Are there those things in your life that just bring you joy, that nourish your soul? Wow, I know that sounds cheesy, but really, are there? Things that are so inherently good that you can't help but feel uplifted afterwards. I have been thinking tonight about how important these things are to me, to keep me happy, energized, and calm. Now, my list is probably a little different from yours, but here it is: Anne of Green Gables and Avonlea, miniature golfing with my husband, a good conference talk, talking with a good friend, my boys' laughs, daydreaming of Paris, and many others. Tonight I was feasting on one of these things that fills me with utter delight - The Little Prince.
I love the Little Prince. Up until now, I had only read it in French... about ten times at least. It is beautiful, poetic, deep yet simple. I love it (did I mention that already?!) I suggested to my book group that we read it next month, and they agreed. So, tonight Mike and I started to read it in English. I am so excited that he is willing to read this with me because I honestly feel like it is a part of my soul now. Maybe it is the simple stories that say so much about our society. Maybe it is something about seeing the world through the eyes of a child and the simplicity of life and joy he finds. Maybe it is my desire to be a kid. In any case, I could literally feel my battery recharging. I want to share some little insight from the book that would demonstrate to you how wonderful it is, but I am at a loss of even where to begin. It is all wonderful. If you have an hour free that you could use to uplift your spirit, read The Little Prince. You'll be happy you did!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tolerant?
So, I have to rant. This means it may not be coherent or make any sense, but I just need to get it out there!
We hear a lot about tolerance. We are supposed to be tolerant of different lifestyles, people's choices, different cultures, races, and faiths or the lack thereof. Someone who embraces all of these differences is "tolerant." Have you ever noticed, however, that those who are supposed to be the most tolerant - those who support gay marriage, abortion, etc - are generally selectively tolerant?
I am a conservative Christian. I have my beliefs and faith, which I accept as truth. As such, I incur the wrath of the "tolerant" in our society. When Mike was going to school in Portland, he was a definite minority, and his beliefs were looked down on because he didn't accept everything in the world and society as okay. One day in class a fellow classmate admitted to being Christian but had been too afraid to tell anyone because of how looked down on it is. I also remember a story on the news there that sums it all up. There is a part of downtown Portland that is decorated for the holiday season each year. Large representations of several faiths were put out to celebrate. However, the cross, as the Christian symbol, was vandalized repeatedly. They were thinking they might not be able to keep putting it out. Now, why were no other faiths' symbols treated so? I know that these kinds of attitudes and actions are not just present in Portland. I've seen them everywhere. I was watching America's Next Top Model (yep, guitly pleasure!) when they were talking to a prospective contestant who happened to be LDS. The judges were appalled that her parents were upset with her when she had sex at age 16. Why can we not have morals without being looked down upon? Why can't tolerance include those who have standards and morals, faith and beliefs?
So, I guess that as society becomes more and more "tolerant" we will also become less and less moral, wholesome and good because that lifestyle is not "tolerant," "cool," or "right." Fortunately, we have knowledge and faith that is not tossed to and fro with the world. I will just have to take comfort in knowing that my seemingly narrow view according to the world is the one that not only brings me joy here but will forever.
We hear a lot about tolerance. We are supposed to be tolerant of different lifestyles, people's choices, different cultures, races, and faiths or the lack thereof. Someone who embraces all of these differences is "tolerant." Have you ever noticed, however, that those who are supposed to be the most tolerant - those who support gay marriage, abortion, etc - are generally selectively tolerant?
I am a conservative Christian. I have my beliefs and faith, which I accept as truth. As such, I incur the wrath of the "tolerant" in our society. When Mike was going to school in Portland, he was a definite minority, and his beliefs were looked down on because he didn't accept everything in the world and society as okay. One day in class a fellow classmate admitted to being Christian but had been too afraid to tell anyone because of how looked down on it is. I also remember a story on the news there that sums it all up. There is a part of downtown Portland that is decorated for the holiday season each year. Large representations of several faiths were put out to celebrate. However, the cross, as the Christian symbol, was vandalized repeatedly. They were thinking they might not be able to keep putting it out. Now, why were no other faiths' symbols treated so? I know that these kinds of attitudes and actions are not just present in Portland. I've seen them everywhere. I was watching America's Next Top Model (yep, guitly pleasure!) when they were talking to a prospective contestant who happened to be LDS. The judges were appalled that her parents were upset with her when she had sex at age 16. Why can we not have morals without being looked down upon? Why can't tolerance include those who have standards and morals, faith and beliefs?
So, I guess that as society becomes more and more "tolerant" we will also become less and less moral, wholesome and good because that lifestyle is not "tolerant," "cool," or "right." Fortunately, we have knowledge and faith that is not tossed to and fro with the world. I will just have to take comfort in knowing that my seemingly narrow view according to the world is the one that not only brings me joy here but will forever.
Friday, October 10, 2008
The joy of creation
I am left brained. No doubt about it. Until recently the only non-left brained thing I did was music, and even that was more a mastery of technique. But about five years ago I decided to explore the right side of my brain a bit more.
