Adventures in Married Life

"For almost three decades, Yamhill Community Action Partnership (YCAP) has successfully reached thousands of low-income, senior, and disabled residents in Yamhill County through critical social service and transportation programs. For people struggling in poverty, or living one emergency away from crisis, we offer services that restore hope and change lives. In this process, the community grows stronger and becomes a healthier place for all of us to live."

 It was a really wonderful experience. It was literally the first time I ever planted anything. It wasn't as hard as I thought, but I'll tell you what I was not meant to wield a shovel. My arms hurt for several days.

My mom and I had the opportunity to share a little bit about our welfare system and our beliefs to a gentlemen that was not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I was having a horrible day. I literally paced around the house a dozen times, feeling anxious, sad, confused and restless. I couldn't explain why I felt like that…maybe it was a "women" thing (which most likely played a major role in my mood today). But I was weak and very emotional. When I love, I love with my whole being. I have been fighting with this feeling of love for some time. Trying to convince myself that it was just a little crush and I needed to let it go. 

Last night I was really thinking hard about my future, and I remembered a promise I made with myself and the Lord. I promised that I would be faithful and do all that the Lord asks of me and I will marry in the House of the Lord. I will marry my best friend for all eternity within the walls of the temple. 

President Dieter Uchtdorf reminded me of that promise this evening in his talk to the sisters of the Relief Society all over the world. I knew he was talking directly to me, when he spoke of the beautiful little flowers, Forget Me Nots. He gave a list of 5 things for us to never forget, like the 5 petals of the flower. 

{1} Forget Not: to be patient with yourself

             We need to patient and compassionate with ourselves, and not compare ourselves to others, because we all have strengths and weaknesses. Even the smallest acts of kindness, though they may go unnoticed by others do not go unnoticed by God. It's okay to not be perfect, the road to perfection is long…do not punish yourself!

{2} Forget Not: the difference between good sacrifices and foolish sacrifice

              We can give up something good for something of far greater eternal worth. Am I committing my time and energy to things that matter most? Dedicate time to scripture study and prayer and service.

{3} Forget Not: to be happy now

              We must stop waiting for the golden ticket that holds the key to the happiness we are looking for. We shouldn't put our happiness on hold. Never stop striving for the best that is in you. Don't close your eyes and heart to the beauty that is all around us. 

{4} Forget Not: the why? of the gospel

             We sometimes overlook aspects of the gospel. The gospel is not an obligation it is an opportunity and a light that leads us to eternal life.

{5} Forget Not: that the Lord loves you

            Let His divine love into your hearts, increase in faith and righteousness and treasure the gift of service. We are not forgotten! 

We have the greatest most funnest neighborhood. We have our annual cul-du-sac brunch in the middle of the cul-du-sac. Not only did we have a blast *literally* we also attracted quite a few yard salers…that mistook our festive holiday decorations for a spectacular yard sale. 

We had a splendid time. Belgium waffles with buttery syrup & marion berry syrup. YUM! Homemade, fresh out of the oven blueberry muffins *psst I made those* Deliciously mouthwatering, couldn't stop poppin' in my mouth sausages *thanks Andrew Family* a beautifully patriotic almost too beautiful to eat fruit bowl *thanks Laura & Murray* Cheesy potatoes with bacon and onions HELLO be still my heart…could it be all my favorites in one pot? *thanks Mike and Renae* and grilled potatoes mmm mmm mmm *thanks to Suzi & family. {I'm sorry can't remember all the names}*

We had such a fun time.  

We will not discuss any misspellings or left out letters…I have a reputation to uphold you know.

 So my dad in true to dad form…had to pull out the water bottle rocket launcher. *which debuted in last years brunch*