tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59888356689401889842024-03-14T09:10:08.992-06:00Patti's PonderingsPatti's Ponderings:
The random and often comletely non-sensical ponderings of one, Patti Merrill.Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-75705904846438234352014-05-31T09:29:00.001-06:002014-05-31T09:31:42.709-06:00On Death and Grief: Nineteen Years Later<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like to look for quotes that will express what I feel I can't. Often, my posts on Facebook will be a quote on a subject that I am struggling with, or thinking of. I've been told that I should use my own words more often and quote others less. But the act of searching for a good quote often helps me and strengthens me as I usually read through many quotes before finding one I want to post. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This morning, I wanted to post a quote about death. About grieving. About my loss and my heartache over Laurie Ann. I began to look through quotes that I have through an app called "LDS Quotes". I don't know as that I had any expectations about what I would find, but I wanted to find something to express subtlety the significance of today to any who would read. I did not expect to be schooled. I did not expect to be changed. I did not expect personal healing to take place. My expectations were clearly not high enough!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the quote: “Resolving grief is more than just accepting the death. It involves gradually reinvesting that emotional energy, not in the past, but in the future; not in pain, but in growth.” — Kathleen Rawlings Buntin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has really never occurred to me that I can "resolve" my grief. And perhaps, being completely honest here, I haven't wanted to resolve my grief. I have felt the need to grieve. To hold this pain as some sort of evidence of my love for Laurie Ann. But today, after nineteen years, I feel like I am ready to resolve the grief and to reinvest my emotional energy into the future, "not in pain, but in growth". And it may be for this one day or for a week, a month, a year, or for the rest of my life. And I may continue to feel the pain and sadness of my loss. It will be a process. Gradual. But I am ready to progress. I am ready to purposefully move forward. I am ready to be more in control and more focused on growing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I find it curious that I have to convince myself that it is a good thing to do. That it in no way diminishes my love for my daughter. I believe that The Lord wants me to be able to grow. He wants me to be able to look forward, not back. There is a resurrection, a day for tears of joy and for a joyous reunion to take place. And as I stay focused on that, my heart and soul are filled with hope and faith and desire to live my life in such a way as to guarantee a joyous reunion. A day when the songs of the heart will be sung all the day! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think I will print this quote out and read it everyday. I will begin today refocusing my emotional energy to the future and allow the Spirit to help me resolve my grief.</span></div>
Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-19113412262058466742013-11-13T15:28:00.003-07:002013-11-13T15:45:44.493-07:00Hope and faith. And don't forget charity!<br />
This morning I read a quote that said, "Hope has a way of being self-perpetuating. Hope breeds faith. And faith produces miracles."<br />
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In conjunction with that, I just happened to finish reading the Book of Mormon again this morning. As I read in Moroni, chapter 10, I thought about the above quote from Tito Momen.<br />
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In Moroni 10:20, it says, "Wherefore, there must be faith; and if there must be faith there must also be hope; and if there must be hope there must also be charity." Moroni teaches how hope, faith and charity are all related. It is clear that they each depends upon the other. You really cannot have one without the other. They help each other to grow, to be more effective and to produce miracles. Moroni even goes so far as to say that without each of these gifts (hope, faith and charity) one cannot be saved in the kingdom of God! (Moroni 10:21)<br />
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This caused me to ponder, "What do I have hope in?" "What is my faith is doing for me, for my family and for those for whom I have a stewardship over because of my calling." And, "If I possess this charity that Moroni talks about and do I truly use it to bless our lives?"<br />
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The results of my morning pondering: I find myself feeling "acceptable", but with MUCH to learn and a long road to walk still. I find myself contemplating the importance of enduring. Of not giving up, of thinking I've done enough. Although I think it is good to look back on my life and see how far I've come and what I've been able to do for good, I also vehemently support the idea that one cannot justify sitting back and not continuing in good works because of all that he/she has done in the past.<br />
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I am grateful to be able to say that ever since I was brought back into activity as a youth, I have not gone inactive again. I am grateful to say that ever since I received my first temple recommend and was endowed, I have always held an active temple recommend. But I am quick to acknowledge that I have not been able to so this alone. I have been given many wonderful people and experiences to help all along the way. I also am quick to acknowledge that I am weak and prone to wander. Prone to falter. And understanding that fact coupled with recognizing all the Divine providence that has been in my life brings such a feeling of gratitude to my Savior and for the Atonement that my heart fills to capacity and my eyes become wet with emotion.<br />
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Hope. Faith. Charity. I could study daily these things and still not exhaust my need to learn more!Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-38581951083395998372013-11-09T23:53:00.000-07:002013-11-10T00:06:27.051-07:00Over-ThinkingEarlier tonight, I found myself wanting to do a status update on Facebook that would describe some of what I was feeling at the moment. As I searched for the right words and began to type, I found myself deleting the words and starting over. After the third time, I gave up and decided not to post anything of any real significance after all. In fact, I simply stated to all my Facebook-world friends that I had started and erased my status update three times! The response I got was a little unexpected and caused me to wonder if I should have just posted my original thought in the first place. As I started to explain myself on a public forum, I decided that maybe here would be a better venue. Much less attention given here and a more selective audience who I know won't roll their eyes and scoff at my thoughts. I mean, if you're reading this, it is because you chose to come to this particular site and read my random thoughts. You had some amount of understanding of what you were getting yourself into! Whereas on Facebook, it just shows up in front of your face whether you really wanted to read it or not!!!<br />
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So what did I want to post on Facebook that never made it there? You can only continue to read if you promise not to roll your eyes! (Or at least don't tell me that you rolled your eyes!)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">I just wanted to say how sometimes, when I contemplate my life, how giddy it makes me feel inside. To realize simply that Heavenly Father knows and loves me! I think about people in our society who society has deemed as "important". And many of them truly are important. But they don't know me or really care about me as an individual. But Heavenly Father...He knows me! And he LOVES me!! And It fills me with all kinds of wonderful feelings to know this. So much so that sometimes I just want to announce it to everyone I know! And I want with all my heart for everyone I know to also be able to know this for themselves. But I am so limited and flawed and selfish. And I fall very short when it comes to doing my part. Yet--HE STILL LOVES ME ANYWAY!! It's so amazing! It's so humbling. It's so motivating! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And why, you may wonder, would I not put that on Facebook? Don't judge. . .or don't keep reading! I don't want someone who doesn't know this for themselves to feel like I think I'm better than they are. Or feel badly and get discouraged. I don't want someone to feel like I'm trying to be all preachy and stop wanting to be my "friend." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I know that I'm kind of a "one-track-mind" kind of person. I tend to get fixated on things. I tend to see everything in my life through whatever spectacles I am wearing at the time. And right now in my life, I am pretty fixated on spiritual, gospel related things. It sometimes drives my kids crazy. But truth is, when I'm fixated on something, it is very personal to me. I don't want to put such things "out there" to be judged and scoffed. But here, on my little blog that only a few ever read, I feel safe. So--Thank you for reading this. Thank you for not judging or scoffing! Thank you for choosing to read my random and often non-sensical thoughts!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It's good to have good friends! ;-)</span></div>
Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-56767453348508436032013-11-08T22:52:00.000-07:002013-11-08T22:54:53.420-07:00People Watching and Recurring Lessons!<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Noteworthy-Light;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">I had a moment of clarity today that has stayed with me. I had a moment where I was just sitting and watching people around me. I have always liked to sit and observe others. People are fascinating! As I was observing everyone, I felt like I could see everyone's flaws. People seemed to be broken, sad, and troubled. I felt like I could feel their longing to be accepted, loved and needed. I became keenly aware how much I was just like them as I contemplated my own mortal state and my many weaknesses and insecurities. Then, in an instant it seemed, I was filled with the knowledge that each and everyone of us are known and loved by our Heavenly Father. And I felt so strongly the truth that each and every one of us, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, can be perfected. We can be mended, given joy and peace and whatever we need to overcome! Eternal Life is the promise. It is what God intends to give us if we will have it. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Noteworthy-Light;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">As I think about this more, I feel deeply the importance of loving and not judging those around us. It is so easy to judge others. And so many reason why we slip into that mode. Personally, I find myself doing it when I am feeling insecure. But it is wrong. And I am finding there is one sure way to stop it. I ask myself what does God feel about this person? What does God feel about me? And the answer is simple. HE LOVES THEM! HE LOVE ME!! We are each, individually, so very important to Him. We are His children. We are valued and needed. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Noteworthy-Light;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">This reminds me of an experience I had while on my mission. It had been a long, difficult day. We had not had a lot of success in our search that day for people to teach. On the way home, on the subway, I began to feel sorry for myself and frustrated that things were so difficult. Then, for some reason, I thought of the song, "I Am A Child of God" only, as I looked around at the people sitting quietly on the train, I found myself singing, "She is a child of God, and He has sent her here." It changed everything! These were not people who were out to make my life miserable. They were His children. He knew them. He cared for them and He asked me to be there to help them in whatever ways I could. It was not be done on my terms though. I had to learn to do things His way. I had to learn to submit. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Noteworthy-Light;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">And here I am now, 25+ year later, still being taught the same lessons! I guess I shouldn't get too frustrated with my own children when they don't learn the "lesson" right away either!</span></span></div>
Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-30740527846104766382013-11-06T06:17:00.000-07:002013-11-06T06:19:08.493-07:00Inquiring of the Lord<span style="font-family: Noteworthy-Light; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Yesterday morning, as I was sipping on my Shakeology/Breakfast, I opened up my scriptures to read a little. These days, I do most of my reading on my iPhone or iPad rather than in my regular scriptures. I typically make sure that I've read at least one whole chapter each day. But for some reason, the last time I read, I stopped only a few versus into the chapter before updating the bookmark. So today, I started in the middle of a thought, as it were. And after only one sentence, I had to stop and ponder for the rest of the time what I had just read and what I felt I had just been taught!</span><br />
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In this verse, Mormon simply states, "immediately after I had learned these things of you, I inquired of the Lord concerning the matter." </div>
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At the moment that I read this sentence, I did not remember just what was going on nor exactly what Mormon was referring to having just learned. However, I was jolted awake as I thought about a divine principle that seemed to be before my eyes. I didn't take the time at the moment to read more and see just exactly what was going on -- I was too wrapped up in other thoughts. Here's the lesson I learned.</div>
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Basic and simple--whenever I am taught something, I have the right to inquire of the Lord concerning that which I have been taught. To know if it is true. To know what the Lord would have me know concerning it. I thought of the scripture in Nephi (one of my favorite scriptures that I often quote to myself) where he is talking with his brothers who were a bit frustrated about Lehi's dream and the interpretation of it. They could not understand what it meant. And Nephi asks them <i>thee </i>question of all questions: <b>"Have ye inquired of the Lord?"</b> (1 Nephi 15:8). I love this. Whenever I feel frustrated about something I don't quite understand, I often remind myself that I should inquire of the Lord by quoting this to myself. <b>"Have ye inquired of the Lord?"</b> Often when I visit with others, when I have good, heart-to-heart talks with my children (which actually does happen on occasion!), I always try to invite them to go to the Lord in prayer, to "inquire of the Lord concerning the matter." I know that I can promise them that as they do so -- sincerely and with pure intent -- the Lord will guide them and provide answers for them. </div>
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So I just love the lesson that I learned this morning. I feel like it states very plaining and clearly that I can pray not only to know the Lord's will for me, but also I can pray to have my own testimony and understanding of what is taught to me from anyone, anywhere, anytime! </div>
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Now, I know that there is another lesson in these versus. Mormon is saying that when he was made aware of a certain situation, he went to the Lord to inquire about what the Lord wanted to have done to remedy the situation. And he was given very clear direction. It is my testimony that this is also a true principle. If anything happens around us that we don't agree with, if we are taught anything that we don't feel is right, if we want to have a greater knowledge and understanding of what is right and what the Lord's will is, we can inquire of Him concerning the matter. And, just as Mormon was taught, we too can be taught. </div>
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I love that I know that I can "inquire of the Lord" about anything. About truths I've been taught. About things I don't feel are right. And I can know for myself the truthfulness of Eternal Principles I can know for myself what is right and what is wrong. And I can be guided and directed about how to act and how to help build the Kingdom in my little corner of this world. </div>
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The Lord has given us many gifts. He has also given each of us the right, the privilege and the responsibility to use our gifts to bless the lives of those around us. We will be blessed as we do and we will feel his love more abundantly as we seek to have knowledge and understanding of Eternal Truths. How grateful I am to know this. How grateful I am to have experienced the process in my life. It brings joy and an abundance of love into my life that could come by no other means!</div>
Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-48508073839550025372013-09-17T07:00:00.001-06:002013-09-17T07:00:22.824-06:00Winter<br />
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As Winter approaches I find myself contemplating the seasons of life. </div>
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<b>I do not like Winter!!</b> </div>
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It is, symbolically, a trial for me. </div>
