And the thunder rolls...

In my childhood naivety, I thought that Garth Brooks' song was about a literal thunderstorm, and since I also loved/was terrified of thunderstorms, I really liked that song.

Somethings never change - I still love that song (even understanding what it means) and I still love/am terrified of thunderstorms.  Last night, with one flash of lightning, I went right to my Weather Channel App to check out the situation. Lately, this summer especially, there is never anything exciting on the map. No rain, no wind, just radar.  But last night, the radar was full of all of the colors of the rainbow, right on the edge of Arlington with all sorts of severe thunderstorm warnings.  Exciting. Scary.

So, like my childhood Becky, I got nervous.  The wind starting howling and the thoughts of lightning strikes  and breaking trees got the better of me.  I semi-forcefully, and much to Seth's dismay, made us leave his room on the third floor.  I can endure and enjoy storms so much better when I'm not so vulnerable on the top floor.  Even in high school when a storm would come, I would make Cheri come down to my bed from the top bunk; I'd go lay on the floor by my parent's bed, or I would, on occasion and if I thought the storm's severity warranted it, I would clean out the closet and try to force my family to get in.  Seth should be grateful that I only made us go down a floor or two ... Our storm lasted for an hour with consistent high winds and unceasing lightning.

I was pleased to discover this morning, driving to my house, that their are over 1 million customers in the area without power, including my house (luckily the high is only 102 today! - cue sarcasm); there are a ton of downed limbs and big trees; roads are closed.  Two of my neighbors have trees on their roofs.  I felt validated! That could have been a tree on my roof! Good thing we went to the bottom floor :)

(across the street from house)

(neighbor's house + tree)

 (23rd Street)

Tempestuous Seas

I love the ocean.

I admire its beauty and its power.

And, I'm grateful for it's symbolism.  It reminds me of the Savior and how He and the Gospel will guide me through any of life's situations.

(Duck Beach, May 2012)

Verse 1

Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me.  Over life's tempestuous seas;

Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rock and treach'rous shoul

Chart and compass came from thee; Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

Verse 2

As a mother stills her child.  Thou canst hush the ocean wild;

Boist'rous waves obey thy will, When thou say'st to them, "Be Still!"

Wondrous Sovereign of the Sea; Jesus, Savior, Pilot me.

Verse 3

When at last I near the shore, And the fearful breakers roar.

Twist me and the peaceful rest, Then, while leaning on thy breast

May I hear thee say to me, "Fear not, I will pilot thee."

Mission Memories

I left on my mission on August 17, 2005.  Has it really been almost seven years since I left on my mission?  There are so many vivid memories that I carry with me each day.  

(MTC District)

I think of my mission frequently as it is, but in the past two weeks, I had a dear mission friend and my cute cousin who's getting ready to leave on a mission come to visit - so, it's been on my mind even more.

The last seven years has been full of a lot of unexpected detours, but I'm happy and so grateful for the opportunities and experiences that I've had.  More than anything in the world, I want to be married and to have my own family.  I was not born with career ambitions, and no matter how hard I try to develop them, I just can't.  I want to be involved.  I want to see the world.  I want to live all of my dreams, but none of them trumps the dream of my own family.

Yet, no matter how much I dream of my own family, I would not give up my experiences of the last seven years.  I received my patriarchal blessing  when I was 16 and it truly opened my eyes to who I am, what I can achieve and who I can become.  Before my mission, I never thought a mission was part of my plan.  However, the longer that I'm home from my mission, the more I understand God's divine inspiration and direction in helping me go on a mission.  It's changed my life.  

It taught me about truth, about love, about work, about success, about compassion, forgiveness, happiness.  It forced me step outside my comfort zone, experience another culture, and learn Spanish (finally).  Most importantly, it taught me about God, about the Plan of Salvation, and about everyone's immense potential. I will be forever grateful for the influence that my mission continues to have in my life. Viva Chile! And best of luck to Hollie as she embarks on the best journey of her life!

(end of my mission - faded brown skirt; dusty, worn out danskos; calloused feet; and a very, very happy Becky!)