Day 116: Messages and Massages

Aha:

I went to stake conference today; it was a special, Canada-wide broadcast from Salt Lake City. There were two thoughts shared today that stuck out to me and I wanted to put them on my blog.

1. "Choose the path of faith", Anthony D. Perkins

I liked this quote because there are times when things are out of my hands and all I can do is trust God. I have to consciously choose that path of faith because the alternative (worry) doesn't help me get anywhere or understand any better.

2. "Remember who you are...and remember who you oughta be.", Linda K. Burton

I liked this because it makes me realize my potential. I am a child of God and I should act that way. :) Act faithfully, act obediently and act Christlike.

Haha:

Clinton is creative. For example, when I ask him for a back massage I am always surprised what he uses to accomplish this task. Tonight it was the corner of the remote. In the past it's been things such as pens, his elbows, a cellphone, Peter's bone, or any other blunt object within reach. 

Nothing's quite as nice as strong thumbs, but I gotta give it to him, the corner of the remote was pretty darn effective. Ha!

Day 91: Chatty Cathy

Aha:

I don't think I had ever met someone who had never met a Mormon until today. I don't remember what started it exactly but my supervisor asked me if swearing bothered me. I told him I personally didn't do it but unless someone was swearing at me I wasn't going to tell them they couldn't. He said he'd noticed I didn't swear and asked me why.

This started a whole Q&A session about my beliefs. I had already told him the day before that I didn't drink coffee, tea or alcohol and so today he asked me why that was. We talked about temples, prophets, modern revelation, the Word of Wisdom, tithing, fasting and fast offerings, covenants and temple recommend interviews. 

The whole thing was kinda neat cause I've never met someone who truly had no clue about Mormons. I told him I'm an open book and if he ever had a question I would give him honest answers. I don't think he has any interest in the church, per se, but it was just a no-pressure (for him or me) information session and I really enjoyed it!

Haha:

At another point during the day I had a completely different kind of conversation with a female coworker that involved words like "periods", "cycle", "doing 'business'", "sperm" and "eggs". Lol

Oh how different conversations can be in just a short period of time. Ha!

Day 87: Hymns and Has

Aha:
Clinton set up my piano for me the other day and I got to sit down and play for quite a while today. It felt so good! I was practicing hymns and doing so always makes me feel uplifted. Later, while I was cleaning the bathroom, I caught myself singing the words. I love the hymns. Their words are scripture to me and I'm grateful I have them to refer to for comfort and direction.

Haha:
What happens on a Saturday when four inches of snow falls overnight and keeps falling all day, and your husband is at work? About a five-hour marathon of Lost, that's what.
I think my butt has become a completely flat surface from all the sitting. But hey, I'm really making progress on episodes. Ha!

Day 60: I'm Grateful for General Conference Weekend and Shampoo

Aha:
"Choose to be grateful no matter what." My favorite take-home quote from General Conference and surprise, surprise it was said by President Uchtdorf. I swear, that man could inspire me any day.
He spoke about the difference of being grateful for our blessings and being grateful even when things aren't going the way we hoped they would be. He referenced Job from the Old Testament who, even when everything he had was taken from him, praised God and thanked him for his life. He said that a true "Attitude of Gratitude" is faith and trust in God. Faith and trust that He knows and loves us and will bless us with those things we need (be they trials or asked-for blessings). Choosing to be grateful no matter what opens our minds and hearts to peace and understanding.
I loved this quick little quote because it is pertinent. There is much in my life to be grateful for and there have been many trials in my life that, looking back, I can see as a blessing though I certainly didn't see them as such at the time.
"Choose to be grateful no matter what."
I think this will be my new mantra.

Haha:
You know you need to wash your hair when...
You slide your sunglasses off the top of your head and the lenses are all greasy. Ehh. :/
In my defense, it's General Conference weekend and I knew I didn't have to go anywhere so I gave my face the day off and my hair the whole weekend off. Don't worry, I'll wash it tonight.

