The Parable of the Socks

One thing that is certain in this life is that there is always room to grow. There is always room to improve and learn and to be better than we were the day before. I know that I can definitely learn more patience from my children, increase my knowledge and learning through good books, and thankfully, gain more "wisdom" through life's little lessons. Some days the lessons that I learn seem to be simple in logic, yet profound in meaning - just like what happened to me the other morning.


I was sound asleep, peacefully dreaming, when I was abruptly awakened by the sound of my alarm. I threw back the covers and stumbled to turn off the sound. This morning was starting out the same as most mornings as I mechanically maneuvered myself through the room in the dark, gathering the items that I needed to go out for my morning run. I had been successful at collecting all of the items except for one thing - my socks. I reached into the basket to get my socks and was certain that all of the different materials that I was feeling were NOT my socks. I could feel nylons, wool socks, my nice trouser socks, my furry warm slipper socks - everything but my running socks! Frustrated, I left the room and decided to go and get dressed and get a drink, and then I would go back a second time and this time surely be able to find my socks! Well, when I went back and "felt" my way through the sock basket, I found myself once again frustrated at not being able to find my socks! Finally, after mentally apologizing to Clint for having to turn on the light, I reached my arm around the doorway of my closet, flipped on the light switch, grabbed my running socks, and then quickly turned the light back off. That was it! Within a matter of seconds I was able to see clearly what I needed, get it, and be done! I had finally obtained the last item that I needed before I could move forward with beginning my day. As I sat (in the dark) putting on my socks and shoes, I had this very distinct thought come to my mind. -Sometimes in life we think that we can do things on our own - that we don't need any "light" to find what we are looking for or to get us where we need to be. If only we would take an extra second in our day to "turn on the light," then we could begin to move forward and progress. Who knows how much time I would have wasted in the dark had I not decided to just turn on the light. It's also interesting to think about the fact that Clint was right there in the room with me, but I was still the one who had to flip the switch. It is the same with the gospel of Jesus Christ. What we need is right in front of us and only we can choose to turn on the light. Only we can invite our Savior into our lives and let His light shine bright for us. It's a pretty simple lesson, but one that I have thought about time and time again, and one that I am reminded of every single day as I simply choose to "turn on the light!"

The "Heart" of an Angel

I am pretty sure that I know just about everything that there is to know about one of Heavenly Father's littlest angels. Her name is Kambriella Noel. Her favorite people are Dada and Mama. She loves books, bracelets, necklaces and balls. She loves babies, singing, dancing, and shoes. She loves doggies, kitties, balloons, and chocolate milk. And she delivers more laughter and smiles to our family than all of the toys from Santa on Christmas Eve!

One year ago on October 5th, this little angel had to under go open heart surgery at Primary Children's hospital. One year ago, I held that precious angel and wondered if I would ever get to hold her again. I remember feeling worried and scared, and then comforted all at the same time. I have a vivid picture in my mind of Kambriella peering over the shoulder of the doctor as he cuddled her and walked down the hall that had a bold yellow line that we were not aloud to cross. She looked so tiny in her hospital gown and I wanted to run after her and hold her, but I knew that this "hard thing" would be good for her. I guess that is kind of how life is for all of us. Heavenly Father sent us here and probably wanted so badly to run after us and hold us, but He knew that this earthly experience, this "hard thing," would be good for us. I have learned that even though I don't necessarily like doing hard things, that I can still do them. Even though Kambriella's heart surgery was scary at best, just look at this little angel now. Look at how much she has grown and what a beautiful little girl she is turning out to be! This trial has made her strong and part of who she is today. It has also made me a stronger person and so much more appreciative of all of the angels in my life. As I direct my thoughts to the hope of the future, I will ever be grateful that I still get to hold on to this precious child. For I am anxious to see what lies ahead as more of the characteristic traits develop from one of Heavenly Father's littlest angels.

5 Years From Now...

I love Autumn time for so many countless reasons. The colors of the leaves are in their fullest brilliance, the temperature starts it's gradual decline, and some of the most important words ever to be spoken, etch themselves into the walls of our homes. As the General Conference of the church is broadcast throughout the world, the tender, sweet, and inspiring messages are also ever so close to home. Not only is the council that is given to each of us so definitely all inclusive, but also so very personal in so many different ways. With paper and pen in hand, I opened my heart and mind to the words that a loving Heavenly Father was sending to ME. There are always so many wonderful messages that it is like a feast for the soul. And lucky for us, we live in a day and age where we can read and re-read those inspired words and then the "feast" becomes a "buffet" where we can "go back " as many times as we would like and then truly "be filled."
So, as I listened to 5 sessions of conference (including the General Relief Society Broadcast), I learned many great lessons. I learned a lot of our great worth as individuals. I learned a lot about charity and service. I learned that we should always make sure that we are looking out of "clean windows" and not judging others. :) I learned about faith and prayer and endurance and obedience and gratitude... and the list goes on and on. But I asked myself this question, and it was amazing the answer that I gave: "What was the number one most important thing that you learned this conference that you can use today to help your family right now?" Well, with such a smorgasbord of spiritual food, the one thing that touched me greatly came through the talk given by Mary N. Cook. She related the story of her new grand-daughter and how her daughter felt so driven to "begin now" teaching little Ruby the things that she needed to know to become a virtuous young woman someday. I likewise felt those inspired words pierce my soul with such great force that I knew that this was what I needed to do. Sister Cook said, "Begin now teaching your children what you would like them to know 5 years from now." As I sat and pondered on this, I began to see such great wisdom in this council. In 5 years from now Kierra will be almost 18 years old! Carew will be right behind her - preparing for a mission, Dallin will almost be a teenager, Gavin will be 10 and Kambriella 6! So, should I wait until then to begin trying to teach them what they will need to know to be happy? Or should I begin now and prepare them for the joys and trials that indefinitely lie ahead? If I want my children to dress modestly, love the scriptures, live honestly, and go to their Heavenly Father in prayer with all of life's questions, should we begin by doing these things now? YES! And although I have always tried to make these things a priority, I now have a renewed sense of determination to do better and be better because I know it will benefit the lives of the people that I love the most. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father, a loving prophet, and the spirit that can whisper to each of us individually of what we need in our lives right NOW.