How Do You Handle Adversity?

A quick note before you read this amazing thought. The adoption blog is complete. Check it out www.adoptionforus.blogspot.com


A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'

'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coff ee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Hidden Treasures

I found this picture the other day. I think it is hilarious. I like how it shows the silly side of Levi. Not too many people get to see that side.

Anyways, I have been working on a adoption blog, but it is not completed yet. Check it out and let me know what you think. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them. www.adoptionforus.blogspot.com

Girls Just Want to Have Fun Part 2

Jane and I were too scared to go on the rowboats by ourselves, so we resorted to shopping at Gardner Village. Jane is very open to making new friends. Of course, the very stylish ones. Aren't they a cute couple?

Next, it was time to soak our feet in a nice cool foot bath at the newest spa.

We are both animal lovers, so before we left we had to check out the petting zoo.

Jane enough with the new friends!

I liked this idea of being popular, so I made a friend.

No, wait, two!

This goat would not fit in my purse, so I could not bring it home.

After playing with the animals, Jane took a rest....

and I took a shower.

Thanks for a great day, Jane. Let's do this again.

Happy Father's Day Dad!

Happy Father's Day!

Dad you are so wonderful. You have such an amazing memory. I am always impressed by your knowledge of the church, our family history and math. Thanks for helping me with my math throughout college. I will always treasure those memories. You have been such a strong example of a great member of the church. You are diligent in your callings and you have such great faith in our Heavenly Father. My future children are going to be so blessed to have such an amazing grandfather.

Isn't my dad the cutest?

For Father's Day, I made my dad a levi quilt out of his old levi's. I then attached a doll that my grandmother (my dad's mother) made about 20 years ago.

I hope you enjoy your quilt.

Happy Father's Day to you Todd!

I am truly blessed to have such a great father-in-law. Thanks for teaching me how to fish. You have some mean skills. I can definately see where Levi gets so many of his great qualities from. We look forward to seeing you soon!

The Love of My Life

Happy Father's Day Honey!

I know you are not a father yet, but I could not imagine a better daddy for my future children. I love you so much. I am always amazed at how patient and loving you are. Everyday you teach me something new. You are a wonderful husband. I love how tender and sweet you are. Thank you for taking such good care of me.

Girls Just Want to Have Fun!

Jane (my good buddy) and I went fishing one day after work.

The only thing interested in our bait was a goose.

Luckily, Jane was the bravest. She was willing to touch the worms.

I on the other hand, would only touch the worms with my pliers. The way worms feel as they move against my fingers creeps me out.

I really enjoy hanging out with Jane. I miss spending hours in our office talking about everything. We are hoping to share an office next year.

I love this goose. He was so cute. I think he should consider a career in modeling. He definately knows his angles and lighting.

Let's Play Ball

Levi and I decided to test our baseball skills at the batting cages. I think we discovered some serious talent.

Check out my form. I think I am on to something.

Do I look graceful or what?

With all of my baseball knowledge, I think Levi has the best form, but I hit the most balls. I don't get it.

We had a great time.