Be Strong

"Be strong and of a good courage. Be not afraid. Neither be thou dismayed. For the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest."

I found this a while ago and really liked it, so I thought I would share it. It is something that has been on my mind as I have contemplated as passage in the book Trusting Jesus by Elder Jeffery R. Holland:

"One request Christ made of his disciples on that night of deep anguish and grief was that they stand by Him, stay with Him in His hour of sorrow and pain. "Could ye not watch with me one hour?" He asked longingly (Matt 26:40).  I think He asks that again of us, every Sabbath day when the emblems of His life are broken and blessed and passed."

In reality there is so little asked of us and it isn't as difficult as we make it out to be to return with honor to our Father's presence. Jesus Christ overcame the most difficult of obstacles for us and set forth the example of what we need to do. We live in the winding up scenes and we must be strong and of good courage.

Just as Christ asked his disciples if they could not watch just one hour with, like Elder Holland I believe he asks the same of us. Couldn't you just be faithful for a little while? Couldn't you just be obedient?

Maybe it sounds like a guilt trip, but I am not sure that is how it is meant to be taken. I think He asks sincerely. What are the motives we have behind sin. In reality what do we get in exchange for sinning?

"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself" (2 Ne. 2:27).

Really? That's all we get? Yep ...

On the other side, God promises blessings in return for our obedience. Hmm ... Happiness ... Misery ... Happiness ... Misery ... I think I will take the blessings and happiness. Besides, I have never known Satan to be there for me when I am down in the dumps to lift me up. My Heavenly Father on the other hand has always been there for me, even when I feel the most unworthy.

While the fight seems hard, no fight was ever won without some kind of training. We must do the little things and strengthen our spiritual muscles so we can endure the fight when the battles get hard. "For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have" (2 Ne 28:30).

Be strong and of good courage!

Listen

Being a communicative person I enjoy listening and I like when people listen to what I say. My communication is not always the most straight-forward, but if you "listen" you will learn much about me. Most often listening involves reading as well in my life.

I express myself best through writing. Perhaps it is because I have time to ruminate over what I am going to say. Or maybe it is because that is how I have learned to express myself growing up while spilling my guts to a journal and no one else.

For fun I Googled "The Act of Listening" and thought I found a book with that title. I was about to be amazed. But there isn't. However, there is a book entitled "Listening is an Act of Love."

David Isay writes, "[If] we take the time to listen, we'll find wisdom, wonder, and poetry in the lived of people all around us. That we all want to know our lives have mattered and that we won't be forgotten. That listening is an act of love."

He set up a booth, first in Grand Central Station, to record the "untold" stories of people. At the ribbon cutting Studs Terkel said that we know who the architect of the station was, but what about the iron workers, the masons? What are their stories?

Since that day nearly eight years ago, several more booths have been set up around the nation. The book that was published represents the scanning and compilation of nearly 10,000 stories. Isay says that the booths represent 40 minutes set aside to ask important questions and listen closely to answers.

"StoryCorps is a project about permanence in an evermore disposable society. It reminds us of what's really important in the midst of all life's distractions. It encourages us to connect despite endless temptations to detach and disengage."

When I went to YouTube, I thought I might be able to find some of the interviews. I didn't, but I did find this fun little clip about the human voice. Watching it I realized I had seen it before and there are also several others that are fun to watch. It also causes you to think.



The irony behind sharing this video is that I am a writer. But there is something to be said for the human voice. We miss out on so much.

com·mit·ment

noun \kə-ˈmit-mənt\

–noun

1

a : an act of committing to a charge or trust: as (1) : a consignment to a penal or mental institution (2) : an act of referring a matter to a legislative committee b : mittimus

2

a : an agreement or pledge to do something in the future; especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date b : something pledged c : the state or an instance of being obligated or emotionally impelled 

...

I have been pondering on this word for some months now and I wonder if we truly understand the word. Oftentimes, it is spoken in relation to courtship. Right now, I think about it in terms of my athletes. There are also other places where it applies: life, religion, school, learning something new, etc.


What causes us to want to commit to something? What causes us to shy away from it? What causes us to refuse it?

I wonder to myself, at what level do we begin to understand the choices that we have made?  We get in to situations and we say we are prepared, we are ready to make the choice. But we don't act like it. We still make backwards choices.

While the above song parenthetically describes a relationship, I believe it can be a relationship with anything / -one. The artist even states that the imagery is a metaphor. I identify with the song because I am fearlessly loyal to whatever I am doing. Often I struggle alone because I struggle to share my vision and help others see how amazing something could be.

My new project is to find characteristics of great coaches, to be the person God would have me be, and to get my life back on track. We are going through many great changes at work and there are great things that are on the verge of happening in my life. I look forward to the possibilities. Unfortunately, there will be some people who are not part of these changes and I will miss them. But I can't force anyone's hand.

So, until I get it figured out I will keep walking down the street with my piano in tow <3

Thanksgiving Deliciousness & Lessons Learned

 

In precocious reflection to this year, a lot has happened. There are many things I would like to take back, and there are many things I am extremely grateful for and would do again 100-times over. In my life, I was certain there were some changes coming before the end of the year. 

I am not sure the changes I am experiencing now are what was supposed to be, but it certainly has thrown me for a loop. A few weeks ago I was freaking out about something that would have resulted in huge changes, but I am sure that by the grace of God I was spared. 

Now, I am faced with a crossroads. I must decide what is more important. While it is a decision, it isn't really. I already know where my heart is, I just have to overcome some things to get back there.

Often we are so selfish and it causes us to be shortsighted. We loose sight of the goal and the end reward. In between we loose out on other opportunities to receive blessings and help people. Our vision is slighted and blurred. 

This year, Katie and I decided we wanted "leftovers." So, we set out to gather recipes and shop. In the middle of our planning came some sudden changes. She is so in tune and I am grateful our timing was just so we were able to help someone in their time of need.

Perhaps you are wondering what this has to do with Thanksgiving Deliciousness. All of this happened in the middle of preparing a first meal. We needed guidance, we needed time, and we were stepping in to unknown territory. The patience of long preparation is well worth the outcome.

In our experimentation I made a slight miscalculation when shopping. Rather than paying attention to what I got, I grabbed in a sense the first turkey I saw. I didn't look for a tag, I didn't even really know how to pick one out. When we got to the check out, the lady weighed our prize and it was a whopping 23 lbs! Oh, dear!

