darling duckie

what are you thankful for?

 

When I watched this, I laughed, and then I cried. Just a little.

In my defense I am pregnant and extremely sensitive, just ask Billy.

I hope you enjoy and it makes you think what you are grateful for, both big and small. 

on an Easters eve

I have debated about how much to bring my religion into my writing: whether or not I should openly explain what Mormons are, what we believe and why I am one.

But last night, as I was reading about Easter and thinking about why I enjoy celebrating it, I came to the realization that because my beliefs and convictions are such a deep part of who I am, the choices I make and the life I lead, it would be impossible to separate it from my writing and my art. It defines who I am and who I want to become. So when I write about my beliefs, take it for what it is. Simply an expression of my thoughts and experiences, seen through a Christian lens. And if you have questions, never hesitate to ask. I would love to tell you more.

As I said, I have been thinking about Easter and why it has a certain pull for me. Every holiday has a pull for me. Whether it is dressing up as something crazy for Halloween, celebrating my feeling for those I love for Valentine’s day or wearing one of my favorite colors for St. Patrick’s day, there is always something that I love about it.

 

But Easter is a little different. It is at the beginning of Spring. Spring is a lovely time of year, where people come out from their hibernation, flowers peek out from their hiding places and the sun starts to warm your face again. It is a time of renewal. A time that reminds us that there is beauty in the world. The world all around us is bursting with new life and new hope. This is made even more strong when you consider the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made. His Resurrection is the ultimate example of renewal and hope for all those who have lived and who do live and who will ever live. It elicits powerful emotion and gratitude.

I just love Easter and Spring. In fact, this year, I am feeling more and more like it is a new beginning for me, more so than New Years felt. This spring, my world is changing. I will no longer be a (formal) student, as I have been for the last 18 years of my life. I no longer have a concrete plan. The world is my canvas. I can do whatever I want. Although this is completely terrifying, there is something freeing about it. A mystery, waiting to be unearthed. Or a disaster, waiting to happen. But either way, it is a new beginning. And I choose to take advantage of it. I am going to get out of my shell and try things I have never dared to try before. I am not going to let my insecurities hold me back. And I am going to trust in the God who has never left me to fend for myself.

So, here’s to you, my sweet Easter. Here goes nothing.