Forgiveness-something that sometimes seems impossible, and yet, is always asked of us. I have had many experiences with this, perhaps not as trying and 'impossible' as other people's trials have been, but have, all the same, been hard for me.
A while ago, in seminary, we were told a story of an earlier student my seminary teacher had had. This student had grandparents living in Idaho on a farm. They had hired a gardner or a helping hand for around the farm, and it was a man that was quiet mentally unstable. Whether they knew that or not, I'm not sure. But the man began to have a crush on the grandmother of this student. He began to lust for her, and, in a moment of jealousy, shot the grandfather. He died. The grandmother would not have him, told him so. She told him she was upset with him, and he took the gun and then shot her. Now this student had lost both grandparents.
While with some friends, and one of their mothers, I told this story. They were all horified. But the mother had some words of wisdom to impart with us. She told us that these trials would come, and sometimes it would be hard, and would take a while before we could forgive. Do you know what she then said? "Leave room for forgiveness." Sometimes, it is all we can do: to think, "One day, I might have the strength and courage to forgive." It is the best we can do.
Check out more Mormon Messages.
July 29, 2010
July 28, 2010
EFY 2010
EFY-Especially For Youth, and that's exactly what it is: a program directed at youth ages 14-18 to come with other youth of the LDS religion and having a blast, whilst we strengthen our testimonies and meet new friends. I have gone three years now, and would LOVE to go next year and go as a counselor, too. I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone and everyone, even if you're not a member. It's wonderful.
There were so many things that we did. Dances, service projects, sang, wrote notes, danced again... what I wouldn't GIVE to have that spirit with me all the time. I felt like such a big baby-anything could set me off crying because of how strong I felt the spirit. It's a wonderful place to be.
This is my finished tied-blanket, this year's service project.
Each year, we have a talent/variety show on Thursday, with auditions on Tuesday and Wednesday. Everyone can participate, but I'm more of an observer, not much of a doer. This kid was on a pogo-stick and jumping rope at the same time! He was good.
This is the time when we each got addresses and phone numbers... it was a blast!
This is our company. They put boys and girls in counselor groups, with one counselor and then anywhere between 6-14 youth (maybe even more). It is all sorted out by age (14-15 in one group, then 16-18 in another). Then they put together companies, which could be 3, 4 or even 5 counselor groups-2 girl counselors with 2 boy counselors, the combinations are endless!!!! This year, our company had about 45 youth in it. We had a lot of kids this year. We always draw closer together, as counselor group and company. The men MUST escort the ladies EVERYWHERE!!! We only had about 14 or 15 boys, and about twice as many girls, so each guy got two girls!
Registration usually begins at the beginning of each year (January-February, maybe March). It was FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!! GO!
There were so many things that we did. Dances, service projects, sang, wrote notes, danced again... what I wouldn't GIVE to have that spirit with me all the time. I felt like such a big baby-anything could set me off crying because of how strong I felt the spirit. It's a wonderful place to be.
This is my finished tied-blanket, this year's service project.
Each year, we have a talent/variety show on Thursday, with auditions on Tuesday and Wednesday. Everyone can participate, but I'm more of an observer, not much of a doer. This kid was on a pogo-stick and jumping rope at the same time! He was good.
This is the time when we each got addresses and phone numbers... it was a blast!
This is our company. They put boys and girls in counselor groups, with one counselor and then anywhere between 6-14 youth (maybe even more). It is all sorted out by age (14-15 in one group, then 16-18 in another). Then they put together companies, which could be 3, 4 or even 5 counselor groups-2 girl counselors with 2 boy counselors, the combinations are endless!!!! This year, our company had about 45 youth in it. We had a lot of kids this year. We always draw closer together, as counselor group and company. The men MUST escort the ladies EVERYWHERE!!! We only had about 14 or 15 boys, and about twice as many girls, so each guy got two girls!
Registration usually begins at the beginning of each year (January-February, maybe March). It was FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!! GO!
July 27, 2010
Ali BOW-Chapter 1
No one was there that night, and so it was no surprise when thousands of legends, tall tales and such exploded from then on. " 'Twas the spiders and itsy-bitsies!" The sprites said. "Yer all cracked!! 'Twas the vines and plants that brought her 'cross the land!" The elves said. "Nay! 'Twas the birds and butterflies that brought her forth-haven't ya seen her grace?" The fairies whispered. But they were all wrong.