What were we going to do with all of that?? It's a good thing I bought a freezer ...

I only nearly "burned down the house" once when I let the pecans toast a little too long. But I have come to the conclusion that in my dream house I want a large kitchen with two stoves, and a large dining area to share. I love having people over and I love cooking for them. There is something ethereal about doing something for others. 

Besides enjoying people at my house, I love trying new things. I love experimenting and seeing what I come out with. Below I will share some of the recipes of things we made. 

Turkey

23 lb turkey

Carrots

Celery

Onions

Cooking apple

Limes

1 tbs Butter

Olive Oil

Flour

In a turkey pan place turkey bag with carrots, celery, and onion on the bottom to help prevent burning. Place the thawed out turkey inside the bag. Squeeze lime over the top of the turkey, olive oil, and 1 tbs butter. Sprinkle about 1 tbs of flour inside the bag to help prevent explosion. Close the bag and cook in the oven on 325 F for 4-4.5 hours.

It was absolutely scrumptious! My first turkey was not a disaster after all. It was such a pleasant surprise.

Candied Sweet Potatoes with Apples

 

Ingredients

3   medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound)

1   large cooking apple

1/3 cup  packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon  water

1 tablespoon  margarine or butter

Dash  ground cloves

1/4 cup  chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted

Directions

1. Wash and peel sweet potatoes. Cut off woody portions and ends. Cut potatoes diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place a steamer basket in a saucepan. Add water to just below the bottom of the steamer basket. Bring to boiling. Add potato slices. Cover and reduce heat. Steam for 10 to 15 minutes or until just tender; cool.

2. Meanwhile, core the unpeeled apple and cut into 12 wedges. In a greased, two-quart casserole combine potato slices and apple wedges.

3. In a small saucepan bring the brown sugar, water, margrine or butter, and cloves to boiling. Drizzle the mixture evenly over potatoes and apples.

4. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until potatoes and apples are glazed, stirring twice. Sprinkle potatoes and apples with toasted pecans or walnuts. Makes 4 servings.

Roasted fingerlings, brussels sprouts and sage

Ingredients

• 2 boxes kosher salt (for roasting)
• 3 leaves of sage
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Preparation

1. Place whole fingerlings into a pan on a bed of the kosher salt, cover with foil and roast at 325 degrees F until easily pierced with a knife.

2. Blanch the halved brussels sprouts in heavily salted, boiling water until tender, but not soft and transfer immediately to an ice bath.

3. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat, add a small amount of oil and place the potatoes and brussels sprouts, cut side down, into the pan.

4. Allow them to caramelize well, while taking care not to burn them.

5. When nicely caramelized, add butter, garlic, thyme and sage.

6. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Cook until the butter is nicely browned and seasoned.

8. Remove from the heat, and add enough of the red wine vinegar to balance the dish.

9. Spoon the brussels sprouts and potatoes into a serving dish, dressing with the brown butter.

Apple Pomegranate Salad

Ingredients:

Servings: 8-12
8 8

Servings Size

• 
  

• 4 -5 large apples, peeled and cut into small pieces
• pomegranate seeds, from at least 2 pomegranates
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 5 tablespoons powdered sugar
• pecans
• raisins
• banana
Change Measurements: US | Metric

Directions:

Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 15 mins

1. 1 Whip cream with vanilla and sugar.
2. 2 Combine the whipped cream with the apples and pomegranates.
3. 3 Add any other toppings you like such as pecans, bananas, raisins, etc.

Home-Style Gravy

Ingredients

  Pan drippings from roast turkey

1/4 cup  all-purpose flour

  Chicken broth or water

Directions

1. Transfer turkey to a serving platter. Strain pan drippings into a large measuring cup. Skim fat from drippings; reserve. Place 1/4 cup of the fat in a medium saucepan. Stir in flour. Add enough broth or water to drippings in the measuring cup to equal 2 cups.

2. Add all at once to flour mixture. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 1 minute more. Season with salt and pepper. Makes 2 cups (8 to 10 servings). Recipe may be doubled.

 

Our True Identity

Sometimes we get lost in this life. We get lost in what the world tells us we need to be; what the world tells us we should look like; and how we should act. It is easy to get lost in the world if we loose sight of the big picture.

I have struggled with this. In some ways I believe I am still finding out who I am. But learning about my past, my genealogy, has helped me understand more of who I am today.

When they say there is a link from the present to the past and from the past to the present, it is real. Our history helps us know more about the present than anything in this world could tells us. Tonight this sunk deep into my heart.

A family member compiled a book containing a partial history of my Grandma Lee's side of the family. There I learned how quickly my family accepted the gospel; how faithful they were in the face of persecution; how they walked and talked with Joseph Smith and other leaders; how they came across the planes in companies like the Martin Handcart Company; and how they sacrificed to build and protect Zion in the West.

One of my ancestors was offered a very lucrative job in he would "quit Mormonism." He said no. Another loaded up his family in a covered wagon and walked them across the frozen Mississippi with rifle in hand watching their backs. Other family members were blessed to come to the United States via the Perpetual Emigration Fund.

But most of all, I think their faithfulness to the gospel has sunk deepest into my heart. They loved the gospel and gave everything they had for it. So many times they lost farms and property to their neighbors who were also part of the mobs.

One family member was wrongly accused of murder and consequently disfellowshipped. He held true to what he knew and continued to live and love the Gospel. It wasn't until years later that his membership was reinstated by Orson Hyde; and he was later faced with the man who caused him so much grief at his doorstep asking for help. This man couldn't even look my ancestor in the eye. But he was welcomed with open arms and a loving spirit into his home.

How many of us would have such a heart? How many of us would be able to look beyond human faults and see the Child of God standing before us? I feel a great peace and a great calm about where I come from.

When we come to understand "Our True Identity", we will have a greater appreciation for what we have in our lives. It will also help us understand more the will of God in our behalf.

Learn about who you are! ... who you really are!

Inspiration

Today we talked about Job. What made him such a righteous man? How did he come to be so righteous? What made him so strong in the face of trials and afflictions?

I have been pulling this through my head as I have struggled with certain things in my life. With some things I am really good, but when it comes to other things I am a roller coaster ... There are some desires in my life that could have easily been fulfilled by now, but they wouldn't have come to pass in the way that would have brought lasting happiness into my life. I fill my life with stuff so I don't have to think about it. But pushing it away only seems to bring the reminder of its absence closer to my life.

