Remy's addresses - What will we sacrifice?

Good day faithful followers and new coming stumbleuponers. Is that last even a word? Well allow me to use my creative license to bring it into being.

I know it’s been quite some time since my last entry. Of course you’ve had my lovely wife providing more than her fair share of RELEVANT entries. Now that I have something to write about, I’m back … Okay, in truth I’ve probably had lots to say. I’ve just been lazy, and that’s something I’m trying to work on.

Two weeks ago I was asked by a member of our bishopric to speak in sacrament today. For those who are curious, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Unlike other churches in which there are dedicated ministers, preachers, reverends or pastors, anyone may be asked to prepare a talk (or sermon if you prefer such a term) at any time. Now of course they can decline, and not everyone will be asked. In any case it honestly took me by surprise. Here I had just given a talk barely six months ago, and now I’m being asked to do it again? Well sure, why the heck not? After all, I could certainly use more lessons in how to be a responsible adult.

So after procrastinating for well over a week I wrote my talk, two days before I needed to give it. Now, I don’t read to well when doing it out loud. Have you ever tried to stream a high quality video through a slow internet connection? That’s me. Okay, so maybe I’m not quite that bad, but you get the picture.

After reading, rereading and rereading some more, I finally felt … not ready in the slightest to be honest. Nevertheless I got up to the pulpit after saying a number of fervent prayers, and I spoke with a clear, carrying voice. For some reason microphones really help my confidence. I don’t know why.

I believe everyone enjoyed the talk. Everyone said so in any case. It’s very nice to be told you’ve done a good job. I suppose I require that validation to a degree. I need that constant reassurance that my efforts are not in vain. I guess it’s something I need to get over.

The following is my sacrament talk for anyone who is curious. Is that selfish validation again? Maybe. But I also hope it to be inspiring, or at the very least, thought-provoking.

Good morning brothers and sisters. This is the second time in six months that I’ve been asked to speak to you. Either someone has a lot of faith in me, or I’m meant to learn a valuable lesson in the folly of procrastination. In either case, I hope my words will uplift and inspire you on this wonderful Sabbath morning.

In the days of Christ, A certain lawyer once asked our savior “what must I do to receive eternal life?”

To this, Jesus said “What is written in the law?”

The lawyer replied: “Thou shalt love the lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.”

These profound words, though plainly spoken nevertheless carry a significance which encompasses all we have, and all we are. But what does it truly mean to love the lord with all we have? How can we possibly succeed in obeying such a commandment? I mean, Heavenly Father gave birth to our spirits. He built a world in which we may obtain and experience the blessings of mortality. And when we fell away, he was there, sending his only begotten son to atone on our behalf, that we might live again. He is a constant presence, guiding us day by day, forgiving our many many transgressions and exercising the kind of patience I can only pray I have with my own kids one day … Talk about perspective! How can we possibly even begin to match that kind of love?

Since the time the curtain rose on the stage of human history, we children of God have always made offerings unto the lord. To show their devotion and willingness, our ancestors built alters on which they sacrificed the burnt first born of their flocks and herds. Nevertheless, the scriptures are rich with their boundless iniquity.

Then came Jesus Christ, whose coming had been prophesied for centuries. All of a sudden everything changed. Animal sacrifice and the law of Moses were no longer necessary. For Jesus said: And yee shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood; yea your sacrifices and your burnt offerings shall be done away.”

With that, our elder brother offered his own life as an atonement for humanity’s fallen state. This greatest of sacrifices paved the way for us to truly demonstrate our faith and devotion with all our heart, mind and strength.

Jesus Christ gave himself that we might live and be lifted up at the last day. But what shall we give in return? There are certainly many answers to this question. How about faith? Scripture study? Charity? Or the most profound, a “broken heart and a contrite spirit”? These are all essential elements if we are to return home. Indeed, Jesus has told us that “ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost.”

But how might we demonstrate our willingness to follow heavenly Father and keep his commandments? Grand biblical gestures are all well and good. And indeed, I myself can only hope I’ll one day have enough faith to be a martyr, or to give everything I possess if the Lord requires it. But hopefully neither I nor any of you will ever need to be in that position. So what smaller-scale sacrifices can we make?

As we grow in experience and in the Gospel, each of us will form our own answers to that question. After all, we reserve the rite to worship Heavenly Father according to the dictates of our own conscience. But though our consciences may vary, there is one undeniable constant which exists for each of us.

