My mom was fortunate enough to get 4 tickets to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Summer Evening of Music with Nathan Pacheco and Lindsey Stirling and as she is Guest Services Missionary (which means she attends all the Conference Center stuff as an usher) she let Daniel and I have 2 tickets, and my sister and her husband took the other 2.
We headed down to Salt Lake right after work and met my sister and her husband at Crown Burger. I just love my sister and we had a good catch up chat. We text now, more than chat, since her move to Provo. I suppose I'll forgive you Ben, for moving her away. My sister and I get along well.
So, the four of us headed over to the Conference Center. We had a good chat while until it got started. I was completely taken by surprise by how good Nathan Pacheco is and especially this song. I was sort of listening, getting settled in. Then the words got into my heart and I was crying before I knew what had hit me. This song is amazing. It's like my battle cry now. As soon as we got home from the concert, I bought his album on mp3. I have listened to this song 2 or 3 times a day since. I am still getting choked up when I listen. Turn the volume up and close your eyes.
The rest of the concert was great. I felt my soul fed by the spirit. Except when Lindsey Stirling was writhing about. That was hard to watch. But I suppose everybody has their thing. She was good and I was surprised she didn't mess up doing her thang up there. But good heavens, the prophet was watching. Be a little more modest.
I an grateful for those times when the Spirit pours into my heart and feeds me when I didn't know I was spiritually hungry.
I am also glad the we Mormons are such contributors to the artistic and musical worlds. We have talents among us and I'm grateful for those that have chosen and are able to share their gifts. I'm sure they never quite realize the good they do for any individual among the thousands listening.
Showing posts with label gospel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gospel. Show all posts
7.31.2013
3.28.2013
Battles
Recently at work I've paid a bit more attention to some of the things that come across my desk. I don't like to read specifics. I like plausible deniability. But I often know what the general case is: criminal, abuse, divorce, immigration, bankruptcy, etc. One of the attorneys is a public defender and sees all kinds of things. Some of our clients are the victims and some are the accused perpetrators. There are some lessons that I have learned more fully while working for attorneys at law.
Divorce. It almost always comes down to selfishness. You can take almost any problem out there and some sort of selfishness is at the bottom of it. If we were all more selfless and charitable, so many problems would cease.
Immigration - needs reform. Oh. My. Gosh. Good grief. Help there please. I don't even know where to start. It's an expensive, sometimes ridiculous process. We need immigrants to do it legally, but for heaven's sake let's not keep it the seven ring circus it currently is. Oh, and if you want to be here, obeying the law is a good place to start.
Bankruptcy. Don't spend money you don't have. If you are doing fine and you loose your job or your company goes under, I am so glad there is a system in place to help you. Pay day loans are predatory and you can do without 90% of what you have if you are...wait for it....less selfish. Also - don't steal money people. 'nuff said.
Criminal and public defender. This world needs kindness. Pray for those who have situations in the courts of law. I hope I never need an attorney for more than finalizing an adoption. I'm so glad there are attorneys, but the needs can be varied and often very sad.
With all that said, when a new client or potential client walks in, I have no idea what their needs are, what the individual situation is, or on which side of the argument they stand. Maybe they are the crazy one, maybe they are dealing with the crazy one. But each person is human. Even the guy who did something he shouldn't. They are all loved of God, or at least in the beginning. Let's not get into child abuse. Ick.
I had one guy come in who looked like the 7-years-in-federal-prison-tattoed-guy that he was. However, he is nice. He has always been polite and respectful towards us. He and his wife are trying to start again and build something better. I don't know what he was in jail for. It's none of my business. He wore the scars of his 30 short years on his face. Literally. (By the way -don't tattoo your face. Please?) He's been a good hard worker trying to provide since his release. One day when he came in I looked at him and thought "when he was born, his parents had no idea which way he'd go. They never would have hoped for such a life for their son." But things happen and plans go awry.
There are people whose burdens cannot be seen and some whose burdens are easily seen. Like the poor guy who filed bankruptcy and divorce in the same week, then sent in his brother, in the same situation. My heart goes out to them. What a rough hand they've been dealt. But God loves them. Thank goodness because at this point that may be all they have.
The bottom line here is don't judge a book by it's cover. Some names that have come across my desk I know or their relatives I know from outside of work and I had no idea they were even connected with a struggle. Sometimes they just need a smile. The brothers I referred to earlier? The first sent the second here because we were helpful and nice. Yay for that.
So you know that poster/meme/whatever going around that says everyone has a struggle we can't see? It's so true. Kindness won't solve the problem, but it will help those who are struggling to have that tiny bit of hope. And we need hope and love. Which is why I'm glad I work where I work. I hope through all this I'm learning better charity for God's children.
Thanks for listening.
Divorce. It almost always comes down to selfishness. You can take almost any problem out there and some sort of selfishness is at the bottom of it. If we were all more selfless and charitable, so many problems would cease.
Immigration - needs reform. Oh. My. Gosh. Good grief. Help there please. I don't even know where to start. It's an expensive, sometimes ridiculous process. We need immigrants to do it legally, but for heaven's sake let's not keep it the seven ring circus it currently is. Oh, and if you want to be here, obeying the law is a good place to start.
Bankruptcy. Don't spend money you don't have. If you are doing fine and you loose your job or your company goes under, I am so glad there is a system in place to help you. Pay day loans are predatory and you can do without 90% of what you have if you are...wait for it....less selfish. Also - don't steal money people. 'nuff said.
Criminal and public defender. This world needs kindness. Pray for those who have situations in the courts of law. I hope I never need an attorney for more than finalizing an adoption. I'm so glad there are attorneys, but the needs can be varied and often very sad.
With all that said, when a new client or potential client walks in, I have no idea what their needs are, what the individual situation is, or on which side of the argument they stand. Maybe they are the crazy one, maybe they are dealing with the crazy one. But each person is human. Even the guy who did something he shouldn't. They are all loved of God, or at least in the beginning. Let's not get into child abuse. Ick.
I had one guy come in who looked like the 7-years-in-federal-prison-tattoed-guy that he was. However, he is nice. He has always been polite and respectful towards us. He and his wife are trying to start again and build something better. I don't know what he was in jail for. It's none of my business. He wore the scars of his 30 short years on his face. Literally. (By the way -don't tattoo your face. Please?) He's been a good hard worker trying to provide since his release. One day when he came in I looked at him and thought "when he was born, his parents had no idea which way he'd go. They never would have hoped for such a life for their son." But things happen and plans go awry.
There are people whose burdens cannot be seen and some whose burdens are easily seen. Like the poor guy who filed bankruptcy and divorce in the same week, then sent in his brother, in the same situation. My heart goes out to them. What a rough hand they've been dealt. But God loves them. Thank goodness because at this point that may be all they have.
The bottom line here is don't judge a book by it's cover. Some names that have come across my desk I know or their relatives I know from outside of work and I had no idea they were even connected with a struggle. Sometimes they just need a smile. The brothers I referred to earlier? The first sent the second here because we were helpful and nice. Yay for that.
So you know that poster/meme/whatever going around that says everyone has a struggle we can't see? It's so true. Kindness won't solve the problem, but it will help those who are struggling to have that tiny bit of hope. And we need hope and love. Which is why I'm glad I work where I work. I hope through all this I'm learning better charity for God's children.
Thanks for listening.
1.31.2013
On Adoption
Many of you know, and if you don't, now you will, that Daniel and I can only grow our family through adoption.
We had to put our profile on hold while we were in China. It was hard to put that on hold, as it was something I wanted quite badly, but we knew it was right. We were able to have an amazing experience that would not have been possible with a small child.
