"Aren’t we something less than a friend if we have the gospel of Jesus Christ and are unwilling to share it by word and example with a family, a member, neighbor, or the stranger? Aren’t we something less than a friend if we have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and are unwilling to share it?" - Marvin J. Ashton
I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know who I am. I know God's plan. I'll follow him in faith. I believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ. I'll honor his name. I'll do what is right; I'll follow his light. His truth I will proclaim.
All day busy. Running around. Last minute preparations. Organizing. Ah, yes.
I love Summer Reading--and that this year it will be so much more enjoyable!!
Today's Smile: The little boy who asked for book recommendations and enjoyed telling me what he has liked and what he thinks I will like.
Today's Something New: I watched the rest of "Gods and Generals" and all of "Gettysburg" today. So many names floating all over, I wanted to keep them straight. I also wanted to know what was accurate of this movie based on a fictional book based on an actual event. So as generals were named, I looked up information about them. Interesting to see the simple facts given. "Gettysburg" drives home the sorrow of very good friends Armistead and Hancock fighting on opposite sides--on the very same battleground. But seeing some of the facts, there were so many more who faced similar personal struggles and sorrows. It truly was a war of brother against brother, friend against friend. It continues to open my mind more to, well, more.
I watched a few military movies and documentaries to remind me of the true meaning of Memorial Day. It helps me to exactly what we are supposed to do--remember.
I loved seeing all the many flowers at the cemetery by my home. I'm becoming attached to that cemetery, and I sometimes feel sorrowful for the many graves without flowers. But today, the entire place is well-laden with beautiful flowers and visitors. It is a lovely sight for a Memorial Day.
And I still got to have a barbecue with my family. And part of our discussions included our grandfathers who fought for our country and the preservation of our freedoms.
It may have been my coldest Memorial Day ever, but my soul and my heart were warm, and I'm grateful the Savior gave me that.
Today's Smile: The many from my niece as I played the game I'd given her for her birthday. Of course, I enjoyed all of the smiles my nieces and nephew gave me throughout my visit--just for coming, during the movies, as we ate, for sitting by them....
Today's Something New: I learned that a "wing chair" (aka "wing-back chair") is an easy chair or club chair with "wings" mounted to the back of the chair typically but not always stretching down to the arm rest. I've heard the name before, but never knew what it referred to. Our family had two of these when I was growing up. They were excellent for nap-taking.
I listened to a recent "Faith in Action" podcast this morning. It was Justin Osmond, son of one of the "original" Osmond Brothers. He was born with 90% hearing loss. It was interesting to hear him speak so well, and to speak of his experiences and the things he has done that show faith in action. Then he said something that really stood out to me: Don't measure your life by the days you live, but by the smiles you leave behind. And I thought that I would like to try: give a smile every day.
This morning I was also reading from Sister Oaks' A Single Voice and read about never having a single dull moment. To continue to build ourselves in all ways. I felt prompted to make a list of things that I would like to try/learn/do/improve. From the possible to the ridiculous. From the short-term to the life-long. It was rather fun. And that got me to thinking of something else I'd like to try: learn something new every day.
Similar to my attempts to find a gratitude for each day, I think accounting for these things will help me try to accomplish them more. And I believe they will make a difference in my life.
And I thank my Savior for giving me 2 worthwhile purposes in life to strive for.
Today's Smile: I helped my new RS President hand things out before church began. It was a smile of appreciation, even for something so small and simple. But her smiles brighten my day and make me feel like I truly made a difference for her, no matter what it was in.
Today's Something New: I learned there were Japanese Americans living in Hawaii when Pearl Harbor was bombed. I know--it's something I should know or could have guessed. But my knowledge of 20th century history is terrible. And my Chinese American relatives lived in Hawaii. I often here of the Chinese peoples, not Japanese. The Japanese I heard of were in California. Learning that there were Japanese Americans in Hawaii then added one more dimension to my thoughts and knowledge about history there at that time.
I got to make magnet boxes and cut out various felt shapes for my summer Toddler Play Hour programs. How much fun is that?! Seriously. All day cutting, tracing, pasting. And I got paid for it. My skills--especially in the cutting and tracing part--are not very good. I often say I'm not creative. The more accurate thing to say would probably be that I'm too lazy and impatient. Which, to me are traits that detract from creativity. Thus, "I'm not creative" seems to fit. But what I love is that the toddlers aren't judging my lack of skills. They're not going to look at my felt mouse and think it looks like a grey glob with a detachable pink squiggle. And if they do, well, it's not as painful to hear from them as it is from older people. These toddlers are going to love what I do with and for them, and many of the parents will appreciate that I provided something outside of the house!
I'm grateful the Lord knows that life doesn't always require specific talents from me, and that appreciation of any of my efforts can be just as uplifting as using the talents I do possess.
