the chronicles of mallorina

maybe you will read this

2014-02-15T21:18:00.002-09:00

I don't know if more than one person read this post on FB...but you might! Because blogs have more words.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy-PhBPEFr0

This (the link above) reminds me of what we talked about in my Book of Mormon class earlier. My teacher is so great. We talked about how we can get stuck thinking of all the bad in the world…or we can focus on the hope of Jesus Christ and His gospel. I really believe that this is important.
We have so many "shenpa" experiences…(to be shenpa'd means to become stuck on something so that we are unable to grow and learn. We are literally spiritually and mentally stuck)! When we turn to Christ and seriously rely on His atonement, we can become unstuck.
Last week after we discussed the meaning of shenpa, I asked my teacher, Brother Purse, how to move away from shenpa.
I said: "It seems easier said than done." And he confirmed that…ha ha . However - this is what is most important - he said: "It all comes down to saying: 'Jesus, take the wheel,' in a Carrie Underwood sense." By believing this and trusting that there is a Savior who knows how we feel can take the burden off of our shoulders. Let Christ carry what you cannot, because He has already suffered the sins and pains of all people who live…YOU. After we have done all we can to repent and become more like Christ, we say: "Jesus, take the wheel. Because I cannot do this alone and I KNOW that you are aware of me and are beside me." Because He is.
We cannot control all aspects of our lives, but we can definitely control who we decide to become and how we react in all situations. So, will we turn to Christ and hope and trust in the redeeming and spiritually healing power of the atonement?

No matter who you are, what your background is, where you're from, what ethnicity you are, your age, hobbies, or family life, YOU can feel of God's love and of our Savior's love. I promise that the feeling of the redeeming and healing power of the atonement is worth more to me (and can be for you, too) than any other "thing" or feeling in the entire world - in all of eternity.

Someday when we die, we can meet God and our Savior again. We will remember more clearly our divine heritage and potential, and know that we are truly sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father who KNOWS and loves us. Because I know this, I have peace in my heart and an abiding hope and trust in Christ that I can live with my Savior and Father in Heaven again.

what and who you love

2013-10-13T00:45:00.003-08:00

I'm feeling quite...whimsical...

if that is the right word. I actually don't even really know what it means.

I've been trying to think of what extracurricular thing I would like to do when I return to school.

I swam last year...and that was fun. I think it would be fun to try something new, too.

And then, I just started thinking about what makes me happy. and what will make me happy?

the way that things turn out in my life never really turn out the way that I expect them to.

ever!

and that's ok.

I really love the simple things.

raindrops on windows.

the sun shining through foggy air.

crunchy snow.

water.

smelling new and fresh.

feeling strong after exercise.

making music on the piano.

but I REALLY love my family!

and my Savior, Jesus Christ!

i really love being able to help others.

i love having a seat heater.

i love blue skies, purple skies, pink skies, grey skies, and all of the above.

i love rainy days, snowy days, sunny days, and warm days.

and when it's the end of the day,

or the beginning of the day!

..

it all comes down to what and whom you love.

THAT is what is most important.

-Mal

I smelled things today:

2013-09-26T23:35:00.000-08:00

Post from many moons ago:

"I smelled things today:

There were many strong odors today in school.

I smelled a powerful scent of candy/sweets. Like lollipops and"

I decided to go look through drafts in my blog posts and found some funny ones.

I still remember the day that it smelled so sweet in the hallways!

It's kind of strange how long it has been since then. Maybe two years? A year and a half?

I thought that I would say hi to you all!

Hi!

I am home. It is good to be here. Better than good. Great!

I am home earlier than expected, but all is well.

To be honest, it has been a challenging summer! It really has.

I wouldn't be able to do it all without my family, though. They light up my life.

You know....sometimes I feel like I am still in a limbo stage. Sometimes, it even feels like I am just stuck under the limbo stick with my back arched and my legs are starting to cramp. Not literally. It's a metaphor.

Silence.

Lately, I am trying to better savor the silence.

It's so good to hear nothing. To just think. It's a wonderful thing.

