Christmas in the Heart!

Christmas in the Heart
-- Author unknown

it is Christmas in the manison,
yule-log fires and silken frocks;
It is Christmas in the cottage,
Mother's filling little socks;
It is Christmas on the Highway,
In the throning, busy mar,
But the dearest truest Christmas,
Is the Christmas in the Heart.

No Hands But Our Hands!

No Hands But Our Hands

Shortly after the culmination of the Second World War,
a devasted city in England began its heartbreaking and
weary work of restoration. In the old city square had
stood a large statue of Jesus Christ with His hands out-
spread in an attitude of invitation. On the pedestal
were carved the words, "Come unto me."

In the process of the restoration of the statue, with
the aid of master artists and sculptors. the figure
eventually was reassembled, except for the hands,
of which no fragments could be discovered anywhere
in the surrounding rubble. Someone made the
suggestion that the artists, since the former hands
could not be found, would have to fashion new
hands.

Later came a public protest, couched in the words,
"No, leave Him without hands!" So today, in the public
square of that English city, the restored statue of
Christ stands without hands, and on its base are
carved the words, "Christ has no hands but ours.!"

At this Christmas time, let's think of something we
can do!!

Author Unknown

Let's remember that we can help Christ with the Work here that He can't do. We can help those of our fellow friends who may need to be lifted and comforted. May we look for those who need our help and be willing to be Christ's Hands.

New Job!

So November 21st I started my new job at Mainstreet Valuations. It pays $12 a hour. I work with real estate agents. I answer their questions and make sure they are doing what needs to be done. I work from 8 to 1. Then I sub at the Daycare whenever they need someone.

Thanksgiving!

So we had a wonderful Thanksgiving up at my uncle Mike's and Aunt Chris' house. It was my grandma, Shelby, Abby, my parents and me. Mike's family and my aunt's dad Dick. So it was a pretty small gathering. The turkey was amazing. it was pretty moist. Then for Dessert the Hull side of the family came over. Bob, Shannon and their three kids (Natalie, Jacque and Will). Aunt Jean. Cousin Karen. Dean, Kristen and their kids (Erin and her husband Chad, Kylie and her boyfriend Eli and Scott. So it was fun to see everyone. Ready for the Christmas season and to be able to finally listen to Christmas music.

For the Beauty of the Earth!

Each of week I am going to post a song that stood out to me. Today it is "For the Beauty of the Earth" I think this is a great song coming into the Thanksgiving Season.

For the Beauty of the Earth

For the beauty of the earth
For the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.

For the beauty of each hour,
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower,
Sun and moon, and stars of light.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild.

My Grateful 30!

1. A warm home to live in.
2. A loving family.
3. A car that works.
4. A brother who is willing to serve a mission for two years.
5. A job!
6. The wonderful friends I have.
7. The new friends I have made.
8. A wonderful ward.
9. Great neighbors.
10. Wonderful parents.
11. Food to eat.
12. Scriptures.
13. A living Prophet today!
14. Joseph Smith restoring the Gospel today!
15. The wonderful places I have been.
16. The trials in my life.
17. My testimony.
18. Great Young Women Leaders!
19. Great teachers i had in school.
20. The gospel in my life!
21. My testimony of the Savior.
22. Music.
23. Having lived 23 fulling years!
24. A blog that I can share my testimony and feelings of the church!
25. My calling that helps me to get to know more girls in the ward.
26.Modern conveniences.
27. The Pioneers.
28. My Grandparents.
29. My aunts and uncles.
30. My cousins.

Four Years today!

Today is the four year mark of the death of my Grandma Fran Potter. It is hard to believe that it has already been four years. I miss her daily and still wish that she was her with us. But I know that she is in a better place and isn't in pain anymore. But she is still greatly missed. Love you Grandma!

This is My Testimony!

I know that my Savior is there and cares about everything that is happening in my life. The joyous times and the difficult times. I know that He is someone that I can always talk to when I don't have anyone else. He listens, He cares and He answers. I just look around at the beauty in the world and see His hand in it. How can anyone look and the mountains, the ocean or the beautiful leaves in the fall and not know there is a God? He is there. He had a hand in the making of this beautiful world we live in. He helps make us who we should be. This song came as a comfort to me in a time of need.

I feel my Savior's love

I feel my Savior’s love
In all the world around me.
His Spirit warms my soul
Through ev’rything I see.

Chorus
He knows I will follow him,
Give all my life to him.
I feel my Savior’s love,
The love he freely gives me.

I feel my Savior’s love;
Its gentleness enfolds me,
And when I kneel to pray,
My heart is filled with peace.

