There is so much going on in the world today that hurts my head and my heart. So much hatred coming from so many different places. Those far away, those near and dear to my heart. So much misunderstanding and so many conclusions jumped to. Love and kindness, or hatred and meanness? Real? Perceived? Misguided? Uninformed? I don't know.
The LDS church of which I am a member, has recently made a change in the handbook concerning the ordinances of Blessing (giving a name and a blessing of an infant to be known on the records of the church) and Baptism of children being raised in a same-sex marriage household. There are many different opinions going around as to the right and wrong of this decision. My purpose in writing today is not to judge either way. I am not interested in debating the rights and wrongs, perceived or real, in this change. I don't have all the information. I don't know all that went into this decision. But I do know that it has made facebook explode with conversations about it.
So what is my place? That is the question that I continually ask myself. Where do I fit in this mess of religion, politics, and social media?
I first asked myself this question when the whole "pants to church" episode exploded people's minds. I didn't know all that much about the movement at the time, but I was absolutely appalled at the hatred that showed up. Women condemning other women for wearing pants to church and vice versa. It hurt my head and my heart deeply. The hatred. And I found myself questioning my faith. Questioning my belief. Did I want to be a part of this?
I sat in church one Sunday pondering these questions. Pondering whether this church was the place for me. Women whom I knew and loved were so full of anger on this topic, readily condemning those who were a part of this movement as faithless. I did not feel the same way. So where did I fit? Where did I belong? What was I to do?
I was in sacrament meeting, sitting on the front row, heart hurting, when I decided to ask. Not my bishop. Not my husband. Not my parents. Not my friends. I asked God. My Heavenly Father. I said a prayer in my heart and asked Him where he wanted me to be? I really wanted to know. Where would He have me be, what would He have me do? And guess what folks... I got an answer. Peace descended on my heart and words came to my mind telling me that He would have me here. In church, partaking of the sacrament and renewing my covenant to always remember Him, to follow Him, to keep His commandments. I felt very strongly that I was right where the Lord wanted me to be, doing what He wanted me to do. Which is strive to be like him. To learn his ways and practice loving like he does.
Practice. Loving.
Keep trying. Keep learning. Keep loving. Keep going.
I do not have all the answers. I don't think I'm ready for all the answers. Living the gospel is given to us line upon line, precept upon precept. Milk before meat. (Isaiah 28:9-10) The lesser law (the law of Moses) was given before the higher law when the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ fulfilled the law of Moses. Men were then commanded to sacrifice their will to God. A broken heart and a contrite spirit. A heart willing to follow God. Something that was much more difficult to sacrifice than a lamb on the altar.
So I will stay here. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints because I asked God if it was still the place for me and he answered. I do not understand everything. But I do know that God, my Heavenly Father, wants what is best for me, always. And best does not always mean easy.
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Sunday, December 4, 2011
In all the earth is growing...
I love Christmas. I love the feelings of warmth and joy that surround the season. I love the tree and the lights and the songs and decor. I love the white blanket of snow that covers up the "dead" of Fall. I love that people are doing things for each other. I love that it's a bit easier for each of us to feel a little less selfish and look out for the needs of others. I love that we try to find ways to surprise the ones we love with the perfect gift.
At the same time it does get a little stressful. The perfect gift is often quite hard to find and sometimes never makes itself known. It's easy to fall into the trap of commercialism and think that maybe the simple Christmas that you have planned this year is kind of stupid. That you should budget more or throw caution to the wind and stop worrying about how much to spend. And then...
You stop. Remember your goals. Remember why the good feelings that come with Christmas are actually there. In sacrament meeting today we sang "With Wondering Awe" for the closing hymn. It's one of my favorites. "With wond'ring awe the wise men saw The star in heaven springing, and with delight, in peaceful night, They heard the angels singing: Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to his name!" I know that Christ is the reason for the season. It is Him that makes this time of year so special.
I have the privilege of leading the music in sacrament meeting every Sunday and I have really come to love it. I have paid more attention to the words of the songs that ever before in my life. I try to add expression to the words and feel in my heart what it coming out of my mouth. "By light of star they traveled far To seek the lowly manger, A humble bed wherein was laid The wondrous little Stranger." "The heav'nly star its rays afar On every land is throwing, And shall not cease till holy peace In all the earth is growing. Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to his name!"
The message of Christ, His birth, His life, His death, His resurrection, is the light of that star. Every year we get that reminder and it "shall not cease till holy peace in all the earth is growing."
This year we will have a simple Christmas. We'll enjoy the lights and the music. We'll give small gifts of love. We'll skip the debt, the shopping mania and the stress. We'll enjoy the company of family and friends and thank God for the gift of this season, the gift of good friends, the gift of forever families. And most importantly we'll thank Him for the gift of His Son.
At the same time it does get a little stressful. The perfect gift is often quite hard to find and sometimes never makes itself known. It's easy to fall into the trap of commercialism and think that maybe the simple Christmas that you have planned this year is kind of stupid. That you should budget more or throw caution to the wind and stop worrying about how much to spend. And then...
You stop. Remember your goals. Remember why the good feelings that come with Christmas are actually there. In sacrament meeting today we sang "With Wondering Awe" for the closing hymn. It's one of my favorites. "With wond'ring awe the wise men saw The star in heaven springing, and with delight, in peaceful night, They heard the angels singing: Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to his name!" I know that Christ is the reason for the season. It is Him that makes this time of year so special.
