Sunday, March 27, 2022

Bone Broth Blah

 21 March - 27 March 2022

After this week, I really want a mini goldendoodle! But I also realize how much work they are. I went to get my hair done at Shelli's this week with my mom, and she had recently gotten a baby mini goldendoodle, and she was so energetic and wanted to chew on everything, but she was so cute and sweet and friendly. And trained pretty well to go potty outside. With all the traveling I'm doing this year, I can't get a dog, especially because my parents are not animal people and will not want to watch a dog for me. But a girl can dream! Mom got some blonde highlights in her hair, which look absolutely gorgeous. Mom loves her new hair, and my hair looks a lot better now that it's been touched up. A bit more blonde, too.





For FHE on Monday, the ward met in the Gilbert Temple parking lot for pizza and a spiritual insight. Then we just walked around the temple and chatted. I started asking people what a high and low of their week was, and it struck up some pretty great conversations with guys and girls! I had a spiritual prompting to get to know men better, and at first I thought it had to be by asking them on dates, but that created a lot of anxiety for me because there is so much pressure and taboo around that. Like, you can't just ask guys out as friends to have fun together. They will think you like them, or you will worry if they think you like them, and then it's just awkward. But I can strike up one-on-one conversations with guys at church activities and just get to know them better that way.

Wednesday night, I went to a paint night at Ashley Deardon's house. Jessy and Sawyer also went. We just painted for two hours and chatted. It was peaceful, and I was glad to have something social to do. I'm not sure if I've talked about this on previous blog posts, but making friends here has been hard for me--like close friends or a friend group. I'm friendly with lots of people, but I could easily sit alone on Sundays if not for Valerie because I don't have "my peeps" or group of friends. So it felt good to finally be going to something with other people!

I went to institute Thursday evening and we talked about how sometimes the "wrong roads" in our life are what we need to lead us to the "right roads" and also to appreciate and value the right road. All I can say is that I've been super exhausted this week. A lot of it may have to do with the Bone Broth Diet that we're all on. I don't know if I've eaten enough calories each day, and felt especially tired on the fasting days (not to mention the bone broth tastes nasty!!). So working out was a challenge this past week and just having energy and patience. Which makes work hard, because it's crunch time for tax season and people are snippity and low on patience, so it doesn't help when I feel the same way. But anyways, I'm just grateful for a loving and patient Father in Heaven who can take what I give Him and work with it. 

I had to work Saturday, again. Yay for overtime... -_- lol. I went to a wedding reception that evening for a girl in my ward. It was in the backyard of a mansion! So pretty. Then I took myself shopping to treat myself, and I got these two super soft and cozy long sleeved shirts. On the down side, I don't know what I'm going to do about summer. None of the short sleeved blouses I tried worked for me. When I got home, I got ready for bed and then dad and I watched a movie together since mom and Lucy were still at Bonco night, so that was fun. Daddy daughter time.

Even though I'm on break from school, I feel like I barely have time to do anything because the phones are ringing like crazy, but at least I don't have school on top of it! I shall survive!!! I looked super cute today, btw. Here is a pic of me looking tired but cute ;).

Much love,

Emily Burnham

Sunday, March 20, 2022

Bone Broth & Break

 14 March - 20 March 2022

I finished up my second quarter at Capella University this week! Straight A's. Wow, I was so ready for classes to be over with! I have three more quarters to get through before I get to start my internship. Hopefully the travel plans I have this year add to my enjoyment and fun and don't add extra stress while I fit school around it. Also, we started the bone broth diet on Saturday, and so far, I'm not a fan of bone broth. Granted, mom bought some from the store, so maybe once we start making our own it'll taste better? So I'll have to give you an update in 21 days. 

Mom and dad left for a short Anniversary trip Sunday through Tuesday, which means Lucy and I were in charge of putting the chickens up and feeding them in the mornings. Mom had a grand time hiking in Sedona. Having my mom gone just makes me appreciate even more how much I appreciate all she does for me, making food and cleaning. Because wow the house got so messy with Sean making messes everywhere and not cleaning a single thing! We had FHE on Monday evening at the Peterson's house with food and yard games.

You can see how thrilled Lucy was to help out.

I work out in the mornings and after working 8 hours, I come home so tired and don't want to do anything. On the bright side, I decided to stop listening to the Crave series because of all the cussing and I noticed it was damaging my spirit and creeping into my thoughts, so I quit. I think if I ever come across a hard copy, I'll read it because then I can do my own editing but just listening to it all is awful.

My face after finally finishing my classes! 

On Thursday night, I attended institute, which I am always glad to go and be uplifted and share comments, which I did. I talked a bit about my experience with scrupulosity. 

