PictureTree!!!

I was stumbling and came across the DIY website (which is fabulous by the way) and it showed me the cutest little craft idea!

Magazine Christmas Trees!!! Love them! And I have plenty of magazines lying around.

I was about half way through my tree when I realized Christmas had just passed. Sad face.

So I came up with a different idea.

PICTURE TREE!!!!!

If your magazine is big enough the pressure between pages will hold the pictures up just great! Otherwise you can use paper clips to hold them up.

You can spray paint the trees different colors and decorate them other ways if you'd like also....but I kind of like the way it looks just like that! :)

That's my silly niece Ashlyn grace in the pictures by the way. Saving the one on the left for when she brings boys home later in life so that I can embarrass her...i'm such a good Aunt!

My challenge to you is to make your own magazine tree and turn it into something great! Whether you want a picture tree and you want to decorate it or if you have a different idea...I want to see what you all come up with!

Happy Folding!

P90X

Want to try it sooooo bad! Thoughts, comments or concerns?!

I understand its probably the second hardest thing I could ever do with my life, but I figure as long as i'm committed to it each day and do what I can than it could be really good for me.

Anyone want to let me borrow it or know where I can get it cheap?

Let me know!

Dancer for Life

• I danced for a good portion of my childhood and LOVED IT!

• I cried for three days when my Mom pulled me out of Tap (because it was too hard on my knees.)

• I have a not-so-secret-anymore secret wish to be a Rockette.

• I fell in love with every dance movie I have ever seen the first time I watched it.

• After watching Burlesque I want to buy lingerie...and lots of it. (don't know what i'd do with it)

• If I hear music I walk to the beat.

• Every Christmas I wish I could dance at the Dickens Festival in Salt Lake again.

• The song "All I want for Christmas is You" makes me want to tap dance.

• Michael Jackson's "Jam" makes me want to have attitude.

• I make up choreography in my head to EVERY piece of music I hear.

• I remember pieces of a dance I did at Disneyland when I was in elementary school.

• I practice them in my head.

• That dance was to Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun."

• I still have my Tap and Jazz shoes that I haven't used in over five years.

• I put them on occasionally just to make sure they still fit.

• I found a dance studio in town that has adult classes.

• I'm going to observe a Jazz class tomorrow to decide whether or not I want to sign up.

• I want to sign up.

• I miss dance.

Life's Little Instructions

Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated - Watch a sunrise at least once a year - Never refuse homemade brownies - Plant a tree on your birthday - Learn three clean jokes - Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full - Compliment three people everyday - Sing in the shower - Keep it simple - Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them - Leave everything a little better than you found it - Think big thoughts but relish in small pleasures - Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know - Never leave the toilet seat in the up position - Floss your teeth - Ask for a raise when you fell like you've earned it - Be forgiving of yourself and others - Overtip waitresses - Say "thank you" and "please" a lot - Buy whatever kids are selling on tables in their front yards - Wear polished shoes - Avoid negative people - Remember other people's birthday's - Commit yourself to constant improvement - Carry jumper cables in your trunk - Have a firm handshake - Send lots of Valentine's Card. Sign them, "Someone who thinks you're really wonderful." - Stop blaming others and take responsibility for every area of your life - Look people in the eye - Strive for excellence, not perfection - Be the first to say "Hello" - Use the good silver - Return all the things you borrow - Make new friends but cherish the old ones - Keep secrets - Plant flowers every spring - Have a Dog - Always accept an outstretched hand - Wave at school kids on buses - Be there when people need you - Feed a stranger's expired parking meter - Don't expect life to be fair - Never underestimate the power of love - Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation - Don't be afraid to say "I made a mistake" - Don't be afraid to say "I don't know" - Compliment even small improvements - Always keep your promises - Marry only for love - Rekindle old friendships - Call your mother

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Okay, I know i'm a week early...but let me explain.

My brother-in-law is leaving on Monday for basic training, and my dad is leaving on Sunday for work...so we had our Thanksgiving today.

