Blessings in Disguise are for our Inner Eyes

I'm feeling a bit of an inward struggle.

This blog has documented a lot of my life for the past couple of years.  I like it, and blogging is great, but I kind of want it to grow up.  I almost want to cringe and delete posts of nothing, but then wonder what I'd be left with.  This is a part of my life, and that's kind of hard to delete.

I've come to a few self-realizations lately; about life, myself, and the interplay of it all.  Some of my learning has been this:

-Life events can be seen as great, terrific, horrific, and anywhere in between.  Doesn't matter what they are, what's hard for you can be easy for the one next to you.
-We have the choice to be happy.  Once you choose it, everything else becomes better, instantly.
-You cannot do all you are meant to if you are not who you are supposed to be.
-Even if you cannot see it, what's happening to you now, good or bad can be overcome and made better.  Things you never would have considered as blessings may just be hidden from our inner eyes.

I'm not sure if this is a final post or not.  If I want to create an entire other site for the next part of my life.  Not to say I have any announcements to make, but I can feel an inward shift, and I think it is time to leave this behind.  It's not a bad thing to do; seasons of our lives come and go, and if they've served their purpose, it is best to close them up and walk away, facing forward looking for the next adventure set.  So, if this is my final post, I'll leave you with this:

Remember who you are.  If you don't know who that is- go find them, and become them.  You have the power to change the world if you can find the power and ability to change yourself.

If this isn't my last post; I'll see you 'round the corner. :)  Til then,

Love, Me.

Announcements (No, not the kind you're thinking of)

Every once in a while I find myself sitting at my desk trying to do homework, but alas, 'tis to no avail.  It's usually those times when I either go looking for a snack, waste time on my computer, stare at my planner indefinitely, daydream, or blog.  Occasionally I do more than one at a time.

Tonight's random mumble of words comes from something I call Serendipity, which as shared by Cupcake is "finding something good without looking for it".  This can be in convincing your teacher to make your in-class midterm a take home due by the end of Friday, in walking barefoot in the drizzle of rain, or discovering yourself suddenly in the midst of love.  All very good things.

I've learned something in the past few weeks.  About love, and hardship, trust, honesty, hate, dedication, homework, and trials.  My status on Facebook last week read:

"This Week, conquered:
-9 papers, six due Tuesday.
-2 tests, because I decided to wait til Monday for the last one.
-350 pages of reading
-2 class presentation competitions
-Emotional days
and organizing Visiting Teaching. What now. I can do hard things.

All with less than 20 hours of sleep for the week. Yeah baby! It can only get better with General Conference this weekend!!! :)"

Yes, it is true.  Last week was one that I had serious doubts about surviving, but after Monday and all its hardships conquered, I realized I could do it, and the rest of the week, though hard, was bearable.  I'm realizing with each passing week that, yes last week was hard, but this next week is what's really going to be a challenge.

You know, I got on here with a specific purpose, but I can't remember for the life of me what that was.

Oh yes. Now I remember. General Conference was amazing, and the talks were centered very carefully around the questions and concerns I've had.  A lot about families, overcoming trials, and staying converted.  It will be great.  Also, this conference was monumental with the announcement that President Monson gave in the Saturday Morning Session about missionary work - young men can serve missions at 18 and young women at 19 if they so desire!!!!!!!!!!!  This is incredible!!! Usually, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints send young men out at the age of 19 and young women at 21 to be missionaries that spread the gospel and Christlike love and service to the world.  This OPTION is in hopes of bringing more people to the true knowledge of Christ and to help them know that He lives and is an influence in our lives.  This announcement will not only allow many more individuals to serve, but more to serve together.  I admit, while everyone is talking about RM (Returned Missionaries) dating experiences, changes in families, in school decisions, in life really, my first thought was - "Now boyfriends and girlfriends can serve at about the same time".  Crazy, huh?

With this great announcement, and the fact that I'm 20 and therefore "eligible", I had some thinking to do.  It took me about 10 slack-jawed, smile-starting seconds of my life to let this sink in, and while the second phase of excitement and implications set in, I considered it.  I haven't been planning on serving, what with Keys coming back in less than 9 months, and I'm in school, and have the calling and blessing of being Relief Society President.  That, and other reasons (aka boys).  Though I would confirm this a few days later in the temple as a request rather than question, my answer is still the same, and my decision firm.  I don't know why I need to announce it to the world, but just so you know, I'm not planning on serving a mission at this time.  In communicating, I made it clear that if it was His will that I would go, but if it was okay if I continued with my plans, would that be okay? - The answer was yes, and unless I get the huge urge to go, I'll wait until I can serve abroad with my husband.  I figure I can do a lot of good here, and someone needs to be around to date the poor boys with half of their dating prospects on missions. ;)

Kidding.

Mostly.  Anyway.  Life is busy, to the extreme.  Life is good.  Hard.  Tiring.  But, as I'm finding out- doable. For now, I'm going to bed.  Sweet dreams, world of wonder,

Love, Me.

To those from 9/11 eleven years ago...

We remember.  Solemn minds.

We salute.       Steady hands.

We love.             Full hearts.

We thank.         Whole voice.

We pledge.            Our lives.

To you.

Love, Me.

It's Been Seven Years

Well, I wouldn't normally be posting frequently as I have been except for the fact that there are always anomalies in the universe, or events that would logically be the catalyst for me sitting here and typing about it.  Right now is something that I post about every year on or around the anniversary of a special time for me, which conveniently is today.

It's been seven years today.

I can't even hardly say it, it's so astounding to me- both that it's been so long and yet, not that long ago. I've blogged about it here and here, but in case you are not one of those people to click links, I'll tell you a bit.

Seven years ago I was so sick and dehydrated that my amazing doctor couldn't get a blood pressure from me.  A half hour later at Utah Valley Hospital, the nurses were changing shifts and trying to find ANY vein to get an IV in.  One finally got in my left hand, but unfortunately (but actually, fortunately) I wasn't having a diabetic reaction, so the insulin they gave me wasn't that good.  The line in my right arm got pulled out by accident when the nurse's glove got taped down and she turned to get something.  She almost cried.

