30 Things I've Learned in 30 Years

By Emily JoAnn Henne

1. Always be open to new things.
2. Shoes really can make the outfit.
3. Friendship is more important than money and time.
4. Marriage is work and it’s worth it.
5. Mascara is not all that.
6. Taking pictures is recording memories and is important. Thank God for digital cameras!
7. Sushi makes me happy!
8. Be quick to say you’re sorry. You’re probably wrong, and even if you’re not say it anyway.
9. Three sentences to save a marriage: “I’m Sorry.” “I Love You.” “We Can’t Afford It.”
10. My husband is my hero.
11. Eating healthy really does make you FEEL healthy.
12. Ranch is good.
13. Opening night is the best night to see a movie because the audience gets into it.
14. Taking a walk and talking can be a better date than an expensive dinner.
15. Finding old friends is cooler than finding cash in the pocket of a jacket you haven’t worn in months.
16. Learning that you are a child of God and He loves you is the most valuable lesson we can ever learn in this life.
17. Traffic is not fun, no matter what I tell myself.
18. Living paycheck to paycheck is NOT the American Dream!
19. Always say “Thank you” and mean it.
20. If you feel sad or upset or excited about something; talk to someone, write it down, go for a walk on the beach and tell God all about it, get it out somehow. Don’t keep feelings locked up inside, or they turn into poison in your veins.
21. Books open you up to new worlds. Classic books are beautiful works of art and should not be forgotten. Shakespeare is worth your time. If you can read the Scriptures, you can read Shakespeare.
22. It is important to know where you stand on social and political issues, but equally important to be accepting of other people’s beliefs.
23. Do unto other’s as you would have them do unto you.
24. Smiling at people for no reason is fun.
25. People watching is a great past time. It’s even better if you are eating ice cream while people watching with someone you love.
26. It is wonderful to go out with friends and laugh and dance and have fun. It is also wonderful to have a quite night at home.
27. Chores are not worth nagging over. The dishes and laundry will just be dirty again tomorrow.
28. Karaoke is a blast, even if you can’t carry a note in a bucket.
29. We choose to be offended, and can choose not to be just as easily.
30. It is a commandment from God to forgive ALL men, that includes ourselves, no matter how hard that may be.
    

Look Within

The beauty of a woman is not In the clothes she wears,

The figure that she carries,

Or the way she combs her hair...

The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes,

Because that is the doorway to her heart,

The place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,

But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.

It is the caring that she lovingly gives,

The passion that she shows

And the beauty of a woman with

Passing years only grows!

Quote for the Day

Figure out what you hope for.

Don't admire it from a distance,

But live right in it

And under it's roof.

-Barbara Kingsolver

Nurses are Angels in White Shoes

Today started out as a typical Monday. I woke up at 5:15am, took a shower, blow dried my hair, picked out a pretty dress to wear, said prayers with my hubby then off to work. I sat in traffic an got to work around 7:30a. I said hello to people, logged on to my computer, turned on my heater to warm up my cold tootsies. I checked my voicemail and e-mail. I made 1 outgoing phone call and took 1 ioncoming call. I volunteered to do a home office visit for someone who was out. Then, I felt a sharp, stabbing, overwhelming pain in the lower left side of my tummy. I started to black out. I thought 'This will pass'. It didn't pass. I wanted to cry and scream, but I was at work so I started to pray. 'Father, I need you with me. I need you with me right now.'

Some woman was saying my name and I couldn't understand why she wouldn't just let me sleep. I was having a nice dream. On the floor. In my office. I opened my eyes and saw my boss staring at me. I was laying on the floor and my coworker Heather was calling my name to wake me up. I had passed out. I was out for about 10 seconds. My boss helped to up to my chair and turned off my heater. I started to sit up and got very lightheaded again and he told me to put my head between my knees, which I did. I was shaking and my ears were fuzzy like static on TV. Heather was on the phone with the 911 operator.

Within minutes 3 Firemen and 3 Paramedics showed up with all kinds of machines and questions and a gurney. They took my blood pressure and went through their litany of questions to me and my boss and coworkers. I was so embarrased. I wanted to crawl under my desk. They put me on the gurney and strapped me in with the 5 point Nascar harness. Down the elevator, saying goodbye to the facilities guys who eat all my candy, telling them that if I didn't make it through, they could have all my candy. They loaded me into a real ambulance. Part of me felt like an idiot, part of me felt like a rockstar.

