Message for Monday

I found this video today and it brought back so many memories of when I was in Young Women's! I remember we sang this song my junior year of high school. It's a great reminder to know I am a "Daughter of a King" and someday I will return to live with Him again! We're never alone... He is always with us every step of the way :)

Message for Monday

I saw this Mormon Message when it first came out three months ago, but I tend to still watch it every so  often because it is such a good message. Although I personally feel like I have endured my fair share of trials, I know I have yet to experience even harder trials as I continue through my life's journey. I have some wonderful family and friends who are such examples to me. They have had some pretty rough times in their lives but have been able to keep their heads up and somehow be positive in a negative situation. Although I can't even fathom what they have had to endure, I know it is because of the gospel they have been able to get through their trials. Having the gospel gives us a bigger picture and we know once this life is over, we will be with our Heavenly Father again and all the trials we had to face will be understood. 

I know trials allow us to grow and become the person we are meant to become. They are sometimes sudden and unexpected, but the uncomfortable feelings we experience is a change we can overcome through the Lord's help and having faith in Him.

Message for Monday

Remember back in the day when I would write a special "Message for Monday" post, where I would share my recently-attained wisdom with everyone? Well, I've decided I should try to do that little trend again, starting today! We'll see how long it lasts... Even if I write only one a month, well, that's better than nothing, right? Right!

This past month I have been thinking a lot about how I want time to speed up so I can "start my life," as I tend to call it. Basically, I've lived with many, many roommates for the past 5 years now (approximately 30ish... Holy Moly). I've had awesome and memorable experiences with many of those roommates, and of course I've also had my fair share of not-so-pleasant experiences where I wanted to pull my hair out in frustration. And although I'm not saying at all that I don't like my current roommates or am sick of them (plus, living with only 2 girls instead of 5 is super awesome), I feel like I am personally over this same living situation I have had for a while now. It's getting old! And in my mind and most other LDS girls' minds, the next step after having roommates would be having a "permanent" roommate, aka getting married and "starting a new life" with your significant other.

My current lease for my apartment will end at the end of September. So in my mind, it only seems logical to "start a new life" soon after that. I saw this quote/scripture on Pinterest, and it was something I definitely needed to hear:

I know I can make plans, but it's not my will but the Lord's will that will prevail in the end. So if my plans don't work out, well, there's a reason why that is! I need to work on putting my faith in Him and even though I'm personally ready for a change because I feel like I'm at a stopping point in my personal progression, I can't determine my own destiny. I can try to control it by making smart choices to result in the end outcome, but only the Lord has a plan and a purpose for my life here on earth. 

So no matter how much I plan, who knows if those plans are what is best, even if I think they are. I don't know exactly where I will be when September comes around, but I know that prayer is a powerful thing. I prayed and had faith all throughout my Deseret News internship that I would find a job so I could start as soon as my internship ended. And the weekend before my last week at Deseret News, I was blessed by finding out I got the perfect job only a couple miles away from where I live. I love my job and I know eventually I will be able to go far and do lot of things with my job. I learned to be patient and have faith throughout my internship, and Heavenly Father rewarded me with a job opportunity right in the nick of time!

I need to stop planning and worrying about what will happen if my plans don't work out. I need to remind myself that I don't need to "start my life" later on... I should be living my life right now and enjoying being who I am and where I am in life. My mom will sometimes tell me that I should be happy being single and not worry so much about the future, because I'll never get the time I have now back. And she's right! I may think I'm busy now will a full-time job, but it's only going to get busier once I add a spouse and kids and the many other grown-up responsibilities to it!

I'll leave you with some quotes that I feel pertain to my life right now and also go along with what I just wrote about, as well as a video my life's theme song at the moment for your viewing pleasure! The song is all about "living in the moment" and not waiting and wasting the moments you are currently living :)

Message for Monday

So I feel horrible that I haven't blogged in almost 2 weeks! Life has been crazy. I'm preparing to graduate in 19 days, but once this last college semester of mine is over, hopefully I will be able to be a normal blogger again!

I'm posting my Monday Message today because just like last Monday, I know I will be crazy busy tomorrow! Plus I had a good Sunday today and was uplifted in so many ways at church that I feel the need to blog some of my thoughts down.

