March 30, 2014

Elder Maxwell - There are no separate paths back to that heavenly home.  Just one straight and narrow way, at the end of which, though we arrive trailing tears, we shall at once be "drenched in joy".

March 29, 2014

One of my very favorite things - playing frisbee with Mason at the sand dunes in Snow Canyon.

March 28, 2014

Waterfall pools were breathtaking!  (At Red Cliffs Reserve.)

March 27, 2014

So glad I stumbled upon Elder Maxwell's talk from October 2000.  It was just what I needed to hear.  "By choosing The Lord first, choosing one's friends becomes easier and much safer.  Consider the contrasting friendships in the city of Enoch compares to peers in the cities Sodom and Gomorrah!  The citizens of the city of Enoch chose Jesus and a way of life, then became everlasting friends.  So much depends on whom and what we seek first."
Bonus quote from this talk, "The perks of discipleship are such that if we see a stretch limousine pulling up, we know it is not calling for us.  God's plan is no the plan of pleasure; it is the 'plan of happiness'."

March 25, 2014

D&C 133:57 - And for this cause, that men might be made partakers of the glories which were to be revealed, The Lord sent forth the fullness of his gospel, his everlasting covenant, reasoning in plainness and simplicity.

March 24, 2014

Conversation between Darren and Mason while Annie is on in the background:
D - will the sun come out tomorrow?
M - you can bet your bottom dollar it will.
:)

March 20, 2014

Morning carpool made awesome when Ry and I busted out some driving dance moves when Sadie's favorite song "Best Day of My Life" came on.

March 16, 2014

Elder Scott - Finding Joy in Life - April 1996 GC:
"You are one of the noblest of God's creations.  His intent is that your life be gloriously beautiful regardless of your circumstances.  As you are grateful and obedient, you can become all the God intends you to be.
Sadness, disappointment, and severe challanges are events in life, not life itself.  I do not minimize how hard some of these events are.  They can extend over a long period of time, but they should not be allowed to become the confining center of everything you do.  THe Lord inspired Lehi to declare the fundamental truth, 'men are, that they might have joy.' That is a conditional statement: 'they might have joy'. It is not conditional for the Lord.  HIs intent is that each of us finds joy.  It will not be conditional for you as you obey the commandments, have faith in the Master, and do the things that are necessary to have joy here on earth.
Your joy in life depends upon your trust in Heavenly Father and His holy Son, your conviction that their plan of happiness truly can bring you joy.  Pondering their doctrine will let you enjoy the beauties of this earth and enrich your relationships with others.  It will lead you to the comforting, strenghtening experiences that flow from prayer to Father in Heaven and the answers He gives in return.
A  pebble held close to the eye appears to be a gigantic obstacle.  Cast on the ground, it is seen in perspective.  Likewise, problems or trials in our lives need to be viewed in the perspective of scriptural doctrine.  Otherwise they can easily overtake our vision, absorb our energy, and deprive us of the joy and beauty the Lord intends us to receive here on earth."

March 10, 2014

Good day!  Zoo with RCS, watching The Voice with K, and watching some of my favorite movie (The Big Year) with M.

March 9, 2014

I really like Elder Holland's GC talk - Laborers in the Vineyard.  I really like a lot of Elder Holland's talks.

March 6, 2014

Sadie started out her birthday as any dainty 7 year old girl would - with 7 birthday burps.  :)

March 5, 2014

I am not OK with Sadie not being 6 come tomorrow.  I mean it won't be long before she is too old to share kid observations with me.  For example tonight she shared some 6 year old brilliance with me, "did you know toot is spelled the same frontwards and backwards?"  Brilliant observation of a kid word. 

Tonight as she went to sleep she was just so cute with her arm wrapped around her stuffed animal.  I hope she doesn't grow out of that very soon either.

March 4, 2014

The months have not replaced my favorite song which is still "Get Out" by Casey Abrams.

March 1, 2014

Chubby's for dinner with the fam - you betcha!  It's my new favorite eatery.  I may get chubby from that place.  :)