Today I Met the Prophet of God!!!

So I woke up and felt like I'd been hit by a truck... and believe me... I know what that feels like (in 2006 I was hit by a truck while jogging). You know when you haven't felt well for a while but you 'don't have time to be sick...' that's been me my whole final semester of massage school. With graduation last week and spending every minute free with Jason... I shouldn't really be surprised that it hit me like a brick wall.

I decided I'd "just be fine and get over it" but I felt impressed to go to the doctor. If you know my doc, you know that he is always scheduled at least 2 weeks out. Again, the impression to call and make an appointment--so I did. She literally had just gotten off the phone with someone who cancelled a physical for 12:00p today. I had 90 minutes to make a 60 minute drive :) God is so good to me! So I go in, only to find I have a sinus infection that has spread up into my ears and down into my lungs and that with time it only would have gotten worse.

Realizing that I really didn't feel good, and feeling justified in taking it a little easier than my normal 200% I went to my mom's house to rest. After an hour or so I started the drive back to Provo, and as I was driving down the street, I had the feeling to go to Mrs. Cavanaugh's. It's a chocolate store... hardly essential... I brushed the feeling aside. Again the feeling to go to Cavanaugh's--thinking maybe Jason hadn't ever tried them...? They are kind of a locals thing... So I flipped a U-turn on 500 South, and went back. When I walked in there was a man at the counter ordering chocolates, all in light... mindy mint, caramel, opera, lemon, orange etc. It caught my attention because they are the same ones loved by my family. It was then I noticed I was standing beside Thomas S. Monson President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Whoa. I didn't want to be one of those crazy stalkers who prevents important people from ever living a normal life, or buying chocolates in peace... so I tapped him on the shoulder and asked if I may shake his hand. He said, sure, so long as I'm not buying chocolates ;) I was more than a little embarrassed when the young girl helping me cut in to use the register in front of Pres. Monson, I encouraged them to help him first--thinking--here is a man, called of God to preside over Christ;s church--I should not hold him up at all! I think he noticed I felt that when I tried to insist they ring him up first--he politely and humorously reminded me that it didn't matter so long as he paid for them. Purchasing a few chocolates, I started the drive home once again.

This time as I got in my car I paid better attention to the music I had on--it was a hymn--I am a Child of God. I thought about the fact that I had the privilege of shaking the hand of the prophet. A prophet is the one who stands at the head of the church and represents Jesus Christ with all the keys necessary to orchestrate His mind and will on the Earth. It was one of those great reminders that God is aware of each one of us, that His gospel is again on the Earth just as it was when Christ himself ministered to the people anciently. As he shook my hand and looked into my eyes, I wondered if my life was ready for inspection by God? What more can I be doing? How can I improve? Are there things in my life that I need to change? I can honeslty say that I am doing all that I can, I am not perfect--but I repent when I fall short. I could give an honest accounting for my life today. I rejoiced that I didn't have to get in my car and change the music, or that I hadn't wished to quickly change what I was wearing. It filled my heart with peace and happiness to see an emissary of the Lord Jesus Christ today. I look forward to the day when Jesus Christ will again be on the Earth.

It wasn't a matter of life or death that I follow the impression to go to Cavanaugh's, but because I heeded those feelings, my life was benefited greatly--I was given the chance to reflect and ponder on the things most important in my life. It caused a great deal of introspection, and I am better because of it. I love that as I follow the impressions of the spirit, those feelings that lead me to do good, to love, to serve, to obey, that God always blesses me far beyond my current comprehension.

A Few of My Favorite Things!!!

Jason.BYU Football. Fall. Saturdays together.Jason.Old friends. Incredible seats. Mission Presidents :)Jason.

Jason...

So I just happened to move into this new ward in Provo about the same time a boy named Jason moved in... He is pretty amazing...and we all know 'amazing attracts amazing!' ;)

You may have noticed that I haven't spent much time blogging lately... there are a few contributing factors: I finished my internship last Saturday, graduated Thursday and took my national exam! :) And somewhere in there I have managed to spend every waking hour with him.

I am learning so much about incredible men who treat women so well, who honor their priesthood, who love and serve God, who love missionary work--he teaches Spanish in the MTC, he is in the business school at BYU--AND he's skied for nearly 20 years!

