12/17/12

A Tribute


As all of you should know at this point, there were 20 kids shot and killed at an elementary school in Connecticut. This is a video I found in tribute to those who died on this tragic day in America's history.





If the video doesn't work above, click HERE to watch it as well.

I know that there are many suffering at this time because of the lives lost in this horrible act of violence, but I also know that there is peace available to those who are suffering. Through the Jesus Christ we can find peace and forgiveness in this hard time. I know that the children who died were welcomed into heaven with warm embraces and much love, and that they are at peace there. I hope that we can all find peace and forgiveness in the wake of this trial. May God watch over those families who lost loved ones and may we all be mindful of those who are suffering around us, and keep them in our prayers. 

12/2/12

Mission Call!!

I definitely should have posted this earlier, but here it is anyways. I got my mission call about a week and a half ago! When the President of the church announced that the mission age was being changed for woman to be able to go on a mission, I just knew that now was my time to share the truth of the gospel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I'm so excited.
Well, drum roll... I'll be going to the Baltic mission on March 27!! The Baltic mission has four countries which are Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, and Belarus. I will be speaking Latvian, so I will probably spend most of my 18 months there in Latvia! I'm excited and spend most of my free time now learning about the area and what it is going to be like!! Here is a map of the countries in relation to Russia and Poland.

10/31/12

Change is in the air!!

Well, I have big changes in my life coming up. I'm sure most of you have heard how the mission age for the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints has been lowered. So, men can now leave at 18 and women at 19. Well, I'm 19! So, I'm taking a leap of faith and going on a mission! I'm almost done with my papers. I've done my part of the papers and had my final interview with my bishop. All I need now is my final interview with the stake president and he'll submit the papers to the church headquarters where they will decide where I'm going to go. I'm hoping to have my mission call by Thanksgiving, but we'll see how behind they are with the many papers of other people they have gotten so far.
The first thing people ask me when they find out I'm going to go on a mission, is where do I want to go? I always tell them I'm willing to serve wherever I'm called. But in all honesty I would love to go somewhere French speaking, whether it is Canada or France or some country in Africa. It doesn't have to be French speaking, but I would love to be fluent in such a beautiful language. So, I'll post it on the blog when I know where I'm going, but if you feel so inclined you are welcome to post a comment with where you think I will go. :)

9/6/12

Salt Lake Diversity

Working in Utah has been quite the learning experience. I've enjoyed it so much. I couldn't ask for any better jobs than what I have now. My favorite job is in Salt Lake. One thing I've had to learn is to drive in Salt Lake. I love it though. Salt Lake is quite the different, diverse place.
Well, while working at the art gallery the other day. I sold a piece of artwork to Elder Steven E. Snow. For those who don't know who he is, he is a member of the seventy and also the church historian for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He came in and bought a large print of the St. George Temple. It was a great experience to sell something to such a great man.
In great contrast, on my way home from work that evening, I was driving past an intersection and looked over and there were two police officers. As I looked more closely, I saw them arresting someone right there on the sidewalk. Growing up in a small town bubble, I have never seen someone get arrested. It shocked and scared me. What a stark contrast from my earlier experience!
So, Salt Lake has really shown me what differences there are in the world. It is really only possible to see both of these stark contrasts in Salt Lake! I couldn't see and meet a general authority and then see an arrest in any other big city besides Salt Lake. I love working in Utah!

8/3/12

Meeting President Monson!

I shook President Monson's hand!! I know, it is something that doesn't happen often, but I shook his hand. President Monson is the prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is an amazing man who has become my role model over time. He is big on promoting service and compassion. He is someone who I look up to as someone that I would like to become like. If I could be even just a little more like him, then I would be pretty set in life. Well, anyways, back to the experience. I was at a viewing for the father of a member of my ward. I didn't know the guy personally, but I really look up to his daughter who is our neighbor. So, I went with my grandmother to support her. Well, just as we were about to leave, we were talking to her husband when in walked President Monson. He shook everyone's hands and then went into the viewing. So, even though I didn't get to talk to him, I did get to shake his hand. He really is a prophet of God! I know that God talks to him and directs him how to run his church. Below is a picture of President Monson:

7/14/12

Once Upon a Time Season 2!!!

