Waitin' on the World to Change... or Me... or God's Timing... or the Weather.

I think we all have moments in our life where we are left "in waiting." We are use to having to wait in lines at Disneyland or Cafe Rio, for someone important to call or text, or for the clock to hit 5:00 pm after a long day at work. However, we never really get use to waiting on the "next step" or next big event in our life.  Both are obnoxious at moments and sometimes impatience can set in... We just want to be where we planned in life - whether that's riding space mountain, eating a pork salad, or graduating from Grad School after a few long years.  However, I have come to learn that it's how we deal with the "waiting time" that says the most about our character and mental health.

We can't always choose our emotions.  We can't.  Anyone who says it's that easy doesn't understand the majority of people in this world.  Emotions come and go like summer and fall, but allowing those emotions to set-in and consume us is often our choice.  We have the ability to use our actions and surroundings to change our emotions.  One way to do this... service.

I recently read an amazing talk by a woman named Christy Nelson. She states:

 "Most everyone has experienced anxiety or anticipation while waiting for something. As a single adult, I certainly have learned what it means to wait. For this reason Isaiah 40:31 has come to have special meaning for me: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (emphasis added). Many of us dread waiting, but through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord tells us that waiting can actually be a good thing.

So what kind of waiting was Isaiah describing? The Hebrew word translated as wait also means “hope for” and “anticipate” (Isaiah 40:31, footnote a). To add my own interpretation, I like to think of waiting in terms of a waiter at a restaurant. In this sense, to wait on someone is to serve that person. A good waiter—or server—gives his or her customers excellent care and attention by checking in often, learning their desires, and attending to them. When I adopt this attitude toward the Lord, it adds purpose to the time I spend awaiting a particular blessing. In fact, time seems to pass more quickly when I am diligently working to serve God. Ironically enough, it’s through this work that I “renew [my] strength.”

The same amount of time will pass whether I am squandering it in anger and impatience or using it to serve the Lord and His children. Choosing to “wait upon the Lord”—or viewed another way, to serve Him—yields far more satisfying results. This choice also helps me remember that because Heavenly Father’s greatest desire is to bless His children with what will ultimately help us be happy, He will not only give me what I need, He’ll also give it at the time that is best for me."

Now, I'm not one to preach on this topic... I can be a sucky waiter.  Haha!  No, but really... I put on a good face, but I do get a bit anxious at times.  I'm only human.  However, this article and thinking on the topic these past weeks has changed my outlook just a little bit.  I have taken an approach of service and focusing on what I can do for others.  I'm waiting on others in the service attitude, rather than just meaninglessly killing time.  It's a much happier state to be in because you're constantly DOING something... I hate just sitting around waiting... it drives me mad.  Thus, an attitude of focusing on others not only blesses your life, but those you're serving... It's brilliant.

So, in conclusion, I'm gonna stop waitin' on the world to change... and go out there and change it myself.
*muah*

Song of the Day:  I'm currently obsessed with this jam - perfect to drive to and sing to as loud as you'd like.... Here is Nikki Williams with "Glowing."  Enjoy!

20 Down.

I feel like I need to record this somewhere, and so where better than your blog?  Don't say a personal journal because it's not THAT personal... no fear.  I am writing to express my deepest excitement at being another few pounds down and below my post-Germany weight... and it's 20 pounds down from last year.  I feel like I can finally post it because I've stepped on the scale and consistently seen that number.  It's the lowest I've been in a long time and I'm just ecstatic, feeling great, and super proud of taking the appropriate steps to make myself healthier, happier, and more ready for physical challenges.  I know I don't look drastically different and still wear some of the same clothes... but they're looser. :)

My muscles are more firm and I'm enjoying working out - I sometimes.... SOMETIMES... even enjoy running.  Well, that might be pushing it.  Haha!  Honestly, I prefer weight training and cardio through sports.   However, I went running Sunday just because I wanted to, and though I was dying a bit, I enjoyed the run/walk/run cycle quite a bit.  I know - shocked me too.