I love my weekly temple trips. Being on Temple Square still hasn't lost its wonder--and I hope it never does. I love when I go on Fridays, knowing my mother is fulfilling her calling as a temple worker at the same time. And now I'm guessing my brother goes along to do temple work as well.
Temple work--with others or on my own--is one of the greatest joys and blessings that the Lord gives me.
I am in quite deep with Summer Reading now. It's such a busy time of year--but I love it! Especially now where the program is so well-supported and fairly organized. And so much better now that I'm not trying to run the whole thing myself.
Less stress means I can enjoy this time so much more--and I'm grateful He's brought me a much less stressful job (especially as He knows how I am with stress).
It astounds me how truly inspirational the Lord was in me taking this dating class. It is absolutely perfect for me right now! Of course, I know such a thing shouldn't astound me. He is, after all, my Savior. He knows me better than I know myself. He knows what I need and how. And He not only wants my happiness more than any one else, but He knows how to help me find and achieve it!
I'm so grateful the Lords knows me best and "leads me along."
I had a compliment about work concerning my ability to remember various computer things--especially after just learning them (since I'm still new to some of the computer stuff at work). It was nice to have the compliment. It was also nice to know that a majority of that comes from my mind still being fairly young and not too overloaded. (Though there are times I feel it's getting close to that as the last year has shown me unable to remember more and more.)
I'm grateful to the Lord for the wonders of the mind, and the ability to remember--especially my ability to remember.
I worked my first split shift at this job today. I had five hours to do whatever I wished in the middle of the day. So, I went home. And read. And watched "Avonlea" episodes. The only downside to the time was I was afraid to get too involved in something (e.g. a nap) for fear of losing track of time and not getting back in time. Still, the split in the day was nice. A refreshing and renewing few hours that made closing at night a lot easier.
Missing the crazy-rude-teens-after-school hours wasn't too bad either.
I am grateful for a rare chance from the Lord to relax in the middle of the work day!
I was listening to the classical station on my way to the temple. They were recognizing Placido Domingo's first recording of arias, and then played a couple. I don't know too much opera at this point, but some of what I know I absolutely love. And one of the Domingo arias they played happened to be one of those songs.
Indeed, I was immediately in sobbing tears as the introduction played. I don't know how to explain how some of these songs pierce straight to my heart. But they do. Especially this one. From the moment I first heard it. Which is one more reason I love the song, for I first heard it from the Sound of America band the year I was part of the choir. I didn't know it was from an opera. I just knew I felt my spirit soar every time I was able to hear the band play it.
When I returned home, I learned from my temporary tour Humanities professor that the song was from an opera. I had commented on it in my Humanities journal about how much I loved the song, and how it sounded like it ended rather abruptly. He mentioned that in the opera, the song led into another. (Obviously.)
Years later my mother and I were watching an Andre Rieu concert. And they began to play it. I exclaimed about it, being the song from SOA. My mother then mentioned that the song meant a great deal to her for personal reasons. I loved that she and I shared a love for the same song, which made me love it more!
While I have my own dreams of singing this aria myself, hearing a tenor actually sing it is just breath-taking. And they do it more justice than I probably could.
So it meant a great deal that the Lord worked His wonders and allowed me to hear this great tenor's recording of one of my very favorite opera songs.
Brothers and sisters, enjoy the beautiful, brings-me-to-tears "Nessun Dorma."
First, from Pavarotti.
Then from Placido Domingo.
Oh my. Do you have a favorite of those two? I do enjoy Pavarotti--especially as he makes it look so effortless. But on this song, I think Domingo makes me heart soar even higher.
But if you can't decide between the two, how about them together!
I still have Institute on Thursdays. My new ward is holding its own class for the summer. I figured I might as well go for the social aspect, especially as it is my new ward. And we're actually watching all of the videos for Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. Now, if you've read this blog long enough, you'll know that financial straits were something I worked hard to get out of in the last 2 1/2 years. And it was Dave Ramsey who really helped me get started, and its mostly been his principles I've been following. They just work so well because they are basically Gospel principles. It is nice to be reminded, and to hear his encouragement and enthusiasm, and to feel the Spirit's promptings in what I can do or do better.
I'm very grateful that the Lord has given me the chance for two Institute classes in the two areas I most need in my life right now.
A new semester, so a new Institute class. I prayed about this particular class, and felt I should take it. But I couldn't help being very embarrassed about it. So I loved that the teacher brought it up, too. Said it was the #1 choice of class everywhere in the country, except in Salt Lake City. And after some discussion, scriptures, quotes from leaders, and thought-provoking questions, his hopes that we would not be embarrassed to admit the class came true where I'm concerned.
