Adventure #43: Living Joyfully

"Happiness here and now consists in freely, lovingly, joyfully acknowledging God's will for us -- and doing it in all ways and all affairs big and small." ~ Ezra Taft Benson

*SPOILER ALERT* For the Provo YSA 138th ward (especially its Relief Society members), this is a preview of my RS lesson for this coming Sunday. Do not continue reading if you want that to remain a complete mystery. If you'd like to know a bit of what's heading your way, please keep reading. Thank you.

Back to our regularly scheduled programming...

If you've ever read You Are Special by Max Lucado, then you know all about gray dots and gold stars and what they mean when another Wemmick sticks them to you. If you haven't read it, then I recommend a read and then a re-read. However, I'm going to proceed with this entry as if you have all read it.

Recently, my days have been filled with gray dots. And, I must admit that many, many of these gray dots have stuck to me. Saturday was an especially dense gray dot day. Possibly of my own design and I said such to my roommate who then said this:

"Hon, they're not your idea, they're Satan's. He's the one who wants you to feel bad about yourself. I mean, I totally understand feeling down because of any of those things. But just remember that no matter how tough things are in the moment, you'll outlast them!"

Spectacular wisdom, wouldn't you say? I do. And as I've been preparing my lesson for this week, I found that Pres. Benson also agrees. This is what he said:

"There are times when you simply have to righteously hang on and outlast the devil until his depressive spirit leaves you."

Both of these astute people direct our attention to the fact that some of what we think isn't our own creation. Do we really want to think badly of ourselves? I know I don't but up to this point hadn't ever made that connection. I recognize have the choice to accept this negativity or reject it for the light that Heavenly Father will let in once I do. Like Eli in You Are Special, He will always be there to show us how He feels about us - no gray dots or gold stars matter to Him. Beyond that, nothing Satan says to us can even touch what our great Creator knows about us individually.

Now I would also like to point out that Lindsay, the roommate who gave the advice above, is also in charge of assigning teachers in Relief Society. I was picked for this lesson less than 24 hours after she gave me that original advice.

I haven't asked her yet, so I don't know but there's a chance she read the lesson and applied her knowledge here. However, this isn't the first time that her advice and point of view has been so exactly on-target. From this experience and many before, I acknowledge that she is both bright and brilliant and also chooses to rely on our Heavenly Father to direct her words and actions for the benefit of all she encounters. And therefore, I sense a divine fingerprint integral in the arranging of these circumstances.

So how do we live joyfully? Free from grays dots and gold stars? Be like Punchinello - visit your Maker every day. Reject the negativity thrown at you from the deceiver. As is unavoidable, when you find yourself in those moments of despair, remember that you will outlast the devil. And, anytime you are willing to turn to your Father in Heaven, He is waiting for you with open arms. These are just a few of the adventures we are here to enjoy!

Adventure #42: Superheroes

“Superheroes were born in the minds of people desperate to be rescued.” ~ Jodi Picoult

I've always wanted to have super abilities. Flight. Invisibility. Telekinesis. The possibilities are endless and I'm stuck a limited mortal. One that has no potential to ever develop shape-shifting powers or super strength. I guess I could volunteer to be tested on, maybe get shot with some gamma rays or bit by a radioactive spider. But that isn't entirely conceivable. So for now - until I find a realistic option - I'll continue to pretend.

Of course, pretending is how I found my alter ego in the first place. Super Shadow has always been the better side of me. Ever since I stole my Young Women President's jacket at Girl's Camp and wore it around my neck like a cape anyway. Due to following Jen (Sister Christiansen) around that summer, I became Shadow. Snitching the jacket made me Super. I spent those days "flying" around camp - preparing meals, running errands, and creating general happiness. I felt super; I acted super.

And so I've been able to recreate this other days in my life as well. Through being Super Shadow, I've had a rare opportunity to be the type of hero I wish my every day person was. Much like what Pres. Uchtorf said:

"...we all have the capacity to be everyday heroes. Real heroes are those who try their best to inspire, uplift, and improve the lives of others, and who seek to love their fellowmen as the Lord loves them." 

