The Greatest Gift

BYU-Idaho President Kim B. Clark's 2010 Christmas Message

Read below or watch the video here

Merry Christmas!

"The Christmas season is here again. With it come the memories and traditions that create such a tender place in our hearts for this cherished holiday: cold winter weather and warm family gatherings, the sound of favorite Christmas carols and the flavor of home-cooked meals, the lights of a glowing tree made brighter by gifts trimmed with shiny paper and bows.

Of all the familiar scenes of Christmas, I find myself particularly drawn to the gifts. Not just because of the enjoyment we find when we give and receive, but because the gifts are one of the most powerful and instructive symbols of Christmas. The treasured tradition of giving and receiving gifts is rooted in a profound gospel truth: as sons and daughters of God, we are the recipients of the greatest gift ever given.

It happened more than 2,000 years ago, when a baby boy was born in a lowly Bethlehem stable. He came into the world in a very ordinary way, though He was anything but ordinary. He was Jesus Christ, God's own Son, given as a gift to the world to be the Savior and Redeemer of us all. His story is ingrained in our hearts and minds: the humble birth, the incomparable life and ministry, the grueling death, and the triumphant resurrection.

By giving us His Son Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Father gave us the gift of immortality and the potential for eternal life – a wondrous gift whose power takes effect when we repent of our sins and follow the Savior's example by keeping His commandments. By giving us His Son, God prepared the path that, if followed, will lead us back home to Him.

Is it possible to fully express our gratitude to our Father in Heaven for His gift? Is there anything we can give Him in return? When everything we have comes from God, what gift could we possibly give Him that is of any value?

The scriptural account of the Savior's birth includes the story of three wise men who were led from the east by the star that heralded His arrival. “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” they asked, “for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”

When the wise men finally came upon the baby Jesus, scripture tells us, they “fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts…”

These gifts were the kind typically reserved for royalty: gold, a symbol of riches and abundance; frankincense, treasured for its pleasing aroma; and myrrh, valued for its medicinal qualities. They may seem to us like simple gifts, but they were the most priceless gifts available to the wise men, and they brought them to the newborn Messiah in honor and worship.

What, then, is the most priceless gift we can give to our Heavenly Father and His Son?
There is really only one thing we can give – only one thing that is truly ours to give.

Ourselves.

When we give our heart, our will, our very soul to God completely and without reservation, we show Him the depth of our devotion to Him and the true measure of the gratitude and love we feel for Him. That is the greatest gift we can give.

Jesus Christ, our great exemplar, surrendered all – including His own life – to bring our Father in Heaven's plan of happiness to fruition. The unyielding determination with which Christ gave His gift is the pattern for how we must give ours.

“If ye will come unto me,” the Savior said, “ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me. Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God.“

It is my prayer that as we gather around the tree to give and receive gifts on Christmas morning, we will pause to remember and give thanks for the first Christmas morning, when the greatest gift ever was given, and that the joy and peace of the Christmas season will renew our resolve to give our greatest gift."

BYU Idaho Center Dedication

Friday, December 17th was the dedication of the new 15,000 seat BYU-Idaho Center.

I was fortunate enough to be able to sing Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing in the combined choirs. The orchestra played also.

Sitting on the stage, seeing the huge center fill with students, staff and families was just amazing.

President Eyring, Elder Bednar, Elder Nelson and Elder Johnson were all in attendance. President Eyring dedicated the building, along with the new changes and additions to the Manwaring Center.

It was an experience beyond description, and I really was blessed to be able to sing in such a historic event.

To watch the dedication, go here

Just to hear the choir and orchestra's performance of Come Thou Fount, skip to 30 minutes in.

Finals week...

Finals do strange things to apartment 604...

Emily and I were supposed to be studying one night... but instead...

...this happened.

Then, this last weekend, instead of sleeping like normal people do at two in the morning...

...this happened...

...let's just say that instead of studying and doing homework... there was a lot of laughing and procrastinating :)

It was a lot of fun to watch Elf and enjoy sparking cider and brownies with the girls on Sunday night. I'm definitely going to miss them!

