Spiritual Weekend at work. Topic: Family History, Journaling, and the Gospel period.

This weekend was one of those weekends that helped me to have a love for working at the hospital. I may have mentioned before that I'm a housekeeper at a hospital near where I live. And I like having a variety and options as well as change in my work week. I'm what is called a float Housekeeper. I come to work most of the time not knowing which part of the hospital I'm going to work at everyday till I arrive and receive my pager, my DAR(Daily Activity Report) and keys. Each DAR is different for each area you're in the hospital. Some just patient rooms, some patient rooms, discharges and ancillary(public restrooms, elevators, Nurses stations, etc...), Just Ancillary. I'm very reliable and flexible, I now know basically all of the areas in the hospital except for Inpatient Psychiatry. But, anyways, this past weekend I was placed into 6th floor in the East Tower of the hospital. And that's your med surg floor most of the time it is full with about 35 patient rooms. And only one houskeeper doing the full floor to clean their rooms. During the weekend I started out with 21 patients down to about 10 by the time I was done Sunday. After Sunday, I was walking to my car and reflecting on my weekend while going home. Is probably one of those weekends I should never ever forget in my life. Because, it was such a special experience. I met so many wonderful people this past weekend and it was such an amazing opportunity to clean their rooms, talk and learn from each individual I talked to! it was so wonderful.

So Here's how it all started. Saturday, I come on the floor, and set up my cart and do my trash run. I get to 670 and it's this sweet elderly lady, I sadly don't remember her name, I need to get better at that but for now since we are dealing with HIPPAA laws, it's probably a good thing too. We'll call her Betsy. I take out her trash, and I see that she has some Dottera Oils on her sink Shelf. And I started a conversation with her about them because, my mom has a membership with them and it was following a prompting or a voice in my head telling me to start it. I talked with her about a Sunburn I recently got a week and a half ago, and so on and so forth with her telling me which oils I could use to help heal the burn. This conversation eventually lead to her marriage and my marriage and Jordan and I making preparations to be sealed in the Temple for Time and All Eternity this December. I learned that her Anniversary is the day after mine, and she said that she would be thinking about me on my 1 year anniversary knowing that Jordan and I will be experiencing the best day of our lives! Then, she started talking about Family History and how important it is  to start early so that younger generations can go to the temple and have to wonderful experience of doing baptisms for the Dead and other Ordinances for the dead depending on the age so on and so forth. And We talked about keeping a journal, doing scrapbooking, and even doing the generation charts online since it is now available. It was such a wonderful opportunity to talk to her. I wasn't able to talk to her much Sunday because, she always had something going on in her room visiters, help from the Nurse or PCA(Paitient Care Assistant just like a CNA). So when I cleaned her room I basically needed to go in and out.

Later on Saturday, i get to room 662 this patient named *Jeff(Don't remember the name again) had a friend visiting. And talked with his friend about a little bit of drama of the crazy politics of the government and how we shouldn't take things for granted in life because, it's too short to do so. It went on to his friend Gary(he told me his name but it slipped my mind) talking about how he joined the church and how his Aunt was the first to Join and of course with the Snow Ball effect she shared with his mother(her sister), and eventually the agreed to have the missionaries over. He shared his father was involved with the BSA. He loved how the church supported the same values as the BSA and that was one of the first things that drew him to the gospel. His mother had other things. Eventually their family got baptised and he was either a child or a Teenager at the time. And he loved it. He looked around at other churches and he had fun he said he enjoyed learning about other religions, just none of them felt right for him. He still felt a little bit of an absence in his life. When he first started going to Young Mens' before getting baptised, he felt accepted right on, he noticed that every young man in his ward shared the similar values his family shared and he was so happy to have found that happiness in his life. He eventually joined the Navy, and has been strong since. he talked about how special it was to be able to hold a child right after their born and that there's nothing like having children. Like he shared to take our time. But again there's nothing like the feeling of a pure being straight from Heavenly Father's presence and into your arms to become a blessing in your life. I look forward to that time in my life when it is time. Just being patient and working on getting schooling done. It was such a wonderful time to talk with him and hearing his testimony. I was able to share my testimony and my journey in my life and experience with the Atonement, and other things in my life. It was such a boost in my testimony and in spirit that it made my day a whole lot easier! I loved it.