I had to work Saturday. I scheduled an appointment at the Mesa temple for right after work. I also learned how to cut out the rolling flowers on mom's silhouette machine. Saturday night we went to a women's devotional where Sister Eubanks and President Johnson (Valerie's mission president's wife). It was really good, and what I really loved was the insight about the comfort and healing power that comes from reading the Book of Mormon daily. Reading from the BoM daily saves me time and is something I can't afford NOT to do, because doing so heals my soul and brings refreshment in a way nothing else can. So I have the time and energy and patience and forgiveness to go about the rest of my day, whole. It heals and refreshes you so you have the energy and wholeness to go about your day. Also, when you experience pain, instead of trying to numb your pain, take that pain to the Lord who is the ultimate healer and comforter, instead of turning to worldly sources to fill the gap or distract you from pain or numb it.

Sunday was really good. There were some really good talks during sacrament meeting and we had a new Sunday school teacher who actually asked questions and involved the entire class. Today we have only been able to drink bone broth all day, and I haven't felt good. But I'm sticking it out. So... stay tuned!

One last thing I wanted to share was a piece of revelation I received. I was feeling down about the book I'm writing, how the writing isn't as good as I want or as other famous books I've read. Then the thought came to me (besides that it is a first and very rough draft that only stands to be improved). As you write your books, remember this: it is not about what you write, but how it makes the reader feel. Just like you hear a talk and feel the spirit and learn something that wasn't even said, so it can be with books. The overall story and spirit can change something within you, making it sacred, even if the words and phrasing and writing isn't perfect and detailed. After all, the BoM isn't perfect in language, yet is life-changing. I also had a genius idea for a book series that I am so excited about, but no spoilers! It might be years in the making, but so worth it. So stay tuned for updates on that ;).

Love,

Emily Burnham

Sunday, March 13, 2022

Okra and Klask

 7 March - 13 March 2022

I did my Southern roots (from my mission) proud this week when I made some air-fried okra! We had a mission culture night at the church Monday night for FHE. I played a fun Swedish game, that's like a magnetic version of air hockey on a mini level. It was a fun time, and a lot of people liked the okra I made! Even Valerie was surprised that she liked it.




So, this week has been good overall, though work has gotten a bit more hectic. My people-patience is wearing thin, but thank goodness for Jesus Christ's infinite love and strength. I just pray and express gratitude for all my Savior has done for me, and my anger and bitterness over a rude client is swept away. On another note, I procrastinated doing my final essays for both of my classes until Saturday. I just could not find the motivation or strength to work on them, and I get to distracted at work with answering phone calls to be able to focus for the length of time I need to get work done. So, ALL day Saturday was me doing my essays. Wow, I really had to whip myself into shape to buckle down and get it done, when I really, really didn't want to, but when I finally finished, just before 8pm, I had the most freeing feeling overcome me. I had a huge smile on my face and danced around the house a bit and then finished watching season 2 of Raising Dion and went to bed close to midnight. I have so many things I want to do, but then I am just so tired when I get home from work. I don't like working a 9 to 5 job! But it's just temporary, and these next few weeks, at least I'll have a break from school! And then after tax season is over, I probably won't have to work all of those hours because it won't be as busy, and I'll have time to write and see if I want to get into laser cutting on wood. I am really drawn into the idea of creating books with raw emotion and realistic feelings and thoughts, facing things that suck and growing and becoming better and seeking out the joy. I've been listening to a pretty good series this past week, and I only hesitate to recommend it on one factor: it has a lot of cussing. Boo!!!! So I wouldn't feel comfortable telling people I love that series. But if there was a clean version offered, I'd definitely recommend it! It's called Crave by Tracy Wolff and I love how she depicts the emotions that the main character Grace feel and how she goes about life even with so many hard things going on.

Also, I've felt SO much better this week as I've been eating healthier. I cut sugar and extra snacks and junk food from work out of my diet, and I lost about 8 pounds these past couple of weeks. Couple that with going to the gym Monday through Friday and I've been doing so good! But of course, this weekend I cheated because it was mom's birthday and I needed some motivation for finishing my school work. And wow, sugar headaches are a real thing! Yuck. Also, my tummy hurts more. Grr. But mom had a great birthday! She loved that I got her the Bone Broth Diet book for her birthday. I knew she wanted it and was going to get it for herself, but I beat her to it! Plus, I'm hoping that diet really helps me too. I can recognize the lack of spirit in my life when I hear lots of cussing (thanks, Tracy, for writing such good books that got me hooked but are full of cussing!!!! :( boohoohoo). But I also feel the strength of the spirit as I turn to Christ and focus on His miracles and power and think of my potential and the great things ahead of me (which, also thanks a little bit to Tracy, because I did feel inspired and empowered at times that anything is possible). Also, I've been able to reflect on how my life is truly so much better than any fantasy book or movie or other form of entertainment. The peace and love and joy I feel from my Savior and Father in Heaven trump any worldly pleasure that fills me for a moment and then leaves me empty and aching. I have amazing memories that are just as good, if not better, than any movie or TV show. My reality is amazing, and I can enjoy the love and peace from my Father at any time, no matter what else is going on in my life, because He loves me so much and wants amazing things from me. I'm so grateful for those feelings at this time in my life, and it's not always easy to remain that positive, and it takes work to humble myself and calm down (especially when I get so annoyed at clients), but it is so so so so worth it. God is always worth it. I am so grateful for the church, for the power God brings into my life because I belong to His church. And I'm so grateful for His patience with me, because I'm still figuring out a lot of things.

