"There is no chance, no destiny, no fate that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a DETERMINED soul."

Here's To You - Goodbye to our Patchy Cat

"No amount of time can erase the memory of a good cat, and no amount of masking tape can ever totally remove his fur from your couch" - Leo Dworken


Since the beginning of time my grandparents had cats, and every summer there was a new litter of kittens wandering around the yard.  You had to be pretty fast and willing to go under bushes and all manner of places in order to catch one.  And one summer when I was about 7 we caught one and just didn't let go.  He rode from Yamhill, OR to SLC, UT mostly on the dashboard of our van.

He's always loved my dad the most.  He would sleep on his stomach as a tiny kitten and just preferred him.  Like any thing that comes into our house he was never really called Patch, but has always been Sugar, "Sug", "Sug"y etc.

Most people didn't know, because he was afraid of anything that moved, that he was the softest cat ever.  His fur was silky and very smooth.  He also couldn't really meow or purr.  His meow was more like a mah and his purr sounded like a small motorcycle engine that was stalling.

"The mathematical probability of a common cat doing exactly as it pleases is the one scientific absolute in the world" - Lynn M. Osband

The only thing that ever "called" his name was the can opener or shaking of a treat bag.  When he was in a cuddling mood he always had to lay on your arm in just a certain position so you could scratch his chin.  He often looked out the windows just to see what was going on.  Then his tail would flick wildly when a bird got too close or something moved unexpectedly.

Like every cat seems to, he had at least 9 lives.  He was run over by a car, breaking his hip.  Been in several cat fights.  He was later bit by a dog and shortly after that jumped out of an upstairs window.  He survived a lot.

When I lost my Max he was there for me.  I couldn't resist giving him treats every time I saw him.  He was always in my room and he was a great comfort.

And yesterday morning we said goodbye to our Sugar.  We will miss you a lot kitty boy!!

    
"What greater gift than the love of a cat?" 
Charles Dickens

Theatre Review & a Poem

The Mikado presented by Taylorsville High School
October 15, 2011



Just over a week ago my family saw The Mikado at Taylorsville High School.  It was EXCELLENT!  I laughed my socks off, or I would have had I been wearing any, and had a great time.  Since this is a completely nonsense, unterly outrageous, and completely satrical play I don't really think it needs a lot of reviewing.  Therefore I will just mention a couple of the things that I thought about as I watched this play.

The set design was awesome - unfortunately it seemed to crowd the stage at times, and everyone seem smashed into half of the stage and movement was restricted. As always Taylorsville has some awesome voices and the music was pulled off wonderfully.  I didn't feel like I needed to go and download it from iTunes right after, like I have after seeing some others, but I do feel like this play is really only best if watched, especially if you are in a silly mood.  Finally the comedic aspects were pulled off flawlessly.  Just by the names that were used in this play Gilbert and Sullivan created awesomeness - Yum-Yum, Pooh-Ba, ect.  Then with the brilliance of the T-ville actors it came together into a fabulous night of laughs.

So I am not much of a poet, however when I feel inspiration for something I have a hard time letting it go.  As such I hope you enjoy my poem entitled Humility -

Humility


Humility is a sinner on their knees,
a child begging please,
a terminal disease,
a heart ill at ease,
and a trait all must seize.

Humility feels a heart broken and a spirit contrite,
is filled with Christ’s light,
strengthened by heaven’s might,
and chooses the right.

Humility is my one desire,
my refiners fire,
and without which my life is dire.

Humility loves one another
like the example of our brother.

Humility is the only road to life Eternal.

                        -Sarah Beth                            

  

D&C 122:8

First as a note - lds.org is amazing!!!  I love being able to just type in a phrase, only knowing that somewhere in the scriptures it is there, and then BAM it pops up right there.  No hours of searching the topical guide or index, no having to say somewhere in the scriptures it says ... but with a few keystrokes you have reference that is specific. LOVE IT!