I have the privilege of leading the music in sacrament meeting every Sunday and I have really come to love it. I have paid more attention to the words of the songs that ever before in my life. I try to add expression to the words and feel in my heart what it coming out of my mouth. "By light of star they traveled far To seek the lowly manger, A humble bed wherein was laid The wondrous little Stranger." "The heav'nly star its rays afar On every land is throwing, And shall not cease till holy peace In all the earth is growing. Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to his name!"
The message of Christ, His birth, His life, His death, His resurrection, is the light of that star. Every year we get that reminder and it "shall not cease till holy peace in all the earth is growing."
This year we will have a simple Christmas. We'll enjoy the lights and the music. We'll give small gifts of love. We'll skip the debt, the shopping mania and the stress. We'll enjoy the company of family and friends and thank God for the gift of this season, the gift of good friends, the gift of forever families. And most importantly we'll thank Him for the gift of His Son.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
"I just can't take this anymore"
"I just can't take this anymore," she said with disgust and started to get up from her seat. I touched her arm to get her attention and asked if we could talk to her after the meeting was over. Jovita sat back down but continued to fidget as more people got up and shared their feelings about the gospel.
It was fast and testimony meeting. This was Jovita's first visit to the ward and as missionaries it's always a little nerve wracking. You hope and pray that no one in the congregation, though well meaning, will say anything foolish or embarrassing or just plain weird. I quickly took inventory of all that had been said up to that point and I could think of nothing that would cause such a reaction. In fact, we hadn't had such a good fast and testimony meeting in quite some time.
As the meeting continued I could tell that it was taking a Herculean effort on Jovita's part to stay with us. She was clearly upset by what was happening and there was disgust written all over her face. My companion and I were trying to think of something that would buy us some time with her. Some time to talk about her feelings, about why she was reacting the way she was.
The organ sounded the first chords to the closing hymn "Lord I Would Follow Thee". I held the book out to share with Jovita and we began to sing.
"Savior, may I learn to love thee,
Walk the path that thou hast shown,
Pause to help and lift another,
Finding strength beyond my own.
Savior, may I learn to love thee-
Lord, I would follow thee."
Jovita began to relax. She visibly calmed as she sang and listened to the words of the hymn.
"Who am I to judge another
When I walk imperfectly?
In the quiet heart is hidden
Sorrow that the eye can't see.
Who am I to judge another
Lord, I would follow thee."
The meeting came to a close and we all left the chapel and found a quiet spot on the lawn to discuss what had happened in the meeting. It was the perfection that got her. Jovita was a single mom struggling financially and with her son. She didn't see a lot of good things in her life and she was thoroughly disgusted that so many people could get up and publicly share how thankful they were for a good family, health, and prosperity. She had been deceived by churches before. She said it with bitterness and envy. She didn't want any part in a church who's members were "perfect".
I honestly don't remember how I or my companion responded to her that day. We were able to see her a few more times so we must have said something right. I do remember how sad I felt for her.
The people who shared their feelings that day about the gospel and families and health, were the very people who had been without the gospel or families or health. They had overcome obstacles in their path. They had learned to be thankful for the health and prosperity that they had been blessed with not because they were perfect, but because they were imperfect. Because they knew what it was like to be without. Because they were still dealing with being without.
It was a hard day when Jovita asked us not to come around anymore. We had come to love her. She had a wonderful tongue-in-cheek sense of humor and there was so much happiness that we had to offer her. So much pain we knew the Lord could heal if she would just open her heart. Instead she thanked us for the "Dog and pony show" and informed us that it just wasn't for her.
That was just over 12 years ago. Times have changed, we've all moved on with our lives. Every once in awhile I wonder what happened to her. Did she ever change her mind? Did she find happiness in her life? Was she able to be at peace with herself?
Then again we could ask ourselves the very same things.
It was fast and testimony meeting. This was Jovita's first visit to the ward and as missionaries it's always a little nerve wracking. You hope and pray that no one in the congregation, though well meaning, will say anything foolish or embarrassing or just plain weird. I quickly took inventory of all that had been said up to that point and I could think of nothing that would cause such a reaction. In fact, we hadn't had such a good fast and testimony meeting in quite some time.
As the meeting continued I could tell that it was taking a Herculean effort on Jovita's part to stay with us. She was clearly upset by what was happening and there was disgust written all over her face. My companion and I were trying to think of something that would buy us some time with her. Some time to talk about her feelings, about why she was reacting the way she was.
The organ sounded the first chords to the closing hymn "Lord I Would Follow Thee". I held the book out to share with Jovita and we began to sing.
"Savior, may I learn to love thee,
Walk the path that thou hast shown,
Pause to help and lift another,
Finding strength beyond my own.
Savior, may I learn to love thee-
Lord, I would follow thee."
Jovita began to relax. She visibly calmed as she sang and listened to the words of the hymn.
"Who am I to judge another
When I walk imperfectly?
In the quiet heart is hidden
Sorrow that the eye can't see.
Who am I to judge another
Lord, I would follow thee."
The meeting came to a close and we all left the chapel and found a quiet spot on the lawn to discuss what had happened in the meeting. It was the perfection that got her. Jovita was a single mom struggling financially and with her son. She didn't see a lot of good things in her life and she was thoroughly disgusted that so many people could get up and publicly share how thankful they were for a good family, health, and prosperity. She had been deceived by churches before. She said it with bitterness and envy. She didn't want any part in a church who's members were "perfect".
I honestly don't remember how I or my companion responded to her that day. We were able to see her a few more times so we must have said something right. I do remember how sad I felt for her.
