Mountains to Climb

Today has just been one of those rough days.

You know, those days where it just feels like the world is out to get you.

And then I got onto Facebook, and saw this wonderful and powerful video.

 

 

Everybody has "mountains" to climb.

Everybody has trials.

Everybody has hard days.

No one is exempt from trials, because if we were, we would never learn to rely on our Savior and his atonement.

 

We should never feel the need to compare our "mountains"

But after watching this video, I realized my "mountains" were simply just little hills.

Little bumps in the road if you will,

to help me to refocus myself, and my life on Christ.

 

Now, with that said, just watching this video didn't make those "mountains" or "mole-hills" or whatever you want to call them go away. 

 

Realizing our faults, or our trials, does not make them automatically disappear.

There still are not enough hours in the day.

There are still plans that weren't kept.

Things that aren't finished.

Feelings of inadequacies.

There is still a long "to-do" list staring me in the face.

Your body feels like it is fighting against you.

And you may still feel like breaking down and crying.

 

BUT

 

When the shift changes from,

"The world revolves around me"

{or maybe something a bit more mellow than that}

and back toward,

"I can do all things through Christ which strenghteneth me."

{Philippians 4:13}

suddenly, you realize:

 There are still seven and a half (or so) hours left in the day!

Everything happens for a reason! (I know it's cliche)

You got A LOT done today! (hey, you got out of bed!) 

You are a beautiful CHILD OF GOD!

That "to-do" list isn't as intimidating, in fact, it's half done!

You have a body that works. Even if it may resent some of the things you do.

(like running up a snow covered hill at night)

And sometimes, it is okay to cry and let it all out.

 

Life isn't always going to be perfect.

You're going to have bad days.

But there is always someone who knows you perfectly, and your situation, and is always willing to listen.

Just a "knee-call" away.

And He is always willing to answer.

As long as you are willing to open up the scriptures and search.

 

Life is so much sweeter when you allow the Lord to work in you!



I love you, Aaaaarizona!

Last weekend I got to go home. 
To the good ol' 4054!

I LOVE MY HOME!

Arizona really is the greatest state ever, and being there with all of my family {minus Elliot :/ we missed him!} was the best!

 

 

My brothers Carter and J.D. and I drove home, all night long on Thursday. Let's just say I was a little paranoid, and did not get much rest that drive. But everything went great, and we made it home at about 5 am Friday morning, and hopped right into bed.

{little side note: I LOVE MY BED}

 

 

Friday was a fun, relaxing day. I got up around 9, and my mom and I just mosied around until the boys got up at 11, and we had a great breakfast. {side note: I LOVE HOME MADE FOOD}

 

 

That afternoon, I went back to my old stompin' grounds, the good ol' Mesa High to check out the track team. Oh how I miss the days of running competitively. I miss those nerves and the runner's high! I might even miss going to practice at 5 in the morning...okay...that's a lie, I don't.

 

 

That night my family went to my sisters house and had a super fun pizza/games/smorez/movie night. First time watching this gem of a movie for me, and I have to say, it's a classic:

 

Saturday morning, bright and early, my mom and I headed out to the institute building for a song practice.  It was great. How I've missed hearing music like that--and that's not meant to be a diss on my ward/stake, but really, no one does it like Kimball East Stake!

 

Saturday afternoon I did what any respectable 19 year old

 would do when they go home: Watch a Hallmark movie. :) I'm a sucker for cheesy love stories for sure!

 

Then my sister Candice, her husband Chris and their three kids, Kelli, Parker and I went out to the Superstitions and hiked the hieroglyphics trail.

 

 Parks and I took advantage of the beautiful weather and chilled on the mailboxes--the most prime seat in the hood, while waiting for Kel to pick us up.

 

 

 

The trail was SO BEAUTIFUL. Did I mention how much I love Arizona? Because I love Arizona. :)

We ended the hike with the best: In N Out. Doesn't get much better than that!

 

It's not a real trip without a beautiful sunset! I wish I had a better camera, but man, these sunsets are so divine!

 

Saturday night was the adult session of stake conference, and boy was it good!  The more I learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ the more I love it. The church is true!
 

Sunday morning, at 7 am, we took off for stake conference.

 {mind you, stake conference began at 9. Welcome to the Bradshaws}

 

 

Stake conference was amazing.  My dad was realeased after serving as the stake president after 9 years of service.  It was a bitter sweet moment for sure, but the spirit testified so strongly to me at that conference that our Heavenly Father really does know each of us and our needs, and He will prepare us for anything that we are called to do.  President Westergard was called as our new stake president, and I honestly can not think of anyone who would have done a better job than he will at this time! The Lord truly does know!

 

 Last picture of my dad and his presidency with the visiting authorities.

 

I was asked to accompany the choir on my violin for the musical number, and let me say, that was definitely the MOST NERVE RACKING EXPERIENCE OF MY EXISTENCE. But it went smoothly--thank goodness!

{another random side note: my hands get REALLY clammy right before I play, and it makes me more nervous, because I fear I will drop my violin or bow, but as soon as I start they dry right up, and become FRIGID. They are absolutely ice cold when I finish} 

 

 

The messages shared in stake conference were awesome, and I got to see lots of people I know and love, including a friend who had just come home from his mission!  It's super weird when people you know are starting to get home from missions--it's like you realize how old you really are! ;)

 

 

Sunday afternoon we packed up the car and headed back to Utah, making it back here pretty late, but safely.  Overall, it was an amazing trip home, and I'm SO grateful that I was able to go, and spend so much time with my family, in the promised land ;), with perfect weather!  

 

 

Oh, and then this past Thursday when everyone was celebrating Valentines day with their sweethearts, I was here with my friends from back home celebrating AZ's 101st birthday with doughnuts, oreo cheesecake, and a chick flick. What a great day for sure!