**Warning: This is a word dump. I did not have time to make it look or sound good, so it might not make sense. You have now been warned.**
**2nd Warning: This wasn't originally meant for public consumption. I just wanted to share because it makes me happy :) **
When I finally get my college diploma, I want it to say, “Look what God can do with such simple means.” At the beginning of this week I just knew this would be the most stressful week of my semester. In all honesty, I didn’t see how I could accomplish all I needed to do. On top of my regular classes, homework, and part-time TA job, I had a midterm that I hadn’t studied for (literally, nothing), I was responsible for the Political Science Fall Social (Oktoberfest), and my research grant proposal was due. I was already behind on my schoolwork because I am the Service Committee Co-Chair for my ward and we held a ward service project the Saturday before. However, when you commit your time, talents, and means to the service of the Lord, he will bless you beyond measure. When you do the very best you can, he will take care of the rest. When I asked in faith, he always answered.
I don’t think I can remember enough details or have enough time to represent this week well enough. I wish I had recorded along the way - but obviously I didn’t have time. God answered prayer upon prayer upon prayer. I felt the Spirit with me. As I stayed close to the Spirit, I believe I was guided to do the right things. He helped me to somehow accomplish what I needed to do.
The deadline for grading the essays was pushed back. Prof Karpowitz was able to review my research proposal at the last minute. I got an 87 on my ASL test and we didn’t have any ASL quizzes - which is really good because I didn’t have time for ASL homework. I got a 98 on my international relations research paper. Rachel passed by the SWKT right as I was walking out and was able to give me rescue remedy. Someone found my cell phone and called Mom to tell her he was bringing it to lost and found. God answered my cry for help with a prompting to go to family home evening that night - we did a service project bringing treats to children in the hospital. Erika and Clayton took me grocery shopping. Mom and Erika proofed my research proposal. When planning Oktoberfest, Mom and Heather helped me brainstorm mingling activities. Oktoberfest went awesome - everyone did what they needed to and the whole event went as planned. We even stayed under budget. Our advisor and several other professors called it a huge success. I found the right articles and websites to be able to create a research design and submit my proposal by the deadline. I was able to register for all the winter classes I needed. Heather quizzed me on PlSc 321 terms while I walked to the midterm. When in the midterm, I somehow remembered what I had studied late the previous night and felt really good about it. One of the essay questions asked me to list terms I had just reviewed with Heather. I’m actually excited to find out what my grade was! I was able to stay awake until midnight Thursday - even though I had only gotten 4 ½ hours of sleep the night before. Rachel and Alex made me dinner. I had energy to do things when I thought I’d fall over. And what is most amazing to me, I had a great attitude. Prayer, scripture study, and the companionship of the spirit kept me optimistic the whole week with an “I can” attitude. When I got down on my knees Friday morning crying to my Father in Heaven that I simply couldn’t finish the proposal on time, He helped me finish my prayer with “God, I don’t even care if I actually get the grant. But I don’t want to let Prof. Karpowitz down and I don’t want to give up when I’m so close to the finish line. Please, God, help me to not give up.” I hopped up from that prayer with a new energy and starting running around the apt packing my backpack, packing my lunch, sliding across the kitchen floor in my socks, and all with a smile on my face. I knew I could do it. I just knew. And I did. This week was a success.
These are all simple things, but they were everything to me. God knew that. Because I am His daughter, He loves me and cares about the small things in my life. Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf summarized this best:
“Compared to God, man is nothing; yet we are everything to God.”