So, it isn't actually time for season two to start, sadly, but there is a sneak peak that was just released today that makes me so excited! I can't believe I have to wait until this fall to see it, but here is the sneak peak for you all to enjoy. And if you haven't seen Once Upon a Time then you are sorely missing out. Anyways, here it is!

6/10/12

The Moments That Matter Most

I have to thank my good friend Kristiana for inspiring this post. I read her post which got me thinking. Do we go through life too fast? Do we savor the moments that are most important? Honestly, I don't think I spend enough time enjoying the most important things in life. I'm busy with three jobs and sometimes I forget that there are important things besides the jobs. Well, anyways. Here is a video clip that shows many of the great joys in life that we get to experience and look forward to experiencing.

5/7/12

Three jobs!

Yes, I really am working three jobs right now, and I love every bit of it! I have two food jobs and a sales job. I work at Red Mango (a really good frozen yogurt place) and Teriyaki Grill. I also work at an art gallery in Salt Lake called Al Rounds Studio. The art gallery is probably my favorite job. I really enjoy my work and while three jobs keeps me pretty busy, I definitely enjoy every bit of it. Some say I'm a workaholic, but I don't think so. What do you think?

Also, here are some paintings of Al Rounds.



City Creek 


Joseph's Nauvoo


Sacred Grove

4/24/12

Bones

I've been watching Bones on Netflix, and I love it! But at the same time I hate it. Why? Because the writer has done way too good of a job keeping the viewer watching. They keep stuff hanging so that you just always want to keep watching it. It is so awful! I really wish that Booth and Brennan would just get together! That is all I am going to say. I just love this show and I recommend that everyone watch the show and try it out!
Here is a picture:

4/23/12

Got a job! Or should I say jobs!

Today I had a job interview for a job at Red Mango. Fifteen minutes after the thirty minute interview I got a call that I had the job. They said they loved me! I am so excited to have a job like this! It will be a great job!
I also called my Aunt Lisa's neighbor who owns several Teriyaki Grills in the Salt Lake county area. I called him and he immediately said that I had a job in his Draper store and I start tomorrow. I train and then work right after training for the whole night. I hope that it works out.
So, all in all, I have two part time jobs and I actually have an interview for a third possible job, but I might have to turn it down. Well, I'm excited to be working again and earning an income again. So, I'm a working woman!

4/18/12

I am proud to be an American!!

So, tonight I worked an event at the Marriott Center that was so cool. It is an event that many in Utah have probably heard about, and maybe even seen. It is called Hope of America and this was its 17th year. It is a showcase put on by elementary school children celebrating that they are the Hope of America and thanking the military who serve our country. It is a really touching event and brings tears of gratitude. It really reminded me what a great country I am blessed to live in and really truly made me proud to be an American!
Here is a picture of the school children in the flag that they make:

4/15/12

Finals... and good news!

Well, another semester is coming to a close and I can hardly believe it. College is great though and I'm so glad I'm here This semester has really kicked me in the butt and I don't know what to expect for my grades. I'll be happy with whatever I can get. I hope finals aren't too bad this week. I've taken one and have three left. Pray I do good, because I can use all the help that I can get!
It is weird to think that this time in a week I'll be completely moved out of my apartment and I'll be in South Jordan with my grandmother. I'm really excited to work for the summer and get to spend more time with my extended family. I really love spending time with my grandmother and all of my extended family. We are so close and have so much fun together and I love that!
Well, for the exciting news in our apartment, Brittany, one of my beautiful roommates, is engaged! It was lots of fun to see this all pan out from my side. She really had no idea he was going to propose last night. We were able to get her all dolled up, and she had no idea. She went over to his apartment to say hi really fast before she had to start working. When she got over there, he sang her a song he wrote and then got down on one knee and proposed. It was so cute and she was so excited! We are all very excited for her, and it is so much fun to have someone really close to me getting married. This is the first time it has happened for me. So, congrats Sean and Brittany. You really make the cutest couple the world has ever seen. Love you two!
Here are a few pictures of Brittany.




