Umm...consistency is really not my thing. Not yet!! I can be a really good cook and my baking is something divine...but not so today.
I have learned a few lessons:
A-I need to find a new allergy medicine because what I have been taking recently is making me really spacy. I am easily distracted enough without the extra help! :P
B-Sometimes I am not the multi-tasker that I think I am. ie--talking on the phone to my sisters while making banana muffins means I will omit certain ingredients while inventively adding others.
C-I should NOT try to make two different banana muffin recipes at the exact same time. Having everything side by side caused me to make two different and WRONG recipes. :/
D-1/4 cup does not equal 1/3 cup!!!
E-Bread flour is NOT the same as all-purpose flour!!
F-Make sure you are reading the right recipe before you add the ingredients.
G-Make sure you are reading the right recipe before you put the muffins in the oven of the wrong preheated temperature.
H-Make sure you do not use your computer for the recipes...you WILL get gunk all over it.
I-All ingredients are not created equal. Do NOT try to substitute ingredients without knowing more about them.
J-Make sure you set timers.
K-...the rest of my lessons are too embarrasing to admit to any more.
I think it will suffice to say that I have been having kitchen disasters today!! I shouldn't have watched "Into the Woods" with Rachel last night...as now I have been having "baking accidents" of my own! But all's well that ends well!! I have hope that I was able to fix them...I am holding out for "yum" rather than "umm..." but we will see.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Word.
A Word Once Said Is Dead, Some Say
But I Believe It Just Begins To Live That Day
emily dickinson
But I Believe It Just Begins To Live That Day
emily dickinson
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Half-Finished Thoughts
I need to get out of catch-up mode. Sometimes a half-finished thought is just a half-finished thought. A half-finished song is a half-finished song. A half-finished poem will remain as such. A barely begun journal entry is just that. Perhaps the time will come when it is time to finish them...perhaps not.
Yes...it is good to get ourselves to finish things, but not forcibly so. If it doesn't come, so be it. So many of these blog entries I have written late at night when my mind was so full of ideas and I had no clear direction with any of them...so I tried to follow them all. That is part of my problem in life: too many ideas!!
Life by its nature is temporal, time bound. Like it or not, we are bound to the clock. We must learn to live within its limits. It will probably take me my entire life to learn to live within the limitations presented by mortality, but I am bound and determined to master this life!
We cannot do every wonderful thing our heart desires, we just can't!! I might have to learn this lesson several more times...but each time I think I learn it just a little bit better! :)
Yes...it is good to get ourselves to finish things, but not forcibly so. If it doesn't come, so be it. So many of these blog entries I have written late at night when my mind was so full of ideas and I had no clear direction with any of them...so I tried to follow them all. That is part of my problem in life: too many ideas!!
Life by its nature is temporal, time bound. Like it or not, we are bound to the clock. We must learn to live within its limits. It will probably take me my entire life to learn to live within the limitations presented by mortality, but I am bound and determined to master this life!
We cannot do every wonderful thing our heart desires, we just can't!! I might have to learn this lesson several more times...but each time I think I learn it just a little bit better! :)
Saturday, July 17, 2010
“The Great and Wonderful Love”
I came across this article and thought it wonderful! :)
I know I needed to hear it so I thought I would share:
Anthony D. Perkins, “‘The Great and Wonderful Love’,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 76–78
Childlike faith in the perfect love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will “divide asunder” Satan’s snares of inadequacy, imperfection, and guilt.
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Children in pure faith proclaim, “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.”1 But sometimes youth and adults do not feel the power of this simple declaration.
Satan is the “enemy to all righteousness”;2 thus he plants doubts about the nature of the Godhead and our relationship with Them. Jesus Christ prophesied that in the last days even the very elect would be deceived.3 Consider three examples of how Lucifer is “laying traps and snares to catch the holy ones of God.”4
The snare of false inadequacy. A faithful young person feels unable to meet the expectations of others. At home and school, she is rarely praised and often criticized. The popular media tells her she is not beautiful enough or smart enough. Every day this righteous sister questions whether she is an individual worthy of Heavenly Father’s love, the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, or the Spirit’s constant guidance.
