Parable of the Peach Milkshake

I love how parables and gospel/life lessons can come from any where. Today being the fifth Sunday of the month we had our Bishopric Message as a lesson and Bishop Murray did a fabulous job. He taught us what I am going to name the Parable of the Peach Milkshake.

After many years of living in what his wife and him decided was the best ward ever two new families moved into the ward. One family was a prototype LDS family (well behaved children, he worked for the church, saints in every way, etc.). After just a few weeks in the ward the wife got called to be the Young Womens President. But after only nine months in the ward the family left saying the ward was cold, not welcoming and one of the worst they had been in.

The second family was one that was a little less perfect. The children were out of control and the family simply tried to do their best. With in a week or two of being in the ward they invited the Murrays and a few other families over to their house on a Friday evening for Peach Milkshakes. This tradition continued on a regular basis. After a few months this family agreed with the Murray's that this was the best ward there is.

What was the difference. The first family sat and waited for things to happen and in turn lost faity in the ward. The second family proactively sought a solution and to be welcomed in. The sought after an answer to their prayers.

This leads me to a few thoughts I have been having this week. I recently started taking a class on personal revelation. One of the greatest types of revelation we can have is that of conformation and comfort that everything will work out.

The Doctrine and Covenants Chapter 11 has some great insight into personal revelation and how it can help us in times we need comfort and so forth.

D&C 11:11 "For behold it is I that speak behold, I am the light which shineth in darkness, and by my power I give these works unto thee."

D&C 11:12 "And now , verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good-yeas to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously, and this is my spirit."

D&C 11:14 "And then shall ye know, or by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which are pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith believing in me that you shall receive."

D&C 11:18 "Keep my commandments; hold your peace; appeal unto my spirit."

D&C 11:19 "...cleave unto me with all your hear...be patient until you shall accomplish it."

D&C 11:26 "...treasure up in your heart until the time which is in my wisdom."

How do Peach Milkshakes and revelation come together. In my mind that is simple. The lesson behind the Peach Milkshakes is not to lay and wait for what you are desiring it is to make a life for your self and work towards it. All the while knowing you are doing the right thing and carry in your heart the comfort of knowing you are doing it. Personal revelation brings us this comfort. As long as we remain close to the Lord, pray, study, keep the commandments and make up a life for ourselves the other pieces will fall into place. As long as we dont sit by and wait for the promise to come they will come. If we place trust in the Lord and seek after his promise by doing we can do it will happen. And in those times when things are tough and we are unsure the revelation of comfort, peace and guidance will come to our hearts for are living worthy of it.

Their Coming Back

This may be a little premature but Im just to excited. They are movoing back. Heidi and Derek are returning. You know the saying distance makes the heart grow founder, well its so so true. Sense Heidi moved out, years and years ago, I have missed her. But it did take for me to grow up, really move to DC and be away from family my self, to see how much I loved her and miss her. The last couple of years I have made a humongouse effort to spend more time with her, even if it means driving to Logan, or worse driving three hours to Idaho Falls all by my self. Im so so glad I did this. Our relationship has grown so much. I still for horrid that for years I was an awful sister.

Well welcome home big sis. I love you tons, oh yea and Derek too. But I am so glad this is going to work out. We can now really work on being close sisters. I propose girls nights and crafting parties.

I love you tons and I am sorry for being such a horrid little sister. Lets commit to being better sisters, after all we are family.

The Shop on Blossom Street

I just completed reading "The Shop on Blossom Street" by Debbie Macomber. (It was so fun to write a book review after reading Breaking Dawn I decided to do it for each book I read.)

The Shop on Blossom Street is a story of 30 year old two time cancer survivor who as an acclamation of life decides to open a knitting shop. In an attempt to build clients Lydia offers a beginners knitting class. The book follows the story of Lydia and her three students: Alix, Carol and Jaquelyn.

As mentioned before Lydia is a cancer survivor trying to reclaim and build a new life for herself. Alix is girl in her early 20's struggling from a abusive upbringing and bouncing back after a life of drugs and violence. Alix chooses to take the class to full fill her court issued community service. Carol is in her late 30's. Her and her husband have been struggling for years to get pregnant. In the story you meet them as they are about to undergo their last attempt and IVF. Carol enrolls in the class in order to acclaim her hope and firm belief that she will become a mother, the classes first project is a baby blanket. Jacquelyn is a wealthy upper class proper women who's marriage is struggling and she her self is struggling to accept her new daughter and their announcement that Jacquelynn will be a grandma. Jacquelynn decided to take the class to show she can be a good grandma.

