Well That's A Fine How Do You Do... Ringing in 2012

Post Numero 75!  I can't believe it.  I've known it was coming for quite a while but I wanted to wait for a "Perfect" moment to write.  2012 seems like a good opportunity to do so.  I am actually quite excited by it.  I actually really couldn't figure out what to write as post 75.  I am really excited for the year ahead.  I really want to strive to be not only a better person, but a better blogger.  I'm also really excited to know that I have some fantastic resolutions and I'm really excited about that as well.  I am really hoping that they last the entire 366 days this year. Yes my friends this year is a leap year!  I decided to write a list of goals as this post as I can go back and look at it again and again.  I might even post it on my own wall so I see it everyday!  I was aiming for 75 things, but as you can see...  there are more than that.  Funny things happen at 3:20am!!  I need to stop or I will have like 300 goals for one year.. haha!

I really want to

Spiritual Goals

* attend the temple at least once a month (receive my endowment)
* pay my tithing on a regular basis
* pray
* read my scriptures daily
* read/watch/listen to general conference talks, firesides
* be able to serve in the best capacity of my calling(s)
* be a great visiting teacher
* be an instrument in the hands of the Lord when called upon
* receive my patriarchal blessing
* fast with a purpose
* share my testimony as much as I can
* give away a copy of The Book of Mormon
* share the gospel with someone and Introduce them to the Missionaries
* write in my journal
* Love Heavenly Father More than I do now
* Notice the Small Things
* Appreciate the Big Things
* Show Gratitute for my Trials
* See My Worth
* Read the Book of Mormon in 24 hours
* Seek Repentance when Necessary
* Show Forgiveness when Necessary
* Attend Institute
* Attend As Many YSA activities as I can
* Seek Wisdom from my Leaders
* Pray for my Leaders
* Pray for my Family
* Pray for my Friends
* Pray for my Future Spouse and Family
* Read the Book of Mormon in 30 days
* Attend FHE
* Get Rid of Fear
* Have Faith


Healthy Goals


* take care of myself with daily grooming habits
* do my hair for special events
* try to put on makeup for no reason
* exercise (Wii Fit, Zumba, YMCA)
* eat more healthy (vegetables, fruit)
* learn how to cook more
* try to eat three meals a day
* prepare meals so that I don't eat late at night
* go to bed earlier

Family Goals


* tell my family how much I love them
* be able to communicate effectively
* spend more time with them
* make them proud
* write letters to them often (email & snail mail)
* do things for them without complaint
* do things for them without being asked
* ask if they would like to do something, me to do something, etc.
* share my testimony with my family

Habitat Goals

* keep a tidy environment (try to make it calming)
* organize my books
* organize my movies
* create a binder to record what I own regarding books and movies

Personal Goals

* Be the Best Friend I can be
* Show Compassion
* don't be afraid of the phone
* get a job (leads to career in my field
* read at least one book a month
* blog often
* make cards with my cricut and mail them away
* give/toss things I don't need anymore
* give service to a community organization
* Smile Always
* Laugh
* Choose the Best
* Learn to play Piano
* Buy a Violin
* Buy A Ticket to Utah
* Travel
* Phone people for no reason, just to say Hi
* Manage Money Effectively
* Pay down Debt
* Pay family back for things they have done for me
* Put Forth More Effort into things
* Find a new skill
* Learn a new skill
* Take a night course/weekend course/day course
* Beat my Mom at Boggle
* Write Letters to Everyone for no reason
* Get to know people better
* Pin on Pinterest

Career Goals


* Apply to Jobs I am qualified for (no matter where they are)
* Prepare for every interview
* Write notes of appreciation for the interview panel/person
* Work hard at the current jobs I have, do more than what I think I can do
* Work effectively and try to leave place better than I found it
* Make sure I write letters to the people I supply for so they know what I did
* Write notes of appreciation for those people I supply for so they see that I am grateful for what I do
* Follow up after the interview with a phone call no matter what
* Accept every supply call unless the weather is really bad

Spiritual Strength

I'm really a horrible blogger, but I really have been thinking about this blog of mine (I've wanted to post, but I've wanted to be in the right mindset to write a blog post.)  At times, I wanted to blog frustration but I don't want this to be a forum of negativity.  (I don't know why the font colours are different, so bear with me so I can figure out how to change it)


However, I thought this would be a good time to post.


