tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4426260036960830992024-02-18T21:50:08.112-07:00Becoming KatherineMy thoughts about living, learning, conquering, and becoming.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04981660568155158352noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-28714325104541479942015-01-19T17:54:00.000-07:002015-01-19T18:10:22.898-07:00I need your help...<iframe height="840" src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8rf_TeREyyydnhzYmI5UnRKNWc/preview" width="660"></iframe><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04981660568155158352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-53407050846026005092014-05-26T21:00:00.000-06:002015-01-02T22:11:57.551-07:00Disneyland Birthday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My 30th birthday was the best birthday EVER! I was not looking forward to being 30 and still single. So I decided to take a trip to Disneyland with my family and that was the best thing I could have done! As I watched the magical fireworks, with tears in my eyes, I thought to myself 'I'm 30, and I'm in Disneyland, and everything is going to be okay!"<br />
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It has been an emotional year but I've been making a lot of good changes. I'm realizing that I need to invest in myself and my own needs in order to be truly happy and be able to serve Heavenly Father's children.<br />
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Disneyland really is a magical place! I love it! Why?!?! Because at Disney, they really know how to treat people and make them feel like a million bucks. That is the single most important thing they do that has made them SO successful. The Disney employees are so kind and patient and are there to do whatever it takes to make your day magical.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have a Magical Day!</td></tr>
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I had a few experiences that illustrated the amazing kindness and patience of the Disney employees, despite disgruntled, selfish, and impatient park guests and exhausted, overstimulated screaming children. Disneyland isn't perfect and I'm sure there are occasional bad experiences with the employees. But the values and principles that are emphasized and practiced by the employees are a wonderful model on how to be successful in LIFE. We all deal with people every day. Treating everyone with kindness and patience makes everything go so much smoother. It also makes them want to come back again and again!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everybody loves Olaf!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cars Land at night is SO cool!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom was a good sport and went on California Screaming' since it was my birthday.<br />
Afterward she said "I'm never doing that again!" Thanks for coming, Mom! You were so brave!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think Tower of Terror was our favorite! Can you tell???</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look who we got to go on Tower of Terror! Mom actually liked it but Dad hated it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch out for the crazy driver!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Radiator Springs Racers was a blast!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday, Princess Katherine</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 days of fun coming to an end</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvqx_D2Ur2ggQSaRFyQdnMSaSTn0P4JpHbNjJzYeY9pfb2rTeJYTKAyjk0ZeRI00FugvK_ypUidAoGT-ahfwd2ccS-pKY4oKxdwcKlwTPX_JNivgL__fQB9aJRKF3IRCtLgRDNcHBPXk/s1600/disneyland+2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvqx_D2Ur2ggQSaRFyQdnMSaSTn0P4JpHbNjJzYeY9pfb2rTeJYTKAyjk0ZeRI00FugvK_ypUidAoGT-ahfwd2ccS-pKY4oKxdwcKlwTPX_JNivgL__fQB9aJRKF3IRCtLgRDNcHBPXk/s1600/disneyland+2009.jpg" height="251" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahhh! I'm gonna be 30!<br />
(Posing for the camera. Disneyland 2009.)</td></tr>
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You all know how much I love notes and letters. If you feel so inclined . . . <b>I would love a special 30th birthday letter from you. Hint . . . Hint . . .</b></div>
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I am grateful for all of you and the influence you have been on me and helping me become the woman I am today. My life is no where near I thought it would be when I turned 30. But <b><i>I know Heavenly Father has a plan for me</i></b> and a work for me to do. I'm excited for the future and try every day to be an <b><i>instrument in His hands</i></b> to do good among my fellowmen and sisters of Zion. I'm am grateful for the life I have been given, and especially for the Gospel of Jesus Christ which guides my life and decisions. I am grateful for temple and the opportunity to be with my loved ones (that would be you, yes <b>YOU</b>) for eternity. The <b><i>temple</i></b> is the REAL <i><b>Happiest Place on Earth</b></i>: because it allows me to <b><i>be with the people I love.</i></b> And that is what brings me <b><i>true happiness</i></b>. Thank you. <b><i>I love you all!</i></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-77290685622215548342013-12-20T11:55:00.000-07:002014-05-17T12:47:11.893-06:00Don't judge. We all have "tumors."If you have never had a pet that you loved and cared for, stop reading now...You won't understand this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKUf10a-CSecjjWYPS2aPldJUwAdAgP3gGw5jeNJVWZ8KEVQlfwDKarLZi9c6AsCaJlOwnh9hsXlp7H__izKukA98n_59MmwTOnibMh5I0Yk5tzxMqDIRHDCZfioITaI87lWDzMP4tvk/s1600/20130429_074138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKUf10a-CSecjjWYPS2aPldJUwAdAgP3gGw5jeNJVWZ8KEVQlfwDKarLZi9c6AsCaJlOwnh9hsXlp7H__izKukA98n_59MmwTOnibMh5I0Yk5tzxMqDIRHDCZfioITaI87lWDzMP4tvk/s1600/20130429_074138.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My sweet little Raya died on December 11th, 2013. </span></h2>
I only had her for a short 8 months. She was 8 years old and should have lived until she was at least 12.<br />
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Loosing a pet really is like loosing a family member. It felt like loosing a sibling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBb5Hu6KxFJWRAFZ7SrFcKF_Sme2UBr1cLhrBbyYSRzt_DPRauIURQ0__Xp2-HrRKAaDHr7m5HJaQ4iJSDpzey9-_5MbdWrXEcXALzya2EMsXBtl2YX3eWEBmVc4v7poiHvW9AHcB-W0/s1600/Bigelow+Katherine-1329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBb5Hu6KxFJWRAFZ7SrFcKF_Sme2UBr1cLhrBbyYSRzt_DPRauIURQ0__Xp2-HrRKAaDHr7m5HJaQ4iJSDpzey9-_5MbdWrXEcXALzya2EMsXBtl2YX3eWEBmVc4v7poiHvW9AHcB-W0/s1600/Bigelow+Katherine-1329.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmyqlORZU9YN9NzCallqCDLvMSONovVPArHW0De0Y0Lpw0XbC09jQ2U20zKfYRdmdtdqe09PfiFfPf4mmIjmxrG0T4yECDayss23cYLvJLSmb0F5GeMVQUHyO4FfH8dgBMN__Rhszy1k/s1600/IMG_9531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmyqlORZU9YN9NzCallqCDLvMSONovVPArHW0De0Y0Lpw0XbC09jQ2U20zKfYRdmdtdqe09PfiFfPf4mmIjmxrG0T4yECDayss23cYLvJLSmb0F5GeMVQUHyO4FfH8dgBMN__Rhszy1k/s1600/IMG_9531.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a>It happened so quickly. That morning I heard her usual whine as I was getting ready. Only this morning, it was more of whimper. I went to get her and she was sprawled out outside of her bed. She was cold. Something was wrong. I was worried, upset, and crying. It was 6 a.m. and I had to get to work. I was still new to pet ownership and didn't know what I should do. I woke up my brother, Joseph. He said he would take care of her. I thought I would take her in to the vet when I got home.<br />
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I went to work, worried. Joseph decided that she needed to get to the vet that morning. He couldn't get her warm. They did x-rays. She had a large lump in her abdomen. Joseph called me at work. I knew as soon as I answered his call that Raya was dying. Joseph couldn't even speak, he was so emotional. In tears, I left everything at work and went straight to the vet to say goodbye to my little friend and soul mate.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZckbtVnI4H2YE_cCr0xbYJV7V7iddpHm0zYcw3okP3pMdg8HvlqmvPFZP4-RhzreDbR82l61_IKVirv-ysru0Z7MOKR19TASj09u2fWjayi1ufUnnfe42qruUeiP54pOZ_Jg-QRS7aJE/s1600/IMG_9515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZckbtVnI4H2YE_cCr0xbYJV7V7iddpHm0zYcw3okP3pMdg8HvlqmvPFZP4-RhzreDbR82l61_IKVirv-ysru0Z7MOKR19TASj09u2fWjayi1ufUnnfe42qruUeiP54pOZ_Jg-QRS7aJE/s1600/IMG_9515.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><br />
When I got there Joseph had her in his arms. He was in tears (Joseph has always has a sweet heart when is comes to animals). I was in tears. He said "She's kind of already gone." Raya wasn't responding to voices or to her name and she was twitching.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6wusPbFJY4h4BeH5QdTZxLNmKu54JLN4ZX9bXYHAy0YS9May4oy-VvWOPt2yT_Db9XrE_woCetAQSi8Io8c2voyopuPZKqLe79OtLZoZPyR2GsUwDW2iiOxj0xBR273BddBrOlpeloU/s1600/20130510_133107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6wusPbFJY4h4BeH5QdTZxLNmKu54JLN4ZX9bXYHAy0YS9May4oy-VvWOPt2yT_Db9XrE_woCetAQSi8Io8c2voyopuPZKqLe79OtLZoZPyR2GsUwDW2iiOxj0xBR273BddBrOlpeloU/s1600/20130510_133107.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>She was cold... so cold. It broke my heart. Nothing I could do would make her warm again. I hate being cold and so did she. Raya loved snuggling in blankets. We were perfect snuggles buddies because I love blankets too. I remembered that we were going to get her a heated bed to keep her warm for Christmas just a few weeks away. She would have loved that.<br />
