Day 6

Dear READER,


It's interesting how things all fall together. I've been thinking a lot about the one and the priesthood. And today in Church one of the talks just tied everything together for me. It was so interesting. Here are some of the key points I took from his talk. First off his talk was on covenants and it was really, good. All the speakers did a really good job today it was a wonderful sacrament meeting. Ok so his points:

• Be known as a covenant maker. I don't know there is much else to add to that it's very clear. I want to be known as a covenant maker and a covenant keeper.
• We can't make any covenants on our own. Most if not all covenants are made through the priesthood. Blessings, Baptism, Temple work, Marriage.
• Covenants are made on an individual basis - one by one.

Yesterday in my blessing that I needed to prepare myself to receive revelation the Lord had for me. First off what a great thing to hear from the Lord. He has things he wants to tell me to reveal to me and I need to be ready -- how cool. But today in this brothers talk he mentioned that we received revelation in the temple. It hit me right there in Sacrament meeting exactly what I needed to do in order to help me be open and prepared for revelation ---- 'Jenessa, go to the temple!!!' clears as day.


I met with one of the Bishopric today in order to get set apart in my calling as a member of the compassionate service committee in my Relief Society. I've had a hard time moving into this ward. I don't know why as I didn't really know anyone from the other ward really well and I've moved tons of times and come into new wards and it's been just fine. I think I felt like I was finally in a place where I could start getting to know people and my calling as a Visiting Teaching Coordinator was falling into place and I was loving it. So this change has just seemed a bit harder than normal. Anyways back to the Bishopric member. I needed to get set apart and he was already late for PPC but decided to do it anyways. Instead of just coming in and doing the setting apart he sat and talked with me for about 15 min. He asked me what my concerns were with my calling, what I was doing out here, where I was from and so on. I think it was the first time since I've been out here that someone has actually cared how I felt and what I was actually doing. He didn't rush it at all --- it was just what I needed. I needed someone to care. To understand that I'm just not another member of the church. He ended up missing all of PPC, which is really sad but today he helped the one and I am very grateful for it.


I have the most wonderful Visiting Teaching companion. She is AMAZING!!! And she views and does visiting teaching like I do....like a missionary. Today was set up our appointments for the week to visit our sisters and then we had comp. study. For those of you who served mission you will understand that comp. study is very important and it helps in planning out your lessons. Well we did it just like we did on our missions and it was wonderful. Just WONDERFUL!!!!

On the topic of Visiting Teaching. I have never ever been visit taught my entire life. It's kind of bugged me just because it made me feel that my Visiting Teachers didn't care for him. Well today in Church my Visiting Teacher found me, introduced themselves, and set up an appointment to come and see me. How cool is that. They seem like really sweet women and I am so excited to get to know them better.


I can't believe it's like mid-march. I am going to be in Texas for the rest of the month so today while planning I was planning for April. Can you believe that --- time really does fly. I need to learn how to live more in the moment so that I don't miss anything.



Yours Truly,

Jenessa

Day 5

Dear READER,


When you have so much to say but can't find the words or the desire to say them........that's where I am.



I am so blessed. Life can sometimes be hard and very stressful but I am so blessed, because I have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. Looking back on the events of today and the tender mercies I was given, I wonderful what would my life be like if I didn't have the gospel in it.

A friend of mine has gone through a whole lot in her life. Things that no one should have to suffer, but she has, and she is still struggling today. BUT she pushes forward with hope and confidence. Always asking the Lord for help and guidance in what she should be doing. Her faith is inspiring.
Satan (the devil) works so hard to bring us down. He wants those with faith and hope to feel useless, unwanted, alone, afraid, sad, angry, confused. It is when you are doing everything you can to follow Christ and do what God would have you do, that is when he Satan comes the hardest. He brings everything he has because it wants us to stray from the path. He wants to shake our faith!!!
The things is --- his power is nothing compared to that of the Saviors. It's not even close. Yes we will suffer, and struggle and sometimes we might even fall. BUT the Savior is always there to pick us back up.