* * * * * * * * * *
Her name was Alianne Born-Of-The-Woods (for she was), or just Ali BOW. Her hair was long, and dark as a raven's feather. Her lilac eyes sparkled like the stars, and her laugh was quiet and gentle, like a stream. Her skin was as smooth as a pebble, and had a cream rose-petal complexion. Her beauty was famed throughout the land. Yet it was not men (or boys) that sought her, but women. She was also known for her talent with herbs, and could cure anything. She eased the birthing pains, and could stop blood flow immediately from any cut, big or small. And she could speak with the animals.
She had never really lived with any village-not for long, anyway. She preferred the starry nights to the thatched hut roofs, a soft mossy patch than a rickety straw mattress. She traveled with a pack-with wolves, with the large cats, even with the monkeys! The people of Ithrabog (ih-thraw-bog) talked, but no one said anything to her face.
* * * * * * * * * *
The head council of Ithrabog knew something its people didn't-that they were not the only ones in the world. No one was allowed within leagues of the coast, and it made Alianne curious. The head council, called The Kathrukine (kaw-thrue-keen), also knew that there were at least seven islands outside of Ithrabog, and the last thing they needed was explorers, going to or coming from the outer islands. The Kathrukine felt threatened by the outside world, something they could not control. "For the safety of our people!" one of the council members claimed. Others quickly agreed, thinking of no better excuse.
Alianne saw it as a challenge.
* * * * * * * * * *
I am SOOOOOOOOO excited for a very important announcement. Check it out HERE. You should all GO!!!!!!!!! I am. (Most definitely!)
* * * * * * * * * *
Her name was Alianne Born-Of-The-Woods (for she was), or just Ali BOW. Her hair was long, and dark as a raven's feather. Her lilac eyes sparkled like the stars, and her laugh was quiet and gentle, like a stream. Her skin was as smooth as a pebble, and had a cream rose-petal complexion. Her beauty was famed throughout the land. Yet it was not men (or boys) that sought her, but women. She was also known for her talent with herbs, and could cure anything. She eased the birthing pains, and could stop blood flow immediately from any cut, big or small. And she could speak with the animals.
She had never really lived with any village-not for long, anyway. She preferred the starry nights to the thatched hut roofs, a soft mossy patch than a rickety straw mattress. She traveled with a pack-with wolves, with the large cats, even with the monkeys! The people of Ithrabog (ih-thraw-bog) talked, but no one said anything to her face.
* * * * * * * * * *
The head council of Ithrabog knew something its people didn't-that they were not the only ones in the world. No one was allowed within leagues of the coast, and it made Alianne curious. The head council, called The Kathrukine (kaw-thrue-keen), also knew that there were at least seven islands outside of Ithrabog, and the last thing they needed was explorers, going to or coming from the outer islands. The Kathrukine felt threatened by the outside world, something they could not control. "For the safety of our people!" one of the council members claimed. Others quickly agreed, thinking of no better excuse.
Alianne saw it as a challenge.
* * * * * * * * * *
I am SOOOOOOOOO excited for a very important announcement. Check it out HERE. You should all GO!!!!!!!!! I am. (Most definitely!)
July 26, 2010
Family
It's true-I LOVE root beer. I don't care what you say, or who you are! I love root beer. And, unfortunately, the dentist DOESN'T. (sigh) If only, if only...
So, I was most impressed-and excited!-when I found 'Not so Usual Emma's' OTHER blog speak of--HOMEMADE ROOT BEER (for a crowd). Loved it. Click HERE for more details.
I am a very close-knit person-I have 'half-sisters' as well as a 'soul sister' (more to follow-maybe). My grandmother 'abuelita' and I have recently become closer (which I am very glad for). My brothers and I have been getting closer, too!!!! We just spent this last week at a 'LDS-church camp', and LOVED IT!!!! (I did, anyway). Sure, we won't ALWAYS get along, but that's sibling love, right?
