Words of Wisdom

Just a few quotes from, beloved prophet, Thomas S. Monson:

“The spirit must be freed from tethers so strong and feelings never put to rest, so that the lift of life may give buoyancy to the soul. In many families, there are hurt feelings and a reluctance to forgive. It doesn’t really matter what the issue was. It cannot and should not be left to injure. Blame keeps wounds open. Only forgiveness heals. George Herbert, an early 17th-century poet, wrote these lines: ‘He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven, for everyone has need of forgiveness.’”
( Hidden Wedges, Ensign, May. 2002, 19.)

“The battle for self-discipline may leave you a bit bruised and battered but always a better person. Self-discipline is a rigorous process at best; too many of us want it to be effortless and painless. Should temporary setbacks afflict us, a very significant part of our struggle for self-discipline is the determination and the courage to try again....Eternal life in the kingdom of our Father is your goal, and self-discipline will surely be required if you are to achieve it.”
( “Pathways to Perfection,” Ensign, May 2002, 100–101.)

“Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval. Courage becomes a living and an attractive virtue when it is regarded not only as a willingness to die manfully, but also as a determination to live decently. A moral coward is one who is afraid to do what he thinks is right because others will disapprove or laugh. Remember that all men have their fears, but those who face their fears with dignity have courage as well.”
( “The Call for Courage,” Ensign, May 2004, 55–56.)

“As parents, we should remember that our lives may be the book from the family library which the children most treasure. Are our examples worthy of emulation? Do we live in such a way that a son or a daughter may say, ‘I want to follow my dad,’ or ‘I want to be like my mother’? Unlike the book on the library shelf, the covers of which shield its contents, our lives cannot be closed. Parents, we truly are an open book in the library of learning of our homes.”
( “Dedication Day,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 65.)

"Can I call you Dadoo?"

I am grateful for my father. Grateful to him for his strong testimony of the gospel.

Grateful for the time he took to raise me, to teach me and to listen to me.

I'm grateful for his example.

A father's love can transform and shape the lives of his children.

I'm thankful for my relationship with my papa.

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

quick update

Just finished my season with the Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company. For our last show we traveled to Detroit, MI to performa at the largest Jewish Community Center in North America. It was a pretty schnazzy center. It was an enjoyable performance. Except I think I bruised a rib or something, during our dress rehearsal. After the show, audience members congratulated us on a job well done. I suppose you can say they were kvelling! ;)

Our next performance isn't for another 4 weeks. So until then, I'm going to spend time trying to continue to improve my dietary, spending, what-to-do-with free-time habits and any other habit I need to fix.

Today was sort of my recovery day. As a company we've going strong and working hard for concerts this season. We've had, on average about 2 performances a month. Which doesn't sound like a lot, but for some reason, I'm feeling it today. And in retrospect, I wasn't sick once this whole season! Cool! I've kind of been fighting the urge to go and pamper myself now, for doing such a good job in my first season with the company. Sure I'll take an epsom salt bath and going to PT, but I need to not overdo it. I can't have all my money disappearing!

But anyway, being a new company member can be difficult at times. Learning 6-7 rep pieces and a new piece can sometimes feel like your brain is going to explode. But it didn't and on Sunday (at JCC in Detroit) at one point I actually got goose-bumps while I was dancing! What a thrill.

I feel proud for the hard work I put in to it and yet feel humbled to be able to perform and do what I love!

Well, I suppose I that's sort of it for now.

But, maybe I'll let you know how I'm doing in my self-improvement this summer.