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I love the symbolism of Spring. The renewal of life. I love seeing the landscape come back alive. Grass, trees, flowers--all come back to color my life with beauty. My heart is always filled with gratitude as I am visually reminded of the promise of the resurrection and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. And I know that I would not appreciate the Spring as much if I did not have the contrast of Winter right before it!</div>
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I have long been familiar with the strange, always unwelcomed, season of adversity. No more, however, than many I know. We all must encounter it in our lives. I used to think that it would come, be endured, perhaps even overcome, and then pass, never to be faced again. If I could just hold out and come through it with some small amount of faith still intact, then all would be well. Time, and many seasons of adversity later, I know through bitter-sweet experience, that I was wrong!! It is much like Winter. It cycles through and will come again.</div>
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It is amazing to me, and I cannot fully understand how it works, but I have learned from my own experiences that adversity in our lives is directly connected to blessings and growth. It is a means of being able to experience, and truly understand, joy! True, lasting joy. </div>
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My dad used to tell me that if I didn't have any troubles in my life I should kneel down and ask God why He didn't love me anymore! Advice that is in stark contrast to the world in general who instead ask God why He doesn't love them because they are experiencing trials. I don't know that the absence of trials is indicative of our Heavenly Father not loving us, but I do know that the presence of trials does not indicate that He doesn't love us!! </div>
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What is expected of us during seasons of adversity? How do we get through? I love this quote from Deiter F. Uchtdorf that I found in the September issue of the Ensign. Look how he clearly answers both of these questions!</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><i>"The question is not whether we will experience seasons of adversity but how we will weather the storms. Our great opportunity during the ever-changing seasons of life is to hold fast to the faithful word of God, for His counsel is designed not only to help us weather the storms of life but also to guide us past them.”</i></b></span></div>
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It is through holding onto the teachings of the Savior that we endure.<b> It is what is expected of us!</b> It is the only way to come out on the other side victorious. <b>We don't do it by ourselves.</b> We do it by relying on the Atonement of Jesus Christ and by not turning away from Him! </div>
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I have both experienced and watched those I love weather through difficult seasons. I have never seen someone emerge from such things unchanged. Sadly, not always for the better. There must be a <b>conscience</b> <b>choice</b> made. The choice to come off conqueror. The choice to endure and to better in the end because of it. The choice to <b>accept the Offering of the Savior</b> and take His yoke and allow Him to share the burden, to give shelter, to give strength and hope and, yes, even joy! If the decision is not made and we do not commit fully to it, then we will not gain the full reward that could be ours. The trial is only bitter. We miss out on the sweet. </div>
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I do not welcome adversity any more than I welcome Winter! However, I know that to have the Spring, there must be a Winter! For without it, truly, Spring would not be so glorious!! So, with Winter quickly approaching, I will prepare for it. And, in like manner, I will prepare for seasons of adversity, knowing that my loving Heavenly Father has provided for me counsel and other resources "designed not only to help [me] weather the storm. . .but also to guide [me] past [it]."</div>
Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-62151569116163993452013-09-10T21:28:00.002-06:002013-09-10T21:31:04.650-06:00TWENTY-FIVE YEARS!!<span style="font-size: large;">September 10, 1988. My wedding day. Twenty-Five years ago!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A lifetime ago! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So much has changed in our lives over the years. Eight children. Grandchildren are beginning to join our family. But, I wonder, have I changed?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm twenty-five years older. I have experienced things I never wanted to experience. I have seen things that have caused me to stand in awe of all that our Creator has done for me. I have felt things deeper than I ever dreamed possible. I know things I never imagined that I could know! But I still feel like I have so much to learn. Still so much to do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know I have changed. I have matured. I have had experiences that have allowed me to grow spiritually, emotionally, and (I must face the facts) physically! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think back on the years that have passed. Some already fading into a vapor of time forgotten. How did the children grow up so quickly? How did the time go by without me noticing?! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Regrets? How can there not be regrets?! And yet, the sting of knowing that I could have done things better is soothed by the comfort that only the Atonement can bring. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Together, we have remained faithful. True to the covenants we made in the House of the Lord so long ago. Promises that were made have been kept, and though we have stumbled and faltered, we stayed by each other's side and lifted, pulled and pushed each other through the difficult times. Times that would have been impossible without each other. Times that would have been meaningless without each other! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The trials, the overwhelming pain, and sorrows that we have passed through stand in stark contrast to the blessings, the love and the immeasurable joy that we have also felt. And all these together have served but one purpose. To bring us, together as a married couple with our children, closer to Him who meekly bore all things so that we could one day be crowned with glory. His mercy. His love. His Infinite Atonement has made it all possible!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is not room enough in my heart to hold the gratitude. There are not words adequate enough to describe the joy. I stand all amazed at the love, the mercy, the complete acceptance and unconditional love of the Savior.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes! I know I have changed. And with me, the Love of My Life has also changed. We have changed together and we are growing together. We are lucky. We have worked hard to get where we are. We are blessed. We are determined. We love each other more than we love ourselves. But, most importantly, we love our Savior more than we love each other. And we walk together on a path that leads back to Him. Back to where our family can be together. Forever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">September 10, 2013. My twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. It came and went without much fanfare. But somewhere in Heaven, there are angels rejoicing and cheering us on. Onward, ever onward! Eternity is waiting and we are marching forward, hand in hand with our Savior!</span></div>
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Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-8149686692227968172013-09-02T09:08:00.000-06:002013-09-02T09:08:55.622-06:00A Lesson on the Principle of RepentanceI don't write much. I don't have many "followers" and I don't do a lot to promote this blog. But I still keep it because every so often, I have the need to share something with a wider audience than that which reads my journal (which consists of me). So for anyone who happens to read this, thank you!<br />
<br />
Recently, my daughter and I went to the church to help with the cleaning assignment. We were a little late getting there and found that most of the things that are routinely done were being taken care of already. So I said that we would clean some walls. It was brought to my attention that there was some food that had gotten spilled on a wall in one of the classrooms. I went to clean it only to find that it had hardened onto the wall and I wasn't able to wipe it off easily. I sprayed the food with the cleanser and then went to find something I could scrape it with. That didn't work so well though because the razor blade I obtained was also scraping off the paint. So I sat patiently. I sprayed the food. Waited. Then wiped. It was a tedious process and it took a long time. As the food dissolved and I was able to wipe it away, little by little, I had time to ponder this process and my mind thought about the Atonement and what a great gift repentance is.<br />
<br />
Just as it would have been easier to clean the food up when it first got spilled, so it is with our sins if we repent right away. The longer we wait, the harder it is. However, the healing power of the Atonement is like the cleanser. We must apply it and then let it soak into our souls. It may take time. More time than we would like. But the result is we are clean. The stain is removed. Applying the healing balm of the Atonement is the key. There are many in our lives who can help "wipe" the stain clean but we must first open our hearts to the Atonement and be willing to repent.<br />
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<br />Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-41698208136122985022012-06-21T00:32:00.001-06:002012-06-21T00:32:56.412-06:00One Day At A Time"Yesterday is but a dream,<br />
And tomorrow is only a vision.<br />
But today, well lived,<br />
Makes every yesterday<br />
A dream of happiness,<br />
And every tomorrow<br />
A vision of hope.<br />
Look well, therefore,<br />
To this day." <br />
- Sanskrit Proverb<br />
<br />
I used to wear a bracelet that said on it, "One Day At A Time." It was given to me by my very best friend in the whole world at a very difficult time in my life. It helped me through that time as it reminded me constantly that it was ok to just take one day at a time. I could not focus on how I would do anything tomorrow let alone next week or next month. When it was given to me I was told by my friend that I could wear it and use it for as long as I needed it and then I was to give it away. I was told to find somebody who was having a rough time who would need the constant reminder to just take it "one day at a time." It took me a long time before I was ready to give it away. I knew though, that once I gave it away I could always get another one from my friend if I needed it. I have given several bracelets away. One went to a lady on an airplane who's father was dying of brain cancer. One went to the mother who's grown child was fighting a battle with leukemia. One went to a dear friend who lost her child. I have also needed additional bracelets on several occasions! It is a cycle of giving and receiving. It is much like the cycles of life. There are cycles when we get to give, and cycles when we must receive. Both are necessary along our spiritual path of growth.<br />
<br />
It has been several years since I received that first bracelet. I currently do not have one. I gave mine away about a year ago and I'm grateful that I have not felt the need to have a new one. I was thinking, just today, how grateful I am that I am not living in a crisis-mode right now. I learned to cope very well; I learned to live that way for quite some time and I'm grateful that I don't have to do that now. It's hard to live, worrying and wondering how everything is going to work out and yet not having the strength to even look beyond each moment to plan anything. Although it was a difficult time, it was also a time of growth. I learned to just have faith in my Heavenly Father and to trust Him in ways I never thought I'd need to. To trust that things were in His hands and that somehow everything would just work out fine. These were not an easy lessons to learn. I am, however, so very grateful to have been taught them. I was asked to climb a mountain that I did not even think should've been there. And at the top, I found that the pain, the heartache, the anguish and all that I went through was really all for my good! <br />
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If you are now living in crisis-mode, my best advice is just hang in there and take "one day at a time." Trust that this is God's plan. Trust that He is in charge. Trust that everything will work out just fine. The climb is hard. Some days climbing is not even an option. I know! Your strength alone is not sufficient. Turn to the Lord. Submit to His will. HIS strength IS sufficient! Not every day can be the best day ever but every day can give you lessons to learn and growth can take place. Every day can bring us closer to who we are supposed to be. Every day can be evidence to us that God loves us. <br />
<br />
I feel like, for right now, I get to live ~ rather than in crisis-mode ~ in enjoyment-mode! It's not to say that everything in my life right now is perfect. But I am not where I was several years ago in crisis-mode. And it's not to say that I don't think I'll ever be in crisis-mode again! But I have learned that there is reprieve, there is downtime, there are tender mercies given.<br />
<br />
I found myself thinking how wonderful it is to be in enjoyment-mode and to not have to live one day a time. And then I realized that I should still live one day at a time! I should enjoy every moment as it comes. I should relish in the happiness that my children bring to me at every stage of their life. Each day brings wonderful, wonderful things and if I'm not paying attention and I'm thinking about what tomorrow or next week or next month will bring, I can very easily lose the joy that today holds for me. <br />
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It seems that we either spend our days worrying about how things are going to work out or wishing and waiting for things to be better or looking forward to the exciting things that are going to be happening or planning to do something wonderful and on and on and on. And all the while we're missing out on today. Right now. <br />
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Today, right now, is all we really have. And enjoying the moment, right now, can be life-changing! I'm not saying don't plan, don't set goals, don't have an idea of what's going to happen. . . But don't lose sight of what today can bring for you and the many joys and the great happiness that's right here, right now!<br />
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Our life has many seasons and they will come and they will go, but in every season ~ whether in crisis-mode or enjoyment-mode ~ always look for the hand of God in your life. He is there ~ every step of the way. Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-29001372747619801142012-06-06T23:18:00.000-06:002012-06-06T23:18:12.110-06:00An Object Lesson:This past weekend, I had the opportunity to go up to Red Rock's
Amphitheater with a couple who had been married for one day. Not even a
full 24 hours! It was so fun to photograph them and capture the love and
happiness they shared. Even though they were so incredibly tired from
the previous day's festivities!<br />
<br />
We drove around to a few different places, taking some pictures and
enjoying the visit. I knew that at some point I wanted to get onto the
stage. There's some really cool spots there with cool textures and
colors that I could see with my mind's eye as the perfect spots for some
pictures of this awesome duo. I knew that if we parked at the top of
the amphitheater, we would have to walk all the way down to the stage.
It wasn't the walking down that felt so daunting to me. It was the
return back up! So I decided to go to bottom parking lot so that we
wouldn't have to traverse so many stairs. I was quite dismayed when I
realized that my memory had failed me as we stood at the bottom of a
very long and steep set of stairs up to the stage area! My companions
began to climb without hesitation. It was easy for them. Of course it
was ~ they're young and in love! I was reluctant, but began to climb. As
I climbed, I kept looking at how far ahead of me they were. I kept
watching the athletes that were there RUNNING up the stairs like it was
no big deal at all! I kept looking at how far I still had to climb. I
kept having to stop to catch my breath and rest my legs. Finally, after
stopping for the third time, a thought came to me. "Stop looking at how
far you have to go! Stop comparing yourself to others! Just take one
step at a time. Focus on the next step and climb." So that's what I did!
And I made it to the top without having to stop again! I was out of
breath and tired, but I made it!<br />
<br />
You can then imagine my disappointment when my friend said to me that we
wouldn't be able to get onto the stage! It was closed because it was
being set up for an event. However, determined to make the best of it
and to not have climbed those miserable stairs in vain, I looked around
and found a few great spots to do some pics!<br />
<br />
Once back at the bottom, I took a moment to take a couple pictures of
the object of my lesson. Once home and seated comfortably in front of my
computer, I found a quote that would fit nicely and went to work
designing.<br />
<br />
I love how this little experience is really a wonderful lesson in life.
How often do we set out to do something and then get overwhelmed with
the difficulty of the tasks required. We look around and get feeling
down on ourselves because everyone else is so much faster, stronger,
better than us. We focus on how far away the goal is and get frustrated
that we aren't making progress faster. It is in these moments that we
need to pause and remind ourselves to "stop looking at how far you have
to go! Stop comparing yourself to others! Just take one step at a time.