And here is a picture of me on Sunday looking like a model ;).

Much love,

Emily Burnham



Sunday, March 6, 2022

Charmed Life

28 February - 6 March 2022

I have been so happy these past weeks and months, just focusing on Jesus Christ. My insight I had this week as I read in the Book of Mormon was about the scripture that says the sun shines on the good and bad, the rain falls on the righteous and wicked. If we judge our worth and happiness based on the circumstances around us, that doesn't make sense. Instead, our personal relationship with Jesus Christ determines our joy and happiness, not our circumstances (which President Nelson has been saying for years! Since 2016!!) Despite feeling a bit sick this week, I've still found joy and happiness in the small things. Also, I only have about 10,000 more words until I finish my first draft of my latest book! I have so much more confidence and hope for my future as an author. I have the front cover design finalized. I'm excited! I finished up an essay this Saturday (since I didn't have to work). I keep forgetting how good at school I actually am. I don't even need to try as hard anymore and spend (waste) so much time perfecting things. I just need to do the work and get through it, because I think it is more important to get to the internship and start applying all the things I am learning. I think it will stick better when I am applying the things I am learning. Meanwhile, I actually have the time to write books! And I've started looking into what it will take to start a mini laser engraving business. I can do custom designs on things on photoshop and then sell them. I'm excited. I'm not super into my YouTube channel at the moment, so I think I will take a little break from that. 

Look how cute I am, even when I'm tired! (I won't include the picture of how awful I look when I don't read my scriptures, but it is scary... instead, just focus on this picture of me after a LONG day).

Also, I found this funny looking fruit snack with a tail! Hehehehehe.

In other news, Val and I went to the San Tan Valley ward after our church because a cute guy I met a while back goes there. I didn't get to talk to him much, but I did meet another cute guy there. No, I didn't get any numbers... but I went out of my comfort zone to be there, and I bore my testimony! And I struck up the conversation with them both. And I was so nervous for some reason! But I did it. So at least God knows I am willing, even though I am really falling short. Oh well. I am so grateful for the love and support I have from my parents. Lucy wants me to mention her in my blog (or else it'll be lame, she says). Well, Lucy has been sweeter and nicer to me lately, so I guess all the love I've been giving out has come full circle. Here is the other thing I was thinking about after reading a couple of books that left a bitter feeling inside of me... my life is so much better than the movies and books that come out these days, and it is all because of the gospel and God's blessings!

I live a charmed life. I am so blessed, living in what feels like a fantasy because it is so great. And it only took me 24 years to realize it! And it truly isn't so much about my circumstances, because I think you could put a negative spin on any situation. But why? My world is how I create it, and it is a world where I focus on Jesus Christ and the goodness all around me. Today, I was feeling bad after finishing this book. The book just wasn't very good, and I think I was disappointed to realize how wicked the world is and that their reality is so much darker and shallower and blah-ier than mine. And the books I want to write are uplifting and clean and positive and the characters grow. And some might say that's a fantasy world, not realistic. But then I thought, but that's my world. Yeah, I hear cussing occasionally, but I don't focus on the negativity. I'm not involved in a lot of the drama and awful things teens and young adults are these days. I have a family who loves me, a house and food, I'm getting a master's degree. I have opportunities to go out and socialize at fun events and take part in serving and doing good. I'm surrounded by sweet and service-oriented individuals. My mom is putting together this epic bike parade for the little boys and girls in the ward, and it's so cute how much time and effort and worry she has put into it, just to make those kids happy and feel loved. How tender is that? Even the water I drink from home is sweet and delicious. My job isn't terrible. It's pretty great. I get to do school and earn time and a half on the weekends if I want. And at the end of the day, it truly doesn't matter what isn't happening in my life, because what matters is how I feel about life. And I am so happy to be alive. I feel so blessed. I feel loved and I love others. And that is a life well spent, something that not everyone can claim to have even with all the money and friends and family in the world. The most important thing is my mental health and spiritual strength, and if those are good, I am in the best position to enjoy my life. To relish the sunshine and sound of birds outside. To smile up at the sky as the sun warms my skin and a light breeze blows gently around me. I am so grateful for my life right now, and I'm so grateful for my Savior and Father in Heaven.

Much love,

Emily Burnham