Failure by Default

I love this quote!!  There is just something wonderful about Harry Potter and his world.  He teaches us that there is really evil in the world, but also that people you think are bad, can change.  He teaches us that he world is not always what you see.  That there is so much hidden from muggle view. 

It is impossible to live without failing something, yet I face my life trying to never fail at anything.  Failure makes me feel like a "loser".  Failure is not something I want or desire.  Yet, it happens one time after another. 

No matter how hard I try, I fail at something each and every day.  Maybe that is why I love this quote so much.  It reminds me that no matter how good we are, we will all experience failure.  Failure is how we learn.  It is how we progress.  It is how we move on.

Take for example, one of my sons.  He was an amazing athlete.  He could play any sport.  His favorite was football and he played from the time that he was seven years old and could go into Pop Warner.  Not only did he play, but he learned to do it very well.  So well, that he was able to go to college with a scholarship.   Football was good to him.  But not good enough.  His dream was always to play for the NFL.  He never got to do that.  

Once, when he was very young, he played little league.  He quickly became good at that too.  He was the only one on his team that could hit a ball thrown 90 miles per hour.  In 8th grade, one of the coaches wanted him to go out for baseball.  He even said that they would teach him everything he needed to know.  He thought that my son had what it would take to become a great catcher.  But my son would not play.  He wasn't as good at that game.  He hadn't played all his life to do baseball.  His dream was football and he wanted to chase his dream.

He never tried baseball because he wouldn't have been the best at it.  

Sometimes we are all a little like my son.  We don't want to try new things.  We don't want to risk failing and looking bad to our peers or our friends.  We are taught that failure should not be an option.  

But I believe that failure is simply a way that we learn.  We keep trying until we get it right, or until we don't want to try anymore.  Everything in my life, I learned by failing.  When you skate, you fall, a lot.  When you drive, you speed or stop or can make the gears go in right and they grind.  When you learn to run, you come in last, you keep trying and increasing your speed and pushing your limits.  And you get better.  

So, live and fail and live some more.  This life is amazing.  There are places to go and things to see and wonderful experiences.  Don't be afraid of a little failure along with all the possibilities of success.  My greatest lessons in life have come when I have failed at something.  And perhaps that is what really living is all about. 
President Monson has told each of us that we are runners in the race of life.

“Comforting is the fact that there are many runners,” he said. “Reassuring is the knowledge that our Eternal Scorekeeper is understanding. Challenging is the truth that each must run. But you and I do not run alone. That vast audience of family, friends, and leaders will cheer our courage, will applaud our determination as we rise from our stumblings and pursue our goal. ... Let us shed any thought of failure. ... Let us seek; let us obtain the prize prepared for all, even exaltation in the celestial kingdom of God” (“Happiness—The Universal Quest,” Ensign, Oct. 1993).

By the Obedience of One

I have two favorite thoughts that I want to share. The first is a scripture from the New Testament. I really love it. It is found in Romans 5:19.


"For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous”

What a great way to show us that we are each important! There is power in being one in Christ. There is power in righteousness. Don’t listen to the world who would tell you that one voice doesn’t matter. The Lord has told us that it does. Just look at Jesus. He was one voice who changed the world. There are many examples of one person changing the world in the scriptures. You have Noah, Moses, David, Lehi, Nephi, Alma, Mormon, and Moroni. You also have current day prophets with their testimonies.

My second thought is from Gordon B. Hinkley. I really think this one is meant for me! I want to learn to stand for something that matters!
"You are good. But it is not enough just to be good. You must be good for something. The world must be a better place for your presence. And that good that is in you must be spread to others. I do not suppose that any of us here will be remembered a century from now. But in this world so filled with problems, so constantly threatened by dark and evil challenges, you can and must rise above mediocrity, above indifference. You can become involved and speak with a strong voice for that which is right. You cannot be indifferent to a great cause. You cannot simply stand on the sidelines and watch the play between the forces of good and evil". ("Stand Up for Truth." 22-23). Gordon B. Hinckley.