Over the course of the class these four laddies grow to become close friends as they each struggle with their own lives. While watching these characters progress we learn a few big lessons in life:

- God never gives up on us

- Hold on to your dreams and make them come true no matter how bleak they may seem

- Hope is the key. Hold onto hope and it will all work out

- Above all love always wins and will see you through

Would I recommend this book....Heck ya its the best. I was surprised my self. I usually stick with history books but I loved this one. Its a feel good read. I am currently reading the second one in the series A Good Yarn.

Park City Half Marathon

Yippeee!!! I just completed my 3rd half marathon in a year. I wish I had pictures but I went up by my self. There was a professional photographer so if there are any good pictures Ill post them.

But it was my best race ever!!! I finished the raced in 1 hour 52 minutes and 48 seconds. 6th place in my age group, 36th in womens and 89th overall. Oh yea there where 500 racers in the half!!!!

Top 10 Moments In Life

So I was reading a friends blog and they were talking about one of their top five moments. And that got me thinking. If I had to come up with ten life changing moments, either for what happened or what I learned what would they be. (These are in no order)

1. My afternoon in the Sacred Grove. That summer was a monumental one for me. I was struggling with things from my past I was not happy about and needed the atonement to work and really work. I needed my heart to be healed. The day as I knelt praying I got such an overwhelming feeling of love, forgiveness and acceptance. I knew then that everything was going to be all right.

2. Sunday evening swinging on the swings with my roommate Melissa. I know it sounds silly. But that night we talked about life. I was able to open up that day in away I seldom can. Despite what we talked about Melissa accepted me with love and open arms. I knew then I had a friend for life.

3. Receiving my patriarticle blessing. When I received my blessing I felt the spirit and received such guidance and foresight that my life was changed for ever. I knew then that Heavenly Father knows and loves each of us. Also it was reaching a mark I strived so long and hard for.

4. The night in Murray park with Jonny when he told me he loved me. Yes the relationship may have turned bad but at the moment it was perfect. But at that moment I felt the center of another’s universe. It felt so good to be loved for just who I was.

5. The Sunday afternoon when Melissa and Annette took the time and risk to tell me some things in life I needed to work on. They taught me how to be a true friend and how to care for others more then I care for myself. How to love and care for others from my heart. I am so glad they took the risk to have that conversation- it changed my life.

6. The walk around Heidi’s neighborhood in Idaho Falls. That night we talked of life and its challenges. But as we were talking I had such a reassurance in my heart the every trail and hardship in our lives is meant for own good. “All things to give thee experience.”

7. On one of my first cross country runs when Coach Fletcher took the time to run with me for a few minutes, though at the time one of the slowest on our team. Coach Fletcher told me I had the potential to be a good runner and just to stick with it and it will come. And come it did. But what I learned was to never give up.

8. This is two nights in one. Staying up all nights with Annette after she broke up with her boyfriend and when Annette and Melissa stayed up with me after Jason broke up with me. Those nights we talked and listened to each other. I have never felt such power in friendship and love. But also after my night to be consoled I felt Heavenly Father’s love stronger then I ever had before.
9. Two girls nights out- Ice Cream at Leatherbees and my recent movie night with Brittney. Those nights I came away ecstatic with once again feeling the power of friendship and love. I knew those nights why sisterhood was invented. There is a power that girlfriends possess.

10. Completing my Half Marathons. Each and every time I complete a half I am excited when I look at what I just did. I put my body through the challenge and beating of a 13.1 mile run. But in the end I know it was what I did.

11. Many more good days to come……..

I Have a Dream

SOPHIE:
I have a dream
A song to sing
To help me cope
With anything
If you see the wonder
Of a fairy tale
You can take the future
Even if you fail
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I'll cross the stream
I have a dream

COMPANY:
I have a dream
A fantasy
To help me through
Reality
And my destination
Makes it worth the while
Pushing through the darkness
Still another mile
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I'll cross the stream
I have a dream
I'll cross the stream

SOPHIE:
I have a dream
I'll cross the stream
I have a dream

Women of God

"Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity."- Margaret D. Nadauld, "The Joy of Womanhood," Ensign, Nov. 2000, 14

Prayers for the Rogers Family

Annette, Jeremy and Cambrie-

This post is to let you know I am praying for you. I hope Cambrie gets better and that this was indeed a one time occurence. Keep us updated as you have a chance.

Lots of Love,
Kendra

New Adventures for Kendra

What have I been up to lately? Ill give you a hint..it has a lot of water involved. ....... In case you cant guese, which you probably can or cant that depends. I have been playing in lots and lots of water and in many forms too.

For starters I have been looking for more forms of exercise. I love running but I have found that if I limit my running to four good hard runs, one long, a week and cross train two day and take Sunday off I race a lot better. Plus my motiviation stays higher.

