Learning and Finding Hope

The following are a few thoughts I have had within the past few weeks/months that have really helped me conquer those definite curve balls life throws. I feel many times people under estimate me. They point out things such as:  “Holly is never sad”, “Holly is always so happy”, “You are always smiling”. Most of these things are true, but I am going to let you in on a little secret about dear Holly? Just like everyone else she has constant fears, worries, doubts, and unfortunately sheds many tears behind closed doors. Believe it or not the constant smile I wear is not so constant. However, I will provide the recipe that helps me over come the roller coaster of life. When I start to get in a Holly funk I remember these things and eventually it helps me come out of my stupor.

        Remember: When you are weak remember you are NEVER alone. When you are lost, scared to death, or feel like you can’t take one more step just look for the Lord’s hand and he will love us through these hard times. Look at yourself and ask…what does God see me as? He doesn’t expect a lot out of me he just wants me to do my best and that includes you too. Just be yourself because that is all you can be. Find who you are and love all that you are. Don’t judge and worry what others think. "Stop worrying about making a life for yourself. You have to eventually live it sometime." Enjoy the journey, "Have a little faith that something completely amazing is possible any day... And every now and then right when you least expect it, something amazing does happen."

All the things that break you make you strong. We can’t change the past because it is gone. These are lessons learned and we have to move on. I have learned you can’t wear your emotions on your sleeve. It just carries a BIG dark cloud around with you everywhere you go. Let’s put our big girl or boy pants on and learn something from all our experiences. My future is as bright as my faith. I know one day I will look back on my trials and see all the strength and knowledge I have gained from them. They will bless my life and help prepare for the future. 

I grew up watching the movie, “Annie” over and over. It has such a great message and Annie is such a sweetheart. This was one of my child hood role models and still is. I loved how she always looked on the bright side of things. Knowing that tomorrow would be a better day and singing how we aren’t fully dressed without a SMILE. Such true and powerful statements on how we need to face life. One particular source of comfort I’ve discovered is giving of myself. This brings a richness and dignity to my life, in spite of the troubles I endure. Service seems to provide laughter and in some form or another is ensures others to gain a smile. (I love to smile and laugh)

I know I have a best friend who will always be there to help lift the burdens off my heavy heart and supply band aids to my broken heart when I have run out. This special friend knows me and knows exactly how I feel. The pain goes away when I constantly and humbly seek the guidance and comfort from my Savior, Jesus Christ.  Through diligent prayer, trust and faith I have learned in the past I do receive answers to my prayers.

“When it hurts to look back and you’re afraid to look ahead. Look beside you and there will be your best friend. “

 

I know you will have your prayers answered, I know that you will become stronger through experience and I know that everything will be okay. Someday we will travel down a calm river where there is no sorrow or suffering felt. Have faith and trust. Sometimes that is all I am able to do is trust that the author of my story has a better ending in the current chapter I am in. President Monson: “…seek heavenly guidance one day at a time. Life by the yard is hard; by the inch it’s a cinch.

“Every tear that had to fall from my eyes, Every day I wondered how I'd get through the night, Every change, life has thrown me, I'm thankful, for every break in my heart, I'm grateful, for every scar, Some pages turned, Some bridges burned, But they were lessons learned. "Lessons Learned" by Carrie Underwood  

--Such truth and hope this chorus brings. Keep going, don’t give up. Seek the true purpose of this life and we will be blessed beyond comprehension. Let's CELEBRATE!!!

Random Thoughts!

Here before your beloved reading eyes is a list of some things I have been doing the last few days:

1) Exercise: Well well well, your beloved friend Holly has remained faithful! I am going strong on day 4! And well, I FEEL GREAT! This workout I have been doing is extremely hard, but there is just something about the way I feel when I am done that makes it all worth it. I am determined...I am going to fit back into my size 4 interview skirt! It's a done thought--I'm going to do it!

My only wish would be that the amount of brain power and energy I put into studying and homework would burn as many calories as this crazy workout! K enough about that. MOVING ON! 

