My Hallelujah Story.

There's some things in this life that just don't make sense to me. The question always appears to be why?

It makes me laugh a little every time I think about my three-year-old niece and the time she asked me "why?" so many times in a row that I finally said, "Mike I don't know because that's the way it is!" Then immediately asked me, "Is it because you don't know Rissa?"

Man what a pill to swallow. That's a rough one to hear from a three-year-old. But this past week the "why" word has really got me thinking. Why? Why can life be so rough, but it always comes back to something so simple. 

My Hallelujah.

I don't even remember what sparked such an interest. Maybe it was when I was about 12 years old. I wanted to know about my grandma, Linda Fae Gibson Barnes. I've heard a few stories here and there about her, but the thought never really came across for me to find out who she really was and is. 

Since then, I had this sudden interest to find out more about her. To know how she was when she was younger, as she married my grandpa, how she was tender as a mother, and how she spent her time on this earth. I can't say a particular experience, but I know her. I know my grandma Linda. She's my best friend, my hallelujah. 

You didn't even ask.

I never really had very many questions about the Plan of Happiness. It's always been there and made sense as to what it was. I guess I'm saying I never sought to learn more about it. But I didn't even ask Heavenly Father, He showed me. 

He showed me through the life of Jesus Christ. My brother, Savior, and friend. He showed me that life is very much meant for living. For being happy and serving others. For doing what's right, even if it isn't prevalent or even if you won't get the recognition. He showed me when we are asked to do something, we do it. And it's entirely possible to do it happily.

Praise Him.

Praise to our brother. Praise to Him for teaching us to live a happy life, Praise to Him for being willing enough to suffer for my sins and yours. Praise to Him for suffering yet again on the cross to complete His willing duty. Praise to Him for rising the third day to be resurrected. Praise to Him for showing and leading by example that life does not start at birth or end at the grave. Praise to Him.

Now I know the Plan of Happiness.

Because Jesus Christ rose that third day, I can see my grandma Linda again. I can reunite with her. I can be comforted by her and Him on this mortal journey of learning and happiness. Because He was resurrected, this is not the end. I can start to understand the "why" on the hardest things of life. I know that the Plan of Happiness is just that, a plan to make us happy and feel joy now and forever. He rose again, and that is my Hallelujah. 

Winterball for Le Squad 2016

Here's some photos of my fab squad lookin' all handsome and darling at Winterball.

Location: Golden Spike Arena, Rachel's house

Yes, I am a lame butt and didn't go to Winterball, but hey I took pictures of that for Paw Print! #photojournalism I'll put a link up to that here once we get it live on the website and I get on it. :) But for now you can check out my articles here!

But really, there was hardly a moment where I wasn't laughing with these people. Thanks for letting me take your pictures of you guys!

Thought for the week:

"No one likes to fail, [but] we mortals do not become champions without making mistakes."
-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

When everything is seemingly falling apart, it really is coming together; happily, everlastingly, coming together. Be happy friends, and have a grand week!

Until next time,

Mostly Marissa

Let's also take a moment
to appreciate that I actually
saw Carson in real life
and not yelling at him
via Greer's snapchat.
Yay for Carson!
#EFYbrowithdrawls

Let us also appreciate that this was
on the sketchy train.

The Word Means No Discount.

Senior year is a weird thing. It's rough. It's fun. It's stressful. It's crazy. It's full of sleepless nights. But I wouldn't have it any other way. There's days when you pull a Rapunzel and just think "when will my life begin?" *cue catchy Disney song tune* and other days where you just stop and say, "how about no, I'm quite alright with not adulting. Let me go build a fort and color and eat mac and cheese and chicken nuggets." That's what senior year has proven to me.

Discount Worthy.

Also, what's with being a senior and getting no discounts? I mean they say senior discount and all, but where's mine?! I've made it through these past several years of school with many scrapes-I'm really good at falling-so...discount yes?

Alright I'm just kidding. I don't see a need to get a discount for being just another high school senior figuring out life as I go. But I can't help but think of one person who never really got that "discount" either.

My Favorite Person.

Yeah. I talk about Him. All. The. Time. But how can I not? He literally gave His life for you and I. And not a thing He did wrong either. Quite literally He lead the perfect life. Spoke ill will of none, blessed and helped those in need. If I could describe His life in one word-which really can't even be done-would be service. But why is it fair that He served others, loved the Saint and sinner, and still didn't receive His "discount" when He suffered for our sins in Gethsemane. That I have had the hardest time coming to a realization of.

It's because He LOVES US. Everyday. Everyone. All. The. Time. Because He knows what it's like to fall and falter. To feel disappointment, ache, and pain. He truly knows. Because He understands what it's like to not get that "discount" we feel we deserve for working so hard and doing the best we can. He gets it. He totally gets it.

Never mind, the sale isn't worth it. 

Although times are rough, monotonous, exciting, laughable, enjoyable, crazy, fun, and downright unexpected in their own ways, we don't need a discount. We don't need a discount from senior year, from feeling like we deserve everything in a life that's perfect and hunky dory, we don't even deserve a discount from the Atonement. We all need it. Each and every one of us. The cool thing is, since we don't get that discount, we all know what it's like to live this life at a full price. And so does He.

Mostly Marissa

"I am come that they might have life,
and that they might have it more abundantly."
John 10:10

"Always, Jesus honored the Father and followed Him."
-Elder Dallin H. Oaks