all who wander are not lost...

       That is my new mantra.  "All who wander are not lost."  I know many may be wondering how this has anything to do with me, so I will tell you that I just relocated back to Utah.  Really, this past year and a half since graduating has sure been interesting.  AZ-->CA--> UT-->AZ-->UT.  But I tell you what, I have learned more about myself on these past few adventures than I dare say in the last 5 years combined.  It has really been such a great experience being able to move with my job, meet so many new and great people, and see neat places.  I know it may seem like I am roaming around the western United States, but I have been quite content with the way things have turned out for me.  Although, I can say that if you asked me 5 years ago where I'd be now, I would never have thought in my wildest dreams I'd be here.  It's just goes to show that sometimes our plans for our self are not always the Lord's plans for us.  And usually His plans are so much more worth while than we could have planned if we tried.  

        So I have tried to avoid the word "lost" when describing my life this past year (except for when driving!).  I feel the word "lost" implies that I don't know who I am or where I'm going.  I feel it would almost be an offense to the Lord to say that I am lost, because He knows where I am and has been with me the whole time.  Now wandering, on the other hand, implies that I am trying new things to find my niche, where I fit for this time in my life.  It implies that I  do know who I am, though my feet are planted in an unfamiliar place.  The things I have learned on my journey across state lines are the following:

*Be happy wherever I am.

*When I put all my efforts into service, I don't get lonely.

*The gospel is the same everywhere, and it is a way of instant friends!

*Right when I move somewhere new, it's always the hardest.  I just have to make it through the   first month, and I'm good to go.

*Pray often.  The Lord is the one person that can go with us everywhere we go.

*Watch cell phone minutes!  And save the best and longest conversations for nights and weekends!

*Continue to be an active member of my family no matter how far apart we are.

*Embrace the chance to become friends with new people.  New friends always have something to  share and provide me with the opportunity to give in ways I didn't know I had in me.  Be a 

 good friend, even with the possibility of not seeing them again.  Sincere short moments make

 for lasting changes.

*Go out of my comfort zone.

And most importantly...

HAVE FAITH and BE PATIENT.