Dating to Find Real Love... Someday.

I'm just barely in between where no one wants to date me because dating has become "serious" and they're looking for a future companion and consider me "too young" or they're getting ready to leave on a mission. See, I'm 18. Everyone my age is leaving on missions. Everyone else that's in my ward or back from their missions are looking for someone older that will actually want to be getting married, if it works out.


Then there are the "lists"; what each person is looking for in a spouse. While it can be good to have a general idea of what you're looking for and know what you have found to be attractive in the past, it's fair to say that the odds of finding the "perfect person" are really slim, if not impossible. No one is perfect. Make sure that if you do have a list like that, you're willing to compromise some of the traits. Who knows? You may be surprised and end up falling in love with someone just a little different than the ideal person you imagined. I think that as long as the most important structure for a relationship is met (Real love versus interest, and the core values of what you're looking for) then with hard work, cooperation, patience, etc, it will work. However, it takes effort on the behalf of both partners in the marriage in order for it to work. One person alone cannot make a marriage work, if the other isn't willing to work on it as well.

I'm not going out of my way to look for marriage yet. I, unlike so many of my peers growing up, actually know I have never been in love, and have not mistaken really liking someone for being in love. The warm feelings you get from liking someone isn't usually actual true love. I am looking for something more REAL though, which would eventually lead to me being able to be married in the temple with a worthy priesthood holder.

To me, love isn't the physical aspect of the relationship. It's unconditional. You would love them even if you weren't able to physically express that love, you would love them even if they were to make a mistake. Loving is forgiving. Love is respect, honesty, trust, communication, patience, understanding, friendship, and hope. It's when you know they love you back. Unconditionally. And you know they'll never leave you.

My opinion is that you will marry your best friend. The person you end up marrying should be your best friend. I mean, that doesn't mean you're stuck with marrying who your current best friend is. But by the time you're engaged? That person should be the one you can talk to about ANYTHING. They should be your best friend. And, on top of that, the best relationships form structured around a secure friendship. Friendship develops into real love.

According to a class I took, this is the real love list (as in, real love, not the real list):

1. The person giving the love doesn't need or want anything from me.
2. The person is firm. He does no "please me" or do whatever I ask. He does not go against his own feelings in order to "not hurt my feelings." He is true to himself.
3. I know I am loved because he listens and understands me when I talk or relate to him. He takes turns listening and talking and doesn't tell me what to do or what he thinks until I ask and often I ask. He doesn't always agree, he cares what I think and feel.
4. He hugs me. He holds me. He takes my arm or hand. He is not afraid of physical affection. He doesn't use this for some deficiency of his own. It's never anything to do with sex. It's brother-sister love, human family love.
5. The loving person respects me. He makes me feel there is something inside me that "turns him on." It's a non-verbal thing; a certain "soft" look in his face, a certain tone in his voice, the way he sits or moves - it's all right there.
6. His love is permanent and sure because it's based on his feelings for himself. It's guaranteed he'll always like me, since he'd have to stop loving his own inside self to stop loving mine.
7. He wants to be with me.The loving person is happy when I'm near. He loves to be alone, too. He loves me more than he needs me.
8. I know I am loved because he tells me. The person who loves me is not afraid to say it. He usually tells it like it is; good or bad. You know he'll tell you "where it's at," because he likes the truth better than pleasing or displeasing you.

So, that's what I'm going to be looking for.

My Idea Of An Awesome Pet

 Maybe I really am an oddity. I've always thought of the oddest creatures as the coolest kind of pet. :)

 This is a caracal. I saw it on a nature video, and decided it was the coolest cat in the world. I decided I would have one in the afterlife, but I just found out they are actually something you can have as a pet. Yeeeessss =D Maybe someday :)

See Hermit Crab below? Yeah, I've actually owned one :) I asked my mom for one when I was younger. I thought it was awesome, until I realized, yeah... They pinch... haha

Sugar Glider. I want one someday. My YW leader had a few. Only downside? They're nocturnal. 

I've always thought the idea of having a pet hedgehog is awesome. They're so cute!!!

And yes. A pet ferret would be awesome :)

What An Odd Child Was I...

