Mountains to Climb

So...  It has been some time since I have posted, but with the holidays and traveling, school and work, I feel like I haven't had any time.  I'll do better, I promise.

Yesterday I was in one of my SFL classes, and Dr. Coyne shared a video at the end of class.  We were discussing emotional regulation (how we handle our emotions and react in situations).  Before you watch the video (posted below), I want you to think of a time in which you were struggling; when life was hard; when you thought you couldn't go on.  How did you handle it?  What resources did you use to help you get through?  What was the outcome?  Ponder that for a minute.

Now, watch this Mormon Message.  I'll explain more after.  PS: you may want to have tissues handy.

You don't have to share your experience here or to anyone, but how did this video make you feel?  Could you relate to any of these situations?  Do you ever feel like you are climbing a mountain?  OR that that mountain never ends?!  Let me share one of my experiences (I'll make it short, I promise).

In 2012, I married the boy I had been dating since high school.  We were married for four months before we separated.  Three months later, our annulment was finalized.  I was 22, alone at school, and didn't have much hope fore the future.

This isn't a story I talk about or share often, but when I watched this video yesterday, I felt the emotion of the stories and people represented.  I reflected on that struggle I had almost three years ago; not only that, I reflected on what I learned from it, how I reacted, and how I moved forward.

We each have our own trails and challenges in life, and each one of those experiences teaches us something new.  What I learned in 2012 was that I am not alone.  I was sad, heartbroken, and hopeless for quite some time.  But as I attended the temple, fulfilled my callings, went to counseling, and moved on with my life, I drew closer to my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  I came to know that blessings would come, as long as I kept on the straight and narrow path.

My faith was strengthened in ways I never thought possible.  Faith in the future.  Faith in myself.  Faith in my Heavenly Father.  Faith that love would come again.  Faith that all would be well.  Acting on the "twig of faith" I had allowed me to grow it into something strong and beautiful.

No, curing does not come right away (even though we want it to, and may try to force it at times).  The Lord will not forsake us - that is a PROMISE!  I have a testimony that as we serve God and others "with full heart and soul" that we can gain "unbreakable spiritual strength" to helps us through the winds and storms of life.  There is a "balm in Gilead."

The whole point in Dr. Coyne sharing this video with us was this: we go through so many emotions in life - how do we handle them, and how do we use them to become better?  Dr. Coyne focused on the last words that were shared in that video, and I want to as well.

"We never need to FEEL that we are alone or unloved in the Lord's service because we never are.  We can FEEL the love of God.  The Savior has promised angels on our left and our right to bear us up.  And He always keeps His word.  His love is unfailing."

I testify that life goes on, and that it does get better.  In May 2014, I was sealed for time and all eternity to my best friend.  He is a blessing I cannot thank m Heavenly Father for enough.  He was an answer to many prayers.

Heavenly Father knows us.  He knows what we need and when we need it.  If we say our prayers, fulfill our calling, and move forward with faith - no matter how large or small it may be - HE WILL BLESS US!  I know that to be true.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sources:

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/mountains-to-climb?lang=eng

Because who is perfect?

I ran across a video today, with a simple headline of "Everyone around her stopped to stare."  Obviously my curiosity was perked, so I took a look at it.
You'll be surprised at what I saw...

I was speechless, and tears filled my eyes..

Here is a short explanation about this project:
Pro Infirmis came us with a brilliant idea to provoke reflection on the acceptance of people with disabilities.  Between the perfect mannequins, they added figures with scoliosis, brittle bone disease, shortened limbs, one even has a malformed spine.  They're all modeling the latest fashions.  The model' reactions the the project and the responses from passers-by are very touching.

What are your thoughts?  How did this video make you feel?  Were you surprised by some of the reactions?  Have you ever thought about this?

This video was super touching.  I hope this helps you reflect on how we look at and view people.  We cannot judge one another, as we do not know circumstances of those around us.  We each have been given our own trials in life, and we need to learn to love and support one another.  Let's #ShareGoodness, especially at this time of year.

