What a year it has been! It's always amazing to me to look back on a year that seems to fly by so quickly, and yet be able to see SO many things that have happened!
In the Spring of 2014 I kicked off my last semester of full-time student classes at UVU in the elementary education program. It was a great semester knowing that there was a light at the end of the tunnel and I found myself more relaxed that I had been the previous semesters. I completed my last semester of field work in an elementary school with WONDERFUL mentors who helped me so much. My field advisor came and watched me teach several times and asked me why I hadn't applied for an internship. It was definitely not in my plans...but she insisted that with my teaching background and where I was at that I should have applied. I took it with a grain of salt knowing that I couldn't go back and apply anyways and just planned on student teaching in the Fall. Well, my name ended up getting back to the person over internships at UVU and there was an intern who ended up dropping out or something and so a principal from a school in the area called me and set up an interview. I was freaking out just a little bit but I went in praying that if this was where I needed to be that it would all work out. Well the interview was fine, but I wasn't feeling very good about taking the position even if they offered it to me. The people I interviewed with were not the friendliest and I felt worried about whether or not I would fit in with this bunch. I left the interview praying they wouldn't offer it to me, knowing that they still had a few people they were interviewing. Prayers were answered and I was not offered the position. Such a relief!!! That was that! But a few weeks later I received a phone call from a woman at Canyon Crest Elementary. She left me a message telling me not to panic but she really wanted to meet with me about an internship position that had just opened up at her school. I met with her and she explained that they had two interns drop out of the position for various reasons and they were desperately in need of someone to fill it. They interviewed me and offered me the position. It felt right and I decided to take it. It was crazy how everything worked out. I really felt the Lord's hand in what had happened. I felt so happy with my choice to do student teaching in a place that I loved, but through circumstances unforeseen and with the help of Heavenly Father and people around me I was led to be a 5th grade teacher/intern at Canyon Crest Elementary. It has been such a blessing in my life! Some days are hard, but most days are wonderful and I love these kids. I know I have so much to learn to become a better teacher, but I am on the right path and the Lord is helping me as are people around me. I look back at that first prompting to go back to school and I know it was not my own thought. Heavenly Father sees things that we cannot and as we try our best every day to make good and wise choices, He will help lead us to where we need to be.
Along with those big events in the Spring, there were little moments of wonderful that happened. I took a trip to Arizona, visited the ice castles in Midway, went cross country skiing for the first time, had a night out with Dad and went curling at the Olympic Oval, went to see Peter Pan at the Hale with my Mom, went to the new aquarium in Draper, and celebrated my last day of classes with my cohort girls! I think little moments like this make life so great and the Spring was full of these little moments.
May marked the end of my job at Timpanogos High School teaching ASL. It was such a good experience and helped me learn so much. My students were ever patient as I tried to figure out how to be a good teacher. There were days that were really tough and filled with frustration with trying to figure out how to help motivate these teenagers to want to learn, but I feel so blessed that I got to work with these kids. High school is a totally different beast compared to elementary school, but I loved that I had the chance to do it and I met so many amazing people while I was there and the experience helped be become better prepared for my job now.
I also became an ordinance worker at the Provo Temple at the end of Spring Semester. It has been such a big blessing in my life! The temple has become such a big part of my life and I am so grateful for the Spirit and blessings that come when I go to the Temple as a worker and as a patron.
During the summer I worked at Sunroc in Springville. It was strange not working as an interpreter or a teacher, but I had a really good time watering and taking care of plants and meeting some new friends.
My sweet brother Michael got married in July. It's was hard to believe! I gained an amazing sister in law who I love dearly. She not only puts up with my silliness, but she joins in with me and laughs at my crazy comments. She welcomes me into their home and is always willing to meet up for a game night or a movie. I feel so lucky to have her in our family and I am so grateful that my brother found someone who he loves and who loves him so much!
This summer we also welcomed another sweet little spirit into our family. I didn't know if I could love another one of Annie and Tyler's kids as much as I love Halli (as mean as that sounds!!!!) but oh how I love this little one! She is so smiley and loving and I can't get enough of her! I never knew how much joy would come from being an aunt. I love these kids so much!
Fall brought lots of preparing for teaching! I started working at Canyon Crest in August. I took a short trip to Arizona with my best friend and loved getting away for a couple of days in the midst of all the beginning of school stress.
