Monday, April 21, 2008

Quotes for Thought

"Stand for something, or you will fall for anything"
I do not remember where I heard this or whom to give recognition. It is one of my favorite quotes because the words are so simple and so true. If we do not hold fast and strong for anything in this life, we can be tossed about by anything and everyone around us. As members of the church we are taught at an early age how to gain testimonies and nurture our seed of faith. If we have a testimony that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His son, Jesus Christ, and translated the Book of Mormon, then we have a very sturdy foundation and we are standing for something. If we believe that, then by default we can have the faith to believe that Christ lives, that there is life after death, that He will come again. The scriptures tell the truthfulness of it. I know that as we stand for truth, God will give us the strength to overcome the world we live in.
"Discerning and accepting the will of God in our lives are fundamental elements of asking in faith in meaningful prayer. However, simply saying the words “Thy will be done” is not enough. Each of us needs God’s help in surrendering our will to Him." (David A. Bednar, Ask In Faith, Conference Apr 08)
This is something I am still figuring out how to do. I sometimes find myself asking for ways that my will can come to pass, rather than understanding and strength for the Lord's will. I have learned that our life really is in the Lord's hands, and in His time. I definitely don't understand everything, or why things happen the way they do. Not now at least. Looking back, I can see why things have happened the way they did. I know that even though I have struggles now, I will see the outcome of them if I can be strong and ask in faith for the Lord to strengthen me and for His will to be done.
“Let us not live a life … that would bring regret. … It is not going to matter very much how much money you made, what kind of a house you lived in, what kind of a car you drove, the size of your bank account—any of those things. What is going to matter is that dear woman who has walked with you side by side as your companion through all of the years of life and those children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren and their faithfulness and their looking to you … with respect and love and deference and kindness. … The only things you will take with you, when all is said and done, are your family relationships. … God bless us to be good fathers, … good parents, and good husbands to our good wives” (Gordon B. Hinckely, meeting, Pleasant Grove, Utah, Jan. 18, 2003).
We can be so consumed by our day to day lives that we overlook the simple and precious miracles all around us! Gordon B. Hinckley states this very well. We will not take anything physical with us to the next life, so we should do all in our power to strengthen our relationships with family and those around us and attain as much knowledge as we can. I like to reference this quote to my earlier blog on the story of Mary and Martha. I think the principles taught can go hand in hand.
"Don't regret it, learn from it." (Me)
This is something I like to tell myself, and have used in many conversations. I don't believe that things happen by "coincidence". I believe there is a purpose behind everything, whether or not we come to realize it in the moment or five years down the road. Don't mistake me, I don't believe in destiny or the term "soul mate". I know we all have agency with the room to make our own choices. These choices are led by the true desires of our heart, the person who we truly are. So if we've made a choice, wether good or bad, we should acknowledge that we made it. There is no turning back, the only way we can press forward it to learn and to act on what we have learned. The past does not define who we are, its who we become. What we put into it.
"A woman of faith trusts God and faces adversity with hope. A woman of faith is confident because she understands the divine plan of our Heavenly Father and her role to bless lives. A woman of faith is fearless. She fears no evil, for God is with her... A woman of faith loves the Lord... by the life she lives, by the words she speaks, by the service she renders to His children, by her every action." (Margaret D. Nadauld, A Woman of Faith, Liahona Nov, 2002)
This whole talk is amazing, I advise each one of my fellow sisters to read it! It is inspiring and speaks to each and every one of us. You can feel your worth through this sister's words.
"I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day." (Abraham Lincoln)
My dear friend Lisa has shared this quote with me on a few different occassions. I have come to share that same appreciation for it that she does. Honest Abe and I have something in common. I've come to learn (yes, the hard way) I am absolutely NOTHING without a loving Father in Heaven, and His son Jesus Christ. Without the power and privilege of prayer I would have stayed a lost sheep a long time ago.
"If you look at what you don't have in life, you have nothing, but if you look at what you do have in life, you have everything."
I have the Gospel. I have a temple to attend often. I have my family. I have friends. I have a Father who holds the Priesthood worthily. I have a testimony. I have a Father in Heaven who loves me, and an elder brother who laid down His life for me. I think I'm pretty well taken care of :)
"The only way out is through"
"If the Lord will bring you to it, He will bring you through it."
That's the truth.
"Don't be a scrub! Rise to the high ground of spiritual, mental, and physical excellence. You can do it. You may not be a genius. You may be lacking in some skills. But so many of us can do better than we are now doing...We are people with a present and with a future. Don't muff your opportunities. Be excellent." (Gordon B. Hinckley, The Quest for Excellence, Ensign, Sept. 1999, 4-5)
What more do you need to hear than this? We should constantly be workin on improving ourselves! I know I need as much help and work as I can get. Be excellent.
"Be grateful. Be smart. Be clean. Be true. Be humble. Be prayerful." (Gordon B. Hinckley, A Prophet's Counsel and Prayer for Youth, New Era, Jan. 2001)
Need I say more? He's telling us plainly how we should be. The formula is simple, but requires action on our end. Everything good in life takes a bit of hard work!

