'Tis the Season...for my yearly Christmas Letter

Christmas 2009


The Warmest of Holiday Greetings to you all! It has been far too long since I have been in touch with many of you. Thank heaven that Christmas comes around every year so that I will make myself sit down and write an update of what is going on in my life.


An update on my life: I continue to teach Medical Anatomy and Physiology at a high school in Davis County. I am enjoying my job and most days I like teaching! The Master’s of Business Administration program keeps me very busy, but is a rewarding experience. I am learning new things every single day and I am very grateful for the opportunity I have to follow the prophet and get all of the education that I can. I am truly blessed to be in a situation that I can attend Graduate school and further my education. As far as my love life is concerned, I continue to try to Love Life. I have seen a lot of friends get married this summer, and I am truly happy for each one of them. Sometimes I just wonder if I will ever be blessed with that opportunity. I am sure it is one of Heavenly Father’s ways of trying to teach me Patience! I update my blog every now and then.


This summer found me taking a road trip to Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington. One of my mission companions was sealed in the Portland, Oregon LDS Temple and I had the opportunity of being there for this wonderful occasion. I also had the privilege of serving as a Stake Girl’s Camp leader again this year. I have always loved Girl’s Camp and I am grateful for every chance I have to help out.
I am very excited for next summer. I have already purchased my ticket to fly to Japan in June of 2010. I will be spending 15 days in Japan visiting the wonderful friends I was blessed to meet when I served a full-time mission there 4 ½ years ago.


This year has filled my life with many new experiences and plenty of excitement. I have had the opportunity to make new friends in the Master’s of Business Administration program and through my Church callings. I have had trials and challenges that have reminded me of the importance of relying on our Heavenly Father. Through those challenges I have also been reminded of the wonderful, amazing, incredible friends that I have been blessed with in my life. I hope and pray that I am being that kind of friend to those I know and love. Our Heavenly Father truly does take care of us and answer many of our prayers through the friends we have.
I am grateful for this life that I have been blessed with. I have a wonderful family, the best friends anyone could ask for, a good job, the chance to further my education, safety, opportunities to grow, and most importantly, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.


I know that God lives and that Jesus Christ is His son and our Savior, Redeemer, and Friend. I am grateful for that knowledge every single day of my life. I know that through the Gospel of Jesus Christ each one of us will be resurrected with a perfected body and can live Eternally with our families if we live worthy of that blessing. I know that Joseph Smith restored the Gospel in the Latter-days and that he translated the Book of Mormon. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, written for us in our day. I am grateful for the knowledge that families truly are Eternal and I look forward to the day I can be sealed in the Temple to a worthy priesthood holder. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true Church, and it teaches us the will of our Heavenly Father.


I hope and pray that each of you is happy and doing well in all aspects of your life. I hope that your families are happy, that life is treating you well, and that you are happy. I hope that each of you are able to find the simple joys of life each and every day of your life and that when times get tough you are able to trust in our Heavenly Father to help you through.


I love each one of you and am grateful that you are a part of my life. Have a very Merry Christmas!


Love,
Rachel

Attitude of Gratitude, Days 21-30 (Finally)

Day 21: Good Teachers
Day 22: Priesthood Leaders
Day 23: Men who still know how to be a Gentleman
Day 24: People that can always make you smile
Day 25: 5 Day Breaks from work
Day 26: Opportunities to Serve others
Day 27: Games Night
Day 28: A good movie that when you leave you feel motivated, uplifted, and want to be better.
Day 29: My Parents
Day 30: My Job

An Attitude of Gratitude

Day 1: Dear Friends that have touched my life
Day 2: The Gospel
Day 3: Opportunities to further my Education
Day 4: Missionary Work
Day 5: Free Time
Day 6: Divine Guidance of the Holy Ghost
Day 7: Sleeping In
Day 8: A Peaceful Sabbath Day
Day 9: The Support of a Loving Family
Day 10: My Health
Day 11: Those who valiantly and faithfully have served, are currently serving, or will serve in the U.S. Military.
Day 12: My Mom
Day 13: Friends that are family. Love you guys!
Day 14: Wholesome, worthwhile Entertainment
Day 15: Eternal life and Eternal Families
Day 16: A Good Job
Day 17: Laughter
Day 18: Temples
Day 19: Hopes, Dreams, and Possibilities
Day 20: Good Examples and Heroes. All of the amazing people I learn so much from and look up to.

