Choosing Not to Rodeo on Sunday

This is my response I wish I had when people ask me why I don't rodeo on Sunday. I probably gave a four syllable answer, along the lines of I'm a Mormon, but that isn't a fantastic answer.

This is in NO WAY intended to say that Mormons who rodeo on Sunday are bad, or that I am better than them, or anything along those lines. This is why I choose not to compete on Sundays in the season.

First of all, when I was in grade nine, my dad said we wouldn't go on Sundays. If I would've fought him in this, he probably would have let me go. He told me if I didn't go on Sundays, I would be blessed. My naïve grade nine mentality thought this meant I would do well in rodeo simply because I didn't compete on Sunday. This was not the case. I didn't qualify for provincials in grade nine, and I was sure it was because I had only gone to the rodeos held on Friday and Saturday, and I wasn't totally sure if I ever would qualify for provincials, but that was alright with me at that point.

In grade ten, I qualified for provincials in one event tied for tenth. (They take the top ten in each district.) I then qualified for the Canadian High School Finals, which is the top six in each province. This was a huge testimony builder to me, and I continued to work hard to improve in the sport I love.

I used Hanna's horse for the fall of grade eleven, then I started hauling my own mare in the spring. Needless to say, it took us a few rodeos to get on the same page, and I fell down continuously in the breakaway standings. I was still for sure going to qualify in goat tying, but I was hoping to qualify in both events. It didn't look like it was going to happen. In fact, my dad told me even if I won the last rodeo, I wouldn't have had enough points to make it in the top ten, and I had nothing to lose. I won the final rodeo, and ended up tied for tenth again headed to provincials. The final rodeo of the season was snowed out, and so I made it. (My dad was a little off in his calculations, thank goodness.)

Provincials came, and I had a goal to make it to Nationals. I thought if I was going to go, it would be in goats, since I was seeded higher in that event.

On the last day, I knew I had to catch my last calf in breakaway to have a chance to win the average and hopefully qualify for Nationals. I did that, and I just went to get ready for goat tying, which was next. The girl who won Alberta came over, super excited for me, and told me I qualified to go. I was shocked; I had no idea I would qualify after coming in to provincials in last place. Literally. Last.

Nationals was fun, I learned so much about competition and personal growth and the opportunities available in this fantastic sport. I did alright in the second run, and felt confident going into Canadians.

I don't know why, but I was so excited for Canadians. I couldn't sleep the night before, I was shaking with excitement when we pulled in. I had been there before, and was ready for the competition.

I was one of three girls to catch two calves, I was third high call for the final round. I caught my calf, and waited to see how the other two girls would do. They both missed, and I was shaking again. I didn't stop shaking for a solid twenty four hours after that run. Multiple people asked me how it felt to be the Canadian High School Finals Breakaway Champion. My response was it felt good, it felt like everything I had been doing for years finally paid off.

The fact that I qualified for provincials was a testament to me that I was blessed for not competing on Sundays. Then I qualified for Nationals, and I could not deny the Source of my success.

Yes, it does put me at a disadvantage to only compete and roughly half of the rodeos in the regular season.

Is it worth it to me? Absolutely. Would I change it? No. Why is this my answer? It all comes down to one truth.

Rodeo is what I do, it's not who I am. I am a daughter of God, and I love Him with my entire being. I would do anything for Him. I wouldn't choose to rodeo on Sunday now, because for me, that means I would change my relationship with Him and His Son, Jesus Christ, and there is nothing, nothing, that would be worth that for me.

There are tons of quotes from General Authorities about keeping the Sabbath Day holy. I think it must be pretty important, it's listed in the commandments along with "Do not kill," and things like that. I'll share a couple of my favorite quotes.

The first one comes from Quenton L. Cook. He said, "Keeping the Sabbath Day is a refuge from the storms of this life." A refuge! How cool of a promise is that?!

Henry B. Eyering said, "When you do your part, the Lord adds His power to your efforts." I know this is true with my entire being.

I love rodeo, I love the rush, I live for the next run. But the high from competing is nothing compared to the love I feel from my Heavenly Father.

I know that my Redeemer lives, what comfort this sweet sentence gives!

Because I have been given many opportunities in life, as well as in this sport, I feel I should give, too. The Sabbath Day is something I give to my Savior, and that is why I choose not to rodeo on Sunday.

