Blessings of a Wonderful Week!

So many great things! School! I love to learn! My classes are incredible--just what I want to be studying. Applying myself isn't difficult--it is what I would be doing in my spare time anyway! Family! I got messages from Sydney, Stockton & Samantha today! Brad called! Got an e-mail from Laurel & got to enjoy a wonderful dinner with my mom! I came home from a very productive day, got a ride from a good friend--home in time to meet my mom in the parking lot :) Baby Mo's Onsie arrived from Disney World--Princess in training--if you will--and I will! Seeing Bronco Mendenhall at Magleby's--Magleby's is wonderful! Seeing my old boss Deena who is incredible! Good memories--good friends! Good food! An invitation to come back & work! Sweet and inspired conversation from my amazing cousin Brookie! A new dryer!!! The heating element has been out for over a month--yeah for soft dry clothes!!! The Sunshine! An awesome talk with an old friend yesterday in the library--and an email from her today! Texts & messages from so many people I love--feeling the prayers of those I love! Having weak things strengthened! Realizing as I am in many of the classes I was in when Scott died--that the time is right for me to be finishing up. Loving even my finance class! Greater faith! Feeling inspired when I studied! The nice girl I didn't know that smiled at me in the library! A library locker! Choir!!! And an invitation to the service choir--we sing at rest homes and detention centers and invite others to seek & experience the Love of God! The settlement check from Allstate! Good health! Good friends! The chance to go skiing again! A beautiful sunset! A great party with old friends--making new ones! Inside jokes! Snowball fights! Gold leather sandels in January! Good men holding the door all day! Incredible resources! Fantastic roommates! Cleanliness! New clients! Returning clients! Humor! When the corners of my lips turn toward Heaven in Joy! Confidence that the Lord knows & loves me & that He has a plan for me. That He knows my weaknesses & has provided the opportunity for them to become strong in & through the Atonement of Jesus Christ! The opportunity to bear testimony of Jesus Christ to a few dear loved ones this week! A knowledge that through opposition wonderful blessings & experiences have come into my life! The blessing of adversity! 'An actual knowledge that the course of life [I] am pursuing is acceptable to the Lord' & 'reception of the blessings of the Lord that are available to man [and woman] in this life!' Gratitude for personal growth & the things that I have learned. Love for my Heavenly Father! Gratitude for repentance--an actual change in the direction of life that is possible--today & everyday for each & every person. It isn't just for the people that have visible mistakes, or the ones that have huge trials or sins--but for every person--everyday--with a desire to become better--more like God. Perfect balance of all emotion, perfect knowledge, perfect employment of talents, gifts & laws, perfect obedience--to even the laws He created. Perfect understanding--perfect love. In thinking of this notion of 'perfect' I can either allow myself to be disabled, discouraged & disheartened--because I know I am not perfect--or--I can take the definition of perfect as 'whole' or 'complete' and I can couple that with the perfect example--even Jesus Christ--accept His truths--His love--His gifts--His power--and allow myself to be enabled in and through His infinite power.

I often contemplate just how the dark times fit into the 'plan of happiness' and then I think about how Christ is the Light and life of the world--coupled with my training in the visual arts--I look how the darkness enhances the capacity of the light to shine--how the shadow creates a frame of reference for the light & vibrance of the picture. How what was once flat & lacking depth--comes to life as shadows beset the canvas. I think of the darkest times in my life--that have set the stage for the light & life of the world to redeem me from my fallen state. I look to Jesus Christ as my Savior, Redeemer & Friend--truly I can say as it is sung--'The Lord is My Light'

'The Lord is my light; then why should I fear?
By day & by night his presence is near.
He is my salvation from sorrow & sin;
This blessed assurance the spirit doth bring.

Chorus:
The Lord is my light;
He is my joy & my song.
By day & by night
He leads me along.

The Lord is my light; tho clouds may arise,
faith stronger than sight,
looks up thru the skies where Jesus forever doth reign.
Then how can I ever in darkness remain?

The Lord is my light; The Lord is my strength.
I know in His might I'll conquer at length.
My weakness in mercy He covers with pow'r,
And, walking by faith, I am blest every hour.

The Lord is my light, my all and in all.
There is in His sight no darkness at all.
He is my Redeemer, my Savior & King.
With Saints & with angels his praises I'll sing.

Some Thoughts as I study World Religions...