So I Spoke on Sunday and I thought that my fellow blog fans would like to read it.


It's quite a simple topic when it comes down to it, but we all need the spiritual strength sometimes to make the best choices in our lives,  We've got the Holy Ghost to be the conduit to receive inspiration and revelation which leads to spiritual strength.  Now that I look back on writing and giving this talk at church, there were a lot of things that I wanted to say but not enough time to say it.  So  I will post my talk in this post and then write another post (after a little more serious reflection and if you want to write your comments on the topic as well that would rock, and then I can include them in my thoughts)


So Here It Goes


Today I would like to speak about having spiritual strength. Since during times in my life I may have not inwardly felt this spiritual strength and I have felt that I have needed to work on receiving more of it. This is something that I felt an urgency to increase in my own life as I am continuing to seek more from the gospel.


I would like to begin by retelling a story from Wendy Watson Nelson, the wife of Elder Russell M. Nelson. 


“A few months prior to my marriage, I had an experience that illustrated, just how vital it is that we are prepared with the skill and understanding necessary to do what the Lord needs us to do.  I accompanied Sheri Dew to Palmyra to participate in a symposium on the Prophet Joseph Smith.


Since our obligations lasted into Saturday evening, in order to be home in time to meet our Sunday commitments, we booked an early morning Sunday flight back to Salt Lake City.  That morning we had arrived at the Rochester Airport at 4:30am.  We walked towards the terminal, when suddenly-unexplainably – I tripped and fell and did what could only be described as a cartoon face-plant right into the cement.


Sheri was walking ahead of me, heard me fall, and turned around and saw me face down on the pavement...which was quickly turning red from the blood pouring from a large gash in my forehead and nose.  She helped me to a sitting position on the sidewalk, and then began to look for something to slow down the bleeding, and began to look for someone to help us.  There were three police cars parked only a few feet away but not a policeman to be found.  It was so early in the morning that there was not one other person in sight.


I instantly knew what had to be done.  I said to Sheri, “You’ve got to pray for me.” Without hesitating, she knelt down on the pavement next to me and began to plead with the Lord.  The only way I can describe that prayer is to say that she prayed with power.  She petitioned the Lord to stop my fear, the bleeding, and the pain.  She also pleaded that she would know what to do to take care of me.


Sheri then darted off in search of help.  Minutes later an officer arrived, took one look at me, and called the paramedics.  About five minutes later a fire truck, with sirens blaring, and an EMT truck..., arrived.  After trying to bandage me up, Sheri instantly intervened: ‘‘No, I`m taking her home. ” With a flimsy bandage finally applied ... I walked with Sheri`s help through the airport.  With the injury finally protected by a bandage that covered most of my forehead and nose ... I settled back into my seat on the plane. 


As the plane took off, I mentioned that I had an appointment later that week with a dermatologist... and I should have him look at the injury.  Sheri response was careful, ‘‘Oh ... you know, after all you`ve been through this morning, you`re probably not going to feel much like going to church today,  why don`t we call ahead and see if we can find a surgeon, a plastic surgeon, in Salt Lake who will see you today”  I still had no idea just how serious my circumstance was.  Upon landing in Salt Lake City we learned that we were to go immediately to LDS Hospital.  An hour later I was in surgery, where it took countless stitches to put my face back together.  However, the surgery did not take place until after I received a priesthood blessing.  There was several reason Sheri was the right person to be with me.  She had the spiritual skill and understanding to know how to petition the Father with power in the name of the Son, so that the pain, the fear, and the bleeding would stop.  And then she knew how to hear the voice of the Lord and His directions through the Spirit to get me from the airport sidewalk to the surgical suite. 


I have often wondered how differently the story might have unfolded had Sheri not been with me.”


May I pose a question which I think we need to pause and think about whether it is now, or during this upcoming week.  “What Can I do to Increase My Spiritual Strength?” and “What is the Source of My Spiritual Strength?