Focus on the next step and climb."<br />
<br />
We may find times when we are not able to do exactly what we thought we
we going to do at first. Being flexible is a key element to being happy
and to being successful! I will return to the amphitheater another day. I
will climb the stairs again. I will take the pictures I want to take!
And I will be stronger for the journey!<br />
<br />
Happy climbing, my friends!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQwK5XMiMOEm5DrkzgFZSNi5K4wlf3LJToIBjFcZTDG7K-xrDe2s65Ejbj5VW2IE1ScGnXJw2Zm2YwXcu8391u7q3KtnjU_1QvmDAOPZ_g_7uHfgtLwptYFvR-4quDIJmv5KoAXQTBX-R/s1600/Step+Up+the+Stairs_e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQwK5XMiMOEm5DrkzgFZSNi5K4wlf3LJToIBjFcZTDG7K-xrDe2s65Ejbj5VW2IE1ScGnXJw2Zm2YwXcu8391u7q3KtnjU_1QvmDAOPZ_g_7uHfgtLwptYFvR-4quDIJmv5KoAXQTBX-R/s320/Step+Up+the+Stairs_e.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-51769197224195503932012-06-05T19:42:00.000-06:002012-06-05T19:42:20.318-06:00Random PonderingsWhenever I think about this blog I think how I wish I had more people following it. Then I think that maybe if I would write more often I would probably have more followers! I wonder if my content isn't funny enough. Isn't down-to-earth enough. Isn't good enough. But then I hear my mentor tell me that it isn't any of my business what others think!<br />
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Sometimes I wonder if it is vain to think that I could actually write something that others would want to read. And even more than just read but actually get something worthwhile out of! Oops, there I go again though worrying about what others are thinking. However, it does have to have a certain amount of importance as I consider just what to write about. I mean, who wants to hear about what time I woke up and a moment by moment run down of my day! I'd probably lose the few followers I do have if I were to do that! <br />
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I have a confession though. It is that I LOVE to write! I LOVE to share what I'm learning in this great adventure we call life. I feel like there are some really awesome things that I get to experience and I want to share it with everyone I know (and perhaps with a bunch of people that I don't know)! I believe that no experience that I have is for me alone. It is most definitely for my growth and learning, but I believe that I then have a responsibility to share what I have learned. Plus, it has been said that if you really want to understand something you should teach it. Each day is a new day to learn and be shown the wonders of God. Each day is a gift. Open it and experience it to its fullest. Make of this adventure all that it is meant to be! <br />
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Recently a Facebook friend posted this: "Tell me what you want, what you really, really want...in LIFE!" My answer is simple, but it is also very complicated. My answer is, "to help my family and serve others." What I really have to figure out is HOW do I accomplish this? I have been given talents, as we all have been, to help me accomplish this goal. My life-long quest has been to learn how I am to use my talents in the way that God wants me to. I know through experience that as I use my talents in the way I'm suppose to, others are blessed and I am filled with much joy and satisfaction. I FEEL God's approval. There just really isn't a better feeling than that! <br />
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What do you really, really want?!Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-23927940044252842562012-03-07T23:37:00.002-07:002012-03-07T23:37:17.880-07:00Another Blog!I just wanted to let anyone following me here know that I now have ANOTHER blog! It is http://www.tomorrowspicture.blogspot.com/<br />
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Please visit, take a look around and give me your thoughts. I would greatly appreciate it!Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-64950198371551398612011-09-25T23:17:00.000-06:002011-09-25T23:17:20.941-06:00Forget Not. . .I almost didn't get to attend the Relief Society Broadcast this past Saturday night. I was scheduled to work. But luckily, my assistant manager was willing and able to switch shifts with me.<br />
<br />
I cannot even really begin to express how uplifting and inspiring the talks were for me. It has been a very emotional, difficult week for me and the calm, peaceful feelings of the Spirit were just what I needed to bring the week to a close. I thoroughly enjoyed every single talk. I especially loved President Uchtdorf's talk. He is just so kind, so gentle, so easy to listen to. Actually, I think I like the whole Presidency equally.<br />
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Sometimes, after these types of meetings, I come away feeling really overwhelmed at all the things I should be doing that I'm falling short at. I feel like I'm never going to be able to "make it" because I just can't get all the gears in motion at the right time, at the right speed and in the right direction! But this time, I came away feeling empowered. Feeling like I was on the right track and I just need to keep moving forward. I feel like I can do this! Like I can succeed!<br />
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If you weren't able to attend the broadcast, you can read about it <a href="http://lds.org/pages/general-rs-meeting-2011?lang=eng">here.</a> And President Uchtdorf's talk is also at this <a href="http://lds.org/study/prophets-speak-today/unto-all-the-world/president-uchtdorf-reminds-sisters-of-five-things-to-forget-not?lang=eng">link </a>in it's entirety. I knew as soon as I heard him talking, that I was going to need to design something to go along with his talk. The designs were already rattling around in my brain. I wasn't surprised that I wasn't the only one as a few cute designs started popping up on Facebook. So, today I got to work! Hope you like it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcZ19uzqRIJ5dW2jx8k8I_t_bdD8J-ZHbIT-3gN0S9boJFBTXLf5AEDtVNIaeII4JuTAOH1XgC1KsEgG93wYKumq3W27lRqymZxtmIVvmIsfViAgtHpigtmjrf3R51Mkww9dCRyBv4mK6/s1600/ForgetMeNot_e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcZ19uzqRIJ5dW2jx8k8I_t_bdD8J-ZHbIT-3gN0S9boJFBTXLf5AEDtVNIaeII4JuTAOH1XgC1KsEgG93wYKumq3W27lRqymZxtmIVvmIsfViAgtHpigtmjrf3R51Mkww9dCRyBv4mK6/s640/ForgetMeNot_e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I think my favorite part of the whole talk was the section on the "why" of the gospel. I have always felt that understanding <i>why</i> we do the things we do is so important. Understanding <i>why </i>we do it, changes the <i>way</i> we do it! Whatever "it" is. I know that there have been times in my life that I have done something simply because it was the "right" thing to do. But I also have gone into it with a desire to understand the "why" behind the commandment, the task, or whatever "it" may have been. And I believe that because of my willingness to be obedient before I fully understood the "why" coupled with my desire to understand put me in a position where I was able to be blessed with a clearer understanding--a testimony--of the principle. I know that I could never had made it through some of the experiences that I have had without being blessed with a deeper understanding.<br />
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I fully believe that our Heavenly Father is preoccupied (as Elder Maxwell once put it) with one thing. And that is to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (see Moses 1:39). Every trial, every blessing, every thing we experience is with that one goal in mind. While some days I lose sight of this goal and stumble, it is my goal also to be able to obtain "immortality and eternal life" and to help as many as I can to obtain it also!!<br />
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I hope that we can all remember to "forget not" these very important things that will help us and help those we are privileged to associate with as we move forward. Forward and never backwards. Onto "immortality and eternal life!"Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-22642251191381433162011-09-21T17:24:00.000-06:002011-09-21T17:24:28.073-06:00Keep the Faith!I'm not really sure why I cannot get better at being consistent in writing on this <span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;">crazy</span></span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: small;"> </span>blog thing. Know that I have thought about things to write<span style="color: blue;"></span>.<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">A Lot! </span>It's just finding the time to sit and write. Then there's the whole <span style="color: #a64d79;">"make it look cool"</span> aspect (that all my friends that blog do so well) that I just never seem to get right! I'm thinking right now, we're just lucky that I'm finding a moment in my <span style="color: blue;">craziness </span>to jot down a few of my many random thoughts!! And I'm just assuming that you're feeling it's a good thing that I've posted another random posting. I mean, you must want to read what I write or you wouldn't have even clicked on the link to be here!! <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">(thanks, by the way!)</span><br />
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So recently, I had a very dear friend say her final goodbyes to me and all the people that she loves. It has been (and still is) a difficult time, to say the least. It has been a time for me to do a lot of pondering, praying, reading, and all that kind of stuff! On one of the last days that I had to spend visiting with my friend, I kept thinking about a specific scripture. It was something my Mission President use to say all the time. He never really said goodbye when he was done visiting with you. He would simply say, <span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Keep the Faith"</span></span>. I kept thinking about the scripture where this originated from and how Paul was saying that he had kept the faith after a long, difficult ministry. So I looked it up to see if it was really something that would be relevant (have you ever had a scripture come to your mind in relation to a situation, only to look it up and find that it isn't really what you were thinking it was? Well, I had to see if this would be one of those times). The scripture is in 2 Timothy chapter 4. Here's what I read:<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="verse"></span><i>For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.</i><br />
<div class=""><i><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="" name="7"></a><span class="verse"></span>I have fought a good <a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/2-tim/4?lang=eng#" id="footnote14" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=nt&bookUri=2-tim&chapterUri=4&noteID=7a&lang=eng">fight</a>, I have <a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/2-tim/4?lang=eng#" id="footnote15" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=nt&bookUri=2-tim&chapterUri=4&noteID=7b&lang=eng">finished</a> <span class="clarityWord">my</span> course, I have kept the faith:</i></div><div class=""><i><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="" name="8"></a><span class="verse"></span>Henceforth there is laid up for me a <a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/2-tim/4?lang=eng#" id="footnote16" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=nt&bookUri=2-tim&chapterUri=4&noteID=8a&lang=eng">crown</a> of <a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/2-tim/4?lang=eng#" id="footnote17" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=nt&bookUri=2-tim&chapterUri=4&noteID=8b&lang=eng">righteousness</a>, which the Lord, the righteous <a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/2-tim/4?lang=eng#" id="footnote18" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=nt&bookUri=2-tim&chapterUri=4&noteID=8c&lang=eng">judge</a>, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.</i></div><div class=""><i><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="" name="9"></a><span class="verse"></span>Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:</i></div><div class=""><br />
