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 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.

Love,
Mailee

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

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

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.

Told ya she got the guy :)

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.

Emma Hunton  as Elphaba

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.

One of the best (and funniest) scenes of the play!

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.

Tasty!

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

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.

A California Adventure

Hello Friends,

I know it has been awhile, I'm not really sure where all my time went (oh, yeah, that Netflix binge might account for some of it), but I wanted to share with you my latest adventure, which definitely transported me out of my normal wilderness.

My little sister, Kenra, graduated from high school this year, so per family tradition, we all got to go on a trip.  She chose California, so for the second time this year, I got to go to San Diego. After three days in San Diego, we spent three days in Disneyland.

The whole crew was in attendance, Mom, Dad, Rexton, Carson & Janae, Kenra, and of course, me.

San Diego Temple

One of the highlights of the trip was that we spent the morning of May 26^th at the San Diego Temple.  Mom, Dad, Rexton and I did an endowment session and Carson, Janae, Kenra and Dad did baptisms.  The San Diego Temple is really beautiful and it was a fabulous way to start off our trip.  

Journal writing at the temple

Our visit to San Diego also included the Mormon Battalion Visitor’s Center in Old Town San Diego, the San Diego Sheriff’s Museum, The Whaley House (which is reportedly haunted),  the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and obviously some time on the beach.  Rexton may have found his calling: beachside ukulele performer.

Rexton playing his uke

At Mission Beach

Cheetah

Hungry Giraffe

Baby & Mama Elephant

Our first day in Disneyland, Janae & Carson bought Kenra (and all of us) a character breakfast in the park.  So we headed over to the Plaza Inn just off Main Street, U.S.A to enjoy our meal in the presence of Minnie, Chip & Dale, Captain Hook, Tigger, Eeyore and the Fairy Godmother from Cinderella.

It’s a good thing we had a hearty breakfast, because after that we ran around doing everything we possibly could in Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure.  I was able to ride Indiana Jones three times, Radiator Springs Racers twice and Pirates of the Caribbean twice also. Star Tours is great, although our 2 randomly generated rides ended up being almost the same (oh well). I did Tower of Terror, so I’ve crossed that off my bucket list and I never have to do it again.   I loved Cars Land.  It is almost possible to believe you’ve walked into the universe of Cars (and I got to eat at Flo’s V8 Café!!!!!).  California Screamin’ was great, but as I’m not really a roller coaster kind of gal, once was enough.  Soarin’ Over California won my heart when we drifted over the orange groves and part of the simulation included the scent of the oranges.  Mom (surprisingly) loved Toy Story Midway Mania even though she got the lowest score both times we went on the ride (hint: go for speed not accuracy).

The last afternoon in the parks, we all divided up to do the things we wanted to get in before we left, so Kenra and I rode the Pinocchio ride (just because), explored Sleeping Beauty’s castle, and rode the train all the way around (and we loved the displays in the tunnel between Tomorrowland and Main Street, U.S.A.). And we got our silhouettes cut by the neatest lady at the Silhouette Shop on Main Street.

Kenra and I also forced our way into the closed snack shack at the Grand California Hotel to each get a Chip and Dale smashed penny (what’s a vacation without a little trespassing?!) and then finished off the night with fresh, hot beignets from Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, courtesy of Rexton.   

Hope this post finds you well and enjoying your own summer adventure!

Love,
Mailee

(P.S. I got tired of trying to artistically arrange the photos, so here are the rest. . . )

Minnie and the Boys

Minnie and the Girls

In addition to breakfast, I also got a proposal from Dale.

Kenra and I in Sleeping Beauty's Castle

Me, Eeyore, Janae & Kenra

Kenra, Rexton & I on Radiator Springs Racers

Dad, Mom, Mater, Me, Rexton and Kenra

The Silhouette of Me and Kenra

'A heroine whom no-one but myself will much like'

'A heroine whom no-one but myself will much like' is how Jane Austen described her character Emma.

Personally, I've never had much patience with Emma. Before yesterday, I didn't think we could be friends, if she was a real person.  In fact, I may have even made a point of telling any one who cared to listen that the reason I read Emma is for the love story between Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill, which I find simultaneously immature, frustrating, complex and sweet.