Hello December :)

(A snowy scene captured in Rexburg, Idaho :) )

Sitting here in The Crossroads watching big, white snowflakes fall outside the window, I realized that I don't think I've ever been more appreciative and excited for the Christmas season before.

Here's why:

1. The Christmas season is celebrated for one reason alone: Christ. Without Him we wouldn't have a reason to celebrate one of the greatest holiday's of the year

2. Snow. Yes, I said it, snow. Contrary to popular belief here at BYU-Idaho, snow is in fact something to be happy about. I grew up with feet of snow each December in Minnesota and Chicago, and since living in Washington there's nothing I've missed more. I couldn't be happier to be back in sub-zero degree weather with feet of snow piling on the ground :)

3. Hot Chocolate. I'm a lover of hot chocolate and even though I drink it year round, it definitely tastes best this time of year

4. Fires. This is a rare one this year being in an apartment, but it's still something I can miss and appreciate in the future

5. Christmas music. I love it!

6. Sipping hot chocolate by the fire while listening to Christmas music and watching the snow fall. It doesn't get much better than that :)

7. The general spirit of gratitude and optimism. I love that for a month out of the year we don't have to listen to as much complaining as we do the rest of the year. We all have so much to be grateful for and I'm glad that it's realized at least once throughout the year.

8. Friendships. Since September I've developed closer friendships than I've ever had before, and I'm so incredibly grateful for that.

9. I get to fly home to spend Christmas with my parents whom I haven't seen since July! Bonus: They're getting a REAL tree this year, not a fake one :)

10. Yule log, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Egg Nog, Christmas Eve pajamas, and my mom's homemade Christmas treats and dinners

I'm so excited to go home to see my parents for the first time since they dropped me off in Idaho in July!

Since I've been out at school I've grown so appreciative of my parents and all that they've done and still do for me. I can't wait to get home and have insightful conversations with my dad, learn more about baking and cooking from my mom, and do all of those Christmas traditions I grew up with :)

So let the countdown begin...

18 days until we get to celebrate the birth of Christ with family and friends :)

Thanksgiving Day

"Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love."

- President Thomas S. Monson

Growing up has it's perks. One of which is gaining an understanding of the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

This year I've been very thankful for my family. My grandpa's been going through a lot of health problems, and it's really opened my eyes to how grateful and appreciative I need to be of all of my relatives.

I was fortunate enough to be able to spend Thanksgiving with my dad's side of the family in Salt Lake. It was great to see all of them.

My cousin Josh leaves for his mission in just a little over a month, but this was the last time I'll see him before he leaves.

It was also great to spend time at my grandparent's house with them today.

I looked through my grandma's millions of scrapbooks (which I love) and just enjoyed their company. I realize that these visits are beginning to be numbered and I soak it up every time.

In addition to my family, I'm incredibly grateful for the Gospel in my life. Because of it I know that I'll be able to be with my family for time and all eternity. There's nothing that could make me more grateful than that.

"My sincere, heartfelt prayer is that we may in our individual lives reflect that marvelous virtue of gratitude. May it permeate our very souls, now and evermore."

-President Thomas S. Monson

At church on Sunday a man gave a talk about a guy he knew that said he had nothing to be thankful for. After minutes of prodding and thinking, he finally decided he was thankful for his wife, but nothing else.

It's sad that that's such a commonplace mentality these days.

If you just take pause and look around, there are so many things to be grateful for. More than we realize.

I urge you all you read an incredible talk found here.

It puts all of the above into words better than I ever could.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving :)

Thanksgiving Break

The last week before my nearly week and a half long Thanksgiving Break was torture.

I'm not lying when I say I spent nearly every waking second on the go - whether it was class, homework, or work, I was busy to the point that I'd forget to eat lunch or dinner.

To top it off, I got an average of about five hours of sleep every night.

Needless to say, this Thanksgiving Break couldn't have been more welcomed :)

Haley and I were Utah-bound Thursday afternoon. We left early because her sister Kelsey's wedding was on Friday.

The wedding and luncheon on Friday were amazing.

