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.