Why?

It's an interesting thing. Summer has been just going along for the past 2 and a half months. I mean, it's been great; I've been able to hang out with a lot of my friends, and do pretty much whatever I wanted, but over the past couple of weeks, there seem to be more and more things going on, and leaving for this trip is turning bittersweet.
I don't like missing things, and I'm afraid of what I'll miss while I'm gone. Don't get me wrong, I am STOKED for my vacation, for many many reasons, but why does everything have to turn so awesome right before I leave? Is it because I am leaving? Why can't we, generally, value what we have until it is almost gone?

I Stand All Amazed

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully he profers me.

I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,

That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.

Oh it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me.

Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me.

I marvel that He should descend from his throne divine,

To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine.

That he should extend his great love unto such as I,

Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

Oh it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me.

Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me.

I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt,

Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?

No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,

Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.

Oh it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me.

Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me.

Over the past several months, this song has come to hold immense meaning for me. It has helped calm my soul during storms in my life and always gives me more faith and hope for tomorrow. This song helps me know that I am loved, I mean the world to someone. Christ gave His life for me, even with all of my faults and imperfections. Every time I think about Him and this sacrifice, I stand amazed, filled with awe. The Atonement, Christ, the Gospel; it's all so amazing. Every time I think of or hear this song, it makes me want to be better. Maybe it will do the same for you.

Queen Victoria

Over the past several months, I have learned quite a bit about Queen Victoria. It all began in my British Literature class. While Lord Byron and the other figures of history were dull to me, Queen Victoria stood out. She was such an incredible woman. She came from a life of being told what she could and couldn't do, and she rose above it. When she became Queen, she didn't let anyone use her. And her relationship with Prince Albert, even though he was her cousin, was incredibly romantic and was one of the greatest friendships I think the world has ever known. She ruled for the people, always striving to do what was right for others, not for herself.

A new movie, The Young Victoria, does an excellent job of showing what Queen Victoria dealt with and how she came to be the Queen she was. It really is a good movie.

Queen Victoria is, to this day, the longest reining Queen.

Not Forgotten

No, I haven't forgotten about my blog. I simply don't have internet at my house, and I think of things to put on here, but then forget them before I get to my parent's house to write about them. I'm kinda forgetful like that...
Much has been going on this summer. But the most exciting thing? I'm going on a MONTH long trip!!! Ya, I'm pretty excited. :) And I'm going to be SO dark when I come home! Not to mention have totally awesome calves because of all the hiking we're going to do. 13 days...not that I'm counting down or anything.
I've made new friends, had more than my fair share of drama, gone on a blind date, hiked the Y many many times, worked at my parent's house, and had tons of fun. I'll really try to write more, and when I leave (July 21st, after my writing class, which I am SO excited for!) check back for updates on wherever I am in the country.