Reflections of Christ

I've come to learn that when I have experiences, I need to write them in the moment. Otherwise, my feelings get lost and confused with other experiences.

Last night I went to meet with the bishop not really knowing why I was there. He shared some things with me and asked if that was my answer. I said no, and shared with him how I'd been struggling. He then asked, "So, are you looking for the easy answer?" I could have been totally offended in that moment, but I knew his question was sincere.

We sat in silence for some time and then he went to his 'drawer.' He pulled out Elder Uchtdorf's talk from October Conference, "The Infinite Power of Hope." He proceeded to read several paragraphs, practically half the talk in fact.

In those moments and in the time following, I experienced God's love for me. The Spirit bore witness to me that the Atonement was real and that I needed to be a student. Being the student requires patience, which is certainly a virtue I haven't acquired yet.

I share with you this video because it is something that has touched my heart and I know it will touch your heart too. Jesus Christ is real. He is the Son of God come to earth to redeem us so that we can return home to our loving Heavenly Father. He is the perfect example of everything we should strive to be while on this earth. We will never be able to repay him for everything he has done for us. We can only repay him by serving, repenting and allowing him to open our hearts as we move forward in life. The Lord loves us all and he is anxious to be a part of our lives.

Who are you?

So... This is my first assignment for grad. school class #2 - International and Intercultural Communication. I thought it was interesting, so I am posting it for you and would love to know what your thoughts are :) Enjoy!

Understanding ourselves is the first step to understanding others. As a means to begin to develop that understanding, and to get to know each other, you are being asked to respond to a quote from Earl Babbie’s What is Society? Reflections on Freedom, Order, and Change. Babbie, a sociologist, says:

"…your identity – who you think you are and who others think you are as they decide how to treat you – is inextricably interwoven with social structure" (p. 69).

How we respond to Babbie’s suggestion will depend on our race, ethnicity, social class, gender, abilities, etc. Your task in this first assignment, your pre-assessment, is to take a good look at who you think you are and who society thinks you are. Below are some questions that you should use to explore and compose your sociological autobiography:

1. What are your social roles?

2. How do the following things shape your values and perspectives:
- Your ethnicity
- Your race
- Your social class
- Your gender

3. Where do you shop? Eat? Live? What do you do to have a “good time”?

4. Think about the messages you heard as a child. For example, if you were middle or upper class, did you learn televisions did not belong in the living room? If you come from a working class family, was it natural to have a television in the living room?

5. What advantages or disadvantages have you experienced due to your social class?

6. How were meals served in your home? Were there communal dishes, a nicely set table? Did you eat meals together as a family? How does this compare with your life now?

7. What messages did your parents give you about education and schools? How was this communicated to you?

A Girl's Self-Esteem

To Feel

feel /fil/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[feel] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, felt, feel·ing, noun –verb (used with object)

1.	to perceive or examine by touch.

2.	to have a sensation of (something), other than by sight, hearing, taste, or smell: to feel a toothache.

3.	to find or pursue (one's way) by touching, groping, or cautious moves.

4.	to be or become conscious of.

5.	to be emotionally affected by: to feel one's disgrace keenly.

6.	to experience the effects of: The whole region felt the storm.

7.	to have a particular sensation or impression of (often used reflexively and usually fol. by an adjunct or complement): to feel oneself slighted.

8.	to have a general or thorough conviction of; think; believe: I feel he's guilty.

–verb (used without object)

9.	to have perception by touch or by any nerves of sensation other than those of sight, hearing, taste, and smell.

10.	to make examination by touch; grope.

11.	to perceive a state of mind or a condition of body: to feel happy; to feel well.

12.	to have a sensation of being: to feel warm.

13.	to make itself perceived or apparent; seem: How does it feel to be rich?

–noun

14.	a quality of an object that is perceived by feeling or touching: the soft feel of cotton.

15.	a sensation of something felt; a vague mental impression or feeling: a feel of winter; a feel of sadness in the air.

16.	the sense of touch: soft to the feel.

17.	native ability or acquired sensitivity: to have a feel for what is right.

18.	Informal. an act or instance of touching with the hand or fingers.

19.	Slang: Vulgar. an act or instance of feeling up.

Shut up, and drive!

So, I have been hesitant to write this blog... But I cannot be the source of my self-censorship. Nor can I let anyone else dictate what I write. Given the fact that I mostly write this for myself and anyone else who happens to stumble up it, I am taking the leap (and may just get myself into trouble).

You know those times when you think you know what you want, so you work really hard to get it? Then, once it's in front of you you aren't sure it's what you thought you were getting and you're not sure if you want it anymore? Am I making any sense???

Anyhow, I have been thinking about what I do want and if I'll ever get it... I want a man who will communicate with me, who will pursue me, who I can talk with about more than a subject or two, who asks me how my day was, who compliments me (more than just verbally), a man who will kiss me like a man kisses a woman (yes, I am a carnal being), a man who surprises me.

I want a man who isn't afraid to be in the driver's seat. I'm tired of working and just want to be pursued...

The love of God is...

A child kissing his dad's owey better
The sweet taste of the sacrament
Rays of sun bursting through your window
A field full of sweet scented flowers
The voice of an earthly angel
Melodious notes from ivory keys
A drop of dew on Fall leaves
The familiar greeting of a dear friend
Splashes of color across the sunset sky
A small meow from a wide-eyed kitten
The power of His restored Priesthood
Serendipitous joy of His words "Child, I love you."

General Conference is simply amazing!

I don't know that I have words to justify the amazing spirit I felt this weekend. While I have often approached General Conference actively, I haven't participated THIS actively since my mission (sad, I know).

I took Elder Bendar's council and went in with questions and concerns. The Spirit spoke so strong to me that everything is going to be OK. I just need to stay obedient and worthy to have the spirit in my life as my guide.

President (now Elder) Corbridge's talk was a nice reminder of all of this. "Either we drink and thirst no more, or we don't and thirst still. Either we follow Him, or we don't... Every good thing depends on getting and keeping the Spirit... We have two choices: Follow the Lord and be endowed with power; or go some other way... You keep going and you don't quit."

There were so many messages of hope, unity, missionary work, and love. "My cup runneth over."

"Cast off the old person and measure up to your stature of potential... Give up the summer cottage in Babylon," said Elder Christofferson.

A great day

Today was an awe inspiring day. Everything kicked off with institute, continued with some stories I'm writing, and on to lunch with some amazing brethren, and ending with a wonderful conversation with a friend. The Lord is so good to me and sometimes I wonder how all my imperfections constitute having His watchful eye in my life.

Amidst all the things I have done, my Heavenly Father is there to help me get up and dust off my knees.