Deep thoughts...

I'm not one to get involved in Political discussion and heated subjects because I really feel that everyone has a choice on this earth. Ben would say that I am such a passionate person when it comes to my decisions,. The decisions that I make that affect my family and my little bubble of influence. But I am completely tolerant of other people and their actions when they make theirs (most of the time...I'm not perfect at this.) It's easy for me to separate the person from the sin. I am in interested and weigh the impacts that some decisions make for my family but you won't find me at a rally or raising my voice one way or the other... UNTIL this last election. It feels like all the pieces of the puzzle have come together for me. I'm finally getting it so to speak. I still feel that we need to LOVE everyone. I need to take people for face value and just assume that their intentions are good. And if their intentions are not good then not take it personal. But some things are WORTH fighting for. I realize that I can't sit on the sidelines anymore.

This realization came this morning while I was thinking about the state of our world. A lot of the financial problems that our country is experiencing right now fundamentally stems from people being greedy, not caring about their neighbor, and putting monetary gain before doing what's right. My testimony was strengthened this morning because I realized that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has given us counsel since the beginning of it's existence to guide us spiritually, emotionally, mentally and temporally. All three of these things have to be balanced. I just always assumed that these things would just happen if I was being righteous and living consciously. But really that isn't enough. To be healthy this way, it means we need to TAKE ACTION. Actually being aware that every decision that we make actually changes the outcome of our lives. I guess I haven't ever been ready for this piece of knowledge from Heavenly Father but I'm listening now.

Now that I am feeling humbled I feel  more dependant upon my Heavenly Father. This is a good thing! I think we're all learning the lessons that we NEED, whether it's emotional, spiritual, or temporal. But going farther, it's what we do with these lessons 5 years, 10 years, or 50 years down the road. Will we learn from them? Will we make the same mistakes again? Will we remember these feelings of humility? That is what I will strive for. 

Out with the old, in with the NEW!

This story started last Sunday, November 30th. I was sick with the flu. The phone rings and Ben picked it up. "Hello, this is the Stake Executive secretary, Ben's thinking *oh crap!*. He then asks for me! Ben wakes me up because he likes to see me panic. It's better than him! Back to the story, he says that the Stake president is EXCITED to meet with me and can you bring your husband along. Um. Yes...but can I claim immunity?? 

Of course I say yes, hang up the phone and immediately start hyperventillating. Ok, it could be a calling. Or he could want to see my emergency preparedness binder from my Super Saturday back in October. By the way, why do they call like a year in advance from when they want to meet with you? This to me is emotional torture, plus anyone that knows me knows that I can't stand a secret that I don't know. I always find the Christmas presents and open them. I can't help it!

So, Monday goes by. Then Tuesday, then Wednesday. FINALLY Thursday gets here. The first thing the Stake President wonders is if he and I can "talk. Oh no. What did I do? He starts by asking me very pointed worthiness questions. How often do I pray and are my prayers thoughtful? How often do I go to the temple and other very pointed questions. I start sweating half way through the interview. I start feeling that I need to confess my sins. Finally he just sits there for like an eternity staring at me. Then he suddenly stood up and asked Ben to come into the room. Then he starts talking about sports and the weather! WHAT? Where's his deep questioning? I like equal treatment in our marriage. Where's his sweat rings? Then he asked me if I would accept a calling to be the Stake Relief Society 1st Counselor! At this point I say "REALLY? Are you serious?" DUh. I'm not too bright :) I've never had a Stake calling but I'll do my best! New is not new for me. My life is ever changing. I secretly like it that way, which contradicts my panic stricken OCD-planning self.

Out with the old, in with the NEW!!

Who are you and WHAT have you done with my husband!

Ok, ok. So I won't get brownie points for this post. Ben is the type of guy that fills a room and everyone expects to be tough. But in reality he is a big softy and sometimes does tihings to "indulge" me and keep the peace. 

This weekend we talked about doing black friday shopping. We had it all worked out. Babysitters at 6 am. and had it mapped out and everything. I'm thinking "WOW, my hubby really loves me". He would say, "Yes Dear I do love you" but he loves a good deal MORE. SO fast forward to 3 am Friday morning...2 loads of throw up towels and you've got a completely dfferent ball game. SO what does Ben do? He braves black friday shopping solo! Does anyone know my husband? He doesn't like shopping. period. He got some screamin' deals though!! And I think indimidated a shopper or two to boot! 

So. Fast forward to Monday morning. You guessed it. Ben has the flu. So he proceeds to miss work and gets to "lay" in bed all day and rest. After many times of me saying "dear, really you need to actually rest when you are sick". If you can't tell, he's not a good sick patient. So after a couple hours of not hearing pacing upstairs, I go up and peak in our room...he kind of hid something under the covers and he had a very guilty look on his face! I say "What are you hiding?" Sheepishly he pulls out my TWILIGHT book! WhAt!?! And he says, this is really intersting....I shake my head and secretly make my plans to take him to the movie.

 Honestly, are pigs flying?