I feel really great about where I'm at - I'm a happy woman, and if you though I was confident before, I'm feelin' pretty dang confident now.
*muah*

Song(s) of Day:  I saw The Great Gatsby this weekend (props to Mr. Luhrmann) and loved a lot of aspects about the film.  I was not a fan of the book in HS, but I think that's because I had a hard time with disillusionment within literature because I didn't understand it in many way.  I didn't have the easiest childhood, but I didn't understand the disillusioned aspect of happenings in my life.  Anyway, I enjoyed the film and LOVED the soundtrack!  I've been listening to it like crazy all day!  Here are two songs from the soundtrack that I adore... First, Lana Del Rey's song "Young and Beautiful."  It's pensive, haunting, and beautiful.  Second, here's a more upbeat track from Will.i.am with "Bang Bang."  ENJOY!

Court.

There is one other individual in particular who I feel like I should really say "Thank You!" to in my life right now... I have MANY good friends, and feel very blessed for all of you.  I am beyond thankful for the hours and hours you spend talking with or hanging out with me.  I'm grateful for the effort you put forth in being my friends and confidants.  Eventually I will blog to ALL off you, but for now I need to say one additional thank you to this particular individual and my Heavenly Father for placing her in my life.

I just recently took the time to write about my bestie, Spence, and how he has been such a God-send for me in this past year of my life.  I also feel the same about Miss Jaegs.  She has been there for me through a lot in in the past six-ish months and always willing to spend time and effort on making me happy.  I have found a true friend in her and know that I can count on her to always have my back.  She is up for any crazy thing and helps me not look like too much of an idiot - haha!  She is great because we can have hilarious conversations about frivolous things and then have serious, meaningful conversations about life, decisions, the gospel, and how we're feelings.  It's the perfect friendship for me and she has sincerely grown to be a best friend.  I  know that I can always count on her... and that means the world to me.

Court - I look up to you A LOT!  You have no idea the example you are to me each day.  You have no idea how much I just want to be like you in so many ways.  Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life and for putting up with my bits of crazy.  Especially since half the world thinks we're lesbians... well, maybe just your mom... and those people at the Sunday party... We LOVE men.  A LOT - FYI world. :)

"In Utah, we do what we want!"

Again, I'm a blessed girl... I should be more thankful.
*muah*

Song of the Day: This is for Court, so... Here is an anthem she fixed me up with awhile back.  Here's Megan and Liz singing "Bad For Me."  Love it. Enjoy!

Spence.

Sometimes we write on our blogs to make a grand statement or announcement.
Sometimes we write in our blogs to express emotion or opinions.
Sometimes we write in our blogs to record an event in our lives.

Today, I write in my blog simply to express gratitude for the past few months.  I've been a blessed girl.  I can truly affirm that Heavenly Father knows WHAT we need WHEN we need it... I truly hate waiting on the Lord's timing (sorry - it's true), but I know He has it figured out for me better than I have if figured out for myself.  This past few months, what have I really needed?  A solid, genuine, trustworthy, loyal, and real best friend.  I've just needed someone I can really 100% talk to about anything and who supports me and vice versa - no matter what.  A friend that stands up for me... and makes fun of me when deserved (Habatchi - need I say more? Nope.). A friend who can make me laugh when I'm upset or calm me down when I'm being irrational.  I have that right now, and that's pretty awesome.

In a hard time he says...

"I don't want to be human." 

My reply...

"Well, zombie is much less attractive... but I'll see what I can work out for ya."

Our convo on the matter...

"Zombies are awesome.  All they want is to eat brains. I could live with that. No heart = no pain."
"And no excitement either... You'd cease to be witty!"
"That sounds like a fair trade though."
"Well, not for me.  Sorry - I need a best friend.  No zombie-life for you."
"And that's why I wouldn't make the trade.  You're welcome."
"Thank you for not becoming a zombie for me."

How awesome are we?  Yep - you're jealous.  Sorry, but... thou shalt not covet.
Our friendship is pretty epic.

I have the best friend in the world.  We understand each other in a way no one else can - on both sides.  It's a bit scary how much we think alike.... We're not the exact same - we harbor differences and different opinions or interests.  However, we THINK alike and just get each other without even using words.  It's pretty amazing - and I just needed that right now.

