Time for an Adventure

It is adventure time! And no I'm not talking about the television cartoon.  Tomorrow, I begin my trek across the United Kingdom!  I leave from the Salt Lake City airport tomorrow at eleven and arrive in Scotland at 2 o'clock the next day.  I still seems unreal to me.  A few months ago, I would have never dreamed that I would be doing anything like this.  I am leaving the United States to go on a hike across another country, leaving behind my computer, my wardrobe, my family to focus on my writing, getting to know the people in my group and embracing a new culture.  I have never been so ecstatic! However, I already miss Utah!  When I first started college, I didn't expect to like Utah.  Compared to Washington, I saw it as dry and hot and brown.  However, Utah actually has seasons.  Unbelievable right?  The mountains are magnificent and the colors are beautiful in the fall.  The winter is bitterly cold but it looks like a winter wonderland.  In the spring, the temperature is perfect and the sky gets really blue.  I have never lived in Utah in the summer but I'm sure it is great.  This school year has been amazing.  When my freshman year ended, I thought I would never have a school year as good as that one.  I met great people, I had a great ward, great roommates and made so many memories.  However, this year has been just as, possibly more, wonderful.  The people I met were the best!  Everyone was so kind, funny and had wonderful personalities.  Anyway, there is a purpose to this tangent.  It seems to me that it doesn't always matter where you go but who you are with and what you learn.  Though I am about to leave to United Kingdom, I will miss the people back home, especially my family.  Still, I am so excited to embark on this grand journey across the English countryside for the next two months (and then to Paris for three days)!  I won't have a computer so I don't know the next time I will have internet so this might be the last blog post until I get home.  I can't wait to tell of my tales when I return. Au revoir! 

A Reason to Smile

When life becomes stressful and circumstances aren't turning out the way you hoped, it can sometimes be difficult to find a silver lining.  If we are unable to find a positive detail within a matter of moments, we tend to give up and the negativity finds it easy to cloud our minds.  In these times, I encourage everyone to find a reason to smile because I promise you can always find one.  President Gordon B. Hinckley once said "In my ninety-plus years, I have learned a secret. I have learned that when good men and good women face challenges with optimism, things will always work out! Truly, things always work out! Despite how difficult circumstances may look at the moment, those who have faith and move forward with a happy spirit will find that things always work out.” We live in a world of comparisons.  We constantly compare our lives and ourselves to those around us.  I believe that is the quickest way to poison self-esteem and belief in self-worth.  When you are having a hard day, count your blessings before you mourn what you don't have.  You might find that you will forget your hardships amongst your blessing counting.  One of the best ways to rid yourself of negativity is to give someone else a reason to smile.  More often than naught, the people you come in contact with are facing their own hardships and need a little pick-me-up.  Today, when I was walking to class, two girls stopped me on campus.  They asked if they could ask me a few questions for one of their classes.  After their interview, one of the girls said "You are such a wonderful person and I am so glad we got to meet you."  To be honest, I was caught off guard at first.  I was amazed at how sincere she sounded. With all the stress of finals and everything else that life brings, I was so grateful to this random girl for giving me a reason to smile.  If you serve those around you, you will find true happiness in your life.  Keep your head up and find a reason to smile :) Here is a super cute video of a person who shares his smile with everyone.  I could learn some lessons from him!
It is a little long but worth it!

 

As a Christian

In light of today being Easter, I thought I would explain what being a Christian means to me.