But now we're home. And it's time to step it up. Daniel and I are in the process of updating our profile. We need just a few more things (fire hoops, miracles, and congressional acts) and it will be complete. So I am asking for you all to be on the lookout. In going through LDS Family Services, the odds are against us. They have 3 couples for every baby placed. The surest way for us to find our baby is to go looking for them. Good things come to those who wait but better things come to those who go actively looking.
Last week I saw this video on pinterest. It is an amazing story. Someone out there, reaching out and being compassionate and brave, is how Daniel and I are going to get our babies.
Chapel's Adoption Story | the feature from stillmotion on Vimeo.
Did you get goosebumps?
Please be on the lookout for us. And even if you don't send a baby right to us, maybe something that you say, some good deed that you do, some testimony you share will help that someone along their path anyway. It's all about good karma my friends.
We had to put our profile on hold while we were in China. It was hard to put that on hold, as it was something I wanted quite badly, but we knew it was right. We were able to have an amazing experience that would not have been possible with a small child.
But now we're home. And it's time to step it up. Daniel and I are in the process of updating our profile. We need just a few more things (fire hoops, miracles, and congressional acts) and it will be complete. So I am asking for you all to be on the lookout. In going through LDS Family Services, the odds are against us. They have 3 couples for every baby placed. The surest way for us to find our baby is to go looking for them. Good things come to those who wait but better things come to those who go actively looking.
Last week I saw this video on pinterest. It is an amazing story. Someone out there, reaching out and being compassionate and brave, is how Daniel and I are going to get our babies.
Chapel's Adoption Story | the feature from stillmotion on Vimeo.
Did you get goosebumps?
Please be on the lookout for us. And even if you don't send a baby right to us, maybe something that you say, some good deed that you do, some testimony you share will help that someone along their path anyway. It's all about good karma my friends.
12.07.2012
Expounding upon propagation...
I'll get back to our Hong Kong trip next post.
In the last week I have had three people approach me, share with me, or message me about missionaries getting calls to China accompanied with a note that says "Please call Pres. Monson." Take a moment and think about it. If the prophet wanted to talk to you, wouldn't they just call you? His number isn't given out.
After hearing this rumor three times, I called down to the Church Office Building and talked with the Missionary Department. I asked them about the China thing and she said it was false and would I do my part to quiet those rumors with the people I come in contact with. She also told me that this kind of thing could potentially be damaging to the Church's current relationship with China. We have the liberties that do in China because of the positive working relationship and the adherence to the rules by the members of the church in China. There were many times I wanted to break the rules, but never did because we have to be above the idea of "but I won't get caught" or "no-one will know." We have to be unimpeachable.
This incident brought to my mind similar things or potential situations. I have the "friend," we'll call her Janet. In high school Janet's friend, we'll call her Molly, asked a guy to a dance. We'll call him Johnny. One day in a class Janet heard Johnny's cousin say "he just doesn't want to go because of the upcoming game and he needs his rest." Well, Janet thought she was taking about Johnny. So Janet told Molly that Johnny didn't want to go. Molly then decided to ask another guy, We'll call him Charlie. The next day both Charlie and Johnny answered Molly and said yes. Now Molly was stuck with two dates. Oops. Maybe Janet should have checked her facts. The situation was resolved and they had another friend with a guest in town and Charlie went with the out of town visitor. But let's just say awkward? Check your facts Janet.
It's also like me being the first to find out my friend is pregnant. Then I get on facebook and tell everyone. Not my firsthand info the share. I would have just harmed the relationship with my best friend and potentially other friendships of hers.
So whether something is true or not, if it's not your first hand knowledge, it's not yours to share. Janet learned that lesson in a very awkward way. We may hear it first hand, but as soon as we share, it's not first hand information anymore.
We as members of the Church enjoy sharing good news and sometimes we get a little carried away. I myself have been guilty of this, I'm sure. If the Church were to benefit from such a wonderful opportunity, they would surely announce it and not be clandestine about it.
I love China. I would desperately love for my dear friends there to be able to hear the gospel preached in their land in their own tongue. But we are years away from that still. The Communist party is still the same. Their ideals and goals for their people are still the same.
Daniel described it as an older brother looking after the hot teenager sister. He is very protective until he is sure that things won't harm her. Right now the relationship with China is good. We have their trust. But we have to keep it and keep earning it. They know we do good. But they have to be sure it's good for their people, not just good in general. So there are small allowances. We can share with Chinese nationals outside of China. Chinese national members can share with with their family - parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, siblings, cousins. This is a fairly recent development (2 years, I think. Don't quote me on it though.) Things will change little by little according to the Lord's plan. Let's have faith in his timing and in his hand.
The Lord will not lead us astray or do something that people aren't prepared for. He knows what he's doing. I always tell myself, he hasn't messed up yet, so why would he now? We know how fair he is and that everyone will get a chance to hear the gospel, whether in this life or the next. Maybe someone alive today will get to be part of that amazing opportunity of sharing the gospel openly in China. Until then, let's enjoy the amazing opportunities that are ours today and share the gospel wherever else we can.
Thanks for listening to my rant.
In the last week I have had three people approach me, share with me, or message me about missionaries getting calls to China accompanied with a note that says "Please call Pres. Monson." Take a moment and think about it. If the prophet wanted to talk to you, wouldn't they just call you? His number isn't given out.
After hearing this rumor three times, I called down to the Church Office Building and talked with the Missionary Department. I asked them about the China thing and she said it was false and would I do my part to quiet those rumors with the people I come in contact with. She also told me that this kind of thing could potentially be damaging to the Church's current relationship with China. We have the liberties that do in China because of the positive working relationship and the adherence to the rules by the members of the church in China. There were many times I wanted to break the rules, but never did because we have to be above the idea of "but I won't get caught" or "no-one will know." We have to be unimpeachable.
This incident brought to my mind similar things or potential situations. I have the "friend," we'll call her Janet. In high school Janet's friend, we'll call her Molly, asked a guy to a dance. We'll call him Johnny. One day in a class Janet heard Johnny's cousin say "he just doesn't want to go because of the upcoming game and he needs his rest." Well, Janet thought she was taking about Johnny. So Janet told Molly that Johnny didn't want to go. Molly then decided to ask another guy, We'll call him Charlie. The next day both Charlie and Johnny answered Molly and said yes. Now Molly was stuck with two dates. Oops. Maybe Janet should have checked her facts. The situation was resolved and they had another friend with a guest in town and Charlie went with the out of town visitor. But let's just say awkward? Check your facts Janet.
It's also like me being the first to find out my friend is pregnant. Then I get on facebook and tell everyone. Not my firsthand info the share. I would have just harmed the relationship with my best friend and potentially other friendships of hers.
So whether something is true or not, if it's not your first hand knowledge, it's not yours to share. Janet learned that lesson in a very awkward way. We may hear it first hand, but as soon as we share, it's not first hand information anymore.
We as members of the Church enjoy sharing good news and sometimes we get a little carried away. I myself have been guilty of this, I'm sure. If the Church were to benefit from such a wonderful opportunity, they would surely announce it and not be clandestine about it.
I love China. I would desperately love for my dear friends there to be able to hear the gospel preached in their land in their own tongue. But we are years away from that still. The Communist party is still the same. Their ideals and goals for their people are still the same.