So form of Water #1- I have taken up lap swimming. Ok Ill be honest I am taking it up. Right now I am taking Adult swimming lessons, they teach proper swimming technics to train for lap swimming, triathalons, etc. A triatholon well maybe some day. Well see how the swimming goes and then work on biking.

Form of water #2. Last weekend my ward took a trip to Flaming Gorge. My idea of a trip. We boated, played on the beach, camped, played games etc. But what I loved about it. I never had to change from a swimsuit, pjs and lounge clothes. Perfect!! And I got the closest to getting up on water skiing ever. I made it up but then my ski went out from under me. I have decided though my idea of boating/water fun is waverunners/jet skies, tubbing and being the flag girl.

Form of water #3. Thunder storms. While in Flaming Gorge we got bombarded with thunderstorms. They rolled in every afternoon and lasted for hours. And yes we had to evacuate the lake a lot. Question of the day... What makes a great shelter from the rain. Answer: A bowery covered in little holes.

Hmm a thought as I end this entry. What is the safest way to survive a thunderstorm on a lake? Well we tried both ways, boating though it and evacuating the lake. Im still here and unharmed so I think both work.

Breaking Dawn- What I Thought

***Spoilers Ahead****

So I finished Stephenie Meyer's Breaking Dawn this weekend and here is what I thought. Sorry its kind of long. I could go on longer. I think AP English, and years of prep through honors english and way to much reading, have caused me to be able to give long winded critigues. And yes this is how I read all books- even picture books just to a lessor level.

1) We all knew that Bella and Edward where going to get married. I was nervous leading up to the book that there would be a lot of Jake drama leading to the wedding or that Bella would continue on her feeling horrible and depressed about hurting both Edward and Jacob by falling in love with them both. You recall the end of Eclipse. I was sick of that and am glad it wasn’t there. Bella seemed totally in love with the wedding, Edward and surprise surprise she actually saw she was pretty.

2) The pregnancy- Ill admit I saw it coming. Stephenie is to happy ending and all that for Bella not to experience every normal human experience before coming a vampire.

3) Imprinting- Don’t like it one bit. I was ok with it until Quill imprinted on Clair it bothered me enough in New Moon but to have him be playing with Clair and in helping raise her just to well you know marry her seemed wrong. And I was extremely turned off by Jacob imprinting on Reneseme from the beginning. I really hate the imprinting idea, my only huge turn off in the book Jacob needed to imprint on some one more like him and his own age not a baby half-human half vampire

4) Edward and Bella love scenes- Hate to admit this one they didn’t not bother me that much. They where married, tastefully down. And to copy a defense that JK Rowling gave about her books growing darker. She pointed out that she was following the development of the characters. As they grew older the grew more aware of things. Same with Stephenie Meyer with Edward and Bella, they where growing older, you can say, and advancing to other stages of life. It was only natural character and plot development. And with rearguards to it being graphic for young readers- read adult fiction and you will get a whole different perspective. It was truly done with class.

5) Jacob Black – He still bothers me but not as bad. He really made me mad and pretty much like him after the scene he pulled at the wedding. But when he came to Edwards rescue during Bella’s pregnancy, left the pack to protect Bella and the baby and latter promised Bella to protect Reneseme if the Volutori confrontation ended in a fight did bring him back to a better light. But he has a lot more proving himself to do before he is my favorite person. He has major maturity issues.

6) Bella becoming a vampire- Well we know it would happen but honestly I did not picture it happening this way. I am glad that it happened the way Edward wanted, sort of, he never wanted Bella to give up her life to become a vampire and she way dying when he transformed her. The scene when he was transforming her showed his love and devotion to her. He wanted nothing more then to have her. His love for her was pure and unselfish he wanted only what was best for her.

7) The Ultimate Question- Should there be more books: NOPE. I agree with Stephenie and her Good Morning America interview the series needs to end. I think she is out of ideas, even to continue with Jacob and Reneseme’s story. I think any new story line would be to much of a twist or remake of what has already happened. I mean she could continue on but it would begin to feel like an over down story. She tied if off well and that’s where it needs to end. But it would be great to tell the same story from Edwards view or even Jacobs. But the story needed to come to an end. Create a new story and new characters for us.

My over all impressions. A little to lovey dovey and perfect for me. I love the conflict in the other books when Edward has to save Bella’s life it shows his devotion to her. My hope was the wedding, and Bella’s transformation would have been the wrap of the whole series, at the end with an epilogue of them having a child, but the body would be planning the wedding and the conflict- a little of Edward saving Bella. I agree the conflict was to simple and easy. It did teach a good lesson the bullies never win.

I did love the book and will re-read it again. But not for awhile. I would recommend it but with caution to young readers- for blood, the delivery was kind of graphic and sex scenes. I agree with Kristina Baird the whole series needs to be a little censured for young readers.