{make a difference monday} week 2

It's time for another make a difference monday! I'm so thankful for everyone who has participated so far! Don't forget to post about it with the hashtag #moorelightandkindness or tag me at @moorelightshine_blog

This weeks challenge is even easier than last weeks, it may take a little more thought and time, but I promise it will be fun in the end. The other nice part? It's 100% free and absolutely anyone can do it. 

The 2nd challenge is to choose a family member or friend and spend a little extra time doing something they love with them. 

For mine I decided to play basketball with my brother. It ended up being a ton of fun and I was so glad I did it! It was so good for both of us! The cool thing about these challenges is they may stretch you a bit, but you always get back so much more than you put in!

How will YOU share kindness today? I can't wait to see what you come up with!

{filled to the brim with gratitude}

My heart is super full of thanks. 

Lately I've been thinking about how even though there are so many hard things in life, it is so so full of joy and amazingness. 

I'm so grateful for all the little magical moments that come together to make such a beautiful existence. 

When I tuck my 5 year old sister in at night. 

When the sun shines just right and everything glows. 

When I laugh so hard that I start to cry. 

When my brother or sisters go out of the way to do something kind for me. 

When I read my scriptures and I just know this whole gospel is true. 

When my whole family has a dance party in the kitchen. 

All these moments, plus hundreds more, make me wonder how I got so lucky. 

I'm so so thankful for the gospel. It is the anchor in my life. It gives me hope and it helps me focus on the good in life. Without it I would have no direction or purpose in life, I would be lost. But because of the wonderful gift of the scriptures and living prophets I know that I want to make good choices so I can live with my Father in Heaven once again. I find so much comfort in the fact that my Savior knows my pains and afflictions and that He is there to help me every step of the way. I really can't express my full gratitude for the gospel. From the wonderful programs it has allowed me to participate in (seminary and youth are some of my favorite things ever!), the great friends it has introduced me to, the fun activities, the way it has helped me in my darkest times, the way it has helped me make good choices, the joy it has helped me to find, the way it has helped me grow my testimony and faith. The gospel has truly blessed my life in so many ways, from the littlest things to the hugest, I see it's influence everywhere. 

I know this is a classic, but I am so grateful for my family. Sure we have our disagreements and sometimes I just want to go somewhere and be alone, I really could not ask for better people to learn and grow with during this mortal existence. I know that families are a gift from God and they are a vital part of his great plan. I'm grateful that my family is willing to laugh with me and be silly, that they think of little things to do for me, that they want to spend time with me, and that they put up with all the things I do that must drive them crazy. I love going on adventures with them and little moments that mean the world to me. Like when my mom dances in the kitchen with me because I love the song that's on. Or my sister lets me snuggle her when I put her to bed and we read stories together. When my brother brings home flowers for me just because he was thinking of me. When my dad lets me listen to my favorite radio station on the way to seminary. Or when my other sister makes an elaborate note and leaves it on my pillow. I couldn't imagine going through life with any other group of people and they inspire me daily to become a little better. 

I'm grateful for friends and the huge support and blessing they are, especially friends who only have good clean fun and that laugh with you until you are all crying. I'm thankful for this beautiful earth and it's stunning beauty. I'm grateful that I get to live in a country with so many freedoms. I'm grateful for a hot chocolate and warm blankets. I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to write on this blog and share what is important to me. I'm grateful for so many things I can't write them all! 

I know that no matter what happens in this life there is always something to be grateful for. I always feel weird when I write something about how thankful I am because I never want to brag or create the illusion of a perfect life because trust me, everyone on this planet experiences pain and sorrow. But I have such a strong belief that there is always a way to find joy and be grateful.When we choose to live a "glass 1/2 full" life light seeps into our days and we realize all the incredible things we have to be happy about. 

Happy Thanksgiving! What are you grateful for today?

cool to be kind

I was sitting outside the other day when Ri ran out. She had changed into cuter clothes because she wanted to do an photo shoot. And as any good photographer knows when a kid asks to be photographed YOU DO IT! Because that is a pretty rare opportunity;)

She's pretty much a natural model. I told her to do whatever and she told me to style because I was the photographer. I mean how can you say no to that? So I posed a few shots, but by the end she was doing her own thing periodically smiling when a good shot came. And man is she good at coming up with these things. I loved the climbing tree pose because it was all her idea. It had to be a little uncomfortable, but she just kept sitting there smiling away. Gosh I love that girl:)

I'll stop gabbing now and get on the pictures......