Friday, April 18, 2008

That Good Part

One of my favorite stories in the scriptures is found in the New Testament, in the book of Luke. It is only a few verses long, Chapter 10 verses 38-42. Martha and Mary, two sisters, welcome Jesus into their home. He begins to teach, and Mary sits at his feet to listen to His words. As Mary sits, Martha is up and about trying to tidy the house, and prepare dinner and make things just right for their very special guest. As she noticed Mary just sitting, she said "Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me." She didn't understand why Jesus would allow Mary to just sit, and not be up helping her prepare everything. In response "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."


These two sisters both had very good intentions. Martha wanted to make the home clean and prepare everything nicely for Christ. Mary wanted to sit and hear the word of Christ. The thing to consider is, do the trivial things from day to day often take precedence over the more important, and eternal aspects of our lives? As I consider this, I realize how much effort I put into stressing about things that shouldn't be stressed about. Taking time to clean my house, or do the laundry is important. Going to school, work and fitting time into my schedule for homework is important. But it is not more important than studying my scriptures, going to church, partaking of the sacrament, attending institute, and taking time to improve myself and becoming a better Elena.



I was able to use this story to my advantage this past semester. It was my second year being in the Easter Pageant, and I was going to school and working. My mornings would start around 6 am, with either school or work, and I'd be lucky to get to bed before 1 am. I'd have around an hour between work/school to get ready and check off things from my To-Do List before heading over to the temple for a practice/performance. The first few days had wore me out. I'd find myself getting agitated with what little time I had to study, clean my room and even put my clothes in the dirty clothes hamper. Besides the lack of sleep, a few very unexpected events happened, and I was faced with some very difficult trials that seemed very heavy to carry.

I'm not writing this for anyone to feel one bit sorry for me, because I don't feel that way at all. I learned something very valuable this past Easter season. One night in particular I was pre-greeting with a fellow cast member, and she started talking about some things that were difficult for her as she made the sacrifice to be there. It hit me at that moment that we all had our own trials and that time was precious to everyone. It was humbling as I looked at my trials, and then to the families with
numerous children, or the newlywed who worked two jobs, or the new mom who just had a baby. I felt like I had it easy.

The point of me sharing that is to express my gratitude for being in the pageant. I realized that all who were there each and every night had chosen to be there. We chose to sacrifice our time and our energy to bear our testimonies of the Savior through acting, dancing, and singing. We put our lives on hold for two months for such an amazing missionary experience. I've had impressions, and felt things that will have a lasting effect on me. The Spirit was so strong, and I know that everyone who
attended felt it, whether or not they knew what it was. What a marvelous thing to me to be able to share my love and gratitude for my Savior, Jesus Christ, through dancing. I have danced for years and participated in many different programs. I get sick with nerves and anxiety before I perform, despite the years of experience, but every night at the pageant was calming to me. I didn't feel nervous once. I knew it was the Spirit that was there, helping us to share the message to the thousands that attended.

