Instead of posting a list of personal resolutions, I thought I'd post instead the one excerpt from the one talk that I read and read, over and over, so often that I nearly have it memorized. It fits just about any time of year, circumstance, or occasion - new years, too.

If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now. Don't give up when the pressure mounts. You can find an apartment. You can win over your mother-in-law. You can sell your harmonica and therein fund one more meal. It's been done before. Don't give in. Certainly don't give in to that being who is bent on the destruction of your happiness. He wants everyone to be miserable like unto himself. Face your doubts. Master your fears. "Cast not away therefore your confidence." 
Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you.
-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence"

christmas and forgiveness.

Christmas is my favorite time of year, and almost more than any other year before, Christmas this year has been most needed.

2012 has been an unimaginably wonderful year, but growing has inevitably been a part of it. I have often thought on the lessons I learned in a book (which I've mentioned before) called The Peacegiver. If I could, I would send it to every person I know, or stand on street corners handing it out. I loved it, I loved its teachings, its messages, and its relevance no matter what you believe or ascribe to. At the time I was reading it, though, I had no idea how many more situations would come in the following months where I would need to remember those feelings I had felt before.

To be quite honest, there have been times I have found myself conflicted with those teachings and feelings that I had once felt with so much confidence; there have been times since when I have desperately struggled to fully accept and emulate those lessons, especially when it comes to forgiving those who seem not the least bit concerned with any injury or pain they've caused others. I'd be lying if I said it were easy.

This Christmas season, though, I've made it my primary goal to focus not only on the birth of our Savior, but on His life. What His life has meant for me, what the purpose of His life was (and is), and what that means not only during Christmas, but every other day of the year: good or bad, better or worse... Especially the worse.

"We are not perfect. The people around us are not perfect. People do things that annoy, disappoint, and anger. In this mortal life it will always be that way. Nevertheless, we must let go of our grievances. Part of the purpose of mortality is to learn how to let go of such things. That is the Lord’s way. Remember, heaven is filled with those who have this in common: They are forgiven. And they forgive."

                               --President Dieter F. Uchtdorf



I saw this video a few years ago, and I was entirely amazed (and especially moved) by this story and his dependence and faith in Christ, and his willingness to forgive. An amazing story, and an incredible example.

i will read this once a year.

I finished The Peacegiver by James L. Ferrell this weekend, and before I had even ended it, I had already committed myself to reading this book at least once a year for the rest of my life.

I don't know why I'm even bothering to try and write about my feelings and reaction to this book, because it would be nearly impossible to convey the way I felt and what I learned. My favorite books are the books that make me think long after I've finished reading the last page. That was this book. The parables and lessons and inspiration you feel while reading Rick and Carol's story are presented in a way that make you really think about what you assume you already know -- but in an entirely different way and from an entirely different angle.

What makes this book the most special to me, though, was the way the Atonement is discussed. The way it made me feel even closer to my Savior, and in a way that I can't entirely explain, made me feel better understood by my Savior. I felt both spiritually and physically a love that my Heavenly Father and Savior have for me, and a renewed commitment to living my life closer to them; to love myself and my Father in Heaven and Savior as completely as I can, by unconditionally loving those around me.

I can't explain why or how this book inspired me in the way that it did, but I can promise to those of who read it, you will end up reading the last page feeling so renewed and humbled and grateful and loved. It's purpose (or at least from what I gathered) was strengthening its readers desire to do what is right; to love people, to love past circumstance, flaws, failings and mistreatment. But most of all, to recognize a love that our Savior has for us that we can't even begin to fully understand. A love that loves past our flaws, our failings, and our mistreatment toward others - yet His love is always there for us. It would not, and could not, and never will be any other way.

This book was what I needed to read. It had lessons that I needed to learn, and I felt things that I needed to feel. But most importantly, it taught me more than ever before that I was and always will be loved  (no matter my own weaknesses) by a Father in Heaven whose love is perfect. And today, and every other day, that is what matters the most to me.


image "Beside Still Waters" by Greg Olsen

grandpa christensen.

"Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life." - Alma 40:11

"That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.” - D&C 76:24

As I sat in a hospital room for nearly 10 hours on Monday, surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, my sister and her husband, my parents and my grandparents, I felt tremendously grateful for the plan of happiness. Our joy can be full. Our lives are eternal. Families can be together forever. These are things I often say, and even testify of to other friends and family and even strangers that I meet. But for the first time, I realized how inexpressibly grateful I was for that knowledge, for the comfort and surety that the gospel brings.