Well, in order to be on time to dinner I had to switch shifts with another cashier. My manager, Josh, stated that he would only allow that if I bring him pumpkin pie tomorrow. He doesn't believe that i'll do it....so I baked him a pumpkin pie!

This is definitely the first time I've ever made any kind of pie...it looks good doesn't it?!

Oh, I can't wait to see the look on his face when I show up with this beautiful pie tomorrow morning! I'll let you know how it goes!

MUFFINS!!!

The perfect morning snack food!

This morning I woke up early enough that I decided I would make a batch of muffins to share with my co-workers...we can only eat so much Taco Bell!

With a delicious mix my sister gave me from Alison's Pantry I got started...they're a real quick make. I decided to use my silicon Mini Muffin pan. (love the magic of the silicon!) I usually have more than 12 people working with me at once...this was to ensure that everyone got one. Ya know, for mini muffins they're actually a pretty decent size!

Turns out...EVERYONE LOVED THEM! And of course it was nice to eat something that wasn't Taco Bell.

A co-worker did ask if I could make a specific kind if I ever wanted to do this again. Banana Nut Muffins sound YUMMO!!! I'll have to look up a recipe but I told her I would do it.

Any suggestions? And remember my address and my email are to the left if you would like to send me recipes of your own...or cookies. :D

Til then.

The Grocery List

I need to buy a notepad. I am constantly thinking of things that I need to buy at the grocery store but when it comes to writing it down I don't do it. And when I'm at the store I always forget!

Every time my mom made a grocery list I remember thinking, "How hard could it be to remember what you need! I'm never making a grocery list, I wont need it."

Boy, was I wrong! I hardly remember ANYTHING that I need to get. Even, if not especially, when that's the only reason I went to the store to begin with!

Now, however, my dilemma is finding a cute note pad to make my list on. (come on it has to be cute!)

Okay, my task for this week is to go to the Dollar Tree Store (they always have good stuff right?) and find a cute and functional note pad that I can keep in my purse for the ever elusive Grocery List!

Wish me luck!

Martha Everyday

Okay, so the other day a friend of mine posted on Facebook that she has a bunch of Martha Stewart magazines laying around and asking if anyone wanted them. All I could think was...RECIPES!!!! So now I have a stack of 20 or so Martha Stewart Living magazines! LOL

She was also telling me about Martha's Everyday Cooking magazine that has more simple recipes...I can't afford a magazine subscription but....MARTHA HAS A BLOG!

http://www.marthastewart.com/everyday

I'm soooo excited for this you don't even know! Hopefully, Martha can teach me some new tricks. Cross your fingers!!!

JUST IMAGINE....

Pumpkin cream cheese roll with White chocolate?! yes? i think so! (and possibly with nuts) lol Oh, its so difficult to pick something for dessert when you don't know what the entree is! SOMEBODY HELP!!!

Dinner Party

Okay! Today was the first ever official Dinner Party that I have had and I would like to say that it was quite the success! I made baked chicken spiced with Mrs. Dash Original Blend (which is fantastic by the way). We also had salad and Herbed Chicken flavored Couscous...and if you've never had Couscous before? Well, shame on you! I took a photo of my dinner plate and aside from bad lighting and the fact that I took the photo with my cellular phone...it looks pretty tasty doesn't it?

Unfortunately, the salad came from a bag and the brownies came from a box. But hey, progress is progress right? I think I did rather well! I COOKED! I would like to make this a monthly, bi-weekly, or even weekly event and just invite different people. My next feat is to make a completely Gluten-Free meal for my dear friend Andy. He was able to have the Chicken and the Salad tonight but, unfortunately, could not partake in the Couscous or brownies. How sad is that? He missed out on the best part! Well, needless to say, I do need recipes!

I would like to branch out, expand my horizons! So if you have anything that you could share that would be great! I would like to learn how to make foods from different cultures as well! And right now I am looking for Gluten-Free recipes...any suggestions?

Also, I am looking for a great Christmas Cookie recipe for a cookie exchange that I've been invited to next month. I haven't come across anything thats changed my world yet. If you have any ideas for that as well, that would be great.

