So I am trying something new. . . I am using NetGalley to get access to electronic books in exchange for my honest review. Here's one that I posted today. It was for a Southern Cookbook. I will confess I haven't actually tested a recipe, but I have a whole bunch I want to try. Check it out!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1783194593
13 October 2016
20 November 2014
Miseries, Mishaps and Mercies . . .
This post is a little longer than some I write, so stick with it. There is some really good stuff towards the end!
I have been focusing on being grateful and noticing the tender mercies in my life. So I decided for the month of November I would write down 3 things I was grateful for each day and I asked my family to do it with me. I was so excited that by doing this I would be putting myself in the right frame of mind for the upcoming holiday season.
Then my car broke. Then an injury I have been dealing with flared up. Then I talked my friend out of us going to the gym, which didn't make me feel better. Then I looked at my finances, which also did not make me feel better. Then my normally pleasant co-worker had a bad day and work was more difficult.
Last week was terrible, it seemed to wreck my whole gratitude plan. I was discouraged and a little bit angry. I was wondering why God had impressed me to focus on gratitude and yet I had such a crummy week. That week I checked out a book from the library and while I was sitting at the mechanic's shop waiting for my car to be repaired, I pulled it out and began to read. In the story, one of the characters says something about God knowing what we need before we do and then it hit me . . . that was why I had felt impressed to study gratitude this month. God knew that I was going to run into some bumps and that I would need that extra measure of gratitude. From then on, my attitude and perception changed and I have continued to find so much to be grateful for.
In that same terrible week, my car was fixed. My worries over my injury were a false alarm. My friend and I went to the gym later in the week and then after we went back to my place and we watched The Princess Bride and it was a great evening. I talked to my mom about my finances and I realized I am doing pretty good. My co-worker expressed regret that she'd let her bad day spill over to the rest of us at the office. Everything was resolved and there were so many good things that happened too. So when I look back at that week, I'm going to remember how blessed I am by the people in my life and that God has given me so many blessings.
Guess what else happened? I wrote an email to the author of that book thanking her for being an answer to a prayer -- and she answered.
Here is what she said: "Thank you so much for your letter. Your story touched my heart and encouraged my soul. I feel like the little boy who brought his humble loaves and fishes to Jesus only to see the Master feed people he could have never reached on his own. Our God is so good! I am honored that he blessed your week through one of my characters. That is my prayer for all the stories I write, that God will use them for his kingdom, to encourage the hearts of those who read.
And you have returned the blessing to me by sharing your own story. Thank you for that. And for being such a loyal reader!
I pray that this week will be better than last for you and that your gratitude will spill over onto the people you come into contact with, so God's rich blessings may continue to spread their bounty."
God knows what we need before we do and I am grateful that He inspired me to focus on the good this month, because while my week was hard, I got through it far better by focusing on Him and seeking to be grateful than I would have by doing it all on my own. I have more hope, more joy and more peace. So I'm going to keep being grateful.
I have been focusing on being grateful and noticing the tender mercies in my life. So I decided for the month of November I would write down 3 things I was grateful for each day and I asked my family to do it with me. I was so excited that by doing this I would be putting myself in the right frame of mind for the upcoming holiday season.
Then my car broke. Then an injury I have been dealing with flared up. Then I talked my friend out of us going to the gym, which didn't make me feel better. Then I looked at my finances, which also did not make me feel better. Then my normally pleasant co-worker had a bad day and work was more difficult.
Last week was terrible, it seemed to wreck my whole gratitude plan. I was discouraged and a little bit angry. I was wondering why God had impressed me to focus on gratitude and yet I had such a crummy week. That week I checked out a book from the library and while I was sitting at the mechanic's shop waiting for my car to be repaired, I pulled it out and began to read. In the story, one of the characters says something about God knowing what we need before we do and then it hit me . . . that was why I had felt impressed to study gratitude this month. God knew that I was going to run into some bumps and that I would need that extra measure of gratitude. From then on, my attitude and perception changed and I have continued to find so much to be grateful for.
In that same terrible week, my car was fixed. My worries over my injury were a false alarm. My friend and I went to the gym later in the week and then after we went back to my place and we watched The Princess Bride and it was a great evening. I talked to my mom about my finances and I realized I am doing pretty good. My co-worker expressed regret that she'd let her bad day spill over to the rest of us at the office. Everything was resolved and there were so many good things that happened too. So when I look back at that week, I'm going to remember how blessed I am by the people in my life and that God has given me so many blessings.
