Little Oaklyn's Eye

My little Oaklyn girl is perfect to me. In every way.

I seriously look at her at least 5 times a day and wonder how she is so beautiful and perfect. 

She tests and tries my patience a whole lot, but her sweet little laugh makes me forget about every single hard moment.

Now I'll get into the story telling...

When Oaklyn was about 4 months old, I took a picture of her in her car seat. I was sitting next to her and couldn't stand how cute she looked with her hair in pigtails for the first time. Later, when I looked at the picture a little deeper, I noticed her left eye looked a little different. It seemed like she wasn't really looking at me. However, her right eye seemed perfectly normal. I brought it up to Hunter but we both brushed it off remembering that at that age babies grow and develop like crazy. However, I did notice it in a few pictures from there on out.

Fast forward a few months...

Oaklyn is now around 7 or 8 months old. We went to Hunter's brother's house because we were staying the night to watch their kids. My sister in law, mentioned that she noticed something different about Oaklyn's eye and wondered if I had noticed. Not in a rude way at all, in a curious, understanding way. We talked about some of the other eye issues from my husband's side of the family and went about the night. However, that moment stuck with me. This is where the first paragraph comes into play... I was happy that my sister in law brought it up because it helped me understand that it was a little bigger deal than I was making it and I needed to get it checked. However, it also tugged at my heart strings pretty hard. My Oaklyn girl is so perfect to me. Now something might be wrong with her? It's a feeling you can't explain until you have children of your own. 

So, I waited until her 9 month appointment to talk to the pediatrician about it. He mentioned that it did look a little off and that we should schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. He gave us a recommendation and sent us on our way. I called the second we got home and scheduled the soonest available appointment. It was about a week after the one with the pediatrician so it gave me a little time to process that there was something wrong with her eye and that I needed to understand that no matter the outcome, she is still my perfect little baby. 

We got to the appointment and I walked in thinking my baby would be sent home with a little eye patch. I figured she probably had a lazy eye and that we would have her wear a little patch for a little bit and all would be well. I started planning out responses to people's questions and felt okay with the situation. We got called back and the doctor began to examine her eye. He started whispering numbers and letters to the other guy in the room and i just sat in the chair with my confused little baby on my lap. He looked at me and said "We're not 100% sure yet, we'll need to dilate her eye." I laid Oaks on my lap and had to hold her little arms down as the doctor put eye drops in. She was terrified and the second he was done she clung to me so I could rescue her. We came back 30 minutes later and they did the same tests. Only this time, the doctor was sighing and mentioning technical terms I hadn't heard. I was confused and Oaklyn was tired and the emotions in the room were running high. The doctor looks at me and says "From the looks of it, she has Brown's Syndrome." My mind started racing... "syndrome?" He looked at me again to explain that she was born with the tendon behind her right eye pulled too tight. When she tries to look up or to the side, her eye falls short because the tendon hurts when stretched." I had never heard of this condition and he could see my confusion and probably the fear in my eyes. He then proceeds to tell me that the way to treat  Brown's Syndrome is by performing surgery. "So, she has to be put under?" I asked holding back tears. He looked down, then back up and said yes. "It's a fairly simple surgery and it will benefit her in the long run." I knew what he was saying was only going to help her in the end but I had expected to hear that we would be sent home with a patch... not a surgery date. We began to discuss it a little more and he informed me that we would give it three months to see if anything looks better when she is a year old.

I got to the car and put Oaklyn in her car seat. She was eating a teething cracker and all I could hear were her sweet little baby noises between bites. I called Hunter before even leaving the parking lot and he answered on the first ring "Hi babe" He says. I could feel the tears coming so I just said "Can I pick something up for dinner tonight? I'm not in the mood to cook." If you know me at all, you know I love to cook so he knew something was wrong. "Did the appointment go okay?" I tried to say "no" between sobs and really wanted to explain but all I could say was "She needs surgery." There was a silence on the other end of the phone for quite some time before he asked why. Long story short, I picked up In n Out and we ate our food as we talked about our sweet little girl's eye. 