2) I am trying to fix up my sister's bike since mine is home in Idaho. Gas prices are insane and well I LOVE going on bike rides. (Not to mention it is great exercise) =D

3) I talked to my Grandma Sorensen today! <3 I LOVE her so much! It's always fun to talk to her. I was actually about to pick up the phone and call her when my phone rang. It was like reading my mind! Wonderful how that worked out right!?!


4) I want to give a shout out to my best friend: Hollie Wells! It is her half birthday TODAY =D

5) Well on Tuesday I went with my friends and had Sushi!! So GOOD! Yes, I loved it very much indeed. Sadly, I am pathetic and forgot to take pictures and I even had my camera in my purse...boo! I will get better with the picture taking.

I think I had Sushi once before. I recall a memory after a state drill competition where I went to a Japanese restaurant with my parents afterwards. This place was by a Ross in Boise. And the Japanese restaurant had these fantastic chips. They looked seriously looked like those foam pieces in packing boxes.

6) K well, other than doing homework and working hard to meet deadlines I decided to curl my hair. Well, I must say I have the curling hair process down to a science. I curled my hair in about 8-10 minutes. Yes that is right. Now, lucky for you I did document this fantastic hair. I LOVE it <3 Not to mention the next day it looked even better. It had the relaxed look and well I am impressed because it survived me exercising.

7)Oh and I almost forgot! I went with a few peeps to Taco Bell (Monday) and ordered there fantastic special. They have a Dorito shell with all the taco goodness inside. It was amazing. I ate honestly a ton! I'm still not satisfied. I must go back there soon! I will give it a few more days though haha

8) For FHE this week we did an Iron
Chef where we broke off into groups and cooked a food masterpiece.
The Bishopric judged the different group's foods. And I am so proud...my group got the best tasting! HURRAY...no need to worry everyone got an award.

So...I can see your glazed eyes through the computer screen. I am totally boring you, I know I know! BUT good news I am DONE with this post as of now! Until next time--Cheers

Blessed!

The Birthday count has officially begun! Yes yes yes this is correct it is 2 WEEKS from today! 14 DAYS! So, I would just like to talk about the celebration of my birth! I was born on March 26th at I believe 12:30 pm! It was a glorious day I must say! I mean what isn't exciting about ME haha =D jk (but no really) I was blessed with the greatest family and the BEST Mommy and Daddy! They mean the world to me and I can't imagine them not in my life. So, I think I was a pretty adorable child, so I must post a picture of ME!!!

Yup that's me! My sister took this picture! I think I was 9 months. I can't believe I was once that small! Aren't those giraffes absolutely adorable?!?

 Above: My siblings at our cabin-August 2010

Left: My amazing daddy! Look how handsome he is! <3

Below: My wonderful Mommy! LOVE her!!!

I truly believe I am the luckiest girl in the world! Life is an adventure! I am blessed beyond comprehension. People come and go in your life, but there will always be one constant thing--FaMILY! I LOVE my family!

(I desperately wish my camera wouldn't have lost all my pictures over Christmas break! I had a great current family photo!)

 Here's a random most current one I had on my computer! I love these little girls (the third sister was being shy)  Sorry the family picture below is blurry. We had an 8 year old friend of my nephew's take it. He was just a little shaky. haha 

So...kind of a picture over load, but as I think of my upcoming birthday it makes me ponder my family! The people who have been there for me through everything! These are the people who made me who I am today! They have taught me how to love, how to treat others and how to laugh at myself and life. People ask me why I am always smiling and the only excuse I can come up with is, what isn't there to smile about! Life is great! Smiling makes me happy and if it makes others happy then mission accomplished. Life is too short to dwell on the hard and trying times. Face life with a smile and things always seem to turn out! (Plus I had braces for 4 years and I need to show it off right?)

Life!

O my goodness I haven't posted anything since the end of December! Have no fear--Holly is here and really there hasn't been much of a change lately! Just taking online BSN nursing classes from BYU-Idaho again this semester. I am currently doing clinical within the American Fork, Utah area. The clinic and doctor I follow are fantastic. I started at the beginning of January and I have learned so much!