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As I held her little body, I kissed her cold head and told her that I was sorry I couldn't fix her and that I loved her. It was so painful to see her suffering. She was twitching and in a lot of pain. It was time to let her go. The vet came in. She said, "It goes pretty quickly." The vet gave her the shot. She jolted a few times. But within 30 seconds, Raya was gone. She was still and at peace.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMe2o1Ly4qiJLKaHmuo-nqUaMK9uE1Ic-c2FG5dOZZDuXbqdiNS6Z7WhgNysXE4VlqjkDeOJwNWrlNY6wsZnGXV8FbW_BrdOXfv1QG-kdHRnNWJae-EitHZ_zhlrtUaXGeGASyfac6hk/s1600/IMG_9527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMe2o1Ly4qiJLKaHmuo-nqUaMK9uE1Ic-c2FG5dOZZDuXbqdiNS6Z7WhgNysXE4VlqjkDeOJwNWrlNY6wsZnGXV8FbW_BrdOXfv1QG-kdHRnNWJae-EitHZ_zhlrtUaXGeGASyfac6hk/s1600/IMG_9527.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJJ8gKB7S0vLJjFR6PTR7oBHcloGfWj7dlDyWKfSrFeV_nt6c1fhLHXT5bX8zkH2CeljwLRUYy5tdB9kJ72F2ROVcUWEAScWhHCxtY3STk6GTtnfi7UAZnjrnp0cen7LztFPwBGAk3JA/s1600/20130703_231213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJJ8gKB7S0vLJjFR6PTR7oBHcloGfWj7dlDyWKfSrFeV_nt6c1fhLHXT5bX8zkH2CeljwLRUYy5tdB9kJ72F2ROVcUWEAScWhHCxtY3STk6GTtnfi7UAZnjrnp0cen7LztFPwBGAk3JA/s1600/20130703_231213.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>The vet was very kind and carefully put Raya into a box. In tears, Joseph and I took her home to my parents house to bury her. My dad and brother dug a hole under the snow and my dad said a sweet prayer and we buried Raya with her little bell so that she will jingle in heaven.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AetTcAmcEzSfzbjynEcsYdgNxNAGdhXVI272wSM973Rolk_GatXGcPS9f0zaBs5be61LM27UEQeFA6FpsHvgPeGtFeIQ0WswMJLF0U2buGZaKqZOB4_Ui2Qm10E5uXdF8nwFxDldCi0/s1600/20130702_222122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AetTcAmcEzSfzbjynEcsYdgNxNAGdhXVI272wSM973Rolk_GatXGcPS9f0zaBs5be61LM27UEQeFA6FpsHvgPeGtFeIQ0WswMJLF0U2buGZaKqZOB4_Ui2Qm10E5uXdF8nwFxDldCi0/s1600/20130702_222122.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>I learned a lot from Raya. I <b><i>opened my heart </i></b>and <b><i>learned to love</i></b> something I didn't think I could love. Her unconditional love <b><i>kept my heart soft.</i></b> Her excited squeals every time I came home melted my heart each day. It was so nice to come home to someone who was excited to see me and loved me no matter what. She was a brave little thing. Despite her tiny size, she had no problem chasing a dog 3 times her size half way down the block, or running over and barking at the creepy man walking by the house. She wasn't afraid. She <b><i>conquered her fears</i></b>. She was also extremely entertaining. Watching her try to eat a spaghetti noodle hanging from above was one of the funniest things I've even seen. She was also learning to sit and lay down (you CAN teach an old dog new tricks) but she wouldn't sit unless she was on carpet. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_fjXx8_2R5rTTq7Dsg_18HCSlplH6g60cgoISJogkhAJ01UMlCUjyEOBeUWCCh4oNZeNqAjsxTFcPXT2WKJiblZekSfOLaQSVwHMvZnzxX1eCwmvIr8nLBXXZ24tTqimlZ0Ljinpp9Q/s1600/20130603_171417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_fjXx8_2R5rTTq7Dsg_18HCSlplH6g60cgoISJogkhAJ01UMlCUjyEOBeUWCCh4oNZeNqAjsxTFcPXT2WKJiblZekSfOLaQSVwHMvZnzxX1eCwmvIr8nLBXXZ24tTqimlZ0Ljinpp9Q/s1600/20130603_171417.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We liked to collect tennis balls on our walks in the park <br />(She was a little camera shy)</td></tr>
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I was never a pet person before. I could never understand why people would want a stinky fur ball who leaves messes around your house or yard. Now I understand... It's because of <b><i>LOVE</i></b>. These sweet animals are so full of love. They fill the emptiness in our hearts. They give us a chance to practice <i><b>serving</b></i> and <i><b>loving</b></i> them. Just a year ago I never would have understood what it is like for someone to loose a pet. I would have thought..."oh that's sad your dog died...my car died once." I knew loosing a pet was sad and frustrating. But I had no idea how emotionally attached you become to these cute little fur balls. I can now empathize better when other people experience death of a loved one -- animal or human.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPEpZKSDafL7TJ_LGg1bdsfzvkF7R9fxuNkDTkmb0gvcgHzGiiPiTN-Vjco95s36Xl_w5UfH-Z4pzda-0vJ_IFk2RhHAQ098jDEn1JGgzyL_Eai8SFwgR8jj_zoVI3hJvam1IYtPxkno/s1600/20130914_172020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPEpZKSDafL7TJ_LGg1bdsfzvkF7R9fxuNkDTkmb0gvcgHzGiiPiTN-Vjco95s36Xl_w5UfH-Z4pzda-0vJ_IFk2RhHAQ098jDEn1JGgzyL_Eai8SFwgR8jj_zoVI3hJvam1IYtPxkno/s1600/20130914_172020.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>Hindsight, I had been having problems with Raya the last several months of her life. She started leaving messes around the house and was barking more at night. She never did that before. I was frustrated with her and trying to discipline her. But <i>now</i> I know that she wasn't trying to be defiant. She was just sick and didn't know how to tell me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiH6p9uQ3m_okhSbm_VCrq__7L_RyzGVnx8bSKhTZbI5e16JDlDpQI5nPuWx_gVk_dA02ni7cT2s95wpJU-fR3DghzgEhbNcrDP1qzJ4-Q1aozdqvESXxqt99pE3zAM4G7rZP1a_gvbMY/s1600/20130511_184237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiH6p9uQ3m_okhSbm_VCrq__7L_RyzGVnx8bSKhTZbI5e16JDlDpQI5nPuWx_gVk_dA02ni7cT2s95wpJU-fR3DghzgEhbNcrDP1qzJ4-Q1aozdqvESXxqt99pE3zAM4G7rZP1a_gvbMY/s1600/20130511_184237.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>I wish I had known she was sick. It wouldn't have prevented her from dying, but I would have treated her so much differently. I would have been more <b><i>patient</i></b> with her and would have kept her warm and more comfortable. I would have let her sleep in my room. She just wanted to be with me at night and didn't want to be alone. But I didn't let her.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZZ49wac-cC-_sL1ZP51uZMfJgoACcdokuNA8AtseEfMGclmpqyW8UepbS7DqPTFR66-hC4ikfk7x0TSEVWmLBV7AObmc8b7t_hvKNNHbD0XsqLQGZygqJG5rxxs6gCYEDu1-EGX0kRA/s1600/20130702_222217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZZ49wac-cC-_sL1ZP51uZMfJgoACcdokuNA8AtseEfMGclmpqyW8UepbS7DqPTFR66-hC4ikfk7x0TSEVWmLBV7AObmc8b7t_hvKNNHbD0XsqLQGZygqJG5rxxs6gCYEDu1-EGX0kRA/s1600/20130702_222217.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I have learned <b>not to judge</b>. We don't always know what a person (or animal) is going through. Maybe they have a big tumor inside. It could be a <i>physical ailment,</i> or maybe an<i> emotional or spiritual "tumor."</i> We might be frustrated about people's actions, but <i>if we understood what they were experiencing and the "pain" they were in, we would have compassion for them</i>. <b>Shouldn't we treat all people with compassion and understanding? </b>We all have "tumors." We all have weaknesses and things we are trying to change and improve about ourselves. <i>Let us all be a little more <b>loving</b> and <b>understanding</b> and give people the benefit of the doubt.</i></span><br />
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I miss my little Raya every day. I'm grateful for the time I got to spend with her and the things she taught me. Raya better be there in heaven to greet me with her happy squeals!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4zzqER1Lq1WMNP7ZjI9BpW37f7QtQ0ewVclxCw2ZAcJx63qhhctGIHgbJwY04Yaxpo1pyQ9_no9k1N9KGxskUyExFyYv2GicdfIbHIZsP4iHiOezBAQYQjcqV94KP9jIy6-TWvPoUdU/s1600/20130530_195956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4zzqER1Lq1WMNP7ZjI9BpW37f7QtQ0ewVclxCw2ZAcJx63qhhctGIHgbJwY04Yaxpo1pyQ9_no9k1N9KGxskUyExFyYv2GicdfIbHIZsP4iHiOezBAQYQjcqV94KP9jIy6-TWvPoUdU/s1600/20130530_195956.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5uewtNWtsTnqwjGmLCaBs6i0XYjlrQRtUPsfeekeLr0MCbD2Q7K8680lnUFKSmmVGqoKH4KCfKHnYODvv9xl9DZYWI75MiDZ-sHJXXGGaQsyLD7PxfhqL-Q6jfEFE-TVC97Ka5lodQk/s1600/20130429_074124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5uewtNWtsTnqwjGmLCaBs6i0XYjlrQRtUPsfeekeLr0MCbD2Q7K8680lnUFKSmmVGqoKH4KCfKHnYODvv9xl9DZYWI75MiDZ-sHJXXGGaQsyLD7PxfhqL-Q6jfEFE-TVC97Ka5lodQk/s1600/20130429_074124.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFf_IAIW9nrhHMuQP4m_m-eGEGvr4Uheoh7TFep_qbs8IHPhxM1A2l6xwxK6zfABfLIQLEp-yYqbtibEugqYDffrAMnxnRddlSXoeww7z4yfqWPlgg3dMq_GIYEzch48eRnnEh4oCULJ8/s1600/20130407_222502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFf_IAIW9nrhHMuQP4m_m-eGEGvr4Uheoh7TFep_qbs8IHPhxM1A2l6xwxK6zfABfLIQLEp-yYqbtibEugqYDffrAMnxnRddlSXoeww7z4yfqWPlgg3dMq_GIYEzch48eRnnEh4oCULJ8/s1600/20130407_222502.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-71750510777045734902013-09-13T20:45:00.000-06:002014-02-23T20:45:02.852-07:00What's your love language?<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Words of Affirmation</b></div>
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<b>Quality Time</b></div>
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<b>Physical Touch</b></div>
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<b>Receiving Gifts</b></div>
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<b>Act of Service</b></div>
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Wanna find out? Take this short quiz to find out: <a href="http://www.5lovelanguages.com/profile/" target="_blank">http://www.5lovelanguages.com/profile/</a><br />