This weekend I was presented with a choice. I came so close to allowing myself to make the wrong choice, which could have carried some pretty sore consequences with it. It has been eating at me and I have allowed it to lead me down a road I never wanted to be on again. But I find myself here, happy, but not.

I said something to someone this weekend that was perhaps more meant for me than it was for them: There are so many things you say you want, but you aren't doing the things necessary to obtain them ... Does it get any more clearer than that??

Many people in my life say they want to set me up. I have always pushed the idea away, but I need to stop. If the desires of my heart really are to be realized, I need to allow myself to be in places where I can potentially meet this person. And I need to be doing the things that will put me in a situation where I am ready for things to fall into place.

Diversity Final

I apologize for the informality of my dress in the video and my tardiness. These past few weeks have been crazy leading up to the start of school. Time was my enemy and I hope I completed the assignment correctly because the stream wasn't working.

Link: Outline

Getting Old

I think I'm getting old. Life is sweet when I am slow. And it is even sweeter when I ruminate on it.

Pleasures are found in the simple things. Technology is cool, but it no longer holds the infamous blue-glow hold. I find joy in learning about it, but I no longer feel myself glued to it. My cell phone can be left places and I am OK it is not immediately by my side.

While my hands feel they are connected to this computer as I work to spew my knowledge into digital files called a thesis, I don't feel a pull to be on it all the time. In a way, I am excited for my classes to be over. At the same time, I offer a fond farewell to the wealth of knowledge and long for more.

Thanks to teaching and my longing for learning, I feel my dear friend and I will not be disconnected for long. I would be happily content in a small house full of walled bookshelves, a large yard with a beautiful garden, and a lovely porch where I could enjoy a breezy afternoon. My dear friend and I would connect through life experiences and solitary mornings and evenings.

My eyes have been continually opened evermore to pondering about the important things in life. Is life made up of things? It is made up of our house? Our car? Pieces of paper? If you had minutes to leave your house, what is most valuable that you would feel an absolute need to take with you? Is there anything of "real" value in your life?

Going to Nauvoo opened my eyes to an evaluation of my personal life. Their lives were lived contentedly in homes that were most often 10'x20'. They had only those things they needed, and were self-sufficient. Packing up was not hard for them because as long as they had their family, they had everything that was important to them.

My home is slightly bigger than the "large" two-level homes of their day. There are only two of us here. I have things that I either don't need or have not used in a long time. When I am done with my paper, I am going to take some time in evaluation and gift or sell those things that are merely taking up  space in my home.

I look forward to simplifying my life. Lately I have told God that if I am blessed with an abundant life, I will live simply and share the means I have. Even if my life doesn't have abundance, I will do my best to share all that God has given me, both tangible and intangible.

What I have really isn't mine. But sometimes I think I "have" too much. God is good to me, but sometimes I don't know that I am as good in return. Perhaps in my old age, I will learn more ;)

60 Seconds

If your house was on fire and you had 60 seconds to get out, what would you grab? What is the most important in your house?

Stepping Stones

I am at the last part of my paper now ...The Forces are working hard against me, but I know there are even greater Ones working for me. I just have to decide who will win for my time.

Being done is within my reach. People are cheering for me, but I am the only one who can cross the finish line. Only I can do it and it is something I have to do alone. Everyone who is cheering for me is waiting on the other side.

So, I have to set goals that when I accomplish one thing, I can reward myself with something else. Right now, it is going out to see Eat Pray Love next week. My second one is getting back on facebook. I haven't really missed it, but I have certain responsibilities that require it.

I have learned over these last few weeks that it is nice to disconnect. It is nice to just sit and enjoy nature and the world around us. I can't wait until I am done with this and will be able to have time to spend in the outdoors and reconnect myself with those things I love most.

Connection is important. Connection to God, real people, the earth, and yourself.

This emotional life

Liz Gilbert, author of Eat Pray Love, shares a metaphor for life, love, and our need to be close. It comes from German philosopher Shopenhauer who many deam as a pessimist. While I don't totally agree, I believe there is a certain element of truth.

Sometimes we are porcupines and we do need to huddle together for warmth in this strange, unforgiving, cruel world. But whether purposefully or not, we may prick one another. It is learning this "dance" that Gilbert talks about. We can live together, provide warmth for one another, and not poke on another.

There are many experiences in my life I believe I can associate with this metaphor. In my life I have poked both on purpose and accidentally. I hope that those I have pushed away have / will forgive me. These many years later I am more wise than I was when I was a child. I look back with sorrow for the many opportunities I may have missed out on because of my hard heart.

Thankfully, I have not gone too many years realizing my need for human interaction. I need the warmth from others. I need that association. And I think that is the reason we all, in one form or another, reach out no matter what the potential of getting pricked is.

Eat Pray Love

I found this video today. It occurred by accident, but perhaps it was something that I needed to experience.


This whole week I have been buried in my paper, and rightfully so. I finally found a direction and I am running toward it at full speed. But I am also paying a price. My body is tired and I am feeling sick. But today, with half of my paper down, I am starting to feel a little better. 


Perhaps in life we spend too much time doing what it is we think others want us to do. Or we think we will become content with our lives at some point and time. But will those things really bring us happiness?


I find that when I go back to basics, is when I find myself again. When I let go of what others want from me and go for what I want, I find the girl inside. In order to find balance, we must find ourselves. 


The journey to finding self is different for everyone. For some it is long. For others it is short. But if we stay on the path, we will find ourselves. 


There are others still who say that self is created, not found. I agree with them, but I also believe that journey to create involves some finding. In the movie Eat Pray Love one of the characters tells Liz that if she wants to get to the castle, she has to swim the mote. And who knows what is in the water of that mote ... But how bad do you want the castle? 


Henry David Thoreau is one of my heroes. He embodies finding simplicity in life. He sold everything he had and went to live in the middle of the woods. "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."

Perhaps some day I will be as brave as he, or as brave as Liz. But for now, I relish in finding simplicity and marking things off my bucket list one day at a time. For now, I relish in finding myself and perhaps sharing a little of my journey along the way.

Eat Pray Love

Until We Meet Again

They say that deaths come in three's. I hope I am done for a while. In the last two months I will have attended three funerals. The famed British poet and painter, David Harkins, once penned:

You can shed tears that she is gone,
or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her only that she is gone,
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what she'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Two family members and a former athlete have passed the rhelms of this life into another sphere. One of them was sudden, one was expected, and the other the result of a terrible accident. They lived great lives and blessed those who were around them with their presence. 

