UNSTUCK : BOOK REVIEW

I recently saw the cover for "Unstuck: How the Savior Frees Us from Our Favorite Sins" by Robert Reynolds and was impressed by the cover. I do love me some white space and simple design, so it really jumped out at me. I looked at reviews on Amazon and they were pretty good! So I ordered it with two day shipping and waited for it to arrive.

As soon as it arrived I put off the other book I was reading (I'm one of those people) and picked up Unstuck. The author is an entertainment lawyer in Las Vegas and also the manager of a few rock bands including The Killers & Imagine Dragons, so I knew it was going to be interesting.

The book focuses on the fact that all of us have at least one sin that for one reason or another we just can't shake. We can't get "unstuck" even though we've worked hard to make permanent changes in our life! I know I relate to this on more than one level and I must say I really enjoyed the book! Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book: 

_________________________

"Remember Satan's premortal plan: restrain agency so people have no choice to obey. Satan is still pushing that devious proposal. Even the most well-intentioned parents, spouses, and leaders who use unrighteous manipulation and coercion to elicit obedience are reading Satan's playbook! Ironically, the consequences of sin and manipulation are identical- restrained agency. In both cases, spiritual growth is stunted." 

"Ultimately, the secret to overcoming temptation is not about willpower exercises, therapy, or snapping a rubber band on your wrist whenever you slip. We are not simply to become less like Satan. We are to become more like Christ. Thus, the most effective focus is not avoiding temptation; it is the Savior." 

"Caring for our physical welfare also brings a happier, more balanced life. Physical health allows for increased mental clarity and emotional balance and demonstrates our spiritual priorities. Like fasting, exercise can bring us closer to the Lord as we subjugate the flesh's lazy tendencies for a higher purpose."

"As simple as this sounds, documenting the miracles in your life and continually remembering them is a great secret in maintaining a mighty change of heart and continuing to "feel so now" (Alma 5:26). Perhaps his practice is effective because it helps us remain humbled, that great condition to receiving and retaining the mighty change of heart." 

_________________________

The book is a pretty easy read. Robert Reynolds shares stories that wrap it all up and shares quotes from modern prophets and apostles that really get me fired up in a good way! I breezed through this book pretty quickly though I think one could benefit from a deep study of a topic like this. How does the Savior free us from our favorite sins? I love that Reynolds sends us to the scriptures a TON in this book to show us exactly how the Savior can free us from our own captivity. 

All in all, I'd recommend this book to any saint who is a struggling sinner. aka. All of us. We could all use a little more knowledge of the Atonement and a good pep talk here and there. This book is that. 

The ONE thing I wish we didn't do at Disneyland

We went to Disneyland in October 2015 (and I already want to go back!). It was during the 60th anniversary and what-not, as well as a Utah school break (UEA or cleverly known as Utahn's Escape to Anaheim) so it was crowded! But honestly, when is Disneyland NOT jam packed anymore am I right? 

Despite the crowds we had a blast! Most days we ended early, opting to go to sleep on time and be in the park at opening. One day we took a break for a few hours in the afternoon and then went back for an evening in the park. I had a few items on my bucket list for the trip 

+ Try a dark chocolate covered pineapple skewer

+ Try an Olaf marshmallow treat

+ Stay off my phone as much as possible to really enjoy the experience

+ See the new Paint the Night parade

I crossed off all these items on my bucket list! One of them I sincerely regretted. Can you guess which one? If you guessed watching the parade, you'd be right!

I am the farthest thing from a Disneyland scrooge! Crowds, heat, high prices, rain, annoying people with strollers, closed rides, I can handle it all. But the parade? It maxed me out to my very limits. Our group was heading to ride Tower of Terror when I decided, "It's our last night, and I REALLY want to see the parade. I'll just stay here and try to save a couple of seats instead of riding Tower of Terror." Everyone was fine with that, Colten decided to stay with me but went to purchase a snack first. I scoured the parade route. It was still THREE HOURS to showtime and there were hardly any spots available.

I found a spot that was already three families deep. I asked a cast member if I could sit there and he said I could. So I laid out a few coats saving room for our group. Colten came back shortly. We were fine waiting for awhile, talking about the trip and if there was anything else we wanted to do and how our minds were blown at how busy this parade was. Shortly after we sat down, many other families starting smashing in too. We soon realized there was no way we'd be able to save these spots for our friends. We texted them to let them know that if they wanted to see the parade they'd have to come hold their own spot and they had already turned around deciding to come watch the parade instead of the ride. 