We were off to Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego. Paramedic Intern Ben inserted my IV going over speedbumps, that was exciting. They took my vitals again and called in all my info to the emergency room at the hospital. Paramedic Mike Williams told me all about the ambulance and some of his stories. The inside of an ambulance looks the same in real life as it does on TV. But they didn't have the sirens blaring, thank God! At the hospital I got checked in and asked the same questions all over again. I said goodbye to my Paramedics and got wheeled in the emergency room. The wonderful and beautiful nurse on duty, Debbie got me all stripped and situated in my backside baring gown and set me up with all my monitors. The EKG guy Raymond came and stuck stickers to me and hooked up my heart to the beeping monitor. New Paramedic interns came and asked me the same questions again and took my blood pressure and fixed my IV. Dr. Kramer came and talked to me, same questions again, ordered an EKG an X-Ray and a CatScan of my belly.

I got to pee in a cup, pregnancy test was negative :o( The chest x-Ray guy (didn't get his name so I just called him X-Ray Man) took a snapshot of my checst and told me I have very long lungs. What a nice odd compliment. Back to my bed, the Doc wanted to see my girlparts. There is no shame in the ER, so I was spread eagle behind a curtain. Next, I was introduced to the wonderful hospital torture of Oral Contrast. This is the tasty stuff you have to drink in order for the CatScan to see your insides. When I say tasty, I mean tasty like too much Equal mixed with dishsoap is tasty. Yum! I had to down 32 ounces of this stuff. They gave me a half hour, but I'm a trooper so I chugged it. I almost puked on the last ounce, but breathed through my nose and I was A-Ok. Because dishsoap leaves such a desirable taste in your mouth, I grabbed the peanut butter M&M's out of my lunchbag and munched a few. This was as no-no. Nurse Debbie roundly reprimanded me and said, "Nothing else goes in your mouth unless I say so." Whoops.

I had to wait for the dishsoap to make it's way through me so I got some new warm blankets from the warm blanket fairy and chit-chatted with the Paramedic Interns Davey M. and Brady H. Both of these gents were in IV Ben's class and said they would give him a hard time for the way my IV was put together. I learned that Paramedic Interns do not get paid to be interns and have to work 10-12 hour shifts. They also all want to become firemen because that's were all the action is. Interesting stuff. Next came radiology assistant Ali to take me upstairs for my CatScan. Oh yeah, I am allergic to Iodine, which is widely used in the medical industry. Ihe dishsoap concotion is iodine based and I watched them run back and forth with, yes you can drink it, no you can't drink it, yes you can, no you can't, OK drink it. I drank it and didn't die.

In the Catscan, they inject a large amount of Iodine based something into your IV. The CatScan angel Em (real name Emo with an umlaut over the "O" pronounced Emu, that's why she goes by Em. Funny!) Anyways, CatScan Em told me to tell her right away if the new Iodine stuff hurt, it didn't. I have a topical allergy not an internal allergy, I learned something new! During the CatScan an omnipotent voice from above says "Breathe. Hold your breath. Breathe." I was an exemplary CatScan patient and breathed on cue. Back downstairs and into my ER spot, I hook myself back up to all my cords and XRay Man says, "Look at this model patient, hooking herself back up." I think the interns were bummed that I wasn't more needy, but they still kept coming back to chat with me.

In come the Doc with my results. Negative! I am very healthy. What the heck? His diagnosis: I had an ovarian cyst that burst. The pain passed my body's pain threshold and my brain turned off. Wow. He said ovarian cycts are very common in young women (though I will be 30 in a week!) There was no blood or infection in my abdominal cavity and all blood tests came back negative for infection. The cyst most likely just had fluid, ie white blood cells, in it and is not a danger to me. I will have to do MUCH more research on this subject and find a greast OB-GYN in Charlotte.

