Like most people, I have fears. I don't like having fears and I try to face most of my fears head on.
I recently stumbled across an article that added a little clarity to my life. In the article Amy Morin wrote, "A lack of knowledge about how to calculate risk leads to increased fear."
She then gave a list of questions to ask yourself before taking said risk. The questions are as follows:
What are the potential costs?
What are the potential benefits?
How will this help me achieve my goal?
What are the alternatives?
How good would it be if the best-case scenario came true?
What is the worst thing that could happen, and how could I reduce the risk it will occur?
How bad would it be if the worst-case scenario did come true?
How much will this decision matter in five years?
I recently tried asking myself the questions above when faced with a tough decision. And you know what? They actually helped!
How do you face your fears? How do you make tough decisions?
December 17, 2015
December 13, 2015
Weekend In Review
I can't believe it is Sunday night already, this past week has gone by in what feels like the blink of an eye. I really wish I could have just one extra day to relax and rejuvenate.
Friday
Oregon is currently in a state of emergency. The weather has been pretty crazy as of late. With pounding rain, +40 mile an hour winds, thunder and lightening. Did I mention rain? It has been raining so much it is crazy! I don't remember the last time I saw so much rain. The rivers are flooding and all of the highways out to the coast are closed because of water being over the roadways. It's just a little intense.
Despite the rain, the Boy Scouts still had their monthly camp out and you can guess where Andy was. He was camping out in the rain- he was not excited at all. When he got to camp another leader invited him to pitch his tent inside a building with a cement floor. Andy said he stayed dry, but he didn't sleep.
While Andy was out camping, I was at a Young Women's sleepover. It was a lot of fun hanging out and visiting with the girls. I stayed at the sleepover until midnight, then headed home to sleep in my own bed. Lame, I know. I found out later the girls stayed up until 3:00 am. I think I made a good choice in going home to sleep.
Saturday
I worked on getting somethings done around the house. Andy got home around noon and we headed to the gym. Abs, planks, push-up, and +4 miles later, we called it quits.
When we got home Andy has a voicemail on his phone from a member of the High Council. Andy called him back and he asked to meet with Andy an hour later. Dun! Dun! Dun!
We we got home from Andy's meeting, I got a text asking if we could help chaperone the stake dance as the other chaperone's weren't able to make it. So a few hours later we headed over to the church to chaperone the dance.
Even though we were both incredibly tired, we had a great time at the dance! The music selection and the lights were awesome! They even had a smoke machine. Andy and I whipped and neigh neighed with the youth out on the dance floor. Talk about a good time!
By the time we got home and crawled in bed it was after midnight.
Sunday
Sunday morning came early with a 7:00 am meeting for Andy.
I know I say it just about every week, but church was really good! They asked a recently returned missionary to come visit our ward today and share his testimony. He talked about how he was a professional swimmer and the decision to go on a mission was really hard for him to make but it was worth the sacrifice. He said the time he was out on his mission was the longest time in his that he had gone without swimming since he started swimming.
He went on to say that while on his mission he learned to recognize prompting from the Holy Ghost. He shared an experience where he followed a prompting and an experience where he didn't. The experience where he didn't follow the prompting was very powerful.
He said he was out on splits one day with a member and he had made a list of people he wanted to visit. He and the member went and visited everyone on his list. He said a friend's name came to mind and he felt like he should go visit this person, but they weren't on his list so they didn't stop by. The next morning he received a phone call, informing him that his friend had committed suicide. He said that was the hardest day on the mission. He almost asked to be sent home.
I can only imagine the regret this young missionary must have felt, at learning that his friend had committed suicide. If he had only listened to the prompting, his friend might still be alive. My heart goes out to him.
The moral of the story is that it is really important to be in tune with the Spirit. When the Spirit speaks, listen and act accordingly. You may not be able to see the result of your actions, but you may end up saving someone's life.
In other news Andy was called to the Elder's Quorum Presidency, that's why he had to go meet with the High Councilmen yesterday. We are feeling a bit overwhelmed by this call. This new call means, no more Young Men's and no more teaching Sunday School. We really love our Sunday School Class and not being with them every Sunday will be a big change for us. We know the Lord is mindful of us and great things lay ahead.
Friday
Oregon is currently in a state of emergency. The weather has been pretty crazy as of late. With pounding rain, +40 mile an hour winds, thunder and lightening. Did I mention rain? It has been raining so much it is crazy! I don't remember the last time I saw so much rain. The rivers are flooding and all of the highways out to the coast are closed because of water being over the roadways. It's just a little intense.
