A Bloggers Love Note

On October 18, 2011, Elizabeth Mullins and I went out on our first date. It may not have been dubbed an "official" date in the books of the dating world... but no matter how you look at it, my life changed for the better that day. Now, a few months later, Liz and I are only 94 days away from being married for time and all eternity in the Washington DC Temple. Yes, my friends, we've made it to the double-digits!! And yes, I am counting. So, if Elizabeth Mullins happens to be reading this post... I want her to know how much I love and cherish her, and I can't imagine my life without her. Thank you for coming into my life, Liz. You are my best friend, and the best part of my life. I love you forever!

And for everyone else who chose to peep in and read this post... I hope you feel good about delving into my blogging love notes! What ever happened to privacy?? Sheesh! :)

Going From Being the Hunted to the Hunter

Two posts in one week? Yeah, that's right. Blogo Craig is here to stay. May we all rejoice together in one collective yip. On three, my friends. One. Two. Three... Yip. Nicely done, people. Nicely done.

Well, tonight I took the last final that I will ever have to take as an undergraduate student at BYU. It was hellish getting to this point, but it's over. I now go from the educated to the educator, as I turn my attention to my student teaching this upcoming winter. I wish I could say that I was more excited. Maybe once I get into the school, my passion will increase. I'm sure it's just that I am emotionally, physically, and mentally drained right now. Today and this last couple of weeks has been a tad draining. I suppose once I get a few winks under my belt, I'll feel a bit better.

I had a revelation today, and yes I'm going to share it. My revelation deals with the airports of our lives. "What speakest thou, dear Craig," some may ask? I will tell you. Airports in general usually represent exciting things: traveling, family gatherings, returned missionaries, bodily pat downs. You know, all the good things that life has to offer. But today I realized how two-edged the airport can be. One moment you're basking in the light of a fine airplane right to gather with the ones you love, and the next moment the pangs of loneliness rage in your bosom as you say goodbye to the person that you love. "Oh, you'll see her soon enough," you try to tell yourself. But the sadness still persists. Needless to say, the 28th can't come soon enough! Come on calendar, be a pal.

And you can all thank me for not putting this on Facebook, because can't we all agree that declarations such as this should be a little more intimate? I thought so.

Blogging: Isn't It About Time?

Hello World,

Craig Williams coming at you again in full force. Sorry it's been such a long time since you've heard from me. Life has been a tad hectic, busy, and exciting over the last month or so. Sometimes I actually forget that I have a blog. I know, I know.. all nine of my followers have probably been standing on pins and needles to hear my life's updates, and are upset by the fact that I at times forget my duty to the blogging nation. But fear not, beautiful souls, I am back. So where should we start? Let's start from the very beginning.. because I hear it's a very good place to start.

As my last post proclaimed, I have been going through the Seminary Teaching program down here at BYU, and as part of the process, I had the opportunity to go and teach an early morning class at Timpview High School for a couple of weeks. At first I was a little scared to teach real life souls, but the moment I stepped into the classroom, I fell in love with the students. What an awesome experience to come in every day for two weeks and teach and testify of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. I was amazed at the power and passion that the students had, and I was continually reminded that when you prepare with faith, God will not let you fail. There were many days where I knew that I could have done better, but on those days where the Spirit could not be contained.. well, those were some incredible moments. I miss being with those students, and still to this day think about them and hope they are doing well. I know it was only two weeks, but I can't express enough thanks to a gracious Father in Heaven who knew me, and who knew those students, and gave us all a chance to experience a meaningful and spiritual time together.

In addition to that, I was actually invited back by the seminary advisers to come and student teach with them next Fall! I couldn't have been more elated when I heard that news! I feel like the Lord led me to this point and gave me small reminders along the way that this was something that I needed to try. I'm glad I listened to His promptings and stuck with it. And if all goes well there, I'll get a job as a full-time seminary teacher. My real hope is to one day get into the Institute realm of things and get the chance to live outside of Utah and fill positions in different parts of the nation. I love Utah and all, but I would love to go elsewhere and be a part of the Kingdom building effort in other parts of the country.

Let's see, what's next: This upcoming Winter Semester (January-April) I will be up in Bountiful, Utah doing my History Teaching student teaching at Bountiful High School. I was accepted and approved by the Davis County School District, so I will be going back to the mothership to teach where I was once taught. I'm excited for the opportunity, and look forward to working with the teachers that taught me. I better sharpen up on my school song skills!

And lastly, I couldn't actually post about all the good things that have been happening in my life and not tell you about Elizabeth Mullins. I know, Craig's going to get all cheesy and crap, but if you don't like it.. stop readin!! (I left off the g on purpose.. it makes me feel more tough). And many of you have asked for details, so here we go:

I met Liz in my ward here in Provo, and though she doesn't remember meeting me for the first time, I remember meeting her. We first met at ward prayer (which usually never produces much fruit) and the moment I met her I knew that I wanted to see her again. The problem was that I couldn't remember her name! I remember she had a cute smile, and a beautiful face, but for the life of me I couldn't remember her name. As luck would have it, she actually got called to be our Home Evening leader and I knew that I at least had a small in. Well, after a few short conversations and some texts, Liz and I went to Ihop one night for dinner. I know.. extra classy. It was all you can eat pancake night, and that just felt right.