Bye!

lovely little Agibail

2013-09-26T22:52:00.003-08:00

(all photos taken by me, Mallory.)

this lady

2013-09-26T21:19:00.003-08:00

Oh I love her!

(she is my little sister)

shine on

2013-09-24T23:04:00.003-08:00

Shine on. ^

Here is a beautiful poem I would like to share:

My life is but a weaving

Between the Lord and me;
I may not choose the colors–
He knows what they should be.

For He can view the pattern

Upon the upper side
While I can see it only
On this, the under side.

Sometimes He weaves in sorrow,

Which seems so strange to me;
But I will trust His judgment
And work on faithfully.

‘Tis He who fills the shuttle,

And He knows what is best;
So I shall weave in earnest,
And leave to Him the rest.

Not ’til the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needed

In the Weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

~ Benjamin Malachi Franklin

Sometimes, we have experiences in life that are really challenging. We are all challenged in different ways. A dear friend quoted to me once: "If we were to all put our trials in a bowl (but our own) and had to pick one randomly, we would love to rather have ours back."

Along the way of my experiences in the past four months, I have met some of the most incredible and loving friends.

It sufficeth me to say: "All is well."

2013-09-05T11:38:00.002-08:00

*photo by me

tasty food

2013-05-17T11:30:00.001-08:00

The falafel hut is now open again!!!!!

YA for delicious food!!!

Couldn't be any yummier!

I'm going on a Mission!

2013-05-16T22:38:00.001-08:00

that's me! ^

My hair is growing out!

Hehe!

I like the length that it's at right now.

Only a few days to go until I report to the MTC!

(missionary training center)

: )

whoa there

2013-05-16T22:33:00.000-08:00

Remember, one year ago...I graduated?

Crazy!

Time has flown by.

my papa and I

I know that I am not perfect, but I am trying to improve myself.

One thing that I will commit to doing better is waking up and being more greatful for all I have.

I will be excited to start the day!

I will savor every moment that I have.

Because...people,

the good in the world is so

beautiful.

so simple.

so precious.

those little moments, where it's almost as if you can drink in the beauty of the moment,

and sip away at the cup of life's most cherished moments.

when a child goos and smiles, with his cheeks, his lips, and his eyes, gazing at his dear mother.

when the sun peeks out from behind cloudy skies.

when a child reaches for your hand.

when you feel the wind brushing hair into your face.

when you hear the chimes on your back porch twinkling as the wind rustles them.

when you feel as if Heavenly Father is warming your heart with peace and joy.

love love love

2013-05-16T22:21:00.001-08:00

I love these cute little babes!

They are so precious.

Families can be together forever;

what a sweet truth!

I want to talk about something beautiful

2013-05-13T22:50:00.000-08:00

Smiles.

Smiles all around!

My mother was talking about something specific the other day...but I will generalize it to "thirsting."

Thirsting.

Thirsting for what?

For knowledge. For light. For good. For wonderful things.

For answers. For reasons. For questions. For wondering. For thinking. For pondering.

For believing. For knowing. For smiling.

a smile in the heart and a smile on your lips.

Why do we search for things that we enjoy doing?

Why do we have passions?

Why do we look for "the one"?

Why do we wake up every morning?

Why do you wake up every morning?

God gives me these reasons.

Imagine waking up on a beach, feeling the soft sand support your body as if you were being rocked in a cradle. You feel the sun gently beaming out from the horizon, waking the world up to another beautiful morning. The ocean waves splash onto shore over and over, like the gentle beat to a well known and familiar song, one that you know of and exquisitely love, but can never remember the name of.

You turn over and lay with your back on the sand, looking up at the palm trees overhead. The breeze sways them, rocking to the beat of the song that you are living in. You breathe in deeply, savoring the tastes of the fresh air, a mango stand on the nearby street, and clean clothes hung on the laundry line in a neighbor's backyard. You feel it all: the sun beginning to sparkle upon every inch of sand, of sea, of land, the birds soaring up in the ocean blue skies, people walking in sandals for their morning stroll, and the smiles in hearts off all those who surround you.