Our time on this earth is but a small moment, a blink in the vast eternity of our existence. From dawn till dusk, from the time we’re born to the time we move beyond the veil, our time is ours to do with as we will. This finite freedom is one of our greatest gifts, and I believe also one of the most precious things we can offer Heavenly Father in this day and age.

By sacrificing our time and our talents in service to one another, doing good works in the name of Jesus Christ, we not only demonstrate our willingness to take upon us the name of Christ, but also stand as a testament of his love for each of us. For we are all neighbors in the vast, incomprehensible kingdom of our God. And whatsoever good we do to one another we do unto Christ.

Our missionaries, young and old alike are to me, wonderful examples of how personal sacrifice can uplift not only ourselves, but also those around us. I especially admire our young missionaries. I remember being that young once. I remember how two years seemed like all the time in the world. Now I’m 28, still young, but full of an understanding that as one gets older, time inevitably speeds up. So to you young missionaries, and you who are preparing to serve a mission, I say bless you. The service you have or will render is mighty. I am humbled by your demonstration of faith in God, and your willingness to sacrifice to him your time and talents.

Of course it is never too late to serve a mission. I just know I’ll be eating those words one day.

There are a great many ways each of us may sacrifice our time in service to the Lord. We all know someone who is in need of friendship, comfort, advice or labor. And while those needs may manifest themselves in different ways and in different people, the gestures we offer and the examples we set will be reflected by our Heavenly Father in our own lives. For Jesus said “For as much as ye do it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

In a couple weeks, all of us will have the opportunity to participate in an organized day of service. What better way to start along the path of the good Samaritan than by helping collect food for those in need?

I recall our last day of service. I was among the group in charge of cleaning up and organizing the recycling plant. It was a lot of work. But I remember the feeling I got at the end of the day; a sense that I had truly done a good work. I can only hope this coming service project will instill that feeling in each of us.

I urge myself and each one of you to seek out ways in which you may offer your time and your talents in the building up of Zion. I myself need to constantly work on such a task, for I know I am guilty of idleness. You know, idle hands, and the devil and all that.

I testify that if we study the scriptures, we will remember one another. And if we remember one another and do all we can in service, we will remember God, and he will remember us.

I leave you these things in the name of Jesus Christ, from whom all of us received the ultimate sacrifice. Amen.

They say when you marry in June....

You're a bride all your life, and the bridegroom who marries in June gets a sweetheart for a wife. - Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

It's been a full two weeks since our special day and I figured I should probably write about it. It's going to be long and there aren't too many pictures at the moment but if you stay with my you're in for a treat because it was an amazing day.

PRELIMINARY
After my graduation on Friday we ran around getting last minute items finished. Checking 14 books out of the library and returning them within an hour to check out 14 more as well as decorating cakes, making the s'mores boxes, etc. It was pretty crazy. We went to the ferry terminal to pick my Dad up and then headed over to Montanans for my grad dinner. Yum! We came back to our place so Ashley and I could pack and then went down to the waterfront. It was such a nice relaxing walk and a great way to spend the night with my family. Ash and I got dropped off at the ferry and we were on our way to Vancouver.

My dear friend Andrea meet us and picked us up at the ferry so we could have a sleep over at her place. She has the most adorable new puppy at home and it was great to meet him and see her.After a visit with them I hopped in for a quick shower (I wasn't allowed to wash my hair for 2 days *gross!*) and within the 10 or so minutes everyone had gone to bed and Ashley was sleeping. I went to bed and a very very short 5 hours later....

THE DAY

I woke up to a very sweet wake up call "Chelsea it's your day!" Andrea had even bought Ashley and I gluten-free bagels for our breakfast. What a woman! We quickly made our way to the hair salon and I was so excited.  The woman that did my hair had quite the impressive background. She did her schooling in New York, has worked for fashion magazines and done high fashion things in Vancouver. She was the owner and even came in just for this appointment since the shop didn't even open for another hour. I thought FOR SURE she would do my hair exactly like I wanted.

Once my hair was finished Andrea looked at it and no response. Then Ashley looked at it and no response. I knew right then it wasn't what I wanted. They would have been over the moon if it was. She handed me the mirror and I looked at it. I was so disappointed. My hair was really important to me that's why I came over the night before to get it done and it was nothing like what I wanted. It was pretty but not what I had envisioned. I pulled myself together paid her and we were on our way. I vented my frustration on the way to the temple. It certainly was a beautiful hair-do but not what I wanted.

