tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40124212464101088582024-03-05T17:58:30.021-07:00Rachel MargaretRachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-6776744476836506302012-12-20T13:23:00.002-07:002012-12-20T13:23:44.158-07:00Heavenly Hands<div style="text-align: center;">
I wanted to share a sweet experience from my mission that has truly touched my heart forever. </div>
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I was in my first area, Valdivia, Chile, and it was cold, rainy night. We were in the poorest part of our area: tiny houses and dirt roads. Well when you've got dirt roads, and lots of rain...that just makes for a really big mess!!</div>
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On this particular night we went to visit Carmen, our sweet investigators with 2 adorable sons. When we got there we found Carmen stressed out to the rafters and not 3, but 4 rowdy boys! Their cousins had come to play, but it proved too much for Carmen to handle. She had a lot of cleaning to do and those
little boys were not being good minders! </div>
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We decided to teach those little hooligans a lesson! First off I taught them ´´<i>COWABUNGA!</i>´´</div>
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<i> (For all those who
aren´t members of my immediate family, let me explain the significance
of this word. When the parents say, ´´Cowabunga´´ you need to jump up, but your hands under your bum and then sit down on your hands and close your mouth!)</i></div>
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<i> </i>...Let me tell ya...it
worked like a charm!!! :) hahaha They loved it!!! They sat on their
hands and kept their mouths super quiet....but if they got all rowdy and loud again I would call out: ´´<i>COWABUNGA!</i>´´ and
back to little angels they became. </div>
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We taught a great lesson about
obedience...and I learned a great lesson about service.<br />
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During our lesson, the youngest little boy, Juanito (5 years old), got up and
left the room. When he returned, he had a wet rag in his hands. Without a sound he came over
to me, got down on his knees and began to wipe the dirt off of my
boots. </div>
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I lost track of what my companion was saying, as my mind was filled with the image of our Savior when He
washed the feet of his twelve Apostles. </div>
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´´There,´´ said little Juanito, as he looked at my clean, shiny boots. He left the room again just as quietly as before, put the rag in the hamper, and then sat down and listened intently to the rest of our lesson. </div>
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My heart
was so touched by the little tender act of service by this small child. He saw a need, and quickly responded without being asked to do so. He shared his love with me through his tiny hands. Our Savior
Jesus Christ is not here with us physically...but He is here <i>through our
hands</i>. We can be His heavenly hands by giving service and loving others. </div>
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I will never forget little Juanito, nor the sweet feeling of peace and I love I felt that night. He truly taught me that I too need to become like a little child and love so freely, give so much more, and serve without holding back.</div>
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Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-66249692078661702112012-12-20T12:42:00.003-07:002012-12-20T13:25:18.535-07:00Prego Moments :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was looking through some of the photos I took of this hot couple (brother and sister-in-law) over 2 1/2 years ago when Rach was pregnant with little Curt. I found some funny ones that I about died laughing when I saw them! I can't wait for this to happen again...bring on the BABIES!!!! :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(Mike...let Rachel be the only pregnant one this time...stop trying to steal her thunder ;) hahaha) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adorable, ain't it?? :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Love you guys!!!</span></div>
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Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-35965288821682097982012-12-04T16:34:00.000-07:002012-12-04T17:54:00.404-07:00I Have Never Been Like This Before<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<i>While serving in the Chile Osorno Mission, I learned a lot about life, the world, the gospel, and myself. I wrote this poem while I was serving as a missionary, in attempt to share my experiences and shed a little light about how the mission has changed my life. </i></div>
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<i>Just thought I would share that with you all :)</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I HAVE NEVER BEEN LIKE THIS BEFORE</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">by Rachel Kitto</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Chile Osorno Mission </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never known the Fathers Plan, the way that I do now.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never seen so many smiles take the place of so many frowns.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never felt so protected by guardian angles from above,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never met so many so many strangers, and yet been filled
with so much love.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never felt so inadequate, called to walk in the Savior’s
shoes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never been so very careful in everything I say and choose.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never been quite this exhausted, in all my days before.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never felt a greater joy, than when one desires to learn
more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never received so many letters, from loved ones of all
ages,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never spent so many hours trying to speak this foreign
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never been treated with so much kindness, or have been
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never learned a greater lesson in such a short amount of
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never strived so hard before to do ‘<i>’Thy will, not mine.’’</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never said so many prayers, my knees now black and blue,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never had a deeper knowledge, that this great Church is
true.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never felt so utterly rejected, then when the doors slammed
in my face,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never loved my Savior more, or have been more grateful for
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never had a clearer purpose, as a servant in God’s Kingdom,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never felt this close to Heaven, as I bring my brothers
eternal freedom.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never felt so at home, in a land so far away,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never been quite this heartbroken, knowing that I cannot
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never known my inner strength, I feel like I could soar!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 200%;">I’ve never been just quite like this, no; I’ve never been like
this before. </span></div>
Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-24877248094706794572012-12-04T16:28:00.000-07:002012-12-20T12:47:23.904-07:00Sedation :)<div style="text-align: center;">
{ Funny story from my past }</div>
<br />
"Yesterday was my third, and final, time of getting my wisdom teeth out....<i>(long and not interesting story...I'll spare you)</i>. But this time was different than the first two time. In the first two procedures, I was wide AWAKE...I heard every<i> crack</i> and felt every <i>tug</i>...ugh..<i>.it makes me tingle just thinking about it! </i><br />
<br />
But this time was BLISS!!! I was <b>sedated</b>: <i>put out, unconscious, at rest, knocked out completely</i>!! It was heavenly! One minute I was talking to the nurse....and the next thing I know I am sitting in a wheelchair in the waiting room.<i> "How did I get here?!"</i> I kept asking my dad who was sitting next to me. He just grinned, amused by the situation and I began to giggle! I could not help myself! I laughed and I laughed and I laughed....at who knows what exactly!<br />
<br />
Then it was time to wheel me out to the car. They wheeled me to the door, and then had me stand up to walk to the car. When I stood up all I could say was, <i>"Wow I am heavy.....how did I get so heavy??"</i> haha I could not hold myself up!! I felt like a baby lamb taking it's first steps. The nurse laughed as she and my dad slowly walked me to the car, and said I would definitely<i> not</i> pass a drunk test. As I fell into the car, the thought came back to me, <i>"How did I get into that wheelchair in the waiting room? Did they have to pick me up? But how could they pick me up...I am so heavy!!"</i> Then I started to laugh again! hahaha<br />
<br />
When we got home, my dad waved hello to a neighbor...accidentally flipping them off in the process! hahahaha I could not restrain my giggles, nor the urge to tease my dad and flip him off when he opened the door for me! hahahha I was extremely loopy! I went inside, took some medicine, and slept for the rest of the day and night!"<br />
<br />
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<br />Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-19250948932668781162012-12-04T16:04:00.000-07:002012-12-04T16:29:01.921-07:00Look Who's Back Again!<div style="color: red; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Where do I even begin?!?!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
