I've got the magic

Camp Kesem is something that I hold dear to my heart. Camp Kesem is where I found the magic that everyone searches for. Camp Kesem is family. Camp Kesem is home.

I became involved with Camp Kesem last year and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made while being here at BYU. Camp Kesem is a camp for kids who's parents have cancer. I've come to realize that these kids have to grow up so much faster than others, but they have a magic about them that never goes unnoticed. Having a week of camp where these kids have a chance to escape the responsibilities they have at home and are able to just be kids is incredible. With endless fundraising and trying our best to raise the money we need for these kids to get to camp, I've come to realize how important social media is throughout this process. With the social media that we have I am able to share my story with so many people at one time and so many people are able to read it with the click of a button. We are able to reach out to so many different people and people are able to witness the magic that Camp Kesem is. 

Here is just a little way in how we share our stories and the #cklove that we have for these kids that make Camp Kesem what it is. A place of love, family, and magic.

Photo from: facebook.com/campkesembyu

We would love if you are able to donate and help get these kids get to camp and contribute to the magic that they continue to spread everyday.

https://campkesem.givebig.org/c/CK13/a/campkesem-byu/p/CristinaTenney#_=_

FourFiveSeconds

You might have seen the latest performance by Rihanna, Kanye West, and Paul McCartney at the 57th Grammy's where they performed a song entitled FourFiveSeconds. This song hooked me instantly just because the tune was catchy and it was an interesting mix of artists to put into one song. But, yet again it was one of those songs where the lyrics slipped my mind. Even when I was listening to the song, at some points I really couldn't tell what they were saying.

Maybe this was a sort of wake up call to pay closer attention as to what we are listening to or what song is the next to be added to our Spotify playlists. Not that this song is completely horrible, but it definitely has a different sort of message and is a different spin on things in the music industry. Congrats to Rihanna, Kanye, and Paul for being able to put a word yet catchy twist on things. Maybe listening to the song a few times will let you know exactly what I mean.

Oscars

Every year there is an award ceremony held for the films that have brought tears to our eyes and have allowed us to become part of one of Hollywood's main events. Whether it's realizing that the Sound of Music has just celebrated their 50th anniversary or that movies like Selma have created a new way of representing things that have been part of our history, the Oscars has a way of connecting you with actors and actresses and film's greatest creators in one magical night.

Having an award ceremony that is broadcast to everyone allows the public to give appreciation for their favorite stars and witness the movies they have come to adore get recognized. Although we may not be on the Red Carpet, we are still able to feel like we are part of an audience that has come together for the one night we celebrate all things movies.

From cameras, dresses, and the Red Carpet in Hollywood, California to sitting on your couch in Provo, Utah, I believe that witnessing this celebration of movies is still one of the best experiences to have and we are able to have it right in our homes.

The Hope of God's Light

Sometimes one video is all it takes to lift your spirits and give you a hope in something that you might have lost. This mormon message I ran into gave me a hope and explained things to me in a way that I could understand. Sometimes it's hard to read articles and read scriptures and you may feel like you aren't hearing what Heavenly Father wants you to hear. He may be wanting to tell you in a different ways and through different mediums.

"It is part of our condition as mortals to sometimes feel as though we are surrounded by darkness, that even though we may feel lost, that God promises to illuminate the way before us, no matter how long it takes."

These messages can be spread worldwide and help those around us and we can help people to have that hope that we have been able to feel. Spread the messages as you would your testimony. This is one way where media has given us the opportunity to do so.

Photos are timeless

One of my favorite things in the world? Black and white photography. I don't know what it is about it, but it gives me an appreciation for photography and how far it has come. Recently I have been planning a trip to San Francisco and I happened to come across a couple of black and white photos of old San Fran. They not only make me want to go back in time, but I want to be able to create something like that.

For a while I've developed my photography and it has become my escape. But, for a while I also lost that love. I felt like it wasn't really going to get me anywhere, but I realized it was something that I love and I wouldn't give it up for anything. Believe it or not, it's photos like these that spark my imagination and help me to remember why I love it so much.

"We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone." -Anonymous

     

Pin it

Pinterest. Whether it's finding a new do-it-yourself photo display for your home office or discovering 50 new ways to incorporate Oreos in your brownies, Pinterest has a way of making everything look picture perfect. Now don't get me wrong, I love Pinterest, but does it give us too many false expectations?

Pinterest is great for getting new ideas and trying different things but many people have told me that Pinterest is just really good photography. Maybe it is, but it helps people to stay inventive and spread their creativity. Personally, I like pinning different dress possibilities for my future wedding day and I like pinning ideas for my next photo project and let's not forget the endless scrolling through quotes that seem to fit your life perfectly. Pinterest can be a good thing to give you that drive to try something out of the ordinary or spruce up your home, but be aware that your Pinterest profile may not be a reality. But, your creativity can be and Pinterest can be just the thing to help.

Just a glimpse into a part of the Pinterest world.

Wedding Crashers

Bridal gown: $1000

Renting a venue: $2000

Wedding day photographer: $1200

Maroon 5 unannounced: priceless

Maroon 5 recently decided to go throughout L.A. and see how many weddings they could crash while simultaneously filming their new music video to their latest hit "Sugar". The reactions were priceless. This was definitely something new and became the song to listen to. Music videos have this way of tugging at your heartstrings and creating a whole new meaning to the song. Seeing a big name in Hollywood throw surprise performances for one of the most important days in people's lives gives you that feel good moment where you will gladly take a study break to witness. This was my feel good moment of the week.

Maroon 5 has definitely got the right idea.

#sharegoodness

Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and wanting to share my love for the gospel, social media has become one of the greatest blessings. I'm able to share the gospel with so many people everywhere. Last year I had started a Share Goodness photo project where I have taken members of the church and asked them to share their testimonies that I could post to Facebook. I wanted to contribute to this campaign that the members had created to be an outlet for people to discover the gospel.

This week for our ward family home evening I wanted to emphasize the importance of sharing the gospel through social media because of how accessible it is. I had everyone use posters reading, "I share the gospel by..." or "I love the gospel because..." and post pictures sharing their love for the gospel. Seeing the flood of pictures throughout my Facebook and Instagram feeds, I had the opportunity to see several people share the gospel with their friends and family. People see these things whether we realize it or not. People notice and you never know if this might be exactly what they needed.

Share Goodness Project
Returned missionary: Colin Bledsoe 
Washington D.C. North Mission 
"I find that I am truly happy when I am trying to live the teachings of Jesus Christ. Each day is an opportunity to be a little better. I know that we have a Heavenly Father who loves each of us. It takes time to build a foundation of faith, but I know that as I read the scriptures and strive to choose the right that I feel at peace and I know God loves me."
"Je ressens plus de bonheur quand j’essaie de mener une vie comme Jésus-Christ. Chaque jour est une occasion de m’améliorer. Je sais que nous avons tous un Père Céleste qui nous aime. Il faut du temps pour bâtir une fondation de foi, mais aussi, je sais que quand je lis les écritures et que j’essaie de faire le bien, je ressens la paix et l’amour que Dieu a pour moi." #sharegoodness

I love the gospel because my ward is a family.. #sharegoodness #iamamormon