The Butterfly Effect

Last night our Stake President taught us about the butterfly effect.  We learned that small changes, such as a butterfly flapping its' wings, could have large results around the world, like redirecting a tornado's path in Kansas.  While something like this is very hard to prove, the idea that a small effort on an individual's part could make a big difference for someone is a beautiful thought.  As we learn in the Book of Mormon, "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass" (Alma 37:6).  I hope that we can all have faith that there is much good in this world and that we can do the small and simple things to make good's influence grow and be felt by everyone.  It all could be as easy as a butterly simply flapping its' wings.

Photo Credit:  http://www.boston.com/community/moms/blogs/parent_buzz/Butterfly%20landing%20-%20butterfly.jpg

Earthly Tabernacles

A professor at Utah State University begins each semester by showing a series of architectural marvels. He speaks about the amazing strength of the design and the workmanship in the building of these masterpieces. This is probably not an unusual occurrence in a classroom, however this is for a class on human anatomy. He concludes his architectural showcase by explaining that however amazing these structures are, the human body is infinitely more complex and perfectly made.

It amazes me to think about the things our bodies can do, and just do do, all of the time. In this age when so many of us criticize ourselves for not looking precisely like an airbrushed magazine I think that we need to teach our children and ourselves to truly appreciate the amazing gift of bodies that we have been given (as these great researchers have pointed out, "negative self talk" about ourselves is not only depressing, but actually has other detrimental results).

I know I do not have the "perfect" body by the world's standards, but I have really started thinking about how blessed I am. Some of the small things that I have been noticing that I usually take for granted are: singing lullabies, typing, playing instruments, walking, hugging, tasting delicious foods, hearing laughter, breathing (I'm not totally taking this for granted after just having a baby with croup!), a beating heart, and seeing others' smiles. I am certainly not saying that we don't want to make our body as healthy as we can through eating right and exercise, I just hope that we can all take a step back and really think about the gifts given to us by our Father in Heaven.

Photo Credit

My New Life

I'm watching this video at the end of a perfect mother's day from my family. I couldn't think of a better message to share with you about what the gospel of Jesus Christ can do for us. My son just got baptized yesterday. It has just really made me think and ponder about what I have as a member of this church. I am happy. And I know it is because I have a testimony of this gospel and the truths and standards it teaches. I hope you enjoy.

The Colors of Life

Like she tends to do, my little girl made me stop and think the other day when she asked the question, "why are there colors?" I began attempting to extract my dusty junior high science knowledge about wavelengths and light spectrums and then I paused for a second and simply explained that it is because Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want us to be happy.

At the time I felt like I was giving her the easy answer. But after I have thought about it a little bit more I have felt the reality of this simple truth. Why are there so many colors and so many incredible things to see? Why do we have the opportunity to experience wonderful smells, tastes, textures, and sights? I believe that the answers to these questions really are as uncomplicated as this: our Heavenly Father wants us to enjoy our mortal existence. As we can read in the often-quoted scripture of 2 Nephi 2:25, "...men are, that they might have joy."

Where I live we are finally officially enjoying the season of spring. Everything seems so vibrant this year. From bright greens on newly budding trees to the clear blue of the sky there are many gorgeous reminders of the love of our Father in heaven and his desire for us to be happy. I hope that we can each enjoy life's small pleasures a little more fully and give credit where credit is definitely due.

Happiness, Your Heritage

This past General Conference had many highlights for me, but I have to say my favorite talk was by President Uchtdorf, given at the General Relief Society Meeting. While he was talking specifically to the women of our church at this meeting, his comments are so poignant and applicable to all. He concluded with the message:

"I believe that as you immerse yourselves in the work of our Father - as you create beauty and as you are compassionate to others - God will encircle you in the arms of His love. Discouragement, inadequacy, and weariness will give way to a life of meaning, grace, and fulfillment. As spirit daughters (and sons) of our Heavenly Father, happiness is your heritage."

What were your favorite quotes/talks from this past Conference? Has anything been particularly meaningful or helpful to you?

For President Uchdorf's full talk, click here.