Austin found out on wednesday the 15th that
1. He gets a raise!! Both he and the other range management intern get a raise!! So exciting!! =)
2. His internship was extended to the end of the year!!! How neat is that?!
That's pretty neat!! =)
So we are excited about that and really made the mid-week blues go away =) =)
At least we know now that he has a job till the end of december =) Yay!!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Talk for Sunday February 19, 2012
The Power of Kindness
Good morning brothers and sisters. Before I begin my talk I’d like to take a moment to introduce me and my husband. We have been married for about a year and nine months which here is considered newlyweds while in Provo we had been married for a long time. We met while working together in a field crew for BYU measuring and recording plant data. But we really hit it off once we started having cow pie fights. I got one in the neck and he got one in the neck. Those were the good old days. Austin graduated from BYU with his bachelor’s in Wildlife Management and I am close to being done with the same major as soon as I finish my generals which luckily I only have 3 left. Since being married we have been in five wards. That’s quite a few! We have two dogs, a corn snake and an African spur tortoise. We love being in the outdoors; everything from camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and birding. Austin served his mission in Thailand and while there began his love of thai food. Which lucky for him, I also enjoy thai food and it has now become a staple in our weekly dinners. Austin was born and raised in the Salt Lake area while I on the other hand am a born and raised Washintonian. Living in Utah and now southern Utah has been a struggle. I miss my evergreens towering over us on I-5 and the constant smell of rain in the air and the overcast days, but I am trying to see the beauty here with its brownness and junipers. Its still a work in progress =) We have lived here now for 5 months and have enjoyed it greatly. You all have been so welcoming and we are happy to be here =)
Since we were given no topic to speak on we were free to choose whatever we wanted to talk on. We’ll see if brother Larsen lets us do that again once he hears me speak…=) I have chosen to speak on the power of kindness. I will be using Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin’s talk The Virtue of Kindness given in the 2005 April General Conference.
Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others. But then why is it that we struggle to be kind all the time to everyone? People can be rude and mean, judgmental and unkind but we must rise above our natural man response of getting even. There are many people that we can look to as examples of great kindness.
Joseph Smith was one of those great examples of kindness. He showed kindness to everyone, old and young. One child said this of the Prophets kindness; “My older brother and I were going to school, near to the building which was known as Joseph’s brick store. It had been raining the previous day, causing the ground to be very muddy, especially along that street. My brother Wallace and I both got our feet wet in the mud, and could not get out, and of course, child-like; we began to cry, for we thought we would have to stay there. But looking up, I beheld the loving friend of children, the Prophet Joseph, coming to us. He soon had us on higher and drier ground. Then he stooped down and cleaned the mud from our little, heavy-laden shoes, took his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped our tear stained faces. He spoke kind and cheering words to us, and sent us on our way to school rejoicing.”
What a great example of kindness. Taking the time to help someone in need, lifting another’s spirit when it is low, saying a kind word or even sharing a simple smile. These simple acts of kindness can change a person’s day from bad to good, from terrible to great. By being kind and patient we can soften hearts and encourage others to live righteously.
The greatest example of kindness was Christ. Jesus was the epitome of kindness and compassion. He healed the sick. He spent much of his time ministering to the one or many. He spoke compassionately to the Samaritan woman who was looked down upon by many. He instructed His disciples to allow the little children to come unto him. He was kind to all who had sinned, condemning ONLY the sin, NOT the sinner. He kindly allowed thousands of nephites to come forward and feel the nail prints in His hands and feet. Yet his greatest act of kindness was found in his atoning sacrifice, thus freeing all from the effects of death, and all from the effects of sin, on conditions of repentance.
When we are filled with kindness, we are not judgmental. The savior taught in luke 6:37, “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive and ye shall be forgiven.” He also taught in Matthew 7:2 that “with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judges: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”
But you may ask…
What if people are rude? The answer: Be kind and love them.
If they are obnoxious? Be kind and love them
But what if they offend? Surely I must do something then? Be kind and love them.
What if they are off the straight path? The same answer; be kind and love them.
Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes. One kind word lifts our spirit in the moment but can linger with us over the years.