Day 59: I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked...and Peter Pooped

Aha:

You probably didn't know this but we live in the same neighbourhood as the stake centre; it's literally one street away from us. Well, I decided to take Peter for a walk before the second session of General Conference began and as I was on our way home I passed by the church. On the sidewalk across the street I saw two missionaries talking to a couple. I couldn't hear everything but as I was passing one of the elders just started bearing his testimony about how living the gospel has blessed his life.

I didn't stick around to listen but it put a smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart. I love to hear people talk about Jesus; especially in such "out of place" places. In fact, some of my most spiritual discussions have happened in commonplace locations.

A blog isn't necessarily "out of place", but I too love Jesus and am thankful for His gospel in my life. His message is good news! It is one of selflessness and charity and I am thankful for the example He gave me to follow. I love that so many people in the world want to be like Him, regardless of religious affiliation. He is The Good Shepherd and I am so happy to be one of His many sheep trying their best to get back to Him.

Haha:

Now that the weather is improving and much of the snow has melted, I took advantage of the first opportunity I've had to pick up all of the crap Peter has relieved himself of over the winter.

There was only the thin layer of a plastic produce bag between me and the grocery bagful I gathered of cold dog poo. 

It was an interesting bonding moment between mother and pup. Each handful of crap inspiring memories of what he must have eaten that particular day. Every mound reminding me of the special responsibility I have in taking care of my little boy. All of it, a token of love. 

Or at least that's how I tried to see it instead of as the gross job it really was.

When I came back inside and told Clinton how much I had to pick up he said, "Yah, Peter really puts out a lot of poop."

Thanks. I know.

Day 53: Fast Sundays Are Anything but Fast, but Clinton's Quips Always Are

Aha:

I've never been a very good faster (of food) and I don't do it very often because I typically get pretty awful headaches. Well, I decided I wanted to fast today and sure enough a fairly nauseating headache set in early in the day. Determined to finish my fast I took one ibuprofen and hoped for relief.
Well, if the miracle of relief I received from that one ibuprofen is any indicator of the success I may expect from the prayers associated with my fast, then I'll be one even-more-thankful girl!
I am thankful for prayer. I am thankful for the power it holds to work miracles. And I am thankful that my desire to fast was sustained.

Haha:

Ok, here's what I wrote about today...

***

During sacrament meeting today, I asked Clinton if he could see the backcombing in my hair.

He: No, but your lack of reverence is certainly showing.

Lol

***

And when I asked him if "reverence" was the word he used, he said, "No there's more to the story." Then he took my phone and added in the following. Mind you, he wrote this during Sunday School—blatantly ignoring the spiritual lesson and spirit to be felt therein. :P

***

During sacrament meeting today, I was more focused on my hair than listening to the prayers of the holy sacrament of the Lord God Most High.  I forcibly told my husband to look at my hair and tell me if he could see the backcombing.  He said that there was one spot at the back, so I overtly began trying to comb it out with my fingers.  I commanded Clinton again to tell me if it was showing.  "There's still some showing," he replied.  "Where?!" I snapped. "At the same place where it was before," he gently replied. I angrily began trying to comb my hair with my fingers and then turned the back if my head back towards Clinton (in a rude way).  "Okay, now is anything showing?" I asked.  "Just your lack of reverence," he said, wryly.  

I hate him now more than the day I married him. 

***

Uh...lol!

Day 46: Gave Me the Chills

Aha:

A guy gave a talk in church today and the topic was kind of about his conversion to the church. He said it took many years for him to decide to be baptized and that decision came after much thought and prayer until one day it hit him that it was true for him.

His talk was fairly interesting but at the very end he mentioned a scripture about Moses and his inadequacies in speaking. The Lord had called Moses to be His mouthpiece but Moses was afraid because he struggled with speech.

At this point the speaker interjected his own thought that those whom The Lord calls to act He lifts up and qualifies.

This made me think. 