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Understanding my love languages helps me understand why I do the things I do. It also helps me understand other people and the reasons behind their behaviors and actions.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My main love language has always been <b><i><u>Words of Affirmation.</u></i></b> It is explained as follows: Actions don't always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, "I love you," are important--<i>hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward</i>. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten. <i>You thrive on hearing kind and encouraging words that build you up</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">My second love language, which I have more recently discovered is <b><i><u>Physical Touch</u></i></b>: </span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">Hugs, pats on the back, and thoughtful touches on the arm—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive. Appropriate and timely touches communicate warmth, safety, and love to you.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">Since I was a baby, I've had a blue blanket (some of you have seen it). I didn't realize that I was trying to fulfill my "Physical Touch" needs with my blue blanket. Wrapping up in it made be feel safe and secure. I also played with the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">fuzzies with my fingers. I still have my blue blanket to this day. For now my blue blanket and my dog, Raya are my only consistent sources of physical touch. :) </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">Something we need to remember is that we all like and need ALL the love language types. But if we aren't </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">receiving our primary love language, then the other languages won't matter and we won't feel "loved." </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Quality time also means a lot to me: undivided attention from someone I love. Heartfelt gifts mean a lot to me as well. I am touched by the thoughtfulness and effort behind gifts: that they were thinking of me apart from when we are together. Acts of Service is also a big one for me. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">I've noticed that the way I GIVE love is sometimes very different from the way I need to RECEIVE love. I give a lot of Acts of Service. I don't know why, but it is just what I do. I want more than anything to help people and make them happy and make their lives better. So I do whatever I can to serve them. I also give a lot of Words of Affirmation. I'm always trying to be supportive and loving with uplifting and encouraging words. I love writing notes (and receiving notes) that are uplifting and positive. I love giving meaningful gifts that have a lot of thought and effort behind them. I love spending quality time with the people I love. Not just time, but QUALITY time. </span></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-86909401594516703482013-09-12T20:46:00.000-06:002014-01-27T18:45:44.419-07:00It's not about the nailWatch this...then read my thoughts...<br />
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I have a nail in my head. The nail represents the "problems" in my life: sins, imperfections, challenges, trials, etc. When I look in the mirror, it is hard for me to see anything but the nail. I know there is a nail in my head. I know the nail is causing me pain and suffering. I probably even know what the nail is and have considered several ways to remove the nail. </div>
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What I need is for someone to listen and validate ME: the real me. The me without the nail. The me that I have a hard time seeing because I'm blinded by the nail (my flaws and imperfections). I am also open to hearing your suggestions on how to remove the nail, but only AFTER I have been validated. Because if I'm simply told "well, you need to do this and this and this to get that nail out of your head" then what you're really telling me is to get rid of the only part of myself that I can see at the moment. And that is pretty overwhelming.<br />
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I love this video. It is so humorous and yet so true. Understanding this concept helps me in my relationships with others. I want to do my best to be supportive and validating to the people I love. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-80527844226465727502013-05-15T23:32:00.000-06:002013-05-20T19:53:55.807-06:00Stuck under a glass ceiling<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-zFth8GheInwIjDKsFxF5zDfy4zckEfCUgPiA9Bu3n-XFxX30aNl8zw4NcqV5a4drtoQUBn58BJ1i17SQ3MuPPWpMs0mTVo539U3bt-uMnetJVVy02-qQBs8bqWmqChTcgaD9V4SB_I/s1600/glass+ceiling.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-zFth8GheInwIjDKsFxF5zDfy4zckEfCUgPiA9Bu3n-XFxX30aNl8zw4NcqV5a4drtoQUBn58BJ1i17SQ3MuPPWpMs0mTVo539U3bt-uMnetJVVy02-qQBs8bqWmqChTcgaD9V4SB_I/s320/glass+ceiling.png" /></a>It is interesting how my married friends and family forget that I'm just as old or older than they are. I often hear the words, "I didn't realize you were that old..." Just because they have a husband and maybe a few kids, they feel "older" and more experienced and forget that I have as many or more years of experience in life as they do. I feel them looking down on me, treating me as a "young, naive, and inexperienced" girl who is too clueless to have anything worthwhile to offer them. They talk down to me as if I don't understand. I hate that feeling.<br />
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Being single in Happy Valley, Utah at age 29 is like being stuck under a glass ceiling. I can see my married friends and loved ones continue their upward progression as they begin their eternal families and raise them in righteousness. I see their happiness and their hard times leading them up this eternal progression. Their lives are not perfect, but they are accomplishing God's plan, fulfilling His commandments, and learning and progressing as they overcome difficulties.</div>
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But I remain below the glass ceiling. As a single woman, it is as if I can only progress to a certain point emotionally, physically, and spiritually. It is hard to look up and see everyone above me, looking down on me as if to say: "Why aren't you up here with us? Maybe you just need more faith. Maybe you're too picky. Maybe you'll come up here in the next life...but it will happen, don't worry. Be happy down there!" Yeah, right! Easy for you to say! You're not down here anymore! They forget so fast what is it like to be single. Sometimes they try to be comforting and say, "It is really hard up here. Marriage is harder than you think. You have no idea. Just enjoy it while you're down there." Oh thanks...I feel SO sorry for you and I feel SO much better down here in your shadows and eating your dust...</div>
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I know I shouldn't compare myself to others. But it is hard when we have drilled in our heads since we were 12 years old in Young Women that eternal marriage and family is the most important thing we accomplish in this life, that we should prepare for motherhood, develop homemaking skills, be a good wife, and if we keep the commandments, we will find a righteous husband, get married in the temple, and live happily ever after! Well, they taught me well because that's all I ever wanted. Nothing more. (I WILL change this false "happily ever after" way of thinking when I'm a Young Women leader. This is not a healthy way of teaching the young women).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKqCOWYRw8B9ZNU8s920OAj3DrmqLytUf47wIJqVq8ijvVEN3gFxk9qzIYq6D1lVGMyEfge0XRaJ0Xq-NqM_WVvYOfKV27wYUctKZQfaekUeC54jwR06qM8hO4ZzNVQDE4o9CjwnhcDw/s1600/glass+ceiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKqCOWYRw8B9ZNU8s920OAj3DrmqLytUf47wIJqVq8ijvVEN3gFxk9qzIYq6D1lVGMyEfge0XRaJ0Xq-NqM_WVvYOfKV27wYUctKZQfaekUeC54jwR06qM8hO4ZzNVQDE4o9CjwnhcDw/s1600/glass+ceiling.jpg" /></a></div>
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Well, it hasn't happened the way they drilled me in Young Women classes. Now I feel like a failure. I feel stuck, restricted, lost, helpless, and hopeless.<br />
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I need to learn how to be happy now, underneath the glass ceiling, or I'll never be happy in marriage. I need to figure out how to be satisfied with what I'm doing with my life now. Maybe I'll find a best friend and receive the marriage ordinance in this life. Maybe I won't. But I need to be happy with my life now (and I've got a huge problem. I hate my career...with a passion. I can't even comprehend doing it for the rest of my life. But that's for another conversation). I need to find the things that make me happy and do them. One of the things that makes me most happy is serving others. By serving others and finding other things that bring joy into my life, I will conquer the glass ceiling eventually! Christ will help me if I trust Him and persevere.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-69956722887725218292013-05-12T15:42:00.001-06:002014-02-24T21:31:51.938-07:00Ay! Chihuahua!<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10TZnaer1ewFP66WnSWmBy6rRRkTbLi87C3hTTaKit6smaxVIoMHbI_MO_QoxYelV6EULOyVT1cvNhekrr3EDipDeceUw4a0Me3oyLo9LW0NfNoYJQyYIPz7h-3SkfA9FkwkUJuGBvAU/s1600/20130429_074138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10TZnaer1ewFP66WnSWmBy6rRRkTbLi87C3hTTaKit6smaxVIoMHbI_MO_QoxYelV6EULOyVT1cvNhekrr3EDipDeceUw4a0Me3oyLo9LW0NfNoYJQyYIPz7h-3SkfA9FkwkUJuGBvAU/s640/20130429_074138.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet Raya! She even smiled for the camera!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjBN9DbIqKb2gHjQHGa1oCzm7BRGwWHPXdOgxPGKVp2P_LxkNGvsFn8YGltcvHWltSWU0ReeMgmkzsV7L7FrMEGW5YWkMv3a2Yl3cgLSIdsMqJY7Z9hN1_upIyi6GGSu8-cffJ31pqmE/s1600/Raya3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjBN9DbIqKb2gHjQHGa1oCzm7BRGwWHPXdOgxPGKVp2P_LxkNGvsFn8YGltcvHWltSWU0ReeMgmkzsV7L7FrMEGW5YWkMv3a2Yl3cgLSIdsMqJY7Z9hN1_upIyi6GGSu8-cffJ31pqmE/s320/Raya3.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a>I've conquered another "first" (not exactly a fear, but it was definitely a big change for me)! I am the proud mama of a 7 year old Chihuahua! Can you believe it? Don't worry, I still can't believe it either. I have never been a pet person. I never understood why people would want a stinky fur ball on four legs walking around their house or yard making messes. Now I understand why!<br />