Despite the rain, the Boy Scouts still had their monthly camp out and you can guess where Andy was. He was camping out in the rain- he was not excited at all. When he got to camp another leader invited him to pitch his tent inside a building with a cement floor. Andy said he stayed dry, but he didn't sleep.
While Andy was out camping, I was at a Young Women's sleepover. It was a lot of fun hanging out and visiting with the girls. I stayed at the sleepover until midnight, then headed home to sleep in my own bed. Lame, I know. I found out later the girls stayed up until 3:00 am. I think I made a good choice in going home to sleep.
Saturday
I worked on getting somethings done around the house. Andy got home around noon and we headed to the gym. Abs, planks, push-up, and +4 miles later, we called it quits.
When we got home Andy has a voicemail on his phone from a member of the High Council. Andy called him back and he asked to meet with Andy an hour later. Dun! Dun! Dun!
We we got home from Andy's meeting, I got a text asking if we could help chaperone the stake dance as the other chaperone's weren't able to make it. So a few hours later we headed over to the church to chaperone the dance.
Even though we were both incredibly tired, we had a great time at the dance! The music selection and the lights were awesome! They even had a smoke machine. Andy and I whipped and neigh neighed with the youth out on the dance floor. Talk about a good time!
By the time we got home and crawled in bed it was after midnight.
Sunday
Sunday morning came early with a 7:00 am meeting for Andy.
I know I say it just about every week, but church was really good! They asked a recently returned missionary to come visit our ward today and share his testimony. He talked about how he was a professional swimmer and the decision to go on a mission was really hard for him to make but it was worth the sacrifice. He said the time he was out on his mission was the longest time in his that he had gone without swimming since he started swimming.
He went on to say that while on his mission he learned to recognize prompting from the Holy Ghost. He shared an experience where he followed a prompting and an experience where he didn't. The experience where he didn't follow the prompting was very powerful.
He said he was out on splits one day with a member and he had made a list of people he wanted to visit. He and the member went and visited everyone on his list. He said a friend's name came to mind and he felt like he should go visit this person, but they weren't on his list so they didn't stop by. The next morning he received a phone call, informing him that his friend had committed suicide. He said that was the hardest day on the mission. He almost asked to be sent home.
I can only imagine the regret this young missionary must have felt, at learning that his friend had committed suicide. If he had only listened to the prompting, his friend might still be alive. My heart goes out to him.
The moral of the story is that it is really important to be in tune with the Spirit. When the Spirit speaks, listen and act accordingly. You may not be able to see the result of your actions, but you may end up saving someone's life.
In other news Andy was called to the Elder's Quorum Presidency, that's why he had to go meet with the High Councilmen yesterday. We are feeling a bit overwhelmed by this call. This new call means, no more Young Men's and no more teaching Sunday School. We really love our Sunday School Class and not being with them every Sunday will be a big change for us. We know the Lord is mindful of us and great things lay ahead.
December 10, 2015
Thursday Thought
While at work one day, a co-worker said, "Why are you always so happy?" I thought for a moment and said, "There is not a lot to be unhappy about." He seemed content with that answer. Over the course of the week, he continued to make comments about how I am always so happy and smiley.
What I wanted to say was, "Because I'm Mormon and I have a personal relationship with God! And it is the BEST thing in the world! Right up there with my husband *wink wink*
Some history: Before I went in to interview, I was given a heads up that I would be asked if I would be offended by occasional swear words. I was also told not to mention church. Fast forward-- I got the job, people occasionally swear, and I mention that I go to church. But, I have done as I was cautioned and I don't bring up church stuff unless someone asks me a question. Surprisingly, I have had quite a few missionary moments.
This whole experience though with the question about why I am so happy has got me thinking. Life isn't always easy, at times it can be really hard. But life is so good and so beautiful! I love having a personal relationship with my Heavenly Father. He is a source of strength in my life. I know He hears my never ending prayers and He answers them. I know He loves me and He loves you. You can have a relationship with Him too! I know He wants that!
Pray to Him. Ask for help, the help will come. Study the scriptures. Listen to uplifting music. K-Love anyone? Serve. Fill your mind with positive thoughts. Smile. Be kind. And most of all be happy! There may be a lot of bad in the world, but it is hard to see the bad when you surround yourself with the good.