It is interesting to ponder over our lives and ruminate over what we have made of our time on this earth. When you leave this life, what will people say about you? What will you have accomplished? 

I am not talking about grand and glorious things, but the small and simple things. Who were you as a friend? Who were you as a son, as a daughter? Who were you as a sister, or brother? What kind of worker were you? Did people know you believed in God? Did they know you loved the Gospel?

What will people remember YOU for? When you stand naked, in a sense, before your Heavenly Father with no one else around you, what will be the sum of your life?

Paul, writing to the Hebrews, said, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the ^asin which doth so easily ^bbeset us, and let us run with ^cpatience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the ^aauthor and ^bfinisher of our faith;"

Earlier Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the ^amastery is ^btemperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible ^ccrown; but we an ^dincorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I ^akeep under my ^bbody, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."

We are to run with patience the race that is before us and we are also to remember that there is a prize at the end. When the scripture says that "one" will receive the prize I think about our talents. I can't imagine that there is only "one" prize or that only a select few will make it to the presence of God, but he does state, "But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their ^amouths, but they hide the ^btalent which I have given unto them, because of the ^cfear of man. Wo unto such, for mine ^danger is ^ekindled against them. And it shall come to pass, if they are not more faithful unto me, it shall be ^ataken away, even that which they have."

If we don't find, develop, and share our talents here on earth, it will be taken away from us and the prize we could have had in the end will not be ours. I don't know about you, but when I am running a race I will not only finish it, but I will obtain something for it (even if it is just the satisfaction of knowing I finished).

This is a race that will require everything of us if we run it right. I want to say with President Kimball that I will crawl bloody to the end for the cause for which I set out to do. You never know what will happen to your life ... So live every day to its fullest so that even though the dash may be short on your tombstone, it will represent a life fully lived with love, service and Christ-like virtues.

Let Go

I fell in love with this song a few years back when I was at a dance competition photographing. It never donned on me that Imogen Heap (Frou Frou) sang it until I was watching The Holiday today. I don't know what it is about this song that draws me in, but it does.

Tonight I did something I should have done a while ago. There was a particular number in my phone that needed to go. So, I deleted them.

It was one of those, "yeah, I'm interested in a second date." So, you wait ... And wait some more ... But I haven't heard from him in more than two weeks, so I am done waiting.

Why can't people just be honest. If you're interested great. If not, then say so. You part your separate ways and life goes on without expectation.

But I am done chasing. I am done waiting. I have things to do and when that person comes along in my life, great. But until then I am not sitting at home on my hands.

So, today I let go. I jumped in. And I am moving on :)

Wonderfulness

A little more than a week ago I made an awesome decision. I will admit that I have reached for my phone or awakened my computer to randomly check my facebook, but it has been nice not being so attached. It is interesting to see who stays, or wants to stay, in contact.

My life has had more than the change of social networking. My favorite great uncle passed away last week. Today we buried him and it was interesting. Our family isn't the closest ... We have our fair share of issues ... But today we came together and "appeared" like the family I believe our Grandma Naomi would have wanted us to be.

I did my best to appease both sides and to be Christ-like. It is a challenge sometimes because I forget for a moment and get lost in the poking and pointing fingers. Then the Spirit gently nudges me and reminds me of my greater purpose. Our family may not be the most unified, but it doesn't need to be divided any further with me.

All this weekend I have been praying for help. Today it came to me that I don't have to agree with what is going on, but I don't get to be a snob about it either. I don't need to be friends with those who seek to harm the family unity, but I don't get to snub them either. They are children of God with struggles just the same as any of the rest of us.

A few days past the funeral I realized the simple graces of God. I prayed for peace all weekend. I prayed for my family. I pray that contention would not destroy the reason we had come together.

While I did not recognize it immediately, in speaking with a friend I realized my prayers had been answered. There were no confrontations. There was no bickering. Just memories of a man who had touched our lives no matter how long or how brief.

God does answer our prayers. In the same breath, we have to do our part. He lives. He loves us. He will answer. In the scriptures we find more than 130 time "Ask and ye shall receive, Seek and ye will find, Knock and it will be opened unto you."

Do you believe??

Art in Me

My final project for COML502 - Leadership & Imagination. Enjoy!

My decision to step away ...

In the summer of 2006 I was writing a story on internet gambling. I wanted to get some sources from youth who were participating, albeit illegally, in this growing phenomenon. During my search I came across this new kind of networking Web site called Facebook.

Now, four years ago it was limited to college students who had a campus e-mail. You had to be a student. Perfect! It was just what I was looking for.

So I signed up and started to search for people. I didn't really do much with it other than pass the info along to our political reporter because it might be something they should look in to. Candidates were recruiting college students to work on their campaign so they could use the site to get younger voters out. Wow!

Then the site started to open up and suddenly I had all kinds of former high school acquaintances who wanted to "connect". To date I have 639 friends. I don't talk to 95% of them ... I have a page for my photo business. It gets decent hits ...

But over the past week I have been thinking about things that take up time in my life that don't need to. Today I was listening to a talk by Sheri Dew and she asked a poignant question: What is your favorite sin? Facebook came to mind, but I pushed it away thinking how on earth could it be a sin??

Then tonight happened. I received some wonderful council and again the prompting about my account. So, Facebook and I are parting ways. I don't know if this will be permanent or if it will be temporary. In his book Media Unlimited Todd Gitlin wrote, "Crucially, who we are is ow we live our time - or spend it" (2007, p.19).

In The Rule of St. Benedict there is a chapter that speaks of obedience. We are taught, "The first rule of humility is unhesitating obedience", "If you hear [His] voice today, do not harden your heart", "It is high time for us to arise from sleep", and "... every time you begin a good work, you must pray to [Him] most earnestly to bring it to perfection."

I have to get my Capstone Project done and I also need to rid myself of things that will take away from the time I need to dedicate to it. So, don't be offended because we are "friends" anymore. I have things to do and a race to run, my course is set. My very sage cousin said, "If they are really your friend, they will know how to get a hold of you." Amen!

My blogs will still stay active, although not entirely maintained. I will still continue my Web site for my photography business. My phone will stay active as will my e-mail. But don't come looking for me on Facebook after Sunday night because I won't be there.

