Happy much?

Happy happy birthday children dear,

Happy days will come to you all year.

If I had one wish, then it would be a

Happy happy happy birthday

To you from me!

YAY! Happy 21st birthday to me! :)

The word of the day: Happy

 I am pretty impressed at myself, I have kept a journal ever since I was eight. Well the other day I sat down and read over what has happened over the past 21 years. It was so neat to see the progress and good choices I made. It was also neat to read about my hardships and reading about the repentance process I so frequently used. I love reading my past entries because it gives me a good sense of self identity.  I can honestly say that I love who I have become. I do not mean to sound cocky or arrogant, but simply put I am happy!

What makes you happy? Is it love notes and loud music, like me? Or the sunshine and the sound of birds chirping, like my mom? What is it that puts a smile on those lips?

I encourage you to make a list... right now! Make a list of the things that make you happy in life. Then when you are feeling discouraged take a look back at the list you made and hold onto those things. Let them ring deep in your heart!

 

Shine on

-BreE

My Happy list:

1. My silly husband who always has something to sing about
2. Kisses... Hershy and the real ones too
3. My family, so grateful for all of their love and support
4. Sleeping in
5. Anything miniature, like my mini pitcher filled with grape juice
6. Color, yay for pink skinny jeans!
7. Music, Breathe Carolina you are my escape!
8. Make up and other things that make me feel pretty
9. Education, Utah State Represent!
10. Last but not least the gospel, it is the plan of happiness after all! :)  

SMILE

Tyler William Ostler, 16, went home to his Heavenly Father Friday, Aug. 10, 2007, after sustaining injuries in an accident in Salt Lake City. He was born Feb. 22, 1991 in Murray, UT to Thomas William and Donna Peterson Ostler.Tyler's time here on earth was truly a blessing to everyone who knew him. Tyler was so easy to love and he always gave a greater amount of love in return. As an accomplished BMX bicycle champion, he won many awards in Utah and surrounding states. Tyler loved snowboarding, skateboarding, sketching and painting art. He played the guitar and music was in him. He was always laughing or making someone laugh; his sense of humor will always be remembered. Tyler had a special place in his heart for his sister, brothers, nephews and nieces. His presence would light up any room and his smile would touch your heart.

Hey Moon Man. It's Dad. It has been awhile! I look at your picture everyday as I climb out of my car and thank God for the impact that you have had on my life. I am grateful for the friendship that had developed between us. Holidays, Birthdays and special events have come and gone for almost five years now, yet it still feels like yesterday when you left. Those are images that will never leave my memory. I pray that you are finding your way and having a good time on your journey. Mom misses you more that you can imagine, so do the rest of us. Daiton, Mason, Jaycee and Jade are all growing so quickly. They all ask about you when they come to the house. You would be proud to be their Uncle. Be good, I love you Son. Dad.


You said to me,"Mom I love you more than all the road construction in Utah." I think that one was my fav. and most whitty, because it was when all the freeways rds etc. were being done for the 2002 0lympic. Wow look at it now its even worse, every rd. I hope you love me that much.Well I LOVE YOU that much and then some. Just want to say "THANKS" for all you've given and taught me. I didn't think I need to learn much more, but apparently not, I'M learning still not having you with us teaches me; more love; Patience;acceptance and respect for others even when they don't have it for you. Didn't I teach all of this to you? Crazy how I have to relearn it all over. I haven't forgotten I just have to do it with more love, and believe me after all this Ive learned what Love really is! I miss you with all of my heart and being. I am very blessed and lucky to have all of you. I LOVE YOU SON(SUNSHINE) MOM,(MAJA)


Doesn't this just bring tears to your eyes? Maybe more for me because Tyler is my cousin, we were both 16 when he passed away. Yes, excepting death is a very trying trial and is one that is never forgotten. It brings so much heartache, and a wish to just hold on. Through this hard experience Tyler was the one that held my head up, and taught me to truly SMILE.

On the top of Tyler's Funeral program it stated, "Keep Smiling for Me"
His father mentioned that this is something Tyler wants each of us to do.
A few weeks later during seminary I found out what this meant.

2 Nephi 9:39 - At the very end its says:

Spiritually Minded Is Life Eternal

Each first letter spells out SMILE

It hit me so hard, Tyler wants us to keep an eternal perspective! He knows that we will see him again, and to let that guide our smiles instead of tears. Thank you Tyler! This will never be forgotten and I can not wait until we meet again! I can already see your big smile and your warm welcoming arms extending for a hug! Until then I will keep your message in my heart and I will smile for you!

During any trial it is important to keep an eternal perspective, to seek for the big picture.

Whatever you are going through remember to SMILE!

Shine on
-BreE

Learn to Laugh

The next time you are tempted to groan try to laugh! What wonderful advice. Just thinking about it I know I would be angry and upset less if I tried laughing at life more.

Take this situation for example:

The husband had a wonderful date idea of going to the DI and picking out silly outfits for each other, followed by going to dinner all dressed up. I was totally game until I saw what he picked out for me. I was mortified by the ugly organge moo-moo and mis-matching red jacket. Out of despite I picked out the nice yellow pants you see. Ha. Well we went home and got all dressed up. On our way out the door our neighbors walked out at the same time. I made eye contact with them and sprinted down the stairs and out to the car! I was completely humiliated they saw my ridiculous outfit. I was so embarrassed that I started to cry, and our date turned into going through a drive thru instead of fine dinning. I wish I could take it back and just laugh when my neighbors saw me. I mean really it is funny! I know they were not judging me, but probably thought we were a fun couple.  There is no reason for me to run and cry, I should laugh it up instead. Much harder said than done. However, wouldn't you rather be laughing and smiling than upset at how the dishes were done poorly or the clothes folded wrong.