Kelsey and Greg were married and sealed for time and all eternity in the Bountiful, Utah Temple on Friday afternoon. She looked beyond gorgeous. After the sealing, there was a luncheon for family and close friends.

Kelsey and Greg couldn't be more perfect for each other, and it was apparent at the luncheon. It's rare that you see two people so in love with one another.

The reception was held on Saturday evening. It was, yet again, absolutely stunning. Everything was perfect - the photos, the video, the cheesecake, and the bride and groom themselves.

The whole weekend was definitely a success and I'm very glad I was fortunate enough to be invited to spend it with the Adams family.

(Haley and her sister Kelsey)

After the wedding and the weekend, Haley and I FINALLY went to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. It was amazing, as expected :)

The rest of my time spent at their house was filled with Haley and I just being Haley and I.

For example, we built a fort...

We both decided that growing up is overrated and we both miss our childhoods.

Oh to be six again.

It's been a perfect week, and I'm so glad that I still have four more days until it's back to classes and work.

Thanksgiving is tomorrow!

What are you thankful for?

Snow in November

Welcome to Idaho, where it's completely normal for it to snow in October.

Luckily, this year it waited until November.

Don't get me wrong, I'm one of the few students in this college town that absolutely adores the snow :)

It started snowing early last week and hasn't stopped since.

I love it!

(This was shortly after 5:00 on the first day it started snowing. By the end of the night we had about four inches)

I spent eight years of my life in Minnesota and Chicago, which means that I grew up with insane amounts of snow. Living in Washington for the past five years has almost been torture because of the lack of snow.

So, to all of you haters, here's a piece of advice:

The Power of Positive Thinking. For real. You can't change it, and it's here to stay, so just be happy about it :)

So next time you're walking to class at 7:30 in the morning and you can't feel your face, hands, or toes, aren't you really in the Bahamas soaking up the sun?

:)

An inside look...

...at a typical conversation between Haley, Turner and I.

First of all you need to know a few things...

1. We weren't aware that Emily was typing up our conversation. She had an assignment from her crazy english teacher to eavesdrop on a conversation and record it

2. None of us found this conversation funny, whatsoever, while we were having it. I don't think any of us laughed once (well, maybe at Turner's story about the spaghetti...)

3. Haley and I died of laughter when Emily showed this to us

So, enjoy...

Turner: It’s not working.

Haley: Oh I know what you did.

Turner: You’re taking the same class and yours is way harder than mine.

Melissa: It’s so ridiculous. When I came back someone was making steak.

T: Wait, when were you coming up the stairs?

M: Yea, I want some milk real bad.

T: I just bought some the other day.

M: So, tomorrow is Wednesday it feels like Monday.

T: I tried go over the valley and suddenly “BAM” it seemed like an ocean of lights.

M:This is not filling me up.

T: I can grill a wholesome meal, we should do it.

H: we were practicing for mutual one night and it was lame.

M: Jessica thought your handwriting was really nice.

T: it’s hard .

M: that’s easy oh my gosh, try writing my name in cursive.

H: it has a weird “I”.

T: haha I know.

M: I’m so hungry.

H: you have noodles.

M: I don’t know what to eat them with.

H: I have some left over Alfredo sauce.

M: are noodles still good after a week? Turner?

T: yea they're still good.

M: do noodles go bad?

T: yea, we had some in a Tupper ware and when we took it out it was a brick, no joke.

H: dump it all in man.

T: she just called you a man.

M: yea I know. Hahaha.

H: I love writing Emily’s name in cursive.

T: hers is all up and down like ne ne er ne nah.

M: you know what I actually ate for dinner?

H: what?

M: peanut butter and honey sandwich.

T: you are weird.

M: I can’t go the gym so I better stop eating.

H: Give me the rest of your noodles.

M: I feel like it’s 5:15 in the morning.

H: I don’t like writing “Chandia”.

T: “Chandia,” I was creeped out last night because of the movie, and I thought that the guy would grab me when I was on the stairs.

The End

I discovered from this that I say the most random things, at the most random times, in the middle of a conversation.