</div><div class="">It fit this situation to a <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #783f04;">"T"</span></b></span>. My friend had indeed fought a good fight. She has battled kidney failure for many years. She endured two transplants that her body eventually rejected and a third transplant just wasn't in the plan for her. Over the years, I have had the privilege to witness her <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">faith</span> buoy her up. And not just her, but all those around her! She set the example for me to follow of one who is willing to <span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">keep the faith</span> at all time, in all places and in all circumstances.</div><div class=""><i><br />
</i></div><div class="">It was clear that she knew that her time to return Home had come--that the time of her departure was at hand. She accepted that <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">without fear. Without anger. Without regrets.</span> And it is a comfort to feel certain that truly a <span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">crown of righteousness</span> awaits her. I hope that I can live my life so that when the time comes for my departure I can say with confidence that I have fought a good fight, that I have finished my course and that <span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I have kept the faith!</span></div><div class=""><br />
</div><div class="">As we read this scripture together~my friend, her husband, me and my husband and other friends that had gathered--the Spirit bore witness that she had indeed finished her course. All that she was to do had been done. It was her time to depart us here and return Home where she would find many more loved ones waiting for her. Including a son and a brother. Her husband ask that I design something that he could have hanging in his home with this scripture. Here is the result of his request (please excuse the watermark with my copyright).</div><div class=""><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZKzfMx6bCvmeCIBaEqxcWMD9frLSa5l5Z2urjx82bhR-Ms02gM1q6S4sEAcbEBNUoIku8KoHN4JiuJOPEFjWXIrun9-qqGUjmQMR2cBhj-khycLYp1XuaV7mMKp6dqB-DmKAhsz-u_Do/s1600/2+Timothy+4_w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZKzfMx6bCvmeCIBaEqxcWMD9frLSa5l5Z2urjx82bhR-Ms02gM1q6S4sEAcbEBNUoIku8KoHN4JiuJOPEFjWXIrun9-qqGUjmQMR2cBhj-khycLYp1XuaV7mMKp6dqB-DmKAhsz-u_Do/s320/2+Timothy+4_w.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><div class=""><br />
</div><div class="">I have had this printed up and will deliver the framed piece to my dear friend's husband tonight. I hope and pray that it can bring peace and hope to his heart and fill his soul with determination to fight the fight that lies ahead of him, to finish his course and<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> keep the faith!!</span></div><div class=""><br />
</div><div class="">May we all find it within us to</div><div class=""> <span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div class=""><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">"Keep the Faith!"</span></div><div class=""><br />
</div><div class=""><br />
</div><div class=""><br />
</div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-22810013175457756742011-03-15T10:59:00.000-06:002011-03-15T10:59:18.517-06:00The Circle of LifeMarch 9, 2011 would've been my Dad's 90 birthday! He's been gone for just over 3 years now and I have missed him. I have often thought of advice that he would give me if he could as I have tried to make decisions using the wisdom that he helped me obtain over the years. My Dad was a good man, although at time a little misdirected. He always gave good advice. He was definitely not without his flaws--but none of us are! My Dad taught me to be true to what I professed to believe. He taught me that anything is possible with a lot of determination, hard work and faith in God. I miss my Dad and hope that the things I do will make him feel proud.<br />
<br />
March 9th is also a day that one of my friends had her baby. It was a good day to have a baby! I was so happy when she told me that I could come to the hospital and take pictures for her. There is just something about a newborn baby that seems to put this crazy, chaotic world at peace--even if just for a moment. I created a slideshow with the images that I took, but for the life of me, cannot get it to load up here! If you're on Facebook and are my friend (or a fan of Merrill Design & Photography) you can see it there. Here are a few samples from the session. I hope that as you look at these, you will feel the peace that I felt as I worked with this new addition to our earth! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJO_ceNXJsUsEYDEfQ32SuSKVNuqKmJvKQshDCKciZYFY1T2wlsC61oQtIhFiK2U4EDZPqCT2KAZH_XsHbuEV_xwzgQko6ob-ktT5mYK120omsbxmqkY44GYbjCnFPRJQ22GJWwLi2Repu/s1600/R003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJO_ceNXJsUsEYDEfQ32SuSKVNuqKmJvKQshDCKciZYFY1T2wlsC61oQtIhFiK2U4EDZPqCT2KAZH_XsHbuEV_xwzgQko6ob-ktT5mYK120omsbxmqkY44GYbjCnFPRJQ22GJWwLi2Repu/s320/R003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNdC8WnNDIh2w5sfjZd7isoduvgI7lXuWi21ABvix-_e6zqxPVI5d5Dh-FKQTHtNqqPBZgvpkJlKZbRQ4_MucBZEv1e4dpUXxfqhKRLm0FkIQ13_Tk8B-RVJfs9zqv8mhL4t_XyH_6Cn3/s1600/R008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNdC8WnNDIh2w5sfjZd7isoduvgI7lXuWi21ABvix-_e6zqxPVI5d5Dh-FKQTHtNqqPBZgvpkJlKZbRQ4_MucBZEv1e4dpUXxfqhKRLm0FkIQ13_Tk8B-RVJfs9zqv8mhL4t_XyH_6Cn3/s320/R008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIohn2hbdoBht-yXELlLeUPY_OoCyOiiP1Cm88ejjjGBsDDm1FKfuunldNpE3vodC-69loeM-QBk22JUaxMeN0yw8pTFa2VbNn12VDpVrXKEPGejNHGKXWdDuQpoL3VaRE6yLasK3hxkOl/s1600/R047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-31595968498668993162010-09-22T11:02:00.000-06:002010-09-22T11:02:38.661-06:00To every thing there is a season. . ."To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:<br />
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that<br />
which is planted;<br />
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;<br />
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;"<br />
<br />
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSKETbsuPuklDEdfmm1303tsdGq5mNBCITYkV0AOUm7LKlnxu1m-0OR7SN3tz1VHTdQOWgRhpDh4yH5N8Ngul_nnW3Rmgru8P83hXhNvPd1rdpyelnXEjYQ8Ryu-b1PW9X-DtUH48cPOx/s1600/IMG_0284%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSKETbsuPuklDEdfmm1303tsdGq5mNBCITYkV0AOUm7LKlnxu1m-0OR7SN3tz1VHTdQOWgRhpDh4yH5N8Ngul_nnW3Rmgru8P83hXhNvPd1rdpyelnXEjYQ8Ryu-b1PW9X-DtUH48cPOx/s320/IMG_0284%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JVvh3HG7LKILoPxBUMO-QyVfqNhZL3MMPxjQpM0yZfVQlFL-jQ5C1nRWLQPJReybk8GOnNp7BvN8xjo-bXOrLz3R6HLbx-5z-38-c_IrlK0dvTucaiEmxaftJuBHO8KB3o_nOY9Y2EvQ/s1600/007a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRNWKC2Se5Jl4pdW3cxuSc9so8vQWOegB9fbmZc0NS7Ot9IrhscGLORgHPGXALgQ5JJykddBxz2VBmQ0HKF5WP0wD5tNZR8Xhg_GfeQcGnrvuQMiRkmt4w8G_VjcJylJlnXIQXXApUO1z/s1600/IMG_0286%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRNWKC2Se5Jl4pdW3cxuSc9so8vQWOegB9fbmZc0NS7Ot9IrhscGLORgHPGXALgQ5JJykddBxz2VBmQ0HKF5WP0wD5tNZR8Xhg_GfeQcGnrvuQMiRkmt4w8G_VjcJylJlnXIQXXApUO1z/s320/IMG_0286%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjch6UB1SLnfEFZuOSnipeiVlaQkq6I0jkXub2cTnV_BnSg_lTmEJwChHUjqTjphG1ya5AHsor4JmG5yyMpqUkSScHs4E3_VpczGwB3Mb9uvJRxxA1WOvsXhGbC6HV-My3X0uiuMIDn8lu6/s1600/IMG_0283%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjch6UB1SLnfEFZuOSnipeiVlaQkq6I0jkXub2cTnV_BnSg_lTmEJwChHUjqTjphG1ya5AHsor4JmG5yyMpqUkSScHs4E3_VpczGwB3Mb9uvJRxxA1WOvsXhGbC6HV-My3X0uiuMIDn8lu6/s320/IMG_0283%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmdApx3Ceka97Unc3B8GbB-kFMJynlPg1znAi7EHbLQANi9JrOumAsqR7Y2yPKOImBLzMH580_8WMKYAd72M6_tJVf-h1Tp7Ky373R2uh-_TgzmuygT4PFcacHjWsF9suB-QgrbsJHtzd/s1600/IMG_0288%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmdApx3Ceka97Unc3B8GbB-kFMJynlPg1znAi7EHbLQANi9JrOumAsqR7Y2yPKOImBLzMH580_8WMKYAd72M6_tJVf-h1Tp7Ky373R2uh-_TgzmuygT4PFcacHjWsF9suB-QgrbsJHtzd/s320/IMG_0288%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCxEnxXg0kOD6PKbfCN1LNedSzfbERoDfs9viT-AQbkwKwCfR_TeojBVPzSxOjdrh40wbeX2Z3AhP55b5d3pECZksd-Mk_XKqrRUP4PDJtwX5vPXCDFRSa_QUwwsfEyqkcLr1uVl54tD3/s1600/IMG_0291%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCxEnxXg0kOD6PKbfCN1LNedSzfbERoDfs9viT-AQbkwKwCfR_TeojBVPzSxOjdrh40wbeX2Z3AhP55b5d3pECZksd-Mk_XKqrRUP4PDJtwX5vPXCDFRSa_QUwwsfEyqkcLr1uVl54tD3/s320/IMG_0291%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTIbzVjPr1vQqbWd2VJDDfu0COQOAe-cboTUsdgJ3s9SVAFkZO6JbVgBdP_nwp76i0sUucoAzuaxcbRJda5dWO-BSS5EwOPupG9pqgkX9VGHVdFrS1NlmV0cGD7i63TXNEKgsOXhSG_Th/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTIbzVjPr1vQqbWd2VJDDfu0COQOAe-cboTUsdgJ3s9SVAFkZO6JbVgBdP_nwp76i0sUucoAzuaxcbRJda5dWO-BSS5EwOPupG9pqgkX9VGHVdFrS1NlmV0cGD7i63TXNEKgsOXhSG_Th/s320/002.jpg" /></a></div>Roland always edges around the headstones every time we come to visit. It is one small thing that<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>he can do for those he loves so dearly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpuYJ__FMk7Hu2YvslYik7pg3NMLpWA3XclCMeTAVmASQRODi_cVOPj1xiWYk4ULDVdaoxapp_1WrEbuiznkUjUNwpF56pR3hZtFVsEAyMH7fQ12b18rAptqhefjD3qM5OBo76sta5FTE/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpuYJ__FMk7Hu2YvslYik7pg3NMLpWA3XclCMeTAVmASQRODi_cVOPj1xiWYk4ULDVdaoxapp_1WrEbuiznkUjUNwpF56pR3hZtFVsEAyMH7fQ12b18rAptqhefjD3qM5OBo76sta5FTE/s320/003.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUdZfRshztfvmYSxbQPjVanmWqSOVXvgSFVAsUjHN532dpQ7jq9o2khjYR_w4KegEKuQm0JdWIBMk575XE-KCPZVl18ZhwsNMd4KWXC8FqEzlCr8vaDg5RbDieR0rcMoDghC6l74TMhXu/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUdZfRshztfvmYSxbQPjVanmWqSOVXvgSFVAsUjHN532dpQ7jq9o2khjYR_w4KegEKuQm0JdWIBMk575XE-KCPZVl18ZhwsNMd4KWXC8FqEzlCr8vaDg5RbDieR0rcMoDghC6l74TMhXu/s320/004.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Laurie's grave lies just next to this tree. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we left Washington, 8 years ago, it was just planted. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now it gives shade for me to sit under when I come and visit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is a nice addition to the area and offers an added tranquility that I appreciate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mVhqsaZ0BiQNVILyluYiS5ec1nZb43WzyGNpcM_4MDCyrfE-8bYMRZebFx5xR9ujAAse1hFTrvsUUm1YU69CIxfmTAbIO2YeXcPi0g6XDj81S0yAsosLvPlnpkLdFzDWDlQpCSi_8zYE/s320/001.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>"I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from the sorrow."<br />
Jeremiah 31:13<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVt0gfLNEhK-EHkybp4emLJhhBNIRT9g2oNUOnhU9A7jTfD8OEVXn0lpIKXSKPiyyVPKMBlIwKGZbGfd3YOD_8TE5hPQPHReeyB7whyphenhyphen6K_XP4_czNd1BbozT3PW3LOKqfOr2-5bAoMKP8/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVt0gfLNEhK-EHkybp4emLJhhBNIRT9g2oNUOnhU9A7jTfD8OEVXn0lpIKXSKPiyyVPKMBlIwKGZbGfd3YOD_8TE5hPQPHReeyB7whyphenhyphen6K_XP4_czNd1BbozT3PW3LOKqfOr2-5bAoMKP8/s320/010.jpg" /> </a></div>It is never an easy thing to do--to visit the gravesite of one's child, mother, nephew, loved one. But it is something that must be done. I never come to this place that I do not leave with a tear-stained face and an increased feeling of <span style="font-size: small;">peace</span>. It is always a spiritual experience and God never fails to give me hope, perspective, strength. I find my heart filled with His love and His grace with each visit. How can I stay away? I cannot.<br />
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This day, as Roland and I tended to the headstone of our daughter and gave what little earthly service we could render, my heart broke as I considered that this is all we can do for her while here in this mortal life. I do not get to hug her after she has had a hard day at school, or help her with her homework, or pick her up after she has fallen. I do not get to help her pick out her new school supplies, or drive her to school when she has missed the bus. I do not get to do any of the many daily, mundane tasks that I am privileged to do for my other children. I can only come to her grave once a year and clean off her headstone.<br />
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But then the Spirit whispered to me, "Everything you do is for her. Every righteous choice. Every scripture studied. Every prayer offered. Every time I do something "right" . . . it is for her as well as for every one of my children."<br />
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How grateful I am for the Plan of Salvation. To know that this life is not all there is. That this life is designed to prepare me for something so beautiful and fabulous, I cannot even begin to comprehend it. I am grateful for the seasons that I have had in my life and continue to have. I am grateful for the experiences that have been for my good and have taught me how very much Heavenly Father loves me. Though I could never choose to have such trials, I am grateful for them and for the perspective that I have gained because of them.<br />