The people who shared their feelings that day about the gospel and families and health, were the very people who had been without the gospel or families or health. They had overcome obstacles in their path. They had learned to be thankful for the health and prosperity that they had been blessed with not because they were perfect, but because they were imperfect. Because they knew what it was like to be without. Because they were still dealing with being without.
It was a hard day when Jovita asked us not to come around anymore. We had come to love her. She had a wonderful tongue-in-cheek sense of humor and there was so much happiness that we had to offer her. So much pain we knew the Lord could heal if she would just open her heart. Instead she thanked us for the "Dog and pony show" and informed us that it just wasn't for her.
That was just over 12 years ago. Times have changed, we've all moved on with our lives. Every once in awhile I wonder what happened to her. Did she ever change her mind? Did she find happiness in her life? Was she able to be at peace with herself?
Then again we could ask ourselves the very same things.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Did You Write That?
Thirteen years ago I was living in Alton, IL as a missionary for my church. It was truly one of my favorite areas. It had rolling hills all over town, but not like the rolling hills I was used to, these actually had houses on them. Historic homes, steep inclines, and brick everywhere. It sits right on the Mississippi River in all it's grandeur.
The people there, though nothing like my hometown, had some of the same endearing qualities that my hometown did. I say hometown, but really I grew up in the country so I'll say country-side instead. There's a difference you know. But on with the story.
One day during church I was struck by the humility of the people there. A farmer by origin had given one of the prayers and had thanked Heavenly Father for the rain and asked that it would bless the farmers and the crops. Coming from "farm stock" myself it struck a chord. I thought of the many times we had prayed as a family for rain. And not just because it would cool things down, but it was desperately needed for our livelihood and the livelihood of those around us.
That evening it was my turn for the spiritual thought. )A mission is quite the experience and had it's own lingo so if you would like clarification, let me know.) I called the rest of the missionaries in my district and gave them my spiritual thought. I can't remember word for word but it had something to do with the humility of the farmer praying for their very livelihood. I wrote it down. I read it over the phone and credited "Anonymous" for the source.
Everything was going well until the last call. One of the elders asked if I had written it. A flush came to my face and I immediately replied "No. It was Anonymous." He said "Oh, it just sounded like you" and I said with greater insistence and a little more volume "No, Anonymous." Goodbye!
I hung up the phone and was flustered. It felt like he had seen me... me. I didn't want anyone to know I had written it. I didn't want the criticism. I didn't want them to say "yeah, I thought you did that's why it sounded so cheesy" or "dumb" or whatever they would have surely said... right? I didn't want him seeing inside my heart. I didn't even dare ask him what he thought about it, good or bad. I just wanted to hang up as quickly as possible.
Sometimes I think back on that day. The desire to share something that had deeply touched my heart was stunted with the fear of anyone knowing that it really was from my heart. It was easier to hide behind "Anonymous". That way it didn't matter what anyone thought about it because no one knew who had written it.
Would I still deny it today?
That's what sometimes goes through my head. I have always enjoyed writing even though the majority of my thoughts may never see the light of day let alone find someone else's eyes looking them over.
Fear keeps me from doing a lot of things. Fear keeps us all from doing something. Sometimes those things don't really matter, like skydiving or rock climbing. But other times, when it really does matter, fear can be absolutely crippling. Fear of hugging a family member, really letting them know you care. Fear of forgiving someone because then you might look weak. Fear of letting things go because it's all you have known even if it's one of the worst things for you. There is comfort in familiarity.
Today I haven't even come close to conquering all of my fears, and in all honesty I'm still not sure I'd own up to my Anonymous quote just yet. But then again... maybe I would.
What are your fears?
The people there, though nothing like my hometown, had some of the same endearing qualities that my hometown did. I say hometown, but really I grew up in the country so I'll say country-side instead. There's a difference you know. But on with the story.
One day during church I was struck by the humility of the people there. A farmer by origin had given one of the prayers and had thanked Heavenly Father for the rain and asked that it would bless the farmers and the crops. Coming from "farm stock" myself it struck a chord. I thought of the many times we had prayed as a family for rain. And not just because it would cool things down, but it was desperately needed for our livelihood and the livelihood of those around us.
That evening it was my turn for the spiritual thought. )A mission is quite the experience and had it's own lingo so if you would like clarification, let me know.) I called the rest of the missionaries in my district and gave them my spiritual thought. I can't remember word for word but it had something to do with the humility of the farmer praying for their very livelihood. I wrote it down. I read it over the phone and credited "Anonymous" for the source.
Everything was going well until the last call. One of the elders asked if I had written it. A flush came to my face and I immediately replied "No. It was Anonymous." He said "Oh, it just sounded like you" and I said with greater insistence and a little more volume "No, Anonymous." Goodbye!
I hung up the phone and was flustered. It felt like he had seen me... me. I didn't want anyone to know I had written it. I didn't want the criticism. I didn't want them to say "yeah, I thought you did that's why it sounded so cheesy" or "dumb" or whatever they would have surely said... right? I didn't want him seeing inside my heart. I didn't even dare ask him what he thought about it, good or bad. I just wanted to hang up as quickly as possible.
Sometimes I think back on that day. The desire to share something that had deeply touched my heart was stunted with the fear of anyone knowing that it really was from my heart. It was easier to hide behind "Anonymous". That way it didn't matter what anyone thought about it because no one knew who had written it.
Would I still deny it today?
That's what sometimes goes through my head. I have always enjoyed writing even though the majority of my thoughts may never see the light of day let alone find someone else's eyes looking them over.
