Unrecognized Blessings

Last night I had a conversation with a friend that caused me to reflect on the blessing my Heavenly Father constantly provides for me, despite my arrogance or ignorance.

Today as I was revisiting about that experience I was lead back to times when I too have waded through hard and heavy times. As I did so it dawned on me: the experiences we have in this life really are able to bless lives outside of our own: They bless me by strengthening my testimony and remind me to turn towards the Lord, but our experiences also have the ability to bless those we love. They can likewise provide strength and comfort to those who are in need. (There is a reason that we don't have to experience mortality alone, because it isn't part of the plan! We need, desperately need each other. The beautiful part being that Heavenly Father knew it! He knew we'd need each other, so he puts us in the right places days, months, and years prior so relationships can be developed and fostered for our benefit. A little overwhelming, isn't it?)

The conversation ended and I proceeded to get ready for bed. As I continued with my ritual: turn on heating blanket (I sleep in the basement - back off), pjs, remove contacts, brush teeth, prayers and scriptures I found that my scripture reading wasn't as ... rushed as it normally is. I found myself looking for things that particularly stood out and struck me as important for the days events. Irony? I think not, or rather, I know not.

In synopsis: I found it such a beautiful blessing to be able to see the Lord's hand in my life. To be able to have the spirit help me recognize how all of these experiences (whether pleasant or painful) really are for our good; our short-term, long-term and eternally. I was again touched to know what a loving Heavenly Father we (yes, you AND I) have. His love and concern for us is very individual, but He knows that as we help and love others that our love for those around us and for Him will grow. Through this Christ-like love and service we are provided with opportunities to uplift and strengthen each other so together we can draw nearer unto Him. Genius! The man really knows what He's doing!

Until next time, keep your chin up. There is a God, and He loves YOU.

42 is the answer to all life's question... wait, no! Today it's... 27!!

As the countdown continues I thought many of you would be very interested to know that only:
(drum roll please!)
27 days remain!
Woot woot!


This is a picture one of the team members took while they were down in Chiapas in December! Aren't the kids there just so cute?!?

More updates to come, so stay posted. OH! Also if any of you are interested in donating to the cause of educating the village of Bautista Grande, below is a list of supplies my team is in need of. We'll be taking these supplies down, teaching the community how to use them and then leaving them there! Some of the supplies are medical and education related. Others are needed supplies are need for labor intensive projects. Thanks for all your love and support!

• T-shirts/Aprons (to be used as smocks for a community art project)
• Sponges
• Crayons
• Markers
• Paper (White/color/lined/notebooks/etc)
• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• Books (Spanish, and Spanish/English)
• Kleenex
• Hand sanitizer
• Pencils (regular and colored)
• Tacks
• Tape
• Bars of soap
• toothpaste
• toothbrushes
• combs/brushes
• washcloths
• medical gloves
• gauze
• ace bandages
• band aids
• pain relievers
• Neosporin
• Vaseline
  
• medical tape
• work gloves
• small chalkboards/whiteboards
• coloring books
• blocks
• Legos
• balls
• Velcro
  
• puzzles
• erasers
• pencil sharpeners
• pencil boxes
• Number/Alphabet banners for classrooms
• calendar supplies for classrooms
• Maps
• jump ropes

Mexico or Bust!

The countdown has officially begun: 31 days and counting!

That's right friends, in 31 days I'll be climbing aboard an airplane that is headed to the land of eternal warmth: MEXICO!! Woot woot! It's been such a long and sometimes painful, but overall wonderful process to get to this point. There have been what seems like countless hours spent at the TRC and playing with handicap children (know - rough huh? ;) Hee hee.). Monthly drives to Salt Lake, and what seems like and infinite number of emails sent to various people.

...BUT it's all going to be worth it!

I can't really put into words the emotions that are running through me at this time. Part of me wants to scream from the rooftops and share my excitement, while an entirely different part of me wants to curl up and cry; no so much for myself but for the children with whom I know I'll fall in love with.

New Chapter

It's official!! The semester is over!

While I'm ecstatic for this summer and the adventures that are held within it, a little piece of me is heart broken. You see, this was my last semester with all my Cobra Girls. (For those of you who aren't aware, this is what the girls in the 8-12 education cohort at UVU are called... at least that's what we call ourselves.) After our last final today those who wanted to and were able to come, went to lunch and shared lots of 'moments' together. I'm super excited for our interns and I'm so proud of them, but the jealous part of me is sad that they are leaving and wish they would stay with us. Oh well, on to bigger and better things. Luckily we'll all be able to keep in touch and see each other at graduation!

Good luck Interns! I'm so happy for you!

It's also a new chapter because I now only have one more year of college left. Wow... that's a strange thought. I never really thought I'd be so close. Crazy when ya really think about it. It's funny how life works out the way it does. Most the time, it's not anywhere near according to the plans you've made for yourself. Well, that's the way everything happens for me anyway. :)

With the summer being here (ironically it snowed today. Who invites the snow in April, on the last day of finals no less?!? Whoever it was needs a lesson about April Showers. They are rain, not snow! Come now...) I find myself daydreaming about road trips and distant places. I'm so excited for all that is in store. I'm determined to live my last summer in college up! This is also the last summer before one of my younger brother leaves on his mission. *Sniffle* What a bittersweet thought. My family is growing up so fast!

In the mean time, I'll focus on St. George, Zion's, Mexico and a plethora of outdoor movies in my backyard! Bring it summer! I'm ready for you to finally be here!

HUZZAH!

Well friends,

The semester is just about over and I think I conquered it! I am just finishing up a BEASTLY project that I've spent hours of udder frustration working on it today. Needless to say, I'm feeling that because I was able to finish it I now feel rather invincible (just so long as my car doesn't break down, or my other zipper on my backpack breaks - keep your fingers crossed!).

Good luck to the rest of you who are also trying to tread water through finals! We can do it!

Great Quote of the Day

"The moment you begin a serious study of the [Book of Mormon], you will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the straight and narrow path... When you being to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance."
--President Ezra Taft Benson Ensign, November 1986, pg. 7

A True Friend

So... I know I'm going to sound depressed but I promise I'm not. Today I just took a few minutes to reflect on one the the things I've been most grateful for:


Lately I've been thinking about the people who have impacts on my life. Often we call these people friends. As I started to make a list of them, I found it growing exponentially. I of course included my family, closest friends and Savior. Not to forget the countless institute teachers and church leaders (Bishoprics, teachers, home and visiting teachers) who have taught me lessons beyond the manual or Ensign.

As the week has past I've spent time pondering the impact that one person can have on a life; particularly the impact persons have had in my life. This person whom I've been thinking of doesn't know all he's done for me, but he's changed my outlook and has helped me to reform the way I treat others. He is by no coincidence, Brother Weber, my former institute teacher. The only conclusion I can come to is that Brother (Bishop) Weber isn't just an institute teacher. He recognizes that he's not only employed by CES, but rather that he is in the life saving business. He sees the importance of going from teacher-student and transforming that relationship to one of trust and friendship. Maybe it's the calling as Bishop, or maybe it's the therapist in him - whatever it is because of him I've more fully begun to learn what it is to be a friend.

A friend is someone who has a listening ear when you need it most. Who can ask the right questions to get you to think about the answers you already know. They can help you know that you're loved during the best and worst times. They might be in your life for just a brief moment, or can grace you with their presence throughout your days on the earth. I think a friend is really someone the Lord knows can help, support or love you when you need it most.

Today I'm grateful for Brother Weber, he is the angel who knew what to say, what to ask, and how to love me when I needed it most.