I remember back when I was a freshmen in college at BYU I was one timid and scared freshmen. I had heard awful stories of the “BYU Testing Center”. The windows were so high that there was no comforting glance outside at freedom, a simple sneeze or cough might be considered some secret code for cheating, you had to sit in really uncomfortable desks, you had to get permission to use the bathroom, AND they would even take your test away if they caught you looking any other direction but down. Needless to say, I was scared of my first test in the testing center. It didn’t help though that my first test was a Chem test and chemistry wasn’t my favorite subject. I received my test and then entered the feared room. It was horrible. Dead silence except for the scratching of pencil on paper. What an awful place. I was sure that this building 1. Was the Worst building on campus and not a place God would want to be and 2. Was the place with the most faith because so many people would whisper prayers to themselves before they started their test and prayers didn’t help those who weren’t prepared? As I walked in and sat down at a desk my hands were shaking, my heart pounding and my mind racing. How could anyone take a test in this environment?! I quietly said a prayer to help me take this test and do well. And then…I began. I had finished 1 question (which took about 10 minutes) and had moved to the second when an older boy passed me and left a note on my desk. I was terrified that they would think I was cheating, they would take away my test!! Oh how I would cry if they did that. I quickly snatched the note and hid it under my hand for about a minute just in case someone walked by eyeing me suspiciously. Once I saw I was clear I read the note. It had been ripped off a piece of graphing paper and had these simple words written on it, “You can do it, Good luck! =)” All I could do was smile. It made me feel so much better that he could see that I was so nervous and took the time to write a couple kind words of encouragement. After that I was able to calm down, think clearly, and finish my test.
I never found out who that boy was but he made a difference in my life that day. I simple note of encouragement changed the outcome of my test. I did much better on that test then I would have done if he wouldn’t have encouraged me. Such a simple act of kindness can make a difference.
The Church is not a place where perfect people gather to say perfect things, or have perfect thoughts, or have perfect feelings. The Church is a place where imperfect people gather to provide encouragement, support, and service to each other as we press on in our journey to return to our heavenly father.
We are all children of our heavenly father. And we are here with the same purpose: to learn to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
I’d like to bear my testimony that through kindness we can make a difference and help those around us. I know that a kind attitude towards everyone not only affects those around us but can make us happy as well. Do not underestimate the power of kindness.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Good morning brothers and sisters. Before I begin my talk I’d like to take a moment to introduce me and my husband. We have been married for about a year and nine months which here is considered newlyweds while in Provo we had been married for a long time. We met while working together in a field crew for BYU measuring and recording plant data. But we really hit it off once we started having cow pie fights. I got one in the neck and he got one in the neck. Those were the good old days. Austin graduated from BYU with his bachelor’s in Wildlife Management and I am close to being done with the same major as soon as I finish my generals which luckily I only have 3 left. Since being married we have been in five wards. That’s quite a few! We have two dogs, a corn snake and an African spur tortoise. We love being in the outdoors; everything from camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and birding. Austin served his mission in Thailand and while there began his love of thai food. Which lucky for him, I also enjoy thai food and it has now become a staple in our weekly dinners. Austin was born and raised in the Salt Lake area while I on the other hand am a born and raised Washintonian. Living in Utah and now southern Utah has been a struggle. I miss my evergreens towering over us on I-5 and the constant smell of rain in the air and the overcast days, but I am trying to see the beauty here with its brownness and junipers. Its still a work in progress =) We have lived here now for 5 months and have enjoyed it greatly. You all have been so welcoming and we are happy to be here =)
Since we were given no topic to speak on we were free to choose whatever we wanted to talk on. We’ll see if brother Larsen lets us do that again once he hears me speak…=) I have chosen to speak on the power of kindness. I will be using Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin’s talk The Virtue of Kindness given in the 2005 April General Conference.
Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others. But then why is it that we struggle to be kind all the time to everyone? People can be rude and mean, judgmental and unkind but we must rise above our natural man response of getting even. There are many people that we can look to as examples of great kindness.
Joseph Smith was one of those great examples of kindness. He showed kindness to everyone, old and young. One child said this of the Prophets kindness; “My older brother and I were going to school, near to the building which was known as Joseph’s brick store. It had been raining the previous day, causing the ground to be very muddy, especially along that street. My brother Wallace and I both got our feet wet in the mud, and could not get out, and of course, child-like; we began to cry, for we thought we would have to stay there. But looking up, I beheld the loving friend of children, the Prophet Joseph, coming to us. He soon had us on higher and drier ground. Then he stooped down and cleaned the mud from our little, heavy-laden shoes, took his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped our tear stained faces. He spoke kind and cheering words to us, and sent us on our way to school rejoicing.”