I'm going to try to get a link set up with my email address. Or even just a little something on the side with my email and home address so that, hopefully, you all can start sending me your favorite recipes!

I can't wait to see what your favorite eats are!

Ciao!

What makes Christmas time special?

Yes, I am perfectly aware that it is only the day after Halloween. However, I have been waiting for this holiday for eleven months now. So we will disregard the afore mentioned fact.

What makes Christmas time special? Well, of course it is a wonderful time to reflect on Christ's Atonement and all He gave for us. I love Him and everything He did for me and I try to remember that and thank my Heavenly Father for it daily. But this topic is for a later time. Because right now, what makes Christmas time special...are Danish Butter cookies.

Any other time of the year if you were to ask me, "Holly, what is your favorite cookie?" I would probably say, "White Chocolate Macadamia Nut"...while this is partly true, you also broke my heart a little by bringing up the subject. (how dare you?!) You see, my ACTUAL favorites are only sold (to the best of my knowledge[which isn't much by the way]) around Christmas time in those beautifully decorated Christmas tins. So, it is during the rest of the year that I must settle for a less than perfect tasting cookie.

Earlier this evening as I was walking through Wal-Mart (the second best place on earth) I noticed something so beautiful, so breathtaking that I could not look away. And I knew, that no matter what that I would leave that store with one of those tins or I would die trying. They are pretty cheap so naturally, I am still alive and at home enjoying the perfect cookie...with a perfect cup of hot chocolate! (hot chocolate details are still to come)

I do hope that you know or may come to learn the great story of the wonderful Danish Butter Cookies. After all, it is only a mere few dollars away! (really, buy a tin and there is a quaint little history printed on the a lovely piece of paper inside the tin) Either way, I do challenge you to buy at least one tin of royal Dansk this Christmas season. Then you will truly know why Christmas time is special!! (at least for me :D)

"The Sweetest Day"

"In the rush and whirl of the present day life, we are prone to forget the finer sentiments--the sentiments upon which civilization is founded.
The people of today have the same tender feelings they had a generation ago. They still cling with everlasting reverence and love to their mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers, but amid all this confusion there is, at times, a tendency for such thoughts to remain hidden.
In oder that everyone may have an opportunity to express their appreciation of these good thoughts and deeds, there has been set aside, one day out of each year, a day dedicated to the better things in life, and known as "The Sweetest Day in the Year."
There is Mother, who has always stood back of us thru thick and thin, there is Father, who, altho somewhat severe at times, always had that thought behind his actions and deeds that would help make us big men and big women; there are our Brothers and Sisters who have helped us fight our battles in numerous ways; there is our Wife, our partner in life, who is always ready to help the good cause along; there are the Kiddies who come running down the walk to meet us only looking forward to "That Smile" that means so much to them; and last but not least, your Sweetheart.
Isn't the "Sweetest Day in the Year" a grand opportunity for all of us to express our thoughts in a material way and show and prove conclusively to those dear to us that we sincerely and truly appreciate all their good thoughts and deeds? Let us not let a single instance go by to "Make Somebody Happy," to "Make Somebody Glad," on this one day each year.
This is the "Sweetest Message ever told," and that is one of the reasons why this day is called "The Sweetest Day of the Year."

Where it all began:
Observed the 3rd Saturday in the month of October, Sweetest Day observance originated in Cleveland in 1922. Herbert Birch Kingston, a philanthropist and candy company employee wanted to bring happiness into the lives of orphans, shut-ins and others who were forgotten. With the help of friends, he began to distribute candy and small gifts to the underprivileged.On the first Sweetest Day, movie star Ann Pennington presented 2,200 Cleveland newspaper boys with boxes of candy to express gratitude for their service to the public.
Another popular movie star, Theda Bara, distributed 10,000 boxes of candy to people in Cleveland hospitals and also gave candy to all who came to watch her film in a local theater.
Primarily a regional observance celebrated in the Great Lakes region and the Northeast, Sweetest Day is gradually spreading to other areas of the country. People tend to take the Sweetest Day tradition with them when they move. Ohio is the top state for Sweetest Day sales, followed by Michigan and Illinois. Texas, California and Florida are among the top 10 states in sales.
Over the years, Sweetest Day has evolved into a time to express romantic love and also to show appreciation to friends.

