Southwestern Company: Remember the Pony Sales School

This was a message I have listened to many many times when selling in my summer. But it's a good one just for life. :-) Enjoy!

Pastor Jeffress

After listening to Pastor Jeffress heated discussion claiming that "Mormons" are not Christians and that all "Mormons" are going to hell, and no "real Christian" would vote for someone who is "Mormon" I got waaaaay defensive. It also helped me to realize how strong and firm I am in my testimony and faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the actual name of the church, NOT the "Mormon" church. 

Why are there so many people that want to take down the church? Why are there so many people... "Christians" that claim they "know enough" to know that we are not Christians?

My logic is this:

Atheists don't believe in anything.

Christians believe in Christ's teachings. 

Latter-day saints (aka "Mormons") believe in Christ's teaching and that there is a modern day prophet to lead and guide the church today (instead of having a million and one different interpretations of the Gospel of Jesus Christ).

The Atheists say to the Christians, "I don't need your make believe God. You are dumb for believe such an old folk tail, get real."

The Christians say to the Mormons, "I don't believe there was anything past the book of Revelation, the Holy Bible is enough, I don't need another book or a modern day prophet, you're so stupid/mislead for believing a man and a made up book."

The Mormons say to all, "we have the whole truth, all we ask is that you have enough faith and trust to at least ask God of the truthfulness (not some website, not another book about Mormons, not what other people think). 

If someone was truly being honest with themselves, and not so worried about what others think, they too might have the peace and happiness I am experiencing (not to say they don't already, but since when do we stop growing and developing and determine "I don't need more peace and happiness than what I have right now?") My life is far from perfect, I have struggles with health and with work. God doesn't take those struggles away, he just gives me a way to better deal with my trials. As a Latter-day Saint, I try my hardest to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, but heck, I am FAR from perfect. There are days you might swear I have no belief, and on that day, I just might really be struggling, feeling lonely, depressed, angry for whatever reason: I AM HUMAN. But God gave us a way to peace and happiness. In my darkest hour I can at least turn to Him and he will always be there. 

And then there were two

So, I know I have been neglecting this blog, but frankly, most of my life doesn't revolve around just me any more, it's me and my husband, Isaac. That being said, it get's confusing typing up two blogs, so my focus (as it has been) will be on my "other" blog, that involves me and Isaac (but since he doesn't blog, it's really still my thoughts). PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE feel free to subscribe, we (um... I) love to read everyone's thoughts and comments. 

http://jenniandisaac.blogspot.com/

The Lovely Bones

Not exactly sure why this is a best seller... eh. The entire time I read the book, I was just wanting to get to the end. A little too dark and slow moving for me. I hear the movie is a LOT better. Let's hope so. 

Next, I'm taking Courtney's advice, tomorrow I am picking up the book, The Help. 

Hunger Games

Anyone read these books? They are very popular and I highly recommend them. Easy to read and understand, very entertaining, and they have an extra flair in there for some political and social commentary. No wonder every junior high/ elementary school is having student read these. Remember Gary Paulsen's Hatchet? I think these are better than that. They are currently working on the film that looks like it will be out this spring. I'm so excited! 

I almost want to re-read them, but so soon? That could be over kill. 

Yesterday on my lunch I picked up a library card and a new book to read, Lovely Bones. Only three chapters in and the book has be on the edge of my seat. I might watch the movie too, but I didn't hear the greatest reviews. Same with Time Travelers Wife. I really loved that book, but haven't brought myself to actually rent the movie. Maybe I'll have time this week to watch those movies since Isaac is gone (he would never want to sit and watch those, although he would just to make me happy). 

Any other suggestions for good books people have read lately?

Miracle Drug

I don't have the chance to see the specialist until the 25th of this month, in the mean time, I've been in so much pain it just sucks. The thought of me even being in this much pain in my life (other than when pregnant) never crossed my mind. It's all I can do to drag myself out of bed in the morning, stand on my feet all day at work, then feel like death is knocking on my door by the time I'm off work again. 

For a while, when I got home, I would sit and read the "Hunger Games" trilogy because it took my mind off the pain. Now I am finished with those AWESOME books, and the pain reminder is just there. Isaac is such a trouper. I've not been these most ideal newly-wed wife, but he still loves me so much. The pain causes me to have mood swings, just because I am so uncomfortable I become angry at everything and everyone. I don't like that person. 