I finally call D and let him know where I am. He comes to get me and I say goodbye to everyone who has been so nice to me. We stop for lunch and my fortune cookie says "Luck is with you now. Trust your instincts." D laughs and says, "Luck is with you NOW, not earlier, but right now." Makes sense. I didn't die today and I met some really nice, caring, thoughtful people who enjoy their jobs and spend their days and nights in service to others. I was humbled and helped and taken care of today by strangers. What a wonderful blessing it was to pass out in my office today. God works in mysterious ways.

Sincere Change of Heart

Today I had the blessing of going to a women's conference with my church. There were wonderful speakers and a beautiful lunch. One of the classes was entitled Straight from the Heart. I did not know what this class would be about, but felt prompted to go. I am so thankful that I listened to that prompting. The class was taught by a beautiful woman who is a foster parent. She and her husband are currently trying to adopt their 8th child and have been foster parents of 28 years. In that time, over 100 children have come through their home in the foster system. Most children are placed in foster care because their parents are on drugs and cannot or will not care for the children. Some are taken into protective custody because of abuse, and a small few are placed there because of the loss of one or both parents.
My husband and I have always felt the inclination that we should adopt children or be foster parents, though I had my reservations. I was worried that an adopted child would not relate well if we had a natural child. I was also concerned that foster children would be too hard to deal we with and that I would not be strong enough to fall in love with and care for a child only to see that child taken from me. I wanted to protect my heart and have the option to have a baby without worrying abut causing strife in my home. Basically, I was feeling selfish and scared. I got over those feelings today.
I now see that God has changed corporate policy, advanced timelines, rearranged financial obligations, bypassed legalities, softened hearts and moved mountains so that we can move to Charlotte, get our house in order and open our doors to foster children.
Our goals as of May 12th, 2007: Within 2 years we will have no debt except for a reasonable mortgage payment and will have completed all court required training and obligations to become foster parents for multiple children.
I see that this move is in preparation for these children to come into our home. There are children in this world today, perhaps being born today, waiting to come to our home. Our plan is to move and live on D's paycheck alone. My paycheck will go to debt reduction and savings for a down payment. In 1 year we will have all old business debt paid off and will have a very nice savings to look for a large house on a piece of property. The house will be at least 4 bedrooms with room to build on additions when the need arises. By the end of the second year we will have acquired all the furniture, car seats, clothes, strollers, diapers, supplies and whatever else we need to have children come and be able to provide for all of their needs. Many of these items we will get from garage sales, thrift stores and donations from friends and stores.
We will also have completed all court required training including CPR, health care and parenting classes. Our backgrounds will be thoroughly checked and our fingerprints taken. We will have registered with the county foster care program and will have researched all local, county and state resources available to foster parents and foster children. North Carolina has different laws than California and much research will need to be done. We will have to find advocate groups and get in touch with other foster parents to understand their experiences and be able to ask questions to when the time comes.
I see the future so clearly and know that this is the path we are meant to take. With God's help, we will make our home a sanctuary for these children who are in such desperate need. We will help them to learn to trust, we will help to heal their wounds and teach them of their great worth. We will teach them of their Saviour and His sacrifice and love for them. I thank God for His trust in me. He is trusting me with his most precious children and I am humbled that He chose me.

Quote of the Day

Darkness appears to be visible,
but it is only the absence of light;
darkness is simply the best view of invisibility.
-Geof Huth

Where is Home?

My last blog got me thinking, which is sometimes a dangerous thing. Where is home? Where do I feel "at home"? Is this some mythical place that only exists in fairytales and in the minds of the neurotically insane acronyms?

The above picture is very similar to drawings I repeatedly did as a child. Whenever I had the inkling to draw, I would draw a house with a car and a tree with swing. That picture was never a reality growing up, so I deduce that the picture was my desire for such. (go Freud!)

When we moved to Vista at age 9, we rented a house on the edge of town. A real single family house. And sure enough there was a tree, and we put a swing in it. For 9 months we lived in this real house while my parents marriage fell apart and my father moved out. Being 9 I felt that my family problems were my fault because I was a bad girl and Satan pounced on me. My parents got back together because they couldn't afford to pay rent on two places and still raise 3 kids, so we moved to some apartments never to be in a real house again. We moved 4 more time over the next 8 years.

