Tender Mercies

Have you ever bumped into someone you've never met before or you don't know much about and felt like they have somehow in some small way changed your life? 

I remember standing in line with my high school friends at San Francisco Pizza, waiting to order lunch. The lady in front of me just finished ordering. She turned around, held out a five dollar bill and said,

 "Here, you may want a drink with your pizza." 

I had never seen her before in my life. She didn't explain why she gave away money to an immature high school student, rushing to get lunch before the bell rang. 

I took the money, grateful for that small and simple act of compassion that made my whole day.

   If it weren't for the great people around me, I wouldn't be Rachelle.

If I look back and pick out the people that immensely touched my life, this is where I would start:

Aleesa.

Aleesa and I have been the best of friends since the war in heaven. I'm pretty sure we stood side by side throughout the whole thing. I grew up under her example, her friendship, and for a long while, her testimony. It would take forever to recap our times together.

  

She even got me to try things I would never even dream of doing.. like dance. 

 One of the first great trials in my life was the summer she left for college. It made me want to be an example to my younger siblings like she was to me. For some reason, the Lord saw it fit to place me in the callings she was released from. Those were some unbelievably hard shoes to fill. Without those challenges, I never would have motivated myself to become a leader.

I watched Aleesa go through the ups and downs of college; dating, roommates, school. I watched her roll over every obstacle she was faced with. I watched her build lasting friendships, something she never had in high school. I watched her accomplish her goal of becoming a nurse. I watched her constantly prepare herself to serve those around her. I watched her heart break over lost relationships and uncertainty.

Today, it seems that all her dreams have come true. She has found the one person that may be more perfect than she.

She's found the ultimate best friend, someone who treats her like a precious treasure, someone who adores her more than anything in the world. I couldn't be happier for what she has accomplished and for who she has become. I am watching her happily ever after. My only wish is to be there to watch her be sealed in the temple.  

So she is my example. I can't imagine getting to where she is but it obviously can happen to some.

 Tyson.

I met Tyson my eighth grade year at Syracuse Jr. He was training for the mile in track, just like me. He was the quiet type, extremely shy, and did NOT associate with the opposite gender. I was intrigued. There was something about him, something special. So what did I do? I chased him.

I asked about him, I was friends with one of his neighbors. I wanted to know everything: what his favorite sport was, where he lived, what his class schedule was like, I was so interested in how he interacted with his friends and why I had never seen him before.

I would look for him at lunch, pass by his locker, I would go as far as taking different routes through the halls just to bump into him. Yeah I was crazy, but I KNEW he was unique and I was completely captivated.

Halfway through my freshman year, EVERYONE knew that I liked Tyson. Everyone. The gym coach, my english teacher, his counselor, my counselor, the lunch lady, my friends, his friends, the cheerleaders, the girls basketball team, the boys basketball team, the track team. Everyone.

by the end of the year, I had cracked his shell ever so slightly. I got a picture with him and a whole group of friends at the ninth grade dance. He asked me to dance at the 9th grade dance. He asked to sign my yearbook. He came to my house and stayed ALL night. He even stopped by my house once during the summer.

Time wore on and we moved on to high school. I lost track of him as I tried again to fit into a new circle of friends. We both made the high school basketball team. Of course I told my teammates about my interest in him so they told their boyfriends on his team and long story short, we knew we liked each other. Another picture perfect moment took place when he asked me to Prom. I had the night of my life and it led to a relationship.

Our relationship wasn't the PDA type and we never referred to ourselves as boyfriend-girlfriend. When it came to holding hands, kissing, all that nonsense, we kept it real with long goodbyes and giant hugs.
We were best friends. We talked about everything. When the bell rang, there he was outside my class, waiting to continue our conversation.

 In the mornings it was a race to see who would get to school first. No matter who won we always parked next to each other.

We did cross country together, basketball, and track. I never missed his races and I made sure to be the loudest cheerleader. I was his biggest fan. We went to football games, homecoming activities, after school parties, and other events. We even spent Tuesday nights playing basketball with his brothers, dad, and young men friends.  