We got there with time to spare. Andrea mentioned that I might be the first bride in history to be on time. FOR REAL! We didn't see my mom, dad, or Remy anywhere so we parked and wait. AND waited and waited. After about 15 minutes (which is torture when you are waiting by the way) I went in and it went something like this:
"I'm Chelsea Chartier and I am here to be sealed at 11:30. I don't have my recommend, clothes, my mom, dad, or the groom. But I'm here."
They laughed. I only had to wait a few minutes more before the rest arrived. It was such a relief but not for long. My mom didn't have her temple recommend with her. You can't enter the temple without the recommend. At this point I just has to smile and think add it to the list. We waited while they tried calling people back in Michigan so she could enter. After awhile I went in to start getting changed otherwise we were going to miss our time slot. While I was changing they got it figured out and my mom was able to help me.

The ceremony was beautiful. I can't talk about it too much but it really was beautiful and I totally ugly cried. I kept thinking, all of these people are watching you at least cute cry. I couldn't help it though it was the full contorted face ugly cry. After our guests left the room the Sealer took us aside and gave us some advice. It was such a personal and special moment to have. We even ran into Esther which was so nice. We were allowed to go into the waiting room dressed in our temple clothes to visit with our family that wasn't able to be inside the temple with us.

After, we headed back to the change rooms to change into our PARTY clothes. I got my dress on and my mom helped my with my make up. I met Remy right outside the change room. He informed me that he didn't bring his suit jacket. Um...say what now? So our forever pictures are going to be without your suit. Just add it to the list. Then I saw the state of his tie. The couple that was helping us in the temple were so sweet and kind and the sister totally understood everything I was going through. The dear brother took the tie and went and ironed it for us and even retied it. I was ever so grateful.

We exited the temple holding hands and so happy. The pictures began right away and so did the rain. It was too rainy for a lot of the pictures I wanted to take but we were able to take some very beautiful ones. It was wonderful to have everyone there to share our day. Remy's Uncle Roy and Aunt Terri were so kind to come and take the photos for us. Aunt Terri was so sweet she would hold the umbrella over my head until right before the picture was taken and then remove it really quick.

After the picture extravaganza we were off to make the 3:10 ferry...on a Saturday...in June...without a reservation. Yup. We even got stuck in construction, and it that wasn't enough to stress a bride out on her wedding day, we got lost. I made everyone discuss plans B and C as we sat in the construction while minutes ticked on. In the end we made it and it was such a relief.

Almost everyone who had come to temple were traveling back on the same ferry. It was a lot of fun to sit and talk with everyone since I didn't get much of a chance earlier that day. I even painted my nails on the way. Blue nail polish while wearing my white dress, I was such a dare devil that day.

As soon as we got off the ferry it was back to work. We came back and got things together that needed to go to the Rendezvous and at that point I would have done just about ANYTHING for a nap. We got to the restaurant and set everything up and then Remy and I hid for our big entrance.

Our centerpieces were two books stacked on top of each other, a candle on top, with paper flowers scattered around. Did I mention that pretty much every part of our wedding was homemade...everything.

Our guest book table. The guest book was a tree and people put their finger print on it to make the leaves. It turned out awesome! We had a blue stamp pad and baby wipes to clean your fingers. The sign said "Please help us remember the day and LEAF your print on our tree."

Remy and I came in all ready for our entrance and then the music didn't work. We walked in and stood there. I believe my mind worked the fastest it has ever worked I went from horrified, to embarrassed, to acceptance, to mad, and then relief when my mom handed Remy the microphone and we just did it.We had never practiced without music but I don't think it went that bad. We had our just married sun glasses on and I had a white hoodie and Remy a black one and we rapped part of "I'm reading a book"- Julian Smith.

Since then my parents have had this song stuck in their head.

We had the usual things at weddings we ate amazing food *we called each table up by the author of the books in the centerpiece* we did speeches and Ian Perry shared with us a beautiful toast, we cut the cake, shared the cupcake story, had our first dance, and then danced the night away.

For the true party animals we had an after party of a bonfire and s'mores at the Slobodans. It was an amazing day and I couldn't believe how much fun I had. After three years of wedded-bliss Remy and I are now a forever family and the first day of it was one of the best of my life. Thank you everyone for helping to make it so amazing.