I remember getting in a wheelchair, and into a bed.  Suddenly I remember being in another room, a bigger one right next to the nurse's station.  A higher intensive care room.  I remember chest pain, or, at least, that's what I remember from what my mom tells me.  Results from a heart monitor showed something similar to a heart attack, which the cardiologist who happened to be there at 10:00 that night (on the one night a week she went to UVRMC) was able to diagnose and order the Life Flight team to take me to Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake.  All I could think was, "If this is my appendix like someone said 10 minutes ago, why can't they take it out here?  Heart Buddy (my best friend growing up) had to be life flighted, too, for her heart..." I can't even begin to imagine the devastating horror my parents must have been experiencing at this time, watching 15 doctors and nurses rush in and out of my room, tension rising by the second with each new failure we encountered.

That ride was by far the loudest and most painful ride I have yet encountered in my life.  But, another small miracle; the medicine I was given to make me sleep didn't take effect until after I had been in the Emergency Room in Salt Lake.  Normally out after 10-15 seconds, I lasted for about 15 minutes, a miracle we were told by the Life Flight nurse kept me alive.  I am forever indebted to her and the rest of the incredible (though  incredible is not quite appropriate enough a word) individuals who worked with everything they had to keep me alive.  And I don't even know her name to thank her.

Cardiac arrest is an interesting phenomenon.  Though in itself it is relatively painless, the events leading up and following were excruciating.  I awoke several times to doctors shouting my name, and an electrifying, screaming bolt of electricity would course through my body making it jump several inches off the table.  I would start running through the routine that they'd know I knew who I was still; "My name is Jenna King, I am 13 years old, I go to Dixon Middle School, my parents are Carson and...Susan..King, I-" and then my heart would stop again.  Sometimes when I woke up I would feel bad for causing so much trouble, and an "I'm sorry" would whimper out.  But mostly I said it hoping they'd get the hint.  I just wanted someone to say they were sorry for me.

Eventually unconsciousness took over and the next few days on life support are a blur to me, thanks to the medication.  Time was irrelevant, painfully long and yet preciously short as results would come back progressively worse with each one.  A ventilator took over breathing, since I wasn't doing it on my own.  A pacemaker so they didn't have to have to use the defibrillator would shock my heart every time it would stop (scar on my neck). What felt like millions of lines and devices plugged all over my body, and daily X-rays to show that my heart was twice the size it should have been.  Echocardiograms, EKG's, tests, saline, suction, imminent surgeries, worry.....and about a 10-17% estimated chance of surviving through one more night.

Then comes the time where you have done literally everything you can do, you have worked your hardest, tried all of your options, and you reach the end of your line, and have to sink down with your head in your hands, and painfully, tearfully admit that you cannot do anything else, and your best has not been sufficient.  In that moment, you are the blessed individual to experience the Atonement in your life as Heavenly Father steps in and figuratively parts the Red Sea - does the impossible.  He held my life in suspense, hovering just barely above the "line" where I would have to have surgery, or wouldn't make it.  Then, through the faith and prayers and fasting and tears of so many individuals, and His miraculous love and mercy, He blessed and allowed me to get better.

13 days after I entered, I was wheeled out of Primary Children's with astounding progress.  True, my heart was still swollen and leaking badly, my arms were bruised green and purple and red all up and down from the IV's, I was 5'8" (current height) and weighed 122 lbs, I couldn't walk far without needing a rest, but I was alive.  This trial that came to me and influenced myself and my family in the form of a virus called Myocarditis has shaped me and given me direction and a duty to become who I am today.  I suppose with this amazing experience that happened to me, I pledged my life to be someone who did things for other people and gave of myself not just because it was a good thing to do, but it was the right thing for me to do.  Sort of like a mission or calling or contract I have, to do and be an agent in the Lord's hands.  The conditions to continue living required I hand my plans over to the Lord and continue with His approvals, and make changes as He makes notes in my "Life Planner". It has resulted in a major change (haha) - from Music Ed, though helpful and satisfying I'm sure it could have been, to Family Studies at BYU.  To let go of some dreams and find place for others.  To learn that I loved taking care of and serving others more than anything else.  To direct my focus on Him.




It's been a long road.  So many things have happened and changed -of which I am grateful for- and in many ways I have grown.  Too many to be named here.  Also, not everyone's story turns out like mine.  Sometimes we give all we can, and the Lord still says, "Not this time".  Your faith might be stronger than mine.  Your circumstances and needs greater, and yet, for a test of your faith, you hear "Not yet".  My question for you is- can you still stand strong and resolute as if you had received a "Yes"?

This hasn't been the most detailed version of the experience I've told, but for today, I've shared what I deemed necessary.  Just letting the world know that I have risen from an event seven years ago that had the great potential to stop me in my tracks.  But of course, I'm stubborn and strong willed, but most of all extremely blessed.  Now I just hope that with this, I'm doing what I should be.  It's been seven years, and a great journey, for sure, filled with light, learning, laughter, love, music, joy, pain, sorrow, disappointment, happiness, gratitude, and more.  I'm glad He's in charge.

Love, Me.

Ps. School's started this week. I'm a Junior. Homework's crazy. But hopefully, it'll be good.

Yeah, it will be. :)

Lessons I Learned While Sailing...

So a few nights ago for a ward activity we went sailing on Utah Lake in Provo.  At first there was pretty much no wind, hardly a breeze, so we paddled around and splashed each other to our hearts content, came back to shore to dock and have treats (Happy birthday, Brave), then all got excited when we saw some of our group out on the water - Sailing.  Not just floating around, but real life, honest to goodness, caught a breeze and they were sailing.

So I jumped into a boat with two others (Captain and Length) and we were off, first going around the little harbor and getting the hang of the controls.  Captain was at the bow, directing the sails and pretty much being a captain, Length was in the middle counterbalancing our weight and using the paddle when needed, and doing whatever else was needed, and I was steering at the stern.  I'm not sure what the right word is that I'm looking for here, but I think it was giddily we made our way out of the smaller area into another harbor about twice its size.

Lesson #1) We get excited once we get the hang of things and want to do them more, in larger areas.  Doesn't matter if we're really good or still learning, we want to know more.