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With all my heart, I love and miss my sweet, sweet Laurie Ann. And with all my heart, I know I will hold her in my arms again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XwPgw8Sure6leVx1HZHn-S_eJd0qHGUQNLu60BhDejegrlaXUuL3buDDiGJqDbZCwkcpI1g8QyW7BDGqiI_rPLlVeyu7-5jSDYd9kxBV_VzrS9rZI69P4n6YZ45tqzrqkn3omdOUYUGK/s1600/LaurieAzaleas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XwPgw8Sure6leVx1HZHn-S_eJd0qHGUQNLu60BhDejegrlaXUuL3buDDiGJqDbZCwkcpI1g8QyW7BDGqiI_rPLlVeyu7-5jSDYd9kxBV_VzrS9rZI69P4n6YZ45tqzrqkn3omdOUYUGK/s320/LaurieAzaleas.jpg" /></a></div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-9277891981203302282010-08-05T23:01:00.002-06:002010-08-05T23:01:11.077-06:00Today's Senior SessionI wanted to put up some images from today's Senior session. I think it's funny how last year I spent $1000+ on marketing and got very few sessions. This year, I spent $0 on marketing and am so busy I don't know what to do with myself! I have senior sessions everyday next week! Crazy! But, as usual, I'm having a blast!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a few from today's session, Ryan. A very easy-to-photograph guy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-20898532415130831302010-07-15T16:23:00.000-06:002010-07-15T16:23:33.757-06:00I Can't Help It. . .I'm Addicted!Here are some images from a recent Pre-Wedding shoot that I did. The wedding is on the 24th. We had such a fun shoot. Such a fun couple and so beautifully perfect together.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7UOzGAOnTJ_Sn73TaUTvEhS6jWXJQ0ZpDxL7R07MDzC2wq02F8xyjErBtI94iaTnNDQAIccNkP1KBT6GUjoirsWUflrGm9Sry9VmqEqVDD9ktDtQb5uYzdGpoPcEbv_871oQkbZN3Jrf/s1600/027a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7UOzGAOnTJ_Sn73TaUTvEhS6jWXJQ0ZpDxL7R07MDzC2wq02F8xyjErBtI94iaTnNDQAIccNkP1KBT6GUjoirsWUflrGm9Sry9VmqEqVDD9ktDtQb5uYzdGpoPcEbv_871oQkbZN3Jrf/s400/027a.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zo4vN-uFCD8lfMFGEBy6tW1Zsp0z_Kb_hwO6_dIIQCSuS81rQowrYhX_r6cmV_5-E6QR_qBjvHeVER_HVXgHgVmKSqCNb1GVMSQT3P-tnbCrXxz0X8Q6HgC4geFsoyLQ0gL1IKZful5P/s1600/043a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zo4vN-uFCD8lfMFGEBy6tW1Zsp0z_Kb_hwO6_dIIQCSuS81rQowrYhX_r6cmV_5-E6QR_qBjvHeVER_HVXgHgVmKSqCNb1GVMSQT3P-tnbCrXxz0X8Q6HgC4geFsoyLQ0gL1IKZful5P/s320/043a.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89a_N8KIlZpAJkfwHBOtimuHDxRlqxITXl7vs8q4L81CtSv3KMJN_xjohYbUYlS758bCu8c8-Y0aI4C-zkOvWbxKEvqDwU9mifXT3-WJcYP46lj-0QvA2K4Wub9HidYxv3Rv4b-rjkrXu/s1600/047a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89a_N8KIlZpAJkfwHBOtimuHDxRlqxITXl7vs8q4L81CtSv3KMJN_xjohYbUYlS758bCu8c8-Y0aI4C-zkOvWbxKEvqDwU9mifXT3-WJcYP46lj-0QvA2K4Wub9HidYxv3Rv4b-rjkrXu/s320/047a.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UEtInuyK2vtX91kDVy2J6KAP8Te2QeCid7qEUkRrMGII5RwlCr_P0GIrhcJyWrmwv_aWlIk1zaHcyhGAyyQnYg0sJ1UrFPUfOPiLjZHlrF7WUjjm3fk-qh3rIKECg4ddd7d50bY0sMD4/s1600/054a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UEtInuyK2vtX91kDVy2J6KAP8Te2QeCid7qEUkRrMGII5RwlCr_P0GIrhcJyWrmwv_aWlIk1zaHcyhGAyyQnYg0sJ1UrFPUfOPiLjZHlrF7WUjjm3fk-qh3rIKECg4ddd7d50bY0sMD4/s400/054a.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumtNGtVIsCSTd9JsoluhGWfLgj7uRNHO_0WoWifHSUCMf9I7WFCSESt7NLiZ3141yp7m92gnllQA41aggHZElatAR6T1wE1gpgkTC35QZLPwSDD1oJfkt3_0RzlkGsK6j03iVIv_r28sz/s1600/058a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumtNGtVIsCSTd9JsoluhGWfLgj7uRNHO_0WoWifHSUCMf9I7WFCSESt7NLiZ3141yp7m92gnllQA41aggHZElatAR6T1wE1gpgkTC35QZLPwSDD1oJfkt3_0RzlkGsK6j03iVIv_r28sz/s320/058a.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFE3pmIYnz4VkA1EoasurEepCtxO6In2QShf2l4jsCD1s4WdKYYEJ_Rwj9avLZQ49tygIejKHDlfmJHtbZsZRTnz-tFH1zQf8idl1_yYg0Z99tKt6MBePalBe-0zL91TohiQCFcJk8G-k/s1600/061a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFE3pmIYnz4VkA1EoasurEepCtxO6In2QShf2l4jsCD1s4WdKYYEJ_Rwj9avLZQ49tygIejKHDlfmJHtbZsZRTnz-tFH1zQf8idl1_yYg0Z99tKt6MBePalBe-0zL91TohiQCFcJk8G-k/s320/061a.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KtMV4HNluCAt3y7d5Z6M6jkgshCK0MQxSA9ZhUzAdHkVhyphenhyphenzM0SlyO2s7hkx1h3R2s8Fj-lB9RnDRefHAvScDW28t9-TJ740UpwFY5DVc4UeTTkqxR-WB9PHx_ndgfSYnbACuMz86k9jE/s1600/094a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KtMV4HNluCAt3y7d5Z6M6jkgshCK0MQxSA9ZhUzAdHkVhyphenhyphenzM0SlyO2s7hkx1h3R2s8Fj-lB9RnDRefHAvScDW28t9-TJ740UpwFY5DVc4UeTTkqxR-WB9PHx_ndgfSYnbACuMz86k9jE/s400/094a.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really love this one. They are so in love! It's so fun to take pictures of two people who are so totally in love. You never have to be silly to get them to smile. They just have a constant smile on their face and a special glow that only two people in love can have!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3fL5u9hAzTVCf9Mg629Z906n9lwT3eTLmTxCLgXXpwcDYhccRs8J2FcVj6VjepfK42sFgpFX7jl1p9JnbVqb6CFTtFq9L8w66aYA37ad2Nh-xAc9mYfI0mEcoL58IV8gOvvGtHoa1H3-/s1600/126a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3fL5u9hAzTVCf9Mg629Z906n9lwT3eTLmTxCLgXXpwcDYhccRs8J2FcVj6VjepfK42sFgpFX7jl1p9JnbVqb6CFTtFq9L8w66aYA37ad2Nh-xAc9mYfI0mEcoL58IV8gOvvGtHoa1H3-/s400/126a.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is my favorite of the bride by herself. It is so perfect and she is just so beautiful. Her sweet fiance couldn't stop smiling as he watched his perfect bride standing there looking so incredible!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDYZAT5twcOnOYk8hGBq85EVzOEbBxW1mu7_UMmIxKPQY-G6spJcA67454pa_QeVRTQH3CMHi4nb9JGpp7Ly_Cmjv1Zk0ug8hEU1QcRmGk9OfJdQdzTjSysvsV11X9EbWs9lkcahRpWxA/s1600/129a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDYZAT5twcOnOYk8hGBq85EVzOEbBxW1mu7_UMmIxKPQY-G6spJcA67454pa_QeVRTQH3CMHi4nb9JGpp7Ly_Cmjv1Zk0ug8hEU1QcRmGk9OfJdQdzTjSysvsV11X9EbWs9lkcahRpWxA/s320/129a.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9_QYW1SsB73d_wmMdqitORprtGUux72PvU3MxtB7EOLZxTNGg7rRWiFXrR81vkt_RXRM_b8xNJvcb7GE2J1uLNVsID_VBYu6mOUWhBxCYWLXh2VLw6d6ObgBh19VPLcGxCAPfuPB53Yx/s1600/160a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9_QYW1SsB73d_wmMdqitORprtGUux72PvU3MxtB7EOLZxTNGg7rRWiFXrR81vkt_RXRM_b8xNJvcb7GE2J1uLNVsID_VBYu6mOUWhBxCYWLXh2VLw6d6ObgBh19VPLcGxCAPfuPB53Yx/s640/160a.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyvPSOJSPNmEoHCPduXooGOHIYGd9IWmRzpyZUQGXNSweGcLt93CDO5cT-CCePd5-0xthZVGNtxzuKLkJMblUtH7EV3yKjaCig60YzTqG6EnMXx-_PNQSp5ktFXnZiqAJbO_HB_NegYXq/s1600/166a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyvPSOJSPNmEoHCPduXooGOHIYGd9IWmRzpyZUQGXNSweGcLt93CDO5cT-CCePd5-0xthZVGNtxzuKLkJMblUtH7EV3yKjaCig60YzTqG6EnMXx-_PNQSp5ktFXnZiqAJbO_HB_NegYXq/s320/166a.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaelO4XCxAhULmJM26mYiV3t_hUh_zhNyuHDoFrLvJh6F-MAowPnU2HBOEXed0vev9l6_ehnVmpxkiloIYicxFYOEvKpuaVgprUz73ZT1GSHZ1_b5_o51FHI0hgq38bLseTeTERZt0P_c/s1600/180a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaelO4XCxAhULmJM26mYiV3t_hUh_zhNyuHDoFrLvJh6F-MAowPnU2HBOEXed0vev9l6_ehnVmpxkiloIYicxFYOEvKpuaVgprUz73ZT1GSHZ1_b5_o51FHI0hgq38bLseTeTERZt0P_c/s400/180a.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our goal was to get some nice sunset pictures. I think we succeeded. I feel like these are the perfect "Colorado Wedding" pictures!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZO5oZjh88hHoxEZs7C8_NY9wlVFxPIu-LwrhHjKKVguwpK6ImjLjgMLZ0CpxPKPOIGhDUYOaJMgR9HlnYIlXKGdOdLTscoKoV4y05cX0rZIZcUgE0d76mIA7UlBEEIpmESF9Uw3tQwTz/s1600/184a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZO5oZjh88hHoxEZs7C8_NY9wlVFxPIu-LwrhHjKKVguwpK6ImjLjgMLZ0CpxPKPOIGhDUYOaJMgR9HlnYIlXKGdOdLTscoKoV4y05cX0rZIZcUgE0d76mIA7UlBEEIpmESF9Uw3tQwTz/s400/184a.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgkBKdyrqlGv0G6jm2RuUJtvyV2rJZRRmVr03agJKPt89ni9eCi-flNLOk5n8PyAd7mvXVJo9pZ-f9CXq7mUmZt-KffakbY2ULbPTc6GE6Cpzi6xG66MdeZ2-Atkv0rx1tbb5xnQbWI1L/s1600/186a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgkBKdyrqlGv0G6jm2RuUJtvyV2rJZRRmVr03agJKPt89ni9eCi-flNLOk5n8PyAd7mvXVJo9pZ-f9CXq7mUmZt-KffakbY2ULbPTc6GE6Cpzi6xG66MdeZ2-Atkv0rx1tbb5xnQbWI1L/s320/186a.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixl9oVU_pATHYk8X2vmOL3BCxYvO0kjqHvkrtv89nzdUVttohNkYVLVIItflb_UbPV3Xa3NyVjiK8FNwvtzpokL-iZAq5I7jUk_Qt9zNXTgrExCAPlSq4yQgtGO49IOjTNWDvkMD67IT91/s1600/189a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixl9oVU_pATHYk8X2vmOL3BCxYvO0kjqHvkrtv89nzdUVttohNkYVLVIItflb_UbPV3Xa3NyVjiK8FNwvtzpokL-iZAq5I7jUk_Qt9zNXTgrExCAPlSq4yQgtGO49IOjTNWDvkMD67IT91/s320/189a.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqIzLmSyldg0jx6ts2HZuo7sl39ePVS9ReenSOzfDY49y0Vpmo-9HkLT1T0_oH9biQaHiWJLs_epTf5nRupF7ZVjkbB-jSJyzZC-oMgJjj9XYDAjKZYK8qhIOpcftaICSP3neyEzOPo4s/s1600/191a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqIzLmSyldg0jx6ts2HZuo7sl39ePVS9ReenSOzfDY49y0Vpmo-9HkLT1T0_oH9biQaHiWJLs_epTf5nRupF7ZVjkbB-jSJyzZC-oMgJjj9XYDAjKZYK8qhIOpcftaICSP3neyEzOPo4s/s400/191a.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsZR7QQDfsaWGojKikM6YwzUT3p1cncOtVrQP0Oru3KO7H7oB-Mpe82UoPET3GLgp2-NRd1T_YZYxcxlfiEDHl4iwQKQtO2Py4BoxF685558fXBAYsTMPNXzDbxaPH5jb0DlCQXCmm5Rh/s1600/192a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsZR7QQDfsaWGojKikM6YwzUT3p1cncOtVrQP0Oru3KO7H7oB-Mpe82UoPET3GLgp2-NRd1T_YZYxcxlfiEDHl4iwQKQtO2Py4BoxF685558fXBAYsTMPNXzDbxaPH5jb0DlCQXCmm5Rh/s320/192a.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF02PFuqShsZah12ulz62Sp6KQOnCWoTdmaPo1GqgoiQ-6xKkCGzjndKBQd_IoqxXdjBsis1KMM8dRZAuBOxwClsQaNsCMUPCMcXOvaRBnELGIxOiosnYQBzVhMgkOq5mOvywTCXqXM12l/s1600/193a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF02PFuqShsZah12ulz62Sp6KQOnCWoTdmaPo1GqgoiQ-6xKkCGzjndKBQd_IoqxXdjBsis1KMM8dRZAuBOxwClsQaNsCMUPCMcXOvaRBnELGIxOiosnYQBzVhMgkOq5mOvywTCXqXM12l/s320/193a.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXm0I7qyswkNMqK_Ue0DpijiOBhaVQjoynqKeureTTlvgPHR4LcayJev3eZpU6vJZj3mVqfSRXa25V0AsBVS0tllMy2wCQTuCxA1JHtnijLXjOl39Uc2PS_tPsZ4yEK9atX6kD6lbl_pB/s1600/194a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXm0I7qyswkNMqK_Ue0DpijiOBhaVQjoynqKeureTTlvgPHR4LcayJev3eZpU6vJZj3mVqfSRXa25V0AsBVS0tllMy2wCQTuCxA1JHtnijLXjOl39Uc2PS_tPsZ4yEK9atX6kD6lbl_pB/s320/194a.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrvjaoGcL7A0rb6Gsv79BolATgd4uIP5F8xXerVM_fIog_vn_dV7eQNymaS0ZormaUHKWv8xa-VJiV7bjS09fKZ7zty2rVY-GMCJmb0H8v6pqpyz2aI0QEojP50fA7AtG1-9FQ-6hpDaN/s1600/201a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrvjaoGcL7A0rb6Gsv79BolATgd4uIP5F8xXerVM_fIog_vn_dV7eQNymaS0ZormaUHKWv8xa-VJiV7bjS09fKZ7zty2rVY-GMCJmb0H8v6pqpyz2aI0QEojP50fA7AtG1-9FQ-6hpDaN/s320/201a.jpg" /></a></div>THANK YOU, Jaci and David, for picking me to take these pictures for you. It was so fun and such a privilege to capture these moments. I cannot wait for your wedding day. I'm sure, however, I am not as excited as you two!Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-29859068985127172752010-07-06T22:17:00.001-06:002010-07-06T22:42:07.667-06:00A Chapter From My Book in Progress. . .Love Will Pretty Much Overcome All<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I have pretty much come to believe that love is what makes all things bearable. The love of our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, is essentially why we are here. They love us and want us to have all that they have. There is a plan in place that gives us every opportunity to make it back to be with them and all our loved ones for eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I have had a lot of little experiences in my life that has embedded this thought into my life--that love can overcome pretty much anything. Whenever we find ourselves not liking the situation that we’re in, we should stop focusing on the bad for a minute and think about how much we love our family, our friends, the Savior, etc. It will help to get the right perspective on the situation and then allow us to move forward with a renewed strength. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I remember once while on my mission in Japan, my companion and I were riding the bus back home after a long, unsuccessful day of knocking on doors. I looked around at all these Japanese people living in their own little world not caring about what I could share with them. Not wanting to listen and learn of the one thing that would bring them eternal joy; and I felt a little bit angry about it. Then a Children’s hymn came to my mind. As I sang it in my mind, my heart softened. "<i>I am a child of God, and He has sent me here</i>." Then I changed the words a little bit. "<i>She</i> is a child of God, and He has sent <i>her</i> here. . ." The anger left, my heart was suddenly filled with an overwhelming love for these beautiful people and I knew that God loved them. That He would take care of their needs. The spirit bore witness to my heart that not only does He love them but that He loves me, too. And that He will also take care of my needs. My desire to share the Gospel was renewed and I felt energized to do the Savior’s work.