This month is a month of thanks! There are so many things I am grateful for. Since there are 30 days in November, I am going to list 30 things I am thankful for. Here it goes:
1. Shelter
2.Clothing
3. Women's Professional Soccer and the USA Womens Soccer Team. They have taught me so many lifechanging lessons. They are all amazing in so many ways.
4. Music. Can't live without it.
5. Jesus Christ and what He has done for me.
6. Friends and having close relationships with them.
7. Food. Yummy..lol
8. Laughter and Smiles. Makes my life that much brighter.
9. The ability to find joy in the journey. (Thanks to the USWNT for teaching me that)
10. Living in a country where freedom is cherished.
11. Family. They mean the world to me and they are the best fit for me.
12. Inspirational quotes.
13. Opportunities to perform on stage.
14. Jewelry, specifically rings.
15. Ability to show love to those I care about and Vice Versa.
16. The ocean. Its basically another world.
17. Rollercoasters! Gotta love the adrenaline rush.
18. Feeling happiness and joy.
19. Able to feel peace and comfort when times are hard.
20. Trials. Not because they are desireable, but because they have taught me how to love people beyond measure.
21. Good, heart-felt movies.
22. Technology. So i can keep in touch with friends/family who are far away.
23. Serving and helping others.
24. Being alive. Life is full of amazing experiences.
25. Mountains and seeing all of the wildlife.
26. Having the attitude of gratitude.
27. Sunrises/Sunsets
28. Animals. 29. Christmas and the happy feelings that come from it.
30. All 4 seasons. I love them all.
LIVE LAUGH LOVE
Love,
Laurel
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Yesterday
Yesterday was a really rough day. It all started at 5am in the morning. I was sleeping in the family room, because I fell asleep watching some Netflix. Then the phone rang and woke me up. I looked around and saw it was dark. I asked myself, "Who would call this early in the morning?" My dad answered the phone. My heart began to race once I knew who was on the phone. From that phone call, I found out that my cousin Eric passed away early that morning. I couldn't believe it. Tears starting to come out. It took me 2 1/2 hours to fall back asleep. Once I woke up, I was in disbelief. I didn't want to believe that my cousin left the earth. It was just too hard to even think about. I know he is with my family and watching over everybody especially his family. He was the one that made sure that the Lakers won over the Jazz. (I'm the Jazz fan and Eric is the Lakers fan) He was the one that brought shining light into my life and also extra excitement as well.
When I woke up after receiving the news concerning my cousin, I called my employer and found out I wasn't able to work the job that I just got hired for anymore. Yes, it was a terrible rough day. At the same time, I learned so much from yesterday.
-I learned that everything happens for a reason.
-I learned that life is to be lived, not taken for granted.
-Tell those you love that you love them, for you never know what may happen tomorrow.
-Be grateful for what you have instead of those things you don't have.
-Be happy as much as you can. You never know who is watching.
-Live each day as if it might be your last.
-Everything may not work out the way you planned.
-When given a trial, don't be depressed too long. Look at the benefits from it and what blessings you may get from it too.
-Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ knows what we are going through and are always there for us.
Landslide sung by Backbeats This is a link for the song that brought comfort throughout my hard day. It is so beautiful. If the link doesn't work, you can search it on youtube. I promise you it is really worth it.
Love,
Laurel G.
When I woke up after receiving the news concerning my cousin, I called my employer and found out I wasn't able to work the job that I just got hired for anymore. Yes, it was a terrible rough day. At the same time, I learned so much from yesterday.
-I learned that everything happens for a reason.
-I learned that life is to be lived, not taken for granted.
-Tell those you love that you love them, for you never know what may happen tomorrow.
-Be grateful for what you have instead of those things you don't have.
-Be happy as much as you can. You never know who is watching.
-Live each day as if it might be your last.
-Everything may not work out the way you planned.
-When given a trial, don't be depressed too long. Look at the benefits from it and what blessings you may get from it too.
-Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ knows what we are going through and are always there for us.
Love,
Laurel G.