Making It

There are times in all our lives where we struggle. With money, love, faith...you name it! Satan hits us where we are weakest and again when we are down. But I know that we can make it through! I know that I can make it through! At times when its toughest I try to consider how much my Heavenly Father loves me. I think about what He wants me to learn from this trial. How can I grow from it? And then of course there is much praying...that's what keeps us going!

I am one that gets SUPER EXCITED about Christmas waaaay too early. I am of the belief that the month of December isn't the only time we should have Christ in our hearts. It should be always! And so, I know its not even Halloween yet...but Halloween is a Holiday right? lol

So, this Holiday season lets try to remember not only what Jesus Christ did for us, but why. Try to remember how much your Heavenly Father loves you! Because He does, and He always will. That will help pull you through!

Love you!

FINALLY FALL!!!

Well, it is about time! It finally started cooling off this week and I REALLY hope that it lasts! This is the best time of the year and I don't think I could stand it if it stayed so hot any longer!!! I really want to go out and take some cute fall pictures on Main Street.
For those of you that don't know, down on Main Street in Grand Junction, Colorado are a ton of cute little (not really little at all) statues and it is such a great place for photos! Hopefully I can get some taken soon and put them up for you all to see!
But in the mean-time....what are some other Fun Fall Activities that I can do? Lets be creative...what are your top five favorite things to do in the fall?

The Perfect Love

"No, not until you are satisfied, fulfilled, and content with being loved by Me alone. With giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me, with having an intense personal and loving relationship with Me alone. Discovering that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found. Then you will be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you. You will never be completely united with another until you are united with Me; ~ exclusive of anyone or anything else, ~ exclusive of any other desires or longings. I want you to have the best. PLEASE allow Me to give it to you. I want you to stop planning and stop wishing and allow Me to give you the most thrilling plan existing, one that you cannot imagine. I want you to have the best so just keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things and listen and learn the things I tell you. You just wait... That's all. Don't be anxious. Don't worry. Don't look around at the things others have received or that I've given them. Don't look at the things you THINK you want. Just keep looking to Me or you'll miss what I want to show you. And then, when you're ready, I'll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than any you could dream of. You see, until you are ready, and until the one I have for you is ready, (and I am working even at this moment to have both of you ready at the same time). Until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me and the life that I have prepared for you, you won't be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with me, and this is the PERFECT love. I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with Me and enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty, perfection, and love. Know that I love you. I am God, Know it, and be satisfied!"

Just say no...

Here We Go Again....

Dear Peanut Gallery,

Okay, I JUST got rid of a cold a week ago...and now I have another one?! NO FAIR!!! Somebody, please help! How do I get rid of these things and how do I avoid them? I can't stand feeling this way all the time! Scratchy throat, itchy eyes, plugged up sinuses, plus i'm achy and tired. Its nuts!!! Please, anything would be helpful.

Sincerely,

Miserable

This is Awesome!!!!!!

Fall into Winter

Clearly my blog needed a Fall Facelift, let me know what you think!

I realize I haven't posted anything in a really long time! I'm so sorry! That is about to change though! I officially have internet in my apartment and I have soooo much to say! Hopefully I can get some good feedback from everyone too!

So, its about time for Fall! My first favorite season! ...and then Winter! Which happens to be my second favorite season! Go figure! lol.

I've got so much on my mind for whats coming up! What to be for Halloween, what kind of cookies to make for the exchange in December, where to put the Christmas Tree, what will my New Years Resolutions be? Aaaahhh!!! So much to do!