Because who is perfect?

Dubsteppin' Dads (a must see!)

To help us all get in the Christmas spirit, I wanted to share this super sweet video that I cam across the other day.  Who would've thought that these dads would be such crazy awesome dancers?  Plus, they have the best looking ugly sweaters that I have ever seen.  Enjoy this gem!  oh, and Merry Christmas of course.

If you would like to read the article that goes with this video, here is the link for you: http://www.ijreview.com/2014/12/210742-dads-put-cool-christmas-dubstep-dance-performance/?

TIME: Top 10 Worst Songs of 2014

My husband sent me a link to an article in TIME magazine (I love that he shares media related things in an effort to help my blogging).  Anyway, I just wanted to share with you their top 10 worst songs of the year.

10. "L.A. Love (La La)," Fergie
9. "Brooklyn Girls," Catey Shaw
8. "Black Widow," Iggy Azalea feat. Rita Ora
7. "Summer," Calvin Harris
6. "Wiggle," Jason Derulo feat. Snoop Dogg
5. "All About That Bass," Meghan Trainor
4. "Sun Daze," Florida Georgia Line
3. "Masterpiece," Jessie J
2. "Literally, I Can't," Redfoo, Lil Jon, Enertia McFly
1. "Rude," Magic!

So... what are your thoughts on these songs?  As an advocate for positive music, I also ask this: have you checked out the lyrics?  I understand that the beats can be kind of catchy and get stuck in your head, but what are these songs actually promoting?

I would love to do a research project based in music and lyrics.  I think that was one of the most interesting things I experienced doing our Glee research - the power and influence of music, and not just the beat.  Lyrics.  Emotions.  Dancing.  Actions.  Beat.  Tempo.  Behavior.  As you can see (and probably know already) music is a multi-faceted medium that needs a serious intervention.  But let's be honest, as an active consumer of the media, music is not fooling me!  I hope it isn't fooling you...

Originally I wanted to provide examples of some of the lyrics pf the aforementioned songs, but there are too many!  Plus, I am challenging you to a music intervention of your own.

What would be on your top 10 worst songs of 2014 list?  Would you add anything to TIME's list?  What about your best songs?  Take some time and think about it, I think you will be surprised with the effects music has on you.

Here is think link for the article if you are interested in checking it out for yourself.  Or maybe you want to look at one of the other "top 10" lists they published.  Top 10 Worst Songs

ABC's of Thanksgiving

This has kind of become a tradition of mine.  Every Thanksgiving, I like to sit down and use the American Alphabet to assist me in finding things I am grateful for.  This is just another way for me to take some time to really be thankful for what I have.  Enjoy!

A - Apryl, Austin, Amric, Anona, Anona, apples, air, Apple, arms, ankles, art
B - Bob, Brett, balloons, bathrooms, babies, Book of Mormon, Bishops, BLOGS
C - Cici, Charlotte, cars, cleanliness, Constitution, clocks, choir, Church, chocolate, Cafe Rio
D - dad (daddy), Doug Baldwin, dogs, Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper, dairy, dog shows, dictionary
E - Evelyn, everything, Easter, eggs, earth, ears, eyebrows, elders, EFY, Ensign Peak, eternity
F - fire, firearms, food, faces, fish, feathers, FAMILY, food, fall (autumn), fingers, fro yo, friends
G - Gage, Grandma, Grandpa, glue, grass, glitter, guns, gazing, girls, guys, games, gratitude
H - Hailey, hair, home, hangers, hearing, hips, hearts, hugs, hands, heat, Hawaii, holidays, Hogle Zoo
I - in-laws, iPhone, iPad, ice (for my beverages), internet, ice cream
J - Jesus Christ, Jeannine, Jesse, Jell-o, jumping jacks, jugglers, junk food, juice, job
K - Kyle, kites, Krispy Kreme, Klondike Bars, Kit-Kat, kangaroos
L - Lucas, lunch, lungs, Lynch (Marshawn), laparoscopic surgery, leather, love
M - mother (mom/momma), Melanie, Mac, music, money, missionaries, mountains, military, minions
N - Nicole, napping, nickels, Nike, nursery, nick nacks, ninjas, Northwest
O - Ord, oxygen, openness, Omni, ovens, oranges, orange (the color), Orcas Island, ocean, others
P - parents, Pax, prayer, phones, planes, parades, popsicles, Pepsi, primary, Portland, pie, polar bears
Q - quilting, quests, quiet, quilts, Questar, quotes, questions, quirks
R - Robbie, Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman, rings, rights
S - Shawn, Sean, Samantha, Scott, Seattle Seahawks, scriptures, seminary, socks, sweats, slinky
T - Thanksgiving, television, tasty bevs, thesaurus, toes, temples (and temple marriage), tokens, TRADITION
U - United States of America, umbrellas, Utah, unity, umpires
V - Vaughn, vaults, vacations, volume, visits (not visitors)
W - Winston, water, work, Washington, washer (and dryer), walking (and walkers), wings, wishes
X - Xerox, x-ray, x-chromosomes, x-ray fish
Y - y-chromosomes, youth, yams (ick), yourself (and myself..?)
Z - zebra, zoos, zero