*Dropping me off*

"Hey, well I'll see you..."
"Just everyday for the rest of our lives."
"Yep."

Sidenote:  Can we take a normal picture?!  I think not.

I'm a lucky girl.  I just felt like I should say, THANK YOU.
*muah*

P.S.  Sorry if this at all seems somewhat sappy - I'm just grateful.  I think it was fine till the song, right?  Eh - oops. Hahaha....
P.S.S. Also, I think the song might be slightly about Jesus... I'm not in any way trying to steal the limelight - FYI. :)

Song of the Day: Without getting overly sappy, I think this song fit appropriately for this entry.  Here's a little Boyce Avenue and Michael Jackson with "Will You Be There." Partake in both or whichever video makes your heart happy... Personally, well, I jam to both.  Enjoy!

 

I Said THAT?! #Oops.

Round 587 of quotes..... ENJOY.

"I need people to back up so I can back-it-up!" - Linze

"I sustained them from the pool." - Linze
"We sustained them from the pool-pit!" - Spencer
*Crickets while I we alone died of laughter...*
I thought it was really funny. :)

"Have you heard of Temper Trap?" - Linze
"The temperature?" - Spence
"Temper Trap..." -Linze
*Taking his earphones out completely* "I thought you said, 'Do you have the temperature app?!'"

"We can sing ALL of the Wicked soundtrack!" - Linze to Spencer
Together: "... AND MARK CAN'T STOP US!"

 "Hell, Damn, Shiz, Bi%*@!" - She shall not be named, but it was CLASSIC! Clean that mouff out, girl!  Hahahaha...

"This is dangerous...." *BOOM* - Spencer
The chair back collapsed.
"Be careful poolside!" - Mama Minnick

"I guess my butt just needs to go in the crevas..." -Spence

"This is slow as Moses!" - Spencer
".... Molasses???" - Linze

"You can't ribbon to this - you need whips!" - Spence

"I'm going to therapy before I come up there." - Spence
"Oh ok.  Well, take all the time you need." - Linze
"By therapy, I mean tanning." - Spence

"I can do this ALL DAY!" - Derek and Cami... and now me... and all because of THIS:

"Man everything is quoted off pinterest.... God is Pinterest.  Quote Him." -  Yours Truly during RS...

"He didn't know how to spell commitment... That's why it's all jumbled together up there." - Court

"I'm not trying to be unspiritual, but all I could think of was damn and douche...." - Truth.

"Don't say my name!  I know who I am!" - Leslie :)

"If you're a polygamist and you can't get married..." - Mark

"You could catch-up..." - Linze
"I'm sorry. I can't hear you over the 20 points that separate us!" - Natalie

"I'll be Hitler." - Ashleigh

"They have peanuts to munch on." - Michelle
"They have what?!" - Me.

"Do you want a ratio?!" - Spencer :)  (I love that he's my best friend - hahahaha!)

"Maybe I could bloom here?!" - Linze

"Fine. You don't have to wear a suit." - Spencer
"Damn straight I don't have to wear a suit!...... Sorry.  I get feisty on Sundays." - Um, me. :)

"First World Problems." - Spencer

Speaking of first world problems, check the video my brother sent me... I love him.

Well, that gave you a good glimpse into the last few weeks of my life... It's been a good month.
*muah*

Song of the Day:  Well this should be SONGS of the day... Here are some of the best jam-out songs of 2012 in ONE!  Yep - In an epic remix.  Here is "Pop Danthology 2012" with a myriad of amazing jams - check it! (The video is REALLY cool too!)

Patience is More Than a Virtue

It's typical for girls of my age(ish) and generation to get frustrated on the lack of male participation in the dating world.  I often hear amazing women/girls say how they feel like they're on the right track and just waiting for the boys to step forward and "do something."  They are doing everything they can to further themselves educationally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  However, they can only do so much before a guy has to step in and make a move. However, I had a few thoughts about this for all those older young, single adult girls out there...