For Fall break my sister Maddy, Karen (my best friend), and I went to Disney World! The Food and Wine Festival was going on and was so much fun! Fish and chips from England were definitely a favorite!!!! The crowds were crazy all around which made the trip pretty difficult even though it was supposedly their "down season". We had a really good time even though we ran into a couple of hiccups along the way AND we missed our plane coming home from Denver. We ended up driving home from there. It was kind of a crazy trip but we had a good time just being together. :)
In December I helped welcome home my sweet friend and sister by heart Becca! After writing back and forth every week for 18 months she is finally home and we are all loving having her as our roommate again! Once Upon a Time marathons have begun at our house!
All of the germs from the kids finally caught up with me over the Christmas break and I was sick for full first week of the break. I missed most of the celebrations which was the biggest bummer. Several tears were shed over that. I was so sad. Luckily, I finally got better and was able to do some fun things this past week!
2014 was definitely an eventful year! Thank you to all of you who made my year a great one!!!
Love Always,
Megan
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Serving in the Temple
A few months ago my bishop wanted to meet with me in his office. I was worried that he was going to release me from my calling as nursery leader. I went in and said that he just wanted to get to know me a little better and see how I was doing. "Okay...." I thought to myself. I haven't had any bishop ever call me in without giving me a calling of some sort and just want to get to know me. But that's nice. :) As our conversation continued he asked me how I liked my nursery calling and I told him that I loved being with the kids. (Never mind the time when one of my little guys literally clotheslined another little boy during class. Epic nursery moment. Ha.) He told me that was good because I wasn't getting released. Relief! Then he said, "What I have been thinking is that maybe you should be a temple worker." I had been thinking about being a temple worker for quite a while, but I just never really felt a strong push or anything to really move forward and do it. My bishop's prompting was the little push that I needed to make something happen. He sent in a letter to the temple and within a few weeks I had an interview with a member of the Temple presidency and I was set apart as a temple ordinance worker.
Working at the temple has been an amazing thing. I have met so many WONDERFUL people there and I feel so blessed to be able to spend time with them once a week. My testimony of Temples has increased. There is so much to learn. I have had experiences there that I know have not been coincidences. I have met patrons who I come to love within the short time that I am serving them. It is a bitter sweet feeling having that sacred time with them and then knowing that you will most likely never see them again. I have stood in the Celestial room and watched as people come in with many questions and heavy hearts. As I have watched them I have come to realize that we all have burdens that we carry that sometimes feel like too much to bare. I stand in awe of these people who, with tears streaming down their faces, sit and pray with so much faith in the midst of their trials. I learn so much from the people that come to the temple.
On my most recent shift I was assisting a patron who was probably about sixty years old. She seemed very nice and she was smiling and happy to be there. Because of her age I assumed that she wouldn't really need much help because she had probably been attending the Temple for years. However, she kept looking to me for help with certain things and then she would smile and nod as if to say "That's right! I remember!" As she heard the words of the ordinance and participated she began to cry. I found it hard to contain my own emotion as I realized that those words in the ordinance were true and that they meant something to this woman. It is easy to allow things to feel or become commonplace. It is easy to forget that these ordinances are real and for each of us. I struggle to put into words the feelings that washed over me in the Temple at that moment. What I know from this experience is that it is never too late to come back. It is never too late to come to the Temple. I know that Heavenly Father wants each of us there because He loves us. I know that He wants to bless us. The scripture in Luke 11:13 comes to mind: "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" Also Isaiah 49:15: "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yeah, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee."
I know that we are loved. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want us to come unto them. I know that life can get really REALLY hard sometimes. But I know as we try our best to have faith, keep the commandments, and hold on, that we will receive peace and rest. We will see the light again and have rue joy and happiness because They want us to be happy. I know that. I know that Heavenly Father wants us to come to the temple. It is there that I have personally received answers to important and sincere questions in my life. I know that we can feel peace there, forget about the world, and remember the things that matter most. I have truly seen the Lord's hand in my life within the walls of the Temple.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x_-TQivCx8
I know that we are loved. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want us to come unto them. I know that life can get really REALLY hard sometimes. But I know as we try our best to have faith, keep the commandments, and hold on, that we will receive peace and rest. We will see the light again and have rue joy and happiness because They want us to be happy. I know that. I know that Heavenly Father wants us to come to the temple. It is there that I have personally received answers to important and sincere questions in my life. I know that we can feel peace there, forget about the world, and remember the things that matter most. I have truly seen the Lord's hand in my life within the walls of the Temple.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x_-TQivCx8
Sunday, July 27, 2014
28 and Life Lessons
Today is my birthday!!!!! It's hard to believe I am 28! I still feel so young at heart and I am just loving life in spite of the challenges and stresses that come! This week was so much fun. :) On Tuesday I got to go and interpret at my favorite place to interpret..the MTC!The speakers were great and I just love the group of ASL missionaries that are there right now. On Thursday I participated in the Temple to Temple 5K! It was a great way to start of Pioneer Day and I loved it! It was also my best friend's birthday!!! Hip hip hooray! We went out to lunch and then went and watched How to Train Your Dragon 2! Even though I had seen it once before I bawled my eyes out. It definitely has to be one of my all time favorite movies! Friday, my little brother GOT MARRIED! It was a wonderful day and Lindsey already feels like a sister to me so it wasn't a surreal moment, it just felt right! Mike and Lindsey are a great match and I just love them!!!