More to come...but when I am not blogging... you'll know where I am :)

Is She Real?!?

Betty Crocker, an invented persona and cultural icon, is a brand name and trademark of American food company General Mills (Wikipedia). Have you ever heard it given as a compliment--a real Betty Crocker. Or used to dish advice on the greatest recipes? So personal, so easy to relate with, the woman who wants to be it all and wants to do it all--perfectly.

Shockingly, there is no Betty Crocker; rather, she was created to humanize a marketing stratagem. And knowing this...I experience feelings similar to Santa Clause or the Wizard of Oz--thanks to Wicked... And what about her happy home-making advices?
"You can search far and wide for what you need, only to find it waiting at home," "I can't think of a more rewarding goal in life than simply to be happy at home."

So is Betty Crocker real? When asked, the folks at General Mills play the Clinton card. "Depends on what you mean by 'real.' As a symbol for quality products, creative recipes and reliable advice, no one is more authentic than Betty. ... Now, is Betty Crocker an actual person? Well, we like to think there's a little bit of Betty in all of us. What do you think?"

MMmmm Homemade Rolls!!!

Can you tell that school is out and for the first time in 8 months I have the time to do what I love again..? I think these will go nicely with the steak stroganoff today!

Sorry Betty...
I'm going to have to go with the Lion House rolls this time... the above were just too sweet, with not enough salt, and a little more dense than I would like...

2 cups warm water (110 to 115 degrees)
2 tablespoons dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
1 egg
2/3 cup nonfat dry milk powder (instant or non-instant)
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter or shortening
5-5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour

Recipe
2 hours 20 minutes 2 hrs prep
In large bowl of electric mixer, combine water and milk powder, stir until dissolved.
Add yeast, then sugar, salt, butter, egg, and 2 cups flour.
Mix on low speed of mixer until ingredients are wet, then 2 minutes at medium speed.
Add 2 cups more flour; mix on low speed until ingredients are wet, then for 2 minutes as medium speed.
(Dough will be getting stiff and remaining flour may need to be mixed in by hand).
Add about ½ cup flour and mix again.
Dough should be soft, not overly sticky, and not stiff.
(It is not necessary to use the entire amount of flour.) Scrape dough off sides of bowl and pour about 1 T.
vegetable oil all around the sides of the bowl so it is covered with oil.
Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise in warm place until double in size.
Sprinkle cutting board or counter with flour and place dough on floured surface.
Roll out and cut rolls in desired shape and size, brush with butter. I prefer putting them on a cookie sheet so they raise more fully--this is how it is done at Maglebys.
Place on greased baking pans.
Let rise in warm place until rolls are double in size (60-90 min).
Bake at 375 for 15 to 20 minutes or until browned.
Brush with melted butter while hot.

3 1/2 to 3 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup shortening
1 teaspoon salt
1 package regular or quick active dry yeast
1/2 cup very warm water (120°F to 130°F)
1/2 cup very warm milk (120°F to 130°F)
1 egg
Butter or margarine, melted


1. Mix 2 cups of the flour, the sugar, shortening, salt and yeast in medium bowl. Add warm water, warm milk and egg. Beat with electric mixer on low speed 1 minute, scraping bowl frequently. Beat on medium speed 1 minute, scraping bowl frequently. Stir in enough remaining flour to make dough easy to handle.
2. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead about 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl and turn greased side up. Cover and let rise in warm place about 1 hour or until double. Dough is ready if indentation remains when touched.
3. Grease bottoms and sides of 2 round pans, 9x1 1/2 inches.
4. Punch down dough. Cut dough in half; cut each half into 24 pieces. Shape into balls. Place close together in pans. Brush with butter. Cover and let rise in warm place about 30 minutes or until double.
5. Heat oven to 400°F.
6. Bake 12 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.

Hot Apple Crisp!!!

With snowflakes gently falling in the valley for the first time this year... and apples perfectly crisp... it is time for a good ole' family recipe.

4 medium tart cooking apples, sliced (4 cups)
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cream or Ice cream, if desired

1. Heat oven to 375ºF. Grease bottom and sides of 8-inch square pan with shortening.
2. Spread apples in pan. In medium bowl, stir remaining ingredients except cream until well mixed; sprinkle over apples.
3. Bake about 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Serve warm with cream.