During Thanksgiving, dinner conversation changed at one point to how horrid I was as a child. "I was so worried about what you'd be like as a teenager," my mom told me, "but as it turned out I had nothing to worry about. You turned out really well." Then the reminiscing came into play. :)

My mom looked EVERYWHERE for me and my older brother, but could not find us for a few hours. Finally, in desperation, she called the police just in case. Going into the backyard in one last effort, she called out, "You two better come out! I called the police and they're going to come look for you!" Sure enough, a rustling sound suddenly came from underneath the camper. James and I came out from underneath. Furious at us for hiding and scaring her like that, she made us sit on the front porch with her to wait for the police to arrive, to explain what had happened. It was silent on the porch for a while, then suddenly I began gasping and crying, until I was full-out sobbing. Confused, my mom turned to me. "What's wrong?" she asked. Between sobs, I told her in devastation, "I don't want to go to prison and hang on the wall and get turned into a skeleton!" My mom said right then, her heart melted for me, and she hugged me and told me it was alright, I wouldn't have to go to jail.

"Oh, my goodness. And how bad she was with taking medicine!" my aunt chimed in. "Oh, goodness," my mom groaned, laughing and shaking her head. "Lisa, you were TERRIBLE!!" My mom and aunt then proceeded to recall both of them having to tackle me, sit on top of me, one of them holding me down and the other plugging my nose, forcing my mouth open, and trying to get the medicine in. I would gurgle out the medicine, getting it all over my clothes, and refuse to take it. "You were always either overdosing, or under dosing. We could never tell how much actually went into you, and how much was all over us and your clothes..."

I then contributed to the conversation, laughing over some of the things I remembered from when I was small. "One time, James and I were playing 'runaways', and making believe that we had run away from home and were going to live out in the wilderness. I was maybe 4 or 5 at the time, making James 6 or 7. Anyway, we decided to go live under this willow tree in someone's front yard, and had that be our home. That went well, until I realized I really had to go to the bathroom. "Hey, James," I told him, hesitantly, "can we go back home really quick? I have to go to the bathroom." James adamantly refused to go back home, and told me to just go over there (he pointed to a patch of grass maybe 6 feet away from where we were). Being the ever obedient little sister that I was, I went over there and went. As I was going, I remember feeling a little self conscious, since this was right in front of a busy road." At this point, my mom, aunt, uncle, and cousins were laughing rather hard at my story. "When I got back home, you were so mad at us for running off," I told my mom, laughing, "You sent us upstairs and barricaded the stairs with a couch so that we would have to stay up there." My mom was laughing, then told me, "Well, YEAH. Can you blame me? You two were always running off and getting into trouble, and you were always the perfectly obedient little follower."

Other stories were brought up, and we all laughed at what a horrible child I was. Now, other stories came to mind. :)

I was painting my younger sister's nails when my younger brother, just 3 years younger and next in line after me, came across us. "I want you to paint my nails, too!" he declared. I gave him an odd look. "Mathew, painting nails is a girl thing. You don't want me to paint your nails." After several minutes of declaring that he did indeed want his nails polished, I finally did his nails too. Then all three of us dressed up in dresses and did a fairy dance in the backyard.

My bike had once again made me fall, and I was furious with it. In punishment, I laid it out on the yard and proceeded to bury it in grass, as my way of holding a funeral for my bike. In my mind's eye, it looked at me with sadness and begged to not be buried, that it would do better, and wouldn't make me fall again. "No, I gave you warnings already. That was your last chance," I said aloud to my bike. Just as the funeral was nearing an end (it was almost covered in grass), my older brother called to me from across the street. "Hey, Lisa! Get your bike and come with me to a friend's house on a bike ride!" All anger towards my bike vanished, and I told it, "Ok, fine. You can have one more chance." My bike seemed to be singing in gratitude and happiness as I rode over to where my older brother stood, grateful to not be joined with the dead.

