The Post of Father's Days Passed

Once upon a time, in honor of Father's Day, my siblings and I did the 

same thing as the year before.  The end.  

Every year for Father's Day for as long as I can remember, we would always do the same thing for my Dad for Father's Day.  It was always a scavenger hunt.  We would first decorate the house and put up cards that said things like 'We love you!' and 'Happy Father's Day!' and 'Best Dad Ever!'

One year, instead of 'Father' we accidentally wrote 'Fatter' on the card ... 

Then we would devise clues to a scavenger hunt that would lead Dad all over the house in search of his presents.  At each location, there would be a piece of a royal wardrobe ensemble for him to put on.  First was the royal scepter (aka pink duster), then the silken cape (aka red shag blanket), and finally the regal crown with family jewels (aka an inflatable crown that said 'Happy Birthday').  

After the crown got a hole in it, we started using Dad's baseball cap instead.

After reaching the final destination of the scavenger hunt, Dad would finally have his well-earned gifts.  Usually hand-made paper ties, school produced poems, and TV series on DVD.

One of the more memorable Father's Day gifts was a trombone.  My father played in high school, but hadn't since then.  It was quite the feat to acquire one and hide it and quite the surprise when he opened it.

Then we would all share in the cake/brownies/rice crispies/other dessert while we watched either Ben Hur or The Ten Commandments- two of my Father's favorite movies- depending on which one my Dad wanted to watch.  

Song of choice for the day was always "I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home."

Christmas Shots from Dad!

My father, the amazing transformer!  Most of my life, I remember my Dad being around 400 pounds,
but he lost a LOT of weight and looks more like the guy in the picture above this one.

Daddy's girl

My Father taught me the difference between a man and a boy.  He taught me that I should always do what I love and love what I do.  He taught me the power, joy, and emotion that comes from sharing my talents with others.  He taught me to always respect people, even if you don't agree with them.  He taught me that family is the most important thing I'll ever be involved in and it should always come first.  He taught me that no matter what the situation is, you can always find something good about it and it's not the end of eternity- life will go on.  He taught me that Mom is always number one and should be treated likewise.  He taught me love.  

Thanks for all you've ever done for me, Dad.  

And thanks for all the fish.

Mother, I Love You

Today being Mother's Day, I've thought about my mother a lot all day today.  She has done a lot for me and I am more thankful for her than for anything else.  In my opinion, she is second to none on this Earth, and second to only one in the eternities, our Heavenly Mother.

When my mother was my age, she went through a lot of the same things I have had to go through as a young adult, surprisingly enough.  The unfortunate part for her was her mother had already passed away by the time she was my age.  So, during those especially difficult times when I called my mother nearly every day, she had no mother to call.  Yet, she remained strong in her faith and unshaken in her beliefs.  That is strength.  That is my mother.

When I lived at home, I became the 'ward babysitter' almost every Friday and/or Saturday night.  Every night, when I would walk through the front door, she would still be up, just waiting for me to come home.  It didn't matter is it was 10pm or 1:30am, she was always there, sitting at the kitchen table, patiently and lovingly waiting.  That is patience.  That is my mother.

Whenever I would stay home from school and during the summer months, I would witness my mother's daily scripture study.  Every day, without fail, she would sit down and search the scriptures diligently, sometimes watching TV clips of BYU professors discussing doctrine and script, and other times referring to our modern prophets for clarity and guidance.  Her scriptures are marked through without cross references, inserts, significant passages, and modern parallels.  That is diligence.  That is my mother.  

When my mother had a calling in church, she magnified it to the fullest.  I remember her service in the Relief Society Presidency and helping her to make welcoming gift bags for the young women who turned 18.  I remember her service as a visiting teacher and going to visit the sweet sisters which she watched over and cared for.  Even now, as the primary chorister, she spends time each week, preparing for the music which she will share with the tender spirits of children and the simple truths she will teach them.  That is dedication.  That is my mother.

Each week, my mother writes an old fashioned pen-to-paper letter.  And each week, she sends it to her brother.  She never receives a letter in response, never a phone call, never an email, but she continues to write.  She tells him about our family, and their siblings, keeping him updated on all the news and happenings.  The last time she saw her brother was when their older brother passed away, almost five years ago.  At that visit, she saw that her letters were indeed reaching their destination and they were very much appreciated.  She hasn't heard from him since, but she continues to write.  Still no responses, and still no confirmation of receipt.  That is unconditional love.  That is my mother.