I also want to learn how to cook! For reals! Not just out of a box anymore, so ladies, if you have any favorite recipes please feel free to send them my way! You can post them here, email them or snail mail them to me. I'm going to print them out and make a book but I love snail mail so here's all the info!

Email: jewellsomm@gmail.com

Snail Mail: 1800 Main Street A31, Grand Junction, CO 81501

If you have any advice for...ANY OF IT! Please! I'm begging you! Let me know, because I am at a complete loss!!!

I have discovered a few new "favorite things" and I will be posting them very shortly!

Stay Tuned!!!

How Many Times

We all go through relationships that don't workout. And some of us, go through them over and over. Sometimes with the same people....why? Why do I have a problem moving on? Why, when someone else, someone better comes into my life do I run back to him? Do I think that something will change? Do I think that one day, he will magically mean something that he says? Or do I just find some sort of sick comfort in the fact that I know what will happen with him? I will get hurt, I will end up alone, and I will probably find a great guy - put up a wall - and come running back again.
How many times will this happen?

Great Video: My New Life

I FEEL SO GREAT!!

I recently did a little "Spring Cleaning" with my iTunes. I also replaced the songs that were currently on my iPod with some new, more uplifiting music..and let me tell you, I've already seen a world of change! Who knew?! I guess I never realized how much certain types of music can affect me Spiritually, until I made the decision to change it. Boy, if that's not the best, of the simplest decisions i've ever made...I don't know what is.

I think that with this change, I can see more clearly what other things I need changed. That is a huge step! You can't fix something you don't know is broke, right? It's such a great feeling just KNOWING that i'm on the right path. I love it!

Now, I find myself thinking...what next? What else can I change, delete, or just improve in my life to help myself right along? You guessed it! Of course, its the obvious Seminary/Primary/Sunday School answers that everybody knows.

Unlike I-15, however, with my Spirituality currently under construction, I believe I will actually be MORE accessible! Oh, what Joy!!! As I delete the poison's from my life, and invite the goodness back in, I can already see the blessings that i'm recieving...LOVIN' IT!

Gotta Love Sunday!!!

Today was such a great day!!!!

It was Music Sunday in the Grand Junction 12th Ward...so basically we sang hymns all day. I was diggin' it!

I took a REALLY LONG nap on Mike's couch, which was nice...although, I think I was snoring. Mike said I wasn't, but then he laughed so, idk what that means.

Mike's sister Sarah made a DELICIOUS dinner for their mom for Mother's Day! And they shared! lol, it was yummy!

Went to Ward Prayer and spent a little bit of time with friends.

Couldn't top that!

Also, for those of you whom I've missed, I'd like to wish you all a very Happy Mother's Day! I sincerely hope that you were spoiled beyond belief, you all deserve it!

Here's hoping for a week that is just as pleasant...:crosses fingers:
GOODNIGHT ALL!

Sleep: The wicked won't get it, the good won't need it.

I feel like I need it sooo much but, I never get it. I'm so tired each night, but by the time I get home, I get that second wind and can't seem to even keep my eyes shut.
Does this mean i'm wicked?
I look over the things i'm doing in my life. And I know there are certain things that I can/should live without. I can't seem to get rid of them, however.
Does this mean i'm weak?
"You will have the power to overcome all temptation." The only line I can remember from my Patriarchal Blessing. I need to get a new copy of it but never seem to 'get around to it'. (What does that even mean?) I know I will only have this power if i'm doing everything right...everything i'm supposed to be doing to follow the Lord.
So, what am I missing?
SUNDAY SCHOOL ANSWERS. Everyone knows them. They seem so simple yet....yet, what? Am I avoiding it? Am I ignoring it? What am I doing?
"We live in a day and time that is a battlefield. We need to be armed each day to make it out alive." This is my favorite 'locked' text message i've ever recieved. I read it everyday. So....what is the problem?
I must ask myself, "Holly, what are you doing (or not doing) in your life that is keeping the Spirit from you? What must you do to change it? Why have you not begun to fix the problem?"
I don't have an answer for myself. Is it because I don't know? Or is it because I have no good reason? Is there any such thing as a "good reason" for not doing the right thing? No!
Now, what?
"Do or do not - there is no try." Thanks Yoda.