Ok, one last thing. I just wanted to point out the message of her shirt. I love it. Cool to be Kind. SO so cheesy, but so so true. It is always better to be kind. And while it might not always be the "cool" thing to do, it will always pay off in the long run. You will never think back and think I wish I was more unkind. And about the cool thing- are you ever really going to catch up? Don't take this in a bad way, but no one can ever really catch up with what is "cool." When you master one thing than it will change to another. It is exhausting and frustrating. So just give up on being cool and be you. Make kind the new cool:)

“We can all be a little kinder, a little more generous, a little more thoughtful of one another. We can be a little more tolerant and friendly.." (Gordon B Hinckley)

 Love the 2 different socks:)

 That pose cracks me up. She's ready to take one the world;)

The crossed legs are killing me- she did that on purpose. 

Gotta love this amazing girls spunk and sweetness. She's pretty amazing and I feel so lucky to call her my sister!

NEW Blog Button!

Shout out to all the wonderful women out there, I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day! I am eternally grateful for the influence my mom and all the other amazing women who have impacted my life. I know that the work you all do is more important than anything else in the entire world. I am so grateful for the love and amazing example my mom is to me!  Keep being the amazing Christlike examples you are!

You may have noticed a week or so ago that I added a blog button to my side bar.... that was terrible. <sigh> After reading lots of online tutorials I tried it and it failed. The little box wouldn't show up, the picture was super shrunk and it was hard to read. Well fear no more! I finally got a new one! I super duper appreciate anyone who put the first one on their blog! It means so  much to me, especially since I know it wasn't super convenient, since I didn't have the code easy to grab.

How did I finally figure it out? This grab button builder helped me SO much! All you have to do is put in the information and it works! Then copy and paste the code it gives you into a HTML widget and the little box beneathe it + the button pops up! It was magic;) haha but really it was SO easy!

Also this week I plan to add some other blogs' buttons to my sidebar. There are some pretty amazing ones that I have been meaning to add so watch out for that!

Have a great day!
-Shelby

PS: Check out the new let's connect page at the top.

I'm dreaming of the beach...

I am in full countdown to the end of school mode. It's almost over!!!!! Ahhhhhhh! So as I daydream of things to come and think about trips past I want to share some pics. I barely posted anything about any trips over the summer, but I just uploaded all my phone pics so now they are super easy to get to. So yeah, there's not much more to it. I don't know if anyone will be interested but I want a distraction from homework to visit a little bit of memory lane.

So first up on the docket: Rosemary Beach Florida, Fall Break 2014

All iPhone pics because I forgot my camera. SERIOUSLY SHELBY?!? You forgot your camera on vacation?!? yes I will admit it. Actually thinking back I could have brought it but the sand made me so nervous! So thanks for being there for me old iPhone..... And don't worry most of these pictures are pretty ok. I've weeded it down a lot!

My dad grew up playing baseball and my brother is a baseball addict. And I guess it's some rule that you should bring your baseball glove to the beach. Whoops I forgot mine.... but it's probably okay since I haven't touched it in like 3 years or something like that;) Anyway we were stopped at a gas station after a few hours of driving and they went to edge of the parking lot and starting tossing. 'Cause like what else would you do?

 This was me pretty much everyday (except usually in my bathing suit and coverup) We rented bikes which was super fun. Also those sunglasses were my favorite. These are my only pair now- summer goal get some more;) These are like my favorite ever and they were a super deal because I got them for like 3 dollars. Idk if they actually protect from the sun, but they look cute and haven't broke so they work in my book;)

 Beach volleyball is my new favorite. Just not sure how to move the beach to ky haha. Anyway it was super fun because you could dive and it doesn't hurt at all. I look really unprepared but I promise I got that one:)

 The sunglasses again....take me back to the beach!!!

 Fall break fell over conference weekend (posts about past conferences here) so we got to listen to it on the beach! It was so spiritual to hear God's prophets surrounded by the beauty of nature. The beach was pretty empty that Sunday morning so it was mostly the sound of the waves and seagulls, warm sun, and spiritual goodness.

 This was the coolest pathway thing. It was so cute. I should have gotten a better pic, but I took this while riding my bike past so I consider it pretty good;) I got teased a tiny bit for "texting and biking" but really I'm only addicted to pictures not texting haha

 I think this is what I looked like.

 "Let's touch all the palm tree plants while we bike! Can you do it B?)

 Perfectly lined up palm trees. This makes me happy. Took it while biking...I've got skill ;)

 We biked to this donut truck that was adorable!

 The sun was really in our eyes.

 Sorry about my finger. But color makes me really happy so these blue chairs and everyone playing in the distance brought a smile to my face.

it was pretty adorable and yummy and how can you not take a picture infront of it? Especially when you are on a bike and have on pink sunglasses? 

 This was the ceiling in a tent/store thing and it was so cute! The adorable garland thing is made of string with ribbon tied around it! When you go there you can tie a piece on and it is so cute! Totally on my bucket list!

 Sorry for this super blurry picture but it only lasted a second and it was super fun. I absolutely love renting one of these and trying to stand, riding the waves, and going out super far. We started to go out to this sandbar thing but then we started seeing weird things and chickened out:)

Little girls in tutus on bikes in cobblestone streets. SO. MUCH. CUTENESS!