Dear Federal Government

About this economic stimulus package that has supposedly "saved" 1 million jobs, what about the millions of others that can't find a job and are losing jobs because of the economy that you are "saving." 10% jobless rate and likely to go higher. It couldn't possibly have anything to do with the government and their policies and practices.... I didn't think so.

My Choice

There is a new movie out there that is getting a lot of attention, it is called Paranormal Activity, and it seems that many of my students are watching it. I keep hearing from my students how scary it is, how they couldn't sleep all weekend, they were crying during the movie, etc. Personally, I don't try to do things that cause me to miss sleep, I have a hard enough time getting the little bit of sleep I happen to get.
For those of you who haven't heard much about this movie, I don't know much about it, but I do know that it received an "R" rating, and that is enough to keep me from seeing it. I have been told by multiple students (including active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) that I should "make an exception" and go see it. "It isn't that bad." "I don't know why you won't watch 'R' rated movies." Etc.
To me it is is simple, I made a decision and I am going to stick by that decision. I am sure there are plenty of 'R' rated movies that overall are pretty good movies, but that doesn't mean I am going to run out there and see it because it is "good." They are rated 'R' for various reasons, I understand this. Here is how I see it: 1. The prophet has counseled us to not see 'R' rated movies and use caution with all other ratings. 2. Our world has enough of that stuff in it, why should I go subject myself to it, pay $8 or more to attend, and give it my undivided attention. 3. I prefer to see movies that are uplifting and inspiring, last I checked, there aren't many uplifting and inspiring movies that are rated 'R.'
This is not to say that I will go out and watch any movie that is rated 'G', 'PG', or 'PG-13.' I try to educate myself on what the movie is about and evaluate what the content of the movie is. I try to be a discriminative viewer and make a decision that I am comfortable with. I'm not saying I am anywhere close to being perfect, because I know that I am far from it. All I know is that I want to always be worthy of having the Holy Ghost as my constant companion.
I am sure some of you out in the blogging world are thinking that I am a prude, sheltered, and intolerant. To this I say, I hope I am intolerant to those things, sheltered from the world as much as possible.
We have plenty of things around us trying to lead us away from the influence of the Holy Ghost and the comfort of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ's love. I CHOOSE to do everything within my power to always be worthy of the influence, comfort, and guidance of the Holy Ghost. I CHOOSE to do all I can to be close to my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I CHOOSE to not subject myself to those influences that the world markets. I CHOOSE to stand up for what I believe. I CHOOSE to follow the prophet.
(Sorry to get on a soapbox with this issue, but I had to get it out.)

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"

I LOVE General Conference weekend, a time when the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the opportunity to hear messages from the leaders of the Church. This is always a time of reflection, self-evaluation, and sincere prayer for me. A time when many of the questions of the soul can be answered as you listen to the messages with an open heart and mind, while heeding the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

This morning when President Thomas S. Monson, prophet, announced the construction of a temple in Sapporo, Japan, my heart was full of gratitude. The Church members in Japan are amazing and dedicated in their faith. The Church members on the island of Hokkaido (where Sapporo is located) must either fly to Tokyo, or ride the train or drive for the better part of a day to arrive at the temple.


What a wonderful time we are blessed to live in, a time when revelation continues and our Heavenly Father sends prophets, seers, and revelators to the Earth.

The Final Weekend of Summer

Emily wanted me to post this one, so here it is...with a brief disclaimer, I HATE pictures and I HATE swimsuits. Here it is for ya Em!

It has been a while since my last post, and I really do have a few posts in the works. Okay, let me be honest, I have a few ideas for posts but I haven't actually sat down and composed my thoughts or haven't been brave enough or confident enough to post them.

