The last two weeks I've had the chance to meet up with three good friends that I haven't seen in a long time - a mission companion, a colleague and travel companion, and my very first roommate. It was really nice to catch up with each of them and I'm grateful for how they've each blessed my life! I've been blessed to know some really wonderful people in my life!
A couple of years ago I was having a conversation with some roommates about all the roommates we've had. If I didn't win for the most, I was close with 32 different roommates (not including my sister and other family members). :) The other day I started making a list of the number of different languages they happened to speak - 10 (Arabic, Korean, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese, Danish, Chinese, ASL, Hungarian, and Japanese)....and that's just languages! When I think about all the majors and jobs and talents and interests they represented it would include many amazing things: violin performance, teaching, cooking, generosity, kindness, patience, communications, linguistics, nursing, law, recreation management, administration, policy experts and analyzers, and more!
I have enjoyed living by myself for the last 18 months, but some days I miss the unique opportunities and blessings of roommates. :) I'm grateful that there are still opportunities to catch up even after many years and when we live many miles and even oceans away.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Sunday, September 29, 2013
music
Today I was touched by music....two songs in particular:
1. I've always loved I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go, but I was inspired again last night singing it together at the General Relief Society Meeting and then watching this video at Church today was wonderful!
I want to be better at living this way every day - focusing on seeking and following the Spirit to bless others along the way! What a wonderful world it would be if everyone tried to live this prayer and song:
It may not be on the mountain height Or over the stormy sea,
It may not be at the battle's front My Lord will have need of me.
But if, by a still, small voice He calls To paths that I do not know,
I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in thine: I'll go where you want me to go.
I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, Over mountain or plain or sea;
I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord; I'll be what you want me to be.
Perhaps today there are loving words Which Jesus would have me speak;
There may be now in the paths of sin Some wand'rer whom I should seek.
O Savior, if thou wilt be my guide, Tho dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo the message sweet: I'll say what you want me to say.
I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, Over mountain or plain or sea;
I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord; I'll be what you want me to be.
There's surely somewhere a lowly place In earth's harvest fields so wide
Where I may labor through life's short day For Jesus, the Crucified.
So trusting my all to thy tender care, And knowing thou lovest me,
I'll do thy will with a heart sincere: I'll be what you want me to be.
I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, Over mountain or plain or sea;
I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord; I'll be what you want me to be.
2. I visited a second ward this afternoon and loved the opening song! I don't think we sing it enough and it was very applicable today:
In fasting we approach thee here and pray thy Spirit from above
Will cleanse our hearts, cast out our fear, And fill our hunger with thy love.
Thru this small sacrifice, may we Recall that strength and life each day
Are sacred blessings sent from thee--Fill us with gratitude, we pray.
And may our fast fill us with care For all they children now in need.
May we from our abundance share, Thy sheep to bless, thy lambs to feed.
This fast, dear Father, sanctify--Our faith and trust in thee increase.
As we commune and testify, May we be filled with joy and peace.
Fasting is a wonderful blessing and strength in my life. I'm grateful for the inspiration and love that seem to flow into my life as I focus more completely on the Lord. I was grateful today for both of these songs that helped remind me of the great importance to focus outward, to humbly come to the Lord to heal us and strengthen us and then to go forth with complete faith in Him to do what He needs us and wants us to do. It's about humility and following the Lord....not being afraid but trusting in Him and caring for others.
The phrase "cast out our fear" really jumped out at me as I was singing with a group of mid-singles this afternoon. If you have never attended a mid-singles ward then you are missing out on an experience - one that I wouldn't have minded missing in my life, but there are also some unique and wonderful lessons that come from being a part of this group, I think (maybe more on this later). This is just my thought (and definitely says more about me than anyone else in the group), but every time I walk into a mid-singles gathering I sense a LOT of fear. Somehow the confidence and joy and experiences gained the first 30 years of life fly out the window and you're left ALONE. There are many different challenges that people face in life that might invite fear into a heart, but one of the main messages of the Atonement and our Heavenly Father's plan is peace and faith and joy and no fear! Having real faith in Him casts out all fear! Through and with Him we can do all things. He will fill us with love and joy and peace, which will help us to then go and be what He wants us to be.
