Happiness is Your Heritage!

Last night I went with my mom and my sister Kristina to Salt Lake to attend the General Relief Society Meeting. Members of the Relief Society General Presidency spoke as well as Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Their talks were inspiring and I came away with two thoughts that I want to become a part of me.

The first was from Sister Julie Beck's message, she said "We can do the work of the Lord in His way when we seek, receive and act on personal revelation. Without personal revelation we can not succeed, if we heed personal revelation we can not fail." She then quoted Elder Maxwell who taught that receiving personal revelation requires, "serious mental effort on our part. Revelation is not a matter of pushing buttons, but of pushing ourselves, often aided by fasting, scripture study, and personal pondering. Most of all revelation requires us to a have sufficient degree of personal righteousness so that on occasion revelation may come to the righteous unsolicited." I believe our Father in Heaven is anxious to communicate with us on a personal level, he has guidance for us, but I'm afraid I put far too much energy into getting things done "my way" instead of exerting the energy to seek the wisdom of "His ways." I'm going to work on that.

The second thought came from Elder Uchtdorf's talk. (Sa Cebuano para sa mga gwapa.) He talked about finding happiness through service. I know I am happier when I focus on other people. And when I feel discontent and empty, a little soul searching helps me to realize that I'm simply too self-absorbed. The notion that we will be happier when we serve others seems rather counter intuitive and is an unlikely path for someone who is struggling for inner peace. But that is why we need the help of the gospel, we need the wisdom of the Almighty to show us a better way. The vain ambition of self-seeking is also self-destructive. When we understand that God lives and that we are literally His children we can trust His wisdom and His path. He is perfect and has perfect happiness, like Elder Uchtdorf taught, "Happiness is your heritage." In other words, happiness belongs to us by simple reason of our birth, if we will but do our part and accept this great inheritance.

How 'bout them Cougs!?

When your alma mater is doing well it's a good time to remind the world that you've been a fan for like EVER! It's important to separate oneself from the wishy-washy 'I was a fan when they were in the top 10, but now I'm looking at other options' fans or the 'I have liked them since 2005' fans. No, no, I am not one of those. I was born in Provo, my blood is blue (really!), my first word was 'Unga', I cheered for the Cougars while we had season tickets with the Air Force Falcons, I seethe when I think of Utes, I am one of those believers-even-during-the-Crowton-era-kind-of-fans!

Have you seen the team this year? Do you love it like I do? Can you just see the possibility of repeating 1984? It's an uphill battle, but wow, with a QB like Max Hall and the most incredible offensive line that hasn't allowed a sack all season, future opponents are rightfully worried!

It's not going to be easy, not with the self-favoring BCS (and all it's unfair bias) and not with refs like those in the Pac-10. BYU has it's work cut out for them. Right now the Mountain West Conference has three teams in the top 25, BYU, Utah and TCU. This weekend TCU is going to play #2 Oklahoma, and that could be a huge upset, one every non-BCS fan should be hoping for. I hope TCU humbles them just like Boise State did last year at the Fiesta Bowl (This is one of my all-time favorite football games and yes, it made me cry.)



It's going to be a great season!

Goodbye Summer! I Love You!

Sunday, September 21st is the last day of summer. The summer of 2008 will be remembered fondly with all the lovely little things that make summer superior to winter.

1. Fresh Veggie Trays

My favorites are red peppers and black olives. (Can you guess what is missing from this beautiful assortment?)



No sugarsnap peas! (The greatest tragedy is that I had some at the bottom of my vegetable drawer and forgot all about them.)


2. The Mountains!

I especially like to be in the mountains during the summer time, they are beautiful during every season, but I don't like to be cold or worry about hungry mountain lions, irritable bears or avalanches.



3. No Socks! (means less laundry).

With twelve feet in our family multiplied by seven days a week = A minimum of 84 socks a week to be washed and mated during the cooler months!

4. 4th of July

Patriotism, food, fireworks, neighbors, family and friends!



5. BBQ

Grilled Chicken, a nice cut of steak, savory salmon, shish-kabobs and a cooler kitchen when all the cooking is done outside!



6. Lavender

What a soft, fragrant, soothing addition to any garden. J'adore lavender!



7. Family Reunions Leaving behind the routine to gather with family and just catch-up and have a good time.



8. Playing in the water and sunshine!




9. Homemade Ice Cream

A family favorite, "Truly Key Lime Ice Cream" (For best results let chill 24 hours mixing in ice cream maker).



10. Sponge Dodgeball!

The same traditional game with large sponges substituted for the balls. It's all the fun of water game without messy things like water balloon pieces.