Information:
Web site: www.aiphotographydesign.com
Blog: fotoangel.blogspot.com (about life and inspiration) or brandyszagjourney.blogspot.com (updates on my Capstone Project)
E-mail: brandyalee@gmail.com
Cell: message me if you want it or get it from someone else :)

It's been fun. It most certainly has been real. But the time it has taken away from me hasn't been real fun. Another sage person wrote in lyric:

Well the truth, well it hurts to say
I'm gonna pack up my bags and I'm gonna go away
I'm gonna split, I can't stand it
I'm gonna give it up and quit and aint never coming back

Girl but before I get to going, I've got to say,
I know you used to love me but that was yesterday,
And the truth, I won't fight it,
When the love starts burning you got to do what's right.

Woh-oh lover, lover lover, you don't treat me no good no more,
Woh-oh lover, lover lover, you don't treat me no good no more,

Well the truth, yeah it hurts to say,
I'm gonna pack up my bags and I'm gonna go away,
I'm gonna split, I can't stand it,
I'm gonna give it up and quit, ain't never coming back

Girl but before I get to going, I've got to say,
There was a time, oh woman, when you used to shake it for me,
but now, all you do is just treat me cold,
Ain't gonna take it no more, gonna walk out the door,

Lover, lover lover, you don't treat me no good no more,
No good no more more more more
Lover, lover lover you don't treat me good no more,
Yeah yeah yeah yeah

[Background: Lover, lover lover you don't treat me no good no more]
(repeated in unison with rest of song and to end)

Well I'd wait up for you almost every night
and I'm hurting so bad cause you don't treat me right
Oh woman, oh woman you know I love you so
but you're so mean to me baby, I'm walking out the door,
Oh lover, oh lover, yeah-yeah

No good no more more more more

I know you used to love me in every way
but now im giving it up, and I'm tired of crying babe
I can't stand it no longer, it hurts me to say,
but I'm packing up my bags and going far away,
Hey lover, oh lover yeah-yeah

Lover, lover lover, you dont treat me no good no more
Lover, lover lover, you dont treat me no good no more
(you dont treat me good no more)
Lover, lover lover, you dont treat me no good no more
(you dont treat me good no more)
Lover, lover lover, you dont treat me no good no more

See you on the other side!

Death

During the past three weeks I have lost two of my favorite great uncles. They weren't my favorite because I spent a great deal of time with them, or because they spoiled me; they were my favorite because they inspired me.

My Uncle Marv slipped silently into death on a Friday morning sometime between 4-6 a.m. We was healthy, he was just as witty as ever, he was 69 and still working doing hard labor. He loved his family and he always has something to say that would bring a smile to your face even if you were having a crappy day. If you were down in the dumps around him, it was your own fault.

Marv has spent the last 15 years in Colorado, but the influence he has had on my life felt much closer than the mile that separated us. He was a hard worker. We always said he would work himself to death. In December he was going to retire and finally enjoy life. But it seems that God had other plans for him. His work will be of a different kind in a different sphere. 

My Uncle Doc didn't have such a peaceful exit from this world. He spent the last two weeks in the hospital while they tried to figure out what was wrong with him. After sending him home, this morning he breathed his last breath and also slipped into an eternal rest.

Uncle Doc was the reason I wanted to be a veterinarian. He healed animals all over the surrounding area of Oakdale. I remember going to California to visit my dad and going up to Doc's house. As a little girl I would go into his medicine room and I remember being amazed at the refrigerators full of medicine and that each of them had the potential to heal a certain ailment. He watched from inside the house as I spent hours in his pool swimming and enjoying the water.

My dad wanted to go out and see Doc this weekend. But I couldn't and perhaps things work out for the best. The last time I saw him was when we went to an award ceremony in California. They were honoring him for all he had done in the Oakdale area. It was a wonderful time and awesome to be there with him and my family. Perhaps we will have one last opportunity to go out there and see those with whom he associated.

The passing of those who are dear to you causes you to reflect. It causes you to take an inventory of your life. These two experiences are in contrast of the swiftness from which we can leave this life and knowing that your time on earth is coming to an end.

What will people say about you when you are gone? Are you living the life you want to live while you can? What would you change about your life in order to become the person you want to be? When will you change? Will it be too late before you do?

And perhaps the most important thoughts: When all is said and done, will you be satisfied knowing you accomplished everything you were sent here to do? When you are standing naked, in a sense, before God, will he speak the words, "Well done thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things"?

Forgiveness Heals the Heart

"The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to “re-turn” toward God. It is the beckoning of a loving Father and His Only Begotten Son to be more than we are, to reach up to a higher way of life, to change, and to feel the happiness of keeping the commandments. Being disciples of Christ, we rejoice in the blessing of repenting and the joy of being forgiven. They become part of us, shaping the way we think and feel."
-Neil L. Andersen

There are many things that bring sustaining and healing powers in our lives. One of the biggest things for me comes in a small package of two words: I'm sorry. It is amazing the redemptive power one feels when they let go of feelings of ought.

Pride is something I struggle with, and thankfully I am not alone in the boat. But I am learning line upon line, precept upon precept how to let it go and replace it with the humility I need in order to become a disciple of Christ. The idea of admitting you are wrong when you are right a lot of the time is a hard pill to swallow. But it is worth everything it takes.

Growing up, my life was no box of peaches. I dealt with a lot of physical, emotional, and mental abuse, not only personally but to those whom I love. It is a blessing I haven't turned out bitter, depressed, and a host of other things. I thank the Lord every day that I have been able to harness the power of the gospel to allow me to become strong in the midst of my trials.

But there was a part of me that still held on to some hard feelings ... I have known for a while that I needed to clear them out of my system and begin the healing process. But I never got around to it, or found an excuse not to.

The last few weeks of my life have been a struggle and one night I ended up at my friend's house with really no intention of being there. But I needed someone to talk to; someone who understood what I was dealing with; someone who maybe had some sage words for me. We talked for a while about various things and then he shared a very tender experience with me.

Death causes us to reflect on many things in our lives. Last week we lost my Uncle Marv suddenly. He was a great man and we always said he would work himself to death. But without warning, he was no longer there to talk to; No longer there to seek forgiveness if it was needed; No longer there to cheer us up with his quick whit.

My friend found himself in a similar situation. He had to go to his mother's grave. Being there, he sought not only her forgiveness of hard feelings and ought, but forgiveness from his Father in Heaven. His experience touched me and I knew I needed to take care of some things in my life. I didn't want to have to approach them at their grave. I wanted to clear the air and be able to move on.