Chorus
He knows I will follow him,
Give all my life to him.
I feel my Savior’s love,
The love he freely gives me.

I feel my Savior’s love
And know that he will bless me.
I offer him my heart;
My shepherd he will be.

Chorus
He knows I will follow him,
Give all my life to him.
I feel my Savior’s love,

The love he freely gives me.

I’ll share my Savior’s love
By serving others freely.
In serving I am blessed.
In giving I receive.

Chorus
He knows I will follow him,
Give all my life to him.
I feel my Savior’s love,
The love he freely gives me.

I know! and that's enough for me! This song has brought peace to my soul when I needed it most.

Cool findings!

So this past week my mom decided she needed to look in the Family History Binder we had upstairs. While looking through it she realized that in 1927 My Great Uncle William Milton McElprang served His mission in Mississippi. He was in Darbon, Mississippi which is just a through way today. But is right outside of Hattisburg, Mississippi which is where Nate is serving right now. It was so cool. My mom contacted one of His daughters and she is going to send us stories from His missionary journal that we can share with Nate.

William Milton McElprang

This uncle Milton actually saved my grandpa's life when He was a baby. My Grandpa William "Bill" was born with a rare blood disorder and they didn't think that we would live. so they just named Him William. But uncle Milton had the same blood type as my grandpa and would go to Price have His blood taken and bring it back. They would then give the blood to my grandpa. So that is why He got named William. Milton was my Great Grandma Della Adelia's older brother.

I know that My Redeemer Lives!

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

I know that my Redeemer lives;
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever living Head.

He lives to bless me with His love,
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed,
He lives to help in time of need.

He lives to grant me rich supply,
He lives to guide me with His eye,
He lives to comfort me when faint,
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears,
He lives to wipe away my tears
He lives to calm my troubled heart,
He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly Friend,
He lives and loves me to the end;
He lives, and while He lives, I’ll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

He lives and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death:
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives, all glory to His Name!
He lives, my Jesus, still the same.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives,
I know that my Redeemer lives!

* This is also another one of the many Hymns that I love so much! I do know that He lives and that He truly does love each and everyone of us. He does want us to return to His presence. He can help us if we but ask Him for His Help.

Come Thou Fount!

This has been one of my favorite songs for a very long time. We sang it almost everyday when I went on Heritage Tours. I even used it in a talk once on Gratitude. Here are the words:

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Sorrowing I shall be in spirit,
Till released from flesh and sin,
Yet from what I do inherit,
Here Thy praises I’ll begin;
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood;
How His kindness yet pursues me
Mortal tongue can never tell,
Clothed in flesh, till death shall loose me
I cannot proclaim it well.

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

O that day when freed from sinning,
I shall see Thy lovely face;
Clothed then in blood washed linen
How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace;
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away;
Send thine angels now to carry
Me to realms of endless day.

I really do love this song. I was so thankful that my family on Heritage Tours loved it as much as I did. Anytime we were in charge of a devotional we would sing this song. Just love it, so much.

I Believe in Christ!

This is one of my favorite Hymns:

I Believe in Christ

I believe in Christ; he is my King! with all my heart
to him I'll sing; I'll raise my voice in praise and joy, In grand
amens my tongue employ.
I believe in Christ; he is God's son. On earth to dwell his soul did
come. He healed the sick; the dead he raised. Good works were his;
his name be praised.

I believe in Christ; Oh blessed name! As Mary's
Son he came to reign 'Mid mortal men, his
earthly kin, To save them from the woes of sin.
I believe in Christ, who marked the path, Who did gain
all his father hath, Who said to men, "come,
follow me, that ye, my friends, with God my be."

I Believe in Christ-my Lord, my God! My feet he
plants on gospel sod. I'll worship him with
all my might; He is the source of truth and light.
I believe in Christ; he ransoms me. From Satan's
grasp he sets me free, And I shall live with
joy and love In his eternal courts above.

I believe in Christ; he stands supreme! From him I'll
gain my fondest dream; And while I strive through
grief and pain, His voice is heard: "Ye shall obtain."
I believe in Christ; so come what may, with him I'll
stand in that great day When on this earth he
comes again To rule among the sons of men.

I do believe in Christ. I know that no matter what I am going through or struggling with that He is there to support and love me. I just have to ask for His help and He will give it to me. I know that He answers my prayers. I have had it happen before and it can happen again. I am so very thankful for this Gospel in my life. I don't know where I would be with out it. I can proudly say "I BELIEVE IN CHRIST!"