Jacob Levi Aagad

"Hey, Liza! I made something for you!" my younger sister calls from the other room. Not wanting to get up to go see, I call back, "What?" "Come see!" she responds. Getting up, I wander over to the other room, and she hands me a stick figure she has made out of yellow balloons. "I made you a boyfriend," she tells me, the look on her face triumphant. I laugh, then, grinning, take him to my bedroom.
I told all my friends about him, and even kissed him on his balloon cheek with lipstick so it would leave a mark. When they asked me what his name was I asked for suggestions. Teasing, my friend Danny responded, "You should name him Mr. Almost As Good As Danny!" Finally, I opened my Book of Mormon to the pronunciation guide to look up names. Jacob and Levi stood out to me, so that became his name. Jacob Levi Aagad. Aagad standing for Almost As Good As Danny, as a joke. My sister made an orange balloon sword for him, so he could protect me. He guarded my room every night for a few weeks until he popped. I told my friends about it, sadly, then saved the pieces.
A few months later, my friend and I decided to go to Build-A-Bear and make me another boyfriend. We decided that Jacob had to live on - after all, that was a sad and untimely death. Jacob Levi Aagad, my new teddybear boyfriend. :) I was delighted. I even went so far as to list why a teddy bear made the best boyfriend on Facebook:

The best things about my boyfriend being my teddybear: He's always smiling, he gives great hugs, he's always there when I need someone to talk to, and he always listens patiently without interrupting. He doesn't laugh at me when I trip flat on my face in front of him, and he doesn't criticize me for doing things wrong.... He doesn't even complain when I don't feel like cooking. I rest my case. ;)

My teddybear boyfriend was all I could ever hope for. When I had a bad day, he was there to hug me better. When I needed someone to hold me close, I wrapped my arms around it, and neither of us had to say a word. ♥

Life Is All About Friendship

This life is built around friendship.
As children, our family becomes our best friends. We grow older, branch out and make new friends, and eventually marry our best friend. And why shouldn't it be built around friendship? The Savior Himself has often called Himself our friend, and it is usually through others that our prayers are answered and our needs are met. And yet we demean the value of friendship, not serving when when we ought, not giving when we can, not using talents for others as we should. Often, we even become friends with those who may try to break down our standards. They are not "friends." To call someone a friend is to give them a title that the Savior has given us to even use for Himself. A true friend will honor your standards, answer prayers, and guide, direct, and comfort you. While we can hep others and be friends with those who do not share the same standards as us, we must not allow ourselves to be pulled down by those that call us friend. A friend is an angel, on either side of the veil, that cares for you and respects and honors you. Never take such a friend for granted, and continually strive to be such a friend yourself.

Collections

I remember growing up, always wanting to have a collection. Kids at show and tell would bring their stamp collections, their card collections (Pokemon and Yugioh were the biggest hits in grade school to collect), their penny collections, sticker collections... Collecting something was a big deal back then.
I started, I tried. I collected rocks (they multiply, I swear they do. I threw them all back outside - the only ones I regret doing so with were my fossils). I collected pennies (then I spent all the pennies :) ). I collected Pokemon cards (and battled with them, and acquired quite the deck before my friend took it to Ohio with him). I collected sea shells (I still have those :D ).
I still collect - shells, quotes, and books. I also seem to be collecting, as the years go by, talents.
Quite the pack-rat, I also collect letters that have been sent to me, notes of appreciation, etc.

Adversity

"Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days." - D&C 24:8

It seems no matter where we go in life, we can never escape the bumpy roads ahead. Just when things seem like everything is going perfectly and we let down our guard, we come across another storm. While caught in the storm, it is easy to let yourself become confused, to feel like you're not good enough, not strong enough, and that no one is there for you. Some even lose their grip on the iron rod during these trials, and let themselves be swept away by the mists of darkness (1Ne8:23, 1Ne12:17). Some, once off the straight and narrow path, feel like there is no way back, that they are lost, and that there is no hope for them anymore. This is not so.

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, has Atoned for our sins and and loves us. He has already paid the price; it is NEVER too late to return if we have lost the way. His arms are outstretched to us, and your price to him is beyond measure. He will never give up on you, He will never leave you alone, and He will always be there for you.

We are promised that we will not be given burdens heavier than we are capable of bearing. That doesn't mean we are incapable of losing our way. It just means that we have power over Satan, and that we have the ability to choose to give into the storm or hold on no matter what. Satan cannot MAKE us do anything. We are beloved children of God; we have the strength and power to overcome all things, great and small.