And if you are still with me 1 million friend points to you! More pictures to come these were just the ones I quickly got, ya know with all the free time I had that day.

He is Risen!

Today I was able to give the Easter lesson to my little sunbeams. Now our classes never go as I plan because they are three and well every Sunday is different. Some days they listen, sit, and are enthralled by the stories, other times there is no way in heaven or on earth you can get them to sit still.

I carefully planned this lesson because out of all the lesson through the year I feel this lesson is the most important. If they learn nothing else the whole year I want them to learn of what Jesus Christ has done and why He is our Saviour.

We had three girls show up for sunbeams today and I was so relieved because small classes usually go better. I told them the story of His birth, some stories from his life, and the story of Easter. When I was planning I wasn't sure how to approach the story of Easter because some parts are so gruesome. The manual told us to approach the topic carefully and to be mindful of sensitive students. I know as a child that my heart must have broke hearing this story because every time I read it as an adult it still breaks. The children were very concerned (especially because Jesus didn't have any clothes on!)  and I tried to convey how important the story of Gethsemane and the Cross are but I also stressed the importance that He lives!

We talked about the resurrection and even had a demonstration with a glove (which they loved). I felt the spirit so strongly in our classroom as I was able to talk to them of the true meaning of Easter. The hope, the love, and the peace that comes with it.

I know that our Saviour suffered in the garden of Gethsemane for me. I know that He was betrayed, and was condemned to die.  I know that He was crucified but I also know that He was resurrected after three days and that He lives now. I am so humbled by this knowledge and feel so blessed.

Happy Easter everyone, He is RISEN!

*I do not own rights to this picture*

Do it, to it

This post isn't very exciting but I wanted to share. I mentioned in my last post that Remy and I made a list of goals we would like to do before our birthdays. Some goals were long term and some were short term. Instead of being completely overwhelmed and not doing them at all I decided that every Sunday I was going to pick a few to do that week. So this was this weeks list:
Bold is complete
Italics is in progress

• Read one chapter of the Book of Mormon a day
• Read temple booklet on Sunday
• Go to institute
• Research disability savings bond
• Cancel proactive
  
• Read Friday Night Knitting Club
• Get up before 9 everyday this week
  
• Find out about graduation
• Format resume and cover letter
• Send cover letter and resume
• One Journal Entry
• One Blog entry
• One picture
• Make VT appointments
  
• Go VT
• Return bottles
• Do face masks and nails
• Research health insurance
• Make a skirt
• Pay bills
• Get tax stuff together
• Get Mom's card in the mail
• Take out tithing
  

Tomorrow I will make a whole new list for next week. I have really enjoyed waking up every morning to a list of possible accomplishments.

Now I am not sure what most 23 year old young ladies want to have done before they are 24 but here is mine:

Church:

• Go to the Temple (June 14,2011)

• Get sealed (June 18, 2011)

• Complete Book of Mormon reading (June 7,2011)

• Complete Young Women Personal Progress

• Spend an hour on genealogy (0/6)

• Finish temple booklet

• Go to the temple (0/3)

• Get certificate for institute

Finances

• Keep track and stick to budget (0/3)

• Move money into safety deposit box

• Look into disability bond

• Research new cell phone carries and choose one

Body

• Learn more about running and buy correct shoes

• Run 10 continual minutes

• Run 15 continual minutes

• Run 20 continual minutes

• Find better skin care regiment

  • Lush

• Cancel proactiv

• Do Calenetics (0/19) per month

Food

• Try 10 new recipes

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

  • .

• Try 3 new foods

  • .

  • .

  • .

• Don't eat after dinner for one week! (0/7)

• Have one couple over for dinner or dessert once a month (0/7)

Mind

• Read books I have before buying any new ones

  • Friday Night Knitting Club (and then return)

  • Say You're One of Them

  • Juliet

  • Doll in McCallaway's Store

  • Willow Switch

  • Sunday's at Tiffany

  • The Thirteenth Tale

• Get my N

• Take a community class

• Get up before 9 (7/7)

• Get up Before 9 (0/30)

• Find out about graduation

Community

• By April 30 either a job or volunteer

  • Call company for HR rep name

  • Format resume and cover letter

• Complete 3 service projects of my own (0/3)

Hobbies:

• Finish the top of my quilt

• Make a skirt

• One picture a week (0/29)

• At least one blog post a week (0/29)

• Write in my journal once a week (0/29)

• Go camping

• Do a photostrip at the mall with Remy
  

Home:

• Research and switch over one cleaning product to a more natural one.