The snare of exaggerated imperfection. An outstanding missionary feels incapable of meeting the expectations of God. In his mind, this worthy elder imagines a stern Heavenly Father bound to irrevocable justice, a Savior capable of cleansing others’ transgressions but not this elder’s own, and a Holy Ghost unwilling to accompany an imperfect person.
The snare of needless guilt. A middle-aged woman is a devoted mother, a loving friend, a faithful Church servant, and a frequent temple patron. But in her heart, this sister cannot forgive herself of sins committed years ago that she has repented of and fully resolved with priesthood leaders. She doubts that her life will ever be acceptable to the Lord and has lost hope of eternal life in Heavenly Father’s presence.
If you have any thoughts and feelings similar to these good Saints, I invite you to become as a little child and feel again “the great and wonderful love made manifest by the Father and the Son in the coming of the Redeemer into the world.”5 Childlike faith in the perfect love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will “divide asunder”6 Satan’s snares of inadequacy, imperfection, and guilt.
Proverbs teaches, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”7 May I suggest—in addition to consistent prayers, scripture study, and Church and temple attendance—five changes to your thoughts and heart to more fully feel the tender love of God.
First, see yourself as a precious child of a loving Father in Heaven. Our children with confidence sing, “I am a child of God, and he has sent me here.”8 Little children feel and know what perhaps you have forgotten. You are the beloved son or daughter of Heavenly Father, created “in his own image,”9 and of immense value—so much so that Jesus Christ gave His life for you.
God the Father is merciful and has infinite love for you despite your faults. Only the voice of Satan will cause you to feel of no value. In contrast, the Holy Ghost will cause you to feel “godly sorrow”10 unto repentance in a manner that fills you with hope of positive change.
When you feel worthless, “remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.”11 Refrain from repeatedly thinking or saying negative words about yourself—there is a clear difference between humility and humiliation. Identify and use your unique talents rather than dwelling on your weaknesses.
Second, place your burdens on Jesus Christ. When you feel overwhelmed by expectations and challenges, do not fight the battle alone. Follow the example of small children, and drop to your knees in prayer.
Jesus Christ has commanded us, “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.”12 Doubt, fear, and worry indicate we have taken all of life’s burdens and anxieties on ourselves. When plagued by thoughts that you are inadequate, confidently say, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”13 Then as you “cheerfully do all things that lie in [your] power,”14 you can rest assured that the Lord will do the remainder and things will work out all right.
The Savior promised, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”15 As you “cast [your] burden upon the Lord,”16 you will feel the peace of the Spirit.17
Third, forgive yourself of sins and imperfections. Heavenly Father is not expecting you to become completely perfect in this life. He knew His children would make mistakes as they learned from experience in mortality. But “God so loved the world”18 that His plan of happiness provided a merciful Savior.
Jesus said, “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.”19 Start with yourself, and forgive others as well. If God will not remember our repented-of sins,20 then why should we? Avoid wasting time and energy reliving the past.
To forgive yourself and others, you must trust the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The prophet Zenock prayed, “Thou art angry, O Lord, with this people, because they will not understand thy mercies which thou hast bestowed upon them because of thy Son.”21 Our Father in Heaven is saddened when we limit the power of His Son’s atoning sacrifice. As you exercise faith in Jesus Christ, you can have your guilt “swept away.”22 If guilt remains after sincere repentance, believe your priesthood leaders when they declare you to be worthy.23
Fourth, sustain hope of eternal life. If you imagine that your prior sins, character flaws, and poor decisions prevent you from receiving all of God’s blessings, consider the experience of Alma the Elder. Referring to his younger years as an immoral priest for the wicked King Noah, Alma admitted, “I myself was caught in a snare, and did many things which were abominable in the sight of the Lord, which caused me sore repentance.”24 Yet Alma’s repentance was so complete and Christ’s Atonement so infinite that Alma became a prophet and was promised eternal life.25 As you do your best to be obedient and repentant, you too can receive a place in the celestial kingdom through the Atonement and grace of Jesus Christ.26
Fifth, find joy each day. One source of joy is service, for when you are busy helping others, you will have less capacity to agonize over your own shortcomings. The Savior wisely taught, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.”27
You will experience greater joy in life as you eradicate adult-onset pessimism and substitute childlike optimism. Optimism is a virtue that allows us to see God’s loving hand in the details of our life. A favorite hymn counsels, “Count your many blessings; see what God hath done.”28
I testify of Heavenly Father, who in great and wonderful love reaches out to each of His children. I bear witness of Jesus Christ, who is “mighty to save”29 us from our inadequacies, imperfections, and sins. I bear testimony of the Holy Ghost, who will accompany the imperfect yet penitent soul. To you faithful and worthy Saints who struggle with latter-day snares of the devil,30 “may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son.”31 In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