Anyway, Liz and I continued to hang out and go on dates after that, and things have been great ever since! I have loved being with her and I don't think I could ever trade these last few months in for anything else.. except maybe a chance to sing in concert with Neil Diamond (just joking Liz!) These last few months have really been some of the greatest months, and Liz has been everything that I could have hoped for and so much more!

Okay, cheesiness is over. Those who get queezy over this kind of stuff can start reading again.

Well, actually I have nothing more to say tonight. It's 3:03 AM and I'm not sure why I am still awake. Finals week is keeping me up, I suppose.

Oooh.. I want to post a video on here. Hopefully I can figure that out. I'm not an expert yet at this thing we call blogging.

(Never mind.. I can't figure it out.. it's now 3:13 AM)

A Tender Reminder

With November comes many things: cold weather, fall leaves, snow, and Thanksgiving. Unfortunately for me, November also presents a whole slew of assignments and tasks that all seem to come in the same two weeks. The other day it all began to hit me and I wondered if I could really do it all. I doubted whether or not I had the stamina to overcome everything that I would be faced with. Truly, my soul was weighed down with some thoughts of deep inadequacy.

After pondering over these things, I started to doubt my decision to take a seminary teaching course that I have been enrolled in these last few months. Not because I haven't loved every minute of my experience, because I have done just that. But because it was just one more thing to add to the "November Nonsense." And without getting too personal, I prayed fervently that I could receive extra strength and guidance during the upcoming weeks.

The next day, I was at my history teaching practicum at Timpview High School (the same school that I am doing my seminary teaching practicum). I guess I before I go any further, it would be good to point out that I have already had the chance to teach a few lessons in my seminary class, and had a wonderful experience doing so. Okay, now let's jump back to the story. Well, I was at Timpview working with the geography and psychology teacher that day, and when I was leaving for the day, I ran into one of my seminary students. She saw me and said, "Hey! There's the awesome seminary teacher substitute." I stopped and talked with her and informed her that I would be back in her class in the upcoming weeks. She informed me that she was no longer in the early morning section and how she was sad that I would no longer be her teacher. She then went on to tell me how how great she thought I was and how she was now planning on coming to the early morning section for those two weeks, just because I would be there.

Now I don't blog this story to say anything about my spirituality or teaching skills. But I do share this story to show how the Lord is always there to give us small reminders about our purposes in life. For me, when this young lady told me these things, it was a shot in the arm saying, "Yes. I can do this. And there's a reason that I am."

So what if I had not taken my seminary practicum this semester? For one, I would never have had the opportunity to reach at least that one student, and I would have delayed the joy that comes from teaching and blessing the lives of today's youth. I know that God is in control, and when he places you somewhere by His divine will, you go... and never question.

Although life may be tough at times, and the stiff winds of doubt and discouragement may rage across our seemingly tranquil souls; I promise that God will steady the ship if we ask in faith. By so doing, He will constantly be there reminding us that His "grace is sufficient for the meek."

The Last Good Picture?

A few years ago, I had a conversation with a good friend of mine who told me that he felt like he was getting better with age. And by better he meant that his looks were getting better as he got older. I hadn't known the man for that long, but he did have a rugged quality about him that made me say, "Yeah, I can see what the ladies see in you."

I pondered over that conversation today, due to an experience I had just yesterday. You see, good ole BYU emailed me a few weeks back and told me that my ID card had expired and that I needed to come in and renew it. At first I wasn't too upset about this, but then I remembered how much I liked my picture on my recently expired card. It was a good year for me when it came to taking pictures, and I didn't want to ruin a good thing. Well, yesterday came around and I was looking pretty fine. I mean, I hate boasting, but the hair was good.. my face looked solid.. and I just felt like this would be a good time to get a new picture for the ID card. So, with that confidence brewing deep within, I went to the ID center and took a new picture. A few minutes later, my card was produced and handed to me. What I then saw was both shocking and saddening. "What is that thing?" I exclaimed. As I studied the card in great length, I literally saw one of the worst picture's of me that I have seen in a long time. It was simply hideous. I looked pale, creepy, and completely sickening. It then got me thinking.. "When is the last time that I've taken a good photo?" I simply couldn't remember. So I shuffled through my old pictures and found a very dashing one that was taken back in March. Seven months without a good picture!! That's right, people. Seven months.

The purpose of this post? While my friend is getting better with age, I am getting worse with age. Or at least my pictures are getting worse with age. I need to start practicing my smile in the mirror (like my brother does). I mean, we mock my brother for his practicing, but perhaps it's time for me to start. I really feel like this is something that I have to get figured out soon, because this is getting downright embarrassing and ridiculous.

(Attached is my last good picture. If you feel that the attached picture is not very appealing, then things are worse off than I thought)

In the Beginning..

Well, it's official. I'm a blogging man. Yes, many of you are probably wondering what Craig Williams has to offer the blogging nation. To that inquiry I say, "My quest is to share with the world my thoughts on life, love, faith, Neil Diamond, BYU athletics, and other random adventures." Will there be more? I suppose. But no matter what subject I cover, I can assure you a fun-filled ride. So let's all saddle up, begin with a slow trot, and then progress towards a full gallop of pure gaiety and good times.