Where has the time gone?

It is hard to believe that come Monday Nate's 9 week stay in the mtc is up. He leaves bright and early Monday morning for Jackson. His flight leaves at 6:20 so that means we have the nice early phone call before then. I believe we are all sleeping with a phone by our beds so that we can all talk to him. Apparently He was told that one night when He was sleeping He slept talked in spanish. So that's a good sign! I am so excited for Him. He will have the best experience of His life.

Dressing up for work!

So it's that time of year again where I have to think about what I am going to be for Halloween. I have not been big into dressing up for Halloween for a long time. I don't like having to think about what I am going to be and trying to either buy it or make a costume. Last year I was a weird doctor. pretty sure I came up with that one the night before. I wore a purple wig, some scrubs and one of my dad's doctor coats. I also had our play toy doctor bag. But this year I think that I am going to be a pumpkin. Pictures to come of last years and this years. I just need to find which camera the picture of last years was on.

I AM A MORMON!

Doctrine and Covenants 115:4-5
"For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
"Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations;"

The Church of Jesus Christ
I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know who I am. I know God's plan. I'll follow him in faith. I believe in the Savoir, Jesus Christ. I'll honor his name. I'll do what is right; I'll follow his light. His truth I will proclaim.

I know that my Savior lives and loves me. I know that this Church is true. I know that He loves me and is always there for me.I know that we having a living prophet today.

19!

So today is my brother Nate's 19th birthday! How exciting! Since He is still in the MTC I sent him a nice package with a few of His favorite things. Red vine licorice, Jerky, Swedish Fish, Reese peanut butter cups shaped like pumpkins, some pictures, two paddle balls, a memory card for his camera and a nice birthday card. My mom stuck some raisinetts in there cause she didn't have room in her package. But I guess quit a few people sent Him some packages this week. He is getting so spoiled. Hopefully He hasn't gotten to use to this, cause once He is out in Mississippi then it will be really expensive to send Him a package every week like He has been getting. But He is doing well. His Estimated departure date is either October 17th or October 18th. We don't know yet. Maybe we will find out in His letter tomorrow.

Another blog!

I know starting another blog might not be the smartest idea I have had since I am horrible at keeping this one updated. But I figured since it is my brother's letters home I will be able to just log in and paste His e-mails. we will see. but it is called thoughts from a missionary in Jackson. I thought that was pretty clever. So if you want to check out how He is doing you can. Hopefully I will keep it updated better then this one.

Half Way!

Well Nate is at the half way mark in the MTC. It really seems like He just went in. Time goes by quickly when you keep busy. It was killer last week waiting for His e-mail. Our internet had gone down so we couldn't read His e-mail. Dad thankful printed it off at work and I printed one off at the Chases's. Because you really do get so excited to receive the next e-mail and see how He really is doing and how the week went by.

Time Flies!

Wow. It is so hard to believe that Nate has been gone almost four weeks! Maybe these next two years will go by quickly. My birthday was on Friday. So on Saturday to celebrate we went to Lagoon. I haven't been to lagoon in so long. But we really did have a fun time. I think mom and dad were a little tired that night. Pictures to come soon. I just need to find where my camera is. This is what really makes it seem like time has flown by. Abby little sister is learning how to drive and will be getting her learners permit soon, it seems like just yesterday that I was learning how to drive. That is such a scary thought. So when Nate gets home she will be almost driving. That is so weird. Today she went out driving in the church parking lot with dad. My grandma Kay came to dinner to celebrate my birthday. She comes every year. I love her so much.

Nate!

Nate Going to the MTC!

Dropping Him off at the MTC!

Abby, Shelby, Nate, Mom &I

Abby, Shelby, Nate & I. The night before taking Him to the MTC!

Nate left today!

So today is the day that we went and dropped Him off at the MTC! First we went to lunch at JCW'S because that is the restaurant He wanted to eat at before leaving. We stopped by Missionary Mall to see if His Shirts had come in but they hadn't. Then headed over to the Provo Temple were we hung out and took some more pictures before taking Him to the MTC! 12:55 we dropped Him off. Then He was taken by a host missionary. pictures to come later.

Hard to believe!

It is hard to believe that Nate leaves on His mission next Wednesday. Today we are getting ready to have everyone over to our house Sunday for His Farewell lunch. My Grandma and Grandpa Ensign come into town today. Which I am excited to see them. I don't think we have seen them since last May. Then we have lots of friends and family coming on Sunday. It's going to be a crazy 6 days until He leaves.

Yellowstone!

