Contacts

While I was completing my senior year at BYU-Idaho, my parents were advisers for a Singles Ward in Rexburg.

One day, I was in my mom's office and noticed something on her table. It was a 3 x 5 card with a lovely picture of me, while on my mission (this was post mission). And several pieces of information about me, including my phone number. I had my very own business card. I kind of freaked out and kindly asked my mom to not hand that out to any one.

By the end of that semester, my dad found a guy that he wanted to get to know me better. We'll call him Joe. Dad gave him my number and said "I want you to call my daughter and take her out." Pretty bold, right? I had to give my dad some credit, but it was still a little weird. The next semester started, and I was looking at the new ward list, and who was in my new ward? Joe. He was a pretty cute kid, and I figured it must be fate, and my future husband. Who was so excited when within 2 days of the new semester starting, I got a phone call from Joe?!?!?

"Hi, this is Joe."
"Oh, hi!"
"I was wondering if I could get your dad's number, I lost it."

OUCH.

I successfully avoided him for the rest of the semester. Although, we did become friends on facebook. I guess we overcame a lot together :0)

Scary

Do you ever feel like you are slightly bombarded with things that scare you? I feel like I've had a huge helping of that lately. Granted, I've brought it all on myself, but still...

Today I did my first classroom observation. I was scared. I don't like feeling scared. I was talking to my friend, who even said I didn't sound happy. Usually, I just can't sleep at night because of anticipation and no problems waking up - a la Christmas morning. It was just worry that kept me up last night and kept me in my bed this morning. I didn't even want to face it. I don't know what it was, but I did it, and it was fine. Those little kids were so inquisitive as to who I was. They kept stealing looks. And just being in the school atmosphere, so rejuvenating. So I did it. I conquered that...for now.

And since I was feeling so great, I decided to conquer another fear - eating in a restaurant by myself. Yep, I pulled right in to IHOP and enjoyed some stuffed french toast. I may have felt more empowered by this action than anything I've done in a long time. I didn't even have to worry about eating faster than whoever I was with! And I got to read my book, and the waiter invited me to just take my time after he gave me my ticket. Talk about luxury! I think I just found a new hobby!

The Hiding Place

The Hiding Place
Corrie Ten Boom

This book is incredible. It's a true story about a wonderful family that hides so many Jews during WWII. Corrie is an old maid who lives with her sister and her father. They know everyone in town, and so become a great resource for the underground. It really is an inspiring story, and it makes me cry...in many ways, for their generosity, and also for the struggles of everyone. One of my favorite books to read.

In April 2010, Bishop Keith B. McMullin quoted this story in his General Conference address:

In Holland during World War II, the Casper ten Boom family used their home as a hiding place for those hunted by the Nazis. This was their way of living out their Christian faith. Four members of the family lost their lives for providing this refuge. Corrie ten Boom and her sister Betsie spent horrific months in the infamous Ravensbrück concentration camp. Betsie died there—Corrie survived.

In Ravensbrück, Corrie and Betsie learned that God helps us to forgive. Following the war, Corrie was determined to share this message. On one occasion, she had just spoken to a group of people in Germany suffering from the ravages of war. Her message was “God forgives.” It was then that Corrie ten Boom’s faithfulness brought forth its blessing.

A man approached her. She recognized him as one of the cruelest guards in the camp. “You mentioned Ravensbrück in your talk,” he said. “I was a guard there. … But since that time, … I have become a Christian.” He explained that he had sought God’s forgiveness for the cruel things he had done. He extended his hand and asked, “Will you forgive me?”

Corrie ten Boom then said:

“It could not have been many seconds that he stood there—hand held out—but to me it seemed hours as I wrestled with the most difficult thing I had ever had to do.

“… The message that God forgives has a … condition: that we forgive those who have injured us. …

“… ‘Help me!’ I prayed silently. ‘I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling.’

“… Woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. As I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes.

“‘I forgive you, brother!’ I cried. ‘With all my heart.’

“For a long moment we grasped each other’s hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I had never known God’s love so intensely, as I did then.” ⁶

Butterfinger

I love this candy bar.
It becomes very dangerous for me to have them around.
My lovely sister sent me a package with a bag of them. I am proud that I have polished them right off, but don't want to gross anyone out, so I'm not going to say that.
This bag of Butterfingers was so perfect. Except the last one I ate. Guess it didn't leave me wanting more. Or did it?
Sometimes the Butterfinger just melts into your mouth. So soft. Sometimes, it's an old batch and it gets so stuck in your teeth. It's this kind of roulette that I love - is it going to be good or not. And yes, usually it's super disappointing when they are all hard. It's at those times that I get disenchanted with the treat.
But, overall, my love flows deep for this treat.