Christmas

Wow It is already Christmas?

It is amazing how Christmas changes the entire world.

Think about that impact of ONE birth.

It is a birth that not only changed that entire reckoning of time, but continues to define our years.

But why really was that birth so important to change so much.

People don't like change...but Christ changed us and continues to do so as we come unto him and learn of him.

I am thankful for the Spirit of Christmas.

Isaiah 9:6

2 Nephi 19:6

Luke 2:11

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Sister B. Okada

Faith

Oh yes I have learned something. Something that is so counter intuitive.

In America we are so independent. One of the first things we want to do is to be able to do things on our own.

We are ready to drive ourselves to school, move out and go to college, and have our own homes.

Yeah.

But what does faith take? Reliance. Reliance on the Lord.

Think of that contrast and the implications.

I am here to tell you. It's OK you don't have to do it on your own.

That is so beautiful.

much love,

Sister B.Okada

Try it. Try to have faith. It's scary and hard...but you can do it.

Family

SO I have been thinking about families so much lately. They are such a big part of life. God loves families and they are a divine unit. I testify of that. This life is all about family.

We are children of God and a part of his family.

(Link to or add I am a child of God)

Families are BEAUTIFUL.

That doesn't mean they are easy or perfect. They are meant to try and stretch us.

Families are so eternal...not just in the sense you are thinking. They are cyclical.

We are children. Parents. Grandparents.

We each learn from each other.

Children learn from parents.

Parents learn from children.

Grandchildren learn from Grandparents.

Grandparent learn from grandchildren.

Brothers and sister learn together.

That is one amazing, complex circle that is truly God-inspired: DIVINE.

I love my family.

Love your family. Strive to be a part of them...because you will always be.

Oh and remember that everyone is a part of God's family. Look at them with the thought "That is a child of God. That is my brother. That is my sister."

I can promise the blessings will flow.

Keep Calm and Carry On.

much love,

Sister B.Okada

Family Proclamation to the World

Becoming

Become love. Become peace. Become patience. Etc

Mostly become who you want to be.

You can do it!

I love you all and miss you.

Sister B. Okada

P.S. Someone is always wanting you to become something. Don't disappoint them or yourself.

Hi Blog!

Hello ALL!

I am here in the MTC and loving it. This is a very special place full of special people.

I love being a missionary. It is like nothing else I have ever done. I am learning how to be completely unselfish...which let's face it...is the biggest challenge EVER! But I am growing so much.

I am learning to love people. I am learning to not judge people. I am learning to work with people. I am LEARNING!

I am learning LOVE: 1 John 4. (8-He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.)

I can tell you with a stronger conviction that God LOVES you. You...He knows you by name and knows everything about you. He is very aware of your circumstances and CARES. A LOT!

I miss all of you so much, but am so excited about the work I am doing.

Please "never, never, never give up!" - Winston Churchill.

much love,

Sister B. Okada

Farwell...For Now

I just wanted to say GOODBYE!!!

Yes I am leaving for an LDS Mission on Wednesday...but won't be able to blog right before I leave.

I will miss all of you and miss blogging A LOT.

But I think I can give it up for a year and a half for this amazing opportunity...yeah I can.

I also wanted to say THANK YOU. To all the amazing people who have got me to this point in my life...YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE...and if you don't...YOU PROBABLY ARE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE!

And don't worry...my mom will be updating my blog...either writing her own posts or I will be emailing her some. So don't totally dismiss me yet. Look to the write to hear from me individually :).

Ok and finally many of you are probably wondering WHAT THE HECK IS SHE DOING??? I have wondered that myself, but then I reflect on what has got me to this moment in my life...and then I can BREATHE because I know everything has pointed me to be here right now and to be going where I am going.

Yes. So I am speaking today in church. My talk is supposed to be as if no one knows anything about my subject or they are hearing it for the first time. My topic: The Gospel of Jesus Christ. AWESOME right?

This is it: Not perfect and probably not exactly what I will say...but what I prepared. Enjoy.

I would like to begin with my testimony and testify to you that:

God lives.

