At some point, you really need to read this book.

I have recently been reading Jesus the Christ, by Elder James E. Talmage. And by recently, I mean the past several months have been slowly plugging away. I highly recommend it, honestly at all stages of belief in and understanding of Christ. People made me nervous to read it with comments like "Oh man, that's a toughy!" and "Wooo that's a deep book." But honestly, I think what people should say is "That book is SO GOOD. It goes through all the details of Christ's life in chronological order and relies on both scripture and historical records/customs. Remember all those parables you didn't fully understand while reading the Bible? Ya, those are all clarified and actually MAKE SENSE. Remember how you were confused about the order of events? Ya, that's clarified, too. Read with a phone by you so you can quickly Google words you don't understand, but really that's not too big of a deal. You can understand them through context reading, but it for sure is more enlightening if you look up the words you don't understand. All in all, it is a wonderful book to learn about Christ, His life, His teachings, His character, and His love for you. You should for sure read it." <-- THAT is what people should be saying about Jesus the Christ.

From time to time, I would have questions about what I was reading or would find something really cool that I wanted to share and Brother Ashcroft would so wonderfully take the time to sit down with me and discuss anything I wanted to. Those discussions were always clarifying and enlightening. When I was getting ready to move, he encouraged me to continue reading in this way, looking for discussion topics, and email him with other questions or interesting things I learned. Recently, I read the coolest section and emailed Brother Ashcroft to tell him about it. I wanted to share that here as well, so the rest of this post is that email I sent.

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I wanted to email you because a few days ago, I read the coolest section in Jesus the Christ! The beginning of Chapter 30 (page 524) discusses the fig tree's growth pattern. We learn of a "showy, fruitless, barren tree" that Christ and His disciples pass on their path. Elder Talmage makes it clear to us that the fig tree did not bear fruit the past season and has no potential to bear fruit in the upcoming season. It truly is a barren tree.

"Jesus pronounced upon that tree the sentence of perpetual barrennes... "Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever." The latter writer tells us in the immediate sequence that "presently the fig tree withered away" ... Peter called attention to the blasted tree, and, addressing Jesus, exclaimed: "Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away."" (pg. 524 - 525).

Now, here is why I love this book: I first read that story and thought "Well, what is the point of that? The story is just over. I would have expected Him to grow a new tree in its place and show that the Atonement works and can work with even those who seem lost forever." Now that would have been your typical analogy - great and makes sense, yet repetitive and nothing we haven't heard before. So reading in the scriptures, I would have come across that passage and thought the above to myself and moved on slightly confused, but unsure of where to clarify. But not with Jesus the Christ!! Elder Talmage then goes on to explain WHY Christ destroyed that tree and it is something completely new to me! Christ is the master teacher and with guides, such as Elder Talmage, we can learn so much from Christ's lessons.

"The blighting of the barren fig tree is regarded by many as unique among the recorded miracles of Christ, from the fact that while all the others were wrought for relief, blessing, and beneficent purposes generally, this one appears as an act of judgment and destructive execution. Nevertheless in this miracle the Lord's purpose is not hidden; and the result, while fatal to a tree, is of lasting blessing to all who would learn and profit by the works of God." (pg. 525 - 526)

We have seen over and over again Christ's ability to heal and save. But this shows us his power to destroy. Think about all of the people who were trying to destroy Christ. If he made an entire tree just wither away, he easily could have had the same thing happen to all the people who did not believe in Him and who were actively opposing Him. This is an entire new perspective I have never had before! Through this event, we can see everything else He did with a whole new lens. Every time He was mocked, spit on, whipped, and betrayed, he withheld his power. He values agency. He loves God's children in a way we cannot even begin to comprehend.

"He had healed multitudes; the wind and the waves had obeyed His words; on three occasions He had restored the dead to life; it was fitting that he should demonstrate His power to smite and to destroy. In manifesting His command over death, He had mercifully raised a maiden from the couch on which she had died, a young man from the bier on which he was being carried to the grave, another from the sepulcher in which he had been laid away a corpse; but in proof of His power to destroy by a word He chose a barren and worthless tree for His subject. Could any of the Twelve doubt, when a few days later they saw Him in the hands of vindictive priests and heartless pagans, that did He so will He could smite His enemies by a word, even unto death? Yet not until after His glorious resurrection did even the apostles realize how truly voluntary His sacrifice had been." (pg. 526)

This is incredible. I am so excited about this new perspective. I feel like as I make my way through Jesus the Christ, I continue having breakthrough after breakthrough in my understanding of Jesus Christ, His life, and His character. Thank you for encouraging me to read it. I am truly grateful.

