I'm Committed

Last Sunday a speaker in my parents ward told a story that really stuck with me about a two men. I'm changing the story to suit my end and because I can't remember it word for word, onlyt the jist of it. One man asked the other man how he became so successful. The other man told him that if he really wanted to know he would show him. The 1st man agreed. The 2nd man took him to a trough of water and plunged his head in the water holding him there. After a few seconds he pulled his head out of the water. The 1st man gasped for breath but before he could say anything the man plunged his head in the water again holding him down even longer. After bringing him out of the water for the 2nd time the 1st man was able to gasp out, 'what are you doing? Trying to kill me?' before the 2nd man plunged his head in the water for the 3rd time. He kept him down there longer than the previous two times. Finally, pulling his head out of the water he let the 1st man catch his breath. Angry the man asked him why he did that to him. The 2nd man replied, "when you want to be successful as much as you wanted to breathe, you will accomplish your goals." This really hit me as profound. I am using this story as motivation and the 1st goal I am committing to is to lose 40 lbs by July. Normally this may seem like too much but I know I can do it. I will be reporting my progress to all of you. (if anyone is still reading this blog.) Wish me luck!!

I Love Easter

I love Easter. I am so grateful for the reason we celebrate. The resurrection and atonement of our Savior. This is the most amazing blessing we have been given. A few years ago I read a book called 'Becoming' by Blaine and Brenton Yorgason. In their book they discussed the atonement very descriptively. The thought of what Jesus Christ suffered physically would have killed a normal man long before they finished their punishment of him. But ... what happened in Gethsemene, when he took the weight of the worlds sins on his pure self, where he bled from every pore .. for me .. a sinner. They said that for a man to bleed from every pore he would have to experience an explosion at close range ... and then they describe how our Father in Heaven had to remove his spirit so that Jesus could go through this alone. At any time he could have chosen not to do so. When I read in the scriptures the part where the Saviour says "My God, my God, why has thou forsaken me..." I imagine our Father hiding in the very corners of Heaven so he didn't have to watch his Only Begotten Son suffer so much. I am ashamed that I continually cause him pain. I am truly grateful that he did this for me so that I can repent. I love him so much.

I recently had the opportunity to go to New York City. I had a fantastic time and while I was there I attended a session in the Manhattan Temple. I love that I can be so many miles away from home and find myself feeling at home there. I love the Temple. I love how close the Heaven I feel in those Hallowed walls. I know that our Father in Heaven dwells there. What a beautiful haven settled within such an arguably worldly city.

I can't talk about New York without talking about Lady Liberty. I truly loved being so close to her and honoring what she stands for. I love going to LibertyIsland and being so close to her. I Loved walking around ground zero. Reading the plaques they have there honoring those who lost their lives. There is an old church that sits right next to where the world trade center stood. When the towers fell, most of the buildings around it had windows blow out and damage done to them .. all except this church. It was a church that George Washington attended at one time. I truly don't believe it was preserved by accident.

I know these are hard times for many of us .. I have to say how blessed I feel still. Love you All!! Happy Easter.

Valentine's Day

I love love. I write about love, I dream about love and I feel love in my life. So why is it when February rolls around and we have a day that celebrates love that I can't help but feel a little sad that I'm not in love. It isn't like I don't have a fulfilling life. I have a great job, good friends, terrific family and a really nice place to live. My friends and I have made plans to make Feb 14 be a great day. We are having a girls day at the spa and then watching some fun movies. Feb 13, My Stacie, Marie and Josie are spending the night. They have been planning it for quite some time. It will be good.

My friend Sandy just got engaged. She was my roommate while I was in a singles ward. I'm truly happy for her. She has waited a long time to find someone. I guess there are all kinds of love. For instance, I love my dog. She is darling and the best dog I know ... no offense Charlie, Zoe, Molly, Lucky, Taser, Togo etc. etc. etc..

I have great examples of love in my life too. My Mom and Dad have been married for soon to be 50 years. They are still happy and really enjoy being together. All of my siblings have found great people to love and they have also been married for a long time.

Even my some of my nieces and nephews have met and married wonderful people. The one thing they all have in common is that they have met and married their spouses at the right time. I just have to remember that when it is time I will be in love also. I have to be honest. I'm looking forward to that day.

Love you everyone! Happy Valentines Day.

Style

So, I figured it is about time I posted something again. I couldn't help but show you my Christmas present. I love it. I am interested in hearing what you think. As many of you may know, I am not the worlds best interior designer. I know what I like but they don't necessarily match any type of 'style'. My friends insists on putting it into a category. They think I have a 'british caribbean' style. Maybe, I don't know. For the past 'while' I have been trying to update my house and redo my bedroom. I purchased a bed frame that I have been desiring for the past 2 years. It finally went on sale for a price I would pay. I love it. Anyway, here is a picture, tell me what you think. BTW do you like my new curtains?