A Cross-Stitch In Time

Over Christmas break I decided I wanted to work on a craft this semester, something that could keep my hands from being too idle during all my spare time. So of course I turned to the always dependable cross-stitching. When I walked into Michael's I new exactly what I wanted, something that would last; something that would be useful. So I picked my package from the shelf and took it home with me to begin the exciting adventure of creating beauty.


At the beginning it seemed it would take me eternity to complete the project, but once I really dove into it I started to think I was going to fast because once it is finished.... what do I do? When I first made a mistake I panicked that I had ruined the beautiful blanket and thought it would stand out like a stain. But then I realized something profound - each glitch I may make according to the original pattern makes the blanket more and more personalized as every stitch is made with love.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said "What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. So what if the eggs are greasy or the toast is burned? Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside... The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before. Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty—and I am not talking about the process of cleaning the rooms of your teenage children. You might say, “I’m not the creative type. When I sing, I’m always half a tone above or below the note. I cannot draw a line without a ruler. And the only practical use for my homemade bread is as a paperweight or as a doorstop." If that is how you feel, think again, and remember that you are spirit daughters of the most creative Being in the universe. Isn’t it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it—your spirit body is a masterpiece, created with a beauty, function, and capacity beyond imagination."

We All Need Saving

Last night was a great night with another amazing Vocal Point concert. Although I have only been to two, both have brought me to tears at some point as the music touched my heart. One song in particular stood out to me unlike the others, "We All Need Saving".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0TyhU80kv0

Considering all I am working on and trials placed before me, this beautiful song reminded me of one incredibly important fact: I am not alone. As everyone gives me advice as to how I should handle my struggles there is a great deal of truth in that I will do what I will do, even if it could be perceived as detrimental. But the truth that goes above and beyond that is I have the most amazing support system, one that I could never have imagined or deserve. Someone that makes me smile and laugh when all I want to do is frown. Someone that wipes away my tears before they can hit the pillow. Someone that encourages and lifts when I feel all hope is lost and I have no more strength to carry on. Someone that really is saving me. We all need saving, so don't tell yourself you can't lean on someone else.

A Fresh Beginning

Last Sunday morning my sister had her second baby, first girl - Nellie Olivia. She certainly is a beauty and we all agreed she is going to be a gorgeous woman when she grows up. I love the feel of a new baby's soft, warm head and her little fingers that desperately grasp yours; her little body that curls up into a tiny ball just like she was for the past 9 months; her dark hair and beautiful big eyes that curiously gaze at the world surrounding her. You can't help but wonder what she is thinking. This tiny new baby in such a big and chaotic world must seem frightening at times. I wonder if she is already missing being with her Heavenly Father and if she is excited about the next 90 years or so she has ahead of her.

I love his smile!

Sword and Shield

Ever notice how much easier it is to give in to the voice that says you're not good enough? Or the one that has you comparing yourself to the beauty queen or the smartest kid in the class? Despite the numerous other voices that tell you how great, beautiful, or intelligent you are, you always seem to listen to that one negative voice. It's easier. Maybe a brick wall would keep it out.

Until then, I guess there's always 2 AM Miss Congeniality and cross-stitching.

All Aboard!

"No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. All that we suffer and that we endure, esp. when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hears, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God... and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven..." - Faith Precedes the Miracle

"Jenkins Lloyd Jones said, 'Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that they've been robbed. 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 more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old-time rail journey - delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally with beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.'...the trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride; and really, isn't it a wonderful ride? Enjoy it! Laugh about it! Sing about it!" - Gordon B Hinckley

Casablanca Lilies

For our 5 month anniversary, David brought home these beautiful Casablanca lilies for me. I love Casablanca Lilies. But they is more to them than just their beauty. They give off this powerfully sweet smell that I notice every time I walk in the house. In the Christian world, the lily symbolizes pure love (which makes it even more appropriate that David always gets them for me) and in another historical account they were believed to have anti-toxic powers and a capacity of curing depression.

After learning of these many wonders of the Lily, the smell seems to be even sweeter and the beauty far more radiant than before. In a way I find that to be a lot like life. Just as with some people, once we get to know them and their many wonders we find them more beautiful and want them around (symbolizing the pure love). Just as with trials, once we have surmounted them and realized all the growth and strength that came from such an experience, we become more grateful for them in our lives (the healing and detoxifying powers). Right now particularly I am grateful to have them beautifying my home.

at the end of the day

At the end of the day,

after all the work is done;

At the end of the day,

as we watch the setting sun;

After all the trials,

and after all the pain;

After all the struggles,

to make it through the day;

I thank God for peace and rest,

and for little smiles from you;

I thank God for rising stars,

and for little hugs from you;

For there is no blessing,

such as this I found so true:

It’s such a pleasure just walking home

at the end of the day with you!