2. Alma 34:23; see also Acts 13:10; Mosiah 4:14; Moroni 9:6.
3. See Matthew 24:24; see also Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:22, 37.
4. Alma 10:17.
5. D&C 138:3.
6. Helaman 3:29.
7. Proverbs 23:7.
9. Genesis 1:27; see also Alma 22:12; Ether 3:15–16; D&C 20:17–18; Moses 6:8–10; Abraham 4:26–27.
10. 2 Corinthians 7:10.
11. D&C 18:10.
12. D&C 6:36; see also Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 10:31; Luke 8:50; D&C 50:41; 122:9.
13. Philippians 4:13; see also 2 Corinthians 12:7–10; Hebrews 11:33–34; 1 Nephi 7:12; 17:3; Jacob 4:7; Alma 26:12; Ether 12:27.
14. D&C 123:17.
15. Matthew 11:28.
16. Psalm 55:22.
17. See Galatians 5:22; see also D&C 19:23.
18. John 3:16.
19. D&C 64:10.
20. See D&C 58:42; see also Psalm 25:7; Isaiah 43:25; Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 8:12; 10:17; Alma 36:19.
21. Alma 33:16.
22. See Enos 1:3–8; see also Alma 24:10; 36:16–19.
24. Mosiah 23:9.
25. See Mosiah 26:20.
26. See Titus 3:7; 1 Peter 5:10; 2 Nephi 2:6–8; 10:24–25; 25:23; Enos 1:27; Moroni 7:41; D&C 138:14.
27. Mark 8:35; see also Alma 36:24–25.
29. 2 Nephi 31:19; see also Isaiah 63:1; Alma 7:14; 34:18; D&C 133:47.
30. See 2 Timothy 2:26.
31. Alma 33:23.
Friday, July 9, 2010
A Word About MFF
MFF. Mandatory Family Fun.
A phrase invented by my dear Uncle Joe to describe those situations when coercion of certain family members was absolutely necessary so that particular activities might be called "family activities." He intended that when his girls looked back, there would be quality time hidden in between the slanted bars of the prison: Mandatory//Family//Fun. For arguments sake, this prison can only hold two girls...so one has to be a willing victim. Or even, dare I say it, an INSTIGATOR!! :O
Let us take for example a trip to the zoo. Lauren, as we know, loves the zoo. She will be our willing victim/instigator (very appropriate for someone who wants to see the alligators...so see you later!! ;P). Back to task. So willing Lauren will convince her father to initiate a little MFF so that they all can go and see the tiger in the zoo. Mandatory//-Emily-//Family//-Elizabeth-//Fun.
Thankfully, there is now a more positive connotation to MFF. It is a happy thought!! :) Lizzy and her familyisms have turned the dreaded MFF (which could mean chores!!) to mean anything from a family picnic, to a little pool time, to an unbirthday party. (EMILY!! WE MUST HAVE AN UNBIRTHDAY PARTY BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR THE 'TAH!! A CAPITOL IDEA?? ;P)
Well...now to the point of my post. I had a little MFF with my mom and lil' sis rachel. I was supposed to go to institute but my mom insisted that we have a little girls night. I was glad she did. It was perfect!! :) I will tell you that Toy Story 3 is WONDERFUL!!! <3
I am glad that Dad and Matt have been having such a wonderful time at Boys Scouts camp...but the peace and quiet has been nice. :P ...also:
Boy Scouts Camp + Spoon = I can eat ice cream right out of the carton!!! :D
...I will miss this.