I was blessed with the opportunity of my extended family being there. Some were here on vacation from out of state, but made tim
e in their schedules to come. I know that it was mainly to support me since they had never seen me perform; but I also knew that just by them being there- for whatever reason- they would feel the Spirit. To add, they are non-members. After the performance, I went out to talk with them and see what they thought. They gave very positive feedback about what they liked and what impressed them. Someone very dear to me had grown up a member, but had grown apart from the church through the years. They came to the pageant, and when I asked what their favorite part was they responded that they liked the part where Christ was on the cross. I asked why and they said it was very powerful, and even though they didn't voice it, I could see in their eyes that it had affected them. To see my dear friends and family respond to it in that way made the sacrifice to be there all worth it. If all it did was to awake their hearts and minds to the feelings of the Spirit proved to me that what I was doing was right. The last week or so didn't become less busier or stressful, but I was able to push on with new strength.

We had chosen that good part. I could go on and on with memories and experiences from this past Easter season, and even more that don't revolve around the pageant. However, my message to each and every one of us to reflect on our lives as it is happening around us. Ask ourselves: Am I choosing that good part, daily? Am I putting my time and energy into something that will make me a better me such as diligent scripture study? Am I serving those in need, being a friend to those who don't have many, or being and example to those who just don't know? I want my answer to be that I am choosing the good part, I am diligently reading my scriptures and reaching out to those who just need a hand. By doing this, I know that we can all become closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. In all the commotion of our busy lives, He is there to lead and guide us. When things get tough or you feel alone, know that He is there. In Matthew 11:28-30 He speaks "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Ta
ke my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light". We can make the necessary changes in our lives, and know that what we are doing is right. He will never turn his back on us. It is my testimony and prayer that He lives, Amen.






Monday, April 14, 2008

Camping Season has begun...

I recently went camping this weekend with a few of the best people I know. Me and a friend had been planning the trip for about a month now, and we were going to the location I grew up camping = White River. We didn't want to stay only one night, since it was a 3 1/2 hour drive. I've come to realize that people don't camp much these days. When telling people we were camping for 3 days they were astounded- What are you going to do for THREE whole days?! My question is- What NOT are you going to do? No cell phone, work, school or stress. What is better than that? Yes. Luckily my great friend B-rad is as passionate about camping as I am.

The group we had together was a fun one, about 8 people. Two weeks before the date to leave we added even two more. This was going to be spectacular, and a great start to a season full of camping. The week before we were supposed to go, a few people backed out. The week OF the trip, a couple more backed out. We were down to 4 lucky souls. Brad, Matt, Lisa and myself. Lesson learned= you can't really rely on people. Lesson already learned= our group was amazing!! We had experienced California in September of 07, and knew we had a heck of a time together. Despite our original game plan... this new one worked out rather nicely.


Since I wanted to be there at least 3 days, Brad and I headed up early Friday morning. We reached our designated spot after only a few "scenic detours". Once we were on the right road, we had almost crossed the bridge to our campground when a squirrel darted across the dirt road. Brad slammed on his brakes, and pulled out his 40. Yes, more target practice. BAM. His aim is really good. After a few camera shots, we were on our way again.

We set up camp rather quickly and to our luck there was only one other group of campers up the river from us. We had nature to ourselves the WHOLE weekend. We spent the last couple hours of daylight fishing, which brought no reward besides some friendly bonding time. It started getting dark, and the temperatures were dropping rapidly. I grew up in the desert part of Arizona, so me and the cold don't get along. A fire was quickly made and my hands and toes were happy. . . momentarily. As Brad and I were enjoying the nature and getting ready for our friends to join us, Lisa and Matt had departed and were on their way to meet us. They left at 6:30 that night, expecting to meet up with us no later than 10. So when 10 came around, we were excited to see our friends. Time went by, the weather got colder, and we got sleepy. Midnight struck and we were faced with two choices:
1) Go look for them, resulting in the possibility of their finding our camp spot and not knowing its ours.
2) Get some sleep. If they find us, it will be a lot later. If they don't find us, they will find somewhere to sleep overnight and we will find them easier in the daylight.

We chose option number 2. As soon as we got on the road, we found them!! Woohoo. Party time.


