No, I didn't eat any...please, not part of my diet, at all :0)
I have been reading a book by President Boyd K. Packer. I really am enjoying it a lot. Last night I read a passage that I can't stop thinking about and I just wanted to share it really quickly:
While he was a mission president, President Packer was needing to call a new assistant. He interviewed every missionary with the question in his head "is this the man?" This missionary had come to service after having a lot of shaping up to do.
After this announcement, a missionary came to him who grew up with this kid and was familiar with everything that this missionary had done. His first question was "do you really know the elder you have appointed as your assistant?"
"Yes, Elder. I know all that you know about him, and a good deal more."
"Why, then, was he appointed your assistant?"
"Elder, why don't you ask the question that you came to ask? Why did you not appoint me?"
It then becomes a type of Prodigal Son approach - this missionary has worked hard and has been diligent in all things the whole time. The new assistant hasn't.
"If you should ask why you were not chose, I would have to answer 'I do now know, Elder.' I only know that he was chosen. Perhaps he may fail. But at least I know he is the one with the combination of talents and ability and qualities best calculated to get done what the office needs at the moment. This is no reflection upon you. You may yet preside over him and many above him. You may be his bishop or his stake president. You may preside over the Church. I do not know. But his call is no reflection upon you. Do not be injured by it. Go back to work and serve the Lord. Sustain him. Your contest is not with him but with yourself."
He then added "You may have a bit of repenting to do."
What a huge lesson to learn! I love the line "your contest is not with him but with yourself." I think I feel this way a lot, I end up comparing myself to others, thinking I'm pretty fantastic, but that doesn't mean that I get every opportunity. That's unfair. And that's not relying on the Lord to do His work through everyone. Ultimately, we all have something to contribute, at different times, in different ways. I haven't quite been able to get into words my thoughts yet, but I am loving this concept right now.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Carols
I absolutely love the music this time of year. It's so happy. And sometimes so still and quiet that you can't help but just sit in the glow of the Christmas lights and enjoy the Norah Jones feeling of serenity.
One song I can't stop thinking about is Justin Bieber's "Mistletoe." Love it. Listen to it. Thank me for introducing you.
Another song that is really hitting home for me this year is "O Little Town of Bethlehem." I know, Justin & Bethlehem hardly qualify as being in the same post together, but this is how Christmas is for me...I just love it all.
3rd verse of "O Little Town..."
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hears
The blessings of his heav'n.
No ear may hear his coming;
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.
As I review my life this time of year, I always like to see what kind of effect Christ has had on it, and how I've come closer to Him. And these words are hitting how I'm feeling. His effect is silent, and it slowly changes me. I don't always notice it, and sometimes, if I don't give Him the attention He deserves, I miss out on so much. "Constant he is" (Where Can I Turn for Peace?) and I need to remember to listen to His spirit and not to the sound of the world so much.
Truly, the blessings that God gives to us seems very unfair. We are given this earth, immortality, forgiveness, eternal life. The things that are expected of me seem so miniscule compared to that, but it's enough for Him.
And the last 2 lines I love, if we will receive Him, He enters in. It is so poignant to me and reminds me of the role that I play in all this, in being able to shout "Joy to the World!" And He is dear to me.
http://lds.org/broadcasts/languages/christmas-devotional/2011/12?lang=eng
check this out. it was a beautiful broadcast.
One song I can't stop thinking about is Justin Bieber's "Mistletoe." Love it. Listen to it. Thank me for introducing you.
Another song that is really hitting home for me this year is "O Little Town of Bethlehem." I know, Justin & Bethlehem hardly qualify as being in the same post together, but this is how Christmas is for me...I just love it all.
3rd verse of "O Little Town..."
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hears
The blessings of his heav'n.
No ear may hear his coming;
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.
As I review my life this time of year, I always like to see what kind of effect Christ has had on it, and how I've come closer to Him. And these words are hitting how I'm feeling. His effect is silent, and it slowly changes me. I don't always notice it, and sometimes, if I don't give Him the attention He deserves, I miss out on so much. "Constant he is" (Where Can I Turn for Peace?) and I need to remember to listen to His spirit and not to the sound of the world so much.
Truly, the blessings that God gives to us seems very unfair. We are given this earth, immortality, forgiveness, eternal life. The things that are expected of me seem so miniscule compared to that, but it's enough for Him.
And the last 2 lines I love, if we will receive Him, He enters in. It is so poignant to me and reminds me of the role that I play in all this, in being able to shout "Joy to the World!" And He is dear to me.
http://lds.org/broadcasts/languages/christmas-devotional/2011/12?lang=eng
check this out. it was a beautiful broadcast.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Post
This book review has been waiting for a while. I don't really know what I've been doing that has prevented me from just typing it up. But here it goes.
Mars & Venus on a Date. Written by the guy who wrote "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus," John Gray. (Ph.D) It was an interesting book. Always fun to read about things that I'm participating in, and actually have no clue what I'm doing.
He talks a lot about soul mates. Which, I'm not sold on that concept, but I do believe there are people we get along with better than others. He broke the dating life into 5 stages - attraction, uncertainty, exclusivity, intimacy and engagement and how to act through each stage by revealing what the other person is thinking and doing in each stage. Page 171 actually was exactly what I needed to hear - it was explaining what happens when people are in different stages, or someone has moved faster than the other one. Turns out I might have sabotaged a relationship because of this. But at least now I have words for how I was feeling.
Apparently the main reason for dating is for the guy to prove to the girl that he can make her happy. Hmm. Now I feel pretty liberated that I don't really need to do anything, except allow them to try. We'll see how long I last in not driving the relationship car.
One major downfall to this book was in the chapter about flirting, the pages were missing, never to be found. I guess I'll never know how to flirt. :0(
I recommend the book regardless of this. It's not the best book I've ever read, but it gives some understanding for the beauty of dating.
Mars & Venus on a Date. Written by the guy who wrote "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus," John Gray. (Ph.D) It was an interesting book. Always fun to read about things that I'm participating in, and actually have no clue what I'm doing.
He talks a lot about soul mates. Which, I'm not sold on that concept, but I do believe there are people we get along with better than others. He broke the dating life into 5 stages - attraction, uncertainty, exclusivity, intimacy and engagement and how to act through each stage by revealing what the other person is thinking and doing in each stage. Page 171 actually was exactly what I needed to hear - it was explaining what happens when people are in different stages, or someone has moved faster than the other one. Turns out I might have sabotaged a relationship because of this. But at least now I have words for how I was feeling.
Apparently the main reason for dating is for the guy to prove to the girl that he can make her happy. Hmm. Now I feel pretty liberated that I don't really need to do anything, except allow them to try. We'll see how long I last in not driving the relationship car.
One major downfall to this book was in the chapter about flirting, the pages were missing, never to be found. I guess I'll never know how to flirt. :0(
I recommend the book regardless of this. It's not the best book I've ever read, but it gives some understanding for the beauty of dating.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
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)
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)
Thursday, November 10, 2011
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!
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!
Monday, November 7, 2011
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:
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)