Come What May, and Love It!

I took the opportunity to read Elder Worthlins final General Conference talk given just before his passing. The title of the talk was "Come What May and Love It". Here is a link to the entire talk http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-9,00.html. The talk intrigued me and also touched me deeply. The idea behind it was to teach us that although we have no control over some situations that happen in our lives, we do have control over how we ultimately handle those situations.

Interestingly enough at church on Sunday I had the opportunity to hear the talk again. It was incredible to have the story be read in a large group of women and to hear all of the different opinions, stories, and comments about the talk. Many comments were made that I had not even considered when I first read it. I believe that at times we have this opportunity to hear advise and comments that will help us further as we search for answers. One of the most meaningful comments that I remember hearing that day was that we need not be embarrased or ashamed when life has thrown us some nasty curve balls. If we don't open up and share those feelings, and try to fix them on our own, how can we expect to receive help or advice from loving family and friends with a true desire to help us.

I have a friend who has gone through alot of trials this year. She is not only embarrassed about alot of it, she is also one of those people that feels like it is more important to put on a happy face all the time no matter what and try to fix everyone elses problems, believing that by doing so, her own challenges and struggles will somehow magically disappear. She struggles with showing her emotions to anyone so she spends alot of time crying in private. She doesn't want to bother anyone with her problems as she feels that there are so many who have greater struggles than her own. She believes that no matter how bad things are for her she doesn't have to look very hard to find someone with more trials than her own. But there is one great big problem with that thinking, how can she ever expect to be able to help those around her if she is falling apart internally, and unable to accept help herself.

Back to the talk "Come What May and Love It" it reminds us that everyone has adversity sometimes and we need to remember that its OK to get upset or even angry, but that we should not dwell on the negativity. We MUST find a way to get through the trials and that we are not expected to bear those burdens alone. We must find a way to see the lesson in each trial and strive to learn how to make a positive from a negative. I have really tried to put some of Elder Worthlins advice to work (especially the part about laughter).

I have thought alot about my friend, and how hard it is for her to open up and tell anyone that she needs help or that she just needs an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on. I know that my job is to open up my heart and listen for the promptings that will allow me the opportunity to see such needs from those who are either to embarrassed, prideful, or just to scared to let anyone help. I need to continue to remind her that she is not alone.

Christmas 2008

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I'd Lost That True Christmas Spirit

It seems that every year I become a little bit more of a scrooge. About Halloween (you know the time when you begin to see signs of Christmas all over the place) I grumble. I haven't been able to put my finger on the exact reason. I think it has something to do with the pressure of the season and the fact that Christmas has become so commercialized. Today I had a friend tell me that everywhere she goes with her little girl she hears "What do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas?" Very rarely do you hear people talk about "The Reason for the Season". This year was no different, October rolled around, everywhere I looked I saw Christmas, and I grumbled. But this year was different, I knew in my heart that this was not the way I wanted to feel. I prayed for a way to make me feel that True Christmas Spirit.

I read the book THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS several years ago and I remember the feeling that I had, I really felt different that year. I knew if I could see the show live that it would help me get that feeling back, so I tried to purchase tickets but they were all SOLD OUT! I was so bummed. Then on Saturday a good freind called and told me that she had purchased several tickets a couple of months ago for all of the Young Women in our ward and there were some that couldn't make it, so she offered me some of the tickets. I was so excited, especially because Saturday was the final night it was going to be playing in our area. All I can say is WOW!!!!! It was an answer to my prayer for my heart to feel the true Christmas Spirit again. I highly recommend seeing it live.

I went to the bookstore today and picked up a couple of copies of the DVD. So tonight Kevin and I decided to ask Mom and Dad if they would like to have Family Night with us and watch the video. I jokingly made assignments. I told them that if Kevin would be in charge of the prayers, Mom was in charge of the songs and Dad in charge of the treats, that I would be in charge of the lesson (the video). Although the video is not quite the same experience as seeing the show live, It was still a great "Christmas" Family Home Evening.

LUCKY 7 - THANKS SHEILA

I got tagged by Sheila (THANKS Sheila). Usually when I get these tags, I kind of dread them but this one is different. I like to find out things about people that I wouldn't otherwise know.

This is how it works:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.

2. Post the rules on your Blog (copy and paste 1-7)

3. Write 7 random things about yourself.

4. Tag 7 people at the end of your post and link to them.

5. Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.