That's how I was touched by music today. :)
1. I've always loved I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go, but I was inspired again last night singing it together at the General Relief Society Meeting and then watching this video at Church today was wonderful!
I want to be better at living this way every day - focusing on seeking and following the Spirit to bless others along the way! What a wonderful world it would be if everyone tried to live this prayer and song:
It may not be on the mountain height Or over the stormy sea,
It may not be at the battle's front My Lord will have need of me.
But if, by a still, small voice He calls To paths that I do not know,
I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in thine: I'll go where you want me to go.
I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, Over mountain or plain or sea;
I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord; I'll be what you want me to be.
Perhaps today there are loving words Which Jesus would have me speak;
There may be now in the paths of sin Some wand'rer whom I should seek.
O Savior, if thou wilt be my guide, Tho dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo the message sweet: I'll say what you want me to say.
I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, Over mountain or plain or sea;
I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord; I'll be what you want me to be.
There's surely somewhere a lowly place In earth's harvest fields so wide
Where I may labor through life's short day For Jesus, the Crucified.
So trusting my all to thy tender care, And knowing thou lovest me,
I'll do thy will with a heart sincere: I'll be what you want me to be.
I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, Over mountain or plain or sea;
I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord; I'll be what you want me to be.
2. I visited a second ward this afternoon and loved the opening song! I don't think we sing it enough and it was very applicable today:
In fasting we approach thee here and pray thy Spirit from above
Will cleanse our hearts, cast out our fear, And fill our hunger with thy love.
Thru this small sacrifice, may we Recall that strength and life each day
Are sacred blessings sent from thee--Fill us with gratitude, we pray.
And may our fast fill us with care For all they children now in need.
May we from our abundance share, Thy sheep to bless, thy lambs to feed.
This fast, dear Father, sanctify--Our faith and trust in thee increase.
As we commune and testify, May we be filled with joy and peace.
Fasting is a wonderful blessing and strength in my life. I'm grateful for the inspiration and love that seem to flow into my life as I focus more completely on the Lord. I was grateful today for both of these songs that helped remind me of the great importance to focus outward, to humbly come to the Lord to heal us and strengthen us and then to go forth with complete faith in Him to do what He needs us and wants us to do. It's about humility and following the Lord....not being afraid but trusting in Him and caring for others.
The phrase "cast out our fear" really jumped out at me as I was singing with a group of mid-singles this afternoon. If you have never attended a mid-singles ward then you are missing out on an experience - one that I wouldn't have minded missing in my life, but there are also some unique and wonderful lessons that come from being a part of this group, I think (maybe more on this later). This is just my thought (and definitely says more about me than anyone else in the group), but every time I walk into a mid-singles gathering I sense a LOT of fear. Somehow the confidence and joy and experiences gained the first 30 years of life fly out the window and you're left ALONE. There are many different challenges that people face in life that might invite fear into a heart, but one of the main messages of the Atonement and our Heavenly Father's plan is peace and faith and joy and no fear! Having real faith in Him casts out all fear! Through and with Him we can do all things. He will fill us with love and joy and peace, which will help us to then go and be what He wants us to be.