Oh well...it will be worth all the noise and mess to have them home again!! :) All we need is a certain Kitty Cat and some Gotfredsons...I miss my sisters SOOO MUCH!!! :'(
Catherine, please marry an architect that can build us a big giant mansion or a wonderful little community...there must be a swimming pool!
Well...I should probably sleep before the sun comes up. Goodnight world, for the present. :)
xoBecks
A phrase invented by my dear Uncle Joe to describe those situations when coercion of certain family members was absolutely necessary so that particular activities might be called "family activities." He intended that when his girls looked back, there would be quality time hidden in between the slanted bars of the prison: Mandatory//Family//Fun. For arguments sake, this prison can only hold two girls...so one has to be a willing victim. Or even, dare I say it, an INSTIGATOR!! :O
Let us take for example a trip to the zoo. Lauren, as we know, loves the zoo. She will be our willing victim/instigator (very appropriate for someone who wants to see the alligators...so see you later!! ;P). Back to task. So willing Lauren will convince her father to initiate a little MFF so that they all can go and see the tiger in the zoo. Mandatory//-Emily-//Family//-Elizabeth-//Fun.
Thankfully, there is now a more positive connotation to MFF. It is a happy thought!! :) Lizzy and her familyisms have turned the dreaded MFF (which could mean chores!!) to mean anything from a family picnic, to a little pool time, to an unbirthday party. (EMILY!! WE MUST HAVE AN UNBIRTHDAY PARTY BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR THE 'TAH!! A CAPITOL IDEA?? ;P)
Well...now to the point of my post. I had a little MFF with my mom and lil' sis rachel. I was supposed to go to institute but my mom insisted that we have a little girls night. I was glad she did. It was perfect!! :) I will tell you that Toy Story 3 is WONDERFUL!!! <3
I am glad that Dad and Matt have been having such a wonderful time at Boys Scouts camp...but the peace and quiet has been nice. :P ...also:
Boy Scouts Camp + Spoon = I can eat ice cream right out of the carton!!! :D
...I will miss this.
Oh well...it will be worth all the noise and mess to have them home again!! :) All we need is a certain Kitty Cat and some Gotfredsons...I miss my sisters SOOO MUCH!!! :'(
Catherine, please marry an architect that can build us a big giant mansion or a wonderful little community...there must be a swimming pool!
Well...I should probably sleep before the sun comes up. Goodnight world, for the present. :)
xoBecks
Prayer
I just finished my half finished, scatter-brained thoughts on the 4th of July. But I realized that I was not done. I am trying to get better about simply posting these blogs instead of letting them accumulate to 87 or so...hehe...entries begun but not posted. So here goes:
This is one of my favorite paintings. It has been hanging in my families foyer since 418 Smith Avenue days. Not the original, just a nicely framed oil print. ;P
I find it a very moving, very humbling, and what in my heart I consider a very accurate portrayal of George Washington's prayers at Valley Forge. Our Founding Fathers were often brought to their knees. The greatest work that has ever been done and will ever be done begins in earnest supplication to our Almighty Creator with a righteous desire. This is the Lord's pattern, and he does not vary.
Prayer is our conduit to heaven...that open connection (our heavenly umbilical cord) that none can sever unless we refuse to reach out.
Matt. 21: 22
22 And all athings, whatsoever ye shall bask in cprayer, believing, ye shall receive.
John 16: 24
24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: aask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Alma 34: 18-27
18 Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is amighty to save.
19 Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in aprayer unto him.
20 Cry unto him when ye are in your afields, yea, over all your flocks.
21 aCry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.
22 Yea, cry unto him against the power of your aenemies.
23 Yea, acry unto him against the bdevil, who is an enemy to all crighteousness.
24 Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them.
25 Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.
26 But this is not all; ye must apour out your souls in your bclosets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.
27 Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your ahearts be bfull, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your cwelfare, and also for the welfare of dthose who are around you.