I pray that we may all learn to stand for something that matters. Something that makes a difference!

"I have never wished to cater for the crowd; for what I know they do not approve,

and what they approve I do not know".  Epictetus

The Packages

The Packages come into the Post Office every day.  I receive anywhere from 100 to 300 every day of the week.  (Except Sunday's when there is no one in my office!)  We have ten shelving units that we place the packages on.  They wrap around in a u-shaped configuration.  They are in numerical order for the last digit of the address.  If your address ends in one, that the package is on the "1" shelf.  If your address ends in a two, than it is placed on the "2" shelf.
It is a good system, but can be just the slightest bit confusing when there are a lot of packages to look through.  Sometimes the small packages end up under a larger one and the "get lost" until something is cleared out of the way and they are "found again.  The bigger, bolder boxes are always the easiest to spot and the ones that get noticed the quickest.  The smaller the package, the easier it is to lose it in the shuffle of all the other packages.
The one thing I have noticed is that everyone wants their packages.  They don't care if they are large or small, big or little, wrapped in brightly colored paper or just a plain, brown box.  The people in my town want to receive every package that is for them.

Sometimes, I think that life is a lot like the Post Office where I work.  People are like the packages that I receive.  Some people are large in stature and importance.  They put themselves forward with flashy containers or fancy papers.  Some are quiet and reserved.  Hiding behind the bigger, more easily spotted people.  Yet, each of us are just as valuable as the other in our own way.  We each have a purpose and a calling.  It doesn't matter what we look like.  It only matters that we are willing and able to serve.  So, don't be intimidated by what you perceive as the packaging of others.   You also have your place.  It won't be the same place as anyone else.  After all, think how boring this world would be if we were all Postmasters!  Our Heavenly Father does not need or want us all to be the same.  There is a job and a purpose that only you can fill.  It is up to you to step up, step out, and just do it!

Happy Fourth of July!

“Liberty is the right to choose. Freedom is the result of the right choice.” - Anon

Sunday, July 4th, marks the 234th anniversary of America's independence from Great Britain. America's independence was declared on July 2nd by the Continental Congress and adopted on July 4th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The first Independence Day celebration took place the following year on July 4, 1777. By the early 1800's the traditions of parades, picnics, barbecues and fireworks became the way to celebrate.

Did you know??????

• The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation. The colonists had no say in the decisions of English Parliament.
• In May, 1776, after nearly a year of trying to resolve their differences with England, the colonies sent delegates to the Second Continental Congress. Finally, in June, admitting that their efforts were hopeless; a committee was formed to compose the formal Declaration of Independence. Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee also included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman. On June 28, 1776, Thomas Jefferson presented the first draft of the declaration to Congress.
• Only 2 people signed the Declaration on July 4, 1776. Most signed it in August of that year and the last one didn't sign it until 1781.
• While the British were our adversary back then, the United Kingdom is our 6th leading trade partner today.
• Ben Franklin had wanted the turkey to be the national animal, but was out voted by Adams and Jefferson who chose the bald eagle.
• One US President was born on the 4th of July (Coolidge) and three died on that date (Adams, Jefferson and Monroe).
• The names of the signers were withheld from public for more than 6 months because they could have been put to death for treason.
• The first Independence Day celebration west of the Mississippi occurred at Independence Creek and was celebrated by Lewis and Clark in 1805.
• There were 27 grievances listed against King George III in the Declaration of Independence.
• There is no record as to why the colors of red, white and blue were chosen for the flag.
• Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration went on to serve as Governor of Virginia, Secretary of State, Vice President and President.

