On Modesty. Again.

I've read lots of hype over a couple of (opposing) posts about modesty. Aaaaaaand, here we go again. If you missed my two cents about modesty from before, you can find that here.

I'm back on my soapbox, and you get to enjoy it today. I've seen so many perceptions of modesty that are simply inaccurate. Contrary to popular belief, modesty is not for others' protection. It is for me, and it is for my Father in Heaven. And it's necessary.

Why?

Because I made a promise to myself and to God that I would ignore the ways of the world, and that I would seek after "anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy."

Because it allows me to dress in ways that make me feel confident and comfortable, no matter what situation I am in.

Because I know that my worth is not defined in the clothes I wear, but that I have a purpose and innate worth.

Flashback to the middle and high school years, which is (whether you think so or not) still a huge reality that needs to be dealt with. I felt immense pressure to be attractive and to feel accepted. I chose clothes that matched these desires. I wore short-shorts, low-cut tops, and skimpy bikinis because I wanted the attention.

Of course I don't think that every girl chooses her wardrobe for the same reasons I did, but I do know that high school is a confusing time when being "hot" is all that seems to matter.

Today, I choose my clothes based on the morals and standards that I have set for myself. I don't wear short-shorts because my body deserves to be treated like a temple.

Regardless of the standards you have set for your own life, allow others to choose for themselves what standard they want to live by. Without criticism.

Courage.

I am at a weird point in my life that I never realized was coming. My schooling is almost over, and I am still unsure of what I will be doing after June. The question of what is next? seems to haunt my thoughts, and my fear of the future is more real than ever. 

My feelings seem to be the hardest part to control, and I find myself struggling to remember "the plan". I feel sort of small and really, really lost because the pressure of my future is coming into view more rapidly than I feel competent to handle. Even when I feel like I know what I should do, there is a wrench thrown into my plan and I am cornered again.

I think Satan is really working hard to diminish my self-esteem, and to be honest, it has been working. I feel drained. I feel incompetent. I feel lonely.

But today, I take comfort in knowing that I can put my trust in the Lord and follow His plan for me as best as I can. Courage is needed to move forward in life, and having faith in the Lord to follow through is what will guide me during these hard times.

On Growing Up and Growing Old.

My sister is turning 22 this Friday. How did this happen?!

As I sit here reflecting on our memories, I can't help but be grateful for this wonderful sister that I have been so lucky to have in my life. She has been my best friend and my worst enemy. She has been supportive. She has gotten in trouble with me. She has stood up for me even when I was too afraid to do the same for her. She has given me priceless advice that only a big sister can give. She has been brutally honest with me. She has given me her hand-me-down clothes, and sometimes her brand new ones too. She has yelled at me when I needed it, and made me into a better person for it.

Though we have had our ups and downs throughout life, it is absolutely understood that nothing will ever come between us permanently.

It is so hard for me to believe that just yesterday we were playing Barbies and dressing our little brother up like a girl together, and that now we each have our own families. Before we know it, I'll be flying my hover car to Mars to visit her for her 85th birthday! (You never know....)

Through thick and thin, she will always be one of my dearest and best friends.

Happy (almost) birthday to the best big sister! Thanks for being my friend even when I was annoying and dorky. I love you!

And for your enjoyment...

Those bangs.

Ah, the awkward years.

Tender Moments.

"Do good things today."

My sweet husband told me these words when I kissed him goodbye this morning. And though it was meant to be a simple sentiment to wish me a good day, I can't stop thinking about how I can fulfill his request.

What am I doing with my time that allows me to do good for myself? For others? For the world?

Today, I am making a change. I will wake up each morning thinking about how I can do good things, rather than keeping my mind focused on all the other aspects of my life. I will take time to help others who are in need. I will make time for my own physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. I will stand up for my beliefs and make the world a better place in any way that I can. I will show compassion and empathy for those around me. I will believe in humanity. I will change the world one random act of kindness at a time.

When I think of how I can change the world, so many specific ideas come to mind. I could help underprivileged families. I could become an activist for the oppressed. I could adopt lots of children and help them escape poverty and feelings of hopelessness. I could donate to charities. I could help the disabled. I could feed the hungry or give water to the thirsty. I could spread the gospel. I could do so many things to do good, and all of these things would be part of it. But the one thing that remains constant in all of these ideas is kindness.

Kindness is the key to changing the world. When kindness and love are our motivations, everything we do will be profound. Everything we seek will be good.

"Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes. 

"Kind words not only lift our spirits in the moment they are given, but they can linger with us over the years." 

Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Virtue of Kindness," April 2005

 Today, and every day, make it your goal to lift others up with kindness and "do good things," no matter the cost.

I am so grateful for these gentle reminders from Heavenly Father to serve others unconditionally and with love. I adore my sweet husband and his love for the Savior and am grateful for his profound words, right when I needed them.

Today I will choose to see the world differently and I will be grateful for tender moments like these.

Pictures.

So I have finally looked through my phone and found all of the pictures I took from our Indiana adventure and from our trip back! All for your enjoyment...

Plane rides...

My cousin's little girl wanted to be his friend so bad (how stinkin' adorable is this?!).

My sweet girl.

For real though, she's my dog soul mate. 

 Presents at the Bruner house.

Typical Sam and John.

Typical Miranda and Ian.

Eating Puerto Vallarta (finally).

Gah, I miss it.

He was pumped about Christmas morning.

Mike and Jeani.

<3

John was super pumped about his books.

This is our "we've been driving all day" face.

Happy First Anniversary!!

Colorado.

Anniversary pic after driving day 2 & no showers, plus being sick...

Brand new sewing machine!

He knows how to do anniversary presents right.

Classic Ian face.

Movies. We saw Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Hilarious, in case you were wondering.

Chocolate Chocolate Mint Mint ice cream... My boy spoiled me.

Happy New Year!

New curtains I made.

Aaaaand a sneak peek of the quilt I am making for my sister!

There you have it. Two and a half weeks of our lives summed up in one post. We made it through the first week of classes (well, almost). We are happy and healthy. And we are ready for this year's adventures! More to come soon.