I’ve always known in my life that whatever I end up doing, I want it
to help other people. I’ve always wanted to be able to use my stories
and my life experiences to help others. So starting a blog was a big
deal for me. Displaying my life to the world is serious! Everyone can
see it. Which is exactly why I tell my stories. Being asked to write
for this blog is a great privilege and I am extremely grateful for
this opportunity. In this restricted amount of time and space I have
to spend on this post, I hope you find something that can touch you
and empower you.

Throughout my life so many things have happened to me, both incredible
and terrible. But so far, one specific event truly changed my life
forever, thanks to a girl named Baylee.

Through my skating so many wonderful things happened to me, one of
which was a sponsorship by Global Brands McDonalds. And because of
this came more opportunities. My most memorable event happened when I
was about 12 or 13, when McDonalds asked my sister and me to skate for
the patients at the Ronald McDonald House of Manhattan. They brought
us out to New York and we got to put on an entire Christmas show of
just the two of us. Afterwards, the patients and their families were
allowed on the ice for games and socializing. I remember coming out
as everyone was skating and my eye was immediately drawn to one little
girl: Baylee. She was against the wall with her mom holding her hand
for balance. She was so tiny and appeared so frail with her several
layers of clothing, face mask, and a pink hat covering her bald head.
Something told me I needed to talk to her. So I skated over and
introduced myself.

I later found out from her mom that she had been diagnosed with
Leukemia when she was little and had gone through several bone marrow
transplants. After we skated, and I talked more with Baylee off the
ice, I realized this little eight-year-old girl had so much more to
teach me than I did her. She told me so much about her life, and how
hard things have been, but that she knows it was all part of a greater
plan for her. She had faith that no matter where life took her or how
hard things got, everything was going to be okay. She had more love
and more light than any person I have ever met. From that day on, I
knew that I wanted to find that kind of spirit inside myself.

Since then, Baylee has passed into another world, but her spirit has
always been with me as I strive to find the meaning in my life and
find my own light.

This story has served as a reminder throughout my life since then,
giving me hope in any hard situation. Now I live my life always
putting things in a greater perspective. This has given me so much
purpose and light in my life. I had no idea one person can bring so
much joy and enlightenment in someone’s life, and I know that as much
as I helped Baylee that day, she forever changed me. I live and write
everyday because of her. She’s my little inspiration! I only hope that
I can use my life to affect others, as she did to change me.

“Most folks are happy as they make their minds up to be.”
-Abraham Lincoln

Cosette H.
Follow my blog at gettingcozie.blogspot.com

Karen is a dear friend, writer, and all-around amazing lady. She has guest blogged for us before here at MPower, and we are delighted with her most recent post, “Crocheting.” Enjoy!

I was crocheting a lap blanket for a friend today and started thinking about the message I want to deliver with it. I began thinking of a number of other things including the following.

Good instructions, videos and the right tools are a must. So too with life. We may not have a video, but we do have a clear example of how we should live in our brother, Jesus. We have an excellent set of instructions and tools in the Book of Mormon, the Bible, and through the words of a living prophet.

There are variations in crocheting just as in life – the ebb and flow, the tightness or looseness of the stitches. There are parallels to life.

In using a whole skein of yarn things may go smoothly. Occasionally there will be a knot that has to be fixed or worked through. This may leave a physical reminder of what has been overcome.

Usually, when looking at the work of another, I tend to be forgiving of what they see as flaws. I tend to be less so of my own works, even though the work as a whole is good and functional, if not perfect. I can not think of a person, who if given the chance to embrace peace or bitterness, would chose the latter. That is what we do though when we close the door on forgiveness. A repentant humble heart and the grace and mercy of God make for an excellent combination.

A helping hand is sometimes needed. A skein is finished, not the project and so yarn must be connected from one to another. It reminds me of charity in service. What is given and received may be simple or not. Charity is a gift to both parties. It may be priceless, and a person may never realize in this life just how much it meant to the person on the receiving end.

A finished project is a wonderful thing. How much more so for those who endure to the end.

In this past month, so much has happened. I wanted to keep it all to myself and not bother anyone with my worries. But the past couple of days I have been on the edge of tears. Literally. I finally broke down last night and I realized something. I am human. And it’s okay for a human to cry. It doesn’t make me weak if something happens in my life that makes me upset or sad.

Sometimes things happen in our lives that we can’t deal with on our own. And that is why we have our family in friends. Heavenly Father did not intend for us to go through this life alone. So why should we try to deal with our trials and worries on our own? Loved ones are there for us to lean on and Vice versa.