I suddenly found myself standing only in holy places. The friends we surrounded ourselves with brought out the best in us, and I was so happy. My parents actually encouraged me to spend more time around Tyson, something I would never expect from my parents.

Tyson showed me what it means to be a Latter Day Saint. He is just a sliver away from perfect. He has no weaknesses in my eyes. He is loyal, he would never betray his friends, he wouldn't even know how to. He has a concrete testimony and no one can lead him to do wrong. He is honest in everything he does. He is the most compassionate young man I've ever met. He would never hurt a fly.

He is now serving a faithful mission in Argentina. I can't imagine how many lives are touched by his example.

It was Tyson who gave me my testimony, something I will forever be grateful for. And I'll always love him for that.

Kerri/Becca

I was extremely blessed to meet two of the greatest women in my life.  Three weeks after my high school graduation, I found myself in Heritage Halls at Brigham Young University where I met Kerri and Becca.

Becca is a strong, fearless, compassionate, soccer player, who can make friends with anyone and everyone. I've never met anyone who doesn't like Becca. She always includes everyone, she is always smiling, even when her heart is swollen you would never know. She has this intense desire to serve those around her. I know without a doubt that she will serve a mission.

 Becca taught me how to find strength in times of grief and pain. She taught me how to rise above the adversary no matter what obstacle is in place. I love her dearly for her unconditional love and friendship.

Kerri is someone I will be telling my grandchildren about. She is the one person that got me through the first three semesters of college. There is something about Kerri that you fall in love with the instant you meet her. She has a world full of passion bottled up in her heart that can barely be contained. She is loaded with musical talent, with a limitless capacity to learn, and an undying desire to give service. You will never meet a more loyal friend in your life. If you are of the male gender, between 21-25 years of age, and single, you should invest your heart in Kerri. I promise she is the cream of the crop. The best of the best. Kerri is an open book, her life is a fairytale in the making, and I know it will have a happily ever after.

Kerri will always be my best friend. She's always been there for me, and I know she will never give up on me until we walk side by side through the gates of heaven. She has always reminded me to have an eternal perspective. She's taught me how to serve with a willing heart, to give every thing I have into my relationships, and to find joy in the journey.  

Last but not least, Michael.

I had the great privilege of writing Michael on his mission, thanks to his inspired sister. His letters gave me a burst of spirit and energy every time he wrote, and I always looked forward to the next letter.

When he got home, I somehow found the courage to attend his homecoming and meet him in person for the first time. I wasn't disappointed, that's for sure. Little did I know that the priesthood holder speaking from the pulpit would become more than my dearest friend.

Michael is ambitious, fun-loving, and extremely successful. If anyone can do it, Michael can. Adventure? Michael is there. Mission impossible? Not for Michael. He can do anything he puts his mind to.

He's got a wide range of favorites starting from unicorns, bright colors, to John Cusack, the Aquabats, and the Halloween spirit. Your garbage, most likely is his treasure.

Michael comes from a good stalk, a family full of spiritual giants, not just 6 foot giants. He's got his mother's heart, his father's wisdom, and their combined good looks. There are few families that get to attend the temple as an entire family, his family is one of those few, which says a lot about them.

Michael is not only a chick magnet, but he's also a kid magnet! He could make a living as a full-time babysitter. It may be because of his limitless imagination and knack for adventure.

He is a fantastic musician. I expect to see him in the big leagues someday as he excels in graphic design, electronic media, and videography.

Looking for a loyal friend? A traveling partner? A good time? Call Michael. He builds all kinds of bridges with every person he comes in contact with. I don't believe he has a single enemy. There isn't anyone like him, he's so unique. He's everyone's favorite, mine especially.

Michael taught me how to be creative. He taught me how to make time for the most important things, and the most important people. He always made me feel like a royal queen. He taught me how to put others above myself. I learned how to be honest and speak from the heart. Most of all he taught me to love, unconditionally.

