Falling.

This time of year in Provo is absolutely beautiful. Everywhere you look, you see brilliant shades of red, yellow, orange, backed with vivid green. Pictures don't really do it justice, but here's a taste of what it looks like....

In Arizona, we have a couple trees that change color, but no explosions like this... Really sets the mood for the season.

Just wanted to spread a little of the fall spirit!

Chapters Are Part of the Book.

Perfectionists like to have everything in order. At all times. In all circumstances. Perfectionists like to know what they're doing, where they're going, and why they're doing it. I thought I had a firm grip on what I wanted to do in my future. You know, change the world with my music. Guess it's not going to happen after all. I met with the director of Piano Studies to decide what I should do. Mind you, he offered to take me in as a student. That was both a huge compliment and privilege.

We discussed my current standing in piano (way below average compared to the current students), and he ranked me as "All odds are against you getting into this program." Nice stab to the heart. But I took it well, because I expected it. Most of these kids have been practicing to audition next January for the past 2 or 3 years. They are slaves to the piano. It is expected that students will practice an estimated 5-7 hours every day. Yeah, I said EVERY.

I'm not saying I don't have passion. In fact I'd like to think I have more than some of those students anyways. And I know what practicing for that long turns you into, a zombie. A robot. Everything just becomes monotonous, boring, and makes you feel exhausted. In a sense, by wanting to perfect your skills, your also lowering your desire to play. Ironic, isn't it?

So I prayed about it. I thought about it more than every 5 minutes. And I just can't see myself taking that sort of path. So I just sent out the dreaded email, that I will not be studying for the music program. And now, I'm back to square one again.

Take a good look at the quote on the right --------------------------------------------------------------------------->

Because it's my new motto, whether I want it to be or not.

Rainy Day Blues.

It's been one of those days. You know, where you work all night on an essay, remember you forgot to go to a lab the day before, get in a fight with multiple people, realize that you are on the edge of tears even before you walk out to your first class.

I'm not perfect. I try really hard to be, but I'm smart enough to know I will never come close. I think sometimes people forget that we all make mistakes and we're all trying our best. We need to be more empathetic and not so quick to anger. I know I need to work on these myself, but honestly, I have felt like the target of a lot of unjustified anger lately. Believe it or not, I have feelings too.

Funny how rain always seems to accompany these kinds of days.

Making History.

Today was the most amazing day.

I really mean it. My roommate, Destiny, and I had the opportunity to go to the afternoon session of General Conference. We were getting ready this morning, attempting to stream the morning session live (and failing miserably) because EVERYONE was trying to watch it simultaneously. We gave up after a few minutes of static, and just decided to watch it later. About 10 minutes after we turned it off, I get a call from my friend Naomi. She is just balling her eyes out, and I have no idea what she is trying to say. Finally I can make out the words, "Girls are now allowed to serve missions when they are 19, boys at 18!"
This is a huge announcement for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. For the past who knows how many years, it has been established that boys serve at 19, girls at 21. This opens up so many doors for young women and young men of the church. I know I want to go. I just barely turned 18, so I have some time to think about it. I know this revelation was inspired by God, and I know this means that the church will grow and prosper immensely in the next couple years. And I will be a part of it, what a great thought!

Jake :)

Our view, we had great seats!!

Destiny my roomie:)

We were so excited to be there.

Recently the Lord has blessed me in so many ways. His tender mercies never cease to amaze me.

I recently have been doing quite awful on my exams, and I was starting to get worried I would no pass.

The Lord shows miracles to those who have faith, however. I have gone from failing all my tests to passing 

with a B. If I do my part, the Lord does his. I am eternally grateful for his unfailing love and patience with me.

I know I have so much to learn in this lifetime, and I know I can't do it without him. 

This past Sunday I gave the lesson which was, ironically, on the strengthening power of faith. I found this 

powerful Mormon message of this amazing faithful little boy talking about his sister. I encourage you to watch it and understand the Lord gives us trials to make us stronger. The Lord does not hate anyone. He always wants you to come back to him.

Most importantly,

He will Never, Ever. Ever. Fail You.