Gratitude Challenge

My husband sent me an email this morning with a link to the December 2011 Ensign.  There was an article written by two of my dear co-workers and friends, John Hilton III and Anthony Sweat.  Their article was entitled "Take a Gratitude Challenge."  I thought it was the perfect blog/message for this week, as Thanksgiving is quickly approaching.  I am challenging all who read this to take the challenge.  Write a blog, a journal entry, or a Facebook post about 100 of the things you are grateful for, and then share it!  Here is the link for the article:  Take a Gratitude Challenge!!!  Now go check it out, and take the challenge!!!  This is a great way to prepare (or spend) your Thanksgiving holiday.

10 physical abilities I am grateful for:

1. Walking/running

2. Talking

3. Vision

4. Hearing/listening

5. Agility/flexibility

6. Waving

7. The bend and snap

8. Writing/typing

9. Jumping

10. Hugging/kissing

10 material possessions I am grateful for:

1. Bed

2. Car

3. Kitchen

4. Washer and dryer

5. Clothes (and lots of them)

6. Shoes (especially BOOTS)

7. Smartphone

8. Pictures

9. Laptop

10. My wedding ring

10 living people I am grateful for:

1. Shawn Fielding

2. Richard and Kelly Sobczak

3. Apryl and Sean Larkin (and kids)

4. Austin and Anona Sobczak (and kids)

5. Amric Sobczak

6. My in-laws

7. Machew and Olaf and their families!

8. President Thomas S. Monson

9. Can I say FAMILY in general?? (you know who you are!)

10. John Reim

10 deceased people I am grateful for:

1. Jesus Christ (although, He is resurrected...)

2. Iris McCoy

3. Judy Ann

4. Bill Goeres

5. Joseph Smith

6. President Gordon B. Hinckley

7. Paul Walker

8. George Washington (and all of our forefathers)

9. Tim and Tom McCoy

10. My grandfathers (Poppa and Grandpa Sobczak)

10 things about nature I am grateful for:

1. Fresh air

2. Mountains

3. Trees

4. Rain

5. Flowers

6. Grass

7. Animals

8. Rocks and Seashells

9. Water

10. Fog and Clouds

10 things about TODAY I am grateful for:

1. To be alive

2. My job

3. My eternal marriage

4. School/education

5. To (almost) be a graduate of BYU

6. Seminary

7. The Gospel and my testimony

8. Prayer and scriptures

9. Modern medicine and doctors

10. The Constitution

10 places on earth I am grateful for:

1. The Temple(s)

2. Hogle Zoo

3. Orcas Island

4. Hawaii

5. BYU (go cougs!)

6. Zion National Park

7. My home

8. Bathrooms

9. The Bell Tower (at BYU)

10. Ensign Peak

10 modern inventions I am grateful for:

1. Cell phones

2. Computers

3. Internet

4. FaceTime

5. Bluetooth

6. Television/Movies

7. Streaming (NetFlix, Hulu+, Amazon Prime, Spotify)

8. Online shopping

9. Email

10. Social Media!!!

10 foods I am grateful for:

1. Ice Cream

2. Macaroni and Cheese

3. Mexican (all of it!)

4. Turkey (in honor of Thanksgiving!)

5. Pie (again, in honor of Thanksgiving)

6. French fries

7. Cheeseburgers

8. Toast (especially with cinnamon sugar!)

9. Cheese

10. BACON!!!

10 things about the gospel that I am grateful for:

1. The Book of Mormon

2. My Patriarchal Blessing

3. Eternal families

4. Church (and all the leaders)

5. My calling

6. The sacrament

7. The Plan of Salvation

8. Priesthood

9. The General Authorities and the Prophet

10. The Family: A Proclamation to the World

"When we make a list like this, we discover that a list of 100 doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of all the things God has given us."

How true that is!  I hope you enjoyed learning about me a little bit, and that you take the Gratitude Challenge.  Take some time to show, reflect, and express your gratitude today.  I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

do YOU like YOU?

We are all too aware of the role media has in one's body image and confidence.  Often times, the media can overwhelm us and make us believe we need to be someone we are not.  I have struggled with this myself, and I think we may all have to some degree.  There are so many things I wish were different:

• More of us, women especially, had more confidence in ourselves
• That we didn't compare ourselves to others
• Be comfortable in our own skin - no makeup, sweats, you know!
• Not trying so hard
• That the media wasn't so influential on how we view ourselves

How do we combat this?  I have been trying to figure that out myself recently.  The best example I have to help combat this evil comes from a song.  Currently, my favorite song is "Try" by Colbie Caillat.  Unlike "All About That Bass" by Meghan Trainor, "Try" has a positive take on being who you are.  Just because you are skinny doesn't mean you are a "skinny b***h" and you don't need to have a lot of "boom boom" to have all the boys chase you and to keep men happy all night long.

Colbie's song is so inspirational!  Her lyrics (and video) motive us to be comfortable with who we are.

"You don't have to try so hard/You don't have to give it all away/You don't have to do a single thing."

"Why should you care, what they think of you/When you're all alone, by yourself/Do you like you?"

Like I said.  I am totally moved when I hear this song!!

So, what do we do about it?  Is there anything we can do?  The next assignment I have for SFL 358 is to write a letter to someone (a company, a person, etc.) and either 1. thank them for their positive influence in the media or 2. ask for something to change.  I think I want to take both sides of this, writing one letter to Colbie and her label thanking them for writing "Try."  I also want to write to a magazine, and explain to them that some of the stories they publish have a negative effect on society.  I will most likely go with the former, because I am so uplifted and motivated by "Try."

Anyway, I hope this is what someone needed.  I think I needed it for myself in some ways, to remember that

I AM A DAUGHTER OF GOD!  

He loves me, and if He loves me, I need to love myself.  I don't need the "popular's" dictating how I view myself.  I need to work hard at loving myself for who I am.  I have been blessed with talents, a family, a loving husband, good education, and much more!  I don't want to show ingratitude to Him who created me.  I am enough.

I just want to finish with these inspiring lyrics from "Try":

"Take your makeup off
Let your hair down
Take a breath
Look into the mirror, at yourself
Don't you like you?
Cause I like you."

Amen!  We shouldn't need more than to be who God created us to be.  That's enough for me.  Let's help that be enough for all of us.


Now, for the cherry on top.  Watch this video.  It will change your life, almost more than the lyrics!  You will be inspired to be better and do better.  Oh, you also might tear up, so have a tissue (or two) handy.  And remember, I like you, but more importantly...

HEAVENLY FATHER AND JESUS CHRIST LOVE YOU AND KNOW YOU!