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<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<i>...........I'M HOOOOOOME!!!!</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16TR88sN8hl86XwAn2sAFDaMteGlQDlfBTqu8Ey4yYUJomS0pDBq-Sl-Ow7ZlgCkTmwaY5U_b3m_d3H8kyu4FORI4kPkuz6m3mU1gk2GT4ShBWXNDC9DHDU6_qHn2w8qN_6y-LI5NRD0P/s1600/photo+%287%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16TR88sN8hl86XwAn2sAFDaMteGlQDlfBTqu8Ey4yYUJomS0pDBq-Sl-Ow7ZlgCkTmwaY5U_b3m_d3H8kyu4FORI4kPkuz6m3mU1gk2GT4ShBWXNDC9DHDU6_qHn2w8qN_6y-LI5NRD0P/s1600/photo+%287%29.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wow....how </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">do I make up for 21 months of not blogging!? Which stories do I share first?! Which pictures do I post?! Should I start from the beginning, or start from where I am now and occasionally throw in a story from the past? </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's kind of overwhelming....which is probably the reason why I have postponed this for the last 2 months that I have been home! haha</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life is AMAZING. I am HAPPY!! :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coming home from my LDS mission (Osorno, Chile) was a lot harder than I truly had ever thought it would be. I thought I would be the girl who would go home and just have her life in place! I thought I would feel happy 24/7 and continue on living on the same spiritual high and excel in life. Well....when I got home, my eyes were opened to my new reality. Real life. I had been so protected from all of the worldliness of the world for the past 18 months, and lived in peace and purity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first week I was home my mom and sisters took me on a girls trip to the Shakespearean Festival to see Les Miserable. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DNbRTmIaGu_f8uZsUkYaMKf9pGVmHVfkka6UA83VQBX0BCSBmbeLMkVzlNJSVnku9jQnyNxCbXRH9a0eKSEChyH7MpC5Ksa3p_5RjUUZ2qLtx4S2Mg8yMPnRY0BehvC0kciTk7RIAA3_/s1600/560655_10152179987170273_1291827969_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DNbRTmIaGu_f8uZsUkYaMKf9pGVmHVfkka6UA83VQBX0BCSBmbeLMkVzlNJSVnku9jQnyNxCbXRH9a0eKSEChyH7MpC5Ksa3p_5RjUUZ2qLtx4S2Mg8yMPnRY0BehvC0kciTk7RIAA3_/s320/560655_10152179987170273_1291827969_n.jpg" width="281" /></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was so excited!! But as I sat in that dark theater, I was exposed to crude dancing, immodest dresses, and profane lyrics.....I was SO UNCOMFORTABLE. I just started to BAWL!! hahaha I didn't know what to do!!! I closed my eyes and just started to pray. I thanked my Father in Heaven for His love and for showing me what it was like to live A PART from the world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I felt out of place being home. I felt like I lost my identity. People would ask me about my plans for the future and about my ''experiences'' as a missionary....and I just didn't know how to respond. I was a full-time representative for the SAVIOR, Jesus Christ, and now all of the sudden I am representing....myself. There is no comparison there! I felt so insignificant. I became shy. I didn't know how to share those precious moments from my mission that were so sacred to me....and had changed my life forever. I could not let myself enjoy watching a movie, or listening to the radio. All I could think about were all of the different ways Satan was trying to confuse us or sell us on his ideas that would drag us down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ONLY place where I felt truly safe, and at home, was at the TEMPLE. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp2bdYtXkjEBH6jgJCiMoHmGnPzVrXcWOfIgCz3DxvdG-8_-pNRwD98OhlelnYfDov0mS3ip04Vl0yKY29Wre0dUKcY4OZ17iqijW4KYDCV6WdAp7upp1BO9TVTsQaSqIzM_psZCFqapV/s1600/IMG_0294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp2bdYtXkjEBH6jgJCiMoHmGnPzVrXcWOfIgCz3DxvdG-8_-pNRwD98OhlelnYfDov0mS3ip04Vl0yKY29Wre0dUKcY4OZ17iqijW4KYDCV6WdAp7upp1BO9TVTsQaSqIzM_psZCFqapV/s320/IMG_0294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> There were no temptations, no distractions, no confusion, no crude language or actions, and no worldliness whatsoever. I felt peace. I felt joy. I felt the pure love of my Heavenly Father. I felt needed as I gave my time to the work of the Lord. I felt appreciated for the work I was doing. I felt happy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its now been 2 months, and I continue to go to the Temple every week. It is the only thing that brings me true happiness and meaning. It is my second mission. I know that I have been sent to earth to WORK, to BUILD the Kingdom of God. In fact, everyone on this earth has been sent with that mission!! We are children of GOD. He loves us all so much and wants us to return to live in His presence. I know that by going to the Temple, I become closer to my Savior, and my Father in Heaven, and I am given the opportunity to help my brothers and sisters come closer to Them as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am grateful for the <a href="http://mormon.org/restoration" target="_blank">Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ</a>. I know that God lives and that He has blessed us with a <a href="http://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/what-are-prophets?lang=eng" target="_blank">Prophet</a> in these latter-days to guide us and direct us, just like He did in the past. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He loves us more than we can comprehend. He wants us to come unto Him, to follow His Son, <a href="http://mormon.org/jesus-christ" target="_blank">Jesus Christ</a>, and to become like Him. We do that by <a href="http://mormon.org/commandments" target="_blank">learning His teachings</a>, living them, and <a href="http://mormon.org/missionary-work" target="_blank">helping others to do the same</a>. This life is beautiful. But it is not paradise. It is our TEST. It is our time to <a href="http://www.lds.org/topics/service?lang=eng" target="_blank">WORK</a>. It's no the time to live our dreams and get everything we have always wanted. That time will come, along with NEVER-ENDING HAPPINESS. But now is not the time. Let us remember who we are and what we have been called here to do. Let us save our brothers and sisters by sharing with them the truths of the Restored Gospel, and going to the temple. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is no greater joy than when you know you are working WITH the Lord, to do His work, and to bless His children. :) :)</span><br />
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Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-29560955449170180272011-03-03T20:17:00.002-07:002011-03-03T20:18:12.737-07:00Finally :)<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It <i>finally</i> happened!!! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> < before</i></span><br />
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<i> </i><br />
<i> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"> after </span></i><span style="font-size: large;">></span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone warned me that my teeth were going to feel "slimy and huge" ....boy I couldn't wait!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I got to the Orthodontist with tear filled eyes...literally...</div><div style="text-align: center;">In no time at all the brackets were off and my teeth felt suuuuuuper slimy...yet rough as a scuffed up sidewalk!</div><div style="text-align: center;">They smoothed off the glue, and my tongue was instantly addicted to its new best friends! </div><div style="text-align: center;">The first thing I wanted to do was FLOSS!! It used to take me a good 10 minutes to feed the floss between the wires and then repeat that process over and over. I was amazed when I finished a good flossing in less than a minute! <i>Oh the simple joys in life!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">The first glance at my new smile was a bit awkward </div><div style="text-align: center;">"I look just like my brother." </div><div style="text-align: center;">I felt timidly-naked as I smiled in the mirror...It was a bitter-sweet feeling...(I can't tell which one is the bitter and which one was the sweet...timid and naked?? hahaha)</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was strange looking in the mirror...like I was spying on a strangers mouth...or at least my brothers...??</div><div style="text-align: center;">But soon it began to grow on me! At every stop light on the way home I had to check on them in the rear-view mirror...I don't know what I was looking for....just...checking them.</div><div style="text-align: center;">By the time I got home my smile was ear to ear and I couldn't hide my new smile even if I wanted to! </div><div style="text-align: center;">My teeth were actually straight!! A sight I haven't seen in a very long time! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What a neat experience to re-due a biggest regret (losing my retainer when I was 16 and never doing anything about it...) Never again!! I learned my lesson!! This is my forever smile!!! ...And I am definitely ok with that! :)<i> </i></div>Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-38311682991352462622011-02-24T21:19:00.001-07:002011-02-24T21:25:13.094-07:00Spending time with Sisters<div style="text-align: center;">This month I have spent more time with my sisters than I have in my entire life!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">...ok...so that might be very far from the actual truth...but it has sure felt that way!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We LOVE spending time together!! There is no one that compares to their...uniqueness...hahahahaha</div><div style="text-align: center;">They are AMAZING!!! I look up to them in EVERY way and hope someday I can be just like them. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">we party hard.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">hahahha Welcome to my life! :)</div>Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-5942773389537066912011-02-17T17:44:00.019-07:002011-02-24T20:46:41.378-07:00sexy staches ;)<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Good friends</span> + <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Nickle City</span> + <i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">tons of tickets</span></i> = <b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Sexy Staches :)</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjKlC9ZZsCA1tJrgxq_xjUSn_dUij4B2W0hJRWX3BwylBwbB5ZcUfJ-4rmlaqg5umBOcssGgqPQs4epUsqoN7u89I_o63Dvb4NMpKJ6Yg0VSM9na5sVUtQ4goO2YZvtqthL4yXl1WfzSj/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjKlC9ZZsCA1tJrgxq_xjUSn_dUij4B2W0hJRWX3BwylBwbB5ZcUfJ-4rmlaqg5umBOcssGgqPQs4epUsqoN7u89I_o63Dvb4NMpKJ6Yg0VSM9na5sVUtQ4goO2YZvtqthL4yXl1WfzSj/s320/031.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div>Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-11198713046961666202011-02-11T17:43:00.001-07:002011-02-11T17:43:42.049-07:00Daily Delights:<b>Tuesday, February 8:</b><br />
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We were outside in the hall in working on a reading assignment when I asked Victor, an adorable 12-year-old, Latino boy in my 6th grade class, to go check what time it was. He replied, <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">"Miss Kitto, I don't know how to tell time on those </span><i style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">old-fashion</i><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> clocks."</span> (Referring to the clocks that aren't digital haha) I was very surprised...and yet very excited! <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">"Alright, bring me a piece of paper instead!"</span> I said as I smiled. :)<br />
