What Makes a Home?

The apartments were just right behind me when I took this photo

The strangest thing happened when I walked home yesterday.  As I was walking up to the building, I noticed that the outside door- where I need to get a card swipe was broken. It seemed the automatic doohicky-thing at the top had gotten stuck. I did not like it being open, so I gave it a good tug and successfully jammed the door closed (I tried to get it open again, but found now only the one side was useable).  I figured I would call someone about it later. As I walked in I noticed a second odd thing.  Being that our door handle instead of being parallel to the floor was off at a little angle. As I grabbed the handle, I noticed it seemed to work ok, but, our door was unlocked--which it should not have been. By this time I could definitely tell something was off...

Not written. . . carved/scraped in!

As I walked into the room I noticed first, that we had a new couch. My first thought was that we had had a fourth roommate move in. I am here with a summer program, one roommate is in my program, one is not, so I thought we might have had a super late arrival who brought with them a couch.  But, I did not walk in quite yet, something seemed to hold me at the door. I literally began to spin on the spot looking at everything there. I then noticed a few other things. 

Less Lost, More Found

Continuing with the theme of getting lost in Indiana, I thought I would share a few more pictures of the adventures we have been having here. 

To start, there is this "Cancer Survivors Park" which continues to capture my interest. I wonder if there is a "Cancer Killed Park" somewhere, or something equivalent. When I think about being a "cancer survivor" I also think about those who have not survived. The park is honestly a little dilapidated. And while life is not the same as it was before--I am grateful for those reminders that life is a gift.

Recently walking back from my work at the Neuroscience center I ran into a gentleman who was going to visit a friend in the Eskenazi hospital. As we were talking he brought up the subject of God and we talked about that. One thing he told me he did not understand is why he lived, and did so well, when others have not lived.  I also learned the man he was going to visit had lost both an arm and a leg in the war, and had recently tried to commit suicide for about the 10th time.  While my own experience was different. I was grateful to know the source of peace, and guidance for why we live, and what God expects of us.

But, this was just a small part of the city, there was much more!

The Best Time to get Lost

After being welcomed most cordially to Indiana, I set out to make myself familiar with the area! I don't know about you, but I find it nearly impossible to hold a map in my head.  But, if I actually walk to a place, I find I can remember how to get there again, and the more I walk around, the better I am able to use my mental map.

So, the most effective way I have learned to get around is to start walking for a place on the map. Then, I inevitably get lost as I can't keep directions in my head, then I find myself again (usually by asking for directions), and then know how to get there again!

When we feel lost, there are many ways we can find ourselves again. At church today, the theme in sacrament meeting was on the Atonement. In the end, by coming here to earth, we desired to follow the same path--that path being Jesus Christ. When we are on that path, we find a peace which settles the deepest part of our souls.

As it has been a few days, and I have been exceptionally good with my camera, I have a number of pictures to share with you all! I hope you enjoy them!

 This is my room, you probably noticed how neat and tidy it is! And, several days later, I am glad to say it is still this neat!

 I learned during a first meeting that I am not able to wear shorts- so I went adventuring! These next few are pictures from the mall in downtown.

A Hoosier Welcome

Today has been my first day in Indiana! I am here as a part of a summer research opportunity I have been blessed with and wanted to document the experience I have in a few ways.

Today I was at the airport- still have those moving sidewalks!

Cars are a big deal it seems in Indiana.

Fly on Sweat

When I ride my bike, I love going up first.  Because then I am able to fly down the hill. Although, it doesn't always work like that for me.  Such as today. In talking with my brother this afternoon on the phone we agreed that riding a bike up to Vivian park feels like the wind is blowing at you no matter what way you go. I think part of that is that any time it is at my back, I am going up a hill- so I am more focused on the hill. Then when I come down, and expect to go fast, the strong wind is slowing me down. Coming back today I took a picture on my phone - right before going down a hill. Even with the wind, each hill was amazing! And I do begin to feel like I could fly.

I think there is also something to having a reward which you have worked for.

Because of Him I have a Family

I loved this video! Because of Christ, we have a plan to return to live with God again.

Crazy Little Thing Called Penny

Penny

What a busy week! And to add to it all, I had my heart stolen! The culprit is a little ball of fur and sharp teeth named Penny.  (She is the innocent looking thing in the pictures).  I am currently living with my sister and her husband, and they recently acquired this little puppy. Let me tell you a little about her!
When we first met, she peed on my shoe. She has put many little puncture marks in my hands and forearms.  But for some reason, when I see her, no matter how tired I am, I find I have a little more energy, life is a little better, and I relax a little more.