I remember going to bed that night and pleading with my Father in Heaven that he would perform a miracle. That he would help her eye get better in those three months and that this would just be a quick trial of our faith. I made that same prayer every night for the next few months. I made the choice to only tell close friends and family about her eye and they said they would pray as well. I felt good about the support we had behind us and other than praying every night, just tried to ignore the whole situation. About a month ago, I thought back to something my sister in law, Aubrie had told me when she was going through the biggest trial in her life. She was close to delivering her sweet little girl at 24 weeks and had spent most of her pregnancy throwing up. She had been through more than I can imagine handling and I asked her if her and her husband were okay. She looked at me and in the most sincere way said something along the lines of, "We have faith that everything will be okay. We know that the Lord will help us through this no matter the outcome. We trust that even if the end result isn't what we had hoped for, that He will soothe our hearts. We have been praying that he will help us be okay with whatever happens." I'm so glad I thought back to that moment because it was exactly what I needed to remember. I began to change my prayer every night. I stopped praying for a huge miracle and began praying that He would help me be okay with the outcome. I prayed that sweet Oaklyn wouldn't be in too much pain and that I would know how to be the best mother to her. 

Now we're here, today. We had Oaklyn's appointment this morning at 11am. I walked in with Oaks in my arms. She was playing with my earrings, happily, and giggling when I would pull my head back. I laughed with her and smiled at her knowing she had no idea what was going on. I was trying to be strong but had to wipe back a tear in the waiting room when I saw her eye do the same thing I noticed when she was only 4 months old. I whispered the same prayer in my mind that I had the past month. "Lord, please help me to be strong. Please help me to be okay with what they say..." They called us back and we sat in the same chair as the last time. He checked her eyes again and mentioned that it hadn't gotten any better. My heart sank just as it did last time. Only this time, I felt better about what he was saying. "However, I don't want to rush into surgery yet. Her brain has trained her eyes to only use the right eye because it is stronger. She still has Brown's, but it has caused a different problem at this point." I sat there confused but listened intently. "She isn't using her right eye the way she would use her leftt eye. So, we need to strengthen her right eye. We're going to have you put a patch on her left eye for the next two months for an hour every day to restrengthen her right eye. Then, come back in about 2 months and we'll go from there." He smiled and left the room and we gathered our belongings. I put Oaklyn in the car seat and then got in my seat. I started the car and looked in the mirror to see her smiling at me in her mirror. I knew it was Heavenly Father's way of telling me that everything will be okay. I felt strengthened and called Hunter, my mom, and his mom and didn't even cry when I talked to them. I understood that this is part of His plan, not mine. 

So, here we are now. Tonight we will try out the patch and just hope that she doesn't immediately rip it off haha. I'm going to continue praying that same prayer I have been for the past month. Say we do go to the doctor in two months and we end up needing the surgery... I'll be sad but I know that it will make us stronger in the end. I know that He will help us all through these next few months and I trust that all will be well. I know that He would never give us a trial we can't handle. My daughter is still perfect to me in every sense of the word. I love her like crazy and will always do what is best for her. So, if you want to add our little family to your prayers... we would very much appreciate it! I'm sorry for the lengthy post, I just felt the need to write it all out at this point and explain what we are going through. If you've made it this far, thank you for reading!

Have any of your children had to have surgery? 

If so, what did you do to ease your worry?

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

4

Lesson Learned.

Growing up seems to be a constant maze in which we are always thinking we are making our way to the end to receive the prize of instant gratification. 

However, we tend to hit dead ends instead.

And if you're anything like me, it happens a lot.

Even though this can be quite frustrating, there is always the option of getting off our high horse and turning around only to see that the world is still spinning... and there are many other alternate routes. 

(Hey! Who would of known.)

We have been given the opportunity to "fix" or "undo" just about anything. 

No matter where life takes us, we are granted a second chance. 

This time in my life seems to be a constant maze.

I think I have it all figured out and then hit a brick wall and think "there is no way that is supposed to be there, it all worked out perfectly in my head."

And it is in those moments, that I learn the most about myself.

This past month has been nothing short of crazy.

In fact, last week was one for the books.