What a great example of kindness. Taking the time to help someone in need, lifting another’s spirit when it is low, saying a kind word or even sharing a simple smile. These simple acts of kindness can change a person’s day from bad to good, from terrible to great. By being kind and patient we can soften hearts and encourage others to live righteously.
The greatest example of kindness was Christ. Jesus was the epitome of kindness and compassion. He healed the sick. He spent much of his time ministering to the one or many. He spoke compassionately to the Samaritan woman who was looked down upon by many. He instructed His disciples to allow the little children to come unto him. He was kind to all who had sinned, condemning ONLY the sin, NOT the sinner. He kindly allowed thousands of nephites to come forward and feel the nail prints in His hands and feet. Yet his greatest act of kindness was found in his atoning sacrifice, thus freeing all from the effects of death, and all from the effects of sin, on conditions of repentance.
When we are filled with kindness, we are not judgmental. The savior taught in luke 6:37, “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive and ye shall be forgiven.” He also taught in Matthew 7:2 that “with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judges: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”
But you may ask…
What if people are rude? The answer: Be kind and love them.
If they are obnoxious? Be kind and love them
But what if they offend? Surely I must do something then? Be kind and love them.
What if they are off the straight path? The same answer; be kind and love them.
Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes. One kind word lifts our spirit in the moment but can linger with us over the years.
I remember back when I was a freshmen in college at BYU I was one timid and scared freshmen. I had heard awful stories of the “BYU Testing Center”. The windows were so high that there was no comforting glance outside at freedom, a simple sneeze or cough might be considered some secret code for cheating, you had to sit in really uncomfortable desks, you had to get permission to use the bathroom, AND they would even take your test away if they caught you looking any other direction but down. Needless to say, I was scared of my first test in the testing center. It didn’t help though that my first test was a Chem test and chemistry wasn’t my favorite subject. I received my test and then entered the feared room. It was horrible. Dead silence except for the scratching of pencil on paper. What an awful place. I was sure that this building 1. Was the Worst building on campus and not a place God would want to be and 2. Was the place with the most faith because so many people would whisper prayers to themselves before they started their test and prayers didn’t help those who weren’t prepared? As I walked in and sat down at a desk my hands were shaking, my heart pounding and my mind racing. How could anyone take a test in this environment?! I quietly said a prayer to help me take this test and do well. And then…I began. I had finished 1 question (which took about 10 minutes) and had moved to the second when an older boy passed me and left a note on my desk. I was terrified that they would think I was cheating, they would take away my test!! Oh how I would cry if they did that. I quickly snatched the note and hid it under my hand for about a minute just in case someone walked by eyeing me suspiciously. Once I saw I was clear I read the note. It had been ripped off a piece of graphing paper and had these simple words written on it, “You can do it, Good luck! =)” All I could do was smile. It made me feel so much better that he could see that I was so nervous and took the time to write a couple kind words of encouragement. After that I was able to calm down, think clearly, and finish my test.
I never found out who that boy was but he made a difference in my life that day. I simple note of encouragement changed the outcome of my test. I did much better on that test then I would have done if he wouldn’t have encouraged me. Such a simple act of kindness can make a difference.
The Church is not a place where perfect people gather to say perfect things, or have perfect thoughts, or have perfect feelings. The Church is a place where imperfect people gather to provide encouragement, support, and service to each other as we press on in our journey to return to our heavenly father.
We are all children of our heavenly father. And we are here with the same purpose: to learn to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
I’d like to bear my testimony that through kindness we can make a difference and help those around us. I know that a kind attitude towards everyone not only affects those around us but can make us happy as well. Do not underestimate the power of kindness.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
indexing
okay so I have a new addiction. Although, I was talking with austin yesterday about my addiction and he said that it wasn't a bad addiction of all the addictions that one could have. My addiction is indexing. haha Indexing is when you enter information from back in the day death certificates or draft registration cards, etc online so that there is a digital copy safely stored online. well, we set up an account for me on monday night and by wednesday night I have done 251 names. and have over 300 points. I never realized how easy indexing could be. =) Its quite fun and i feel like I am contributing to help those that have past away. Also the LDS church really encourages us to do indexing. I am not so good at doing family research just because I can't seem to find much information or my dad doesn't have much info on his parents. But indexing is very fulfilling. and its a good addiction because I am helping out. =) If anyone were to be, oh i don't know, sitting at home with a broken ankle and needed something to do they should do some indexing because it makes the time go by really fast! =) haha I love you mom! =)
Monday, February 6, 2012
Adventure on Sunday
I am exhausted after yesterday. We drove all the way to Layton and back to St. George yesterday. It was a LONG time in the car. We got back WAY later than I had wanted. I was little upset that our dogs had been cooped up all day...