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My little Raya (which is Hebrew for "friend"), literally squeals and howls when I come home. It melts my heart to have someone excited to see me. She loves to snuggle with me (as long as she's under a blanket). She is very quiet (except when someone knocks at the door). She is a sensitive little soul with a tender heart. She is forgiving and loves unconditionally.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwjumhyH015nsCRaU4ZWMUdC4OyEBXRy28HNralwXwJy9m_sufLr8OxP9GAUa3OJ2RgMYWPeX_niIbNS06XIAHg4hGWO4qsPOPaWJ6VH3Lrf6vFLV9trgV3GPSbHWakEQazs1-1PpMhg/s1600/Raya1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwjumhyH015nsCRaU4ZWMUdC4OyEBXRy28HNralwXwJy9m_sufLr8OxP9GAUa3OJ2RgMYWPeX_niIbNS06XIAHg4hGWO4qsPOPaWJ6VH3Lrf6vFLV9trgV3GPSbHWakEQazs1-1PpMhg/s400/Raya1.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KF7UcVdivcBCeJiaEJ2Xz6l4stXFnDL94lJ06wnJ_y4V3vVXCjZe95jLFWrK5qB996vzE2GLt63o4er9HTgw_Fa7KgqIVOx1a-n8V879LWs0gS-RFgGvIz8NWE2NPTde08Of7lLhBf4/s1600/Raya2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KF7UcVdivcBCeJiaEJ2Xz6l4stXFnDL94lJ06wnJ_y4V3vVXCjZe95jLFWrK5qB996vzE2GLt63o4er9HTgw_Fa7KgqIVOx1a-n8V879LWs0gS-RFgGvIz8NWE2NPTde08Of7lLhBf4/s320/Raya2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a>I give thanks to my loving friend Heather for talking me into getting a pet (and finding this dog who needed a new home) so that I would have something to take care of and love after she left. And thanks to Raya, for keeping my heart soft.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKyIkGWY2ZKFQ8oOs7odlDAKzDjwVDsW6Jirvueg-3b_Iuh9vxR6jOkGKvoWEypSGLSukLd4VzsmnvOYm4A9cgb3WeZCNidO8ts_xYE2UsXCQIJtJskks8l0wAc1nxxm-pvXzYgEN8ik/s1600/Raya5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKyIkGWY2ZKFQ8oOs7odlDAKzDjwVDsW6Jirvueg-3b_Iuh9vxR6jOkGKvoWEypSGLSukLd4VzsmnvOYm4A9cgb3WeZCNidO8ts_xYE2UsXCQIJtJskks8l0wAc1nxxm-pvXzYgEN8ik/s320/Raya5.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzf_RbDTDoyUsyGb9_03UIyAuBdOohCVqNhV1qzdaRHLwtK7X3_LvF1vEdSY4EyKiTZx-aLijeOJpWKkCWWLMtDecZ5_v2RStInv0wrwJYEd7NO5ALLdXpra4tBM3-OQh0Q6GOmvWvnIU/s1600/IMG_9489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzf_RbDTDoyUsyGb9_03UIyAuBdOohCVqNhV1qzdaRHLwtK7X3_LvF1vEdSY4EyKiTZx-aLijeOJpWKkCWWLMtDecZ5_v2RStInv0wrwJYEd7NO5ALLdXpra4tBM3-OQh0Q6GOmvWvnIU/s200/IMG_9489.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-43221838672802989212013-01-19T22:43:00.000-07:002013-01-24T22:04:00.378-07:00Always a bridesmaid . . . <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UFZ-di8zvgNfc8S0vDkPE-zbneHDGVN3libQFZdyWzozp0rOefPD_e0KiFUzLKJf-y_ZnzqDjqFSD3zN6JV3PBUyKkkkU7byuWZA7LEAcwpnm27ZxOdp5upwX4D6ls5DYC6QNfhpp5Y/s1600/IMG_9282.cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UFZ-di8zvgNfc8S0vDkPE-zbneHDGVN3libQFZdyWzozp0rOefPD_e0KiFUzLKJf-y_ZnzqDjqFSD3zN6JV3PBUyKkkkU7byuWZA7LEAcwpnm27ZxOdp5upwX4D6ls5DYC6QNfhpp5Y/s400/IMG_9282.cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a>I married off another best friend yesterday. It get's harder each time. I used to shed a few tears on the wedding day. This time I bawled for weeks before the wedding, dreading being abandoned once again. The tears just keep coming and will continue for a while. My little heart can't handle making such a good friend and then loosing her to marriage. I'm so happy for Heather, I really am. But sad for me. I'm alone again and I hate being alone. It was so nice to have companionship. I love Heather a lot and miss her terribly already. She has been such a wonderful and loving friend. I'm so grateful for the short few months we had to live together. I learned a lot from her. I only hope I was a loving friend to her and an influence for good. I'm happy for Heather and Adriaan as they begin their eternal family together. I'm so glad they chose to be sealed in the temple and are righteous and worthy of eternal blessings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1awFQc-wn_9Sof5iPz5D0QaMFV8kKq2RcRM6s-W8-sATWw2TePcJZQapl79SpIKqbUrkMaIrWAFF78U8PF2qU_Opz15nSimpJoogSQP8A2yFrRmK2aWs5gnRQMf-cA-bGDnUh-wg6K8/s1600/December+2012+083+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1awFQc-wn_9Sof5iPz5D0QaMFV8kKq2RcRM6s-W8-sATWw2TePcJZQapl79SpIKqbUrkMaIrWAFF78U8PF2qU_Opz15nSimpJoogSQP8A2yFrRmK2aWs5gnRQMf-cA-bGDnUh-wg6K8/s400/December+2012+083+cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I know it isn't the end. But let's be honest, it is the beginning of the end. At least, that is how it has always been. I still talk to my married friends periodically, get a Christmas card from them, and perhaps see them every once in a while. But things are never the same. They are married now and I'm not. Their priority is their husband and family. They are in a new dimension of life, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. It is something I haven't experienced and don't understand. Even though I am older than almost all of my married friends, I feel so much younger. Being married makes them feel so much more mature than me. I feel young, naive, clueless, and like we just don't relate anymore. I'm just the single "little sister" who doesn't understand and hasn't "grown up" yet.<br />
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I need a permanent friend and companion who won't abandon me. I need an eternal companion. But I guess Heavenly Father has other plans for me right now and it's up to me to figure out what those plans are.<br />
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Looking back . . . </h2>
Here are some of my best friends' weddings over the years. Good times! (There are a few missing that I still don't have pictures of.) <b><i>"Always a bridesmaid, never a bride" . . . </i></b> Funny thing is, I've never really officially been a bridesmaid, except at my friend Linda's wedding in Colombia.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijzDH7GYM4d5wwRVXna4emSZ5ZfWAY_r8UMNyjH5MiD88d0E7hL3X_HKU1bwTWgdFf9wGiweVcgiZ5FjJpR2_IRHOtRPhqSmuDC6kmV3N6SjE14iunAHcLlBL46X6faehgEzPgUGeEKw/s1600/IMG_9191.cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijzDH7GYM4d5wwRVXna4emSZ5ZfWAY_r8UMNyjH5MiD88d0E7hL3X_HKU1bwTWgdFf9wGiweVcgiZ5FjJpR2_IRHOtRPhqSmuDC6kmV3N6SjE14iunAHcLlBL46X6faehgEzPgUGeEKw/s400/IMG_9191.cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h2>
To my married best friends: </h2>
I love you. I will love you forever. I haven't forgotten you and never will. You are always in my heart. You are a part of who I am. You are tender mercies in my life. Thank you for your love and friendship. Thank you for your examples of righteousness, obedience, eternal marriage, and raising a family with Jesus Christ at the center of your home. Hugs!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-25448193760545496282013-01-06T19:04:00.002-07:002013-01-30T18:53:34.828-07:00More fears conquered<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidCReuCk0sM5z0zUVBrsobrRLHCpCEfDYut6OEWXQGXFk-SWeGsPkQwhuwPAKtHKXERh048K0d54uf4erYtkYPa5LjWgB_a2nOUe6Qaz3L4v4qstmYxjpGsWDsF3NRcQfRpBX80bhemM/s1600/CampingOct2012+309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidCReuCk0sM5z0zUVBrsobrRLHCpCEfDYut6OEWXQGXFk-SWeGsPkQwhuwPAKtHKXERh048K0d54uf4erYtkYPa5LjWgB_a2nOUe6Qaz3L4v4qstmYxjpGsWDsF3NRcQfRpBX80bhemM/s320/CampingOct2012+309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUTc1xNKEkNpX2OASf8ipEa4G-BWFpaWO9km4gRVfhkzYCD9ewgfBH5-E1Ygjlw0TWeImBBuqT7LHB5oh2E0_eweuKasvDcZpYU_aDJdcrn3jkwf-3zUED0ytvTESxTk9jFyP3qDeIsM/s1600/CampingOct2012+296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUTc1xNKEkNpX2OASf8ipEa4G-BWFpaWO9km4gRVfhkzYCD9ewgfBH5-E1Ygjlw0TWeImBBuqT7LHB5oh2E0_eweuKasvDcZpYU_aDJdcrn3jkwf-3zUED0ytvTESxTk9jFyP3qDeIsM/s200/CampingOct2012+296.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little too much fun!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ba8s4NaGQGx7w7OROywq2n34IgSvsOF913ssVxAEoT-_fu4Fux5pM8D0AYTVjGoqwjbyDA3JxnRT1_oS89ZETWI1xnsJzXNxsrgEneQ1f3f66A0X8iSaIMADEFTaSdc8GrpmV84u0_g/s1600/CampingOct2012+313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ba8s4NaGQGx7w7OROywq2n34IgSvsOF913ssVxAEoT-_fu4Fux5pM8D0AYTVjGoqwjbyDA3JxnRT1_oS89ZETWI1xnsJzXNxsrgEneQ1f3f66A0X8iSaIMADEFTaSdc8GrpmV84u0_g/s200/CampingOct2012+313.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why didn't anyone tell me how<br />
awful my hair looked?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I completed another "first"! I shot a gun! And according to my friend, I was pretty decent at it for a first timer, so watch out! I had never touched a gun before in my life and I was nervous. But my best friend, Heather, helped walk me through it and was right there to help. I think I hit the targets I was shooting at about half the time. And most of my misses were because I started trying to double tap (shoot twice in a row). Cool! I secretly really enjoyed shooting! :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zRehVVcirOX6YOe7DZVAm7A-huvPJWIk11x-wNGSu_0wv9oEY8hPH6Ls3wIoFHK5_uaNlzK_5jidyEEhmKCSRc9mvEZEqtvvgryswk5EGVXJnz60EabzOtA3qhOJymoh9lgjdZZ1bYM/s1600/CampingOct2012+230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zRehVVcirOX6YOe7DZVAm7A-huvPJWIk11x-wNGSu_0wv9oEY8hPH6Ls3wIoFHK5_uaNlzK_5jidyEEhmKCSRc9mvEZEqtvvgryswk5EGVXJnz60EabzOtA3qhOJymoh9lgjdZZ1bYM/s400/CampingOct2012+230.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks, Heather, for helping me conquer fears!</td></tr>
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<div>
We went on a campout getaway in October and let's just say it was . . . memorable. Yes, it snowed. I think the pictures tell the story quite nicely. I really did have a great time though!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxbSa8licuZAsZnGoKolvVbAMPEeK04RsYjHfUi5D_II7iPX3zaCXbNGhoasRHwi9fzXDzypaiR4kMSbvg58ardfvHdSRTz9OTUNm1W3L5EP6TAMFIaPrWl3I7pwhtA3U8t3GMVRnTkg/s1600/CampingOct2012+127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxbSa8licuZAsZnGoKolvVbAMPEeK04RsYjHfUi5D_II7iPX3zaCXbNGhoasRHwi9fzXDzypaiR4kMSbvg58ardfvHdSRTz9OTUNm1W3L5EP6TAMFIaPrWl3I7pwhtA3U8t3GMVRnTkg/s320/CampingOct2012+127.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWc2pMdiLNJ3lRS2D3FMmCkKtEZ4Kv6aj5H6u7m4jBAqCJtF1NNOUEGHhT_BJ1Uu5HtgaOqF6LCy76WrkK7WyeoDpvfqxkiPXi_y47krtnMaoQMmz6Gqh5_5z0LhEGgD-VBUY4KJOSGc/s1600/CampingOct2012+134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWc2pMdiLNJ3lRS2D3FMmCkKtEZ4Kv6aj5H6u7m4jBAqCJtF1NNOUEGHhT_BJ1Uu5HtgaOqF6LCy76WrkK7WyeoDpvfqxkiPXi_y47krtnMaoQMmz6Gqh5_5z0LhEGgD-VBUY4KJOSGc/s200/CampingOct2012+134.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBql-rPLqd3JAtsZBPMdm6IvwyHa911sK3mdyRDSpmzw3is64d4rvKR4AOy9ei01Z_P0fQmCRfVAfarhFfG5OK8hP-dEajU3SAzV_nuhfPyLFqGGbQ9gvxA0lrfnDWVxPzFRnZOFVyAaY/s1600/CampingOct2012+112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBql-rPLqd3JAtsZBPMdm6IvwyHa911sK3mdyRDSpmzw3is64d4rvKR4AOy9ei01Z_P0fQmCRfVAfarhFfG5OK8hP-dEajU3SAzV_nuhfPyLFqGGbQ9gvxA0lrfnDWVxPzFRnZOFVyAaY/s400/CampingOct2012+112.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't this look like so much fun???</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALHuPPJBPUoEQXLjQMnm3-hCsQ0y3a1vzcWPHPJGE_QRSW6DjAK7sQv7rm3Fw1AfAd3TQc-wP6gczOQd4zzYjH-hiHfrBIzHybdoBvOPiXGGEY2bMeRhTMC-JZVz3xLiy0iEQtKqAFWo/s1600/CampingOct2012+142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALHuPPJBPUoEQXLjQMnm3-hCsQ0y3a1vzcWPHPJGE_QRSW6DjAK7sQv7rm3Fw1AfAd3TQc-wP6gczOQd4zzYjH-hiHfrBIzHybdoBvOPiXGGEY2bMeRhTMC-JZVz3xLiy0iEQtKqAFWo/s200/CampingOct2012+142.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a waterproof tent . . . obviously</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvXF7YBxdA3rrlV4m0PP0xl2FhYXOS_0etMyAzI97UPZ0BG43Y4PjUsKGMSplFw11CPxJd27Wrr0QbPXZL3cuqFq0WvYNxeuVjLULOS2u5gmrWKfODauE2SwsFR2XfNZHewFv3E3441U/s1600/CampingOct2012+370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvXF7YBxdA3rrlV4m0PP0xl2FhYXOS_0etMyAzI97UPZ0BG43Y4PjUsKGMSplFw11CPxJd27Wrr0QbPXZL3cuqFq0WvYNxeuVjLULOS2u5gmrWKfODauE2SwsFR2XfNZHewFv3E3441U/s200/CampingOct2012+370.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheese Wiz fun!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAn7E2_7u4AurRl4-3Ip9bIF3P5OEtO_EQD6KCwWNW2h1VNd_0OmvVZlfrzhZmkgg86xfdxZuC2cuYITtcK14WvXTb_9yk3Y6LyaXQeHr-hrkYgkGYSboVNWKj-uF-Q9YVCfvME0VgVA/s1600/CampingOct2012+173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAn7E2_7u4AurRl4-3Ip9bIF3P5OEtO_EQD6KCwWNW2h1VNd_0OmvVZlfrzhZmkgg86xfdxZuC2cuYITtcK14WvXTb_9yk3Y6LyaXQeHr-hrkYgkGYSboVNWKj-uF-Q9YVCfvME0VgVA/s400/CampingOct2012+173.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stayed pretty warm in our snow covered tent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKl_jnW6H8ycFqgFxhTazRf-8ckR3AzBZW3m0fRhbjyDBvixlNH89Q8v1ePv7ETj_jOyfTpzo-kHzxWqdsLITimfjWkRFPH4ThRR7-YlcHLJ7I-vGuUjCuHs-a4XlbHx-i9QfOx_GdWo/s1600/CampingOct2012+314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKl_jnW6H8ycFqgFxhTazRf-8ckR3AzBZW3m0fRhbjyDBvixlNH89Q8v1ePv7ETj_jOyfTpzo-kHzxWqdsLITimfjWkRFPH4ThRR7-YlcHLJ7I-vGuUjCuHs-a4XlbHx-i9QfOx_GdWo/s640/CampingOct2012+314.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather and her Fiance, Adriaan. This photo is not photoshopped. The water really was that green!</td></tr>