Today was fast and testimony meeting in sacrament, and the testimonies that were given were so great. The spirit was so strong. I realized that halfway into the meeting that this would be my last testimony meeting in a singles ward as a student at BYU-Idaho. Pretty crazy how the last four years have flown by. I have had some wonderful experiences while a student at such an amazing college, and I know I will cherish the memories I've had for years to come.

I also appreciated the lesson given today in Relief Society. It was about enduring to the end and doing all we can to make sure we endure to the end. There was a quote President Monson gave once. He said, "Our decisions determine our destiny." I love that quote, especially when I will be graduating from college soon and the decisions I make for what to do once I graduate will be pretty important, and will most likely determine my destiny.

You should check out this talk. It's such a good one! It can be found here.

And to make up for not doing a Monday Message last Monday, I will post another little though!

Today, my visiting teachers came to visit me for a little bit. They are such sweethearts. They gave me this index card with the best quote on it. It was definitely something that I needed to hear.

This is so true... Life by the yard is hard; by the inch it's a cinch. I always try to get everything done at once so that I will have time to start on whatever new assignments are thrown at me. But it's impossible to get everything done at once. This can be true to increasing your personal relationship with your Heavenly Father as well. Start out by saying your morning prayers, then add night prayers, then add scripture reading into the mix. One step at a time is what it takes. Life is called a "journey" for a reason... it takes some time to get through!

I am so grateful for the amazing day I have had today. I wish Sundays would be more than just once a week!

Message for Monday

Lately, many of my friends have been going through difficult times. Life is hard! My heart aches for those that have been struggling... it's definitely not fun. We've all been there.

I found this pin on Pinterest, and I love it to death because it's one of my favorite scriptures. I'm pretty sure I'm going to print it out and hang it in my room, or make it into a bookmark to look at often.

This scripture has given me so much strength during the hard times in my life. It gives me hope and a reassurance that all will be well eventually, and I shall be blessed someday going through the difficult times I have as long as I keep my head up.

Message for Monday

For today's message, I wanted to share an experience I had yesterday.

For part of my cupcake business/senior project, I am making and selling cupcakes at Relay for Life in Rexburg on June 22nd. It's going to be a lot of work... I need to make around 300 cupcakes, find a table to set up my little area, print off a "Simple Pleasures Cupcakes" sign to hang from the table, see if Broulims (the grocery store here in Rexburg) can donate the ingredients for the cupcakes... and who knows what other things I need to do in order to be ready!

Yesterday, I was starting to stress out a little because I need help. I can't make 300 cupcakes and prepare all the other things by myself. I had asked a couple of my friends and roommates for help, but none of them could commit for sure and be able to help me out. So I was starting to stress out, and by that I mean I was telling myself I wouldn't be able to sell cupcakes at Relay for Life, and my senior project wouldn't be as cool as it could have been if I was able to be part of Relay for Life... This event is suppose to be fun, not stressful!

During this ridiculous time that I was focusing on the negative rather than the positive, I decided to take a moment, read my scriptures, and pray for comfort so I wouldn't have to stress as much. About half an hour later after I had done those things, one of my good friends sent me a text, asking, "When is your big event for your cupcakes?" I gave her the details, and she said that even though her birthday was the day before on the 21st, she wanted to help out and could do so either sometime during the week or even the day of if I needed her to. She said her sister could probably help as well.

I received an answer to my prayer almost instantly! I didn't tell anyone that I was stressing out secretly, so it's crazy to me that my friend happened to text me and ask if she could help me right when I needed her most! One of my other friends, who if off-track so she is home in Utah, was also able to get work off that weekend so she could come down and help me as well.

I found a Mormon Message that I think shows how powerful prayer can be.



I love President Monson's words in this video. "Remember to pray fervently. Prayer is the provider of spiritual strength. It is the passport to peace.... miracles are wrought through prayer."

I have felt the power of prayer numerous times in my life. The issue I had yesterday is just one of those examples. I am so grateful for prayer. It allows me to talk to my Heavenly Father when I need Him most.

Message for Monday

Today, Elder Whetstone sent me an email. But it wasn't just any email. It contained a good reminder that I feel is important for all of us to remember. It was the perfect Monday Message for me. Here is what he said at the end of the email:

"Live for today and not tomorrow. If we wait for tomorrow, we will miss today. Always live each day to the fullest by loving and learning."

I have been forgetting this a lot lately. I try to get through the days because I just want to graduate! I keep looking forward to tomorrow and missing the great things that can be found today.  I need to live in the moment today, and not dwell so much on what could happen tomorrow.