...I pray quite a lot, but I have a ways to improve before I can say that I am praying always!! Now THAT's A LOT!! But no more and no less than what is expected. I continually fall into the trap of trying to do it myself and relying upon the merits of "He [who] is mighty to save" after hesitating. I don't want to hesitate. I am working to make it a better habit...to trust fully and completely so that when life gets too hard to stand...I need only kneel.
This is one of my favorite paintings. It has been hanging in my families foyer since 418 Smith Avenue days. Not the original, just a nicely framed oil print. ;P
I find it a very moving, very humbling, and what in my heart I consider a very accurate portrayal of George Washington's prayers at Valley Forge. Our Founding Fathers were often brought to their knees. The greatest work that has ever been done and will ever be done begins in earnest supplication to our Almighty Creator with a righteous desire. This is the Lord's pattern, and he does not vary.
Prayer is our conduit to heaven...that open connection (our heavenly umbilical cord) that none can sever unless we refuse to reach out.
Matt. 21: 22
22 And all athings, whatsoever ye shall bask in cprayer, believing, ye shall receive.
John 16: 24
24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: aask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Alma 34: 18-27
18 Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is amighty to save.
19 Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in aprayer unto him.
20 Cry unto him when ye are in your afields, yea, over all your flocks.
21 aCry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.
22 Yea, cry unto him against the power of your aenemies.
23 Yea, acry unto him against the bdevil, who is an enemy to all crighteousness.
24 Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them.
25 Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.
26 But this is not all; ye must apour out your souls in your bclosets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.
27 Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your ahearts be bfull, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your cwelfare, and also for the welfare of dthose who are around you.
...I pray quite a lot, but I have a ways to improve before I can say that I am praying always!! Now THAT's A LOT!! But no more and no less than what is expected. I continually fall into the trap of trying to do it myself and relying upon the merits of "He [who] is mighty to save" after hesitating. I don't want to hesitate. I am working to make it a better habit...to trust fully and completely so that when life gets too hard to stand...I need only kneel.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Happy 4th of JULY!!! :D
Independence Day has come and gone once again!! I am especially mindful of it as I read John Adams and 1776, both by David McCullough, fairly recently...that is...a few months ago. They were BRILLIANT!!! :D David McCullough is one of my favorite historians. He attention to detail and ability to pick of the threads of history and weave them back together so eloquently is incredible! What an amazing story teller!! :)
So, the 4th of July. Come, gone. I have been reflecting on the great privileges and blessings and freedoms which I enjoy because of these wonderful men whom we call our founding fathers. They toiled and fought through so many years and against such odds. The Declaration of our Independence on July 4, 1776 was but the beginning of a very long struggle. Through most of the fight it seemed an ill-fated, nigh impossible cause...a fools errand. Why would these men have done what they did?? Common sense, whatever Thomas Paine may say, would not have supported what was considered a suicidal course of action. I think they must have often wished to escape the harsh realities of the war they were waging. They never had enough money, food, clothes, shelter, mild weather, soldiers, civilians, military strategists, political masterminds, friends...if anything could go wrong, it did. So why did they keep going?? They knew they had to.
These our founding fathers were men of faith. Men of God. They were men who believed in truth, liberty, justice, and had the courage to stand up and fight for what they believed in. We still stand for red, white, and blue. At their core they understood that there was a far greater principle involved than taking a stand against "no taxation without representation." There was a much greater work at hand. They were instruments in the hands of the Lord as he fulfilled the prophesies given to Nephi.
"For behold, this is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." Moses 1:39
This work was started before the foundation of this world and will continue past the end of time. It is amazing to look through history and see the Lord's hand in bringing his work forward. The will of Heavenly Father can never be frustrated. Through the events which seem so bleak to the mortal eye, the greatest and most life-altering miracles are wrought. It is these events which mold the character of men (and women) to become a little more like Him. In his wisdom, our Heavenly Father granted us our agency. He granted all men their agency. He allows for all manner of calamities to befall men, even when (especially when) trying their hardest. It is these times which try the soul which cause them to stretch and grow...and sometimes break. But no matter, there is always a way to be put back together again.
Without strife there is no life. For to live we must strive...and to strive we must have strife. See, an opposition in all things!! It is always darkest before the dawn.