 The last pics are super blurry but we went to the beach one last time. And it was exhilarating to go at night. The wind was blowing my hair in circles and the ocean was pounding in majestic power. It seemed to go on forever and ever. As we said our last goodbyes you could feel the power that nature held. It was almost sacred in a way. On both sides as you looked along the coast you could see millions of tiny lights. But as you looked out at the ocean it was pitch black. A never ending darkness. Crashing and roaring. Under the peaceful and tiny, yet peircing light of billions of stars. It was indescribebale. The power of nature and it's creator stood out to me and made me feel tiny in a glorious way.

 The next morning we left. We left the ocean and the sun and the beach. We left their power and their peace and the joyous memories they bring. We left a little bit of the wonder, wimsy, and laidbackness you save for the beach each year.

(I think I'm going to end this like you would end a book. it just sounds kind of dramatic but I like it:)

And we returned to this. A different kind of beautiful. An ordinary beautiful filled with vibrancy and the fabric that makes life life. A this filled with happys and sads and frusterations and joys. But a this that was amazing still the same. A this that we tried to find the happy in. A this that was normal, but good. A this that seemed to become dull but then threw surprises like crazy. I this we sometimes hate but really love. A busy this. A crazy this. But we brought some wonder back. We brought some happiness back. We brought some amazing memories back.

And all of that from every trip, everyday, every little thing, is what makes my now.

And I love it

uplifted & inspired

Conference was pure amazingness.

I just realized that was almost 2 weeks ago. Wow. That went by pretty fast. But it has stuck with me throughout the busyness.

As a slowly reread all the super inspiring talks, the importance of defending and growing close to family, the Savior's love and grace, being a light and example, and so many other important principles stick out to me,

I have been trying so hard to apply what was said in conference. I've been trying to read my scriptures and say my prayers more consistently. Aside from the broader areas it has helped me specifically too. Once a month members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints fast for 2 or more meals, we fast for a reason. I woke up especially hungry and thirsty, but I knew that I wanted to fast. After printing out Elder Erying's talk and reading about the blessings and importance of fasting it helped me have the strength and determination to keep going. While this was a tiny example it really shows how conference can impact our lives.

My favorite talk (it is super hard to pick a favorite! They were all so good!) was Elder Holland's. I loved the story about the 2 brothers. It is such a comfort, a humongous indescribable peace and blessing, to know that the Savior lives and loves me (and each and every one of you) and will never let us fall. I can just see the scene between the 2 brothers, but instead I imagine me falling and the Savior's arms. No matter who you are or what religion PLEASE read this talk for me?

I could write pages and pages about how much I loved conference and how I feel so uplifted and inspired, ready to tackle the world and become a better person. Please don't take it from me though, go read a talk or 2....... or all of them.....preferably all of them:)

-Shelby

Ideas for celebrating Easter

This Easter week, I am really trying to focus on the Savior and I thought you all might like to know what I am using! It is so important to focus on the Savior all the time, but especially close to Easter as we try to understand everything he did for us.  A lot of times it seems like Easter is a one time deal, where as Christmas has a whole season. Easter represents so many glorious things, the Atonement, the Savior, the Resurrection and all that was made possible because of them, so why does it get less attention?

I am totally referencing this GREAT resource! It is geared towards family activities, but it can be easily used for just you. The thing I loved most was how it had scriptures for each day and things to journal/think about.

These bible videos are great for understanding stories, especially with younger kids. Mormon Messages are also amazing!

I've been reading the mormon.org page about #becausehelives and #heishere, it also has things about each day of the week you can read. Later in the week I plan to post a picture with the #heishere marker. I'm also reading through the mormon.org page about Jesus Christ. It is super uplifting and a great reminder about all that Jesus Christ is and did for us.

Videos: ( I only linked 3 but there are SO many more on The Mormon Channel youtube account-they don't just apply to Mormons either, I encourage everyone to watch them!)

(I wouldn't encourage showing the last one to small children because it is super sad, the reason I included it is because of the words. It might be best to just press play and minimize it because I feel like the words are SO powerful. You can listen to the whole talk here.)

Most other links I would recommend are linked in the first source so you can find them there. Another great idea would be to look up talks about Easter, Christ, and the Atonement.

Journaling is my last recommendation. Some ideas are:
What role does Christ play in my life?
How do I see his influence?
What can I do to draw nearer to him?
What role does the Atonement add to my life?
Without Christ and the Atonement would life have purpose?
What purpose do they add?
How does the Atonement relate to grace?
What power is there in the statement he lives?
Thoughts on the Savior's love
How can we become more like the Savior?
Christ gave up all for us... what can we give up for him?
What blessings have you seen because of the Atonement?