Fear keeps me from doing a lot of things. Fear keeps us all from doing something. Sometimes those things don't really matter, like skydiving or rock climbing. But other times, when it really does matter, fear can be absolutely crippling. Fear of hugging a family member, really letting them know you care. Fear of forgiving someone because then you might look weak. Fear of letting things go because it's all you have known even if it's one of the worst things for you. There is comfort in familiarity.
Today I haven't even come close to conquering all of my fears, and in all honesty I'm still not sure I'd own up to my Anonymous quote just yet. But then again... maybe I would.
What are your fears?
Sunday, January 16, 2011
The Week in Review
I came home early from church today. David has slicker shoes so I opted to walk home in the rain. It felt appropriate to my mood. I am just not feeling all that well though I'm not entirely sure all of it is physical. I feel a little blue today. I'm sure the weather has something to do with it, and January as a whole... that whole no sunshine thing gets to me every stinkin' year!
On the way home I had a good think though. Things are usually never how they seem. The darkest fears more often than not don't come true, or at least not to the extent we fear. I got to thinking about everything that has happened this week, good and bad, and I just want to share what I've learned, or in most cases re-learned.
1. Miracles do happen. See here, and then here. Thank you all for putting this little family in your prayers. It's not quite over but the biggest fears are put to rest.
2. It has been re-confirmed that my decision to go to part time is indeed a good thing. And perhaps for my sanity a paper chain would be the right thing to do.
3. I have a great friend at work who makes all the crazy worthwhile. Thank you Amy for making it so easy to laugh!
4. I really do love photography. I'm not that good at it, but already I can see improvement in my picture quality and composition. Still not great, but better and most importantly, I really enjoy it.
5. Having choir practice after church doesn't stress me out nearly as much as having it before church! Shazaam!
6. I seriously miss exercise and so do my flappy calf muscles. It's been right around 3 months since I've been able to exercise regularly and now I'm lucky to get 1 day in a week. None of that being jumping around or running or anything. This is due to...
7. My shoe, or rather the foot. I haven't written about this but many of you know already. I injured my left foot by over-using it. I blame this solely on high heels and bridal fair. Never mind that the injury didn't occur then or that it really can't be pin-pointed. It's what I'm going with. Now I have a shoe, one that the doctors give you with specific instructions to stay off of it and I mean it!
8. Bone bruises take a long time to heal. Yep, that's the problem with the foot. Bone bruised on the ball of my foot. Really difficult to go down stairs.
9. It's almost impossible to find cute shoes that offer the support needed to heal a bone bruise. Shoe Carnival saved me though.
10. I'm not very good at making lists.
11. I have the best husband ever. I've stated it before but he has been so supportive of me it's almost ridiculous. He puts up with my mood swings and still wants to hang around me! Amazing right!
That being said, I am feeling slightly better. I guess that hymn "Count Your Blessings" really does work.
I hope this Sunday brings you some peace. I hope this coming week brings enjoyment and gets you one step closer to your dreams. And if not, may lots of chocolate come your way to help you get through it all.
Peace out.
On the way home I had a good think though. Things are usually never how they seem. The darkest fears more often than not don't come true, or at least not to the extent we fear. I got to thinking about everything that has happened this week, good and bad, and I just want to share what I've learned, or in most cases re-learned.
1. Miracles do happen. See here, and then here. Thank you all for putting this little family in your prayers. It's not quite over but the biggest fears are put to rest.
2. It has been re-confirmed that my decision to go to part time is indeed a good thing. And perhaps for my sanity a paper chain would be the right thing to do.
3. I have a great friend at work who makes all the crazy worthwhile. Thank you Amy for making it so easy to laugh!
4. I really do love photography. I'm not that good at it, but already I can see improvement in my picture quality and composition. Still not great, but better and most importantly, I really enjoy it.
5. Having choir practice after church doesn't stress me out nearly as much as having it before church! Shazaam!
6. I seriously miss exercise and so do my flappy calf muscles. It's been right around 3 months since I've been able to exercise regularly and now I'm lucky to get 1 day in a week. None of that being jumping around or running or anything. This is due to...
7. My shoe, or rather the foot. I haven't written about this but many of you know already. I injured my left foot by over-using it. I blame this solely on high heels and bridal fair. Never mind that the injury didn't occur then or that it really can't be pin-pointed. It's what I'm going with. Now I have a shoe, one that the doctors give you with specific instructions to stay off of it and I mean it!
8. Bone bruises take a long time to heal. Yep, that's the problem with the foot. Bone bruised on the ball of my foot. Really difficult to go down stairs.
9. It's almost impossible to find cute shoes that offer the support needed to heal a bone bruise. Shoe Carnival saved me though.
10. I'm not very good at making lists.
11. I have the best husband ever. I've stated it before but he has been so supportive of me it's almost ridiculous. He puts up with my mood swings and still wants to hang around me! Amazing right!
That being said, I am feeling slightly better. I guess that hymn "Count Your Blessings" really does work.
I hope this Sunday brings you some peace. I hope this coming week brings enjoyment and gets you one step closer to your dreams. And if not, may lots of chocolate come your way to help you get through it all.
Peace out.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Potty training does not last forever.
Today's Sunday School lesson was about Job and his many, many trials.
We talked about how we deal with trials and more importantly, how we prepare for them. So much of life seems to just hit you when you're not even looking for it. I couldn't help but wonder where the crystal ball was to help you know what you are to prepare for specifically. I don't recall any warnings that dating and spouse hunting would be such hard work. Or that once the right guy was found for the job infertility would place such a large roll.
But then again...
