Childhood Memories

I thought I would share with you some of my childhood memories! :)

1. When I was the age of 2 or 3, I got into my parents car and somehow made it roll backwards out of the driveway.

2. My oldest sister always wrote these plays and made me be in them. Somehow I always ended up being the Male role...

3. When I was in the 2nd grade, my older sister Heidi who was in the 5th grade wanted me to catch her as she was hanging upside down from the tree. She landed in my arms and rolled out so fast, her face landed on the trunk of the tree. Wasn't funny back then, but now we think its hilarious.

4. I used to play with bugs and worms. And I used to chase other girls with worms too. Yes, sounds mean, but it was fun at the moment...haha.

5. My everyday attire would consist of sports apparel of some sort. Whether it was a jersey, hat, shoes etc...

6. I pretty much convinced myself that I would be a Professional Soccer Player or WNBA player. Didn't happen.

7. One of my favorite memories was when I was at a family reunion. My cousin and I would sneak off early in the morning and go to the lake and watch the sunrise and skip rocks. Later we fell asleep in the hammock and woke up after everybody was already up.

8. In the 6th grade, I joined the City league for soccer. Started off as a midfielder then ended up being goalie. My team went to the playoffs and I was chosen as one of the two goalies for the All-Star team. Most memorable game was when my All-Star team beat this other team who were twice our size via penalty shootout at the end of the game. I made the last save. It was awesome.

9. My favorite pair of shoes were of Jurassic Park. They lit up cool colors.

10. Basically, everybody that knew me can confirm I was a tomboy. Hated curls, wearing pink, loved playing in the dirt and being outside pretending I was a ninja of some sorts.

You Just Never Know

A lot has been happening in the past little while. I only had about 2-3 semesters left to graduate with a BA in Sociology from BYU-Idaho. I had to differ several semesters due to some circumstances. To be honest, I wasn't motivated at all with my major after my first year. In my eyes, I just wanted to graduate quickly so I can go and serve a church mission. While I was at home differing a semester, thats when I realized that Sociology wasn't for me. So I tried to change my major to Exercise Science. They rejected my petition. So that left me in a hole. What was I wanting to do now? Finishing the Sociology degree was out of the question. Then the school changed my major to General Studies without my permission. So thats when I knew my days at BYU-Idaho were over. I didn't want a General Studies degree. It wouldn't help my future career goals one bit. Then I started to look at different schools to transfer to, so I can study in my field that I wanted to be part of. I was literally lost and confused. Where was I supposed to go? I had no idea. Then the thought of serving a church mission came to mind. But I ignored it, because I wanted to finish school first. Then the thought kept on coming back stronger than ever. I thought to myself, "No way. Not yet. Its not my time to serve a mission yet." Then again, came back even more stronger. Then I finally had the urge to pray about and to see what happens. I always wanted to the Lord's will in my life. Thats when I got the answer. This is the time for me to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Its amazing to me how my desires and the Lord's will for me goes hand in hand. Its a perfect fit. The last piece to the puzzle. I learned in my life, that my timing in things are different than the Lord's timing. The Lord knows us in every way possible. He knows of our sorrows and happiness. He is always near even though you can't see Him. He is always there to help us. He wants us to succeed. He would never lead us astray. I learned how to put God and Jesus first in my life. I do everything for them for they are the ones that gave me gifts and talents to become what I have wanted to become.

Now starting on September 19th, 2012, I will be a full-time missionary. I am so excited. I chose to serve a mission, not because I was told to, but only to serve the Lord and the people in the California, San Diego Mission. I am willing to put my life on hold and set everything aside to serve. I have been blessed in so many ways that I see it fit to give 18 months out of my life to serve. I will always glorify in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and Their work to bring souls unto them.

Live, Laugh, Love

Love,

Laurel G.