6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Here goes Seven[7] Factoids about ME:

1. I dropped out of school. I know, I know maybe I shouldn't have started my 7 with what appears to be a negative but it has a happy ending. I took and passed my GED 16 years ago and have never looked back! WOOHOO!

2. I married Kevin when I was 16. Boy everyone must be thinking what a stinker I was, and its true. But "WAS" is the key word here. After marrying Kevin I realized that had my life been on a different path things may not have turned out the same way. He is the very best thing that ever happened to me. I am a firm believer in EVERTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON! (Which just happens to be my #3).

3. I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason (is there an echo in here?) There is a purpose for everything............ good or bad in our lives.

4. I am the Assistant Executive Director for Clark County Fair. I have been employed at the Fair for 10 years but have been involved for many more years than that (mostly as a cashier). I took a 2 year break in between the 10 to completely focus on Real Estate, but we all know how the Real Estate Market is right now so I am very greatful to have my job at the Fair.

5. Since marriage (26 years), We have moved 20 times. Yep, you heard me right, 20 times! While some of them were by choice, most of them were not. Sitting here reminiscing about each move I realized that life has not always been an easy journey but from the associated sorrows we are much stronger and much, much more compassionate and understanding of others circumstances.

6. I had mononucleosis when I was about 9 or 10. It used to be known as the "kissing disease". Boy if you don't think I got a good teasing in school then......... Come to find out it comes from being run down, (the Epstein Virus). Mine was traced to sharing lip gloss (the "in thing" when I was that age) at school. It was believed that it was SOOO contagious, that I had to spend 2 weeks in my room and only come out for potty breaks. If I remember correctly, Mom would clear the house of any humans before she would come and escort me to the bathroom. (Mom correct me if Im wrong but this is how I remember it).

7. I popped my spleen (well actually ruptured, but popped sounds so much more dramatic) jumping on my freinds tampoline when I was about 12 or 13. We used to play that crazy game where everyone would jump at the same time and you would hope that one person, usually me, would land a nano second later than everyone else and really catapult into the sky. Well this particular time I catapulted alright, and came straight down on my freinds knee with my stomache. OUCH!!!!!!! I also remember biting completely through my tongue on that same trampoline and could only have liquids through a straw for several days until the wound was healed. I still have the scar from that one!

Thanks again Sheila! This has been a fun (well slightly painful but mostly fun) trip down memory lane.

I tag; Dave, Lindsay, Annette, Ronda, Danila, Taryn, Brittany

SHUT UP AND LISTEN!

For about the past 2 years I have had something very strange taking place around me......at least once a week I will randomly look at either my car clock, the microwave clock, the alarm clock

my cell phone clock

and even my computer clock and see 11:11.

(I know, I know now everyone is going to know how really weird I am.) I even remember being at a hair appointment and looking at the clock there and seeing 11:11. But this is happening way to much for me not to think something strange is taking place. So of course what do I do, I go right to the ever faithful internet and type in 11:11. And guess what? I find that I am not alone. This strange phenomenon is happening to a great big group of people. So what is this all about? Here are a couple of interpretations that I found;

Some say that these are signs from our angels that they are with us, that we are on the

right track, or that something is about to happen. Still others say that when we have this experience, our DNA is being activated on some level - whatever that means. It all comes down to the same thing: this experience is what it feels like it is - a call to pay attention to what may be happening beneath the surface of reality - on what we might call a "spiritual" level.

When you see these number sequences, stop and wonder for a moment at the strangeness of this synchronicity, and what it must mean about the deeper, hidden nature of life. Whether you think angels, aliens or some other force is behind these experiences isn't the point: the important thing is to note that something is trying to tell you something, and it wants you to stop and get quiet and receptive enough to really hear it, for then it can guide you wherever you personally need to go.

Ive tried to shrug it off and say that its just a coincidence but it happens alot. I had such an experience today at my office. As I was going through one of my real estate files, I pulled out several pieces of paper to make copies. As I read through each one I noticed that there was

11 11 everywhere within this file. A home inspection had been performed on this particular property and in viewing it I noticed that the inspection was done on 11-11-08, (my first 11 11 of the day). Upon further review I noticed that the report number for the inspection was 111108, (the second 11 11) On another one of the papers was a fax number that read (702 )_ _ _-4115 (I left the prefix out to protect the innocent, LOL). Notice first the 11 in the middle of the number but whats even stranger is that 4115 equalls.......... you guessed it 11! Ok I was getting a little freaked about this until I re-read the interpretations from earlier.