Life has been busy, but good. Definitely busy.

This past weekend I went water-skiing at Willard Bay with Emily and Brian and their family, along with Vickie. I hadn't been water-skiing in at least 6 years, so this was a bit of an experience. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get up, but decided to go for it. After a few attempts I was able to get up and ski for a while. I forgot how much fun water-skiing is and wish I had more opportunities to do so. I didn't take any pictures, but Emily made sure to be the good mom and get plenty of pictures of her kids, so of course she had to take a few of me. (Thanks for being sympathetic to my dislike of pictures Brian!)

Walking out to the "Deep" water.

I got up and even convinced myself to get out of the wake of the boat! I know, I'm a wimp.

The rest of the day was pretty good, probably one of the most productive Saturdays I've had in a very long time. I took a 15 minute nap, got ready for the day, went and got a pedicure, attended an Endowment session in the Ogden Temple, enjoyed the lightning and rain, changed the oil in my car, and finished preparing my lesson for Relief Society on Sunday.

Provo River Half Marathon

Yes, you read that correctly, I ran a half-marathon. Actually, run might be the incorrect term to use, maybe survived would be more appropriate!

So, here's what happened...Back in May(ish) Amanda somehow talked me into training for a half-marathon. For some strange reason I said okay. Looking back, I was completely nuts, but we went ahead and started to process of getting the lazy, out-of-shape, former runner (ME)conditioned enough to survive 13.1 miles of running. I'll be honest, the training's sole purpose was to get me to finish, that was the only goal and I am happy to say that it was accomplished. We ran probably 3 times a week (if that many). Here is the kicker, on my Summer vacation I woke up early enough to be at Amanda's by 5:30 a.m. THREE TIMES A WEEK! Many people would call that dedication, I call it INSANITY.

I was feeling pretty good most of the Summer, but a few weeks before the race my right IT Band started to bother me. I wasn't very shocked since most of my high school running career I was fighting some sort of tendinitis. Our longest training run was about 9 miles, so going into the race I wasn't even sure if I could make it 13.1! To top it all of, the week before the race I somehow tweaked my back and could barely walk for 2 days. Thank heaven for a good chiropractor, ice, advil, and a lot of rest. The entire week before the race I did not run one time. Ah, the serious nature of my training ;)

The evening before the race Amanda and I drove down to Provo to pick up our numbers, t-shirts, and any other instructions needed for the following morning. After picking up our stuff we met Shannon at Macaroni Grill for some prerace carbo loading. It was so good to see Shannon and catch up a little bit. After dinner Amanda and I drove to Lehi where we would be staying at Erin's (Amanda's friend) house. We really meant to get to sleep earlier, but I had a feeling that wouldn't be the case. Too much chit-chatting before bed!

The alarm clock went off WAY TOO EARLY. My thoughts included: What in the heck am I doing up at this awful hour to run 13.1 miles? Is my body going to hold up? Am I going to survive? Will I still speak to Amanda after this is all over, since it was her idea? We drove back to Provo, hopped a bus on a pretty chilly August morning. (I never imagined I would get a 64 degree day for a half-marathon on a Saturday in August, but I was EXTREMELY grateful for that temperature.) I am still thinking that this is completely crazy, but then again, so am I.

We started the race, and to be honest, the first 4-5 miles just flew by. It is the best I have ever felt running. By mile 7 or so my knee started acting up, but you all know about how stubborn I am, so I just kept on going, stopping every now and then to tighten my knee strap. Then the real fun kicked in, my left foot started hurting, and I mean HURTING, at about mile 10 or 11 (I really try to block out this portion). At this point I was considering just walking the rest of the way, giving up, etc., then the stubborness kicked in. I tried, and tried, and tried to get Amanda to go on ahead. I knew she was feeling good, but she insisted on staying with me. We walked a little, but for the most part just went at a pretty slow jog. At mile 12 I told Amanda to go ahead and I would see her at the finish line. I knew at this point that I would finish if it killed me, I wasn't about to go 12 miles and not get that last mile in. That last mile wasn't as bad as I had imagined it would be. I spent that time thinking, pondering, and communicating with my Heavenly Father.