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I'm also working on another great fear of mine . . . SWIMMING! I haven't been able to swim. I'm skinny and I don't float. And various experiences throughout my life have led me dislike the water more and more. So, Heather took me to the pool and patiently worked with me to get more comfortable in the water. We realized my problem is that I don't know how to breathe! The concept of breathing out through the nose while under water and in through the mouth is completely backwards to me. No wonder! My underwater reflexes need some work. We "swam" for a good 2 hours. I only aspirated once and came up gasping and making terrible noises (it's kinda scary and really embarrassing). I did a lot of practicing blowing bubbles. Back to the basics! It's going to take a while to conquer swimming. But I'm working on it!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-24365893868816833752013-01-06T17:58:00.001-07:002013-01-22T22:48:14.187-07:00Graduated and on to "real life"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvHTAg6PZgQeAO53HfLHf_4ulUnQXeWVMMwF4Cxfcyw82rD9lBHOFaPrssqQ5Rk0Tfuqx_bZPyQXhWNN8l-LbZhXEaL2xlLHic9wGOugu0Z_ARBoB2Uxy3WL36sHrLDBNYDodDEW4OFM/s1600/Master'sGraduation+108edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvHTAg6PZgQeAO53HfLHf_4ulUnQXeWVMMwF4Cxfcyw82rD9lBHOFaPrssqQ5Rk0Tfuqx_bZPyQXhWNN8l-LbZhXEaL2xlLHic9wGOugu0Z_ARBoB2Uxy3WL36sHrLDBNYDodDEW4OFM/s640/Master'sGraduation+108edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRHOCE8FfDrvmP8-7lzdBJuUFTqCuzntpX0fa14_dnHkXfl4De8N9gNthz75aydaPNI0Ipkz_-BecRse5RAee8PZ5JcDQrOeb4asvpHuNsOf07C_WnbVcOWyvZKXOVDvpzKNmED0smdk/s1600/Master'sGraduation+089-edited(bigger+file)+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRHOCE8FfDrvmP8-7lzdBJuUFTqCuzntpX0fa14_dnHkXfl4De8N9gNthz75aydaPNI0Ipkz_-BecRse5RAee8PZ5JcDQrOeb4asvpHuNsOf07C_WnbVcOWyvZKXOVDvpzKNmED0smdk/s320/Master'sGraduation+089-edited(bigger+file)+copy.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
An update is long overdue! The first big news is that I graduated from BYU with my Master's in Speech-Language Pathology. It was a long and hard two years and there were many barriers trying to keep me from graduating. But I did it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKjheg2danQqwUlsaTDzcc8QBE-577Qck4YVKFwXuq0EtuUno18plrckH8lE8ZpARQO0Ygy4l9KbM4oeiwGDdzDO0GOe2sHmFR1LdJuT-_E9nM_4JR2RcT3jENCuCGkDOIL46dF1_0X8/s1600/IMG_9154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKjheg2danQqwUlsaTDzcc8QBE-577Qck4YVKFwXuq0EtuUno18plrckH8lE8ZpARQO0Ygy4l9KbM4oeiwGDdzDO0GOe2sHmFR1LdJuT-_E9nM_4JR2RcT3jENCuCGkDOIL46dF1_0X8/s200/IMG_9154.JPG" width="133" /></a>A special thanks to "Trooper", my computer who was my constant companion and got me through grad school. I wouldn't have been able to do it without him. We even fell down the stairs together and he still has a big scar on his corner to this day. He has gotten old and is retired now from his duties. I only fire him up every once in a while. He gets tired really fast and wants to turn back off (without warning me of course . . . hum... sounds like my patients).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFX2xxyma2VrU9f94GAdr0u0wzDfPaEgkmRetIQg7ZbcapG-hslPz7hPbWBDHTeBfFsk_1PBqdoTw1KQPaSEBDLyLBN-pBOYn8AsreEJA0F2g0mQUknXIbFgsVZfwnkr7ybMk7FoLqwao/s1600/IMG_9140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFX2xxyma2VrU9f94GAdr0u0wzDfPaEgkmRetIQg7ZbcapG-hslPz7hPbWBDHTeBfFsk_1PBqdoTw1KQPaSEBDLyLBN-pBOYn8AsreEJA0F2g0mQUknXIbFgsVZfwnkr7ybMk7FoLqwao/s200/IMG_9140.JPG" width="200" /></a>Another thanks to "Backpack" who has been with me since my freshman year of college. He endured 10 years of lugging heavy textbooks, laptops, and who knows what else. And thanks to "Sebastian," my faithful car, who got me to classes, internships, the grocery store, and anywhere else I needed to go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cjVhQmIQ5hX-r7NhadD4xraVWI_-W4eDtipEnpC0UQVyYn6kxDp9KwVUFxfyTG7hgG37wScYyHHOwe3EbzgNI81i0fCN3N-bvtCm_drDIY4s3gLMD6iarsC3aPwpe06GPvFp8hDUkvU/s1600/Master'sGraduation+101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cjVhQmIQ5hX-r7NhadD4xraVWI_-W4eDtipEnpC0UQVyYn6kxDp9KwVUFxfyTG7hgG37wScYyHHOwe3EbzgNI81i0fCN3N-bvtCm_drDIY4s3gLMD6iarsC3aPwpe06GPvFp8hDUkvU/s320/Master'sGraduation+101.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xTffIuf-H7j8S9IL4rQyvKq0tA31VNEzSoVam6CLm2txV9zIFTzICH3AHziDBpqr1KMZmIUesolhp9c4WC8f-uSkj_jDisRG-IEIgXxg9kSBtKpqGliIKIucsubJsDgaaTeypZUn7C4/s1600/Master'sGraduation+170edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xTffIuf-H7j8S9IL4rQyvKq0tA31VNEzSoVam6CLm2txV9zIFTzICH3AHziDBpqr1KMZmIUesolhp9c4WC8f-uSkj_jDisRG-IEIgXxg9kSBtKpqGliIKIucsubJsDgaaTeypZUn7C4/s200/Master'sGraduation+170edited.jpg" width="200" /></a>And most of all, thanks you to my <b>wonderful family and friends</b> (yes YOU!) who have given constant support and encouragement. I would not be who I am today without you.<br />
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I am working as a speech therapist at a Rehabilitation and Nursing home. It has been challenging and I am learning a lot. I am now a professional working woman, something I never wanted to be, but I'm interested to find out what Heavenly Father has in store for me and why He needed me to be a speech therapist. I know there is a reason for all things.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-20901427038413357692012-06-17T23:51:00.000-06:002012-06-17T23:51:21.148-06:00My daddy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdziCDzM38GCtlwxZa_7wkD7lGWohMEXeCRKVWUTdWMIRs45sYSNxP6rOUwShfyDoN4dwMmo5LNSMBoCEagpOuJgnIk8MIAJcmaMF5RXK5d8Xi-tv6fDXi8xBpjj3-uYpQJgeKfVG_Lw/s1600/Birthday+2012+136cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdziCDzM38GCtlwxZa_7wkD7lGWohMEXeCRKVWUTdWMIRs45sYSNxP6rOUwShfyDoN4dwMmo5LNSMBoCEagpOuJgnIk8MIAJcmaMF5RXK5d8Xi-tv6fDXi8xBpjj3-uYpQJgeKfVG_Lw/s320/Birthday+2012+136cropped.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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My dad is:</div>
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patient</div>
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hard working</div>
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faithful</div>
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wise</div>
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a priesthood holder</div>
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optimistic</div>
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diligent</div>
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artistic</div>
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classy</div>
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handsome</div>
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funny</div>
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intelligent</div>
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I love my daddy boy. Happy Father's day!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-77231245369160306042012-06-16T22:30:00.000-06:002012-06-17T23:53:42.887-06:00Another year, rediscovering myself<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGomTakB33ItaHzxc2cbBkWxTiAOrh8DHEFoYlOl8ATpBJUaGedvJZeURADY8YeQ3mqE0YzLktMW8Ax4V6exNLBsG-kdsQTRoXN5RVWCP0sjINeJlgJahc-EcqzCd7HlZAEWc4WDTzx8/s1600/Birthday+2012+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGomTakB33ItaHzxc2cbBkWxTiAOrh8DHEFoYlOl8ATpBJUaGedvJZeURADY8YeQ3mqE0YzLktMW8Ax4V6exNLBsG-kdsQTRoXN5RVWCP0sjINeJlgJahc-EcqzCd7HlZAEWc4WDTzx8/s320/Birthday+2012+055.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EETIZByAsEjXySifYtwzyCiY51Ntq8YoEf3_5kfU91Ofkf1LaMbnJX3AnKEpYUvQ-HxrN-7rkMqZHJf_Nb54W0diluUgwkgyhZTAQZbk1atRxW4IqOnh3pmvY6HhkLeyOIoKqLbGeqU/s1600/Birthday+2012+074-cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EETIZByAsEjXySifYtwzyCiY51Ntq8YoEf3_5kfU91Ofkf1LaMbnJX3AnKEpYUvQ-HxrN-7rkMqZHJf_Nb54W0diluUgwkgyhZTAQZbk1atRxW4IqOnh3pmvY6HhkLeyOIoKqLbGeqU/s200/Birthday+2012+074-cropped.jpg" width="200" /></a>It was an interesting birthday this year. Some years are better than others I guess. My <a href="http://bigkath.blogspot.com/2011/05/thanks-for-wonderful-birthday.html" target="_blank">birthday last year</a> was so amazing thanks to my great roommates and friends at the time and thanks to all of you who sent me those birthday letters.<br />