I appreciated when Elder Whetstone mentioned to "live each day to the fullest by loving and learning." We should always be eager to learn something new each day and expand our knowledge. And everything we do for others should be done in love.

So, are you living your life to the fullest today, or are you waiting for something big to happen tomorrow? Don't wait!

Message for Monday

Yes, I know it's Tuesday. But it was Memorial Day yesterday and I was out and about being social with friends! Sorry for the day-late blog post!

Today's message revolves around service. In Mosiah 2 verse 17, we read "when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." I personally have found that I am the happiest when I serve others. Making someone smile makes me smile even bigger! I promise that if you participate in service activities on a normal basis, you will be much happier and blessed.

Needing an idea to serve someone? I have the perfect opportunity for you which you could do right now on your laptop, and it will only take a couple minutes! I have mentioned my senior project a couple weeks back, and I am needing to get more fans on my Facebook page to increase publicity. If you haven't already, like Simple Pleasures Cupcakes! I'm  doing a contest right now that whoever gets the most friends to like my page, they will win some free cupcakes.

Wouldn't you like some free cupcakes? I would be more than happy to serve you by making you cupcakes because you served me by helping spread the word about my business.

Thanks, and happy Tuesday!

Message for Monday

One of my favorite Youtube videos is of a young girl named Jessica. She stands in front of the mirror and says, "I can do anything good," then goes on to list some of the things she likes.

It can be hard to wake up with a positive attitude, especially when we know we have a lot to get done that day. I think we should all strive to be like Jessica, and count our blessings so we realize how great of a life we really do have. We should be glad to be stressed and have responsibilities. We should be grateful for our trials. We grow into the person we were meant to be through all our struggles.

It's true... the best thing anyone can wear is a SMILE! Strive at having daily affirmations like Jessica, and I promise you will be happier as you go throughout your day!

Message for Monday

I love this Mormon message and wanted to share it. It is a good reminded to strive hard to do what's right, and soon enough blessings will come in due time.

"God's promises aren't always fulfilled as quickly or in the way we might hope."- Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Message for Monday

I have been thinking about all my loved ones today. My family is so great and so supportive of me. Without them, I'm pretty sure my life would be miserable. I appreciate all that my closest friends do for me, especially the "small and simple things," such as sending a text to say hello and hoping all is well, and doing many other things to show me they care. It keeps me going and makes life worthwhile.

I watched this Mormon Message today. President Monson reminded me to "never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved." I love that quote and think it is so important to remember. We are here to love and serve everyone so we can become more like Christ.

I have been striving to serve others and make whoever I can happy. I love bringing a smile to other's faces. It's the best feeling in the world! Watch this video and remember that there is no greater satisfaction than serving others and showing your loved ones you care!

Message for Monday

I read this quote from a talk by Elder Bednar recently. I think it is so powerful and is something that I have been trying to remember throughout my college career:

"My dear brothers and sisters, your college experience is not merely a game to be played with the ultimate winner determined by test scores and GPA. College is not just an experience to endure and 'get through' with the false expectation that somehow, someway we will magically be different on the day we graduate. Rather, a college experience is a period of development in one’s life to be prized and prospered. Indeed, simply settling for “getting through” college is like buying an expensive car that has no engine. The car may look very good from the outside, but inside the real power is missing."

It saddens me when there are students who are here just to get through college and don't realize what a learning experience college is meant to be, especially here at BYU-Idaho.My college experience is about to end, and I have seen that I have developed into a stronger person during the last 4 years. I am so grateful for my college experience, and it will be something I will look back on with a smile as I continue throughout life!

Message for Monday

This post is going to be short and sweet because I have a busy day/ week ahead of me! I saw this quote and loved it:

Although I would say I'm a pretty positive person, there are times when I focus on the negative more than the positive. I need to remember that I will be happiest when focusing on the positives all the time! Life can be stressful and hard at times, but that isn't an excuse to be and stay positive :)

I promise to blog about what I have been up to recently and the joys of preparing for my last semester!

Message for Monday

I love Easter. Especially this year's because I was able to spend it with my family! Usually I'm already at BYU-Idaho during Easter, so it was nice to be with the fam.

Here is a Easter message I want to share. Yes, I'm a day late, but I figure we can have the "Easter Spirit" all year long like we can the "Christmas Spirit," right?