This is your Heavenly Father and Savior's love for you.

Whether or not you had a good day today, I hope and pray that you find solace in knowing that Jesus is the Christ. And He loves you.

And if you had a bad day, pray to your Heavenly Father.

And if you had a good day, pray to your Heavenly Father.

He wants to hear from you!

Although I am not living in a tropical paradise right now (in fact...the opposite), I can still feel the peace and happiness as if I were lying on the beach.

It's all around me! My family's love, seeing the snow slowly melt, making a child giggle, accomplishing great and small and big things, and waking up each morning.

I encourage you to look toward the light.

the light of Jesus Christ!

Photo taken and edited by me

What is an LDS mission?

2013-05-04T15:48:00.001-08:00

I have realized over the past few days that many of you probably don't know what a mission is!

I am called to serve in Korea, but what does that mean??

Ever seen those guys (or girls) walking around in two's, dressed in church attire and wearing the name tags? Those are missionaries. And I will be one, soon! As missionaries, we receive calls to serve in a specific place. On our mission, we devote all of our time to teaching others about the gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We study the scriptures, teach lessons, and serve. I will be serving for a year and a half in the Korea Daejeon Mission.

I will not be able to make phone calls, but you are welcome to write me letters! I am making a blog to document my experiences (on which my mom will post emails I write to her), and on there you will find an address for where you can address your letters to.

You might be thinking...Ummm okay, why do you even want to do this, Mallory?

I made the decision to go on a mission because I know that it is what my Savior would want me to do, and I want to share the message of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. The reason I want to serve and teach others about the gospel of Jesus Christ is because I have felt such peace and joy from living as a member of this church and coming to know my Savior, Jesus Christ, and my Heavenly Father. I want to help others recognize who we are and why we are here on earth.

There is one thing in the world that I can testify of with surety and all of my heart, and it is that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true gospel.

To learn more....go here: http://mormon.org/missionary-work

If you have any questions, ask away! I am happy to speak with you.

hey you part two!

2013-05-01T17:50:00.002-08:00

Hello, whoever you are!

I have been pretty absent the past several months...I have been at school in Idaho.

It's pretty cold there....but now it is way colder here in Alaska.

What the heck is all this snow doing here still?!?!?! I built a snowman today....and it is the first of May.

I have been called to serve in the Korea Daejeon Mission!! I will be serving as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for eighteen months! I report to the MTC (Missionary Training Center) at the end of this month.

I am so excited!

Besides preparing for that, I have spent the past several months at school, studying and studying away! It is quite different now, being at home and not having something to do almost every minute.

Anyway, thought I'd drop by this place and give a shout out....

"HEY YOU! LIFE IS SO GREAT! I LIKE THE SUNSHINE AND ALSO I REALLY LOVE MY FAMILY. AND I LOVE THE BOOK OF MORMON."

Catch ya latah :)

Snowman is in the background, wearing black gloves.

yup,

2013-01-31T20:43:00.001-09:00

KOREA!

hey you!

2013-01-29T18:43:00.000-09:00

it's hard to describe in a quick blog post about life for me right now.

i am growing.
i am being me.

i am being presented with new challenges everyday.

such as...SNOW.

and more SNOW
AND SNOW AND SNOW!

there is SO much snow here!
walking to class is sometimes a bit chilly, esp. if get a smoothie.

but...the good news is that it's cold for a few days, then the sun comes back out and melts much of it.

my roommates are so great!!
i love em!

and.....i'm engaged.

KIDDING!

I know my school is known for marriage....but I am not engaged at this point in my life.

I've got a big piece of news coming up VERY soon...and am so excited to share it!

my classes are great. I love being at the same school as my brother. it's so fun! we always go to devotional together.

i used to wonder how I would ever remember where everything is on campus...but I sorta got it down now!

at least...where all my classes are.

i love learning and am so greatful to be at this wonderful school!

it's plenty of homework and studying..but I am absolutely positive it is well worth the time it is taking now. I believe that what I sow is what I reap.