Guess what else happened? I wrote an email to the author of that book thanking her for being an answer to a prayer -- and she answered.
Here is what she said: "Thank you so much for your letter. Your story touched my heart and encouraged my soul. I feel like the little boy who brought his humble loaves and fishes to Jesus only to see the Master feed people he could have never reached on his own. Our God is so good! I am honored that he blessed your week through one of my characters. That is my prayer for all the stories I write, that God will use them for his kingdom, to encourage the hearts of those who read.
And you have returned the blessing to me by sharing your own story. Thank you for that. And for being such a loyal reader!
I pray that this week will be better than last for you and that your gratitude will spill over onto the people you come into contact with, so God's rich blessings may continue to spread their bounty."
God knows what we need before we do and I am grateful that He inspired me to focus on the good this month, because while my week was hard, I got through it far better by focusing on Him and seeking to be grateful than I would have by doing it all on my own. I have more hope, more joy and more peace. So I'm going to keep being grateful.
I hope each of you has a good week, no matter what it brings. I hope you find something to be grateful for each and every day, because we are all truly blessed.
I want to share a quote from Marjorie Pay Hinckley: “A grateful heart will give you a touch of refinement that can come in no other way. . . . And when you finally develop a little gratitude in your heart, make up your mind to express it. 'Appreciation unexpressed is not appreciation.' If you can't find someone to say thank you to for something, just take a look at your toothbrush and say, 'Thank you for being. You are a wonderful little gadget.'
“'Thank you' is a wonderful phrase. Use it. It will add stature to your soul. Never let a day go by without saying thank you to someone for something - and especially to your Heavenly Father.”
I hope we can each remember to say “thank you” each day to those around us and to our Heavenly Father.
I hope we can each remember to say “thank you” each day to those around us and to our Heavenly Father.
Love,
Mailee
Mailee
27 October 2014
Tender Mercies
I've been thinking about tender mercies lately. While always a subject that interested me, this latest train of thought all began with a challenge from my institute teacher to look for the tender mercies in my life. Each week as I've attended class I've pondered what the Lord has done for me.
Praise and gratitude are expressed for the tender mercies of the Lord in several passages of scripture, but in my speed-reading of those verses only one seemed to explain why the Lord gives us His mercies. I do not want to discount the blessing of recognizing and feeling gratitude for those tender moments when we know God granted us our own private miracle, but I feel a significant aspect of tender mercies is often left unconsidered. In 1 Nephi 1:20, the second half of the verse reads, "But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."
This verse tells you why we receive these precious mercies - "to make them (us -you and me) mighty even unto ... deliverance".
Does this strike you with the same force as it does me? I hope so, because I testify that through the tender mercies of the Lord, we are given the power to make us mighty even unto deliverance. Each time we recognize, show gratitude for or remember a tender mercy we've been given, we are strengthened and replenished. These moments are God-given, Spirit-boosting and Testimony-affirming bursts of truth, comfort, assurance and peace.
Let me share a recent tender mercy I experienced. I was flying out on a business trip early Monday morning. The weekend had been busy and productive, but at 9 pm on Sunday, I still had much to accomplish before I left town. A favorite t.v. show of mine airs at 9 pm and so with my to-do-list looming before me, I decided to watch my show and work on the to-do 's during the commercial breaks. I knew this was not a wise choice, it would double the amount of time my tasks would take and I needed my rest before my trip. When I turned on the t.v., my show wasn't on at all because earlier that evening a football game ran late. In that moment, I felt that God had arranged it that way for me so that I could accomplish what needed to be done and not create further stress. So I apologize to all C.S.I. fans, I'm part of the reason you didn't get to see last Sunday's episode. I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves me and helps me to make better choices.
Love,
Mailee
01 October 2014
Missionary Work
I belong to a church that believes in missionary work. Thousands of young men and women (as well as retired seniors) serve 18 to 24 months as full-time missionaries. I love the stories of these missionaries leading people to Jesus Christ and helping them find peace and comfort and joy through the gospel. Additionally, our leaders urge each member to be a member missionary by sharing with those around them.