So I am WAYYYYY excited for my cousins to come. We are not all that close to my dad's side of the family (except for his parents), and so we have within the last 2-3 years become extremely close to one of his older brothers, who is married to a beautiful and WONDERFUL woman. They have had two kids together (both girls), and it's really incredible how close we are. I love it. I love my family very much-even the 'non'-family members, like friends and pets-like my Lola Bedola!!! (my dad thinks it's annoying when I call her that-but she comes!)
I don't know where I would be without my family. At said church camp, a girl told us her story and her conversion- About two years ago, she began taking the LDS missionaries. Her family also began taking the missionary lessons. At about the beginning of 2009, the question came of whether they wanted to be sealed in the temple as a family for time and all eternity. "But we're Latinos, so we bicker alot." She told us (she's from the Dominican Republic) She said that in February of 2009, they were sealed as a family together... forever. She said that as she sat in that room, she cried and knew in her heart there was NOWHERE else she would rather be at that point in time, and with no one else. She was so happy!
I was a 'lucky' child. I was born into the covenant, meaning my parents were sealed in the temple when they got married (which is what usually happens). I was so happy that she got that opportunity! I, too, hoped to be sealed to my FAITHFUL and wonderful husband (if I get one) and/or with my adopted girl from Asia.
I have never wanted children. I don't know why. We used to play games in elementary school about what we would name our kids, and I played, but I never was sure that being a mom was what I wanted.
In the last two years, I have sort of-kind of-maybe changed. I still don't want children. In fact (please don't be offended) I LOATHE children. But I have felt this... 'tug' on my heart to adopt a girl. In fact, I've SEEN her (believe it or not). I tend to dream a lot, and this is probably a story for another time, but I've seen her, and I know she is/will be waiting for me. So I have to go look for her, too! Other than that, I'm not sure that I like children. Really, at all.
Off on another adventure!
So, I was most impressed-and excited!-when I found 'Not so Usual Emma's' OTHER blog speak of--HOMEMADE ROOT BEER (for a crowd). Loved it. Click HERE for more details.
I am a very close-knit person-I have 'half-sisters' as well as a 'soul sister' (more to follow-maybe). My grandmother 'abuelita' and I have recently become closer (which I am very glad for). My brothers and I have been getting closer, too!!!! We just spent this last week at a 'LDS-church camp', and LOVED IT!!!! (I did, anyway). Sure, we won't ALWAYS get along, but that's sibling love, right?
So I am WAYYYYY excited for my cousins to come. We are not all that close to my dad's side of the family (except for his parents), and so we have within the last 2-3 years become extremely close to one of his older brothers, who is married to a beautiful and WONDERFUL woman. They have had two kids together (both girls), and it's really incredible how close we are. I love it. I love my family very much-even the 'non'-family members, like friends and pets-like my Lola Bedola!!! (my dad thinks it's annoying when I call her that-but she comes!)
I don't know where I would be without my family. At said church camp, a girl told us her story and her conversion- About two years ago, she began taking the LDS missionaries. Her family also began taking the missionary lessons. At about the beginning of 2009, the question came of whether they wanted to be sealed in the temple as a family for time and all eternity. "But we're Latinos, so we bicker alot." She told us (she's from the Dominican Republic) She said that in February of 2009, they were sealed as a family together... forever. She said that as she sat in that room, she cried and knew in her heart there was NOWHERE else she would rather be at that point in time, and with no one else. She was so happy!
I was a 'lucky' child. I was born into the covenant, meaning my parents were sealed in the temple when they got married (which is what usually happens). I was so happy that she got that opportunity! I, too, hoped to be sealed to my FAITHFUL and wonderful husband (if I get one) and/or with my adopted girl from Asia.
I have never wanted children. I don't know why. We used to play games in elementary school about what we would name our kids, and I played, but I never was sure that being a mom was what I wanted.
In the last two years, I have sort of-kind of-maybe changed. I still don't want children. In fact (please don't be offended) I LOATHE children. But I have felt this... 'tug' on my heart to adopt a girl. In fact, I've SEEN her (believe it or not). I tend to dream a lot, and this is probably a story for another time, but I've seen her, and I know she is/will be waiting for me. So I have to go look for her, too! Other than that, I'm not sure that I like children. Really, at all.
