who has never said a single prayer. You who mock the very One who created you. You, the imperfect one. It was for me, you, all of you. It was for us. 

This Friday is called Good Friday, because we remember what God did for us by sacrificing His Son upon that cross. But do you remember? Or are you still trying to figure out what you are in need of for the next Friday holiday later on in the year?

Let us remember. Let us give thanks, and strive to be more like our Savior.

The one that died for us all, just so we could become like him and make mistakes along the way. 

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

1

Daily Bread

"I bear you my witness of the living reality of the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ, and of the infinite power and reach of His Atonement. Ultimately, it is His Atonement, His grace, that is our daily bread. We should seek Him daily, to do His will each day, to become one with Him as He is one with the Father. I bless you that as you seek it from Him, your Heavenly Father will grant you your daily bread, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

-Elder D. Todd Christofferson

More from this wonderful CES Fireside can be found here.

And let me just say, no matter where you are in life, you need these words.

"The Lord’s invitation to seek our daily bread at our Heavenly Father’s hand speaks of a loving God, aware of even the small, daily needs of His children and anxious to assist them, one by one. He is saying that we can ask in faith of that Being “that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given” (James 1:5). That is, of course, tremendously reassuring, but there is something at work here that is more significant than just help in getting by day to day. As we seek and receive divine bread daily, our faith and trust in God and His Son grow."

I told you... what are you waiting for? ;)

Happy Sunday friends! :)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

2

It's a Sunday.

And if you haven't already figured this out, I reallllyy enjoy Sunday's :)

Kinda like I really enjoy polka dots, vintage dresses, sea foam green, Christmas music, letters from sweet Hunter, being cozy in bed as rain is falling in the night, cheap clothes, well you get the picture.

Most Sundays I wake up after a lovely slumber and my mind is yearning to be spiritually enlightened. 

I get the feeling of, "ahh its finally Sunday."

Today Braden threw a pine cone at Sammy's head during our walk.

She immediately burst into tears.

I picked her up and held her close as she sobbed on my shoulder.

I kissed the spot that was hurting and immediately felt her arms wrap around me as a smile broke through.

I looked at her and smiled as I said, "Oh sweet Sammy, don't cry. Its a happy day, its Sunday."

I got to snuggle her for quite a bit longer and my heart absolutely melted. 

I love my calling with all my heart. Those kids bring me so much joy.

They are yet another reason I love Sundays. 

Anyhow, I listened to a few short Mormon messages this morning as I was doing my hair.

I thought I would share the two that especially warmed my heart.

I love them both. 

I love my church.

I love Sundays.

And now onto a new week, I already can't wait for Sunday.

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

0

A Thankful Heart: #4

Woah.

Thanksgiving came and went like really, fast.

This week was a really long blur.

I realize that doesn't make much sense, but my mind isn't like a normal persons...

Speaking of blurs, this fog in the night time is so crazy cool!

It makes me wanna go run around in a rambunctious manor in a huge field until I remember I hate running...

I'll do a whole different post on the Thanksgiving festivities because I need to catch up on my feelings of thanks first. 

P.S. I realize this should be my last thankful post because Thanksgiving is over, but it won't be. 

There are still a few more days in November.

1) Friends

(In the words of an old girl scouts song... "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the others gold." True that! I'm all about friendship and the happiness that it brings. Everyone needs friends to make their world that much brighter. I don't know what I would do without mine. I am so incredibly thankful for them. It's crazy how you realize who your true friends are when you grow up and venture out to new lands. The ones that stick around and still call you just because they are wondering how you are doing are truly a blessing. I have so many friends I will go months without seeing then the second we embrace again, its as if we never left each others side. I love those relationships, the ones that will continually remain the same through thick and thin. Friends are a lovely blessing we have been given. Life would be terribly boring without them. I'm thankful for each and every one of my friends and I'm also thankful I had the opportunity to see so many of them this Thanksgiving break.)

2) Prayer

(I could probably make a huge, never-ending list of times that prayer has kept me going, but I don't feel like typing all night. Therefore I might just name a few times. After I got surgery I prayed every single day that when I woke up I would feel even just a litttlllee bit better. Each morning I woke up, I did. Sometimes it was only a small bit, other times it was drastic. Either way, I knew Heavenly Father heard my plea and wanted me to know that he loves me and cares for me. He healed my body and through my prayers, I knew that I really would be okay.  Every now and again I get to a low point, ya know those moments you can't quite figure out why you are down but its hard to snap out of anyways? Yeah it happens. Anyhow, every time this occurs the first thing my heart demands is making myself kneel in prayer so I can just pour my heart out to my father in heaven. So I do. I usually end up crying, but by then end, I'm smiling uncontrollably. I love how much more important and loved it makes me feel. The power of prayer is so real, and such a blessing. I am incredibly thankful that I have such a personal relationship with my Heavenly Father and that he knows me and hears every single one of my prayers.

3) The rings on my fingers.