I start a new job tomorrow and I've really been struggling to be happy about it. I don't mean to sound like a whiner, but there's a lot going on in our lives, I live far from any family, and I've had a lot of time to be used to being home and available to do whatever whenever. Now the reality that I'll be working full time has hit me and it makes me sad to know I can't just pick up and go for the next while. But when the speaker mentioned that to those whom The Lord calls he qualifies, I felt comforted. 

I realize I am being blessed with work and a chance to save a lot of money. I realize that The Lord is giving me a chance to bless my family. And I realize that since I am being called to this responsibility at this time, The Lord will help me through it.

Haha:

I made chili for supper tonight. I called Clinton in and told him it was ready.

He: It can't be ready yet, it's not cooked long enough. It's doesn't even feel warm (holding his hand over the pot)

Me: Trust me, it's fine. It's been boiling; I just turned the temp down. I have been having to blow on it before I can taste it, it's hot trust me.

He: (turning the heat back up) No, I don't want to eat raw beef.

Me: Trust me, it's fine.

He: Let it simmer for a bit.

About two minutes pass.

He: Ok, let's eat.

We sit down to eat.

I notice my bowl is really hot and knowing it's been boiling for a while, I really blow on my food before taking a bite.

He: (taking a bite without blowing on it) Ahhh! (spits out his food and looks over at me with a coy look on his face)

Me: So, it's warm enough then?

He: No need to rub it in.

Me: (laughing)

Day 21: Jack and Jill Went Up the Hill to Fetch a Pail...of Honesty

Aha:

I had one of those sad parenting moments today that really make your heart sad and glad at the same time.
Long story short, I caught one of the kids lying to me over something not so minor.
I knew they were lying and it was breaking my heart that they didn't feel like they could tell me the truth.
Finally, after about an hour and a half, the truth finally came out.
I took them aside and told them that of all things, being lied to was my least favorite. That lying makes me sad because it seems I can't be trusted by them.
I gave them a big hug (in which they lingered), thanked them for admitting the truth, and told them that I wanted them to be good and make good choices. I wanted them to know they can talk to me about anything and that above all, I loved them.
Consequences were divvied out and I turned to leave. The moment I did I totally got choked up.
These kids aren't even mine but this little situation really made me think a lot about what things must be like for those who do have kids, and what it'll be like when I have my own. This poor kid went to great lengths to avoid telling the truth and when it finally came out I didn't get mad, I really truly just wanted them to succeed in being honest. I felt so much love for them it hurt! And that lingering hug was the best kind of heart-warmer ever!
Is this what it's always like? Is this what it's like for God and His children here on Earth? How much forgiveness and love He must have for you and me!! He will patiently wait for us to admit our error and when we do He will be there to love us even more, not less.

Haha:

Before bed the kids and I were sitting in the living room reading nursery rhymes and after each one Eden would promptly reply with his own funny version of that rhyme.

We were having a great time!

One of the rhymes spoke of two little children who had some sort of cafuffle and ended up getting hurt or something. Eden's rendition included something about the kids suing each other and how someone came out loaded from their lawsuit.

We all laughed and then Sam said, "Eden, these kids are like three years old. If they're suing this young they must be from the states! They're pretty fast to sue over really dumb things in America."

Oh, how I laughed at that cause it's so true! 

Day 18: Sometimes I Wish I Had a Hiding Place

Aha:
I came across this talk by President Henry B. Eyring titled, "Where is the Pavilion?" from this most recent General Conference.  I've edited it a bit, so feel free to read the whole thing by clicking the link above.

"In the depths of his anguish in Liberty Jail, the Prophet Joseph Smith cried out: “O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?”¹ Many of us, in moments of personal anguish, feel that God is far from us. The pavilion that seems to intercept divine aid does not cover God but occasionally covers us. God is never hidden, yet sometimes we are, covered by a pavilion of motivations that draw us away from God and make Him seem distant and inaccessible. Our own desires, rather than a feeling of “Thy will be done,”² create the feeling of a pavilion blocking God. God is not unable to see us or communicate with us, but we may be unwilling to listen or submit to His will and His time.