To give a little background on this post, Lori and I attended a YSA Summit this summer where Richard and Linda Eyre spoke as the keynote speakers.  I was very inspired by all they had to say, and still find myself reflecting on their words.  One of the suggestions they made to the young adults at this conference was to focus on the Savior during the Sacrament.

***As a side note I tried to teach this idea to 6&7 year olds and I realized how hard it really was to do when I tried to have my kids focus on the Savior for only 30 seconds!!!

At the Summit Brother Eyre told how as a mission president he created a way to help his missionaries focus on the Savior during the sacrament.  For each month he choose a topic that related to the Saviors' life/mission and for each week he illustrated these topics specifically with examples from the scriptures and his own thoughts.  He told how many of the missionaries testimonies of Christ grew as they focused for just 5 minutes a week on the Savior.  He entitled this project What Manner of Man and it is available for anyone to read weekly during the Sacrament.  I have recently put these weekly discussions into a binder so I can easily pull it out to read during the Sacrament.  And each time I read I have found that I gain a little new perspective or insight on the Savior and all that he has done for mankind and ME personally.

So as I read during Sacrament yesterday I came across a phrase that hit me in a different way...

D&C 122:8 says - "The Son of Man hath descended below them all.  Art thou greater than he?" (Also see Ephesians 4:9-10 for all you people who like to have things from the Bible too.)

I was really interested by that phrase "descended below them all."  As a woman, and basically as a human-being, I am practically always comparing myself to others. (I know I shouldn't, but I think we all do it, at least every once in a while.)  I often believe that others are so much better than me, or might I use the phrase to fit into the metaphor  a bit more closely, that others are much "higher" than me.  I find that I feel low in my accomplishments, talents, and abilities.  Yet in order to "descend below them all" Christ had to be "higher" than even the best people who have been on this Earth.

As such, Christ is not only there for each of us to look up to, to be our example, to teach us how to be better, to give us a pathway to become like our Father in Heaven, but he has also gone to the lowest parts of our sins & pains and from there He can lift each of us as we ask for forgiveness, pray for relief and comfort, and have days where we feel we have no worth.  If only I could always remember this maybe in my times of triumph I would praise God and in my times of sorrow I would look to him for guidance.  Yet like we all have to do I have to keep working at this idea in hopes that one day I will always counsel with the Lord in all my doings. (Alma 37:37.)

Well thanks to all of you who have read this novel of a post! If you have felt nothing from my words I want you to know that you have a Savior, He is there for you, and whether you accept him or not He loves you, and so do I!

General Conference

I love that October General Conference starts the week before the main event with the Relief Society General Conference. If you had the chance to watch it at a Stake Center or wherever I believe your love grew, as mine did for President Uchtdorf.

I have always loved and had a great respect for Dieter F Uchtdorf, with his predictable airplane references, awesome German accent, funny one liners, and abounding knowledge of the gosple. Yet after listening to his talk last weekend entitled "Forget Me Not" (click to read it) I found that my heart grew a little more fond of this Apostle of God.

In order to never forget the words spoken I hung this in my room:

If you have not yet heard or read this talk I urge you to please click the link above. I garuntee it will be worth any time you take to read it. If you only have a short time scroll to the fifth point. If you have heard it I hope it has sunk into your heart at it has mine.


On to the Main Event...


Conference weekend is always AMAZING!! Not only is the spirit so strong, but we have the greatest priviledge to hear from God's own mouth pieces upon this earth.  Specifically we are able to hear the words of a beloved prophet President Monson:




I know that each and every talk that was given over the past 2 days, and last weekend, are the words that our Heavenly Father would like his children to hear and take into their hearts, minds, and actions.  I am so thankful to live in the time of the restored gosple.  I know it is His only true church upon the earth.  I know our Savior is Jesus Christ, and that it is only through him that we are able to gain immortality and eternal life.  I know the Book of Mormon is the most true book and that its words are for us in these days.  That by reading it we gain not only come closer to God and know more of Him, but also be inspired and blessed by reading its words and living its teachings.  I know President Monson is the Prophet of God, he speaks his words.  I KNOW it, and I cannot deny it.