Earlier this week I called up the doctor's office and begged for something else. The anti inflammatory drug wasn't doing anything to help whatever my condition is. The next day I had a prescription of prednisone waiting for me. A miracle drug! Almost instantly the pain was gone. In fact, I didn't want to go to bed because I felt so darn great! Too bad he only gave me a week's supply. I assume it's because he want's my symptoms to be there when I see the specialist so he can properly diagnose me. I know prednisone can have some nasty side effects (including mood swings), so I hope there is something else that can make me feel this great. As an example, Friday night Isaac and I went swimming, and I swam a full 1000 meters! I haven't felt this good in soooo long! 

While I'm feeling so good this week, I am determined to get things done. Like cleaning the apartment, finishing wedding thank you notes, and most importantly, exercise!! 

What is it?

Went to the doc today... no, I'm not pregnant, I don't think, lol. I've been having lots of pains lately, mostly joint related. My joints started to hurt right around the time I was training on the triathlon team in college, and some before that too. Well, anyway about a week and a half ago I noticed a slightly painful little bump on my arm. No big deal, looked like a pimple, but turned out to be a hard knot. I've had these before and they usually go away in about a week. Quickly, I got more of these little bumps on both my arms, and now one on my leg. Weird. It wouldn't be that big of a deal if there weren't so many and they didn't have the pain to go along with them. My blood was taken today to try to pin-point what the issue might be. Could be several things, maybe just one, but I am freaking out a little. The big thing it might be is rheumatoid arthritis, or worse. Not sure what's worse... but I'd rather not think about it. Of course I freaked myself out by looking up what they symptoms of of this disease is, and where is comes from, and most importantly, what can be done about it. Nothing good came of it since I tend to be a hypochondriac, yet, I can also be in denial that anything is actually ever really wrong with me. I seem to fit just about every symptom. Great. I'm still hoping the blood work comes back negative, and that's it's something far less severe, like a food allergy. I should know more by Tuesday. The point of this blog? Purely selfish, please, keep me in your prayers. It's kind of a scary time for both me and Isaac. 

One Year

So my one year as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has come and gone. The actual one year mark, I went and got my temple recommend. Such a great feeling. 

Yesterday I went through the temple for the first time, what an equally great feeling. I think what really topped it off for me was seeing my grandparents I have not seen for 10 years, and having them meet my fiancé and soon-to-be grandparents-in-law and sister-in-law. It was all too perfect and beautiful and I loved ever minute of it. The only thing that could have possibly made it better would be if my entire family (and Isaac's) was there. *sigh* I am just so happy right now, and so emotional. I feel like I could burst into tears any moment (tears of joy!) My family is driving up here right now and my super close friends. My heart is bursting out of my chest, I feel so loved. Why can't every day be like this? Every moment filled with so much love? With everything good there is an opposite I guess. 

Thank you to all of my friends for being so wonderful! The next time I blog I will be a married woman, wow, never thought I'd actually see this day come, and it will be here in just a short 24 hours. :) 

Sunday Sacrament Talk

Two days ago I was asked to talk in sacrament meeting today. The subject? Mothers of course. I didn't have much time to prepare, but I threw something together a couple hours before church. From what I am told, it turned out good (but I know people can sometimes be nicer, so I'm pretty sure it was just okay). 

This was a particularly touchy subject for me considering my own relationship with my mom. I was talking to a room full of people who grew up in the LDS church... then there is me, I moved out of my home when I was 16 years old and have had a rocky relationship with my mom as far back as I can remember. But still, she has managed to teach me a few good principles in life, manners, and how to just be respectful to other people no matter where they come from. She has also always encouraged me to be my own person. She never once said anything bad about me joining the church. 

I will never publicly talk bad about my mother, she gave life to me, and for the I am completely thankful and grateful for. No matter my relationship with my mother, I will always love her for that simple fact. 

My talk mostly focused on the women throughout my life that were like mothers to me, be it briefly or long lasting. Of course there is my step mom who loves me as if I were her own flesh. I talked about my 3rd grade teacher, my high school theater teacher, my grandmothers, my aunts, my "Wisconsin" mother (who so patiently listens to me as I ramble on and on about the most meaningless things) my friend Katie who will be by my side the first time I go through the temple, Isaac's mother. I wanted to express to people that God puts in our paths people who will help develop our personality and talents. I am so blessed that I have had so many wonderful women in my life to help me grow into a better person. It's not just one person, or one family, that raises an individual, but rather, it's a whole village. Think about it, more than just your family helped you to develop into the person you are now today. 