After sitting cross-legged for so long our legs would get tired. Whenever any of us would stand to stretch out our legs, a parent would send a child to sit in our place. Making it nearly impossible to sit back down. We were getting frustrated. There was a lady in a wheelchair near us too and she kept running over the coat I was sitting on trying to get closer and closer to the front. 

When the parade was about to begin, we all stood up. The three hour wait was over! And wouldn't you know it, but people started shoving to the front. Some really tall adults who were there after us smashed in front of me making it almost impossible to see. Besides that, many were videotaping with phones and other electronic devices which also blocked my view. 

I couldn't see well, I was frustrated at the people around us who were so inconsiderate, and I was tired from 3 full days at Disneyland. I tried to enjoy it, (The music was awesome! Literally the greatest soundtrack ever!) but I was so happy when it was over. Colten and I didn't even stay for fireworks. We were both so frustrated we just headed back to the hotel. It was kinda a bummer way to end the trip! 

I totally wish we had just watched the parade on YouTube and took advantage of rides during that time. All in all we probably missed out on 4-4.5 hours of ride time watching the parade. If I had had VIP front row access to the parade it would totally have been worth it! But the fact was, I wasn't willing to wait more than 3 hours for the parade, and so we got crappy spots to watch from. 

Disneyland is so magical! Magical enough that I am willing to overlook so many of the issues that other people have with it. But whenever we reminisce with our group of friends on that parade, I promise them I will NEVER make anyone watch a parade with me at Disneyland ever again. Next time, you'll find with me a Mickey ice cream bar waiting in line for Tower of Terror instead. ;)

ON TAKING OFFENSE

In our bi-monthly presidency meeting last Sunday, the Young Women's 2nd counselor shared the following quote and it really struck me.

HAVING THE COMPANIONSHIP OF THE SPIRIT WILL MAKE US BETTER PEOPLE. WITH THE INFLUENCE OF THE HOLY GHOST, WE WILL NOT BE OFFENDED, NOR WILL WE OFFEND OTHERS; WE WILL FEEL HAPPIER, AND OUR MINDS WILL BE CLEARER. OUR LOVE FOR OTHERS WILL INCREASE. WE WILL BE MORE WILLING TO FORGIVE AND SPREAD HAPPINESS TO THOSE AROUND US. WE WILL FEEL GRATEFUL TO SEE HOW OTHERS PROGRESS, AND WE WILL SEEK THE GOOD IN OTHERS. 

-ELDER FRANSISCO J VINAS ("THE PLEASING WORD OF GOD," GC, OCTOBER 2015)

I can't even count the number of times I've been offended by something that someone else has said or done! I even have heard, and repeat the joke, "If you've never been offended at church, you aren't going enough!" We laugh because almost every single person who has attended church knows that it is run by imperfect beings who sometimes don't filter, and occasionally make biting remarks in order to hurt and offend. Yet, if we truly have the full capacity of the Spirit with us, we will not be offended.

One thing I have been focusing on in my life is trying to say constant prayers throughout the day. One of the things I have been praying for it to feel the Spirit more and to be able to feel Heavenly Father's presence with me, even in the menial tasks. I love the promises in this quote!

+ We will not be offended

+ We will not offend others

+ We will feel happier

+ Our minds will be clearer

+ Our love for others to increase

+ We  will be more willing to forgive

+ We will spread happiness to those around us

+ We will feel grateful when others progress

+ We will seek the good in others


Aren't those some amazing promises? I know it's so easy to take offense. I was once offended by the primary chorister as I played the piano and she would say, "Let's let Sister Jolley try that again and see if she can do it WITHOUT mistakes this time." I literally did everything I could to make sure we were out of town on Sundays because I had been so offended by a woman who truly knew nothing about me and never took the time to care for me. It didn't matter what she thought! My Heavenly Father knew that I was doing my very best with what I had.

I know over the past few weeks as I have PRAYED for and ASKED to have the Spirit with me more often, I feel more like me. As I type those words I feel the truth bomb coming down hard.

Having the Spirit with you at all times will help you live up to your full potential. You will feel more like you as you strive to have the Spirit with you. What a beautiful promise. 

A d v e n t u r e

We live about 25 minutes away from a real-life Up house. I've been wanting to go for forever, but just never made it a priority. Today after church I was thinking about how I wanted to spend the rest of the day and remembered the house! I looked up the address, put it in my phone and asked my husband if he'd go on a little Sunday drive with me. He gladly obliged. 

The UP house is in Herriman, Utah and they do allow you to snap a few "unprofessional" photos outside the fence for free. It was so cute! I just kept saying that over and over. 