Try laughing today, choosing to be happy! :)

Shine on

-BreE

The People Around You

-Oprah Winfrey

Throughout high school I had one "friend" that made me think twice about myself. When I was around her I honestly didn't feel good enough. I felt I needed to be prettier and smarter to get attention from our peers. I needed to have a talent like hers to show everyone that I was special too. I needed a boy at all times that way it looked like I was wanted by the opposite gender as well. When I was around her I didn't immediately recognize these things, but looking back I can see the effects it had. I felt depressed and that I had to please her in order to prove myself worthy or important. Looking back on this I feel so ashamed. How could I let one person's thoughts control me so? How could I let her opinions shape my reflections on myself?

Surrounding yourself with negativity will drain the energy, life and hope right out of you like a leech. Seems pretty obvious, but too often, we allow these negative messages to seep through.

You  have an inner voice telling you that you can do it, that you can reach your goal. But sometimes, that inner voice is distracted, a little discouraged or even intimidated. Sometimes, it lacks conviction. Sometimes, you need an external voice telling you the same thing, reinforcing your confidence and determination.

Meet Katie:

I was at church waiting for my husband's class to be released. As I waited in the hall she came up to me and introduced herself. I hate to admit this but as she was talking all I was thinking was, "you are so pretty why are you even trying to talk to me... me in my tacky fiesta shirt and you in your stylish dress... what could we possibly have in common." Truth be told I was intimidated by her. Finally our husbands came out, and what do you know the four of us planned a time to get together and hang out. I was shocked, nervous and excited.  When we showed up at their apartment my fear seemed to ease as we learned more about this couple. Katie was so nice and outgoing. I could tell she was confident in herself and full of love for everyone she met. Wow I was blown away, and my intimidation feelings exchanged for admiration! The more we hung out the more our friendship grew. It's almost been a year since we met and my thoughts about Katie are still the same. She is so thoughtful, generous and caring. Being around Katie I feel comfortable. Comfortable with myself, I don't have to prove things to her. She excepts me for me... and that is the way it should be.

What kind of person are you? Yikes... thinking about how kind my friend is made me ponder on how I am. Do I help build others up by my actions and examples? Do others feel comfortable around me? I sure hope so! However, there is always room for improvement!

Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher... and be that person too!

Shine on

-BreE

 

Beautiful Heartbreak

Remember when your heart felt so swollen it hurt? Remember when you felt so lost and scared? Maybe you felt frustrated and misunderstood. It is amazing the different emotions trials may bring out in us. I know when I am going through a rough patch I truly do feel all alone. No one knows how bad it hurts or how much I have cried. The important thing to remember is that you honestly are not alone. I have learned that trials point you towards Christ. He cares about you and is listening. How can I feel this much pain if He loves and cares about me? Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us, and things do come about because of our trials. Through our trials we become a stronger person who can hold their head up just a little bit higher because they can do hard things.

Grab a tissue and watch this wonderful music video by Hilary Weeks- Beautiful Heartbreak.

I just love the stories that are told through this video. I can not possibly imagine going through something like loosing my family or burning 80% of my body. There must of been many tears and countless prayers. But guess what? It became a beautiful heartbreak. These women grew into something so beautiful and strong.  I feel guilty because my trials are no where near as extreme as the ones featured. However, no matter what trial you are going through, big or small, something will always come because of it.  I think Hilary put it best:

Every fear, every doubt,
All the pain I went through;
Was the price that I paid to see this view;
And now that I'm here I would never trade...

Goodness here come the tears... its so true and touching though. I used to pray he'd take it all away, But instead it became a beautiful heartbreak.

Take a minute and look back on the beautiful heartbreaks in your life. Did you think it was ever going to end? And now look and what you overcame! Doing this helps me understand that whatever trial I am going through now or ever will face something beautiful will come from it. Keep your head up high and know that Heavenly Father has something in store for you!

I will leave you with a quote my dad always would say to me while wiping my tears:

"You never know what the tide may bring in"

Shine on

-BreE



Introduction

I'm gonna soak up the sun
Gonna tell everyone
To lighten up (I'm gonna tell 'em that)
I've got no one to blame
For every time I feel lame
I'm looking up o I'm gonna soak up the sun
I'm gonna soak up the sun

Yes there is some Sheryl Crow for ya... pure inspiration!

While sitting and eating ice cream, I debated about what to blog about... I have read countless blogs on daily life, date ideas, how to cook or apply make up. I seriously doubt anyone wants to read about how I vacuumed my house today or cooked ramen noodles for dinner. No I don't even care to post things about that either. What do I care about? What do I value the most and want to share with others?

Oh Duh... I want to share positive messages about keeping your head up in hard times and choosing to shine even though its hard.

I want to share personal stories from my journey that stretched me as a person, but enabled me to shine brighter than I ever thought possible.

***Note this is no "pity me blog", but simply a "here is what I have learned so take from it what you may" type of blog.