Monday, August 29, 2011
California Trip
So I took a vacation to Southern California 3 days after school got out. It was so much fun. For the first week, I stayed with one of my besties, Kim. Her and her family are so nice for me to stay with them. I stayed in Santa Paula where I grew up throughout middle school and the first part of high school. Kim took me to the beach 2 days in a row. SO much fun!! I loved every minute of it. Being there reminded me why I declare the beach my 2nd home. That is how much I love it! It is like a whole new world surfing the waves! It is just you and the water. Nobody else.
On the way to the beach! Yay!
2 of my besties! Kim and Mayra! Love you all!
Yup! :)
"I can fly"
Sorry Kim. I had to...haha
Perfect
Mayra and I. Love that girl.
Guess who is who. Ready...go.
On the Ventura Pier. Windy day.
"You're here. There's nothing I fear."
I just barely noticed I'm wearing an Ireland shirt while posing with the American Flag. Awesome.
My new friend. I call him Earl.
Right after I got flipped by a huge wave. This was the last picture I got from the trip because the sand got into the camera lens..lame sauce.
On the way to the beach! Yay!
2 of my besties! Kim and Mayra! Love you all!
Yup! :)
"I can fly"
Sorry Kim. I had to...haha
Perfect
Mayra and I. Love that girl.
Guess who is who. Ready...go.
On the Ventura Pier. Windy day.
"You're here. There's nothing I fear."
I just barely noticed I'm wearing an Ireland shirt while posing with the American Flag. Awesome.
My new friend. I call him Earl.
Right after I got flipped by a huge wave. This was the last picture I got from the trip because the sand got into the camera lens..lame sauce.The day after the beach, Me, Kim, Mayra and Kiely all went to 6 flags. Talk about a day full of adrenaline rush. We went on the Goliath, Scream, X2, Deja Vu, Log Jammer, Jet Stream, Ninja and the Gold Rush. Seems like we went on more, but I can't remember. I LOVE rollercoasters. As much as I love being around people, there were people at 6 flags who were keep on staring at me. You know that scene in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" towards the beginning of the movie where that main actress just stopped and stared at the hot guy at the diner. Yup, that happened to me. No idea why they were staring at me. But if I must give a reason, I just can say they stare at me because of my height. Has anybody out there ever seen a 5'11 1/2'' woman? No idea. But that is my guess. That night, Kim, Mayra and I met up with Lauren at Bjs. I think it is called that. AMAZING food I might add. And apparently we were celebrating my birthday too. Oh How I just love those girls. So much fun to be with.
That Saturday, I got to spend the afternoon with family from the Green side. Haven't seen them in ages. It was so good to catch up with them. I love them all dearly.
Then on Sunday, I went to my old church. It was so nice to see people I haven't seen in awhile. I loved it. Then I spent more time with Kim, Lauren and Mayra. Did I mention I love them all? Maybe, but saying that again doesn't hurt. We played games and watched Shark Week.
Then I met up with my aunt Jamie and cousin Maryn at the LA temple visitors center. From there we went to OC where my extended lived. We went to Sunrise Beach. I love it. We also went to the OC fair. I also got to spend a night having fun at Disneyland and California Adventure. My aunt Jamie is so funny. She recorded these guys on the Tower of Terror because they were screaming like girls. Made my day when she did that. I got to go on Splash Mountain twice and I really didn't get wet on both times so during the midnight ride or Splash Mountain, Aunt Jamie was keep on splashing me. Maybe I had something to do with it by starting it...lol. Oops. ;) Also got to go on Pirates, Ariel, California Screamin, Indiana Jones, Jungle Cruise, Haunted House and my favorite, Space Mountain. I felt the need for speed. One of the workers got me and group all fast passes after all the passes were sold out. She will be forever blessed. Then on Friday, I got to visit more family. Pam, Jim, James. Sarah and Jon and their cute family. Got to eat yummy food. Then I went back home on August 6th. This is a vacation I will never forget.
Love, Laurel
Friday, August 19, 2011
LIVE LAUGH LOVE
Live Laugh Love. You may notice that these three words all start with the letter L. But it has a whole new meaning. These three words have changed my life for the better. There is a quote that involves these words. "Live every moment. Laugh often. Love beyond words." Of course this is a simple quote, but if you ponder after awhile you might figure out how it can help and change people for the better. It helped me greatly when I took that quote into action. Lets break it down.