• Get crackin with moving details
  

I am constantly added more, it's kind of addicting. What are some of your goals for this year?

Singing in the Rain

So yesterday Remy had to go to a meeting for work and I had a few hours to myself...alone. What is a girl to do? I was just about head out for my walk (like had my workout clothes on and poised on the top stair) when I thought" Self You have a few precious hours don't' waste them!" So I headed over to my computer and opened itunes. With the playlist "Remy's not home!" selected I pushed play and sang my little heart out. I have a few different song on the list like:

"Blackbird" Evan Rachel Wood Version

"Need You Now" Lady Antebellum

"Take a Bow" Rihanna

And

Okay so no judgment, oh who am I kidding I don't care if you judge me, Baby Got Back by Sir Mix A lot. How can you listen to that song and NOT shake your booty and sing.

Singing in the apron I made.

I had so much fun belting these songs and dancing around. Now before you think I am the worst wife ever, I did miss Remy.

With mine and Remy's temple sealing just around the corner I have been trying to get myself prepared. Now your first thought might be that you think I am getting myself ready spiritually. If only I was so righteous, but I am talking about physically but stay with me. When I first realized that our dream of going to the temple was going to become a reality (in the near future no less), I was thrilled and starting thinking of ways to prepare spiritually. I thought of what it would mean for our future family and us as a couple. A few days later it dawned on me that we were going to be taking forever pictures. Ya know, the kind you frame, scrapbook, and future generation would look at. I thought of my top three things that I would really like to do before getting these pictures. First I wanted to feel and look better so I decided to start walking(and/or other type of exercise) everyday.

The next thing is I want to be able to have an awesome hair do in the pictures so I need to grow my hair out some more. Everyday I feel like doing this

And lastly I was to get my skin under control. I have used proactive for years and in the beginning it worked, lately it hasn't but I haven't really done anything about it. Now I am on the hunt for a new skin program. Does anyone have one that they love? I would love some suggestions my budget is around $50 for three months (what I am paying now) I have oily skin and acne prone (yay! I hit the skin jackpot.)

I hope everyone is having a fun and safe St. Patrick's Day! I am off to a Relief Society dinner.

Remy's reflections - Priesthood and other updates

The first update of the year, but I’m not here to talk about that. I’m done saying this year’s going to be different. Either I’ll make it different by action, or I won’t.

A great deal has happened over the past few months, as usually happens when you don’t write for some time. I therefore apologize for this post in advance.

First, the Farm documentary “Shining Forth Prosperity” is DONE! I’m so happy it’s over. It was a lot of fun, and I felt like I really accomplished something. Unfortunately since the farm is going through some rather strange times, I’m not sure how much the documentary will really matter in the end. Still, it was nice to finally accomplish it. I had a lot of help with the physical editing of it, but I did much of the sound editing, all the narration, the script and some of the on-screen stuff. Good for the resume.

I recently had the opportunity to perform a baptism in Victoria, which was a unique experience. I prayed I’d do it right the first time, and I did. It pleased me to be able to perform such an ordination.

On the heels of that baptism, I was asked by President Dykes of the Nanaimo High Counsel to give a talk in this month’s stake conference. That was the last thing I expected, and provided me with a chance to truly feel humble. Everyone was certain I could accomplish it, but I was really uncertain. I’ve never been good with reading out loud, and my memorization skills aren’t much better. Despite my fears however I did a reasonable address. I called Chelsea my impatient wife though, which was a complete accident. Poor girl. Luckily everyone got a kick out of it, and knew it was an error. It was a very humbling experience, and I know I couldn’t have done it without the Lord, and the faith of family and friends. I felt like people truly enjoyed my talk, and not because I was blind. I attempted to bring a lot of energy and optimism, which I’m hoping people appreciated. I wasn’t seeking the praise I received, but I was hoping to uplift people. Having so many people comment so positively on my talk came as a pleasant and almost overwhelming surprise.