And when I hear those talks, I shrink a little. . . because missionary work is not part of my natural skill set.
At one time of my life, it was easy to ignore such talks, because my situation was such that I had very few non-member acquaintances. I would serve in my ward and feel that what I was accomplishing what I could.
Now my situation is not the same, I am one of only a few members of the Church at my job. I am in a different place with a more diverse population. All around me are people who were once members and have fallen away. Lately, I have felt a greater desire to be a better missionary. I have been seeking ways that I can reach out to some of those people.
And last night, as I was reading a short little book that I recently purchased at Deseret Book, a name came to mind and the feeling that I needed to give this book to her.
This person is older than me and has had life experiences that extend beyond my own. The natural man part of me tells me that I am being presumptive and arrogant to suggest that I should even do anything, since I really don't know her that well and what if I offend her. Yet, simultaneously, there is another voice, a better voice, that says, "What do you have to lose and what does she have to gain?"
So today, I worked up the courage to give her the book. I still felt a little silly doing it, and I literally had to blink back tears after finishing my conversation with her (unfortunately not tears because it was spiritually moving, these were tears that came from effort and relief at completing the task), but I did it. I did feel the Spirit was with me -- I was not alone in my action. Maybe something will come of it, and maybe not. At the very least, she knows that someone cares for her and was thinking of her.
Interestingly enough, this experience lead to a second one, where I was able to bear testimony to another friend. Both of these acts were small and simple, but from them I have gained a reassurance that there are ways to be a missionary to those around us. Also, I have hopefully shown the Lord that I will act when called upon.
I know Heavenly Father can take our small efforts and magnify them into something greater. I know that He watches over us and guides us, if we let Him.
I don't know why I felt I should share this on my blog, but I did, so here it is. So hopefully there was something in this experience of mine that was meant for you.
Love,
Mailee
P.S. Philippians 4:13
And when I hear those talks, I shrink a little. . . because missionary work is not part of my natural skill set.
At one time of my life, it was easy to ignore such talks, because my situation was such that I had very few non-member acquaintances. I would serve in my ward and feel that what I was accomplishing what I could.
Now my situation is not the same, I am one of only a few members of the Church at my job. I am in a different place with a more diverse population. All around me are people who were once members and have fallen away. Lately, I have felt a greater desire to be a better missionary. I have been seeking ways that I can reach out to some of those people.
And last night, as I was reading a short little book that I recently purchased at Deseret Book, a name came to mind and the feeling that I needed to give this book to her.
This person is older than me and has had life experiences that extend beyond my own. The natural man part of me tells me that I am being presumptive and arrogant to suggest that I should even do anything, since I really don't know her that well and what if I offend her. Yet, simultaneously, there is another voice, a better voice, that says, "What do you have to lose and what does she have to gain?"
So today, I worked up the courage to give her the book. I still felt a little silly doing it, and I literally had to blink back tears after finishing my conversation with her (unfortunately not tears because it was spiritually moving, these were tears that came from effort and relief at completing the task), but I did it. I did feel the Spirit was with me -- I was not alone in my action. Maybe something will come of it, and maybe not. At the very least, she knows that someone cares for her and was thinking of her.
Interestingly enough, this experience lead to a second one, where I was able to bear testimony to another friend. Both of these acts were small and simple, but from them I have gained a reassurance that there are ways to be a missionary to those around us. Also, I have hopefully shown the Lord that I will act when called upon.
I know Heavenly Father can take our small efforts and magnify them into something greater. I know that He watches over us and guides us, if we let Him.
I don't know why I felt I should share this on my blog, but I did, so here it is. So hopefully there was something in this experience of mine that was meant for you.
Love,
Mailee
P.S. Philippians 4:13
29 August 2014
Delightfully Wicked!
So Broadway Across America brought Wicked to Salt Lake City this summer and I was able to go twice!
After being invited to go with a friend who had tickets, I was somewhat skeptical going into it for several reasons, which I will list for you:
1- I don't like the film The Wizard of Oz - do you know what it is about . . . because I don't?!
2- I could never get into the books by L.F. Baum.
3- I tried to read the book Wicked and was a disturbed before the end of chapter 1 and never finished it.
4- I never really cared for the music. ( I will now clarify that this statement is no longer true.)