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When he returned, I quickly drew a large circle and began to write in numbers and draw little dashes between them. I drew a little :00 next to the 12, a :05 by the 1, :10 by the 2, :15 by the 3, and so forth... <i>I saw his eyes start to light up</i>. Then I explained the <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">"big hand" </span>and the <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">"little hand." </span> <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">"But what if the little hand is in between two numbers??"</span> Victor asked, you could tell this was something that has really bothered this kid...he was so anxious to learn! I explained, <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">"Once </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">the little hand hits the number it becomes that hour, and it stays that hour through all of those little dashes, until it hits the next number."</span><i> </i> (It made more sense when we were looking at our picture! haha) <br />
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You could have seen that little light bulb in his head light up from a mile away! <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> "Miss Kitto!!!!</span><i style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> I GET IT!!!!</i><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">" </span>:) My favorite phrase in the world :) Throughout the rest of the day he would come over to me and announce, proudly; <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">"Miss Kitto,</span><i> (he always says my name haha)</i> <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">It is 12:17!!"</span> then later, <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">"It's 1:02!!" <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...and so forth. :)</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Knowledge is power.</span></i> And Victor was definitely feeling it. :)Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-69767864860430734532011-02-11T17:16:00.002-07:002011-02-11T17:19:31.431-07:00DisciplinedI did not get around to transferring my photo's off this blog and onto my new one....meaning...I still don't have enough room to post new pictures. That kinda sucks some fun out of blogging. I love pictures so much! They just bring life....to life! hahaha So, I'm sorry you have to read another <i>picture-less</i> post from me! Hopefully I can get around to it tomorrow! :) (I am trying to post more regularly...seeing as I wont be able to post for 18 months, starting in 33 days!!!)<br />
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On the first Sunday of every month I always take it as a great opportunity for me to give up something, or to try to gain a new habit, and really focus my efforts on something that will bring me closer to Christ. This month I am working on <span style="color: #134f5c;">DISCIPLINE</span>. <br />
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I am soon going to be living a VERY structured life. Wake up at 6:30...always, exercise for 30 minutes, hours of studying, teaching, preaching, serving, and in bed by 10:30... consistently, for a year and a half. I always picture myself 19 months from now and try to think of the woman I am going to be. It excites me sooooo much! I am excited to gain these habits! I am excited for my growth! I am excited to be <i>that</i> much closer to reaching my potential!<br />
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After making a quite lengthy list of the woman I desire to be by the end of my mission...I got to thinking: "Rachel, why wait? Be <i>her</i> now." I looked back over my list and realized that I did not need to serve a mission to be this person! I felt inspired to make a few adjustments in my daily schedule. I felt inspired to be <span style="color: #134f5c;">DISCIPLINED.</span><br />
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The first habit I need and truly want, is to be an <span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">early riser</span>. I want to be the girl that gets up every day at 6:30, opens her eyes with a burst of energy, pops out of bed, makes the bed immediately, (I have been doing pretty good at that one!) pops on her cute 80's workout video (that I LOVE), and then completes most of the days to-do's before 10! :) <i>(In Preach My Gospel it states that the most important hours of the day are 6:30 am -10:00 am....and what you do in that time will greatly effect your success as a missionary...but I also think it applies to everyone! Something to think about!) </i><br />
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Well in order for me to keep up this habit, I have to master another....go to bed by 10:30 each night....or in my case, 10:00. Let me tell ya, it has been AMAZING!!!! I know everyone's lives are different, so it might not work out for you to get to bed this early...but it is the best thing I have ever done! This week has been productive and successful!! Although when 6:30am roles around, I still feel all sorts of sleepy. I am hoping that it is just something that my body needs to get used to and that one day I wont feel tired anymore! :)<br />
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This life is all about <span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">self-mastery</span><span style="color: #134f5c;"> (</span><i style="color: #134f5c;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">control</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">restraint</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">oneself</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">one's</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">actions,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">feelings...)</span></span></i>. No one can change us, live life for us, or make us become a certain way. We choose our lives. We choose how to live them. I hope that as I focus on becoming more disciplined, I will be able to overcome many weaknesses in my life. What an exciting thought! :)<br />
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Here's to a month of <span style="color: #134f5c;">DISCIPLINE! </span>Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-72455601520295693412011-02-08T19:07:00.001-07:002011-02-08T19:08:45.740-07:00Success :)<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Failure only brings us that much closer to success....and I can prove it.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You see, after spending way too many minutes creating (and cute-ifying) my new photo-blog....blogger laughed in my face and recited his familiar, taunting chant: </div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: center;">"We're sorry, but you have exceeded your photo upload quota. For more information <i>do not click on the following link, for it will not help you at all. Thank you, and have a picture-less day.</i>" </div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To which I replied: </span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">"</span>How can this be? This is my FIRST post on my NEW blog.<br />
.......<i>oooooh</i>......"</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: left;">Something hit me,</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: center;">"It's not my BLOG that has run out of space...it's my ACCOUNT! I need to create another blog using a different email address!!"<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">SUCCESS!!! I created a new email...and my new blog was born!! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I will begin the process of moving my photography from this blog to the new one tomorrow....right now it's Biggest Loser time...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">:)</div></div>Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-12659971907299137772011-02-08T17:21:00.000-07:002011-02-08T17:21:17.971-07:00Maybe?<div style="text-align: right;">So I just made a photography blog in hopes to transfer over my photoshoots from this blog over to the new one...which will clear up TONS of room for me to post more pictures of my crazy life!!! </div><div style="text-align: right;">I really hope this works!! </div><div style="text-align: right;">Cross your fingers!!</div>Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-86710389132211142232011-02-07T18:29:00.000-07:002011-02-07T18:29:06.224-07:00icky...the weather outstide is a good representation of how my heart is feeling on the inside....<br />
<br />
completely icky and gloomy.<br />
<br />
but in-spite of the cause, I have learned a very valuable lesson...<br />
{ a lesson I have always known to be true...but this solidified it greatly }<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">my family members are <i>{literally}</i> my best friends.</span><br />
<br />
even when they are crazy.<br />
even when it seems they don't care.<br />
even when they are smothering and curious.<br />
even when they don't agree.<br />
<br />
friends come and go...unfortunately...<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">but <i>my</i> family is forever....thankfully!</span>Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-20960000681692450622011-02-06T23:55:00.000-07:002012-12-04T17:12:13.743-07:00Young VictoriaI just saw the most amazing movie. <i> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #660000;">YOUNG VICTORIA. </span></span></i> Ah-mazing! If you have not seen it...stop whatever you're doing...and watch it. (Ok, maybe just<i> find</i> a time when you want to watch an inspirational/true/incredibly-tender love story.) I never knew the story of Queen Victoria...the woman they named the "Victorian Era" after. If an entire era is named after this woman, that must make her a pretty big deal. She was <span style="font-size: large;">smart, stubborn, friendly, <span style="font-size: small;">and</span> caring.</span> She is a new heroine of mine. <i>(And I will most likely name my future daughter after her...haha I have always loved that name!)</i> The movie is based on a true story...<b>and the most beautiful love story I know.</b> <span style="font-size: large;">True, real, non-hollywood, selfless, love.</span> <i> (It might make you crave to be married....or want to express more love to your one-and-only....I definitely fall in the first category.....I guess I can curb the craving for another year and a half! Chile, here I come!!) </i><br />
<br />
Just thought I would share that before going to bed! :)<br />
<br />