As I am learning about Jewish culture from a devote Orthodox Jew, I am reminded to go to the source and seek answers. How many times as a missionary doctrines would not have been misunderstood of someone desiring to know about the gospel of Jesus Christ had come to us-rather than the nearest anti-Mormon literature or proponent of conflict.

It is interesting to learn the whys associated with other religions & cultures. For instance, never knowing what the sukkah was-- and learning about the meaning behind it increases my appreciation for the Jewish people--and what they do. Author Greenberg states that "the sukkah s a reminder to all generations that God redeemed the people of Israel from Egypt. Like a loving caring parent He caused them to live temporarily in booths that sheltered them from the elements." To see that it is for the Jewish faith a sort of type & shadow of God's love helps me to better understand their practices.

It is as President Hinckley (former president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in speaking of our friends of other faiths, "Look for their strengths & their virtues, and you will find strength & virtues that will be helpful in your own life."

How true that is in relationships with all people--if only we were to look for the strengths & virtues in all people, of all faiths & ethnicity's & to seek to learn and grow and become better as a result of what we learned--we would make the world a better place as we ourselves became better more tolerant, well-rounded & loving people.

A Wonderful New Semester!

It is a great feeling to be back @ BYU, in the thick of my major classes & reveling in new friendships while savoring long-lasting quality relationships. Just yesterday I sat studying the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ--realizing I am able to do it while pursuing a degree. To be led by President Samuelson--a general authority of Christ's Church--to start classes with prayer--inviting the spirit of the Lord that together we may be edified. I know that I am in the right place at the right time & studying just what the Lord would endorse I study to best utilize my talents & abilities. so many things that I have come to love & appreciate & develop over the past 2 years--my love of teaching the gospel, my love of service, my appreciation for counseling & increased knowledge of resources. My love for home & family, my experiences nannying & time spent in Florida healing. I have greater self-confidence & motivation to accomplish great things than ever before. On the way back from a party Tuesday--even the billboards spouted sonnets of inspiration: make miracles happen!

I see miracles happening all around me--and am a part of so many. My life has brought me to this point capable of accomplishing so much good. And out of many of the trials of the past few years--greater joy & accomplishment than I could have dreamt--have been--and are being realized. Reading in 2 Corinthians Chapter 8, verse 2: How that in great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy & their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their *liberality (*FTGR sincerity, purity of mind generosity.)

There are so many good things & incredible opportunities all around me--it is like finally seeing the bigger picture. Actually wanting to be here. Knowing who I am, where I am going & what I want. *Note from BYU devo. Having the earning capacity to go to school full-time and work 10 hours a week & still provide for myself. Facing the unfinished classes from when I got hit by the truck & Scott died. Seeing how all these things truly have come together for my experience & good. having greater more enduring faith in Jesus Christ than ever before. Accomplishing my dreams--studying family life to attend grad school in counseling, singing in choir, skiing, helping people enjoy a greater sense of well-being through my job. Enjoying my family--so excited for 'Mo' to be born--and so happy to be closer to Brad & Abby. I'm so thankful for the life experiences they have had & shared with me & inspired that i hold strong to the ideal. Being so close to the temple & working there--learning each week how to create & pattern a house of the Lord. Experiencing greater joy than ever before!

I'm taking a religion in the home class--we study many world religions--from those faithfully practicing those faiths--and my life is being enriched so much as I better understand others beliefs, rituals & righteous traditions. As I come to learn more the Jewish culture it only increases my desire to study in the Holy Land, it enhances my great love for those I got to know in Florida--I think I was the only Christian in my building--and I definitely brought the average age down a good 25 years :)

So much more to come--

Ode to Christianne...

Christianne is ALIVE!!!




How grateful I am that my best friend is alive!

Christianne came down yesterday to pick a friend up from the airport--and to see me :) We were able to spend some quality time together--I love her! It was a bit of a rough day and I wanted to climb in bed by about 8p... but studied, visited with some friends, studied & was actually in bed by 10:30p.

Just after 11:15p I awoke from a deep sleep with the impression to call Christianne and tell her to to sleep at my mom's house in Bountiful.

Tonight Christianne called and told me that she had been in an accident just this side of the Idaho border around 2a and they had rolled her little car 3 times.

I felt awful. I apologized--remembering that I had that impression to call her--that I knew she shouldn't drive home. She told me I had called her and left a message. She'd also had numerous impressions to pull over & get a hotel, or slow down, or not push it etc--AND she had also read to me from the book 'Not My Will, But Thine Be Done' while she was here...