People ask me how I did and my response is that I accomplished my goal, FINISHING! My time was 2 hours 12 minutes and I am 100% fine with that time. The course wasn't too bad, mostly downhill with beautiful scenery.

At the finish line Amanda gave me a big hug and asked if we were still on speaking terms. I assured her that we are :)

After the race I didn't dare sit down because I knew that if I did I would never get back up. Amanda wanted a pancake, all I wanted was the delicious watermelon and some water. Once we were done eating we went back to Erin's to shower and get into some clean clothes. Then the lovely drive back home.

It only took me about 2 days to be able to walk normally again, and the left foot thing...the doctor says it is either tendinitis or a stress fracture! Ah, the joys.

Looking back I can say that I am glad I did it, will I ever run another half? Not anytime soon! I am so grateful for Amanda who stuck with me the entire race when she was feeling good and could have gone so much faster. I can guarantee that if she wouldn't have stuck with me I wouldn't have finished. Thanks for sticking with me and encouraging me the whole way. You are an amazing friend and I am so blessed to have you as a part of my life. Love ya babe!

My Trip to Portland & Seattle (Finally :))

Since my computer is being a pain I will just go in reverse order of how my trip went.

Sunday
After driving 1800+ miles over the weekend I hit a deer with my car just outside of Tremonton, UT. That is right, I was less than an hour from home and hit a deer.
My parents came and picked me up, we sent my car to the shop in Brigham, and I went home frustrated and very tired.
Final Score Rachel-1 Bambi-0

Outside of Portland there is a beautiful waterfall, called Multnomah Falls, right by the Interstate. I couldn't help but stop and take a picture or two.

The 11-hour trip home was a wonderful time for me to do some thinking, pondering, and reflection. I think I spent 2-3 hours of the time riding in silence and having a good hour-long heart-to-heart with my Heavenly Father. I am grateful that I turned off the radio and took the opportunity to feel the Spirit.

Saturday
Sunset over a bridge along the Wilamette River.

Since I found myself with a little extra time I made sure to stop by and see the Seattle, Washington Temple. I wish I would have had some time to do an endowment session.

This is Imri Larsen and me at a kaiten sushi restaurant in Seattle. Imri and I served in the same area, Yamato-Kouriyama, for 6 months. He lives up in Seattle and is going to the University of Washington.

The Space Needle

Pike's Place Public Market-I saw the famous "Fish Throwers" at Pike's Place Fish Market, bought some fun souvenirs, just walked around and enjoyed the atmosphere, and on Amanda's suggestion (thanks babe) I bought myself some gorgeous flowers.

Friday

I spent the entire day with my Dad's Cousin, Larry. We did some sight-seeing and went out to dinner for some delicious, fresh seafood. Yummy!!!

We went to the Japanese Garden, which reminded me of Japan quite a bit.

We also went to the International Rose Test Garden. Portland is, afterall, the City of Roses.

This is Larry.

THIS is Larry's replica 1934 Mercedes Roadster. He built it from a kit over the period of a few years. It is a beautiful car and was very fun to drive. He pulled it out of the garage and I went to get in the passenger side, to which he responded, "You drive, I'll navigate." I've never driven a car that nice. When we pulled into NikeTown a man said, "That is the most beautiful thing I have seen in a long time." The sarcastic side of me wanted to reply, "The car isn't so bad, either." But, I stopped myself!

Thursday

This is the Portland, Oregon temple.

Thursday

I spent the day with Ariana's family, friends, etc. with the wedding stuff. Ariana and I were mission companions in Yamato-Kouriyama, Japan for 4 1/2 months. The sealing was beautiful and I am extremely grateful I was able to be there to support Ariana and Gabriel. After the wedding we took pictures outside of the temple and then headed to a nearby park for lunch. The evening was spent helping out with the reception, most of the time in the kitchen getting food, etc. prepared. I'm so glad that I took the time to go to Portland to be there for this wonderful occasion. Thanks for the invitation, love you guys!

