Write a Letter

 An art was lost when letter writing was replaced with its digital alter ego(s). Every once in a while the romantic in me wishes it would resurrect. (But seriously, who doesn't love snail mail?!) Growing up, we were taught the importance of thank you notes. I will be the first to admit that I should be better. There is one thank you note in particular that has been nagging me. Every time the twins' "story"  is told a frequent response is always "Did you tell your sealer?" No, I hadn't yet. But I should.

So I finally did...

About a week later we received this in the mail...

What a sweet man! I'm so glad we finally wrote him. We definitely plan on keeping in touch in the future.

If you happen to be reading this I challenge you to reach out to someone that has been on your mind. There is probably a reason you have been thinking about them. Go on, just do it. :)

Another of my 28 Things accomplished. 

Hope

Depression is a lonely road consumed by darkness and often paralyzed with fear. Like others, I have struggled on my own "long, lonely" road of depression and anxiety. 

And yet, this truth has always rested sweetly on my soul...

"One of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to."

I do not have the words to express my gratitude, but I do have the feelings of my heart that rejoice to know this is true. I know that one day the precious lessons we have learned through our trials will culminate in a perfect understanding. No matter how hard this journey gets I know that I am not alone... ...and that the struggle will be worth it.

Please read the whole talk here.

Thoughts of my Heart...

Have you ever had an experience where your spirit connects with another?

I've felt it before. It can happen at times when there is a moment of deep understanding between two people, sincere sympathy, or empathy. Maybe you've known the person a long time. Maybe you've recently met. The end result, for me anyway, always leaves a profound love for the other with whom I shared the experience.

I had one of these tender experiences recently. Our exchange was less than a minute. But his spirit left an impression on mine that I will not soon forget.

His eyes were soft and sincere, a stark contrast to his haggard appearance. The lines in his forehead showed a lifetime of hard work and concern, especially where his brows must often have been furrowed in worry. His clothes were old. His stance was tired. He held a sign in the snow asking for help.

Normally, I try to smile and wave. Be friendly. Lift a spirit. I've always been taught and scolded to give to the shelters not to the people. We passed him the first time when the snow was just starting. When we passed him the second time the snow had fallen several hours. He hadn't moved and covered in white.

We turned around. We had to.

My sister ran over to him with some Christmas peppermints and a generous gift from my mother. Something deeper in me needed to know that he was okay. So we pulled around. I asked him if he was alright. He nodded. He had seen my mother's gift and there were tears in his eyes. There were tears in mine.  I told him to find a hot dinner and a warm place to stay. He thanked us again and again. His eyes were so soft and sincere. He turned and limped to his cart, his home. I cried. His tender limp made me think of my own grandfather.

It was such a short exchange... but I will always remember his soft and sincere eyes.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

I am so grateful for gratitude. No really, it's true. I learned some powerful lessons this last month. It was a blessing to be thinking of all the friends and family that I am thankful for. (The only problem is that I still have a huge list of people I want to thank!)

My thoughts have been lacing through gratitude the last few weeks for some other reasons as well. The conclusion I've come to is that there is great POWER in gratitude.

I've always understood and appreciated the principle of being grateful, but my dad taught me an even greater lesson. He help me EXPERIENCE the POWER of gratitude. Gratitude turns our hearts to God. It calms our fears and anxieties. It illuminates the abundant goodness in a sometimes scary world. Its guides us to potential possibilities.

Gratitude heals.

The moral of the story is I'm grateful for gratitude. I'm going to be better at using it.

Thanksgiving Tribute #30

Maps

Isn't this photo adorable!

Oh dearest Maps, I would be super ungrateful if I didn't include her in these thanksgiving tributes. After all, 30 people in 30 days was her idea.

I truly find the Lord's puzzle work of life incredible! It doesn't matter how long or short a person is in your life. What does matter are the lessons you learned from them and the memories you share. Maps and I met a few years back. Congenial really. We had mutual friends. She was (and is) a bright happy light. It was easy to become friends with her. What I've never told her is how greatly she's influenced my life... and its been a lasting influence. Ironically enough, she's taught me the life lesson of gratitude. How perfectly appropriate.