When I was born, my grandmother had long since passed away.  Growing up, my mother would tell me countless stories about my grandmother; her likes, her personality, her character, her appearance.  I feel as if even though I haven't met my grandmother on this Earth I truly do know her and I can't wait to meet her one day.  My mother, in anticipation of this day, has helped me to get to know my grandmother and recognize her spirit.  That is hope.  That is my mother.

A few words about mothers from songs:

"Her plea to the father quiets all my fears"1 

"I know a ... glorious name, dearer than any other ... it is the name of mother."2

"Dear mother, all flowers remind me of you"3

"I learn how to love them, dear Mother, from you."3

"Your happy smiling face is such a joy to look at."4

"I'm so glad he gave me you." 4

"We like to help mother 'cause we all love her so."5

Like sunshine in the morning, that wakens day from night, 

Like flowers in the springtime, so colorful and bright, 

Like happy songs of bluebirds, that fill the air with cheer, 

A person bright and lovely is my mother dear.

-- My Mother Dear, Becky-Lee Hill Reynolds

Songs quoted in order: 1-Love is Spoken Here, 2-The Dearest Names, 3-I Often Go Walking, 4-Mother Dear, 5-When We're Helping

Because of Him and 23 hours!!!

Because of him, no goodbye lasts forever and I can spend time with these wonderful people again.

also ...

ANDY GRAMMER IN 23 HOURS!!!!!!!  (not that I'm excited or anything ... )

This is one of my favorites- mostly because of one line "I'm looking for a love that's still alive and well in rocking chairs".  I mean really- how cute is that?!

An Andy Grammer A Day Keeps the Sadness Away

Andy Grammer is doing a concert at BYU next week!!  SO pumped!!  My roommates and I are all going in celebration of the last day of class, graduation, and because we love Andy. So, to help the internet world understand why Andy Grammer is so amazing, here's a "one-week-till-we-get-to-see-Andy Grammer!" post with one of my favorite Grams.

He Loves You Because of You and He Needs You

(Be warned, this one is rather lengthy.)

Thinking about divine nature always reminds me of these lyrics, which I imagine would be how the Savior feels about us whenever we feel down.  “The greatest gift I could give to you, is if you could see yourself the way I do.”

image taken from http://findingstrengthwithin.blogspot.com/

We have so much potential to grow and become better.  At this current moment, our souls are filled with sorrows, our bodies with weaknesses, and at times, our lives can be filled with sin.  But we have the potential to become better, no matter what state we are currently in.  Not only in this life, but the gospel teaches us that we also have potential in the next life to become like Gods if we endure the trials and challenges of this life and remain true to the truths of the gospel.

“There is something of divinity within each of you.  You have such tremendous potential with that quality as part of your inherited nature.  Every one of you was endowed by your Father in Heaven with a tremendous capacity to do good in the world.” (Gordon B. Hinckley)

Heavenly Father knows us- we were with Him before we came to Earth, He is with us now, and, if we live faithfully, we will live with Him in the eternities.  He knows us even better than we know ourselves, because He knows what we have the potential to become.  Because he knows us so well, he has catered a plan, specific and individual to each of us, that will help us to realize who we are and to become the person He knows we can be.

image taken from http://www.ldsliberty.org/the-moral-question-of-government/pre-mortal-life-5/

Stop for a moment and think about who you are right now.  Think about the relationships you have, where you live.  What are the experiences that led you there?  Without just one of those experiences, would you be where you are now?  How can we deny that those experiences were not crafted and put into our lives by a loving Father who is helping us to reach our divine potential?

Image from pinterest

Individual Worth, to me, has always meant the statement that everyone is important to God.  But this blanket statement is not personal, and defeats the purpose of individual worth. 

You are important and have infinite worth to our Father in Heaven because of who you are and the potential you have.  You bring to the table a unique combination of experiences and ideas and traits that make up your irreplaceable character which no one else can bring.  No one else can ever take your spot, and that’s why you’re important. 

Dieter F. Uchtdorf shared a story about a couple living in Utah: Every week, the man, while he was at work, would pull out his scriptures or other Church literature during lunch and read.  His coworkers would ridicule him and challenge his beliefs every day.  Nevertheless, he smiled and spoke to them with kindness and confidence.  Years later, one of the men who had mocked him asked the man to speak at his funeral, which he did.  His influence was known and felt by all who came into contact with him, even those who mocked him.  His wife, widowed after an industrial accident, underwent brain surgery, leaving her unable to walk or write.  People love coming to spend time with this dear sister because she listens and remembers.  “She never complains but spends her days blessing the lives of others … This couple would have been the first to say they were not much of importance in this world.  But the Lord uses a scale very different from the World’s to weigh the worth of a soul.  He knows this faithful couple; He loves them.”