I'm taking a class on Happiness in Dating, and I'm glad the Lord inspired me to do so.
A moment of inspiration. And, yes, I do mean from the Lord. It was rainy and icky out. And had already been run-off-our-feet busy. And all the teens came tramping in after school. They get worse and worse (aka louder and rowdier) as the school year draws to a close. Many have no where to go until a parent or someone is at home, or one can pick them up to take them home. (Whatever happened to buses?) So they stay with us out of necessity, but the relations can get pretty strained as they yell and throw things across the building.
Thus, today--being completely off desk at the time they were coming up, I had my inspiration.
Go check the TV in the closet and see if it not only works, but is connected to a DVD that works, too.
And, well, it did. They did. So I grabbed a movie and managed to get 10 teens (a couple of them among the most rowdy) in to watch. Well, "watch." They talked and lounged around and all. But all of us librarians preferred they do so in the auditorium bothering no one instead of the rest of the building bothering everyone.
And it made for so much of a better day--for all of us!!
Even in something like that, I'm grateful the Lord inspires me with the Spirit to make for a bit of happiness and ease among us all.
We had a program tonight with a couple of lizards, a turtle, and some snakes. It was fun to see the kids reactions, especially when they got to pet them. It made me remember our dear little boa Sarah in my biology class in 10th grade. Which then reminded me how wondrous earth's creatures are. I'm not fond of all of them. Some creep me out and some scare me. But I respect them and wonder over them.
And I was glad to have tonight's program to remind me of the Savior's work, under our Father's hand.
What a wonderful, wonderful day! So many wonderful things today. Birthdays. Anniversaries. Talks and messages and music I listened to all correlating with the lessons, talks, and hymns at Church.
I love when the Lord works everything that could seem very separate into one great whole that leads to great spiritual increase and uplift.
I love popcorn. Especially that I know how to make it on the stove without my dad’s nifty theater popcorn maker thing. I also love that I experiment with spices. And have discovered how much more delicious popcorn is using olive oil and/or leftover frying oil. It’s also nice to share it with a friend when we watch a movie in my home.
I do like friends, and movies, and popcorn...and all 3 together—and am grateful the Lord provides me with all 3!
Day 2, and I was just as happy as the previous day—headaches and all! What was so neat is to see just how many people I recognized or knew at the conference! When I attended my last conference at my last job (in October), I knew my two co-workers, a girl from a previous YSA branch, and someone I had met at my roommate’s co-worker’s daughter’s quincenera. But at this one, there are all the people I know from my own system (which makes me feel good that I’m getting to know them). And then there was a former co-worker who had moved away, but like me is back in Utah. Then there was a former BYU acquaintance. And then there were my PCL co-workers. I was able to sit with them at lunch both days. And it was so wonderful to be so welcomed by them.
I love belonging not just at my work—but in my field and among peers throughout the entire state!
I’ve been given the chance to go to he librarians’ conference—two days of it! I love being among others of my own profession. Especially en masse. It is always extremely reassuring that the Lord led me to the profession that was best for me. And I feel so uplifted, inspired, and encouraged being with others who know exactly what I do, and why I do, and how difficult or easy what I do may be. AND! The creators of the comic strip about libraries and librarians—who know us so very well—were guests at lunch! I bought the books they had on sale (each over 50% off!) and they both signed them all.
It is wonderful when the Lord sends people who fully know (and can joke about it!) what it is like for you at work, which means a lot since so much of my life is spent there.
I wrote a day too soon about books. For I can’t help but have a joy and gratitude in books again! One in particular. I love a book that completely enthralls me. Draws me in and has me on edge and hanging on every word. I come across these much more often as I read a lot more than I was able to during my college years. This book (I finished it this morning) was such a well-written story for me—with a “male lead” that I was in love with from the beginning and a villain who was truly repulsive.
I love good books that the Lord puts in my way—and the worlds they take me to.
I am in the middle of, well, quite a few books. I always am. But I am actively in the middle of 3 very good books. So good that I have become so heavily involved in the setting, the story, and the characters. There’s only one problem with that. Doing that with three books at a time leads to possibilities of confusion, but mostly feeling so overwhelmed with greatness that it’s almost like you can’t breathe!
I love a good book and I love that the Lord has blessed others with creativity and writing talent, and me with time and literacy skills, so that I may enjoy good books—even 3 at a time!
I got an entire day off—at the beginning of the week! It was needed to accommodate scheduling later this week. And how fun! Especially as it gave me time to do my regular Saturday-off things which I didn’t get to last Saturday. But it also meant I was able to go to my new ward’s first FHE. A huge crowd. A hilarious Sponge Relay to watch. Fabulous refreshments (donuts!). And great socializations.
A random day off full of happy things is always a great blessing from the Lord.