Looking back I can see how much I have grown from these experiences and how David and I have grown closer together through it all. We've never put off having kids (well there was the first 4 months of marriage but that was it I swear!) and we'll welcome them with open arms just as soon as we figure out how to get them. And yet we have been so very blessed. We have been able to buy a house, which we were certain we wouldn't be able to do for at least another 5-10 years. We have been able to meet wonderful people in the places/wards in which we have lived and even keep in contact with them still. We have been able to get to know each other better without any of those distractions, though they would have been welcome.
There really are silver linings if you can step back and take a look at the big picture.
As as one wise woman said in Sunday School: "Potty training does not last forever! It may feel like it, but take a look around. You are surrounded by adults who don't have any issues with using the bathroom."
And one last word of wisdom, the scriptures are filled with things that "came to pass", nothing ever came to stay.
We talked about how we deal with trials and more importantly, how we prepare for them. So much of life seems to just hit you when you're not even looking for it. I couldn't help but wonder where the crystal ball was to help you know what you are to prepare for specifically. I don't recall any warnings that dating and spouse hunting would be such hard work. Or that once the right guy was found for the job infertility would place such a large roll.
But then again...
Looking back I can see how much I have grown from these experiences and how David and I have grown closer together through it all. We've never put off having kids (well there was the first 4 months of marriage but that was it I swear!) and we'll welcome them with open arms just as soon as we figure out how to get them. And yet we have been so very blessed. We have been able to buy a house, which we were certain we wouldn't be able to do for at least another 5-10 years. We have been able to meet wonderful people in the places/wards in which we have lived and even keep in contact with them still. We have been able to get to know each other better without any of those distractions, though they would have been welcome.
There really are silver linings if you can step back and take a look at the big picture.
As as one wise woman said in Sunday School: "Potty training does not last forever! It may feel like it, but take a look around. You are surrounded by adults who don't have any issues with using the bathroom."
And one last word of wisdom, the scriptures are filled with things that "came to pass", nothing ever came to stay.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Sunday
What a beautiful day, what an entertaining week! Here are some of things that make it lovely... in no particular order and with no particular sense.
1. It's currently 59 degrees and lovely.
2. We have a pet spider named Howard. We keep him around to eat the hobos. He lives in his own room.
3. We have a lot of hobos.. a lot. They turn up on the spider traps though and that makes me happy that they are doing their job.
4. I just ate 5 large chocolate chocolate chip cookies and I want to throw up.
5. That was a lot of sugar.
6. I just beat David at Settler's of Catan... a game I formerly hated but can actually stand if I'm winning.
7. Who knew?!
8. Really I knew, but don't tell David. I can handle games better if I win.
9. I don't like teaching Sunbeams. I substitute taught today. Really I was last minute moral support.
10. Does that mean I would be a bad mom?
11. Does it really matter?
12. David is reading this over my shoulder and eating a lemon drop.
13. His breath now smells like medicine.
14. He says "At least it doesn't smell like chocolate chocolate chip cookie dough"
15. Since when does medicine smell better that chocolate chocolate chip cookie dough?
16. Unless it's like Flinstones vitamins. I used to love those.
17. I want to take a photography class. Anyone know of one in Logan not at the University?
18. We have a new camera, we named it Harley.
19. Our rather large television died last week.
20. We've replaced it with another free tv that is... well less than. but free is good.
21. It's silver.
22. It's smaller.
23. It's better than the laptop hooked up to the dvd player.
24. David had to talk in church today.
25. Since I lead the music we sat on the stand together.
26. This is nothing new since he's good and sits on the stand with me anyways.
27. But it was better because he had to stand up this time.
28. And I like the view.
29. We leave for vacation in 9 days.
30. I love vacations with David.
Here's wishing you all a lovely week.
1. It's currently 59 degrees and lovely.
2. We have a pet spider named Howard. We keep him around to eat the hobos. He lives in his own room.
3. We have a lot of hobos.. a lot. They turn up on the spider traps though and that makes me happy that they are doing their job.
4. I just ate 5 large chocolate chocolate chip cookies and I want to throw up.
5. That was a lot of sugar.
6. I just beat David at Settler's of Catan... a game I formerly hated but can actually stand if I'm winning.
7. Who knew?!
8. Really I knew, but don't tell David. I can handle games better if I win.
9. I don't like teaching Sunbeams. I substitute taught today. Really I was last minute moral support.
10. Does that mean I would be a bad mom?
11. Does it really matter?
12. David is reading this over my shoulder and eating a lemon drop.
13. His breath now smells like medicine.
14. He says "At least it doesn't smell like chocolate chocolate chip cookie dough"
15. Since when does medicine smell better that chocolate chocolate chip cookie dough?
16. Unless it's like Flinstones vitamins. I used to love those.
17. I want to take a photography class. Anyone know of one in Logan not at the University?
18. We have a new camera, we named it Harley.
19. Our rather large television died last week.
20. We've replaced it with another free tv that is... well less than. but free is good.
21. It's silver.
22. It's smaller.
23. It's better than the laptop hooked up to the dvd player.
24. David had to talk in church today.
25. Since I lead the music we sat on the stand together.
26. This is nothing new since he's good and sits on the stand with me anyways.
27. But it was better because he had to stand up this time.
28. And I like the view.
29. We leave for vacation in 9 days.
30. I love vacations with David.
Here's wishing you all a lovely week.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Sunday
I love this Sunday. I'm outside on the deck listening to the birds sing their song. The sounds of an airplane and rustling leaves are drifting faintly on the breeze, the world around us is quiet and I feel at peace.
