everything i need to know i learned during a hurricane from NCIS

Tonight I am relishing in the sweet relaxation of a day off from work and the excitement of the natural phenomena of Hurricane Sandy. I am strange and crazy, as many have told me, as I enjoy witnessing the power and wonder of the earth's natural forces. I can now say I have experienced a hurricane! Next on the list....tornado. :) I've already lived through a million earthquakes, a volcanic eruption, and a couple blizzards. I am so grateful that I am getting to experience this storm in a safe elevation, in a sound structure, and far enough inland that we are not experiencing the brunt of the storm's wrath. It occurs to me that this has been a great opportunity for me to evaluate my emergency preparedness without actually having to use it all fully. I know the worst is not over, but doesn't look like it will be rocking us too bad in the DC metro area....course I could just have jinxed it worse by saying that..oh well.

I was watching an episode of NCIS tonight....I know, not only is that not a surprise but very predictable given my large dosage of free time indoors today. But today I appreciated the episode I watched more than any other. It was a flashback/the Christmas Carol-type story line of Gibbs' life. He would ask 'what would have happened if this had not happened?' and then saw his life if certain choices he had made had been altered. He ended up learning a great deal about the lives he had touched through out his life and came to the conclusion that he would not have changed anything, his life was just the way he wanted it because it was the best for everyone, including himself. He learned that if certain things had not or had happened, he would not have been able to help so many people, even if he had wanted something to be different for himself, and he appreciated the opportunities to touch people even in the midst of  or in spite of his own hard times. I realized that I can see the same in my own life. If things had happened that I had wanted to happen in the moment, I would not be where I am today and would not be able to bless the lives of those I know today with the things I have learned and experienced. And similarly, those I have been blessed by would not have had the opportunity to serve me. Sometimes, I am grateful for unfulfilled wishes. Ironic because I am sometimes very stubborn and impatient...ok I'll admit I am frequently stubborn and impatient, but I am humbled by the grace and omniscience of a loving Heavenly Father who knows so much better than I the best path for me, and others, in this life.

I feel like I say this a lot here....but I am truly in awe and thanks for the wonderful people in my life, for the people that I can serve and that have served me. I am also very appreciative for the Spirit that reminds me of the many blessings I have and humbles me daily. I love learning each day through personal revelation from the Holy Ghost. I feel like my spirit is a sponge that soaks up tidbits of spiritual kernels of truth and savors the joy of connecting with my Father. How wonderful the opportunity to progress, change, grow, learn, and become better each and every day....and that I can learn some of these things from my fav TV show. See good things can be found any where and every where, we just need to have 'eyes to see, and ears to hear.'

loose yourself

Tonight I met a husband and wife who are living out of their car. All the man wanted was to be happy and he knew he could find more of that by simply coming closer to God. He didn't want a house, a big car, or a new job. He just figured if he did what God wanted him to do things would get better but most of all he would be happy and purposeful. That is truth. That is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I have made it a goal lately to look outward, to think of others and find ways to serve them, to put myself in their shoes, and see them as God does...as His children. And as the Savior teaches to forget yourself, if you truly "loose your life, he shall find it." He is not implying that we forget to take care of ourselves or that we don't live our own goals and dreams, rather that as we become selfless - to God and those around us - we find the true purpose of this life. As I have looked past my own insecurities, worries, and struggles, and thought more of my fellow man, I have felt lighter, happier, and more confident. That is the secret to this life. There are times in my life when I have remembered and practiced this better than other times and those have been the times when I have been the most at peace and joyful.

My joys/loves of late:

-beautiful new clothes....I know this is not new nor surprising but I needed new work clothes and I just love the feeling of confidence when you are wearing something that makes you feel pretty. Pres Eyring during conference said that women need to feel beautiful, therefore I do not feel it is unrighteous to appreciate this feeling
-uplifting people who accept you for who you are
-people who inspire me to be better
-crisp air meant for wearing jackets
-making someone else laugh or smile
-j.crew...I am hooked
-humility