Our feelings of separation from God will diminish as we become more childlike before Him. That is not easy in a world where the opinions of other human beings can have such an effect on our motives. But it will help us recognize this truth: God is close to us and aware of us and never hides from His faithful children.

My lifetime...objectives might have been a pavilion dividing me from a loving Father who knew better than I did what my future could hold. 

...Another way we can create a barrier to knowing God’s will or feeling His love for us: we can’t insist on our timetable when the Lord has His own. I thought I had spent enough time in my service...and was in a hurry to move on. Sometimes our insistence on acting according to our own timetable can obscure His will for us....

We remove the pavilion when we feel and pray, “Thy will be done” and “in Thine own time.” His time should be soon enough for us since we know that He wants only what is best....

Submitting fully to heaven’s will...is essential to removing the spiritual pavilions we sometimes put over our heads. But it does not guarantee immediate answers to our prayers.

The Lord’s delays often seem long; some last a lifetime. But they are always calculated to bless. They need never be times of loneliness or sorrow or impatience.

Although His time is not always our time, we can be sure that the Lord keeps His promises." 

Ha ha:
About a month ago I had one of those "Aw, crap" sort of days--seemed like everything was going wrong.
My morning started out well.  We had a faculty candidate come through and she was a pleasure to escort back and forth to all of her interviews.  In between one of her interviews I had a few minutes to spare and ate a peach.  Before I could check my teeth to ensure they were peach-free, the candidate came back to my desk and was ready for her next meeting.  I prayed my teeth were clear!
We walked and talked for about 5 minutes.  I chatted with some people, dropped her off, talked with a few more people and then stopped in the bathroom.
When I went to unzip my zipper it was already down!  I had conversed with all those people with an unzipped zipper!
Well, when I washed my hands I flashed my teeth and, sure enough, I had a HUGE chunk of peach skin in my teeth!!  What didn't anyone say anything??
Mortified, I walked back to my desk, got out a piece of floss and worked to get the peach out of my teeth.  I got the peach out, but the problem was, I had just used lotion and I couldn't get the floss back OUT of my teeth.

Finally, after a good yank with some tweezers I was able to pull it out of my teeth.
Wow.  What a morning.

I Think I've Reached My Limit

Alright.  It's been a little over a week since last I wrote; I've simply not felt like it.  I kept telling myself that I'd catch up, but I don't think I'm gonna.  So, instead of going into hiding and never blogging again, I'm going to blog perhaps a little less frequently.
Sunday, July 22nd, I subbed in the 4-5 year-old primary class at church.  The group was just girls and they were adorable.  In our ward, the entire primary meets for Sharing/Singing Time and then uses the last 40 minutes or so for class.  Well, I got to Sharing Time a little late, found my class and sat down.  One of the little girls turned to me and whispered, "Um, Teacher?  Did you plan a good lesson for us today?"
Me:  Yes.
She:  Oh, well, um I'm not going to be able to stay for class cause my mom's leaving early, but maybe can you send me some notes or perhaps something from the lesson I could color?
Me:  Uh, we'll see.
Inside I was laughing so hard.  How adorable is that?
Also at church that day, one of the many pioneer hymns during Sacrament Meeting was, "Come, Come Ye Saints".  (It took me till July 24th before I realized all of the hymns from Sacrament were for Pioneer Day in Utah.)  Anyway, I particularly liked the 2nd verse; it seemed the encouragement I needed.  Why should we think to earn a great reward if we now shun the fight?

Come, come, ye saints, no toil nor labor fear;
But with joy wend your way.
Though hard to you this journey may appear,
Grace shall be as your day.
Tis better far for us to strive
Our useless cares from us to drive;
Do this, and joy your hearts will swell -
All is well! All is well!

Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?
'Tis not so; all is right.
Why should we think to earn a great reward
If we now shun the fight?
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.
Our God will never us forsake;
And soon we'll have this tale to tell-
All is well! All is well!