At 19 I got kicked out and moved into a place with my roommate-come-boyfriend and again had a single family house, all 800 sqare feet of it. That pink drug house turned into my nightmare and at 21 I moved into my dad's basement and got baptised. That was the best day of my life.

Married at 24, rented a place by the beach. At 25 we bought a real single family house and tried to make it a home. A defunct dry cleaners and $300k later, I still have no flooring and we're about to walk away. 3000 miles away. To rent another place with the goal of a real home with real floors and actual screens and a porch to sit on a swing and drink lemonade, watching the kids play in the yard.

Is that really so much so ask for? I hope not.

Fix for the Day

Friday's are complicated days for me. I know there won't be too much traffic in the morning so I lag getting out of bed. It's casual day so I never know what to wear. Advisors are always TATing on Friday's so it's hurry up and wait day. I try to use Friday's as a tie up loose strings and clean my desk day, but that doesn't always happen. Today, hubby is going camping and I have random plans; gym with Megs, Healthy Eating dinner (??), Karaoke, sleeping in (in the middle!). Part of me wishes I wasn't doing any of this, wish I was floating in saltwater or something of the sort. I've been so bored and have nothing to do about it. Wrap my mind around it. Two look better than one. Harder to go than to come, harder to come than to go. Leave it behind and never look back. Hope my ghosts don't cross state lines. What will I do when it happens? Go home? Where is home?

Hit the Nail on the Head

Today I took CNN.com's "Find Your Hobby" quiz. Here's the results:

Life is a journey, and you take the time to smell every single rose along the way. Your brain is a sponge, soaking up every detail of life around you, and you constantly look inward to figure out the ties that bind you to the universe. Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it's what makes you tick. You might like hobbies like participating in archaeological digs, botany, assembling models, playing the stock market, meditation or even parapsychology.

This is so incredibly accurate. I notice details in everything and love to figure out how things work and what they connect with. I have dreamed of being an adventuring archaelogist (ala. Indiana Jones) since I can remember and I work in the stock market industry! I love to fix things and am the office handman whenever the fax, printer, copier, doorhandle, drawer or whatever is broken. I fully believe that I have some psychic abilities and love to sit and meditate. I have a knack at keeping dead plants alive (Except for the cactus I had in 5th grade that I watered everyday because I loved it so much. It rotted and collapsed in on itself one day. I cried because I murdered it. But I learned that too much loves kills just as much as not enough. Valuable lesson!)
I'm very impressed with CNN, for once, and this handy little quiz. Check it out and see if it works for you.

We American Are Spoiled Brats

The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3s of the citizenry just isn't happy and want a change.

So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What are we are so unhappy about?''Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year? Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough.

Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks?

The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?

Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom.

There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go.They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations.They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by justifying them in one way or another.

Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day or at least be thankful and appreciative.

With hurricanes, tornado's, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?”

Sometimes I think you just love me for my Carrot

Sometimes I wish I was short. It would be so much easier to shop for pants.

Sometimes I drive fast just because I have to get gas anyway.

Sometimes I postpone doing something, because it will make other people have to work.

Sometimes I sit and stare, and forget to breathe.

Sometimes I look at pictures of myself and wonder, "Who is she?"

Sometimes I eat popcorn for lunch.

Sometimes I change my passwords for no reason.

Sometimes I scroll through the address book on my phone and don't call anyone because I think they'd be too busy to talk to me.

Sometimes I sit in traffic and make up stories about the people around me.

Sometimes I wonder if people are thinking about me at the same time I'm thinking of them.

Sometimes I wonder if I'm psychic and try to make people do things just by concentrating on them.

Sometimes I turn off the light in my room, and get scared and run to my bed.

Sometimes I think of people I've lost and hope they are watching over me.

Sometimes I hope they're not.

Sometimes I spend 10 minutes brushing my teeth.

Sometimes I wish I had a huge tree to climb, where I could go and hide.

Sometimes I have to yell at myself "GO BACK TO WORK AND QUIT WRITING IN YOUR BLOG!!!!!"

Sometimes I actually listen.

It's not a problem, I can quit anytime!

You think you know someone...