The power of the priesthood is real. I experienced it today. That same priesthood that Christ gave to his apostles. It's on the earth in these latter-days and I got to experience the power of it today.
I have a really hard time asking for priesthood blessings. I don't know many brethren I trust enough to give me a blessing and if I really need one I'm to scared and prideful to ask for one. Today I was standing in the room with someone and had this overwhelming feeling to ask for a blessing. I have needed one for a long time, but with my Dad being gone, my lack of caring home teachers, and a new bishop, you know the rest I haven't gotten one. Today I was standing in this room and I just felt...................Safe, i guess is the word. I don't know what it was but my mouth just opened and there I was asking for a blessing. This says a lot about the priesthood holder in the room as I was comfortable enough with him and trusted him to be the mouth piece of the Lord.
The Lord truly knows us. He knew everything I needed to hear. My fears, my pain, my sorrow...he knew it all. And I don't tell people how I really feel - EVER because I like to be strong to be there for others even when it hurts inside. BUT the Lord I can't hide it from him. We are so blessed to have the priesthood on the earth today. So Blessed.

-------


I picked up my dry cleaning - well actually it was three pairs of pants that I had taken in. It cost me an arm and a leg. Oh my heavens I could have gone out and bought new pants for what I paid to have them tailored. I think I may have been ripped off.

The dollar store is one of those stores I go into thinking oh it's the dollar store I'm going to come out saving so much money and I'm sure I would if I didn't think i could just buy everything in the store because 'well it's a dollar, big wooop'. BUT a dollar adds up and sometimes really fast. Even knowing that probably won't stop me from shopping there, it's a bit addicting. Now if they would create a dollar post office that way i could send of the cool stuff I buy for cheap instead of having to scrimp and save in order to send things.

I decorated a bit in my apartment for St. Patricks day which is coming up soon. It wasn't much but it's put me in the mood. I'm going to be out of town for it but I hear that where I'm going they turn the river green in celebration of St. Patty's Day. I am so EXCITED -- I'll have to remember to take pictures.


Yours Truly,


Jenessa

Day 4

Dear READER,


I heard one of the most beautiful sounds tonight. The best words to describe it was like 'hearing the angles of heaven'. So I was at the Kennedy Center tonight and went to a Choir performance by the Danish girls Choir. They were amazing. It's the best thing I've seen so far at the Kennedy Center and it really sound awesome.
I am so grateful for people who share their musical abilities with others. I will admit that my harp has sat ideal for a while know and I haven't touched a piano in over a month. The most musically inclined I get these days is singing aloud in my apartment. I have been blessed with great musical talents and I need to start working on them and using them again or I am going to loose them.


I received a letter from a Missionary that I had written or have been writing. --------- ok so I don't know what I really wanted to say to this or how to lead in to it so here it just is. In the Scriptures we hear a lot of the Lord taking care of the one. One of my favorite verses in scriptures come from 3 Nephi when the Lord lets the people come one by one and feel the nail prints in his hands and feet. What that must have been like, having the Savior look at your in the eyes read your very soul. To know that he KNEW you, knew who you were, know your fears, your joys, your deepest desires. I can only imagine.
The one - it makes me think harder on how often I take the time just for the one. To stop and help the one person who may need it most. Sometimes I find myself going well how can I help the sisters, or how can I help the ward, how can I help my coworkers. When I should be going, how can I help Karen today. Or how can ease Tammy's burden. What can I do for Tom because he is sick.
If you are reading this - (the three of you who actually view my blog) stop and think of someone you know who may need some extra help. Now make a goal that today, you are going to help 'them' not their family or the class they are in but them specifically. It could be something as small as texting them (though this is a nice thing it may be impersonal) but what ever it is that you can give. Give it to that one person. Let them know that you care. That you are there. That you know them.


I was in a suite today and realized as I sat in a meeting at work that my office even though we come dressed nicely it is more business casual then it is business dress. I felt like I was higher on the food chain then I really am. I guess it goes to prove that if you dress the part you eventually become the part. Something like that.


What is it that I really want in life?



Yours Truly,


Jenessa

Day 3

Dear READER,


I found out the best time to ride the metro today. About 6:10am all the military people head into work, which means the metro if full of guys in uniform. I know it's crazy but I will probably make it a point to go in early more often.


With the most important conference of my organization coming up in the next two weeks everything at the office has really picked up. It's been really busy and I am working a lot of hours. It's nice as I'm thinking of what I'll do with the extra money I get. Like final get the bicycle I've been putting off to get. And also maybe get a GPS thingy for the car. I know most of it will go towards my summer vacation in Disney World and my Christmas trip to Europe, but it's fun to think of what I might get or what i could get with the extra cash.


