Black and White = Their Name Tags

The Father: Quiet strength, sometimes mistaken as shy, spiritual and doctrinal giant, caretaker for his family, generous, a man of comfort and healing, massive hands, twinkie lover :-), constant warmth, protector, favorite past times include reverent discussion of the gospel and sitting with his children at the dinner table, gets teary-eyed about his family, missionary work, and the people of Chile. Stubborn as they come but softer than a teddy. What he shared most in common with her was the covenant they made together on August 1, 1974.

Do opposites attract?

The Mama: Powerhouse, leader, a voice that's heard, State PTA President, the young women's president that changed lives, RED + blue = purple in the personality color code, (don't you dare misunderstand her heart, I won't have it) hilarious, party planner, social butterfly, loves Mexican food and going out to eat (Geckos for life), listener, compassionate, fun, honest, tells you how it is, never a dull moment, father was a World War II Veteran, misses her mama, knows how to cowboy up but needs her validation, a tender tender heart, and beautiful as ever. What she shared most in common with him was the covenant they made together on August 1, 1974. 

But they did share something else in common during that courtship of the 70s: they loved to play raquetball together, and they both SPOKE SPANISH. 

Elder and Sister Mecham are currently serving in the Utah Salt Lake City Spanish-speaking mission. They were called last May and still have 18 months remaining in this part-time service mission. 

Jon and I attended their Spanish ward in Salt Lake last Sunday and it was wonderful. The elders serving in the area each shared their testimonies, and I admire their passion for preaching the gospel. The investigator class gave me a real taste of a proselyting mission, and the excitement that full-time missionaries live with each day. We loved spending the weekend with you, Mom and Dad. Thank you for your love and for your examples of truth.

“The Standard of Truth has been erected. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame. But the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and dependent till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, until the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the Great Jehovah will say, ‘The work is done.'”    - Joseph Smith

Someone has a plan for you to be very involved in this mission.

Are you listening?

Learning from Atticus

I relish in days where I can stay in my pajamas for most of the morning, and read. I find it therapeutic to "let the world take a spin without you for a little while" as my sweet grandmother used to say. From time to time I wonder if I relish in these mornings a little too much. 10:30 and I am still here in my bed, so relaxed and almost done with "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee.

Don't you love classic novels? They are my favorite reads for sure. I remember this book as a reading assignment my sophomore year of high school, but that was nine years ago. And I always get more enjoyment out of reading a book when the desire to do so stems from my own motivation. That's a standard for all things, as you may have realized. Make an unbearable task a mission by creating an underlying principle for you to learn, and it just might become bearable.

Do you remember this book? Atticus Finch, defending the innocent Tom Robinson at the Maycomb city courthouse for a crime he certainly did not commit. Scout (Jean-Louise) and Jem Finch, along with their guileless friend Dill: children who understand the equality of human race far more than the greater half of the county's population. Yet because of racism and prejudice, and despite Atticus's compelling case that practically proves the man innocent, the jury concludes "guilty....guilty....guilty....guilty"

One thing I love during the trial is how often Atticus looks out the window. Looking out the window of any home or building provides greater perspective, or a bigger picture of the world. And Atticus Finch lives his life that way. He understands truth and justice, and lives ahead of the times by treating all people equal regardless of race, age, education, or status. He emulates wisdom and I love the way he fathers his two children throughout the story. He reads every morning but never flaunts his knowledge. He deals with dramatic situations yet continually maintains his calm composure. He is "just the same in the courthouse as he is on the street corner." In so many ways, I want to be like Atticus Finch. This hero, like so many others, helps me realize how much I have to improve upon.

I peeked at Jem: his hands were white from gripping the balcony rail, and his shoulders jerked as if each "guilty" was a separate stab between them...Dimly, I saw Atticus pushing papers from the table into his briefcase. He snapped it shut, went to the court reporter and said something, nodded to Mr. Gilmer, and then went to Tom Robinson and whispered something to him. Atticus put his hand on Tom's shoulder as he whispered....Then he left the courtroom, but not by his usual exit. He must have wanted to go home the short way, because he walked quickly down the middle aisle toward the south exit. I followed the top of his head as he made his way to the door. He did not look up....
'Miss Jean Louise?'
I looked around. They were standing. All around us and in the balcony on the opposite wall, the Negroes were getting to their feet. Reverend Sykes's voice was as distant as Judge Taylor's:
'Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passin.'

There are boundaries among us. They may be more subtle than they were a number of years ago, but   bold and erect they yet stand as boulders. I still see them, even between people who are "different" from one another at the Title 1 elementary school I work at. Will they ever be broken down and trodden upon by the various parties, where they may finally meet in the middle and shake hands? If the world contains more Atticus Finch's, then some day there will be no more boundaries. Some day, the commonality will be to discern our similarities rather than our differences. Some day.

I have to blog you Mr. Blanks

May I introduce you to a friend of mine? Okay don't laugh, especially those of you who have known me for years and have an idea of how huge of a fan I am.

Meet Billy.

Seriously people. It all began for me during the summer of seventh and eighth grade. I was one chunky kid, and fed up with it. Tae Bo has been a major part of my life ever since then. I know it sounds silly, but it is on my bucket list to meet this man before I die. It started with the old school spandex and advanced vhs's of 1996, and now he continues to rock my world with his adopted daughter, Shelli Blanks-Cimarosti. (Have you ever wondered why Billy seems a bit personal with one of his right-hand girls on these videos? She has been by his side these past ten plus years and now you know why!)

They are always updating their workouts. They encourage excellent cardio, toning, and strength building through various dvds. But my current favorites are certainly the TAE BO AMPED series, which require a 3 lb. bar for the full experience. (Little I know, but very effective)

I love his passion, his speeches that encourage the mind to be stronger than your tired body, and his martial arts expertise. Yep, I had to. He has been with me for one too many years, and I had to promote him. He has played a role in building my confidence and increasing all my opportunities with dance since age 14. Not to mention the fact that I felt beautiful in my wedding dress last June. :-)

Thanks Billy. Still goin strong. I am coming to your class in person some day, and you may scream in my face all you want.

For a little more Billy inspiration, click HERE.