Night!Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-63293789486929634572011-02-06T21:30:00.000-07:002011-02-06T21:30:56.069-07:00PROBLEMO...<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Well I went to write a lovely post about my fabulous weekend....when blogger reminded me that I have run out of picture space...is that even possible?! Have any of you faced this problem?? Did you pay the extra money for more space? I am leaving in 5 weeks...so I think I should wait till I get back....but that is 5 weeks of visual un-documentation of my life! What to do...what to do?! It's 5 dollars a year.....is that an on-going-for-the-rest-of-my-life type of deal? I need some input! I've got some great pictures just waiting to be uploaded. I have decided posting pictures on my blog is a lot more satisfying that posting them on facebook. I feel like facebook is for more public events....but my blog is for me. It is so I don't forget my life. It's more personal, and I love it. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...I guess that is worth the 5 dollars...right?</span></div>Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-10811998782674460672011-02-05T11:02:00.000-07:002011-02-05T11:02:06.375-07:00the UGLY truth.no not the movie....<br />
my face.<br />
particularly my EYELIDS.<br />
they are driving me nuts!<br />
<br />
...I think I am allergic to my eye shadow...<br />
<br />
it is pretty old...so it makes sense...but still!<br />
<br />
how does that even happen?<br />
<br />
well one day I decide to use a shade in the pallet that I haven't used before.<br />
to my surprise, I LOVED it!<br />
...the next day I woke up and my eyelids had blown up to the size of "slugs"...(thank you Kristie)<br />
(this was the UGLY truth.)<br />
<br />
I had washed my make-up off that night...just like I do every night...<br />
I thought it might be an eye infection...I was getting sick, so I thought this was just another symptom.<br />
I thought it might be eczema. (dry, itchy, cracking skin...sounded about right.)<br />
I did not think it was an allergic reaction.<br />
<br />
so I decided to test it out.<br />
I wore no eye shadow for a week. (but the irritation caused my eyelids to be permanently pink!)<br />
low and behold...my symptoms went away!<br />
my eyes were healing (with the help of tons and tons of lotion!)<br />
<br />
so yesterday, in all of my brilliance, I decided to try that same shade of eye shadow again,<br />
just to <i>really </i>see if it was, in fact, the cause of my eyelid disformaty!<br />
...about half-way through my night (playing chess up the canyon with Justin)<br />
my eyelids started burning....itching...and felt crusty....oh no!<br />
I came home, took off my make up and quickly applied my healing lotion before going to bed.<br />
<br />
this morning I woke up, and with difficulty, opened my eyes.<br />
as I looked in the mirror...there in their rightful place...were the two slugs...right where my eyelids were supposed to be.<br />
<br />
never again. <br />
<br />
here's to another week of healing.<br />
don't worry...I think I learned my lesson last time...<br />
my trashcan is now the happy home to that awful (but so freaking cute) shade of eyeshadow.<br />
<br />
to you readers, today you can count your blessings:<br />
*"I have healthy, non-crusty-itchy-burning-permanently pink-eyelids. Oh how I am blessed!"<br />
<br />
hope you have a great weekend!!!Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-34530705951086810002011-02-03T13:38:00.001-07:002011-02-03T13:42:37.300-07:00Gods Plan for Me<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">I have always loved to be in charge.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">I love feeling necessary, intelligent, creative, fun, and important.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">I have always known that I am not the only one who is in charge of my life. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">I began my relationship with my Father in Heaven long before I can even remember. If I counted how many times I said silent prayers to Him on a daily basis....it would definitely beat out anyone's amount of texts or phone calls for the day. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">I am sure many people feel this way...but I hate making mistakes. I hate doing things wrong. I have always wanted to live a perfect life. <i>(I remember growing up I would always pretend that I was perfect. I tried to show that I was *always happy. Nothing was *ever wrong. But since growing up, I know that having emotions other than happiness is not wrong. It's OK to let people know that you are struggling, having a hard day, or that you are discouraged. That is normal. In fact, it is healthy to be real with your emotions! That little fact has done more for me than anyone can imagine!) </i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">But back to "being in charge," and wanting to be "perfect." I am a very couscous, and careful planner. I want to make sure that my decisions are correct, and that they are the *best (good, better, <b>best</b>) thing for me to do. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">I decided that having two jobs during these months while I prepare to serve a mission would be the best thing for me to do. It would keep me busy and allow the time to pass quicker. I could have a fun social life and make lots more friends. I would have enough money to pay off my braces. But the biggest reason I was working two jobs was so that I could pay as much as possible for my mission. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">I was blessed with 2 amazing jobs that I loved. I looked forward to going to work everyday. I loved the people I worked with. I loved the difference I was making. But my body began to tell me otherwise... </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">My daily schedule looked just like this:</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">*6:30-7:00, Wake up, get ready.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">*8:00, Out the door, be at work by 8:30.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">*8:30-4:00, Work at the Elementary School </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">*4:15-5:15, Come home, make myself dinner, get ready for work.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">*5:30, Out the door, be at work by 5:45.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">*5:45-10:30, Work at second job.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">*11:00-12:00, Come home, short work out, get ready for bed, read scriptures, write in journal, say prayers, get in bed.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">I don't know if you noticed how often I was home, compared to how often I was gone. I had ONE HOUR to myself everyday...and even then I was always rushing to get things done. This began to be very draining. I wanted to sit down and really read a book. I wanted to have dinner with my family. I wanted to go to the temple. I wanted to see my friends. I began to do the bare minimum so that I could save my energy for the next day. I was sick and tired of it. My body got sick, and I began to panic.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">My loving parents scheduled an interview with my Bishop. I wasn't sure what it was for exactly, but we all got in the car and went to his office. We started talking about missionary stuff. All of the sudden my dad tells Bishop about my schedule...and I unexpectedly broke into tears. He told him how I had mono a few years ago and was scared that if I kept working myself to death, that my body wouldn't be able to handle it and get sick again. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">My amazing Bishop looked me in the eyes and told me that I needed to cut back. Being busy and working all day was not the answer. He didn't want me to burn out before I even got to the MTC. He strongly advised me to work only one job, spend time with my family, go to the temple, study the scriptures, and spend time with friends. The money would come. I am in the Lords hands.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">I went home and immediately emailed my wonderful boss and explained the situation. She lovingly responded and told me she understood and that all is well. A huge burden was lifted from my shoulders. I felt like I could breathe for the first time in months. Not only breathe...but I wanted to dance!!! I was soooo happy!!!! I was amazed at how happy I was!!! (We even went out for a celebratory dinner!! haha)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Here was a prime example of my plan failing, and Gods plan being a blessing from on high. I thought I was dong the right thing....as hard as it was. I thought it would be selfish of me to quit my second job. I was doing what I thought was best. But I was so wrong. I was too busy. The Lord needed me.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">I still have no idea how I am going to make ends meet, but I am not afraid. When God asks us to do something, He always provides a way for it to be done (1 Nephi 3:7). </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">5 weeks and 6 days until I leave for the Missionary Training Center. I couldn't be more excited. I have no fear. How could I? I know the Lord is with me and is CLEARLY watching out for me. I know He has a plan for my life...and it is far better than my own.</div>Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-69539639453544707592011-02-02T21:10:00.000-07:002011-02-02T21:10:18.005-07:00the reality of today.<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am sitting with my 6th graders today, when my stomach loudly reminds me that I didn't feed her this morning. I told her to hang in there till lunch....</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lunch time finally came! I quickly got back to my desk, opened my storage cabinet...intending to find my lovely home-packed lunch. But the reality of my mistake made my tummy growl. I LEFT IT AT HOME!!!</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What's a girl to do?</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A. Eat the skittles you bought for your students in the after-school program.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">B. Eat the microwave popcorn that's in the cupboard. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">C. Eat the last Krispy Kreme doughnut in the box on the faculty table.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">D. All of the above.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To my dismay....I selected D. </div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">hahaha Oh my goodness. Has anyone has a sugar headache before?? Skittles, popcorn (movie theater butter style), and a warm glazed doughnut for my lunch....Yes, I <i>am</i> training to be the next contestant on the Biggest Loser. Feel free to tune in next season! ;)</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I think my stomach was more angry with me after I ate, than she would have been if I would have let her starve for a few more hours. Lesson learned!!