We also all discovered that anyone listening in on our conversations must get, really, really, confused.

That was definitely the highlight of my week :)

Hello November :)

Halloween was fun, but I am so glad that it's November.

The Halloween festivities began last Monday with our Ward Halloween party. I didn't have all of my costume yet (my mom had to ship the rest...) so Kelli and I, by accident, ended up going as twins :)

(Haley, me, Kelli, Jessica and Emily)

Fast forward to Friday. Emily and I made some absolutely delicious fun-fetti cookies which were devoured by the next evening. Later, Emily, Kelli, Kelli's sister and I all went to a Halloween dance party. It was actually a really fun night :)

(Kelli's sister Hailey as Kat Von D, Kelli as a ballerina, me going 80's, Emily as a banana)

Saturday night we attempted to go to another dance party, but because of an outrageous cover charge, we ended up back at our apartment. I think it was meant to be, because I had been dying to watch Hocus Pocus, and it started right when we got back at eleven. Hocus Pocus is hands-down the best halloween movie in the world, and it basically made my weekend.

In other news, I basically love my roommates to death. Saturday night four of us went out to dinner at Bajio's and had an amazing time :) I couldn't have picked better girls to live with!

Yesterday was also a really amazing Fast Sunday. (Minus having to take Haley to the ER because of an allergic reaction she had...)

So, in short, I had a fabulous Halloween weekend :)

(Me and Emiwee, whom I love oh so much!)

Happy November! :)

3 weeks and 3 days until Thanksgiving!

Happy Birthday!

(My parents and I on our way up to Grand Targhee earlier this summer)

Well, today is the big day for my dad... it's his 50th birthday! You'd never guess it, right?

My dad has always been one of my greatest examples of selflessness. I can't recall one year where he didn't say, "Don't get me anything for my birthday, get something for yourself instead." Of course, I always got him something anyway, but that's always been deeply ingrained in my mind.

My dad has always been one of my greatest examples of hard work. I remember living in Chicago when he was re-doing our entire backyard. He spent countless hours after work and all day on Saturday in the backyard working tirelessly to get it done.

My dad has always been one of my greatest examples of unconditional love. Though the past few years have been hard due to circumstances out of our control, he always made sure that my needs were met before his. I feel fortunate to have been born into a family where there's never been a doubt in my mind that I am loved.

One of my favorite things about my dad is that he always knows what to say to inspire me to do better. He once told me, "Listening to your heart means no later regrets. People recognize heartfelt authenticity." That's a lesson I'll never forget.

Since I've been at college he's constantly been telling me to relax, to stop stressing and just to have fun. If you know me, then you know I need that constant reminder.

My dad is always there when I need him. I can call about the most ridiculous things, like my low tire pressure light being on in my car and having him talk me through what to do (even when it's as simple as driving a mile to the autoshop to have them check it...). He's always there to help.

I know I don't say it enough, but I'm so thankful for his constant reminders to "drive safe", "make sure you're eating well" and "take it slow when you're driving in the snow."

No matter the time of day or night, I know that I can call and he'll be there to answer.

I think it's safe to say that my dad is the greatest.

Happy 50th Birthday dad :)

Carving Pumpkins

For FHE this last Monday we carved pumpkins. For some reason I've been looking forward to Halloween like no other this year. It's typically not a big deal for me and I've never really enjoyed it. This year I couldn't be more excited :)

We all teamed up and carved them in pairs. I personally think that Rusty and I were the most inventive (we didn't use one of the cheater pages from the books...) and that we have the best pumpkin. I might be a little biased though ;)

(Rusty and I's pumpkin, which looks a thousand times better in person)

Okay, so maybe it isn't too incredibly amazing especially compared to some of the others, but I think it turned out great.

On a different note, I've yet to come up with any ideas about what to be for Halloween. I'll accept any and all help :) Keep in mind, I'm a poor college student.

Autumn has always been my favorite season. I absolutely love it for multiple reasons:

1. Hot chocolate. More specifically, hazelnut hot chocolate. This one is the most important and it basically trumps all other reasons for my love of autumn :) It seems like I'm constantly needing to buy more of it.... (care package idea? hint hint mom...)