That night I made up my mind I was going to go through with it this time ... It was a different feeling and I believe my Father in Heaven knew the intentions of my heart. He payed forward so many blessings.

I didn't get to talk to this person until two days later, but when I left their house it was as if I was walking on air. And I could see how much it meant to this person in their face. The burden of ought and hard feelings was no longer in my court. I felt so filled with Light. I felt as Alma the prophet did, " “Yea, I say unto you, … there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy” (Alma 36:21). Does it mean that I am not going to struggle? No. But it does open the door for future dialogue ... Someday ...

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught:
"Jesus taught us eternal truth when He taught us to pray: “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. … For, if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if ye forgive not … neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (3 Nephi 13:11, 14–15).

"Therefore, extending forgiveness is a precondition to receiving forgiveness.

"For our own good, we need the moral courage to forgive and to ask for forgiveness. Never is the soul nobler and more courageous than when we forgive. This includes forgiving ourselves."

And, oh, how human we are ...

A day later, it was as if I had forgotten what I had experienced. We had a softball game and I was struggling. The whole team was struggling. Then the center fielder from the other team throws a wild ball and nails one of the children in the dugout. We almost had a fight.

I did a stupid and opened my mouth ... My competitive side came out and I told this girl to go back to her hole to which she responded with the F-bomb ... At the end of the game, the ump asked us not to give 5s. So I didn't, while the rest of my team did. It sent me downhill and put me in a funk. I am still struggling with it. It is not fun when that side comes out and I don't like it at all.

I pray I will be able to move beyond it. I pray that I will learn to control my competitiveness. I pray this funk will go away.

Thankfully, I was blessed with wonderful experiences at the temple :) It was a good way to end the week. I am finding the more I seek to be a disciple of Christ, the easier it is to ask forgiveness and how much more I see the need to repent. I believe as our hearts are opened to God, we see how we need to repent in order to remain humble and have the Spirit we so desperately need in order to navigate this gauntlet we call life.

In Jeremiah we learn, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” A fleshy heart can be molded and is more apt to change. A fleshy heart can be healed. A fleshy heart will give us the life-sustaining matters we need.

Forgiveness heals the heart <3

Past, Present, and Future

I have had a few interesting days. Yesterday I had some great learning moments with Saul, Johnathan, and David. The relationship these three had was not a perfect one, but it was one full of learning moments for all. Johnathan loved David as his own soul while Saul had nothing but fear and envy for David's success (1 Sam. 18). And David had nothing but love for both of them.

There were several attempts by Saul to take David's life; David had at least two opportunities to end being hunted by killing Saul; and yet David still honored Saul's position as King and the Lord's anointed. What made such love and forgiveness possible by David? What made Johnathan so loyal? When we are struggling in life, how is it that we cannot allow our past to determine our present and thereby our future?

This has been a point of rumination this past week as I have struggled to shove past experiences where they belong, in the past. The week came crashing down on me and I felt as if I were drowning in all that was going on. I swam and swam, I tried to save others in the process, but I still felt like I was drowning.

In particular was an experience I had with a boy ... We went out and had a good time and he said he would call, but I never heard from him. Granted, last week was a busy week for both of us. But I figured he would make time if he really wanted to. Nothing ... Then the thoughts came creeping in: "He is just like any other dirt bag you have been out with, or in a relationship with. He will abandon you like everyone else."

My life has not been filled with the greatest examples of the male species in the relationship department. I have every clinical reason to be depressed, messed up more than I am, etc. As a result I have built a hard shell and become a very independent person. Who needs a guy when I have been able to do it on my own all these years? I realized tonight in talking with a wonderful friend that I still have a guard wall. As much as I want to let someone in, "I" am still independent, "I" can take care of myself, and "I" am not going to let someone in who will just leave me.

In order to truly open our heart to the future, we must sever our ties with the past. This doesn't mean we need to forget where we came from, or the experiences that made us, but we do need to let it go so we can build a new future. There are many experiences that serve as a wonderful foundation, but the bricks with cracks and weaknesses need to be rooted out. If we are to build a sure foundation, it cannot have vulnerable stones.

Even my leadership is about "me" ... For so long "I" have had to do many things on my own, or "I" save them from failure. But this is a time of teaching for me and "I" need to learn to step back and share in lessons. Not everything can be saved, but we can learn from our mistakes in love. Seeing a more clear path in front of me has given me new direction, and hopefully a greater sense of love for those with whom I serve. We all have so much we can teach each other and "I" am grateful for this opportunity.

The future is bright. The future is as bright as we allow it to be. However, if it is marred from past experiences then we are fighting a battle against ourselves. Yes, it requires we open our hearts. Yes, that means they will probably get broken or at least experience some level of pain. Yes, opening our heart deems letting go of the past.

It is only through letting go of those things in our past that mar us that we will truly be able to grab hold of the future. I liken it to the Lesson in Marble:

When you look at a marble egg, what do you see? What makes it beautiful is not that it is free from imperfections. If it were clear and white, with no flaws, it would look plastic and artificial. The marble is beautiful because of the dark veins, not in spite of them. Our memories are past, but some will linger like the dark lines. However, as we keep our covenants and experience the sanctifying power of the Spirit, it is as if those dark lines are polished over time. And they actually become part of our beauty.

Our past has its marks of beauty; it also has its marks of not so much beauty. One day we too will be beautiful just like the polished marble. It won't be because of the dark and jagged memories, but because we are willing to let Christ and the Holy Ghost sanctify and polish them (The Continuous Atonement, p. 193-194).

While we may want to do things on our own, we won't be able to do an effective job. Pushing the Lord's extended hand aside is like telling him no thanks for His Atonement on our behalf. Accepting His sacrifice on my behalf means opening my heart, it means growing, it means stretching, it means forgiving, and most of all it means loving everyone regardless of the situation.

I think of one of my favorite songs as of late ... I have the video posted below, but here are the lyrics:

I was a little girl alone in my little world who dreamed of a little home for me.
I played pretend between the trees, and fed my house guests bark and leaves, and laughed in my pretty bed of green.

I had a dream
That I could fly from the highest swing.
I had a dream.

Long walks in the dark through woods grown behind the park, I asked God who I'm supposed to be.
The stars smiled down on me, God answered in silent reverie. I said a prayer and fell asleep.

I had a dream
That I could fly from the highest tree.
I had a dream.