Wednesday

I got out of my college class at 11:30, went and picked up the cross-stitch I was having framed, loaded up the car and set out on the 11-hour car trip to Portland, Oregon

This was a wonderful trip and I am happy I did it, even if I did hit a deer and had to be without a car for 10 days!

Vacation

Our home computer is down right now, so I won't be able to get my vacation update on here for a few days.
To summarize my trip (I promise more details and pictures when we fix the computer):
Wednesday-Go to class, take a test, drive for 11 hours
Thursday-Sealing in Portland Temple, wedding stuff all day
Friday-Sight-seeing in Portland, driving a replica 1934 Mercedes Roadster
Saturday-Seattle
Sunday-Drive home, Hit a deer
Now doesn't that sound like a lot of fun?

Dancing With the Stars

Okay, the cat is out of the bag. I am a Dancing With the Stars fan! I am happy to say that I am pleased with the results of this season. I am glad that Shawn and Mark won!

ABC's Of ME!!!

ABC's of Me

A-
Available: Very
Age: 28
Annoyance: Laziness
Animal: Dog

B-
Beer: Beer bread is delicious, other than that, no thanks.
Birthday: September 11
Best Friend: Amanda, Shannon, John, and more
Been in Love: Can't say that I have
Been on stage: Orchestra in Middle School
Believe in Miracles: Absolutely, without a doubt
Believe in Santa: Definitely

C-
Candy: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Swedish Fish
Color: Dark Blue
Chocolate/Vanilla: Definitely Chocolate! Vanilla is the base for which all delicious flavors, alone, no thanks.
Chinese/Mexican: Mexican
Cake or pie: Homemade Sour Cream Chocolate Cake
Continent to visit: Asia
Cheese: most types, I do love a good sharp Cheddar, Provolone or Muenster

D-
Day or Night: Both
Dancing in the rain: Not recently

E-
Eyes: Hazel
Everyone's got: Great potential and A loving Heavenly Father

F-
First thoughts waking up: It can't be morning already
Food: Just about anything

G-
Greatest Fear: Being Alone
Goals: Too many to list.
Gum: Orbit White
Get along with your parents: Yep

H-
Hair Color: Sandy Blond in the summer, a little darker in the winter
Height: 5' 8"
Holiday: Thanksgiving, and no, not because of the food!
How do you want to die: Quickly and painlessly

I-
Ice Cream: Lemon Sorbet or a dark chocolate Rocky Road
Instrument: Currently: Piano, Lifetime: Violin and Ukelele

J-
Jewelry: CTR Ring, Watch, Bracelet made of fishing swivels
Job: Medical Anatomy teacher

K-
Kids: Hopefully someday, until then I have 120 M-F 9 months of the year.
Keep a journal: Not as much as I should

L-
Love=Perseverance
Letter: Can't say I really have a favorite letter
Laughed so hard you cried: Yes, and it feels great!

M-
Milk flavor: Plain 1%
Movies: Chick Flicks!
Motion sickness: Yes, but I just get off the roller-coaster, lose my lunch, and get right back on.
McD’s or BK: If I had to make a choice between the two, BK
Number: 7

O-
One wish: "World Peace"-sorry, had to put it.
Actually, to marry and raise a family.

P- Pepsi/Coke: Whatever is cheapest, yet then again I don't drink carbonated beverages
Perfect Pizza: Hawaiian
Piercings: Ears

Q-
Quote: "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game."

R-
Reason to cry: Happy, pain, sorrow
Reality T.V.: The Amazing Race, Dancing with the Stars, Biggest Loser
Radio Station: Whatever one doesn't have any commercials on at the given moment
Roll your tongue in a circle: Yep

S-
Song: That is an impossible question
Shoe size: 9
Salad Dressing: Japanese Sesame Seed Dressing
Sushi: Delicious
Shave arms or legs: Legs-
Skinny dipped: Nope
Strawberries/Blueberries: Strawberries!
Surgeries: Nope

T-
Tattoos: Not in a million, my body is a temple :)
Time for bed: During the school year, 10 p.m., during the summer, who cares!
Thunderstorms: My favorite

