Fall is in the air…

Crisp leaves, an eerie chill, jack-o-lanterns, witches, college football, decorations, browns, yellows, reds, and olive green colors, fall break, fuzzy slippers, hazelnut hot cocoa, haunted corn mazes, drives up the canyon, fun size candy bars, peacoats, caramel apples, baby Halloween costumes, and did I mention I love Autumn?? These are only a FEW of my favorite things about this time of year. I mean, if you find faults in fall you have to look really hard. Especially living in Logan, Utah now I actually am FEELING fall. Not the awkward I want to wear a sweater but it’s still to warm but I’ll brave it for my fashion craving. I put on the peacoat because there is that crisp chill in the air. I really don’t like extreme heat or extreme cold so fall is perfect for me.

Autumn has brought a completely different life with it also. I don’t have the school musical to keep me going, I don’t have my best friends there with me, or my family. This has been really hard on me, but to be completely honest, fall has literally helped me out.
Sometimes I’ll think to myself, “I miss home, my family and best friends.” But then I say to myself, “at least it feels so good outside, or you’re going shopping for Halloween decorations today it’s going to be ok.” As cheesy or stupid as this may sound, it truly helps me out. I’ve found, I can’t change my situation. I can’t change how much homework I get, or the fact the some things that meant the most to me seem to be nonexistent because life simply changes. But when I focus on the positive of life and the simple joys that it brings, HAPPINESS comes. It just does!

Autumn also makes me grateful for the things I have. I am grateful for…

My roommates. they are truly a joy to me, we’re all so different…but lately we’ve been working through that and I find something new about them everyday that I love. Tasha simply loves life, and is happy with who she is. Aly loves to laugh, and it’s a joy to hear her laugh. Sam’s smile is contagious, it just is. I can’t help but be happy around her. Michaela is so organized, and always has a new guy with her (teach us your skills woman! ) Kelsey is so fun to be with, we always find something stupid to laugh at and it creates the best inside jokes. I love how I can talk to all of them about the gospel. They all have such wonderful testimonies. I love you guys

My neighbors. I’ve met the greatest people at Richards Hall. True kindred spirits! Just to name a few, Mandy, Sarah, David, Lisha, Summer and so much more. I love being with and around you guys. I love feeling like Logan is actually becoming a home not just the place I live currently.

My ward. (which is also my neighbors) I could not have asked for a better ward. I have met such wonderful people. They are joys to be around, and testimony meetings are out of this world. This gospel is so true and God knew I needed these wonderful people.

My choir Latterday Voices. It’s the best thing I’ve become a part of at USU. I feel the spirit through song everyday and I just love it. We are singing such amazing songs. But even more than the music, the people I’ve met are such gems. I know they are God’s choice sons and daughters. Their love for the gospel and their joy for life is contagious and I love them.

I KNOW WHAT I’M GOING INTO FINALLY! God is great and I now know. I’m officially going into Broadcast Journalism turns out my mom, dad, aunts, and grandma always knew I should go into this. It combines all the things I just love. WRITING, COMMUNICATIONS, PRESENTING THINGS, AND MY FAVORITE CLASSY CLOTHING HAHAHA. It’s just so true though. It feels so right as well, I’m really excited for this.

My best friends from back home. Seriously, they are amazing. I have had a really hard past 3 months, and even though I’m not home, they still love me and reach out to me. Aubrey Bench has been an angel. she’s always there to listen and make me smile. Mia Zoelle randomly texted me such words of comfort just the other day and she’s there to listen. Martie Tullis what a heaven sent friend. She brings happiness to me often even though we’re so far away. Hannah Marx. Eternal besties who understand each other, she’s helped me through heartbreak and joys. Blake Burge what a guy. He knows exactly what to say when I need a smile. He is so close to the spirit and he reminds me that I’m worth something when I’ve felt so worthless. Hunter Riggs is the guy that’ll always be there. He always makes it so I have a happy great time. Noah Kuddus…just brings a smile always. we’ve got a groovy kind of “wub” bahaha I love you Noah. Jane Stowell is my best friend ever and I miss her with a passion. She's off in fairytale land...but she deserves it more than anyone. Although she is newly married and super happy she still has time for lil ol Jules and I'm so grateful for our talks. Man i miss her... She is just a gem in my life. honestly so many more friends but I can't name them all.

My family. Oh my what would I do without them?!?! My father is the man of my life He brings me joy, shows me that I’m loved, and he is the most wonderful priesthood holder I know. I would be lost without him. He makes it possible for me to go to school, I can’t thank him enough. My mother is just such an angel. She listens to my tears, joys, and every other emotion you can think of. She always knows what to say, and I love to be with her. Being in college has made me realize she raised me to be an elect lady and I can’t thank her enough. My sister Cassie is a great example and I’m grateful that our relationship gets better as the years go by. She always has wonderful advice and is sooo talented. Ashlee is just the bestest of the best. She is so funny, she constantly makes me laugh and I love her. I have a feeling we were made sisters on this earth because we were inseperable in heaven. Savannah is an angel on this earth. Her smile brings joy to a crowded room. She is a gift from heaven. Danielle is and always will be my little angel. If I’m sad, and just need some love she’s the one that will give it effortlessly. My sisters are my angels and best friends.

Now I have saved the best for last. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ with all my heart. Life is hard, it hurts, it makes you smile, and it makes you cry. BUT it is ALWAYS easier when you are on God’s side. He has comforted me, encouraged me, and taught me valuable lessons. I’ve learned more than ever that His plan is better than my own. I never thought it would be so hard to believe that, but I know as long as I stay true to that and am OBEDIENT to His will I’ll be happier than I could ever imagine. I hold onto that knowledge when life is hard, because sometimes happiness doesn’t seem anywhere near. Then before you know it, JOY not just happiness BUT JOY comes and it makes all the tears, lonely nights, and heartache worth it. I love Heavenly Father, and would do anything to return to Him.

So as you can see, I love Autumn. I love life, and I love this opportunity to become what my Heavenly Father needs me to be. Are hard times right around the corner? Yep, I feel them coming. But will I be alone through them? Heck no. Joyful times are coming as well. NO matter what happens I’m on God’s side, so I already am a winner.

So the next time you’re feeling down, sad, or even a bit angry look out the window and see the leaves, kids in costumes, the fall fashion, and smell the air. Then find something to smile about. Autumn, yep this is the beginning to a wonderful time