2. The trees and the leaves changing colors

3. The pleasant chill in the air (except when you're walking to class at 7:30 in the morning)

4. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin chip loaf, pretty much anything pumpkin

5. My new electric blanket on my bed, which I crank up to the highest setting about ten minutes before getting into bed

6. Thanksgiving

7. Getting an entire week off from school for Thanksgiving and road-tripping to Utah!

8. Coats, scarves, hats, gloves and boots

9. Snuggling up in a blanket with some hazelnut hot chocolate and reading by a fire

10. November 19th. The single most important date in the year of 2010, including my 18th birthday and my graduation day. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 comes out in theaters.

So, in short, autumn is hands down the best time of the year :)

One Amazing Weekend

The weekend before last was the best weekend I've had in quite a while. Allow me to explain:

1. First of all, and most importantly, it was General Conference weekend. That right there was enough to make it an amazing weekend.

2. All of my roommates except for Haley and I went home or to Utah, which brings me to my third point...

3. Haley and I moved our mattresses into the family room and had an all-weekend sleepover :)

(Emily's face = Amazing)

4. Friday night was just absolutely hilarious and amazing. There were numerous quotes added to our quote board.

5. We spent all day Saturday watching conference at our FHE (family home evening) brother's apartment.

6. They made us quite an amazing breakfast :)

7. Saturday night was also amazing. After the boys went to the Priesthood session, Haley, Colton, Turner and I all went for a late night stroll around the Temple. After that we played Curses, which is one of my new favorite games.

8. On Sunday, Haley and I watched conference from the comfort of our mattresses on the family room floor :)

9. In between sessions Haley and I went to the Temple and drove around Rexburg looking for some photo ops. Oh how I can't wait to own an SLR... :)

10. After the afternoon session we were invited over to my brother in law's parent's house for an absolutely amazing German feast. Talk about a great meal.

(My favorite photo from Haley and I's impromptu photo op at the temple)

That pretty much sums it up! It'll be fairly hard to top that weekend :)

Sammy's Rexburg

There's this new place in Rexburg called Sammy's that opened up the weekend that all of the college students came back. About a month before then, I found out that two of my favorite artists would be performing, for FREE. I was so excited, and the concert was absolutely amazing!

I was able to see Mindy Gledhill perform along with Benton Paul, who I met :)

(Benton Paul and I. He mad me laugh right before this was taken, hence the crazy look on my face)

(Mindy Gledhill)

The weekend after that concert, Haley, Josiah and I went to a free Nik Day concert (he is also pretty amazing).

(Nik Day)

(Haley and I at the Nik Day concert)

Anyway, it's a pretty neat place, and they have some amazing pie shakes.

Hopefully they keep up the free concerts. It makes for some fun Friday nights :)

My New Home

As most of you probably know, I'm now officially living the college life!

I moved into my apartment, Nauvoo House, in the beginning of September.

The past month has been a complete whirlwind of getting adjusted and settled in to college.

I absolutely LOVE my school and probably couldn't build a better one myself. For those of you who don't know, I'm a student at Brigham Young University-Idaho, and it's amazing. I really love and enjoy all of my classes (minus science...), especially University Choir! :)

Now on to my amazing roommates!

My actual room-roommate is Jessica, and then there's Haley, Kelli, Emily and Amy.

I love those five girls so much and we all get along so well.

(Jessica, Emily, me, Haley and Kelli! Amy was in Utah)

Haley and I get along, well, probably too well... Allow me to explain...

One of the first nights here, we were up a little too late and as Haley and I were getting ready for bed, we ended up taking our contacts out the exact same way, at the exact same time. Being 1 or so in the morning we found it hilarious :) After that, we began to realize that we constantly do and say things at the same time. Even our dating lives are identical! No, seriously, they are :)

Anyway, she is amazing, and we've decided that we were best friends in the pre-mortal existence. We were basically meant to be.

(Haley and I!)

Anyway, I finally got around to making this blog, which I've been wanting to start for about a month now. I hope you stop by often! :)