Things Are No Longer Things

What if one day you woke up and things were no longer a thing?

Let's take a moment and define things. For the sake of this post, please assume that they are things such as cars, houses, clothes, computers, phones, etc. I'm not necessarily suggesting that they will evaporate overnight, but rather that our priorities suddenly become placed on other things because of a sudden accident, illness, or passing of a loved one. But who knows? Maybe things really will just evaporate:)

If this happened, there would probably be a few groups of people. Let's discuss them, shall we?

Group #1: This group is utterly distraught. All their hard work suddenly goes "down the drain, with nothing to show for it." Things were their life, possessions and collections drove them to work. They spent long hours working to be able to purchase more things. They often have very nice homes with lots of admirable things inside, but very little meaning is associated to all of their stuff. These people are all about looks and outside appearances; they invented "cool." Things are no longer a thing, and they are lost and empty without their vast amounts of stuff. Their relationships with people probably weren't stellar since possessions were a priority in their life, and people came in second.

Group #2: This group isn't distraught, but they aren't thrilled either. They like their stuff, it is mostly sentimental things someone gave them for Christmas from Walmart, but it was very thoughtful. They appreciate stuff and like to keep it around. If you want to get their heart, all you have to do is buy them a present. They don't focus all their energy on things, they have a solid relationship with the people they associate with, but they don't necessarily go out of their way to make the world a better place for everyone, because things are pretty fabulous.

Group #3: This group doesn't care that things are no longer a thing. They have everything they need in life without things. Their relationships with family and friends are strong, they are trustworthy (not that the other groups necessarily aren't) and they have compassion. They love their life without things, they have memories of grand adventures and good times to fill those spaces where things can creep into your desires. They go out of their way to serve others and give what they can, when they can. The world is at their fingertips because they don't dedicate all their time, energy, and resources to obtaining more and better things. Their lives are filled with meaning; their intents are always good. They constantly strive to make the world a better place.

Now, these are the three main groups according to me, but there are definitely subgroups and varying levels within each group.

Let's say tomorrow you wake up and all of your things weren't available. How would you react? I'm going to suggest that you do a self evaluation by placing yourself in a group, and see if you like where you end up. If you do, great! If not, it might be time to change your mindset...because who knows, tomorrow you could wake up and things are no longer a thing.

High School Rodeo 2016

Rodeo. Just the word sends shivers up my spine, my adrenaline starts pumping, and I feel at home.

I've been riding since I could walk, although sometimes I didn't think I would ever compete in rodeo. It was cool to watch my dad but I didn't have my own burning desire to compete, that is, until I actually did start competing. Once I got the taste of the excitement of it all, I was sure that I wanted to do that for the rest of my life.

There's nothing quite like this sport. In breakaway, for example, my horse and I have to be on the same page, but so does the calf, the guy running the chute, the timer, the flagman, and even the person in the chute pushing my calf. It all happens in roughly four seconds, and there's so many variables. That's what I love about it. Some days it happens, and some days it doesn't, and that's the beauty of it. We are on such a roller coaster all the time, being the best one day to not so hot the next. Rodeo has taught me how to win and lose graciously, because it's the only choice if you want to be able to compete consistently.

In the last two weeks, I've had the opportunity to compete at the National High School Finals Rodeo in Gillette, Wyoming. There were 1637 competitors, and 1900 horses there. It was the largest rodeo in history. Then I was able to go to the Canadian High School Finals Rodeo in Nanton, Alberta. The top six competitors in each province are invited to compete there. I have been blessed to learn and grow from these opportunities, and I am grateful for them.

If I could tell anyone, but especially young girls a thing or two, it would be this: when you are in the heat of the moment, backed in the box, ready to go, just take one second and let the whole situation sink into your mind, and enjoy it. Never take an opportunity for granted, and always be kind to people.

As I think back on that moment where I was backed in the box at Nationals, with people from all over behind me, I could feel the energy from all of these people. It was almost tangible. The feeling of joy and excitement was incredible. At that moment, it was no longer about me. It was about everyone who never got the chance to come, but who ropes as good as anyone. It was about the people who supported me so I could get here, about the coaches who have spent countless hours helping me to be able to rope, but also to be mentally tough, in the arena of rodeo, and in the arena of life.