It's a place to start at least. Inspiring and uplifting are, in large part, why we look to superheroes in our lives. Captain America, Batman, Thor, Wonder Woman, etc represent the power for good we desire to create in this dreary world. My goal then is to use Super Shadow to improve the lives around me. And, I hope that in some way my super-ness shines.

At least until the day, I am able to start moving things with my mind anyway. Then I'll have even more adventures to enjoy!

“Superpowers, don't always make you a superhero.” ~ Michael Grant

Adventure# 41: Advice

For a few months I've been pondering some advice from a wise friend of mine. I thought I'd share her wise words.

"One thing that I really do believe, is that when you do what's best for yourself, it ends up being what's best for others as well. I know change isn't comfortable for you, but I think you're safe in embracing it. :)" 

-Hilary Wilson

I'm still working out all the ways this applies to my life right now. And since I appreciated Hilary's assurance of my safety in change, I figured someone out there might benefit from her wisdom as well. Hope you're all continuing to enjoy your adventures!

Adventure #40: Kindness of Strangers

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” ~ Leo Buscaglia

My first day at SUU went as expected...a morning full of syllabi designed only to heighten one's stress. As I walked to my job, I reviewed in my mind the semester's worth of work that had been presented in 3 hours. I felt the work weighing on me, not yet having realized these assignments would come one at a time. With each step, I felt more and more alone in the college experience. As I was wondering what I had taken on and how to get out of it, a girl walking my way caught my attention.

She smiled as she introduced herself and turned to walk with me. Her name was Megan. We exchanged small talk about the start of classes, which included the information that this was my first semester. I suspect she already had a sense of that because she was continually upbeat in the conversation. And, without even really knowing me, she reassured me that I could handle whatever college would throw at me.

Then she left and I went to work. After that day, I saw her a few more times on campus. I'm not sure she ever recognized me but remembering her encouragement continues to bring a smile to my face.

This is the power we all have. A power to serve in whatever capacity we find ourselves. If we pay attention, we will see these opportunities to connect with others.

Fast forward about 3 years, I'm still going to SUU. I've moved off campus with some awesome roommates but our apartment is not far enough to make driving worth it. However, on the rainiest day of the year, I would have disagreed. And, even though the apartment was in sight, being completely soaked left me rather cranky.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw an umbrella open as my neighbor ran out of her house toward me. I'm amazed how quickly emotions can be flipped. As she approached, my heart swelled with gratitude, where as a moment before I was griping about how wet I was. Cassie held the umbrella for me and mentioned that she would have been out sooner if she'd seen me. I chuckled because her act was already beyond the range of usual human interaction.

We talked until we reached my doorstep. I thanked her and walked in my house with a smile. Out the front window, I watched her run back to her house, thinking about how blessed I was.

How many people do that? See a near stranger out in the storm and rush out to provide whatever assistance they can. But how simple is it to do? I still need to invest in an umbrella for such times!

The start of the following year was one of the worst. My grandma died within a week of New Year's. If there's any person I want to be like, it is her. Geneal Palmer was clever and kind and creative. She radiated positivity, even through the difficulties she faced. My world was a darker place without her. And, I know this applies to anyone who knew her.

During the semester that followed, I started an Institute class. I don't remember which one for sure but the second day of that class, I walked out to find one of the nurses that had helped take care of Grandma. Nicole asked me how Grandma was doing, to which I answered honestly. Nicole expressed her sympathy and added, "She was a great lady, kind to all of us. It was a pleasure to work with her."

I definitely agreed. Well, she gave me a hug and headed to class. And, even though I was sad, it was a refreshing reminder of the goodness I come from.

These are only three examples of the kindnesses I've seen in my life. And, I've been blessed by many more. With this, I'd like to issue a challenge today - take a moment to reflect on the kindness of strangers in your own life. Then go out and pass it on. I promise you adventures if you do.

Enjoy them.

