The Human Condition ...

Life is fragile. We are fragile. 

The human condition is real. We all face challenges, heartache, happiness, pain, joy, sadness and the entire gamut of emotions.

The beautiful thing about the human condition, is that we are all in this thing called LIFE together. We can offer -  a listening ear, a kind heart, a hug, a smile or a word of encouragement.

Together, we do lift and love and make life better and more beautiful!

This Christmas season, slow down and share your love. It won't be wasted and you may give the person you slow down for the greatest gift of the season - someone who cares!

 

Coal into diamonds ...

This made me smile... Time and Pressure. We have all encountered challenges in our lives. They are real. And when we turn to God, He can help us endure and become.

He is working on each one of us.
His plan for each of us is far better than anything we could dream up on our own!

BE a positive force!

It's easy to get caught up in the 'my problems are bigger than yours' conversation or game. But why play that game? Instead, focus on the joys. Focus on all the good in your life and in the lives of the people you love.

Let joy win!

Today - focus on all that you are thankful for and tell those around you what you love about them.

:)

This changes everything ...

Gratitude.
noun 1. the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful:

I met with my youth (young women) group last night and we had a gratitude night. It was so fun and uplifting.

I hear so many people complaining about the gray skies and cold days of winter. And they worry about the winter blues. Those things are real. Dark days happen. Winter - it comes. It's here now.

I have learned that gratitude changes everything.

Dark days become light! Winter has it's magical moments - look for them!

Chase away the winter blues and gray skies in life by creating a list of people and moments you are grateful for! It works.

:)

The Travis Lichfield Award 2015

Travis Lichfield AKA: LICH (read more about him here)

With my parents and our good friend, Trevor Larson - He ran Cross Country with my brother and I

Congrats to Jacob Gill

Congrats to Katie Andrus

Richland Bomber Cross Country team / Awards Night

I gave each recipient a photo and a pair of black socks

My mom and the Gill family ... Congratulations!

With Katie Andrus

I was invited to present the Travis Lichfield award last night at the Richland Bomber Cross Country Banquet. It was an incredible opportunity and a night I won't soon forget.

I said a prayer that I wouldn't cry.
I said a prayer that my message would lift and inspire!

I believe Travis was there with all of us!

Special thanks to Trevor Larson for sharing a few thoughts and memories.

I ended my comments with this write-up from my fellow teammate - Christine Hess (class of '88)

It's been 27 years since I was a Bomber alongside Travis Lichfield, but I can still clearly see him running in my mind's eye. Not running, exactly, but floating. I see him rounding a curve on the track surrounded by heads bobbing and arms crossing their bodies. Towards the front of the pack was Travis. Long, skinny legs, black socks and impossibly long stride. Arms in a relaxed swing by his sides. You see, Travis had perfect form. He was one of the lucky few who was born to run. He ran efficiently and, well, beautifully. I recognized it even as a 16-year old. When we distance runners ran strides at the end of practice, I would try to emulate Travis's stride, try to capture some of that magic. When I went on to compete in college, and I was pushing myself against a much tougher crowd, I'd get tired and realize my form was suffering. In my head, I'd think to myself "Run like Travis." But his perfect form is not to say his success came without effort. He had the heart to back it up. He worked hard. We never got to see what Travis would have accomplished as a senior or as a collegiate runner. But it makes me smile to know that there are other runners carrying his torch. I was so happy to hear that fellow athletes who embody the same spirit are given an award in his name each year. As one who ran with him, I hope they understand the honor it is to stand in his company and that they continue to carry that spirit forward in everything they do.

I didn't cry. Well, not until I got home! And then, I let the tears fall - It was a good cry. One full of gratitude, memories and love!

Thanks Richland Bomber Cross Country for letting me be part of your special night! And for giving this award out for the past 26 years.

Encouragers Wanted!

Encourage:
to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence

Have you ever been around an encouraging person? If so, you probably remember how he/she made you feel! They didn't put you down, focus on your flaws, point out what was wrong or missing or complain about all the problems in life.

An Encourager uses the precious moments of life to lift, love and cheer others forward. There is no time or energy wasted on negativity or blame.

Today, use your time and energy to encourage those who are placed in your path.

Use your voice to lift and move them forward with courage and confidence.

Let's go! We got this ...
Let encouraging win!

Open the door and let HIM in ...

My Sunday rainbow.

“The Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ” (David A. Bednar, April 2005 general conference).

I received one such tender mercy yesterday ... It started first with a text from a sweet friend telling me to look outside because there was a rainbow in the sky.

I opened my door and right in front of me was a gorgeous rainbow!

It touched my heart. And I knew it was evidence of God's love for me.

His love and presence is everywhere. We have to open the door and let Him into our lives.

So thankful for the tender mercies in my life from a loving Heavenly Father who is ever aware of me, my family and each one of us.

Together.

Halloween 2015 ...