I love the smell of cinnamon & apples when you walk through the door--one of the wonderful smells of the fall!

You'll Be With Me Like a Handprint on My Heart

I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you...

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend...

Because I knew you

I have been changed for good

Who can say if I've been
Changed for the better?
I do believe I have been
Changed for the better

And because I knew you...

Because I knew you...

Because I knew you...
I have been changed for good.

Thanks Jason.

Finals finally final!!!

Today I finished my last classes at the Utah College of Massage therapy!!! I have one clinic shift left this Saturday and then I graduate next Thursday! I know that I have learned the things I needed to become a better person and that I've been precisely where the Lord wanted me to be--and with the people He wanted me to meet. I just had the opportunity to go with one of my friends from the program to get her things to for her temple marriage next week. The opportunity allowed me to think how different my life would be without those people in my life. As my friend Jeri said early on in the program...we are like a cast of characters--everyone playing his or her own role--how right she was--how right she was. I am grateful for the lessons that came with each friendship and association!

What Matters Most...

From WikipediaPerfectionism, in psychology, is a belief that perfection can and should be attained. In its pathological form, perfectionism is a belief that work or output that is anything less than perfect is unacceptable. At such levels, this is considered an unhealthy belief, and psychologists typically refer to such individuals as maladaptive perfectionists.

A topic on my mind tonight as I face my last 5 tests in my massage therapy program... I would have to score near perfectly on my cumulative anatomy I, II & III exam tomorrow morning to maintain my current 4.0 GPA...and honestly...I just don't think that it is going to happen.

I tend to judge myself very harshly, even unrealistically in attempt to prove my worth... but I know my value runs much deeper than a letter grade, and this may just be a gift from God to really digest that. I have prayed that the unhealthy perfectionistic desires of my heart be changed by God--and at times I can honestly say that they have not mattered--easy to say when you are still attaining 'perfect' in the eyes of others--and very different when God provides the proving ground to see just how well I stand when given the opportunity.

I confided this fear of falling short with my roommate tonight and she said somethings that I am very grateful for. She commented on how the things I was striving for don't measure all my talents and what I do best.

In fact, what I consider to be my greatest feats and wonderful memories from this year have directly competed against my perfectionistic/grade driven mentality.

For instance, I set out with the goal to have perfect attendance and I made it all the way through August without missing a single minute of class--but then my niece Sydney stayed at my house and was up have the night sick and in order to be to school on time I would have had to wake her with only 4 hours of sleep--so rather than being on time to school I pinned a dark sheet over the window, made french toast for brunch and let her sleep as long as possible. Next week at graduation when I don't receive the perfect attendance award--I can proudly account for my time that day and know that there was no better place I could have spent my time than helping Sydney know that I love her and there is nothing more important than her in my life.

I easily could have gotten an A in Anatomy, but it would have required that I take time from something else in my life. For the past 6 months I have given 10-20 hours a week to AFSP--and last week with the incredibly successful event in SLC--I know the hand of God put me there as an instrument. I had budgeted my time and money so differently for this year while I was in school--I'd planned to bury myself in books, have no social life, and prove my worth with grades and superficial indicators of value...God had something else in store for me... the first week of the program I got put in as Relief Society President, Temple Ordinance worker, & Event Chair for AFSP SLC--and I wrecked my car--needless to say I hadn't really budgeted for any of those things...