Adventure #39: When Things Go Wrong...Ultimate Edition

"We're a thousand miles from comfort. We have traveled land and sea. But as long as you are with me, there's no place I'd rather be." ~ Rather Be, by Clean Bandit

You may have enjoyed when I locked my keys in the car. You may have followed that up with the night my battery died. I should have written about my starter going out and that towing adventure - never park underground at the library. But with everything I've been through with Merlin Perry the First, I figured I'd write about the final journey of that car.

A secondary title for this adventure should be (especially since it is Thanksgiving):

I'm Grateful for My Friend Katie

I'm glad it was Katie I was with before, during, and after the accident. If your car is going to hit a snow/ice patch on the freeway, spin a couple times, hit a barrier, and end up in the median area, it'd best be with someone who will laugh and cry with you through it. Someone who will swear through the scary parts (you'll have to ask her specifics, if you're interested - she tells great stories!). This same someone will alternate being under control then stressed, switching off with you throughout the adventure. And this was MFK for me. She brought me a blanket and Yoda, she talked about boys to keep us distracted, and kept up a list of firsts for the evening.

I've started calling this the "Miracle Accident" in my head for many reasons. When I went to clean out my car, I saw another car from the same night. Compared to that car (hood completely smashed in and air bags deployed), my car looked like Lightning Mcqueen with the parking boot...at least that's what I imagined when I saw the front wheel. So with cartoon reference in mind, it was still a miracle we walked away. And to me, that was all that mattered. Everything else was details to be handled as they came. MFK was alive, she was fine, she was safe. I am still grateful for that.

With car inoperable, we spent a night in Scipio - at the Scipio hotel in fact (Quiet, Clean, and Comfortable). It was a nice place, especially compared to standing in the median while snow loomed ominously. We got ready for bed, put in White Christmas, and fell asleep as best we could. And when the middle of the night came, and sleep chose to evade me, I was grateful to know my best friend was nearby.

The rest of the weekend came and went. We still went to Cedar, where we figured out how to get me places for the week. Two more aspects of the "Miracle" part factored in here. MFK had started carpooling to work and was able to loan me her car for a few days. This was a blessing for me as was starting work at a dealership, which got me a new car relatively smoothly. Miracles all around! And the day I got my new car, MFK graciously gave me a ride to work at Ridiculous o'clock on a Saturday morning. She is truly the best to do that for me!

That was the end of Merlin Perry the First for me. And I've recently returned from another trip to Cedar - uneventful, comparatively. So Merlin Perry the Second works great and I certainly missed my road trip buddy! MFK, when you read this, I'm blessed to have you in my life and this continues to be proven every day.

Enjoy your adventures!

Adventure #38: The Harry Potter Clause

"Who says you can't go home? There's only one place they call me one of their own...There's only one place left I want to go! Who says you can't go home?" ~ Bon Jovi

In Harry Potter, we find out that Harry has to return to the Dursleys once a year to keep his mother's love protecting him. As long as he can call it home, he can renew that protective charm.

I've realized recently that I have a similar enchantment in effect on me. Only I need to go home once a month to renew it. 

Perhaps, that's a exaggeration but when I couldn't make it back to Cedar for 2+ months, I was struggling. And, maybe I can go longer and still be okay. But I know - I experienced it - that I do better when I regularly return home.

Why is that? I'm not entirely sure. Though I do know that I love it there more than any place on earth. And some of my favorite people live there. Often I get to take other favorite people with me! There isn't much else required to recharge - my favorite place and some of my favorite people. 

And every visit is a reminder that, no matter what happens in life, I can always go home.

Adventure #37: When Things Go Wrong...Again

"Always focus on the front windshield and not the rearview mirror." ~ Colin Powell

Some people out there may remember when I locked my keys in the car. Feel free to click the link for a refresher on that situation because I'm about to tell another marvelous story with a similar feeling.

Pictured to the right are Steve (the turtle in the football helmet) and UF (short for Ugly Face - we're not sure what kinda of animal it is). Linsey and I rescued them from quarter machines in Shopko. We did this because I made a list. Because I made this list, my car died in the Shopko parking lot.

The list, for anyone curious, is of 26 things to do because I'm turning 26 on the 26th of this month (Yes, you could say I'm my mother's child in this way). On this list, one of the items was 'buy something out of a quarter machine.' That's what Linsey and I were in pursuit of. And at our first stop, we only acquired a finger light shaped like a tank (something that did come in handy later on). So we decided to check out Shopko's options as well, just as they were closing.