Yesterday, I had the amazing opportunity to go to the Festival of Colors at the Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah.  A few friends and I drove to Spanish Fork from Provo and participated in the religious ceremony.  When we arrived, we bought colored corn starch that looked like chalk and gathered by the Krishna Temple with thousands of other people.  At the beginning of the ceremony, we were told the story of Krishna and the history of the religion.  Then we were taught some religious chants and, on count down, threw our colored chalk into the air.  We all became engulfed in a cloud of color that stained our clothes rainbow.  We looked so cool!  Here are a few pictures from our experience :

                                                                                  

 Though I am sure I will be sneezing and coughing rainbow forever, the experience was totally worth it!  As we walked back to our car, we happened upon a commotion that quite disturbed me.  A man, holding a yellow sign with black letters, was shouting at the people passing by.  He exclaimed that those who participated in this ceremony could not consider themselves Christians.  His protest took me back.  What about the ceremony caused this man to be upset and make such absurd accusations?  True, this religion has a different belief system and God than I do but why should that matter?  They believe in a higher power just like I do.  Though our beliefs differ, we both believe in coming together to worship.  I was thankful for the opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture and learn about their lifestyle.  Am I not a Christian for feeling this way?  Absolutely not, of course I am still a Christian.  The Eleventh Article of Faith (if you are not familiar with this term, visit this website http://mormon.org/articles-of-faith!) says "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."  As a Christian, I am commanded to love my neighbor and not to judge others.  Who I am to judge others on their beliefs if I want my beliefs to be respected?  Everyone worships in their own way and based on their own beliefs.  As a Christian, I want to be accepting of others and learn all I can about the people and cultures of this world.  This world is a magnificent place if you open your eyes to the beauty of its people.  We are all God's children and He loves us all equally.  Jesus Christ came to save ALL men, whether they are Christian or not.  So when someone says Christianity constitutes abstaining from learning about and accepting God's children, I would have to disagree.  Being a Christian, to me, means filling your heart full of charity for your fellow men.  See the people around you as God sees them and you will find love for every person you meet.

Today reminds us of the most glorious miracle; the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  As a Christian, I know that Heavenly Father sent His son to this Earth to bring men unto Him.  As a Christian, I know Christ came to atone for the sins of men.  As a Christian, I know He was crucified as a perfect being.  As a Christian, I know He rose from the dead three days later.  As a Christian, I know my Savior lives.  Sometimes I wonder how all of this can be.  How could God send His son to die for me?  Why did Christ agree to come?  They have a indescribable love for us, to put it simply.  I truly stand all amazed that Jesus Christ would descend from His home on high to dwell among imperfect men and then die for them.  His sacrifice was the ultimate sacrifice of love for His Father's children.  After He suffered for every sin, mistake, unhappiness and burden, He gave His life on Calvary.  Today, we celebrate His return on the third day.  He broke the bonds of death and set all men free.  Sometimes, I don't think we realize the significance of that miracle.  Christ rose from the dead and through His sacrifice, he seals the promise that we can do the same.  I cannot wait for the day when I can kneel at His side and feel the nail prints in His feet, hands and side and cry thanks unto Him. I am so thankful for this Easter Sunday and for the opportunity to rejoice in Christ's resurrection.  As a Christian, I know my Savior is our perfect example.  He is my brother and my ever constant companion.  He fills me with a peace and a hope that encourages me to follow Him and find everlasting life.  As a Christian, I know my Savior lives.  As a child of God, I know my Heavenly Father and Savior love me.  As Paige Whitney, I know I am never alone for they will always be in my corner.  I wish everyone a wonderful Easter, filled with thanks for Christ's ultimate sacrifice and glorious return.

My Family Tree

I have a new obsession and it is taking over the strict homework schedule I set for myself this week.  Family history is the best.  Family history has always been on my interest list but I have never gotten around to it.  Now, I haven't done any of my own work yet but I have been studying the work that my family members have done and I am falling in love! I learned that I have some Native American ancestry.  I mean, I have an ancestor named New Moon so that is awesome.  I also have an ancestor named Peter Parker....so I'm related to Spiderman.  I'm related to Scottish, Hungarian, English, French, Swedish, Polish and Norwegian royalty.  I always knew I was a princess, I could just feel it.  However, nothing compares to finding that I can trace my ancestry back to Adam (like first man Adam) on my dad's side! Crazy! This line goes through Joseph of Arimathea, Mary, Jesse, David, Noah, Abraham and all the way back to Adam and Eve.  I almost started crying when I saw "Eve: The First Woman".  It was so amazing. There were so many names that it is hard to believe I am related to all of them.  I have a really big family.  As I was walking around BYU campus today (this may seem weird) but I was observing all the people around me and a voice entered my head that said "These are my children".  The experience I have had learning about my family has taught me that we are all family because we are children of God.  We all have roots that go back to Adam and Eve.  I love seeing all the names and realizing that these are REAL people not just names on a computer screen.  I am so thankful for the family I have and for the opportunity I have to keep them forever.  I don't think there could be a greater blessing.  So go and research your family history even if it is just a few minutes here and there!  I promise it will be time well spent.
I wrote a poem for my creative writing class last semester about family history so I think no is the perfect time to share it!