(I love my rings. I love what they stand for. I love that others know what they stand for. I love that they are a representation of me and the way I live my life. I'm so thankful they have so much meaning and are a constant reminder to myself. I have worn a purity ring on my left ring finger since I was a freshman. I remember watching The Secret Life of the American teenager and being appalled by the girls that went a little too far with boys and gave away their most prized possession. I thought about this quite a bit as I saw more and more of my friends do the same that first year of high school. I recall speaking with my dad in the car on the way home from who knows where and I told him that I wanted a purity ring. It wasn't ever necessarily to remind myself to be pure because I made that decision quite a long time ago, it was more to let others around me know that I would be strong and not give in. My dad gave it to me for my birthday and I have been so proud of it since. He told me he stuck a little camera in the heart shaped emerald so he would always be with me. Haha love that man. This ring has so much meaning to me, I think I'll pass it on to my first daughter :) On my right hand I wear a CTR ring that I was given at my baptism. It represents my church and all that we stand for. The letters "CTR" stand for "Choose the right" a little motto that  I absolutely adore. I love when people come to Jamba and as they hand me their money, I notice a CTR ring on their own finger. It makes me feel so happy. I love what my church stands for. I love my rings, I'm so thankful for the meaning each of them carry.)

4) Comfy Clothes!!

(Dang, I'm getting real deep now. It just got real. Ha, but really. I loveee love love dressing cute and putting outfits together, but in all honesty, the second I come home I put on sweats and a t shirt. Fuzzy socks, over sized sweaters, sweatpants, basketball shorts, t shirts, soffes, and slippers are most definitely something to be thankful for!)

Alrighty.

I just wrote another novel.

I need a nap.

Good thing I'm already in my comfy clothes :)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

0

A Thankful Heart: #2

It's been a week already? Cool. That makes my Christmas craze seem a little bit more reasonable.

First off, I am BEYOND jealous of all the fresh powder that arrived in Utah yesterday.

I scrolled through instagram and had to catch the drool in the corner of my mouth.

Here in California, we get rain.

That actually made up for the absence of snow, somewhat. 

It was really very cold yesterday.
If the high 50's count.
I'm supposed to be on a hike with my father right now but the ground is wet, and I'm a baby.
Also mother nature came yesterday and decided to give me crazy pains in my tummy. Oh, thanks.

Nonetheless though, I have reason to give thanks :)

1) The Armed Forces
{I've actually thought about this a lot since September 11th and felt so thankful for all of the men and women that serve this country either over seas or right here in the states. THANK YOU. You may never know how much I appreciate your bravery and strength. The other day as I was working 2 amazingly friendly police officers came and talked to me about a toy drive/auction they are doing for kids in orphanages and wanted to see if we would donate gift certificates. If that didn't make me happy enough, the woman behind them thanked them for all they do as they were walking away. They exchanged smiles and briefly spoke. My heart felt so warm and happy. I was so very proud at that moment. Hence this reason to be thankful}

2) My Free Country
{I thought this one was appropriate being that we just had the election. I felt so much pride in my country as I voted. We have the freedom to decide the one to lead and protect our country. Now, I am most definitely not a fan of the president that was re-elected, but I am still thankful for all of the freedoms we enjoy in the United States of America}

3) My Patriarchal Blessing
{I don't even know where to begin with this one. It is one of the most amazing things that has ever been given to me. I can't get through reading it without bawling like a small child who's toy just got taken from them. (Okay bad analogy, because mine are happy tears... oops) I love my church with everything that I have and all of the blessings that come with being a member of it, but this is one of the best parts in my opinion. I felt the spirit so strongly as the patriarch laid his hands upon my head and spoke encouraging words directed completely to me. A little while ago I witnessed the power of a patriarchal blessing. I have been having quite terrible stomach issues that leave me feeling quite uncomfortable being anywhere other than my bed. I'm quite the social butterfly so this really put a damper on things. Then a very disgusting  serious thing happened that made me go see a doctor. They took some tests and told me it would take about 5 days to get the results back. That 5 days was more like 12 so there was a lot of worrying going on  in my mind. The internet doesn't help, I was sure I had cancer for a few days. I prayed and prayed but quickly realized I needed to read my patriarchal blessing. I did, and let me tell you, I have never experienced such a spiritual confirmation that no matter what I will be okay. So the days dragged on but my fear was disappearing. By the time I actually got my results, I was ready for anything to be thrown my way. Every single one of my tests came back negative. Negative people! Nothing was wrong with me, so far. Anyways, my patriarchal blessing really helped me though this and boy am I thankful for it :)

4) My Sweet Missionary
{This one may be last, but most certainly is not least. Being that the 10 month mark is tomorrow, I thought this would be the only time I could say how thankful I am for him without feeling like "that girl." Wow, he sure is amazing. And holy smokes are his letters perfect. Hunter is the most amazing person I have ever met. Now, I'm not just saying this because I love him without an end, but because everyone who has had the chance to get to know him would agree. Ask any of his teachers, team mates, friends, coaches, family members, probably even companions... he is an all around AMAZING person. He is so compassionate and respectful. He is kind to absolutely everyone. Something I lack and he fills the gap. His testimony is so very strong and he makes that known to everyone who will listen. He gave me my first Book of Mormon and boy am I glad he did. He has a light about him that shines to all who meet him and it draws them in. I have no doubt in my mind that he is one heck of an amazing missionary. I catch myself thinking about him a little too often and all of the times he has made me smile. I sure do miss that sweet boy, but thank goodness he is in Ohio right now. I'm so glad we have made it this far, we have had quite the journey. I'm so thankful for him and the amazing role he plays in my life. I'm so thankful for all of the memories we share together. I'm so thankful that he is a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.}

What a great November day. Enjoy every aspect of it :)
All my love,
Aleigh Joy

0