I recently read an article talking about 30 life lessons everyone should learn by age 30. That got me thinking about the lessons that I have learned in my life so far. I had a whole plan for this post to be all about those life lessons, but one of the lessons I was going to mention turned into an entire post....I don't know if it makes a lot of sense, but I feel like it is something that I needed to share so I hope that somehow it will make a difference to someone out there who reads my blog.
One of the first life lessons that I have learned is that I should try to be nice to people no matter what. I need to be careful what I say because you never know what someone else is going through. I know I am guilty of saying things that I shouldn't and being quick to judge. But I am trying hard to be better everyday and I think I am getting better.
I have had to learn this lesson by being the recipient of unkind words. Three specific occasions come to my mind. I won't go into detail because it's personal and I don't feel like I need to expand and relive everything that was said. But I remember the words of people not understanding and saying things so hurtful that I thought my heart might break. Each time this has happened I cry my eyes out and have to find the will power to pray for strength, comfort, and peace. It is hard to do. It is especially difficult when the hurtful things said come from people of my faith. People who are supposed to be doing righteous things and being Christ-like. I ask myself, how can this be happening? It is almost mind-blowing. I have to come to my senses and remind myself that people in the church are not perfect. The Gospel is not for perfect people. It is for people with flaws, weaknesses, shortcomings, sins, and imperfections.
These experiences have helped me learn that I have to be solid. What has been said to me could have been a real testimony and faith shaker. I am grateful that in those moments I was able to remember my temple covenants, to remember the things that matter most, and to not let one person's stupid comment drive me away from the Gospel and the church.
I know there have been some that have left because of mean and horrible comments. Because of the experiences that I have had I feel like I understand somewhat what they have been through. It is hard to believe that God can let bad things happen to you when you are just trying to do what's right. How can he let people who are in the church say such mean things? I guess a lot of it comes down to the fact that people have their agency. Sometimes people don't have the Spirit when they are talking to you. Sometimes people have bad days. Sometimes people simply don't understand what is appropriate to say and what's not. Whatever the reason, these things happen. In those moments you have to cling to what you know. People do not equal the principles of the Gospel. The principles and truthfulness of the Gospel remain the same. Remember your testimony, remember the moments you have felt the Spirit and know that this difficult and painful experience too shall pass.
In all honesty I almost wish I wouldn't have had to go through these experiences and hear what I had to hear. But at the same time I am grateful that I have been able to learn first hand the importance of being ever so careful in the words that I speak. I have learned that I need to be quick to forgive and slow to anger, that I need to be slow to judge and quick to love. I hope I will never say anything to anyone that would be insensitive or unkind. And if and probably when I do, I hope I realize my mistake and am quick to say I'm sorry. What we say has such an influence for bad OR for good. I hope that what I say can always be for good.
These are a few General conference talks that I love related to all of this...They really are worth watching.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/the-tongue-of-angels?lang=eng
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/come-join-with-us?lang=eng
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/10/and-nothing-shall-offend-them?lang=eng
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1982/04/a-brother-offended?lang=eng
Sunday, April 13, 2014
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe: What it Meant to Me
Sometimes we have an increase of testimony when we least expect it. Tonight I went to a family dinner where they were watching the movie "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe". I had the seen the cartoon version when I when I was really young and I had read the book several years ago. However, I hadn't seen the most recent movie version. As I sat there and watched the beginning of the movie I became enthralled. I started to remember all of the symbolism in the story and I was able to see that symbolism in every scene that I was watching. It was so difficult for me to hold back my tears and the feelings of gratitude and love that came to me in those moments. I don't know how to put into words the thoughts and feelings that came to my heart.