Well, I had an epiphany yesterday. I am Emma.  The reason her faults bother me is because they are my faults also. For years, I have told people that if I was a Jane Austen character, I would most likely be Anne Elliot or Elinor Dashwood or maybe even Elizabeth Bennett.  But it is with a newly opened eyes, I have to confess I am not any of my favorite Austen characters, I am Emma.

Gentle Reader, let me describe to you how this realization came about. While at a church activity,  I was sitting at a table of new acquaintances making the typical small talk.  A young woman related a story, which to me, was not that interesting of a tale.  In reply, I made a small joke, thinking how clever I was.  And it was genuinely funny.  Several others at the table laughed in appreciation of my wit. However, while my intention was not to offend, my words were not uplifting. In their worst light, they were demeaning. In that moment, I behaved just like Emma when she teases Miss Bates.  I took someone I considered to be silly and mocked her in front of others.

Since this incident, I have been giving myself Mr. Knightley's lecture to Emma.  I know better and I have a duty to treat others with respect. I should build people up, not tear them down.  The last several hours have been spent in uncomfortable analysis of my actions.

In her, and my own, defense,  Emma has many good qualities.  She is a loving daughter, sister and aunt.  She performs charitable works and cares for her friends.  She can be very patient and thoughtful. Alternately, she has a tendency to dismiss those she has no use for.  She can be snobbish, but dislikes snobbery in others.  I could go on, it is almost frightening how many of my least favorite things about Emma are so exactly mirrored in me. Fortunately, Emma has the ability to learn.  She takes what Mr. Knightly tells her and she changes her behavior. She works to repair the harm that was done.

And just like Emma, there is hope for me too.  I do not have a Mr. Knightley of my own, but I do have the gift of the Holy Ghost and a relationship with my Heavenly Father and with Jesus Christ, whereby I can be made aware of my faults and I can overcome them.  I am grateful for the moments where the Lord takes me aside and says, "Mailee, you know better and you could have done better. Repent. I am with you and we will work on fixing this together."

While perfection is a long way off, I do hope to be the heroine of my life story and hopefully, one that others will like.  And today, I make a promise that I will do a little more to be better and say a little prayer of gratitude for the opportunity to grow.

I beg to remain your most humble and obedient servant,
Mailee

It's a Beautiful Day in this Neighborhood . . .

Two things inspired this post: 

First, a friend of mine posted on Facebook about an assignment that she is planning for a class she will be teaching. The assignment is to write a biography of a real or imaginary person and focus on how that person influenced their community for good or ill.  Since reading her post, I have been pondering who I would choose to write that essay on.

Second, March 20th commemorated what would have been Mr. Roger's 86th birthday.  And I have always loved Mr. Rogers. 

So today's post is dedicated to Mr. Rogers.  While this may be a strange blog post for me to write, when I look at some of the shows that people (including me) watch today, I have a longing for the simplicity and sincerity of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.

For 31 seasons, he taught us the difference between real and make-believe.  He wanted us to be neighbors and friends.  He introduced us to new things and guided us through childhood challenges, like the first day of school.

And his words continue to comfort us.  Shortly after the tragic shootings at Sandy Hook, articles sprang up across the internet featuring this quote from him:
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world.” 

While I do not have a television audience and my circle of influence is considerably smaller, I would hope that I could instill in those around me the idea that they matter to me.  I desire to be the helper, the caring person that others can turn to. 

So, yes, one of my heroes is the host of children's television show, largely because the man I saw on the television screen was real.  Mr. Rogers was not an actor portraying a positive role model for children - he was the person we looked up to both on and off the screen.

So, please won't you be my neighbor?

Mailee 


P.S. If you are interested, here is one of the articles featuring the quote, and it is also where I took the above image from: article link.

How I (nearly) got picked up at a bar . . .

So, as my last post explains, I got to spend four days in San Diego, CA for a work trip and I realized I left one very funny story out of my previous post.