Trials, though hard, are able to be overcome and/or endured, and even if they seem to be too difficult for us to bear, it is because we must continually be strengthening ourselves. The way back to our Heavenly Father requires more than a passive endurance. There will be times that we will struggle, we will have to fight to continually work towards our end goal, the Celestial Kingdom. Trials are for our benefit and growth (D&C 122:5-7), for they strengthen us.

Many times, in the meantime, we cannot see the purpose that having trials gives us, and it can make going through them extremely difficult and frustrating for us as individuals. However, God is over all, and He knows what we are going through, and there is a purpose in all things. "For I, the Lord, have put forth my hand to exert the powers of heaven; ye cannot see it now, yet a little while and ye shall see it, and know that I am..." (D&C 84:119)

Many people mistake the message that we have the strength to get through all our burdens, and try to carry all of the hardship on their own shoulders. Heavenly Father has never intended for us to walk these roads alone, and it is His yolk, which when taken upon us, will make our burdens light and easier to bear. Angels attend us, on both sides of the veil.

"I have spoken here of heavenly help, of angels dispatched to bless us in time of need. But when we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with—here, now, every day. Some of them reside in our own neighborhoods. Some of them gave birth to us, and in my case, one of them consented to marry me. Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind.
... My beloved brothers and sisters, I testify of angels, both the heavenly and the mortal kind. In doing so I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. “[N]or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man [or woman or child] upon the face thereof to be saved.”(Moroni 7:36) On occasions, global or personal, we may feel we are distanced from God, shut out from heaven, lost, alone in dark and dreary places. Often enough that distress can be of our own making, but even then the Father of us all is watching and assisting. And always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal."
-Elder Jeffery R. Holland, The Ministry of Angels



"My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands." (D&C 121:7-9)

Gifts and Talents

"For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby," (D&C 46:11-12)

"Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost." -Elder Marvin J. Ashton

Even on top of these characteristic gifts, there are spiritual gifts that we may have, as described in D&C 46.

In this life, so many people get caught up in what they can or cannot do. As a Mia Maid, we were sitting in class learning about talents. The instructor, my Mia Maid adviser, had each of us go around and list what we are talented at before we would go on to learn about the lesson on Talents. The girls went around and listed a few. When it got to me, I was able to prattle off several without having to think about it too hard. My Mia Maid adviser went last, and she hesitated. "I can't really think of anything I am talented at, I've never been particularly good at anything, unless walking to go visit people counts." As the lesson wore on, the Spirit touched us, and my teacher cried and smiled, and we left feeling strengthened. However, one thing bugged me. That my instructor, now a grandmother and a righteous, faithful member of the church, could even think she had no talents. I went home with a self made homework assignment. The next week, I came up to her and handed her a piece of paper. On it was a list of talents I saw in her, as well as using the help of the quote by Marvin J. Ashton.

Four years later, I was discussing with a friend my seemingly endless list of talents and abilities. "List them for me," he requested, "even the ones I already know." As I began listing, I quickly reached 20 different talents. Satisfied that that must be all, I talked to my mom about it. She gave me a strange look, and said, "Just twenty? You have more than that. Lets see, did you include..." The list was lengthened, and I went to the Relief Society General Broadcast trying to create my own list of talents. As I began writing, I hesitated on some of the talents my mom had listed for me. "Kindness is a characteristic trait, Mom." I pointed out. "Is that even considered a talent?" My mom looked at me. "Where do you think your characteristics come from?" A feeling of peace came over me as I acknowledged my Heavenly Father's hand in my own traits and qualities. After all, He is the Father of my Spirit, where all of my attributes really lie.
We sat down and were listening to the broadcast, when suddenly a thought struck me, and I began writing.

"Heavenly Father would not have blessed me with all of my talents if He didn't know I would use them to help others, and enlighten and lift them, and they have all been given me for specific reasons and purposes throughout my life as I serve and stay receptive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. These talents, attributes, and my temperament are amplified best as I allow myself to be an instrument in his hands."

I believe this to be true. We all have been blessed with divine gifts and talents, even going down to so simple as just attributes and characteristics that are divine and from God, our Father. Some have other gifts and talents, like the ability to listen, to cry, and spiritual gifts such as bearing a testimony or having the gift of tongues. Others have physical talents, such as athletics, musical abilities, or home keeping skills such as sewing or cooking. But all of these talents will best be amplified, in a manner that we can use them to bless the lives of others, as we live in accordance to the will of our Heavenly Father.