Daniel described it as an older brother looking after the hot teenager sister. He is very protective until he is sure that things won't harm her. Right now the relationship with China is good. We have their trust. But we have to keep it and keep earning it. They know we do good. But they have to be sure it's good for their people, not just good in general. So there are small allowances. We can share with Chinese nationals outside of China. Chinese national members can share with with their family - parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, siblings, cousins. This is a fairly recent development (2 years, I think. Don't quote me on it though.) Things will change little by little according to the Lord's plan. Let's have faith in his timing and in his hand.
The Lord will not lead us astray or do something that people aren't prepared for. He knows what he's doing. I always tell myself, he hasn't messed up yet, so why would he now? We know how fair he is and that everyone will get a chance to hear the gospel, whether in this life or the next. Maybe someone alive today will get to be part of that amazing opportunity of sharing the gospel openly in China. Until then, let's enjoy the amazing opportunities that are ours today and share the gospel wherever else we can.
Thanks for listening to my rant.
5.05.2012
Tokyo Part 4 - The LDS Temple
This was a little bit of an adventure.
We went after doing most of the day in Disneyland. We left the park around 4:30. There was an English session at 7:30 and we wanted to make sure we could get there in time. The train ride was about a 45 min. ride. Then we had a bit of walking and we also had to change and get something to eat.
It ended up being a little more of an adventure than we had planned. But isn't everything?
We got to our station without much trouble. We looked at the map and it had a spot marked by exit 2 that was The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It should have been easy to spot.
We walked that section of street 3 times and couldn't find it. We finally started reading all the signs more closely and we saw "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Area Office." That's what our sign was for. they were just closing up and vacuuming and so they let us in and we asked where the temple was and where we could change out of our street clothes.
The Temple was on the block behind us. Oops. So the nice man walked us the back way and told us we could change in the distribution center fitting room. After we got changed and were walking back around to the front, I realized that I had left my recommend in the hotel room. Awesome. We decided we would see what they could do for us, knowing also, that we had time to come back in the morning if we needed to. But we really wanted to do the English session.
I do not recommend forgetting your temple recommend. Not a great idea. What ended up happening was I had to give them my name, confirmation date, and branch name, and they looked it up on the computer and gave me a one day single use recommend. Thanks to bar coding, they could tell I had a current recommend. It's easier to just bring your own.
It was the first time I've been to a session since my dad passed away. For the most part I did really well. Until the end. There is such a spirit of sacredness and a closeness to the other side of the veil that can be felt at the temple. I most definitely felt this in my time there. It was a beautiful session and very comforting for me.
The Celestial room is quite beautiful. It has two brightly colored stained glass panels that are back-lit.
At sunset.
After the session. Yes, Daniel wore tennis-shoes. We took only one suitcase and didn't have room. He wasn't the only one with street shoes.
We went after doing most of the day in Disneyland. We left the park around 4:30. There was an English session at 7:30 and we wanted to make sure we could get there in time. The train ride was about a 45 min. ride. Then we had a bit of walking and we also had to change and get something to eat.
It ended up being a little more of an adventure than we had planned. But isn't everything?
We got to our station without much trouble. We looked at the map and it had a spot marked by exit 2 that was The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It should have been easy to spot.
We walked that section of street 3 times and couldn't find it. We finally started reading all the signs more closely and we saw "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Area Office." That's what our sign was for. they were just closing up and vacuuming and so they let us in and we asked where the temple was and where we could change out of our street clothes.
The Temple was on the block behind us. Oops. So the nice man walked us the back way and told us we could change in the distribution center fitting room. After we got changed and were walking back around to the front, I realized that I had left my recommend in the hotel room. Awesome. We decided we would see what they could do for us, knowing also, that we had time to come back in the morning if we needed to. But we really wanted to do the English session.
I do not recommend forgetting your temple recommend. Not a great idea. What ended up happening was I had to give them my name, confirmation date, and branch name, and they looked it up on the computer and gave me a one day single use recommend. Thanks to bar coding, they could tell I had a current recommend. It's easier to just bring your own.
It was the first time I've been to a session since my dad passed away. For the most part I did really well. Until the end. There is such a spirit of sacredness and a closeness to the other side of the veil that can be felt at the temple. I most definitely felt this in my time there. It was a beautiful session and very comforting for me.
The Celestial room is quite beautiful. It has two brightly colored stained glass panels that are back-lit.
It was a good evening. We ended up getting McDonald's for dinner on our way back to the hotel. To get two meals cost us over $20. Ouch. Japan was very expensive.
Next: The cherry blossoms. Amazing!
4.04.2012
A really hard post for me.
The two weeks preceding Feb. 28 were very hard for me here in Xiamen. My dad had started to decline quite quickly by the day and we were waiting for the moment to make the call for me to go home. We decided that when his weight reached a certain point, it was time. Well he reached it. On a Sunday morning I talked with my mom and decided it was time for me to go home. I left early on Feb. 28 and landed in Utah in time to spend part of my afternoon with my dad.
My three weeks home were the hardest three weeks of my life, but contained some of the most tender memories I have with my family.
At that same time we decided that my dad's family should come to town then if they wanted some quality time with my dad. We did not know what the prognosis was at the time. The way things were going we knew it would be quick. But we didn't know how quick. So late on the night of the 28th my sister went and picked up my dad's mom, older sister, and younger brother. The next day I got them and we went to my parents house. At that point my dad had lost a ton of weight and he was rather confused about a lot of things. It was really hard on his older sister. To make this harder my dad was the same age his oldest sister was when she passed away in 2007. My poor aunt G has now lost the sibling on either side of her.
Then on Wednesday we went got my dad's baby sister from the airport and went to lunch. We spent tons of time together on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Then my dad's brother left Saturday morning, his baby sister on Sunday, and his mom and older sister on the next Wed. Here are few pictures from my dad's last week.
Despite the confusion that accompanied his illness he remained the happy guy he has always been. He laughed most of that last week. And caused us to laugh plenty also. He continued to be so giving to my mom. He always smiled at her, hugged and only did what she said, not the rest of us.
The group at the table.
My cousin, who lives in Evanston, son on my dad's oldest sister, even came in to town for a couple of days. He's just the happiest guy EVER!
He always got a smile out of my dad.
He was continuously smiling.
His best friend J. J came regularly with Wendy's Frosty's, A&W Rootbeer floats, and Roxberry juices. Most of the calories my dad consumed were from him. Thanks J for all your help.
Looking of G's shoulder. They were always good buddies.
Some of the Araves.
When they left on Tuesday night, he was doing pretty well. He was eating, his weight loss stopped, and he seemed very present with us.
He woke on Wednesday and we knew things had changed. We believe something happened in the night.
The last 36 hours of my dad's life were hard to watch, but filled with tender mercies that brought us together more as a family that I could have imagined. My testimony grew, was strengthened, my respect for my siblings and my parents grew, as did my relationship with each of them.
The Plan of Happiness is truly a plan of Happiness. We felt the presence of angels attending us as well as the prayers of many, known and unknown.
I know my dad is here with us still, watching out for us, cheering us on, and probably offering advice! I miss him terribly, but I know the Savior's Love is comforting me and my family and bearing us up. I now have another guardian angel on my team.
The night of his funeral my sister and I went to the Symphony, one the best places for us, and a fried said to me, "Do you think your dad is picking your children?" To that I say, yes. He is. He's probably meeting those choice spirit who are going to join our family. He's picking children just like me, because isn't that the "curse" of every parent? Well dad, if you are doing the picking, and you choose spirits who will be children like me, I am very grateful! I think I was pretty good kid, as you told me.
I love you dad and miss you.