So the other most awesome thing about Conference is the Priesthood Session = GIRLS NIGHT!!

Our Girls Night this time consisted of pizza and "17 Miracles".

So here is a short Review of the movie -

Having been prepared by many I sat down to watch this movie with a box of Kleenex and they were most definitely needed.  I however went into it thinking I knew everything about the Willie Handcart Co. and that this would just be a retelling of all the stories I had heard before.  However with one of the most shocking beginings I have ever seen in any movie before "17 Miracles" starts out with the Mormon Batallions basically last order before going home - that they destroyed the remains of the Doner Party.  My mom and I were SHOCKED to say the least.  So right off something new and interesting.

As the movie follows Levi Savage you know what is going to happen, and yet somehow you hope that this time around Winter will be delayed and that everyone makes its safely.  However I can only explain their trials as a test they must of had to go through, not only for themselves but also as an example for all of us.  Each miracle and story in this movie is inspiring and yet heart wrenching.  I thought of my expirence of Trek and could not believe I was able to walk in the same footsteps those of this party walked. 

I really enjoyed this movie and recommend it to any who want to learn a little more about the handcart pioneers.  I would caution to any who are like me and are sometimes disturbed by certain images, that the reoccuring theme of men becoming like wolves with hunger that is shown in the beginning of the movie is not pleasant and a bit disturbing.  However the goodness definitely outshines this one moment.

Hope you have had an awesome Conference weekend!  'Till we meet again. :)

Theatre Review

September 10th, 2011 – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat



I had been looking forward to seeing this play since about the middle of June.  It seemed like everyone in this area has been, since the show was practically sold out at opening.  And even though I bought tickets 3 months early we, my family, were still in the VERY back.  However since Hale Centre Theater only has 9 rows it really isn’t that far back.  The whole family was so excited that we were even half an hour early.  And let me say, as always, Hale did not disappoint.

Part of what makes the tickets worth every penny is the atmosphere.  Not only is this building awesomely beautiful, but you walk across the parking lot to the music from upcoming musicals.  Then after climbing the grand staircase you enter the actual theater and feel as though you have actually entered the deserts of Canaan & Egypt with palm trees lining the walls. 

As always the play started with the plug for donations, and while I am definitely in favor of keeping this theatre going and even hearing these requests I was not in favor of their new announcers.  These actors were a bit too cheesy and a bit awkward.  So I just hope that by the next play they have gone back to the owner making a brief statement about donations.

Being a “Joseph” greenie I only had the knowledge of what I had read and heard told from the scriptures and what I had been told – that it was not one of those serious shows.  So while I, at first, had no understanding for the need of a narrator; I was intrigued by her.  She made the entire crowd laugh with her comment that both teams – BYU and U of U – were up so we could all enjoy the show.  And also reminded the crowd that some of the actors had been there since 8:30AM – it was 7:30PM by this time.  Yeah did I mention this show has been pretty much sold out since it opened?!!  As such they added extra early and late showings.

The narrator had an awesome voice and through out the entire show I was very impressed by her role.  Then as Joseph entered I found him to be very believable.  He too had a fantastic voice and he just played the role beautifully, by the end he was obviously tired, but after even one of those shows I would be exhausted and he had done at least two.  The entire cast then entered singing “Jacob and Sons” and I was amazed that the tiny stage could hold all 25 people in this opening number.
 
The sets were as always just large enough to give a change of scenery, but also giving room for acting and still letting the entire room see the stage.  As the brothers plotted to sell their brother an enormous camel entered the stage.  And while it was mostly hilarious, I felt it was a bit creepy, and was suddenly glad I was in the very back.  Another slightly disturbing scene was the interaction between Joseph and Potiphar’s wife.  If I didn’t know the story I would have been a bit confused as to what was going on under the curtain, however I think everyone understood that Joseph was the good guy thrown in jail in order for Potiphar to save face.