I had just had a hard break-up and I decided that while I was waiting around I should learn something new. So, I learned to cook more. To me, this is definitely a creative talent. I wanted to learn how to put ingredients together to create something that tasted and looked good. Well, the looking good part is still coming, but I learned that I love cooking and coming up with new ideas.
After I became pregnant with Jordan I really wanted to figure out a fun way to keep his baby book in which I could put anything and everything that I wanted to remember. Pictures, stories, facts, thoughts, etc. I decided to take the plunge and start scrapbooking. I had always resisted entering that far into my right brain, but I did it. And you know what? I love it! I love thinking of new ways to make a page fun and cute while telling everything I want to. Now, this doesn't come easy. I look in magazines and other people's scrapbooks to get good ideas. But, the more I do it, the easier it is to come up with it on my own.
Lately I've been feeling like this isn't enough. I just have had such a strong desire to make things. I have about four or five different projects that I am gathering materials for. Before, I always thought there was no way I could just make something I got an idea for. I would just search and search for something like it. But now I think, "why couldn't I just make that?" I love the feeling I have when I have accomplished a project. I am still a work in progress, but I can tell it is getting easier.
Then, at the General Relief Society meeting, President Uchtdorf spoke about finding happiness. He said that to find God's happiness we need to do those things that he does, or at least try to emulate them. One of the attributes he spoke of was creation. He told us how we all have the desire to create and that we can find happiness in doing so. He said that it doesn't have to be a craft project or good dinner, but it could be a home, or something like that. Whatever we can do, we should find ways to create. I just loved his talk because I have felt those same feelings lately. So, I am going to continue to cultivate my right brain and find joy in it.
I had just had a hard break-up and I decided that while I was waiting around I should learn something new. So, I learned to cook more. To me, this is definitely a creative talent. I wanted to learn how to put ingredients together to create something that tasted and looked good. Well, the looking good part is still coming, but I learned that I love cooking and coming up with new ideas.
After I became pregnant with Jordan I really wanted to figure out a fun way to keep his baby book in which I could put anything and everything that I wanted to remember. Pictures, stories, facts, thoughts, etc. I decided to take the plunge and start scrapbooking. I had always resisted entering that far into my right brain, but I did it. And you know what? I love it! I love thinking of new ways to make a page fun and cute while telling everything I want to. Now, this doesn't come easy. I look in magazines and other people's scrapbooks to get good ideas. But, the more I do it, the easier it is to come up with it on my own.
Lately I've been feeling like this isn't enough. I just have had such a strong desire to make things. I have about four or five different projects that I am gathering materials for. Before, I always thought there was no way I could just make something I got an idea for. I would just search and search for something like it. But now I think, "why couldn't I just make that?" I love the feeling I have when I have accomplished a project. I am still a work in progress, but I can tell it is getting easier.
Then, at the General Relief Society meeting, President Uchtdorf spoke about finding happiness. He said that to find God's happiness we need to do those things that he does, or at least try to emulate them. One of the attributes he spoke of was creation. He told us how we all have the desire to create and that we can find happiness in doing so. He said that it doesn't have to be a craft project or good dinner, but it could be a home, or something like that. Whatever we can do, we should find ways to create. I just loved his talk because I have felt those same feelings lately. So, I am going to continue to cultivate my right brain and find joy in it.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The perfect formula
I've spent the past three days reading two books. I couldn't stop. And then I figured it out. The perfect formula for a successful chick flick, book or film.
one relatively ordinary girl
+
one extraordinary man
+
a little adventure
= one great chick flick
Of course somewhere along the way he helps her understand that she isn't as ordinary as she thinks. Works every time.
one relatively ordinary girl
+
one extraordinary man
+
a little adventure
= one great chick flick
Of course somewhere along the way he helps her understand that she isn't as ordinary as she thinks. Works every time.
Monday, October 6, 2008
7 interesting things
I was tagged to do this post - 7 interesting or weird things about me. Well, since I haven't posted in a while, I will go ahead and do this one!
1. I like to dip my toast in ketchup (but don't say gross until you try it - I have had many friends be surprised that it actually is good!)
2. I love to peel things. It is really addicting.
3. I don't like wearing socks and I can't wear anything with a high collar because I feel like I am being suffocated.
4. I was president of BYU College Republicans when I was in school. I used to love politics (I know, I already covered that!)
5. If I could pick any talent to have, I would want to be able to sing really well.
6. I'm really stubborn...just ask Mike. I don't like people trying to make me do something or feel a certain way. Yeah, I'm working on it. :)
7. When I was a freshman in high school I wanted to be a lightning photographer. I love lightning and thunderstorms. I actually get giddy.
1. I like to dip my toast in ketchup (but don't say gross until you try it - I have had many friends be surprised that it actually is good!)
2. I love to peel things. It is really addicting.
3. I don't like wearing socks and I can't wear anything with a high collar because I feel like I am being suffocated.
4. I was president of BYU College Republicans when I was in school. I used to love politics (I know, I already covered that!)
5. If I could pick any talent to have, I would want to be able to sing really well.
6. I'm really stubborn...just ask Mike. I don't like people trying to make me do something or feel a certain way. Yeah, I'm working on it. :)
7. When I was a freshman in high school I wanted to be a lightning photographer. I love lightning and thunderstorms. I actually get giddy.
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