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This year, most of my family and friends were gone. :( My brother did fly back into town that day so I was glad at least he came home on my birthday. We had some brother-sister time before I had to get back to do clinic and other school stuff. That evening a couple of my friends who were still around came with me to hike the Y. It was a small group and a little awkward at times, but it ended up okay. The weather was perfect and Heavenly Father gave me a beautiful sunset to end the day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77Y008cXfDZv-iAoaLTyiBe6QHNue5kGdaXEVm-cVVS4B9whfIS-zEzyqXx2g_jmo3zPxVyoPUI2Gc0_VyBbA9AGTUqQGtAWACPsmN0VeKFS_r_fxgjhyMScHCOQKlZ06xS1FEYwRZIM/s1600/Birthday+2012+085edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77Y008cXfDZv-iAoaLTyiBe6QHNue5kGdaXEVm-cVVS4B9whfIS-zEzyqXx2g_jmo3zPxVyoPUI2Gc0_VyBbA9AGTUqQGtAWACPsmN0VeKFS_r_fxgjhyMScHCOQKlZ06xS1FEYwRZIM/s320/Birthday+2012+085edited.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I contemplated the past year or so; the things I've accomplished and the kind of person I have become. I'm almost finished with graduate school and in another time of transition. I'm in a place in life I never thought I would be: a single woman and working professional (which is that LAST thing I ever wanted). But I have been given this time to serve my family and friends and all of Heavenly Father's children. <br />
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I think this next year will be a time to <strong><em><u>rediscover myself</u></em></strong>. I want to work on:<br />
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<li>being more <em>supportive</em> and<em> loving</em> to my <em>friends</em> and <em>family</em> by being there for them and finding ways to show them I care</li>
<li>being more willing to <em>sacrifice</em> and take more <em>time</em> for people, because people and <em>relationships</em> are the <em>most important</em> things in life</li>
<li>not letting fear get in the way of <em>faith</em> and <em>progress</em></li>
<li>be more <em>diligent</em> in my gospel study and fully <em>trusting</em> Heavenly Father to make my life what He wants</li>
<li><em>developing</em> talents (piano, dance, photography, guitar, and I'm working on getting the courage to start learning the cello!)</li>
</ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-64289684336653674992012-04-29T23:06:00.000-06:002012-04-29T23:06:02.805-06:00Me and NieNie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCt0KniM_df7SwlwWJr0E5KBNOsOrYZekaE5yOJTIhQPKI090sTS-oYBcPRhg8Tn9fFzpx4uW4GM0D6j3gmHIESulDLj31E7tfAU2psTFABpl81DFjHMka0Z0QOHb8MIt-rAlnAmzs65I/s1600/me+and+nie+nie+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCt0KniM_df7SwlwWJr0E5KBNOsOrYZekaE5yOJTIhQPKI090sTS-oYBcPRhg8Tn9fFzpx4uW4GM0D6j3gmHIESulDLj31E7tfAU2psTFABpl81DFjHMka0Z0QOHb8MIt-rAlnAmzs65I/s640/me+and+nie+nie+cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I met <a href="http://nieniedialogues.com/" target="_blank">Stephanie Nielson</a> and her husband, Christian! As I waited in line to get her new book signed, I took a moment to look at her. I noticed her arms and hands, so badly scared from the burns she sustained in a plane crash a few years ago. I watched her fingers as she struggled to hold a pen to write. And here she was, signing hundreds of books for people she doesn't even know. Her husband was right there by her side supporting her, loving her, and radiating happiness (he too was burned in the crash). My heart was immediately filled with love. I felt Christ's love coming through her and into my heart. Here she was, nine months preganant, about to pop, not to mention the pain and challenges of being burned over 80% or her body, hardly able to hold a pen, and yet she was happily signing books and talking with each person individually. She was so gracious, so loving, so real, so happy. That is what life is all about. That is was love is all about. That is what Christ's gospel is all about. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxv0CgwCCV4GpkPmhq49QLKgBxD7MSGR_9lH7arPzCFEkc1oEt6_NegcdH-KJTsP5TlUqO9JA38eoxMr6fu8ElJCzKf9ToPKXeZil85s8P-QZZS2_zTYV4jKv7MDSgW4DssKZKbHZmtc/s1600/nienie's+and+christian's+hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxv0CgwCCV4GpkPmhq49QLKgBxD7MSGR_9lH7arPzCFEkc1oEt6_NegcdH-KJTsP5TlUqO9JA38eoxMr6fu8ElJCzKf9ToPKXeZil85s8P-QZZS2_zTYV4jKv7MDSgW4DssKZKbHZmtc/s320/nienie's+and+christian's+hands.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />When my turn came, I introduced myself. Stephanie said, "I hope you like the book." While she was signing I turned to her husband and said "I'm so glad you are here too." He replied that he always goes with her. Stephanie piped in an said "I don't go anywhere without him" and he replied that he didn't go anywhere without her either. They have such a beautiful relationship. I have been touched by their love and devotion for each other as I have seen and read about their relationship.</div>
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<br />I got a quick photo with both of them. Stephanie said, "It is so nice to meet you." I thanked them, though a thank you seemed hardly enough for what I had just experienced and felt.</div>
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<br />It was 30 seconds of "heaven." (Her new book is called "Heaven is Here." I'm so excited to read it!) My heart was full. And when I feel full of love, I just want to share it. I even hugged my new friend I had talked to while waiting in line (who was a total stranger just 30 min. before). The Spirit of Love was so strong as I pondered on my drive home. Life is hard. We all have trials and struggles, some are more visible than others. But we can find joy and happiness as we live the gospel of Jesus Christ and as we take the time to love, serve, and reach out to the people around us: our families, our friends, and even people we have never met. Life can be heavenly. </div>
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God is good. Life is good.</div>
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-March 31, 2012</div>
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P.S. I'm even in a picture on Stephanie's blog! Check it out! </div>
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<a href="http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2012/04/photos-from-book-sigings.html">http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2012/04/photos-from-book-sigings.html</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-38925177435092775502012-04-26T21:34:00.001-06:002012-04-26T21:34:46.620-06:00"You are amazing"I got a mysterious email today that appeared like it was sent from my own email address. It simply said: <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: large;"><strong>"You are amazing. </strong></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: large;"><strong>Don't ever forget that you are a daughter of God who loves you!"</strong></span></div>
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Thank you to whoever sent that to me. I don't know who it was or how they made it anonymous. Thank you. That meant a lot to me! (and I would love to learn how they did that)</div>
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<strong>Don't forget who you are! </strong></div>
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<strong>You are a child of God. You really are! </strong></div>
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<strong>And He loves you. He really does!</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKTvJv-tC4tdYxcwyBsCbWPugm7bnaY8yOgkQzR4MJnByLhQdjA75Vs2b5DS_Ydmnv2eN5ANfAcwT9-DtReQovJtX2OQV7L-ua81SbtMq4-Zak4MQEyNr-xSRdZ2vCQBmtLqHQWrPoRo/s1600/mysterious+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKTvJv-tC4tdYxcwyBsCbWPugm7bnaY8yOgkQzR4MJnByLhQdjA75Vs2b5DS_Ydmnv2eN5ANfAcwT9-DtReQovJtX2OQV7L-ua81SbtMq4-Zak4MQEyNr-xSRdZ2vCQBmtLqHQWrPoRo/s640/mysterious+email.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-23413065357036883262012-04-15T20:08:00.000-06:002014-02-24T21:37:52.336-07:00Making Lemonade . . . where's the sugar?<a href="http://www.cakeandallie.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC_0618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cakeandallie.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC_0618.jpg" height="200" id="il_fi" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="133" /></a>I was reminded recently of the saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." My response was, "Well, where am I going to get the sugar!" Life has given me plenty of lemons in the last little while, leaving my hopes and visions tainted with sourness. But I started thinking about the "sugar" in my life realized I have plenty of sugar to make some delicious lemonade!<br />
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My sugar:</div>
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my faithful and loving parents</div>
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my sweet and amazing brother</div>
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friends who support me and love me</div>
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a knowledge of my Heavenly Father who loves me and want me to be happy</div>
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a Savior Jesus Christ who made it possible for me to overcome my weaknesses</div>
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a place to live, food to eat, clothes to wear, blankets to keep me warm</div>
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a healthy body that allows me to learn, think, communicate, and experience joy</div>
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good music, photography, books, movies, and dancing</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
reading in my hammock, bike rides, frisbee, and hiking</div>
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beautiful nature, warm sunshine, and refreshing rain</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
and the list goes on . . .</div>