Together. It's my favorite place to be! I am so thankful for a loving husband who loves me. He is good and kind and he LOVES our children. I love that we enjoy spending time together and that we make family time important.

Today, I have a grateful heart. :)

Happy Halloween - :)

Happy Halloween ...

Enjoy this last day of October ...
Happy Halloween!

A beautiful heart.

A beautiful heart can bring things into your life
that all the money in the world couldn't obtain.

I read that quote this morning and thought - What is a beautiful heart?

Here's a few thoughts:

A soft heart (one that feels and cares and is humble)
A loving heart (one that forgives and understands)
A happy heart (one that finds and creates joy)
A patient heart (one that endures the trials of life and waits upon the Lord)
An open heart (one that is not closed to ideas and suggestions)
A kind heart (one that seeks to always be kind)
A grateful heart (one that appreciates)
A lifting heart (one that lifts those around them)
An in tune heart (one that hears the needs of others)
A true heart (one that is real)
A brave heart (one that stands up for what is good)
A serving heart (one that serves those around them)
A trusting heart (do what you say)
A musical heart (sing)
A prayerful heart (one that prays)
A teachable heart (one that learns and hears and changes for the better)
A wise heart (one that knows and moves forward)
A friendly heart (one that makes room for old and new friends)
A welcome heart (one that is not closed and has room for love!)

What would you add to the list?

PS: I agree, living with a beautiful heart brings blessings, peace and JOY that money can't buy.

Patience.

I taught a lesson in church today about patience.
I started by telling the young women a story from my life ... one that happened over 20 years ago. It was a challenging time as I had been in an accident that had caused me to go into a coma and I told them about the recovery involved. It was long and painful and full of questions and unknowns for the future.

I look back now with new eyes on that experience and see all the ways I grew and learned through that experience.

Patience makes us wise. It teaches us to appreciate. It helps us change and be better.

When you rush things, you don't let the natural process of life take it's course.

Patience. It matters.

I told the girls to wait on the Lord and let Him help them become the best version of them possible.
With Him, all things are possible.

All things. Even being run over by a motorcycle ...

I am grateful for the blessings of each new day and for the opportunity we have to become, learn and grow as we patiently endure life's trials and challenges.

The Lord is mindful. He is aware.

Wait upon Him.

Create a way!

I love this. Love it.

It seems that so many people allow themselves to be victims of everything around them. Blame this, blame that, blame this person, blame. blame. blame. (Blame is lame).

What good does it do to blame anything or anyone for anything in our lives?

If you want to change something - you have to change. You have to create a way for something good or better to happen.

Create.

Such a powerful action.

So today, when you find yourself turning to blame and victim mode, stop it and switch to creative change mode.

Be the change you wish to see.

CREATE a life you love!

Forward. Always Forward.

Slow and steady gets you there. I was talking to a friend the other day who said, "It seems like I just do the same thing over and over everyday. Am I really getting anywhere?"

YES! Keep moving forward - it's the little things everyday that add up to a lifetime!

Slow and steady my friend. Just keep moving forward. Don't stop. Don't get discouraged. Make a plan and move forward!!

There are turtle days. Lots of them and the important thing is to enjoy them and recognize that YOU are making progress.

Forward!

Not Stuck.

I love the simplicity and boldness of quotes. Always have.
Are you feeling stuck? Decide not to be and move forward.

Get unstuck.

Coloring - The latest trend in Self-Help

Photo above - From the Paris Coloring Book ...

My daughter and I were at Barnes and Noble on Saturday night and bumped into a massive display of coloring books.They caught my eye! What is going on?!

It was amazing. Coloring books galore filled with really interesting and unique designs and patterns to color.

Its the latest frenzy in the Self-Help/Creativity genre.

Good move Publishing World.

Color. Feel better. Get creative. LIVE happy :)

I'm getting my crayons out right now ... I'm going to self-help myself by coloring!

Hello Happiness.

Kindness from a stranger in Texas ...

I am always so grateful for the kindness of strangers ... My heart was touched today by an email and photos.

My son is serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Texas. He was not sure if he would be transferred this week (to a new area) and I have been praying for him and wondering if he had moved.

He has spent his entire mission thus far (7 months) in the same location.

Today, I was surprised to see an email from a member of his ward who had my son and his missionary companion over to watch General Conference with he and his family.

After hearing Elder Holland's beautiful talk on Mothers, they felt it would be good to send me photos and an email. He was moved to a new area and wanted me to know he was there and working hard.

So sweet.

The Lord is ever mindful of each one of us and of our families.
Our families matter! Love matters and He knows how to lift and carry each one of us!

I am so thankful for our Heavenly Father and the ways His hand can be seen in our lives everyday.

Everyday is a special occasion ...

With my children, Logan, Utah - 2003

 It's Thursday AKA #TBT (Throwback Thursday) -

So today, in honor of a great quote by Thomas S. Monson that goes -

Everyday is a special occasion ...

Here's a few from days gone by!

Kaleb and Kade - best buddies...