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New York, New York

I used to have this super cool feature on my blog, where as soon as you opened it up, a playlist of my choice started playing. If I still had that, right now you would be listening to "New York, New York" by Frank Sinatra. A little over a week ago, I was in my new apartment by myself and feeling just a little off -- excited to be in New York because I have dreamed of this for ages, but at the same time feeling so alone in this city that was so unfamiliar to me. For whatever reason (probably because Carine had recently mentioned how she loved him), I was playing Frank Sinatra.

"I'll make a brand new start of it in old New York.

If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere.

It's up to you New York, New York."

I made the choice to move across the country. And those words struck a chord. I love Seattle with my whole heart and soul. Over the last four years, Seattle has become my home (and ooh I do not use the word "home" lightly) and I miss it terribly. The thing is though, I had become stagnant. I was too used to the routine, the wards, the people, the school. I became a little too comfortable. I began to feel uncomfortable with how comfortable I felt (if that makes any sense). The solution to stagnancy (if that's a word..)? Change.

So, here I am. The Big Apple. NYC. The City. 

If I can make it here, I'll make it anywhere.

I flew in on Monday, August 21. With a crapload of stuff that I could barely carry. And that wasn't even close to half of what I had...thank you Mom and Dad for bringing everything else for me. The significance of this view: my favorite bridge and Mount Rainier. Goodbye, Seattle.

I stayed in a hotel close to my apartment. Orientation was the next day and Mom and Dad flew in late that night. My day: orientation, walking around campus, eating a burrito, buying an extremely delicious ice cream cone from Emack and Bolio's (peanut butter oreo with a cinnamon toast crunch cone yummm), and watching the lightning storm. Not gonna lie, I was a little worried Mom's plane would get struck by lightning, but after some rerouting she arrived safe and sound.

The next four days were spent creating the perfect apartment 🤗 Multiple runs to Ikea (thanks, Daddio), Bed Bath and Beyond, World Market, TJ Maxx, and Home Goods. But I'd say we put together a pretty perfect apartment and I have LOVED it so far.

Mom left on Saturday. She walked out the door and I just went to my bed and had a good little cry. In New York. All alone. Not knowing anyone here. And it was good and cathartic. I felt better. I had promised Mom that I would go see central park busy with people since it was Saturday afternoon. I'm lucky enough to live extremely close and decided the best way to see the park would be to go on a run through it. Mom was right (as always)... so many people hanging out in the park made for a very fun environment (not to mention the perfect weather)! 

Luckily, just a few days later, Carine arrived! Her and her friend, Katie, planned to come out for the US Open long before I even knew I got into Columbia, and the timing of her trip was truly a blessing to me. Having Carine here for a few days (and leading up to her arrival, just knowing she was coming) made me feel so settled. It was so nice to have her here. I actually felt like I lived here. I'm not sure how to exactly describe it, but man, aren't best friends something? Anyway, she has a few friends here and put us in touch and thank goodness because now I can say I have friends in the city!! Such a blessing.

Friday night, Katie and Carine went to the US Open and I wandered to midtown to find some fellow Huskies to watch the UW game with. First game of the season and I was pumped. My friend from UW who now lives in New York was out of town, but sent me the info of an alumni viewing party at a sports bar in midtown. I arrived at Feile and felt like I had come home. UW flags hung on every wall. Everyone was wearing purple. They gave me a UW button as I walked in. The game was on every single screen. Let purple reign ☔️💛💜

Bathroom selfie to show my UW pride.

Not gonna lie, I felt a little cheesy trying to take a picture of the walls as I left, so you get this one. A relatively small flag on
a relatively undecorated wall compared to the rest of the bar. But you at least get the point.

The rest of the weekend included the Yankees vs. Red Sox game, brunch at Jacob's Pickles, Magnolia Bakery, girls' night at the apartment, and the Met. Ah seriously, Carine, what would I have done without you here this weekend?? Thank you for the fun and for the friends 🤗

Since Carine left, you will be happy to know I have hung out multiple times with the new friends I made 😉 Including an interesting Chinatown dinner, gelato outing, sushi run, BYU vs. Utah game, trip to Chelsea Market, walking the High Line, and Turnstyle Underground Market. Oh ya, and classes started. (Important since that's the whole reason I'm in New York in the first place.) I've also watched a lot of Seinfeld...I felt it was an appropriate time to start watching after I passed Tom's Restaurant on my way to campus.

I guess you can say I'm settling in pretty nicely here. I still miss Seattle and am very excited to go back soon and see everyone (bought Coldplay tickets a year ago and it's finally happening in two weeks!), but, yet again, Mom is always right. "It takes two weeks to adjust to change." It has been a little over two weeks since her and Dad left and I feel like I am now adjusting. Let's see what you've got for me, NYC.