U-
Unpredictable: not often

V-
Vacation spot(s): Japan, Prince Edward Island, Uinta Mountains

W-
Weakness: Self-deprecation
Worst feeling: Being alone
Wanted to be a model: Heavens no
Worst Weather=When you are stuck inside all day and it is sunny and warm outside :(

X-
X-Rays: Sinuses, teeth, ankle

Y-
Year it is now: 2009
Yellow=Happy

Z-
Zoo animal: Tigers

Happy Mother's Day

On this Mother's Day I am reminded of a talk given in the April 2004 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It applies to women throughout the world, in every situation, from every background. Whether married or single, mother of her own children or mother to the neighborhood, old or young. It reminds us all of what we should strive to become.
So, to all you Women with a 'Mother Heart' out there, I hope you had a wonderful, relaxing Mother's Day.

Julie B. Beck, “A ‘Mother Heart’,” Ensign, May 2004, 75

By developing a mother heart, each girl and woman prepares for her divine, eternal mission of motherhood.

I have often heard my father describe my mother as a woman with a “mother heart,” and that is true. Her mothering influence has been felt by many hundreds, perhaps thousands of people, and she has refined the role of nurturer to an art form. Her testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and strong sense of identity and purpose have guided her life.
She took longer than most women to find her husband, but during her single years she had devoted her life to progress. Though it was uncommon at the time, she was university educated and advancing in a career. Following her marriage, children arrived in quick succession; and in a short span of years, she was the mother of a large family. All the knowledge she had acquired, all her natural abilities and gifts, all her skills were channeled into an organization that had no earthly bounds. As a covenant-keeping daughter of God, she had prepared all her life for motherhood.
What is a mother heart and how is one acquired? We learn about some of those qualities in the scriptures. To paraphrase Proverbs: “Who can find a … woman [with a mother heart]? for her price is far above rubies. … She … worketh willingly with her hands. … With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. … She stretcheth out her hand to the poor. … Strength and honour are her clothing. … She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness” (Prov. 31:10, 13, 16, 20, 25–27). A woman with a mother heart has a testimony of the restored gospel, and she teaches the principles of the gospel without equivocation. She is keeping sacred covenants made in holy temples. Her talents and skills are shared unselfishly. She gains as much education as her circumstances will allow, improving her mind and spirit with the desire to teach what she learns to the generations who follow her.
If she has children, she is a “goodly parent” (1 Ne. 1:1) who lives and teaches standards of behavior exactly in line with the teachings of living prophets. She teaches her “children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord” (D&C 68:28). Rather than listening to the voices and partial truths of the world, she knows that gospel standards are based on eternal, unchangeable truths. She believes that to be “primarily responsible for the nurture of [her] children” is a vital, dignified, and “sacred responsibilit[y]” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Liahona, Oct. 1998, 24; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). To nurture and feed them physically is as much an honor as to nurture and feed them spiritually. She is “not weary in well-doing” and delights to serve her family, because she knows that “out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33).
Oh, that every girl and woman would have a testimony of her potential for eternal motherhood as she keeps her earthly covenants. “Each is a beloved … daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine … destiny” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”). As spirit daughters of God, women “received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth” (D&C 138:56) on the earth. They were among the “noble and great ones” (D&C 138:55) who “shouted for joy” (Job 38:7) at the creation of the earth because they would be given a physical body with the opportunity to be proven in a mortal sphere (see Abr. 3:25). They wished to work side by side with righteous men to accomplish eternal goals that neither can attain independently.
Female roles did not begin on earth, and they do not end here. A woman who treasures motherhood on earth will treasure motherhood in the world to come, and “where [her] treasure is, there will [her] heart be also” (Matt. 6:21). By developing a mother heart, each girl and woman prepares for her divine, eternal mission of motherhood. “Whatever principle of intelligence [she] attain[s] unto in this life, it will rise with [her] in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through [her] diligence and obedience than another, [she] will have so much the advantage in the world to come” (D&C 130:18–19).
In my experience I have seen that some of the truest mother hearts beat in the breasts of women who will not rear their own children in this life, but they know that “all things must come to pass in their time” and that they “are laying the foundation of a great work” (D&C 64:32–33). As they keep their covenants, they are investing in a grand, prestigious future because they know that “they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever” (Abr. 3:26).
I was recently at a park where I met a group of women with mother hearts. They were young, covenant-keeping women. They were bright and had obtained advanced degrees from respected universities. Now they were devoting their considerable gifts to planning dinner that evening and sharing housekeeping ideas. They were teaching two-year-olds to be kind to one another. They were soothing babies, kissing bruised knees, and wiping tears. I asked one of those mothers how it came about that she could transfer her talents so cheerfully into the role of motherhood. She replied, “I know who I am, and I know what I am supposed to do. The rest just follows.” That young mother will build faith and character in the next generation one family prayer at a time, one scripture study session, one book read aloud, one song, one family meal after another. She is involved in a great work. She knows that “children are an heritage of the Lord” and “happy is the [woman] that hath [a] quiver full of them” (Ps. 127:3, 5). She knows that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily mothering is far more lasting, far more powerful, far more influential than any earthly position or institution invented by man. She has the vision that, if worthy, she has the potential to be blessed as Rebekah of old to be “the mother of thousands of millions” (Gen. 24:60).
Covenant-keeping women with mother hearts know that whether motherhood comes early or late; whether they are blessed with a “quiver full” of children here in mortality or not; whether they are single, married, or left to carry the responsibility of parenthood alone—in holy temples they are “endowed with power from on high” (D&C 38:32), and with that endowment they received the promised blessings and are “persuaded of them, and embraced them” (Heb. 11:13).
Every girl and woman who makes and keeps sacred covenants can have a mother heart. There is no limit to what a woman with a mother heart can accomplish. Righteous women have changed the course of history and will continue to do so, and their influence will spread and grow exponentially throughout the eternities. How grateful I am to the Lord for trusting women with the divine mission of motherhood. Like Mother Eve I am “glad” (see Moses 5:11) to know these things. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Friends