I feel like I have always had a testimony of the Savior and the Atonement even if at times I have doubted or of course had to study, pray, and exercise faith to find out for myself. However, sometimes it has been hard for me to fully comprehend the sacrifice that Christ has made because it seems like such a long time ago that He lived on the Earth and because I was not there. I know that I will never comprehend fully in this life what actually occurred and the suffering that He felt. But as strange as it sounds, as I watched this movie I began to understand. That great sacrifice that Christ made was real. It was for me personally. It is for you. It is for all of us.
He truly has born our griefs, carried our sorrows, has been wounded for our transgressions, and with His stripes we are healed. I know this is true. I have a testimony of it. Even when we rebel against Him, His love does not cease. We make mistakes, but His arms are stretched out still. He loves us and He will rescue us from our trials and afflictions if we will but open our hearts to Him and allow Him to comfort us. This does not mean that we will not be asked to walk through trials or heartache. That is the nature of this world and we are meant to learn and grow. But He will not leave us.
I am usually not one to get right up and share my testimony, but I feel that tonight I must share what I have felt in my heart and the things of which I know. I know that He lives. I know that He died for us. I know that we have a choice to follow Him. He needs us. He wants us to be on His side. I am so far from perfect. I make many mistakes and long to be better. I know that through Him we can receive help and that these weak things will become strengths. I know we are all bound for great things and that our greatness is realized through the power of the Atonement. I am grateful for my Savior. I love Him and I know that through Him all things can be made right.
I know that Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ stand ready to help us. I know that they hear and answer our prayers. Sometimes the answers we seek for come soon and sometimes they come later. I certainly was not expecting my testimony to increase so much at the time that it did and in the way that it did, but Heavenly Father knows how to speak to me and my heart as He does with each of us. When we begin to understand the Atonement and draw closer to Jesus Christ the things that seem so important in our everyday lives become less of a big deal and the things that are of true importance are brought to light and our hearts are changed.
Maybe this movie won't hit you the way that it hit me, but who knows? :) I hope you will get a chance to see it.
"And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom, seek learning even by study and also by faith;"
(D&C 109:7)
--Megan
I feel like I have always had a testimony of the Savior and the Atonement even if at times I have doubted or of course had to study, pray, and exercise faith to find out for myself. However, sometimes it has been hard for me to fully comprehend the sacrifice that Christ has made because it seems like such a long time ago that He lived on the Earth and because I was not there. I know that I will never comprehend fully in this life what actually occurred and the suffering that He felt. But as strange as it sounds, as I watched this movie I began to understand. That great sacrifice that Christ made was real. It was for me personally. It is for you. It is for all of us.
He truly has born our griefs, carried our sorrows, has been wounded for our transgressions, and with His stripes we are healed. I know this is true. I have a testimony of it. Even when we rebel against Him, His love does not cease. We make mistakes, but His arms are stretched out still. He loves us and He will rescue us from our trials and afflictions if we will but open our hearts to Him and allow Him to comfort us. This does not mean that we will not be asked to walk through trials or heartache. That is the nature of this world and we are meant to learn and grow. But He will not leave us.
I am usually not one to get right up and share my testimony, but I feel that tonight I must share what I have felt in my heart and the things of which I know. I know that He lives. I know that He died for us. I know that we have a choice to follow Him. He needs us. He wants us to be on His side. I am so far from perfect. I make many mistakes and long to be better. I know that through Him we can receive help and that these weak things will become strengths. I know we are all bound for great things and that our greatness is realized through the power of the Atonement. I am grateful for my Savior. I love Him and I know that through Him all things can be made right.
I know that Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ stand ready to help us. I know that they hear and answer our prayers. Sometimes the answers we seek for come soon and sometimes they come later. I certainly was not expecting my testimony to increase so much at the time that it did and in the way that it did, but Heavenly Father knows how to speak to me and my heart as He does with each of us. When we begin to understand the Atonement and draw closer to Jesus Christ the things that seem so important in our everyday lives become less of a big deal and the things that are of true importance are brought to light and our hearts are changed.
Maybe this movie won't hit you the way that it hit me, but who knows? :) I hope you will get a chance to see it.
"And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom, seek learning even by study and also by faith;"
(D&C 109:7)
--Megan
Monday, March 17, 2014
Grandparents
The following post is mostly for me. You may get bored because of all of my familial details that I share here, but feel free to continue reading if you would like. :) If not, you can skip to the bottom for a quick thought summarizing this post.