There might be better ways to make a living, but there is no better way to live. We compete against our best friends, no one backs off for the other person, and we are still friends at the end of the day. It's an incredible life, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Moroni's Quest 2016

I don't know how to perfectly put into words my experience at Moroni's Quest, but I'm going to do my best. To say it was life changing doesn't explain it. To say it was overwhelming is an understatement. I fear nothing I can say will do it the justice it deserves, but I also believe I need to record my experience here.

So, what is Moroni's Quest? Every youth aged fourteen and up in our stake was invited to attend this amazing event where the stories in the Book of Mormon were reenacted. There was an amazing team of people that had thought of everything, from sound to security to superb meals. When we arrived on Friday morning, we were assigned to a tribe that had eight or nine kids in it, with leaders who have been preparing for a year to teach us.

On the first day, we rode buses to a place by Police Lake, where we started our journey to the promised land, or the campground. We followed Lehi and his family from place to place, and we learned about the stories and experiences of this remarkable family. They literally left everything behind to follow the Lord. This day taught me that sometimes the great things the Lord has in store for us take time, patience, and ultimately, trust in Him and His plan. Sacrifices that we make for Him will lead us down greater roads than we ever could've imagined.

The next day, we covered a vast majority of the Book of Mormon, from things like King Benjamin's address to battles to Samuel the Lamanite telling of the signs of Christ's birth. One of the events that affected me deeply was the story of Abinadi. This man gave His life in order to do what God had asked of Him, adding his name to a long list of martyrs, sealing his work with his life. He trusted God so much that He was willing to give everything he had, and he ultimately gave his life here to preach the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Another event that touched me was Mosiah's sons and their desire to serve missions. There was two called missionaries and two returned missionaries that bore their testimonies abut missionary work, and one of the returned missionaries is a girl from my ward. She said, "God loves each one of us and He wants us to love the gospel, each other, and ourselves." Sometimes, I feel like I'm not enough, but I know that in God's eyes, I am definitely enough.

Throughout the day, we would have discussions about what we learned and what our thoughts were with our tribes. We were also given time to write in our journals any thoughts we had about what was happening. At some point on Saturday afternoon, I wrote, "The power of God isn't for a select few of us. The love of God is for every man, woman, and child to ever exist. It's not for those who achieve certain things or love God "this much." It's for all of us, in all of us, ingrained in our spiritual and physical beings. We are always deserving of it."

Every event in the Book of Mormon is meaningful to me, but some of them sunk deeper into my mind and heart in this event than others did. The last one I'll share that happened on Saturday was the two thousand stripling warriors that Helaman lead to battle. They had every young man that had a mother there come to the stage and their moms all came and sang to them. It was an amazing thing to see those boys up there, and it was especially cool to see all of the ones with mission calls standing up there, ready to go and serve God. Today, our young men aren't called to go to battle or anything like that, but they are called to serve missions. They have been taught in their youth, and they will be the Lord's missionaries to bring the world His truth. They have the ability to overcome every obstacle set in front of them with God's help. We all do.

On Sunday morning, we all gathered together and sat in our tribes. The Savior (our stake president) came out into our gathering, and an immediate overwhelming feeling of love covered every person there in attendance. A few kids got up and hugged Him, and then everyone stood up to get in line to hug him. Meanwhile, hugs were shared with everyone. There were no groups, no age differences, no friend circles that mattered there. Everyone was equal.

I know that He lives. I know that He loves me, regardless of my imperfections. He loves me despite of my short comings and faults. He loves me. This is an unchanging truth, I know He knows me and my imperfections and my challenges and my struggles. He knows exactly what we need exactly when we need it. I know that God will carry me when I cannot walk on my own. I know that Christ lives, I know He suffered for my sins so I can repent. Oh, how sweet this sentence is! I know that my Redeemer lives!

I have heard some people state that the gospel of Jesus Christ isn't for them. There are some things that aren't for me, such as drawing, or singing, but I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. I know that the love of God is for everyone, and I know that God forgives all those who are willing to turn to Him with a humble heart.