Moving Out

You find, when you move out, that there are lots of differences in life.

It's my first day here, in this four bedroom apartment, with only one other roommate, so the silence is very enveloping, as opposed to the constant background noise that you get when you have seven younger siblings ranging from the ages 4 - 15.
Also, my roommate is Chinese, so my first task this morning is to teach her how to make oatmeal. When I came in last night and met her, I'm not sure which she was most excited about; that she finally had a roommate so she was no longer alone here, or that I know how to cook. Promptly after seeing me, she started cleaning everything in the kitchen out so that there is now room for all of my supplies, and then went through all her food, chucking some things out, and asking me if I knew how to use a majority of the ingredients in my cooking. We'll probably be getting groceries together and switching off on cooking, since she does know how to make some Chinese food. With the kitchen spotless, we started trying to figure out a meal schedule on when we could eat together, then gave up until we could get our schedules entirely figured out together.
My roommate is also 26, which since she's already discovered I'm really mature for my age (and has complimented me on so) this is no problem, and I'm very happy and relieved to say that I believe we will get on very well. :)
My biggest challenges in moving out so far have been loneliness, boredom, and I'm sure very soon learning how to cook for only two people (as opposed to 12 or more people I'm used to cooking for) will become an issue I shall have to address. It'll be like learning to cook all over again!
I'm sure other differences will arise, since last night was my first night living here. But, I'm ready. So I guess bring it on, right? :) I know I can handle this. It'll be an adjustment, absolutely, but after all, the only consistency in life is change.

Recipe: Blueberry Streusel Muffins

This is a recipe my YW President made me for my birthday. It was DELICIOUS!!! So why not spread the love?? :)

Blueberry Streusel Muffins

Blueberry Muffins:
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 1/3 cups flour
4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups blueberries

Streusel:
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
In a mixing bowl, cream sugar and butter, then add egg and mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Alternately add flour mix and milk to the creamed egg mixture.
Stir in vanilla; fold in blueberries.

Fill 12 greased or paper lined muffins up 2/3 full.

For Steusel:
Combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon in small bowl.
Cut in butter until crumbly as for pastry.
Sprinkle over muffins.

Cook 25-30 minutes or until browned. Yields 1 dozen muffins.

Runners, Take Your Place!

A steely voice declares aloud "Runners take your place."
Trembling with a sense of fear they step up to the line
Worrying about the race that they are about to face.

"Set!" He cries and down they go, ready to begin.
An echo of a gunshot thunders in their ears, and they start.
With urgency they fly as though time has already gone thin.

The seconds tick and runners struggle to make or keep their place.
Spikes gleam and thrust and runners sprint to stay ahead of the pack.
The timers yell out minutes as the runners fight with grace

To push themselves and try to do the best they've ever done
Or learn to fly with legs of steel atop the track and gravel
And strive to do their best against themselves and everyone.

The final bend, the final push, the end is now in view.
They runners find within themselves the strength to finish strong
And, finishing, collapse to the ground, a rest that is long due.

On the ground, caught in the snare of pain that was their prize,
And yet a victory inside themselves, a smile on their lips.
They've made their mark, they've taken their place, so it's with victory they rise.

Remember when....?

Remember when I was still small
and could climb upon your knee?
I drew markers on the floors and wall,
and I saw the world only as it affected me.

Remember when I learned to ride a bike
and finally tied my shoes all by myself?
There were still lots of foods I didn't like,
but I could finally reach stuff on the shelf.

I'm grown up and not that small anymore
but as I leave home now I'll still be
the little girl with so much in store
that knows you will always love me.

Rediscovering School

Wow, it's been a while since I've been on... I've been going through the wonders of entering college. Wow, what an unnecessary pain that is. I'm just glad I got it working out as I did in the time I did... Now lets see if I can repeat that while helping my cousin within 3 days!

Financial Aid took forever, but I at last got aid to cover all of my tuition & fees, as well as books & supplies. :) WOOT! I'm pretty pleased.

And I got into classes,
so college,
HERE I COME! :D

Remember Your Worth As A Soul - D&C 18:10

Everyone goes through rocky periods of times in their life that makes them doubt their self worth, that makes them question their value. Question, even, their own Divinity.