4/8/12

Easter Sunday

For those who know me well, you know I do not cry easily. It isn't that I don't feel emotion, because I do. I just don't show it by crying. Well, today I cried. I was in Sunday School in my grandma's ward and they had a lesson about the olive tree and tied it into Easter weekend. At the end of the lesson, they showed a video that really touched me and I cried. It shows events in Christ's life with a point of view of the events in relation to his mother, Mary. It is incredible. The part that really touched me was when Mary picks up Christ when he falls down the stairs and then when he is carrying the cross and falls. I love the love that is felt there. The crucifixion is a little more graphic than most movies and isn't completely accurate, but overall the movie is incredible and I feel that it represents the relationship between Mary and Christ very well.



4/6/12

Allergies!

I hate to be pessimistic, but I hate my noes and my eyes, and apparently, they don't like me either. I woke up this morning and my eyes were puffy, watery, and super irritated. I couldn't breathe through my noes at all, and my ears itched and hurt so bad. Why? Because I have allergies to almost every pollen, and they are destined to make my life miserable. So, today, I had to wear my glasses to school and I just pulled my hair up in a bun. So, today is my hobo day (thanks Shayla for that term ;D ). Well, on a more positive note, it snowed which means that most of the allergens in the air have been washed away which is really nice. I needed that. So, I was still able to com to school, and life isn't too bad right now. I just can't wait to be done with this semester. :) Have a great day!

4/5/12

Just a little humor.

Here is just a little comic to brighten up everyone's day. I have had it for a while, but recently found it again and thought I would share. Enjoy!

3/30/12

Photos

 So, I went to the Mount Timpanogos temple. I have never been to that temple before and it was really great! Here is a picture of the temple when we arrived.
Below is a picture of me and my roommates from left to right it is me, Kristiana, and Brittany.
The temple was a lot busier than it usually is, so by the time we got out it was night. Here is a picture of the temple all lit up.
Well, the temple was so great and I am glad that I sacrificed the time to go. It was so much fun and I felt the spirit stronger there than I have in a long time!

3/29/12

What a great day!

Today was just a really great day! I enjoyed myself a lot. I went to all my classes and had my homework done on time and understood everything we learned in my classes. It was so great! I especially enjoyed my church history class today. We are talking about all the great doctrine that was revealed in the Nauvoo period of the church. There was a ton that was revealed during this time, and it was crazy how much there was revealed.
Also, today I got my clicker! I am so excited that I get to finally start my new goal. I'm so happy that I already have 31 clicks and I only have had it for about five minutes. I really challenge everyone who is reading my blog to look into doing this challenge. It is so easy and so much fun! I already am so glad that I chose to do this and I haven't even been doing it for that long. For those who  may have missed the previous blog about this, the website that talks all about the clicking challenge is www.billionclicks.org. Also, my blog post that has a video about the clicking challenge is http://sarahleigh-corner.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-hate-waiting.html. I hope you decide to join me in this great endeavor!
The last thing that has really brightened my day was being able to go to the temple with my roommates. I haven't been to the temple since I came to school and I really regret this. I'm glad that I get to go now. It will be a big blessing for me, and I am so grateful that I live so close to so many temples. I have the Provo Temple walking distance away, and several other temples just a short drive away. Today we are going to the Mount Timpanogos temple. I'll share some pictures later, but in short, I'm excited to be alive, and I am so grateful to be where I'm at in life. I love life, and I love myself. I know I am a daughter of God, and I know that He loves me and I love Him. Enjoy your day and I know that you can have a great day if you put your mind to it! Here is a picture of the Mount Timpanogos temple.

3/28/12

Waiting!

So, my big goal in life right now is making my life more positive. I started the clicker challenge on Sunday after I heard Hillary Weeks talking about it, and I'm so excited to get started. Sadly, my clicker isn't here yet and it is so frustrating because I am so ready to get started. Well, I'll just have to do my part to convince others that what I'm doing is a good cause. So, in light of that, here is a video of a talk by Hillary Weeks talking about this cause and I hope that you'll give it a look. Anyways, I'm excited to begin to make my life positive and I hope you have a magnificent day!