Off on another adventure!
July 24, 2010
Home
Back from EFY... it was amazing. I have loved EFY, and I think next year will have to be my last year (as a participant). But, I don't know. Maybe this year is my last year... who knows?
So, reports of that will come later. I know, that's what I said about Girl's Camp, and Girl's Camp was over a month ago... I'll get there... eventually... maybe. I've got to talk to someone close and dear to me, now. Bye!
So, reports of that will come later. I know, that's what I said about Girl's Camp, and Girl's Camp was over a month ago... I'll get there... eventually... maybe. I've got to talk to someone close and dear to me, now. Bye!
July 13, 2010
Summer Spontaneity
Monday was a good day. Woke up to fresh air, dreams and a big stuff 'puppy'. It was wonderful. I breathed it all in, and breathed out the stress. It was awesome.
So I took the dog out for a potty-done. Came back in, and told the boys to be quiet, because apparently, The Big Kahuna and Momma Bear are NOT gone to work, and my grandma (Momma Bear's mom) leaves for who knows where. Says she'll be back in an hour or two, meanwhile the guys are working on a leak that is actually on the elementary school's property (right behind my house), but the 'key' to turn the water off is in MY yard, so they have to bring down the fence and we have to tie up the OTHER dog and let them do their work (who knows when they finished). So The Big Kahuna says "Pull out the van". Also done.
We go to breakfast-a ham-egg (nix the cheese) muffin with a carton of gone-bad OJ (much like the Simpson) with another round of fresh OJ. Fabulous.
We go home, only to reload the van with Mr. T's and Tacoman's friend, Killa' Larson. (Blech) First stop-Downtown SLC, at the Gateway. My personal first stop? A kitchen place, offering some lemon-water (divine) with a four-cherry pitter for only $15! WHAT A SAVINGS!!!! Big K does not get it, and we move on to colorful ice cream makers ("If you get one, NOT THE ORANGE ONE, PLEASE!!!!!")
Moving on.
Barnes and Noble next, with the first stop-A RESTROOM (of course). So I rifle through books, and find--
Yes, a new copy of 'Howl's Moving Castle', by the one and only Dianne Wynne-Jones. Fabulous movie, but I've heard the book is better. Will need to read it. But didn't buy it. (only $7!)
Moving on--Food court, but only a small rootbeer. Not very hungry. Moving on-Claire's with VERY cute earrings. 9 pairs for only $10!!! What savings. Bought them (eventually).
Next stop-the movies to watch 'A-team'. Not the best, but I thought Bradley Cooper was pretty cute. Hope over to the Layton Hill's Mall, and lunch! 7 nuggets and one 'bucket' of BBQ sauce-more rootbeer.
Shoe shopping-I feel a tug. I take my mom and Big K and boys hop over to somewhere (toy store?) for 1/2 hour (too short). Black flats-ALMOST!!! But $22.99. No Thanks. (Didn't want to spend over $10-I know, cheap-o) Moving one-WHAT? FOREVER YOUNG BOGO sale?
Buy one get one free for $15.95? YES! Black boots that come up to my knee, and black heels, very classy (but I was looking for flats). So I bought them BOTH. Momma Bear loves the boots, too. Total spent on two pair of shoes? Approx. $17.00 YES!!!!
Reese's Shake... even better.
Very good day. Yes, no, maybe so?
I think so.
So I took the dog out for a potty-done. Came back in, and told the boys to be quiet, because apparently, The Big Kahuna and Momma Bear are NOT gone to work, and my grandma (Momma Bear's mom) leaves for who knows where. Says she'll be back in an hour or two, meanwhile the guys are working on a leak that is actually on the elementary school's property (right behind my house), but the 'key' to turn the water off is in MY yard, so they have to bring down the fence and we have to tie up the OTHER dog and let them do their work (who knows when they finished). So The Big Kahuna says "Pull out the van". Also done.
We go to breakfast-a ham-egg (nix the cheese) muffin with a carton of gone-bad OJ (much like the Simpson) with another round of fresh OJ. Fabulous.