What a beautiful day. David and I woke up and he made French toast and we ate on the deck. It reminds me of those vacations that you sometimes get where you are free from the demands of the world. There's no immediate need to do anything but just sit back and enjoy the quiet moment that you have been given. It seems in the hustle and bustle of the world there are too few of them around. It's nice to take advantage while you can.
There really are perks to 1:00 church.
Hope you have a good day too.
What a beautiful day. David and I woke up and he made French toast and we ate on the deck. It reminds me of those vacations that you sometimes get where you are free from the demands of the world. There's no immediate need to do anything but just sit back and enjoy the quiet moment that you have been given. It seems in the hustle and bustle of the world there are too few of them around. It's nice to take advantage while you can.
There really are perks to 1:00 church.
Hope you have a good day too.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Trials and why we are thankful for them
I had to give a talk in church today. My topic was Learning Through Life's Trials. When the bishop asked me to talk on this my first impression was "Oh, you want me to talk about my life." You know, because of the trials and all... get it... do you get it.
Okay, so as Sunday morning rolled around I woke to put some of the thoughts on paper that have been running through my head all week because I had that meeting and then that other thing, and then the other meeting and then that activity and then that family thing so I really couldn't get it on paper earlier... and then the phone rang. It was one of my counselors calling to say that so-and-so wouldn't be in church to teach because of illness and that the chorister wouldn't be there either. Would I like to teach a class or lead the singing. I kind of chuckled on the inside (and on the outside for that matter) and said leading the music would be just fine. Especially since my counselor was already planning on teaching another class so it just wouldn't work for her to lead the music and teach at the same time.
Back to the talk. Writing more things down and the phone rings. It's my secretary saying she has a sick kid. Well she's got sharing time and her husband was going to substitute teach for a class and could David teach the lesson instead. Of course. What's the point of being primary president if you can't volunteer your husband for stuff! Thankfully he's okay with that. (Have I ever mentioned that he is completely wonderful? No?... well he is!)
Finish preparing talk, get to church, give it. Get emotional, cry, make it through, wonder if it made sense. Start walking to the primary room when one of the teachers hands you her manual because she can't make it today. Sigh...
Trials come in many forms. For some reason it sometimes feels taboo to call church a trial. I'm sure that if things ran smoothly it wouldn't be a trial, it would be a joy to serve. Since that's not how it works, at least not right now then a trial it is! Really it worked out all right I just found it ironic considering the topic I was given to speak about.
Oh, and for the record, I have a testimony of the power of trials. No, I don't like them, but I think that's the only way that the Lord can really teach me something. I'm too content sometimes to drift rather than grow so the Lord puts things in my way so I have to try harder. Looking back on how my life was "supposed to be" and to where it actually is, I honestly don't think that I would trade out my experiences. The Lord has a plan for me, for David and I, and for our family that will be. I love knowing that. Love.
Okay, so as Sunday morning rolled around I woke to put some of the thoughts on paper that have been running through my head all week because I had that meeting and then that other thing, and then the other meeting and then that activity and then that family thing so I really couldn't get it on paper earlier... and then the phone rang. It was one of my counselors calling to say that so-and-so wouldn't be in church to teach because of illness and that the chorister wouldn't be there either. Would I like to teach a class or lead the singing. I kind of chuckled on the inside (and on the outside for that matter) and said leading the music would be just fine. Especially since my counselor was already planning on teaching another class so it just wouldn't work for her to lead the music and teach at the same time.
Back to the talk. Writing more things down and the phone rings. It's my secretary saying she has a sick kid. Well she's got sharing time and her husband was going to substitute teach for a class and could David teach the lesson instead. Of course. What's the point of being primary president if you can't volunteer your husband for stuff! Thankfully he's okay with that. (Have I ever mentioned that he is completely wonderful? No?... well he is!)
Finish preparing talk, get to church, give it. Get emotional, cry, make it through, wonder if it made sense. Start walking to the primary room when one of the teachers hands you her manual because she can't make it today. Sigh...
Trials come in many forms. For some reason it sometimes feels taboo to call church a trial. I'm sure that if things ran smoothly it wouldn't be a trial, it would be a joy to serve. Since that's not how it works, at least not right now then a trial it is! Really it worked out all right I just found it ironic considering the topic I was given to speak about.
Oh, and for the record, I have a testimony of the power of trials. No, I don't like them, but I think that's the only way that the Lord can really teach me something. I'm too content sometimes to drift rather than grow so the Lord puts things in my way so I have to try harder. Looking back on how my life was "supposed to be" and to where it actually is, I honestly don't think that I would trade out my experiences. The Lord has a plan for me, for David and I, and for our family that will be. I love knowing that. Love.
Friday, January 1, 2010
New Year Thoughts
The missionaries came over for dinner tonight. Mostly because David forgot to find people from the ward to have them over dinner, but truthfully I didn't mind one bit. It's been a long time since we've had them over and it was a nice chance to sit and remember my own mission. I won't bore you with the details since it's only really interesting to me, but I'm sure getting a replica of my head in the mail (pinata style of course) was also interesting for Sister Pratley. If she had any doubts about the sanity of me and my family up to that point it was solidified that day.
Anyway, back to the here and now, it was nice having them in our home. It has prompted me to reflect on my life right now. And since it is a time for "new beginnings" then why not! In one of my meetings a spiritual thought was given and I wrote it down. "If you are not as close to the Lord as you used to be, who moved?"
I've been thinking about that statement. I remember well the mission days when 2 hours of gospel study was the norm. Praying always was a way of life. I knew that coming home would introduce new challenges, and there really was no way that I would have realistically expected 2 hours of gospel study to continue being the norm. However, I also didn't think I would be as casual as I sometimes am when it comes to gospel study either.