I personally like the idea of the last sentence;

The important thing is to note that something (or someone) is trying to tell you something, and it wants you to stop and get quiet and receptive enough to really hear it, for it can guide you wherever you personally need to go.

Or as I have said to my sister many a times since this has been happening I just need to

"shut up and listen"

to whatever it is Im being told!

Natures BEAUTY!!!

I have taken some pictures the past several days that I want to share. There really is so much beauty around us if we just take the time to stop and look, to really stop and smell the roses.

Here is an incredible sunset I took while leaving my office a couple of days ago. Had I not turned around, and been in a big hurry (like I usually am) I would have missed this.

My Mom and Dad were here over the weekend. Friday night we were leaving to have dinner and noticed this gorgeous moon.

This one is for Kevin. He considers Pumkin Pie to be beautiful, or maybe its just that he gets so excited when I actually cook something. hehe! He did say it tasted good.

This home is adorable!

I decided each time I get a new listing I will post about it. This home is so cozy and cute! It has a very "Homey" feel to it. It is 1848 square feet and sits on almost an acre of land (.92) to be exact. It has 5 bedrooms, 2 full baths and includes all the appliances (stainless steel) fridge, stove, microwave and dishwasher. The washer and dryer are also included.

Front View

Living Room

Dining Room

Kitchen

Master Bedroom

Master Bath

Second Bath

Adorable Entryway

You can get more information about this home and more on my Real Estate Link

www.lori-waters.com

If you know of anyone wanting to buy or sell a home have them give me a call.

The Village of Deryck in the Kingdom called Overton

Once upon a time there were two canines named Prince Gunner and Prince Clutch. Both canines were lonely and longed to have a best friend. Prince Gunner, the overly active canine, moved to a new house in a wee kingdom known as Overton. Prince Clutch, the more laid back canine, lived in a much larger kingdom known as Las Vegas. Both canines would spend hours dreaming of what it would be like to have a best friend.

Prince Gunner (the overly active canine)

Prince Clutch (the more laid back canine)

Prince Gunner would spend hours inside only to be let out every few hours for a nature call. Prince Gunner became very lonesome. One day Prince Gunners very handsome Master Deryck, and Derycks very handsome Father King Kevin, put up a fence in Derycks yard.

As soon as the fence was complete, Prince Gunner was allowed to roam the yard without any supervision. You see in months past Prince Gunner would sneak out of the yard in search for a new best friend and his Master Deryck would become very angry when he had to chase Prince Gunner down the road to catch him. But even with the new found freedom of an enclosed yard Prince Gunner still felt lonely and felt that something was missing.

Meanwhile, many miles away Prince Clutch too would spend hours every day dreaming about a new best friend. When Prince Clutchs very handsome Master Jestin heard that his brother Deryck was puting up a fence for canines to run free, he thought of how nice it would be for Prince Clutch to be able to experience life in the tiny kingdom of Overton. So Jestin and Deryck agreed that both canines should live for a time together and run wild and free in Derycks village in the tiny kingdom of Overton. So the next morning they set out for the long one hour journey.

Upon Prince Clutchs arrival in the year of 2008 and the month of December, both canines were a bit nervous about these new arrangements. They spent several minutes sniffing one another as canines do. They then chased one another barking and growling, showing their teeth, each trying to show that they were the better canine. After a short time Prince Gunner (the overly active canine) was nearly worn out from all of the days activities, while Prince Clutch (the laid back canine) had discovered some new found energy. Both soon realized that they had been granted their wish, each now had a new best friend. They both showed their appreciation to their Masters by giving them wet canine kisses letting them know how much they would enjoy their new found friends and their new found lives together in the village of Deryck, in the tiny Kingdom of Overton.

THE END

OH I GET IT NOW!