Finally, after a very long road, I’ve reached the point where I have at last obtained the Melchizedek priesthood. To know I now have the authority to bless my wife and others in their times of need, to administer to the sick, to bless the children not yet born to me … It’s an overwhelming feeling. I feel more … real, if that makes sense, as though there was a part of me which has just been born. There’s no other way I can explain it. Knowing I have the authority to exercise the same power Christ and God themselves possess, so long as I have faith and continue to strive to better myself … To anyone who has never heard of this, who thinks “it’s arrogant to even consider yourself on the same level as Jesus” … I guess they wouldn’t really understand this. It’s not so much that I have that power. I can’t will anything to be, and watch as it becomes. But I have the ability now to speak with the will of the Father and the Son in matters of great worth to those whom I speak to in a blessing. Their words are my words, and their will is imparted to their children through me. I am in essence a conduit. An odd concept to anyone who isn’t LDS I suppose, but in the right hands, the priesthood can manifest true miracles. I have witnessed a few of these first hand in my own life, and have heard accounts of many more.

Only the impending move, and my new-found unemployment weigh on my shoulders these days. During the blessing I received when being given the Melchizedek priesthood, I was told that I shall find employment. SO, I just need to keep faith that it will happen and do what I can to find it. As for the move … well … I don’t know how I feel about that. It’s a big step, and a lot of work for something I wish I had more faith in. Fresh starts are well and good, but having no prospects yet, no decent way to find a place to live … it’s not the most pleasant feeling. Perhaps in time I’ll feel better about all of this. I know it’s very important to Chelsea that we move. In truth there is little keeping me here. Even many of the friends I once had have faded from my life, or drop in and out of it in sporadic bursts of friendship and anger. So in the end, I’m left with little here, as even my family is far away already. No matter what though, I will have Chelsea by my side. And that is a blessing I will always be grateful for.

And I would Walk 500 Miles and I would Walk 500 More...

For about a week now I have woken up every morning with the express intention to go on a lovely walk. Every morning I have woken up to rain. Well yesterday I decided rain or not I was going on a walk. After changing into my workout clothes I asked Remy if he would like to join me on a walk to the grocery store. I got a "I guess I better" response followed by some grumbles. I cut us up some apples and filled a water bottle for the walk since we were headed to the grocery store and didn't want to go hungry. Upon handing Remy his apples for the journey he quickly devoured them. AND we were off. We walked and walked and walked

and finally made it to the store hot sweaty and sooo hungry, the very thing I was trying to avoid. Oh well, it certainly was reflected in our purchases though. I mean now that I look at the big bag of pepperoni sticks I don't think we really needed them like we thought. After the hour walk there we decided we did not want to do the hour walk home so we took a bus that was about a 20 minute ride instead. Although it wasn't the "Oh my gosh I feel so great I want to do it every second of my life" feeling I was hoping for it was nice to get out of the house and get some exercise.

What kinds of things do you like to do to stay active?

Got Milk?

In other news we have had a first in the Chartier home.

When I go grocery shopping I try to buy for at least two weeks, normally we end up getting a bit more out of it but the goal is two weeks. We usually have to make a small run for fresh fruit or veggies sometimes eggs but we have never once in our marriage run out of milk before the expiration date. Now our milk experience usually goes one of two ways...we are happily going along using the milk and then I will look and see that the expiration date was yesterday, alright no big deal still fine. The next days rolls around still pretty confident take a whiff as a precaution and do so until one morning one of us is the lucky person to find the milk has gone bad. OR the day of the expiration we hurriedly think of way to drink the remaining milk.

"Now Chelsea how on earth did you use all of your milk before the expiration date this time?" you might ask. Well, I will tell you! I made a chowder requiring 4 cups of milk and more milk when reheating, we are really on a milkshake kick right now, and I bought some chocolate syrup for some yummy yummy glasses of chocolate milk. So there's our secret and the reason for the above grocery run (well walk).

Alright now name your favorite way to use milk?

*I figured out how to add pictures, I am sooo pumped right now!*

Remy - My address at Stake Conference

It was quite the experience addressing so many people last night. I was uncertain whether or not I'd manage to keep my head, but thanks to fervent prayer and the faith of those around me, I somehow managed it.
I only made two oopses.
First, I said "impatient' instead of "patient" and I said "vying for our destruction" instead of "success" Oh well .. at least the former made people laugh.
I was amazed at how well-recieved the address was. I'm not used to so much praise. In truth it was somewhat embarrassing, but I appreciated it all very much. I'm grateful there were people who found my talk uplifting. That's what I was going for. One of the members of the presidency kept teasing me about being called on to give more addresses...I sure hope he was only kidding.
To my Mom and Angie, and anyone else who asked me to post it, here is what I said (more or less)
Thanks to all of you who enjoyed it, and who read this.