It was our first day in a new ward, part of a new stake. You could feel the spirit of excitement, and trust, and faith, and anticipation among others. It was great. Testimonies shared in Relief Society and in Sacrament meeting echoed what I was thinking in my own mind.
I have a testimony of these changes for the YSAs, and of my new stake and my new ward—and I’m grateful for the Lord sending the spirit to testify of this to me.
I had a most marvelous day! My turtle and I had a morning and afternoon on the town. Specifically, my college town. And I finally made a realization or connection or something. The last few years, it has been hard to tell others where I’m from or where I call home. The one base I could tie to was dissolved. I myself moved and moved and moved some more. But as I drove toward my morning of joy, I could see that BYU was my home. Not Provo. BYU. The campus. The more immediate surroundings (stores, library, temple). And I could see that my heart has been there for many, many years.
Thus, after some sealings in the temple which holds special place in my heart for many reasons, and then seeing the Carl Block exhibit which was a good spiritual experience for me, I walked around the campus that helped create who I am. And I knew that a part of my heart will always reside there at BYU. To add to all the joy, I visited a couple of my favorite spots nearby and reveled in the memories therein.
Then I decided that this was my Mother’s Day. Because it has often hurt that others are wished to be happy mothers, but I am not. Just because I don’t have children? That doesn’t seem right. Because I long for children so much. I long for my husband even more. I have every desire to be a wife and mother and it is not my fault that those blessings have not yet come to me. So why must I wait when I am doing everything I can to have a mother heart and to be a mother when and how I can. Celebrating Mother’s Day just made sense. And what I was doing made the perfect celebration.
I’m grateful to know that the Lord knows my attempts to have a mother heart, and helped me find some of the best ways to celebrate—including finally finding where I truly feel I belong.
We are coming to a close at work for our Walking Challenge. I’ve done fairly well so far this week in getting at least 10,000 steps each day. Taking my walks at lunch has helped me in this. And I have loved getting back to walking. Being outside when I’m so often shut inside a building for the day. And getting time to read as I walk if I choose. I’m grateful for this skill of reading while walking!
I love my walks and I love that the Lord has given me time and lovely weather and beautiful scenery for them.
Cinco de Mayo. Not that I did much to honor that. I did not have storytime today. My last was the previous week and we are on break from that until the fall. With our other programs, I’ll be busy enough. Still, I will miss having storytime. It is so fun and uplifting for me. I enjoy it a great deal.
But I will admit that I do not mind a break now and then, to which I’m grateful the Lord understands this—in all respects of my life.
I had a webinar at another library today. Then I was asked to go see some people in Marketing. I wasn’t sure why. So I just had to go to the department, not knowing why and not exactly sure who needed to see me. And it meant so much to me to walk in and have everyone there—who I’m still trying to remember their names—all say my name and tell me “Hello.” I know they haven’t had over 200 people to meet and remember like I have.
But it still means so much to me to have people know my name, which is probably why it means so much to me to know the Lord knows my name.
It’s nice to have both my evenings to close back-to-back and at the beginning of the week. It gets it over with soon and I know I have evenings available for the rest of the week to fill as I so choose.
I love that the Lord has given me a slightly more steady schedule that I have a bit more of what to expect and a bit more to look forward to as the week goes on.
I cannot believe it is already the month of May! Time is going by so very quickly. Every year gets faster and faster. But how much faster it goes when one is busy and happy has so much to do! I’m not sure if it is something of regret or excitement or relief. Maybe a little of each.
But I do know I’m grateful for things to fill and pass each day and that the Lord reminds me never to take one day for granted.
We had our first Stake Conference of our brand new stake today. It is interesting to watch a stake being created. A ward (or branch) I’ve seen created twice before. But I don’t remember seeing a stake being created (though I know it occurred when I was much younger). It’s rather neat. And the spirit testified to me of our new leaders being who the Lord wants for us.
Stake Conference was pretty early, which meant I had an entire afternoon to myself! So I took a walk to the park because the weather was so beautiful. I walked a couple of miles and had a glorious time. Especially knowing when I got home, I’d have a meal waiting for me in the Crock Pot.
It was relaxing, soothing, and reassuring Sabbath day, and I am very grateful for it.
This is a blog where I share inspirational/explanatory quotes, pieces of my testimony, and various things/events/experiences that have strengthened and will continue to increase that testimony. I am not officially called of my church to keep this blog. I share these things because they are the core of my very existence. And every part of me wants to proclaim it to all the world. So, I'll start here. I hope all who read my "spiritual ramblings" may know with a surety that I know and believe these things with all of my heart and with complete assurance.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I would love to talk more with readers, though I do reserve the right to not discuss or respond to anything inappropriate or that I am not comfortable with.