I don't write this to make myself or anyone else feel guilt or remorse, but simply to take a good look. Is this where I want to be? Am I comfortable with my level of faith in God? Do I really trust him? Do I really know him? The theme for Primary this year is "I Know My Savior Lives". The instruction to Primary presidencies is as follows:
Through the witness of the Holy Ghost, the children will learn that because of the central role of Jesus Christ in our Heavenly Father's plan, they can have faith in Him. The children will also learn that their faith will grow stronger as they keep the commandments, serve, share the gospel, follow the example of the Savior, and prepare for His Second Coming.
It's the simple truths that are taught in Primary and yet I feel so inadequate. It's a good thing that this is the Lord's work and not mine. Can you just imagine the mess I would make! Sheesh!
So that is my pondering for the coming year. Sure I could make resolutions to lose weight, take up painting, go sky-diving, and any other number of things, but who's kidding who? I'm going to be lucky to make it out of this year alive! What I really want is to be closer to God so I can enjoy life more even when things don't turn out according to plan. I want peace of mind. Really that can only come one way. And with God, that might not be too much to ask for.
May the New Year bring all that you hope for and if it doesn't, at least keep a smile on your face.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Anyway, back to the here and now, it was nice having them in our home. It has prompted me to reflect on my life right now. And since it is a time for "new beginnings" then why not! In one of my meetings a spiritual thought was given and I wrote it down. "If you are not as close to the Lord as you used to be, who moved?"
I've been thinking about that statement. I remember well the mission days when 2 hours of gospel study was the norm. Praying always was a way of life. I knew that coming home would introduce new challenges, and there really was no way that I would have realistically expected 2 hours of gospel study to continue being the norm. However, I also didn't think I would be as casual as I sometimes am when it comes to gospel study either.
I don't write this to make myself or anyone else feel guilt or remorse, but simply to take a good look. Is this where I want to be? Am I comfortable with my level of faith in God? Do I really trust him? Do I really know him? The theme for Primary this year is "I Know My Savior Lives". The instruction to Primary presidencies is as follows:
Through the witness of the Holy Ghost, the children will learn that because of the central role of Jesus Christ in our Heavenly Father's plan, they can have faith in Him. The children will also learn that their faith will grow stronger as they keep the commandments, serve, share the gospel, follow the example of the Savior, and prepare for His Second Coming.
It's the simple truths that are taught in Primary and yet I feel so inadequate. It's a good thing that this is the Lord's work and not mine. Can you just imagine the mess I would make! Sheesh!
So that is my pondering for the coming year. Sure I could make resolutions to lose weight, take up painting, go sky-diving, and any other number of things, but who's kidding who? I'm going to be lucky to make it out of this year alive! What I really want is to be closer to God so I can enjoy life more even when things don't turn out according to plan. I want peace of mind. Really that can only come one way. And with God, that might not be too much to ask for.
May the New Year bring all that you hope for and if it doesn't, at least keep a smile on your face.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Little of this, little of that
So I have been meaning to blog all stinkin' week, but alas... I had excellent topics of conversation for it as well. For example, at work we got a flier in the mail from the "be well, sustainability, can't we all just get along" group here on campus. It said:
Slow Food Movement at USU
followed by:
Gentle Yoga
Then we got a package delivered from Ultimate Support
The rest of the day went downhill from there. I couldn't control my sarcasm to save my life and had to run around pointing out how funny it was much like a 13-year old boy who's main sense of humor hovers in the bathroom. Perhaps it's a blessing that I didn't blog about it sooner.
Well, enough of that. Life has been, in a word, busy. Extremely busy. I would love to cut things out but I simply don't know which activity I would give the axe to. I enjoy the newly started book club and am half-way through the book already (thanks to the elliptical at the gymn, one of the many skills I picked up in college was reading while exercising. It may be my most profitable skill yet!) I enjoy knitting and hope to someday finish the hat I started. (Who knew that a hat would be so difficult!) I love my Primary calling. That is never made more manifest than when a child you thought could care less about you gives you a hug at the most unexpected moments. I thoroughly enjoy the "scheduled creativity" of my the stamp club that I'm part of. I even enjoy my job despite some, shall we say temperamental co-workers. I don't even mind cooking. It's good on our budget and I think that David likes me more when two Banquet beef pot pies and a baggie of veggies don't have to be his lunch of choice. I have even taken on a few other projects to round things out... you know, to fill up my spare time.
My family is having a big Christmas party with my mom's side of the family. It's become a much loved tradition and despite all efforts, it can't be put to a stop. It's really like a big family reunion at Christmas time. The problem is finding space that is "homey" for 65 people and counting. We usually have it at my parents house but not this year. Instead we are doing it at Jarom and Melissa's. They have an attached garage that is going to be the staging area for the food. The big basement will house the hordes of children and the adults can talk anywhere, appropriate or not. Should be fun. My job in all of this is to put together a Christmas Song book that can be copied and distributed to all for our singing session. It is the thing that we love the most. There is just something magical about gathering around as a family and singing Christmas carols. Makes everything worth it.
So, onward and upward. This season of magic is almost upon us. For some it's already here. I kind of like to warm up to it a bit though. Getting hit in the face with Christmas, especially in the form of mobile displays on the lawn and blow-up figures of Santa getting chased up a Christmas tree by a dog (and thus revealing is blue boxers with snowflakes on them) is just a little much for me. I prefer something a bit more simple. Less Santa, more feeling. The peace of the birth of our Savior that comes with the season is often forgotten in the shuffle of holiday shopping and gaudy lawn displays. I feel like it should come gently... like falling snow. Providing a hush in the world and a little bit of magic.