We go home, only to reload the van with Mr. T's and Tacoman's friend, Killa' Larson. (Blech) First stop-Downtown SLC, at the Gateway. My personal first stop? A kitchen place, offering some lemon-water (divine) with a four-cherry pitter for only $15! WHAT A SAVINGS!!!! Big K does not get it, and we move on to colorful ice cream makers ("If you get one, NOT THE ORANGE ONE, PLEASE!!!!!")
Moving on.
Barnes and Noble next, with the first stop-A RESTROOM (of course). So I rifle through books, and find--
Yes, a new copy of 'Howl's Moving Castle', by the one and only Dianne Wynne-Jones. Fabulous movie, but I've heard the book is better. Will need to read it. But didn't buy it. (only $7!)
Moving on--Food court, but only a small rootbeer. Not very hungry. Moving on-Claire's with VERY cute earrings. 9 pairs for only $10!!! What savings. Bought them (eventually).
Next stop-the movies to watch 'A-team'. Not the best, but I thought Bradley Cooper was pretty cute. Hope over to the Layton Hill's Mall, and lunch! 7 nuggets and one 'bucket' of BBQ sauce-more rootbeer.
Shoe shopping-I feel a tug. I take my mom and Big K and boys hop over to somewhere (toy store?) for 1/2 hour (too short). Black flats-ALMOST!!! But $22.99. No Thanks. (Didn't want to spend over $10-I know, cheap-o) Moving one-WHAT? FOREVER YOUNG BOGO sale?
Buy one get one free for $15.95? YES! Black boots that come up to my knee, and black heels, very classy (but I was looking for flats). So I bought them BOTH. Momma Bear loves the boots, too. Total spent on two pair of shoes? Approx. $17.00 YES!!!!
Reese's Shake... even better.
Very good day. Yes, no, maybe so?
I think so.
July 1, 2010
My New Love
So, we ditched Digby. Him and the other dog (Raffie) were just too aggressive with
each other (both trying to be the dominant male-not pretty). It was a semi-sad day, especially because Raffie (in my and my mom's mind) is a psycho, and Digby was very sweet and just happy... but also because my mom and I had to turn him in. As the lady took him away, he gave us one last look like, "Hey... where are you guys going?" I cried. I don't like crying, but I couldn't help it, I really couldn't. It was the look.
But it was all for the better. It really was. We got a puppy. There was much discussion, and we knew there would be a lot to take care of (it's a puppy for crying out loud!), but I knew I was ready, and The Big Kahuna said it would pretty much be mine. My brothers were outraged. "Why HERS?" The Big Kahuna was quiet (as was Momma Bear) until the boys were quiet.
"Well," Big K said, "she probably will take better care of the dog than you guys will. And, she'll train it." I'm pretty sure he said I was taking it with me when I moved out, so I thought, "YAY!!!!" I love puppies. I've seen them, and helped them, but never OWNED one (well, we did once like, 12 years ago, but that ended quite sadly).
So here she is... Princess Lola Angelina Contessa Louisiana Francesca Bo Besca... THE THIRD. Just kidding. It's just Lola.
More pics to follow later.
each other (both trying to be the dominant male-not pretty). It was a semi-sad day, especially because Raffie (in my and my mom's mind) is a psycho, and Digby was very sweet and just happy... but also because my mom and I had to turn him in. As the lady took him away, he gave us one last look like, "Hey... where are you guys going?" I cried. I don't like crying, but I couldn't help it, I really couldn't. It was the look.
But it was all for the better. It really was. We got a puppy. There was much discussion, and we knew there would be a lot to take care of (it's a puppy for crying out loud!), but I knew I was ready, and The Big Kahuna said it would pretty much be mine. My brothers were outraged. "Why HERS?" The Big Kahuna was quiet (as was Momma Bear) until the boys were quiet.
"Well," Big K said, "she probably will take better care of the dog than you guys will. And, she'll train it." I'm pretty sure he said I was taking it with me when I moved out, so I thought, "YAY!!!!" I love puppies. I've seen them, and helped them, but never OWNED one (well, we did once like, 12 years ago, but that ended quite sadly).
So here she is... Princess Lola Angelina Contessa Louisiana Francesca Bo Besca... THE THIRD. Just kidding. It's just Lola.
More pics to follow later.
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