One of my earliest memories of Maps was sitting around a campfire during a week long service project we were participating in. I noticed each night she would be writing in her journal. What I soon discovered was that it was a gratitude journal and that each day she would record the things she was grateful for that day. She had numbered each one and over the years she explained that she had accumulated several books full of these gratitude lists.

Years later I was working for a summer youth camp and was having a particularly hard time spiritually. A revelatory thought struck me and I remembered these books Maps had written. What a wonderful idea! So I tried it out... by the end of the summer my little booklet was full and so was my Spirit. I've carried on the tradition for several years now (better at times than others), but it has been a source of strength in my life for which I will always be grateful for.

In a recent Religion class I shared Maps' example of gratitude and these books she has written. My sweet perceptive professor (Elder Hammond) smiled and said that he can only image what it will be like for her at Judgement. Those books will be presented to the Lord and he will escort right into the Celestial kingdom. I couldn't help but smile myself because I'm sure that can't be far from the truth.

Thank You Maps for teaching me the power of gratitude.

Thanksgiving Tribute #28 & #29

Kristi Lee

Taiwan 2010

Kristi is my honorary sister. She and I probably act more like sisters than me and my sisters. That might be because our mothers are sisters and we are only 9 months apart.

She and I have survived each other for 24 years (as of December 1... ha ha). Anyone who can make it through the adventures of childhood, the drama of teenagehood (I know its not a real word), and the independence of young adulthood is doing pretty good. I think we've done a pretty darn good job. Kristi has always been the sweet, calm, smart, hardworking, lovable one that I've had to compete with all these years. ha ha. But I love her anyway and am grateful for her example of excellence in my life. Anything she does, she does it 100%. She has wisdom beyond her years (yeah I'm calling you old). I am often the grateful beneficiary of that wisdom.

Kristi, Thanks for having sleepovers at grandmas house watching fiddler on the roof and laughing until 3am (sorry Cindy!). I sure love you.

No post about Kristi would be complete without a twin tribute to:

Holli Berry

Holli is the one that kept sanity between Kristi and I for all of these years. Really, really. She is the older, more mature sister of the three. :)

I am grateful for how much this girl has taught me about life (she is three whole years my senior). She has exemplified courage, being concerned about others, knowing what to say and how to say it, being involved, persevering through tough situations, and enjoying the ride. I've very much appreciated this last one especially. She might not be aware of it but she has an incredible optimism about life. I'm not sure I've ever heard her complain.

I love these two girls.

Kristi and Holli, Thanks for loving me through all those years of annoyance and being such wonderful cousins.

Thanksgiving Tribute #24, #25, #26, #27

My Treasures

aka. My Aunts

L-R: Mom, Anna, Sherri, Cindy, Karen

I don't know how it came about but my aunts started reffering to themselves as their nieces and nephews' "treasures" and it's stuck. ha ha These are my treasures:

Anna: Oh Anna. Anna has taught me (along with my mother and other treasures) how to be a homemaker. If there was a Homemaker of the Year Award I would nominate her. Her 5 boys would probably nominate her too. 5 BOYS! ah! Oh and one very perfect daughter of course. All growing up I loved being at Anna's house because of the Spirit in her home. I also dearly love the way she and my mom interact. Kristi and I are still laughing (years later) at them.

Sherri: I covet Sherri's creativity. But you all should covet that Sherri is in my family and not yours. nienner nienner nienner Sherri is amazing, and her food is divine! I don't know how she does it but she has saved my college years and my party plans with her recipes. hmm hmm good I'm grateful for Sherri showing me that talents come in all shapes and sizes and I shouldn't be afraid to find mine.

Cindy: What do you say about Cindy?! She is... Cindy. ha ha All growing up all my friends knew and loved her almost as much as I did. She is the life of the party. But she has also taken the time to know the details of my life. She is an incredibly selfless server. I am grateful for her example of finding a need around the house or family and meeting it with no complaints. One day I want to grow up to be like her. :)

Karen: When I think of Karen I can't help but smile, really, I'm smiling right now. Karen makes me smile... and she makes me laugh... really really hard... regularly. Her optimism and humor have blessed my life countless times. I can't help but love being around her for the natural endorphins I get! She has shown me how beautiful life is and that I should make sure I'm enjoying it.

