SATURDAY SOCCER

Rakai is home!  I went to Vegas on Tuesday and picked him up.  He was at the curb waiting but I didn't see him.  I parked.  As I walked across the road I saw him move towards me.  We embraced and he said, "I missed you most of all."  Oh how I love my children.  It is best when they are all safely home.  But life has it's cycle and I'm afraid that the moments when we are all together will be few and far between.

If you're looking for us on a Saturday in the spring you will find us at the soccer field.  This day was beautiful.  Rakai is enjoying the warmth of the sun while Ammon uses him for a head rest.

Life seems to be crashing in around me at the moment.  My greatest pleasure is in my children.  If not for them I'm not sure there would be much to live for.  They are my life line.    

RE-READ

I just realized it's been a while since I've been on my blog.  I suppose I'm overdue for an update.  Currently I am in migraine mode.  Seems like that's been happening a lot lately.  I think I'm lacking time for meditation and seeking proper insight into the state of my existence.  

Nearly seven years ago a friend of mine introduced me to The Four Agreements.  This book, written by Don Miguel Ruiz, was life changing for me.  It's been on the shelf for a few years.  I decided to put Stones to Schools on hold for a few days and re-read this incredible book.   

The Four Agreements

1. Be impeccable with your word.  Speak with integrity.  Say only what you mean.  Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others.  Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.  2. Don't take anything personally.  Nothing others do is because of you.  What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream.  When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.  3.  Don't make assumptions.  Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want.  Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama.  With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.  4.  Always do your best.  Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick.  Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

The pain of this migraine sits on my left temple.  

It makes it difficult to concentrate.

::tulsi tea::

::darkness::

::lavender oil::

::spa radio::

These things will calm my soul and release the pain.  

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!

 

THE CLEAR CONNECTION

On Friday afternoon it was announced that KCSG news would dissolve the news portion of the operation.  From that moment on the live and local news of the Southern Utah community would cease to exist.  At first I thought it was an April Fool's joke but it's February.  The information was accurate.  About a dozen people lost their jobs and the news did not air on Friday night.  I was bewildered at this new information for a second but then considered the source and completely understood the action.

The reason for the breakdown is of course money.  But why not finish out the week?  Why not give the anchors one final newscast to say a professional farewell? 

Humans, we are a strange and predictable species.  We think we are so different and yet we mirror each other.  We know this because we all connect with the same literature in books, lyrics in music, food, nature.  Whatever life's experiences may be we all can empathize with the suffering and celebrate with the jubilant.  What is it that connects us?

It is the Light of Christ; the Love of God - the energy of our souls originates from our creator.  We all are alike because we all come from the same place.  It is how we use this Light and Love that will direct our choices and the rippling affect they have on others. 

As I consider the spontaneous actions of one man and how his negative decision affects the life's of many, it is clear to me that this is wrongful behavior.  At least find the humility to explain yourself to your employees and to loyal viewers of KCSG.

Only 6 weeks ago I faced the decision of choosing KCSG or CMI.  Today I am thankful that I followed the inner voice, the inspiration from above and that I chose to stay with CMI.       

COMING ATTRACTION

SPRING SOCCER...LOVE...LOVE...LOVE THIS!