Building a Better Me

Good evening brothers and sisters. I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to speak to you this evening. My first talk, and it’s Stake Conference. The lord apparently has a lot of faith in me. There’s a humbling thought. So Of course I’m not nervous, nope, not in the least!

In 1961, David O McKay said that the purpose of the gospel is to make evil men good, and good men better. And Jesus said "be ye therefore perfect, even as your father in Heaven is perfect." That’s one tall order, isn’t it? Good, to better, to Perfect … Luckily, we imperfect humans have a few really spectacular things going for us.

First of all, God, the father, the creator of the universe has so much faith in our success that he granted us physical life on earth, knowing all the temptations we’d face. He wants us to succeed so much that he sent his own son to go through torment I for one can hardly grasp, all so we would have a chance to return to him.

Now … I don’t have children yet. I can only imagine what it might feel like to send my child away to a hostile land, even knowing all the terrible things that would – not could, but would – happen. But Heavenly Father knew, and he did it anyway. Jesus Christ knew, and he willingly submitted to all the trials the world had in store. That’s two extremely caring and powerful beings vying for our success, and that’s AWESOME.

Secondly, everyone present is already on the right track. We made the choice to come here. We’ve demonstrated our ability to choose Heavenly Father’s plan of trial and freedom over Lucifer’s restricted captivity.

Finally, there’s the atonement! Jesus Christ overcame the world, and experienced every pain, every emotion, every feeling we could feel. And he did it so he could truly understand and comfort us in our times of need. He overcame the world so he could catch us when we fall short of the glory of God. I find it rather comforting to understand that no matter how much I try, and how much I may fail, Jesus will always be there to intercede on my behalf, so long as I have faith in him and strive to do my best.

Yes, we have been asked to become perfect, and at the same time, we are told that only Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father are perfect. Are the scriptures a contradiction? Well, Jesus Christ doesn’t waste words. Everything he says has a profound meaning. So where does that leave us?

The journey of perfection is more than a life-long foray. It extends beyond mortality into the spirit world, and the eternities.

Each day we are given countless opportunities to better ourselves. For some of us, this task comes quite naturally. I’m sure there are a few of us who know that one person who is so saturated with goodness that it just oozes from their every action. But for others, the climb to perfection can seem very arduous indeed.

We fall victim to temptation, it’s true. Our own desires, and Satan work tirelessly against us. But often for many of us, Guilt, self-doubt, and despair when we feel we can never measure up are perhaps some of the most devastating emotions that hinder our betterment. I know for me, there’s no worse feeling than thinking "there’s no way I can ever measure up to this person or that person, let alone the Savior!"

Brothers and sisters, thanks for baring with me so far. I ask all of you now to please do me a favor. Think back a few years to a time when you were younger. Could be five years, or it could be fifty. I’m sure there are some of us here who feel like the older you get, the faster the years seem to go. I’m only 28, and it’s rather disturbing to realize the years are just going to keep getting shorter.

Think about how far you’ve come over the years. Are you where you thought you’d be? Are you what you thought you’d be? I’m not talking about your work, or your station in life, because those things are transient. I’m talking about your emotional and spiritual contentment.

If you’re happy where you are, if you have at least reasonable confidence that you’re on the right path, then that’s wonderful!

But what about those of us who feel overwhelmed by all of the things we’ve been asked to do?

Please don’t despair. Along with all the support and blessings from Heavenly Father, there’s a miraculous word we’ve been blessed with that can ease our burden in the darkest days of self-doubt. I’ve already mentioned it, and we’ve all heard it before. The word is strive.

Now, I’m going to go a little Bill Cosby on you for a moment. Let me tell you a story.

I started investigating the church in 2005. I began partly because I found it fascinating, but also because I was enamored by a lovely young lady who made me completely certain I loved her.

I was a lot different then (or so people have told me.) I was never a horrible person, but over the years I’ve done a lot of things I’m not proud of. For a long time after my baptism I disregarded a lot of doctrine and probably asked the wrong kind of questions for the wrong reasons. Many people were concerned when I first got the idea to marry that young lady I fell in love with, and for a long time that made me angry. I stopped coming to church for a time, and I was told my testimony was based too much on knowledge than faith. It was hard. I constantly felt like I was being judged, and I felt I’d never live up to the standards set forth by the people in the church, let alone the scriptures.

