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. 

The Year of Us.

So today was the first day of the semester already! Those breaks sure do fly by.

But it has been the best day.

I got to...
Start my New Years' resolution (aka losing weight by waking up at 5:30am to go work out).
Have my first day at DCFS.
Go to court for my internship.
Watch Friends all afternoon on Netflix at work (goodbye homework time, hello procrastination).
Make a roast.
Cuddle up with my boy.
Study my scriptures.
Work on a quilt for my sister (pictures soon).
And blog.

Like I said, this has been the best day.

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Also, last night I was thinking about what 2015 means for the Marsee family. And I realized that I want to call it "The Year of Us".

This year, we will graduate with our Bachelor's degrees. We will move (who knows where) for graduate school. We will join the "real world" and have to get real jobs. We will make new traditions and follow old ones. And, most importantly, we will grow closer together and closer to our Father in Heaven.

I want to become the wife, daughter, sister, and friend that I've always wanted to be this year. I will make an honest effort to follow my mantra, "Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved." I will become like my Savior by following His example. I will try new things. I will laugh more. I will love more. I will yell less. I will take risks, and follow through. I will enjoy life. And I will come out better, happier, and stronger than ever before. Here's to a new year!

2014 was a great year, but 2015 will definitely be one for the books! I cannot wait for all that is in store this year.

It's a great day in the Marsee home. Happy Monday, friends!

Random Bits of Life.

It was WAY too good to go home and be with family for that glorious week. But now it is all over and I am back at home and back to work.

Highlights of my week:

Getting a real mom-hug.
Doing hair and makeup with my sister.
Crying over the homemade quilt rack that my brother made me.
Seeing my dad at 4 in the morning because he couldn't wait to see me.
Watching my hubby play football with my family. Twice.
Seeing my sweet puppies.
Taking family pictures.
Seeing my cousins.
Going to the temple and seeing my brother-in-law get sealed to my brand new sister-in-law.
Spending time at the farm.
Talking with my mother-in-law and her husband.
Skyping with my dear friend (and new sister) Sarah.
Games with Sammi and John.
Seeing a white donkey. And baby bulls.
Going to the movies twice in two days.
Playing Catch Phrase with all my in-laws.
Family Prayers.
Seeing my grandma and grandpa.
Watching my little 6-year-old cousin run as fast as she could to hug me.
Sitting with my great grandma Josie.

Also,
Steak n' Shake.
Puerto Vallarta.
Ribs.
Burgers.
Gumbo.
Jambalaya.

Worst Parts of my Week:

Not seeing my girl Jessica and her husband, Tyler.
Getting some awful sickness.
Driving home.

All in all, it was a great week at home. I miss all my family already, but I am ready for a new semester with new challenges and new opportunities!

And while we are talking about new opportunities, it's time for an announcement...

I got an internship for next semester with the Department of Child and Family Services!!! I am so excited for the things that I will be able to learn through this experience.

Oh, and...

My sweet husband got a call from Kansas State to schedule an interview for Graduate School! I couldn't be more proud of that guy. All his hard work is paying off.

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In other news,

My wonderful husband and I just passed our one year anniversary two days ago. Time sure flies when you're married to your best friend.

This year has been full of magic, memories, and fun. Everyone always says that the first year is the worst, and maybe that's true, but if it was the worst then I am one lucky girl! My sweet boy has done such a good job of making sure that I am taken care of in all aspects of my life. Spiritually, emotionally, physically, temporally, and mentally. He has encouraged me when I have been afraid, he has held my hand when I have taken leaps of faith, he has been a strength to me when I have felt weak. I am so glad that everything has unfolded the way it has. I sure hit the jackpot when I married this man!

We couldn't celebrate on our anniversary because we were a) sick, and b) stuck somewhere in Kansas. Yesterday was Sunday, and we were still sick, so that means tonight is our big celebration night! I'm sure pictures will come.

PS: Sorry I "guaranteed" pictures from our trip home and didn't take any... Forgive me!