In D&C 18:10, it states "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." In many instances, it is easy to brush it aside and say, "Yes, but I have no value." If that were true, it would say, "Remember that the worth of everyone's soul except yours is great in the sight of God." For direct revelation from God is not wrong, and as that verse is direct revelation, it is a Truth. Your soul is of great worth.

Too often we forget that we are not human beings having spiritual experiences, but Spiritual Beings having a human experience.

Feeling worthless is not a feeling given to us by our Heavenly Father. He is Perfect, and all He makes is perfect, and He made you. Therefore, you are of great value. If you are having feelings of inadequacy or feeling worthless, remember that feeling does not come from God.
Rather, it comes from Satan. If he can convince you that you are of no value, then he'll be taking out one of his biggest opponents: a righteous, chosen Child of God.

Do not forget of your own divine nature and individual worth. You have more power than you accredit yourself to. After all,

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
-Marianne Williamson

The Loss of a Loved One

Everyone at some point in their life will lose someone they love. The pain can sometimes be overwhelming, consuming, and aches deep inside of us. Every life is of indefinite value, and deeply hurts those that love them when they pass. The death of a family member is especially a very sad, very personal, experience. There are ways to soften the pain of the separation of our loved one. Even time will dull the sharpness of the pain. But it is the ultimate reunion with the one we love that will completely heal all pain. Thank goodness for the Gospel Doctrines that teach us of our Resurrection and reuniting with those we love.

When someone you love has passed away, it's more than comfort that we need. We need direction to find ways for living without missing them more than we can bear, a way to arrive at peace and keep hope in our hearts. We must also inadvertently pass through the grieving process.

"When they lose a loved one, most people go through specific steps of grieving, though at a different pace and to different degrees. It helps to be aware in advance of those steps, which include shock or denial (the “numbness” stage); guilt, anger, and depression; acknowledgment or acceptance; and finally adapting.

Grief is not bad, nor is it a sign of weakness or something to avoid. To take the grief out of death would be to take the love out of life. We need to allow ourselves to feel whatever is appropriate to the events and seasons of our lives. When our spouse or another loved one dies, we must give ourselves permission to grieve. It is okay to cry; in fact, crying is one of the healthiest things we can do. Tears of sadness can actually help calm us. It is no myth that a person feels better after a good cry.

Tears are only one of the signs that a person is beginning the process of recovery. Other signposts on the road to adapting to the loss of a loved one include a shift in attitude from “Why me?” to “Why not me? I’m strong enough to handle this.” Life is not always fair in the mortal sense, and if we expect it to be, we will be discouraged. However, life is always fair in the eternal sense. Instead of asking “Why did—or why will—this happen to me?” we can be asking “How can I grow through this experience and become a better person?” " - (February Ensign 1995, Till We Meet Again, Sharon Evans Brown)

Ether 12:6 reads "... wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." Losing a child, husband, or any loved one is an ultimate trial of our faith. However, the matter of faith is what you have to fall back onto during this time more than ever. The most helpful thing in the tremendously difficult time of adjustment is to realize that your loved one, like Christ, still lives!
- paraphrased from May Ensign 1973, A Weeping Eye Can Never See, by Elaine Cannon

‘We ask for strength, and God gives us difficulties, which make us strong;
we plead for courage, and God gives danger to overcome;
we ask for favors, and God gives us opportunities.’
- Jule Johnson

Through our tears and trials, fears and sorrows, heartache and loneliness of losing a loved one, there is assurance in remembering that life is everlasting. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, is a living witness that this is so. Even with the trial of death, our loved one lives, and is close to us. Through scripture we learn that the spirit world is here on this earth, and that even choice spirits help protect us as our spiritual guardian angels. Those that have not been called to help those on the mortal side of the veil are preaching the gospel to those in spiritual prison. Is it not a comfort to realize that they are with us still, serving in the gospel, separated from us by just a veil?

Death is a very traumatic experience. For anyone. It is through the passing of time, going through the grieving process, and turning to Christ and trusting in His great plan for us and our loved one that will help us through the hard time.

Make A Wish!

