lessons from the past

On my recent trip to Uganda I had an opportunity to visit with a group of widows and single mother's. Many had been abandoned by their husbands when the going got tough. All had children they were raising, some were raising other people's children. They had unbelievable stories of difficulty and struggle. They come together weekly to support each other, we give them a place to meet and usually prepare a short lesson of some sort with the purpose of equipping them in life. This particular day a guest speaker had been invited. He was speaking about preparing for the future. Given the stories of these women, it is important to speak about memories from the past. I really appreciated his illustration for the purpose of memories.

According to this illustration, positive and negative memories from the past serve as lessons for the present and bring hope for the future. I believe that. We choose the impact that the past has on our present and future. We choose to let it define us, and ultimately hinder our future growth. We could also choose to learn from those lessons, let them inform the future, and grow through the experience. I've come to many points in my own life where I had to ask if that circumstance was going to define or refine me. Though it may not be immediately, I usually choose the latter.

I ask you, are you choosing to let your past define or refine you?

Where have the cinnamon bears gone?

Do you remember this candy, cinnamon bears?

I was on a recent road trip in the US and was craving this treat. I have no idea why. I haven't eaten any in years. I was searching the aisles of the convenience store and found nothing. No cinnamon bears anywhere. Not even a suitable substitute. Ever since then I cannot stop thinking about this sweet treat. I really want some.

Where have they gone? Do you know?

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

The other night I was home alone. Kenyon was at class. I didn't want to do work. So, I got on the computer to look for a tv show to watch. I noticed on fancast there was a new episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. I haven't seen this show in years, but I used to really enjoy it. I forgot how much it makes me cry! I don't think I've ever watched an episode of this show without tears.

Am I alone, or does this happen to others?

Mi Madre

This is one of my favorite pictures of me and my mom. It was taken a few years ago when she was my date to a wedding of one of my high school friends. That's what moms do, they show up as your date when you'd rather not attend alone.

Since I was a little girl my mom has encouraged me to be a strong, independent woman (poor Kenyon!). She told me since I was a little girl that I was destined for some divine purpose. In my early adult years there were many hurdles to climb and my mom was always there cheering me on. She believed I could do it, so I bothered to try and then found that, in fact, I could.

We may not always agree, but she will always be my mom and I am indebted to her for the woman I am today.

Love you, moms! Happy mother's day!

Quotable Quotes

"Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals."

- Martin Luther King, Jr.