Sunday rolls around and I had good conversations with different people on the floor, but not as uplifting as my last conversation of the day with Juanita in 683. I saw her a few times the day before, met her husband and even met her dog, Teddy a Yorkshire Terrior(one of my most favorite dogs), I talked about my families Teddy who was a Pomeranian/Shih Tuz(Sheed-su, not Shit-su), and my other dog Wrylie with them and they talked about their Teddy. and I admit he was a pretty smart dog. He was a little suspicious first kinda pulling away but with a little bit of patience he let me pet him, massage his ears, so on and so forth. But anyways back to Sunday, I clean her room and I pointed out her planner looking book, but it was her Journal. She shared that she has never missed a day since 1970 when her family went to Japan to serve a Christian Mission. She told me that they go around getting pledges to help their church, and come back the next year to renew their pledge, and to also talk with family to come unto Christ. I was able to tell her how we did it in the LDS church, and it was a very kind conversation between us. She shared that when they got there, she expressed a fear that she was going to forget everybody's names, and all of the experiences they would have and her husband suggested to have her keep up a Diary. And so she did ever since. She basically has almost every detail of every day. And she even said that it settled some arguments in her family. Her sons referencing the book as her "Book of Lies." Which ironically turns out that she always turned out to be right. Which always brought up a laugh. She said that there was a time that her journal writing even helped them in a legal case shortly after her father in law passed away. She recorded hours of research for the case, the millage of travel, expenses for food and Hotel Stays, etc. She was able to prove a statement that was said by him before he passed away in her journal, and both her attorney and the Judge we dumbfounded in a sense that it was incredible of the blessings that had during this whole ordeal.  Even though, I kind of do that in my monthly planner I carry around in my purse, I almost want to get the book she has so that I have an opportunity to be able to share special event through out the day to see how close I can become to myself, my husband, and my heavenly father. It's so amazing to see this. She was such a kindred heart and spirit, I was able to learn things that were new and from her experiences to stay a step a head of different people and remember better of different important things and events instead of my mind going from one thing to the other. Or at least control it in a sense to have it connect together in randomness or whatever. Still keep my personality but have a better memory, and not feel like I'm forgetful about different events in my life. If you know what I mean. it was such an amazing opportunity to talk with her and learn by her example. she is such a wonderful Daughter of God. I hope to be able to see her again in the next life and share more of what I've learned and have a wonderful conversation again! :D

After pondering on all of these conversations I've had with these different, wonderful people, that I think that Heavenly Father placed me there so that I can get a Clue that I need to start on my Journal writing again, as well as work a little on my family history. I still don't really have the interest, I just know that the seed is being planted deeper and deeper for it to burst and grow into a passion. It's just not there yet. I just know that I need to start small and eventually go bigger.  I know that he has a hand in my life and that I needed to be at the hospital for plenty of different reasons. This being one of them. Thanks for reading. :D




"Life is tough but it's even tougher When you're stupid." (Do what works in Life) -Anonymous

Reflection on 2011

Year In Review-2011

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
Went down Snake River in WY

Visited Jackson Hole and saw part of the tetons.

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for this year?
I don't make resolutions cause, 1. I forget them. and 2. Even if I remember them, I loose motivation or find better ideas. I have made goals for myself for this year because, I felt strongly to do so.



3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My Cousins Tyler and Kellyanne gave birth to their beautiful youngest daughter in November. :D

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Nope

5. What countries did you visit?
I'm poor... I can't travel... But I did visit Idaho. haha! :D

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
I have what I need for now. :D Being as prepared as I can to go to the temple to be sealed for Eternity!

7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The Day Jordan Byrd came home from his mission

The Day one of my good friends got baptised.

When a few of my good friends came home from their missions!
Getting full fellowshipped and recieving my temple recommend back.

Going to the temple for the first time in 2 years to do baptisms for the dead!