The wind really kicked up out here, and a few "woo-hoo's" and "Man this is great, I LOVE sailing!'s" later, we decided that we wanted to and were ready to go out farther.

I'm going to pause telling this story and give another personal insight here, you can call it Lesson #2 or Mistake #1 or leave it be, whichever is fine with me.  But although we had the "hang of things", we obviously weren't ready for this, but lack of experience didn't seem to matter to us, as our desires took over and we just wanted to do this, so we did.  I've found that happens a lot in life, sadly to me as well as others.  I'll just want to stay up late, or keep playing, and sometimes ignore that small, quiet voice that has more knowledge than I'll ever have saying that I shouldn't do it.  Sometimes the consequences aren't as bad, like being tired the next day or getting to play longer, but having to work on homework longer into the night, but sometimes the consequences can actually be bad - really bad.  If you go to far into something you shouldn't, you hold your breath longer than healthy, you wear clothing "just on the edge" a little too often....and you find yourself beyond the safety of the harbor, and deeper in waves.

Which is exactly where we found ourselves.  It was fun at first (Okay, I'll admit. It was amazing and full of adventure the whole time for me), but then the wind picked up and we sailed farther out than we had anticipated, and in a small, strange moment, I looked around and noticed we were the only ones out on the lake.  Where there had been several other boats out, (and then I did notice two other boats across the lake, but they were by the shore), suddenly however, we were alone. That's when that little voice started a few thoughts and "lightbulb moments" in my head and that voice of concern piped up again.  The thought, "The experienced boaters (who surely would be capable out here) have gone into the safety of the harbor, because they know what's right and safe, and don't want to play with this...maybe we should too."  But the water which lapped up and down and created the illusion of the ground being alive was exciting to me, and the sun was setting behind the mountain across the lake, and I thought, "Man this is beautiful.  I love it out here, this is new and exciting...and so fun."  Then we saw another sailboat from our group venturing out towards us, and after a few moments, tipped and capsized.  We took down our sail, paddled over to them (it took a while), and helped them get their sail up again (after they flipped their boat right-side up), and then decided, maybe we should go back now.  Only, we couldn't.

Now, by this point, we'd already had two men on seadoos come and ask if we needed any help (quite honestly, I wasn't sure how they would be able to tow us, which shows how much I know), a few motorboats had come by (One asking "Do you need assistance?" - which was obviously not a question, but an expert's eye saying we needed some, but being respectful of the pride aboard our little boat, offered it with the slight chance that we could get to shore ourselves. We're independent, see.) But of course, we would say back that thank you, but we were fine, and keep trying to figure out what we were doing and how to get back without tipping ourselves out in the boisterous waves.

This reminded me of a couple of stories. One of the man who heard a flood was coming, knelt down to pray that he would be saved, and then ignored the offers from his neighbors to come away with him, as well as the lifeboats sent out in the storm, and the helicopter when he was on his roof.  Come to find out (after he had died) that those people had been sent by the Lord to save him, he just didn't recognize it.  Now, thankfully we didn't die. But really, we should have taken the first offer for help, pride or no pride, experience or no experience.  Stupid, stubborn independent young adults.

The second story is one that we've heard a couple of times, most recently heard by my Bishop in church.  He  described three types of boats to us- 

The first a sailboat that goes out in fair weather but comes in when it gets rough. And if you notice, when you look up "sailboat" on Google Images, the only pictures you see are sunny, calm ones. 

The second a loading barge (the official name escapes me) that can carry thousands of pounds of goods from place to place, but it has to be towed around to do it. 


The third and final boat - a Coastguard Cutter. These solid, massive boats go out whenever needed, even or especially in tempestuous waves and the blackest of conditions at night, and save whoever needs saving.  Now the analogy and question - what kind of boat are we, and what kind should we be?  The Sailboat is someone who goes out and does good when the weather (timing) is right for them, but as soon as it gets hard they come back in.  The barge has to be pushed and pulled to do anything.  But the Coastguard Cutter leaps into action whenever needed.  I have wanted to be a Coastguard Cutter.  I want to be the kind of person described as Nephi - going and doing, even when it was hard.  Especially when it was hard.  Someone to be counted on, that you know will do what's right in the face of whatever they are presented with, not just because it was their duty, but their honor: it's who they are.  

And I let myself, and everyone I was with, down.

There's some words I can feel the taste of as I relate this story.  Defeat.  Distaste.  Guilt.  Disappointment.  Sorrow.  Hardest of all is knowing I did not do my duty, in the time of action when it was needed most, I did not do it, and the disappointment must be pretty hard to match on both sides.

Back to the story.  We'd taken our sail down and had tried to bring it back up again.  The wind was blowing angrily in our faces, the waves gathering and pushing us farther from shore.  Our best hope, we decided was to turn into the wind so that our sail wouldn't carry us away, and keep pushing forward.  These thoughts kept going through my mind that I've explained, and every now and then I'd sneak a peek at the sun setting behind the mountain.  I knew it was close to 8, when we were supposed to be done, and we were still struggling to make it back.  Still, amazingly, our spirits weren't dampened (though our physical attire certainly was), and though the earlier 'excitement' we had felt was diminishing, I personally wasn't afraid.  Let me explain that.  There are certain levels of fear you can experience - butterflies with a crush or getting up to speak in front of people, alarm/startled surprise when someone scares you, worry, tenseness, concern, heart pounding/cold hands/dry mouth/heart-in-your-stomach feelings, and utter and complete fear where you are scared for safety and you can't think straight.  I wasn't that last one, although unfortunately, I have learned that there were some that were experiencing that, to whom I am deeply and terribly sorry.  I knew we weren't "safe", but somehow I was calm and felt like everything would be okay.

Eventually we saw the sail of the instructor, as he came out to try and help steer us back.  However, no matter how much we tried, we didn't, and finally he called to us, "You are making no progress; get them to tow you!"  Yep, we agreed.  We definitely need help. So our kind saviors tossed us a line to our dinghy as they said and towed us back, where we met the worried faces of those who stayed from our group.

A few more lessons and insights, in order as they come.

3) We may know a lot, but we often don't know enough.

