Cell Phone or Bible?

Cell Phone or Bible?
Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible
like we treat our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several time a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go.....hmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing.Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.
Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!

I found this posting on my niece's email to my Mom and I really liked the message. Just thought I would replace "bible" with "scriptures" to include bible, book of mormon, dc, etc. Other than that minor adjustment, the message is still the same.

More on Maike

Maike is liking school and all the extra activities too. I don't think I mentioned a lot about Maike before. She is from Kriftel, Germany (close to Frankfurt). I asked her if lots of her friends also are involved in exchange programs and she said no. She is a brave one- very outgoing, talkative, and funny. She loves ballroom (latin style) dancing and horseback riding. She does have one younger sister who is Ethan's age but other than that, she has had to get used to our crazy house with 4 younger kids. She has fit in great with our family and has made herself part of the family, helping me with cooking and cleaning. Rachel adores her "older sister". I'm sure she misses her family. We are lucky they have been so encouraging. She tries any food I make but we have found a couple of things that she really enjoys: beef stronganoff, peach crisp (like cobbler), and ranch dressing. She has gotten involved with the swim team and drama club at school and she has loved going with her friends to the high school football games. One of the funny things is that she thinks it is hilarious when my dad sends me emails in german and she has to translate them for me (my Dad served an LDS mission in germany about umpteen years ago!). Her favorite books are the Twilight series, which she just finished reading in german and she makes sure that her friends in Germany know that she will get to see the "New Moon" movie before they will (takes longer to get the movies due to translation issues). We are having a great time with her.

Things we can learn from a dog!

We got a ad-card in the mail yesterday from a card company trying to dig up new business. Anyways, I got a kick out of the inside message because as you will see, there is a lot of truth to it:

Things We Can Learn From a Dog:

1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.

2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

3. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

4. When it's in your best interest, always practice obedience.

5. Let others know when they've invaded your territory.

6. Take naps and always stretch before rising.

7. Run, romp, and play daily.

8. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

9. Be loyal.

10. Never pretend to be something you're not.

11. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

12. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

13. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

14. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

15. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

16. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

17. When you are happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Lil'trip to Park City

Last weekend, a friend offered to let us stay at his condo on Main Street in Park City. The unfortunate part- we had to squeeze it in between school/work, soccer games, and Maike's exchange student orientation.

We of course thought it was a great idea so that Maike could get a view of this internationally know getaway.

We drove the Alpine Loop then up through Heber Valley to Park City. The condo was amazing, overlooking Main Street.

We lucked out that the monthly gallery stroll was happening that night. What Jared and I didn't account for is that little kids and gallery strolls don't mix. In fact, upon walking into one gallery, Brady knocked something and we smoothly guided him right back out the door. We saw some very unique art pieces and ate some great ice cream.

Thoughts about 9/11

I remember distinctly where I was that morning. Rachel was just 15 mos old and Ethan was 4 1/2. It was before 9am Utah time and Jared was getting ready for work. I was sitting on my bed with Rachel and turned on the small little tv we had in our bedroom. The first time I saw it, I honestly thought someone was doing a video for a hollywood movie. But once it sank in that this was really happening, I called for Jared to come see it. He had been in with Ethan and came in and sat on the edge of the bed. Tears streaming down our faces in horror and unbelief. How could this really be happening. I suddenly felt very exposed, unprotected, scared for our future. It was hard to not become mezmorized by the replays of the events for the next several days and weeks. Time and the service from our military men and women have helped heal these insecurites and I have been grateful for the resurgence of pride in America in those few years after. I wished it could have lasted longer.

I saw this video on youtube today and wanted to pass it along. It's a survior's point of view and how it has taken him a long time to work through those events and also how he has changed for the better and completely sees the hand of God more real in his life.