Nuggets

This past week has been BYU Education Week! The theme this year is The Life Long Journey of Learning. Anyone who really knows me and my family knows we check out of reality for one week a year and practically move into the Wilkinson Center at BYU. This year was my favorite so far, honestly. I have been going since I was 14 and loved every year, this year I have been "prepared" for learning like never before, so I was blessed with too many "light bulbs" to count. SO GRATEFUL.

My mom and I go "turbo" style. Early morning till late at night. This year we had Niki with us most of the time, her boy, Nick, came for a few classes, my aunt, Heidi, and of course James joined me for the night classes. I have dreamt of my husband joining me for classes for years, so I always ADORE the time we spend together there:)

Some classes we went to include: Joseph Smith's translation of the Bible (JST) fascinating details that strengthened my testimony immensely! And wet my appetite to learn more about this incredible man.

The Nativity: little-known details and background on the culture, meaningful explanation that makes a LOT mean a LOT more. Christmas, to me, will never be the same. Such as, I have a new respect for Mary and Joseph that I never would have realized. When you really think about it, Mary has an angel appear to her and tell her she will bring forth a baby boy being a VIRGIN. Then trying to explain all this to Joseph, having already been betrothed, (Their custom had VERY harsh punishment to the "unfaithful" betrothed, death by stoning) Having to deal with other's and their "judgments," knowing the truth, while realizing the true miracle in their midst. Fascinating.

Lots of classes about realizing our personal life's mission. Not just surviving in this life, but fulfilling an eternal mission that Heavenly Father has specifically given each of us to bless our lives and the lives of all those around each of us. For this reason he has blessed us with talents, gifts, passions etc that are meant to support us in our specific journey. Ultimately, to assist in building the Kingdom of God, each in our own unique way.

We found a couple about teaching our children leadership. One idea I loved, that my Dad always did to me (and freaked me out when I was little) is help your kids order their own food, hand the cashier payment, ask their own questions, get our kids talking to adults early on.

How to turn weaknesses into strengths,

How to more effectively study the scriptures,

Taking control in life instead of the blanket excuse, "I'm too busy for that." Which usually ends up being the MOST important aspects of life.

Zion, the pure in heart, and help in preventing our loved ones from being ensnared in Pornography-- This class was phenomenal. Bro. Packer talked about filling our kids minds, homes, with positive images, and thoughts to help POSITIVELY combat/replace the devastating effects of porn and all the sickening media. He had all sorts of beautiful and some funny images, coupled with catchy phrases to make a point. My favorite phrase he said was, "Find some of these pictures, create some ideas and slap these puppies up all over your house and bless your family!"

Recognizing the promptings of the Spirit, how to receive revelation.

The power of opposites in communication. How to be creative with this, honoring others' ideas, the four quadrants of ideas in communication.

Effective communication, gender differences, bridging the gap, appreciating differences.

Building confidence and trust (mostly from a business aspect).

The vision of Joseph Smith. I gained such an appreciation for this great man. It's exciting to realize how real he was, but how extraordinary his experience on this earth was, and how TRUE this gospel is.

But my favorite classes were the ones on The Savior. I had some indescribable experiences understanding the atonement, how intimate it is, and realizing how anxious our Savior is to bless us and strengthen us, regardless of how our lives go, IT'S OKAY. I love this gospel, and I ADORE My Savior. I feel so blessed and feel perspective coming into my life like never before. WE ARE SO SPOILED!!!! I want to share this gospel with the world.

This week for me is truly life-changing. This is just a drop in the bucket of my nuggets, Just think of the nuggets YOU could collect there.

So much love.

Faith

Wow....That's probably all I should say. We have really had some "adventures" in the last couple weeks. My Daddy had a carsonoid (spelling?) tumor removed from his small intestines, (you get the condensed story that took us weeks to find out. NOT fun, waiting for a prognosis...) They found that a few of the lymph nodes that were close to the tumor were cancerous. :( BAD news. Thankfully, no other organs have been effected yet. But then after more waiting and research it turns out, that it's treatable, and we choose to stay positive. My Daddy is SUCH a trooper. He kills me. The day he got home from getting his major surgery, he was all dressed and ready for the day, working on his computer. What a crazy man. I love him so much.

Needless to say, I have REALLY had some awesome epiphanies. It's amazing how the reality of what is really important in life can be foggy, then the Lord finds a way to CLARIFY real quickly. My family is EVERYTHING to me. Including my Jexy fam.

Also, on top of this, we have had some other very "heart-breaking" issues to work through. At the same exact, impeccable timing as my Daddy's issues. OH how I love to grow!!! ha ha:) I don't say any of this for pity, compassion, or anything of the sort. I actually HATE to be the "cloud" or the "pity party star." I would rather hurry and solve problems, so I don't have to vocalize any negative energy. I'm a weirdo. The reason I am even blogging right now, is because I believe I would be selfish to keep to myself, and miss a chance to possibly lift someone by sharing a bit of what's become apparent, as of late.

I have gained a stronger testimony of how very real my Savior's comfort, peace, and friendship is than EVER before. It's amazing how in the depths of hell, The Lord has a way of truly bringing peace and a warm, calm feeling to this freakishly upset girl. I have been reading a lot and I have found that if I don't personally find a way to really connect with my Heavenly Father, and REALLY put my trust in him, he finds a way to strip me of options, so I have no where to run but to him. I have an idea, how about I remember him always and fore-go the "adventures" to break me and bring me to my knees literally? Wouldn't that be great? I am actually grateful for these times.

I have come closer to my Father in Heaven than ever before and have had some experiences that I will never forget. Experiences that bring the Priesthood power out of a manual and into my fearful heart, never to be removed. That bring the concept of the atonement out of the books and into every whit of me. Some of the things I have learned have honestly uncovered masses of information and understanding that I don't know if I could have acquired in the comfort of a pain-free oblivion. I have gained a love deeper than I ever thought possible for my precious Mama and Daddy, my littles, my son, my husband, my Savior, Heavenly Father, prayer, the scriptures, the temple, the gospel, the sure reality of priesthood power, medical professionals, health, the precious commodity of time, some "retail therapy," and last but not least, the absolute necessity and therapeutic release of a funny movie.

I continue to live in the palm of my Heavenly Father's hand, how tragic to be living there and never look up to notice, those kind eyes? Without heart-ache, I believe it's probable that I would keep myself far too occupied to let silence, promptings impress upon my heart feelings, and knowledge more sure than this body I live in--completely MISSING my blessed and carefully designed situation in which I reside--my Savior's embrace. I considered waiting till the storm passed to write about any of this, but maybe someone needed to hear this.