Friendship is not something to take for granted though. Yes, friends normally are more than willing to help see you through an obstacle in life, but we shouldn’t use our friends just for a shoulder. We should not only offer ours as well, but we must also remember that our friends and loved ones want to hear the good things in our lives.

One day, not too long ago, I was online talking to a good friend that I have known since I was 12. And I told her some somewhat good news and she was so excited that even though I was having a hard time at that particular moment, I was able to smile and I felt so good to be able to confide in someone. I am so blessed to have such good friends in my life. My friends are such an inspiration and good influence on my life

Saying goodbye is often difficult. I was talking with my dear friend tonight about our children leaving for college. We decided that we want our children to grow up, but we don’t want the pain of growing with them. As I considered this, these thoughts followed:

I love my children, every one of them. I know that the best thing for them, and eventually for me, is for my children to grow up and be on their own. The growth that takes place from being in a new place, making new friends, setting up your own support systems, and taking care of yourself enlivens the soul. These growth experiences rarely come by staying in the same place.

I must say that the hardest part has been missing my child. I think about him every time I fold laundry. I feel like something is missing. I looked for some vegetables for dinner in my freezer and I found his favorite ice cream that no one is here to eat now. The most interesting loss to me, though, was to listen to someone play the piano at church. Life has been so busy preparing that there was little piano playing. Yet, when I sat waiting for church to start and was listening to the music, my eyes filled with tears because I missed my child.

It sounds very ominous and lonely. I just have been surprised by it all. After all, I have always wanted my children to be independent and self-sufficient. Haven’t I? Yes, that really was me.

So, I will share the joys of life since college. Every day, right now, I get a telephone call with some new exciting adventure. I hear about wanting to make new friends, but not crossing boundaries and being thought of as “weird” (my word). I also get the excitement of learning, learning much differently than before. Harder work, but more rewarding. I get to experience with my child the joy of knowing the right school was chosen. Today, he said that he was sure that he was making good friends.

Life is new and exciting for him, but I come home to his empty room and no one to eat his favorite ice cream. Though I feel an emptiness, this change brings joy to my heart to know that everything is going to be all right for both of us.

In 1776, after much discussion and debate by representatives from each of the thirteen original colonies (check your history memory, can you name them all?), the text of the Declaration of Independence was signed and independence from Great Britain was proclaimed.

A long war was fought by soldiers who loved their country and their families so much that they were willing to give their own lives to protect the freedom of those they loved.

Today, we live in a country where we still have men and women willing to give their lives for us to enjoy freedom. Not only are they willing to help us, but they are willing to help all who need help.

To me this is the true American Spirit–helping each other enjoy the freedom given to us by God. I love America. I love to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, I love to sing the Star Spangled Banner (I even know all the words), and I love to live in this “land of the free and home of the brave.”

Thanks to my mother who empowered me with this great love for my country I feel. I hope to share this love with my children and grandchildren, as my mother has shared with our family.

Here at MPower Generations, we wish for you and your family the blessings of freedom, love, and happiness. Happy Independence Day!

Our guest blooger for this Friday is Davina. She is an amazing woman, balancing genius, dear wife, and awesome mother to three (with one on the way). We are so grateful for her insights on personal motivation and goal setting! Enjoy!!!!!

When I was on the high school cross-country team, I had a coach that would often follow behind us while we were running long distances in his van. Sometimes, he would be there at the beginning, other times we wouldn’t see him until we were almost done. We never knew at what point during our run he would appear and “motivate” us. This unknown led us to run harder and faster than we normally would have chosen on a hot, humid Florida day. Who wants to be the person the coach finds walking and not doing their best?

Unfortunately, as adults we don’t always have someone who’s going to show up at some point and make sure we’re doing our best. No big bearded guy in an oversized van is going to stop by give us water and tell us we’re not living up to our potential. We have to motivate and push ourselves; we have to be our own coach. We have to find the “team” or dream that inspires us and we have to be the one who makes sure we reach the finish line.

Unfortunately, I’m not built like a runner. I’m not tall, skinny, or lean. I’m actually short and a bit chubby. I’m sure when I show up to a race, people might think, “good for her, ” or “it’s great she’s trying something like this.” I’m also sure I’ve surprised them when I’ve walked up during the awards ceremony and claimed my prize. But I have something others might not; I’m my own coach. I know when I’m doing my best and more importantly I know when I’m not. I no longer need the man in the oversized van checking up on me. I’m my own coach.