Nineteen years ago today I learned what it felt like to have someone close to you die. I was downstairs at my house. It was early in the morning and my dad came downstairs and told me that my grandpa (his dad) had died. He had been in the hospital with heart problems and we had just been to visit him. I was so young at the time that I don't think I even thought that there was a possibility that he would die. I still remember the moment and I remember hugging my dad and crying. I remember parts of the viewing and the funeral.
I don't remember a lot of conversations with my grandpa, but I do remember some little moments. I remember is seeing him with my brother on his lap in the living room bouncing and whistling through his front teeth. I remember his tomatoes that he tended to in the back yard. I remember him coming and watching me play outside. I am really grateful for those little things that I can remember....and more than anything I am grateful for the feeling that I get when I think of him that tells me how much he loves me.
My Mom's mom is the most energetic grandma that I know! Whenever I go and visit her she is up and awake before I am. She is willing to take me anywhere and makes every moment fun. I hope that I can have the kind of fun energy that she has when I am her age! I have learned a lot from her about pushing forward even through tough times. I love that I can look back and remember fun visits to Las Vegas, trips to the store to rent movies and pick out candy that doesn't even exist anymore, weekends at Snowbird, and long walks to 7-11 for an ice cream sandwich. We have had some great times!
Nineteen years ago today I learned what it felt like to have someone close to you die. I was downstairs at my house. It was early in the morning and my dad came downstairs and told me that my grandpa (his dad) had died. He had been in the hospital with heart problems and we had just been to visit him. I was so young at the time that I don't think I even thought that there was a possibility that he would die. I still remember the moment and I remember hugging my dad and crying. I remember parts of the viewing and the funeral.
I don't remember a lot of conversations with my grandpa, but I do remember some little moments. I remember is seeing him with my brother on his lap in the living room bouncing and whistling through his front teeth. I remember his tomatoes that he tended to in the back yard. I remember him coming and watching me play outside. I am really grateful for those little things that I can remember....and more than anything I am grateful for the feeling that I get when I think of him that tells me how much he loves me.
A kiss from Grandpa
My grandpa was quite a bit older than my grandma and he was 86 years old when he died. So she has had to be without him for a long time. Even though she has had to be alone for so long she has tried to keep busy with friends and family. When I was little Grandma was always my best bud. I would go over and have sleep overs, play games, make-believe, play tennis on the back porch, and run and run and RUN until grandma was absolutely tuckered out! I would also call her on the phone and we would play games over the phone and I would sing to her. I have so many fun memories with Grandma and I never tire of talking to her about them. I still love getting together with her. Even though sometimes she is so tired she still makes me lunch and dessert whenever I come over. She loves hearing about how things are going and loves when I come visit. I love spending time with her. My Mom's mom is the most energetic grandma that I know! Whenever I go and visit her she is up and awake before I am. She is willing to take me anywhere and makes every moment fun. I hope that I can have the kind of fun energy that she has when I am her age! I have learned a lot from her about pushing forward even through tough times. I love that I can look back and remember fun visits to Las Vegas, trips to the store to rent movies and pick out candy that doesn't even exist anymore, weekends at Snowbird, and long walks to 7-11 for an ice cream sandwich. We have had some great times!
A Raggedy Ann Doll that my grandma made for me.
Enjoying a birthday party with my grandma and all of my family.
Swimming at Snowbird with my grandma, mom, and Michael.
My Grandma and Grandpa on my mom's side got divorced a long time before I was born. My Grandpa re-married a beautiful lady who happened to have the same name as his first wife. Yes, very weird I know but I have two grandma's with the same name: Betty Lou Olson and Betty Lou Olson. Since we already called my biological grandma "Grandma O." We had to come up with another name for my Grandpa's second wife. I don't remember the moment we came up with this, but we started to call her "Grandma Kim" because she and my Grandpa had a daughter named Kim. For some reason it stuck and we still call her that to this day. I remember playing so many fun games with her at the house, even though she had so many things to do she would always take time to play with me and Kim. She would set up a tent for us in the front yard to play in, she would chase us around the big pine tree and pretend to be the big bad wolf, she took us to Jungle Jim's and watched us play for hours, she would create little treasure hunts for us in the house and have an actual treasure for us at the end. She was so kind to me and loved me unconditionally. I will never forget when our family was going through some really difficult times and I was over at her house crying on her couch. She came over and held me and my brother and she cried with us. I had never seen her cry before and so when she cried at the moment I felt so much empathy and love coming from her for me and our whole family. Whenever I explain my relationship to Grandma Kim, I can't bring myself to call her my "step-grandma" because it does not even come close to what she has meant to me. She was and IS my real grandma and I love her dearly. She passed away unexpectedly in 1999 from sudden heart failure and I still miss her everyday and wish she was still here.