I looked up into the night sky, and saw a shooting star. Closing my eyes, I made a wish. When I opened my eyes, I kept searching. When I saw a second shooting star, I made another wish.

~ . ~

What is it that makes us wish, as people? Shooting stars, blowing on a dandelion and making the seeds fly away, 11:11, throwing coins into fountains, blowing the candles out on your birthday cake, first star you see at night... Everyone has some way of getting their wish out there. And yet, deep down, we know that our wish doesn't depend on those things to make it come true.

So why wish?

Have we learned over time to be discontent with what we already have? We always have to have a better salary than we do. We have to have the newest gadget, the nicest car, the biggest house... And we keep wishing for these things. We wish for health, for a loved one to not be dead, for love, for wealth, for anything bigger and better than what we already have.

The completion of our wish is not dependent on any shooting star or coin. We have to make our dreams happen, through hard work. That's how any dream is fulfilled.

You want that mansion, mustang, and I-phone? Go get an education, get a job, and work hard for it, put a lot of money into savings for your dream.
You want true love? Become the sort of person that will attract the kind of guy or girl you dream of. Make an effort on your physical appearance, and don't hide in your room all day. Don't wait for true love to happen to you.
Want health? This one is contingent on a lot of factors, but if you're wishing for a slim, healthy body, then exercise, be careful of what you eat, and look in the mirror ever day and tell yourself you're beautiful and skinny. (Trust me, it works.)

~ . ~

With every will, there is a way. It's just not as simple as blowing out the candles on a cake.

Independence Day

Happy Independence Day, everyone!
I can't believe how lucky I am to live in this country at this time. Freedom to live how I choose, in a Gospel that I have chosen. I think in many ways we misunderstand freedom. Many people decide that it makes it so they can do whatever they want. Which, in all reality, its our choices that make us free or not. Our choices have consequences, and they will determine whether or not we will have future choices to make. And, despite the fact that we all have the freedom to choose what we do, it is a freedom that only extends to where it is not interfering with others' freedoms, with others' ability to choose. Which is why we have set up laws, and consequences given by others than yourself. For example, though we have the freedom to choose to go out and speed tomorrow, there is a danger towards others that may infringe upon their own freedoms. So our country has set up law enforcement to protect the freedom of others. You could go kill someone, but that is obviously against the Divine Right to life (Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness) - therefore, although you had the freedom to choose whether or not you would go do it, it will judge whether or not you will be able to make any future choices.

The same goes with "Free Agency" - the freedom to choose the choice, but once you make the choice, your future choices may or may not be limited in the future.

(Independence Day Quotes - Enjoy!)
--------

In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.
Franklin D. Roosevelt

It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.
Dick Cheney

It is the love of country that has lighted and that keeps glowing the holy fire of patriotism.
J. Horace McFarland

Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.
Dwight D. Eisenhower

If our country is worth dying for in time of war let us resolve that it is truly worth living for in time of peace.
Hamilton Fish

Stadium of Fire 2010

So, a few days ago, my friend asked if I could go to the Stadium of Fire with her. Her parents were paying for tickets, they had one extra ticket, and she was able to invite a friend. It was my first time EVER going! It was absolutely amazing!

Can I just say how amazing it is to live in Utah? The Stadium of Fire opened with an INVOCATION. An OPENING PRAYER. I couldn't believe it! It was amazing! Then, the National Anthem, Honoring of the Troops, and then repeating the Pledge of Allegiance. After the Pledge, 4 fighter jets flew overhead, and then they came on live to commend all Eagle Scouts, whom they then held a court of Honor for, opened by the oldest eagle scout still living.

As if that's not cool enough! Then it got to the music and entertainment. :)

It started off with dancers, had musical numbers by Jenny Oaks Baker, Eric Dodge, The 5 Browns, and The Osmonds 2nd Generation. They all sounded absolutely fantastic! Jenny's group did a Medley of different songs, part of which included the Simplicity of Life, which I sang for Graduation with A Capella. The 5 Browns did a Star Wars Medley, and then The Osmonds 2nd Generation did an "I Believe I Can Fly" medley. (I don't know why I can't remember what Eric sang. Sorry, Eric.)