I challenge each of us to push ourselves just a little harder each day, to find goals that seem out of reach, and to do things we aren’t “built” for while making time to coach our children and prepare them to one day “be their own coach” as well.

How can you be your own coach? What “race” are you working toward?

Recently in a Sunday School class I was really struck at how much a story in the Old Testament related to me–and it really got me pondering.  My background consists of moving a lot when growing up.  I have lived in many places within the continental United States.  The majority of my time has been spent in two states in particular–Florida and Washington State.  Both have great advantages and disadvantages.  While in high school, I lived in eastern Washington and only applied to one college–located in sunny Florida (because I wanted to be in more sun and less snow).  My years in college were great.  I met wonderful people, had great experiences, and a lot of sun.  The disadvantage surprised me:  I missed the mountains terribly.

After college and some random traveling, I found myself back in Washington State again.  Western Washington surprised me at how green it was and how pretty it could be despite being a VERY urban area.   The spring and summertime here can hardly be beat in beauty and the amount of activities that can be enjoyed here.  However, come winter the drizzly and dreariness that the Seattle area is famous for starts to grate on me and my memories of sunny Florida surface.   Seriously, Miami gets more annual rainfall(67”) than Seattle (36”).

Now back to that Sunday School lesson.  We were discussing the Israelites and their inability to be grateful for what the Lord had given them.  They had been given manna daily for their hunger.  Well, after having just manna for a rather long time, those memories of fish and other types of food surfaced.  They wanted something different, some meat.  (This story can be found in the Old Testament in Numbers chapter 11.)  The Lord had to remind them to be grateful–and in not a pretty manner.

I need to be more grateful for the things in my life, not what I think I am missing.  Running across this quote summed up what I need to do:  “The gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to bring blessings to our Heavenly Father’s children. You are planted in your country, your community, your family to facilitate these blessings. I urge you to bloom where you are planted!”  (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Bright as the Sun,” New Era, Jun 2006, 2–6)

I am studying to become a special education teacher. I learn that all of my students will learn differently, and I think everyone learns differently anyway. So, if everyone learns differently why when we get a paper back do we say, “What did you get? What did you get?” You know you have been there before: when someone gets one point lower than you, and this person always gets a higher grade, but when you get that extra point you sort of smile inside and think “haha I win.” Yet, if we all learn differently, why are we comparing ourselves to each other?

I have done that my whole life. Stressed for success, I call it. This semester has been the worst. I have skipped church and Sabbath rest days (or rest times cause some of my friends cannot take a whole day so they take 1/7 out of everyday). I have pulled all nighters and skipped meals. Just to have the best grades, and to make sure I was the best. I would cry when I got and A- because it wasn’t perfect.

Then I read this… “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else” (Galatians 6:4). Wow! What an amazing and powerful statement. Father wants me to pay attention to my own work, and try my best, and that is all he asks. He knows I am different from everyone else, and he knows what my honest best is, and he doesn’t care about the letter grade. I would never expect my students to be perfect all the time, so why do I hold myself to such a secular standard instead of God’s standard?

A few weeks ago I heard a talk about this woman who wanted to go medical school. She wrote to an to her friend and said, “Now I have time to go medical school but it will take forever, after all the field experience and the classes, it will take ten years, I will be forty.” Her friend replied, “You will be forty in ten years anyway.” This conversation really hit me. Why am I not living my life? Why am I so worried about a letter that by the time I am forty won’t matter?

So, I pulled out a post-it note (an orange one) and on that post-it note I wrote Sundays are for resting, spending time with God, and building upon relationships. I look at that post-it when I am stressing over homework or a test I have. I think to myself it doesn’t have to be perfect; just try your best, because that is all that Father asks, and Sundays are his time to grow in him and rest!

