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April 28, 2013

My Version of Catching Up...

Staying busy with...

My semi-new calling as Young Women's President. 
This is the best shot we got. So what?

CrossFit (accomplished my goal of getting down my 15' rope climbs. and looking extremely ungraceful while doing it, which wasn't part of the goal but whatev.)

obsessing over pictures of Bostyn. obvi.

and getting ready for the Beach to Bay relay run.

Obsessing over...
Kate Middleton's baby bump. and hoping they'll adopt me next.


Taylor Swift's designs for Keds. 


gold polka dots.


Spending way too much time...
On Adobe Illustrator.


A few of the designs for the gym finally done.

Reading...
Salt, Sugar, Fat by Michael Moss (I definitely recommend it. I also recommend not letting your fingernail polish look like mine.)

Looking forward to...
A July trip to Utah (and finally meeting baby Reid), a July trip to Cali, and a September work trip to Oklahoma. 

And wondering...
How time goes by so fast. 
I was in Belize this time last year, we will have been in Texas for one year next month, and today is the 4 year anniversary of our first date. 
stop it, time.
Back when we were just babies. 

Aaaand I realized I never put pictures up of my short hair. Because Instagram runs the world now, basically. So here's what I got.


If I were a real blogger, all these pictures would be the same size. And I actually wouldn't have to be playing catch up due to a lack of blogging. But ain't nobody got time for that. 

xo
Tosh

April 5, 2013

And I'm a Mormon.

Living in Utah and growing up in a predominantly Mormon community, I always just assumed that most people knew the basic beliefs of the LDS or "Mormon" religion. Now that I'm living in Texas, I meet a lot of people who either don't know what our religion teaches, or have misguided beliefs.

Because of this, I just wanted to share a few things about what the LDS church is, as well as some of the beliefs that are really close to my heart for those who aren't familiar with what we believe.

Some Fun Facts:

The LDS Church currently has over 14 million members and is found in 185 different countries.

The number of church members outside of the U.S. exceeds the number of members within the U.S.

We currently administer humanitarian aide to 179+ countries.

At the end of 2011 (a little dated, but that's the most recent data I could find), the church had over 55,000 missionaries.

There are currently 141 LDS temples, plus multiple others under construction.

We Believe...
In Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Some have tried to claim that we aren't Christians. Our church is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I'll let that one speak for itself ;)

We believe that there are many churches and religions with very true and wonderful teachings. However, we believe that there is one true church upon the earth today with "every piece of the puzzle" as people sometimes explain it, and that is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

We believe in the Bible. We also believe in the Book of Mormon which, like the Bible, is an ancient book written by prophets who were inspired by God. We do not think of The Book of Mormon as a replacement to the Bible, we think of it as a companion volume of scripture to the Bible.

We believe in a strong and daily commitment to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and to our beliefs. We are encouraged to live our religion at all times, and in all places.

We believe in the divinity and value of families. We also believe that families are together forever.

We believe that Heavenly Father is the same yesterday, today, and forever as quoted in the Bible. Because of that, we believe that Heavenly Father speaks to, gives revelation to, and guides His children today, just as He did in the days of the bible.

We believe in modern day prophets and apostles. The prophet of our church today is President Thomas S. Monson. Twice a year, our church has General Conference which is an opportunity for the leaders of our church, including our prophet and his apostles, to speak to us in a worldwide broadcast. We believe these men are truly inspired by Heavenly Father to guide us.

My Testimony...
I have come to find that there are many who are searching for something more. There are many who feel that they live a good life, but still don't quite know what their purpose is. There are many who feel content, but want to find true happiness.

I truly believe with my whole heart that I have the answer, and that is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I know that this church is true. I know that my Savior lives. I know that there isn't a trial that I couldn't face because of my knowledge of His love for me. I know that the power of prayer is real, and that Heavenly Father hears us and that He knows us individually. I know that we have a prophet of God who speaks to us and guides us today. I know that through guidance from my Heavenly Father, I can live a life of purpose. And I know that the knowledge of this gospel can and will bring happiness, peace, and fulfillment to anyone who earnestly seeks it.

Our 183rd General Conference is this Saturday and Sunday. I invite you to come listen and learn more. 

xo
Natasha

[Most posts on my testimony and religion herehere, and here.]