Maybe its just this sickness or maybe Im just getting soft.....not sure which (or maybe its both and then some) whatever it is Im not sure how to interpret it. I swear I have cried at least twice a week for the past 2 or 3 months. I do have to admit that most of the tears have been happy tears or tears that you cry when you share memories or your testimony with friends and family. I have had the awesome opportunity to share some of my most personal thoughts and experiences these past couple of weeks with some family members. I find that I cannot hardly begin to speak and Im crying, (such a cry baby). I feel like I personally have had some real spiritual growing experiences. Times when you feel like the information you are recieving or learning about is stuff that you have known or that you learned about several years ago, Its the same lessons, the same information but this time my understanding of certain things is different. You know the times Im talking about, the times when you go.......OH I GET IT NOW! Ive heard it said before that you will recieve information as you are ready for it or when you really need it. Well for some reason Im REALLY, REALLY ready for it or better still I REALLY, REALLY need it.......................But it is also at these very moments, the moments that seem to be nearly perfect that Satan steps in and tries his hardest to confuse you. It angers him to think about anyone moving forward with a positive Eternal prospective. Thank goodness we recognize this and are able to put a BIG STOP to his nasty little plan. Can't you just picture this, Satan sneaking up on us, in a room that has no light, ready to pounce, knowing that he can grab us as long as it remains dark. When suddenly the lights come on, and he is forced to go back where he came from without the precious cargo he came for, US!

I know this post probably sounds like rambling to some but after these past two weeks, to some it will have very significant meaning. Oh and brace yourselves for this next piece of information.........................Im crying again! (Imagine that!)

Ive been grounded by my BEST FRIEND!

Ive been grounded, well not really grounded, maybe reprimanded (I had to look this word up in mydictionary.com, to make sure it was the right word for the occasion.) "a severe or formal rebuke, esp. by a person in authority". I would have to say that yes, reprimanded is the correct word. That "person in authority" just happens to be Kevin. You see I have been sick the past several days, the same yucky stuff that everyone else has had, stuffy nose, congested head, little or no voice (which some would probably add may not be such a bad thing.......LOL). Today as Kevin and I were heading to Sugars for lunch (yes we eat there more than our fair share), I commented to Kevin that it seemed that everyone else that has had this sickness seems to get over it alot quicker than I am. Do you know what his response back to me was? He said "maybe everyone else doesn't stay up all hours of the night "blogging"! He is right you know, and who would know better than he, the poor guy that has gone to bed alone for the past several weeks while I sit in front of the computer and make sure that someone doesn't happen to post something since the last time I looked, (like an hour earlier). He told me that my body hasn't got near the rest that it needs to get over this crap. WHAT!!!!!!!! A body requires more than 4 or 5 hours of sleep a night? Oh, I suppose he's right..........(shhhhh don't let him hear me say that, I have a reputation you know) So I promised to do my posting (and stalking) earlier from now on.

This all got me thinking about how much I love him. I love that he worries about me and wants me to take care of myself. I love that he would do anything for me and more. He has been so patient with me through the years and I appreciate that. He has a heart of GOLD! He is the person I most want to be with all the time in fact he probably gets sick of me and would like a little time to himself now and then. Kevin is the greatest Dad ever, he really is as much a friend to his boys as he is a father. Im sure any of the kids (daughter in laws included) would agree that he is a great Dad! My boys are great providers, husbands and in Jestin's case Dads, because of Kevins example. I always knew that when my boys got married and had kids of their own I had nothing to fear.

How do I begin to tell you how lucky I am

to have you in my life?

I'll start by saying what an honor it is

for me to be your wife.

You're my best friend in the good times

and my rock in times of sorrow.

You're the reason for sweet yesterdays

and my promise for tomorrow.

I never thought I could feel this loved

until I became your wife.

You made this year and every year

the best one of my life.

YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND!

Kevin, it is an HONOR to be your wife! I love you!!!!!!!!!!

Friends

Have you ever met someone and immediately felt a special bond with them? Felt like you have known them forever......... This comment sums up my friendship with Camille...

"Two may talk together under the same roof for many years, yet never really meet; and two others at first speech are old friends". Mary Catherwood

I have thrown in a few more comments to sum up our friendship, some have names, some are Anonymous

What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies. ~ Aristotle

"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light."~ Helen Keller

Where there are friends, there is wealth.~ Titus Maccius Plautus

"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." ~ Bernard Meltzer

"A friend is a present you give yourself." ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Good friends are good for your health.~ Irwin Sarason

"Friends are the chocolate chips in the cookie of life."

"Friends are the angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."

We haven't known each other for very many years but somehow I feel like we have been friends forever.

Love ya Camille!!!