In the backyard they have a little playset with a tower based off Rapunzel and it is to die for. I'm totally hoping Colten could make something like that for our future children. Bless his heart for having construction skills.

We had a really fun time! We just walked around the house for awhile and then drove around looking at other houses in the area. Herriman is such a unique little city and since it is pretty recently developed all the homes are pretty new. 

I'm a total homebody, so one of my goals for this year is to get out and do more random fun things. This definitely made my day, and as I type, we are getting ready to go watch UP. Happy Sunday!

What Happened In My Premortal Life? - Come Follow Me Young Women'sLesson

I taught my Young Women this past week and man was it a ride! I never get nervous teaching but we had a huge turn out of girls (7 instead of our usually 2 -3) and members of the bishopbric in there as well. It also was a subject that is so special to me- premortal life. So I WAS nervous and I get sweaty when I get nervous. Just keepin it real ya'll.

I try to not worry about handouts and paying for online resources, but occasionally I just really like the resources available from Red Headed Hostess. For this particular lesson I purchased her lesson kit for $4.50 so I could have all the printables.

I started out by asking the girls if they remembered what they had learned the previous week. I always "cheat" and look up the previous lesson before hand in case no one remembers. Once they had the lesson title they always remember something! And it is really fun to hear what types of things they hold on to from previous lessons, also it is an opportunity for them to bear quick testimony. 

After we got that chatter out of the way, I had "What happened in my premortal life?" written on the board and asked for a scribe. I told the girls we were going to have a little buzz session and think of as many answers to the question as we could. After a few of their answers I asked them what Christ's role was in the premortal life so we could add that to the list. I try really hard to incorporate Christ in all of my lessons! With so much gospel "fluff" I'm always surprised how many meetings we can sit in without Christ ever being mentioned and my goal is to always make sure he is the focus of my lessons or that he is at least mentioned. 

After getting as many answers down as the girls could think of we looked up two scriptures: 

Abraham 3:22-26 (What was our first estate? What is our second estate?)

Moses 4:1-4 (Satan seeks to destroy the agency of man. Why do we need agency?)

We had the bishopbric visit to announce our new YW class presidency so our time was cut short. If time had permitted, I would have also had them look up. We talked about what we learned from those two scriptures. I've put what we focused on in parentheses next to the scriptures. 

Revelation 12: 7-9,11

D&C 138: 55-56

One thing our girls and us leaders have focused on is that not only do we want to get BACK to Heavenly Father, we quite literally want to become LIKE him. So we talked about why agency is essential if we want to learn how to become LIKE our Heavenly Father. 

I had 2 copies of "The Influence of Righteous Women" by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf printed off and split the class in two. I had them read the section titled 'A Unique Feminine Identity' as groups and then individually write down the one quote or idea they liked best from that section. I gave each girl the chance to share letting them know they could just say PASS if they did not want to share. 5/7 shared and I'm always blown away by their answers! 

Because of the bishopbrics visit we were already out of time and I hadn't even covered nearly all the material I wanted to! I sent them home with the printable from Red Headed Hostess for Individual Worth value experience #1 and encouraged them to check if they had completed it and if not try and get it done that day. 

I closed with my testimony of premortal life and how important our agency is and the role the Savior has played in all of this. I'm always amazed by the new Come Follow Me curriculum and how much the young women participate. We spent a ton of time answering questions and I wish I could remember them all but it makes me so happy to see the youth hungering and thirsting after gospel truths. What a blessing they are to this world!

February Tending List

This is one of those months where I am celebrating any imperfect progress I make. This month I have quit my job, started a new job, worked on my home salon and tackled various other projects that have been on my to do list for awhile now. I kept my tending list for February pretty simple because I could feel that deep down things might be a little crazy. My tending list is basically my list of goals/to-dos based off the Lara Casey Powersheets which I definitely recommend. 

Monthly Goals

+ Choose a ponderize scripture

I did choose a verse which you can read all about here. It's kinda been my motto for the month. 

+ Personal Progress Visits

I'm trying to visit at least a few of my Young Women each month to remind them and encourage them to keep working on their Personal Progress.

+ Pay $1,000 off down payment 

I set this goal before my job change and honestly this just isn't going to happen. We have put a couple hundred into my home salon so I can start doing that and my paychecks are going to be much less than they used to be. Because of this, we are putting this on the back burner until we can figure out where our finances will be with my new income.

+ February Jolley Update On the Blog

I'll be trying to get to this one soon so I can share what we've been up to!

