WE WENT TO THE LIBRARY

A little bit of girl time in Salt Lake this weekend.  Just me and Karamea.  The Dancing Crane for a bit of browsing and shopping.  This is a wonderful store filled with imports from Thailand and China.  A focus on Buddhist prayer flags, crystals, chakra balancing; products to energize the soul and ease the mind.  

A weekend with Karamea is not complete unless I take her grocery shopping...a couple of hundred dollars later and her fridge is full.  Miraculous how her cupboards and refrigerator seem to be bare every time mom comes to visit.  A movie on Saturday night.  We went to see The Last Station.  An enjoyable film about the final days of the life of Leo Tolstoy.  We liked it very much.

Sunday morning was lazy and lackadaisical.  We slept late then went to the Oasis Cafe for brunch.  They have the most wonderful tea menu.  I ordered Pineapple Guava and Karamea had Ginger Peach...so divine.  We enjoyed conversation and good food then wondered aimlessly through the Golden Braid Bookstore.  

Adventures at the laundromat came next. Karamea needed to wash bedding, towels and pillows.  Usually she does laundry at friends or family so this was her first ever laundromat experience.  

Our culminating event was the Salt Lake Library.  This place needs an entire day but it was getting late so we quickly walked through the Chinese Art exhibit by Yaodong Hu then up on the roof to see the blooming daffodils.

Back to the boys...a calming 4 hour ride and home by 8:00.  

Next visit to Salt Lake - The Living Traditions Festival May 21 - 23.  I can hardly wait! 

GRATITUDE

Just as Wednesday evening was coming to a close I heard the sound of screaming fire engines rushing near my house.  The boys were anxious and ran out on the back patio.  Looking to the north we saw flames reaching into the black sky and smoke billowing to the south.  They grabbed shoes and jackets to cover their PJ's and ran up the street.  I continued to watch from the patio.  It didn't take them long to return with a few details.  It was Brother Clark's house.  His microwave blew up and their home was definitely on fire.

Family prayer and a few minutes later I was brushing my teeth and getting ready for bed.  Gratitude filled my soul for the safety and comfort I felt in that moment.  "All of my children, near me and in distant lands, are safe.  In a few minutes I would be climbing into a clean bed warmed by an electric blanket.  My family would all sleep comfortably tonight.  While just around the corner, a family suffers catastrophic damage and is wondering where they will sleep tonight."  Those were my thoughts.  

My life is definitely not free of challenge, but I am truly grateful to be challenged in ways I am able to handle.    

DAILY OM IS SIMPLY WONDERFUL

March 10, 2010
Anything Can Be Overcome
Hope in Hardship

There is nothing in our life that cannot be overcome with time, love, friendship and attention to the matter.

The journey that each human being makes through earthly existence can have hardship as often as it is touched by joy. When we encounter adversity, the stress we feel can erode our optimism, eventually convincing us that the issues we face cannot be overcome. In truth, there is no situation so dire, no challenge so great, and no choice so bewildering that it cannot be overcome. Though we may believe that all avenues have been closed to us or that our most conscientious efforts will come to naught, we are never without feasible options. The best course of action may be veiled in doubt, but it is there. When we are honest with ourselves with regard to this simple fact, we can overcome anything because we will never stop looking for a solution to the challenges before us.

Self-trust coupled with a sturdy plan is the ultimate antidote to adversity’s tendency to inspire disillusionment in the human mind. As difficult as the obstacle plaguing you seems, it is no match for the love of a supportive universe that has been a part of your life since the day of your birth and will be with you forevermore. Try not to be misguided by your fear as this gives rise to the notion that there are problems without solutions. If you believe in your capabilities and dedicate yourself to the creation of some form of resolution, you will be surprised to discover that paths that were once closed to you miraculously open. Even if all you can do is change your perspective to turn an impediment into an opportunity to grow, you will have found the hope that is an inherent element of all hardship.

Remember that your destiny is a product of your own creation. Even when it seems you have nowhere left to turn, there is a solution waiting for you. The only insurmountable obstacles are the ones you create in your own mind—and these can only exert power over you if you let them. Uncertainty will always be a part of your existence, but perseverance and mindfulness will never fail to see you through to the other side of hardship where joy can thrive. Try and remember that no matter what life places at your feet, there is absolutely no situation that cannot be resolved with time, love, and friendship.

REFLECTIONS FROM THE PEW

The ordinance of the sacrament is sacred and dear to my heart.  It is ordained of God.  The very act of the Aaronic Priesthood holder passing the tray is equal to that of the Savior.  They act in his behalf as if he were passing the tray himself.  It is my responsibility to partake of the sacrament with worthiness in my soul.  This is my weekly communion with the Savior and the way that I gauge my journey.  It is my reassurance that He is the light that illuminates my soul. 

MY "DAILYOM" FOR TODAY

I love all of this so I am doing the copy and paste thing. 

March 3, 2010
Putting Power In Perspective
Always Be For Something

Always be FOR something, not AGAINST. Being FOR something takes less energy as it is already in a lighter form.

As human beings, we cannot help but be subject to our preferences. However, we do have control over the manner in which these manifest themselves in our lives. Every value we hold dear is an expression of either support or opposition, and it is our perspective that determines whether we are for something or against it. As an example of a situation we are all familiar with at this time: We can direct our energy and intentions into activities that promote peace rather than using our resources to speak out in opposition of war. On the surface, these appear to be two interchangeable methods of expressing one virtue, yet being for something is a vastly more potent means of inspiring change because it carries with it the power of constructive intent.

When you support a cause, whether your support is active or passive, you contribute to the optimism that fuels all affirmative change. Optimistic thoughts energize people, giving them hope and inspiring them to work diligently on behalf of what they believe in. Being for something creates a positive shift in the universe, which means that neither you nor those who share your vision will have any trouble believing that transformation on a grand scale is indeed possible. To be against something is typically easy, as you need only speak out in opposition to it. Standing up for something is often more challenging, because you may be introducing an idea to people that may scare them on a soul level.

Throughout your life, you have likely been told that the actions of one person will seldom have a measurable impact on the world. Yet your willingness to stand up for what you believe in instead of decrying what you oppose can turn the tides of fate. The thoughts you project when you choose to adopt a positive perspective will provide you with a means to actively promote

EXPERIENCE COLBIE CAILLET

Click on the collage to read all about my Friday night date with Ammon!