Life.

In an effort to speed-catch you up on life in the Marsee household, here are pictures of all our fun adventures.

The time we went to Coldstone and had the best dark chocolate-peppermint ice cream in the universe.

The time my sister and brother-in-law drove across the country and stopped by to see me. With their dog, Sophie.

When we actually got a good picture together.

When we went to see the lights and this huge tree was REAL.

When I bought caramel candies and he turned it into facial hair.

When we went to see the "Tree of Life" in Draper.

When we got all artsy with this picture.

When we were reunited with our BFFs and took this cute picture on Temple Square.

And when my husband was a really bad photographer, but I liked this picture anyway. 

There's more to come! We leave today (ah!!) to go home, and big things are happening. Mat and Sarah are getting married, Christmas is coming, we get to see my whole family, etc. I guarantee there will be more pictures to come. Happy Thursday, and I'll see you all in about a week.

The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer is...

singing loud for all to hear.

Or sharing your testimony and a great video about the true meaning of Christmas. So make sure to watch this video that I love so much.

Jesus Christ really is the reason for the season and I am grateful for a time to celebrate His birth. He is the Savior of the world and He truly came to this earth to fulfill that divine mission of the Atonement. I am grateful for the Father's plan and for the Savior's willingness to come here and die for me. Christmastime is full of presents, family, lights, and traditions. But it is my aim this year to not forget the first gift that was given 2,000 years ago. #heisthegift

Look here to see how people are sharing the gift of Jesus Christ this year.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Congrats on Surviving Another Semester, and all the other Holiday phrases!

Advice for the Day.

Keep your chin up.

Press forward.

Do what you can.

Don't focus on the bad.

Smile.

On Giving Up.

This semester was hard.

There were (many) times that I didn't think I could get through all that was required of me. I gave up on my homework. I gave up on my Church responsibilities. I gave up on my blog. I gave up on myself.

Well, I have moved past the point of feeling like my efforts aren't worth anything and I have come out of the semester feeling more confident and capable than ever before.

I learned that I do matter.
I learned that my thoughts and opinions are appreciated by those who love me.
I learned that "do or do not, there is no try" is wrong.
I learned that there is such a thing as "A+ for effort".
I learned that mental health (including a good self-esteem) is necessary.
I learned that failure happens to things, not people.
I learned that I can do hard things.

And so much more.

If you struggle to see your worth in any capacity, just turn to the Savior. I woke up one day and realized that I didn't want to be in the place that I was, so I changed it by focusing on what He would have me do, one day at a time. And today, I feel much better about where I am and what I'm doing.

So thank you for not giving up on my blog (or me) even when I did.

Go give someone a compliment today. You never know just how much they might be longing to belong.

Thanksgiving Fun and Such.

Happy December 1!

We truly had a great few days off. I cooked my very first Thanksgiving meal, turkey and all! It was super intimidating, but it turned out great. And let me just say: BRINE YOUR TURKEY. IT IS THE WAY TO GO.

Glad I got that out there. And just in case you didn't know, "brining" is a weird little marination process for your turkey. Here's the recipe I used, just in case you'd like to save it for next year (or if you are a turkey-for-Christmas person). 

Thaw your turkey

Find a cooler, pot, box, etc. that your turkey can be fully submerged in liquid in.

Make sure to change proportions as you need.

1.5 gallons of cool water

1.5 cups of salt

1.5 cups of sugar

thyme

rosemary

garlic powder

Mix everything together.

Let your turkey marinate for 1 hour per pound.

Put a ziploc bag full of ice on top of the turkey so that it won't float up.

In the morning, let your turkey get back to room temperature.

Rinse off all the "extra" seasoning.

Rub olive oil all over the turkey.

Put it in the oven at 325 for 15 minutes per pound = 2 hours for a 12 lb. turkey.

Then cover your pan in foil and let it cook for another hour or so. 

It was so delicious! You won't be disappointed. Promise. And just in case you didn't believe me, here's so photographic evidence of my beautiful turkey.