As you can see I have the greatest of "treasures."

Thanks ladies for teaching me the greatest of life lessons.

I love you!

Tribute #23

President Mack

Mission Homecoming 2010

Just like President Hinckley will always be my prophet, President Mack will always be my Stake President. ha ha From the time we moved to Utah when I was 8 yrs old to the time I moved away from home (ish) he was my Stake President. I am so grateful for his example of righteous priesthood leadership. I appreciated him long before, but I realized on my mission how much of my understanding of Priesthood leadership was a result in what I experienced and observed with him.

I remember the hugs and the words of encouragement when I messed up a presentation at Girls Camp. I remember the words of counsel he shared when I prepared to leave home for college. I remember how he lead meetings by the Spirit. I remember walking into their home and feeling the power of the Gospel among their family. And I am grateful for his words of wisdom when I returned home from my mission about how to keep my testimony strong.

Thanks President Mack for being a righteous Priesthood holder.

Thanksgiving Tribute #22

Grandma Merlene

Girls Day 2011

Oh how I love my grandmother. You just have to meet her.

My whole life she has set the perfect example of unconditional love and acceptance. For example, when I went to church with her this weekend EVERYONE knew her and wanted to come see her. I could see it... each person had felt her love and wanted a great big Merlene hug. A favorite image I have of that day was when this sweet (and a little awkward) teenage girl walked by with her eyes unconfidently down and before she even knew it she was wrapped in a hug from my grandmother who was whispering words of love and encouragement to her. Her glow was visible.

Another favorite memory of my grandmother took place a few years ago. We were celebrating my grandparents' 50 year Anniversary at The Little America. The weekend was supposed to be all about my grandparents but one day my cousin and I were sitting in the lobby when my grandmother comes over arm in arm with this petite, dark complected woman. We had no idea who she was but my grandmother eagerly introduced us to her. They had met years before when my grandparents had stayed in this hotel previously. This woman was an immigrant and had little family but the hotel. My grandmother had taken her under her wing and loved her like grandma does. They had exchanged letters for years after that initial meeting and considered each other dear friends.

That experience had a great impact on me. My grandmother doesn't look past anyone, she sees each person as a child of God and loves them accordingly.

Thank You Grandma, for teaching me how to love.

Thanksgiving Tribute #21

Bugs

I love my little brother... I really do... I think.

A picture tribute would be in order.

California 2011

Brothers and sisters are as close as hands and feet. ~Vietnamese Proverb

Bridal Viel 2011

Siblings are the people we practice on, the people who teach us about fairness and cooperation and kindness and caring - quite often the hard way. ~Pamela Dugdale

Rocket Shoot 2011

It snowed last year too: I made a snowman and my brother knocked it down and I knocked my brother down and then we had tea. ~Dylan Thomas

California 2011

I, who have no sisters or brothers, look with some degree of innocent envy on those who may be said to be born to friends. ~James Boswell

New York 2011

I couldn't have asked for a more annoying, funny, ridiculous, hardworking, loving little brother.

Thanks Brandon for keeping me in line.

Thanksgiving Tribute #20

Sister Painter I

Mission Homecoming 2010

This woman represents strength.

Her faith and determination have been a blessing in my life.

I've been blessed with the most wonderful family, my Aunt Marjorie included. She has mentored me through my mission and through life. I'm grateful I have her counsel and encouragement to turn to.

We go way back... to the gummy bear days. :) I've been stubborn and selfish in my few years but she has always provided an example of selfless service and patience.

Marjie, thanks for always believing in me and pushing me to do my best.