</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">P.S. Don't worry....I saved </span><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">some</i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> skittles for my after-school students. :) haha </span>Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-74676333474094451172011-01-30T23:11:00.000-07:002011-01-30T23:11:54.016-07:00January has been<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">a BEAUTIFUL month.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">Each sunset has been so VIBRANT.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJVlmDuqQsSkaRp0zIyfYJUfHdxAqSPmSMt04D63DYqkC4un5cem4vQH_oEjmTIeDNPZxoc8Hehjqz9sCKPbnoYgTnu0Zg4g9Erb95WzwOzXgvEKxdRxrnv7EQvycj8WwD3ZRYeL_d1hC/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJVlmDuqQsSkaRp0zIyfYJUfHdxAqSPmSMt04D63DYqkC4un5cem4vQH_oEjmTIeDNPZxoc8Hehjqz9sCKPbnoYgTnu0Zg4g9Erb95WzwOzXgvEKxdRxrnv7EQvycj8WwD3ZRYeL_d1hC/s400/035.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlHfOlHrMsoKM-6kF0L39RyvT5tdDas93JN6ZlfuwvdFKuVvUScLrhqb-Cn5gg704my_kXUZXIEJ3VJFtIOeZx7oeyz0MbZIhug6KDfSx0QEa1PLWHNAYLvi47u0A3a0fYDFzyXYPCMYK/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlHfOlHrMsoKM-6kF0L39RyvT5tdDas93JN6ZlfuwvdFKuVvUScLrhqb-Cn5gg704my_kXUZXIEJ3VJFtIOeZx7oeyz0MbZIhug6KDfSx0QEa1PLWHNAYLvi47u0A3a0fYDFzyXYPCMYK/s400/033.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxC28GWyQRw6rv9q2ghkiG6HzkO9xRsB-HYSI8aEhyphenhyphenZy5CUZaEbI-0NHYoARQP9nkNLGGQ_kfMRVngTznRJCDlsLhhx65Ob-jkMBavUJxgVqpffTUFWYz04Ij231Zq0le6uywrrWPSYElr/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxC28GWyQRw6rv9q2ghkiG6HzkO9xRsB-HYSI8aEhyphenhyphenZy5CUZaEbI-0NHYoARQP9nkNLGGQ_kfMRVngTznRJCDlsLhhx65Ob-jkMBavUJxgVqpffTUFWYz04Ij231Zq0le6uywrrWPSYElr/s400/034.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">Each gathering has been so CHEERFUL.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YiDN1KJZbxG2B0ohyRaAFH9iy14pwEoiXhJ78nI2WHEy8pM4b5mb8-hYta4wVwMCoKQhsNykOl47-p3_q0Uiy9Cl_FayuLSPdp0qxtLTcOvTV8BfzWpCo8qg_IwYdToJsBb9GSwdnOOF/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YiDN1KJZbxG2B0ohyRaAFH9iy14pwEoiXhJ78nI2WHEy8pM4b5mb8-hYta4wVwMCoKQhsNykOl47-p3_q0Uiy9Cl_FayuLSPdp0qxtLTcOvTV8BfzWpCo8qg_IwYdToJsBb9GSwdnOOF/s400/056.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">Even being sick was somewhat PLEASANT.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> { I was able to catch up on my favorite shows: The Bachelor and The Biggest Loser...while eating lots of Lime Sherbet...that felt good on my poor sore throat! }</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">My birthday trip to Las Vegas was exceptionally INVIGORATING.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90iFK84z8J6y7dX2JcpwvLV30p8fJYo1NNO1YEcCAVhKt4i8Ipqh7svkpBf7nellh2wcx6PeGoc2in28Q76xnD8qzAaJ7V-z5FD7m16l2HtUTbhkhwnekkgoXTdTO51bTULDyyKwyqMWi/s1600/DSCN0671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90iFK84z8J6y7dX2JcpwvLV30p8fJYo1NNO1YEcCAVhKt4i8Ipqh7svkpBf7nellh2wcx6PeGoc2in28Q76xnD8qzAaJ7V-z5FD7m16l2HtUTbhkhwnekkgoXTdTO51bTULDyyKwyqMWi/s400/DSCN0671.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">{ hahaha typical Kitto Family vacation :) hahaha }</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What a month, huh?</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am so excited for FEBRUARY!!!</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*Closer to when I leave for my mission</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*Matt and Jonathan come home from their missions</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*Get my braces off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*....nothing I think of can't even compare to the joy I feel towards getting my braces off!!!</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">2011...best year of my life!</span><br />
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</div>Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-78480233758666089302011-01-26T13:23:00.002-07:002011-01-30T23:17:41.325-07:00Major Inspiritation<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I received a comment a few weeks ago asking about what my favorite inspirational books are. I am sorry for the delay, but I am finally here to answer your inquiry!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">I love <i><b>ANYTHING</b> </i>and <i><b>EVERYTHING</b></i> by<b> <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">OG MANDINO</span></b>!!!!! </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">They are the most <b style="color: #990000;"> </b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #660000;">motivational/inspirational</b> books I have ever read. His books are </span><span style="font-size: small;">so short (80-120ish pages) and to the point and way </span><span style="font-size: small;">easy/fun to read!!! No lie!!! </span>I would start with <b style="color: #660000;">"The Greatest Salesman in the World."</b><span style="color: #660000;"> </span> No this is not a "how to" book on how to become a great salesman! haha Don't let the title scare you away. Its about truly becoming the BEST you can be. It has changed my life, my dad's life, my sisters...and anyone who has ever read it!</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">Then continue to read his other masterpieces!</div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b>*The Greatest Secret in the World</b></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b>*The Greatest Miracle in the World</b></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b>*The Greatest Success in the World</b></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">...he has written a TON more...</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">READ THEM!!!! </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have also loved <b style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;">"The Influencer."</span></b> This one has completely changed my life and how I deal with things: my life, my peers, my family, co-workers...</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is amazing! You realize that you can influence anyone...and it teaches you how. (Not like in a creepy, hypnotic way haha! But like getting people to want to do the right thing. I can't explain it...it's incredible! AND IT WORKS!! I have applied its principles and it proved itself!!! )</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Another book I read this past year that was truly life-changing was <b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #660000;">"The 5 Love Languages."</span> </span></b>If only I could have read this one years and years ago! You learn so much about yourself and how everyone feels loved differently. You learn how to express your love to others, using their love language, so that they KNOW you love them! This one book can save marriages! I can prevent soooooooo many communication problems!! It will be such a blessing in your life, and in your families lives as well!!</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I also loved reading <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b>"The Secret."</b></span> This book has changed my way of thinking and how I view life! You become a natural optimist after reading this book! You learn how to be grateful for every little moment in your life. You learn how to focus on the positive, and by doing so, you attract more positive things to come into your life. For my fellow religious readers: it is all about how to increase your faith. How to trust in faith. How to use your faith everyday. It is a beautiful, inspiring and uplifting book!</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">A few years back I read a book on <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b>Benjamin Franklin</b></span><span style="color: #660000;">,</span> (I can't remember the exact title) and it also changed my life. He was such a creative man. He had the attitude that "anything is possible." And it truly is. Reading about his life has given me more of a desire to become like him. Inventive, creative, open-minded, smart, and hard-working. If you were to pick up any book about Benjamin Franklin, I know you will be moved and inspired by this wonderful man's life.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am currently reading 3 different, but very similar books.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>*<span style="color: #660000;">Our Search for Happiness- </span><span style="font-size: small;">by M. Russell Ballard</span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>*<span style="color: #660000;">Jesus the Christ-</span> <span style="font-size: small;">James E. Talmage</span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">&</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>*<span style="color: #660000;">The Book of Mormon-</span></b></span> <b>by Ancient Prophets</b> :)</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Each of these books are incredible. I just started reading <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b>"Our Search for Happiness"</b></span> last night, and I am already loving it! Elder Ballard writes so clearly. It isn't wordy, but specific. It is entertaining and wonderful! It is written for anyone, not only for members of the LDS faith. It's about our history. It's written so the world can know who the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints really are.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Great read!</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have been reading <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b>"Jesus the Christ"</b></span> off and on for a few months now. It is an INCREDIBLE book!!! James E. Talmage has such a way with words that you begin to think more poetically in your everyday life! This 900-something paged book is fully and completely about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There is nothing like it. If you want to know who Jesus Christ really is/was/and ever will be, then this book is a must read!</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have been reading <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b>"The Book of Mormon"</b></span> all of my life, but it wasn't until this past year that I have found a deep love for the book, and it's teachings. It is the book I read on a daily basis. It brings me closer to my Savior, and Heavenly Father. It is where I turn for knowledge. It is where I receive answers to my prayers. It is where I discover my heroes. It is where I learn how to follow Christ. It is where I learn of the Commandments of God. It is the Keystone of my religion. It holds the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a testament that Christ is the Son of God, and our Savior and Redeemer. It testifys to the world that He lives! That He came to this earth to atone for OUR sins. It is a witness that He is coming again.