Here are a few quotes that my assist in answering these questions.


Julie B. Beck has said, “The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life. Qualifying for the Lord’s Spirit begins with a desire for that Spirit and implies a certain degree of worthiness. Keeping the commandments, repenting, and renewing covenants made at baptism lead to the blessing of always having the Lord’s Spirit with us.  Making and keeping temple covenants also adds spiritual strength and power to life. Many answers to difficult questions are found by reading the scriptures because the scriptures are an aid to revelation.  Insight found in scripture accumulates over time, so it is important to spend some time in the scriptures every day. Daily prayer is also essential to having the Lord’s Spirit with us.  Those who earnestly seek help through prayer and scripture study often have a paper and pencil nearby to write questions and record impressions and ideas.”


President Henry B. Eyring has said, “Increased spiritual strength is a gift from God which He can give when we push in His service to our limits. Through the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our natures can be changed. Then our power to carry burdens can be increased more than enough to compensate for the increased service we will be asked to give. ”


Rex W. Allred has said, “To be eligible for exaltation, a person must grow in spiritual power and be sanctified to the point that he develops a powerful and personal relationship with the Savior.”


David A Bednar said, “The very nature of the Redeemer’s Atonement and the purpose of the restored Church are intended to help us receive . . . spiritual strength.  One of the greatest indicators of our own spiritual maturity is revealed in how we respond to the weaknesses, the inexperience, and the potentially offensive actions of others.”


Thomas S. Monson, our prophet wrote an article in the Washington Post this week, about dealing with the results of September 11, 2001, however I feel that in the same way it applies to spiritual strength.  He said, “We owe it to God the same faithfulness he gives to us.  We should strive for steadfastness and for a commitment to God that does not ebb and flow with the years or the crises in our lives.  The way to be with God in every season is to strive to be near Him every week and each day. We truly “need Him every hour,” We must speak to Him, listen to Him, and serve Him. If we wish to serve Him, we should serve our fellow men. We will mourn the lives we lose, but we should also fix the lives that can be mended and heal the hearts that may yet be healed.  It is constancy that God would have from us.  Destruction allows us to rebuild our lives in the way He teaches us, and to become something different than we were. We can make Him the center of our thoughts and His Son, Jesus Christ, the pattern for our behavior. We may not only find faith in God in our sorrow. We may also become faithful to Him in times of calm.


I leave a challenge that if you are seeking spiritual strength to follow the example of Enos in 1:4, “and I kneeled down before my Maker and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.  Enos had the desire and the faith to pray unceasingly until he had an answer and an increase of spiritual strength.


I encourage you to seek and find spiritual strength through fervent prayer, scripture study, seeking council from our leaders, attending the temple, attending institute, attending church, serving in our callings, being great Home and Visiting Teachers, fasting, and serving those who are waiting to hear the gospel.  And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

I'm Sorry That You Bled From That Pore For Me... The Power of Forgiveness Story

I didn't realize this week that I would receive not only a story about the Atonement this week at church but I would also receive and realize and and have it practiced in my life so quickly that I would be able to connect the two.

On Sunday a missionary Elder Fawcett told the branch about this story where a young man goes travelling through the canyons in Utah. He's driving his car along and then for whatever reason he gets into a really terrible car accident.  Search and rescue is called and the car is wedged in such a way that it is difficult to get this young man out of the car because one of the steel metal pieces is going through his stomach.  The search and rescue team has two of it's members try to dislodge this steel from around him and they try to make it so their isn't so much more pain and pressure on the injury to his stomach.   As they do this a single droplet of blood expires from a pore in his forehead.  Elder Fawcett then said, if this much pain and anguish caused this young man to expire one droplet of blood from a single pore, imagine how much pain the Saviour was in when he was in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Which Brings Me to My Experience

I was working yesterday in a library where I've worked before and I worked my but off doing everything to make sure that the library technician of the school wouldn't have any problem knowing that she'd left the library in good hands, I shelved, I walked around the library to make sure everything was put back where it was, etc.  The only thing she asked me not to do was check out books because we're in the last week of school.  So this student comes in close to the end of the day and asks to check out a book because she needs  it for her assignment.  So after had said no twice, and after she had promised me that she would have it returned to me by the end of the day, I finally relented knowing well that I would be in for my consequences.    

