Quote of the Day #12

"Good thing I'm the town drunk."
~Josh Wright

Has it really been this long?

It's been two years since Marian left, but it does not feel so long.


Your voice will forever remain protected in my mind
Your beautiful smile, and that simple warming 'yes' that was spoken so often
Kind, deep, loving gaze.
Forever you, the strong woman of God
In lifes frailty still loyal to your sisters and to your savior

Fall free away
Bring heaven to your feet
walk every day
Through pure and golden streets
But I'll still miss you forever and today

My latest encounter with Mormonism

I finally got the chance to go out on a bike ride today, something I have not been able to do since I hurt myself. I enjoyed it very much, but this is not the purpose of what I am trying to say. As I was riding I somehow managed to have a nail go into my tire. In the bottom and out the side. Needless to say, my tire lost all functionality rather quickly. As I was carrying my bike down the bike path two gentlemen on bikes of their own stopped to ask how I was doing. As I felt it rather plain that my bike was not in the best of condition as I was carrying, not riding or walking it, down the bike path, I responded to how I was doing despite this burden: "I'm doing well, thank you for asking". We paused and they proceeded to ask me if I knew about Jesus Christ and the book of Mormon. After a very brief discussion of maybe only a minute or two they handed me a track, wished me good-day, and rode on. While we were talking they never offered to carry my bike for me, or even if there was something wrong with my bike that they may be able to help me fix. My impression was that they were there to convert me to (or at least inform me about) their religion and be on their way to the next person, without care to my (very obvious) problem.

I fear that this is how I may one day come across to someone, and pray that it never will be. I am not sharing this story for the sake of ridiculing the Mormon followers and their beliefs, far be that from the truth, but instead as a caution as to how we live our lives. Very rarely do we as Christians find ourselves being 'converted' by someone else, as we are already 'on the inside'. But we may find ourselves sharing our faith with someone else, and being in that place today made me understand how one such encounter has the potential for tainting someones views of an entire religious belief system. If we are to preach a gospel of love for others, we can't just preach it, we must live it out in every action we take. Even if that means offering to carry someones bike for them.

Where is America Going?

As seen on the back of a cereal box: "Did you know: Exercise that really gets your heart beating can help make your video game skills better. It's a super gamer's hint... a secret weapon that'll help you: have more energy, be more alert, raise your self-confidence. It's true!"

Indeed

Hmmm... I don't know what it is about the San Diego tournament, but I always get some pictures there that I really like. This year, its these two.

A Good Day

Besides spending a ton of time on SAT prep, today was great. A new leo, a gymnastics class I am slowly learning to love, and church... learning to love that as well.

What will they come up with next?

This is just hecka sweet! I wish I was that creative.

Beyond Extatic

I could get used to this.

It's been a long time coming...

I don't remember the last time I just couldn't wait until Saturday was over because I knew Sunday would be here next. I don't know how to explain it, but my attitude towards church has changed more dramatically than I ever thought it could, and in the span of... a week? I feel like I am in 6th grade again, and just can't wait to get into the Realm room. It's a very good feeling, and I hope it never leaves.

I LOVE SNOW!!!!

(and I love everyone who helped me ski, and who ski-ed (sp?) with me, that would be: Laralyn, Courtney, Michele, Kelsey, Kaitlin, Mr. and Mrs. Winther, and of course various other people too)

Did I mention I love snow?

In response to falling, fear, and frustration

Being a good gymnast, and a good teacher are two entirely different things. The lady who taught me gymnastics never even did a cartwheel, yet was so amazing and good at teaching that she did it for 50 years.

Being a good gymnastics teacher is a lot like being a good anything teacher, besides the fact that unlike most other sports, hobbies, etc. you have to physically help your students do everything, for a very long time. Unfortunately teaching gymnastics takes a lot more knowledge than taking it, and therefore some teachers who are really gymnasts find themselves at a loss for how to teach someone how to do something. If you can only tell someone to point their toes and try harder it won't ever fix the real problem. But then again, some people think that's better than saying "I don't know what you are doing wrong". I found myself in this dilemma today when I was trying to teach Zach and Jamar Chest-roll-quarter-turn-nip-ups. I can do them myself, but I was at a complete loss as to how to explain to Jamar the simplest part of the whole thing: get on your knees, push your tummy out, and roll down your legs and stomach to your shoulders, but he just didn't get it. Every time, he stuck his butt in the air and neither his legs, nor his stomach ever touched the ground. These sorts of things happen to me far less frequently than they used to when I started teaching, but it bugs me that they still do. My gymnastics articulation is not good enough to be able to explain everything. Maybe someday it will be, but right now I have a long way to go. Especially if I ever start teaching the apparatus. ::becomes frightened::

Good friends, good times, and friends I don't see very often.

I have a wonderful debate partner, she's awesome in case you didn't know.

Cardiff-by-the-sea is a beautiful town with three beautiful people in it. the Hildabrands. I've missed them.

'007

My new year's resolution: watch all 21 James Bond movies