1 - Perhaps it's about patience and faith for a different reason than talked about previously.  We talk about how girls our age just need to "be more faithful" and really just have trust that everything will work out - I agree... and it will.  However, perhaps it's not as much for US personally as it is for our children.  This can go for the guys side as well when you're actively pursuing options and just not finding a match - In fact, all these points can apply to both sides... I'm just gearing thoughts more toward girls right now.  We're going into a time that's getting progressively harder and harder... and maybe we need to understand patience so clearly in order to understand our children clearly. Perhaps our faith is tested so we can help our children when their faith is really tested... so we know how to walk them through the feelings and situations.  At the same time it DOES help us grow, but it can then bless us in multiple ways.

2 - I was listening to a CES Fireside by Elder Bednar and his wife this morning as I got ready for the day... He talked about "not shrinking."  He told a story about a couple who had just gotten married and then the man found out he was deep into having cancer.  When Elder Bednar came to visit this couple, he felt impressed to ask him a bizarre question. "Do you have the faith to NOT be healed?"  Sometimes I have the habit of saying, "Okay, Heavenly Father... I submit my will to you completely   You can make what I want happen on your own time."  That's not real, true submission.  I thought it was, but I realized today it's not.  I have a sneaking suspicion that I'm not the only person who has thought this way.  True submission is saying, "Heavenly Father.  I'm on your time table AND plan for me... If what I want doesn't happen, that's okay... because I know your plan for me it ultimately better."  That is HARD!  I tell you... especially for an independent, "I-can-do-this-myself" kind of girl.  However, it's how true faith and submission works.

Thus, here is a dramatic example... I truly believe that I will get married and have kids in this life.  I'm not concerned about it in the long run.  However, I need to be able to say that I'm okay if that doesn't happen, because that will be the right thing.  Therefore, I am okay with that in my life.  I'm content to let the Lord completely lead me - no matter the outcome(s).  Again - this is a dramatic example and I'm sure it'll work out in this life for me (and most of you), but I needed an example to relate to this point.

3 - A few weeks ago I saw Sheri Dew speak at an Institute Forum and she made this comment: "If all the prayer and righteous deeds in the world could get you married, I'd have been married awhile ago."  This wasn't said in a cocky way in the least... It's more like a reality call to stop beating yourself up.  If you're making good choices and doing good things, sometimes it's just not TIME yet.  I hate that answer too.  Haha!  However, it makes me realize how aware HF is of my needs personally - He knows me SO well.  He knows YOU too.  You'll be thankful when the right when comes along, or you realize who the right one is, and you're still able to be with that person.  You'll be so overwhelmingly thankful how it all went down - promise.

I know. I know. This all said from the single girl who has had very few boyfriends in her life... but I still think I can know and speak truth.  Hear me out... It'll all work out.
*muah*

Song of the Day:  I went down to St. George with some friends for the Macklemore concert... So fun!  Thus, here is a song from Macklemore and Ryan Lewis called "Gold" - it's one of my faves.  I'll post pics of the trip later in the week.  Enjoy!
 

I am NOT a Utah Name...

... Not that there is anything wrong with having a "Utah name," but I am most definitely NOT a Utah named child.  My parents didn't get creative and choose a cute name then spice it up.  I mean, I'm spicy enough without a spicy name.  For real.

My name belongs to my great-great-grandfather.  Yes, grandfather.  Linze was a popular boy's name in The Netherlands many, many years back and it just happened to become more a girl's name over here in the US.  My parents liked the family name, and therefore, I became Linze - spelling and all.  My grandmother's name is Kate.  Thus, when my parents were naming me I carried forward BOTH of their names and became Linze Kate.  The two names compliment each other quite nicely, and I'm excited to thank my great-great grandparents someday for sharing them with me.  I am Linze Kate.

The unique spelling is different, like me, and it fits me perfectly.  Seriously - its perfection with my personality.  It was no random, creative act - I'm tied to it in lineage and tradition.  I just wanted to express this somewhere.  Haha!

Now, for your comedic relief...


Did you see how they ALMOST used my name?  Yep - not quite.
*muah*

Song of the Day:  I currently have an obsessive love for this song.  Here is Olly Murs with "Troublemaker."  Enjoy!