Psalms 8:3-6 says:

“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.  Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:”

This scripture brings us to the interesting paradox of man.  The Lord created the universe; he created worlds without end and compared to Him, man is nothing.  We literally are mortal beings who live on a small planet and live for only a brief moment in the grand expanse of the universe.  But we matter to him- thus creating the paradox.  WHY?  Why does he care about us so much?  Why has he given us so much?  He created this universe just for us so that we could grow and become immortal beings ourselves.  Dieter F. Uchtdorf gives us this answer- “God sees you not only as a mortal being on a small planet who lives for a brief season—He sees you as His child.  He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become.” 

Using our knowledge about divine nature, we can more fully understand our individual worth.  For illustrative purposes, I’m calling this Divine Worth- the sandwich of Divine Nature and Individual Worth.

To the world, your worth is determined by how big your house is, how updated you are in technological advances, how many people you sleep with, how many countries you’ve been to, how many gold medals you have, or how ‘ideal’ your figure is.  Worldly worth is a process of comparison between yourself and somebody else- there are all kinds of examples of this in rankings of team players, lists of most attractive people, and even in calculating one player’s odds of winning over another’s.   “A person’s true value has little to do with what the world holds in high esteem … The Lord uses a scale very different from the World’s to weigh the worth of a soul” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf).  The Lord’s scale is not based on class rankings, or where we live, or even what our calling in the church is.  The Lord’s scale is based off of who we are and who we have the potential to become.  It’s our divine nature that helps us understand our individual worth.

In preparing this talk, a song I learned when I was young kept returning to my mind called Every Star is Different.  “Every star is different and so is every child- some are bright and happy, and some are meek and mild.  Every one is needed for just what he can do; you’re the only person who ever can be you.”  This first verse teaches us that every single one of us is different- we each have different experiences, different ideas, and different characteristics that combine in a unique way to make us who we are.  None of us is exactly the same; even those who go through life together and have the same physical experiences will not have the same perceptions or thoughts and thus create different people.  Because of this uniqueness, we are, as the song said, the only person who can be who we are.  This makes each and every single one of us needed in some way or another by our Father in Heaven- we each have a divine mission to fulfill on this Earth and we are the only ones who can do it.  Because of our individual worth, our unique experiences and ideas that create our own distinctive characteristics- no one else can complete our responsibilities in the same way that we can.  They also cannot grow in the same way we will after going through an experience. 

He loves us because of us- who we are and who we will become.  Our individual worth is because of our divine nature.  These two values are infinitely connected and each one helps us to understand the other.  Yes, the Lord cares about us and loves us.  But He doesn’t base that love off of how well we did on our finals, how many dates we went on last week, or even where we work.  “What matter[s] to Him [is] that [we’re] doing the best [we can], that [our] heart[s] [are] inclined toward Him, and that [we are] willing to help those around [us]… God knows that some of the greatest souls who have ever lived are those who will never appear in the chronicles of history.”  (Uchtdorf)

Let us continue on in doing everything we can to reach our divine potential; let us look at others through the eyes of the Lord; and let us remember that we matter to Him.  

(images taken from www.lds.org unless otherwise noted.)

Sisters For Life

This weekend was a very special one in my family- we had not one, but TWO birthdays!!

Not-so-little Little Sisters

Miranda

Miranda turned 18 this weekend!  Official adult status!  For her birthday, they cancelled school all over the state! (Also, because there was ice everywhere ... )  Miranda is so talented, but you'd never know it unless you really got to know her.  This weekend, I saw some of her art sketches and I am completely amazed- I don't thing I've ever drawn anything that well!  She has also completed her very own novel, and although it has not been published yet, she is working hard on another one.  I started many writing many books in my own high school years, but never actually finished any of them- I think the closest I got was five chapters before I forgot or got bored.  Also this weekend, she took some pictures that I wanted to get on my computer, so she gave me the memory card from her camera and oh my goodness!  So many beautiful pictures!!  Miranda is also a very talented singer- I love having jam sessions with her when I go home and just hearing her sing the words to some of the most touching and beautiful songs ever written.  

Here are some of her photos.

