My Testimony

For my Family History class this semester, part of my final is typing out my testimony, and making it available for others to read. So here it goes, this is the my testimony and how it has increased this semester (Jan-April 2011)

I belong to am a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Over the course of this semester, I have gained a testimony specifically of the following gospel principles:

• 
  
  Faith


• 
  
  Pray


• 
  
  Love


• 
  
  Priesthood


• 
  
  Eternal Families

Faith in the power of obedience to the commandments of God that will create a strength of character available to us in times of urgent need. Such character is not developed in moments of great challenge or temptation. That is when it is intended to be used. As I exercise my faith in true principles, I have the potential to build my personal character. As a result, my capacity and confidence to conquer the trials of life are enhanced. Like the primary song, Faith is like a little seed, if planted, it will grow. I have come to discover how faith and character interact to strengthen one another. Character is woven patiently from threads of applied principle, doctrine, and obedience. I know that the more I exercise my faith in Christ, I am in turn improving myself, and also becoming like Christ.

I have found that through fervent faith, another key tool to use is prayer. Prayer is a divine right and tool given to us to make the blessings of Christ more accessible. I have felt the blessings of kneeling in prayer on a daily basis. I have felt more than ever the importance of continually holding a prayer in my heart. As I deal with my day-to-day business, I am able to feel the Holy Spirit by my side as I continue to keep in close contact with my Father in Heaven. I have overcome trials where I felt my heart could bear no more, and when I have knelt alone in a quiet place, I have been able to feel the spirit, and overcome my burden. I know that when I feel let down, I can turn to my Father for comfort, guidance, and love. One thing I have always known and felt is Christ will never abandon me, if I but do His will, and follow the principles and standards of this true Gospel. I have faith that my Father in Heaven hears my prayers, and awaits patiently for me to knock on his door and converse with him in private. My apartment this semester has also utilized the power of prayer to help each of unite together to uplift one another in each of our different trials. We pray that we may be mindful of each other’s needs, and also for opportunities to love and serve each other as sisters. I know that through prayer, I have become more accepting and loving in situations I would have previously been aggravated, and irritated. I find that this simple tool given to mankind to express them to our Father has helped not only me, but the relationships I share with others. Recently, I have been making decisions where I rely on the spirit of the Lord so much. I don’t know how I could do it without the Holy Ghost, and the guidance and peace I feel there. I pray daily (morning, noon and night) that I may continue to make wise choices according to that which the Lord sees fit for my life and my plan. I know as I continue to follow the true promptings of the spirit, I can reap the full benefits and blessings that have been given to me in the pre-mortal life. I have been eternally blessed with a beautiful family that has uplifted me in many times of need. I am grateful for all their love they have shared, and advice they have given. Through the power of prayer, I have been able to use their experiences, advice and love to find where I should go, and what I might do. I believe that I will one day be married in the temple, and bare children that may also be as close knit as my family is. I hope that my children might support and guide one another –leading by example- like my brothers and sister have done for me. I have been blessed with not only the most loving family, but the most loving friendships. Through these friendships, I have come to find what I want and deserve in my life as far as associations go. I have found a passion in helping my fellow man in achieving their goals, and also being in a position to direct and lead others. Through this love, I have felt closer to my Savior. I know as I love my neighbor (friends, family and those I come in contact with) I am bettering mine own character, and through this I come to learn to love myself. This semester I have received a couple priesthood blessings. I have watched it aid individuals I am in contact with in healing their sickness, pass their tough courses, find peace and comfort, and overcome obstacles. As I have watched others around me, I have come to acknowledge and appreciate the power of the Priesthood and the men who hold these eternal keys. I know how important this tool is in families, and have come to understand that I too need this in my own personal family one day. As I have become witness to the power in which the Priesthood holders carry, I have come to love this aspect of the gospel and look forward to having this in my home as my husband and sons become worthy ordained priesthood holders.