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting my temple recommend and a calling in my ward. I'm the Ward Music Director(as of this passed sunday), and the Ward Chorister.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not saving or budgeting my money.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I got in a car accident in March and got strep throat a week before finals! :P

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My Car!! :D .

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Mine, and Chad's.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled?
People I work with. It keeps me humble. And know that my life is easier compared to theirs because of the choices I make now.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Paying for school, My Car, food, rent, phone, debt.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about.
Going to the Temple!

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Party Rock Anthem- LMFAO (Don't ask, it just does...)

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or Sadder? Happier
Thinner or Fatter? Fatter
Richer or Poorer? Rich (spiritually) Poor (financially)

18.What do you wish you'd done more of?
Saved my money

More efficient with and dedicated with the process I went through last year.

Served more

Loved more

Forgave more

19. What do you wish you'd have done less of?
Spent less time on Facebook.
Spent less time on the computer period.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Went to Jordan's family Christmas Party, went to church to see my younger sisters perform in my home ward. Opened presents, then went to my family gathering.

21. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2011?
When I dropped the gallon of distilled water from the top of the Shelf at Taylor Drug and seeing it shatter like a water balloon! haha!

22. Did you fall in love in 2011?
Yeppers!

23. How many one-night stands?
Baha! Nope!

24. What was your favorite TV program?
I haven't watch a TV Program in like 2 years... I don't even know! I may just stick with NCIS

NUMB3RS 

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No, it's hard for me to hate someone really. I mostly just tolerate some people.

26. What was the best book you read?
I don't think I read any books this year except the Book of Mormon. haha!

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I don't remember

28. What did you want and get?
A New Job(which I got)

A Car

29. What did you want and not get?
I have no idea...

30. What was your favorite film of the year?
Captain America

Fast Five

Pirates of the Caribbean

Harry Potter 7 part 2

Cowboys vs. Aliens(it was ok)

3 Musketeers(if you haven't read the book or seen the classics it's pretty good. But you won't like it if you have read and seen the classics)

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I Turned 21. My friends blindfolded me and took me to temple square and the Church History Museum up in Salt Lake.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
That's Personal.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Jeans, V-Necks, Jacket Hoodies, Skirts, things to help with modesty. Warm ups,

34. What kept you sane?
My Best Friend Amanda Fox

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
None

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Marriage, Abortion

37. Who did you miss?
Aunt Delene, my missionary friends, Chad, Jordan, Amanda

38. Who was the best new person you met?
Jordan and Paul Peterson. I later found out they went to school together! Small world and crazy! haha!

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Going to institute and when you give something up for a time and you begin with prayer, you have a closer relationship with Heavenly Father! I learned so much this year. And I know I will be learning more this year too! 

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"So how can you see what your life is worth 
Or where your value lies? 
You can never see through the eyes of man 
You must look at your life 

Look at your life through heavens eyes 

A lake of gold in the desert sand 
Is less than a cool fresh spring 
And to one lost sheep, a shepherd boy 
Is greater than the richest king 
If a man lose everything he owns 
Has he truly lost his worth? 
Or is it the beginning 
Of a new and brighter birth? 

So how do you measure the worth of a man 
In wealth or strength or size? 
In how much he gained or how much he gave? 
The answer will come 
The answer will come to him who tries 
To look at his life through heavens eyes 

And thats why we share all we have with you 
Though theres little to be found 
When all youve got is nothing 
There's a lot to go around 

No life can escape being blown about 
By the winds of change and chance 
And though you never know all the steps 
You must learn to join the dance 
. 
So how do you judge what a man is worth 
By what he builds or buys? 
You can never see with your eyes on earth 
Look through heavens eyes 

Look at your life through heaven's eyes"

(Through Heaven's Eyes *These are just my favorite parts of the song*)

Tears don't mean you're losing, everybody's bruising

May angels lead you in.Hear you me my friends.On sleepless roads the sleepless go.May angels lead you in.

"Life is tough but it's even tougher When you're stupid." (Do what works in Life) -Anonymous