Grandma Kim watching Maddy play.
My Grandpa O. passed away seven years ago. It seems like forever. He is someone who I look up to so much and strive to be like. He was so mild mannered, so calm, gentle, and loving to everyone and anyone. When I think of Grandpa O. I think of tan old fashioned jump suits with a matching fishing hat, hand-watering lawns, libraries, ketchup, Arby's, Woody's, Pineapple shakes, banana bars, rubber bands, pens, and a love of learning. Grandpa found joy in the simplest of things and I feel like I relate so much to him. I find myself smiling and wanting to ask people: "So let me get your take on this..." I drive slow and sometimes wait for a long time before making that left hand turn even though the next car is a mile away. It took me several minutes to remember the real word for a dip in the road because they have become known to our family as "dipsee-doodles" as Grandpa called them. I loved how when I got older I went and played the piano for him at his house and after I finished playing a song he would say something like "Now let me ask you a question there Megan. About how long do you think it would take you to learn another piece and be able to play it like that? You young kids just amaze me at what you can do." I wish so much that I could go back in time and have more chats with him. I wish I could go back and see him sitting in his recliner chair and give him the biggest hug and kiss his whiskery cheeks and his bald head and tell him how much I love him and how terribly I miss him!
Grandpa taking a moment with Mike
How much Grandpa loves us... :)
So this post was mostly for me. I am SO grateful for the grandparents that I have. I feel so blessed and lucky to have each of them. My message for anyone who reads this is to take time for your grandparents. They have so much to give and so much to share. They won't be here forever. Take the time TODAY! Pick up the phone and give them a call. Write them a note and tell them how grateful you are for them. Don't let them be forgotten. Tell them you love them. Take time to give them a hug and a kiss. Those things mean more to Grandmas and Grandpas then we may know and those moments will mean more to us when we look back and remember them when they aren't physically with us anymore. I am grateful for eternal families and I can't wait to see my grandparents again someday.
--Megan
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
A Little Ray of Sunshine
The other day I was having a bad day. It all started off when things didn't go well with one of my assignments for school. I was worried about the grade that I might get and I was feeling like I wasn't able to do my best. That kind of set the mood for the rest of the day. Looking back on it, it wasn't that big of a deal, but at the time it really seemed like it and I got off on the wrong foot early on in the day.
Well, I tried to push forward. I knew I had a long day ahead of me with a lot of things to do. I went to a freelance assignment for interpreting which was fine until I found out I was supposed to have contacted a specific person for part of my assignment. I ended up calling that person, but when I did they were not very happy that I hadn't called them earlier. I explained that I wasn't given any instructions by my supervisors to call until that time, but he still sounded a bit frustrated with me and I felt a pretty belittled as he was talking to me. Grrr! Things were just not going right!
I drove back to UVU where I was attending a presentation for my elementary ed. program. Did I mention it was a cloudy, rainy, cold, and generally not very pleasant weather that day? Well it was. I don't think this helped me to feel any better. If anything, the gray just matched the events of that day. I walked in the doors and I signed in for the presentation. I noticed they were doing a drawing for some books. I LOVE to read whenever I can and I LOVE collecting books for my future classroom. The last presentation I had been to they had a drawing but I didn't win which was a bummer, but I was excited that they were doing a drawing again this time.
I got a piece of paper and wrote my name down. I carefully folded it up and placed it in the basket. As I did so, I had a thought...which was kind of a little comment to Heavenly Father (yes, sometimes I do this) and I said "You know, this has been a really bad day. I think if I were to win a book my day might just get a little better." I sat down still feeling a little lousy and I listened to the lecture. Then it came time for the drawing. My literacy teacher drew the first paper out of the basket and shouted "MEGAN WESTBROOK!" All of the girls in my class cheered for my as I walked up to pick my book. I picked Charlotte's Web.
When my teacher read my name, I couldn't help but smile. I couldn't help but laugh inside as I thought about how I had said that little comment in my mind as I put my name in the basket. How funny that not only was my name drawn, but it was the first one drawn! I walked out of the lecture and out into the rain again. I laughed out loud to myself. I said a prayer of thanks to Heavenly Father for being mindful of me under the most simple of circumstances. Winning that book was that little ray of sunshine that I needed and it completely turned my day around.
