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.