I’ll be honest, there are some days where I still feel like that man. My lack of confidence is something I’m still trying to work on. But I know that Jesus is there for me, despite all my faults. It’s a slow process, but I’m striving to improve. I’ve got a long way to go before I’ll reach my full potential. But thanks to the scriptures, to the faith of my family and friends, and the council of our wonderful bishop, I am on the verge of attaining the Melchizedek Priesthood, and finally taking my loving and patient wife to the temple.

Brothers and sisters we are all on the right path. We are all here tonight. There are times we will fall short. Sometimes we may end up taking a step back before we can take two steps forward. But the temptations of the world can be overcome, sometimes all at once, sometimes one at a time.

It doesn’t matter who gets there first. One of the greatest tools Lucifer possesses is the ability to goad us into comparing our lives to the lives of others. In the eyes of the Lord, we are all equal, and he loves us all. We have the scriptures to guide us, and a variety of wonderful ways to truly study them. And we have the words of the general authorities to grant us clarity if the scriptures overwhelm us.

But we must believe in ourselves. And if we can not do that, then we must have faith in those who believe in us. Chief among our support team is Jesus Christ himself, who loves us unconditionally and wants so badly for us to succeed. We must see the good in ourselves, and in one another. We must strive to always improve, even if our improvements are sometimes slow and small. But above all, we must have faith that, while we will inevitably fall short, Jesus will be there at the end to see us through. That is the glorious miracle of his redemption, and it is not exclusive.

Brothers and Sisters, we are all children of our Heavenly Father. We all made one of the greatest decisions of our existences by believing in Heavenly Father’s plan enough to come here and obtain a body. This plan is real. And I testify that Jesus is our hope, and our redeemer. In ourselves we can find the will, and in him, we can find the strength. In him, all things are possible – in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

All You Need Is Love

Remy and I have been married for almost three years now. I love being a wife but more specifically I love being Remy's wife. I have always wanted to be married. When I was younger I made a list of things that I wanted in a spouse and I had thoughts of how our life would be together. I had no way of knowing how wonderful it really is. Lately I have run across a few articles on marriage and it has made me think of my own and I thought I would share some of the things I love.

Things I love about our relationship:

We talk. Remy and I talk about everything and anything. Our thoughts, ideas, hopes, fears, things we are curious about, our annoyances, etc. We have such an open line of communication and I can't imagine having it any other way. I think this is one of the many reasons for our happy marriage so far. We talk about anything from our thoughts on the universe to what bathroom troubles we may be having.

We laugh. We have inside jokes and laughter in our home. We love to laugh and have fun together. We can make each other laugh with one word or a nudge. Early in our marriage I was in Michigan and Remy was here on the island. We spoke on the phone nightly, one night we got into a bit of a fight. The next day I called him and said one word and we both burst out laughing. Our fights usually end with one of us making each other laugh.

We have fun! We really enjoy doing fun things together, and not so fun things we usually make fun.

We spend time together. One of my favourite things that we do is just snuggle and tell each other about our day or even to talk about where we have just been or who we've seen, what was said. We have a date night once a week. Even when we are in our separate world of hobbies we like to just be around each other.

We have the same goals. We have the same goals and plans for our life. We want a simple home with a family and a simple life. We want to be good people and live the best we can.

Things I love about Remy:

One of the first things that comes to mind after almost 3 years of marriage is Remy's unselfishness. That is something that I truly love and appreciate about him. I can ask Remy to get me something or help me with something and he will without complaint. He will hold me, rub my tummy , fill a water bottle, get medicine, or provide sympathy when I need it. Out of all of Remy's amazing and wonderful qualities that is the one I love the most.

Remy's sense of humour, Oh boy! Remy's brand of humour is not for everyone and some people just need to get a chance to warm up, I do enjoy his sense of humour and that he loves to make people laugh.

Remy's empathy. Remy has been blessed to not get sick very often and yet he has so much empathy and compassion when someone is sick or doesn't feel well. (As well as other times I just see it so much when someone is sick)

Remy is so supportive. Remy supports me in anything I want to do or don't do.

Remy is so loving, affectionate, and attentive.

Remy is handsome. I think Remy is so handsome and he is just getting better as the years go by.

These are just to name a few, I am truly so blessed and happy. I know we have a long road ahead of joys and struggles. I am sure there will be times where we look at each other and just want to rip our hair out. I am sure we will cause each other some grey hair and some eye rolls but I can't wait to see where life take us.