We attended Ashton's baby blessing and it was so beautiful. If that little boy stays on the right path he will be one amazing person. I am so excited that Patrick and Beki are parents. It will be fun to see how ashton turns out. =) The circle had a lot of men in it and patrick even invited austin to be in the circle. Austin really enjoyed it! =) He's excited for the day he can bless our baby =)
After the blessing was the testimony meeting and braxton just had to bear his testimony and garrick had patrick take him up this time(i guess braxton bears his testimony every fast sunday) and it was so funny. Like most little children they have the adult help them say their testimony and patrick had braxton say that he was thankful for his great uncle(meaning patrick haha) and all of the family just laughed. Well we laughed that quiet little laugh that you do if someone says something funny in sacrament. It made it even funnier that patrick made a face like, yeah that's right i'm awesome =) haha And then he bore his testimony and beki bore her testimony and beki's dad also bore his testimony. it was so sweet. He told a story how when beki was in primary giving a talk he was helping her with what to say. At the end she was bearing her testimony
Beki's dad: I love my mom and dad.
Beki: I love my mom.
Beki's dad: What about daddy?
Beki: What about daddy.
Ha ha I can totally see a little child doing that. They repeat almost exactly what you tell them to say right into the mic for EVERYONE to hear. It would have been so funny to see/hear that. I am sure we will have experiences like that. =) And then he bore his testimony to ashton. He said that he knows he can hear him. Although he might not be able to understand him because ashton has been speaking spanish in his past life. (another quiet little laugh) How cute is that. It was a very fun experience =)
After sacrament we headed over to the franco house for the luncheon. There was a LOT of people but it was fun to talk to emily and garrick and when they weren't surrounded by a million people beki and patrick. I wish we could have stayed longer there but we had a long drive back.
We had planned on swinging by the brewer house for like 15 minutes and grabbing our movies that we lent to ashlynn and ryan but it turned into almost 2 hours! I was way stressed. I had wanted to be on the road by 5:30pm but we didn't leave till almost 7. I don't think they realized that we were going to get home at like midnight!! and that austin had work early the next morning. Austin doesn't really care about things like that but I do of course and I was worried about the dogs making a mess. They had been locked up since 7am. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the little visit with the fam but it stressed me out insanely. The whole 4.5 hour drive back home I was stressed and a little upset that we had stayed so long and that we were going to get home so late. I felt so bad for the dogs too. The later we got back the later I was going to have to stay up with them so they could have some time to stretch their legs and play. We were up till after 1am last night and we had to get up at 6:30. (we slept in an extra 15 minutes but it doesn't really help)
So overall the day was really fun but stressful the last 5 hours and my eyes are hurting due to the lack of sleep and the bright lights of the cars last night(are we the only ones that don't like the headlights of on-coming cars?). But I can't go back to sleep because I have a paper to start writing, dishes to do, lesson to plan, vacuum, and apply for jobs. I'm getting a headache just thinking about all the other stuff I need to do that I didn't take the time to write...ugh.....sigh...
But at the moment I am blogging while watching Everything You Want (which I HIGHLY suggest to everyone!!!) and listen to the dogs snore. Very soothing. Well except for the occasional toot from becca. She has been a tooting machine this morning! Ha ha and they are DEFINITELY old lady stinky toots. =) haha I love my baby. And then there is duke who is dreaming of chasing a rabbit =) Its so adorable! =)
Well I am going to have to get to work now. I'll chat with you guys later. Have a wonderful day and don't forget to stop and smell the roses! Slow down appreciate the small little beauties all around us.
=)
We attended Ashton's baby blessing and it was so beautiful. If that little boy stays on the right path he will be one amazing person. I am so excited that Patrick and Beki are parents. It will be fun to see how ashton turns out. =) The circle had a lot of men in it and patrick even invited austin to be in the circle. Austin really enjoyed it! =) He's excited for the day he can bless our baby =)
After the blessing was the testimony meeting and braxton just had to bear his testimony and garrick had patrick take him up this time(i guess braxton bears his testimony every fast sunday) and it was so funny. Like most little children they have the adult help them say their testimony and patrick had braxton say that he was thankful for his great uncle(meaning patrick haha) and all of the family just laughed. Well we laughed that quiet little laugh that you do if someone says something funny in sacrament. It made it even funnier that patrick made a face like, yeah that's right i'm awesome =) haha And then he bore his testimony and beki bore her testimony and beki's dad also bore his testimony. it was so sweet. He told a story how when beki was in primary giving a talk he was helping her with what to say. At the end she was bearing her testimony
Beki's dad: I love my mom and dad.