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>These are all incredible books that have helped shaped my life. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I highly suggest them to anyone and everyone, no matter who you are, or what you believe...they are an inspiration to all.</span></div>Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-52944764779479944312011-01-23T21:36:00.002-07:002011-01-23T22:05:29.355-07:00Life is Beautiful<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This last week I celebrated my 21st birthday!!! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjls2RemB4_iZoNpFqvvLD_LAqtcFvWm_yDaa3RtTQq48pjIpWcUQxsxeWGq06OPsIZLBRO7P-ET96AR3fB-Y2mordhhcrPMI5hu-SulIvERS5huTPNBUZeAOQxheanMb2xUOMSPo98UG4L/s1600/DSCN0541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjls2RemB4_iZoNpFqvvLD_LAqtcFvWm_yDaa3RtTQq48pjIpWcUQxsxeWGq06OPsIZLBRO7P-ET96AR3fB-Y2mordhhcrPMI5hu-SulIvERS5huTPNBUZeAOQxheanMb2xUOMSPo98UG4L/s320/DSCN0541.JPG" width="256" /></a></div></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">I LOVE GROWING UP!!!!!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">(no really....I do!)</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">I love getting older! </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">I've never liked being considered as one of the "young ones"</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">I always dream of of the next stage of my life,</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">and look forward to it, longingly!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">So far being 21 has been amazing! :) hahaha</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">Most people don't feel any different on their birthdays.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">its just another ordinary day, but with birthday cake and candles...</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well not me! I feel like I am finally <i>here</i>!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am amazed at my life, and so happy to see where it has brought me.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have a wonderful family who loves me! We have such a strong love </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">for one another. We are truly best friends!! They are the most amazing</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">people I have ever known and I am so blessed to be a part of something that great!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My parents are still love birds and it brings joy to my heart!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have incredible friends who love me and accept me for who I am.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">They have been great examples to me throughout my life, and I am so</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">lucky to call them my friends!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have experienced some of the most incredible opportunities people only dream to have!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(literally...)</div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Above all, I have finally discovered my true self.</span><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have become the person I have always wanted to be.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I know my Father in Heaven lives. I KNOW it!!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I know that I am His daughter, and that I have the potential to actually be like Him! </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(Isn't that amazing?!?)</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I know my<i> purpose</i> here on earth. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I know that I have been given agency to choose for myself what kind of life I am going to live. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I know that through the Atonement I am able to reach my potential, and be forgiven of my sins.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I don't know where I would be if I didn't know these truths. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...but I am pretty sure I'd be searching for them.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How lucky am I to be able to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints? That is huge! I am not only a representative of the Church...but a representative of Jesus Christ. What a calling, huh? I really hope I can make Him proud, and give my absolute all to the work. At first I was pretty scared about the task ahead of me. But that feeling is long gone. I have no fear. Even if I try to think of things that would scare me...it doesn't work. I am at complete peace about my decision, because I know this is what the Lord wants me to do. There is no greater feeling then when you feel like you are following the promptings of the spirit and fulfilling the Lord's Plan for you.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have never been happier.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I could bet all the money in the world that I am the happiest girl here on Earth... </div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Life is beautiful. </span>Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-91335605679858119792011-01-10T18:46:00.000-07:002011-01-10T18:46:29.797-07:00Night and Day<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is my favorite part of the year! I LOVE change....more than anyone will ever know!! I love new possibilities, new opportunities and new beginnings. I love this time of year because I feel joined by millions of people who want to better their lives. This is the time of year when people aren't afraid to recognize their weaknesses and resolve to overcome them. It's the time when people dare to dream, set goals, and seek to reach their full potential. I believe that everyone <i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">wants </i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">to be the best they can, but sometimes it's scary to change. Thank goodness for new years for giving us that courage!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2010 was very bittersweet for me. It was by far <i>the hardest</i> year of my life. It was also the most rewarding. I have never grown so much in all my life. As I look back on the last 12 months, I literally can <i>see</i> my growth! I am a completely different person than I was 365 days ago! It's like night and day!! I experienced my highest-highs, and my lowest-lows. This is my life...and I would not trade that for the world.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Some highlights from 2010:</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Went on a (much needed) road-trip to St. George with my best friend in February</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEFXxB0fODQX6zn4z8aoMW-VPnuCck137QVSXZKP5U1gftNUk3JRYW49CatZ0Kf4sKB1yM6QgAx5TZET9wYUToofe9OYRqQf8_0aGObJk1LQYBQ5-qjTPZPQl407ePg_JbOJdY2uCvhvQ/s1600/DSCN9181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEFXxB0fODQX6zn4z8aoMW-VPnuCck137QVSXZKP5U1gftNUk3JRYW49CatZ0Kf4sKB1yM6QgAx5TZET9wYUToofe9OYRqQf8_0aGObJk1LQYBQ5-qjTPZPQl407ePg_JbOJdY2uCvhvQ/s400/DSCN9181.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nio07J3Opbqyn92XRSDNFCwubfUdaqFGgc3WHJlPYqLLUf4PBrJArbspzNRVR1I2dGSEv_WHhr8JPTF6WnzhXdSCuUVo1mpqsatrNYz5NCtj9VDD2G0Wqiq0d_Y8o38CiJY_RFKvHCkZ/s1600/DSCN9236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nio07J3Opbqyn92XRSDNFCwubfUdaqFGgc3WHJlPYqLLUf4PBrJArbspzNRVR1I2dGSEv_WHhr8JPTF6WnzhXdSCuUVo1mpqsatrNYz5NCtj9VDD2G0Wqiq0d_Y8o38CiJY_RFKvHCkZ/s400/DSCN9236.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Had way too much fun with my roomies!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDH6OP53o5LyjH1EBbgfjDks59hpPJhhOIgT_5XQuK-K0n249C9JSABDfF7jWJOsnJp0C35YiCWj4F9VmB0jUaNSa2m4SnpeWs_cJhPPQdas2cRttN2PytkntS7CpXCOH2MHIp34nh6Pvr/s1600/DSCN9115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDH6OP53o5LyjH1EBbgfjDks59hpPJhhOIgT_5XQuK-K0n249C9JSABDfF7jWJOsnJp0C35YiCWj4F9VmB0jUaNSa2m4SnpeWs_cJhPPQdas2cRttN2PytkntS7CpXCOH2MHIp34nh6Pvr/s400/DSCN9115.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hNFxovTbc0319JF3m_7Tw_67WM8DAUyS0vAhHyONoVGREStECoYcz-gxroZzn8mgLWrFSOhx6k-NugzIn5FooVBdeEyc9QT-0JnBmsEDoMzMgl7lVcR1EOVmxQfFVNjwyw17-A4o7mAn/s1600/DSCN2077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hNFxovTbc0319JF3m_7Tw_67WM8DAUyS0vAhHyONoVGREStECoYcz-gxroZzn8mgLWrFSOhx6k-NugzIn5FooVBdeEyc9QT-0JnBmsEDoMzMgl7lVcR1EOVmxQfFVNjwyw17-A4o7mAn/s400/DSCN2077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Dug up graves with my family</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aJoeSwq0JF720zSWGTvzImpdkuvtpbuJOhVgVE6joMgu9md48J3OEQbpDZ7FijFiEBhDSqgvVUnEAGH0-WBYqVgT8ztGzqihxWasyIVbI617OogaN5qO4x0g4bwpAWXQRAvhHWVv4MwI/s1600/IMG00258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aJoeSwq0JF720zSWGTvzImpdkuvtpbuJOhVgVE6joMgu9md48J3OEQbpDZ7FijFiEBhDSqgvVUnEAGH0-WBYqVgT8ztGzqihxWasyIVbI617OogaN5qO4x0g4bwpAWXQRAvhHWVv4MwI/s400/IMG00258.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"> (hahaha only kidding...we cleaned off my grandparents graves on Memorial Day! :)</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Conquered my biggest regret by getting braces</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CqMcHTn0qSE-cIC6Km1M8FS1G6i3LsxFgUDiid5Lq5mU6pRPuDP9QbbfiuYrPuHgkwM_qPkncM0frZCA-Jrk1cpslRh4jEYUxbtrR4dSgTqDm4YnXtgqNbpT5VsIDPyBR0FrUTTgAxFY/s1600/CIMG1567b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CqMcHTn0qSE-cIC6Km1M8FS1G6i3LsxFgUDiid5Lq5mU6pRPuDP9QbbfiuYrPuHgkwM_qPkncM0frZCA-Jrk1cpslRh4jEYUxbtrR4dSgTqDm4YnXtgqNbpT5VsIDPyBR0FrUTTgAxFY/s400/CIMG1567b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Got my wisdom teeth out with my sister Kristie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodtU3OCqOuGXGWacZLfhaokMR9TP12p1X3426YirpBa_7QNIuyseQPrp0EhG0kgEAJpNKtOZotv27TCpGueCruZAL4rXvirdIgDK_LMxqQOW1emdsoDStm0zKVitwuujQrAGr2HlU0fMI/s1600/IMG00267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodtU3OCqOuGXGWacZLfhaokMR9TP12p1X3426YirpBa_7QNIuyseQPrp0EhG0kgEAJpNKtOZotv27TCpGueCruZAL4rXvirdIgDK_LMxqQOW1emdsoDStm0zKVitwuujQrAGr2HlU0fMI/s400/IMG00267.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Prego-photoshoot with Rachel</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXadWfSRJTw6v0raSPjeHABApI4JIlfxuaHCTLumcCMQb5wfF2Onvs1zopyakoorYoTzgnLtxhNxmJz5UYQDIYzGHK9NwWfEpVhbA4YsO_wiJdyS7qxm8cCSqi7quBgqqZKA2nPdCtKgto/s1600/142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXadWfSRJTw6v0raSPjeHABApI4JIlfxuaHCTLumcCMQb5wfF2Onvs1zopyakoorYoTzgnLtxhNxmJz5UYQDIYzGHK9NwWfEpVhbA4YsO_wiJdyS7qxm8cCSqi7quBgqqZKA2nPdCtKgto/s400/142.JPG" width="266" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Who then made me an Auntie shortly after! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUg1_BkfrUdvQHNGrylDlvNa0obSrVcapGnh__DIIHqOxK14eH8bHhmYw_QJyE11jHgmXcEvE2GYwCBXjzXY3ta6MHDmxJ0E-4wr64DvlxktgoI8OakTCk0BBaKzwTh6BUZEIZYAkmdi76/s1600/Photo0187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUg1_BkfrUdvQHNGrylDlvNa0obSrVcapGnh__DIIHqOxK14eH8bHhmYw_QJyE11jHgmXcEvE2GYwCBXjzXY3ta6MHDmxJ0E-4wr64DvlxktgoI8OakTCk0BBaKzwTh6BUZEIZYAkmdi76/s400/Photo0187.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Saw Carried Underwood in concert<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ryRj9gaQUO4N6YqbB33ckAONrmJzwr8ClBbZUVMLSISETlgzN7av4G8Sc6XJjSrNVIzt8eiCJTqrUVv0aktswLJCW1KjkcUPOcoruN2Z8vT2uTJ7E5YreUKbZj1Nj4JiJHz5C-vupnBT/s1600/stadium+of+fire.jpg8b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrqjMjMjzWI4r5AKGH4zf3WnIzVojIK6e4JAYJXHaP7udOqHXLXkXjKkLfnQjvpx_u8CxZqfEU-g18_pJCywdW-PqWnUXPaFeU4HNKIjxBmu3GintnvOg6O2GLXJD0h0mjrcpkOcoHTVv/s1600/stadium+of+fire.jpg16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrqjMjMjzWI4r5AKGH4zf3WnIzVojIK6e4JAYJXHaP7udOqHXLXkXjKkLfnQjvpx_u8CxZqfEU-g18_pJCywdW-PqWnUXPaFeU4HNKIjxBmu3GintnvOg6O2GLXJD0h0mjrcpkOcoHTVv/s400/stadium+of+fire.jpg16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX44oaSYHsRFXeLgd-PCnQCV3_m_vO4ToliLm49tz081I9LUC7cxra62gSgdVBX4KqgMRuMRIIRsalB5vhoO2hEJSrlRzQqW8paFd428sv18r2dBMZ9w4IBBPB42j63hi9f5IQmDbVk_FH/s1600/stadium+of+fire.jpg19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX44oaSYHsRFXeLgd-PCnQCV3_m_vO4ToliLm49tz081I9LUC7cxra62gSgdVBX4KqgMRuMRIIRsalB5vhoO2hEJSrlRzQqW8paFd428sv18r2dBMZ9w4IBBPB42j63hi9f5IQmDbVk_FH/s400/stadium+of+fire.jpg19.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Tied up loose ends... </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Gave a Book of Mormon to a non-member!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Kicked butt in school</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Got balloons from random boys on our Girls Night Out</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5M7jy8PmMFrAGS38cfFlYeOW4-XxjojQm4UlELWVECHhWNvBXRSXawYbMznVYf306gRqMwvxMFJoG1_ETHYZ1Ox_oP2GBdHGfD6twLg5Of7y53kUpfao2ulRuw-2Eygt1IkJaWFpjJrt7/s1600/Photo0325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5M7jy8PmMFrAGS38cfFlYeOW4-XxjojQm4UlELWVECHhWNvBXRSXawYbMznVYf306gRqMwvxMFJoG1_ETHYZ1Ox_oP2GBdHGfD6twLg5Of7y53kUpfao2ulRuw-2Eygt1IkJaWFpjJrt7/s400/Photo0325.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Acknowledged myself as an artist</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLsO9TdHPC8NgmdKWIcamN5p2iB-iPFoTttE0tLL3L7uZ7EB19PuqykCc4dDNPLIYHvd2hAVN3kyn5f5_0XshFvYLZi6eFcUUNkzKuQrM-kkL3Zab79LQ48ZH1NxKcCLPIBnsiOJxYJUZ/s1600/Photo0174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLsO9TdHPC8NgmdKWIcamN5p2iB-iPFoTttE0tLL3L7uZ7EB19PuqykCc4dDNPLIYHvd2hAVN3kyn5f5_0XshFvYLZi6eFcUUNkzKuQrM-kkL3Zab79LQ48ZH1NxKcCLPIBnsiOJxYJUZ/s400/Photo0174.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3zod0_Dc7qnRs-58dKNCizDKT8ICTVjVAizKwW5chUZ3HzauXRsSRJFgkm3JJV3QxCvvYhxk3UNKuvjG8bWaIINF04r3FyjBIIxJKoTTU4ysnz5igS3X2e8c_oQwMxzZk_QS0FqLuWhz/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Biggie-Mouse, Mini Mouse, and Itty-Bitty Mouse for Halloween with the sisters!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazd3ZrM-3uTYSNIvo89olz_UbIJPOvwADiYwaO1kJkA8ybsPIrhWu76_ZY1zNLK0bvosbK6oniPGqKoRYuVWVTELg67RAjZpdWlj1BPxD6acC_gSiF5MgbJEAoyowePXn0kmcq5b66jjK/s1600/CIMG1597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazd3ZrM-3uTYSNIvo89olz_UbIJPOvwADiYwaO1kJkA8ybsPIrhWu76_ZY1zNLK0bvosbK6oniPGqKoRYuVWVTELg67RAjZpdWlj1BPxD6acC_gSiF5MgbJEAoyowePXn0kmcq5b66jjK/s400/CIMG1597.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"> Went hot-tubbing in bubble bath</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6xgFmjxMoWtDOCF2ja4aTMU3UCHxkNSI_CBxBEgUuOQ4d2E_zhjD34CMDKZ6aXkALz87Eh1ILXGl0cCkyNSCc_Ntd4HfiUbVmRutgNUVkCYqX1IsK32WNt-FceP2TwsH62r5WAxcYxe3/s1600/CIMG1865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6xgFmjxMoWtDOCF2ja4aTMU3UCHxkNSI_CBxBEgUuOQ4d2E_zhjD34CMDKZ6aXkALz87Eh1ILXGl0cCkyNSCc_Ntd4HfiUbVmRutgNUVkCYqX1IsK32WNt-FceP2TwsH62r5WAxcYxe3/s400/CIMG1865.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNRCiePdGtSq6tfBwIKKTL_ZGkJk-uIiqeo6NCJ3iZ72KGzY8Rw84i18K7J5wwJOjhrsgo6s8xqCj-2B-i5PdSMJm-A1aIJgfkx4hTxFyE7cexcMIfUvSH9lhHdb3gZZVIC7whfMSmZ2v/s1600/CIMG1838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNRCiePdGtSq6tfBwIKKTL_ZGkJk-uIiqeo6NCJ3iZ72KGzY8Rw84i18K7J5wwJOjhrsgo6s8xqCj-2B-i5PdSMJm-A1aIJgfkx4hTxFyE7cexcMIfUvSH9lhHdb3gZZVIC7whfMSmZ2v/s400/CIMG1838.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"> Received my mission call to Osorno, Chile!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmeMiFyd7lYoTQZuJ7thgpyLiieHjNr_xIuUOK6obnLNvsmwBkWdZN5qC0J8quHwuJNlehTzM4cKszN8t01cIQ1pJPDqoyUDT-bfd02V313g90GnaPgbFFv6bqs_Glb3y2XR-G5a5G0N1/s1600/Photo0202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmeMiFyd7lYoTQZuJ7thgpyLiieHjNr_xIuUOK6obnLNvsmwBkWdZN5qC0J8quHwuJNlehTzM4cKszN8t01cIQ1pJPDqoyUDT-bfd02V313g90GnaPgbFFv6bqs_Glb3y2XR-G5a5G0N1/s400/Photo0202.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Received my Endowment in the Timpanogos Temple, </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Was blessed with two incredible jobs,</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">and </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Went to Disneyland</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKm_ObP1SZvWUUfNs1ZMR7UrWJ33Nmb5uXmoKis5i7Cfle1Jks9sk5RHyM_toK0iBxwnOm_aSFtHhWjlBsHLfQJaOqmWKdAsnNT-HgYXFUkX8R-zADFHYrwElea5ZKp-8Xo5k-GULBOPr/s1600/301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKm_ObP1SZvWUUfNs1ZMR7UrWJ33Nmb5uXmoKis5i7Cfle1Jks9sk5RHyM_toK0iBxwnOm_aSFtHhWjlBsHLfQJaOqmWKdAsnNT-HgYXFUkX8R-zADFHYrwElea5ZKp-8Xo5k-GULBOPr/s400/301.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"> (more Disneyland pics to come)</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">It doesn't seem like much....but it was one heck of a year! </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">....in every sense of the phrase! ;) hahaha</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Here is to 2011! I am empowered with the reality of my agency and am so excited to use it to its fullest. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">"I am the designer of my destiny." </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Bring it on!</div>Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-18283061338969342942010-12-18T13:19:00.000-07:002010-12-18T13:19:59.932-07:00LIFE AS I KNOW IT<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. I am a dreamer and an avid goal setter! I want to see and do everything I can! I know that I can have, do or be anything that I want to, so why not live the life that will help me achieve my dreams?! :) Life is amazing!!! MY life is amazing!!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. I ate Top Ramen everyday my freshman year....but only the Beef flavor... haha My mom even asked my roommates to make sure I didn't buy it when we went grocery shopping...too bad mama....I LOVE IT!!!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. I love to LAUGH: laugh till I cry, laugh till I get a stomachache, laugh till I am gasping for breath, laugh with the ones I love, laughing at an inside joke, laughing because someone has a funny laugh that makes me laugh...it really is the best feeling in the world to me!!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4. My favorite scent to wear is PURE SEDUCTION by Victoria Secret.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5. I was born in Reston, Virginia...just 15 minutes outside of Washington DC. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6. My idea of a perfect day would be waking up and watching the sunrise with the man of my dreams, eating a huge french toast breakfast, then going for a walk in the sunshine, hand in hand with that same man, go shoping for an hour or two, go boating with all my family and friends, do some tubing and waterskiing, have a BBQ, play in the sprinklers, watch the sunset, and go star gazing. Man I miss summer time!!!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7. I had a lazy eye when I was a kid....and I had to wear a patch on my good eye to try to strengthen my weak, lazy eye.......but I hated wearing the patch and would always pull it off, so my mom would wrap magazines around my arms so I couldn't bend them to pull my patch off..... OH!!! And if that is not bad enough, on top of that I wore pink rimmed bi-focals because I have the eye sight of a bat.... Yeah...quite the childhood huh? %)</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">8. If you go to YouniversityTV.com and click on Campus Tours, and go to Utah Valley University you will see ME representing dear old UVU! :) lol don't make fun when I say "Snee-- skiing" ....you'll see! lol</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">9. I love to sing...and I love to sing LOUD! haha It is my dream to sing the National Anthem at a professional sporting event!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">10. I love art! Photography is my favorite medium!! I love capturing people as they really are! I also love drawing, watercolor, sewing, mod podge-ing, designing, and creating. Life is a masterpiece, create it!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">11. The only fight I have ever gotten into was in the 3rd grade at Bonneville Elementary. It was at the end of the day and we were all getting our back-packs to go home and a was being rude to everyone...and it was getting on my nerves, so I turned around and whacked her in the face with my back-pack and ran off!!! (If you ever read this Lisa...sorry about that! haha!)</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">12. I love popsicles more than I love to breathe....</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">13. Celine Dion is my favorite singer! That was the first CD I ever got when I was a kid! I want meet her someday!!! At least go to one of her concerts! ....do you ever feel like you know a celebrity?? Well...I feel like Celine Dion is my cousin or something!! hahaha I feel like I just know her!!! hahaha (I have many celebrity "friends" like this!! haha)</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">14. I am a strong believer in The Secret. Do you know about The Secret??? If not...come talk to me...it will change your life! It has changed mine!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">15. I love going horseback riding! I don't have horses but I have been riding countless times! ...One time when I was riding in the Sand Dunes down in St. George, all of our horses were galloping and then the horse in front on mine stopped, and mine had to stop really fast so it wouldn't hit it....and my horse kicked his back legs up, and I did a front flip in slow motion...off of my horse..and into the sand!! Not many can say that! hahaha Not many want to....I don't blame them!! But it really was sooo funny!!