 So I emailed this Librarian and told her about everything I did during the day and then I wrote the part in the email where I checked out the one book to the student.  I knew by being honest I was somewhat ready for her to say something.  I felt SO bad. Bad enough already that I almost thought about calling to find out who her teacher was so I could tell the teacher what was going on.  

Unfortunately, that part didn't come to fruition, so even with the email I took my chances.  I was really disappointed in myself even after her having the message tell me a couple times that I even thought it would be okay in the first place.  

So today I heard back from her and yes she was very disappointment, I think probably even more disappointment because she goes beyond what librarians should have to do and phones home to the parents and talks to them and tries to get the students to return their books.  So yes I did feel bad enough already here was the consequence.

So as bad as I felt, I really wanted to correct my mistake and make sure that I would end up in her good books so I had it in my mind to go buy the book for her and give it to her to replace the one that was borrowed by the student (who she had a hard time with) that way she would only have to re-catalogue the book (something that the central cataloging part of the school board does anyway) and realistically she would just have to add a new barcode to the previous title.

So I bought a card as well and thanked her for letting me come in and fill in for her and how much I appreciated her letting me know what I missed, [(window open over the weekend, by accident) messy library, chairs not stacked, etc.) ] and that I appreciated that it has been quite the learning experience and that I can only improve, etc.

So after driving to pick up the book and writing in the card (which by far was the easier part) I arrived at the school, terrified beyond belief but feeling courageous because I even did it in the first place, there was a YM who I knew who is a member sitting on the front steps of the school waiting to get picked up for a dental appointment (I was like, that's got to be the best sign ever, thanks Jason C.)  I walked into the main office to let them know that I was there and why I was there then walked up the stairs to the library and opened the door and waited for her to appear behind her circ desk again (she was in her workroom area)

 She then looked at the book in my hand and refused to take it, I insisted because I knew in my heart that it was the right thing to do, she finally took the book and appreciated the card and what I wrote on the card then she asked me to come back into her workroom and then she gave me a hug. She then said she didn't want me to think that she didn't want me to come in and fill in for her and apologized for coming across the way she did and she said that I had definitely worked really hard, etc.  I was floored and yes a little teary and we had a good conversation about where I worked this year and how much work I did at other schools, etc.)  She then told me to keep the receipt so if the student returned the book I could have the book I bought back so that I was able to return the book to get a refund.

So after our conversation I said goodbye, (now really hoping this student would return this book) and said goodbye to the secretaries in the office and walked out of the school (to find Jason C. still sitting outside, thanks Jason C.)

About 2 1/2 hours later the student in question returned the book so she emailed me and told me I could pick up the book I bought!

Wow!  I know I probably caused more heartache and disappointment in myself and bleeding from pores of the Savior but I know by doing the right thing (repenting, so to speak) and showing that I was trying to improve and learn and making the commitment to strive to have thicker skin with High School Students (trying to get away with things) I was forgiven in such an unexpected way that I felt at peace, I felt immense gratitude.  It was unbelievable and such an amazing spiritual experience, OVER A LIBRARY BOOK!

I love it when my career life meets my religious one, I don't think I've had very many experiences where this has happened where I was connecting the two but this by far was an amazing one.

Something Exciting is Coming Soon!

My Very First Ever Giveaway is happening Soon!  

Let me tell you I'm just very, very, very excited about it.

I can't wait to share it with you!

Wouldn't You Like To Know Who Your Soul Mate Was?

Matched By Ally Condie

I bet you weren't expecting another book review so soon, maybe you were, but I don't know how many people are reading my blog right now, it might just be me.  I am expecting to do a couple of blog layout changes again shortly, but I couldn't resist another review.  

A good friend of mine Sis M. in our branch recommended this book to me and couldn't get it into my hands fast enough, except for the fact that she had already leant the book out to someone else. (BUMMER!)  Fortunately, it was like a ghost haunting me or something because I would see it in the bookstore and be instantly drawn to it.  