Love Sister Painter II

(My littlest sister calls herself Sister Painter III)

Thanksgiving Tribute #19

Sister Thacker

Well technically her name is Andreanna Slade now :)

Summer 2009 in Fairfield, OH

Andreanna is a friend of ALL SEASONS. I had to laugh when I was looking at pictures of the two of us because, really, we have a picture in every season. Anda trained me as a missionary and then we ended up serving together for 9 months! (Exactly half of a Sister's Mission) I love this girl like my sister... probably because she was for so long. People even think we look like sisters. I think they even thought we were twins once.

She truly is a friend for all seasons. Really, if my car broke down I know Anda would be the first one at the scene no matter what length she had to drive (maybe Idaho is a little far from Arizona... but you get the point). She is a 1 in a million friend.

She was not only an incredible missionary and a powerhouse of a testimony she is one of the sweetest, happiest, hardest working, well-meaning "daughters of God" I know. She definitely had some endless patience with me in the mission field...endless. I will forever be grateful that she didn't give up on me. I am also grateful for her example of having righteous desires. I have long admired her practically perfect intentions in every situation she encounters.

Winter 2010 in West Chester, OH

Anda, really, thank you for not giving up on me.

Thanksgiving Tribute #18

Kenna

Kenna is simply amazing. We were introduced a few years ago through a mutual friend and bonded over longboarding. :) Ironically, I haven't seen her since BUT I consider her a great influence on my life.

She is one of those people whose strength is heroic. Through trials and turmoil she has always come out on top (whether she feels that way or not). I love how she is 100% REAL. She doesn't sugar coat life but recognizes the worth of experiences. Although I haven't seen her in years her blog, emails, and chats have encouraged and uplifted me so many times. I consider her a true sister, an avenue of the Spirit.

Thanks Kenna, for teaching me that life really is worth living no matter how hard it gets. I sure love you!

Thanksgiving Tribute #17

This one might be a little silly, but I am grateful for...

Jethro

I've been thinking about him a lot recently. Mostly due to the fact that I'm partially obsessed (is it possible to be partially obsessed?) with the Prince of Egypt. As much as I love the movie I also very much appreciate the man in the Old Testament who represented wisdom, righteous leadership, and the power of the priesthood.

However, I also love the character of Jethro, mostly because of this inspired song:

A single thread in a tapestry

Through its color brightly shine

Can never see its purpose

In the pattern of the grand design

And the stone that sits on the very top

Of the mountain's mighty face

Does it think it's more important

Than the stones that form the base?

So how can you see what your life is worth

Or where your value lies?

You can never see through the eyes of man

You must look at your life

Look at your life through heaven's eyes

Lai-la-lai...

A lake of gold in the desert sand

Is less than a cool fresh spring

And to one lost sheep, a shepherd boy

Is greater than the richest king

If a man lose ev'rything he owns

Has he truly lost his worth?

Or is it the beginning

Of a new and brighter birth?

So how do you measure the worth of a man

In wealth or strength or size?

In how much he gained or how much he gave?

The answer will come

The answer will come to him who tries

To look at his life through heaven's eyes

And that's why we share all we have with you

Though there's little to be found

When all you've got is nothing

There's a lot to go around

No life can escape being blown about

By the winds of change and chance

And though you never know all the steps

You must learn to join the dance

You must learn to join the dance

Lai-la-lai...

So how do you judge what a man is worth

By what he builds or buys?

You can never see with your eyes on earth

Look through heaven's eyes

Look at your life

Look at your life

Look at your life through heaven's eyes

Thanksgiving Tribute #15 and #16

Grandma and Grandpa Painter

Wedding Day a long time ago :)

Why I am grateful for these two:

-They have taught me how to work hard, whether that be running a business or doing your family history

-They loved and raised 10 kids! One of whom happens to be my father.

-They loved and raised 40 somethin' grandkids! One of whom happens to be me.

(I don't even know how many great grandkids there are)

-They have persevered in the face of hardship (including health issues, family problems, death of loved ones, business aggravations, etc.)

-They love me for me. To them it doesn't matter what I do, but who I am. (Of course they encourage you to do the right thing too)

-They have always been so supportive of my goals and accomplishments

-I am grateful for their abundant wisdom

-I'm grateful for my grandmother's rice pudding (funny to be grateful for a food but if you tried it you would be grateful too... hmm hmm)

-I am grateful for their testimonies

I just love them.