The next day was filled will more unsuccessful fishing. I don't get why those dang fish aren't
smarter and know to bite worms that are generously put in the water for them, unable to get away. However, that afternoon, as I was about to lay my head down for a nap, Matt decided to entertain us. He has a friend that can do standing back tucks. Matt can do back flips, so he figured he'd be able to perform one of these tricks just as simply. He asked Lisa to spot him. . . she's never spotted before. Brad pulls out his camera, wanting to capture this moment on film. Here he goes. 1. . . 2. . . 3. . FLip. . . bam. Awww choot. I am almost positive you are supposed to land on your feet, but Matt decided to land on his face. I knew it, I envisioned that happening before he did it. I thought- Great, I've been to the ER in Show Low twice before, now we're making it a third! Brad and I came to the conclusion that guys and girls think completely differently about the same situation. My thoughts before Matt flipped - Landing on his face. Or his neck, possibly breaking it and being paralyzed, or worse. . . Brad's thoughts- Sweet he's gonna flip and totally land it. If he can do it standing, lets see him do it off the tailgate of my truck. We've changed the story a little bit. From the video, its obvious Lisa was just trying out her kung fu moves on Matt and totally flipped him over onto his face. Lisa should be given her blackbelt by now.


We went fishing up at Hawley Lake later that evening with the last few hours of day light. It was chilly, and there was still snow patches around the lake. Unsuccessful fishing once again. Between Lisa trying to throw Matt in the snow and Brad and I catching lady bugs and crawdads, we made the most of it. As we walked around the lake- which was beautiful by the way- we saw a guy and his dad with like 10 fish they caught. In the same location as us! What were we doing wrong. . .
That last night was filled with laughter, random thoughts, spaghetti, stale s'mores, Sobe bombs and cold toes. Turned out to be mighty fine. Once again, the four of us had one spectacular trip!


Friday, April 4, 2008

The Garden

I just want to take a moment and brag about how I have one of the COOLEST and most amazing friends in the world!! He is Terrific with a capital T. A few months ago he planted me a garden, and it is making some sweet progress! The garden consists of: pumpkins, watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, carrots and bell pepper. Whoa, did I leave anything out? I guess the question is what NOT did he plant? So I have taken pictures of this beautiful garden in progress. Twice. The first shoot was on the day of March 10, 2008. About 3 weeks after it was planted. Note that each plant looks the same here. The seedlings don't really differ except in size. Exciting, but just wait. Here are a few shots. . .

This one to the right is the whole garden. From the front its the pumpkin, and going back it follows the list I made in the first paragraph. These are just the first sprouts, and I felt like a proud parent! I had done something right, and they were growing strong :)





These are the beginnings of the tomato plants. They didn't start out as seeds from the time he planted them. They were a few inches smaller than they are in this picture. It is 3 different types of tomato plants, I only know the far right one is a cherry tomato plant and the far left one is called Beefy tomato or something like that. Supposedly they are very large ones. Ideally used on sandwiches. Yummm....



To the right are the first batch of strawberries that came out. They started coming fast, and there were a lot all over the whole plant. They didn't get very large, not too much bigger than shown in the picture. When they started to color and turn red, I became STOKED. Our very own homegrown strawberries. Double Yummy. As a side note: the first harvest was delicious. After that they just started dwindling down. I'm not sure what went wrong, but we both agreed the taste was better than any other store bought strawberry we've had before. Homegrown = muy bueno.




Now, prepare to see what this garden has become as of this 21st day of April, 2008? Behold. . . The Garden!!! Notice how the pumpkin plants are trying to overtake the rest of the garden. We ended up having to improvise a fence so they didn't mix with the watermelon or cantaloupe. My pride rests with the pumpkins and the tomatoes. Also notice them in the far back, they've grown quite a bit! Its like they are on Viagra, er. . . I mean Miracle Grow. We pollenated the pumpkins by hand. There is a male flower and a female flower. The female flower has the fruit behind it, and it blooms for only one day, so you have to keep your eyes peeled. Otherwise you lose them. The female flower has pollen stems inside in a circular pattern. The male flower has a single pollen stem. I'm sure you can guess how this process would be done. . .





Here is one of the pumpkins (right). This made me very happy to see. They are growing really fast. The fruit is only about the size of a marble before you pollenate it, and its gotten this big in just a couple days! The tomatoes are kicking butt. Here are the beefy ones (left). And below are the cherry ones. Eventually they will turn red. Voila! Then they will be ready to eat :)

So, I guess you could say my dear, dear friend is pretty cool! I know everyone wishes they had as cool a friend as I've got, but you'll just have to find your own cool friend. There's a lot out there. Don't worry, you'll find a cool one soon enough :)