Lastly, through my family history course, I have gained a stronger appreciation for eternal families, and the work needing to be done in our genealogy. This semester I was able to submit my mothers’ father to the temple to have his ordinances done. I am excited for this privilege as I felt accomplished in playing an essential part in linking our family together. I hope that through the blessings of this class, I will personally be able to attend the temple to help do these ordinances reserved by our family. I know my family is bound together here on earth, through the power of the priesthood, and through faith and hard work. As we continue to live worthily, all that binds us here on earth, I know are bound in heaven. I have faith that I will be with my family in the afterlife, and if we live righteously, when we all reach the pearly gates, our Savior will say to us, “well done, thou good and faithful servant.” I say these things, in the name of Jesus Chris, Amen.

Call me "NO"

Last Friday I went home to surprise Kevin for his 23rd birthday:) I got to the Salt Lake airport, and waited in line to get my boarding pass at the Southwest ticket counter. There was quite a line, so they were really rushing people through. They had a bunch of computer kiosks to check in on, but they also had ticket agents working to get the line moving through. When I was first in line, the customer service rep said, "NEXT!" I walked up, gave her my ID, checked my bags, retrieved my boarding pass, and went to security. Again, busy time nearly 5 in the afternoon, so they were rushing to push everyone through. The first check-point you hand a TSA member your boarding pass, and ID. They then observe that the ID is legitimate, and that your boarding pass matches your ID. They sign it and send you on your way. Next you place all your items in bins and send them through a conveyer belt. This is where they x-ray all your belongings. No problems. I board my plane and arrive home (15 minutes early).

My return trip, another story.

I arrive at the airport an hour prior to my flight. I attempt to check in. When the lady says, "NEXT!" I walk up, give her my name, and search for my ID. She then asks, "are you sure you are flying southwest, not skywest?" I looked up confused...Umm, not i'm definately flying southwest airlines. I handed her my ID to which she then relayed to me that I am not in there computer system for this flight, or any flight for that matter. WHAT THE HECK? She asked to see my conformation number, to which I had deleted out of my phone. I ripped off my bag tag they placed on my checked luggage on the way from SLC to Spokane airport. She keyed it in and found that my reservation and checked name was NO. Yes, that's it! My name was NO! Not Deanna No, Or any other form or variation of my first or middle names, just a partial of my last name. Baffled, she called her supervisor. They can't change my name or let me fly tell they can match my boarding pass to my identity. They then call a member of TSA who asked me a lot of question about my check-in and security procedures at the SLC airport. The supervisor was then asking me if I had any problems with baggage, travel, payment, or check-in. I was so confused. They finally got someone on the phone, who changed my name, and were then able to print me a boarding pass. Next, security. Again - very smooth, no problems!

I get on my flight, and am chatting away with this really nice lady from San Fransisco sitting next to me. Older lady who said I reminded her of her daughter. While chatting, she asked for a pen...I reached into my purse - felt around a bit- and couldn't believe what I felt...None other then my leatherman knife! I left it hidden in my purse, but I was appalled!

TSA LET ME THROUGH WITH A WRONG NAME, AND A WEAPON IN BOTH AIRPORTS? How could this not be caught. They take water bottles from old ladies but forget my knife...this is an outrage. But there was smooth sailing from then on out. I didn't really have any problems, just kind of odd that the airports, and TSA let so many things go wrong. I am back in Rexburg, and back in classes:) Long fun weekend, now for the long haul to finals week!

Valentines Day

For Valentines day this year, my roommates and I decided to exchange valentines. We put out our things for each other the night prior. I was second to last in bed, and the last one to wake up in the morning. When I awoke, My roommates had surprised me with a secret gift from Kevin. He had sent me flowers, of FRIDAY, and they put them out Monday Morning! Although I have never liked Roses, Kevin knowing this wrote a really adorable note - and said I should expect a lot of roses in the future, and hopefully with this meaning behind them, I will grow to love them! He is so sweet!

They were a beautiful center piece for the apartment dinner table:) What a pleasure to look at Catherine even used some of her skills from her flower arranging class, to doctor them up a bit! They were beautiful!

This is my valentines exchange bag for F.H.E that evening. We played games, ate cupcakes, and decorated and exchanged valentines:)

I also got to babysit Hannah and David on Valentines. They are the only special little ones nearby that I got to celebrate with. When I walked in the door David was real excited for my valentines surprise. He went over in the kitchen, and brought back a large heart-shaped cookie with my name on it...(Noble family tradition) thank you Stephanie and David!