Some lessons may come in a painful way--but just the fact that she was able to walk away from the accident, that both she & the girl with her are alive & well. That they felt impressed to get a ride from a man going to Idaho Falls, who actually took them all the way to Rexburg--thank you to the good people everywhere--and especially to that man who didn't just drive past someone I love with it being a 20-zero night along the highway--thank you! Thanks to CHristianne's friend Dustin who followed the impression of the spirit to get up & pray for her at 2:30 this morning.

Such gratitude fills my heart for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ that allows us the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost--guidance, comfort, direction from a member of the Godhead--at all times & in all places & in all things.

I can't imagine my life without Christi. Truthfully, it was only hours before this accident that she & I were telling Brian & Sam how we met, how our friendship inspires us to constantly strive for our potential, and how the Lord's hand has been revealed to us in so many ways-it was like Doug asking us last year where we met: "in Heaven." Straight-faced response from Christianne. It's true though--I believe there are kindred friends in this life & that the same sociality exists that existed before we came here & will continue to exist after we leave this mortal life--and so it is for all the good people in my life--thank you! For a good friend & our amazing 'Smith's date' experience--everywhere with us is an experience :) For the beautiful snow, for my wonderful family, for an amazing bishop, for a great home evening group, for the good people in my classes, and for the opportunity to learn & grow & become better!

SNOW!!!

I love snow! So many great things today... huge falling snow flakes :) More yoga! The impression to take Airborne this morning--not knowing that the friend I was going out with tonight had been sick :) Fresh Florida grapefruit. A good book & a down comforter! Rebecca & Mackay's sealing approval!!! Congrats for the 17th :) The sweetest emails from quality friends, a phone call with Tamara--where she took seriously the 'Costco sized bottle of self confidence' :) I tell you it really works. Catching up with some more old friends I haven't talked to in years--plans to go skiing with a couple really good guys. A wonderful evening, great conversation, getting all dressed up to go out. Wearing gold flip flops in the snow (please note it was not snowing when I got picked up ;) An incredible movie--Forever Strong & yummy hot chocolate afterward. Courtney getting engaged!!! I'm so happy for you! Seeing Brooke & Dave SO happy tonight :) A wonderful, productive & introspective day with big beautiful snow flakes to top it off!

On that movie... so many things touched my heart...I shed a couple silent tears, I won't lie...but you wouldn't have known if I didn't tell you. You have to understand the premise of the movie--the star athlete who makes some bad choices, gets some DUI's, is sentenced to Wasatch JuVD & winds up playing Rugby for Highland. The role the father plays--or doesn't play in the life of his son--so many things rang true of our family, of Scott & his drinking. It made me wish things were different, that my dad hadn't enabled Scott's behavior the way he had--that maybe if he'd had to accept the consequences a little sooner they wouldn't have been a matter of life or death. All the pain & tragedy caused by alcohol... the incredible moral lessons taught in the movie--"let's focus on where you can go, not where you were or are" "he was a real friend--he made me want to be a better person" On losing a loved one "although his body was gone, his spirit is still with me." "I want you to be forever strong on the field so you'll be forever strong off." And then one that really drilled home in my heart--after having all those feelings of frustration toward my father awakened--the lessons taught to Rick about forgiveness: "It took me 40 years to forgive my father Rick--you stand where I stood 40 years ago--don't spend another minute being angry about yesterday--free him & you free yourself." And then in the end "you have a choice here, you either get up & finish this game or you stay down & end up like me."

Right after Scott died, there was a billboard along the 15 in Utah Co. that read: "get back in the game." It was of an injured basketball player--something Scott loved & excelled in--I tried to come close with my 3's ;) I know that the lessons we learn in mortality enable us to better help people, to endure in faith & to become like our Heavenly Father. Just like the head of the JuV center who had been there--he knew how to be there for others--he didn't always have his head screwed on straight, but he sought to be better because of the trials in his life--how great that there are still uplifting movies out there! And my old FHE co-chair was one of the players in the movie--he's amazing--congrats Ian!

Don't Put Off for Tomorrow the Things that Can be Done Today

A great article my mom shared with me--thanks mom! Isn't it encouraging? What a great start to the New Year!