They were followed by Carrie Underwood, who sang several of her Greatest Hits - including "Before He Cheats", "All-American Girl", "Wasted", "Temporary Home","Jesus Take The Wheel", "Some Hearts", and several others. She was amazing! While I was recently on a trip to Ohio, I heard Miley Cyrus performing "Live" on TV. She didn't sound all that great to me. And yet, when Carrie sang, it blew me away. She is an AMAZING artist! I loved her music!

Music was followed by fireworks and flames. When the fire came on, I could feel the warmth from where I was sitting, and the fireworks, so close, so beautiful, so amazing. Loud, yes, but definitely worth it. This was followed by the dancers doing some neat stuff in the shape of the United States, with flashlights making them glitter like stars. It was very well done, and amazing. More fireworks, then we left.

I have to say, I was very impressed with the show. It was my first time ever going, like I said, and I have to say, I was very pleased with how well it turned out. So, if you're ever in Utah near the 4th of July, I have to say, check out the Stadium of Fire. With fantastic music that varies for every concert, and a wonderful firework display, and a special honoring of the troops & Eagle Scouts out there, it was an event well worth attending.

Not Quite An Independence Day Baby

Growing up, my mom always told me that I was an almost Independence Day baby. She went into false labor with me on the 4th of July. She often teased that I was terrified of the fireworks, so I decided to wait exactly one week for good measure to avoid the fireworks before I was born. Always as a little girl, staring at the big, beautiful, and very noisy fireworks, I felt proud to even have ALMOST have been born on the 4th.

Though, I have to say, I picked a rather catchy birthday. Seven Eleven? It even rhymes, there's a gas station that gives away free mini Slurpee's on my birthday only, and it's an overall good day.

So, I'm not quite an Independence Day girl, but at least since I was "scared of the fireworks", I waited for another amazing day. :)

Childhood Memory - Learning to Ride a Bike

I went outside today, to put something away in my car, when suddenly a memory from childhood came to me. I was brought to the time I learned to ride a bike.

I was about to go into Kindergarten, and it was summertime. Stuck on training-wheels, following my big brother around town was difficult for me. I'd tried to learn to ride a bike before, and it never quite clicked.

First time someone tried to teach me was my uncle. Setting me on a huge bike that fit him, he shoved me off and let me try to pedal. My feet barely touched the pedals, and I peddled frantically. However, I was only going because of the momentum from him pushing the bike. I made it as far as the neighbor's house before the bike started tipping. Turning, trying to regain balance, I started falling over. This was repeated several times before he gave up.

I'm sure other people tried to help me, but the only other memory I have of learning to ride a bike was this:
"Hey, Lisa, come outside," my big brother told me, insistent. "No, I'm playing," was my response. "Do you want to learn to ride a bike?" My big brother asked. "Yes!" My mind was changed very quickly. So I followed him outside. He took one of the bikes with no training wheels, his bike, and told me to get on. He wasn't quite 2 years older than me, so I actually fit. Pushing me lightly, he stood beside me and monitored my riding until I began to fall. Keeping me up, he helped support the bike for a while, letting me "ride". His support became less and less, and soon I was doing it on my own. I fell a lot, wanted to give up a lot, but my big brother taught me how to ride a bike. It was with great pride that I ran inside to tell my mom, "I KNOW HOW TO RIDE A BIKE WITH NO TRAINING WHEELS!!! COME LOOK! COME LOOK!" My parents made a show, clapping for me, and I was proud.

Years later, having taught some of my own siblings to ride bikes, I wonder what pride must've James been feeling at that moment. I can't remember if he got credit, but remembering, it's James taking that time with his bike that I remember most from then.

Starting a Blog

I am your typical girl, just beginning to grow up in a very big world. Many people go back and re-account the "good-old-days". I am living now what will one day become my "good-old-days" and already I have memories I have unaccounted, quotes I long to share, and so why not get it all down?

I'm an old-fashioned girl that holds onto values the world sees as no longer "In", has creativity and many talents, and loves to serve others. Coming from a big family, there are a lot of things I've learned early, and I get a lot of those adorable little kid stories that almost everyone that interacts with children regularly has.

So, why a blog? Because I have my own childhood memories to share, recipes I try out and may want to recommend, little kid quotes that my siblings have said, spiritual thoughts, and some of the mundane.
So, I decided to give it a try!