There were so many amazing experiences in those four days, and I am incredibly grateful that I had the chance to go. I know that the adversary is going to be working hard on the people that were there because he doesn't want us to succeed, but I know as we strive to become more Christlike, we will have the ability to overcome any temptations we have.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. I know this with all my heart.

The Mountains are Calling

"The mountains are calling, and I must go." 

I love adventures. Big ones, small ones, spontaneous ones, you name it, I love them. Mountains seem to hold endless adventures on their peaks, hidden in their valleys, mixed among their trees, and living in the water. They are peaceful, the rush of reality and chaos of every day life is left behind in the mountains. 

Many times in the scriptures, prophets of God are called to the mountains to receive revelation, and it makes sense. I personally don't think it's because they are closer to heaven, but because they aren't filled with the noise that is so apparent in life. It's easier to hear God when we listen without distractions, and it's easier to learn when it's a little bit challenging. 

Hiking isn't easy. I would much prefer to ride a horse up the mountain. I'm more comfortable, it's not as physically and emotionally straining. It hurts. And I don't like it, step by step. It pushes you. It's always uphill both ways I'm pretty sure.  But I do know I never regret it when I'm done. (That's a lie. The next day I always regret it, but mostly because I'm super sore.) Mountains teach me something nothing else could. 

When we are in crowded places, sometimes our thoughts become chaotic and close minded, but as we get into open places, our minds allow room for growth and positive thoughts.

If you're feeling clouded over, I challenge you to go to the mountains. It's a fantastic stress reliever, you can find peace and joy there. I guarantee you'll remember it later, unlike mowing your lawn again. When the mountains are calling you, I suggest you answer it. 

Moving Onward & Upward

Toxic people will drag you down and hold you back from reaching your potential & that's the truth. If you have them in your life, do your best to change that. If you can't change it, try to change the situation. If you can't change the situation, make the best of it and don't let them drag you down. Sometimes you have to let people go, because you grow. It's not because they are bad or you are better, but we all change. Change is hard, it can hurt. Sometimes you don't want to let people go, and sometimes you don't know how. 

I have a lot of mothers in my life. One of them told me that when someone does something to hurt you, and it seems to weigh on your mind a lot, you have to find a way to let them go. She suggested writing their name on a paper, building a little boat, and letting them sail away in a river or lake or some water. This is her physical way of mentally reminding herself that it's time to move on. Doing this allows for a weight to be lifted off your shoulders, it's an incredible feeling. 

Yes, bad things will happen to you. Yes, you might be hurt or offended by people. Yes, you have to let bitterness go. Yes, you should let yourself grow & move on. 

Let the negativity go. Let yourself be happy and let yourself move on. 

Have a fantastic day! 

Because of a Mother

Because of a mother, I have learned to stand on my own two feet. I've been taught that no matter what, you pick yourself up and dust off and continue forward, one foot in front of the other. If someone wants to push me around, I can stand up for myself. 

Because of a mother, I have learned the importance of helping other people. I have learned about selfless love and the ability to help everyone you meet in some way or another. It's not about having the fanciest things, but the most beautiful heart. 

Because of a mother, I have learned to appreciate my own worth and to never underestimate my potential. I have become aware that my moms don't want me to settle for anything less than my best. I have come to realize that my mothers believe in me when I don't believe in myself. 

Because of a mother, I have learned about selfless sacrifice. Sometimes your own needs or wants get pushed down the list. Mothers spend money and an endless amount of time to see others succeed. 

Because of my grandmother, I understand what surviving takes. I've learned that sometimes you have to be innovative and creative in your thinking when you don't always have everything you could want. I've learned that people, especially our family, come before any worldly items. 

Because of a rodeo mother, I've learned that you're going to fall, but you always always always pick yourself up and get back on. There's always another rodeo, always another time to better yourself. I've also learned that sometimes you have to grind down and get your calloused hands dirty and get the job done. 

Because of a basketball mother, I've learned to push through pain even when it hurts. I've learned that your knees might get bruised, but it's all for the love of the game and the love of your team. I've learned there is more to it than a win or loss, it's about relationships and accomplishing goals. 

Because of a mother, I have dreams and a desire to help the people around me, both strangers and friends. I have a will, if you will, to make the world a better place. I have been taught to go after what you want, and to not back down to a challenge, no matter how big or scary it might seem, because, after all, I know my mothers have my back.