4) There are many times in our life where we venture out past the safety of the harbor, so to speak.  We ignore that thought that enters in and says it's not safe, and do what we want, assuming we are completely capable.   When in fact we aren't, stubborn pride keeps us going when we would be better off coming in.

5) There are more chances to come back than we know.  The first option is ours when we make decisions, and it surprises me how quickly the others can come.  Those men on the seadoos were our second warning flag/chance, just like the man in the story who prayed to be saved from the flood, but was blind to the chances given him.  

6) We should have gone back. We should have gone back.  Just like sin in our life, we shouldn't have gone in the first place, no matter what experiences we thought we could have had or things to have learned, the venture shouldn't have been made in the first place.  But even when we're "lost", there are plenty of opportunities to turn back....and we could get out of our situation faster.  True, there will likely be consequences when we do, but they seem to become more severe the longer we stay.

7) Bad things can happen, even to those who are "innocent".  Our friends likely didn't know either that it was so dangerous, or that they would lose control and flip.  Like anyone else, they probably thought they were fine, that they were strong enough, they wouldn't give in........but like everyone else....they fell.  Even the strongest man will weaken when beaten upon, if he is not standing where he is supposed to.

8) You may just be going "a little ways in", but soon you will find yourself surrounded by whatever you have entered, to the next degree.  You will.  Unless you turn a full 180* and flee without looking back, like Joseph of Egypt, you will be caught, and find yourself surrounded by either literal or metaphorical waves that are trying their best to toss you off your feet.

9) The clutches of the world can be quick and grip you fast.  And man, you can be enjoying yourself and where you're at before you realize it. 

10) It looks calm and appealing and doable and safe from anywhere of 100-1 foot away.  It's a trap.  It is tempting on purpose, and there are railings, rules and guidelines For A Reason!!

11) You really are happiest living within the rules and guidelines set up by those leaders who have experience.  I've "tried it" - you sail out where it looks fun, (ex. some may go out late, or wear clothing very close to a fine line), but you get there and realize......it's not.  It's dangerous.  You aren't You.  And you may not be able to get out of the grip of this vice on your own.

12) There are saviors in this life.  Our own that night on the boat with the capable motor that enabled them not only to help themselves, but rescue those who need it.  They exemplify the great Savior who atoned for our sins and allowed the way for us to heal, repent and return to our Father in Heaven.  He is the one who comes and reaches for us and saves us from where we are, and brings us back to safe

13) Sometimes you need to save without asking permission.  Pull people out of their lost state, back to the harbor and take care of their needs because you know they need it.  I'm not saying to do this every time, but only the times when you KNOW they are drowning and need your help.  We weren't physically drowning- yet.  But a few moments longer and the sun would have been down, and we would have been in very much trouble.

14) We often do not realize how much our actions - how we live "our life" - affects and effects others.  I still feel deep anguish and guilt for what this little "adventure" cost some of the people whom I admire and look up to.  I'm sorry.

15) I don't want to say this last one lightly, but hope you can feel the humble sincerity in this - We are human, and as humans will make mistakes.  Some greater than others.  Some longer lasting.  But gratefully - mercifully - there is a way to repent and turn back from our mistakes, and become better people, with knowledge from what we learned.  Sadly, we could have become greater without having to have that extra knowledge, sometimes.  But we keep trying.

There are many more lessons I am continuing to learn as I contemplate this experience and realize the parallels it has with other experiences in my life.  From such a great experience - and great has so many different meanings it can take - has sown many opportunities for me to learn and grow, and hopefully become a better person more capable of helping others.  Though it was incredibly exciting, and I have learned a lot, I am only beginning to realize the important lessons that were amazingly evident in this escapade.  I do not wish to describe it lightly, for certainly I can see it was not something to trifle with. Nor do I try to portray it as only a horrible, near-death experience.  My heartfelt desire is to share this with you, in hopes of conveying my uttermost sadness and guilt for forgetting for a moment who I was and what I should be doing, and trading it for "freedom and fun"...I don't think it was really worth it.  I hope that you can relate and gain knowledge and insight in your own life through reading this insanely long post, so you may be a better person, more able to help others.

More like a Coastguard, and not a stranded Sailboat in life.  But know, if you are the Sailboat....help is coming.  Open your eyes and look for it.  Help is there.

Love, Me.

Buckle up, get set, go!

Sometimes when you get on here, it's because you have something on your mind and you just need to spit it out so that it can be sorted and understood a little better. Occasionally there's a story to be told, or an event that needs mentioning.

This time, I don't know why I'm on here, other than just for the joy of blogging.

I did apply for a job as a receptionist at BYU today, in the Ancient Scripture department. We'll see how that goes. :)  I helped "cater" a wedding last Saturday, from 10:30am-10:30pm, with a 3 hour break at three when I got to go to the Mt. Timpanogos Temple.  I absolutely love it there. The peace that's in there...mmm. I've missed it.  Working was fun, too, I was surprised. I kind of like manual labor, as weird as that sounds. Any work can be good, but this was fun. I got there, had some instructions, then they said, "Okay, you're in charge now", and I was...and it was great! I did start to get tired at about 8:30 that evening...and it would have helped to have another worker, but what we had worked well. I have to admit, although humbly, that I think I surprised people there. They thought I was older, so awesome for helping even though I wasn't related (although I did get paid, so it was kind of nice that way, haha), and was surprised that I had been there since that morning and was still going strong and knew where everything went...honestly...I think it was because I enjoyed what I was doing, and had been to the temple.  Whatever reason, it was a good experience.

So, yeah. This is a weird post, but it matches me.  I'm meeting new friends, keeping up with old ones, and having a good time in between. Life is crazy, life is busy, life is good, life is...life.

School starts in 3 weeks.  I'm kind of excited and mostly not ready for summer to be over. I like my summers. :)

Anyhow, there's my update. Ciao,

Love, Me.

Countdowns of Excitement

My Twin comes home in two days. Two years nearly conquered with the exception of two days. I am SO EXCITED!!! He'll be in the states on the 24th, and fly into Utah the evening of Sunday the 11th.  I want to laugh and cry and jump and dance and tell all the world- My Twin is coming home!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Yep. That guy. :)

Also, for anyone wondering, since it's so close to the actual day, there are ten months and three days til Keys gets home.