There are so many others ingratiated on my heart.Young Women leaders, neighbors, visiting teachers, bishops, coaches, professors, classmates, roommates, family, and friends. The list would never end. The great people in my life and the things they stand for are what have shaped and refined me.

It's these people that make everything worth it.

To the world you may be just one person,
but to one person you may be the world.

Blessings

I hate to be a Negative Nancy, I promise I'm not like this all the time. I guess this blog is where I leave and let out all the bad. It's just another phase of life.

Here's a song that puts it into melody.

The high point of today: visiting good ole Provo. I've left too many great memories there and it was nice to visit something familiar again.

There are always days that are better than others. Have I done any good today? All I could offer today was a smile, that'll have to be enough.

 To end on a higher note, here's President Hinckley:

"Be believing, be happy, don’t get discouraged.

Things will work out."

Vacasheeown

I would really like to run away in the woods for a week or two. I may even take it as far as backpacking in Europe. I’ll just live with nature, maybe find a mountain cat and name him Simba. All I would need is an instrument (preferably a harmonica), a bag of rice, and a companion (if the world was set right). My spouse and I will make friends with the neighbors, Tarzan and Big Foot.

 Now that would be paradise.

But for now, Bear Lake will do. Another great adventure in Cache County. We had the newly remodeled condo to ourselves! Doesn’t it look fantastic?

It kinda reminds me of Pivot Drive from Harry Potter.

This trip was a special one. Even though the weather didn’t dress for the occasion, it didn’t stop us from pulling out the wave runners. Sixty degrees, windy, and cloud to ground lightening: one marvelous recipe for adventure indeed!

This is what Bear Lake looks like when it’s 12 inches from full power. Beautiful if you ask me.

Bear Lake hasn't been this full in 15 years!

I had another tremendous adventure with my Dad--this one involving high speeds, sharp turns, and expert maneuvering. Now I know what you’re thinking, but this was cooler than chasing after uninvited house mice. Although that has happened more than once. 

You see, because the Bear Lake water was colder than an Alaskan glacier lake, no one, not a soul or sail was on the lake. That of course, means no state patrol. No state patrol means no boundaries. So, on our way back to the marina, my Dad and I took the shoreline drive. 

You can see the angry clouds.. It was cooooold. But it was beautiful.

We made our own obstacles with the reeds and vegetation near the shore, which is where the expert maneuvering comes in.. but most of the time it was more fun to drive straight through the middle of it all.

 The water was like an untouched jello masterpiece. It was so magical. For that hour of no limits, I felt pretty free.

Me, my Dad, and a giant blue world.

One of the greatest parts of the excursion was chasing the geese. One of them was flying right over the lake as my Dad and I cruised right with it. We hit up to 47 miles per hour! Gee those birds fly faster than you think. I was so close I could've stroked its feathers with my toes. It was super neat.

Here are more picture of the great Bear Lake culture. What a fantastic day for adventure!

Unfortunately these puppies are for sale, six G’s and a local job in doors&hardware. Or best offer.  

Just a thought: 

If I were to try and describe my heart’s insides, it would compare to something like a lighthouse. Driving around in Garden City, the lighthouses are what stuck out to me. Not Pickleville, not the antique stores, not even the Bear Lake Monster.

It was the lighthouses.

Lighthouses stand out, they are different but they have a specific purpose. They are used to find the lost and give direction.

My heart isn’t as efficient but I would hope that it found someone someday. I would hope it provided direction and a sense of home for a lost soul.

I love lighthouses. It makes me think of the movie Pete’s Dragon and that little song she sings on top of the lighthouse.

Super cheesy, just how I remember it.

I loved watching that movie as a little one.

Anyway, so as the day wore on, it only got better. The drive home was gorgeous as ever. In fact, Sardine Canyon Drive is said to be the most beautiful in the country. It definitely has my vote.

And here is proof of the flooding waters...

 I came home to a magnificent sunset sky, one I didn’t want to forget. So I took a few pictures.

 This my friends is the road less traveled. It’s stormy but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

And this tells me that everything’s gonna be okay.