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</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-50098078479882703622012-04-01T23:53:00.001-06:002012-04-01T23:59:18.856-06:00Thank you Sis. Beck!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqqE7miirfQbBihusyduy4nPjiQEdqxd83jMbnoU_CNvA9ayKpASPvrjWAGD2tEjFVt4uw18N3Amv2u0VDbPcGjmDs8QY0pefRNZEo9YIS-305NMB6wTUApomfiz8cOJa3riaEb84F5k/s1600/6271-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqqE7miirfQbBihusyduy4nPjiQEdqxd83jMbnoU_CNvA9ayKpASPvrjWAGD2tEjFVt4uw18N3Amv2u0VDbPcGjmDs8QY0pefRNZEo9YIS-305NMB6wTUApomfiz8cOJa3riaEb84F5k/s320/6271-2.jpg" width="215" /></a>Since Sis. Julie B. Beck was released as the General Relief Society President, I have been contemplating how much I have learned from her and how much I have loved her. I will never forget the talk "<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/mothers-who-know?lang=eng" target="_blank">Mother's Who Knew</a>" that she gave in conference shortly after she was called to be the president. That talk spoke of the kind of woman that I am working to become. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzQ3sNrYk9ZUbh-FqjFZWyfpLlekdGL9_PA4b9NnW7F2WttpDtfeEQaXejE24unzSMu8TB19PZjlcniIxu2OoYeI2HR8Snwc6SK8zitMBVYcuBG8wLvd33TAyupH4LXJogTks_TnJB6I/s1600/4709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzQ3sNrYk9ZUbh-FqjFZWyfpLlekdGL9_PA4b9NnW7F2WttpDtfeEQaXejE24unzSMu8TB19PZjlcniIxu2OoYeI2HR8Snwc6SK8zitMBVYcuBG8wLvd33TAyupH4LXJogTks_TnJB6I/s1600/4709.jpg" /></a>I also had a recent experience with Sis Beck (on February 3, 2012). I was with my family at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple doing baptisms for some of my ancestors. A temple worker came into the room and said we had a "special visitor" and in walked Sis. Julie B. Beck. Wow! She came around and shook each of our hands. When she came to me she looked right into my eyes. I could feel her looking into my soul. It was so powerful. She was asked to share something with us on the spot (what an example she is of being in tune with the Spirit to be able to share messages without any notice or preparation). She talked about how the power of God is manifest in the ordinances and quoted <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/84.20?lang=eng#19" target="_blank">D&C 84:19-21</a>. The Spirit of God was so powerful as she testified. <br />
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I am grateful for Sis. Beck's example, service, and love. I look forward to continually learning from her legacy, as well as learning from the new Relief Society Presidency. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-66260408320091395992012-03-25T22:26:00.000-06:002012-03-26T22:27:44.055-06:00A smile from GodA strawberry smiled at me while making fruit salad. It made me smile. And then I got a little carried away. Simple pleasures for simple minds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcxL490pt7YCdnoLv1ixDx-BCYVv0qZ8ek7SmGYpVVU_pex7Ey6khf0cCE2FNTM2nswNZPv5fKh70yn5KpTsTsRsKE3Wh81cfugziR_ytIhi0CzzbnyrdpH9puLoN-3diOOYGEyA0gLA/s1600/smiling+strawberry+002-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcxL490pt7YCdnoLv1ixDx-BCYVv0qZ8ek7SmGYpVVU_pex7Ey6khf0cCE2FNTM2nswNZPv5fKh70yn5KpTsTsRsKE3Wh81cfugziR_ytIhi0CzzbnyrdpH9puLoN-3diOOYGEyA0gLA/s320/smiling+strawberry+002-1.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7f1GjtG-gNhgNxl7ygQpFEVGyWDlBPtA4I_dst9_6u4gDu_lwpPnDgiK-rQyX-yjeRphrkDI9o33DGtT3TxU3T73yS5mqM8ip9Xd41_Q_dqIYkMkj_WgRT6zyeFCc0bAAS5xE8_-lwk/s1600/smiling+strawberry+008-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7f1GjtG-gNhgNxl7ygQpFEVGyWDlBPtA4I_dst9_6u4gDu_lwpPnDgiK-rQyX-yjeRphrkDI9o33DGtT3TxU3T73yS5mqM8ip9Xd41_Q_dqIYkMkj_WgRT6zyeFCc0bAAS5xE8_-lwk/s200/smiling+strawberry+008-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-457287234087147872012-03-23T12:56:00.001-06:002012-03-26T22:08:37.546-06:00A wink from God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07wy-lH7DQLV8RpnMuBvR4szoWPiEa9Qpw7_80Yz3gZyxCQKfrkMuL5Z-aPRcfigyyI-uITrIj_-JMmQ6OH-qiTLQCXX4f7U5yDKciPUb-OhvIdunW5yfzmXvluzdTdjsHGE_f0zHlzM/s1600/wink_sideways_winky_text_emoticon_tshirt-p235535895335659110z7tqq_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07wy-lH7DQLV8RpnMuBvR4szoWPiEa9Qpw7_80Yz3gZyxCQKfrkMuL5Z-aPRcfigyyI-uITrIj_-JMmQ6OH-qiTLQCXX4f7U5yDKciPUb-OhvIdunW5yfzmXvluzdTdjsHGE_f0zHlzM/s200/wink_sideways_winky_text_emoticon_tshirt-p235535895335659110z7tqq_400.jpg" width="191" /></a>I have proof that the scriptures were written for our day! ;) I was reading in John 2 about Christ's first miracle of turning the water to wine. What a interesting moment when the servants, who had filled the pots with water, drew wine from the pots, which the governor said was the best yet! It made me smile in verse 9 when it said ". . . the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew ;)" It winked! I'm serious, go look it up. <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/2?lang=eng" target="_blank">John 2:9</a>. In my mind, I could just see Jesus Christ giving the servants a wink as they obediently took what they thought was water to the governor, and to their surprise, found that it was wine. It's silly, I know. But I find joy in little things like that. Has God winked at you lately?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-29105620400062682962012-02-27T12:28:00.000-07:002012-02-27T23:32:04.964-07:00Going up? Looking up!Have you ever noticed that people generally don't talk on elevators? It is the funniest thing. Even a group of people will be talking and then when they walk into the elevator and the doors close . . . dead silence. Also everyone turns around to face the door. I think it is hilarious. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0OMJa7IadOiImDxHLafs7hLG8dkuNnBGtv3EnmdR40OT9BpWENVWO7CpvmHHKErSPXjUadh2JoqkiMjapOjDbYX-Z2bumfMtLj7UbzHvjmhuF0AA4ttV0aqABoOQ9rBuaAP8KeQxTsg/s1600/looking+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0OMJa7IadOiImDxHLafs7hLG8dkuNnBGtv3EnmdR40OT9BpWENVWO7CpvmHHKErSPXjUadh2JoqkiMjapOjDbYX-Z2bumfMtLj7UbzHvjmhuF0AA4ttV0aqABoOQ9rBuaAP8KeQxTsg/s320/looking+up.jpg" width="320" /></a>I work on the 12th floor of a hospital so I'm on the elevator several times a day. I have been trying to talk with someone on the elevator and brighten there day. Most of them are stressed because they have a family member in the hospital, or they are a clueless student like me. It is amazing what you can get out of a person in just the 30 seconds you are with them on an elevator. I try to get them to smile before they get off onto their floor. And it makes me happier too. Try it next time you are on an elevator. You'll be amazed at what happens!<br />
<br />
Elevators also remind me of <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/it-is-better-to-look-up?lang=eng" target="_blank">Carl B. Cook's story</a> of a day he felt overwhelmed with his head hung low, staring at the elevator floor. He heard a voice ask him "What are you looking at down there?" It was President Thomas S. Monson who then said, "It is better to look up!" I hope we can look up to God, trust Him, and help those around us "look up" and feel of His love.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-89745540109789997002012-01-24T20:26:00.000-07:002012-01-24T20:35:00.222-07:00Then and Now . . . 5 years past<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_NQJSOWVNW0G9WogLGwSRpZkNeaG_YtthcrvrjjHWQ3XJ9ErKkSBwTLcfvfXD1MhnMb78gS0F6RYZohQJKg3rBtOhdxyPOsXItqNEIjqoGlanu6AWvPatoeBrJ81Atv4XVbf6FXWVeU/s1600/10-15-05+2+I%2527m+on+the+moon+in+Alto+Hospicio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_NQJSOWVNW0G9WogLGwSRpZkNeaG_YtthcrvrjjHWQ3XJ9ErKkSBwTLcfvfXD1MhnMb78gS0F6RYZohQJKg3rBtOhdxyPOsXItqNEIjqoGlanu6AWvPatoeBrJ81Atv4XVbf6FXWVeU/s320/10-15-05+2+I%2527m+on+the+moon+in+Alto+Hospicio.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8HoxW4OMcX49v5Ki_dHBv3ejEzpSPYXWrJbb58WXKf-R0t0YXOogdzJJ3qCng9V39J_ffBz8gyKk1uB7E-VO9Fb6NvjaMNEMcVBNBRxhJiqI9tM9BC52TLJWLlGT3O6jJspu1d7NdG8/s1600/Stewart+falls+Jeniel%2527s+B-day+hike+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8HoxW4OMcX49v5Ki_dHBv3ejEzpSPYXWrJbb58WXKf-R0t0YXOogdzJJ3qCng9V39J_ffBz8gyKk1uB7E-VO9Fb6NvjaMNEMcVBNBRxhJiqI9tM9BC52TLJWLlGT3O6jJspu1d7NdG8/s320/Stewart+falls+Jeniel%2527s+B-day+hike+5.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It has been five years since I returned home from my mission
to Chile. I served an 18-month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints and was assigned to Antofagasta, Chile. When I arrived in the
driest desert in the world (the Atacama Desert), I felt like I had landed on
the moon. Everything was foreign to me and my comfort zone was long gone. But I
learned so much from my time in Chile. It was difficult, but I wouldn't trade
those months for anything.</span>
<br />
<table border="1" style="width: 150px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MywqSCb2WyqYhdCkzUW3ORj7pXBbMGrKzlrwjK8MM3sBv4NbbVNMwfUYeSRmwe8VuOgKszr1kZ1PCUrqa02VNzwgRNrcnGlVNPZvFmFIOI-u2-UmBLyNRD10f0Rg6xi4BbjY6c0Ektc/s320/11-23-05+2+Apartment+in+Iquique+Lynch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then - Iquique Chile, 2005<br />
(this wasn't my desk, I was never that messy!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXBb_PkvGISXPe_8r-jGIPeQ7WbXJjCBwJxPKt_OQ42X4-vTLLbneWPA4ZI-EaO-bHQGW01GbJfbAnK0OfgVJFDjSUiOu-ErweSPdq2MpTmQqULfWSy0kDTeiqwRkiJXgODC4NrG6OVM/s320/Kath+in+the+Taylor+%2528Dec.+2010%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now - Graduate School, 2011<br />
(this also wasn't my desk, and I'm not this organized anymore)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I
have never felt so much joy in my life as I did while serving the Lord Jesus
Christ every minute of every day during my mission. Since I have come home, my
life has not gone the way I thought it would (surprise, surprise). Life never
does. I never thought I would get a Master's degree, and here I am in my second
year. Heavenly Father is stretching me and helping me to become better and