I HATE stupid questions. I know that sounds really harsh. I am learning the importance of asking questions and also being able to figure things out on your own. I had someone on the phone ask me what the number for a hotel was. Like I know -- I live in DC the hotel is in Texas. I work for AFPM not for the Marriott. Why would I know that answer. So I put up my web browser and search for the number while they are on the phone. OK honestly I probably have done this to someone before. You can believe that next time I'll really think before I ask. The worst is when they email you that question. Oh what is the number for the Marriott in Texas? I don't know let me take the time to look it up for you because you are going to wait almost half the day to hear back from me because your email is just not the number one priority on my list. An it would have taken what at most 5 min. to look it.
Sorry -- I just found it a bit frustrating today to have those types of questions when I had 85 emails in just one of the 10 email boxes I'm in charge of.


The office started early today. Everyone was there at least 30 minutes before they usually show up. I think with the snow day yesterday everyone was feeling the pressure to get back in and rolling today. I know I was and that's why I was there so early. But it looks like I'm going to need to be in there early again tomorrow as I only have 4 more work days before I leave for the meeting but about 4 weeks worth of things to do before then.


My flowers died today. I don't know why it's so sad but it really is. The apartment seems to have lost some of it's life. It seems cold and dark again. I didn't realize how much a live plant does for a room. I don't think I could ever to plants in the apartment like greenery but flowers I can do. It's one of the few things my husband will have to do -- provide flowers. It will have to be worked into his budget and I don't care if they are always the same. I found that the way to my heart is through flowers, it's somewhat really simple but true.



Yours Truly,

Jenessa

Day 2

Dear READER,


I can't believe it snowed! When I woke up it was just a bit wet and I though 'oh ya just another one of those days where everyone has freaked out but nothing really is going to happen'. Well that was until I saw the huge snow we ended up getting for a while. Nothing really stuck that much but it was fun to see it.

I went to the chiropractor this morning which was actually really nice. It's not as busy in the mornings and everyone is so friendly. They are open rain or shine so even though we had the snow coming the office was still open. I had some stim and ultrasound done on my arm and I got adjusted. I like being adjusted. I can move afterwards and not worry about a slight pain in my shoulder or lower back. The stim is fine when done on my back but it hurts when done on my arm and only get to a lever two. The guy sitting next to me was like on a 12 or something - I'm a wimp I know. The ultrasound hurts like no other but my arm always feels so much better the day after we do the ultrasound. Dr. Brown always puts this gel stuff on my arm before doing the ultrasound and it is kind of like vapor rub and I smelt like it all day today. But my arm is doing much better even tonight then it was before I went in. I'm down to once a week know and am healing nicely so no worries these days.


My Mum shared this thought with me today (well a few days ago but I finally got to the email today)

Time flies on wings of lightening;
 we cannot call it back
 It comes, then passes forward
 Along its onward track.

 And if we are not mindful,
 The chance will fade away;
 For life is quick in passing.
 "Tis as a single day."

It made me think, how many times in a day to I miss the opportunity to do something kind or say something to brighten someones day. Time does fly by and fast. I need to do better on not missing on the small and simple (wink wink to my blog name) things I can do to help someone else. Or even do something new.


Rebekah (little sister) asked me today, 'so have you been on any dates lately?' My reply was of course not. which then she exasperatedly said 'YOU NEED TO GET ON A DATE. What is wrong with all those guys. Go and get yourself on a date.' Oh how you love younger sisters aren't they just wonderful.


Working from home today was, well eventful. The email had a hard time working, the system crashed, and then the computer froze. It makes it a bit difficult to work from home when that happens. It made me grateful for an office. And to have the tech guy sitting in the desk next to me. I'll be happy for tomorrow and sitting back at my desk. I have learned and this was not just today but a few months I've been learning it, but I learned that I really like to keep my work and then my personal life very separate. When I come home i don't like to still have to work. I don't like worrying about work or thinking about what I have to still do. I just like to leave it at the office and come home.
When I think back on my school days I can't remember if I was like this or not. I know I always worried about projects and homework but I do remember coming home and after a certain point it was my time. I would go and watch Psych or NCIS and not worry about the projects or anything else.
I guess we all have to learn how to live a balanced life. To say this is work and then this is not. Or live with mixing them together. I think its something special when a father can come home at night and focus on his family and not worry about work. I always loved that about my Dad. I don't think I remember him working when he got home at night. I remember him watching movies and playing games with us. I admired that.

Yours Truly,


Jenessa

AVON walk for Breast Cancer - May 4th

Dear READER,


Did you know that every 3 minutes someone in the U.S. is diagnosed, and a staggering 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer.