 “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty.” John F. Kennedy

The Music Director

My daughter Miracle and I have had a real mother-daughter bonding experience this year.  Miracle joined the Northland Pioneer College Master Choral.  She is the youngest member at 13 years old.  I am probably one of the oldest!  :-)  We absolutely love singing together.  It has been such an amazing experience for both of us, but I think it has been so very eye opening for me especially.
I love to sing.  Anyone who has known me very long, realizes how much music means to me.  I sang in high school choirs, and ward choirs and even community choirs.  I have never been one of the best, nor have I even been in the best group, but I have worked at it and still perform today.  I have never had the opportunity to sing in college, or in a group that I did not help put together myself.  I have sang in weddings, funerals, community events, and in church.  I always enjoy it.  It makes me feel good to help others feel the Spirit that is such a large part of my life.
Music, for me, is an expression of feeling.  It is love put to voice and it touches my heart in wonderful ways.  However, I have never sang in a group like this one that we are with now.
How do I explain what it was like to walk into class the very first night and have the director (Miss Julie) blend all the individual voices into a song?  How do I explain what it felt like to be part of that group?  How do I share what it means to me to be singing in something this amazing?  I know that I am getting older, and I might not be able to do this for too many years.  I know that voices change as we get older and become weak.  But it brings tears to my eyes and pure joy to my heart to be part of it now.

Miss Julie has had a tough year this year.  She has been very ill and not been able to attend several of our practices.  She has been in and out of the Emergency room at the local hospital.  She has had personal struggles that are very overwhelming for her.  We miss her when she is not with us and can't wait for her to come back.  She lights our way!
We go on, because she has shown us what we can be.  We have been given a glimpse of what is possible and which direction we are heading.  There are several students that are music majors in school, and they lead the choir and help us to stay on track.  I think they do a very good job, and our director has every reason to be proud, but there is just something so amazing when Miss Julie steps behind the music stand.  She can bring things out of us that I had no idea we were capable of singing. She takes normal, everyday music and makes us part of something special, something unique, something that I have been missing.
Have you every had a teacher like that?  One who inspires you?  One who made you stretch and reach and become more that you ever thought you could be?

I think, that this is very much how the Savior works in our lives.  We all have talents and abilities.  By ourselves, we can be good.  We can do good things, we can be happy.  But when we allow Him to direct our paths, we can be so much more than merely good!  When He is directing, he places us where we can really shine.  He shows us how to change and perfect what we are.  He makes us whole.   He takes a world of individual voices and makes them harmonize to His song.
He becomes the Master Director.

I Know That My Savior Loves Me
Words and music by Tami Jeppson Creamer and Derena Bell

A long time ago in a beautiful place,
Children were gathered ’round Jesus.
He blessed and taught as they felt of His love.
Each saw the tears on His face.
The love that He felt for His little ones
I know He feels for me.
I did not touch Him or sit on His knee,
Yet, Jesus is real to me.

Chorus
I know He lives!
I will follow faithfully.
My heart I give to Him.
I know that my Savior loves me.

Now I am here in a beautiful place,
Learning the teachings of Jesus.
Parents and teachers will help guide the way,
Lighting my path ev’ry day.
Wrapped in the arms of my Savior’s love,
I feel His gentle touch.
Living each day, I will follow His way,
Home to my Father above.

Chorus

I know He lives!

I will follow faithfully.

My heart I give to Him.

I know that my Savior loves me.

No Mere Mortals

I heard this story in church on Sunday and was amazed at the inspiration of these two men.  I thought that I would share it with you.  I hope that it inspires you to be just a little bit better.
The story of Dick and Rick Hoyt



I understand that we never really know the greatness of those around us–whether they’re our friends, students, our bosses, our employees, the mailman, the grocer, or the homeless amputee asking for a handout. Sometimes we find ourselves face to face with the glory of another person, and marvel that we hadn’t recognized it before.  Sometimes, we forget to look for the good in others and because we don't look, we don't see the spark of the divine in their eyes.
Only when we truly love them will we see them as they really are and will we realize all that they can accomplish.

C.S. Lewis penned in “The Weight of Glory”:
"It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship... There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations–these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit–immortal horrors or everlasting splendours."