My roommates and I tie-dyed shirts the night prior with cute little conversational hear sayings ironed on. We even made a couple of our F.H.E brothers participate. We wore these shirts all day - even on campus:)

My roommates and I.

Showing off our conversational heart words. Mine says "Love Bug"

Amy and I playing games at F.H.E


For being a valentines hater, my roommates, my sister, and Kevin really made it special - and gave it more meaning then the hallmark store. I am so grateful for all the beautiful individuals in my life. I couldn't be more blessed to be surrounded by so much love. I am happy the way day turned out, and am excited for future holidays shared with them:)

oh boy....

Many refer to my 41 reasons...

disregard them...or most of them.

*to save the drama, please don't post any comments that are negative in any way towards me. I have already heard your concerns.

Through prayer, I am doing what I feel is best:)

But GUESS WHAT, Deanna has a boyfriend again...and he is absolutely wonderful...

Bearlake, Utah 2011

I was so grateful that I was able to attend Bearlake this year! This annual family trip is always full of food, laughter, love, and games. My decision this year was very last minute depending on finances, class schedule, homework load, and weather. Friday morning, the morning of departure, I decided I just couldn't miss out on the fun and would do whatever it takes to go enjoy quality family time, and one afternoon snowmobiling. Friday night we had horrible, horrible, horrible weather. A foot of snow, driving in a car that doesn't have snow tires. Luckily, Andrew decided in Pocatello, ID to take over at the wheel. Thankfully I surrendered and turned it over to him. We met up with a plow at the Utah state-line which was a blessing and a half as we would not have made it without it. We pulled into the resort around 11 pm to unload, and got stuck once in the parking lot in front of the office. After unloading we had pizza, and went to bed:)

After a long Friday we all slept in and woke up the sound of children playing and attempting to be quiet. Such a blessing these little ones are in the family. Much to my surprise Stephanie didn't send in the children to wake Aunt Deanna up:) We sat around all morning, then decided it was time to stop burning daylight. We headed up to the "sinks" and parked the trailer. Mom rode along with the two children to babysit so she could participate at least one day in the fun. I had to find "my jump" to take pictures on. Matt and Andrew diligently rode around trying to find me anything that was remotely a jump, but there was so much snow and powder it seemed impossible! It was rumored to be the most and best snow ever seen up there, so we were fortunate to be able to enjoy. Finally Matt and Andrew found a semi-jump off a trial that was on the side of a steep hill...I reluctantly rode to the top, looked down and pondered. If my brothers could do it-so could I. I timidly went down the hill at first - no air. I attempted this like 4 times before my skis even lifted off the ground. Luckily Matt was at the bottom (every time) to capture my would-be jump of the year:) Dad waited for the three of us to finish our fun. He always makes a nice spot for himself in a clearing to watch everyone enjoy themselves. We would ride down every so often and check in on him! It was so much fun out with my dad and brothers.

Then we headed back to the truck in time to let Stephanie hop on for a short ride in the fields. But it was short-lived as the ski on one of the sleds (particularly the one I was riding) just fell off while I was riding the trail...of all places. But we were lucky to have Andrew with us! He tied up the broken ski and we close enough to the parking lot for him to just ride it back to load it up. I felt bad but was reassured over and over that it wasn't my fault that this exact part was replaced just weeks before in a shop.

We played games and enjoyed each other company the rest of the evening, and continued the good times on through Sunday. I had to leave at 7 am Monday morning in order to make it back for classes...Oh being responsible is hard sometimes. But I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family and am grateful for the time I got to spend with my two siblings and parents. Wish the WHOLE family could have been there!

David gearing up to go Riding!

Me having a good time in a field

prepping the sleds to ride! Rocking batman and the aviators.

Dad enjoying the new, fresh powder.

Dad observing from a distance. He was so far out there, and looked stranded-but he was cozy

my jump of the year, 2011

Going out for the second time

David is all ready for his nap! He always falls asleep

HE'S READY TO RIDE DAD!

All in all - fun in the snow:)