We made it just in time to adopt the lovely creatures seen here (does anyone know what animal UF could possibly be?) Before they could kick us out, we headed back to the car. Still debating the identity of UF, I turned the key to start the car. As Linsey describes it, it sounded like this: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I'm not going to say I freaked out but I nearly shut down. Linsey leapt straight into action. She immediately called a friend to come jump it and followed that up with a call to her brother to see if it really was the battery. She was the superhero of the evening; I'd probably still be sitting there if I'd been by myself!

Our friend arrived to attempt to jump my car. This included mile-long jumper cables, a difficult side-mount battery, and repeated attempts. Still nothing happened. No lights. No sounds. I even had to lock my doors by hand.

The decision was made to then remove the battery to go get it checked. Around this time, the first kind stranger pulled up, hoping to use his brand new jumper cables. Instead, he was able to loosen and remove the battery for us. Thanking him, we left to go to AutoZone (because it supposedly closed at 11 - no, the one we went to was closing when we got there). Either way, they tested it - bad battery. Then sent us up the road to their store that was open until 11. However, we passed an O'Reilly's with an open sign (we would have gone here originally but thought they closed at 10 - no, they were open until 11. Oh the confusion!) With all that settled, we bought a battery with relative ease...I was still quite out of it but Linsey kept things going - for which, I am most grateful!

But I think we'd nearly reached our limit because, walking out of O'Reilly's, Linsey starts laughing - busting a gut as they say (who says that? I haven't the foggiest!) I looked at her like, "What is happening?" And looking around her, I see a dog driving a car.

Okay, so it was just in the driver's seat but it was staring at us like driving was the most natural thing for it to be doing. His gaze followed us as we laughed our way to Linsey's car. I swear it was judging us as it did so.

In better spirits...at least, in crazier spirits, we returned to Shopko and my car. As dead as when we left, we used the finger light tank to light the way to implant the battery. Part way through this, two more kind strangers walked up with a flashlight to light the necessary area. Having done our best connecting, I went to try the key again.

I think I should interject here...but mostly to procrastinate the reveal. Did it work or didn't it? Maybe I should end this post here and take a poll. Who out there thinks that this is the end of the story? That my car started right up and we went on our way...Or is it possible that there's more to the story? A moral perhaps? Or another joke at least? Oh okay...I'll tell you.

Nothing. The floor lights flashed and disappeared. And as Linsey's describes it, it sounded like this: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I couldn't even think of what to do next. Linsey decided to double check with her brother about the circumstances. And I went in search of the flashlight I was pretty sure I had in the trunk. A few minutes later, we returned to the engine with a new flashlight and motto: "Let your light so shine before men..." And we disconnected the battery again. A few sparks and a pair of protective gloves later, Linsey had implanted the battery yet again. It was during this time that it started to rain and we decided that it would be nice to have lightning strike the battery, if it meant the car would start.

So we've come again to the part where I try to start the car again. But Linsey stops me.

"Wait! Let's pray. I'll say it."

I thought for a moment about a discussion we'd had an hour or so before about how I'd never really been able to see God in car problems. And as I listened to one of my best friends plead for us and for my car, I could feel a connection there. My Heavenly Father was aware of my dead battery. He'd sent kind strangers and thoughtful, capable friends to work miracles in the lonely parking lot.

The prayer ended; I opened the car door.

The lights came on.

I don't think we even needed to start the car to know that our prayer had been answered. But I turned the key, the engine roared, and we released all the tension in our laughter of relief. When we'd gotten all that out, Linsey suggested another prayer. I was more than happy to say it. Heavenly Father was certainly watching out for us and I wanted Him to know how grateful I was for that.

As Linsey wrote on my windshield: We saw a miracle and a dog driving a car! And, this is how a quarter machine quest turns into a hundreds of thousands of dollars battery-implantation excursion.

To be perfectly honest, I'm surprised I escaped without locking my keys in the car during this adventure too!