I found myself feeling nauseous most days with endless thoughts running 100 miles an hour.

Yeah, sleep was practically non existent.

Hunter comes home soon. Like so soon I can hardly think about it without jumping up and down.

Him coming home is going to bring forth changes, and lots of them. 

The problem is, I really won't know much of anything until he steps off that plane.

So, like always, I decided I would just make my own plans for the time being.

Yeah, the Lord had different plans for me...

I have been so ancy to just get out of my job, and really to just get out of all I've ever known completely.

Which is comical because I am the worst when it comes to change.

I had this grand plan of just getting a different job until Hunt comes home and then figuring things out from there.

Which now thinking about it, would have been really dumb on my end... but I didn't see it at the time.

So I applied to a few different places. 

There wasn't much that came of that until I got a call to have an interview for a hostess job.

It was hardly an interview...

I was hired on the spot.

Without even thinking things through I signed papers.

I didn't even think to ask what the pay was.

Then we went over the handbook. Oh, the handbook.

Upon going over this handbook he informed me that I would have to be working Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, oh anddddd Christmas! 

I walked out about ready to cry. 

I felt stuck, and scared.

I later had a nice talk with my bishop and spent some time with my knees on the ground and my nose in my scriptures. 

...Which lead me to telling the nice man that I was flattered but couldn't accept the offer.

Then I walked back over to Jamba Juice.

I opened the door to see nothing but smiling team members in bright orange shirts with lime green walls in the background. They were laughing at a stupid joke and I joined right in.

And then I realized... I am happy here. 

Why can't I just relax and let it be?

Since that little wake up call I have felt so so much happier at work.

Sure some days are longer than others, and some customers are grumpier than others but in the end I really do enjoy my job.

One day I'll learn to stop taking things for granted.

But until then, I am so so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who is there to guide me along when I do hit those brick walls. 

If there is anything that has stayed constant since becoming an "adult" it has been my faith.

It has been my testimony. My knowledge of the truthfulness of the restored gospel.

Even when everything seems to be going wrong, I know it will all end up right as long as I stay on the Lord's side. 

And so... that is the lesson I have learned:

Trust God's timing.

Oh, and stop taking things for granted. 

I'm working on it :)

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

Finding Happiness

Have I mentioned how much I REALLY love my institute class?

Well its true, I do.

What we learned the other day, has really stuck with me.

I keep referring back to the notes I took and thinking deeper into what we talked about.

I think that means something. I think it means I needed that lesson.

Yep, I sure did.

Here goes the summary because I think everyone could learn a thing or two from a really lovely lesson.

(Keep in mind my thoughts don't work like a normal persons. They are everywhere all at once, but if I can connect the dots, I believe you can too.)

Take a second and think...

What Equals Eternal Happiness??

Do you have an answer? Kay good, write it down so you remember it.

Have you ever heard of Maslow's Hierarchy of needs?

If you haven't I suggest reading up on it, It really is quite interesting.

Anyhow, here they are...

Study that as much as you want and argue with it all you will, but shoot, its the dang truth. 

In that order precisely. 

Where are you?

Why are you not at the point you want to be?

Aha! We shall see...

"If you deliberately plan on being less than you are capable of being then I warn you that you will be unhappy for the rest of your life."

- Maslow

Alright so now think about this:

The 5 needs that should really be fulfilled are 1) physical 2) social 3) emotional 4) mental (intellectual) and 5) spiritual.

Kay easy enough right?

Yes, it should be. If you can find a balance among all of them.

That right there though, is the hardest for everyone. 

Here's what it should look like to find a balance:

Soo I'm not the best "bubble" maker, I get it... But there's a bigger point!

Notice how the biggest bubble is the spiritual one. Notice how everything around that is the same size (or at least supposed to be haha).

The point is that if you make your spirituality the biggest part of who you are, every other thing will be balanced in your life.

Therefore, no stress.

Woah, THAT is a magical formula to happiness.

Catching on? Kay cool.

3 Nephi 13:24-34 talks about how Heavenly Father WILL provide every little thing we will ever need for us. If he doesn't provide Steve Madden Combat boots for you or a shiny new iphone, chances are you REALLY don't need it to make you happy. 