In between all the peeps and Easter eggs, It's important for us to remember Christ's sacrifice for, and to celebrate that He has risen.

The full talk to the message below is here.

A Message for Monday

This weekend was General Conference, and I love how privileged we are to hear from the leaders of our church! I learned a lot from all four conference sessions I watched, so I wanted to share a few of my favorite quotes. I figured they would be perfect for a little "Monday Message!"

"Always be prepared to serve the Lord." -Dallin H. Oaks

"Trials aren't always for punishment, but rather for polishing." - Henry B. Eyring

"The values and virtues taught in the Relief Society further prepares the Sisters for the blessings and benefits of the Priesthood." -Julie B. Beck

"The Prize belongs to him, that endures to the end." - Thomas S. Monson

"If we dedicate our attention to families, we will do better temporally and spiritually." - M. Russel Ballard

"Remove all of your fear with Faith." - M. Russel Ballard

"What thinks Christ of me?" - Neil L. Anderson

"Ponder the truths you've heard, help them make you better than you already are." - Thomas S. Monson

It's crazy how during General Conference every 6 moths, I hear something that I have been needing to hear. I am so grateful for the lessons I learn during conference, and hopefully we can all realize what a blessing it is to have such great leaders guiding us in the right direction!

A Message for Monday

Here's a short message that I think we all can learn something from.

I can't wait for my future. It's fun to picture where I will be in a few years from now. I just have to keep believing, obeying, and enduring. I know I will be blessed for doing so :)

A Message for Monday

This quote fits me perfectly right now. I need to remember to do this on a daily basis! I keep telling myself, "My friends are progressing in their lives by getting married and having kids, and I'm still the same ol' Kylie." I need to realize I am progressing too, just not in the same ways. I have become more spiritual in the last few months and read my scriptures daily. I am advancing and learning skills for my future career goals. And I'm graduating from college in July, which is something not all people get to do if they get married and have kids.

I know that God has a different plan for all of us, and I need to be more grateful for where I am in my life.

A Message for Monday

So I forgot to post a message last Monday... but I blame it on being a busy week of finishing up my internship and packing up to head for home!

I want to share a Mormon Message (I told you they would be a frequent occurrence since I love them) that happens to be one of my favorites. It is called "Moments That Matter Most." Dieter F. Uchtdorf talks at the end, but there are a couple of good quotes by Neal A. Maxwell and Gordon B. Hinckley as well.



When I first watched this video a few months back, it really made me "slow down," as the video suggests we do, and ponder about the small and simple things in life. There are so many small moments that occur everyday we take for granted. I have made it a goal in my life to ponder on the moments that matter most and appreciate all that life has to offer. I love my family, friends, gaining an education at an amazing university, and all that the Lord has given me the last 22 years! I am grateful to have been given moments... small, meaningful moments... that I can look back on and smile. It's one of the best things ever!

A Message for Monday

I have decided (and hopefully I can stick to it) to share some type of message on Mondays. Messages that are inspirational, insightful, or just plain silly. Whatever message I feel like sharing, I will!

Today, I wanted to share a Mormon Message. I love Mormon Messages, so you might be seeing a lot of them!

It is called "Your Day for a Mission" By Neil L. Anderson.



I am so grateful for missionaries. Ever since my brother left on a mission back in 2006, I appreciate what they do so much. And now I appreciate them even more since Geoff is a missionary! They are such great examples to me by being so willing to put their normal, regular lives on pause in order to experience something greater and grow spiritually by serving the Lord. Spreading the gospel... Is there really a better way to spend our time? I think not!

I know that my brother did and Geoff currently is leaving a legacy behind for others to follow. When it comes to missionary work, I've learned that it's all about planting the seed, sharing a message, which in hopes will inspire others to see how amazing the gospel is.

I really do need to work harder when it comes to missionary work, but it's a little challenging to do so when you go to an 99.999999999% Mormon-filled college! I do want to go on a senior mission someday with my spouse. That would be such an amazing experience!

Quotes to take from this message:

"There will always be something you leave behind when you respond to the Prophet's call to serve." - Neil L. Anderson

"The blessing of bringing others into the Gospel far out ways anything you will ever sacrifice." - Sid Going

"One of the great miracles of missionary service in the church is that thousands of missionaries have not asked, 'What will I get from my mission?', but rather, 'What can I give?'" - Neil L. Anderson