FOR OUR LITTLE FAMILY

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"If we desire more faith, we must be more obedient. When we teach our children by example or precept to be casual or situational in obeying God's commandments, we prevent them from receiving this vital spiritual gift. Faith requires an attitude of exact obedience, even in the small and simple things."

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--Kevin Pearson

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SPRING BREAK DAY 4

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We watched our church's General Conference via the laptop. I enjoyed a Sunday without formal meetings...a Sunday where we were able to see each other before the evening meal.

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.Between sessions, I worked on updating our picture frames with more recent photos. I now have 12 frames to redistribute through the house.

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And Andrew surprised me with a homemade Easter Cake as he called it. =)
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Yes, the tulips continue to be an ever-present source of joy. They follow me around the house depending upon the room I am currently spending the most time in.

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Afterward, our need to expend extra energy took us on several walks. The second one lasted an hour and a half. We talked, laughed, pushed each other into puddles, and picked out aspects of neighborhood houses we'd want to add to the our dream home.

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Believe it or not, this was the least embarrassing of the photos we attempted.

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We also came across the Easter Bunny formed from quickly melting snow...

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And traces of big foot in our very own town! Check out that footprint!
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We hope you all had a happy Easter. Ours was the simplest, happiest, most relaxing of holidays. I love my Andrew, the church is true, and there is still one more day of Spring Break!

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THOUGHTS

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I'm feeling...emotional tonight. I don't even know if that's the right word. Pensive maybe? Thoughtful? Sober? Solemn? Withdrawn? Contemplative? Take your pick.

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Not about anything in particular. More accurately, I am feeling this way about a whole lot of things all at once. I've mentioned before, that making lists helps my sanity, so here's one now to help you (and me) understand what I mean:

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1. I hate being shy. I've fought against it my entire life, and believe it or not, I've made significant progress. However, it continues to frustrate me on a a daily basis. For example, why can't I have a natural, casual conversation without being a big, awkward boob? I want to be smiley and flirtatious and funny and pleasant! How does everyone else do it so naturally? I don't want to be overlooked, considered incompetent, or considered a snob, just because I can't think of something to say at the spur of the moment! Some days are worse than others, of course. Tonight, however...was just one of those 'worse than others' is all.

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2. New callings suck. Of course, I'm happy to serve and all that jazz...but why can't I just skip the scary, confusing, trying-to-figure-out-what-the-heck-I'm supposed-to-be-doing part and get directly to the confidently-building-up-Zion-in-my-own-little-way? I like to think of myself as capable and clever, in general. But, I currently feel paralyzed by fear and inexperience...a stupid schmuck.

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3. I love Andrew. At the risk of sounding prosaic, why did the Lord see fit to bless me with such a fine companion? With so many marriages around me fraught with unhappiness and strife, distrust and selfishness, it just doesn't seem fair.

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4. We had the most horribly, depressing faculty meeting about safety and emergency preparedness. In small groups, we were forced to live through awful scenarios of disaster and violence, earthquakes and school shootings, all in hopes of preparing our little school for the possibility of such an event. The scenarios illustrated panic, terror, and students and teachers dieing in gruesome ways...and in many cases, without a thing in the world we could do to prevent it. I realize this was all make-believe. However, it really affected me. To sit there, imagining it happening to people I associate with everyday, made it personal in a way that I can't even explain. It just made me sick. Hours later, I had to sit on my bed, crying my heart out in order to feel normal again. Because quite honestly, if it came right down to it, I would sacrifice my life for those 22 snots of mine.

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That's all, I guess. Goodnight.

Hopefully this mood will be gone in the morning.

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IN LOVING MEMORY

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Chloe Hazel Blevins

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Our hearts ache for our dear friends, Ethan and Katrina, whose little angel passed away yesterday, unexpectedly. We know her sweet spirit is very much alive with her Father in Heaven.

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*Even if you don't know them, would you mind
sending a little prayer of comfort their way?

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HOMECOMING!

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Lane's back!

After serving faithfully for two years in the LDS

Kobe, Japan Mission,

Lane has returned to the States.

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*At the MTC two years ago.

Andrew making fun of his brother's 'dork dot'.

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We won't get to see him for another month.

But, we love him.

And we're so proud.

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THOUGHT OF THE DAY

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Andrew and I attend church in the Hinckley building on campus. I found the quote below, on the door of a professor's office. It got me thinking about how polite society tends to encourage downplaying our personal strengths...especially when we're being recognized for them. For example, how many times have we been given a compliment only to argue with the giver over its validity? But after reading this quote, I'm pondering the art of balancing self efficacy with arrogant pride. It seems like such a fine line.

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“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

--Marianne Williamson
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I was curious about who Marianne Williamson is. After some research, I found she was a woman pastor of a "New Thought" church. Basically, she believed God to be a "force"-- a love that flows in and through everything--rather than an actual being. Also, Jesus Christ is not the literal Son of God or Savior of the world, but an enlightened teacher who was able to successfully tap into this "force". From what I could gather, they believe that prayer is more of a positive thinking thing then a talking-to-a-concrete-father-in-Heaven thing. They're also real big on natural healing through the mind. She has since moved on from this church to put her energy into a successful self-help book business.

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In Dec. 2003, Time Magazine is quoted as saying:

"Yoga, the Cabala, and Marianne Williamson have been taken
up by those seeking a relationship with God that is not strictly tethered to
Christianity."