But you and I can do something to help. I will be walking 26 miles for the AVON walk for Breast Cancer May 4th. My goal is to raise at least $1,800 in donations for the AVON walk for Breast Cancer. I can't do it on my own. So lets make a deal! If you make a donation, I'll do all of the walking all 26 miles of it!

Please contribute to my efforts and donate today by clicking on the link below:
https://secure2.convio.net/avon/site/Donation2?df_id=2620&PROXY_ID=6887256&PROXY_TYPE=20&FR_ID=2190&s_subsrc=bfiphone&s_src=boundlessfundraising

I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support and encouragement. When I hit the road, I'll know that you were a special part of my journey.

For more information on the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, please visit avonwalk.org.

Thanks again for your support. And keep on eye out for more information and photos to come of me training and getting ready for May 4th. Also watch my blog on the big day to see photos as I walk.


Yours Truly,

Day 1

Dear READER,


It was interesting today as I relearned something about prayer. I learned that the Lord sometimes just likes to hear from us. Yes just to acknowledge that he is there and to talk with him.
I always love talking with my Dad. No matter what I have going on in life or how stressed I am, after talking with my Dad I feel great. Well I found that the same works while talking to my Heavenly Father. I had known this but had somehow forgotten. So as I said my prayers today and just talked with Heavenly Father - told him how I was feeling, what was going on, what I was afraid to do that day, and what I was excited about....I had that same feeling of GREATNESS that I get after talking with my Dad. It wasn't anything important that I said. I wasn't praying for something I needed or anything else I just went to talk with my Heavenly Father. It was a wonderful experience and I would recommend it to everyone.

I use the time in the morning on the Metro to read my Scriptures. I am reading the Book of Mormon and am currently in 3 Nephi. The Lord has just appeared to the Nephites. I am loving it. I really like it because everyone is super quite and leaves you alone. I have a paperback copy of the Book of Mormon and a yellow highlighter and that is it. And I just read for the 30 to 45 minutes I'm on metro in the morning. It starts my day out right and I am spiritual fed.
Well this morning as I was standing at my transfer point to get on a Blue line train - reading my Book of Mormon minding my own business. This women started to watch me, more then I liked. It wasn't even inconspicuous. She turned her whole body at me and just looked at me. Me feeling a bit awkward and knowing for a fact that I did not know her tried to dig deeper into what I was reading. Finally I though she is never going to stop, just ask her what she wants. I looked up at her and went to ask my question when she said "so what book are you in?". Taken back for a second I said, "3 Nephi, Christ is just appearing to the people of Nephi.". The conversation went from there. She is a member of the church and just didn't know how to ask if I was as well or if I was investigating since it was a soft cover Book of Mormon and my book mark is a pass along card.
Anyways it was fun to meet another member of the Church while on the metro. She has just been called to be the assistant girls camp director. I think that is one of the coolest callings ever. You get to plan cool fun activities, hang out with a bunch of silly girls, and party the entire time. How cool is that. The world really is becoming smaller every day.

One of the sweetest thing happened today. I am walking 26 miles on May 4th with the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Each walker is supposed to raise $1800 before then in order to put towards helping women with Breast Cancer and finding a cure. Well I'm at $500 and have been finding it really hard to get any type of donation. So this sweet thing, one of my friends put together this facebook post and sent it to everyone she knew. It stated that I would be walking and was working on raising $1800 for this walk and asked them to support me and make a donation. I got all emotional when I saw it because she had taken the time and effort to put something together that would help me. How sweet was that.


Everyone keeps saying that the snow is coming and that we won't have work tomorrow. I feel like they say that every time and then the snow never comes and I still get to go to work. Even if we don't have to go in tomorrow I will still have to work from home because this is the busiest time of the entire year and I have so much to do.

My flowers from my Birthday are dying. They used to feel my entire apartment with their aroma but know they just sit their and wilt. I think I am going to add a biweekly flower allowance to my budget.



So -- if you have gotten this far you might be thinking wow this is not like Jenessa's usual post, it's all over the place and really random. I don't write in a journal. I have a really hard time just sitting down and doing it and when I do sit down to do it I feel like I have to write everything and start from where I left off. I type a whole lot faster then I write and I only write the thing I think are somewhat important. So I'm going to try writing entries like this along with my other posts. My reasoning is because as I am reading the Book of Mormon I realized that the only reason we have it or any other piece of scripture is because someone sat down and wrote it. I also was commanded my an apostle of the Lord to write a journal or keep a history so here it is.



Yours Truly,


Jenessa