I had actually read another book by Ally Condie, she had written a series for LDS youth and I picked up the first one in the series and it was a super quick read as well. I didn't realize that they were one in the same until I had read her bio on her website.  It was like, NOW I DEFINATELY NEED TO READ MATCHED!

So on with the Book Review!

So in this society, the society has picked the age limit on all human beings will be.  There are also age requirements set on each person (when to meet their mate, when they will marry, when they will die, etc.)  The society has also done away with handwriting and they now deal with more technologically advanced communication.  

So the book sets out with Cassia a 16 year old girl going to a Match banquet where she will find out who her soul mate is.  (wouldn't we all like to know when we're 16 years old!) She gets matched and finds out that her match is none other than her best friend Xander.  She's suprised and so is he.  They both feel fortunate that they found one another without officially being matched!  

She is sent home with a port card -match card that has all the information about Xander on it (most of it she already knows) and the rules and regulations on "courting" and "dating" and making their match official in marriage at 21.  When she loads it into her computer Xander's face shows up and then flashes off and another guys face shows up, and apparently she knows him too!  His name is Ky.

So Cassia has to then decide what is the right thing for her in this society.  Unfortunately this society is also breaking down around her.  She is given a work placement to sort things people, places, things, numbers, etc. Her recreation time is limited to certain activities (swimming, planting, hiking) and everyone is constantly being watched for probably what would be the "supreme" beings of society.  During this time she becomes more and more confused as to who to pick to be matched to, helping her family, and the community she lives in, while she properly follows orders, even though she constantly questions them, she even gets taught by Ky the skill of handwriting which was hidden and covered so no one knew what they were doing.

This book definately leaves you wanting more. It is worth every word on it's page.  

As a side note, I don't know what the other books in the series will be like but It was relatively tame "teen" fiction respects, no big violence, no innapropriate language or vulgarity, no sexual situations.  It may change in the later books, it may not.  (I may write a post about the Hunger Games series and Twilight Series, to show you what I mean)  It was an honest telling of a story that invites you to talk about "what would happen if...?"

Read it!  It is Excellent!

H2O FOR PACHYDERMS

The Book

I have to say that I get way to excited when it comes to movie adaptations of books that I read, want to read, or have read.  There have been several times when I've been completely disappointed because the movie changed lots of the story, left story out, or added stuff that wasn't in the story. 

I'm so excited that I was going to read the book, because my previous book was just a huge and long and arduous process to read that when I read Water for Elephants it was just a fast and eventful from PAGE ONE! Horray!

I do have to say that there is some content in the book that was a little naughty, but if you prevail with reading it you will end up with such a satisfying story.

I was really enlightened because I really haven't read a lot of what is considered "ADULT" fiction.  I have been in the Teen/Young Adult area of literature that I was afraid of reading content that was just inappropriate.

I do have to say just keep reading it.  Running Away With the Circus is something you wouldn't expect to do in 2011 but somehow Jacob Jankowski does just that during the depression.  His exploration of his surroundings is real and the images just leap of the pages.   

The Movie

Although they left some characters and details out the director and actors were able to portray such a similar story that left you greatfully pleased with the entire movie.  Yes Robert Pattinson was in this movie, not that it had any way swayed my idea of going to see it because he was in it.  Yes I've read the Twilight series and I've seen all the movies so far too, and I've got to say, he's come a long way from being a vampire to being a fantastic mortal human being.  He almost didn't need to "act" because he was Jacob Jankowski.

I was really glad that the most important parts of the story were there and amid the small unnoticeable changes the movie captivated me from beginning to end. 

and OH the naughty bits in the movie were there but there wasn't any nudity or anything that would surprise you if you hadn't read the book.

The one thing that was apparent was it was a little bloody and there are fight sequences so be prepared for that when you see it.

Both the Book and the Movie get 4/5! The story is fantastic and worthwhile and the movie is just beautifully filmed and incredibly naturally acted.  I really want to see it again!

~*~*~*~

Does euphonious remind you of an attachment