With the intermission coming up the 2nd to last song of the first half was “Close Every Door.”  I was enthralled!!  Not only was this song performed exquisitely, but the message of it was so beautiful. I felt so connected to the real Joseph, son of Israel, son of Issac, son of Abraham.  A feeling inside reminded me that I am one of those “Children of Israel” who has promises from God and as my feelings grew a tear or two left my eyes.  How wonderful it is to be reminded of those things in every day life.

While I was still in amazement of what my brother called “the only serious song in the entire play” I did not understand the random performance of “Go, go Joseph.”  However like everything else it was grand!

Even though BYU had now lost their game I was excited for the show to go on after intermission, which was also harshly interrupted by the white chocolate macadamia nut cookies being really hard and not as good as they have been in the past. 

The next half of the play was continually true to the events from the bible as Joseph explains the dreams of a butler and a baker and then the Pharaoh.  Ah the Pharaoh…yeah, lets just say I am not a huge Elvis fan and I think his part was a bit strange, but I laughed along, and again felt grateful for my back row seat as he said “hey baby,” one too many times and threw a sweaty blue scarf thing into the audience.

As the famine hits and Joseph’s brothers reflect on those “good old Canaan days” I wondered if this music was the depths of silliness or genius, and decided it had to be both, and that Andrew Lloyd Weber was inspired and crazy – as most brilliant people are.  I also wondered if the real Joseph ever thought of just up and leaving and returning to Canaan now that he was free from jail – maybe they would have never been enslaved by Egypt if he had. 

Anyways – the story finishes brilliantly as Joseph plays a trick on his brothers, who have been at his feet groveling,  to discover if they have become better since they sold him and he reveals himself to be their dreamer of a brother.  With happy ending all in place I was set for a final number.  However with the stage emptied to just Joseph who begins to sing “Close Every Door” I was a bit confused, but it was a pleasant surprise, which rolled into a high energy finish of a medley of many of the songs with a now all white costumed cast – including Joseph in a truly “amazing technicolor dream coat” which was white and had lights that changed color and every cast member wearing something to indicate which parts they had played – again it was BRILLIANT!

The crowd was practically all standing as they clapped as the cast waved and as the moment was over all I could think was – that was AMAZING!

I hope you have enjoyed my theatre review.  If you have the chance I would recommend this show to everyone, so GO!

PS – Hope this was a great birthday Mom!  

I Stand All Amazed

As I drove towards work this morning this was my view:

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I could not help but be inspired by this beautiful morning.  I have recently felt very confused and even depressed about all the wrong I do in my life.  I’ve always know that Christ had suffered for my sins, but during the last few weeks, for many reasons, I felt that I was unworthy to be forgiven.  But luckily the spirit overcomes those feelings and I found my heart extremely full as I drove.  Instead of doubt I felt only the prompting that I could do better and that it would be God’s power that could help me do so. 

I know how that sounds.  But I have truly felt in what has been described by many famous words – “the depths of despair,” “the valley of the shadows of death,” etc.  So to even feel hope and except the warmth of the Gods unfailing and unconditional love was a leap that I could not have made on my own.

Since I was SUPER early I drove not to work, but to the temple grounds.  I seemed to be drawn to the place I knew would be filled with more peace or love then I could feel anywhere else.

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It was SO quiet.  The few people that were there whispered and even though I was in the heart of a busy city it was quieter than home.  I sat at the edge of one of the fountains just looking upwards trying to soak in the moment and memorize every detail. I pulled out my iPod to do a little scripture reading, but first found the last hymn I had gone to and it was perfect.

“I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me, Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.  I tremble to know that for me he was crucified, That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.  Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me Enough to die for me!  Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!
I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine, To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine, That he should extend his great love unto such as I, Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.  Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me Enough to die for me!  Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!
I think of he hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt! Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?  No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat, Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet. Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me Enough to die for me!  Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!”

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Pondering

During testimony meeting yesterday I heard life compared to two different things.