The Home Among the Trees 

                                                                                                           

Sheltered by the shadows

The home among the trees        

It has long since been abandoned

But still protected by the leaves

To think of all the hands

A single tree could hold

For every branch, a hand

A family to unfold

To think if only one day

The house were found again

The secrets come unlocked

The Past, our forgotten Friend.

Each ring on every stump

Each vein on every leaf

Behold, the line of Adam

The blood of fairest Eve.

Though now the house is empty

The trees are growing still

Though now the house is empty

The trees are growing still

Belated Valentines Day

I know that Valentines Day has come and gone but it is one of my favorite holidays so I can't put it on my post back burner.  I LOVE VALENTINES DAY.  My fourteen year old sister's birthday is on Valentines Day so this holiday has always had a good connotation for me.  To me, Valentines Day is centered around family.  In my family, we have red and pink mailboxes and through out the month we leave little notes or treats in them.  It is so much fun!  On Valentines Day, we celebrate Raegan's (my sister) birthday and, at night, we have a candlelight dinner. I think a lot of people dislike Valentines Day because they see it as "Single Awareness Day" and don't realize that you don't need to be in a romantic relationship to enjoy this holiday!  Celebrate the relationships that you do have instead of mourning the ones you don't!  I love that we can set apart one day to make sure that we show our love to our families and friends.  This year I had such an amazing Valentines Day!  I absolutely love making valentines.  You get to use different colored construction paper and make any kind of card you want!  I was able to make valentines, receive them, make yummy pancakes, send a package to my family, receive a package from my family (that included a grow your own boyfriend) and hang out with some wonderful friends.  How can you not love this day?  You don't have to spend money to make it meaningful.  I wish everyday felt like Valentines Day.  I mean, why can't it?  It shouldn't be hard to show our loved ones how much we care about them.  Why not make everyday lovely?  I found an awesome quote that I am going to use to make sure that everyday is a good one!

I am blessed to have so many people in my life that I love and that love me.  This Valentines Day made me really miss my family but also made me realize how lucky I am to have them.  I love them so much!  I have so many wonderful friends who mean so much to me.  I have met some amazing people this school year and I am so happy to have them in my life.  So, next Valentines Day, don't dread it because you are single or whatever your reason, enjoy it!  It will become one of your favorite holidays if you do, I promise!

Late Night Poetry

This past weekend has been so uplifting.  There were so many wonderful talks at stake conference that left me feelings content with where I am in my life.  Last night, however, I found myself slipping into disappointment with a few situations and I began to be frustrated with some of my circumstances.  Luckily, before too much damage was done, I caught myself.  I was being so ridiculous! I had just had an amazing weekend and within in a couple of hours, I had forgotten everything I had learned.  I remembered Sister Bednar's talk and when she said "Enjoy where you are in your life".  I thought about what in my life made me happy.  As I thought, I began to write.  Writing always seems to lift my spirits and gets me out of my head.  I ended up writing a poem about a child speaking to Heavenly Father.  I felt the Spirit really strong, testifying to me that everything will be alright and that i should be happy with where I am.  Here is the poem I wrote; I hope you enjoy it!

The Father and His Child

“Father,” said the child with longing eyes of blue

“What will my life be like the day that I leave you?”

The Father took His child up and set him on His knee

“Oh but don’t you know my child that that shall never be?”