Its about time!

So, i'm really bad at this blogging thing. I read everyone's...just have a hard time posting my own. So here's an update of everything so far.
Colorado is pretty awesome. I love all the outdoors and everything that you can do here. The possibilities are endless! I went snowshoeing for the first time! I also went hiking, while it was snowing...to a water fall! Figure that one out?! It was a blast though! I can't wait to do more and more! Everyone here has horses so i'm trying to find someone that will take me horseback riding....no luck so far.
As far as employment goes, I just started TWO jobs. I work at Taco Bell and I work for the Local Census Office. My hours are a bit crazy and I will be lacking in the social life for quite sometime...but it'll be worth it.
I'm playing the guitar a lot more...not really progressing with it...but still playing a lot more. I'm also kind of trying to teach myself how to play the piano...there is some progression there. But only some.
I LOVE my ward! Which is strange because I never thought that any other ward could live up to the Pacific YSA standards...we're pretty close here! I'm having a great time! I have a great calling as a part of the activities committee and we are always busy planning and preparing fun and exciting things for everyone! We have some majorly great ideas! I wish there was more time so that we could do them all!!!!! But so far we just have to narrow it down to the best of the best.
No dating yet....there are a few guys I may be interested in but I don't want to ask and then expect them to pay for everything...so we'll see what happens when I start recieving paychecks. I did ask one guy to go dancing...because we can get in free...lol. But he took a raincheck...maybe another time. It was last minute...I asked him ten minutes before I left so I can't blame him for not being able to make it. He seemed happy that I asked, and bummed that he really couldn't go, i'm taking that as a good sign. There is another guy I want to ask on a date...but i'm having trouble coming up with a plan for what we could do...so any ideas would be great!
Well, I do think that is the jist of it. I'm just trying to keep a float with all that is going on. Majorly good times! Some that are not so good...but I try not to focus on those ones.
Well, it seems that its time to go for now! I hope to hear from you all and I will try to keep posting more often!
TTFN

'The Glad Game'

What can I be 'glad' about?

My family, my friends, my faith, my health (sort of...it could be worse), the sunshine, my ward...there's so much I can be glad about that it would be a little bit ridiculous and probably very tedious for me to list EVERYTHING right here. Now, I know i'm not the most chipper person you've met. But hey, I am trying! "To try is to sit, you have to do!" ya ya...saw that movie too. Yoda said something about it as well didn't he? Not the point....yes I have one.

The point is that I haven't failed, because I haven't given up. Everyday I keep trudging through, finding things to laugh about and things to smile at. No, it's not always easy...but who's life is? If you think your life is easy then be extremely grateful, and hold on tight cause there's something coming around the corner for you. That's life and, I'm living it.

I think you should give life a shot. Totally worth it!

Moving on...a pre-requisite to happiness?

I was different with them. I was calm, I was positive, I was happy. I wasn't scared of marriage or kids...or anything! Its amazing how just the daily example of a certain person (people) in your life can make such a profound difference. And it's shocking how quickly those fears and feelings come flooding back when that example leaves.
I almost feel like they were a drug...a pill I could take everyday that made my life so much better. I've become dependant on this drug. Its something that I needed constantly and after so long I would have to go back for another fix. But now I have no access, no dealer...no way to get ahold of the thing that I need (want) to be at my peak.
Now, I know that it is possible for me to be the best me..without it (them)...but it won't be easy. It's like a man trying to bulk up fast...but without the steroids. It seems almost impossible, it takes a lot more of your time. Its exhausting.
I have to have the faith, that I can do it without them. I have to do it for myself now, not for another person. I have to do what I know is right...not what they tell me is right. (not that it was ever wrong) It's just me this time.
And...I can do it.

This is just sad.