As part of this conference, my work sponsored a mixer at a bar and grill a few blocks from the resort where we stayed. As I was sent on this trip to assist our meeting coordinator, I went with her went to the mixer to make sure everything ran smoothly.  Everyone was given 2 free tickets for drinks.  I politely declined mine and settled in near the food.

My company helps promote electric reliability across the Western U.S. and we answer to several higher powers, one of these higher powers had sent two of their employees to this meeting, so they were included in the mixer.  The one was more mature, very nice and professional.  The second one was in his late 20's or early 30's was single and cocky as all get out.  I'll call him "Ryan."

Towards the end of the evening, (translation, nearly everyone is now 2 alcoholic drinks in) Ryan comes up to me and asks, "Where's your cocktail?"

Here is how the rest of the conversation goes:

Me (with a polite smile): "Oh, I don't drink."

Ryan: "Oh, yeah, I should probably drink less."

Me: (internally) What do I say to that? Yeah, you probably shouldn't drink at all. . . umm, I'll politely nod my head. (Just realized I've used the word polite quite frequently in this post, I hope I was as polite as this indicates)

At this point there is a slight pause in the conversation, just long enough to begin to be awkward.

Ryan: So, where are you from?

Me: Salt Lake

Ryan: (internally, but visible signs of pieces falling into place cross his facial expressions) Doesn't drink . . . from Salt Lake City . . . Snap! This girl is a Mormon!  (out loud) Well, it was nice to meet you. (Forgive the creative license I took here, but I can't actually read minds, so the above is my best interpretation of Ryan's thought process.)

At which point, he proceeds to turn away and walk off.   And that folks, is how I get picked up in a bar.

Have a fabulous Friday!

Enjoy,
Mailee

San Diego and back again. . .

So, I've clearly neglected my new creation.  But now I'm back and I want to share just a couple highlights of my work trip to San Diego the last week of January.

So my company offers conferences and because I help process the payments for the attendees, I got to go to this one.

It was great to get out of snowy Salt Lake and spend a few days in San Diego.  It was kind of cold and foggy most of the time we were there, but I had a couple nice afternoons and at least it was not snowing.

We stayed at the Bahia on Mission Bay. Here is my view from my hotel room and another angle of the same spot.

 The Bahia has 2 rescue seals that live at the resort.  Both are essentially blind and can't survive in the wild.  They were fun to visit as I went back and forth from my room to the conference room.

Here is one of my better selfie attempts:

Of course I loved getting to walk on the sand and my co-worker and I walked everywhere we went. The second to last day we were there, my co-worker told me to take a long lunch, so I went to the beach. I played in the ocean and I got kind of wet (okay, really wet, like so wet that I turned the heater on in my hotel room, so that my only pair of jeans I took with me would be dry by the time I was out of the meeting.)

This bird came and landed in the seal pond one afternoon and he was there all day.  Just hanging out. I can't say I blame him :).


So there are some of the photos from my trip.  I promise that future posts won't be so long in coming!

Enjoy,
Mailee

It's Officially Here. . . My very first blog post

Well, it has been a long time coming . . . this blog of mine.  I've put it off and then decided against it and then started the whole cycle of considering it over again.

I will start off  by explaining the title, especially since several of you know the great importance I placed  in naming this little creation of mine. And no, this isn't going to be my descriptions of outdoor locations or adventures, although I do hope a few of those will someday grace its posts. 

This blog is a place for me to share life events and what I think and feel and how, perhaps, metaphorically, I am a "prettyish kind of a wilderness." For those of you who feel you've seen that phrase somewhere before or find yourselves saying it in a posh British accent, you are right. I purloined the phrase from Jane Austen. Although when reading Pride and Prejudice, I imagine Lady Catherine de Bourgh saying these words with contempt, the phrase has always tripped along nicely in my mind.  So when I was recently pondering how my life hasn't turned out as I planned, I began thinking of how sometimes we look for beauty in the wrong places or overlook joy because it isn't what we expected. My imagined life was an orderly garden with beautifully kept hedges and roses.  What I am really is no less wonderful, if perhaps, consisting more of daisies than roses and a little more scattered than neatly planted. So here I am, a prettyish kind of a wilderness and I'm ready to share a little bit of joy and goodness with the world and I hope you'll join me on this journey.