I can say that have done my best this year in school, in callings, in my community-- and not only is that is all I can do--that is all God requires of me. I know that I have followed the counsel of the Lord in my life and done what He has asked of me in all things. All things considered I think I have done very well. It has been quite the opportunity to reflect tonight upon what really matters... I have cultivated greater patience, I have shown enhanced faithfulness and diligence, I have learned by study and also by faith, I have made goals--and then made adjustments to those goals as the spirit directed. I have learned more about wants and needs, and I have learned to go without. I have had to trust in others and allow some people to help me when I just couldn't make it on my own--that is very different for me--how grateful I am for every single person who has helped me this year. Every blessing you can imagine--dinner from a friend, lunch from someone who understands how it is to struggle making ends meet, an encouraging word when I didn't think I had the emotional or financial resorces to keep going. Love, friendship, generosity--I can truly say that the windows of Heaven have opened to me this year as I have paid my tithes and offerings in faith. A client who felt inspired to bring me a gallon of shampoo the very day I ran out, a friend who repaid an old loan I hadn't even remembered, 2 girls moving in next door who wanted to carpool when I didn't know when my car would be fixed, an electric bill that only cost $11.00 in the middle of July, better gas mileage than I've ever gotten in my life, a change in what I used to think I 'had to have' not using my air conditioner all summer, driving with the windows down even when it was 105 degrees, air drying my linens, lots of Top Raman ;) The opportunity and ability to work--in greater abundance than I even had room to receive--I truly love the Lord Jesus Christ and know that it has been in an through him that all these things are possible. He has increased my ability and success far beyond my natural capacity and I am so thankful for that.

I still have a lot to learn--indicated by this topic weighing on my mind tonight. I am not trying to justify myself; rather, to see that soometimes what the Lord has in store for me is far better than I could have planned for myself. As I did things for my calling tonight & went to FHE instead of frantically trying to know everything for the test in the morning...I am trying to see myself more as God sees me and as such be more loving and accepting of myself. Please don't get me wrong, the desire to apply yourself and get good grades is a noble one--but it is not the end in itself--I have learned so much from the program I am in, I have practiced faithfully and have an excellent clientele, I have not accepted the invitation to cheat with a large percentage of my graduating class, and I have done my very best. Even if I fail my final tomorrow--I will still get a B out of the class. And if in this case B is the best answer because it made possible room to learn and grow and develop traits far more important than a percentage on my transcript--I can stand before God and give an honest accounting of my life and with sincere gratitude thank Him for this opportunity to learn what matters most.

Reflections on Gratitude...

I am thankful for...
Jesus Christ who is my savior, my redeemer, my example, my counsellor & my friend. For a knowledge that Christ's joyous gospel is again on the Earth, according to the plan of my Father in Heaven who knows me personally and loves me perfectly. A knowledge that this life is not the end and that I can be with those I love after they leave mortal life. The sun that makes my life brighter, that brings energy and life to every living thing. The Moon that reminds me that even in our darkest times we can reflect the love and light of God. The Ocean which is more vast than the finite constraints of my mind; yet, is controlled by God in his infinite wisdom, power and mercy.

Again...Just a start...

More General Conference :)

From Music & the spoken word:
Where Love Is
Be generous with your love
Love Regenerates itself
Learning to love others is one of the most important things we can do in this life.
[Tuesdays w/ Morrie: the most important thing in life is to learn to love and let love in][E. Holland: Love is not a limited commodity. just because God loves and blesses others does not mean he loves us any less.]
I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Unity-->spoken on it before, and will hear more on it from me in the future
Seek unity. Build others.
Pray by name for people.
[Sis. Rhodehouse Day 1 in the mission, Mead WA]
Unity increases joy and multiplies power to serve
*Everincreasing Unity
Have my heart changed through the atonement of Jesus Christ

More to come...

General Conference Cinnamon Rolls!

Betty Crocker cinnamon rolls

making these from scratch is a tradition for General Conference--thanks to a wonderful family I met while serving a full-time mission in Spokane Washington. My love and thanks to the Jorgensen family!

150 Minutes to Prepare and Cook

Ingredients
for glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar, 1/3 cup butter, 1.5 tsp vanilla, 2 to 4 tsp water.
for rolls:
3.5 to 4 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tsp salt, 2 packages yeast, 1 cup very warm milk, 1/4 cup butter softened, 1 large egg.
for filling:
2 TBS butter
1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 cup brown sugar

Directions
mix 2 cups flour, the sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. add the warm milk, 1/4 cup butter and the egg. beat with an electric mixture on low, 1 minute, scraping frequently. beat on medium one more minute, stir in enough flour to make dough easy to handle.
knead dough about 5 minutes or until springy. place in large greased bowl, turned to coat, cover with plastic wrap or towel and let rise for about 1 hour 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
gently deflate with fist. flatten into 15x10 inch rectangle on lightly floured surface. spread 2 tbs butter and then sprinkle evenly the cinnamon and brown sugar. , roll up tightly, the long way. pinch edge to seal. use floss or string to cut into 5 1-inch slices. place in 13x9 inch baking pan.
place into refrigerator over night, for fresh cinnamon rolls on [Conference Sunday]
morning, turn oven on to 200 degrees. when it comes to temp, turn it off, and place the pan of rolls inside. leave for 30 minutes until doubled in size. take out of oven. preheat it again to 350 degrees. place rolls back in oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
make glaze when the rolls are done, serve warm! make everyone happy.