That guy. Of whom Twin is also in the picture with. ;)

Also, five months and three days until Christmas,
One month and five days until school starts again, :-/
Four days until the combined Single's Stake Swim Party at the Scera where I will party with these guys:

Cupcake and I at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple

Group date- Messy Twister in the Park!

Me and Brave

Superhero Presidency!!!

...and more. Excited some? Yes I am.

Oh! Ps. Dad taught me how to drive a motorcycle when we were recently in Idaho.  I like it.

Not in motion...but then the camera wouldn't have been able to focus. ;)

See you soon....

Love, Me.

The Kingdom

Once upon a time there was a Kingdom far away. Every child had heard of it before they could talk. Every child dreamed of it before they could walk. The stories told about it created pictures full of wonder and excitement.  Streets paved with gold, water so sweet it glistened in the sun and made you feel lighter, fruit so whole and healthy you only had to take a large basket to get a single bushel of grapes. 

One little girl dreamed of traveling there one day and meeting the kings and queens and rulers of might said to live there. She had no crown upon her head.  No grand rug beneath her feet. Yet she hoped and wished with all she had that some day, she would be considered a princess and could enter.  She worked with all her might, cleaning the dust off of travelor's shoes, mending holes in jackets, saving pennies in hopes of acquiring enough money to pay her passage into The Kingdom.

The girl grew.  She saved all she could, often going without meals to have another coin to add to her purse.   Slowly, surely, her saving grew, and she herself grew taller and even more beautiful.  Finally, she had what she felt to be enough.  She sold her small home, packed a satchel with her few belongings, and readied herself for the morning. 

Waking, she ate a small breakfast, scrubbed her face in the icy water from a morning water barrel, set her face to the East, and began walking.  It wasn't before long that she came across a woman and her children struggling to pull a cart full of meager belongings, slowly working their way across the beaten road.  The girl came up and grabbed hold of a side of the small cart, steadied it, and with a warm smile, began to help pull.

The mother smiled gratefully, and the children chattered playfully as the two women pulled side by side.  The mother sold bread and washed laundry, and had to work hard to get by.  The girl told how she was seeking The Kingdom, and they all marvelled at the glory surely to come.  At a crossroad, the girl stopped, pulled out some coins and slipped them into the young mother's hand. 

"Take this, for your need is greater than mine", she said.

With hearts full they clasped each other, and continued on their ways.

A child ran back with a small red scarf.  "Momma says this's fo' you.  Remember your love".  The Girl wrapped it around her neck, scooped the child in her arms, and gave her a coin. "Many thanks to your mother", and the child ran back.

Soon the Girl came upon an old man, stooped with age and weathered by years working in the sun.  She ran to him, and supported him on her arm.  They talked, and he told her how he was a woodsman, and could carve anything, anything at all.  The girl laughed and told him how she was on her way to The Kingdom, to meet a king just like him.  The man smiled and said, "Oh, I am no king. But let me make something for you".  And he whittled and carved, and soon handed a small life-like horse to her.  "Remember your strength".  She gratefully hugged him, slipped him some coins, and they parted ways.

The Girl kept traveling.  She crossed rivers and pastures, and forests and streams.  Whenever she met someone, they would talk and rejoice in her quest for The Kingdom.  She would give them of her precious coins- her life's work- and continue on her way, her purse getting lighter and lighter.

The Girl often slept under the stars, and listen to the creatures of the earth call to each other- the wolf mournfully to its pack, the owls curiously to each other as they sat in the trees.  She sometimes gave her food to young children she'd see.  Still she searched.  Still she dreamed of the day she would reach The Kingdom, and oh, how she hoped she would still have enough.  Yet each day, her resources grew smaller, and smaller. 

Then came the day that she gave with a smile her last coin to a beggar woman everyone else avoided.  When she turned the corner, she fell to the ground and wept, for she had just given away the last of her money.  How now could she enter the place she had worked for her entire life?  With an unknown strength, and with an imperceptible voice on the wind, she rose, wiped the tears from her face, and walked on the beckoning path.

Finally the day came.  The path grew light in front of her, and her soul grew with joy to hear the wonderful sounds that came from within the gates of The Kingdom.  Tears of joy filled her eyes to have finally arrived, and she quickened her pace.  Then the tears turned to sadness as a man came to the gate.

"Hail, to the approacher of this Gate.  What brings you here?"

Her heart fluttered.  "I Seek The Kingdom."

"Well, you have found it.  What do you bring?"

Her heart dropped, and her eyes filled with sadness.  "I surely cannot come in."

The man looked puzzled.  "And why is that?" "Good sir, I have no money. I cannot afford to come in."

The Man smiled with loving compassion.  "Oh, dear Sister. You have brought more than what money could buy.  Let me see in your bag."  The girl felt a moment of alarm.  That was where she kept her remaining precious belongings.  Still, she reached in and pulled out the contents, starting with the horse, carefully crafted.  "To remember Strength."  A book. "To remember wisdom".  A bell. "To remember beauty and music". A small pressed flower and feather. "Wonder".  A thorn.  "Trials".  Lastly she unwound the scarf from her neck.  "To remember Love".

The Man smiled and opened His arms.
"All of these things have shown me who you are, and are better than any money for things to buy.   And now, one gift from Me".

He pulled out a small piece of looking glass.  "A teardrop from The King's eye, so you may see yourself as He sees you.  Enter, my sister, and friend; you have earned your way.  Take this, and Remember Your Worth".

The girl stepped inside with eyes full of tears of wonder.  The Kingdom, with glittering streets, beautiful flowers, and peace.  She had finally made it.  As she turned, she saw that the man was The King's own Son.  He wrapped her in His arms, and whispered,

"My Sister, Welcome Home".

The End.

Love, Me.

~Dedicated to the One Who Heard it First~

A Personal Post, and "Trust in God."

Some personal thoughts from a friend today.

"Trust in God. Trust_in_God. Let Him be in charge, and direct my life.  He knows. He is the One who times life, allowing things to, and not to, work for our greatest good. Look back and see. See the change in our (my) life. See how things line up.