Matthew 6:24-34  talks about focusing on the Kingdom of Heaven. Somehow, the scriptures talk a whole lot about that. I think He is trying to get the point across. 

The plea is to have us focus less on the pride of the world and more on eternal consequences. 

Having that Aha moment yet?

Me too.

One last scripture. Alma 32:27-43. 

Ohhhh the parable of the seed/tree.

Let that seep in a little bit deeper for ya.

PLANT YOUR SEED IN HIM!

Did I get the point across?

Cultivate your seed. How many times does it mention the words "seek" and "knock?" 

A whole bunch. That's how many times. 

Water your seed and make conscious decisions.

Fertilize your seed by kneeling and asking in prayer. 

Ready for this?

Eternal Happiness = NO Separation From God!

Ahhhh feels good to know the magical formula to eternal happiness huh? :)

I sure think so.

"Men are that they might have joy"

2 Nephi 2:25

If you made it this far, thanks haha :)

I just felt the need to remember this, and to share it with everyone else!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

2

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

Be Still My Soul.

Sometimes its hard to be brave. To be the stronger one

Sometimes its hard to be the bigger person and watch others do things well, wrong

Sometimes it hard to sit back and watch someone else go through all you have already been through

Sometimes its hard to tell people what to do and to somehow get them to respect your authority

Sometimes its hard to figure out how to explain that you know what is best for yourself to others who completely misunderstand

Sometimes its hard to adjust to change and step outside of your comfort zone

Sometimes its hard to take that leap of faith you know will change everything

Sometimes its hard to listen to people telling you not to get your hopes up

Sometimes its hard to let reality sink in and to try to tell yourself it will be okay

Sometimes its hard to grasp that life quickly comes and passes and won't wait for you to catch up

Sometimes its hard to look at those pictures and understand that the wait is far from over

Sometimes its hard to figure things out for yourself and to keep finding dead ends

Sometimes its hard to keep pushing forward without the slightest bit of recognition

Sometimes its hard to let go of the past and begin anew

Sometimes life is just really hard.

But sometimes I remember that even through the hardest of moments, I have a divine purpose. No trial is too difficult and no obstacle is too complicated. 

Sometimes I remember that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13) and suddenly everything is okay.

Sometimes I just need to get on my knees and pray, and immediately I am reminded of the love my savior and my Heavenly Father have for me.

Sometimes I just need to relax, and remind myself that I am in good hands.

These are our sunbeams... some of them.

They are precious. I love my calling so very much.

Happy Sunday :)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

1

Settle down, it'll all be clear

I let my thoughts run free most of the time, I think its good. The quality of my thoughts though, could be altered a little bit. There are plenty of times in my life that I am being too judgmental or too hard on myself. Now, what good will that do to the level of my happiness? Absolutely nothing. I've realized that the times I feel the happiest are when I am dwelling on all things good.

I have reflected a bunch on this past week and the thoughts I let myself think. I tried my hardest to remember all the happy ones, to remind myself of the blessed life I live.

The other day as I was running, I passed by the cemetery in this town. I saw two women standing beside a grave holding each other closely. I immediately thought of the plan of salvation and all the happiness and strength it gives me. I have such a strong testimony of this beautiful plan our Heavenly Father has for us and I am so thankful that I get to live with him again. I'm not sure what the relation those 2 women had to the person they were visiting, but I'll almost guarantee they were family. Would things be different for them if they knew they would have a chance to be with that person again, that there is a happy and perfect life awaiting us after death? I am almost positive it would. Death is but a passing on to the next life, it is necessary in our Heavenly Father's plan. I thought about Anthony and my heart felt happy. That was a quality thought.

I have been babysitting for a family with an adorable baby boy recently. The first time I went there, he was sound asleep for most of the time I was there. This past time I went, I got to play mommy and spend more time holding, cuddling, and playing with the sweet little one. There were several times I would look at him and I really could see Heaven in his eyes. He is perfect, in every way. As I played with him and saw his sweet smile, my heart melted. I fed him and saw the innocence in his eyes. I laid him down in his crib, put in his pacifier and watched his eyes slowly drift away as I sang lullabies. His stillness touched me. I now understand why we are trying to be like children. Yet again I see quality in that thought.