Slow Food Movement at USU
followed by:
Gentle Yoga
Then we got a package delivered from Ultimate Support
The rest of the day went downhill from there. I couldn't control my sarcasm to save my life and had to run around pointing out how funny it was much like a 13-year old boy who's main sense of humor hovers in the bathroom. Perhaps it's a blessing that I didn't blog about it sooner.
Well, enough of that. Life has been, in a word, busy. Extremely busy. I would love to cut things out but I simply don't know which activity I would give the axe to. I enjoy the newly started book club and am half-way through the book already (thanks to the elliptical at the gymn, one of the many skills I picked up in college was reading while exercising. It may be my most profitable skill yet!) I enjoy knitting and hope to someday finish the hat I started. (Who knew that a hat would be so difficult!) I love my Primary calling. That is never made more manifest than when a child you thought could care less about you gives you a hug at the most unexpected moments. I thoroughly enjoy the "scheduled creativity" of my the stamp club that I'm part of. I even enjoy my job despite some, shall we say temperamental co-workers. I don't even mind cooking. It's good on our budget and I think that David likes me more when two Banquet beef pot pies and a baggie of veggies don't have to be his lunch of choice. I have even taken on a few other projects to round things out... you know, to fill up my spare time.
My family is having a big Christmas party with my mom's side of the family. It's become a much loved tradition and despite all efforts, it can't be put to a stop. It's really like a big family reunion at Christmas time. The problem is finding space that is "homey" for 65 people and counting. We usually have it at my parents house but not this year. Instead we are doing it at Jarom and Melissa's. They have an attached garage that is going to be the staging area for the food. The big basement will house the hordes of children and the adults can talk anywhere, appropriate or not. Should be fun. My job in all of this is to put together a Christmas Song book that can be copied and distributed to all for our singing session. It is the thing that we love the most. There is just something magical about gathering around as a family and singing Christmas carols. Makes everything worth it.
So, onward and upward. This season of magic is almost upon us. For some it's already here. I kind of like to warm up to it a bit though. Getting hit in the face with Christmas, especially in the form of mobile displays on the lawn and blow-up figures of Santa getting chased up a Christmas tree by a dog (and thus revealing is blue boxers with snowflakes on them) is just a little much for me. I prefer something a bit more simple. Less Santa, more feeling. The peace of the birth of our Savior that comes with the season is often forgotten in the shuffle of holiday shopping and gaudy lawn displays. I feel like it should come gently... like falling snow. Providing a hush in the world and a little bit of magic.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
In passing...
Another week has gone by. Highlights:
1. I've been systematically killing people at work... and they like it. For Halloween (my favorite holiday) I have been making headstones to put in the windows at work. Headstones don't mean much if they aren't for the people you work with, know, and love. And of course there are those that you just want to harass a little bit. The joke now is don't mess with catering or you'll end up with a headstone. I love it.
2. Diwali, the festival of lights. David, myself, Tawnya, and Isaac attending the Indian Festival of Lights last evening put on by the Indian Student Association. Thank you Tawyna and Isaac for putting up with it. The food was good, but the entertainment portion was long... we even left early and it was still long. But hey, didn't have to cook!
3. Jarom and Alex came to stay with us on Tuesday night. They were here in the "big city" to sell potatoes. We ended up staying up till 1 am. Everyone had a lack of sleep headache the next day, but it was totally worth it. So dang fun! And I bought custard cups and made individual molten lava cakes for dessert! Am I the coolest sister or what!
4. Mom and Dad also spent time with us, Friday night to be exact. After the shock of learning we had cancelled our cable ( I swear Dad lives for the news sometimes) they took us out to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. Yummy and very filling.
All in all it's been a good week. Even today went well. We split our bulging nursery of 28 kids into two rooms and not once did I hear screams of displeasure emitting from either nursery! It was great. The nursery leaders didn't even look frazzled by the end of the day. Finally a winning decision! Woo-hoo! Perhaps the beginning of a winning streak? Let's keep our fingers crossed.
1. I've been systematically killing people at work... and they like it. For Halloween (my favorite holiday) I have been making headstones to put in the windows at work. Headstones don't mean much if they aren't for the people you work with, know, and love. And of course there are those that you just want to harass a little bit. The joke now is don't mess with catering or you'll end up with a headstone. I love it.
2. Diwali, the festival of lights. David, myself, Tawnya, and Isaac attending the Indian Festival of Lights last evening put on by the Indian Student Association. Thank you Tawyna and Isaac for putting up with it. The food was good, but the entertainment portion was long... we even left early and it was still long. But hey, didn't have to cook!
3. Jarom and Alex came to stay with us on Tuesday night. They were here in the "big city" to sell potatoes. We ended up staying up till 1 am. Everyone had a lack of sleep headache the next day, but it was totally worth it. So dang fun! And I bought custard cups and made individual molten lava cakes for dessert! Am I the coolest sister or what!
4. Mom and Dad also spent time with us, Friday night to be exact. After the shock of learning we had cancelled our cable ( I swear Dad lives for the news sometimes) they took us out to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. Yummy and very filling.
All in all it's been a good week. Even today went well. We split our bulging nursery of 28 kids into two rooms and not once did I hear screams of displeasure emitting from either nursery! It was great. The nursery leaders didn't even look frazzled by the end of the day. Finally a winning decision! Woo-hoo! Perhaps the beginning of a winning streak? Let's keep our fingers crossed.
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