I feel so terribly embarrassed for the person who asked this question! How does someone, living in this day and age NOT know something like that? Even though they teach it in just about every computer/typing class we all take through grade school, isn't it common knowledge? Why would you ask a question like that? on a public forum? on the internet? for the whole world to see? Maybe Yahoo! felt bad for this person...that's why the discussion was posted on the Yahoo! home page. I think my favorite answer has to be the one that says, "they have them on desktop computers too!!" lol, the next question will be, "what is a desktop computer?" my oh my!



On my laptops keyboard (QWERTY) there are some ridges on the F and J buttons, what are they for? - Yahoo! Answers

Let's call it summer!

Okay, so I know its only January. But I am sooo ready for summertime. The music, the sports, the tan...all of it. And as I was thinking about this I realized. Summer it always the time of my life! Winter's...good. But oh, Summer! I even made my official Summer Music Playlist! You can get a little taste of it right here on my blog!

I know we have a whole lot of Winter left but you know what Mother Nature? I don't care! We'll do it in the snow. It is now officially Summer Time!!!!

Break out the short shorts and sun tan lotion, i'm going to the beach! (figuratively speaking)

Come on, who cares about the weather. I've decided i'm going to have the time of my life, always! Cause three months out of the year just isn't gonna cut it any longer!

Who's with me?!

A Blanket of Hope

Today, as I was standing outside waiting for my step-mom to come pick me up from my interview, all I could think...."It's absolutely freezing out here! This coat, these pants, these shoes, no hat, not exceptable for this weather. Oh, when will she get here? How long till i'm warm again?" It was me, me, me. Not that this is an unexceptable time to be thinking about oneself. But all I wanted to know was how long it would take until I was safe and warm again. I knew it would not be any extended amount of time..but the seconds ticked by ever so slowly.

However, on the way home....

As we pulled into a gas station to get a drink, I saw a homeless man huddled against the outside wall. He was trying to find shelter in the place where the snow would not hit, where the wind blew the least. He was barely succeeding. I can only imagine what he was thinking...."It's so cold. This coat (that's worn), these shoes (with holes), these pants (too short), no hat....it keeps me pretty warm. If only I had a blanket. I wonder if i'll ever be warm again." How much hope can a person in this situation have? I knew I would soon be warm, he only wonders. Maybe someday things will turn around for him. But for now, he just waits. And the seconds tick by ever so slowly.

However, in my heart I feel....

I know where warmth comes from. Not from homes and jobs and heaters and money. No, it comes from your heart. From the love we feel, from the Spirit that speaks so softly, it comes from the knowledge that my Heavenly Father loves me so much! And that He gave his Son for me! For everybody, but really specifically and lovingly for me! Oh how protected this knowledge makes me feel. And I know, like today in the snow, if I just stick it out and work hard...I will be warm again. I don't know the exact moment, but I know it is coming. And the seconds seem to go by just a little faster.
Like the homeless man at the gas station, those that don't have the Gospel in their lives don't know. They try and keep hope that someone cares, that things will turn around, that they will one day be warm. But with out a blanket, or the Gospel...all they have to do is wait, and wonder.

Share what you know. Share the truth and the light with everyone. You don't have to give them everything...just give them a blanket. And maybe, that blanket will give them more hope. And maybe their time, will go by just a little faster. Just maybe.

Spring Cleaning Comes a Little Early This Year.

Lately i've had a lot of negative things happening in my life. As I try to wade through the trash and avoid the big negative's I realized, maybe, if I picked up once in awhile it wouldn't be so hard to get from one side of the room to the other.

Hmm, can anyone say "Metaphor for life"?

My days wouldn't be so negative if only I removed the negative objects from below my feet. Instead of trying to make it through the trash, clean it up!

As hard as it is sometimes you just have to say "Goodbye".

So that's what i'm going to do. I'm saying "Goodbye", to a lot of people, places, and things that keep bringing me down. I don't have to live this way and its about time that I make my own choices, cause there is only one person who REALLY knows what's good for me, and that is God. I'm making my own choices now and they all begin with Him. And if I keep it up, it'll all end with Him as well.

That is the ultimate goal, afterall.