"10 Things You Can Do Differently Today

By John M. Grohol, Psy.D.
December 26, 2006

Every year at about this time, magazines, newspapers and websites (including ours!) publish their usual articles on how to keep your New Year’s resolutions. We all seem to forget that many people — perhaps even most of us — make such resolutions partly in jest, partly understanding that while our intentions are good, they are not meant to be hard and fast rules.

So this year, we thought we’d try and do something a little different. Instead of offering you 10 things you can do to help keep your resolutions, we’re going to share with you 10 things you can do differently today that will help change your life. None of these will blow your mind, but they will help make a positive impact.

1. Change your routine. Sometimes all we need in our lives is to alter something in our daily routines that hasn’t been working for a long time. We convince ourselves it would be too difficult to change, or that it would require something we don’t have. Making the commitment to change, however, often brings about insight — and resources — that we don’t always initially have.

2. Eat better. While not exactly a revolutionary suggestion, eating just a little better than you have in the past can have a significant impact in your life. We’re not saying do away with the fast food altogether or switch to eating nothing but bran flakes for the rest of your life. But make a commitment to everyday choices that are just a little healthier for you. For instance, opt for a smaller cheeseburger instead of the Big Mac. Eat two cookies instead of five. Eat one day at Subway instead of Burger King or McDonald’s. Don’t deny yourself the pleasures of eating, just try and make healthier decisions everyday when it comes to your food choices.

3. Have a real conversation. So much of our everyday activities are driven by things outside of our perceived control — going to school, work, or taking care of the kids. We seem to be pawns in a life not of our own making sometimes. One way to regain a little sense of control is to stop and have a real conversation with someone about something meaningful. Not every day. Not every conversation. Maybe just once a week, with a friend, a coworker, or your significant other. Talk about something important to you, something meaningful. You’d be surprised at having such regular, real conversations can help better ground you in your life and give it some meaning.

4. De-clutter. Nearly everyone has a clutter problem. While some people seem to have magical abilities removing clutter from their lives, the rest of us seem to live in a constant state of mostly manageable clutter levels. And that’s fine. Nobody should attempt to be Mary Poppins if their lives more often are akin to a tornado’s passing through a town. But if you make a conscious effort to reduce the amount of clutter, that can help you feel more in control of your life. For instance, deal with junk mail the minute you pick it up (don’t keep stacking it until it resembles the leaning tower of Pisa!). Have your children put their own things away once a week. Ask your significant other to help out with de-cluttering your life just a little bit.

5. Exercise. Yeah, yeah, we all know we should exercise more (unless you’re already hitting the gym 5 times a week!), and we all vow we will. But did you know a simple 15 minute walk every day will help significantly improve your long-term health? You don’t need a gym membership to stay a little more fit than you are today. Sometimes people feel the only way they can do something is if they do it 110%. But the easier solution is to find that 15 minutes a day to do something simpler and more likely to happen.

6. Listen more. We all think we listen when others talk to us, and most of the time, we do. But in this fast-paced, multitasking world, we often don’t really listen when someone speaks to us. The closer the person is to us, the more we often don’t really listen to what they’re saying. You can’t just stop not listening, because it’s something most of us have inadvertently learned to do over the years. We pretend (even to ourselves) that we’re listening, but we’re actually doing something on the computer, watching TV, or reading an article or book. Be a little more aware of when you’re doing this, and stop yourself from doing it once in awhile. Listen. While you may think that what you’re doing is more important than what the other person is saying, you may also find that the other person’s words have meaning… If for no other reason than because they are coming from someone you care about.

7. Have some fun. Some of us are very good about having fun, and doing it regularly. But some of us, especially as we get older, forget to have fun. We think we’re having fun watching TV or playing a video game — and some of us really are — but many times we use these activities as stand-ins for actual pleasure. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s just that you should also make room in your life for real fun too! While there’s a time and place for taking life seriously, there’s an equal time and place for forgetting your troubles for a few hours a week and really enjoying yourself.

8. Enjoy the journey. Many of us are so focused on getting to where we’re going or where we think we should be going that we forget that the journey is often just as important (and fun!). Life is a full-time, 100% learning experience. Even when we think we’re in the midst of the most mind-numbing, repetitive and boring experience, life is trying to teach us something. The problem is that a lot of the time we don’t realize this. We negate the experience, and in the process, we negate a part of our lives. Embrace the journey, even if it’s just once in awhile, and understand that everything is a part of living a full and meaningful life.

