Record Keeping, Scripture Reading, and Picture Taking

Sweeeeeet Readers! 

• I opened up my journal last night...and was baffled, amazed, disappointed, saddened, and extremely regretful that I hadn't written in my journal for an entire YEAR. Literally. It's been 13 months now I think. As I hinted at in my last post - this has been the year that I have faced the most trials and had the most new and growing experiences OF MY ENTIRE LIFE and I wrote down nothing. As we can see here -- this blog has been pretty empty as well. So... what we are left with is I have NO WRITTEN RECORD/WISDOM TO PASS ON TO THE NEXT GENERATION/TO MYSELF WHEN HARD TIMES ARRIVE AGAIN. What the heck amiright?
• So I'm repenting (in part) of my lack of recording keeping and will try to do more on here at the very least. I'm a little overwhelmed about doing it in my journal? Where to start? What to write? There is sooooooooooo much to say and so little hand muscle with which to say it.
• In Institute last week we read passages from the last week of the Savior's life. I chose to read Thursday, because Thursday has ALWAYS been my favorite day of the week. What a blessing. Part of Jesus's last Thursday is recorded in John 14. If you ever, EVER feel that you just can't seem to feel God's love for you for one reason or another. Check out that chapter. It is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I have never felt so clearly Jesus's love in writing as I did when I read that. 

• Pictures from my Mom's visit - that lady came and we conquered Houston. Tip for myself and all others hosting family in an exotic city (hahahaha) - don't stress about the sight seeing. It's more about the being together than the adventure. I failed at that this time -- but it did make for some good times regardless. 

Beach Babes:

Pi(e) Day Babes:

Park Babes:

Rodeo Babes:

Beatle's Babe

Sharing Our Experiences

"When I was a young man, I served as counselor to a wise district president in the Church. He tried to teach me. One of the things I remember wondering about was this advice he gave: 'When you meet someone, treat them as if they were in serious trouble, and you will be right more than half the time.'" - Henry B. Eyring

Life is hard. I'm sure this is a lesson that will continue to get more apparent the longer I live, but I've been learning it a lot recently it seems.  Life is hard because of the things we choose and life is hard because of the things we don't choose.  

I haven't figured out all the whats, hows, and whys - far from it in fact -- but I wanted to remember for myself a lesson I've been learning.  My "multitude of trails" has been going for quite awhile, but I'm working on getting through them and I'm learning lots along the way.  

It has just been recently that I've started talking more about the things I'm facing with my sweet friends and family. It has been in my willingness to talk about my own hard things that I've been able to hear about the hard things that the people around me are facing. 

I don't know why but for some reason talking to people about their own hard things makes life a little easier for me. Maybe it's the idea that I'm not that abnormal - or that other people are getting through things similar or most times harder things than me - and they are doing just fine. 

It's also so interesting how when you are willing to open your life - and allow other people to open theirs - how your circle or love and support can grow.   People are always checking up on me and loving me and hugging.  I know so many people have prayed for me and about me and have been prompted to help me over the last few months.  I also know that as people open up to me the things that they are going through - I've had the chance to pray for them as well. And the opportunity to pray for others helps me to look beyond myself. 

I just hope I remember that life can be easier when we share our burdens. I don't mean that you should tell everyone everything (hence me not spilling my life burden with all of you here), but don't forget to reach out and reach back when help is there.