+ Read one book in the Bible

I've also put this one on the backburner. Right now I'm focusing on reading personally a few minutes each day and reading a chapter of the Old Testament with my husband before bed. It stressed me out to commit to reading an entire book so wam bam I'm crossing this off the list for now. Imperfect progress is still progress.

+ Go to the temple

We try to go 2x a month and this month has really been off our normal schedule. We are going this week for date night and may be going on Saturday as well.

+ Go to the temple 

+ Get a massage

As much as I want to do this one, I'm crossing it off for now. My new job is so much less stressful so I don't feel as much need to "relax" and escape reality. I'm also making less money and putting the money into my home salon so once I've had a few clients in my home salon I'll start saving for this again!

+ Have a girls night w/ a friend

I've tried to have a girls night a few times in the past month and sadly the plans keep falling through because of things out of my control. I'm not worrying about this one as well for this month. (see how fun it is when you're goals are flexible! LOL!)

+ Giveaway a "Write the Word" journal

I was able to give one away on Instagram and mail it off this week. So happy!

Weekly

+ Social Media Free Weekends

This past weekend was strange because Colten worked and I didn't, and we had Monday off as well so I did not have a social media free weekend. I still want to keep working at this one though!

+ Complete all homework 

This one is really on here so I can celebrate accomplishing something I'm doing anyway.

+ Save $5

I try to transfer $5 into savings from our checking every week in addition to our savings we pull out of our checks when we get paid. $5 is a small enough amount that we usually don't have any issues with this.

Daily Goals

+ Review Ponderize Scripture

I love my scripture this month. I love pursuing peace.

+ Scripture reading

Whether with Colten or on my own, I have been doing pretty well at this so far!

+ Serve Colten

I'm doing the Dating Divas 30 Day Love Challenge and even though all the days aren't happening one after another I've really enjoyed taking some time to serve my husband. 

+ Pray

I've had a lot of promptings lately that have reminded me that I will be successful if I rely on the Lord through constant prayer. I pray each day as I drive to work and try to keep a prayer in my heart throughout the day, often praying for others and their success and joy. 

I truly believe it's the simple daily acts we do that shape our lives. That's why even though all the goals I set this month are worthwhile, I am remaining flexible and going with what feels right. I love the month of love and am having a great February so far! I hope you are too. 

February Beauty Product Reviews

I love the month of love! February can be such a dreary month of cold darkness, but Valentine's Day is like this ray of sunshine in my life. Colten surprised me with some flowers and some homemade peanut butter bars and I was in heaven. Flowers have a pretty big significance in our realtionship because he brought me flowers on our blind date and the rest is history. He is such a sweetie. 

The purpose of this post however is not to gush about my husband, but to share some product reviews with you! I'll always be 100% brutally honest with you whether it is good or bad. So keep reading and see some of my latest product reviews.

Soapbox Shampoo & Conditioner

I was sent these products via Influenster to review. I'm kind of a brand snob when it comes to hair products (aren't all hairstylists?) and truly believe that salon quality products make a huge difference. However, I decided that since I was sent the products to review, I'd give it one shot and see what I thought. 

I'll be honest, I didn't LOVE the products. And unless I absolutely can't afford salon quality, I will never purchase these again. In fact, I'm trying to find someone to pawn them off to. But, I will say that the products work better than Herbal Essence or Pantene if you usually go that route. I do love the company's involvement with charity work, and the smell is heavenly coconut. My hair didn't feel horrible after using them, but I really needed more moisture than the products gave me. 

These can be purchased at Target for $5.99 each. 

ELF 3 in 1 Mascara

I've been really trying to cut unnecessary spending out of my budget (especially with my new job change which I'll blog about soon!) and makeup is just something I don't want to drop $100s on every month. So I placed an order for some ELF products and decided to try this mascara.

I really wanted to love it! In fact, I love most ELF products I've tried. But this one just didn't do it for me. I didn't find it volumizing or lengthening enough. I don't wear much makeup at all so mascara is my focal point and I'm willing to pay more for a great mascara. I'm going to try some of the other ELF mascaras, and I'll finish using this one, but I'll definitely be layering with another mascara. The great thing about this mascara is definitely the price and the fact that it does not clump, which is also super important. 

Purchase for $3.00 from ELF

Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF Dry Sunscreen

About 6 months ago I was sent some Jane Iredale products to review and one of the ones I requested was the Powder-Me SPF Dry Sunscreen. The description says it will nourish, protect and soothe your skin with this 30 SPF sunscreen. It is also chemical free and water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.

Over the past few years I've become more concerned about using products that are good for my skin and especially using SPF on my face every single day. I thought this would be an easy addition to any makeup routine and in fact I have been able to use it as a finishing powder!