A Day of Introspection & Assessment...

With so many thoughts stemming from today's semi-annual general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that I don't even know where to begin...

First I must like to say that I LOVE the council of the Lord! It is like being instructed by a father who knows me and loves me, and is answering all my questions, I have found it helpful to have questions to take to conference--if you haven't tried it, you may like it as well :)

And if you would like to listen to or watch General Conference, it is tomorrow at 10am and again at 2pm US MDT: http://www.lds.org/broadcast/gc/0,5161,8176,00.html

*waking up early for the 'perfect' day
*learning that we didn't have TV channels until 9:57am
*Having to find the humilty to ask for help...
*A TEMPLE IN ROME ITALY!!! MI PIACE!!!
*Pray for countries to continue to open--just like w/Italy!!!
*The best is yet to be!!!
*Time to move on and explore other opportunities...
*The relation of body & spirit
*Live within your means--Save for a rainy day--earn interest don't pay it!
*Spiritual fuel!
*Invite others to come unto Christ--PMG
*all the good people God has brought into my life through the means of missionary work...and how different my life would be without them all...
*The impact my choices now will have on my future family...
*This is the Lord's work and he will help me do it!
*You don't know everything, but you know enough :)
*I know God loves me!
*No one is immune from sorrow and loss--God is his wisdom allows each of us to pass through things in this life...
*With God's help we can break the chain and forge ahead in faith!
*The promose from Pres. Hinckley regarding the Book of Mormon...the same promise I wrote in the front cover of the Book I gave him just months before he died...
*I did the best I could... I really did try...Scott knows that and God knows that...I just need to allow that to sink deep into my heart.
*Endure well. Experience joy. Don't allow self to be influenced by others.
*Attend the house of the Lord often.
*Make my home a house of the Lord. *BD_Temple
*Don't allow anything about me to distract from the Lord and his covenants
*Reverence before sacrament meeting
*replace my sarcasm, light-mindedness & loud laughter with sincerity & love.
*Seek direction weekly from the Lord in church--take my questions to him.
*Stand on Holy Ground--how can I improve this--in my relationships...
*'My House is a house of Order...' *D&C 88--see personal study yesterday!
?What kind of mother am I preparing now to be?
*seek faith to overcome fear & hope to overcome despair
?How can I seek to go on despite fear, discouragement & lonliness
*The infinite power of hope! Hold On Peace Exists :) Thanks Christianne
*Despair kills ambition & deadens the heart, drains from us all that is vibrant
*You need to learn to have greater joy Ashley
?How can I cultivate greater hope? PMG Christ-like attributes
?transcends the trivial--> hope of Isreal
*Look beyond the horizon of mortality
SMC: I hope there's something on the other side: There is.
It exceeds the grandest expectations of our lives
"Until we once again walk in his light..."
"he is in my hands, he is my son."
*One step at a time Ash, just as we learn to walk.
*Care for those around us even without hope of reciprocation
*things we hope in=> Charity
*things we hope for => faith
*Hope not only in the next life, but in this life as well.
?What things do I hope for in this life? Do I?
*Reason to rejoice even when all seems dark around us.
*God will wait with open arms.
*To all who suffer, to all who feel lonely, never give in, never surrender, NEVER ALLOW DESPAIR TO OVERCOME YOUR SPIRIT!
*I need thee every hour in joy or pain...