The things about dogs is, they are always happy to see you.  I think that is one reason why it is so sad when a pet dies, especially a dog. For me, I remember how every time I came home from school, I was a hero for our dogs. No animosity toward any earlier behavior, but just joy with where you are now.  They seem to me the epitome of the righteous father in the prodigal son. Puppies are kind of like that as well, but they also pee when they see you and bite you.  I think I have decided I like dogs better.  A little more mellow, still excited to see me, and don't bite me. The photo at the bottom is the dogs or as I still call them "puppies" from Colorado.


And that reminds me of this story:

Man, Dog and Cat

My Pagan Abilities

(New plant) hope!

Sometimes I think I might make a pretty good pagan. Except for my plant growing skills.  I have not heard it from official sources, but I have always assumed to be a good pagan, you need to be in touch with nature.  I have tried to be nurturing, kind, and helpful for young growing plants before, but when it comes to plants I seem to be more prone to killing them.  I am currently in a Marriage and Family relations class at BYU (turns out they don't assign you a wife in the class, but you still need to find one).  Part of our class is that we need to grow a plant.  The lesson I have surmised so far, is that like a little plant- relationships need our time and care for them to grow.

Dead plant (trans-potted)

This is where the me maybe making a good pagan comes in.  I can't help but feel that the progress of the plant some how directly relates to the relationship I am supposed to be having with my future spouse.  I.e., plant thrives = I find wife and get married; plant dies = bachelor for life, no happiness.  Which, my mind keeps saying is totally irrational, especially now that the plant is dead (and I think I smashed both replacement seeds that I had, one is for sure- don't ask me how!).  Listening to the leaders of the church is such a great reminder of all the things I have been meaning to do, but haven't quite gotten around to yet. So, while I can't do everything tonight, I will try and at least take a little step! One first step I feel strongly about is prayer.

From my car, Bountiful, UT

Prayer I feel is the quiet rocking which brings peace to my soul. I desire to make it more of a soothing experience, by giving it time, being patient, and striving for open communication.  It helps me to vocalize my prayers, take time to organize my thoughts, speak a little, organize more.  Elder LeeMaster taught me the importance of praying with real intent and praying vocally.  It has forever impacted my relationship with my Father in Heaven.  As was taught today, as the Lord is first, the other good desires we have follow.  Or, as we read in the scriptures:
22 For behold, God knowing all things, being from everlasting to everlasting, behold, he sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing. (Moroni 7)

Payback's a Chocolate

Some of you may be familiar with the letter the adventure I had with pies not too long ago.  For those who are not, let me fill in a little.  Over a year ago for Thanksgiving, I had gone home for Thanksgiving.  Sadly, my brother was unable to make it as he was newly married and was spending the time with his new wife.  Well, feeling sympathetic as mothers do, my Mom had made two apple pies which were frozen and ready to bake, and sent the pies back to Utah with me.  I, being logical had deduced that Chad (my brother) did not need two pies, and so decided to keep one.

Problem.  My brother knew that two pies were sent out, and mistakenly felt that both pies should be his. (His invalid argument was something about me enjoying pies all week, and already eating the equivalent of two pies).

Another problem.  My parents own the condo where I live, and my brother also had a key to the place, and could very easily come steal the pie while I was at school.  There are only so many places to hide a pie in a freezer.

Well, after some pondering and sleep, I came up with an idea. :)

Of Dating, Spring Snow, and Faith

 Life is a dangerous game we play.- all sorts of risks.  Although it isn't risking your life- sometimes it can feel like it in asking a girl out.  Here is part of a conversation I recently had with a girl, more or less this is what was said:

Me: So, you still dating that guy?
Her: I am taking a break from dating.
In my mind I thought "Ok, how about I talk with you in a month or so?  . . . no, that sounds lame"  then it seemed enough time had passed where it was getting awkward, so I opened my mouth and said:
Me: Ok, so how about frisbee golfing this weekend?- we have had some beautiful weather!

I have no idea where that came from, but I am glad I said it!  Now, we have something set up for tomorrow!

Except for it snowed tonight.
Really??

A Spicy Forthcoming

I made some salsa today. While eating it, I noticed the first few bites seemed like little bursts of joy in my mouth. I would definitely say I was hungry.  If I would have thought a little bit before hand, I could have taken some pictures throughout the creation process, but here is the final product! Salsa a la gladware.  It is a pretty standard recipe, and takes some effort to mess up. I am sure this salsa will be a tender mercy for me this next week!

*Some blessings are unexpected, some we can plan for. I am grateful for both!