That's how I was touched by music today. :)
Sunday, September 22, 2013
become as little children
Today was one of my favorite days of the year - not just the official beginning of fall, but the yearly Primary program! For some reason the past couple of years I have been traveling or visiting other wards on the day of the program and I was so glad to be there today. I am touched by the faith and innocence and love and testimonies of the sweet children. Our ward has a small Primary with only about 10 kids, but they were so sweet and I was touched by their goodness and confident testimonies, as well as their teachers' who were standing with them singing the messages of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What a wonderful blessing that these children learn the truth and joy of the plan of happiness and our purpose here on earth from such a young age! They learn to recognize and articulate their feelings about Heavenly Father's love for them and our Savior's mission. They are honest and opening and unafraid in sharing what they believe and they trust and love their teachers. What a beautiful example for all that we should be. As I was listening and watching today I was touched (by their words, their actions, the music, the example of the teachers, The Plan, a reminder of my testimony) and my faith in the Savior and His gospel and our Heavenly Father's plan was renewed and strengthened. It's simple. It's beautiful. It's true!
"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:2-4)."
If you are searching for truth or peace in your life or just looking for motivation to continue to move foward, listen to some primary songs, go to church, hold a baby, talk to or listen to or observe a child, humbly open your heart to listen to what the Lord would teach you.....and then go to a missionary farewell and learn about the truths and importance of family. That's what blessed and helped me today. :)
What a wonderful blessing that these children learn the truth and joy of the plan of happiness and our purpose here on earth from such a young age! They learn to recognize and articulate their feelings about Heavenly Father's love for them and our Savior's mission. They are honest and opening and unafraid in sharing what they believe and they trust and love their teachers. What a beautiful example for all that we should be. As I was listening and watching today I was touched (by their words, their actions, the music, the example of the teachers, The Plan, a reminder of my testimony) and my faith in the Savior and His gospel and our Heavenly Father's plan was renewed and strengthened. It's simple. It's beautiful. It's true!
"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:2-4)."
If you are searching for truth or peace in your life or just looking for motivation to continue to move foward, listen to some primary songs, go to church, hold a baby, talk to or listen to or observe a child, humbly open your heart to listen to what the Lord would teach you.....and then go to a missionary farewell and learn about the truths and importance of family. That's what blessed and helped me today. :)
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Motivation
I don't know if it's the time of year and not being in school or what, but apparently August/September is the time when I start searching for motivation in my life. What am I doing with my time and my life? What are my goals? I realize that no one else can motivate us to do anything. Motivation and desire come from within. They can be strengthened by the encouragement of others, but ultimately no one can make us do anything. It's easy to be lazy, but I've found in my life that happiness comes when I'm busy doing something good. As I've been searching for motivation lately, here are a few pieces of inspiration I found:
Recently we studied the words of President Lorenzo Snow, Faithful, Energetic Service in the Kingdom of God, that have been a good reminder and inspiration to me. He said, "Knowing our religion to be true we ought to be the most devoted people on the face of the earth to the cause we have embraced." We have the truth! All we should want to do is share it! There's some motivation. :)
Another wonderful reminder is this April 2010 message by President Henry B. Eyring, Act in All Diligence. I'm inspired by many sweet videos and examples shared on the new website, Hastening the Work of Salvation, including this one, My Work and My Glory.
A couple more wonderful talks/thoughts that have reminded me recently of the importance of diligence and discipleship include a talk by Elder L. Tom Perry given in October 2000 entitled Discipleship. He reminds of us the importance of cleaning well the baseboard and if we're going to leave anything undone have it be in the center of the room. :) Another motivating and inspiring Lorenzo Snow lesson coming up is Church Leadership and Selfless Service. Brother Russell T. Osguthorpe just taught in a CES fireside about the importance of being disciples, having pure motives and giving our will to God.
In his talk during the Priesthood session of General Conference in April 2013, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "When God works through us, no one and nothing can stand against us....You have your own special contribution to make, and God can magnify that contribution in a mighty way. Your ability to contribute is not dependent upon your calling in the Church. Your opportunities for service are endless. If you are waiting on the sidelines, I encourage you to get in the game. Don't wait for a particular calling before you become fully engaged in building the kingdom of God....you are already called to the work....Rise up to your true potential...and you will be a force for good."
And from a recent Bible Video, the Savior teaches to Seek Ye the Kingdom of God.
