Saturday, January 7, 2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Monday, March 29, 2010
Courage or Cowardice
Your posterity will either be blessed by your courage or cursed by your cowardice. - Orrin Woodward
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Weakness is Not a Sin
I am back to the blogging world; momentarily, no doubt. I love to blog. But, it's not the biggest priority right now. So, all those of you that are tuned into the family blog are still looking at our house with Christmas lights!! Yay!
Anyway, I finished reading a book last week. It's called Weakness is Not a Sin. It is a really good book. Just thought I would share a few passages I really liked and maybe a few thoughts. This is mostly for my benefit. When I write something about what I read, it helps me remember. So, if you benefit from these excerpts then we'll kill two birds with one stone.
pg 5 - we are here to magnify our strengths, our callings, and our gifts - not to magnify our brokenness.
pg 19 - I realized that I was most effective when I could contribute from my relative strengths, gifts, and passions, rather than spending too much time fighting against my weaknesses.
pg 57 - Pride is a problem because it leads us to sin - which almost always boils down to ignoring gods counsel or thinking it doesn't apply to us because we know better than God what we need, what would make us happy, or what is fair and reasonable. Pride is also a problem because it prevents us from making proper use of our weakness. God is patient and generous with all our weakness with this caveat: that we be humble and have faith in Him. If we are humble and trust Him, he can make weak things become strong unto us. If we are prideful and trust ourselves, the adversary will work hard to make weak things become sin unto us. It is that simple.
pg 69 - Even more than we need others, we need God to sustain, befriend, and direct us. Without the gives of the Holy Ghost and the grace made available through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our efforts to grow and change will always fall woefully short. No matter how much we try, learn, or improve, we will never be like God without the application of His grace to our lives.
About three years ago I wrote down a list of 14 things I wanted to change about myself. (I think I have written about this in a previous blog.) I prayed and asked, "which one should be first?" I felt I got a solid answer and began my pursuit of strengthening what I felt was the first priority in the Lord's eyes. I've never given it the focus that it really needed to get corrected. I started out this year wanting to attack the first weakness, again. I have had it on my mind for over three years. And, here I am again, trying to overcome it. I started to realize that if I didn't really buckle down I might never get there! It is so easy to put of the important for the urgent! Since the first of the year I still haven't been able to put a string of 21 days together where I achieve my objective daily. But, I have done one thing differently. I finally have someone to keep me accountable. I report to her weekly on my progress. I have to admit that some weeks I am quite embarrassed to e-mail her my results as I feel I haven't improved at all. My mind tells me that if I don't make huge strides toward being close to perfect in this area that is it all a waste. But, my mentor has taught me something very valuable as she responds to my e-mails. She tells me I am doing great and points out the progress that I have made...no matter how small. And, it has helped me realize that if I just stay on the path and don't give up then I will make it much further than if I expect to see sweeping strides overnight!
I know this book came to me at the perfect time. (Miles actually found it in Deseret Book as we shopped there a few months ago.) I am understanding more that my weaknesses are a gift from Heavenly Father. He gave them to me SO I would seek him. And, I know that as I rely more on his strength I will have much more success in overcoming them.
I would recommend this book highly - to EVERYONE. It is fantastic and really helped me get some things in perspective.
Anyway, I finished reading a book last week. It's called Weakness is Not a Sin. It is a really good book. Just thought I would share a few passages I really liked and maybe a few thoughts. This is mostly for my benefit. When I write something about what I read, it helps me remember. So, if you benefit from these excerpts then we'll kill two birds with one stone.
pg 5 - we are here to magnify our strengths, our callings, and our gifts - not to magnify our brokenness.
pg 19 - I realized that I was most effective when I could contribute from my relative strengths, gifts, and passions, rather than spending too much time fighting against my weaknesses.
pg 57 - Pride is a problem because it leads us to sin - which almost always boils down to ignoring gods counsel or thinking it doesn't apply to us because we know better than God what we need, what would make us happy, or what is fair and reasonable. Pride is also a problem because it prevents us from making proper use of our weakness. God is patient and generous with all our weakness with this caveat: that we be humble and have faith in Him. If we are humble and trust Him, he can make weak things become strong unto us. If we are prideful and trust ourselves, the adversary will work hard to make weak things become sin unto us. It is that simple.
pg 69 - Even more than we need others, we need God to sustain, befriend, and direct us. Without the gives of the Holy Ghost and the grace made available through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our efforts to grow and change will always fall woefully short. No matter how much we try, learn, or improve, we will never be like God without the application of His grace to our lives.
