BUTTERFLIES and RAINBOWS

Okay, a little secret... I love butterflies and rainbows. They make me smile, even on a gloomy day. I love how a rainbow comes after the rainstorm. A little thing that brings such hope. Butterflies are so graceful and delicate, but they brighten our world and migrate (Monarch) thousands of miles through impossible conditions. They remind me I can do hard things.

I was so beyond EXCITED with Simon Says Stamp released their Stamp Card Kit for April, Beautiful Day I quickly ordered it and started creating with it when the kit arrived. I was super excited to try the Distress Oxide Inks. Actually, I LOVE everything in the kit!!

I used Mermaid Lagoon, Tumbled Glass, Salty Ocean and Squeezed Lemonade Distress inks over my embossed butterflies.

I mixed my Distress Inks (Squeezed Lemonade and Mermaid Lagoon Distress Inks and Ripe Persimmon, Mowed Lawn and Seedless Preserve Distressed Markers with my Glossy Embossing Paste to get the colors) Thanks KWerner for the GREAT idea and tips!

Squeezed Lemonade went around these embossed butterflies. I added some chunky glitter for a little bling. I had an issue with the sentiment, so I fussy cut around the butterflies to fix it. I like the end creation. I was having some serious doubts. I love when you can save a creation.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

I received three emails this afternoon regarding the Elder Wirthlin's passing. I loved listening to his talks and feeling of his spirit at conference time. I will miss his cheerfulness and joy for life. I am saddened by his passing, but find joy in the fact that he is with his beloved wife, Elisa. He can also see President Hinckley. I am sure he is so happy to see family and friends.

Sunday in Relief Society, we discussed his talk from last conference, Come What May, and Love it. I remember him giving the talk and the laughter and tears I shed as I listened. Hearing and discussing his thoughts during church brought similar emotions. I wanted to share some of my thoughts and feelings. In the talk he gives us four points to focus on during trials and adversity. They are:

1. Learn to Laugh
2. Seek for the Eternal
3. The Principle of Compensation
4. Trust in the Father and the Son

I laughed when I read about their family adventures and getting lost on road trip - something Reed and I struggled with until we purchased our GPS. :) I also loved the story of his daughter and her blind date.

One of the things I remember from college was something a friend of mine said. I was having a difficult time and her reply was, "Will this effect your Eternal Progression?" That is a question that constantly come to mind when I have a choice before me or if I am struggling with something. Typically my problems will not halt my progression, it is the attitude I have toward those problems and how I react to them that can hinder my eternal progression.

I have noticed that how the Lord blesses me so much even when I am about to give up. His love sweetly enters my heart and the pain and hurt are removed. How grateful I am for His love.

I loved the end of his talk:

"Although my mother has long since passed to her eternal reward, her words are always with me. I still remember her advice to me given on that day long ago when my team lost a football game: “Come what may, and love it.”

I know why there must be opposition in all things. Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it.

As we look for humor, seek for the eternal perspective, understand the principle of compensation, and draw near to our Heavenly Father, we can endure hardship and trial. We can say, as did my mother, “Come what may, and love it.” Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."