Currently, I am still looking for a Registered Nurse position. I would love to find one in a hospital setting, but if I can find a home health job I will take it! I am desperately wanting to get back into the health care area and start applying my skills as soon as I can. I love working with people and having the thought that I now can do things under my own license. It makes me really excited...I want a job. I am also starting to think of places I could move to. Sadly, Tara and Sterling are moving to Logan this summer and that means I am searching for a roof. Maybe a box will do...it will be the summer right! haha jk This makes me sad because I love the ward I currently go to. I also love living with my sister and her family. I almost feel I take it for granted some days. I truly love my sister and I am TRULY thankful for my sister and brother-in-laws hospitality. I hope they still like me after the next few months. haha

Well, that is really all the things occurring in my life other than I was able to go to a conference where Sister Julie B. Beck came to speak to the Young Single Adults in my stake. It was FANTASTIC. Other than that I have experienced a lot of stress, worry, 'tears' and wonder about the future and what is in store for me. Life is hard and truly is not as pleasant as I would hope for some days. I have found though that exercising does wonders for the mind (It takes my thoughts somewhere else). My goal is to lose some weight and fit back into my interview suit by the end of March.

I read a couple talks from Elder Holland this week and they really helped me a ton. One of them had a great quote that I absolutely adore (among many), "To any who may be struggling to see that light and find that hope, I say: Hold on. Keep trying. God Loves you. Things will improve. Christ comes to you in His "more excellent ministry" with a future of "better promises." He is your "high priest of good things to come" I really love what this means. To always have patience. Trust in the Lord and things will work out. Life is too short to worry all the time about the little things. The things I desire will happen when the Lord knows I am ready. I trust in Him and know the story he writes for me is better than the one I could write for myself.

Here is the talk if you are interested in reading it...A High Priest of Good Things to Come
...and yet another...Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence
Also I must apologize...I would love for anything to post pictures of Christmas and the beginning of January BUT sadly the card decided to take a dump and lost EVERYTHING!!! So, I don't have the Christmas family picture, candids with the family and a mighty fine adventure I had with some friends up in the hills near Pleasant Grove. Oh well, what can you do!

<3 Holly

End of Year Festivities!!!

Merry Christmas!! Hope everyone had a fantastic Holiday! The Sorensen home had a great one and it is continuing! Here are a few pictures of the things we have done! I was the only one home for Christmas this year up until Christmas dinner when the company of T.J.'s Family came to town.

 First off I made 5 dozen cinnomon rolls to of course eat. I make these every year and they are quite delicious! My dad loves raisins and well...I forgot to put them on some of the rolls, so he contributed to helping me by placing them on top. I thought they were a nice touch. Thanks Daddy!

 Come December 24th we decided to take a visit to Lava Hot Springs! I have one word to describe this adventure..."FANTASTIC"! I loved every minute of it. My parents gave me a hard time because they thought it was quite funny how I was going dipping with the old folks! haha I don't mind...it was fun to chat =D Unfortuneately, no one would take a picture with me in the pools, so here is a very awkward picture of just ME! haha

 After our dip in the hot pools we went and ate at Johnny's...I very much liked the idea of not having to cook and clean up a mess! Thank you dearest cafe!

 I finally got a picture of the whole group!! And what is up with no snow...there were patches, but I was and still am very much saddened by the idea of no white fluffy stuff. I have a feeling we may not be snowmobiling up to our cabin this coming weekend!

 About headed to bed...I need to give Santa the opportunity to come and visit me! Hopefully my dog doesn't give you too much of a scare haha

 Christmas MORNING!!! Twirling around in my little black apron and showing off my cupcake maker. I have been longing for it since September! I am excited to make delicious treats with the cutest designs! I also got a NIKON camera, but it was a little hard to get a picture of the camera due to the fact that it took this picture!

 Picture with my niece! It was so fun that they were able to come and visit!