Emily

Emily turned 15 this weekend!  I told her she was halfway to 30!  She's the baby of the family and boy does she know it!  I remember when she was a baby and we all doted on her and treated her just like a royal princess.  She is just a little ray of sunshine in everyone's life- and is possibly one of the smartest little girls I know!  She is currently learning how to play the cello and coming along in a most excellent manner.  Here is a video of her Christmas concert- skip to 4:02 and she is the one in black playing the cello. (She's only on for the one song, but she did great!)

Whoa! It's February and Time for a Challenge!

Where did February come from??  Sorry I haven't posted in so long ... I've been super busy with classes- here's a typical day for me:

Sleep (as long as humanly possible while still completing all important tasks)
Awake and eat breakfast (sometimes, just a Nutrigrain bar, but hey- it's better than nothing
Rush to class/work (good thing I only live seven minutes from campus)
After class/work is over, rush to the other one
Take a lunch break and eat some food (hopefully, I had time the night before to make something so I don't have to spend money)
Do homework- study for a test- read in a textbook- practice
Rush to final class/work shift for the day
Meander home to finish more homework, read emails, and get ready for tomorrow!

Unfortunately, blogging is not on that list ... but because I am ahead on homework at the moment, I can pause and enjoy letting the creative juices of my soggy brain flow!

http://www.petfinder.com/dogs/living-with-your-dog/dog-valentines-day-date/

Since it is almost Valentine's Day, it's time for my traditional Valentine's Day challenge!  This year will be a little different from in years past, though I still intend to write a letter to my future spouse and encourage all my single friends to do so as well!

This year's Valentine's Day challenge is all about love.  There are lots of small things in every day that demonstrate the love which the Savior has for us- there's a song that I absolutely love which talks about the Savior's love for us.

I Feel My Savior's Love

I feel my Savior's love 

In all the world around me.

His spirit warms my soul 

Through everything I see.

I feel my Savior's love;

Its gentleness enfolds me.

And when I kneel to pray, 

My heart is filled with peace.

I feel my Savior's love, 

And know that He will bless me.

I offer Him my heart;

My shepherd He will be.

I'll share my Savior's love

By serving others freely.

In serving, I am blessed;

In giving, I receive.

Chorus:

He knows I will follow him, 

Give all my love to him. 

I feel my Savior's love,

The love he freely gives me.

(Words: Ralph Rodgers Jr., 1936-1996; K. Newell Dayley, b. 1939; and Laurie Huffman, b. 1948)

The Savior blesses us everyday because of His love for us.  The beautiful trees and mountains that mark the landscape, the glorious sunrise, the little wisps of wind on a hot summer's day, the tiny birds that hop through the garden, the lovely butterflies that land on our shoulder- all of these creations from our Lord and Savior testify of his love for us.  He has done so much out of love for us and even gave the ultimate sacrifice because of it.  I can't even imagine loving someone that much (maybe that's why I'm still single ... ).

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/127789708150780349/

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to help fill the world with love!  In order to show our appreciation for the love which our Savior has for us, share His love with others by serving them.  Small acts of kindness go a long way!  Even just a simple smile can brighten someone's day!  Sit with someone who's all alone during lunch; compliment someone on their outfit; have a conversation with the person behind you in line; tell someone they are loved.  If there's only one person who feels a little more love in their life from me issuing this challenge, then I will have done my part and helped to spread a little love. 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/127789708150780339/

Do your part.  Share the love!

To: Sweetheart

(Click here to read the challenge.  My Challenge Response Follows.)

Well, here's another Valentine's Day come and gone without you by my side.  Sometimes I wonder not if I'll ever met you but when.  The grand question of my life.  Sometimes I think about what it will be like and I wonder.  I wonder if we'll know instantly that there's something special like in fairytales or if we'll be unsure and on again off again like in Chick Flicks.  (I hope not, because those kinds of couples drive me INSANE.)  Most of the time I wonder if I already know you.  Sometimes, after having an especially trying day, I imagine what you would do and say to make me feel better.

Today in honor of you and I, I tried to think of others first and serve them.  I helped a guy in my class with our assignment when he was having trouble.  I walked and talked with someone who I'd never met before.  I held my tongue and controlled my temper when every inch of me wanted to scream.  I hope you were able to help people, too.  Today is a day to honor love and that love is made manifest through actions of service.

Darling, here's to next Valentine's Day.  I hope we'll be able to spend it together.  Until then, I've a date with a BLT and glass of sugar-free lemonade.

Alone for now, but forever yours,
Leigha

Valentine's Day Challenge Round Two

Hey everyone!  

