Sometimes I Surprise Myself

I went to pick up the kids from school and threw my sunglasses on my face as I buckled my seatbelt. 

Wondered why I got strange looks from the men working on the road near my house.

Wondered why the policeman directing traffic at the 4-way stop gave me a funny look.

Wondered why so many of the junior high kids were looking at me as they walked past my car.

Wonderd why my own daughter was looking at me strangely as she got to the car.

Then I looked in the mirror.

 

Mother's Day Shenanigans

A couple of artistic moments were captured just after church services. We were waiting for Nathan to finish chatting with folks so we could head home.

Once home, we posed for more official photos.

I also got a social media shoutout from Elder Harwood. Jared and Kaylee also stopped by later in the day and gave me a beautiful granite necklace. I'm pretty spoiled.

Thoughts on Jonah (Old Testament Lesson 33)

Some personal thoughts and ramblings on the story of Jonah. 

credit: lds.org

I know the story of Jonah is usually shared as a way of teaching responsibility, but I saw it from a different perspective.

I was thinking that the story of Jonah may not be relatable to some because they say Jonah was a prophet and didn’t do what the Lord asked. However, yesterday I read (pg 70) that in the Old Testament when they say someone is a prophet, it means that they were called to prophesy or teach. It doesn’t always mean that they were the president of the church. So Jonah could have been an ordinary member like any of us.

Also, I see the story of Jonah as a story of agency - that we are agents to act and not be acted upon. Jonah chose to not listen to the Lord and doesn’t go to teach the people of Nineveh. He actually goes the complete opposite way. Seeing that he has endangered others, Jonah chose to be thrown overboard. Jonah chose to repent while in “hell” / inside the whale. Jonah then chose to do as the Lord commanded. Jonah chose to be irritated that the people repented and were not destroyed. Then the Lord teaches him about God’s love for all. 

Jonah chose to be thrown overboard.  In my view, this is an act of giving up control. Acknowledging that his use of agency has led to consequences he didn't intend. Now in the water, being tossed in the waves, Jonah's agency is limited; he's in bondage to his choice, and he is swallowed by a whale.

The whale that swallows Jonah is an act of divine love.  A trial or struggle provided by a loving parent to a wandering child.  It wasn't a punishment.  Of course, Jonah doesn’t view the whale as an act of love at that moment. He identifies himself in “the belly of hell.” However, the whale is likely the only reason Jonah doesn’t drown in the waves. It's intercession. This "tender mercy" is an opportunity to reflect, change and apply the atonement.

In life, I can choose to do things my way, or I can choose to try and follow God‘s will. If I choose to use my agency unwisely, I limit myself.  As I choose contrary to God‘s will, I will always find myself in “hell” - or in other words, I am choosing to separate myself from God and His love. However, our Heavenly Parents and our Savior, Jesus Christ, will always reach out to us when we turn our hearts back to them. - "...his hand is stretched out still."  When I choose to repent and re-align myself with God through the power of the atonement, I am teachable and learn of His love for me.

Nebo Half Marathon 2018

While marathon training, Sha and I decided to sign up for the Nebo Half Marathon. It perfectly coincided with one of our long training runs, we'd just need to add a few miles to it.

We arrived at the start line early and decided to run 3 miles around Payson Lake prior to the race start.

Sha and I at the start line!

We took it easy on the run.  We really focused on pacing ourselves to finish the race feeling strong.

Sha and I at the finish line.  We both set a course PR.

My chip time:

 
 

Parowan Half Marathon - Yankee Meadow Run

On Saturday, August 4, 2018, I ran the Parowan Half Marathon with my running buddies.

L to R: Jaci, me, Sha and Anna at Yankee Meadow Reservoir (the starting line)

Sha and I after the race.  We both set a PR and were very excited.  The course was beautiful!

 L to R: me, Anna, Sha, and Jaci post race

THE ONLY TIME I'VE FINISHED BEFORE SHA!

Results!

Pictures from the course taken by Anna.

Heber Half Run for Autism 2018

On Saturday, June 30, I ran the first annual Heber Half Run for Autism.  It was a beautiful and fast-paced course. I met up with my friend, Anna and her sister Emily, at the bus pickup.  We hung out at the start line until it was time to go.

The race was delayed 30 minutes due to a few buses arriving very late.

Me, Emily and Anna at the start-line

More start-line pictures

Getting ready to start.  I made a quick trip to the porta-potty after the race officially started.

One of the beautiful views from the run.

Done!

Anna and I both set new PRs on the course.

 

I finished at 1:47:40!

Some 2017 Randomness

In October, Jared's phone broke.  Aunt Tiff had a phone he could use, so she mailed it to him.  She didn't want it to break so she placed it inside this hot pink Hello Kitty bag.  We told Jared he had to use it.

In early November, Isaac's football team won their Championship game.  We were very proud of Isaac and his team!

Coach Buck and Isaac

Sometimes, if you ask nicely, they'll hold your hand in public. September 30, 2017

We noticed on December 30, 2017 that Isaac was officially taller than me.

In September 2017, my dad, along with the help of my brothers, shot his once-in-a-lifetime elk.

In early September 2017, Jared started his first job at Arctic Circle as a cook!

In October 2017, Nathan started a new job. He looks so handsome all dressed up for interviews!

We were lucky enough to be invited to a pre-season tailgate party at BYU and were filmed for a promotional video.  Here are a couple of still shots from the video.

On June 26, 2017 this lovely serious of photos was taken:

On May 26, 2017, the kids and I went with Grandma Carter to put flowers on a few graves.  Here we are at the American Fork Cemetary putting flowers on my Grandma and Grandpa Brown's graves.

 And finally, this charming young lady took 3.2 billion photos using Snapchat filters.

Thankful 13 5K

On Thanksgiving Day, I ran Thankful 13's 5K with my friend, Anna.  It was a beautiful morning.  I was able to set a new personal record for myself with this 5K.  I also came in 4th for my age group.  It helps that I turned 40 one month prior.

A picture of me at 2.5 miles.

Finished!

Anna and I post race

Oh, look!  We're so strong...

And talented... haha!