About three years ago I wrote down a list of 14 things I wanted to change about myself. (I think I have written about this in a previous blog.) I prayed and asked, "which one should be first?" I felt I got a solid answer and began my pursuit of strengthening what I felt was the first priority in the Lord's eyes. I've never given it the focus that it really needed to get corrected. I started out this year wanting to attack the first weakness, again. I have had it on my mind for over three years. And, here I am again, trying to overcome it. I started to realize that if I didn't really buckle down I might never get there! It is so easy to put of the important for the urgent! Since the first of the year I still haven't been able to put a string of 21 days together where I achieve my objective daily. But, I have done one thing differently. I finally have someone to keep me accountable. I report to her weekly on my progress. I have to admit that some weeks I am quite embarrassed to e-mail her my results as I feel I haven't improved at all. My mind tells me that if I don't make huge strides toward being close to perfect in this area that is it all a waste. But, my mentor has taught me something very valuable as she responds to my e-mails. She tells me I am doing great and points out the progress that I have made...no matter how small. And, it has helped me realize that if I just stay on the path and don't give up then I will make it much further than if I expect to see sweeping strides overnight!
I know this book came to me at the perfect time. (Miles actually found it in Deseret Book as we shopped there a few months ago.) I am understanding more that my weaknesses are a gift from Heavenly Father. He gave them to me SO I would seek him. And, I know that as I rely more on his strength I will have much more success in overcoming them.
I would recommend this book highly - to EVERYONE. It is fantastic and really helped me get some things in perspective.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Weakness is Not a Sin pg 56
With pride we make way too big a deal about our weaknesses or not nearly a be enough deal, we coddle ourselves or beat ourselves up, we get irritable with other for their weaknesses, and in general we completely miss the whole point of weakness, which is to teach us humility and charity.
Weakness is Not a Sin by Wendy Ulrich, PH.D.
Weakness is Not a Sin by Wendy Ulrich, PH.D.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Butt Prints in the Sand
One night I had a wondrous dream,
One set of footprints there was seen,
The footprints of my precious Lord,
But mine were not along the shore.
But then some stranger prints appeared,
And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?"
Those prints are large and round and neat,
"But Lord they are too big for feet."
"My child," He said in somber tones,
"For miles I carried you alone.
I challenged you to walk in faith,
But you refused and made me wait."
"You disobeyed, you would not grow,
The walk of faith, you would not know.
So I got tired, I got fed up,
and there I dropped you on your butt."
"Because in life, there comes a time,
when one must fight, and one must climb.
When one must rise and take a stand,
or leave their butt prints in the sand."
- Unknown
One set of footprints there was seen,
The footprints of my precious Lord,
But mine were not along the shore.
But then some stranger prints appeared,
And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?"
Those prints are large and round and neat,
"But Lord they are too big for feet."
"My child," He said in somber tones,
"For miles I carried you alone.
I challenged you to walk in faith,
But you refused and made me wait."
"You disobeyed, you would not grow,
The walk of faith, you would not know.
So I got tired, I got fed up,
and there I dropped you on your butt."
"Because in life, there comes a time,
when one must fight, and one must climb.
When one must rise and take a stand,
or leave their butt prints in the sand."
- Unknown
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Saturday, November 21, 2009
They come to pass
I listened to a cd by Robert L. Dickie yesterday about the purpose of trials in our lives. He talked about a phrase we hear in the scriptures a lot - it came to pass. He said our trials did not "come to stay, they came to pass." I loved that!
