Feeling real with Ingrid

I have never been one of those obsessed music lovers. Like I don't go to every concert I can get a hold of. I enjoy music a lot, but usually I am a lover of a hodgepodge of music; taking songs from musicians that I like and rocking out to them regularly. There are very few music artists that I really like. And Ingrid Michaelson is one of them.

How can I say this without being cheesy?...Ok, I can't. Her music speaks to my soul. Sounds pretty cliche, but I just feel that her words are so real and so true to life, especially my life.

Last Thursday we ventured to the 9:15 club in DC. With a few girlfriends, we laughed, cried, sang, and stood amazed at how incredibly talented this chick is. See above...and below. Enough said.

What is it about being sick???

That makes you want your mom a million times more?

That makes you cry about everything? Like a student touched my shoulder today and I burst into tears. Ridic.

That makes you call your visiting teacher; begging her to bring over some essentials? Thank goodness my visiting teacher is awesome and she came with abundant meds and remedies.

That makes you think the rest of your life is in shambles when in reality it's totally not?

That makes you feel guilty about not going to work when in reality you should be rejoicing because you have an excuse not to go to work?

That makes you want others to feel sorry for you? I know, I have a cough and I want some attention (hence the blog post).

That makes you sad that you can't fulfill your calling on a Tuesday night (Institute)?

That makes you want to have every human being hug you even though they may catch the same germ but you still want to risk it anyway just so you can feel the affection of another?

I know, being sick turns the world topsy-turvy. At least it has turned my emotions topsy-turvy. Wah wah wah.

I left my legs on the trail, but I finished the dang thing.

Yes, I conquered the "dang thing" aka the half marathon. The reason for the almost-expletive is because this half-marathon sure was difficult. I am still feeling the effects of it. It was a tough go. I wanted to pass out by mile 9, but I stuck it out and finished the "dang thing" (yes, thirteen miles of it). I can now cross this off of the "things I should do in my lifetime" list.

Here we are road tripping it up with the girls.

Before the race strutting my stuff...ok, my back.

Pre-race optimism.

"We can do it." Rosie the Riveter wanna-be's. You like how I threw in some history for ya?

Ryan, our "Dad" and "husband" of the trip. He came to cheer us on and take care of us. Thanks Ry Ry...

Just minutes before the race began.


And we're off. Can you find me?

Here I am at 4 miles or so...

About to collapse over the finish line...13 miles later.

Exhaustion set in. Can you blame us?

A little more awake...showing off our medals.

Ryan was pooped. After taking care of us, chauffeuring us, and being our go-to man, he deserved a rest too...but at the same time, WE were the ones that ran THIRTEEN miles.

And just looking at Ryan makes me want to lay in bed all day. Good thing I have no school tomorrow.

So for now I have accomplished the half marathon and am I crazy to admit that I may do another one again in November??? I'll keep you posted.

HIS time is not MY time

When I was back at BYU, my dear friend and I had (and still have) this running joke. Whenever we felt frustrated about boys not liking us or not asking us out, we--lovingly--made fun of our mothers' typical response, "It's not your time, dear." So whenever we voiced our concerns about the love arena, she or I would simply say, "It's just not your time." Then we'd laugh. Because we've heard it over and over again.

That phrase is still heard today and this dear friend and I still laugh about it. Because in the love department it honestly has not been our time...yet.

Yes, mom, I know and this friend knows you're absolutely and completely right. Timing truly is everything. That has been a constant lesson that the Lord has taught me and is still teaching me over and over again. I have seen this manifestation when it comes to so many aspects of my life; school, testimony, work, mission, moving to DC, relationships, housing situations, friends, and family.

It has been everywhere. I know that this is something we all struggle with in one aspect or another.

But this is what I want to testify to all of you today: the timing will surely come to pass.

For over a year I have prayed and fasted about something very specific that is a near and dear concern of my heart. And for over a year nothing has happened. I have sought the Lord's intervention repeatedly; wondering why this thing hasn't happened yet. Now, this concern is really minor to many people, but for me this has been a major concern.

A few days ago my prayer was answered. Just like that. This thing I has waited on for what seemed to me SO long, finally came to pass. A really simple thing. Nothing major. Nothing that has completely changed my life in the least.

But the Lord came through BIG time with my answered prayer. The blessing of waiting for this to come to pass finally occurred. Now, I feel so grateful to Heavenly Father for this answered prayer.

I now realize why the waiting was so pertinent to my growth as an individual. In that time, I have grown so much in my own self-awareness, my confidence, and my testimony. I have gained greater faith and confidence in the Lord that His promises will come to pass even though at the time I had not seen them brought to fruition and the promises still have not been fully realized. I have been supported by amazing roommates, friends, and family who have prayed for me in this struggle to obtain this really small blessing.

This answered prayer came in the Lord's time. And it was not my own. But what I have learned in this waiting period are lessons that will continue to bless me and hopefully others.

It may not be our time yet, but in His time it will come to pass. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father who truly sees the bigger picture and allows us to wait for His timetable to bless us.