Beki: I love my mom.
Beki's dad: What about daddy?
Beki: What about daddy.
Ha ha I can totally see a little child doing that. They repeat almost exactly what you tell them to say right into the mic for EVERYONE to hear. It would have been so funny to see/hear that. I am sure we will have experiences like that. =) And then he bore his testimony to ashton. He said that he knows he can hear him. Although he might not be able to understand him because ashton has been speaking spanish in his past life. (another quiet little laugh) How cute is that. It was a very fun experience =)
After sacrament we headed over to the franco house for the luncheon. There was a LOT of people but it was fun to talk to emily and garrick and when they weren't surrounded by a million people beki and patrick. I wish we could have stayed longer there but we had a long drive back.
We had planned on swinging by the brewer house for like 15 minutes and grabbing our movies that we lent to ashlynn and ryan but it turned into almost 2 hours! I was way stressed. I had wanted to be on the road by 5:30pm but we didn't leave till almost 7. I don't think they realized that we were going to get home at like midnight!! and that austin had work early the next morning. Austin doesn't really care about things like that but I do of course and I was worried about the dogs making a mess. They had been locked up since 7am. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the little visit with the fam but it stressed me out insanely. The whole 4.5 hour drive back home I was stressed and a little upset that we had stayed so long and that we were going to get home so late. I felt so bad for the dogs too. The later we got back the later I was going to have to stay up with them so they could have some time to stretch their legs and play. We were up till after 1am last night and we had to get up at 6:30. (we slept in an extra 15 minutes but it doesn't really help)
So overall the day was really fun but stressful the last 5 hours and my eyes are hurting due to the lack of sleep and the bright lights of the cars last night(are we the only ones that don't like the headlights of on-coming cars?). But I can't go back to sleep because I have a paper to start writing, dishes to do, lesson to plan, vacuum, and apply for jobs. I'm getting a headache just thinking about all the other stuff I need to do that I didn't take the time to write...ugh.....sigh...
But at the moment I am blogging while watching Everything You Want (which I HIGHLY suggest to everyone!!!) and listen to the dogs snore. Very soothing. Well except for the occasional toot from becca. She has been a tooting machine this morning! Ha ha and they are DEFINITELY old lady stinky toots. =) haha I love my baby. And then there is duke who is dreaming of chasing a rabbit =) Its so adorable! =)
Well I am going to have to get to work now. I'll chat with you guys later. Have a wonderful day and don't forget to stop and smell the roses! Slow down appreciate the small little beauties all around us.
=)
Look what we saw!! =)
We looked out our window and what did we see?!?!?
A herd of mule deer staring back at us!! =)
These deer were so close that if there wasn't a screen on our window austin could have reached out and touched one. It was so cool!!! Duke was going crazy! You should have heard him barking and pleading to go outside and play with the deer. =) Austin had to hold him so he wouldn't scare them away from the window. Little becca though didn't even see them. She was a little more interested in the dinner that was still on the table =) haha She is very one track minded when it comes to food =)
Thursday, February 2, 2012
New Beginnings
New beginnings was yesterday night and it was really fun. I gave the opening prayer and did the serving table and entry table decoration. It looked really good. Marti did such a good job with everything. I hope that she can relax now and breath a little easier. =)
It was a good to see all the girls there and try to put names with faces. =) The cookies that Marti got were really good! They were Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. There was also chocolate chips in them too! =) I really could go for another one right now. =)
Overall I think the whole evening was a big success! =)
It was a good to see all the girls there and try to put names with faces. =) The cookies that Marti got were really good! They were Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. There was also chocolate chips in them too! =) I really could go for another one right now. =)
Overall I think the whole evening was a big success! =)
Ugh!!!!!!!!!!
I hate bills.
I hate dealing with the same problem every month!!
I hate dealing with the same problem every month!!
I DON'T WANT CENTURY LINK AT EASE!!!!!!
I'VE BEEN SAYING THAT FOR THE PAST 4 MONTHS!!!!
GET IT OFF MY BILL ONCE AND FOR ALL!!!!!!
I hate when the dogs are constantly trying to eat May's poop.
Well I think that small lists of 'I hates' will do for now. I feel better now. Thanks for listening!
Have a great day everyone! =)
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