More Great Quotes
I don't know about you, but, remembering quotes helps me in times of need. I am not always the best at remembering them. But, the feeling and the ideas they brought to my mind when I read them just come to me. I hope you like these...my favorite today is the last one.
Where nothing is sure, everything is possible – Margaret Drabble
When you are down to nothing, God is up to something.
Only those who attempt the absurd achieve the impossible.
Faith - See the invisible. Believe the incredible. Achieve what the masses think is impossible
Don’t tell God how big your troubles are. Tell your troubles how big your God is. Faith without works is dead.
When in doubt, when in fear, be aggressive. Commit yourself and never look back. Unknown
The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and everyday. Either He will shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.
Where nothing is sure, everything is possible – Margaret Drabble
When you are down to nothing, God is up to something.
Only those who attempt the absurd achieve the impossible.
Faith - See the invisible. Believe the incredible. Achieve what the masses think is impossible
Don’t tell God how big your troubles are. Tell your troubles how big your God is. Faith without works is dead.
When in doubt, when in fear, be aggressive. Commit yourself and never look back. Unknown
The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and everyday. Either He will shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Daily Kick in the Butt
The more I thought about what I get to do, the less I realized I had to do. It was just a shift, just a new perspective, just a new and more grateful method for labeling the things in my life. Think about it—if you stopped yourself every single time you were about to say, "I have to" and changed it to "I get to," it might change your entire experience.
Kristin Armstrong, Mile Markers blog
Kristin Armstrong, Mile Markers blog
Daily Kick in the Butt
From the moment I ran through the tunnel into the Olympic stadium I knew that the Olympics wasn't everything I wanted but it was everything I needed. Meaning that I had dreamt of winning for so long but by losing I would develop a whole lot of character and my running career would have a lot different direction compared to if I had won.
Ryan Hall on his 2008 Olympic Marathon performance
Ryan Hall on his 2008 Olympic Marathon performance
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Daily Kick in the Butt
Here is one of the daily quotes I get from Runner's World. Thought I would share...
I don't know how the creative process works, but it always seems, as I'm running...that thoughts start coming in; sentences start coming in.
Robert A. Caro, biographer
I don't know how the creative process works, but it always seems, as I'm running...that thoughts start coming in; sentences start coming in.
Robert A. Caro, biographer
Monday, November 2, 2009
Your Destiny
I am keeping the things that get me thinking and inspire me here on this blog. I love this. Thanks Cathy Anderson for including it in your most recent e-mail.
Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.
Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.
Running (and Life)
The only secret is that it is consistent, often monotonous, boring, hard work. And it's tiring.
Robert de Castella, World champion marathon runner
Robert de Castella, World champion marathon runner
Monday, October 19, 2009
A Couple of Great Quotes
Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed. The fact is that most putts don't drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old-time rail journey -- delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts -- interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride. - Gordon B. Hinkley
Be at peace with the process and nothing can hurt you. - George Guzzardo
God cares more about your growth than your comfort. - Unknown
Be at peace with the process and nothing can hurt you. - George Guzzardo
God cares more about your growth than your comfort. - Unknown
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Book: A Thomas Jefferson Education
I heard about this book a few years ago from my friend Clancy. I just finished it. I wish I had picked it up sooner. EVERYONE needs to read this book.
We are all concerned with our children's education. We see deficits in the public school system and no way to really fill in the gaps. We want the best for them but feel we don't really know what we can do. It feels as though it has been taken out of our hands. This book helped me see that it is my own education I should be concerned with. And this will inspire my children and any children over which I have influence to pursue a great education for themselves.