2.23.2012
Some thoughts
I'm sorry I haven't posted much recently. I have some back blogging to do and some catching up for you all. I have some fun random pictures to post. Things have been pretty busy for the last week and half.
I have some thoughts I need to put down in writing. There are some circumstances at home that are contributing to a feeling of homesickness. When things go on 8,000 miles away that can't be changed by your being there, but you still want to be home, it's very easy to get frustrated. I'm being tested in ways that I've never been tested before. I'm dealing with challenges that, at times, seem unfair. Add that to the fact that we are committed to a short extension, and all of the sudden I want to be done and just move home. Fortunately we are going to have a few trips coming soon, then in May more Lifetime people are coming for six months, so our time will go quickly.
At the same time as our good experience will go by quickly, it's amazing how much can go wrong in a very short amount of time. During the last week I had two tender mercies shared with me that have given my heart comfort. A comfort that I need as the ache sometimes becomes physically painful. I'm going to share them here and hope they can benefit other people too.
The first: I read a blog called Segullah. There was a post on Saturday, the 17th, that was really what I needed. It was titled "That Thing That is of Most Worth. A woman wrote about a time when that phrase struck very true wherein she had a moment when those things that valued most could have been taken away from her. Then she remembered the following scripture:
At the same time as our good experience will go by quickly, it's amazing how much can go wrong in a very short amount of time. During the last week I had two tender mercies shared with me that have given my heart comfort. A comfort that I need as the ache sometimes becomes physically painful. I'm going to share them here and hope they can benefit other people too.
The first: I read a blog called Segullah. There was a post on Saturday, the 17th, that was really what I needed. It was titled "That Thing That is of Most Worth. A woman wrote about a time when that phrase struck very true wherein she had a moment when those things that valued most could have been taken away from her. Then she remembered the following scripture:
Romans 8:35-39
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
38 For
I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I got the overwhelming feeling that if I did not feel the love of Christ and my Heavenly Father at any point, it was my fault. How wonderful to know that no matter what, Christ's love is there for me to feel. Things that go wrong are not his fault. Most of the time they are part God's plan to turn me into the most amazing "me" that he has planned. Unfortunately I'm going to get a few bumps and bruises along the way. I just wish the bumps and bruises along the way didn't hurt so much.
On Sunday I shared this is our Relief Society "Lesson." Once a month the sisters in our group go into a separate room while the men have Elder's Quorum over skype. We had a discussion and share helpful things. It's always enjoyable. This week we talked about the George Albert Smith Lesson #3: Our Testimony of Jesus Christ.
As we talked about President Smith's testimony and a few other things, I felt compelled to share the Romans reference. Then our group leader shared a corresponding thought. She had had a stillborn child in the late 80s and had just gotten home from the hospital feeling empty, in so many ways. She had children at home, but the pain was still very acute. She opened up the Ensign and read a poem, almost never reading the poetry at any other time. It was this:
Little one,
remember when I took
the five brown pennies
from your hand,
and in their place
I put a gleaming silver dime?
To my surprise,
you cried with rage—
replacing five with one
could not be fair!
I smiled, then,
at childish reckoning …
until I thought how often
that our Father takes away
the copper blessings
from my hand
and in their place
He puts more precious ones.
Yet, angrily, I count myself
defrauded by the gift.
I have not understood
Eternal reckoning.
Someday I hope to understand eternal reckoning. Right now I cannot imagine anything more valuable than what I fear I will loose this year, but the Lord' love is there for me and there will be something amazing that he blesses me with at some future date. I feel I'm at risk of loosing my "dime" like blessings all too soon and I can't yet see the quarter or silver dollar that is coming my
way. But they will come and I just have to search for the love of my Savior in the meantime. I pray it comforts me through my "太硬" (tai nan) trails right now.
I'm so glad I have a testimony of the gospel. I'm so grateful that I have the gospel. In China, that gratitude is felt with more conviction as we are more on our own than we would be at home. I'm so grateful for my husband who is a worthy priesthood holder and can give me a blessing when my heart is unsettled. Without the gospel my life would seem to crumble around me. That is my testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
9.17.2011
Posting things
The amount of posting has drastically dropped since returning to China, as we are having fewer adventures. We are still having fun, but we have fallen into the swing of things. We still have adventures to come though, so I will obviously continue posting.
Here are some of the things that I am up to since returning at the end of August. I was called as an early morning seminary teacher for the Beijing 1st and Beijing China International District virtual seminary class. That's a mouthful. It means that the kids in the Beijing and from 3 other places around China call in everyday at 6:30 am and we have a teleconference seminary class. I am really enjoying teaching and things I am learning about the Old Testament this year. My only issue now is that whole getting up early thing. I usually go back to bed around 8-ish after class is over and I've cleaned up my teleconference materials. This lasts until around 10 or 11, depending on how tired I am. We usually go to bed around 9 or so and are asleep by 10, but I still get tired.
Adding 2 hours of spiritual preparation to my day and starting my day with a 1 hour spiritual lesson, I feel, is improving my personal attitudes and positively effecting my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I truly am enjoying it.
I have also started tutoring a few students. I have a 6th, a 10th, and an 11th grader that I tutor. It's been good for me as I am diving back into my high-school and college writing skills. I am really enjoying that, as well as making money at it too. Plus I have the wife of the President of Life China come twice a week with her friend for conversation skills lessons and I get about 30$ for that each time. My life is a good kind of busy now.
Last weekend and this weekend we attended parties with groups from Lifetime for the Mid-Autumn Festival. As soon as I get the pictures from this weekend's event, I will post about the fun we had there.
I am sad to be missing things at home, but when we got back I realized I missed my Chinese friends too. I will be sad to leave them when the time comes. Until then, I am going to enjoy their company.
Here are some of the things that I am up to since returning at the end of August. I was called as an early morning seminary teacher for the Beijing 1st and Beijing China International District virtual seminary class. That's a mouthful. It means that the kids in the Beijing and from 3 other places around China call in everyday at 6:30 am and we have a teleconference seminary class. I am really enjoying teaching and things I am learning about the Old Testament this year. My only issue now is that whole getting up early thing. I usually go back to bed around 8-ish after class is over and I've cleaned up my teleconference materials. This lasts until around 10 or 11, depending on how tired I am. We usually go to bed around 9 or so and are asleep by 10, but I still get tired.
Adding 2 hours of spiritual preparation to my day and starting my day with a 1 hour spiritual lesson, I feel, is improving my personal attitudes and positively effecting my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I truly am enjoying it.
I have also started tutoring a few students. I have a 6th, a 10th, and an 11th grader that I tutor. It's been good for me as I am diving back into my high-school and college writing skills. I am really enjoying that, as well as making money at it too. Plus I have the wife of the President of Life China come twice a week with her friend for conversation skills lessons and I get about 30$ for that each time. My life is a good kind of busy now.
Last weekend and this weekend we attended parties with groups from Lifetime for the Mid-Autumn Festival. As soon as I get the pictures from this weekend's event, I will post about the fun we had there.
I am sad to be missing things at home, but when we got back I realized I missed my Chinese friends too. I will be sad to leave them when the time comes. Until then, I am going to enjoy their company.
6.23.2011
My own little questions..
about what we are doing here in China.
We know that the Lord has a plan for us and that he is in control. We are commanded to "trust in the Lord ...and lean not unto our own understanding." (Pro. 3:5)
How do we know the difference between our own understanding and the Lord's? Are those thoughts that we have from our own desires or are they placed in our minds as guidance from the Lord?
