30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 24

Day 24: Something you wish you can change.

I wish I could fix the Clean Water Crisis. It breaks my heart the amount of people that have to drink water that looks like this and what it does to their bodies, when all we have to do in America, is turn on a faucet and we have drinkable water.

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 23

Day 23: Your favorite book

I have two.

This book changed my life and continues to change it every time I read it. I know it's such a stereotypical indie/hipster kid book, but I don't care.

This is the most inspiring book ever created. My theater teacher in high school read it to us at theater banquet and it hit me how much this isn't just a children's book. Now every time I babysit, I try and read this at bedtime and I always end up crying. For my 19th birthday when I was leaving for college, my best friend gave me this book. Then a couple months later, school and friends were really getting to me, so I decided to read this book. As I opened the book, letter fell out of the book. It was from my best friend telling me how much she loves me and how I've changed her life for the better. I have never felt more special than in that moment. I just love this book so much.

3's and 7's

So... they say death happens in 3's and 7's. So, I hope this is the end.

In October, my beautiful, sweet, amazing dog, Hanna, died of cancer.

In January, my loving, soft, sweet, and amazing cat, Miss Cleo, died of cancer.

Last week, my strong, hardheaded, gentle, inspiring, amazing grandfather, Billy Jack, died.

Last week, my roommate's 2nd cousins on her mom's side and on her dad's side both died.

Today, a teacher at my school, whom I wasn't personally acquainted with, except for having the door opened by him and the occasional smile, but who meant a great deal to a lot of my friends, died of lung cancer.

That's 3 in my family 7 from people in my close circle.

My granny, who means the world to me, was just diagnosed with cancer last week.

I know that with death comes a relief from pain and a reunion with our father in Heaven and that it isn't really a bad thing, but I pray to God that the cycle has stopped. I pray to God...

I dedicate this blog to all of those who have recently passed with love and admiration for the lives they lived.

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 22

Day 22: Something you wish you were better at.

This was really hard. I feel like, as I woman in the culture we live in, were always told that we're not good enough. Therefore, even as the strong woman I believe myself to be, there are so many things I wish I were better at.

But, I managed to narrow it down to two.

I wish I were a better missionary. I tend to feel like I'm always lacking here. I guess it's just so hard to share something that is so special to you when their is a chance the person you're sharing with will ridicule it.

And of course, singing. It seems like I never feel like I'm quite up to par in the presence of my fellow singers. I know I have a gift, but I wish that gift were stronger.

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 21

Day 21: Something You Wish You Could Forget

My brother told me when and where my niece was conceived...

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 20

Day 20: Somewhere you want to travel

County Cork- Ireland. This is where my great grandfather set sail for America over 100 years ago.

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 19

Day 19: A Picture and a Letter

Dear Meredith,

Here you are, on your first day of school, about to depart on your life long journey. As you begin your life, I want you to know that life is beautiful. It is going to suck... a lot, but you are strong, and you will get through it. Know that you always have your family and your Heavenly Father to lean on. They will always be there for you no matter what.

Also, be confident in yourself. I know you're insecure about your hair and your freckles, but they are what make you unique. You are beautiful and should embrace it. While people might make fun of it for you now, someday it will be what attracts people to you. Little kids are stupid and don't know what real beauty is.

Most of all, never give up on your dreams. The Lord has blessed you with so many talents and you should share them. Don't be scared and don't let anyone tell you that you aren't good enough. You are amazing. You are talented. You are beautiful. Never let anyone tell you any different. Stand up for yourself. And love yourself and everyone around you.

Love,

Yourself age 20