9. Read an entire article. The Internet has been a wonderful boon to our lives, opening up doors and breaking down barriers that have plagued our society in so many different areas. But in one area, it has dealt us a bit of a setback — reading skills. The Internet values the interconnections (or “surfing”) one makes back and forth, all over the world, from website to website. But it doesn’t value sitting there and reading a full-length article from start to finish. Whether you do it online or in a local newspaper or magazine, sit and read an entire article, from start to finish. It teaches us to value good writing (rather than what passes for writing on so much of the Internet), appreciate the nuances of a well-told story and a very good writer, and often challenges us to think outside of our comfort zone. Skimming articles – what most people do online – gives us the gist of the information with none of the nuance or character of careful reading.

10. Try another stress relief. Like all patterns of behavior, we often adopt behaviors over time without giving them much thought. If it comes naturally, it must be okay. How we deal with stress is one of those things that we learn by watching others in our life — on TV, our parents, and our friends. We learn to do positive things, such as exercise or writing in a journal, as well as negative stress relievers, such as drinking too much or bottling it up inside ourselves, letting it simmer. Look at how others around you deal with stress and pick just one different, positive way of dealing with stress and try it out. It may feel a little unnatural at first, but give it a week or two and you may find it is another helpful alternative to place in your stress relief arsenal.

And remember to live. Aren’t we doing that already? How can I do that differently? You know, so many of us spend our lives in “quiet desperation.” That is, we live from day to day without giving much thought to our lives’ meaning. We yearn to do something more, something different, but most of us never spend much effort to achieving that. But you can take little steps, instead of giant strides, to live a life that has more meaning to you. What that meaning is, only you can decide. But instead of putting off getting to that meaning, you can make a start — today — toward it.

Perhaps you’d like to be in a different career, so start thinking about the careers that interest you. Perhaps you’d like to be in a new relationship, so start thinking about what qualities you truly appreciate in another person. Perhaps you’d like to be a better parent, so start finding little ways you can improve your parenting skills. Perhaps you’d like to write a poem or book, so start writing — it doesn’t have to have form or function, just desire.

Sometimes the greatest challenge we face in changing something about our lives is the actual act of doing. We put up barriers within ourselves to stop ourselves from even trying to do something different, because we believe we will fail, it is too difficult to change, or it will take too long. We never even start.

So don’t start today. Don’t start tomorrow. But start just one of these things within the next month, and you’ll find that you will succeed if you only try."

Thanks be to God & all the Wonderful people in my life!

My heart is filled with gratitude for all the blessings in my life. It is, as Joe Saviano reminds me, what you focus on that expands. As I open my eyes today to all the good people and blessings around me, tears well in my eyes and I feel unable to accurately express my appreciation for all that I have.