The past few weeks I have been reminded of what amazing friends I have been blessed with. You know the kind of friends I am talking about. The ones that are there for you no matter what. They don't care if their house is a mess and they have things to do, they'll drop everything because you need to talk. They can tell when something is wrong and you need to talk and then proceed to get you to talk. On the other hand, they can tell when you aren't ready to talk and give you time and space. They laugh with you. They cry with you. They don't care what you look like and don't judge you, because if they did they would have run the other way months, years, or even decades ago! They love you for you, even when you are irrational, exasperating, frustrating, etc. They call at just the right time. They get you to relax and have fun. They know just what to say and when to say it. They can tell when you what you really need is a big HUG.

To all my wonderful friends out there, thank you so much for all of your love and support. Thank you for being a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and someone to laugh with. Thank you for taking time out of your crazy lives for me. Thank you for encouraging me, especially when I am frustrated. Thank you for making sure I am eating:).

I hope and pray that I am being a good friend to my friends. All too often I am too busy, too stressed, or too tired. My resolve: to be a better friend and a better listener.

Love you guys!


"Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends whom we choose."


"Your friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you."


"Love is rarer than genius itself. And friendship is rarer than love."


"A friend is someone who is there for you when he'd rather be anywhere else."

I HATE ACCOUNTING!!!!!!!!!

That is all I have to say. It is consuming all of my time, which I don't have and is driving me nuts. God bless all of those accountants out there because I know that I just couldn't stand being one!

I too was "Drugged" and I am thankful for it.

I read this on my friend's (thanks Wendy, hope you don't mind me sharing it) blog. After reading through it I feel that we need to "drug" the youth of this world more often.

Most times the things we don't want to do are the things that make up our character, help us become better people, and teach us what kind of people we ought to be.

SONORA GRILL

If you have never been to the Sonora Grill, it is delicious and I recommend you all go and try it out. It is located in The Junction in downtown Ogden, across from the Megaplex Theater. Right now they are doing the Ultimate Blog Giveaway. The prize: a free dinner for SIX at the Sonora Grill. To enter go here for all details. Check it out and see what you are missing. Happy Eating!