Let Him be in charge.  Let Him direct my paths.  Things will go better when I do. ;) I may not always get my answer today, tomorrow, or even next week. Sometimes it might even take a year. But it's all in good timing.

We will all experience temptation in our lives. That is a fact. We will want to give in to it. We must not. My strength will come from Not giving in, in standing up, and putting my trust in God.  How much stronger will I be, if I can put my trust always in the Lord."

"Trust in God."


From one of my favorite classes this week....

"YOU'VE got to believe." -Elder Holland

"God answers our prayers. He answers your prayers. So don't you Ever give up." -Elder Richardson

"It's important to learn your lessons on your own, before God has to teach them to you. Because when God has to teach you, it's not very fun." - President Eyring


To Trust in God doesn't mean that I will only have good days, never to feel sad or lonely again.  It is not to suddenly be perfect in all that I do.  It is not to be better than others.  It is to move, and act, to hope and trust, to love and learn, it is to try.  And with some trying comes success, others we view as failure.  But all in good time.  The Lord see's where we are, and where we are going and how to get there.  It is Faith.  The fire that is inside of our souls that pushes us with a desire to know and learn. The source of our strength, the well of which we draw from, the breath that gives us life.  It is faith, love, truth, hope, learning, serving, acting... It is knowledge that we are not alone in this world, and that there is someone out there, with us, helping us as we search for Him.

We don't know everything.  I won't understand everything, and I will struggle and squirm, and try to understand.  Like my friend said, "He [the Lord] fills the void that is in our lives, and makes us better than we ever could become alone."  And for that blessing, I am grateful.  And through the good and the hard days, I will always,

Always,

Trust in God.

Love, Me.

You are Greater than a Sparrow

Recent events have led me to leave my homework, and ponder as I try to sort out my thoughts. Please forgive me as I share some experiences.

Life is interesting. Lift is loving. Life is hard. How can anyone possibly hope to get through life without friends, family, and the gospel?

A couple of days ago I went to visit with a close friend who was recently in an accident. She has a severely broken knee and ankle, and a shattered wrist. As I was sitting there, listening to her as I rubbed her aching skin and muscles with lotion, I could feel her exhaustion coming through with every word and breath she took.  I became again grateful for the use of my legs for everyday activity, and my arms, even though Carpal Tunnel is creeping back in at alarming rates.

That leads me to think more- the other day I was buying some groceries for my mom at Maceys in Provo. Two gallons of milk, and some sour cream. After mastering the self-checkout (yes!), I figured I could just take them out to my car in the hand basket thing I'd got them in.  So I was loading my car with these groceries, and a woman I've never met before approaches me, and asks if I could give her a ride to DI across the street where her car is parked.  She didn't seem like a threat to me, and I figured since I had time that I could, and said yes. She remarked several times during that ride that I was "one of the greenest persons she knew", because I didn't use plastic bags. I remarked that I really didn't have to use them; there were so few groceries, and she still said I was still one of the most economic people she'd met.  I wasn't sure if that was really true, but I thought I'd just smile and leave it alone.  I was comfortable to just listen to her talk, and she seemed to like talking herself, and told me about her daughter and how proud she was of her, and thanked me repeatedly for the ride, saying how the world has seemed to become more closed. She told me how even her daughter, who was once happy and bright towards everyone when she was younger was now becoming more reserved.  She contemplated on how the world is becoming so different, to which I probably murmured some sort of positive response as I tried not to jostle us too much on the road bumps, and thought about how much I'd really like to go around the bumps, and how I didn't like parking lots.  While she was talking, I did a lot of thinking. About what she was saying, and reflected on the world I grew up that has evolved into the one I'm currently living in.  I dropped her off, and after waiting to make sure her car started, drove home up State Street. 

I did a lot of thinking on that trip home.  About that whole experience.  I mean, I'd just given a complete stranger a ride in my car.  And my thoughts on the way home revolved upon that, and how I'd considered her at first as not a threat, and how I'd come to that conclusion in a two-second glance.  I suppose it was my judgment, that she wouldn't hurt me, and...something.  Something told me it would be okay. As she was talking and mentioned her daughter attending Institute and wanting to attend BYU, I suspected she was LDS, although never asked.  Not that it should have made a difference.  Anyhow. There's my experience that I'm not sure should be brought across as a "Good Samaritan", because...I don't know why.

I read three books over the weekend. Different plots, different writers.  None of them terribly thick material, although sometimes it became deep in emotion.  But one in particular is coming to mind, by Anita Stansfield called By Love and Grace.  I'm not going to explain it because it's not pertinent right now.  But it was really, really sad.  Made my heart ache, and caused me to think.  About my reactions, and people's approaches, and life.  That was backwards, I know, forgive me.  Dan Yates wrote Call me Angel which was humerous but made me wish it was more openly LDS.  Also made me think.  The last one, Saving Kristen by Jack Weyland made me reflect on my life, circumstances and career choice.

These books prepared me, but I didn't know how much or quickly they would.  My friends told me things about their lives today, and without losing their confidences, has made me grateful for the things I have, and caused my heart to sorrow.  Sigh. So this is me telling someone about it, without saying anything.

For those who are hurting, I can't tell you enough how sorry I am.  Thank you for sharing.  ...You've led me to think. I'm praying for you.

You know that scripture about how God knows when a sparrow falls? Something so small and common, and yet He is aware of every feeling and fleeting moment in its life. He hears the tiny song it sings, whether impressive or quite common and ordinary.  Though it may not feel particularily special in any way, He loves that sparrow and cares for it in a way only He can.  You, His child, are so incredibly precious to Him; would He not also have great desires about you and your life? Would He perhaps be there, every step of the way, whether you knew it or not?  Caring for you, rejoicing in your triumphs and joys, mourning with your sorrows.  I believe so...for you are greater than a sparrow.

Love, Me.

Music. No, really, MUSIC.

One day I hope to make a music video like this.

Or like this:

Although I don't play cello, so piano and dancing may have to suffice. I'm fine with that. ;)

This one brings me peace:

All three of these help me do my homework and keep my sanity.

I hear songs like these and think, "I can play that. I just need sheet music...."