The first one was a highway.  So of course I kind of thought - oh how cliche!  (Even though I love the idea of life being like a highway and its many implications.)  However this young women went on saying life is like a dark highway that twists and turns and all you can see is what is illuminated in your headlights.


So while we only have this pinprick of a point of view of the world and life, Heavenly Father sees it all and he can direct us and guide us to the right paths.  I had never thought of it that way.

The other things was a zip line.


The girl who said this comparison talked about how when you get on a zip line you see this harness and this one line and you can not believe it is going to hold you up.  You stand at the top looking practically straight down and all you can think is the rope is going to break and I am going to die.  Then after being strapped in you take that leap of FAITH and like Heavenly Father always does when we use our faith the line catches you and takes you on the most amazing journey!

Life is awesome!  Mine is of course not perfect, but its not supposed to be.  However I KNOW that I can be perfected through the atonement of Christ, and that He will guide me down my highways and lift me through out my journeys.

22 Years and Counting...

I have the most AMAZING parents in the world!
 

I have a naive habit of thinking everyone has great parents, and sometimes I forget to recognize that I am the lucky one.  I am so lucky to have these two truly unique, good, and wonderful people in my life.



Yesterday my parents celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary.  To me it feels like they have been married forever, but, you know, that's the perception one has when something is older than you.  (Not trying to dis on them being old or anything. ;) )



So after 22 years my parents have been through A LOT together.  Both have lost their parents...



they had 3 rock star children...



they have fought cancer and other health problems - emotional, mental & physical, they have been through major church callings, they have dealt with financial problems, they have dealt with children problems, they have killed several vans and one truck, they have seen practically everything in the western half of this country...















they have always been friends, and laughed for hours, and only really out and out argued ONCE, buried several fish, 2 rabbits, and 1 dog...



taken day long road trips just for the heck of it and always taken the "Long" (haha) way home...



they have been an inspiration to their daughter and been married for time and all eternity.



What do you say and give to people who have spent their entire adult lives to caring for you?  People who have done nothing but thought of you only.  I don't know... 

I guess the answer might be to have beautiful & amazing grandchildren for them to brag about???  What ever the answer is I hope to find it one day and find that way to honestly tell them how much I have appreciated EVERYTHING - from the millions of diapers, to the daily prayers and scripture study, to the fights about homework, to vacations, to the basics of shelter, food & clothing for 21 years, to spending the small pennies you have been given on making my life sweet, to hugs every day, & a knowledge that I will always have 2 supporting people who will ALWAYS love me. 



Happy Anniversary my wonderful parents!  To me you have been married for forever, and I KNOW you will be.

The "if" in Life

There are always "ifs" in this existence we call life.  What if I sleep in that extra ten minutes?  What if I choose regular over premium?  What if I put my laundry off for one more day?

Today I seemed to think about the "if" word a lot.  Instead of the ifs about sleeping in and regular gas there are a lot of ifs in my life that I don't really know the exact out come of.  There are some days that I just wonder and worry "What if?".  Other days I am so grateful there are what if's.  Then today I just ask the cosmos WHAT IF???

And as a result I think that wondering "what if" is a small part of what makes a person turn from a teenager into an adult.  Now I am not really all that grown up and mature and such, but I do know that in High School I hardly ever thought about what ifs.  What happened just happened and I just went with the flow.  Now however I wonder what if I we don't find a new house soon?  What if I get a truck?  What if I never get married?  What if I become a writer?  What if I don't have enough time to do everything?  What if I am not smart enough to finish college?  What if I need to get a new phone because mine is having issues?  What if I take this institute class over another?  (The list could go on for pages)

Of course I don't know the answers any more now then I would have as a teen, but my wondering and pondering has made me responsible for so many aspects of my life.  It has lead me to face many more decisions head on.  Instead of thinking that all of my decisions are in the future; I now have to settle on a one choice and see what road that takes me down.

So here is to making grown up decisions and knowing that I have a Father in Heaven who will guide me when I seek his help.