When we made the difficult decision to come to China we were pretty much trusting that that was 100% from the Lord. These kinds of things don't develop over the course of 2 weeks for no reason. Thus, we decided to come. The circumstances couldn't have been better. We don't have children. We put the dogs with my sister-in-law, we rented the house, packed up our goods, and boarded a plane. (It was actually MUCH more complicated than that. I just realized we don't have pictures of the whole process. Oh well.)
Knowing that we were supposed to come is one thing. Knowing what we are supposed to learn and gain from this experience is another.
I was recently talking to my grandmother (well, both actually, since I talk to both of them fairly regularly) and I have a cousin who is struggling with what to do with the course of their life. (I actually have many cousins, some struggling more than others in this way.) (Dear cousins - if you think it's you - it's probably not.)
It made me sad to hear that this cousin still seems to be fighting things. The scripture that came to mind was Acts 9:5 "And he said, Who are thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks."
I had a very good seminary teacher, well, many of them, and one of them described that the "pricks" are cattle prods essentially. It was a sharp object at their heels that would force the oxen to move their feet forward. If the oxen kicked back it caused more pain and problems.
Well, we know that we don't persecute the Church (I am assuming my normal audience here). So what are the pricks that we are kicking against? The continued desire to go with our plan instead of the Lord's plan? To think that our ways are His ways? What are they in your life? Maybe you think you are pursuing the best path, and it may be a good path, just not the one the Lord has laid out. The best way for me to trust in the Lord is to look back and see that when I have trusted him, he has not led me astray. When I have trusted myself, it's been more painful. To sum it up: He's never messed up.
So we aren't kicking against the pricks by moving to China, but am I kicking while I'm here? Maybe I said I'd go but now all I want to do is hole up in the apartment and watch American TV and pretend I'm not here. On the days I've done that I feel like I've wasted time and it makes me tired and grumpy.
I'm doing better. I am learning Chinese. I am also working on some family history research using the internet. I am playing the piano some. I am also working on a cross-stitch for when I am watching movies for TV during the day and with Daniel. I'm trying to make my time here pleasant. So I am hoping to feel that little prick that says "go this way and you'll make progress."
Which direction leads to progress for you?
Just some thoughts. What are yours?
We know that the Lord has a plan for us and that he is in control. We are commanded to "trust in the Lord ...and lean not unto our own understanding." (Pro. 3:5)
How do we know the difference between our own understanding and the Lord's? Are those thoughts that we have from our own desires or are they placed in our minds as guidance from the Lord?
When we made the difficult decision to come to China we were pretty much trusting that that was 100% from the Lord. These kinds of things don't develop over the course of 2 weeks for no reason. Thus, we decided to come. The circumstances couldn't have been better. We don't have children. We put the dogs with my sister-in-law, we rented the house, packed up our goods, and boarded a plane. (It was actually MUCH more complicated than that. I just realized we don't have pictures of the whole process. Oh well.)
Knowing that we were supposed to come is one thing. Knowing what we are supposed to learn and gain from this experience is another.
I was recently talking to my grandmother (well, both actually, since I talk to both of them fairly regularly) and I have a cousin who is struggling with what to do with the course of their life. (I actually have many cousins, some struggling more than others in this way.) (Dear cousins - if you think it's you - it's probably not.)
It made me sad to hear that this cousin still seems to be fighting things. The scripture that came to mind was Acts 9:5 "And he said, Who are thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks."
I had a very good seminary teacher, well, many of them, and one of them described that the "pricks" are cattle prods essentially. It was a sharp object at their heels that would force the oxen to move their feet forward. If the oxen kicked back it caused more pain and problems.
Well, we know that we don't persecute the Church (I am assuming my normal audience here). So what are the pricks that we are kicking against? The continued desire to go with our plan instead of the Lord's plan? To think that our ways are His ways? What are they in your life? Maybe you think you are pursuing the best path, and it may be a good path, just not the one the Lord has laid out. The best way for me to trust in the Lord is to look back and see that when I have trusted him, he has not led me astray. When I have trusted myself, it's been more painful. To sum it up: He's never messed up.
So we aren't kicking against the pricks by moving to China, but am I kicking while I'm here? Maybe I said I'd go but now all I want to do is hole up in the apartment and watch American TV and pretend I'm not here. On the days I've done that I feel like I've wasted time and it makes me tired and grumpy.
I'm doing better. I am learning Chinese. I am also working on some family history research using the internet. I am playing the piano some. I am also working on a cross-stitch for when I am watching movies for TV during the day and with Daniel. I'm trying to make my time here pleasant. So I am hoping to feel that little prick that says "go this way and you'll make progress."
Which direction leads to progress for you?
Just some thoughts. What are yours?
4.24.2011
Our Easter Sunday
We spent our Easter Sunday rather quietly. We went to Church at the Brittons and then stayed for lunch. It was nice to be with other members of the church on Easter. Brother Britton taught the Gospel Doctrine lesson - over the phone. I was asked to participate by sharing a time in which I lived a gospel principle and had my testimony strengthened.
I shared when I paid a large amount of tithing at a time when I was trying to save money for trip to Italy with my mother and in order to go I had to pay for it myself. I was working my tail off at various jobs and I sold my family so many Ligori's frozen pizza's they almost got to the point they wanted to pay me not to sell them. Later that same Sunday night someone from the ward called me and offerede m a job for the Christmas season. It was enough to help me finish paying for this trip. To a 15 year old it was an amazing testimony builder. It was odd talking into a phone from which I could not hear anything and I had no confirmation that people were hearing what I was saying.
We got some Easter Lilies and we are now watching a cute movie and blogging about life here in Xiamen.
I am very grateful for the life Heavenly Father has given me. Among my trials have been many tender mercies. I know the Lord is watching over our experience in China helping us in little ways every day.
I am grateful this Easter Sunday to have a Savior and to have a personal knowledge of my Savior. I am also grateful that we can meet as Saints in China and the technology that allows us to "congregate."
I shared when I paid a large amount of tithing at a time when I was trying to save money for trip to Italy with my mother and in order to go I had to pay for it myself. I was working my tail off at various jobs and I sold my family so many Ligori's frozen pizza's they almost got to the point they wanted to pay me not to sell them. Later that same Sunday night someone from the ward called me and offerede m a job for the Christmas season. It was enough to help me finish paying for this trip. To a 15 year old it was an amazing testimony builder. It was odd talking into a phone from which I could not hear anything and I had no confirmation that people were hearing what I was saying.
I am very grateful for the life Heavenly Father has given me. Among my trials have been many tender mercies. I know the Lord is watching over our experience in China helping us in little ways every day.
I am grateful this Easter Sunday to have a Savior and to have a personal knowledge of my Savior. I am also grateful that we can meet as Saints in China and the technology that allows us to "congregate."
4.21.2011
Church in Xiamen, China
I believe most of you are familiar enough with Church as it is run in countries where there are enough members for a branch, ward, and stake. And also where the Church is allowed to hold meetings. Let me tell you about being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in China where we have special permission from the government to meet, but nothing further.
Here are some of the rules by which we can meet. There are only a total of 11 members in our area who are foreign nationals allowed to congregate. There are other members in China, but they are Chinese Nationals and we are not allowed to have anything to do with them. Not even e-mails or lunch. Nothing that can be construed as meeting. It breaks my heart. Technically people are not allowed to meet for religious reasons. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has special permission from the Chinese government for foreign nationals to meet. In each area where there are members in China there are two types of meeting arrangements.