Lastly, today we had testimony meeting in church. For those of you that are not clear on this topic, we as Mormons fast on the first Sunday of every month for something near and dear to us. As we fast we reflect on the reasons we are not eating and draw nearer to our gracious Heavenly Father. Today I started to feel a little bit hungry but quickly remembered my reasoning for fasting. I took a second to ponder my reasons and was quickly reminded of why it is so important to continue on. I continued to listen to the testimonies being shared. I am so grateful for a wonderful ward with such strong testimonies. Just by sitting in the chapel you can feel so much love. Afterwards Audrey and I were off to primary as our first week of being co-sunbeam teachers. I am very happy to say that it went well and I can already tell these kids are going to teach me something very important. Patience. 

I hope you have a beautiful remainder of your Sunday :)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

0

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

Today was a good day. You know, one of those days that you just can't help but smile at then end of. Today I realized remembered how blessed I really am, how much happiness surrounds me, and how beautiful this world really is. I find myself feeling stressed and overwhelmed a lot. I continue to believe that there just aren't enough hours in the day (hence why I am posting this past midnight). However, I love when I just stop to take a second and think. Today I did just that. And here is why I feel so much bliss. 

I have a job at Jamba Juice which I have mentioned previously. I work with some really amazing people and I have grown pretty close to a lot of my coworkers. Jamba was my first job, so I never really knew any different. I always heard people complain about an annoying coworker or the crazy work they have to do at their job. Well friends, I look forward to going to work. Every. Single. Time. I love my job! I think it's all about the people I have the privilege to work with. They have made making smoothies and dealing with annoying customers for hours on end seem surprisingly appealing. We have dance parties and blare many varieties of music, we sit in the back and talk through the tough situations life has thrown our way, we create new and crazy smoothies, and we take a million pictures. Anyways, today as I was working I remembered how blessed I really am to 1.) have a job but even more important 2.) absolutely love the job itself and the people I work with :)

When I got back from work I went for my daily run. I don't particularly love running, and I don't go all that far, but I go, and that is all that matters to me. I told myself it was going to be a shorter run because I wasn't feeling so good when I left (dang mother nature). When I took off I realized how much cooler the weather was, it felt so awesome not breaking a sweat the second I walked out the door. I powered up the first hill and when I got to the top I noticed a strange man parked on the side of the road in an old beaten up truck. My insides started to turn upside down and crazy thoughts flooded my mind. I'm not one for stereotypes and judging a book by its cover (or a man by his truck in this case), but I couldn't help but be a bit panicked at him staring directly at me as I came down the hill. I said a silent prayer right as I was running and pleaded that I would be safe. When I got to the bottom I all of a sudden had more energy than ever. I sprinted away from that truck and felt so powerful that I was delivered away from my fear with my Heavenly Father's help. I continued on and that miraculous burst of energy stuck with me, so I extended my run even after I thought it would be a "shorter" run when I started. I passed by my old elementary school and happiness filled my soul. I was overwhelmed with memories bursting in every hallway. My first food fight, winning student body president after I rapped my speech, falling on the bars because I was trying to show off, selling bigstick popsicles on Fridays, it all happened there during my childhood. Towards the end of my run I felt the need to start walking, I wasn't even really tired I just wanted to look at my surroundings and embrace a cooler night. I guess that may have been why I was given the energy to go on a longer run. I looked to my right and saw a pine tree, it smelled like Christmas and looked like I was in the mountains. I looked to my left and saw a palm tree and could have sworn I was at the beach. The horses behind me started singing a lovely horse tune. A little old man passed me on his bicycle and smiled as he said hello and I remembered there really are good people left in this world. I looked up and saw the beautiful picture God had painted in the sky as the sun was setting, and I thought to myself what a wonderful world :)

It's all the little things that make life so enjoyable. I'm so glad I get to experience embrace it day by day.

All my love,

-Aleigh Joy

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