President Gordon B. Hinckley once gave a talk entitled, "The Empty Tomb Bore Testimony," how truly thankful I am for those words, and for knowing that they're true.

I loved my Grandpa Christensen. He was the George Bailey in my life, and probably in the lives of so many others. He was the man with a million friends, someone who loved and accepted and cared for anyone he met. I am so grateful for his legacy of love, and for all that he has left his spouse, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren behind. We'll be seeing him again one day soon, I know it.

it's finally friday

"Let us not give up on the Lord, his blessings are eternal."

I should steer away from watching Mormon Messages at work because I always cry and that's always asking for an awkward situation when you're sitting at a front desk. But this video I loved, like I do the rest, and I wanted to share. Am I the only one who has a countdown to General Conference weekend? Nothing gets better. Unless you add Cadbury eggs to the mix.

And it's Friday - which means date night, which means holding hands and ice cream and sitting on the sidewalk talking about nothing in particular. And tonight we have an adventure scheduled in the grand old Salt Lake Cit-ay. I'm excited.

book of mormon stories.

Mormon Messages are always beautifully done, but I loved this one especially. I've read The Book of Mormon many times and have had special experiences while reading from its pages, but I still remember being about eight years old and for the first time, feeling something different inside of me as I read a few verses to myself one night.

Since then, I have found so many answers to so many of my questions while reading from this book, and have felt peace even when life has been the most difficult. The best part of all is that when reading from The Book of Mormon I feel closer to my Heavenly Father, and something inside always assures me that I am His daughter and I am loved.

"I promise you that if you will prayerfully read the Book of Mormon, regardless of how many times you previously have read it, there will come into your hearts an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord. There will come a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to his commandments, and there will come a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God."
-President Gordon B. Hinckley

I don't think there is anything that makes me any happier.

a sunny disposition.

I hope it stays sunny this weekend, so a red boat and pink swimsuit can become a part of my plans. In the meantime, I have to go get some blood work done this afternoon (not so fun) and I can't eat until then (even more not fun).

At least my mom agreed in going to get a tigers blood snow cone with me afterward. I'd have to say that the one good thing about Spanish Fork (besides the horse on top of "Western Wear and Saddlery") is the island of palm trees around the snow shack.

One day I plan on writing about my adventures in SF.

In the meantime, though, I thought I'd share this video. I love it so much I watched it twice.

Meeting President Monson.

Several weeks ago, I was invited by a friend to attend a small wedding dinner for his grandpa who was being remarried after his wife had passed away several years ago. When I arrived, I had the opportunity (and privilege!) to meet President Monson (the prophet of the LDS church) who was also in attendance that evening.

I was so, so, so excited (more like beyond ecstatic) that I forgot to take my camera off of "video mode" to the picture setting.
Which is why we have the results below!


Wedding Dinner from Kelsie Christensen on Vimeo.

(I thought that no flash meant that it was off! Not that the video was on! When I thanked him afterward for the picture, he said he liked my pink camera even though it seemed a little slow - haha. this comment made my night.)

Although I was only able to speak with him briefly, the opportunity to meet the President of the Church meant a lot to me. I will never forget how familiar and kind he was, and how remarkably cheerful and optimistic he seemed as I spoke with him and as I watched him speak with others, too.

With that being said, this weekend is one of my favorites because it's the weekend President Monson and other inspired church leaders will be able to speak to us. Because General Conference only comes twice a year, it's always something I start counting down the days for a few weeks in advance... And best of all, you can watch it here from the comfort of a cozy bed and laptop screen!

So I'll be stocking up on Easter candy for the weekend, mainly Cadbury eggs even though I was supposed to swear off sweets this year (this goal literally lasted all of 4 days) and my pajamas will be the only wardrobe I need.

I'd like to argue that life doesn't get any better, but instead I'll just wish you all a very happy start-to-spring-weekend!

living in thanksgiving.

Gratitude turns a meal into a feast and drudgery into delight. It softens our grief and heightens our pleasure. It turns the simple and common into the memorable and transcendent...Living in thanksgiving daily is a habit that will enrich our lives and the lives of those we love.
-Elder Wirthlin, "Live in Thanksgiving Daily"

My thankful Thanksgiving post I've been so excited to share.
Here I shall go:

Friends, family and most especially faith.