'Course, my mind is blown for several minutes listening to it. ;)

Others, like this one, make me smile and glad to be here:



Jon Schmidt, Steven Sharp Nelson, and Piano Guys...

...you are my hero's.

Just one more item for my bucket list. Hoo-rah.  ;)

Love, Me.

The most beautiful place on earth...

...and I get to live here for the next few days.

Idaho is amazing. I am absolutely in love with it, and have been since I was born.  I'm up here on the "King Farm" in Moore...a town outside of Arco and Lost River...where the famous King Mountain is that hang-gliders lift off of.  The sunsets are spectacular, the air is clear, the weather wonderful...and up here, you can understand the phrase in America the Beautiful: Amber waves of grain. Truly, beauty in one of it's best forms.

Tuesday I had a neat experience. Backing up, I went to the Single's Branch with three of my boy cousins, and the oldest of the three said he was going to do Baptisms for the Dead with the youth of the Arco ward.  So I got to ride with him, and do some family names, and go inside the Idaho Falls Temple for the first time.  Wow. So beautiful. They're doing construction work outside on the Temple grounds, but I got some good pictures of the Temple itself...and the falls across the street were magnificent.  Tristan said they were especially pretty when they had rocks at the edge of the falls, but still, I thought they were nice.

 

I drove my little brother on the three-wheeler over to the river down the ways, and we waded in it for a while on Monday.  The water was cold...but you didn't notice after a while. ;) We did manage to lose one of his sandals, and despite our best efforts to retrieve it...nada... Oops. :P BUT!!! We went back yesterday, and it had gone down some, and we found it stuck on a piece of wood! Hallelujah! :)

This place has completely taken my heart...I wonder how I'll be able to return to home in Utah on Monday. :-/  I love Orem, and the people and where we live...but I can't seem to get over how this place is.  I've seriously thought about living up here in a few years when I'm older and perhaps out of college...course, I could always transfer to BYU-I. Right? Eh... Not completely sure. I guess I'm just loving this change of pace.  This scenery.  The love of family and friends that is up here.  Something.  Blogger has been frustrating me for the past few minutes, as I've tried to add a few more pictures a few days after I first posted this.  I had things ready, we stopped to get lunch, and I came back and my tumbdrive wasn't working, and my post had been deleted. (Gah!!) Thank goodness for ctrl-Z. :P Anyhow, here's the updated version. :)

...Here's some more pictures.

When Nathan and I went over to the river yesterday, we'd planned on coming home after about an hour. Nice amount of time to get a nice little tan, right? Well, then our family came, and we stayed for another couple of hours. I'd gotten sunscreen on before we went...but you can see how that went. This is how I am now...semi-red on the arms, and red and white on the top. :P

We went out to take some updated pictures for grandma's wall...but the wind was blowing, so we'll probably wait until later tonight. We got these this afternoon.

These are some evening shots of the farm...

This one is my favorite right now. :)

Utah is definitely good. But it's nice to know that I can always call Idaho Home. :)

Love, Me.

Let your light so shine...

Light.

Sol

                        La Luz

Ljus

       Lys                                      

3 Nephi 12:16 and Matthew 5:16- "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Live. Laugh. Learn. Light. Love. :)

Love, Me.

Words from the Heart

                Laugh           Learn
            Love Share    Talk Taste
        See Smile Grow Give  Touch
       Listen Hear Christ Light Dance
       Sing Receive Smell Feel Open
        Discover Express Friendship
          Capture Joy Understand
              Play Live Feel Hug
                   Write Thank
                          Try


Happy Valentine's Day, love you all!!! :)

Love, Me.

Happy Thanksgiving...

I've tried several times to write my feelings down today.  *chuckle* Needless to say, there are several drafts started all over my desk area... I haven't even titled this yet, I guess I'm just waiting for inspiration to come or something. 

I have the blessing of being able to wait.  Not being demanded to do something right now.

I'm listening to Josh Groban right now, and will probably go and play the piano in a minute.  Three of my uncles are here, they came for Thanksgiving Lunch.

I have the blessing of hearing.
I have the blessing of expression of emotion...
I have the blessing of a loving family, most of them close by and all welcoming.
My arms work.

I can remember a time just recently when my arms constantly hurt, frequently to the point of wrapping and icing, and sometimes so badly I couldn't even flex my fingers, let alone open a granola bar wrapper. Yeah, that bad.  My arms work, pain free.

I lost my camera a couple of months ago, so I haven't gone on as many sunset jaunts.  But I do have the ones I took over the summer, and a phone that takes pictures, plus my family has a camera, and, hey- I've got my memory... And eyes to see each one, a warm house to return to when it's cold outside.

Recently a man in my ward died, leaving four young kids and a wife behind.  One of the girls is in nursery, where I'm a leader. She clung to me last week, and wrapped herself around my heart in the process...This is the second father to die in seven months in our ward.

I have a dad...he's healthy, loving, and takes care of me.
I have friends and places to turn to when I can't find my way, am lonely, lost, or hurt...

This morning I took a warm shower with clean, good smelling soaps, and had clean, dry clothes choose from to wear.  I had the ability to flip a light switch with a finger and light up my room.  When I was in the hospital five years ago I had to use both arms and my body strength and strain to flip a switch.

I have a healthy, beating heart.
I had a very nice lunch today, and have food in the fridge if I get hungry.
I have the blessing of taste.
I have the blessing of health.
I have the blessing of healing.

Several friends are on missions right now, and several are receiving calls, and going out to serve...

I have the blessing of the gospel in my life.
I have the Glorious blessing of soon to be eight Temples within an hour drive of my home...
I have the blessing of having my church behind my house, and practically my whole neighborhood active.

The list goes on, as I think of more things I'm grateful for. Contacts, so I can see. Glasses, when I run out of contacts. Contacts to talk to. ;-) (Had to throw in a bit of humor there...)

Really, This whole earth.  Yes, I do have a hard time at school sometimes and the load is stressful at times. But then when it's gone I don't know what to do with myself. Grateful for each end of the spectrum, and the times inbetween, I suppose.

Thank you, Heavenly Father for all the blessings I've received.