The first is that there is a branch. Where there are enough members there is a branch president and they congregate in larger facilities. I'm not sure where they meet. The other is the group meeting that is tied together by a "virtual branch" based out of Beijing. This is how we meet. We get together with the other two families in our area. We have a designated group leader and we meet at their house. Then we call in by phone or by skype. This past week it was phone because the internet was having issues. When we are connected we can here the prelude music and what is going on with the larger group. This last week they were meeting from Dalian, as that was where the Branch President was conducting interviews for the youth for youth conference. This year Youth Conference is in Hong Kong. Jealous much?
So we call in and sing along with the opening hymn and hear the opening prayer. Then we have our only announcement, the same one we have every week. Please follow the rules by which we are allowed to meet. We have a very good relationship and positive status with the Chinese government. We are not allowed to actively or passively proselyte. If we are asked about why we do/don't do things that are religious in nature all we can say is that we do it for religious reasons and then state that we are trying to live by the laws that govern their country and we have been asked to not talk about it with the Chinese people. We can talk to them outside of mainland China and we can talk to other foreign nationals.
Then we have the sacrament hymn. Then they mute the main meeting for 7-8 minutes to allow each group to have the sacrament. Here they also address the women who are calling in who don't have priesthood authority with them. They are to use that time to ponder the sacrament and their covenants. When this was said it hit me hard and I was immediately very grateful for having a worthy priesthood holder in my life.
After the sacrament we have a regular sacrament meeting. This last week it was a family in Dalian. The mom, dad and the 14 year old son spoke and they gave some very good talks. Sacrament meeting was about 10 minutes short of what we have at home and for that last 10 minutes we do roll call. There are between 35-40 groups that call in each week. Our branch has a little over 200 members in it.
When roll call is over we have a five minute break and then we have a second meeting. One week it's Gospel Doctrine, the other week it's Priesthood/Relief Society. Sister Britton and I went in the other room and had Relief Society/Visiting Teaching. They are a few weeks behind where my ward was at home. After the second block we are done. That's it. 2 hours, comfy couches and an experience I never thought I'd have.
One thing that we talked about is how as members of the gospel we have an added advantage to being foreign nationals. We have the constant companion of the Holy Ghost to reaffirm what we are doing. We have that two way personal connection with our Heavenly Father to lead us, guide us and reconfirm to us that we are doing the right thing. To strengthen us when we waiver. Because I am still in the honeymoon phase I haven't had those hard days of wanting to cry and questioning what in the world we are doing over here. It will come and when it does we will be able to pray for comfort and guidance and feel peace. Only the kind of peace that comes from the comforter.
I am so grateful to be a member of God's church on the earth today. I know we are part of his great plan. Something greater than I ever imagined. God is in control and he has something amazing in mind. We just need to trust him and follow his plan for us.
Be grateful for your freedoms. Freedom of speech doesn't just mean freedom to say what you want, but also to have access to things that other people say. You cannot believe the things that are blocked over here. Wow. As I think of them I will let you know other freedoms that the people of China don't have.
Here are some of the rules by which we can meet. There are only a total of 11 members in our area who are foreign nationals allowed to congregate. There are other members in China, but they are Chinese Nationals and we are not allowed to have anything to do with them. Not even e-mails or lunch. Nothing that can be construed as meeting. It breaks my heart. Technically people are not allowed to meet for religious reasons. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has special permission from the Chinese government for foreign nationals to meet. In each area where there are members in China there are two types of meeting arrangements.
The first is that there is a branch. Where there are enough members there is a branch president and they congregate in larger facilities. I'm not sure where they meet. The other is the group meeting that is tied together by a "virtual branch" based out of Beijing. This is how we meet. We get together with the other two families in our area. We have a designated group leader and we meet at their house. Then we call in by phone or by skype. This past week it was phone because the internet was having issues. When we are connected we can here the prelude music and what is going on with the larger group. This last week they were meeting from Dalian, as that was where the Branch President was conducting interviews for the youth for youth conference. This year Youth Conference is in Hong Kong. Jealous much?
So we call in and sing along with the opening hymn and hear the opening prayer. Then we have our only announcement, the same one we have every week. Please follow the rules by which we are allowed to meet. We have a very good relationship and positive status with the Chinese government. We are not allowed to actively or passively proselyte. If we are asked about why we do/don't do things that are religious in nature all we can say is that we do it for religious reasons and then state that we are trying to live by the laws that govern their country and we have been asked to not talk about it with the Chinese people. We can talk to them outside of mainland China and we can talk to other foreign nationals.
Then we have the sacrament hymn. Then they mute the main meeting for 7-8 minutes to allow each group to have the sacrament. Here they also address the women who are calling in who don't have priesthood authority with them. They are to use that time to ponder the sacrament and their covenants. When this was said it hit me hard and I was immediately very grateful for having a worthy priesthood holder in my life.
After the sacrament we have a regular sacrament meeting. This last week it was a family in Dalian. The mom, dad and the 14 year old son spoke and they gave some very good talks. Sacrament meeting was about 10 minutes short of what we have at home and for that last 10 minutes we do roll call. There are between 35-40 groups that call in each week. Our branch has a little over 200 members in it.
When roll call is over we have a five minute break and then we have a second meeting. One week it's Gospel Doctrine, the other week it's Priesthood/Relief Society. Sister Britton and I went in the other room and had Relief Society/Visiting Teaching. They are a few weeks behind where my ward was at home. After the second block we are done. That's it. 2 hours, comfy couches and an experience I never thought I'd have.
One thing that we talked about is how as members of the gospel we have an added advantage to being foreign nationals. We have the constant companion of the Holy Ghost to reaffirm what we are doing. We have that two way personal connection with our Heavenly Father to lead us, guide us and reconfirm to us that we are doing the right thing. To strengthen us when we waiver. Because I am still in the honeymoon phase I haven't had those hard days of wanting to cry and questioning what in the world we are doing over here. It will come and when it does we will be able to pray for comfort and guidance and feel peace. Only the kind of peace that comes from the comforter.
I am so grateful to be a member of God's church on the earth today. I know we are part of his great plan. Something greater than I ever imagined. God is in control and he has something amazing in mind. We just need to trust him and follow his plan for us.
Be grateful for your freedoms. Freedom of speech doesn't just mean freedom to say what you want, but also to have access to things that other people say. You cannot believe the things that are blocked over here. Wow. As I think of them I will let you know other freedoms that the people of China don't have.
10.26.2009
Jesus Christ
If you have 15 minutes watch this video. BYU scholars have put together this seven part series on Christ, from Pre-mortality to the Judgement. It premieres Dec. 6 on BYU TV. I am going to watch them all. You get can feel the testimony of the scholars as you watch the preview. It's going to be neat.
The website is http://www.byub.org/messiah/
The website is http://www.byub.org/messiah/
10.21.2009
Coolest Camera Ever
Check this out. I had the opportunity to work with Weldon a time or two when I was doing my Church internships. The second time I went with another registrar to deliver something to be photographed for the Ensign. When he was finished with our project, he showed us a picture of the manuscript he had taken with a 32 (I think) megapixel camera. It was amazing. You could see the fibers, you could tell where things had faded, been written over, and how the fibers overlapped. It was amazing. Don't get your hopes up about this camera. It's like 50,000 dollars. But take a look with what he's doing with it to preserve history!
10.16.2009
Beautiful Photo
I love photographs. Especially old photographs. There is something beautiful about what we don't see. The colors, the life behind the person. I saw this amazing image years ago while working at the U.
Isn't it wonderful? Can you see how much love there is between them? Do any of you know who they are? They are prominent people in LDS History. Someone e-mailed a link to a blog essay about this photograph. It's kind of a long essay but it gives a lot of information and will open your eyes to the story behind the photo. This is the most non-traditional photo I have ever seen from pre-1900. I just love it. I should get a nice copy and frame it for my house.