Of Chocolate and Politics

Much like the need for chocolate- I have been feeling a need to continue with writing and posting on this blog on a more regular basis. I have decided this blog will take the best shape as I am more consistent about posting and sharing things here.  Although I am not currently sure what form it is I would like this blog to take! My Mom loves making chocolates. she recently made some, and mailed them. They were lost in the mail! :( But before you panic, please know I am finding a way to survive- somehow.
This week the caucuses are taking place in Utah, and at the University Devotional today Dr. James came to talk about health care in the political realm.  Paraphrasing a statement he made- a dollar invested in education does more to help public, then a dollar invested in health care.  I have a passion for education, and equalizing the learning opportunity. The devotional was a great reminder that the biggest effect on health was not the resources we have access to, but rather our behavior.  And what changes behavior? True doctrine, understood.



*people who say writing is static do not have experience with it.

Mother Dear :)

This is for my Mom.

Quoting a past Stake President which I had- he would often admonish in his booming voice- let us give ear to these “great hymns of Zion!”  No one can give a declaration of any kind as he did.  He was tall- maybe 6’6” (I never measured), gigantic hands and crooked fingers.  The fingers reminded me a little of those trees which stick out of the side of mountains, not quite straight, but tough as heck!

 

Being Mother’s Day, I am grateful for my mother (yes, I am grateful on other days as well)!  There are many things I could share about her and what she has done for me, but today I took some inspiration from the Stake President I mentioned and thought of a few hymns and songs from our church would express things a little clearer then I could-

Laughing Matters

Talking with a good friend in the library this evening I had the question come to my mind- “what has made you laugh today?” I liked the question so much, just me asking it gave me a little chuckle!  Being at BYU, our church group gets together every Sunday evening to spotlight at few people in the Ward (congregation) and share a thought and prayer.  I have had some excellent questions come to my mind while attending there these past few months:

“When we are children, we have hopes and dreams.  Where you are now in your life, which of those dreams do you feel you are living from when you were a child?”

“Inspired by the recent movie Warm Bodies; if you were a cold blooded zombie, what is one thing which would warm your heart and bring you back to the living?”

“What is your dream vacation- I mean an actual dream, if you could dream and vacation, where would you like to go?”

I have others, but those are good to start!  I have noticed a few common things which have come with these questions-

Perfect

My sister has recently become engaged, and as such my Mom is on a search for the perfect cupcake for the wedding.  In the pictures is a box of the most recent 9 cupcakes I have been asked to taste test (we all have to make sacrifices!).  If I had the recipes I would share- but the Oreo cupcakes were divine!  Mint Chocolate also deserves an honorable mention!  Have you wondered why wheat grass didn’t taste like chocolate, and chocolate like wheat grass?  It would be easier to maintain a healthy life style!

But even for those who do their best to be healthy, and as sweet as those things were, some other things, such as this creature found at the bottom of a box of oranges were not quite in “top condition!”  I figured with the nice wrapper which oranges have, the inside would still be good and fine to eat! . . . I am just teasing; I did not taste the orange.  I was thrown off by the oneness shared between the box and the orange- meaning the bottom of the box and some innards of the orange stayed attached as I lifted the orange out.  To give you an idea on my train of thought- I am thinking today about getting old and hope.

I was recently told I fit in very well at a senior home I was visiting- and I do relate to a few things very well which they are going through.  A favorite question I recently had which I asked them was in reference to pickling.  Have you heard the phrase that all people pickle- just some are sour and some are sweet?  Last time I was visiting the center I asked a few wonderful daughters of our Heavenly Father if they had any advice about pickling. 

Testimony for Fast Sunday

Church today was inspiring!  It seemed people stood up in droves to fill the stand in order to bear their testimony.  I was particularly inspired today after a brother in our Ward, Parker, stood up and bore his. I had walked to the front of the congregation, but found that there was not enough time for me to bear my testimony as I would like today.  But, I am able to share it here and now! And I don’t feel awkward taking pauses to think and ponder!

This is a remarkable church! There are remarkable people!  I am grateful for those who are willing to share their testimony and the personal things which have made an impact in their lives.  The things people mentioned made an impact on me today.  They made me more grateful for the blessings I have, and I was also inspired to be better in all I do. What I share I do in hopes that it may also help some other person.

Taking the Road Less Traveled

The path was to the right of the stadium through the trees.

I biked to campus this evening- like I usually do.  Biking is much cooler than driving—not just because I usually do it, but you can use that as a reason.  Also, the speed one goes is directly proportional to the coolness factor.  Biking this afternoon I ran into difficulty as so many people were walking around the stadium.  I decided to take my secret shortcut on the higher road and cut through a dirt trail a little higher than the stadium parking lot.  It was a good idea- but when I got on it I realized the majority of it had been torn up and was now mostly loose dirt/sand/no trail.  It was bumpitybumpitybumpitybumpity.  As I got on I thought wow, I did not know I was coordinated to ride my bike across this without going falling over!  On sand/loose dirt, if you go to slow the bike does funny things and it is easy fall to the side, or nearly impossible to get going.  This evening I found I could ride over it for an extended period of time!  I learned sometimes I don’t really know what I am able to do, until I suddenly find myself in the middle of doing it.