“But Father,” said the child “is that not what you said?”

“I’ll go to Earth, for a time, and return when I am dead?”

The Father took the child’s hand and put it to His face

“For a time, my darling child, you will leave this place.”

A single tear began to fall as the child cried,

“But Father, I ask you please, don’t make me leave your side!”

The Father wiped away the tear and said in all his glory,

“My blessed child, don’t you fret and listen to my story.”

“I love you more than you could see, more than you could know,”

“I have given you a gift, you see, if you will let me show.”

“This gift will let you laugh and play, let you jump and run,”

“And you will be just like me when all is said and done.”

“You shall have hands to feel and eyes to look and see,”
“Ears to hear and lips to speak and a mind to help you be.”

“Be what?” asked the small child, as he hugged Him tighter still,

“To be what you can and will become, to be and do my will.”

“But how can I do your will, if you will not be there?”

“How will I act or live or think, if I’m not in your care?”

“Oh sweet child,” the Father soothed “You surely sound confused,”

“I will be there to hold you tight when you’re hurt, broken and bruised.”

“You may not see my face or sit upon my knee,”

“But still, you will hear my voice, and you will know it’s me.”

“And what about my brother? Will he be with me too?”

“Of course He will, my little child, for He will die for you.”

“He will also come to Earth, like you, and teach about my plan,”

“And he will die, upon a cross, for all the sins of man.”

“And with his blood and his tears, this promise we ensure,”

“That you will always belong to me, and I’m forever yours.”

The child looked up and wrapped his arms around the Father’s neck

“I promise Daddy, I will try to make it safely back.”

The Father kissed the child’s head and while they were alone,

He held the child close and said “I will bring you home.”

Why I Chose BYU

When I was accepted into BYU, I didn't really think about why I wanted to go to this school.  I had wanted to come here my whole life and I wanted to be in a LDS environment.  Over the past year and half, my reasons for choosing BYU have become clear to me.  First, it is amazing being around young adults that share my beliefs.  I love be able to talk about the gospel in any situation.  The people at this university, more specifically the people in my ward, have truly strengthened my testimony through their examples.  Second, I love that I can feel the Spirit while gaining secular knowledge.  In all of my classes, we start off with a prayer and sometimes we sing a hymn.  Whether it be French or Astronomy, I feel the Spirit in all of my classes.  Third, there are so many spiritual opportunities at BYU that you can't really find anywhere else.  This morning, I attended the adult session of stake conference.  Elder Bednar was presiding.  Just having him and his wife in the room brought an amazing spirit.  His talk was phenomenal.  He talked about agency and the promises we make when we make covenants with the Lord.  He promised us the same strength that the Prophet and Apostles receive.  What an amazing blessing!  After he spoke, I was able to shake his hand!  I was really nervous and almost started crying when it was my turn to meet him.  He and his wife were so sincere and I felt their love simply through their smiles.  This was my first time meeting an Apostle and it was amazing.  A few weeks ago, President Uchtdorf spoke at a CES fireside, last year President Monson spoke at morning devotional, Elder Oaks has spoken at two firesides and Elder Nelson spoke at a fireside as well.  It is such a privilege to be able to hear the Lord's Apostles so often.  I cannot imagine being as happy as I am at any other school.  I have made amazing and unforgettable memories here and I am so thankful for all of the blessings this school has brought me.  I know that this is a holy place and that the Spirit resides here.  I know that this Gospel is true and that this is the true and living church.  I am so thankful for my Savior who has provided me with the ability to become clean and live with Him and my Heavenly Father again someday.  I am so thankful for personal prayer and revelation and the peace and strength that I receive on a daily basis.  I am thankful for all the blessings and trials I have been given in my life and I look forward to serving my Heavenly Father until I meet him again!  I am so blessed to have the knowledge that families are forever and I am thankful for the wonderful and loving family I have been given.  I know that the restored church is on the earth today and I know that we have a living Prophet who gives us direction from God.  I love this gospel so much and I bear my witness of it in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.