"Being of good cheer makes it possible for us to turn all of our sunsets to sunrises."         Elder Marvin J Ashton

Well this sunset cheered me right up.

I love this picture.

Needless to say, it was a terrific night, a beautiful night.

It's like Heavenly Father took my heavy heart and gave it to the sun to rise refreshed and uplifted for tomorrow, a brand new day.

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass--

it's about learning to dance in the rain."

Much love.









Peace I give unto you

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

I went to two different sacrament meetings today and in both of the fast and testimony meetings this scripture from John was quoted.

My first time running into this scripture was at Girl's Camp, when I was a fourth year. There were four of us in a tent camping out. It was the night that we got back from the fourth year hike and were all exhausted. We started to fall asleep when we noticed a bright light shining directly on our tent, almost as if it were a spotlight. It was a steady light and none of us knew where it was coming from.

We got a little spooked.

We were too afraid to even move or speak.

Finally we all sat up and decided to find a scripture to comfort us. We looked in the topical guide of the scriptures under "peace".

That's what brought us to this scripture. John 14:27.

Turns out it was one of our flashlights that had been left on, sitting in the suitcase hahaha.

My cousin blessed his first baby boy this morning. Our family filled up his entire chapel, I love my big family :) I was pleasantly suprised to run into an old, dear friend. Well, a parent of an old, dear friend.      I let my mind run with memories of what was an exceptional time in life. No filter. And for a short time, I missed it.  

Looking at life today, I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

What am I grateful for?

Truth.

the Power of the Word.

Love.

Music.

Family.

x and o

Going the Distance

"I would like to share two principles that may help us find a path to peace, hope, and joy--even during times of trial and distress...

The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul.. we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before."                 -Dieter F. Uchtdorf

This comes from President Uchtdorf's book, 'The REMARKABLE SOUL OF A Woman'. It is such a great read and I have found much comfort in following President Uchtdorf's counsel.

Recently I made dinner for the family, I wanted to try something new so I looked up a General Tso chicken recipe. It took about an hour or so to make  but everyone loved it! I made fresh vegetables with lemons and rice. GREAT dinner.

 So I'm trying to create things of my own. Making dinner was a great start. I've also been learning to play the guitar.. trying to at least. I'll post a video of the song I learned. I rewrote my own lyrics to it. I know I'll never become a musician but who says I can't try.

 This is another project I'm working on, going the distance. My Dad and I just finished 8 miles. Yep, eiiiight. Am I proud of myself, yeah. Did it hurt, oh yeah. But I'm doing it, and I am doing it well.

 The goal is to run the Top of Utah half by the end of the summer. One year later I'll be running the marathon.

While I was running with my Dad, he said something that I'll never forget.

this is my Dad's llama face,
see the comparison for yourself
 http://www.free-extras.com/images/llama-8443.htm

He said, "Rachelle, you've gotta keep me running after this. I can't do it without you."

The truth is, I can't do it without him. He has run three marathons. He is the one that drags me outta bed to run. He is my coach, my support, my strength, and my best friend. When my body hurts, he pushes me through it. When I'm discouraged, he listens and cheers me on. . Sound familiar?

Yep. Just like my Father in heaven. He is the one that I get down on my knees for. He is my coach, my support, my strength, and my Redeemer. When my spirit aches, He gives me His spirit. When I'm discouraged, He listens and cheers me on.

I love my Dad. He is home with me everyday for a reason.

Not just because he lost his job.

He is such a strength to me and I know he loves me.

Thanks for a great week Dad, you are my hero.

Peace, love, xoxo

building bridges

Our past is never something to run from. It can be a burden we carry around, in fear of it becoming the present, or in hope it will return to become the future.

Instead of letting our past be a burden, why not make it a stepping stone?

A learning experience.  

A memory to smile about.

Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.

That's for superhumans. I am no superhuman.

I am just like you. I have feelings.

And those feelings don't just go away.

Time will not heal my heart, it will only make it bigger. I don't want to burn bridges, I'd rather build bridges.