One of Kaleb's Senior Photos ...

Sitting on the front porch with my husband ...

Cookies for Valentine's Day ...

Christmas Caroling for Family Home Evening ...

Walking to the canyon in Afton, Wyoming ...

At the temple with our son, Kade ...

Feeling so grateful ...

Everyday matters.

Our little moments matter and add up to become our lives.

See today as the special occasion it is!

Cinderella - Why do we love this story?

My daughter and I recently watched the latest 'Cinderella' movie together.

This story has been made so many times into a movie. I think it's safe to say that the entire world knows the entire plot.

Yet, we still want to see it. Why?

I decided it's because the world never gets tired of a love story - no matter how many times it's been told.

Cinderella - It's about a girl finding joy in the midst of a yucky situation and then having one magic night in a pretty dress with glass shoes and dancing with a Prince.

He then must find her and marry her. (I think that's the part that makes us all swoon) ...

Don't all girls dream of finding their own 'prince charming' who will seek them out and love them even if they are covered in soot, living in an attic, wearing a ragged dress and only have mice as friends?

That's why this story never goes out of style.
Love stories matter.

It was here ...

Marcus Whitman Elementary - Richland, WA

Wright Street ... I walked down this street everyday (as a kid) to get to school :)

The big oak tree on the property ...

I was driving down a very familiar street and glanced over to see the rubble of my old elementary school. I instantly pulled over to see the wreckage for myself.

Could it be? My old childhood school crashed to the ground? Yup. There it was - piles of memories.

It was here that my 3rd grade teacher tried to teach me to ride a bike. It was here that I made friends and played kick-ball and had the first 'crush' of my life. It was here that I made my very first piece of clay art for my mom. It was here that I learned how to play tetherball and Chinese jump rope. It was here that I learned to do the moon walk and break dance. It was here I took calligraphy after school and learned to write beautifully. It was here that I ate my mom's homemade lunches on homemade bread. It was here I had school pictures and wrote pieces for the Young Author's contest. It was here that I passed a few 'love notes' in class and blushed because the cute boy wrote back. It was here, I learned to sing Skip to My Lou and Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree. It was here, I played the ladybug from "James and the Giant Peach" in the class play because I had a polka dot shirt. It was here I wore an eye patch and learned how to be happy even though I looked different. It was here that I met my brother, Travis, after school so we could walk home together. It was here that I was chased by boys. It was here that I made some of my dearest friends. It was here that I spent a great deal of my childhood.

As I stood on the school grounds, I remembered a lot. It was a great trip down memory lane. I was happy to see they left the big oak trees and I gathered a few acorns to take home.

It was here that the big trees reminded me that we all have roots.

I am thankful for the years I had at Marcus Whitman Elementary and for the roots it gave me.

A new school will be built here. A new Marcus Whitman Elementary. It will provide roots for children in the future.

I am grateful for the 'old school' that was mine.

1988

There is a Richland Bomber 1988 track page on Facebook. I was a freshman in high school. My brother, Travis, was a Junior. Special thanks to who ever created this page and keeps throwing up stuff from the past!

These little track moments made me smile today and caused me to remember some really great times.

I love how life hands us unexpected little chances to reflect!

I forgot how fast my brother could run! His mile time in 1988 was 4:27 and his 2 mile time was 9:50

Go LICH.

Can't wait to catch up someday and swap 'running' stories and moments.

Love you,
Wendy

I believe ...

I found myself walking down a beautiful street in Boston and bumped into this poster hanging in a shop window. The quote is from Audrey Hepburn -

She said:, "I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.”

I agree and I believe in God, in prayers, kindness, America and LOVE.

Selfies and Self-Talk and Good Energy!

On the Trolley in Boston (just outside Copley Square) ... Me and April.

Have you ever realized how harsh you can be on yourself? We tend to be our ultimate worst critic.

I was recently on a trip in Boston, with a good friend and I took a selfie of us on the trolley.

After glancing at the photo, I instantly thought ... "That's not a very good photo" and before I could articulate my thought out loud she said: "Oh, look how cute we are!"

Her comment caught me off guard. And made me stop and think ... I appreciated her instant, positive response and was able to use it last weekend.

I was in Arizona with some family members and we took a group selfie - someone immediately responded: "That's a horrible picture of me!" I immediately touted back: "Look at us - we are so cute!" It changed the atmosphere immediately.

The things we say really do affect those around us. And the things we say to and about ourselves - to ourselves can be so very negative and damaging.

Today, pay attention to your self-talk and the things you think about yourself. Stop yourself immediately when it turns negative. Feel free to use my friend's line: Look how cute!

Our positive self talk matters and we can become advocates for good energy inside and outside of ourselves!

Go ahead, take that selfie. Post it up.

It's a way of capturing a moment that will never happen again!

And when you find yourself wanting to judge yourself or anyone around you harshly, stop.

And find what's great about you or him or her!

And say it our loud!