And I know I brag about the first two items on the list quite often,
but it's simply because I happen to have the most beautiful and incredible girlfriends,
And funny, strange, out of control boy-friends, (who like to talk just as much as girlfriends).

I have a family that loves, supports, and helps me become better each and every day.
Parents who, (believe it or not!) keep me up way past my bedtime just so we can talk on the phone at night about life 2,000 miles apart from each other.
I have a sister whose become an incredible young woman over the past year; and as we've grown up, the more we've doubled up on the time we spend talking and talking (and talking) about our joys and heartaches.

And finally, the first two wouldn't mean nearly as much to me if it wasn't for what I believe. That God does live, and that He is a loving Heavenly Father who perfectly knows and loves each and every one of His children.

Have I (or will I) ever win the lottery?
No.
Will I ever own that Anthropologie dress I've been vying for the past two weeks?
Never.
Am I insanely brilliant? Or is college graduation still taking forever and a half to complete?
It's taking forever and a half to complete.

But I do believe I have all that matters most in life, and that makes me so, so very grateful.
So, with that being said,
Happy Thanksgiving.

thinking today.

now that the semester has finally ended,
and as i prepare to start another --
(spring/summer term why kels? don't know at this point because my motivation dropped from 80 to 7% this past weekend)

but lately...
i've thought a lot about all that i have learned from school,
from college,
and as grateful as i am for those opportunities,
i was most happy this past weekend to already know what i know:

to know that families will be together forever,
and that the relationships we have here on earth,
will be able to last forever.

disappointed? yes. defeated? absolutely not!

My friend and I had a good chat last night
about this whole "crush" situation,
(I'm making such a big deal about it, I know-
I'm at fault for being a drama queen sometimes)
but I felt inspired when she shared this with me:

"In most languages there exists a phrase as magical and full of promise as perhaps any in the world — "Once upon a time," said President Dieter F. Uchtdorf during the General Young Women Meeting on March 27. Those words "promise something: a story of adventure and romance, a story of princesses and princes... It may include tales of courage, hope and everlasting love. In many of these stories nice overcomes mean, and good overcomes evil. But perhaps most of all, I love it when we turn to the last page and our eyes reach the final lines, and we see the enchanting words 'and they lived happily ever after...In that story, the main character may be a princess or a peasant; she might be a mermaid or a milk maid, a ruler or a servant," he said. "You will find one thing all have in common — they must overcome adversity."

Sandwiched between their "Once upon a time," and "Happily ever after," they experienced hard times, he said.

'"In stories as in life, adversity teaches us things we cannot learn otherwise. Adversity helps to develop a depth of character that comes in no other way. Our loving Heavenly Father has set us in a world filled with challenges and trials so that we, through opposition, can learn wisdom, become stronger, and experience joy."

"You will suffer, be tempted and make mistakes. You will learn for yourself what every heroine has learned: through overcoming challenges comes growth and strength. It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself that determines how your life's story will develop."

"Happily ever after" is not something just found in fairy tales. "You can have it. It is available for you. But you must follow your Heavenly Father's map."

Boy oh boy,
do I wish I would have been able to see the whole thing,
because I already love it so much!
(and if you're interested,
you can read the news article online here)

My favorite part (which I all-too-easily identify with)
was when he explained,
"Was I disappointed? Yes. Was I defeated?
Absolutely not!"

Well, President Uchtdorf, you stole the words right out of my mouth!
Have I been disappointed so far? Perhaps slightly,
but I have not (I repeat) have not been defeated just yet;
And these words especially excited
(slash motivated, slash determined, slash encouraged)
me for my class tomorrow with the boy that I just can't seem to stop thinking about...

and clearly,
can't stop talking about, either.

photo via.

what love means to me today.

"Think the best of each other,
especially of those you say you love.
Assume the good and doubt the bad."
- Elder Holland, "How Do I Love Thee?"

I heard this yesterday in one of my classes,
and that phrase kept repeating itself over and over
and over again:
"Think the best of each other,
especially of those you say you love."

Unfortunately, I do not always follow this wise advice;
and lately, it feels like I have become especially imperfect.
So after class, I inwardly promised
myself to do something about it,
And honestly,
within 24 hours I've already noticed a miraculous difference.


Doesn't love just make you feel really, really good inside?
It just seems to always make everything alright again.

photo via