Shiny New Life

So, sometimes life takes a turn for the crazy, and all anyone in that situation wants is to start over. I have had more than my fair share of "second chances," which usually came in the form of me uprooting my life and beginning again elsewhere -new friends, new place to live, and a clean slate. The one thing that no one ever counts on at this age is the baggage that comes with you. There will always be things in life from your past that just wont go away, and much like the younger sibling that tags along to every social outing and does their God given job of thoroughly embarrassing you or otherwise ruining your night, it takes a little creativity and effort to take care of them.
Since I graduated high school I have lived in three apartments and a set of dorms. Some of the moves were necessary for all parties, others were done in an effort to run away from the problems I never took care of. I found that I was never happy where I was, I wasn't blooming where I was planted. It took some coffee shop wisdom for me to realize that I have a lot I still need to take care of before I can move to the next phase of my life, including finishing this phase.
On my hot coco mug, beneath the piles of whipped cream was the E.E. Cummings quote , " It takes a lot of courage to grow up and become who you are meant to be."
Second chances come every day, but they wont automatically make your life shiny and new. After all the trials you are bound to have a few scratches and dings in your psyche. It takes proper care, and a whole lot of polishing to make your life as shiny as you know you want. It took me hitting rock bottom quite a few times to realize that.
So, my game plan for now-
Finish this semester successfully
Move into the dorms
Earn my degree
Then I can hopefully go to BYU, and start my life ... for real this time.
God has a plan for all of us, and that plan involves trials. With faith in the Lord and persevering to the end we can overcome all of those trials in due time and realize the full potential of God's divine plan for all of us.
Until then we must press on and take life as it comes. Sometimes that means asking for help. If you are struggling talk to a councilor,  a trusted friend, or your Bishop. For the most part, all these people have life experiences you don't, and may be able to offer the words of encouragement you need to make it to the next phase of your life relatively unscathed. Never be afraid to ask for priesthood blessings when you need it, and remember God's arms are always outstretched.

Until next time-
Remember who you are and what you stand for
Take inspiration from the spirit as it comes, even if it is on coffee cups
And write your missionaries

Love,
The Coffee Shop Mormon

Coffee Shop What?

Yes, I am a mormon. One may be asking how I can advertise that I spend way more time than I should in coffee shops as a mormon, well there is a simple way around it. I am an herbal tea junkie; this however, was not always the case. I used to be addicted to coffee. How does that work? Well, I am a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, thus, I have not always followed the teachings of the church. I spent a large part of my childhood in Seattle, therefor around some of the best coffee in the nation. I still love the smell of coffee, and I love the culture that surrounds coffee shops. With that out of the way I feel like I should explain how this blog will work. I plan on posting three times a week with text and photo blog entries, and once a week with a vlog post that will be filmed in a coffee shop in the area I am in.
With that being said, I hope I haven't lost your interest already, and keep checking in for posts on Faith, Fun and practical info.
Until next time -

-Erin
The Coffee Shop Mormon