Here are just a few of my favorite quotes from the book:
The world teaches that good grades equal intelligence, but they don't; that degrees are equal to education, but they aren't; that money and position are success, but they aren't.Do not buy the facades the world offers. Only virtue is success. Only integrity is greatness. Your task is to become "men and women of virtue, wisdom, diplomacy, and courage who inspire greatness in other and move the cause of liberty," to live up to your mentors and the classics which helped make you who you are and willhelp build the person you will become.--
Statesmen are needed in our day, in our communities, homes, businesses, schools, churches, governments, relationships and associations.In 1776 Thomas Jefferson declared the independence of all humankind, but in 1764 he was just a college student trying to mend a broken heart.In 1780 George Washington almost single-handedly brought down the greatest military force on earth, but in 1764 he was just a farmer struggling to get out of debt.In 1787 James Madison swayed the entire course of history, but in 1764 he was just a shy twelve-year-old.It is the ordinary people in our day, just like those in 1764, who have greatness in them, if they decide to develop it.--I know it is hard to study the classics and find mentors. We are busy making a living or going to school, but if we are too busy to study the classics and apply the lessons they teach, then we are too busy to stay free, too busy to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.--Tomorrow's leaders will determine whether the flame of freedom and prosperity lit by American Founders two hundred years ago continues to burn brightly or is extinguished.
Why did I love this book? Because I truly believe that all of us were called to do something great! And, in order to do something great we must prepare ourselves. This book is a beginning. GET IT! READ IT!
I believe that when the time is right, some of you will be called upon to be statesmen of our day - whether you like it or not. And whether you are prepared or not.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
MonaVie Convention
We went to the MonaVie convention in SLC where they released their new hybrid energy drink, EMV. It tastes great! The convention was incredible. We learned a lot and got to spend time with some of our best friends.
2009.06.20 MonaVie Convention in SLC
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Climb
Hi, I am back from the dead. Maybe. Just thought I would write something to contribute to the theme of my blog. We went to see Hannah Montana the movie. She sings the song "The Climb" in the movie. (I had never heard it before, but, apparently it is quite popular.) Anyway, it is wonderful and I wanted to put the lyrics here for everyone to read.
I can almost see it
That dream I’m dreaming but
There’s a voice inside my head sayin,
You’ll never reach it,
Every step I’m taking,
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking but I
Got to keep trying
Got to keep my head held high
There’s always going to be another mountain
I’m always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm going to have to lose,
Ain’t about how fast I get there,
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb
The struggles I’m facing,
The chances I’m taking
Sometimes they might knock me down but
No I’m not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I’m going to remember most yeah
Just got to keep going
And I,
I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on,
cause
There’s always going to be another mountain
I’m always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm going to have to lose,
Ain’t about how fast I get there,
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb
There’s always going to be another mountain
I’m always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Somebody's you're going to have to lose,
Ain’t about how fast I get there,
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb
Keep on moving
Keep climbing
Keep the faith baby
It’s all about
It’s all about
The climb
Keep the faith
Keep your faith
That dream I’m dreaming but
There’s a voice inside my head sayin,
You’ll never reach it,
Every step I’m taking,
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking but I
Got to keep trying
Got to keep my head held high
There’s always going to be another mountain
I’m always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm going to have to lose,
Ain’t about how fast I get there,
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb
The struggles I’m facing,
The chances I’m taking
Sometimes they might knock me down but
No I’m not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I’m going to remember most yeah
Just got to keep going
And I,
I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on,
cause
There’s always going to be another mountain
I’m always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm going to have to lose,
Ain’t about how fast I get there,
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb
There’s always going to be another mountain
I’m always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Somebody's you're going to have to lose,
Ain’t about how fast I get there,
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb
Keep on moving
Keep climbing
Keep the faith baby
It’s all about
It’s all about
The climb
Keep the faith
Keep your faith
I can't keep this song out of my head! I love it!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
When You Are Weak...Read This!
This is the note that Lana read to herself from my previous post.
You are strong. You can do this. This whole journey wasn’t about you starting. Anybody could do that. It was about you finishing; and only you can do that. When you stand on this stage in the dark, in your heart only you will know if you’ve been true. Don’t let yourself down. I believe in you!
Love you guys!
You are strong. You can do this. This whole journey wasn’t about you starting. Anybody could do that. It was about you finishing; and only you can do that. When you stand on this stage in the dark, in your heart only you will know if you’ve been true. Don’t let yourself down. I believe in you!
Love you guys!
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