Untitled (Study of Color)

A completed assignment in an art class. It reminds me of either a sunset or droplets of paint. I had created several swatches of color by combining the primary colors to varying degrees, and then used them for this work.

Why not choose to be happy? Why not choose to do the right thing? It brings so much more enjoyment out of life and so much more fulfillment. It's okay to feel poorly sometimes, that's part of life - but don't let that bring you down. Bring those poor times to the Savior and He will lift you up.

My Posts

I like posting on here sometimes because it gives me a sort of channel to express my thoughts from time to time (on the occasion when I feel like I need a channel), but I don't think anybody ever reads these. I'm used to expressing myself but remaining unnoticed.

Random Thoughts on Life Today

Today hasn't been easy, but despite that, it has been okay. It has left me feeling a little lonely but okay, and has left me reflecting on deep and pertinent things like Life...

There is so much in Life. This is not an easy journey. It is an intense, severe battle that takes every last ounce of strength and endurance and perseverance. It is a happy journey with so many people to love, so many beautiful things to experience, so much humor to enjoy. It is a sad journey with so much heartache and sorrow for those around you, for the struggles in every soul for spiritual life and happiness, for the personal battles against foes seen and unseen. If you are told that ‘all is well’ and it is easy, that is a lie. One must never let down their guard. The spirituality that one has for today, is not enough for tomorrow, just like the spirituality they had yesterday is not alone enough for today; it must grow. But those that are heeding the small whispers of the Spirit over the loud yelling and screaming of the adversary know that God is on their side and that with Christ they can conquer the foes of this world. They will know, within the deepest reaches of their soul, that there IS hope and that there is true and pure love. And this is all because of Jesus Christ, the Master of Salvation, the true Prince of Peace, the Giver of Joy. He has given us the GREATEST GIFT, the most tremendous tool, the wondrous and merciful sacrifice of Himself – the Atonement.

Grey Matter

If it seems grey, it is a polluted white. Black is just plain wrong.

My thoughts on things that make a difference

Just thinking about all the wonderful people around me, and all the good examples in my life. I am so grateful to have known the people that i have, and i look forward to the people that i have yet to meet. I used to wonder how i could make a difference in the world around me unless I deliver powerful speeches to millions of people or build a hospital in Zimbabwe or discover the cure for mysterious yet prevalent diseases. But then as I saw the kind deeds done around me, I got to thinking that the small things really are big. There is really so much that one single person can do to change the world around them. Standing for goodness and acquiring Christlike attributes can strengthen lives that you touch, people that you know, in a much more powerful way than I think we can understand right now. Love, forgive, have patience, faith, hope, diligence, cultivate your testimony - these things will lead to immeasurable service and worth to the sphere around you. I think about the Prophets of God and the faithful lives they led before their great calling, and the faithful lives they continued to lead throughout their lives. The pure heart and intentions of Mother Teresa and Ghandi. The kind, tender, infatigable and caring spirits of Betsie Ten Boom, Eric Liddell, and even the fictional character Melanie Wilkes. I see a beautiful sister from church each week that has gained such a strong testimony of Christ, and I see that radiate from her actions, words, and lovely face. I see the cosistant and compassionate service given by the church leaders around me. I think of the beautiful and aged sister that I've seen almost every Saturday working hard to serve others and who keeps a smile on her face and sincere concern for others' well-being despite her age and the arthritis I see in her hands; she also never passes up an opportunity to praise someone and offer confidential and loving correction when she knows it's necessary. There are so many others that come to mind. I stand awestruck when I'm able to just take a step back and realize how precious, beautiful, and amazing each person is and what a difference they can make to those around them, including themselves.
How wonderful and blessed and holy it is to have a change of heart wrought by the Savior. What a beautiful, beautiful thing to keep that change and allow it to become who you are and encompass your very being.

Drawing of a horse

I love horses. There is something about their gracefulness, their magesty and strength. So, although this picture is just a simple sketch, I like to draw them every now and then. :)

Thanksgiving

So on Thursday it was Thankgiving! I always really enjoy this holiday. First of all it was nice for the simple reason that I had time off work. :) But more importantly I love the family time and reflection on gratitude that this holiday brings. There is so much to be thankful to the Lord about. My sister Celeste was able to visit from Arizona which has been a big treat - I haven't seen her in a while.
Thanksgiving morning I woke up early to get the most out of the day. My mom and sister Esther were already busy in the kitchen and I came down to assist them. I soon found that the beautiful sunshine outside was also beckoning to me and I could not resist taking a little walk to the park. I really enjoyed walking barefoot in the sunlight - a rare occurence lately because of my new schedule. It was quite warm outside (about 80) and when I got to the park I just basked in the sun for a short time.
I soon walked home and started helping in the kitchen. I sat outside (still enjoying the daylight and weather) and peeled a ton of potatoes. I helped on the stuffing and other miscellaneous things while mom, Esther and Celeste were working on the turkey, pies, rolls, mashed potatoes, gravy, and fluffy green jello. After a while of busy cooking, baking, laughing, talking, and smelling delicious foods being prepared we were finally ready to eat around 2:00. Everything had come together wonderfully with the exception of the shoefly pie boiling over a little and the unintentionally flambayed marshmallows on the sweet potatoes.
After the feast we played a few games, went to the park and played football, and then came back and visited and some more and played more games while eating pie. :)
It was a great day.