Not like some of my other experiences, this one is a simple one. Again, some may say it was pure coincidence that my name happened to be drawn first out of the one-hundred people that were at the lecture that day. But I don't think so. There was a feeling and a thought that came with that experience that seemed to whisper "this is just for you." I can't explain any more than that.
I know I have so many shortcomings and weaknesses. I say some things that I wish I didn't say and I neglect things that I need to do that I wish I wouldn't, and yet I still feel blessed everyday. I want to always try to do what is right and live worthy of each blessing I receive. I hope I will always use those blessings to go about doing good and be an instrument in His hands in whatever way He would use me that day. I know I have a long way to go, but He is patient and loves me still. I am grateful for His love and I am grateful that He cares enough to help me through those days that feel like a big deal, even if in hindsight it maybe wasn't. Sometimes God uses those little moments that may seem insignificant on the outside to teach us something great.
"Seeing What Matters Most"
http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=1101413031001
--Megan
Well, I tried to push forward. I knew I had a long day ahead of me with a lot of things to do. I went to a freelance assignment for interpreting which was fine until I found out I was supposed to have contacted a specific person for part of my assignment. I ended up calling that person, but when I did they were not very happy that I hadn't called them earlier. I explained that I wasn't given any instructions by my supervisors to call until that time, but he still sounded a bit frustrated with me and I felt a pretty belittled as he was talking to me. Grrr! Things were just not going right!
I drove back to UVU where I was attending a presentation for my elementary ed. program. Did I mention it was a cloudy, rainy, cold, and generally not very pleasant weather that day? Well it was. I don't think this helped me to feel any better. If anything, the gray just matched the events of that day. I walked in the doors and I signed in for the presentation. I noticed they were doing a drawing for some books. I LOVE to read whenever I can and I LOVE collecting books for my future classroom. The last presentation I had been to they had a drawing but I didn't win which was a bummer, but I was excited that they were doing a drawing again this time.
I got a piece of paper and wrote my name down. I carefully folded it up and placed it in the basket. As I did so, I had a thought...which was kind of a little comment to Heavenly Father (yes, sometimes I do this) and I said "You know, this has been a really bad day. I think if I were to win a book my day might just get a little better." I sat down still feeling a little lousy and I listened to the lecture. Then it came time for the drawing. My literacy teacher drew the first paper out of the basket and shouted "MEGAN WESTBROOK!" All of the girls in my class cheered for my as I walked up to pick my book. I picked Charlotte's Web.
When my teacher read my name, I couldn't help but smile. I couldn't help but laugh inside as I thought about how I had said that little comment in my mind as I put my name in the basket. How funny that not only was my name drawn, but it was the first one drawn! I walked out of the lecture and out into the rain again. I laughed out loud to myself. I said a prayer of thanks to Heavenly Father for being mindful of me under the most simple of circumstances. Winning that book was that little ray of sunshine that I needed and it completely turned my day around.
Not like some of my other experiences, this one is a simple one. Again, some may say it was pure coincidence that my name happened to be drawn first out of the one-hundred people that were at the lecture that day. But I don't think so. There was a feeling and a thought that came with that experience that seemed to whisper "this is just for you." I can't explain any more than that.
I know I have so many shortcomings and weaknesses. I say some things that I wish I didn't say and I neglect things that I need to do that I wish I wouldn't, and yet I still feel blessed everyday. I want to always try to do what is right and live worthy of each blessing I receive. I hope I will always use those blessings to go about doing good and be an instrument in His hands in whatever way He would use me that day. I know I have a long way to go, but He is patient and loves me still. I am grateful for His love and I am grateful that He cares enough to help me through those days that feel like a big deal, even if in hindsight it maybe wasn't. Sometimes God uses those little moments that may seem insignificant on the outside to teach us something great.
"Seeing What Matters Most"
http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=1101413031001
--Megan
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Why I am not "single"
The other night I was driving home from our monthly family dinner. It is always so great to see them and spend time with them. We had a delicious dinner and then spent time chatting and catching up with each other....and also had some wonderful fun and entertainment from sweet little Hallie :) Needless to say family dinner is something I look forward to because I am surrounded by so many people that I love. Afterwords, I got to stop by my mom's house and visit with her. She is always so sweet and makes extra food just in case I stop by. She sent me home with soup and bread! She is always so thoughtful! It was so great to see her!