Carpe Diem!
What I wanted to say was, "Because I'm Mormon and I have a personal relationship with God! And it is the BEST thing in the world! Right up there with my husband *wink wink*
Some history: Before I went in to interview, I was given a heads up that I would be asked if I would be offended by occasional swear words. I was also told not to mention church. Fast forward-- I got the job, people occasionally swear, and I mention that I go to church. But, I have done as I was cautioned and I don't bring up church stuff unless someone asks me a question. Surprisingly, I have had quite a few missionary moments.
This whole experience though with the question about why I am so happy has got me thinking. Life isn't always easy, at times it can be really hard. But life is so good and so beautiful! I love having a personal relationship with my Heavenly Father. He is a source of strength in my life. I know He hears my never ending prayers and He answers them. I know He loves me and He loves you. You can have a relationship with Him too! I know He wants that!
Pray to Him. Ask for help, the help will come. Study the scriptures. Listen to uplifting music. K-Love anyone? Serve. Fill your mind with positive thoughts. Smile. Be kind. And most of all be happy! There may be a lot of bad in the world, but it is hard to see the bad when you surround yourself with the good.
Carpe Diem!
December 7, 2015
Oh Christmas Tree!
This past weekend we were able to cut down a Christmas tree. We went to a u-cut tree farm this year, that was a first for us. As we were walking up and down the rows of trees, we quickly learned that it wasn't going to be easy to find a tree we liked. The drought in Oregon has caused the trees to grow somewhat differently-- in a bad way.
After scouring all of the different fields, we found our tree. We went in with the intention of getting a Noble Fir and came away with a very pretty Nordmann Fir.
We spent most of the day cleaning the house, trimming our tree and decorating for Christmas. We are so excited for the holidays!
 |
| A field of trees. |
After scouring all of the different fields, we found our tree. We went in with the intention of getting a Noble Fir and came away with a very pretty Nordmann Fir.
 |
| Andy & his saw mustache. |
 |
| Andy & our tree. |
 |
| Me & Andy. |
 |
| I'm almost as tall as the tree. |
 |
| Chop, chop, timber! |
We spent most of the day cleaning the house, trimming our tree and decorating for Christmas. We are so excited for the holidays!
 |
| The final product. Beauty! |
December 6, 2015
A Thought
I recently came across this quote from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf and it is simply too good, not to share. Enjoy!
"As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit."
Happy Sunday!
"As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit."
Happy Sunday!
December 3, 2015
Thursday Thought
Sometimes in life promptings come and it is up to us to decide how we will respond. How do you respond when the Spirit speaks to you? Are you willing to take a step into the dark if you're prompted to do something outside of your comfort zone?
At times in my life, I have been prompted to do things that were hard for me. During these times, I have prayed for help and strength. I don't always know why promptings come and I don't always know what the outcome will be. But I do know that Heavenly Father has my back and He has your back. And He will bless your life in more ways than you can possibly imagine, if you do what He asks. It may not always be easy, but I promise you, it will be so worth it! He can see the end result.
At times in my life, I have been prompted to do things that were hard for me. During these times, I have prayed for help and strength. I don't always know why promptings come and I don't always know what the outcome will be. But I do know that Heavenly Father has my back and He has your back. And He will bless your life in more ways than you can possibly imagine, if you do what He asks. It may not always be easy, but I promise you, it will be so worth it! He can see the end result.
December 2, 2015
Jake's Salsa
Some time ago, my brother came to visit and he made some amazing salsa. Below is his recipe.
1/4 of a red pepper
Cilantro (I use 1/3 of the bunch)
1 can (16oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can green chilies
1 jalapeno (I only add 1/4 of seeds & membrane)
Lime juice (couple squeezes)
1/2 tsp taco seasoning
Salt (just a few shakes)
Onion powder (just a few shakes)
Put all the ingredients in a food processor and blend to desired consistency. Devour with your favorite tortilla chips. Enjoy!
1/4 of a red pepper
Cilantro (I use 1/3 of the bunch)
1 can (16oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can green chilies
1 jalapeno (I only add 1/4 of seeds & membrane)
Lime juice (couple squeezes)
1/2 tsp taco seasoning
Salt (just a few shakes)
Onion powder (just a few shakes)
Put all the ingredients in a food processor and blend to desired consistency. Devour with your favorite tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)