So, here are some goals that will help me stay motivated and get to January! :)
- Finish the Doctrine & Covenants
- Read the Four Gospels over the holidays
- Sign up for a marathon by the end of the year
- Find a service opportunity before the end of the year
- Finish my indexing goal (2000) before Thanksgiving
- Buy a house by March
- Follow the Spirit in blessing and helping someone each day
Recently we studied the words of President Lorenzo Snow, Faithful, Energetic Service in the Kingdom of God, that have been a good reminder and inspiration to me. He said, "Knowing our religion to be true we ought to be the most devoted people on the face of the earth to the cause we have embraced." We have the truth! All we should want to do is share it! There's some motivation. :)
Another wonderful reminder is this April 2010 message by President Henry B. Eyring, Act in All Diligence. I'm inspired by many sweet videos and examples shared on the new website, Hastening the Work of Salvation, including this one, My Work and My Glory.
A couple more wonderful talks/thoughts that have reminded me recently of the importance of diligence and discipleship include a talk by Elder L. Tom Perry given in October 2000 entitled Discipleship. He reminds of us the importance of cleaning well the baseboard and if we're going to leave anything undone have it be in the center of the room. :) Another motivating and inspiring Lorenzo Snow lesson coming up is Church Leadership and Selfless Service. Brother Russell T. Osguthorpe just taught in a CES fireside about the importance of being disciples, having pure motives and giving our will to God.
In his talk during the Priesthood session of General Conference in April 2013, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "When God works through us, no one and nothing can stand against us....You have your own special contribution to make, and God can magnify that contribution in a mighty way. Your ability to contribute is not dependent upon your calling in the Church. Your opportunities for service are endless. If you are waiting on the sidelines, I encourage you to get in the game. Don't wait for a particular calling before you become fully engaged in building the kingdom of God....you are already called to the work....Rise up to your true potential...and you will be a force for good."
And from a recent Bible Video, the Savior teaches to Seek Ye the Kingdom of God.
So, here are some goals that will help me stay motivated and get to January! :)
- Finish the Doctrine & Covenants
- Read the Four Gospels over the holidays
- Sign up for a marathon by the end of the year
- Find a service opportunity before the end of the year
- Finish my indexing goal (2000) before Thanksgiving
- Buy a house by March
- Follow the Spirit in blessing and helping someone each day
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
August / September Trip - St. George
I'm getting used to a three-day birthday weekend. :) It was a nice weekend in St. George. I enjoyed the peaceful four-hour drive each way and time to think and watch the world go by, except for the downpour and river of water driving through Fillmore on the way home.
A few weekend highlights:
- watching the storm clouds and evening light on the mesas driving into St. George
- searching for golf balls - it's like Easter every day! :) ....complete with surprise jackrabbits
- watching the sunset glow on Snow Canyon
- a bike ride through Snow Canyon
- relaxing at home
- falling asleep watching movies
- sleeping in
- playing the piano
- talking to mom
- talking to dad
- football
- a Cafe Rio birthday dinner overlooking St. George and the lightning storm
- mint chocolate chip ice cream and chocolate cake
- cousins, family and friends
- hiking the Zion Narrows
Wonderful weekend! Hopefully the start of another great year! :) Thanks, Mom and Dad! :)
A few weekend highlights:
- watching the storm clouds and evening light on the mesas driving into St. George
- searching for golf balls - it's like Easter every day! :) ....complete with surprise jackrabbits
- watching the sunset glow on Snow Canyon
- a bike ride through Snow Canyon
- relaxing at home
- falling asleep watching movies
- sleeping in
- playing the piano
- talking to mom
- talking to dad
- football
- a Cafe Rio birthday dinner overlooking St. George and the lightning storm
- mint chocolate chip ice cream and chocolate cake
- cousins, family and friends
- hiking the Zion Narrows
Wonderful weekend! Hopefully the start of another great year! :) Thanks, Mom and Dad! :)
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