Let me tell you, I had completely misjudged this musical. Wicked takes a story and fantastical world that made very little sense to me and transforms them into a really moving story about a girl who refuses to be bullied by anyone and does what is right even when others think it is wrong . . . and she gets the guy. What can I say, I'm a romantic at heart. P.S. I promise that is the only spoiler that I will reveal in this post.
Definitely adding to the story was the outstanding performance by the show's lead, Emma Hunton. She gave Idina Menzel a run for her money. Her performance of "Defying Gravity" is one of the most moving musical experiences of my life. (I've re-written that sentence several times to try and make it "not sappy", but it hasn't worked, so just know it is sincerely meant sappiness.) I think Ms. Hunton has quite the career in front of her.
In my opinion, Wicked really has it all. It pulls all the right heartstrings, but has enough jokes to keep things from getting too heavy. After it is over, you'll leave wanting to call your best friend and tell them how much they mean to you. Hopefully, you'll also leave with the goal to be kinder and more accepting of those who are different and with a renewed desire to look for the good in others.
What also made my Wicked experiences so amazing were the people I got to share them with. First, I went with my dear friend, Kari, which was a treat. Unlike me, she hadn't Wikipedia-d the play
and had no idea how it ended, so she was excited and surprised by the story: pure and utter joy to behold!
After seeing it with Kari, I knew that my sister, Kenra, definitely had to see it, because she has loved the music for forever. So we scrounged up some money, and bought tickets (not next to each other, because when you are economical and buy them mid-way through the show's run, you take what you can get). I loved it just as much the second time around and of course, Kenra is now even more in love with it.
Wicked has finished its run here in Salt Lake, but if ever the opportunity comes your way (especially if Ms. Hunton is performing Elphaba), you should definitely see it. It is totally worth it.
After being invited to go with a friend who had tickets, I was somewhat skeptical going into it for several reasons, which I will list for you:
1- I don't like the film The Wizard of Oz - do you know what it is about . . . because I don't?!
2- I could never get into the books by L.F. Baum.
3- I tried to read the book Wicked and was a disturbed before the end of chapter 1 and never finished it.
4- I never really cared for the music. ( I will now clarify that this statement is no longer true.)
Let me tell you, I had completely misjudged this musical. Wicked takes a story and fantastical world that made very little sense to me and transforms them into a really moving story about a girl who refuses to be bullied by anyone and does what is right even when others think it is wrong . . . and she gets the guy. What can I say, I'm a romantic at heart. P.S. I promise that is the only spoiler that I will reveal in this post.
 |
| Told ya she got the guy :) |
 |
| Emma Hunton as Elphaba |
What also made my Wicked experiences so amazing were the people I got to share them with. First, I went with my dear friend, Kari, which was a treat. Unlike me, she hadn't Wikipedia-d the play
and had no idea how it ended, so she was excited and surprised by the story: pure and utter joy to behold!
After seeing it with Kari, I knew that my sister, Kenra, definitely had to see it, because she has loved the music for forever. So we scrounged up some money, and bought tickets (not next to each other, because when you are economical and buy them mid-way through the show's run, you take what you can get). I loved it just as much the second time around and of course, Kenra is now even more in love with it.
Wicked has finished its run here in Salt Lake, but if ever the opportunity comes your way (especially if Ms. Hunton is performing Elphaba), you should definitely see it. It is totally worth it.
 |
| One of the best (and funniest) scenes of the play! |
20 June 2014
Friday Favorite: Sweet, Sweet Potato Chips
I almost didn't even make it two weeks on my new blogging goal, but to at least prove I'm trying, I'm squeaking a post in 15 minutes before Friday ends. Today I want to share a favorite food: Trader Joe's Sweet Potato Tortilla Chip Rounds.
These tasty chips are good with salsa, hummus and just plain snacking. And I pretend that because they include sweet potato, they are a little healthier than your average tortilla chip.
If you have a Trader Joe's near you, you should give them a try!
Here's to you and your favorite snack!
Love,
Mailee
 |
| Tasty! |
If you have a Trader Joe's near you, you should give them a try!
Here's to you and your favorite snack!
Love,
Mailee
13 June 2014
Friday Favorite: Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
To encourage myself to post more regularly, I'm going to try sharing some of my favorite things each Friday. Hence the "clever" alliterative title of Friday Favorite.