Waking up to light! I love the sun, and the symbolism of Christ--the way, the truth the light, & life of the world & of my life! I started my day with a morning session of Yoga, prayer & study of the gospel--thanks to Christianne & Niki for such a thoughtful gift that has already brought greater joy, peace, focus & centering into my life--I love you both! I got to talk to Christianne this morning--It makes a great way to start the day--she always brings out the best in me & I hope I encourage her in a similar way. When I told her about sharing the gospel with Mary she told me how she'd given like 6 Books of Mormon away since we last spoke--I can't keep up with her--but I'll live everyday to try. I can't picture my life without her--I only moved to Florida because my heart was broken after Scott died--but the Lord blessed me in ways I never could have imagined--nor adequately thank Him, or the people that have changed my life for the better. The blessing of a clean & organized room! I've never had my own room at school until this semester--and yesterday I scoured the place--bleaching the walls, detailing the moldings, sanitizing & disinfecting it all--I love cleanliness! I think my spirit is able to function better! Then a nice hot shower (when we lived in Italy--we didn't have hot water--trust me--it's a blessing :) Freshly shaven legs--any woman knows that's a great blessing, time to get ready & new Sephora from Christmas in Boca! And a great conversation with my roommate Michelle who shared with me her perfect New Years date--Thanks Michelle! Then my mom came down bringing me all kinds of wonderful treats--books & articles filled with light & truth & encouragement. She brought my exercise ball & all kinds of things to make the semester start even more smoothly :) Thanks mom! Then we went and ran errands--and I got a down comforter for Christmas--who doesn't want to sleep sweetly each night?!? I got a new battery for an old camera--and took pictures--you know the kind that uses film--wow--I wonder if I should save it for my children so they know just how old I am ;) Then we went to Babies R Us & got a shower gift for 'Mo' my sweet little unborn niece--I can't wait to see her--I love Brad & Abby & Mo & am so thankful to be close when she's born & to shower her with love! It is a great blessing to be close to my family this year, they've been so kind as I cared for a broken heart & engagement. They've shown such understanding & empathy as I've grieved the loss of my best friend--thank you! I ran into one of my best friends & her new husband @ Target--I love Michelle & Jamie and am so happy for them--they inspire me never to settle for less than the ideal! A phone call from my best friend from the ward and her new husband--I love you Brooke & Dave, It brings me great joy to see you so happy! A phone call from another best friend Rebecca--what can I say--I'm surrounded by the best! I love she & Mackay & so many blessings have come through my friendship with her--some crazy stories & apartment tales as well--but overall just love & blessings all over the place! A phone call from a woman from my mission--I love her! What a blessing it was to serve the Lord & to gain eternal friendships! Another call from a companion yesterday that just thinking about makes me smile--oh Sister Staiger I Love you! A sweet message from River filled with understanding and love. Catching up with a great old friend from Boca that moved--even Facebook can be a blessing! Good uplifting music--and wonderful prophetic encouragement from Elder Holland! An amazing dinner with mom @ Magelby's--and seeing a lot of blessings from when I worked there--being able to express my gratitude to Doc & his appreciation for it after a long hard day. When you apply there, you turn in a life sketch--all that you've done and are doing for good in the world--and when he looked over my application--he hired me on the spot & said--"she's the all-American wonderful LDS girl--how could I not want her here?" When you walk through the door there is a book of mormon in every language on the shelf and family pictures adorning the walls--the spirit is there--and so are many good people & memories. Truman Madsen used to come in each week & tell me stories of my aunt & uncle who served with he & Ann back East. President Child & his wife were there tonight--he was my stake President just after Scott died--and has definitely mastered caring for the one--I knew that God loved me & was aware because of the way my leaders extended His love to me--his cousin is my home ward bishop who was our home teacher for 10 years before that--what can I say... inactive part member families get the best of the best--Bishop Child was my first good example of a stalwart man that really cared for those he served--thank you! He even offered to get the whole ward to execute the wedding if manpower was needed--he and his whole family came to support the AFSP event in SLC that I chaired this year & donated great things from RC Willey--Thank you! The friendly man from LA who chatted with us over the USC game for 15 minutes--made me smile. Warm rolls & raspberry lemonade Mmmm! If you've ever eaten at Magelby's--you know they're wonderful! Marking calenders with my mom--that was one of my favorite activities we would do when I was little--stickers scattered all over the table, remembering everyone's birthdays--once we hear them--we'll know it forever :) With a pen in hand we planned for a wonderful year--and the beautiful calenders that Jami made for us for Christmas with the greatest pictures of my nieces & nephew! Yummy oranges that my mom gave me--that's my favorite part of my Christmas stocking! Eating healthy & not being an emotional eater! Feeling impressed to talk to Christi via facebook (again--it was a blessing--whoa! ;) and looking at the beauty & fun we were able to capture in Florida & skiing Utah. Seeing incremental improvement with that 'Costco sized bottle of self confidence.' :) Wishing everyone I saw a Happy New Year! The nice guy at Target, we talked about how we live in a dessert here ;) Humidifiers are amazing--almost as good as a beach--OK not really--but it's still a great blessing! The greatest bishop ever who checked in on me & who has really helped me learn about God's love for each one of us! Reminiscing over memories with Steph & that she'll be home in 3 months! I love she & Max & they've been such a blessing in my life as they have followed the spirit & encouraged me in word & example! Seeing a post on Elder Simakov's wall from someone he taught the gospel to--and how wonderful he is doing--and his very thoughtful letter this week--thank you! Wrapping up the day with an evening dose of Yoga--on the mat my mom gave me for Christmas! Thanks again to everyone--especially the Lord--for a wonderful day! Being filled with appreciation and love for my Heavenly Father as I have felt strength from the prayers of those I love & as I have turned my heart to God--I love Him. He is my father, and although I do not have someone who acts as a father here in mortality--God has always taken his place and blessed my life in real & concrete ways that only my true father could--Thank you!