I was not able to ride my bike to campus when I first started this semester.  This past summer I had both knees and a hip replaced.  The joints have been a little reluctant to start working for me again, but they have slowly been coming back.  The main therapy I have been doing on them has been biking as mentioned and recently I added swimming again.  I had earlier had my other hip replaced, so this summer made it so I had a complete set- both knees and both hips.  I did not know I could handle this and still be a happy person.  But hey- I’m doing it!  Going over the muddy sand at first I was a little shocked, but the momentum of the bike carried me until I could get going.  With these surgeries I have also been carried as I learn to deal with them.  I found that being carried on my bike is a wonderful analogy for how we are lifted through the struggles we have in life.

Nil Sine Numine

Colorado State Motto: Nil Sine Numine=  “Nothing without the Deity”

Do you ever go out to do something righteous—but then find as soon as you start that the Lord had a different plan for you all along?  The weather this evening has been beautiful.  In an effort to take advantage of it, I went to the hammock in the backyard to read my scriptures.  I wasn’t sure where I was going to read, but I had said a prayer that the Lord would help me find the right verses to give me the guidance I needed.  After my prayer, it was very hard to concentrate—two Robins had gone absolutely berserk.  They were squeaking like I didn’t know a Robin could and acting very strange.  They kept teasing our dog Chester (a beagle)—landing right next to him and then hopping away, almost but not quite getting caught.  I had not realized those birds could be such dare devils!  Eventually the birds succeeded in navigating Chester to the other end of our yard and they stopped.  I was glad it was over, but after almost a whole 2 seconds Chester came running back over to investigate something under a tree in the back corner of our yard, and the whole ordeal started over again.

But I caught on this time, I walked over to where Chester was looking (both him and the birds were distracting each other) and I found a young bird frozen on the ground.  It was not a baby, but was definitely younger.  I put the dogs inside, and then came back out with some gloves to rescue the bird.  When I came back, all the birds were gone.

Faithfully Ignorant?

                A single old lantern hung from a hook above the stall.  Will anxiously watched his father as he worked with the animal in the dim light.  The young calf was not doing well; she had suffered a traumatic birth and now seemed to have stopped breathing.  In his mind Will offered a silent prayer- “God, please help our cow to live, help her to be ok.”  At that moment, the cow began to move- something had changed and she was breathing again.  Although the night passed long, she did continue to recover and became a very healthy cow.

                Many years later history repeated itself.  Will was down working with another sick cow, and his little boy stood watching him full of anxiety and worry.  Will wondered if his boy was praying as he had done so long ago.  Will also wondered why he was not praying himself.  He could see the calf really was not breathing, he could tell the heart had stopped and she was now dead.  Why was it easier to pray and ask God for these things when he knew so much less about the cows and caring for them?  Can ignorance help faith, is ignorance bliss?

                So, the story might not be the most interesting (I have heard similar, but this one I made up), but I like the question it brought up.  It is something I had wondered about before- specifically “Can ignorance help one’s faith?” 

Great Achievements- From Great Gifts

Family and Friends in Rocky Mountain National Park

It seems to me every day that the future is coming faster and faster- “time flies on wings of lightening.”  I never would have guessed I would end up where I am now- it is far better than anything I could have imagined! :)  The future seems to be clicking into place.  I have decided on classes and a major I love, the Lord continues to give me great gifts to help me continue with excitement and faith to the future.  I am so glad I am able to come home for this summer!  The idea was to save some money and get some surgeries done, but I have found I have not realized fully what other great gifts have come with this.

1.       I have the gift of a great family!  


I love my family; my Mom has been spoiling me now that I am home.  I no longer have to cook the majority of my meals- and other people actually help with the dishes on a regular basis (WOW!!- that is amazing).  My Mom is patient with me in shopping (I hate clothes shopping- it is hard enough trying to decide what clothes to wear every morning).  My Dad has gone biking with me in the morning- it is much more fun to have someone to go with (over 50, and still waiting on me).  My sister Beth represents an epitome of fun!  I love spending time with her- we have a lot of fun together!  I have an amazing brother still living in Provo.  Chad has been a great example to me of hard work and planning for the future!  My sister Tara is a superstar!  She is a wonderful example of concern and dedication to the work she is in.  I know we are all on to great things!

2.       I have the gift of great opportunities!