We'll find the place which God for us prepared,
Far away, in the West,
Where none shall come to hurt or make afraid;
There the saints, will be blessed.
We'll make the air, with music ring,
Shout praises to our God and King;
Above the rest these words we'll tell -
All is well! All is well!

And should we die before our journey's through,
Happy day! All is well!
We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;
With the just we shall dwell!
But if our lives are spared again
To see the Saints their rest obtain,
Oh, how we'll make this chorus swell-
All is well! All is well!

Day 382: Temple Bag

Aha:
Got to go visiting teaching tonight and see all but one of our sisters (unfortunately, one of our three had a puking child and advised us to avoid her home...but I'm praying their cute little girl feels better soon!) One of our sisters is preparing to go through the temple for the first time next month.  This is something she is taking very seriously and wants to make sure she is really ready for it.  My companion (who is a temple worker herself) and I got to talk about the wonderful blessings and feelings that come from the temple.  I got to share with her what I felt the first time I went through the temple and what I strive to feel each time I go now.  I wasn't exactly expecting it, but when I talked to her about how the purpose of the temple is to bless us mentally, physically and spiritually, I couldn't help but feel the spirit.  I had a really sweet moment there and it just reaffirmed my testimony that the work performed in the temples of God is vitally important and real.
She is very excited to go and I can't wait to be there with her next month!

Ha ha:
I ordered a purse online at the beginning of the month--it was basically everything I was looking for in a bag and more.  I was nervous it's wasn't "trendy enough" but after consulting a couple of my more-fashionforward friends, I bought it.

After a much anticipated seven days, my bag arrived today!! (insert triumphant trumpet)
I giggled when I saw the box and quickly ran inside to open it.
I cut the tape, pulled on the tab and opened the lid...(insert fog horn)

(Though it may appear to be okay-looking, trust me it's U-G-L-Y!)

What a piece of crap!  Not anything like pictured online (black scuff marks all over and red rope sticking out of one of purse straps).  Fortunately for me, I can return the bag for free (I'll just have a credit on that website, but that's fine).  Ugh, seriously, this bag is only appropriate for the leathery-tanned, Mary-Kay-caked, poodle-in-a-purse-carryin' old ladies.  I brought it out to Clinton for his opinion and he said, "Um, what are you 90 and getting onto an airplane with your carry-on?"  Yah.  It's that bad.  Ha ha!

Day 379: Seeking the Greatest Rewards

Aha:
I picked up my copy of "Daughters in My Kingdom" the other day and was really inspired by the following quote by Belle S. Spafford, ninth Relief Society general president:
“The average woman today, I believe, would do well to appraise her interests, evaluate the activities in which she is engaged, and then take steps to simplify her life, putting things of first importance first, placing emphasis where the rewards will be greatest and most enduring, and ridding herself of the less rewarding activities.” ³
I feel like this is exactly what I need to do in my life right now: re-evaluate my priorities, cut out the excess, increase the important and enjoy the journey.  What a lovely way of putting it (and a great reminder too). :)

Ha ha:
I thought this was one of the cutest things I've seen in a while and had to share...enjoy!

Makes me laugh every time, partly because this looks so much like my parents' dog and he's just as smiley. :)

Day 372: That Sounds Fair

Aha:
During a sister's talk in Sacrament meeting last week (based off of Jeffrey R. Holland's talk, "Laborers in the Vineyard"), she said that many of us, at times, may say, "life's not fair".  We all have trials, but if we trust that the Lord is mindful of us and that he sends trials our way to make us better, then shouldn't we really be saying, "life is fair"?  He knows what we need to go through to become the people we need to be.  Our trials make us who we are and if certain trials are what it takes for us to learn and grow, then doesn't it make God completely fair?  He is doing all that he can to help us return to him.  Though it at times seems that life can be unfair, we must remember who sets the terms and trust that he knows best and will reward us accordingly.