Thanksgiving Tribute #14

Emily Plessl

Snowboarding 2011

I know I have way to many cliche little analogies BUT...

If I was YIN, Emily is my YANG.

We make a harmony, a perfect balance. te he he

The Chinese symbol represents when opposites are in harmony they create a perfect balance. Emily is my balancer. :) Her strengths balance me. She is sweet and patient, calm and caring. Anything she does is 100% genuine.

Emily and I met when we worked at Badger Creek in 2007. (A long time ago!) I think I just loved her right off. I remember being in awe of her goodness and her sense of adventure. Needless to say we had some fun times together. Since then I've been blessed to have her as a mission companion (not really, just via letters), a roommate, an exercise partner, a shoulder to cry on, someone to be spontaneous with, someone to adjust to real life after the mission with, and, of course, my yang.

Badger Creek 2007

Oh Em, thanks for keeping me balanced! What would I do without you?!?!

Thanksgiving Tribute #13

Shalyn Blackham

At the University of Bethlehem 2011

Shalyn is my Diana Barry. My "kindred spirit." My "bosom friend." ha ha I know the Lord knew I needed her example and influence in my life. We joke that she is my clone because she is always experiencing what I did about a year before. However funny and ironic it is- it does make for some GREAT debriefing discussions. Yes, I said debriefing discussions. Shalyn and I debrief life. Its true. Speaking of which I feel long overdue for one. ha ha.

Anne and Diana

I quite frankly don't know what I would do without her. She has blessed my life in so many ways. Her example of righteousness, integrity, hard work, endurance, love, forgiveness, selflessness, and sacrifice has given me the courage to try and live those principles myself. Her warmth and goodness to people has extended far past her perceived sphere of influence.

Bunkie, thank you for being my Diana.

Thanksgiving Tribute #12

Flannel :)

Yes that is his name.

High School 2005 (ish)

What are best friends for?

-someone to talk to

-someone to go on adventures with

-someone to cry to

-someone whose hugs will make everything better

-someone to laugh with

-someone to call when you need advice

-someone to help you realize you were wrong

-someone to share inside jokes with

-someone to do nothing with

-someone to tell your good news to

-someone who will go to the grocery store with you

...and make it fun

-someone who will put up with you

...the real you

-someone who is patient with all of your ridiculousness

-someone who loves you anyway

-someone who helps mold you into a better person

2011

This man has been such a blessing. (I know I always say that, but I mean it!) He is a rock. I appreciate the way he makes me think outside the box. His conversations are meaningful and intelligent. I admire how he tries to understand the world around him. He has taught me the importance of pondering over current events, moral issues, scriptures, and doctrinal principles.

He is patient and kind and always willing to forgive. He has the gift of discernment. He knows when to be serious and knows when to have fun. (Although, I might prefer his fun side I definitely appreciate his serious one:D ) I know that he takes life and the gospel seriously and desires to do the Lord's will. He has taught me so much.

I couldn't ask for a better friend. Thanks Nathanael.

Thanksgiving Tribute #11

Brother Ladle

There are some teachers that will never know the influence they have had on the world. Often they don't even know the influence they have had one just one person- their student.

I took a class from Brother Ladle before my mission. It was a Preparation for Eternal Marriage class (oh the irony). His teaching and testimony helped me gain a better understanding of the gospel and allowed an avenue for the Spirit to teach me the things the Lord wanted me to know.

Although his class was wonderful the thing I am most grateful for was how he seemed to reshape my confidence when I felt it had been shattered. It is hard to explain how he did it, but he did. He helped me see that I had potential when I really felt like I had none. I believe that is the definition of a truly great teacher.

Thank you Brother Ladle.

Thanksgiving Tribute #10

President Gordon B. Hinckley

Everytime I hear his voice there is a warmth that flows through my spirit. He was the prophet of my youth, my prophet. His example greatly influenced my growing up years. I love him. I am truly grateful for him.