Back in January, I was enticed by an email offering deals on flights to Ireland. I've been wanting to go back for 9 years now, but have always had something that I needed to focus on first. Being a responsible adult isn't all its cracked up to be. :)
I played with the idea, as I have many, many times, except that this time it felt right. It felt like it was finally time to go back. So "Step #1" was actually buying the plane ticket. Yahoo! Nothing like throwing down that much money to commit you to something. :)
Step #2 I had planned to finish a month ago, but some things came up and the budget was a bit tight for a couple of weeks. The issue with Step #2, is that it is time sensitive and VERY necessary. So to aid in my accomplishing this step, I enlisted the help of my good friend Shayla. I asked her if she would be so kind as to beat me up if I didn't accomplish Step #2. I hadn't really thought about it beforehand, but Shayla is a very disciplined person... so she was very good at this job. I started receiving DAILY reminders about accomplishing this step and they began to be very threatening. Something along these lines: "If you don't do this, I will sit on your head and bounce."
Now just picture anyone doing this, even as small as my friend is, it sure scared me enough to take her seriously. ;)
I'm happy to announce that I mailed in my passport renewal form today! Hooray! Thanks to Shayla for helping me through this last step. I couldn't have done it without her.
PS. Shayla, I'm afraid for your children.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Tis a Gift to be Simple...
Just when I thought I couldn't love these guys any more than I already do, they go and do such a fun mashup!
Love me some Jon & Steve!
(Here is the link, in case the video doesn't work)
Friday, February 24, 2012
Answers
A couple of quick thoughts: (haha.. "quick" that's a good one Emily!)
The past few months have been hard for me in certain ways, the details of such aren't necessary, for I am quite aware of many (and it seems to be increasing everyday) that are also dealing with challenging aspects of life. I wonder if it is because I am more aware of it or if it seems to be that life is getting harder for all of us??... but that isn't the important question here...
As I've been dealing with my challenges, I have been pleading with the Lord for help in knowing what to do, what to think... anything to help give me peace. And there have been assurances... I just want more. :)
I've been working on simplifying things in my life and focusing on what is most important (even to abstaining from Facebook) as an added measure to gain the answers I seek and I feel that the Lord has provided two in the past 24 hours. I'm so excited... I need to share them! :)
Answer #1: A good friend who is aware of my particular challenges gave me a book, "Increase In Learning", by Elder Bednar. I received it yesterday and started it last night. WOW! That man has helped me increase my learning already in my life so it shouldn't surprise me that within a few pages and watching a few clips (a DVD is included with the book) that he taught me so much more. I'll allow each of you the exciting adventure on learning what he has to share and just share the one aspect that I got an answer about. It's about asking inspired questions that help us learn (PS: The book isn't just about spiritual learning... he talks about ALL learning... I highly recommend it to everyone!).
While praying, I decided to "experiment upon the word", aka, test the principles taught, and try it for myself. It. Was. Hard. Finally, I was able to ask this question: "I know that the Atonement has the power to help me with this grief and sorrow I'm feeling (now you know a part of my challenges, not that it should come as any surprise), but I don't know "how" it does. How can the atonement heal me?" Instantly into my mind came part of a scripture. After getting up from my knees, I opened to the section of the scriptures where I thought it was and read this: "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief... Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows... and with his stripes we are healed." And with the peace and comfort of being reminded (not that I had forgotten) that "He" knows exactly what I'm feeling, even to the point of choosing the same terms that I have been identifying with: "grief" and "sorrow", came the assurance that I will find the answer to my question as I consistently seek it.
Answer #2: Listening to a prior conference on the way to work, October 2010, and listened to Pres Uchtdorf talk about simplifying our lives when challenges come. "Therefore, it is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions." Another confirming answer that I was headed in the correct direction.
Isn't Heavenly Father the best! Always there when I need Him. I sure love that guy! :)
The past few months have been hard for me in certain ways, the details of such aren't necessary, for I am quite aware of many (and it seems to be increasing everyday) that are also dealing with challenging aspects of life. I wonder if it is because I am more aware of it or if it seems to be that life is getting harder for all of us??... but that isn't the important question here...
As I've been dealing with my challenges, I have been pleading with the Lord for help in knowing what to do, what to think... anything to help give me peace. And there have been assurances... I just want more. :)
I've been working on simplifying things in my life and focusing on what is most important (even to abstaining from Facebook) as an added measure to gain the answers I seek and I feel that the Lord has provided two in the past 24 hours. I'm so excited... I need to share them! :)
Answer #1: A good friend who is aware of my particular challenges gave me a book, "Increase In Learning", by Elder Bednar. I received it yesterday and started it last night. WOW! That man has helped me increase my learning already in my life so it shouldn't surprise me that within a few pages and watching a few clips (a DVD is included with the book) that he taught me so much more. I'll allow each of you the exciting adventure on learning what he has to share and just share the one aspect that I got an answer about. It's about asking inspired questions that help us learn (PS: The book isn't just about spiritual learning... he talks about ALL learning... I highly recommend it to everyone!).
While praying, I decided to "experiment upon the word", aka, test the principles taught, and try it for myself. It. Was. Hard. Finally, I was able to ask this question: "I know that the Atonement has the power to help me with this grief and sorrow I'm feeling (now you know a part of my challenges, not that it should come as any surprise), but I don't know "how" it does. How can the atonement heal me?" Instantly into my mind came part of a scripture. After getting up from my knees, I opened to the section of the scriptures where I thought it was and read this: "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief... Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows... and with his stripes we are healed." And with the peace and comfort of being reminded (not that I had forgotten) that "He" knows exactly what I'm feeling, even to the point of choosing the same terms that I have been identifying with: "grief" and "sorrow", came the assurance that I will find the answer to my question as I consistently seek it.
Answer #2: Listening to a prior conference on the way to work, October 2010, and listened to Pres Uchtdorf talk about simplifying our lives when challenges come. "Therefore, it is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions." Another confirming answer that I was headed in the correct direction.
Isn't Heavenly Father the best! Always there when I need Him. I sure love that guy! :)
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