My Shoelace Testimony

My heart's full, my eyes itchy, and my spirit at peace. Tonight was closing night for the Microburst Theatre Festival. I've watched all five performances this week, each time nervous and excited for whatever would come. All the actors did a fabulous job with the play scripts, though I may be a bit biased (shout out to Michael Comp and Jacob Swain in Shoelace)! Words can't express how touched and humbled I am at how a moment in my past has helped and informed others today, right now. How powerful is that? How awe-inspiring?

Granted, along with bearing my testimony through Shoelace, came the unprecedented worry and doubt of the audience's reaction. More so than any time I've bared my soul on the pulpit. But guess what? Each time Shoelace began, the Spirit settled on the audience and in me. Each time Shoelace ended, the Spirit calmed and electrified me, as well as the audience. It was palpable, and I'm not being some weird, theatre hippy haha. The audience's applause felt genuine each time Michael looked up, with the unspoken question so clear, "Who am I now?"

I am grateful for my past, present, and future. I am grateful for my struggles I've encountered up until now. Though I wasn't the typical 'BYU' student, I was a woman with questions about my worth, testimony, and value. I was confused, but hopeful in finding those answers. And, man, those answers only came through a harrowing journey. I remember the first time I tried praying after he left...My heart recently broken and my words unsure of themselves. I remember feeling myself split in two as soon as I kneeled next to my bed. Who was I to pray? Who was I to break up with this man? Who was I to love him? Who was I to choose a temple marriage? Who was I to want the Gospel and, at the same time, give it up? Who was I to question God's existence? Who was I?

Courageously ask, "WHO AM I?" and then forge ahead with bravery to find the answer. That is my testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

handmade dough and 729 days of married life

Guess what. I'm waiting for my first EVER handmade and hand kneaded dough to rise. Just about another half an hour of waiting and feeling my tummy growl. What delicious dough is rising, you ask? CINNAMON BITE DOUGH, THAT'S WHAT. Recipe here. Not gonna lie, the recipe is pretty much a beast and I'm very brave for tackling such an endeavor with these new baker hands. But it's gonna be balla, I'll tell you what. (:

Zac's working today until after midnight (boo) and I have the whole afternoon to myself to be a true blue wifey-poo. hahaha (: Laundry washing, kitchen cleaning, bedroom picking-upping, living room reorganizing, and book reading are all on the agenda for today (as well as blogging, because, you know, all wives do that). I'd love for the house to be spit-spot (ew) clean for our 2ND YEAR ANNIVERSARY tomorrow! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? I, for one, cannot.

If you can think of any ideas for our joint blog post tomorrow, let me know! Zac wrote a guest post last year on this here bloggity blog and I'd love for him to write another one tomorrow. (: My ideas are kind of slim, one being writing a letter to the other about this last year of being married. If you have any suggestions, leave a comment. We're gonna see Gatsby tomorrow (eeek!!!) and eat dinner at Black Sheep Cafe. PUMPED.
More pictures to come shortly of my masterpiece baking experience. (:

bravery deserves pizza, i think, and i like snails

I AM THE BRAVEST BRAVE THERE EVER WAS.

Good news! I have my last year of college squared away and settled. After running around on 6 hours of sleep like a crazy madwoman, I am pleased to inform anyone and everyone that today, I handled my huge to-do list like a pro. :] AH YEAH. Just little details now and that will happen later on in the week. :] High fives all around! I love feeling accomplished and productive. Especially when it could mean not graduating on time. hahaha :]

I am celebrating by reading the three books I picked up from the library: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams (again), and Matched by Ally Condie. Enjoy these pictures, as they made my day much more enjoyable.