Tonight I had the lovely pleasure of meeting up with my dear friend and cousin, Jenica, to spend some time catching up and visiting together before she moves across the country to the east coast. We went to Zoyo which turned out to be a delicious frozen yogurt place, similar to Uswirl and Yogurtland. Tender mercy off the bat: I was craving a slice of Salted Caramel cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory all day today. When I walked up to the frozen yogurt flavors at Zoyo...they happened to have "Cheesecake" and "Salted Caramel" among their flavors!! 
Topped with some Graham cracker crumbs, cheesecake squares, pinch of granola and a few swirls of caramel on top...it was SO yummy! What a little blessing that was for me. :-)
I always enjoy getting together with Jen. Tonight was no exception. Whatever we talk about and whatever stories and experiences we share, I always leave her with feelings that can best be described as this scripture from Doctrine and Covenants 50:22, "Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together." Isn't that beautiful?
Jen helped me remember the importance of living and believing in the "letter of the law" but still loving and not judging/looking down upon those around us if they may not choose the same things we do. Knowing this or that weakness or mistake but choosing to think about something good they do or a talent they have been given by God. I was reminded that sometimes people don't know better with different things...or maybe they do know but, they haven't yet received a testimony about it so it is harder to do and remember to live.
Jen helped me remember the importance of living and believing in the "letter of the law" but still loving and not judging/looking down upon those around us if they may not choose the same things we do. Knowing this or that weakness or mistake but choosing to think about something good they do or a talent they have been given by God. I was reminded that sometimes people don't know better with different things...or maybe they do know but, they haven't yet received a testimony about it so it is harder to do and remember to live.
There are so many instances where we could be offended or find reasons to get upset but, recognizing we don't need to stress or worry about others' choices (unless it directly affects our own family and children), remembering we are all different in the ways we struggle and that no one is perfect, choosing to love those around us and trusting them...giving them the benefit of the doubt that they mean the best; To choose to live easy-going, welcoming and accepting of those around us yet still true to our standards and beliefs... All of these things help lift ourselves and lower our stress while simultaneously lifting those around us and strengthening our relationships with them.
We talked about our families; about her family and all of the beautiful relationships between them..all 13 children! Trust is the key. Trusting in people to be capable and able-bodied. Having faith in them. That when they give their word, letting them go and be and have their space..not hovering, helicopter parenting or frequently "spying"/checking up on them to see if they are truly following up on whatever it is they said. And when, in parenting, rules and guidelines have been disobeyed, to have consequences for those but always showing a momentous and vast amount of love. Charity and trust in the family can foster loving relationships!
These are just a few of the thoughts that have been on my mind since parting ways this evening. Hopefully I can do better in living these true principles!
Kindness Begins with me.
Live and let go.
Seek the positive and good.
Forgiveness is 70x70.
Defend those who are absent.
"When we seek for the bad/good, we will surely find it!!"
Until next time..
:-)
P.s. please excuse my lack of makeup, my funny tooth and the sweltering heat outside causing the flushed and glowing faces!
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