.teacher.

My favorite calling thus far has certainly been
Relief Society teacher.
I can't express the uncertainty I feel before a lesson, now matter how much preparation I do. I always feel unprepared! My new and improved teaching method is to compile a bunch of information, not particularly organized, then let
the class take it's course.
So far, it's proven effective.
I just can't describe the feeling of standing in front of a class, feeling like the dust of the earth. Ha, literally...I feel like I have nowhere near enough knowledge to be teaching the amazing women in my ward (and any of you that have taught, have undoubtedly felt this way). Inadequacy is one of the most humbling emotions. No question. But with humility comes reliance (hopefully on the one you need most), and that reliance somehow qualifies you for a higher power. It certainly wasn't me teaching those women yesterday. I was taught just as much, if not more, than any of them.
And in that one moment, it hits you like a ton of bricks. You know the truth right then, when you are entirely overcome with gratitude for everything.
He teaches you,
blesses you,corrects you,
sacrificed for you,
answers you,
gives freely to you,
directs you,
invites you,
created you,
loves YOU.
And all He asks?
Is that we follow Him, and testify of Him. Not hard to do when you've genuinely had a change of heart, is it? He becomes you're everything.
I'm grateful to teach, and to feel of the Spirit so strongly when I'm placed in difficult, uncomfortable, unsure-of-myself situations.
I always learn!
On a slightly different note--
I LOVE BBQs.
Ha, yes it's true. Janelle actually bought a little bbq last week at Lowe's, and invited us over to test it out last night. It was delightful! The smells, the company, the food, the laughter, the sunshine, the games...all makes for a killer Sunday evening.
And to my dear friend St. Geezy...I shall miss you.
Deeply.
Oh yes, and thanks to Ms. Shelby for talking to me on the phone last night. I think you knew you needed to pick up the phone and give Aunt Jess a good chuckle. You always know how to make me laugh. You were straight business, no play, telling me straight up how things were going to happen. Can't wait to take you swimming this weekend! And to my ladies?
MICHAEL BUBLE, HERE WE COME.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AJmKkU5POA
Want an ultimate feel-gooder? Watch this.
Cheese. Ball.
Oh, and the blonde girl is his fiance.

.possibilities.

Two posts in a day?

I know, a little much.
But I must share an experience I had tonight. Forgive me.
So--my institute teacher used to be a seminary teacher in Salt Lake, where the Seminary President was Brother Munns. During a meeting the teachers had, Brother Munns told of a story from his mission. He explained that he hosted President Hinckley during his stay, kind of like his chauffeur. After his arrival, President Hinckley had visits with the Stake President, Mission President, etc, and ended up visiting until after midnight. Elder Munns thought he'd do some service, and make a nice breakfast for President Hinckley early the next morning. He woke at 5, showered, and went downstairs shortly after...only to find President Hinckley dressed and studying his scriptures! The Elder said, "Elder Hinckley, I was going to make you breakfast!" President Hinckley responded that he'd already eaten, but that Elder Munns should get himself something. He was ready to get going as soon as possible. They were out the door well before 6! They did this for 3 days straight--out until midnight or so, up and going by 5 the next morning, with little breaks throughout the day. By the end of the 3 days, Elder Munns said President Hinckley wore him out. As he drove President Hinckley to the airport, President Hinckley said, "Elder, you have a question for me, don't you?" Elder Munns said he did, and asked how he was able to keep this tight, jam-packed schedule he did. President Hinckley explained that when he was called to be a General Authority, he created a schedule of how he wanted to spend his time. He took this schedule before the Lord, and told Him this was what he had planned--He asked to Lord to consecrate His schedule and give him strength to continue with his calling.
Here's the kicker.
He maintained that same schedule for 47 years of service.
How does a human being accomplish that on his own?
He doesn't.
President Hinckley was blessed with energy, endurance, and zest for life! God consecrated his work and his efforts, and made them incredible.
My schedule has been far from reasonable this semester, and it's mostly by choice. I have too much I want to do in addition to school! It hasn't been easy, but I've definitely reaped blessings. I've seen His hand in my life as I've done my school work, but asked for His help as I've maintained my spiritual growth, as well. I'm getting less sleep than I ever have, but have more energy than I've had in a long time. Perhaps...ever. And this lesson will only continue to play a critical role in my life as I venture out to serve as a full-time missionary! I may get more and more tired everyday, but I'll never, ever, ever cease to work. He will consecrate my efforts!

What extra efforts are you giving,
and do you notice Him making up the rest?


This is truth.

.lucky.

Ah, yes. Ireland.
Someday I'll be backpacking through your luscious green hills, drinking typical Irish drinks, snacking on typical Irish treats, meeting all sorts of Irish people, visiting some Irish pubs, seeing everything that Ireland has to offer...
Someday.
But for now, St. George is juuuuuuust fahne (said as a southern belle). It's 72 degrees today! I even went for a jog yesterday and got some sun! Mmm. I'm even sitting at my desk with my window open, feeling springtime's gentle breeze. I love life. My roommate and I discussed how nice weather makes you want to take advantage of life--I have energy on minimal amounts of sleep! The problem is...it's energy to do things that aren't necessarily productive. Regardless, for a winter all cooped up, that first day in the sun feel miiiiiighty nahce.
I want to second Sarah's post about our twin boys! 2 words--adorable brothers. I can't wait to have more kids added to the group--they're certainly going to mix things up a bit with all the girls we have around here. Max will be very grateful to have some playmates, I'm sure. Congrats to Nate and Emmer, they're wonderful parents already. And to Caden and Blake--I LOVE YOU already!
And....shout out to Jaclyn! She's coming home May 4th, the day before I leave. I am beyond grateful that I'll at least get to see her, and possibly have her come to my setting apart! What a blessing. This girl has influenced me in my decision to serve a mission more than she'll ever know. Can't wait!And completely off the subject (though this post is rather scattered, anyway), but I just wanted to share "Ireland's Top Joke"....whatever that means. Ha, I enjoyed it!
A doctor says to his patient, "I have bad news and worse news."
"Oh dear, what's the bad news?" asks the patient.
The doctor replies,"You only have 24 hours to live."
"That's terrible," said the patient. "How can the news possibly be worse?"
The doctor replies, "I've been trying to reach you since yesterday."
Silly, silly.
Happy St. Patty's Day, y'all.

And good luck to my fellow peeps running the
Moab half marathon Saturday!
I might die, so come back for me when you've finished.
Can't wait for the festivities aside from running, too.
Motorcycles, sunshine, carbonara...YES.

Oh, and I love a good spring break spent at a condo in the mountains.

Love her.