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Many years later I had another lesson in how love will help us overcome. I had a daughter going through her teenage years. Need I really say more?! She was in High School and struggling trying to figure out who she wanted to be. My husband and I were struggling trying to figure out how to make her be who we wanted her to be! One day she called me in the middle of the day--when she should've been in school. She had walked out of class angry and wasn't going back. Could I come get her. I dropped everything and went to get her. It was close to lunchtime so I asked her if she wanted to go to lunch. I had said a prayer on the way to get her. I asked for help because I didn't know what to say or do. The Spirit whispered to me, as it had done countless times before regarding how to deal with my children, "Just love her." We went to lunch and visited. We talked about what had happened at school. I just listened. After a bit she commented how grateful she was that I didn't get mad at her and didn't try to deliver a discourse on obedience. I leaned over the table, touched her hand and said to her that I knew she knew right from wrong. Her dad and I had taught her about choice and accountability. I knew that my time to teach her right from wrong was over. I told her the only thing I needed her to know right now is that I love her and that there is nothing she can ever do to change that. She can break my heart with the choices she makes but I will always love her. It is my belief that right then and there our relationship was forever changed. She could trust me to always love her and she knew it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">President Hinckley once said that the only time that there is no hope for our wayward children is when the parents lose hope. I would never lose hope. I knew that she had been taught and that sooner or later she would be just fine.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">My Heavenly Father's unconditional love for me was what helped me to know that I could love her unconditionally also. I didn't have to tolerate her rebelliousness but I could continue to love her. There is a distinct difference. He does not tolerate my rebelliousness, for no unclean thing can enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. But I know that He loves me and is always ready to help me, strengthen me, guide me and insure that I succeed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> It is never easy to show forth an increase of love when what we really think needs to be given is a swift round of discipline. But we also must remember that the root word of discipline means to teach. And when we can teach with love, the message can be carried straight to the heart of the receiver. And resting there it can sink in deep and do its work. When we teach with the Spirit, the result is "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.” (See Galatians 5:22).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> The basis of the whole Plan of Salvation is love. Because Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us, they provided a plan to help us do something we cannot do for ourselves. Jesus Christ made a great sacrifice for us. He paid for our sins. He overcame death. He gave this great gift with love. He set the perfect example of how to love everyone. He also commanded that we love one another (see John 15:17). He continually demonstrated His love by giving His sinless life as “a ransom for all,” making it possible for us to overcome our sins and return to Heaven. It is impossible to learn of Him, to study His parables, to be His disciple, without also knowing love.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Love came to earth and overcame death and sin. Love can emanate from us and overcome any other obstacle that may be placed before us!<o:p></o:p></span></div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-52420339246830068192010-06-29T08:55:00.005-06:002010-06-29T10:18:17.299-06:00Changes in Life. . .It has been so long since I last got onto this blog that I actually had to Google myself to find the blog! There is just something very wrong about that! Did you know that I am not the only "Patti's Ponderings" blog there is?! That kind of surprised me!<br /><br />I thought about this blog this morning for no particular reason. But thinking about it gave me a desire to write something. I don't have a lot of followers, but that's ok. I guess I don't do a lot to "get" followers.<br /><br />So what should I write that could make it worth the time that you, my humble, few "followers", are spending reading this!<br /><br />I recently have undergone a pretty intense change in my life. I've been VERY slow to acknowledge it because I have been viewing it as a negative change. But today. . .just this very morning. . .I was enlightened. Maybe because I've been reading my scriptures more. Maybe because I've been praying more. Maybe because God just decided it was time to give me freedom from my own wrong-thinking. I don't know why, but I am coming to be able to accept these changes.<br /><br />So what the "intense change" that I'm referring to? Well, you may already know (you just didn't know how hard it has been for me to accept). Last summer, I stopped doing my own photography business full-time and went to work for The Picture People. The Picture People is a portrait studio found in malls across the United States. I worked for them several years ago before I worked for Mikel-Gamber, Karen Rubin and myself. Last Spring/Summer, my phone stopped ringing for sessions and I got scared. I got hired back on with The Picture People as a Sr. Assistant Manager and just last month was promoted to be the Studio Manager. With that promotion came a raise. It is a good thing.<br /><br />I know there are some in my circle of friends who would criticize me "as a photographer" for working for a chain company. Some would say that I've stooped to a new low. I want to say that they are wrong. It is different, yes, than what I did on my own, but I am still developing myself and I am still involved with something that I am very passionate about. This morning as I thought about it, I thought of something that I know about myself. And that is that I have been blessed with many talents. As I thought of that, I realized that it is important to utilize and develop those many talents. As a manager, I now have the opportunity to develop my talent of working with and developing others. To help them grow and be better. Yes, I have stepped away from the photography piece. Just like years ago, I stepped away from the violin piece. While I still play the violin, I don't teach. I will always be a violinist. But not on the same level that I once was. I will always be a photographer. But not on the same level that I once was. This is a good change and one that I am happy about. I truly feel that Heavenly Father has led me here and is so very kind to allow me the opportunity to develop yet another talent that He has given me.<br /><br />Working for myself, I spent every waking minute building my business and managing my business. I didn't learn to balance my time very well. Perhaps I didn't stick with it long enough to get to where I could have a better balance. I am grateful for the time that I did have. I learned so much and had so much fun. Now, however, I can spend more time being a Mom, and friend, a wife, and so many other things that I also want to do. I have started to make more crafts that I've been wanting to do. I have started to write a book that I've wanted to write for years. I am able to sit and watch a television program with my husband and children and just relax.<br /><br />Change is always bitter-sweet. This has been no different. But change in our life is inevitable. The sooner we accept it, the easier we make it on ourselves!<br /><br />Neal A. Maxwell once said something about having faith in God means that we also have faith in His timing.<br /><br />I believe that when we live our lives in such a fashion as to be able to receive His divine guidance then we can have faith and assurance that He is going to help us have experiences that will strengthen us, develop us and prepare us to return to Him.<br /><br />I am so grateful for the changes that have occurred in my life. I am so grateful that He has helped me to understand and accept these changes.<br /><br />Here's a few pictures I took this morning (just to prove to myself that I still take pictures)!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1z8lIYXa1WTjMOGiDtqJcm9eqdUYNzXCfIo96iM5N0xj8UeCIbK8xMFv9ArgTEjNDbTIYtuFmHi_EGn4e4VT6gvn_N1yHKfmc4tqznZ8VmM7ue98Y-BqKrOeHxdEkS5pkiSF-AXcSB1Z4/s1600/100629001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1z8lIYXa1WTjMOGiDtqJcm9eqdUYNzXCfIo96iM5N0xj8UeCIbK8xMFv9ArgTEjNDbTIYtuFmHi_EGn4e4VT6gvn_N1yHKfmc4tqznZ8VmM7ue98Y-BqKrOeHxdEkS5pkiSF-AXcSB1Z4/s400/100629001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488228911735991106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlagNOMU-OTUWw4Ms-HG-GeTwvYYLqwQ4MDtFe-p-EreXtHepNabIgY9N9iZdXyUZJM-7PkuEWbRikT5hiy0-DtmYF9vVudsiwB8EgmjFA8UcM2Hmv60GxfMMqUTjGaCohNek8-sAtE1p/s1600/100629002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlagNOMU-OTUWw4Ms-HG-GeTwvYYLqwQ4MDtFe-p-EreXtHepNabIgY9N9iZdXyUZJM-7PkuEWbRikT5hiy0-DtmYF9vVudsiwB8EgmjFA8UcM2Hmv60GxfMMqUTjGaCohNek8-sAtE1p/s400/100629002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488229676446133410" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefGzLZpTeIsYHrIWKBkNqX2xbBUhPWfRpDMukcXFfSIsOMmkhw8RF6YEF-JJQdAxE-HxQ5CROBVhWfNMzxuulq2klxotkKj0_xEFpxuj9FMwyR8yKtWE4MnG60kJkM9YdBhc7vUZZXFID/s1600/100629003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefGzLZpTeIsYHrIWKBkNqX2xbBUhPWfRpDMukcXFfSIsOMmkhw8RF6YEF-JJQdAxE-HxQ5CROBVhWfNMzxuulq2klxotkKj0_xEFpxuj9FMwyR8yKtWE4MnG60kJkM9YdBhc7vUZZXFID/s400/100629003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488230323421724370" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-90252387522703310202010-03-08T21:35:00.002-07:002010-03-08T21:44:43.624-07:00New Phone. . . New ProblemsSo recently I got a new phone. My old phone, a Palm Treo, was getting quite old. But I really liked it. It was just having too many problems and the OS was becoming obsolete. So I upgraded to an iPhone. Which is actually what I'm using to post this. I have been really happy with it for the while 2 weeks that I've had it. Today though it started having wierd problems. So I feel like I've traded one set of problems for another set. Grrrrr.<br /><br />It reminds me of how my mother-in-law would say getting a divorce to marry someone else is like trading in a used car for a different used car. It's just a whole new set of problems!Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-39642211386997378872010-03-04T16:10:00.009-07:002010-03-04T17:37:12.136-07:00WOW!!!Has it REALLY been like 4 months since I last posted anything?!!! A sure sign that I have been too busy. I feel like time has just skipped ahead. I can't bring myself to admit that 4 months have passed by without me accounting for any of it. Sheesh!<br /><br />I have definitely had some crazy things going on and some very wonderfully fun experiences too. Number 2 daughter decided to transfer colleges and on the first of January her Dad and I took her to her new school. . . .<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7IrUrexZyyk1gnqhH-Rc0QjtV3bNvHSyMRgcg0W7mfjXNiTXbxgeLsqbEu2l00gyw1JhFp75pdaeNj5ExrcrnqMf50ugRWnVSg9BNUD8mpoezqDpe5uG91I_e13kbc_Cxjkz3MadbY1i/s1600-h/152Laie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7IrUrexZyyk1gnqhH-Rc0QjtV3bNvHSyMRgcg0W7mfjXNiTXbxgeLsqbEu2l00gyw1JhFp75pdaeNj5ExrcrnqMf50ugRWnVSg9BNUD8mpoezqDpe5uG91I_e13kbc_Cxjkz3MadbY1i/s400/152Laie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444921837025939442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />She is having entirely too much fun while there and I wonder if she is getting any studying done at all. But I know that she's in a better place than where she was before. She is forming some wonderful friendships and NEVER complains about the weather!