Sometimes it is just hard to buckle down and do your homework!

Okay, so it has been a while since I have been the student and had to do homework and some days I just don't feel like doing it. I can always find something else I would rather be doing and lately too much of that has been found on the television.


Here are a few of the reasons I don't want to do my homework:


MONK: Friday nights at 10:00 p.m. on USA

Adrian Monk is an Obsessive-Compulsive Detective that used to work for the San Francisco Police Department. He works on cases as requested and his goal is to get back on the force. Monk is scared of everything, yet he is a brilliant detective.


It is a really clean show and I never miss an episode.


Psych: Friday nights at 11:00 p.m. on USA


Shawn Spencer was raised by a family of cops. All of his life he has been groomed to become a detective, but because of a rift between his father he never became one. He has been blessed with uncanny observation skills. When he was young he would call in anonymous tips to help out with big cases.


Now that he is grown Shawn has teamed with his childhood friend Burton Guster ("Gus") to open a Psychic Detective agency. Posing as real psychics they are hired by the Santa Barbara Police Department as consultants on many weird, interesting, abnormal cases. Using Shawn's observation skills they fake their way as psychics and solve many a crime.


Another fun one that is pretty clean. Hey, I watch Monk every week, so I may as well catch Psych afterwards!




Ugly Betty: Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m., ABC

Okay, so I don't know why I started watching this one. I think I was just bored one Thursday evening. I watch it if I am home, but don't panic if I miss an episode.

Gilmore Girls: Weeknights at 6:00 p.m. on ABC Family

This one I blame on Amanda, 100%. Casually she mentioned that I should watch Gilmore Girls, I put it off for a while, but this week when I was sick I found myself watching it every evening. Now I just need to track down those DVD's so I can catch up!

Jeopardy: Weeknights, 7:30 p.m. on KJZZ

This is just me getting a little bit of education every evening. I love learning new things, and interesting facts just make this show that much more enjoyable to me. I have been watching for years and the only complaint I have is that they ask too many questions about France and French as compared to other countries or languages. (Guess it helps that the host is French-Canadian, eh.)

Learning Opportunities

2008 was a long, rough, emotional, stressful, educational year for me. I am more than happy to see 2009 begin. I am not wishing that 2008 never happened, because I learned so much and grew in many, many ways. Here are a few things that I learned in 2008.
1. Whenever the Lord closes a door, He always opens a window.
After being removed from my coaching assignments I started a search for a new job. The perfect job literally fell in my lap. A call from someone I hadn't heard from in years, moving through the application and interview process at record speed, my dream job offered to me, all within a matter of 2 weeks.
2. Trials are to prepare us for what lies ahead.
It has been said: "What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger." Well, I am still here!
3. Prayers are answered in the Lord's timing & in His own way.
No matter what we think is best, the Lord KNOWS what is best for us in our individual circumstances. Sometimes what we WANT is not what the Lord has planned for our lives. Then comes the hard part of submitting our will to His, a long process in my case.
4. The Lord is mindful of ALL my needs.
It is awesome to realize that the Lord really does provide for us. When it seems like there is no way things are going to work out, suddenly something happens to pave the way for us to accomplish it. As long as we are true and faithful, He will take care of us as He sees fit.
5. The Principle of Compensation
Although I haven't seen this principle fulfilled in my life yet, I have faith in the promises of our Heavenly Father. " The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude."
6.I have a long way to go & a lot of things to accomplish.
Life is full of so many trials, bumps, and opportunities. I have a lot to do to prepare myself for the day that I will meet my Father in Heaven.
I am truly grateful for the things I have learned and the experiences I have gone through. They have made me stronger, helped me rely more on my Heavenly Father, and helped me to know more about myself.

Temporary Hiatus

I got a 2 week Christmas Break from work and I have to admit that I did basically nothing during that time. I'll hopefully get this thing updated in the next few days, but until then, be patient!