My Mom thinks this maybe a bear cave. The white
on the ground looks like bones. (Seen on our way to firepool falls)

Abby, Dad, Me and Nate at
Fire pool Falls.

This is the cabin we stayed in at Yellowstone.
Mack's Inn

Fountain Geyser. I like this one a lot more
then I did Old Faithful.

Old Faithful

Lower Falls. Loved this waterfall.

Abby, Nate & Dad!

Chilling in construction on the way into
Yellowstone!

The Baby Moose I saw!

So we haven't been back to Yellowstone since I was four. So 18 yrs. We decided it would be a good family vacation before Nate leaves on His mission. We watched for lots of wildlife but didn't see more then just moose. I did see a buffalo on the side of the road but wasn't able to get a picture of it. We went to Lower and Upper falls. they were amazing. so much water coming out of them. Then we went and walked around on some boardwalks looking at little geysers and steam pockets. Then we headed over to Old Faithful. We had to wait a half hour for it to go off. Not going to lie but I really enjoyed the fountain geyser that we saw today more. You could feel the water from it while standing on the boardwalk.
My family wanted to go play in the water at Fire pool. but since the water was so high it was closed off. There was an amazing waterfall though. While on our way out of the park we stopped off at Lewis Falls. There really are amazing waterfalls all over in Yellowstone.
After our little stop offs in Yellowstone we were on the road home. We took so many stops on the way home. Just to stretch and get out of the car. By time we got home we were all very sick of the car.
I am very happy to be home. It really was a great trip. But there is no place like home!

Utah to Tetonia and everywhere in between!

So Friday August Fifth we left to go see Shelby. She is working at Battle Creek in Idaho. On our way up we stopped off at Lava Hot Springs. We wanted to float the river. I had seen some videos online of people floating it and didn't think it would be that bad. Oh but I was wrong. My mom and I floated it in a two man tub. (not a good idea.) Every little rapid (all two) that we came to we got thrown off the tub. The water has lava rock in it and the water wasn't very deep. So my mom and I got pretty scraped up. The second time we got thrown off She went to one side of the river and I went to the other. So I am standing by this 20 to 25 ft. cement wall, trying to keep from floating down the river since there were more rapids coming and I didn't want anymore scraps. I have one shoe in my hand. My dad is standing above me and my mom has walked over there now. My dad tried to pull me out but he couldn't get me out. He tried getting me on tub with another family to float with them until I can get out of the water. Yeah didn't make it on that tube. So once my brother finished floating He came and pulled me out over the wall. I have scraps on my ankle, my knees, and my arms. They floated it again, but my mom and I didn't. (Sorry don't have pictures of Lava Hot Springs)

Me, Mom, Shelby & Abby

Dad

This is Us at Badger Creek visiting Shelby. While there my family did a giant swing, climbed a rock wall and did a zip line. I didn't because I am not a huge fan of heights.

This is the cabin we stayed at while at Badger Creek.

More Sunsets

Sorry More Sunsets pictures!
but last nights sunset was pretty amazing!

I love sunsets!

I just love sunsets! so I thought I will add a couple of pictures
of sunsets that I have taken.

oh the joys of working with kids!

So from some child or adult I guess. I some how got pink eye. But when I have pink eye I can't go to work. Which can be pretty tough since you feel great but it's contagious. Since I have been working at the daycare I have been to the instacare for the following:
* Pneumonia
* Sinus Infection
*Sinus Infection
*Pink eye
* and Sinus infection
Man Sinus infections must really like to attach themselves to me. Well I have heard the first year of working with kids you catch almost everything. So hopefully my year is up soon and I can get back to hardly getting sick.

Where has summer gone?

It seems like this summer has gone by so quickly. I don't even really know that I did anything to major. I did go to the Manti Pageant with my old singles ward. June 23rd to the 25th I went to Yuba with my new singles ward.(Heritage Park) I did go to the Miss Utah pageant with my cousin and stayed in Kaysville. We will be going to Idaho next weekend for My uncle Bill's funeral. Then the next week my family is gone on Trek. Then August 5th to the 9th we are going to Idaho again for our last family vacation before Nate leaves on his Mission! We are going to go to the camp that Shelby is working at and see her. Then August 11th My grandma Jody and Grandpa Don are coming to see us before Nate leaves. Nate's farewell is the 14th. Then He leaves the 17th:( busy next couple of weeks.

Big Day!

Yesterday was kind of a big deal at our house. My little brother got his mission call. He started reading it and I looked over at my dad and started to cry. He got his call to Mississippi Jackson mission, Spanish Speaking. He leaves August 17th! ONLY EIGHT WEEKS! I am so happy for him.
I still have a huge grin on my face since I am so excited for my Brother.