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-x3RkuF1MyKbE_UiKYX-ShyxG1Sm9vzNL9DmRkr8Ep5sM6O-vaUmej9yAuoxsFVTgbxYJhcQQG7PBJjbH00rQWfDkXM0jr290sDnVkW0eo5ZuL9Go6ccJU1L1PIhCS6xYhjBJYNcMTzoP/s1600-h/DSCN0298.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-x3RkuF1MyKbE_UiKYX-ShyxG1Sm9vzNL9DmRkr8Ep5sM6O-vaUmej9yAuoxsFVTgbxYJhcQQG7PBJjbH00rQWfDkXM0jr290sDnVkW0eo5ZuL9Go6ccJU1L1PIhCS6xYhjBJYNcMTzoP/s400/DSCN0298.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444924452257431234" border="0" /></a><br />We also got to visit with one of Roland's good friends from his mission. Well, from "our" mission. They were never companions, but they were in the same apartment a couple of different times. It's nice to have a "local" to show you around.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />One of my favorite things was going to a local Farmer's Market. We got to sample a lot of really yummy local food. Most of the vendors spoke <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHREg73PD7ujjPcT4JzBIPMYRe9FO4Di6rV-QrmYXVG7YS_EHFppEMAFdfOMeLYZDl9rG3uTPX7k8gls1B_iT4ueZrsNnZvAi0DVqArD1cuQsjS3DAqz7bThqoWsXRbSq4pBI9EkmhXRib/s1600-h/022.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHREg73PD7ujjPcT4JzBIPMYRe9FO4Di6rV-QrmYXVG7YS_EHFppEMAFdfOMeLYZDl9rG3uTPX7k8gls1B_iT4ueZrsNnZvAi0DVqArD1cuQsjS3DAqz7bThqoWsXRbSq4pBI9EkmhXRib/s400/022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444923718748880946" border="0" /></a>Japanese. I felt a wierd nostalgia as we walked around, eating Japanese food, talking Japanese. I think I could live in Hawaii and be totally at home. I would, however, really miss being able to jump in the car and drive to the next state. . .or through 4 or 5 states to go see my loved ones in Washington! And I wouldn't like being stuck on an island with the Tsunami-warning sirens blaring with nowhere to really go to! (Sure grateful that everything worked out for Hawaii. Sending prayers out to the people of Chili).<br /><br /><br />I thoroughly enjoyed the week we spent in Hawaii. We saw turtles swimming in the water, we watched sunsets and sunrises, ate some of the best food, relaxed and soaked up all the sun we could to help us make it through the rest of the winter. Our family and friends in Colorado were dealing with subzero temperatures and we were hanging out on the beach making memories!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DJfP9bmChTxPOPPTZCMYHZ03mn0yQivg8rw3qyk4rZ1Y0p3HICLnN1PoKM4zBxE7H9TzGbjej6v2OBM1lqmGAvomSbJwdSf00WEj7Y8QXlw8-Ibg27qeXOSJe5glhXNi1Lp8BUBlduDd/s1600-h/Road2Laie_091.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DJfP9bmChTxPOPPTZCMYHZ03mn0yQivg8rw3qyk4rZ1Y0p3HICLnN1PoKM4zBxE7H9TzGbjej6v2OBM1lqmGAvomSbJwdSf00WEj7Y8QXlw8-Ibg27qeXOSJe5glhXNi1Lp8BUBlduDd/s400/Road2Laie_091.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444929911663262130" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFUduGQ0x1JH3fCOLUSibJe1MWleujOYhQEMbCozoJ_sSKuYGFKlebmGcJWgugAgS32r6FRWztoz8Ppxr3tIx1SVwGSb1PSG4HQkZfLNlo1o8GKhiqNe2FCNrkC_szGUFJ8Bm8pfTAXJX/s1600-h/691_NorthShore.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFUduGQ0x1JH3fCOLUSibJe1MWleujOYhQEMbCozoJ_sSKuYGFKlebmGcJWgugAgS32r6FRWztoz8Ppxr3tIx1SVwGSb1PSG4HQkZfLNlo1o8GKhiqNe2FCNrkC_szGUFJ8Bm8pfTAXJX/s400/691_NorthShore.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444932823294062226" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZLp64VqT-BVnnAUG05_0Rs9af0we21XjCvbqQ2wgYH9gNO47jrhy04SDh5i3EEP7zq995bSqxJE6hwhn-bj6nT4Cucq_msmj5SKOWL-5EDpjQIqcrB-U5pI9vCR1F5s8cykNZz7zfjAc/s1600-h/876_NorthShore.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZLp64VqT-BVnnAUG05_0Rs9af0we21XjCvbqQ2wgYH9gNO47jrhy04SDh5i3EEP7zq995bSqxJE6hwhn-bj6nT4Cucq_msmj5SKOWL-5EDpjQIqcrB-U5pI9vCR1F5s8cykNZz7zfjAc/s400/876_NorthShore.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444932831297043314" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsixP_s1euL7MAexQ49VmLUfxPTnLN09_W3DoBGbveYsqxzF59wPO7DHp72l-hiZAOgc9YOGA5MRu-Emh64jqj4PWbklQTENf0Tx9hGGe05dYwlp77qfWVe3OZgJz4G5qwf4-vStNWadmM/s1600-h/768_NorthShore.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsixP_s1euL7MAexQ49VmLUfxPTnLN09_W3DoBGbveYsqxzF59wPO7DHp72l-hiZAOgc9YOGA5MRu-Emh64jqj4PWbklQTENf0Tx9hGGe05dYwlp77qfWVe3OZgJz4G5qwf4-vStNWadmM/s400/768_NorthShore.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444932824484894626" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Tm6MzJyscmo2cLG3cj5u9FpdLYWtmiMZ0jSPfhegd2AzvhPmgNV3r8Qs5rA_kYBFX3vIp7WtHprCYmKplvRPYXaYI7m6XznQAINOBg37a3pRxvK-a0ifjo_XuHFCOfWck4ieuhfswGq7/s1600-h/362Hau'ula.jpg">Digging for crabs.....<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Tm6MzJyscmo2cLG3cj5u9FpdLYWtmiMZ0jSPfhegd2AzvhPmgNV3r8Qs5rA_kYBFX3vIp7WtHprCYmKplvRPYXaYI7m6XznQAINOBg37a3pRxvK-a0ifjo_XuHFCOfWck4ieuhfswGq7/s400/362Hau'ula.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444934449589699570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7e69QBBT5Gcnmdchxwf5JxFlClga2LuFyrhQQan8Tn2MSJK0U6XpGXCfuzeF9Vv4CiS8Sp9fwIsflzqcC1QYyL8EqgFZuOMloVvr818JyU0aIaiDUN3SVP7uUzFUXvl4-rqjLqEZewUn/s1600-h/367Hau'ula.jpg">Caught one!<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7e69QBBT5Gcnmdchxwf5JxFlClga2LuFyrhQQan8Tn2MSJK0U6XpGXCfuzeF9Vv4CiS8Sp9fwIsflzqcC1QYyL8EqgFZuOMloVvr818JyU0aIaiDUN3SVP7uUzFUXvl4-rqjLqEZewUn/s400/367Hau'ula.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444934445378122114" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Right before we went over there was a big surfing contest where the waves were 50+ feet high. Incredible. Up on the North Shore a lot of the beaches were closed due to high waves. It was awesome to me to stand there and watch these huge waves. The power of God. . .amazing. I felt very small and insignificant. Yet, in my heart I know that I am not insignificant at all. I stood there recognizing His power and feeling His love fill my heart. It was cool<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLVyXSHzjWgjH6jgO1VNE5LCYeWNgzT5MSJEyTomJgyNhT2sfJFKmmbokAmM9tPtuiCr8PsyyWuKWHJXStZalpGXa-_hI4JhZN6IyQLjl3fPTlSh3bJRFz_DHz2h_qvBK15HFyNn22clx/s1600-h/1122_NorthShore.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLVyXSHzjWgjH6jgO1VNE5LCYeWNgzT5MSJEyTomJgyNhT2sfJFKmmbokAmM9tPtuiCr8PsyyWuKWHJXStZalpGXa-_hI4JhZN6IyQLjl3fPTlSh3bJRFz_DHz2h_qvBK15HFyNn22clx/s400/1122_NorthShore.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444932839742339554" border="0" /></a><br />I think my favorite images that I was able to get are of the sunrises and sunsets that we saw. The following sunrise pictures were taken from Hau'ula. It was one of the most peaceful mornings I've had for a long time. Beautiful. Such an artist, our Heavenly Father!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTthSRZJnAAg7kkp5d0WrXSJVt7rWyXYNl0V5Gls4oOPWQmBAdnG3lswBqQy1AfskvYsIvFmREl25ZO5LSw7gNppJzwatRxRXhI7OPvvziyiSErOLBmYtr1tud4cX9qNhjy54w-lyfvaDu/s1600-h/221Hau'ula.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTthSRZJnAAg7kkp5d0WrXSJVt7rWyXYNl0V5Gls4oOPWQmBAdnG3lswBqQy1AfskvYsIvFmREl25ZO5LSw7gNppJzwatRxRXhI7OPvvziyiSErOLBmYtr1tud4cX9qNhjy54w-lyfvaDu/s400/221Hau'ula.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444934426021193170" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_0NqSYPYNjc_QjKUvJw5s8cknOmvkAbngrP5Pmmn7c5tck38yZbI8BOjCcgje8XX7WJrtsWThmWUhKM-vzEVQvUnfmttvePntJCimEe-ZaSt_MBpOylwkDshp1_LFN6y55JbT1MrnZW4/s1600-h/284Hau'ula.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_0NqSYPYNjc_QjKUvJw5s8cknOmvkAbngrP5Pmmn7c5tck38yZbI8BOjCcgje8XX7WJrtsWThmWUhKM-vzEVQvUnfmttvePntJCimEe-ZaSt_MBpOylwkDshp1_LFN6y55JbT1MrnZW4/s400/284Hau'ula.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444934437061874258" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJJ9gPIn346oj1Zcrs0r0LEbvQ00GgPLF0-sX0cfFugBTsK8AgOKHzqHZGp21LlgOjTSxU3CfUbELYHXQQHbZt7Yd-ohPBwCF52LY5eYIXEWzKP1ZR9RQc6ebXDxSd9D4HisZenXaM0U-/s1600-h/249Hau'ula.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJJ9gPIn346oj1Zcrs0r0LEbvQ00GgPLF0-sX0cfFugBTsK8AgOKHzqHZGp21LlgOjTSxU3CfUbELYHXQQHbZt7Yd-ohPBwCF52LY5eYIXEWzKP1ZR9RQc6ebXDxSd9D4HisZenXaM0U-/s400/249Hau'ula.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444934432206108946" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBR3qKQIyoTk0JBOU2CW6PfnEQrxV2j3VoxLhpj1xE5N1_rgMjsdiSR06DhzUyu-ayXRjb74siDJl1FkJv8Hz60F3X1uEcFI8pK96FjmfLQef2kiZVllTGg_hgwwB7OLMOk0vGyylia7q/s1600-h/1319_Sunset.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBR3qKQIyoTk0JBOU2CW6PfnEQrxV2j3VoxLhpj1xE5N1_rgMjsdiSR06DhzUyu-ayXRjb74siDJl1FkJv8Hz60F3X1uEcFI8pK96FjmfLQef2kiZVllTGg_hgwwB7OLMOk0vGyylia7q/s400/1319_Sunset.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444936108145211138" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6ekiweDDqD8ehjrRAEuQbfFK8asWhug-ZU3Ff-jXdOO06s7XyxkrqDN_1lYfqFIP9C3-l4Rd1sAruXaL3lTNh_ySGrXNzZ1ID3S-0pKTqshucPGDq7qYL4lzAv7bFvA1URz-L9qF7oYx/s1600-h/1348_Sunset.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6ekiweDDqD8ehjrRAEuQbfFK8asWhug-ZU3Ff-jXdOO06s7XyxkrqDN_1lYfqFIP9C3-l4Rd1sAruXaL3lTNh_ySGrXNzZ1ID3S-0pKTqshucPGDq7qYL4lzAv7bFvA1URz-L9qF7oYx/s400/1348_Sunset.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444936114432848370" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P0scGrW1YsSXLHZHCxiTZJrZjWW2dKdOzJgwDAk-aPVoUl19i2vbS52SfrCJNJr_qHIr_iXBQCe80_eleJ8ISD4Lz71j84r1TYnMFxipIO0h7JhR1pTv3ruCr66ogjCEnTqM_4zjEtnP/s1600-h/1366_Sunset.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P0scGrW1YsSXLHZHCxiTZJrZjWW2dKdOzJgwDAk-aPVoUl19i2vbS52SfrCJNJr_qHIr_iXBQCe80_eleJ8ISD4Lz71j84r1TYnMFxipIO0h7JhR1pTv3ruCr66ogjCEnTqM_4zjEtnP/s400/1366_Sunset.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444936118284092850" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgku1_cLTJYsnDKP9YJO-fMDLaz9vbaSKWsS5YVLuTrO47NomNuKDVjt4hFXz3uEzuNc-KJfXul4oJUI4zz0_nEw8jG4eK9b9G205fNM6ySfZ80sBq0tenJ0KdCqMd5ftET65x3q4Zzoa_s/s1600-h/1385_Sunset.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgku1_cLTJYsnDKP9YJO-fMDLaz9vbaSKWsS5YVLuTrO47NomNuKDVjt4hFXz3uEzuNc-KJfXul4oJUI4zz0_nEw8jG4eK9b9G205fNM6ySfZ80sBq0tenJ0KdCqMd5ftET65x3q4Zzoa_s/s400/1385_Sunset.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444936130335799186" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveuEdtPocivFJQXpDd49_0nxkrIzhYo8DovDd1e6R-hveNTqh-fMDj5h3T23GBKSNRsj7w9dvfT1UPEz0_nhIEikYi33ME5VOjaLb5YHTsQciG4IRD5zsOcUIHaoHnyGb8CJiNF88_Xxy/s1600-h/1416_Sunset.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveuEdtPocivFJQXpDd49_0nxkrIzhYo8DovDd1e6R-hveNTqh-fMDj5h3T23GBKSNRsj7w9dvfT1UPEz0_nhIEikYi33ME5VOjaLb5YHTsQciG4IRD5zsOcUIHaoHnyGb8CJiNF88_Xxy/s400/1416_Sunset.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444936132752682690" border="0" /></a><br />There are so many more pictures that I wish I could share. We had such a wonderful experience. Although this isn't the first time we've been to Hawaii, I feel like I saw it through new eyes. Last time we went, I was pregnant with Kyle. I wasn't so into the whole "I'm a photographer" thing and I missed so much of the beauty because I hadn't learned to see it yet. I'm so grateful for all the experiences I have had in the past 10 years that have helped me to be more sensitive to God's beauty and love and whisperings. My testimony of Him was increased as I spent time admiring His work and felt keenly of His love for me as an individual and for all of His children. It is a marvelous thing to behold!<br /><br />Thanks for reading and looking and indulging my ego.<br /><br />If, by chance, you would like to see more pictures just let me know. Also, know that any of my scenic pictures can be made in to fine art prints, bookmarks, greeting cards and other things like that. Just let me know if you're interested.<br /><br />Smiles and hugs to you. . . . PattiPattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-63287013007814644192009-11-20T00:03:00.003-07:002009-11-20T00:18:41.392-07:00A Rejuvenating DayToday I went to the temple after a 4-month unwanted (and completely unwelcomed) hiatus. I’ve been feeling myself needing to go for quite awhile, but have not gone due to my work schedule and crazy, busy life that I’ve had since starting working at The Picture People back in August. Although I am grateful for the job and appreciate that they hired me back on, I am already feeling that it is not where I belong long-term. I have to work too many nights and too many Sundays. And although even one Sunday a month would be “too many” I’m currently suppose to work 2 a month. So 50% of the time, I don’t get to go to Church. Add that to not teaching Seminary, not going to the temple weekly, slacking on my scripture study and prayers, not getting my Visiting Teaching done, and the list could actually go on and on. . .I have been in somewhat of a downward spiral these last few months as far as my spirituality goes. And it has had me feeling very concerned. I am not the same person I was 6 months ago and I do not like who I am becoming. I feel an old, familiar but undesirable, rebellious nature being brought back to the surface. I have felt quite frustrated a lot lately and feel an internal fight going on as I try to come to terms with where I am at and what I am responsible for.