I love being a relief society teacher! all the women in my ward are just so fabulous! everyone is incredibly nice and are such nice friends!

ciao for now..

now?

2012-12-26T14:06:00.002-09:00

i'm in love.

ugh, he is so awesome.

and now that I finished all four seasons of Merlin on netflix, I don't know what to do with my life.

-Mal

ALWAYS

2012-12-11T21:50:00.002-09:00

no matter what, the song American Boy takes me back to my early high school years, specifically the swimming season.

such memories!

one week

2012-12-10T19:58:00.001-09:00

I leave for my home in Alaska in one week!!!

I've been thinking a lot lately.

I understand that many people say:
"Everything happens for a reason."

True...but it all happens because of the choices we make.

Just because you got burnt doesn't mean it was meant to be that way...maybe you should have not put your hand on the hot stove.

We all make choices and they have direct consequences.

Nothing happens "just because."

Many times, we see the Lord's hand in our lives.

He is there watching over us and guiding us,

but we DO make our own choices.

He will bless us if we choose the right.

I am trying to live a life in which I regret nothing.

I usually avoid all those cliche phrases that Pinterest is pooled with:

"Smile...it irritates those who wish to destroy you."

"Life is like the ocean....every time a wave knocks down your sand castle, you build it up again."

"Do one thing that scares you everyday."

"Sometimes you just have to smile, pretend everything's okay, hold back the tears, and walk away."

But I really want to live my life so that I am happy...more than happy, though...joyous.

So, I am being me.

I am being brave and confident,

willing to always stand up for what I believe!

I want others to see that I am full of joy, as well.

And I want others to feel that joy.

I admit, many things get me down.

Sometimes I don't feel pretty.

who doesn't?

Sometimes I get really frustrated with sloppy people.

Sometimes I am sad because people lie.

Sometimes I am frustrated because my room is so messy.

Sometimes I am angry because people boss me around.

Sometimes I get upset because I have zits.

All the time, I miss my family.

But, it was my mama's birthday a couple weeks ago,

and it is my papa's birthday TODAY!

I love them so much and am thankful for how great they are!

I'm blessed with such amazing parents.

bittersweet

2012-12-03T23:08:00.002-09:00

I only have two weeks left in this beautiful place!

I will surely miss almost everything.

I will miss all the now familiars.

My family, car, my jobs, my coworkers, the roads I drive every day, getting meals for under three dollars/free, the sweet, sugary smell of where I work, my cool ward and super friendly people, and all the experiences that I have built upon.

I guess this is the way it goes in life.

Sometimes we think an experience in life will not be good.
We think that we are better off with the familiar.
But, the unfamiliar has helped me to grow.
Into a new person.

Into a more refined Mallory.

More brave, myself, and willing to fight for me.

I feel so far away from my future.

As if I am standing on the shore and my future lies on the horizon, miles away.

Really, it's around the corner.
Maybe holding my hand.

The past is gone.
And I'm learning to better recognize it.

I can't wish for a present from the past
and expect to find it dropped on my doorstep in a cute little box.

I look forward to the future.
My future.

If I am holding my future's hand,

then my past is my shadow.

Still a part of me.

But tomorrow is a new day.

And I feel revived, revitalized and alive with all my purpose.

and my happiness.

Sometimes, I feel as if I am glowing with heart.

I feel so much love in my heart.

Thank you, Heavenly Father.

Almost goodbye, Idaho.

But never a forever goodbye.

Three months ago.

I get to see all my familia soon, and that lil man ^ <3 p="p">

the best day of the week!

2012-12-02T13:39:00.001-09:00

I can't remember much of my last week, but it was good!

Except I lost my two most valuable possessions.
And learned that I cannot submit my mission papers till January 1st.
And my face is dried up like the desert.
I had to give my two weeks notice for my jobs.
So....yay..

I'm just hoping and praying I find my rings.