stronger than I could ever imagine.</span> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" style="width: 150px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rmlN3GOGBBcFwz74ohBYmJcYlRGmgnnV4lhcCV71tMZts0uuKgFhZ7jdcK3cBcyPkvoMwrH_LQCON-TSecdZJhMWuUUwCxGoXMS2bCmMqyK7JfdyPP1lchlfBKsgWI_6yAg6YWFsTDM/s320/9-11-06+10+wheeler+y+bigelow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then - the mission made me fat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAcy1BMTBdEmBI-Ab4OzH1jZCDfuDM-ZMMvCUpr72hvkohfogaMxUJBDngwTj1Jd-eYND6n_BKBz37HDzdSHGj-drIxv2qk4Ay5D0y2H0kfKS9BPAGXIr8mP7VpnzM9qPYMQQWX3zQDo/s320/Sand+Diego+%2528March+2011%2529+167.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now - Graduate school made me a little too skinny</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I reflected on the goals that I set upon leaving the mission. It was humbling to see some of the goals that I had accomplished and a lot that I haven't. I'm so grateful for repentance and the chance to change and become better. There are so many things to work on. I'm grateful for anniversaries, birthday, and holidays that make us look back and reflect on our lives, see how far we have come, and determine what we want to accomplish next.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9C7UF3kNdWpW9sl2QF7KWzJ3SrG1AAS-xtbYJZWP5vwSyeZqAJpGW0Y9L7Mov21tIXUBfahOzKvHfps_WE7Md42D3AEbDTCTYjTH00JnoaeBb2RgJdMb5x51VVlDH7frEclx8pxUVOU4/s1600/9-11-06+13+Playa+de+Jaun+Lopez-+I+love+Chile%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9C7UF3kNdWpW9sl2QF7KWzJ3SrG1AAS-xtbYJZWP5vwSyeZqAJpGW0Y9L7Mov21tIXUBfahOzKvHfps_WE7Md42D3AEbDTCTYjTH00JnoaeBb2RgJdMb5x51VVlDH7frEclx8pxUVOU4/s320/9-11-06+13+Playa+de+Jaun+Lopez-+I+love+Chile%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2necV5TMOFQ8HvnH-EK4qxBW_OnSaT4Xds4vNa1ICRH1IINVTeRaemUqux4Krz2NAsMtaQVCWMmIZu-917JAeE7D6Uk7Kv0LFXCdnoT-7fhNfnWHXkmDXjuAGKsqtvZYdX4H57cGMeI/s1600/9-6-06+11+Un+Ano+en+Chile%252C+Sep+6+2006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2necV5TMOFQ8HvnH-EK4qxBW_OnSaT4Xds4vNa1ICRH1IINVTeRaemUqux4Krz2NAsMtaQVCWMmIZu-917JAeE7D6Uk7Kv0LFXCdnoT-7fhNfnWHXkmDXjuAGKsqtvZYdX4H57cGMeI/s320/9-6-06+11+Un+Ano+en+Chile%252C+Sep+6+2006.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-15795657936343352162011-12-26T17:58:00.000-07:002011-12-26T17:58:27.114-07:00Did Christ find your home this Christmas?Each Christmas my family lights luminaries in the front yard to "Light the Way for Christ." It is a beautiful tradition that got me thinking as we braved the cold and lit around 60 candles. Am I letting Christ into my life? Am I lighting the way so He can find me? Am I reaching out to Him and asking for His help? Am I welcoming Him and His love into my heart? Am I making Him the focus of all of my thoughts, desires, and actions?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimn7cowbO5NVFFA-oFHYaongOROVEXrbNP39tmsAzNfDpZjmsf7jUMClKhPOeicmLimWlfYl7CJPr5vqskGyl3R57BixBMuoiHOiCuqloIUXUhPNf_gL5x6iExGSW3TLDnVxePHwzr5jM/s1600/Christmas+2011+014+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimn7cowbO5NVFFA-oFHYaongOROVEXrbNP39tmsAzNfDpZjmsf7jUMClKhPOeicmLimWlfYl7CJPr5vqskGyl3R57BixBMuoiHOiCuqloIUXUhPNf_gL5x6iExGSW3TLDnVxePHwzr5jM/s400/Christmas+2011+014+cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I sang with my parents in the ward choir on Christmas Day. I hadn't been particularly excited about the cantata we were singing. But my heart was changed. The spirit was so strong as we sang of Christ and the joy that comes because of His birth and life. Tears came to my eyes as I thought of His suffering for me. I want to be so much better than I am. Thanks to Christ, I can change, repent, and become the woman He knows I can be. As I looked around the chapel at the faces of the people, I was filled with a little taste of Christ's love: I just wanted to give everyone a hug. I send my love and a big "Christmas Hug" to all of you and hope that Christ has found His way to your heart this season and stays all the year long. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-65549576456113057302011-12-11T21:18:00.001-07:002013-01-24T22:12:59.167-07:00Is it better to Give or Receive?<div style="border: currentColor;">
Imagine that it is your birthday and everyone gets a birthday present EXCEPT for you. How would you feel? Sad, confused, left out, unappreciated? Is this how we treat Christ on His birthday? How do you think He feels when everyone is running around worried about getting the perfect gift for everyone else and forgetting Him, the very person whose birthday we are celebrating. What gift are you going to GIVE Jesus for CHRISTmas? Perhaps a gift of time, love, service, giving up a bad habit or sin, improving a charateristic to become more like Him, or developing a talent to help serve others. </div>
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<a href="http://assets.kaboose.com/media/00/00/1e/4a/54359826e2012ea6098fc177b17a19b3ffbd0c81/476x357/gifts-affordable-photo-475x357-ts-76766192_476x357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" id="il_fi" src="http://assets.kaboose.com/media/00/00/1e/4a/54359826e2012ea6098fc177b17a19b3ffbd0c81/476x357/gifts-affordable-photo-475x357-ts-76766192_476x357.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /></a>Christ has given us the greatest gift of all: He conquered physical and spiritual death. He suffered for our sins, pains, and sicknesses so that we can be redeemed, so that we can have peace, and so that we can return to live with Him. He made it possible to be with our families and loved ones forever. He and Heavenly Father will not abandon us, but are ready to help and counsel us with whatever we need. This GIFT is available to each of us, but we have to RECEIVE it! </div>
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<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/88.33?lang=eng#32" target="_blank">Doctrine and Covenants 88:33</a> says it perfectly: "<em><strong><span style="color: #38761d;">For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he <span class="highlight"><u>receive</u></span> not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift</span></strong>.</em>"<br />
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How do we receive this gift from the Savior? We accept the Savior into our lives, reach out to Him and seek His guidance, do our best to obey His commandments, learn of Him through studying His words and strengthen our relationship with Him, serve our fellow men, acknowledge the hand of the Savior in our lives, humble ourselves and allow the Savior to take our burdens. <br />
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So is it better to give or receive? Both! We need to remember the Savior always, especially during this Christmas season and think of ways to <strong>GIVE</strong> to Him as we follow His commandments, try to do His will, and serve and love the people around us. We also need to <strong>RECEIVE</strong> in our hearts the gift of the Atonement that Jesus Christ gave to all so willingly.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-86231806703675877362011-11-26T15:33:00.001-07:002011-12-04T23:13:39.779-07:00"Are you twins?"<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiuqDzMJoBIH177wZV8EvaCc8p3Lr4E0x0p0WKyWZDs5tTVaEbXziC5pNzmcfUFc_IvkIYftoNMtvm1Qzq38gsTcgZNJiiJrzs100LmPK7YUqX7nkPjSFfgFH3vqnToDpIVmQ8oZs8Cs/s1600/IMG_5917+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiuqDzMJoBIH177wZV8EvaCc8p3Lr4E0x0p0WKyWZDs5tTVaEbXziC5pNzmcfUFc_IvkIYftoNMtvm1Qzq38gsTcgZNJiiJrzs100LmPK7YUqX7nkPjSFfgFH3vqnToDpIVmQ8oZs8Cs/s640/IMG_5917+cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkwzBLPP_Th_eDjhSHhmCKYfX0u5IuH3QNPQmvxnKoEGbJmKfmrpSou6hkuaHOb4PuGozoYlCIFBiYaOa0lM9Ajp0PW-6V-pKSoZ6gUQ2pH8u6VljkQKsS-vd7cSX4pinU56_ern1mPU/s1600/IMG_5927+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkwzBLPP_Th_eDjhSHhmCKYfX0u5IuH3QNPQmvxnKoEGbJmKfmrpSou6hkuaHOb4PuGozoYlCIFBiYaOa0lM9Ajp0PW-6V-pKSoZ6gUQ2pH8u6VljkQKsS-vd7cSX4pinU56_ern1mPU/s200/IMG_5927+cropped.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGkoDxNhCnSQFT5L2W5se7U2EncLR9Yc-RwPr3xImKctl5gT6VBzOApqNm_mK9jtak7yI0mWEu3dhZK3XDqYWpyYMP1ltbsOivtpOSMOWPlpyQaVdLxK_j_ykbue67WM1yJ2cBVqXOPg/s1600/IMG_5925+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGkoDxNhCnSQFT5L2W5se7U2EncLR9Yc-RwPr3xImKctl5gT6VBzOApqNm_mK9jtak7yI0mWEu3dhZK3XDqYWpyYMP1ltbsOivtpOSMOWPlpyQaVdLxK_j_ykbue67WM1yJ2cBVqXOPg/s200/IMG_5925+cropped.jpg" width="200" /></a>I stopped by to visit my brother in the store where he works. A lady asked us, "Are you twins? You look a lot alike." I love it when people say that. Because, little do they know that my brother was adopted. We usually don't say anything, just smile, agree with them, and say, "Yep, we are brother and sister!" It is another testimony that he was meant to be my brother. He just came a different way!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442626003696083099.post-27498989969445939062011-11-24T20:26:00.001-07:002013-01-24T22:17:47.655-07:00ThankfulI am grateful for<br />
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<b><u>The people in my life</u></b>:<br />
<ul>
<li>Mom: for doing so many little things to make my life better and always loving me no matter what</li>
<li>Dad: for being the most patient person I know and for his example of diligence and faith</li>
<li>Joseph: for being such a hard worker and being an example of service</li>
<li>Jeniel: for helping me learn to balance life and school and have fun, and for helping me stay motivated</li>
<li>My grandparents: who are now gone, but I continue to be blessed because of them </li>
<li>All of my extended family and great friends who bring joy and meaning to my life</li>
</ul>
<b><u>Health</u></b>: I'm grateful that pretty much worst thing I have to suffer is the occasional cold or flu. I am blessed with heath both physically and mentally and I am so very grateful for it.<br />
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<u><b>Educatio</b>n</u>: I'm grateful for a mind that is alert and that can learn. I'm grateful for the means to attend school and earn a degree. I love being able to learn new ideas, figure things out, and increase my skills.<br />
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<b><u>Utah</u></b>: A lot of people often express their dislike of Utah for various reasons. Utah isn't perfect, by any means. But there are lot of things that I am very grateful for about Utah.<br />
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<li>Temples everywhere!</li>
<li>Mountains: beautiful sites and hiking</li>
<li>Most of my family is here</li>
<li>4 seasons (weather is never boring)</li>
<li>Relatively safe: kids can play outside, we don't have to have bars on our windows, or fences and gates around our houses</li>
<li>No hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunami's, or other huge natural disasters (but probably a big earthquake someday)</li>
<li>Wonderful people from all different backgrounds: lots of talent!</li>
<li>Temple square events</li>
<li>Southern Utah sites: beautiful!</li>
<li>Missionary opportunities</li>
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Most of all, I'm grateful to my <b>Heavenly Father</b> for blessing me with everything that I have: my life and the opportunity to serve the people around me. I'm grateful for His love which is brought to me through those around me. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2