As I was driving home that night I had a question come into my mind: What does it mean to be "single"? That was pretty random I thought. So I pulled out my phone and looked up the definition. The first definition that came up on my Google search was "Only one; not one of several. Synonyms: one (only), sole, lone, solitary, by itself/oneself, unaccompanied, alone." The second definition was "unmarried or not involved in a stable relationship". This second definition is of course true for me; I am not married or involved in a steady relationship at the moment. However, it was the first definition that really caught my eye and got my mind going. "Am I really 'single'?" I thought to myself.
I thought back to the time I had spent with my family that night. We had over ten people there. It was loud. We laughed together and we shared personal experiences. We shared a meal together. We prayed. We hugged. We loved each other. My immediate thought was I may not be married, but I really am not "single". I am surrounded by multiple family members who I get to love and who love me. I don't feel alone when I am with them. I am a part of the whole and I have an important part to play. I am a member of the team.
Everyday when I go to teach my high school students they become part of my family. We go through rough days with learning and then we go through great ones. I always try and show my students how much I care and I have seen my students show their love and care for me almost daily. We are not just individuals and going through the educational journey alone. We are a community striving for excellence everyday.
After I am done teaching I head to UVU where I get to be with a wonderful group of girls who I consider my dear friends. I don't feel like just a lone student in the classroom. I know I can sit by any of them and have a friend. I know that one of them will make me laugh and that we will strengthen one another in some way that day.
So how am I single? I'm really not. It's a label that sometimes makes us unmarried people feel marked or alone. But just look around! See who you have! If you can't find anyone, go out and make a friend. Build the relationship with those who are downtrodden or sad. Lift up the hearts that need lifting. There is so much joy to be found when you forget yourself and go to work! I have found so much joy in this and so many blessings as I strive to do this everyday. I'm grateful for my family and friends...for my loved ones who help make life wonderful!
I am grateful to my Heavenly Father who has always been there for me through thick and thin. At times when I truly felt alone he has pulled me through. He has lifted my burdens and strengthened me. Hard times will come, but I know as we have faith and push forward that He will help us through and he will not leave us comfortless. I will forever be grateful for all He has helped me through and for all the MANY blessing both big and small that He blesses us with on a daily basis.
--Megan
"He Gives Flowers to Everyone" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4eZr42BZFg
As I was driving home that night I had a question come into my mind: What does it mean to be "single"? That was pretty random I thought. So I pulled out my phone and looked up the definition. The first definition that came up on my Google search was "Only one; not one of several. Synonyms: one (only), sole, lone, solitary, by itself/oneself, unaccompanied, alone." The second definition was "unmarried or not involved in a stable relationship". This second definition is of course true for me; I am not married or involved in a steady relationship at the moment. However, it was the first definition that really caught my eye and got my mind going. "Am I really 'single'?" I thought to myself.
I thought back to the time I had spent with my family that night. We had over ten people there. It was loud. We laughed together and we shared personal experiences. We shared a meal together. We prayed. We hugged. We loved each other. My immediate thought was I may not be married, but I really am not "single". I am surrounded by multiple family members who I get to love and who love me. I don't feel alone when I am with them. I am a part of the whole and I have an important part to play. I am a member of the team.
Everyday when I go to teach my high school students they become part of my family. We go through rough days with learning and then we go through great ones. I always try and show my students how much I care and I have seen my students show their love and care for me almost daily. We are not just individuals and going through the educational journey alone. We are a community striving for excellence everyday.
After I am done teaching I head to UVU where I get to be with a wonderful group of girls who I consider my dear friends. I don't feel like just a lone student in the classroom. I know I can sit by any of them and have a friend. I know that one of them will make me laugh and that we will strengthen one another in some way that day.
So how am I single? I'm really not. It's a label that sometimes makes us unmarried people feel marked or alone. But just look around! See who you have! If you can't find anyone, go out and make a friend. Build the relationship with those who are downtrodden or sad. Lift up the hearts that need lifting. There is so much joy to be found when you forget yourself and go to work! I have found so much joy in this and so many blessings as I strive to do this everyday. I'm grateful for my family and friends...for my loved ones who help make life wonderful!
I am grateful to my Heavenly Father who has always been there for me through thick and thin. At times when I truly felt alone he has pulled me through. He has lifted my burdens and strengthened me. Hard times will come, but I know as we have faith and push forward that He will help us through and he will not leave us comfortless. I will forever be grateful for all He has helped me through and for all the MANY blessing both big and small that He blesses us with on a daily basis.
--Megan
"He Gives Flowers to Everyone" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4eZr42BZFg
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