Preparing to move can seem daunting, to say the least. You would think someone who has moved as often as I have would be better prepared. There are many thing to consider in making a major move across the continent, which I have done 5 times and am about to do again. I have complained and fought most of these moves, but have come to realize they have helped to make me who I am today. I have lived in the following places in consecutive order (coming home in-between, as you will see):  Lakeland, FL (1957 – 1960); St. Petersburg, FL (1960 – 1963); Lake Wales, FL (1963 – 1967); Lakeland, FL (1967 – 1980); Memphis, TN (1980 – 1982); Lakeland, FL (1982 – 1983); Anniston, AL (1984 – 1985); Augusta, GA (1985); Panama City, Republic of Panama (1985 – 1988); Odenton, MD (1988 – 1991); El Paso, TX (1991); Lakeland, FL (1991 – 1993); Las Cruces, NM (1993 – 1994); Lakeland, FL (1994 – 1995); Chandler, AZ (1995 – 1997); Lakeland, FL (1997 – 1998); Albuquerque, NM (1998 – 2000); Sacramento, CA (2000 – 2005); White Mills, PA (2005 – 2007) Lakeland, Fl (2007 – Present). I am now preparing to move to Gilbert, AZ. The first and most important step in this process for me is to pray. I pray to Heavenly Father for approval of this decision, physical strength to either direct the movers or for me to purchase the supplies and pack our belongings, emotional strength to enable me to accomplish the many tasks involved in a calm manner, and wisdom to not miss anything that must be done. I then make a general list of things that need to be done, which gets refined many times before the feat is accomplished. The way this has worked for us is that my husband goes ahead of the family and secures a new dwelling place for the family to follow. The corporate moves were the best because there was a moving company that moved everything including the vehicles, and I just had to monitor the packing and loading of all my worldly possessions and then clean the home we were leaving, stay in a hotel until time to get on an airplane to fly to my new home, then again monitor the movers as they unload and unpack everything. That was great! I have, however, had the daunting task of researching the cost of self moves, then creating and implementing a plan of action. There are so many things to consider:  schools for the children, proximity to a congregation of my faith, access to shopping, rents within the budget, etc. My husband and I each made these initial researches, then we would discuss the most viable option from the information we had obtained. This next move does not require as much investigation since the kids are now grown and we don’t have to worry about the best area for them to adapt to the new climate. You wouldn’t think that a move within the bounds of America would be a culture shock, but I can attest to the fact that it is. Each area is part of a neighborhood, which is part of a city or town, which is part of a region, etc. Each one of these divisions or separation has its own characteristics. There are generalities that exist, but we have moved east to west and south to north, from small rural communities to large metropolitan areas — and they have left their impressions upon us. We have lived in conservative areas and liberal areas, lower-income areas, middle-class American areas and just about anything in between. The kids complained:  they were leaving their friends, they wouldn’t fit in, they couldn’t go on, etc. It was my job to make each move an adventure, a new beginning, and to encourage continued contact with old friends and making new friends. It was not easy, and over the years I have found that we have become accustomed to moving every 18 -24 months.  If we don’t, there is a restlessness that sometimes goes undefined until someone mentions that it is time to move again. Then, everyone says, “Ah, that is what that nagging feeling was!” I, on the other hand, am tired and don’t want to move again. We had thought this last move would be just that, the last move. However, with the current economic climate, it is a matter of survival. I will miss many things from Lakeland, many people…but I will make new friends in Gilbert and find new hobbies and adventures to make this move a new experience. The key is to make the Lord the head of every decision and the center of your family, remaining optimistic, looking at newness as opportunity and encouraging love and acceptance of things different.

        The hymn “Each Life That That Touches Ours for Good” is a sweet song. Verse three says: When such a friend from us departs, we hold forever in our hearts a sweet and hallowed memory, bringing us nearer, Lord to thee.  When it says “departs,” it refers to death, but I would like us to think of our friends who have moved, as well.

        Long about two years ago the ward (congregation) I attended was split into two wards.  This caused strong feelings as friends and, in some cases, different generations of a family would be in different wards.  Now we will be back together again. We will be the same and yet different, for we have individually and collectively gone down the path of life.

        During the season of separation, we had choices to make.  Who did we stay in touch with and how?  This experience allowed those who had children as well as those who taught them at church to learn and to teach lessons on friendship, change, loss, and comfort.  It  also provided opportunities for making new friends and for strengthening relationships with those whom we may have only been acquainted. It provided new opportunities for visiting teachers and those who were visited.

        As I stated earlier our wards (congregations) are coming together again.  Yet we will not all be here as before. There are those who have passed and live on in our hearts and memories.

        Economic times are hard in this area–as they are in many parts of the country. Out of necessity, families have moved and may continue to do so.  In their new wards, they have been welcomed and have made new friends while keeping some of the old.

        I feel in my heart that a loving Heavenly Father allowed us to choose to learn to stay in touch with each other when the wards were changed and we were still nearby. If we have learned the lessons well, they will help us during this season when friends are farther off physically, though still close at heart.

        Karen