I thank Heavenly Father for knowing me so well, and putting the right people in my path to make me the person I am today. I am loved by many many mothers all across the United States, and I am so thankful for all the people who I have come across in my life. I am very much looking forward to the day I can be a mother.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!

Crash Diet

So I don't actually NEED to lose weight before the wedding, the dress fits good. But I've been pigging out a lot the past couple days, and I rally can't gain any weight. It's 3 weeks before the wedding and I just want to look and feel my best. I want to go on a diet for the next 3 weeks and work out every day. Any suggestions? I've got pleanty ideas, but I'm open to suggestions.

I'm an Aunt! Again!

Well, I became an aunt for the first time back in December. My sister, Heather had her first baby, Anontio. 

Now my brother, Harley has had his first baby, Melody. :-) I love to be the aunt that can spoil her nieces and nephews. Hopefully I will get the chance to hang out with the kids too. One is in Tennessee, the other Arizona. For now I get to see pictures and send gifts. Hopefully Melody likes pink, because I sure do!

Babies usually aren't that cute to be until there are a couple months old. You know, when they start to have more facial expressions and what not. Newborns almost never look pretty or cute to me. Honestly, they all kind of look the same. 

I'm looking forward to the day when Isaac and I start to have kids (I'm sure my viewpoint will change on newborns then). We've already planned on waiting a couple years (but if we get a honeymoon baby, then so be it, I will be just as happy). Year one of marriage Isaac will still be in school, and year two he will be going through a very intense pilot training program. But once year three hits, watch out! Baby city here we come!! I pray that we can have kids (you never know), but if not, we will adopt. 

Donovan

Donovan and Me

The only family member that has the closest resemblance of me

I have a 7 year old brother, for those of you who don't know. He is soooo stink'en cute too! Currently, he is in the second grade, and meeting all his standards for learning. I remember at his age I started reading chapter books (even though they were the small ones with tons of pictures). It seems so much more is being expected of kids at such an early age. 

This past Christmas I decided to send my brothers books (well, I sent books to a couple of brothers anyway). For Donovan, I went browsing through the kids books and came across The Magic Tree House series. During my summers selling books door-to-door I would often hear kids talk about how much they loved Magic Tree House books, so based on that, I got him a couple. Turns out, he loves them. Awesome!!

I have now made it my goal to send him these books as long as he keeps reading them (and likes them). Apparently he does, because somehow he got his hands on #4. Too bad because I just send him #3 and #4, but it's that's okay because they are only $4 each. I also have #5-#9 for him. That should hold him over for a while, hopefully. 

First day of second grade

I remember when all I used to do is read. I LOVE IT! Hopefully, if Donovan can continue to like school, he will stay on the right track. Only time will tell. 

He is also involved with Karate and loving it. I have a theory that kids who are more involved, do better all around. I am sure there is some study about that. Donovan is now some sort of green belt I believe, I will have to check on that one. 

more than I can read

I think I have a problem with books.... I love to buy them, but can never find time (or make time) to read them. I know I have an earlier blog about buying books, I just can't help myself! At least I'm almost never paying full retail cost for them. Of the six books I bought a couple days ago, only one was new and I had a 33% of coupon. However, I still spent more on that one book than I did on all the other 5 added up after taxes. There is one book I borrowed, so really, I should get to reading that one so I can return it to my bishop (or rather, my former bishop). If I didn't have any responsibilities, I think all I would do is read. First I'd read though the entire bible (sooo much to learn!), then I'd read all the books on my bookshelf I have yet to read, then I'd go and get myself a library card and start checking out books (a whole lot cheaper and makes it easier to move because there are less books to lug around). But there is something to be said for owning a book that a library cannot substitute. .... well, off to bed I go, up at 4am for another training for work, wahoo! 

YES!

Yes! Isaac finally asked and I said YES!!! 

I've developed a new blog featuring Isaac and my relationship. Come on over and take a look at how we started and how he asked. 

Feel free to track our relationship through the planning of the wedding and our future together.

http://jenniandisaac.blogspot.com/