Thanks, all, for everything.  For listening to my thoughts when I share them, for laughing at, with, and for me.  For taking care of me.  For letting me take care of you at times, too.  So many of you, (I'd dare say all) have changed my life, and helped me on my way.  Thanks for that.  I hope you all can find things to be grateful and thankful for in every day...

...I will be forever grateful for you all in every one of mine. :)

Love, Me.

Ps...Christmas is in a month. :)

It is...That is, Life...

Grow is the song of the young aspen tree,
Paint is the joy found in art.
Hear is the tune sung in bird's melodies,
Sing is the full body's part.

Learn is the will of a young child's mind,
See is the view of the Mount.
Feel is the sound that the pianist brings,
Peace is the strings of guitar.

Cry is the pain that all tragedy knows,
Laugh is the healing inside.
Know is the look from a wise man's mind,
Care is the hug from mankind.

Run is the release of a child at play,
Walk is the talk of the friend.
Swing is the call of the tree with a rope;
Fly is the song of the heart.

Write is the soul of the woman who thinks,
Show is the meaning of truth.
Smile is the knowledge of some greater meaning,
Love is the meaning of life.

Love, Me.

Guido!!!

Hey, Guido, thanks for "following" me.  It made my day. ;-) And everyone else, as well.  It makes me smile when I see that list...I don't know if that's conceited or not, but there you go. ;-)  Thanks, all. ;-)

Oh, and Kaden...אתה נראה כמו גמל

...I think you can guess what that means. ;)

Ps. everyone else...that's Hebrew. ;)

Love, Me. :)

Look at Your Life...You Can do Miracles

This song makes me purely happy.

Look at Your Life

This particular version with Brian Stokes Mitchell in person....ooooh it gives one reason enough to love baritones.  :)  Yes, he is the one that plays Jethro in The Prince of Egypt, my only regret is not knowing who he was until recently.  I know the site takes a long time to buffer...but it's worth it, I promise.  More than just watching the movie version, although that is a favorite, as well.

Not only do I love this song for the person that sings it, and the way he sings it, (expression!!!) but also for its many messages.  When we think we're above others, worth more than others, step back and humble yourself.  When we have literally nothing, then "there's a lot to go around". ;-) 

Just...share what you've got.  The beautiful and illustrious Katie Jenkins shared this message (and song, for matter) with Concert Choir last year, and her "Motivational" has stuck with me since then.  We may not feel like a big contributor, but no one can sing like you can.  No one can smile with your sparkle.  You are the only one that can be you, and when everyone contributes, you get a picture, a symphony, a masterpiece. :)

Another part of the song I really "heard" recently was- "How can you see what your life is worth? Or where your value lies?...How do you judge what a man is worth?  By what he builds or buys? You can never see through the eyes of man. You must look at your life- Look at your life through Heaven's Eyes".  The world will do it's best to tell you that you're not really good enough, and will tell you what it thinks of you and your worth.  Status is based on the outward and monetary basis only.  You will never feel or be "good enough" in the view of the world.  ...but look for a moment through the eyes of the One who created the Universe...one who Sees....and then, then, you will see the great worth of your life, of yourself. 

The intricacies of messages and life are curious works and wonders.  It's what causes two people to suddenly cross paths again in life at the precise moment it is needed, miraculously in the whole world's life.  Have you ever tried to make something work "just right", just for you?  Let me tell you something, yet again.  The world will not do all it can to help you with your life, let alone a small moment in it.  But, if you step back, think and allow yourself to trust in the Lord, you will see how every single moment in your entire life has been the best, both for you and everyone else in the world.  Promise.  It's amazing...and gives me chills when I start thinking how far back events started moving for my circumstances now.

Along with that...comes this other song I love from the Prince of Egypt.  Side note...if you know me, you know I don't believe in coincidences.  I do, however, firmly believe in a Plan in motion.  I also believe in miracles.  So much.  And the fact that people can try their hardest to take everything you hold most precious and dear, and they will only succeed if you let them.  They can say you are captive, that you will be severely punished unless you follow their laws, but you can still choose to do it or not.  "You can do miracles when you believe. Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill", meaning it's hard to kill the faith.  There's a line where Moses says, "Pharaoh has control over your lives.  With a single word he can take away your lives, your freedom. But there is one thing he cannot take away: Your Faith" (Paraphrased).  Ahh.  That leads to my next favorite song- When You Believe

Concert Choir sang this song this past year, and I must say, it was probably in my top favorite 5 songs that we did.  Some people "got sick" of it, and didn't like it.  I never got sick of it. :)  True, it wasn't perfect.  But, the feelings, the harmonies, the message....ohh.... Perhaps it's just because I love The Prince of Egypt.  It's a possibility......nahhhh.... ;-)  It's all amazing.  Dreamworks did a stellar job on this film, and all other films they do. 

Anyhow, I just wanted to share this.  It's amazing.  The Gospel is amazing.  Life, though difficult...is amazing.

Who knows what miracles we could achieve...if we only believed?

Much love,

Love, Me.

Haiku's can be fun. But sometimes they don't make sense. Refrigerator... ;-)

So...my dad sent these to me.  It's a good thing I wasn't in class when I read them--I snorted right out loud on a couple of them. ;-)



A "paraprosdokian" is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part. It is frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect.
* Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.


* I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.  ehhh....I've heard this one. :-p

* The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.

* Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

* If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.

* We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public.

* War does not determine who is right -- only who is left.

* Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

* The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

* Evening news is where they begin with "Good evening," and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.

* To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.

* A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. My desk is a work station.

* How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

* Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish.

* I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted pay checks.

* A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don't need it.

* Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "If an emergency, notify:" I put "DOCTOR."

* I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.

* Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

* Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America?

* Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.

* A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

* You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.

* The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!

* Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.

* A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.

* Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.

* Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.

* I discovered I scream the same way whether I'm about to be devoured by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot.

* Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.

* There's a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can't get away.

* I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.

* When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.

* You're never too old to learn something stupid.

* Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.

* A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as when you are in it.

* If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people have more than one child?

* Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
 
So, I hope you have a good day.  If you didn't, why not??
 
Don't eat bugs.
 
Love, Me.