Tuesday, July 12, 2011

The Day I Will Never Forget

After watching the intense penalty kicks from the soccer game of USA vs Brazil, reminded me of the most memorable soccer game I was part of.

As I was travelling to Ventura/Camarillo California, it was pouring rain. I was hoping I didn't have to play in this horrible weather. By the time it was for my team to play, luckily it brightened up. So it was time to check in. This team was the All-Star team I had the amazing opportunity to be part of. I saw the team we were playing against. They were twice the size of my team. I literally was scared.

So the game started. I didn't play the 1st half, because the other goalie played. Then it was my turn to play. It was all tied for the whole 2nd half. It was already an intense game. Regulation time ended, then we went on to play extra time. The coach wanted me to play the extra time, so I did just that. It was quite the game already as it was. There was a lot of mud from the rain, so I got the best of it. Extra time ended, then came the penalty kicks.

My All-Star coach chose me to play goalie for the penalty kicks. My response was, "You got to be kidding me. I can't do this. Too much pressure." My coach gave me some words of encouragement which gave me more confidence and calmed me down. So it all started. I never been this focused in my life. I didn't hear any other sounds except for the whistle. I was in my own concentration world. It was all tied up coming into the final round of kicks. It was all up to me. If the ball went passed me, there would be a second round of penalty kicks. So hear I was standing on the goal line praying and concentrating as if my life depended on it. I heard the whistle. My eyes were on the ball. Then all of a sudden I felt my hands hit the ball away from the goal.

I was the 1st one to react with pure excitement. I couldn't believe it. We won this team who was twice our size. I felt the hero, because I knew my teammates were depending on me. It was one of the greatest feelings in the whole wide world. I will never forget this day! The day where I learned patience and confidence is key when playing goalie for the team!


This is the same season where I was elected to the All-Star Team!

Peace Out,

Laurel

Sunday, July 10, 2011

The Whits

Yesterday, I went to the most amazing concert ever!! The Whits are really amazing. I enjoyed every single minute of the concert. I fell in love with this band ever since I heard about them several months back. I was so thrilled when Amy told me they would be coming to play here in Rexburg. I made sure that nothing would get in my way from seeing this group play.

I love their stage presence and their music! Everyone is so great at what they did in every song. I love their personalities too. I had the amazing privilege to meet the band members after the show. They are some of the most sincere people I have ever met!

Rob the Drummer!

Todd on keys

The most amazing Amy! She has the most amazing voice EVER!

Me and Todd


Meeting Amy after the show!

Me and Rob after the show!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

My Family

My family is the best family I could ever ask for. They know my thoughts and feelings even when I am not expressing them. They know me best. I am eternally grateful for my parents knowing what to say at the right time which ends up helping me out. I feel the love they have for me when I talk to them.

"Home is the place where boys and girls first learn how to limit their wishes, abide by rules, and consider the rights and needs of others."

If you read this quote, my parents did just that. They taught me everything I needed to know to prepare to live on my own. They taught me how to serve and how to love all people.

My siblings really do mean the world to me. I love being the middle child. My sisters are my best friends. We can read each other's minds. I am blessed to have sisters that I am close with. We laugh until our lungs might explode. They are always there for me. They love me for who I am and the ones that tell me that they love me often! I love you Heidi and Alison.

My brothers are way fun to play with. They bring my inner kid out when I play with them. They are loving in every way. I would do anything for them to keep them safe. They mean the world to me. I love them with all my heart. Love you my little bros.

By having a loving and very close knit family, it makes life that much more enjoyable. We all look out for each other and care for each other deeply. By having a very loving family is the GREATEST blessing I can ever ask for.

FAMILIES ARE FOREVER!

Love,

Laurel

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Knowing

Knowing. It is more than the phrase, "I think." I like to share things that I Know.

I know that every trial is sent to us to make us stronger. It will be ok in the end.
I know that life is full of amazing opportunities. Partake of them.
I know that the Lord wants us to love all people. I learned how to do just that.
I know that our families are perfect fit for us and our missions in life.
I know that after all these years, I finally figured out that BYUI is the college is the one I'm supposed to be at.
I know that I was made compassionate for many reasons.
I know that I love people with all my heart and it will never change.
I know that befriending people is worth a shot. You never know who you might meet.
I know that living each day to the fullest is the way I am supposed to live. For I don't know what tomorrow brings.
I know that smiling is a curve that sets everything straight.
I know that families can be together forever. It is a comforting feeling to know that.
I know that God and Jesus Christ loves us and knows what is best for us in our lives.
I know that music is what brings people from different walks of life together.
I know that I can't please everybody, but its ok. There is opposition in all things right?
I know that my brothers and sisters are perfect fit for me. I can't get enough of them.
I know that my parents love me for who I am.
I know that my friends accept me even though I have a upbeat "crazy" personality...lol.
I know that all of you are amazing and wonderful.
I know that LIVE LAUGH LOVE has a lot of meanng to me.
I know that I love all of you!

Love, Laurel

Monday, July 4, 2011

You're Not Alone

Video Called "Not Alone" Click on this link! It changed my life for the better.

Sometimes, we may all feel lone and helpless. We often may have that feeling of that no one understands us and that nobody is there for us at the time of need. It is the devil that wants us to think that. Negative feelings never come from our loving Heavenly Father. Our good families and friends are always there for us! Especially our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They want us to turn to them. They know eveything about us and want us to feel their love that they have for us. Their love for us is amazing. Best feeling I have ever felt! 

Love, Laurel