Now I'm old and feeling gray. I don't know what's left to say about this life I'm willing to leave.
I lived it full and I lived it well, there's many tales I've lived to tell. I'm ready now, I'm ready now, I'm ready now to fly from the highest wing.

I had a dream

Dream

Pride & Prejudice

Jane Austen is such a beloved author among many. Perhaps it is because her stories wrench the heart strings of her readers with her real-life accounts of 19th century England. Or maybe because there is always an intelligent heroine. Or maybe because there is always a happy ending unlike her own ...

At any rate, I was thinking about this this evening (strangely) and some recent events in my life. I really wish I could just stop thinking and let the chips fall where they will. But I can't. So, my mind wanders and ponders.

In this particular book / movie(s) there is a head-strong heroine and her super kind sister. They have the happy endings that their silly sisters could only wish for. Their endings come because of patience and intelligence. Their sisters are so flippant they could be like house flies flitting from one place to another.

This may sound egotistical, but I have had several people tell me that the people I have encountered up until this point in my life are not "good enough" for me. I have balked at these statements because I see potential in every person I have had the opportunity to know. But somewhere inside I wondered if I would find someone who would challenge me.

While I see potential, I also want to be challenged. There are certain experiences I have had as of late that have lead me to understand that there are such people out there. Recently I encountered one of these people and I have to say, as much as I want it, I am scared. I wanted a challenge and I think I am going to get it if anything happens with this scenario.

The people who introduced this person into my life know me perhaps better than anyone and I think somewhere inside they are enjoying the "giggle loop." But for now, I am left to be the victim of said loop and to wait patiently. I look forward to future events in my life and I know there are great things in store no matter how the current situation turns out.

So, for now I hold on to the knowledge that it isn't just the Elizabeth's in fictional novels that get the happy endings. But if I wait patiently, I too can have my happy ending with a person who will not only step up to the plate, but inspire me to be better every day.

Change

Change ... It's difficult ... But not impossible ... It hurts sometimes ... It causes stretching and stepping outsize your comfort zone ... It incites fear ... It is not a constant, but an unknown ...

Change ...

There are times in our lives when we all must change. It is what helps us to grow. It is what helps us to become the people we are to be.

Change ...

In the Bible we learn about a certain ruler. His story is recounted three times in the New Testament, so my guess is that it is pretty important. Mark tells us that this man came running to Jesus and knelt before him asking, "Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Jesus tells him he needs to keep the commandments, to which the ruler replies that he has since his youth.

What was it this man was looking for? Was he looking for a simple good deed to perform and make his way into God's presence? Was he looking to purchase his way into heave?

Christ seeing this, then gave this ruler a commandment that required change. I like Matthew's account: "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me."

I like Matthew because the footnote for 'perfect' gives us the word 'commitment.' Inheriting eternal life requires commitment, and commitment requires change most often. Change that the ruler wasn't ready to do. So, he left sad because he had many riches.

Change ...

"If you do what you've always done, you will get what you've always gotten."

A few weeks ago, I decided I was tired of what was on TV. Mind you I haven't had any kind of TV in my house in 2.5 years, so I pick things up online. But I decided I was tired of the garbage. I haven't watched anything in more than two weeks and I don't miss it at all. My days are better, I can keep my thoughts Centered, and I feel better.

I thought I would be harder to give up, but honestly right now I don't have time for it. My master's is almost complete and I have so much reading to be doing. I gain more knowledge from my reading that I do from television anyway.

Change ...

Deleting worldly garbage has helped me to have a stronger yearning for Spiritual things. Almost all of my mornings start by listening to a talk. I am most grateful for technology and the opportunity we have to have the words of inspired leaders at our fingertips.

A while ago our stake president encouraged us to have our own personal morning devotional. I didn't think much of it until I started to make time for it. Yes, it requires getting out of bed sooner, but it makes my days so much better. I can honestly feel the difference when I don't start my day off right.

Change ...

I had a song I really enjoyed listening to and the other day it suddenly became not one of my favs. The premise is that it better to hurt than to feel lonely. Is it really? Am I really willing to sacrifice everything I have worked so hard for so I can feel wanted by someone who is not a staple in my life?

I have become happy where I am. But I am not going to lie and say that sometimes it's not hard not having a significant other in my life. I have been hurt enough times that I think I would rather fill my loneliness with the Love of my Heavenly Father who will always be there for me.

Change ...

I routinely "test" people, mostly those of the opposite sex ... My track record with those of the male gender is not the greatest. I find many with commitment issues and have struggled with some things in my family.

A friend of my recently told me I need to stop ... I am not sure if I fully agree ... The jury is still out on that one ...

Change ...

A while ago I heard some of the best advise about a first date: Everything is fair game. Genius! Why wouldn't it be?

Too often we hide much of who we really are on a first date and I think it's unfair. That first date is an opportunity for people to learn about each other and see if there is potential to move on. Be who you really are.

I have taken this advise and it has saved both sides grief. Maybe it has taken away opportunities, but I am not so sure about that. Of course I don't run them through the gamut of my life, but they get a pretty good idea about who I really am.

Change ...

“A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.” Joseph Smith

We are beings in motion. Change must constantly be happening in our lives. If we aren't willing to change and bless the lives of those around us, we become like the young rich man. Our "riches" may not be literal, but something else we need to give up.

All we are asked is to "Come, follow Me ... Be perfect (committed) as my Father in Heaven and I are."

Change ...

My Journey

Once upon a time there was a girl who loathed politics and swore she would never have anything to do with them. One night she was driving with her friend in the car and they were heading out to dinner. That night happened to be the 2000 Elections.

Jokingly, her friend told her she would run for something someday and be totally involved. The girl rolled her eyes, laughed, and said "No thanks." Well, that night they both sat at Red Robins in Layton until close waiting for the final tally to come in. As we all know, if they would have waited to find out the results, they would have had to of waited until February.

That night something bit the girl like a virus. It started nagging, infecting, and then slowly became part of her. She started to follow politics more, working for the newspaper, and finally getting involved in student government. Needless to say, I was that girl.

In the Spring of 2006, then Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert approached members of student government and asked us to get more involved. It was then I learned about caucus meetings and that politics is more grassroots than the elections that take place in November of each year. It was then that I learned what it really was to be involved and to make a difference.

I remember my first meeting had a total of five people at it. I was elected to be the precinct secretary, county delegate and state delegate. Suddenly, I was being hit with mail, phone calls, and other junk. But it was good. I learned to love the process even more.