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">16. I sang a solo in front of 10,000 people at the Marriott Center</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">17.I was at Target the other day, and was texting and walking, when all of the sudden my feet slipped out from under me....I let out a huge scream...my phone went flying in the air...I caught my balance, caught my phone, and kept walking! hahahhaha I was in front of all of the check out lines...hahaha I put on a very entertaining show for everyone! hahaha ;)</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">18. I am 5'8 and a half!I was always the second tallest girl in my grade {thank you Debbie Scoffield}. I never liked being tall...until recently. I am finally proud of my height! Love the skin you're in!!!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">19. I have really big cheeks....I dont know if anyone really knows that about me....I try to keep that to myself...haha ;) When I smile, my cheeks cover my eyes and I can't see....it's a Kitto thing! (thanks a lot Dad!)</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">20. One of my lifetime goals is to be a contestant on a GAMESHOW!!! Preferably Family Feud...I think my family would Dominate that game!! I dont know why...but I absolutely LOVE gameshows!! haha</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">21. I love to blow bubbles with my gum!!!! I do it subconsciously now and I dont think people like that all the time....but I just love to pop my gum!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">22. I not only talk in my sleep, walk in my sleep...but I was told that I also SING in my sleep!!!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">23. I have OCD about always having lotion/perfume, gum and lipgloss! I will turn my car around if I have left the house without them. It's better to be late and have my necessities, than going through the entire day longing for them!!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">24. In my film class the teacher sang "Who are these children coming down?!" and looked at us and said, "Name that movie!" I proudly shouted out "Saturdays Warrior!!" ....and I was the only one to shout it out...hahaha I grew up in a musical family, ok?!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">25. My most embarrassing moment was...at the Special Olympics...hahaha I was a junior in high school and went with my school's special needs students to play Volleyball at the Olympics. Well, little did I know, these students were SO GOOD at Volleyball!!! I felt like the underprivileged one out on the court! haha So I had to up my game!! ...and boy did I ever!!! hahaha I was so into the games! My team won game after game! We were on a roll!! Well we were almost to the Championship game, and I was playing front and center. The opposing team bumped...set...and was ready to spike, when all of the sudden I leaped up with all the adrenoline I could muster, and stuffed the ball back on their side.......knocking over a down syndrome boy!!! :( It finally hit me: "RACHEL, YOU ARE AT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS!!! I felt so bad!!!!! Here was his big chance to spike the ball, and I ruined it for him. Can you tell how horrible I was feeling at that moment?!!? This event still haunts me!! hahaha I remember my team cheering me on and being so proud of me, but I just felt like crying!!! I felt so bad!!! ........But.....my team ended up taking home the Gold!!!! :) hahhahahaha</span> <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is only a glimpse into my life. I wouldn't trade it for the world ;)</span></div>Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-75291479090849159612010-12-08T13:59:00.002-07:002010-12-08T14:02:17.134-07:00Roses are Red..<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So here is an update with some watercolors I have been working on. Actually, I will show you the step by step of just one art piece I worked on recently. More to come when I upload my pictures!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47DJdy0A1aZJxpPMRdQs0ySwZC7vrPrauIuB4QoKdQ153dAwpm-M_avdPjjHpiz7dvWtfTxUvkc10TfwYyXd3SAKF0m1NMmlJm0_TmESnhgw3HOdXLroKgBkpLsVoZkFKiLgtbgTgpnya/s1600/Photo0158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47DJdy0A1aZJxpPMRdQs0ySwZC7vrPrauIuB4QoKdQ153dAwpm-M_avdPjjHpiz7dvWtfTxUvkc10TfwYyXd3SAKF0m1NMmlJm0_TmESnhgw3HOdXLroKgBkpLsVoZkFKiLgtbgTgpnya/s400/Photo0158.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNslHUTLd0T9ldMIlyewfXYPOQdpbrZzk6kiaIcnL1in55dJKts3nJdctnysAKSH0Dzjg291GRCp8OVXHSspBGOYcG3o6jBo2jR-A1wSywBYlXVVdsNYmeAe2w4RO3RrGXki871HI_uoT/s1600/Photo0160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNslHUTLd0T9ldMIlyewfXYPOQdpbrZzk6kiaIcnL1in55dJKts3nJdctnysAKSH0Dzjg291GRCp8OVXHSspBGOYcG3o6jBo2jR-A1wSywBYlXVVdsNYmeAe2w4RO3RrGXki871HI_uoT/s400/Photo0160.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNQA67RQlioaJfazMNRm5yi8diNrbIT0rT1T4U2Sk8PR1g3VNBwU0nE-nFKFb0h8JSk7fD0MbpG-5BDq2qtEbLyj_qOz2bb2SlDLDm0LVXTbZjlAlBzGHGM_7DdGtPWEDzq-RxWM-kD1M/s1600/Photo0174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNQA67RQlioaJfazMNRm5yi8diNrbIT0rT1T4U2Sk8PR1g3VNBwU0nE-nFKFb0h8JSk7fD0MbpG-5BDq2qtEbLyj_qOz2bb2SlDLDm0LVXTbZjlAlBzGHGM_7DdGtPWEDzq-RxWM-kD1M/s400/Photo0174.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Pretty fun! </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Watercolor is pretty difficult. Everything had to blend and be transparent...and its hard to keep it neat (well, hard for me!!). I wonder what oil painting is like?? Are any of you artists or enjoy different mediums of art? Let me know what you like!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well I gotta go finish my sketchbook!! 60 sketches due tomorrow...I am not close to being done! Wish me luck!! :)</span></div>Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012421246410108858.post-35748721091479408282010-12-08T10:38:00.000-07:002010-12-08T10:38:55.287-07:00Choosing to Change<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sorry for my long absence, it seems I have been MIA!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But guess what....I'm baaaaaack!!!! :) :) haha :)</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So a lot has been on my mind for the past few months,</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">but one thing in particular:</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">HUMILITY</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have come to the realization that I have a <i>huge</i> struggle</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">with this principle...and I always thought</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was pretty good with it! Haha!! </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> How prideful is that?!?</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well as I have been really focusing on this issue,</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have stumbled across a very valuable lesson.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When asking God to help me become more humble,</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">He will not change me into a humble person, but will</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">give me opportunities to <b><i>choose</i></b> humility.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The one thing God gave us that he cannot take away</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">from us is our agency. He will never <i>make</i> us be a</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">certain way. He cannot! </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This week I have been focusing on forgetting myself and </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">focusing on helping others. I asked my Father in Heaven </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">to <i>help</i> me become more selfless. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So what happened? </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Did He snap His fingers and erase all of my selfish-tendencies? </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Did I suddenly become the most giving person on earth??</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Nope!!! In fact...nothing changed.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">He didn't change my heart, <i>but </i>He did allow me</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">the opportunity to prove myself, and to show</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">that I really do <i>want</i> to become a more selfless person! </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That opportunity came to me only a few hours after my</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">prayer. My phone rang with an urgent opportunity to forget </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">myself and to go help someone in need!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I wasn't all-of-the-sudden<i> unaware</i> of how busy I was, </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">or what I was in the middle of. But I was blessed with <i> </i></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>the spirit</i> and with<i> love</i> for the person who needed help! </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was able to see them through God's eyes,</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">and knew that that He needed someone to go help one of His</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">children. I was happy to be the one to do that!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am grateful for all the learning opportunities God gives me</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">so that I can become the person He wants me to be.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I know it's hard to be humble: to give up our will, and forget </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">about what WE think is best for us. But I know that His plan </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">is far greater than we could ever imagine! </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> This life is about change. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's about changing from the natural man and becoming like God. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That wont happen unless we <i>choose to change. </i></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here is to baby steps and to continually striving to be our best selves! </span></div>Rachel Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14577042005273412834noreply@blogger.com0