So about this time last year, I created a challenge from a facebook post I saw from one of my friends.  This year, I've decided to reissue the same challenge.  With a little twist.  Before you write your letter, re-read the one you wrote last year.  Reflect on where you were last year, how far you've come since then.  It's amazing when we just stop and reflect on how much we've changed in such a short amount of time.  So, without further ado, here is your challenge!  

Well, we're a week from Valentines day, 

and soon Facebook will be flooded with "Single Awareness Day" stuff... 

Usually, in the past, I've joined this massive self-pity fest, 

but this year I thought I'd try something different. 

This week, I'd like to challenge everyone, 

(Myself included) 

to contemplate and write a thoughtful letter to your future sweetheart. 

Someday, when the time is right, 

you'll find each other, 

and you'll know how worth it it will be.

I've learned a lot about service lately and I feel that Valentine's Day doesn't have to be about sweethearts and couples.  It's about making people feel special and loved.  So, I also challenge everyone, whether you're single, married, engaged, casually dating, or forever alone, to make at least one person feel special for Valentine's Day.  I promise that not only will they appreciate it and feel a little bit of love, but you'll also feel love for them and maybe walk with a little more spring in your step because of it. <3

I Wanna Be Like You

Lately, life has been throwing me all kinds of curve balls, one after another.  It's been a pretty tough week, to say the least.  My mom has been getting lots of phone calls ... and emails ... from me.
Yesterday, I stopped to think about my mother, and tried to picture her when she was in college, going through the same things that I'm going through.  And then I wondered how often she called her mother ... and then I realized the answer: never.  My grandmother died at the beginning of my mother's second year of college.  And then it began to dawn on me how strong my mother is.  My mother not only went through college without her mother, she also went on a mission, had her heart broken, graduated, got married, and had five kids ... I can't imagine doing any of that without my mother being more than a phone call away.  My mother is the strongest and most wonderful lady I know.  She's my favorite, and I wish I could be like her.  She's strong and powerful and there's nothing she can't do.

So this is a shout-out to all the daughters out there who love their mothers, and especially to those who've lost them.  How strong you are.  Heavenly Father knew you would be able to make it, and make it you have.  I applaud you, again and again.  

I love you, Mom.  

You're the Obi-Wan for Me

In response to my challenge from last week: (click here if you don't know what I'm talking about)

Here are some things which I wrote to my lover:

Dear Prince Charming,

       . . .      

            I received an anonymous valentine’s gift today.  Someone wrapped a piece of pink paper around a bag of dark chocolate hearts and addressed it to me saying “Hope your V-day is as sweet as you are!”  It was really nice!  . . . and it made me feel really special.  Maybe it was you that left it.  Or a wonderful, caring friend who wanted to give me a little pick me up :]  Either way, it was just what a single girl needed.

. . . 

            I hope your valentine’s day was wonderful.  I also hope you had someone to love you, or someone to make you feel special, because you definitely deserve it, probably more than anyone else I know. 

. . . 

Neither of us are perfect now, nor will we ever be in this life time.  But we’ll love each other for who we are and who we will one day be. 

. . .            

 There will not be many tomorrow’s until we find each other. I’m waiting anxiously for that day!

           

            Until then, stay true to you and the values we share.  I’ll be waiting for you.

Forever Yours,

Me

Valentine's Day Challenge

Normally, I hate Valentine's Day.

For a gal like me with no significant other (ever), 

it's just always sucked.

Seeing couples on normal days sucks enough 

(kissing and cuddling and kissing and hugging and kissing ...)

but Valentine's Day is ... worse.

So, I was prepared to face Valentine's Day as I always have:

no regard whatsoever.

The End.

BUT

As I was perusing the most popular social network in the world, 

I found a challenge from one of my friends.

And I have accepted said challenge.

It reads:

Well, we're a week from Valentines day, 

and soon Facebook will be flooded with "Single Awareness Day" stuff... 

Usually, in the past, I've joined this massive self-pity fest, 

but this year I thought I'd try something different. 

This week, I'd like to challenge everyone, 

(Myself included) 

to contemplate and write a thoughtful letter to your future sweetheart. 

Someday, when the time is right, 

you'll find each other, 

and you'll know how worth it it will be.

And now I extend it to all my single friends.

This is your mission, should you chose to accept it.

I hope you do.

As for all you ... couples ... tell your spouse you love them.

Again.

And again.

And then do something for someone else

together.

Happy Single's Awareness Day!!