Actions speak louder than words

I have always been a big believer in the saying actions speak louder than words. In the last general conference we had, I heard the quote "your actions are speaking so loudly, I can't hear what you are saying." I have tried to make sure that my words and actions are saying the same thing. Right now I am reading the most amazing book and I came across something that I would like to share.
" there is a power in every word we say and every thought we think, but sometimes the greatest service we can offer is not to say something. Words are but one form of communication and they are not nearly as potent as the energy contained in our actions, including our thoughts, body language, eye contact and facial expressions. You know you trust the energy behind the words spoken to you far more than you do the words themselves. When you say something you don't mean, you know the other person picks that up. You can feel it."
This was an Ah hah! Moment for me. I really want to commit myself to be able to do this and be this.

Just at the right time

It seems to me that whatever I am looking for I find it. If I choose to look for the bad in things I find it. The great thing about this is, it happens with the good also. I was having a particularly hard evening and decided to read and try and get my mind off of things that have been weighing me down. I found this great quote that I really want to share.

     
“... joy and sorrow are inseparable. . . together they come and when one sits alone with you . . . remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.”

-Kahlil Gibran

A prayer by Thomas Merton

This is just what I needed today. So, I am going to share.


My Lord God

I have no idea where I am going.

I do not see the road ahead of me.

I cannot know for certain where it will end.

Nor do I really know myself,

and the fact that I think I am following

your will does not mean

that I am actually doing so.

But I believe that my desire to please you

does in fact please you.

And I hope that I have that desire

in all that I am doing.

I hope that I will never do anything

apart from that desire.

And I know that if I do this

you will lead me by the right road

though I may know nothing about it.

Therefore will I trust you always

though I may seem to be lost

and in the shadow of death.

I will not fear,

for you are ever with me,

and you will never leave me

to face my troubles all alone.

Some of the hardest things to do

Lately, I will admit, that I have been having a rough time. But, I am grateful that the Lord sends Angels into my life right when I think I can't do it anymore. I know we all have these times and I really don't like publishing my boo hoo moments because I know I am not very different from so many other people. These are some of the things that have been on my mind lately.
Do I really follow Christ through my example? Am I willing to really forgive and turn the other cheek when I feel like I have been wronged? These are some of the things that have tested me lately. I can come up with justifications on why I did this or that. But, it really comes down to that I have taken Christs name upon me and in so doing I have a responsibility to be like him. Oh! and sometimes it is really hard!!
I was challenged by one of my angels to read D&C 121. This has really helped to give me perspective. I am thankful for the tender mercies of my heavenly father. I really needed one today.

My grandma

I went and visited my grandma yesterday. It was a bittersweet visit. I know that it was probably my last one with her while she is on this earth. I went and sat by her bedside and held her hand. The first thing she said to me was " oh your hands are cold." she than grabbed both of my hands and put them in between hers so she could warm them up. That small act of love is what my grandmother has always been about, thinking of others. She is such an example of what Jesus Christ taught. How blessed I am to have her as my grandma.


She played pat a cake with Adalyn and sang pop goes the weasel. We all sang if you're happy and you know it.
She seemed to wear out fast. I just held her hand and stared at her beautiful face while she slept. I love this woman so much. My heart filled with gratitude for being blessed enough to be her granddaughter, to be taught so many great lessons by her example throughout my life. While she will be missed here, I am thankful for the knowledge that I know she will be with my grandpa, dad, brother Joel, and so many other loved ones that have passed on. What a great reunion that will be..

All you need is love

Isn't it the truth though.


There's nothing you can do that can't be done.Nothing you can sing that can't be sung.
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game
It's easy.
There's nothing you can make that can't be made.
No one you can save that can't be saved.
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you
in time - It's easy.

All you need is love, all you need is love,
All you need is love, love, love is all you need.
Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love.
All you need is love, all you need is love,
All you need is love, love, love is all you need.
There's nothing you can know that isn't known.
Nothing you can see that isn't shown.
Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be.
It's easy.

England and back

For the last four months Aubrey has been planning her trip to England. She started talking to the family at the end of January. She bought her plane ticket the beginning of February and has been planning her life accordingly. She said her goodbyes to her family and friends, packed her suitcases and her room because we are moving in a few months and I didn't want to do it. She was sad to leave but so excited for a new adventure in a different country for the rest of the year.
We took her to the airport Wednesday afternoon and all said our goodbyes through tears.I knew she would land in London Heathrow at about 5 am our time. I got a call from her at 6 am and this is what she said " Mom I am trying really hard not to cry but immigration will not let me through. They have searched all my suitcases. They have gone through all my personal items including my journal and read some of my most cherished letters. They tell me that my story is sending up red flags and they are going to give me a formal interview. I have already been sitting here for over an hour."
I am frantic. Both Jonathan and I start calling trying to figure out exactly where she is and what the problem is. Well, we find out that the UK has a law against Au Pairs coming into England from the United States. It is very specific to Americans. The family she was going to stay with did not know the law. They had 2 nannies previously that were both European. After the family she was staying with talked to immigration and we talked to immigration they still decided to send her home. It's the law.
The worst part about it was they treated her as if she were a criminal. They would not allow her any of her belongings. She had a horrific headache and only gave her medicine after Jonathan called 2 different times and yelled at them to give her some aspirin. She had to stay in this small room and couldn't leave. She was in London and could not see anything.She had to sleep in chairs.
They booked her a flight for the next day at 10:00 am London time which is 3 am our time. But, they still would not allow her to have any of her things. They gave it all to the flight attendant including her passport.
When she arrived at JFK she had to be escorted off the plane. But, when she got to customs they asked her why she was back so soon and she told them of her story. With the biggest grin and a very heavy New York accent the man said "welcome home!" Aubrey's response to that was " I love America.. I love Americans!!"
While I am glad she is home safe and sound, my heart hurts for her. She really has been devastated by the whole experience. She has spent so much time and money into making this happen and it didn't. I just hope to hurry and find her a job so she can put her mind on other things.