<br /><br />Tuesday, I was feeling pretty down about everything. I had been thinking about the branch balanced on the rocks a lot. And I contemplated what it is that I need to do differently so that I could, once again, be balanced. I did a simple checklist with the basic Seminary answers. To be “balanced on the Rock” one must read the scriptures, pray, attend Church meetings, serve, be obedient to qualify for the Holy Ghost’s protection and guidance. As I pondered this list, I was embarrassed and humbled to see the glaring reality. No wonder my spirituality was suffering. I was struggling in every area.<br /><br />During this time of frustration for me, my dear friend Lynn called. I felt bad because I’m sure she called to share something from her life and I turned the call into something completely about me. I shared my frustrations. My concerns. And I also think I scared her some because I was, at the time, feeling pretty apathetic towards making things better. She gave me some firm, but loving, advice to do the things that I knew I should do. She also reminded me of a talk from the most recent General Conference that I should read called "Preserving the Heart's Mighty Change". I read it and knew immediately that she was inspired to tell me about it. It was exactly what I needed. I’ve read it like 5 times since Tuesday! And it gives me hope, encouragement and strength. Here's a link to the talk:<a href="http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1117-31,00.html"> http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1117-31,00.html</a><br /><br />The temple today gave me a spiritual rejuvenation that I so needed. I felt the Lord’s love for me and I was given answers to my prayers. Which, really, just sort of amazes me. How quick He is to come running to my rescue. Even before the words can be formed and leave my lips, the Savior is there to hear me and to respond to me. Before I am fully aware of the cliff that I am about to fall over, He is standing at ready to catch me and save me from my demise! I am so unworthy. Yet He is there. I have such a rebellious nature sometimes and yet, He loves me. He believes in me. He saves me. How can I ever be worthy of all He gives?!<br /><br />I am so grateful for the time I spent in the temple today. I know that there are many things I must do to bring myself back to where I need to and want to be spiritually. I received some wonderful gifts today. I went into the session asking for strength, courage and wisdom. I came away with all of the above.<br /><br /> I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSw3V_OjQcLOAcsho7_fF_CxXhdg7orfo-bbUyvYXd5ZoAUnYRDRG6fI7NLT_38lj-ycJ7bL7P3j0-xTC0Iaw0copwVZgOZqCEXoH9BOR-G68bP_ZOJ2C-EiacLNzMFQvKspKmiPtxQHz8/s1600/Christ+Walking+on+Water.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 92px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSw3V_OjQcLOAcsho7_fF_CxXhdg7orfo-bbUyvYXd5ZoAUnYRDRG6fI7NLT_38lj-ycJ7bL7P3j0-xTC0Iaw0copwVZgOZqCEXoH9BOR-G68bP_ZOJ2C-EiacLNzMFQvKspKmiPtxQHz8/s320/Christ+Walking+on+Water.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406080447273162258" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-37353058817400951452009-11-15T20:42:00.006-07:002009-11-15T21:47:07.276-07:00Changes, Trials, and Rocks!I have been going through a lot of changes in my life lately. Changes that, for me, are good, but hard. Needful, but painful. Changes that are causing me to really find out who I am and what I'm made of. Trials in life are an interesting thing. I have always understood that they are necessary in order to progress in life. Today in Church we discussed momentarily about the sin of being idle: what it is and why it is bad. I thought how when a car sits idle, it's not going anywhere. In our life, we definitely want to be going somewhere! Sitting idle just wastes gas and doesn't do anyone any good!<br /><br />Well, I can without reservation state that I have not been idle in my life this past little while! In fact, I have been too busy. So busy that I do not feel like I am accomplishing anything that I need to! Although I have decided to "close down" my business, I am still taking on new projects. That added to working 40 hours at my job. . .I work more than ever and am available for my family less than ever.<br /><br />I am learning in a painful way the dangers of being too busy. I have found that I don't make time lately for all the really important things in life. While our bills are getting paid, there is so much that goes undone. I have felt my own personal spirituality slip to a level that I am definitely not comfortable with. I miss teaching Seminary. I miss going to temple every week. I miss having time to ponder the scriptures, to hear the promptings of the Spirit guiding me.<br /><br />I need to figure out how to get back to such a place in my life. How do people balance it all?! How do I make it all work and be everything for everyone that needs me?! I feel very conflicted these days.<br /><br />As I think and ponder on these thoughts, I am always brought back to an experience that I had a couple of years ago. I was going on a hike with a friend. We walked by a river. As I walked along the path, watching the water, I thought of how much water represents. For me, it is a source of fear, grief and anger. Yet at the same time, I think of how water represents life. Even eternal life. It represents the cleansing process. I, however, got stuck on how the water represented trials. It was Springtime and the water was high and moving fast. I thought of how easy it would be to get caught up in the water and be rushed away, out of control. I felt overwhelmed as I thought of how, in life sometimes it is the same. We get caught up in everything and before we know it, everything seems out of control (much like I feel now).<br /><br />As I continued on the path, it wasn't long before I came upon a scene that made me stop and re-evaluate everything. I thought to myself how there was a definite lesson in what I was seeing. What I saw was an group of rocks in the middle of the river with the raging water splashing all around. And on top of the biggest rock was a branch. Balanced perfectly. It was getting splashed on by the water, but it remained balanced on the rock. With the river raging all around, it seemed that the branch denied the river the satisfaction of washing it away. Instead, it sat in peace and safety. . .on the Rock! I felt a great peace come over me as I realized the lesson.<br /><br />It is a simple lesson, yet the principle is so profound. It works EVERY time. We must balance our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lives</span> on the Rock of Salvation: even Jesus Christ. He is there for us. We must balance everything upon Him and then we will have peace <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">amidst</span> the turmoil.<br /><br />See? Simple! So if it is so "simple", why do I struggle so? If I understand and believe the principle, why do I still find my life out of balance so often? Sometimes, making the balance actually work takes time, practice, and tenacity. I know that I will find balance again. And I know that when I do, I will be so much the better person. Experience is a wonderful thing. I look forward to being able to look back on this time in my life and feel gratitude for the lessons I've learned. For now, I'm making a list of all that I need to do differently so that I am balanced properly!<br /><br />A final thought: "And now. . .remember, remember that it is upon the rock <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/hel/5/12a" mark="a" type="C" title="Ps. 71: 3; Matt. 7: 24 (24-27); D&C 6: 34; Moses 7: 53; TG Cornerstone; TG Rock."><span class="searchword"></span></a> of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must <span class="searchword">build</span> your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm <sup><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/hel/5/12c" mark="c" type="A" title="Alma 26: 6; 3 Ne. 14: 25 (25, 27)"></a> shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the <span class="searchword">rock</span> upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men <span class="searchword">build</span> they cannot fall. " Helaman 5:12<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT53piZa9GXMijn-zDlyJfyGrxyRL7ak7eHl6IaKByDU4TC-udsdBYs-tdvKwoazaFydxBtDvUER4AOzaevZPVgQ68rySmk9-dZHgGAGf59CXQrRWJzTD5ZKDbWgIJvlewAoaJ8gUt-Qeh/s1600/015.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT53piZa9GXMijn-zDlyJfyGrxyRL7ak7eHl6IaKByDU4TC-udsdBYs-tdvKwoazaFydxBtDvUER4AOzaevZPVgQ68rySmk9-dZHgGAGf59CXQrRWJzTD5ZKDbWgIJvlewAoaJ8gUt-Qeh/s320/015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404542226314714034" border="0" /></a><br />PS - In case you're wondering if I had my camera with me that day, the answer is "of course!" The image of the branch balanced on the rocks hangs in my office as a constant reminder of what I am striving for. I didn't post it here because the image file is on my hard drive at the office and I am at home tonight.Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988835668940188984.post-18279815296336829982009-10-27T20:55:00.002-06:002009-10-27T21:17:34.783-06:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEL5dgzjfsz82QZa1SJvx6SzbG2i1tSe8JqfXO1VGb7Glby8HXBJo48u428s_G-E-2WGvecv2ljtWYClqJYbwMHSknJoW-gePZl6pPTnU-4qSRT5BCCyi2WsZ6mLEaiIeq8mDIfljGVgoH/s1600-h/022.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEL5dgzjfsz82QZa1SJvx6SzbG2i1tSe8JqfXO1VGb7Glby8HXBJo48u428s_G-E-2WGvecv2ljtWYClqJYbwMHSknJoW-gePZl6pPTnU-4qSRT5BCCyi2WsZ6mLEaiIeq8mDIfljGVgoH/s320/022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397479271764222386" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I spent the day at a gymnastics school playing with a bunch of little kids. The instructor had them all dress up in their halloween costumes and I was there to take pictures of them all. It is one of the best things I get to do! Malory went with me today. She is such a fun daughter to have around. I think she may have had as much fun as the adorable little preschoolers! I get to go again on Thursday and Friday.<br /><br />It is quite dangerous, actually, for me to do such activities though. It makes me want to go back to doing my own thing full-time. Yet, I know that this isn't the time for that. Yet, that is so hard to stay committed to! I truly hate working retail hours. Maybe hate is too strong of a word to use. . . No! Actually it isn't. But I suppose it's good that I hate it so much. I don't think I will get complacent where I am at. I will always be trying to find a way to move on and have control of my life back again. Just don't tell my district manager that.<br /><br />I read a really great quote this morning that I want to share. It's from a guy named Wayne Dyer. He is an author. He says,<br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">"You'll seldom experience regret for anything that you've done. It is what you haven't done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear. Do it! Develop an appreciation for the present moment. Seize every second of your life and savor it. Value your present moments. Using them up in any self-defeating ways means you've lost them forever."</span></p><p>I really appreciate this because I am one who definitely has a problem with being self-defeating. Even to admit that is a HUGE step for me. A few close friends know this about me. They know my hopes, dreams, aspirations and know that I can succeed. But I don't know it. And it scares me into not doing anything. Do you ever find that to be true about yourself? Please tell me I'm not the only one who has this problem? What do you do to overcome it? How have you pushed past the paralyzing fear to do something that you REALLY want to do?! I need some great advice here, so pour it on me!!!<br /></p>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03121601633331215772noreply@blogger.com3