I have been a county and / or state delegate since. But this year I did something different. I ran for Precinct Chair. I am not sure what I was thinking, but I did it anyway. And I won! (by three votes) I will not be a delegate however and I have mixed feelings about it...

But I have confidence our delegates will do a wonderful job! We had more than 52 people show up to our meeting that is lucky to get 15 every two years. In talking with the Legislative Chair, numbers were strong across the county (some with 80 - 120...).

It is awesome to be a part of the process and I look forward to learning even more in the future! :D But for now I must go to sleep!

Adue

This week I completed another year on this planet. It has been a rocky one, but a year I am most grateful for for sure. In a recent conversation with a family member I asked him, "When did we get so old? And is this how we thought our lives would be at this stage of our life?" It was the first time I really had an opportunity to talk to him in about eight years because of other circumstances in his life. I had my childhood friend back again and everything seemed right with the world.

In August I started teaching. This is definitely not the career path I would have told you I would be on. But I find more and more passion for it every day. When I teach, I learn so much. Each day, when I ask for the Lord's help, I see my students as God sees them. They are beautiful, talented, god-like, and strong. I don't know how many of them know it yet, but I hope one day they will figure it out.

I feel so inspired about so many things. My master's degree is almost done and I feel the culmination of all the knowledge leading my in paths where before I dared not go. But I feel a measure of confidence from the Lord to "go about doing good continually." I am not sure where this path will lead me, but I know it will be where the Lord needs me to go as long as I am patient and listen.

During the past few months I have endured something I never thought I would have to. But because of choices I made, it was necessary. As crappy as it was, I am grateful for all I have been taught and for the strength it has given me. I am still learning and I still have a path in front of me. But I am grateful it is a Lighted path :)

If you would have asked me five years ago when I came home from my mission where I thought I would be, I would have told you I would be married, had a family, and / or perhaps my master's degree. Well, I will have my master's complete this year and I do have a dear loving family :) My sister is getting married in a few months and I have had several people ask me if I'm OK with her getting married before me. The answer is "Yes." We do not live in the 1800's anymore and I am content to know she has found her match. My medianaranja is still being prepared ... Or maybe it's the other way around ;) At any rate, I am content to wait until I have found that man whom God has prepared for me.

In speaking with a friend the other night, I was giving him grief about he and his brother slacking on the marriage end of things. With a wise countenance he said, "I am not getting married just for the sake of getting married, and then getting divorced two years later." Amen! He then proceeded to tell me about a dating experience where the girl pretty much told him she was looking for Pres. Monson in a 27-year-old form ... I am not sure Pres. Monson was all the man at 27 that his now in his 80's. I thought about this because I ran across a quote this morning that said, "Real love is the commitment to the growth of another person."

The idea is that we grow together, and as we grow together, we become perfected beings. President Joseph Fielding Smith said, "The people of the city of Enoch, because of their integrity and faithfulness, were as pilgrims and strangers on the earth. This is due to the fact that htey were living the celestial law in a telestial world, and all were of one mind, perfectly obedient to all commandments of the Lord." We can only become perfected together, as a whole. Perfection doesn't come individually.

If then we are to become perfected as a group, how does that happen? We are all so different, yet not so different. My geek-sense says that communication is the answer. Whenever someone asks me how we can fix things, I always say there needs to be communication. A few years ago I was in Nicaragua and my Bishop taught me something very profound. He didn't say much, he just challenged me to read 2 Nephi 32. I did just that that evening and by the end of the second verse I understood what he wanted to teach me. Nephi writes, "after ye have received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? ... Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do."

When we have received the most sacred gift of the Holy Ghost by the proper priesthood authority, we are also promised we can speak with the tongue of angels. And angels speak the words of Christ. How are we doing? If in our daily interactions we are missing out on being Christ-like with those whom we communicate, are we being effective? The world has taught, especially women, that in order to be effective, you need to be brass. I don't know anyone who has truly gotten what they wanted by being unChrist-like.

For my Ethics class I was reading Kouzes and Posner's book Credibility. They talk about how the most effective communicators / leaders are those who are empathetic, yet abiding by the PPM's. There are lines in the sand, but those lines do not need to be enforced with an iron fist. We will be most effective if we first seek to speak with the tongue of angels and treat those around us as our literal brothers and sisters.

I used to think that being a woman in the corporate world, I had to be like a man. It didn't get me very far. In fact, I ended up losing my job over it. But over the past few years I have learned that I do not need to let my divine womanly qualities go in order to fit in. President Joseph F. Smith said, "It is not for you to be led by the women of the world; it is for you to ... lead the women of the world in everything that is praiseworthy, everything that is God-like, everything that is uplifting and ... purifying to the children of men."

Each person was born with inherent, God-like qualities; and it is up to use to find and use those qualities. One of my favorite quotes is, "Why are you trying so hard to fit in when you were born to stand out and shine?" In the Book of Matthew, we learn that we are a candle set on a hill, and that we are not meant to hide under a bushel, but to shine and be a beacon for those who are lost in this world.

Sheri Dew said, "... coming unto Christ means walking away from the world. And walking away from the world means choosing holiness and purity over worldliness and impurity. Our Father wants us back, and He wants us back clean. We won't become perfect in this life, but we can become increasingly holy and pure. Pure in our thoughts, motives, and desires; pure in our actions and words. Pure in what we watch or take into our bodies. Pure in our hearts.

"If we truly want to walk away from the world, our single most important pursuit is to seek to hear the voice of the Spirit. I don't think it will be possible to survive spiritually in the last days without the Holy Ghost as our constant guide. The Spirit is the ultimate protector and judge between good and evil. The Spirit can detect the slightest variance from the truth and alert us to all spiritual danger, because the Holy Ghost speaks "of things as they really are" (Jacob 4:13), rather than as they appear to be, and shows us "all things what [we] should do" (2 Ne. 32:5) ... The way to come out of the world, the way to have maximum righteous influence, is to live under the influence of the Holy Ghost."

I know that as we become unspotted from the world, our power and ability to head the Holy Ghost will increase. The things of the world are but a small moment in the eternities. We are spiritual beings having an imperfect earthly experience. But we will once again return to the presence of our Heavenly Father and continue on our journey of perfection. The road we must walk is Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Repentance, and the gate we must pass through is baptism by the proper Priesthood authority for the remission of sins, after which we can receive the precious Gift of the Holy Ghost. "And now my beloved brethren ... I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay ... Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life" (2 Ne. 31:19-20).