11/11/11

Despite the coolness date, this day has much more to offer. Two things actually. First today is the birthday of a dear brother of mine and I would like to wish him a very Happy Birthday. Deek you are such an incredible person and a wonderful brother. I have already written you a more personal letter so this is just to wish you publicly the best of days and to say thank you and that I love you.

Second today is a day to honor the men and women who have so selflessly laid down their lives to protect this country and give us the freedoms that we enjoy everyday. A scripture that goes so well with this day is John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." How many of us are noble and selfless enough to sacrifice so much for not only loved ones but for strangers and some who are unappreciative. With the nature of war today, those back home are not always as involved as they were in say WWII. It is more of something we hear on the news instead of something that surrounds us in every aspect of our lives. Our support doesn't come for giving up material goods so that the soldiers can eat or can have good clothing but we still can and must support the troops in other ways. Giving them the respect they deserve, not blaming them for wars that have been fought and the destruction that wars bring. There are so many things we can do. And so today I salute you incredible people and have feeling of gratitude in my heart because I have been blessed to live here in this beautiful country. Thank you, may God bless you and be with you. 

GoOD QuOtE

I just liked these quotes....

‎"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." -Elizabeth Ros


‎"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~ Dr. Seuss

My LIttLe BuTterCuP

Well Halloween is here and what is it without the classic Harbertson's Halloween party at Kristen's and Scott's house. This year we went all out with Sean's brilliant idea of being the Three Amigos and made our own customs-DI clothes, pirate hats, elmer's glue and a ton of glitter. Unfortunately we didn't have a camera so I only have a few pictures to post and you should all feel bad you don't get to see our lovely dance and Three Amigo chant or whatever it is called.

If I ever get more pictures or videos I will update it but no promises

OK also no judging on some of the pictures, they are what they are:)

Red Rover

So I heard I really cool analogy today and I wanted to share it but in my own way

Think back to grade school and all the fun times at recess you had playing sports, tag, hopscotch, jump rope etc.

Now do you remember playing red rover and wishing with all your might that you would be picked to run across the void and smash through the other lines gripping arms?
Or maybe the times when you thought your hands would fall off because of how tight you were gripping someone else hand, hoping that if they chose you to run through that you would be strong enough to stop them and in turn have them join your team...

Ok now think of all the times you have thought to yourself that you are fighting a loosing battle, that there are too many forces working against you and that your side is too small to withstand the pressures of the world.

Have you got those in your mind?

Now over lap the memories of the red rover game and all those doubtful times and see where things line up.

Just like in the game of red rover, it doesn't matter what side is longer or shorter. What matters is which side is stronger and can hold the line.
Are we strong enough to break through the opposing line's gripping hands
Are we strong enough to withhold the opposing line's offensive attacks

We must stand firm with those who share our beliefs, our values and our faith
We must hold the line, grasping firm to one another, sharing strength, power, giving all we can and then some
We must stand up to the longer opposing line, trusting that our strength will be sufficient enough to help protect us and to help add to our own line as we show those who may attack us, who we are, what we are made of and what we believe in.

Though the world's line may be longer, it is growing weaker as its people have less to stand for, to fight for, to live for

Join the shorter, but stronger side. Hold firm to your values, your morals, your faith
And though you may be weaker in some areas, just know that the savior is right there, holding your hand, making up the difference
We will continue to be strengthen as all as we Stand firm, Hold firm and Remain firm....continue to....

Hold the Line

TaLEnT

I just have one thing to say...

Where the heck was I when this talent was being handed out?

"Waiting on the Road to Damascus"

Have you every found yourself waiting too long on the road to Damascus

Have you ever found yourself lost in the rush of the world

Full of questions and doubts, wondering what the future holds and whether or not you can handle it

Have you ever thought that answers should come the instant you asked the question
Or that a miraculous event would make all the doubt go away and bring a brighter future
What we forget when these thoughts and feelings arise is that the Lord has a plan for each of us

Do not wait too long on the road to Damascus

When we lose our way, we feel like just sitting down and waiting for the mighty miracle to happen
We forget that faith usually comes by the things that we do
We come to know Christ and the truths he teaches by "small and simple things"
We "personally receive a divine portrait of the Master, although it most often comes in the form of a puzzle--one piece at a time."