Ha ha:
Clinton and I were so beat from playing at the water park on Saturday that we totally slept in till 10 am on Sunday!  We really must've played our little bodies into total exhaustion...and I'd totally do it all over again!

Day 369: So Much to See, Feel and Smell

Aha:
Day 2 consisted of a trip back to Nauvoo (to see what had been closed to us the day before) and a trip to Carthage.  I think my favorite was Carthage.  Fortunately for me, I had just missed a tour group and so a sister offered to take me through by myself.  I got to sit in that jail (just me and the guide) and listen to the retelling of the events leading up to and after the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith on June 27th, 1844.  The building was so quiet and I couldn't help but feel like I was being let in on a secret or something; the spirit of that place was awesome.
I gained a new appreciation for Joseph Smith and the work he did to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth.  I am so thankful for the Book of Mormon; it is filled with truth and testifies of the divinity of Jesus Christ.  I am thankful for the Bible; it too is filled with truth and is a wonderful source of history and examples of how to be a disciple of Christ.
Here are more pictures (there are repeats from yesterday's post, but they were taken with Clinton's good camera as opposed to my poorer-quality phone).

 Smith Family Cemetery (about 25 family members--and friends--of the Smiths)

 Outside the window that Joseph Smith fell from when he was shot and killed

 The top window is the one he fell from

 Notice the warped panes?  These are originals.  Apparently the jail keepers could avoid paying taxes for the glass if the panes were not perfect, so they'd request them to be made imperfect to save a few bucks. :)

 This is the second bullet hole in the door.  It was with this bullet that Hyrum was struck in the face and killed.

 This was the first shot.  It broke the lock on the door and made it possible for the mobs to push their guns further inside.  Interestingly, this piece, as you can see, had been cut from the door.  Until only a few years ago it was missing.  Someone from the family who had the piece, found it in the shed of a relative's home, recognized what it was and brought it to the church to restore to the door.  Pretty cool, huh?

 Window that Joseph fell from.

 Statue of Joseph and Hyrum outside the jail

 These are from Nauvoo.

 Examples of documents that were discussed/used in the upper room of the Red Brick Store (ordinances of the priesthood, organization of the Relief Society, and other special events took place here)

 Statue of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young overlooking the Mississippi River

 Trail of Hope: a series of plaques with the thoughts and quotes from early pioneers and leaders of the church as they were preparing to leave Nauvoo and cross the Mississippi to travel West. (Notice the temple in the background.  It must have been so hard to leave this place.)

Ha ha:

Clinton and I drove down to the pier so we could touch the Mississippi River.  There were mayflies everywhere (shudder) and the smell was rather unpleasant.  It took us a bit to discover where it was coming from.

Here I am.

 Why am I reaching out so far?

There's about a 12-inch wide sludge of washed-up dead mayfly bodies right at the shore line, made for a pretty horrid smell.

 Here's Clinton

Day 368: Meeting and Making History

Aha:
Clinton and I drove down to Nauvoo, Illinois on Wednesday to see some of our church history.  The weather was bloody hot (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit) but it was really neat to know I was actually standing where so many important individuals from history once stood.  If anything, the weather made the experience all the more real to me.  I can't imagine working and living the lifestyles they did in weather so extreme.  It made me all the more grateful for our air-conditioned car and our air-conditioned hotel.
Here are some pics from Day 1 (We got there at about 4pm and everything was closed.  We didn't find out until the next day that there were celebrations going on in Carthage in commemoration of the 168th anniversary of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.  We totally would have gone if we'd known, but went back to our hotel instead. :( )

 Nauvoo Temple

 Statues from the Monument to Women Garden

 Joseph & Emma

 Cultural Hall

Ha ha:
On our trip, our car made a very special milestone...

We had a countdown for about the last 10 miles or so.  We cheered, took a picture and then shrugged our shoulders.  Hey, this was pretty darn interesting compared to all of the many, MANY fields of corn we were driving through.