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I think it's funny that TIME probably meant for a belief in God without obligation or accountability to sound like a positive indication. But doesn't that make it sound so...unsubstantial? Worldly? Ridiculous? I don't know. Basically, I've come to the conclusion that she's the epitome of a, "philosophies of men mingled with scripture," kind of thing. And with that said, I still like the quote. I guess, I just was hoping for your thoughts. I mean, I "play small" all the time around others, just because it's comfortable and safe. But is it necessarily right?

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RELIGION

I have noticed that our blog is visited by people I don't know...even from all over the world. Andrew and I thought it would be good to include a blurb on the topic of our religion. We are Mormons. It is, I believe, the most important part of who I am. Many have heard of Mormonism, but don't know much about it. Let me explain the basics:

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2. The official name of the church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We are referred to as Mormons, Latter-Day Saints, or called simply LDS. We are Christians. The gospel is centered around Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice.

3. The full gospel was lost from the earth with the death of the ancient apostles. The earth then went through an apostasy with only partial religious truths and no true priesthood authority from God.

4. The church was again restored to the earth in 1830 through Joseph Smith in upstate New York. God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to the 14-year old boy as he knelt in prayer in a grove near his home. He was the first modern president of the church.

5. The priesthood, or the authority to act in God's name, was an important part of this restoration along with all saving ordinances. The church is set up as it was anciently with apostles and prophets. There is a current prophet and president of the church who acts as God's mouthpiece to the world: Thomas S. Monson.

6. Local congregations are run by unpaid volunteers. Both men and women serve in assigned leadership positions.

7. There are currently over 13 million members of the church worldwide in 176 countries.

8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as long as it is translated correctly. We also believe The Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Christ's ministry. A family in Jerusalem was warned by God to escape the wicked city before Babylon conquered it and took its inhabitants captive. This family was led to the Americas and became a great civilization. After His crucifixion, the Savior spoke to the Jews saying:

"And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I
must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one
fold, and one shepherd."

John 10:16

He was speaking of these inhabitants in the Americas. As a resurrected being, Christ appeared to this people and organized a church in the same manner as in the Old World. The Book of Mormon is a record of this event as well as words of ancient American prophets.

My Testimony:

The Restoration, The Book of Mormon, and modern day revelation makes sense to me. Not only does it seem logical, but I have felt the spirit of the Lord tell me with no uncertainty, that these things are right and true. Of course, God is as aware of His children on earth, as He was in ancient days! Why would He close the heavens? It makes sense that we would have a prophet and apostles, miracles, and angelic visitations just as there were thousands of years ago. I have personally felt the Lord answering my prayers, guiding my life, and strengthening me during painful times. I have read the Book of Mormon and as a result of its continued study, I am happier. I feel anchored even in troubled times. I love that the church's doctrine does not change with the ever deteriorating values of the world in order to "fit in" or "keep up with the times". It cannot compromise with the latest trends to be popular. Truth remains constant! Joseph Smith was a prophet--an instrument in the hands of God to restore His church. I know this is true without a doubt. And most importantly, I know that Jesus Christ is our literal Savior whose atonement and love for us is very real. This is my testimony in Jesus' name, Amen.

This only skims the surface, but I just wanted to give the basics. If you have questions, please ask!

THE 4TH!

Hope you all had a happy Fourth of July!

'Cause we sure did.

I. Parade on Main Street

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We sat with the coolest friends Tim and Alex

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...and some other coolest friends: the Grimmers.

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Favorite Parts include when this big army truck got in a water fight with a fire truck.

(the fire truck lost)

Ray's Car Wash chose a beauty queen from their workers.

{notice "her" sash is from boy scouts}


The rest of the the employees performed their own hip-hop "sexy" dance. Yes, it was hilarious.



Creativity award goes to the giant grocery cart from Broulims.

These planes made several appearances that morning. I wish I could have captured all of the planes when they were in formation.

Second favorite float goes to a gym whose entire float was a long trampoline. The continuous cycle of flips and handsprings were pretty sweet.

II. Watermelon Carving

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Our friends invited us to try this out. It was actually really fun! I think we've found ourselves a new Independence Day tradition.

After cutting a hole at the top, we scooped out all the insides into big bowls.

Then we carved our own patriotic designs!

Jared, Amanda, and Ashlyn show off their creation

With a candle on our front porch, it looked so cool!

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III. Fireworks

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The towering thunderheads made us nervous in the afternoon. Luckily, the worst of it missed the city and didn't ruin any of our fun.

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The fireworks in Idaho Falls claims to be the best show west of the Mississippi, so it was {as usual} packed. We were lucky enough to get a really nice piece of grass reserved for the ward right by the river.

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We had a lovely view from where we sat.

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Lots of geese hanging around.

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Andrew and Jason: A couple of crazies if I ever saw any. =)

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Andrew, Rich, and Bishop. They aren't nearly as dignified as they seem in the picture.

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Just a taste of an incredible show. I've never been to a better one than Idaho Falls.

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You Know You Live in Rexburg When...

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...you are taking a walk in the park and come across the entire Plan of Salvation drawn out on the sidewalk with chalk. I almost died laughing. Rexburg is SO Mormon.

(Spirit World)
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(Mortal Life)


(Spirit Prison and Paradise)

(The Three Degrees of Glory)

Becca, aren't you excited to move here? =)

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Photo Journal: Conference Weekend

Rachel and Andrew waiting in line...

...in slight discomfort.


His first time to Conference, Andrew checks out the magnitude of the structure.

Yep, it's big!

Waiting: Tabernacle Choir, Apostles, and Prophets!

Afterward: Look at all the people!

Spring-time walk around Temple Square

"The time has come for us to stand a little taller, to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the grand millennial mission of this, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...This cause will roll on in majesty and power to fill the earth."

--President Gordon B. Hinckley