Do not wait too long on the road to Damascus

The Miracle that Paul witnessed would not have meant anything if he hadn't replied "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?"
It is what we do with the life and trials that are given to us that defines who we are
It is the actions words that give this life meaning- reading, obeying, praying, learning, teaching and serving...
And as we act we come to recognize the answers and blessing that the Lord gives to us

Do not wait too long on the road to Damascus

By acting we become the example to the world that the Lord would have us be
"The most effective way to preach the gospel is through example"
By acting we learn and become stronger
We answer prayers and receive answers to prayers
Life will become full of thanksgiving and not missed opportunities

Do not wait too long on the road to Damascus

"Let us strive to be among those whom the Lord can rely on..."
"Brothers and sisters, dear friends, let us not wait too long on our road to Damascus.
Instead, let us courageously move forward in faith, hope and Charity,
And we will be blessed with the light we are all seeking upon the path of true discipleship..."

Act and believe upon the road to Damascus

-"Waiting on the Road to Damascus" by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, April 2011 Conference

The Many Questions Of Life

Today's post will probably seem more serious than normal but it is a serious question that has been on my mind
So forgive me as I share some of my thoughts and concerns.

My question is why do so many, who have grown up knowing what is right, when presented with one little lie are so quick to throw away all their experiences, feelings, miracles and their faith.
Why do they feel like they have to drag down as many as they can with them?
I know the answer is that the adversary is working within them, trying to drag them down to where he is
But is it more complicated than that?

Everyone is faced with challenges throughout their life and have those times when satan has more power over them than usual, but many have been able to overcome those challenges, coming out with stronger faith and hope.
It makes me sick with sadness when I hear of those who were so strong at one time, just turn away and leave everything they know to be right.
But it also gives me a reaffirming feeling that what I believe and know, is true. It makes me want to be better at the little things, that in the end are the life lines that save you when rough waters throw you out of the boat of a firm testimony.
It gives me a desire and a burning in my heart to want to share the gospel even more and just to shake those who have turned away until they come back to their senses.

Life is a funny thing that can be turned completely upside down at any given moment. We cannot get too comfortable where we are. If we do, we find that we are not standing still but actually heading backwards. We must press forward, trying to be a little taller, a little better and a little stronger.
I love the comparison of faith, hope and our testimonies being like an hour glass where the sands are ever running out and that we must be continually filling it up so that we never lose the conviction that we have.
We must be able to forget about ourselves and learn to serve others with an open heart and loving arms
I pray that I will and those I know and love will strive to do those little things that can save us during our darkest times of life. That we will continue to fill our hour glasses and not let a little lie lead us from everything we know to be true. That we follow the spirit's guidance and act on his promptings.

This life is too important to just throw away the truths that we have learned. The truths will bring happiness that cannot be found anywhere else. A happiness full of peace and comfort. A happiness that last the eternities, not just for a minute, an hour or a day. A happiness only found when we are surrounded by love and family, when we are at peace with ourselves and others, when we have faith, hope and charity and when we put our trust in the lord and come unto him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

I want you all to know that I know and have a testimony that our Heavenly Father is there and that he loves us and wants the best for us. I know that I have a Savior who suffered for me and has given me a second chance whenever I make a mistake in this life through his Atoning sacrifice. I know that there is a plan for me and that I will be able to see them and live with them again. I know it is the little and simple things like reading the scripture, prayer, service and obedience that keep us going through the struggles of life. I believe it with all my heart and I hope that those who are struggling will look to God for strength and power. Pray to him unceasingly, trusting him and using the beautiful gift of the Atonement to find your faith and testimony and continue to strengthen them everyday of your life. It will be a continuous battle everyday of your life but I promise that it will be worth it and you will be blessed for your diligence.
I know this to be true and I am grateful that I know it and I hope that you know it too. Life is too short and too important to turn our backs on our faith and our Father in Heaven. So keep the faith and be believing and come unto him and he will wrap you in his arms of love.