"Like the polar star in the heavens, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives. He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith. In sunshine and in shadow we look to Him, and He is there to assure and smile upon us." --Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley
This is what we hold and look to. As Moses said to the children of Israel, 'Look and Live.' There will certainly be battle after battle which seems bleak. We will surely lose too much blood. On our own...it is impossible. But we will surely get there. And the constant and tender mercies of the Lord will give us hope, even as that heaven sent fog across the Delaware River saved George Washington's little army and reminded them that they were not alone.
So when life seems especially bleak, as it surely will...I hope we let patience have her perfect work. That those harder times will make something better of us. I am so grateful for a Father in Heaven who is all mindful of his children. I am so grateful that the promises of the Lord are sure, and steadfast...even as the polar star in the heavens. I am grateful for the gift of agency, the ability to choose...even if I am very clumsy with it. I am grateful to live in a land which allows me the freedom and accountability to use this agency. May we all treasure these gifts well.
So, the 4th of July. Come, gone. I have been reflecting on the great privileges and blessings and freedoms which I enjoy because of these wonderful men whom we call our founding fathers. They toiled and fought through so many years and against such odds. The Declaration of our Independence on July 4, 1776 was but the beginning of a very long struggle. Through most of the fight it seemed an ill-fated, nigh impossible cause...a fools errand. Why would these men have done what they did?? Common sense, whatever Thomas Paine may say, would not have supported what was considered a suicidal course of action. I think they must have often wished to escape the harsh realities of the war they were waging. They never had enough money, food, clothes, shelter, mild weather, soldiers, civilians, military strategists, political masterminds, friends...if anything could go wrong, it did. So why did they keep going?? They knew they had to.
These our founding fathers were men of faith. Men of God. They were men who believed in truth, liberty, justice, and had the courage to stand up and fight for what they believed in. We still stand for red, white, and blue. At their core they understood that there was a far greater principle involved than taking a stand against "no taxation without representation." There was a much greater work at hand. They were instruments in the hands of the Lord as he fulfilled the prophesies given to Nephi.
(see 1 Nephi 3 and this good article:
http://www.restoredcovenant.org/Document.asp?CAT=Insights&DOC=Christopher+Columbus%3A+Man+of+Vision+and+Faith)
http://www.restoredcovenant.org/Document.asp?CAT=Insights&DOC=Christopher+Columbus%3A+Man+of+Vision+and+Faith)
The founding of our nation was simply the beginning groundwork of the great work that our Heavenly Father would perform in these the Latter-days.
"For behold, this is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." Moses 1:39
This work was started before the foundation of this world and will continue past the end of time. It is amazing to look through history and see the Lord's hand in bringing his work forward. The will of Heavenly Father can never be frustrated. Through the events which seem so bleak to the mortal eye, the greatest and most life-altering miracles are wrought. It is these events which mold the character of men (and women) to become a little more like Him. In his wisdom, our Heavenly Father granted us our agency. He granted all men their agency. He allows for all manner of calamities to befall men, even when (especially when) trying their hardest. It is these times which try the soul which cause them to stretch and grow...and sometimes break. But no matter, there is always a way to be put back together again.
Without strife there is no life. For to live we must strive...and to strive we must have strife. See, an opposition in all things!! It is always darkest before the dawn.
"Like the polar star in the heavens, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives. He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith. In sunshine and in shadow we look to Him, and He is there to assure and smile upon us." --Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley
This is what we hold and look to. As Moses said to the children of Israel, 'Look and Live.' There will certainly be battle after battle which seems bleak. We will surely lose too much blood. On our own...it is impossible. But we will surely get there. And the constant and tender mercies of the Lord will give us hope, even as that heaven sent fog across the Delaware River saved George Washington's little army and reminded them that they were not alone.
So when life seems especially bleak, as it surely will...I hope we let patience have her perfect work. That those harder times will make something better of us. I am so grateful for a Father in Heaven who is all mindful of his children. I am so grateful that the promises of the Lord are sure, and steadfast...even as the polar star in the heavens. I am grateful for the gift of agency, the ability to choose...even if I am very clumsy with it. I am grateful to live in a land which allows me the freedom and accountability to use this agency. May we all treasure these gifts well.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Catching Up...