As the random hippo herded past my door, I watched in silent awe of the ladder wielding repairman and his armfulls of flourescent lights swinging this way and that. There is a workers comp case just waiting to happen. Kind of like when I flipped out of my chair and landed on all fours. Boy, was our Risk Management officer mad at me!
Lack of sustanence and the enlightenment that my old best friend has switched teams has led me to this moment or 6 of free thinking and knocking things over with my cute shoes. Ouch!
If I had known what the word really meant all those years ago, I would have seen it coming. Or maybe not. Looking back, I see it much more clearly, but at the time...probly not.
Does that summation include me? Do drunken interludes in TJ really count? How about drugged out dares and just plain indifference? Hmm? Food for thought.
Food. Rubio's fish tacos. HOLY CRAP!! There is no Rubio's in Charlotte!!! NOOOOOO!!!!! Oh the humanity!

Idiocy Knows No Wage Limit

New dumb things financial advisors have said to me:

• I am the mayor of a very small 3rd class city.

• I'm just a youngest male in the sibling chain in need of encouragement - thank you.

• Am I the only pathetic, shaking, bowl of needy gelatin out there?

• If you have any ideas on my business, let me know.

• I used to smoke pot, like Clinton, but I actually inhaled.

• It was only a misdemeanor but they told me it was a felony. Is that gonna be a problem?

The greatest truths I've ever learned came from Primary songs

I am a child of God

And so my needs are great

Help me to understand His words

Before it grows too late

Lead me

Guide me

Walk beside me

Help me find the way

Teach me all that I must do

To live with Him someday

PostSecret

Boxing vs. Scrapbooking

I am continually reminded of what a tomboy I am. I have always had a hard time making real friends with other girls. I get along with guys much better. Tonite, we went to a friends house for a Cinco De Mayo/De la Hoya-Mayweather BBQ. After chatting it up with everyone and talking about moving to Charlotte and their kids and food and whatever, it was time to watch the fight. Me and the guys were all spread out on the couch and I noticed that every other female was in the kitchen. It seemed that no other girl wanted to watch the fight. The ladies were talking about scrapbooking and kids and chocolate and whatever it is that women talk about when they get into groups. I mentioned to my hubby that all the girls were in the kitchen and I was the only female who would rather watch boxing than talk about scrapbooking.

I would rather watch football than a talk-show. I would rather go camping than stay in a hotel. I would rather throw on a ballcap than worry about doing my hair. I would rather eat a cheeseburger than worry about getting fat. I would rather eat glass than scrapbook. I would rather take the bus than drive a mini-van.

I am in awe of women who have the opportunity to stay at home with their children and raise them and teach them and be with them to see every part of their little one's lives. I would love to be able to stay home with my kids and go to playgroup. I would also love to travel the world and eat at fancy restaurants every night. I enjoy watching kids play and seem to have a knack to help them calm themselves. I also enjoy going to nightclubs to dance until 4am. What I want and what I want seem to be two different things. How do I figure out which is which?

"...all things denote there is a God."

By Daymon Henne

Recently on a short hike with my wife I was witness to the powers which our Father in Heaven posses. While we were out on the hike my thoughts were constantly returning to the scripture in Alma “…all things denote there is a God.” What a powerful statement to make; when put in context there is nothing that does not testify of a Supreme Creator. All that we can think of, every object of the field, every creation that has come forth, every living thing to ever exist, has testified of the creative genius of God.

Many know the story of the man, Kohihor; described as an antichrist, who contended with Alma as to the existence of God, and the need of a Savior. Once he finishes Alma gives us one of the most moving testimonies as to the existence of God, and teaches a vital truth that we can use to teach others of the existence of God. After Alma defends against the accusation of priestcrafts he asks the poignant question, “Believest thou that there is a God?” Alma strikes at the heart of the problem in trying to assess the spiritual level of Korihor. Do we do the same in our relationships with others? Being in possession of the full and everlasting gospel we are given the privilege to receive guidance from the Holy Ghost in assessing the needs of those in our lives that need spiritual guidance. Certainly Korihor needed such guidance, and Alma was able to further direct his inquiry toward the needs of the spiritually deficient Korihor.

