The Funniness of People. . .

. . .Is funniness even a word? Chalk it up in my dictionary, it is now. Last night I just happen to be in a rehabilitation facility. No, I have not been rehabilitated. . . I am still as corny as ever. But I did happen to see a group of people leaving group for alcoholism (DUI court group). I have the opportunity to see most of these people in court every other week when I go to observe. They seem to be good people who have made not so good choices (like most of us) and they also seem to have a good sense of humor (not like most of us). So the door swings open and out pops this mass of people from group and all of the sudden this woman turns to everyone outside raises her hands and says "we're cured" with a big smile on her face. Of course it was just a joke, but she made everyone laugh even the people in group. It is wonderful to see people in hard situations striving to make the best of it-smiling along the way.

This little story helped me today because I stress over little things about me that should not be stressed over and when I see others smiling through great tribulation (even if it is caused by their own actions) it gives me great hope that I do not have to worry about certain things. It is amazing what happens when you think of something that is bothering you, that you cannot change, and you say to yourself "I do not need to worry about this, leave my mind". Of course you also need to let God in on the conversation so He can help you too. He has the power to take anything from your mind as long as you are 100% willing to give it up to Him.



What have I learned from all of this today? Go ahead and make tasteful jokes and make people smile even if you feel like you are in the pit of despair. And most importantly, let God in.

Hero in Training

I was strolling into WalMart today to pick up some car upholstery cleaner. I had spilled a large portion of chinese grease over a seat (which I was told would happen if I chose to put the food in the seat of the truck and not in the bed) while in route taking it to the missionaries. Knowing that missionaries always welcome food, I did not want to throw it away after Family Home Evening last night. While I was walking, thinking about absolutely nothing I noticed the sliding doors beginning to close and I thought of Indiana Jones when he is racing against time and the stone wall is slowing closing to his death! Immediately I plunged for the doors hoping against all hope that I would make it through before they closed and sealed me to my doom. No, not really. I just imagined it in my mind while walking fast to the doors. To my great distress they opened when I was about a foot away. For a moment I felt like Captain Moroni striving to bring peace to the people, but in reality it was just a door to WalMart. It was cool while it lasted and I have made a new goal to find more realistic ways to be a hero each day-like smiling at the WalMart greeter instead of ignoring them like most of us do. Come on, you know you've done it! Little things create a big hero.

The Truth about Planes, Trains, and Automobiles...and every other situation

As a communications major (which includes sociology, psychology, and any other type of social science and biological science for that matter) I have come to the conclusion that people are good and only want the best for other people. So while I am sitting on a plane, trax train or automobile the people who are around me only have my best interest at heart. I would like to discuss two very important situations about these types of scenarios. In my randomly organized brain my thoughts were that if someone sat next to me, but kept a gap the size of a canyon between them and me, they must think that I stink-literally like a smell out in a car. (For those of you who don't understand what this is I will explain) A smell out is when the driver of a vehicle rolls the windows up and locks them, then proceeds to cut the cheese while driving causing enormous pain to the other passengers. So of course my first thought was that I was repelling people who sat by me. As I rode the train this past week I realized that my perspective was incorrect and that the people who leave that gap between you are being polite either because they stink or they want to give you space.
The opposite situation is when they snuggle up against you. I first thought this was annoying and rather rude; however, it is because they are trying to keep you warm or they just think you are cute and want some attention, but mostly warmth. In conclusion a reminder to all those people who think people are evil, remember the flame doesn't fall far from the fire! No, I am just kidding. Remember, you only see what you want to see.

Life in Utah

Well I am back in Utah for a week for EFY training. The training was fun and I loved seeing old friends and great teachers. The entire program is a great way to invite the Spirit into the world more and more.
Every year I have the great opportunity to get bronchitis in February or March in Utah and since I have been living in Georgia I thought I would be free this year. However, God saw fit to allow me a smaller portion this year. I got back to Utah on Tuesday and by Wednesday night I was having symptoms of bronchitis. In God's infinite wisdom this has helped me this week to enjoy the times when I am not coughing and wheezing. I have had greater faith the past few months and while saying my prayers I asked for the cold to quickly go its course and it has. I still cough a little, but it is mostly gone and it hasn't even been a week yet. Usually the cough lasts a month as I am sure everyone from EFY last year would remember. God truly does help us when we ask.
Utah has been fun and it will be even more fun as I take a road trip this weekend to St. George (the land of palm trees and sun) Hopefully it won't snow!