It's been awhile since I have written any new posts. I do have quite a few well begun, half done posts which I will be getting up...but I thought I would say a few words of what is new and happening in my life!! :-)
So...
1. I have a bazillion bug bites!!!
2. My shoulders are peeling from my fifth sunburn of the summer.
3. Weeding NEVER ends.
4. Watering does...plants die, weeds don't.
5. My room is STILL messy, despite my endless re-organization projects. (Maybe it would get clean if I stopped organizing it?? ;P)
6. I had COLDSTONE ice cream last night with one of my newest favorite people!! Erin Elliott, Word Girl.
7. Yes, Erin and I are super heroes...I was christened the Mozart Ninja and she Word Girl. What is music without words?? Or words without music?? ;P We go around saving the world one good deed at a time...and have so much fun doing it!!! :D
8. I went with my Pitman YSA Branch up to Vermont. We stayed at Camp Joseph, visited the birthplace of Joseph
Smith, hiked up a mountain, ate smores around a camp fire every night, had Sunday services in a lodge by a fire, joined in my first ever food eating contest which ended in my first food fight...it was wonderful!! :D
A picture is worth a thousand words...need I say more??
8. I had the privilege of going to the dedication of my Uncle's new
laboratory for biomedical research at George Mason University!! :)
So...
1. I have a bazillion bug bites!!!
2. My shoulders are peeling from my fifth sunburn of the summer.
3. Weeding NEVER ends.
4. Watering does...plants die, weeds don't.
5. My room is STILL messy, despite my endless re-organization projects. (Maybe it would get clean if I stopped organizing it?? ;P)
6. I had COLDSTONE ice cream last night with one of my newest favorite people!! Erin Elliott, Word Girl.
7. Yes, Erin and I are super heroes...I was christened the Mozart Ninja and she Word Girl. What is music without words?? Or words without music?? ;P We go around saving the world one good deed at a time...and have so much fun doing it!!! :D
8. I went with my Pitman YSA Branch up to Vermont. We stayed at Camp Joseph, visited the birthplace of Joseph
Smith, hiked up a mountain, ate smores around a camp fire every night, had Sunday services in a lodge by a fire, joined in my first ever food eating contest which ended in my first food fight...it was wonderful!! :DA picture is worth a thousand words...need I say more??
8. I had the privilege of going to the dedication of my Uncle's new
laboratory for biomedical research at George Mason University!! :)
9. A couple days after the dedication we had a giant family picnic
at the Bailey Family Farm which was perfect...
10. I am working on what I hope becomes a WONDERFUL Christmas
piece!! :) It was commissioned by my choir director for our Christmas
concert. We will have a brass orchestra, percussion, organ, piano, an
eight-part choir...YIKES!! I'm getting a little overwhelmed just thinking
about it. :P However, I have come to the realization that I must get
some better composition software and equipment... :/
11. I am working on what will be my debut CD. :)
12. The debut CD might actually turn into two CD's.
13. Regarding numbers 10-12...I have to figure out how to copyright
music. :/
14. I am interviewing for several jobs...we'll see which one works out!! :)
15. I am "in-like!!" :D
16. I think fifteen is enough for now!! ;)
PS--Photo's thanks to President James and Mandy Shepherd!! :)
at the Bailey Family Farm which was perfect...
10. I am working on what I hope becomes a WONDERFUL Christmas
piece!! :) It was commissioned by my choir director for our Christmas
concert. We will have a brass orchestra, percussion, organ, piano, an
eight-part choir...YIKES!! I'm getting a little overwhelmed just thinking
about it. :P However, I have come to the realization that I must get
some better composition software and equipment... :/
11. I am working on what will be my debut CD. :)
12. The debut CD might actually turn into two CD's.
13. Regarding numbers 10-12...I have to figure out how to copyright
music. :/
14. I am interviewing for several jobs...we'll see which one works out!! :)
15. I am "in-like!!" :D
16. I think fifteen is enough for now!! ;)
PS--Photo's thanks to President James and Mandy Shepherd!! :)
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