After answering that there is no God, Alma gives Korihor one last chance to either deny God, or admit he is teaching falsehoods; by asking,” Will ye deny again that there is a God, and also deny the Christ?” Alma, however changes his tact, and without allowing Korihor to answer launches into one of the most profound testimonies of God, His Son Jesus Christ, and the creative powers that they posses. Within that testimony lies this question to Korihor,”and now what evidence have ye that there is no God, or that Christ cometh not?” In one simple question Alma has defused the situation, and placed the burden of proof on the accuser rather than shoulder the burden of proof himself. Many times we may pray for the opportunity to share the gospel, or we may be presented with those opportunities and instantly we proceed into trying to prove the truthfulness of the church, or the existence of God. In this statement Alma relieves this task and places it where it belongs, into hands of the seeker. For regardless of the state that we are approached by any individual they are searching in some degree. By answering Korihor with a question that places the burden of proof on Korihor, to prove or disprove the existence of God opens the door for him to share his unfaltering testimony of the existence of God by saying, “I have all things as a testimony that these things are true.”

Alma states that he has all things as a testimony that there is a God. Of all the things that he could have shared with Korihor he chose to use his testimony. A testimony borne of the Spirit, and refined by the trials of life, and exalted by the knowledge of the everlasting atonement of Jesus Christ. Our testimonies are something that is intangible to the physical body, but impacts our life greater than any external force known. This testimony we receive compels us to submit to the enticing of the Spirit, and become, “meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things.” When the opportunity arises we should take every chance to share our testimony with those that are searching for the truth regarding their relationship with God. Alma takes the opportunity to invite the Spirit so that God can testify to Korihor that He exists. What greater testifier can there be than the God of heaven speaking to an individual through the Spirit! We will find the greatest success as a church when we allow God to work the miracles in people’s lives; that we may sometimes take for granted, that is, a relationship with Him through communication of the Holy Ghost. Our privilege is to simply share the truth contained in our testimonies that God exists, and that Jesus is the Christ. He will be glad to do the rest once the Spirit is present in the discussion.

This of course does not relieve us from our obligation as ambassadors of Christ to study the gospel and share our knowledge of the principles contained in it with those that we meet. If we are anxiously engaged, our understanding of these eternal principles will grow and with it our confidence in teaching those that seek for truth. Often we hear of members speak of having fear to share the gospel with those they have relationships with. Remember the counsel given by Alma , “use boldness, but not overbearance.” Be bold in your attempts to share your testimony, but always listen for the Holy Ghosts guidance concerning those to whom you share it with. Remember most people will feel overwhelmed by anything that is new to them so a little often goes a long way. Then it is in our best interest to earnestly seek our Fathers help in teaching His children.

Take heart in this gospel for it is true and never be ashamed of that fact. Remember that those we speak to that are not of our faith are often coming to us with questions because they have had some experience that has changed their life and God has sent you to tell them why God has an interest in them. To tell them why He will speak to them and be happy to send all the help that they require to find Him. To tell them why our Savior Jesus Christ loved them enough to sacrifice Himself for them, and through the atonement He will relieve all of their suffering, and every burden will be lifted even death itself will be defeated. To tell them that they can walk in a life that is filled with the words of living prophets never to be led astray again. To tell them that they have worth, and do not need to pursue the fleeting sensations of this life to feel loved. Finally, and probably most importantly, to tell them that they mean something to someone that that someone is their Father in Heaven and He will never stop caring for them. Through the sharing of our testimony concerning these things we will create an atmosphere for the Holy Ghost to come into their hearts and testify of these things that they may know for themselves of their truthfulness.

When we place the burden of truth on the seeker rather than carry it ourselves we will foster within them the ability to build their own relationship with God, and Jesus Christ. We will be witness to one of the most fundamental relationships in this existence, that of a child returning to the loving bosom of their creator to be embraced by His spirit, and lifted above the realm of mortal understanding to an understanding that God lives, and Jesus is the Christ. Of this I testify in His sacred name even Jesus Christ. Amen.

Joke from my StringCheese

What do you call a fairy who never takes a bath?

StinkerBell!!!

HAhahahahahaaaaaaaa!

I'm still sick, be quiet.