Okay, so now that that's taken care of, here are some highlights from the rest of my weekend.

When this cute guy I'm married to asked me to go on a date.

When we went to the Temple for our 11 month anniversary (holy cow, it's going fast) and snapped this picture in the car to show off his facial hair to his family.

When we were this excited for our game night with friends.

When it was over and we were this tired.

And of course, when I got to break out this gem of a Christmas CD all day long.

We had SUCH a great break, and now we are just two weeks from the end of the semester. T-minus one week until my sister comes to see me (surprise!), and only three weeks until I'm hoooooome (away from "home") in Indiana. I am so excited!

Happy Monday, everyone!

Oh and thanks for not giving up on my blog even when I did. Post to come on that.

Updates and Such.

And I'm back, again.

Finals are approaching quickly and I am excited for the end of another semester.

This week is Thanksgiving and I am ready to spend some time with my wonderful hubby. We are still filling out applications for graduate school and patiently waiting to see where we need to go next. One more full semester of school, then a quick spring term (six weeks), then we are DONE with our undergraduate programs. I don't think there's a word to accurately describe my excitement!

So my post today is about an article that I read.

I have read a lot of criticism about it, but I think what the author is getting at is on point.

So let's clear some things up:
1) Defending women and their rights is okay, but be careful not to cross the very fine line between defending rights and offending the Lord -- womanhood is not a downfall, it is a blessing.
2) Not every man is a predator.

At its core, the article is right about modern feminism. The line has been crossed, and many that I know who support the feminist movement are more about female power than they are equality. And even those who do seek for equality wish for absolute sameness, not an equal distribution of rights and privileges.

Another thing that needs to be addressed is the idea that all men are willing to take advantage of anyone using any means possible.  This simply is not the truth. Anyone, male or female, is capable of rape, domestic abuse, and violence. And in those cases, individuals who violate the rights of others should be dealt with appropriately. But not all men are preying on innocent women to take advantage of.

Okay, moving forward. One truth that will shine through in the end is that women and men are fundamentally different. There are physiological and psychological differences between the sexes, and that was intentional. We complement each other perfectly, and we shouldn't try to "do it all."

We are all imperfect beings who are just trying to figure out the details of life along the way, but one thing that is evident is that the Lord has blessed men and women with differences that are beneficial to us all. We need to embrace these differences and seek to build up our individual strengths to contribute to society. Sameness, as preached by modern feminism, is not the solution to these societal problems that arise in the workplace and in the home.

I think we should all promote kindness, respect, empathy, and love. That is the answer.

Life Comes in Seasons.

I've been thinking about my life and just how it has been playing out a lot lately.

It occurred to me that the Lord has been preparing me long before I even realized it. Everything that has happened over the past couple of years has been leading directly to something else. 

Exactly two years ago I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I thought I knew how my life from that point would play out.

Then the boy I was dating left on his mission.

It was hard.

Then I met the boy who was to be my husband.

I abandoned the plans I had made for myself and got married to this incredible man.

I transferred to BYU.

I changed my major.

And my life plans are completely different.

How is it that I saw none of those things coming, but the Lord knew exactly where I was supposed to be and where I was going?

Sometimes I get caught up in the lull of my everyday life, but then a moment of clarity will come and I realize that my life is changing. I go through the seasons of life and don't even take a minute to realize it until after it is over. 

I want to spend my life enjoying every moment as it comes, but also knowing that there is so much more coming.

I am so grateful for my life and for all who have influenced it. I am grateful for the past two years and all I have learned. I am grateful for the testimony I have of Jesus Christ and of His divine mission here on the earth to atone for my sins. I am grateful for missionary work, and member missionary work. I am grateful for the temple. For eternal marriage. I am grateful for my husband who continues to help me grow closer to God. There is no greater feeling than to look back on your life and love where the Lord has brought you. He has been there through my trials and my triumphs and I am so grateful for the peace He has brought me.