First is LIVE. When I was younger, I thought that life wasn't important until I experienced some difficulties that caused me to get sick a lot. It was hard to bare. I thought I was alone and that nobody was understanding of what I was going through. It reached to the point where I had to ask God for help..which I should have done in the first place. This is where my biggest lesson I ever had began. I learned not to feel bad for myself. It lasted for awhile and I was just feeling miserable. Nothing was getting better with that. So after awhile, I learned to be happy of what I was going through. Not that it was desirable, but of what I may have learned from it. Trials are tough, but with the help and Love from God, it can make our trial(s) easier to endure. Living every moment has changed my life. Life is short. So I decided by doing good deeds for other people are very important and it teaches us to LIVE every moment.
Second is LAUGH. I believe that Laughter is the best medicine for anything. It creates a good time. Sometimes I can't stop laughing to which the point my ribs hurt and I can't breathe. What do you think about the word laughter? I hope its good, because its the best thing ever in my opinion. Especially when you know of someone that has an infectious laugh which makes it even better. By Laughing everyday or often, it creates a beautiful thing for life. It sure does make life easier to live and helps our trials a lot. I love laughter.
Third is LOVE. What do you think about when you hear the word Love? Some of you may think of your significant other, family, friends, or even chick flick movies. Whenever I think about this word, I think of loving people beyond measure no matter who they are whether. It changed everything for me, when this became a habit. I believe that this good habit will never leave me because its just who I am. I love all people. Its a beautiful feeling to love them. People are my drug. I am addicted and I love to be around them which creates my love for everybody. That might sound strange, but its so true. By having love for people and wanting them to have joy in their lives is life changing. There is good to be seen in everyone. Imagine what this earth would be like if people started to spread more love to one another. I often imagine what it would be like, but until the contention is gone, I just keep smiling and say Life is full of amazing opportunities that we can be part of. Life is short so might as well make it amazing and have love towards other people no matter who they are.
Well, this is my little thought for the day. I hope you enjoyed it. Please comment or give feedback. Love you all!
Love, Laurel
First is LIVE. When I was younger, I thought that life wasn't important until I experienced some difficulties that caused me to get sick a lot. It was hard to bare. I thought I was alone and that nobody was understanding of what I was going through. It reached to the point where I had to ask God for help..which I should have done in the first place. This is where my biggest lesson I ever had began. I learned not to feel bad for myself. It lasted for awhile and I was just feeling miserable. Nothing was getting better with that. So after awhile, I learned to be happy of what I was going through. Not that it was desirable, but of what I may have learned from it. Trials are tough, but with the help and Love from God, it can make our trial(s) easier to endure. Living every moment has changed my life. Life is short. So I decided by doing good deeds for other people are very important and it teaches us to LIVE every moment.
Second is LAUGH. I believe that Laughter is the best medicine for anything. It creates a good time. Sometimes I can't stop laughing to which the point my ribs hurt and I can't breathe. What do you think about the word laughter? I hope its good, because its the best thing ever in my opinion. Especially when you know of someone that has an infectious laugh which makes it even better. By Laughing everyday or often, it creates a beautiful thing for life. It sure does make life easier to live and helps our trials a lot. I love laughter.
Third is LOVE. What do you think about when you hear the word Love? Some of you may think of your significant other, family, friends, or even chick flick movies. Whenever I think about this word, I think of loving people beyond measure no matter who they are whether. It changed everything for me, when this became a habit. I believe that this good habit will never leave me because its just who I am. I love all people. Its a beautiful feeling to love them. People are my drug. I am addicted and I love to be around them which creates my love for everybody. That might sound strange, but its so true. By having love for people and wanting them to have joy in their lives is life changing. There is good to be seen in everyone. Imagine what this earth would be like if people started to spread more love to one another. I often imagine what it would be like, but until the contention is gone, I just keep smiling and say Life is full of amazing opportunities that we can be part of. Life is short so might as well make it amazing and have love towards other people no matter who they are.
Well, this is my little thought for the day. I hope you enjoyed it. Please comment or give feedback. Love you all!
Love, Laurel
Saturday, August 13, 2011
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!
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Peace Out,
Laurel
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!
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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
"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
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
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
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