Right after he opened His call I left to go down to the Manti pagent. Rachelle Ackley was sweet enough to ride down with me later then everyone else. We had a great car ride down with no incidents. The pagent ended at about 11:1o then we left Manti by 11:30. The car ride seems so much longer when its late at night. We got home at about 1:30.

Ward Change!

So this Sunday was my first Sunday in my new ward. Last Sunday they made all the singles wards in our area into a stake. my old ward got split in half. Half of us are now in the Lone Peak ward and they other half (my half) is in the Heritage Park ward. It will probably take some time to get use to it. but I am missing my friends that are in the other ward now. I am not a huge fan of change it sometimes can really stress me out. So I know that it will just take some time for me to adjust.

St. George!

So this last weekend my Singles Ward did a Temple trip to St. George.

We left the afternoon of May 19th and started to drive. we were suppose

to follow in a line the way there but that didn't happen. Everyone basically

ended up passing the Front car which was Bishop Madsen's car.

I was suppose to drive. but when it was going to end up just being

Shelby and I, we found someone else to ride with.

In the car we rode in there was: Taylor Wiscombe, Joe,

Kaylee Sandstrom, Adam Celya, Devin Ellis, Shelby and I.

So we drove to Nephi and got off so the boys could get some food.

It took a little while and then we were backing on the road.

A little ways down the road it was snowing. so I was glad I was not driving.

We passed a car that had gone off the road from the traffic going North bound. The

boys decide to turn around and help her. So we got her pulled out and back on the

road. We were suppose to be to St. George by 8:00. yeah that didn't happen.

it was closer to 9:15 which we were fine with. we went to a choir rehearsal for a choir that

Brother Rigby does. There we were to meet the host families we were to stay with.

The first day of our trip we did a hike to the Temple Quarry and then went to the temple and did baptisms for the dead. some did sealings and endowments. It really is a beautiful temple.

Our Family was the Layton Family.

Ron & Marlaine

They were so good to us. Marlaine had a candybar

and note for us everyday. We also had family prayer and a scriputer each night.

On the day we hiked to the Temple quarry she packed us a bag that had an apple,

string cheese and a water. She even came on the hike

with us to the Temple Quarry. I got so burned.

Shelby and I outside the St. George Tabernacle

The Brigham Young Winter Home





Back: Becca, Rachelle, Macquel, Chris, Devon, Alexis, Mikayla, Shelby, Emily

Front: Carmen, Ally, Megan, Carly



So while the rest of the ward went to do temple work, (we didn't have appointments for baptism) we all went to the Brigham
Young winter home. Then when everyone was done at the temple we went to
Sand Hallow Reservoir were we hung out with a Hurricane Ward.



After that we were on the road to Cedar City to have some Cafe Rio. But part way between
St. George and Cedar City Taylor's car ran out of gas. Since it was diesel it made it difficult
just to start it up when it died. So we had a car ahead of us go get us some gas. while we were
waiting on the side of the road we came up with ways to entertain ourselves. We found a coffee cup that was on the side of the road down the hill. so we started throwing rocks at it to see who could hit it. It was going well until Adam Decker picked up a big piece of road and dropped it on it. so then we resorted to throwing rocks at each other. We also got a couple of Semi's to honk for us.

Once they got there with the gas we tried starting the Surban. but we didn't have enough gas and ended up having to be towed to the next gas station where we could get more gas.
After it was all fixed and started we were back on the road to Cedar City and got our Cafe Rio. We got back on the road by almost nine, so we didn't make it home until 12:30.
But all in all it was a really great trip and was so much fun getting to know more people.

Moving Home!

So this week I am in the process of moving home. I spend alot of time here since i haven't had money for groceries. So then this way I can save money better then before and then I can go back to school or whatever I decide to do with my life.
I would still love to go to France with Stephanie Scoresby sometime and have money to travel would be fun.

I need to be better!

I have decided that I need to be better about writing on my blog. Whenever something happens I usually write on my blog and not my journal. so I have decided to use this as my journal. Write about the wonderful things going on in my life. There is one thing that is happening. I will be moving home March 11th. It is just too expensive and I am hardly at my apartment anyways. So it just made sense to move home.
So this weekend I have been in the process of cleaning out my sister Shelby's room so that I can use it. Mom has turned my room into a craft room/guest room. Which I am fine with since Shelby has the bigger closet. It will probably be difficult moving home again. But this way I will be able to save money better then before.