Isn't it wonderful? Can you see how much love there is between them? Do any of you know who they are? They are prominent people in LDS History. Someone e-mailed a link to a blog essay about this photograph. It's kind of a long essay but it gives a lot of information and will open your eyes to the story behind the photo. This is the most non-traditional photo I have ever seen from pre-1900. I just love it. I should get a nice copy and frame it for my house.
Quote
On Tuesday the new President of LDS Business College had his inauguration. I happen to know the new President. He is the father of a very good friend of mine. Anywho - In the newspaper clipping about it there was a quote from President Henry B. Eyring. Good quote. Even though it was directed towards President Richards I feel it has application for all of us.
"Don't be discouraged when things look bleak nor too proud when things go well, because powers greater than yours are shaping events. The Lord really does reign. Our primary contribution is to help when we can and be wise enough not to get in his way. He makes the history while we write our supporting parts in it."
What an appropriate quote for life in general. I love it. The Lord really does reign.
"Don't be discouraged when things look bleak nor too proud when things go well, because powers greater than yours are shaping events. The Lord really does reign. Our primary contribution is to help when we can and be wise enough not to get in his way. He makes the history while we write our supporting parts in it."
What an appropriate quote for life in general. I love it. The Lord really does reign.
5.13.2009
He's Home!
My little brother is home from Korea. He's just the same. It's great to see him again. I'm excited to get to know my post-mission brother better over the next few months.
We put up the sign.
And welcomed him home. He's pretty much the same, just two years older with more wisdom and a knowledge of the Korean language. Welcome home little bro.
We put up the sign.
And welcomed him home. He's pretty much the same, just two years older with more wisdom and a knowledge of the Korean language. Welcome home little bro.
2.24.2009
Tuesday's Tidbit!
On time.
Expanding your knowledge.
Push your Brain further than you did yesterday. Buy a dictionary.
Last night Daniel was reading from the works of John Taylor. Our
first Christmas married my grandparents gave us a set of the Teachings of the Prophets. It has
a volume for every prophet through President Hinckley and an index an inch wide to all of
them. Daniel has been reading random sections here and there to learn more of what the
Prophets say. He read me a sentence that had there three words in succession: multitudinous
latitudinarian
principles. Can you pronounce them? I have a hard time, as does Daniel.
They make sense to me because I just look at the original words, multitude=lots,
latitude=line, principles. Lots of straight lined principles. But that takes translation. In
order to minimize translation, we need to expand vocabulary.
My little sister (17) is a pruduct of this. She is the youngest in a family that
likes to learn. We all have a decent vocabulary. My dad teaches at the U, my mom reads
prolifically, as well as having to keep up on her job knowledge for certification, I lived at
home all five years of college, Taylor's hobbies include looking things up for fun. I mean
really. She says she uses words that many of her friends don't understand and then they ask
her to use smaller words. At girls camp one year she was given the title "Grammar Queen." I
have a grandmother who taught English before having a family.
I remember when some of Taylor's friends were over and we said something that they
did not know the definition of. So we pulled out our well used dictionary and looked it up. He
thought we were crazy for doing that. My grandparents also have their dictionary easily
accessible. It's great.
Now I'm just rambling. Buy a dictionary that you
can have on hand. Actually look things up when you don't know exactly what they mean. Make the
next book you read just a bit more difficult, deep, or extensive than the last one you
read.
I told Daniel that a friend of ours was going to
incorporate the study of physiognomy in Victorian England in her senior paper this year. He
didn't think it was a word. We pulled out our dictionary and I proved to him it was and then
read him the definition. I love learning. I challenge you all to do the same.
p.s. Can I confess that I really want a hard copy
of the complete Oxford English Dictionary? It's on Amazon.
It's 20 volumes and includes the etymology of
each word.
Expanding your knowledge.
Push your Brain further than you did yesterday. Buy a dictionary.
Last night Daniel was reading from the works of John Taylor. Our
first Christmas married my grandparents gave us a set of the Teachings of the Prophets. It has
a volume for every prophet through President Hinckley and an index an inch wide to all of
them. Daniel has been reading random sections here and there to learn more of what the
Prophets say. He read me a sentence that had there three words in succession: multitudinous
latitudinarian
principles. Can you pronounce them? I have a hard time, as does Daniel.
They make sense to me because I just look at the original words, multitude=lots,
latitude=line, principles. Lots of straight lined principles. But that takes translation. In
order to minimize translation, we need to expand vocabulary.
My little sister (17) is a pruduct of this. She is the youngest in a family that
likes to learn. We all have a decent vocabulary. My dad teaches at the U, my mom reads
prolifically, as well as having to keep up on her job knowledge for certification, I lived at
home all five years of college, Taylor's hobbies include looking things up for fun. I mean
really. She says she uses words that many of her friends don't understand and then they ask
her to use smaller words. At girls camp one year she was given the title "Grammar Queen." I
have a grandmother who taught English before having a family.
I remember when some of Taylor's friends were over and we said something that they
did not know the definition of. So we pulled out our well used dictionary and looked it up. He
thought we were crazy for doing that. My grandparents also have their dictionary easily
accessible. It's great.
Now I'm just rambling. Buy a dictionary that youcan have on hand. Actually look things up when you don't know exactly what they mean. Make the
next book you read just a bit more difficult, deep, or extensive than the last one you
read.
I told Daniel that a friend of ours was going to
incorporate the study of physiognomy in Victorian England in her senior paper this year. He
didn't think it was a word. We pulled out our dictionary and I proved to him it was and then
read him the definition. I love learning. I challenge you all to do the same.
p.s. Can I confess that I really want a hard copyof the complete Oxford English Dictionary? It's on Amazon.
It's 20 volumes and includes the etymology of
each word.
2.10.2009
Sort of a Tuesday Tidbit
This week I have nothing as
fun as macaroni and cheese. It's about sacrifice. How much are we willing to sacrifice? How much
have we sacrificed? How much has it hurt us to sacrifice? Were they heartfelt
sacrifices?
Have we willingly given up something dear to us?
fun as macaroni and cheese. It's about sacrifice. How much are we willing to sacrifice? How much
have we sacrificed? How much has it hurt us to sacrifice? Were they heartfelt
sacrifices?
Have we willingly given up something dear to us?
As far as my personal experience goes,
I am pathetic. As you all know we are in the adoption process. Tonight we had a panel of birth
mothers come and talk to us about their side of the story. On the way home I realized how
selfishly I have been
viewing this whole situation. There are some things I need to think about for myself. But this
process has two sides, ours the smaller half.
The birth mothers tonight touched my heart
in ways that only those who have truly sacrificed could. These women are amazing.
We have the child for eternity. The child
becomes ours when sealed to us. But what is that compared to getting the child here, a part of
us, and then placing that child into the arms of another who will then have your baby for
eternity? Sacrifice.
These women find out they are pregnant in
situations they don't want to be pregnant in. There were four. One was in a bad marriage. One
had been in a short, unhealthy relationship. One had been dating the guy for 2 years. One was
engaged. They ranged in age from 18 to 31. Each had a very different experience. Chose their
adoptive couples for different reasons. Had different placement stories. Each had different
needs to heal. They placed 6 years ago, 2 years ago, 6 months ago, 4 months ago. They were
each in a different place in their healing process.
They all said it was the hardest thing
they have ever done.
They all cried at the pain and
smiled at the peace. They sacrificed something I will never understand.
