Words of a wise man

To a day dreamer like me the story of Legson Kayira , an African pioneer, was the most amazing thing I've ever heard. What a man of focus and determination. Read about him here.

"I believe when God has put

an impossible dream

in your heart,

He means to help you

fulfill it. It is when we resist

God that we remain nothing.

When we submit to Him,

whatever the sacrifice or hardship,

we can become far more

than we dare dream."

Let that thought simmer and drowned out your fears and inadequacies.

My Favorite One

I am getting a little sick and tired of doom and gloom. It's everywhere I turn and it's just not good for my psyche (do I have a psyche?). I'm deeming my home, my car, and my blog (that's about all I have control over in this world) doom and gloom FREE. I've decided to read everything I can find written by Jeffrey R Holland, one of the twelve apostles of my church (Richard G will be next). He is such an amazingly happy and hopeful man. He brings comfort to a lot of people. I decided I'd share my favorite snippits from his talks, starting with my all-time favorite. I know you've heard this before, but I need to hear it again, so without further adieu I bring you...Holland-ism #1

need a pick-me-up?

I have been thinking and praying for my sister and her new twin babies these last few days. I am so glad to be her sister and am so proud of her strength and faith. Love you Liza.


Here are a few words of wisdom and encouragement I have read in the last few days...


"The Divine Shepherd has a message of hope, strength, and deliverance for all. If there were no night, we would not appreciate the day, nor could we see the stars and the vastness of the heavens. We must partake of the bitter with the sweet. There is a divine purpose in the adversities we encounter every day. They prepare, they purge, they purify, and thus they bless."James E. Faust



"You have access to the lighthouse of the Lord. There is no fog so dense, no night so dark, no mariner so lost, no gale so strong as to render useless the lighthouse of the Lord. It beckons through the storms of life. It seems to call, 'This way to safety; this way to home.' " Thomas S. Monson


"Always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal...God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. Nor will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand." Jeffrey R Holland

Definitely Half Full

As we celebrate our country's birthday this month I have been thinking a lot about my life. It just can't get much better. I was born in a remarkable time in the world's history, filled with privileges and conveniences that not many in the scheme of things gets to experience. I was born in a great nation that protects our freedoms (if you don't believe that, read Half the Sky and see what so many women around the world experience). My youngest is out of diapers, my oldest is starting to babysit a little, my kids are all happy and somewhat :) well adjusted. I have a religion that teaches me how to be happy and so many people around me that love me. I live in a beautiful place that's safe and clean.

There are so many things to make us happy and for some reason that seems like a fleeting characteristic. What makes you happy? Sometimes we all need a little reminder, right?

Here's a few things on my list today...

-warm weather

-holidays

-high-pitched baby voices

-reassurance from a preschool teacher

-sleeping in

-popsicles

-planning and thinking about upcoming family celebrations

-fresh paint on the walls.

Life's Big Questions...

If God loves us, why does He allow us to suffer?

"There is a divine purpose in the adversities we encounter every day. They prepare, they purge, they purify, and thus they bless."--James E. Faust, "The Refiner's Fire," Ensign, May 1979, 53

Perspective...

I haven't felt like posting anything crafty lately. Who cares about crafts when you are following this story. It's amazing how life can change in a instant. Nothing has happened to me except a complete change in perspective. I found this blog the day after it happened and have been reading everyday, feeling scared, amazed and in awe of this family. What a tragic mistake, yet a wonderful gift. Was this an accident, or a blessing? I think both. Coming so close to losing their baby, they showed such grace and faith in a higher healing power. Their belief in a loving Heavenly Father who hears and answers prayers is now undeniable. I think their lives will be forever changed from this event. They will hold their kids tighter, give thanks for their blessings, remember the love and support they received and know that God is a God of miracles. He will give life and take it away as He sees fit and in His time. He is in charge and knows what's best for us. We will leave this earth when it's our time, not a minute sooner. That little boy must have more to do here. This family and little boy will forever be able to testify of God's grace and miracles.

The beauty of it is that all of us who got to follow along can vicariously change our perspective on life too. Definitely a blessing.

I'm headed off for a warm sunny getaway for the next week. I'm anxious to leave my babies but I'm sure it will be great once I'm gone (that's what everyone keeps telling me), and I know they are in good hands.