3/26/12

#1 Movie in The World

Here is just a little clip about The Hunger Games movie, which is now the number one movie in the world! Enjoy the video, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Clicking

Above: My roommates, Brittany and Kristiana, and me with Hillary Weeks at the fireside.


Last night I went to a stake fireside given by the musician Hillary Weeks. She had a great message to share about thinking positively. She said that thoughts are the seed of action so we really need to make sure we are positive in our thinking. So, she challenged all of us to focus on our positive thoughts. She started a personal challenge to keep track of all the positive thoughts she has every day. She bought a clicker and clicked every time she thought positively. It worked for her. She found that every day was more upbeat and when things went badly she didn't let them get her down. She started a website called billionclicks.org. The goal of the website is to get one billion positive clicks recorded. So, my roommates and I bought ourselves some clickers from her website and as soon as we get them we are going to start counting our positive clicks. A quote from a notebook she sells on the website that I really like is, "Love your crazy, unbelievable, challenging, side-splitting, spontaneous, improbable, unpredictable, exasperating, big-hearted, absurd, delicious, abundant, inspiring, joyous, daring, jaw-dropping, beautiful LIFE . . . . make every moment count." I really like it and I hope we can all take it to heart and make every moment in our lives count. Enjoy your day, and think positive!
Below is a picture of the clickers from her website.

3/23/12

Movie Review

Well, the magnificent day that I have been waiting for finally came and is gone. It was so great! I had a lot of fun waiting in line and then watching the movie with my friend. The theater was a really good size. I was surprised by how big it really was. It had 12 theaters in it and they used all of the theaters to show the film at midnight. I won't spoil the show for any of you, but I do have a few things to say. It is a long movie. It was 2 hours and 15 minutes long, not really long, but longer than most movies. The other things about the movie is that it was really good. I was very pleased with how they made the movie. I was a little nervous that they wouldn't be able to pull it off. In the end, I suggest that all of you see it, and I think that you will love the changes that will shortly be coming over this blog. And don't forget, may the odds be ever in your favor!

3/21/12

Rennovation

Well, hunger games is less than two days away. So, in a few days my blog is going to get a brand new spring look. I'm excited to get something new going on, and I hope you guys like it when I'm done. If you haven't gotten tickets for this Thursday night, then I'm sorry, but it is probably too late. I'm very excited to wait in line even though we will probably be in line for about 7 hours. I'm just excited to hang out with my friends and just relax for a little bit! Well, I hope you get to go see the movie, and of course, may the odds be ever in your favor!

3/15/12

Right now next week!

So, for those of you who haven't looked at the countdown recently we are pretty much about a week away! From what, you ask. Hunger Games midnight premiere of course! About this time next week, I will be close to on my way to wait in line for the midnight showing! I am so excited! This is such a great opportunity and I am so excited to be able to attend. I hope this is a great movie. I'm also excited, because once the midnight premiere is over, my blog will be getting a makeover, so look forward to that. Have a great day, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

3/12/12

Update: THIS IS A BIG ONE!

I am transferring to BYU-Idaho. I don't think there is any reason to beat around the bush. I am not sure why I am headed up there, but I know that it is where the Lord wants me to be. I'm excited to be going home, but a little sad that I'm leaving such a great school. I'm sure that there will be plenty of possibilities and opportunities at BYU-Idaho. Now, I was a little bummed about BYU-Idaho at first because they didn't have a family history major and I was a little sad to give up something that I love so much. So, I started searching on BYU-Idaho's website for possible majors and found that they are starting an associate's degree in Family History this Fall.So, all in all, I'm heading to BY-Idaho this fall to probably start school in the winter. So, all of you readers in Idaho, I'm on my way to Rexburg again. :D

2/28/12

The Midnight Showing!

Yes! I got tickets to the midnight (well technically 12:04) showing of The Hunger Games movie and I am so excited! this should be such a fun event. Two of my roommates, my friend, Shayla, and I are all going together. It will be really fun to go with people who share my love for this series with me. I am worried at this point that the movie is going to disappoint, but I don't think it will. I guess in less that a month I will know how good it is! I'm so looking forward to this great even and the blast I am going to have while participating. I hope you get your ticket!