They were all at peace knowing what they did was the right thing. They all knew the Lord and
our Heavenly Father love them and supported them through the whole thing, as they do still.
One woman specifically said she has no idea how Heavenly Father gave his only begotten son to
this world to save us because placing her baby in the arms of another just about killed her.
She has my respect. They all have my respect. They have helped me in ways I didn't know I
needed help. Their whole experience was shared with love. Remembered with pain and peace
co-mingled.
I wish I could convey to you the spirit I
felt tonight.
For the first time I realized what some yet unknown woman
will be giving me when she places her baby in our home. I will probably cry about it
regularly. These women have earned a place in our Heavenly Father's kingdom. I only hope I can
to the same and show my love for the Savior in some special way.
May our Heavenly Father continue to bless birth mothers who make the hardest choice
of their life.
To give life.
1.30.2009
Gratitude
This is just a quick note of gratitude for everything that I have. I have
seen so many people effected by the difficult economic times. I am grateful that my husband
and I both still have jobs. I am grateful all my needs are being met. I am grateful for the
luxuries in my life that so many others will never experience. I am grateful that I have a
wonderful husband who loves me, despite my faults. My life is good. Sometimes it's hard to
remember how good life is when some things aren't going just how you want them. But man, my
life is good and I am very grateful for it.
seen so many people effected by the difficult economic times. I am grateful that my husband
and I both still have jobs. I am grateful all my needs are being met. I am grateful for the
luxuries in my life that so many others will never experience. I am grateful that I have a
wonderful husband who loves me, despite my faults. My life is good. Sometimes it's hard to
remember how good life is when some things aren't going just how you want them. But man, my
life is good and I am very grateful for it.
1.06.2009
Resolutions and Tuesday Tidbits
Resolutions:
I have read so many peoples resolutions I
thought maybe I'd post about mine. I try to keep mine set with my feet on the ground and to
take into account a balance of how much I am willing to change at any given point. Change and
growth are good, but small steps make it much easier for me.
Last year I said to myself when Daniel said our evening prayers that I didn't want to
miss one single night. We only missed one night, with the exception of the nights he was out
of town. That makes me feel good. So now, we will add things a bit at a time and keep things
realistic and yet progressing all the same.
I am going
to strive to eat a healthier diet. My dietary habits have been appalling this last year.
Mostly I need to eat less. We also need to be more active. I brought my aerobic steps back
from the storage unit and I will be working up to daily exercise. Let's start with twice a
week at first. By May I should be up to 5 days a week. I also need better sleep habits. That
will take will power. I'm getting there on that one.
I
am going to try to set up daily habits that will help me keep my house clean. A schedule of
sorts. I do best when I have a schedule.
We are going
to prepare our house to welcome a baby. Once we are approved for adoption we need to be ready
to be chosen. Some things will come later, like furniture and actual supplies. But we need to
have a lifestyle that is welcoming to a new member of the family.
Among my resolutions is the desire to learn something
continually. I am going to call this Tuesday Tidbits and hopefully my stating that I will
publish these tidbits online will help me actually do it.
Tidbit #1:
The pursuit of Knowledge is one of the best things we
can do for ourselves. We take only our knowledge with us. So lets make the most of it. For
Christmas in 2007 my grandparents gave us the Teachings of the Prophets books. There are 15
books, one for each Prophet through President Hinckley, and an Index. I'm going to try to get
most of my tidbits from this set of books. I figured the best thing to learn today is the of
the importance of knowledge. I pulled out the index and have chosen a quote from President
Hinckley.
"None of us... knows enough. The learning process is an
endless process. We must read, we must observe, we must assimilate, and we must ponder that to
which we expose our minds. I believe in evolution, not organic evolution, as it is called, but
in the evolution of the mind, the heart, and the soul of man. I believe in improvement. I
believe in growth...
...You cannot afford to stop. You must not rest in
your development....There is so much to learn and so little time in which to learn
it."
I heard shortly before President Hinckley died,
that he was reading David McCullough's book "John Adams." This is wonderful to me. To know
that the prophet was learning from more than just the scriptures. Scriptures and our knowledge
of God are the most important, but think how much our appreciation of God can be enriched by
learning of his hand through the history of the world! I have recently learned more about John
Adams and our Founding Fathers. They were men of God. Anyone who doubts does not understand
our Heavenly Father or those men.
This year I refuse to
let my mind stagnate. I miss college and the continual push of deadlines to learn and learn
well. Maybe I will read biographies with my novels. Learn of the people who have gone before
and the influence the had. Of the people who are here and what influences they are currently
having. The world is ours to learn from. Take advantage of that knowledge and grow!
Off my soap box. I hope this year brings much good to all of you.
I have read so many peoples resolutions I
thought maybe I'd post about mine. I try to keep mine set with my feet on the ground and to
take into account a balance of how much I am willing to change at any given point. Change and
growth are good, but small steps make it much easier for me.
Last year I said to myself when Daniel said our evening prayers that I didn't want to
miss one single night. We only missed one night, with the exception of the nights he was out
of town. That makes me feel good. So now, we will add things a bit at a time and keep things
realistic and yet progressing all the same.
I am going
to strive to eat a healthier diet. My dietary habits have been appalling this last year.
Mostly I need to eat less. We also need to be more active. I brought my aerobic steps back
from the storage unit and I will be working up to daily exercise. Let's start with twice a
week at first. By May I should be up to 5 days a week. I also need better sleep habits. That
will take will power. I'm getting there on that one.
I
am going to try to set up daily habits that will help me keep my house clean. A schedule of
sorts. I do best when I have a schedule.
We are going
to prepare our house to welcome a baby. Once we are approved for adoption we need to be ready
to be chosen. Some things will come later, like furniture and actual supplies. But we need to
have a lifestyle that is welcoming to a new member of the family.
Among my resolutions is the desire to learn something
continually. I am going to call this Tuesday Tidbits and hopefully my stating that I will
publish these tidbits online will help me actually do it.
Tidbit #1:
The pursuit of Knowledge is one of the best things we
can do for ourselves. We take only our knowledge with us. So lets make the most of it. For
Christmas in 2007 my grandparents gave us the Teachings of the Prophets books. There are 15
books, one for each Prophet through President Hinckley, and an Index. I'm going to try to get
most of my tidbits from this set of books. I figured the best thing to learn today is the of
the importance of knowledge. I pulled out the index and have chosen a quote from President
Hinckley.
"None of us... knows enough. The learning process is anendless process. We must read, we must observe, we must assimilate, and we must ponder that to
which we expose our minds. I believe in evolution, not organic evolution, as it is called, but
in the evolution of the mind, the heart, and the soul of man. I believe in improvement. I
believe in growth...
...You cannot afford to stop. You must not rest in
your development....There is so much to learn and so little time in which to learn
it."
I heard shortly before President Hinckley died,
that he was reading David McCullough's book "John Adams." This is wonderful to me. To know
that the prophet was learning from more than just the scriptures. Scriptures and our knowledge
of God are the most important, but think how much our appreciation of God can be enriched by
learning of his hand through the history of the world! I have recently learned more about John
Adams and our Founding Fathers. They were men of God. Anyone who doubts does not understand
our Heavenly Father or those men.
This year I refuse to
let my mind stagnate. I miss college and the continual push of deadlines to learn and learn
well. Maybe I will read biographies with my novels. Learn of the people who have gone before
and the influence the had. Of the people who are here and what influences they are currently
having. The world is ours to learn from. Take advantage of that knowledge and grow!
Off my soap box. I hope this year brings much good to all of you.
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