My Burning Testimony in a Children's Song

How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?

He sent his Son, a newborn babe, with peace and holiness.

How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?

He sent his Son to walk with men on earth, that we may know.

How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death?

He sent his Son to die for us and rise with living breath.

What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say?

Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way.

What does he ask? Live like his Son.

Words: Mabel Jones Gabbott,1910-2004

Music: Michael Finlinson Moody, b. 1941

(c) 1982 by Mabel Jones Gabbott and Michael Finlinson Moody. Arr. (c) 1989 IRI.

Destined for the "Under-Arm" Hug Forever

My friends are weird.  We talk about weird things.  A recent topic of conversation was the way we hug.  This conversation gave a lot of insight to my life.  I am meant to be an Under-Arm Hugger.  What is an under-arm hug you ask?  Let me explain.

The girl puts her arms around the guy under his arms, around his chest.  The opposite of this hug is the Around the Neck Hug.  This is the hug where the girl puts her arms around the guys neck.  This hug is more intimate.  This is the "I'm interested in you" hug.  Under the arms is a pure "you're a good friend" hug.  This is a hug I have gotten many many times.  Sadly, this is the hug I got in past relationships too.

I'm short, this is a fact, but not so short I can't reach.  I'm realizing now that this is my destiny.

My hugs also usually consist of their arms around my shoulders or my head.  Squeezing hard, probably hoping I will pop.  I think it is time to swear off hugs.  From now on I am a hand-shaker.  Except for my family.  They can have hugs.

Under-Arm Hugger

Tremendous Tuesday

Tuesday are not my favorite day.  The day after Monday.  Not the middle of the week.  Not the weekend.  Just there.
I do go to Institute most Tuesday nights, and that does help make the day a little more bearable.  Tonight I didn't go to Institute.  I did something way better!

Jenny Phillips came to my home ward and did a program for the Relief Society.  The theme was "what matters most."  It was such an amazing program!  You know how at girls camp everyone is one a spiritual high and you are all crying and the Spirit is super strong?  And you know how when you graduate from Young Women's and don't go to girls camp anymore you never have any testimony power building experiences like you did then?  Well this was one of those rare "girls camp" experiences.  A heart-pounding, chest-burning, goosebump covered moment.

It was AMAZING!

And guess what?!! They gave us a copy of her program on CD.  So if you ever want to even get a glimpse of this amazing program let me know!  I love to share!

I'm Happy!

Happiness is:

• selling oranges
• new jewelry
• chicken nuggets
• naps
• smiling friends
• JC's amazing umbrella! (right Josh?)
• country dancing
• seeing Brinana
• shoulder shrugging
• cheesy smiles
• endless giggles
• peach chap-stick
• more dancing
• spinning
• water
• making up dance moves
• finding apology presents on my windshield
• Denny's
• french toast
• laughter
• intercepted hugs
• spinning hugs
• great music in the car
• almost Chinese fire-drills
• having wonderful friends

I have so much that brings me happiness!  This is all in just one day!  I am so blessed.  

Sunday is Super

I love Sunday.  I look forward to it.  Many of God's most tender mercies come to me on Sunday.
Here is my list so far today:

• Driving to church with Jordan
• Waking up on time
• Hugs from a wonderful friend
• Val's talk in sacrament meeting
• Hollie sitting by me in sacrament meeting
• Singing "Should You Feel Inclined to Censure" in sacrament meeting
• A wonderful lesson about prayer in Sunday school
• Katy's lesson in relief society
• Sitting by Sharon and Andrea in relief society
• Linger Longer! 
• Wonderful friends who make me laugh
• Boys having enough courage to come sit by us
• Talk time with Marissa and Amy about the life of a teacher
• Two more boys talking to us (even better, they were hilarious!)
• Strengthening a friendship
• Beautiful music while driving down Fruitland Dr.
• Seeing deer while listening to beautiful music while driving down Fruitland Dr.
• Spontaneous family time
• Sunday afternoon naps

There is so much more that can happen tonight.  The Lord blesses us in the most simple ways.  Those deer did not know they needed to be standing where they were to warm my heart, but they were there.  Some say it is just coincidence or happenstance.  I say it is one more way Heavenly Father has shown me He loves me. 

I'm going to go finger paint now!  If anyone wants to join me and see the joy that this simple art form can bring give me a call!

Faith in Him

Life can be really tough sometimes.  I am slowly learning that if it weren't tough I would not be as happy as I am.  Tears mean I have feelings.  I am alive.  There is air going through my nose.  Sometimes I try to make myself not feel anything, to become a cold, metallic robot.  Truth is I would rather have emotions.  Numbness can be worse than heartbreak.

Sometimes people come into your life.  You don't know why but you are drawn to them.  Things happen and you wonder what their purpose was in your life.  I have been focusing so long on how these people have hurt me and that has done me no good.  Heavenly Father is trying to show me how to have faith in Him.  If I focus on that and not the pain of the hurtful things that have been done to me, the life lessons I will learn will be much more valuable.

He knows what I need.  He knows who I need.  I just need to have faith that He will get me where I need to be.  It is hard to put my life in someone else's hands, but I can think of no better hands, not even my own, that will lead my life to success and eternal life.

Following His plan may lead to some loss of friendships and loss of a relationship, but I need to follow Him if I want to be happy