And...here are my lovely parents! I thought this was an adorable picture! My dad is sporting the beard now a days...I like it, but it doesn't look quite like the dad I am used to seeing day after day! haha I think he needs to establish the handle bar mustache personally =D

So, those are some of the events that occured in the Sorensen home! Now I think I am ready for bed...I accidentally fell asleep at 3 o'clock and I think I am more tired! And it was a good 2 1/2 hour nap...this is a perfect example why I very much dislike nap taking!

Happy Hollydays!!

Oh my goodness, oh my goodness...guess what today is???!!!! Yup that is right! It is Christmas Eve! How exciting...I must say I think this is the best time of the year. I love baking delicious food, being around my lovely family, watching Christmas classics, snowmobiling, SNOW, the whole nine yards. The list could go on and on! Although buying presents is kind of stressful. Thank heavens once they are wrapped under the tree I am reminded how fun it is to watch their expressions as they open them on Christmas Day! Which I am in the love with the idea of Christmas being on Sunday! What better way to remember the Savior on the Sabbath!

With the Christmas season being upon us I am reminded of the many wonderful things I am blessed with. The gospel makes everything so much better in life. I feel that life makes more sense with it in my life and I am a much MUCH happy person. This last semester (Fall) I took a New Testament class. We read in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and the accounts of the Savior. By really studying the Savior's ministry on the earth I came to really appreciate and long to become like the Savior. The Savior makes our burdens light and our weaknesses strong. I have witnessed this true principle within the past few months. I am constantly striving to make my weaknesses that I possess strong and I know I can do this through the Savior!

For this Christmas season I am going to "count my many blessing" I hope all who read this post (that would be you) have a happy festive season. MERRY CHRISTMAS! <3

I am so excited for tonight's many festivities. I would tell you now what we are doing, but I don't want to ruin the surprise. (and yes I DO know what we are doing) I will post later of some of the fantastic pictures I have captured thus far on my many hollyday adventures =D

Peace and Blessings <3

Catch UP!!!

Well well well...dearest Holly you have been slacking SOOOO...I must catch up on my blogging skills!

Christmas is this coming Sunday! I was reminded how last year around this time I started my blog! I am not to good at posting what is happening in my life and posting pictures. Anyways, I am super excited to spend Christmas at home this year. I made it home yesterday around 5:30 pm. haha When my mom came out to meet me I ran from her--it was the funniest thing! I wish I had a video of it. Sadily I must write about my puppy dog, Mc. She died this morning around 8 o'clock! =( Dad and I up to the cabin and buried her next to Zoe. The ground was frozen, but we were determined to make her burial site special. Mc was a very loyal, caring, and fun dog. It has been a sad day in the Sorensen home. But I guess Mc was starting to go down hill a week ago. She couldn't walk and wasn't herself. Yesterday dad took her in to put her down (Dad didn't want her to suffer), the Vet wanted to see if she could save her, so Mc had surgery. (Mc had a enlarged spleen) The vet thought she would make it, so it makes me think of the "what if", but I believe in Dog Heaven and Mickey is having the greatest time right now and frolicking with our other beloved pets.

Playing tug of war with Bugz

On our way to the Farm

Cutest little face!

Always by Dad's side while at the farm and building the cabin!

Love my family and thinking a lot about them this Christmas Season!

So, Here is a picture of me and my diploma! I GRADUATED in July! Hurray! This has been a great year! =D I took my boards October 27th and am now an offical RN. Yay ME! September 18th I moved down to Pleasant Grove to live with my sister and brother-in-law to help with the boys and get ready for my next semesters clinical rotations. (I am also taking classes this Fall semester to get my BSN. I will graduate with my BSN next Fall...what a glorious thought). I love and appreciate their hospitality and love seeing my sister each and everyday! My sister has always meant the world to me and I look up to her everyday. She has a wonderful example about herself. By coming to Utah I have met so many wonderful people. I have some of the greatest friends! It is weird to think I have friends that like me. haha This is something I am not used to. This coming January i am starting Clinical in American Fork. The doctor i am under is amazing. I will learn so much from him. I am so EXCITED!!

I am so excited to see what the upcoming year brings. I am preparing that list of New Years resolutions and while i do this I will find last years resolutions to see how well I did. I am sure I did pretty good this year! WAHOO