2/20/12

Roommates and Friends

I have realized this weekend that family is great! I love mine and I love being around them, but I also realized that I love roommates that are there to supplement that love, to care, and to listen. To trust in you and support you in your struggles, but also give advice and tell you the truth when you need to hear it. They make you laugh and smile. We cry together, but we also celebrate together. My roommates are my friends and I love it! I love being able to look forward to leaving my family now, and instead of being homesick for my home in Idaho, I look forward to coming home to my apartment just to see my roommates smiling faces again.
They are all different but so great! Kristiana is always making me laugh, but she also knows how to listen and give advice when it is needed. She is so smart and beautiful! Brittany is so enjoyable to spend time with. She is not afraid to be herself, and is always honest to herself with who she is. She is also responsible and good at her job, being the RA. Ayne is a great person to share a room with. I love the times that we have stayed up later into the evening just talking about life and what is going on at the moment. While I don't remember exactly what has been said, it is just good to know that she is willing to sacrifice her sleep to share her ideas with me.
Now, I can't write this post and not include two more people who aren't my roommates, but I wish they were. Sabrina was only originally my friend through association. She was friends with Kristi and Brittany and so, therefore, we did things together, but as we did things together I realized that I really enjoy her company. She is energetic and loves to make one laugh. She is almost always smiling and laughing and I love the cheerful influence she has in my life. And last, but not least, is Shayla. While we haven't been friends for long, it seems like we have known each other for a long time. We really have grown close and already know a lot about each other. I love hearing about her life, family, and classes. I also love cooking with her. She makes sure I keep eating healthily and that is such a good thing.
Well, this has become a lot longer than I wanted it to, but I thought I should share what a great influence friends can have in ones life. My friends, old and new, have always been there for me, and I know they always will be there for me. Friends are just as important in our lives as our families are, and at times I think they can be more important. Our families are going to be with us forever, not doubt about that, but we won't always be able to be in each others companies. So, we have friends to be there to support us as we are away from other loved ones. I believe that our Father in Heaven gave us families to become who we are, and He gave us friends to provide a support so we continue to stay strong to who we have become. Friends are the best and I love all of my friends out there!! <3

2/6/12

Hunger Games

Okay. So, for those of you who know me well, or who have been reading my blog regularly, you know at this point that I am super excited for the Hunger Games movie. I loved the books, and I feel bad that all I have talked about so far are the movies, but really I loved the books, and probably will always love them more than. I hope, I love the movies.I read these books from the very beginning. I thought the first one was a stand alone novel, but when I got to the end it says, "End of Book One", and I was pretty upset. I didn't really want to start another series, but at this point I couldn't stop. They were such a good books. So, I have followed them from the beginning and am so excited for the movie. I hope that I don't set myself up for it to be so great and be let down in the end. Well, I guess I'll have to find out, and I hope my countdown is helpful for those of you who read my blog.
This picture is currently my desktop photo, and I love that it has the mockingjay from all three books.

2/5/12

Mais oui!


Oui! J’aime le francaise! (Yes! I love French!) I know my last post was about my love of this language, but I finally feel like the language is clicking for me. It is going really great. I talked to someone in French today and I actually understood most of the stuff he was saying. Sadly though, I couldn’t respond very well, but at least I am comprehending. So, college life is going really great for me. This semester is a lot harder from me, but I enjoy it. I have to work a lot at studying then I ever had to before. That is still taking some getting used to, but I find that I like the studying. I am really getting the hang of learning the material.
All in all, life is great right now and nothing super eventful has happened. For those of you who follow BYU basketball, then you probably know that we won Thursday’s game, 83-73! It was an exciting and good game! Also, what was really cool is the student section did a flash mob. I have shared the youtube video below. Enjoy!

1/12/12

Je m'appelle Sarah. :D

So, in case my title didn't give it away, I am learning French right now in college and I love it! It is so much fun to learn such a pretty language. I am really learning how to truly study though. It takes a lot of time to learn a new language usually, and then you get into college and they really push you through fast. I have already had a test and then we dove right into the next chapter. It is kind of crazy how fast we move, but I do like the pace. The faster we move in the language, the sooner I can be fluent and I'm excited for that! Well, anyways, au revoir and thanks for reading my blog!