Afternoon Session:
I Am a Child of God
*The importance of children to the Lord. He loves us. Parental guidance.
*When you fall down--pick yourself up and get going again.
[Get back in the game, Ash--> Ut. Co. billboard 7/06]
*Drunk deeply from the cup of dissapointment, sorrow, & loss. The Lord in his wisdom shelters no one.
*Learn to LAUGH!!!
*Seek for the ETERNAL!
*Understand the principle of compensation
"every tear today will be returned a hundred fold tears of rejoicing...Not even death can take from us the eternal blessings"
*Put your trust in Heavenly Father & His son Jesus Christ
*Adversity if handled correctly in our lives can be a blessing
*Praise for living the sermons you preach
*seperation from God must have been the most detrimental
*in special times of need--God sends angels.
*take heart, be filled with faith.
*The Lord said he would fight our battles, our childrens battles, our childrens childrens battles.
*Heaven never seems closer than when we feel the the love of God manifested through those who's hearts are so pure they can only be described as angelic.
?Would God really send an angel to me?
*God never leaves us alone.
"I will go before your face, and be on your right hand and on your left..."
Teach Me To Walk in the Light of His Love..."
*From Scott's funeral
*importance of our search for knowledge
?What would God have me learn more of?
*Saviors teaching adapted to everyone--especially children
?Eyes are blind, you have to see with your heart?
?Then light and life more abundantly..?
*Only God can heal us. Only God can give us peace.
*Christ in Gesthemane. BYU Jerusalem.
*to be endowed with power.
*Don't ever believe the standard of the Lord is unreachable.
*Life is hard. The Lord's way is not hard.
?Increase in peace, love, strength, knowledge, confidence?
*Matt: come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden... And I shall give you rest. 6/06
*Never, never, never give up.
Only 1 way to happiness and fulfilment-->Christ is the way.
*Many died w/o sight.
*Zion is both a place and a people.
?How can I create that place and become that person & attract that into my life?
?Create my home as zion.
*Take up residency in Zion & get rid of the summer cottage in babylon
?Where are my summer cottages?
?Am I doing what I should be doing? Enough of what I should be doing?
*Learn to be content with what is sufficient for our needs.
*Kitchen table cut in half...
*Spiritual creation each day.
?Do I create spiritually before temporally?
*Importance of a husband who presides, provides & protects
*Pray always-->great blessings in store for us-->contingent upon our asking BD_Prayer
*express heartfelt gratitude & Ask for nothing.
*pray for others with real intent & a pure heart--even those who despitefully use us. It increases our capacity to hear and understand the voice of the Lord.
*Vision cam in response to a prayer for others.
?Do my roommates, friends, loved ones hear me petition God in their behalf?
*The time to repent is now!!!

I was grateful to watch conference this morning with a good friend, and then we got a consistent feed for the afternoon session--a few more tears near the surface when the childrens choir sang the song from Scott's funeral and so many things drew my heart to tender memories of my brother. I love the Lord. I love his teachings!

Gratitude

Grat·i·tude
/ˈgrætɪˌtud, -ˌtyud/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[grat-i-tood, -tyood] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation –noun
the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful:

This morning I woke up exhausted--you know the nights when you've had a descent amount of sleep and it just doesn't suffice? With only 1 week of school left, I have been running at full speed for 8 months now, and am right smack in the middle of finals. So...yesterday was a 12+hr day of studying and practicing injury protocols on people...and this morning...my hands ached. I got to my shift at the temple bright and early this morning...actually it was still dark, (silly people...who chooses to live this far North of the equator when they could enjoy the sunshine all year long...? ;) I arrived at the temple and enjoyed my first couple of hours, still subtly aware of the pain in my hands... when I had the opportunity to help a young lady about my age.

This girl was strikingly beautiful. She was tall, slender and had beautiful long hair and one of the sweetest smiles I have ever seen. A minute or two passed before I noticed that her hands were crippled by rigid muscles and frequent tremors. I never would have known that this lovely young lady was in any physical pain, but when she tried to move her hands it was obvious that her pain was near excruciating and that to make the smallest movements took a completely concerted effort on her behalf. And yet her disposition was brighter than anyone I saw today. She was sincere and very pleasant to be around.

Working with her allowed me the opportunity to think, here I had gone to the temple concerned with the temporary pain in my hands. My pain was very real, but also very evanescent, and, what more...my pain stemmed from the ability to work and move my hands to benefit others all day yesterday.

Today I learned to better appreciate what I have-- I guess you could say I left the temple endowed with gratitude.