On the flip side...
I wore dark red lipstick.
I watched MIB 3.
I get to watch the Christmas Devotional tonight.
I had such a great time at church!!
I bore my testimony and we had munch n mingle.
My hair looks good.
It rained! (and it still is.)
I GET TO SEE MY FAMILY IN 15 DAYS!

dear

2012-11-25T16:59:00.004-09:00

i wasnt sure who to address this letter to, so it's just "dear."

i went to church today, and we finally have a church building to go to!!! it's really exciting.

i am so close to finishing all my mission work.

i bought shampoo and conditioner and hairspray and it cost a buttload of money so i got a free comfy robe. it's definitely "luxurious." i wish i could wear it all day, even to work and church. but that probs would be frowned upon.

i took a nap today. it wasn't that long. just an hour.

but it felt great.

i started my laundry.

i only have three more weeks of school, that's mind boggling.

i worked out on saturday, and it all felt so great, i didn't even want to stop.

go me!

anyways, my ward is now gigantor, because two wards were combined. it's practically full! of single adults! so many people. and relief society was packed. pretty cool!

i purchased a new song recently called "Anything Could Happen" by Ellie Goulding, and it is SO good. go listen to it, yo!

my mom booked our flights to Hawaii next april :) :) :) :) :) :) !!!! ☆☆☆❀❀☼☼☼ !!!

beaches here we come :)

i've been thinking a lot.

and i remember the time i was with my gal friends after FHE, we stopped by freddy's and Lo and I got out to the car first. i had to pee, so we went across the street to the forest, then when we came back we started to dance in the rain. and we just danced forever! and we were sopping wet. it was so fun. so rejuvenating. life can't get better. life brings a smile to my face.

i haven't been to a dance in forever.....what in the world?!?!?!

i'm deprived...

thank heavens i'm not deprived of love....my family is so great. they always love me. and Heavenly Father always has his arms open! I feel the love they have for me.

this is me and my newly bound journal :)

OH. MY. HECK.

2012-11-18T09:04:00.000-09:00

I finished my Mission papers!!!!!!!

I AM SO EXCITED!!!!

Plus - the Re dedication of the Boise Temple was so amazing.

I love the Prophet and all the leaders of this Church.

I am almost a Sister Missionary!!!!!!

almost there

2012-11-17T09:10:00.002-09:00

....almost done with my mission papers!!!!

I've got one tiny thing to do.

AHH!!!

I am so excited.

This has been such a crazy, busy week. I spent a total of more than five hours in doctor's offices and worked more than 40 hours. I also have quite a bit of homework that I am behind on. I need to catch up.

I can't believe I only have one left month here. Exactly.

Time flies.

I leave you with this great scripture:

Mosiah 24:13-14

13 And it ^acame to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.

14 And I will also ease the ^aburdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as^bwitnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their ^cafflictions.

Oh - while I was waiting to see the Doctor....a guy asked me:

"Hey, I don't want to be snooping, but are you a mormon?" He then pointed to the mission papers I had sitting on the table right next to me.

"Yes, I am!
I am going on a mission!"

"That's cool. I never had the nerve.
It's not every day that you meet a mormon!"

two month anniversary

2012-11-06T19:17:00.000-09:00

woooohooooo! I have lived in this new place for....dos months.

It's been quite an adventure. I have loved all the new experiences.

I have had the opportunity to meet such wonderful and kind people!

I go to the temple much more often than I ever did in Alaska.

I work two jobs.

The people I work with are usually pretty fun!

And the people in my ward are great.

And my family (and niece and nephews) just crack me up.

We had a pillow fight the other night. And my eight year old nephew scared the heck out of me today! Right as I rounded the corner after coming out of the bathroom, he jumped out and screamed.

He got me good!

this is the gorgeous temple sprinkled with snowflakes.

already to November in my awesome Audrey Hepburn calendar (that Sarah gave me!!).

Hot chocolate sounded delicious. So I made some! I even grew the marshmallows.

I've come to learn that Idaho is a beautiful place full of beautiful people!

I never thought I would say this...but I am so glad I came here and I will definitely miss it.