What ideas do you have? Any great links you know of? I'll add them to the list!

I hope you all have an amazing Easter week as you strive to make Easter and the glorious truths it holds part of your lives.

-Shelby

10 happy things

I think I have been going through i-actually-had-to-go-to-school-after-a-week-of-snow-days depression. Not a thing? Ask any students you know.... its a thing;)

As I was scrolling through feedly, I noticed a post on Love Taza about 10 things that make her happy. I thought it would be a great idea and maybe help me get out of back-to-school-depression

(I'm also making it a goal to be a little more personable on my blog, trying to figure out a good balance, I want to record some of my life, but all this stranger danger stuff scares me to death! Any thoughts?)

{source} I love this quote

1.  I got to spend the afternoon hanging out with my favorite four year old and it was awesome. Like I totally recommend finding a four year old and spending a day with them because they are so much fun. She recently got signed up for a gymnastics class and it over the moon excited,she does 546 somersaults a day (maybe a slight exaggeration....) and got her first gymnastics outfit (is it a leotard or is that only for dance...hmm not sure haha) today and has been wearing it with an adorable grin on her face. She also loves to exercise by running up and down our side walk. Yep, she's pretty fun and I love her so much,

2.Church. What else is new? But seriously, church is awesome and I love being so inspired and uplifted and feeling my Savior's love.

3. New Beginnings. That was pretty awesome too. I am so excited for some new young women and all of them are so awesome! It was great to refocus on the values and what young womens is really about. And it was decorated so cute...I mean globes and cameras cute (can it get much cuter???;) So shout out to my awesome leaders and the amazing beehives that are coming in! You all are awesome!

4. Youth parties. They are awesome, I have no clue what I would do without the youth program and the awesome friends I have made through it!

5. My curling iron. (I would say straightener too, but lets just face it...my hair won't stay straight:) It  makes me feel so happy when I actually have time to fix my hair semi cute. I know that looks aren't important..it just makes me happy. (And can we all agree that this "beach waves" look is super cool because it allows you to wear 2nd day curls in style...) Also would anyone be interested in any hair tips?

6. Teaching Sunday school. It sounds like a chore, but I am super excited.

7. ITS THE WEEKEND! AHH I AM SO HAPPY!

8. The snow is finally melting, Spring please come!

9. Not having to wake up at the crack of dawn tomorrow

10. Laughing. I don't think I need to say much more....

Life is full of ups and downs, but I think we can always find joy, So the next time you are feeling down.. I challenge you to write some things down that make you happy. It really helps!

My brother

Is it bad that me and my brother are best friends?

I don't think so. Not at all. 

I didn't really realize it as much until this weekend. He spent the night at a friends house. Then his friend somehow convinced mom my mom to let Nate spend another night. Which meant he gone pretty much all weekend.

Man I missed that boy so bad. When I finally saw him again I literally ran in and practically tackled him. 

I have a love/hate relationship with growing up. I miss getting to play all the time and never worrying about school. I miss being so confident that I could do almost anything with out being embarrassed. I miss playing make believe. 

But I love growing up with this guy. 

Sure, we are three years apart. But I still love it. 

We did have a pretty awesome childhood. When we were tiny I could convince him to come in my room and we would dig in the dress up and He would let me dress him up as a princess, a prince, pretty much anything. I would dig to the very bottom of the dress up to find the perfect item- once I remember wailing and wailing because I got my toes stuck in a mouse trap. Then mom came and kissed it and I was all better. He would even let me paint his toes sometimes:) One of our favorites was playing pioneers when we got a little older. The games usually involved forts or tents as our wagon, Nate hunting and driving the handcart, and eventually getting shot. I usually became deathly ill and unconscious. We would stack up toys from playroom, that seemed pioneerish and organize them just so in our "handcart". He would wear a cowboy hat and occasional overalls, but I always had to be decked out in my bonnet, shawl, apron, and full length dress (I was a pioneer one Halloween). I remember once we were playing out side and I was convinced we needed some firewood for our "camp". So I gave Nate a wagon and piled it high with wood from the woodpile. I can still imagine tiny, but determined 4 year old Nate (I really think this happened when he was about 4 but every memory Nate recalls "happened when he was 4") lugging that huge wagon and sweating up a storm. We played all the time together.

Now we don't play as much, but as Nate puts it we "hang out." We still love to jump an the trampoline and talk and play sporty games outside.

Sure- we definitely have our I-feel-like-I-could-totally-kill-you-right-now moments:) But it isn't the same I-have-to-do-better-because-we-are-so-competitive feeling as when we were kids.

I love that kid! He is really one of my best friends:) I just want to say happy birthday bro and I love you!
-Shelby

(Blogger police-please don't get me! I know this post has no pictures and I will probably add some later but that will require a lot of time and I need to go spend some time with the birthday boy :)