My post today is on one of my favorite books, Charles Dickens Our Mutual Friend, which I just finished reading for the third or fourth time. I've lost count. The first time I read it, I stayed up til the wee hours of the morning to finish it, slept for an hour or so, ran to class up at USU and then returned home to nap between classes. Normally when I stay up late to read, I am aware of the passing time, yet so captivating was this story that I was so completely absorbed by it that I remember the surprise I felt when I closed the cover and discovered I had only a couple hours before I had to be on campus.
Our Mutual Friend in the simplest terms is a discussion of money. Those who have it, those who don't. Some who seek it by any means or those who know the burden of not having it, yet accept their life with dignity. To some degree, money drives the actions of nearly every character in this story.
So many characters are dear to my heart in this story, but I want to share my thoughts on one character in particular: John. Throughout the book, John is quiet, responsible and methodical. In a phrase, he gets the job done. He can be gushingly romantic (much to his credit) and at times, annoyingly furtive. While he is a main character, there are moments that you might forget he was there, because he has faded into the background, losing even his name and becoming simply the Secretary. Yet towards the end of the book, another side of him is shown -- a strong and vengeful side. He defends those dearest to him from a wicked and devious character with anger and violence.
Although I have read this book several times, I am always awed by this change in behavior, which to me speaks of Dickens brilliance that I still find the complexity of this character intriguing. While we learn through hints that John was once a seaman, which would require strength and stamina, his present profession of secretary indicates a bookishness and softness that mask the hardy seaman within.
I think the reason I continue to love this character so much is because his development mirrors life. Often we form an opinion of someone and then when we see them outside the context in which we associate with them, we are surpised by aspects of their character that were unknown to us. People are far more than they seem on the surface.
There is so much more I would love to tell you about this book, but I don't want to give away the ending, so I will have to stop now.
Have a fabulous Friday,
Mailee
P.S. If reading an extremely wordy 800-ish page book is not really your cup of tea, in 1998 BBC did a miniseries that I feel does justice to book. Being a mini-series, it is still a somewhat lengthy time committment, but you get to the end a little sooner.
My post today is on one of my favorite books, Charles Dickens Our Mutual Friend, which I just finished reading for the third or fourth time. I've lost count. The first time I read it, I stayed up til the wee hours of the morning to finish it, slept for an hour or so, ran to class up at USU and then returned home to nap between classes. Normally when I stay up late to read, I am aware of the passing time, yet so captivating was this story that I was so completely absorbed by it that I remember the surprise I felt when I closed the cover and discovered I had only a couple hours before I had to be on campus.
Our Mutual Friend in the simplest terms is a discussion of money. Those who have it, those who don't. Some who seek it by any means or those who know the burden of not having it, yet accept their life with dignity. To some degree, money drives the actions of nearly every character in this story.
So many characters are dear to my heart in this story, but I want to share my thoughts on one character in particular: John. Throughout the book, John is quiet, responsible and methodical. In a phrase, he gets the job done. He can be gushingly romantic (much to his credit) and at times, annoyingly furtive. While he is a main character, there are moments that you might forget he was there, because he has faded into the background, losing even his name and becoming simply the Secretary. Yet towards the end of the book, another side of him is shown -- a strong and vengeful side. He defends those dearest to him from a wicked and devious character with anger and violence.
Although I have read this book several times, I am always awed by this change in behavior, which to me speaks of Dickens brilliance that I still find the complexity of this character intriguing. While we learn through hints that John was once a seaman, which would require strength and stamina, his present profession of secretary indicates a bookishness and softness that mask the hardy seaman within.
I think the reason I continue to love this character so much is because his development mirrors life. Often we form an opinion of someone and then when we see them outside the context in which we associate with them, we are surpised by aspects of their character that were unknown to us. People are far more than they seem on the surface.
There is so much more I would love to tell you about this book, but I don't want to give away the ending, so I will have to stop now.
Have a fabulous Friday,
Mailee
P.S. If reading an extremely wordy 800-ish page book is not really your cup of tea, in 1998 BBC did a miniseries that I feel does justice to book. Being a mini-series, it is still a somewhat lengthy time committment, but you get to the end a little sooner.
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