Next time I would probably just purchase the Purepressed Foundation as it already includes SPF 20 and provides much more coverage. 

Purchase at Jane Iredale online for $47.00

Bare Minerals Correcting Concealer

I purchased the wrong color of this concealer which was so heartbreaking and I wasn't sure on Ulta's return policy so I never tried to return it. I have however slowly been using it on breakouts and discolored spots on my face. I find the coverage to be awesome! If only I had purchased a lighter shade, I think I would love this concealer!

Purchase from Bare Minerals online for $20.00

Sephora Pearl Mask

This face mask is supposed to "perfect and brighten with natural-origin pearl to create high luminosity". I had previously tried the Rose Mask and loved the results! I will say the pearl mask seems to do what it says. They can be a little tricky to use, but they feel great. I love to kick back and just close my eyes and meditate for 15-20 minutes while the mask does its job. Then you just rub the residue into your face with no need to rinse. My face seemed brighter when I finished the mask and even more so the next morning.

The bad news? It smelled like vomit. Like, broccoli vomit. Too harsh? Sorry, it's just the truth. The good news? It didn't smell bad until I took the mask off and was rubbing it into my skin. I'm not sure if I had a bad mask or what but man, I will not repurchase because of the smell! I will repurchase the Rose mask and want to try a few others like the honey and lotus mask.

Sephora Face Masks can be purchase online for $6.00

Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Foundation

This was the first fancy brand foundation I have ever purchased. For $42, it better work miracles. And it did! I loved the coverage and it was very moisturizing which is important for a dry skinned girl like myself. I love love loved this foundation and am so sad that I have finally run out. It lasted for a long time and a little goes a long way.

I'm not repurchasing quite yet because... $42 :/ But I'm trying out a few more budget friendly options and I'll let you know how those go.

Purchase from Sephora for $42.00

UNITE Expanda Dust

One great thing about my 18k cosmetology license is my ability to purchase hair products at a discounted rate! I've purchased and tried a lot of new products since starting hair school. I tried UNITE Expanda Dust after seeing a post from Julianne Hough about how she uses it as a dry shampoo.

It works! A tiny tiny sprinkle of this and you're getting volume like whoa! The higher the hair the closer to God right? This bottle will last me FOREVER because you only have to use a tiny bit. As far as dry shampoo goes, I've got a few I really like but I do also like this option as well. It's not a holy grail for me, but it's definitely a great product!

Purchase online from UNITE for $29.00

It's a 10 Miracle Hair Mask

This hair mask was designed to help hair that withstands heat styling, coloring and over-processing. This is one of my holy grail products! I've repurchased multiple times and always come back to it. No products has EVER and I mean EVER de-tangled my hair as well as this hair mask. I would recommend this for all hair types. If you haven't tried it, trust me, it's worth the money.

Purchase from ULTA Online for $30

Have you tried any of these products? What did you think??

February Ponderize // Seek Peace

Does January just feel like it was whirlwind to anyone else? It sure does to me!! The month flew by and we were so busy with so many awesome events and activities. Not to mention my resignation from my current company and a job offer at another! (More on this in a later post) 

To be honest, t's been a while since I've felt a lot of peace in my life. Do you feel like peace is something that should just *magically* happen when your life is in balance? That peace should just be sort of a prize you win for living your life righteously? That's how I've always felt about it. Whenever I was in the *right* job or married to the *right* man or doing the *right* things with my time, then I'd feel peace. 

And maybe to some extent that is correct. However, as I was reading the book of Psalms this past month I came across this scripture: 

Psalms 34:14

"Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it." 

Seek peace? Pursue peace? What does that look like? What does it look like to seek after and pursue something like peace? Would it mean a change in your priorities? A change in how you spend your free time? Would it mean giving up a toxic relationship or creating a new relationship with someone who inspires you? Would it mean more time in the scriptures? In prayer? In the temple? Would it mean more 1:1 time with your spouse? With your mom? With a neighbor? 

What does seeking and pursuing peace look like for you? I for one, have had this TRUTH BOMB moment with this verse. Like guess what guys? It's okay to pursue peace! Everything in your life does not need to be perfect for you to feel peace! Jesus offers you a peace so different than the world can ever provide. We just have to seek it. Maybe that does mean spending more time getting to know him, and I mean REALLY getting to know him. So for this month, I'll be seeking and pursuing peace in a world that is full of stress, anxiety and over-scheduling. I hope you'll join me in your own pursuit of peace, because nothing can truly beat the peaceful feeling we get from Jesus Christ, our Savior.