I am a child God and you are a child of God.

I know that He loves me very much and that He loves you.

I know that He sent His son Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world, because He loves us.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3: 16-17

I know that God wants us to be happy and that Jesus Christ is central to God’s plan for our happiness.

However we must choose, choose to come unto Christ, accept Him and believe Him. And we can do this through his gospel: The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The first principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ is faith, but more specifically faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

When we have faith in Christ we have confidence in our belief that He is God’s Only Begotten Son. We believe in his role as the Savior and Redeemer of the world. We trust him and accept His Atonement. Our faith increases as we pray, study His words, and experiment upon them.

Our faith in Christ leads us to the second principle of His gospel: repentance.

As we have more faith in Christ we desire to become more like Him through repentance. We repent by changing our beliefs, thoughts, and actions to align with the Savior’s teachings and we avoid sin which move us further away from Him. Repentance is possible because of our Savior’s Atonement. For this reason, as we repent we begin to feel relief and peace as we are coming closer to God and Jesus Christ.

As our faith in Christ continues to increase and we sincerely repent, we are prepared to follow Jesus Christ’s example of baptism which is the third principle of the His gospel.

“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water…” Matthew 3: 13-16

“A now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfill all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy to be baptized, yea even by water?” 2 Nephi 31: 5

Baptism is one of Christ’s commandments and is a sacred act in which we covenant with God. Jesus instructed that baptism by immersion is essential for the remission of our sins and to enter the kingdom of God. We can follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority of God. As we do we promise to obey God and God promises to bless us.

One way in which God blesses us is through The Gift of the Holy Ghost which is the fourth principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Baptism by water qualifies us for the gift of the Holy Ghost Jesus taught that we must be baptized of water and also the Spirit; one without the other is incomplete. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost is one of God’s greatest blessings.

“Those who receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and remain worthy can enjoy His companionship throughout their lives. The Holy Ghost has a sanctifying, cleansing effect upon us. The Holy Ghost testifies of Christ and helps us recognize the truth. He provides spiritual strength and helps us do what is right. He comforts us during times of trial or sorrow. He warns us of spiritual or physical danger. The Holy Ghost provides the power by which we teach and learn. The gift of the Holy Ghost is one of our Heavenly Father’s most precious gifts. Through the power of the Holy Ghost we can feel God’s love and direction for us.” Preach My Gospel p. 65

Once we have had faith in Christ, repented, been baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost, we have but merely started on the path to follow Him. We must follow a pattern of living that continually keeps us close to Christ and becoming more like Him. This is the fifth and final principle of the His gospel: Enduring to the End.

“Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost. And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive. And now, my beloved brethren after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus said the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.” 2 Nephi 31: 17-20

I would like to close by testifying to you that:

Through prayer and study we can gain faith in Christ and desire to repent. I know that we can be forgiven of our sins and mistakes because of our Savior Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

I know the through baptism we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost which will testify of Christ and help us as we try to become more like Him.

I testify of Jesus Christ and his divine role.

I testify that Jesus Christ restored His church through the prophet Joseph Smith.

And that Jesus Christ continues to teach us and guide through our living prophet Thomas S. Monson.

The Book of Mormon is the word of God and is another testament of the Lord Jesus Christ

The gospel of Jesus Christ is why I want to serve a mission. It is the message I hope to share. And it is what will bless individuals and unite families. It is what will bring peace and joy. And it is what will bring us closer to God and Christ.

And I testify to you of these things in His name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

I will miss you all tons.

much love,

b.

Wise Words

So over my visit to DC and to Utah, I saw many great friends and family with lots of advice. They all had something special and insightful to share with me even if they didn't intend to. And sometimes they didn't say anything at all for me to gain. I learned a lot from them and maybe you will too.

Here is my list of wise words which accumulated over my trip:

1. Do everything you can no to burn bridges.

2. People are more understanding than you think.

3. You have to choose you own path. You have an exciting road ahead of you. Write your own story.

4. We are all different...sometimes very different. And that is beautiful. Don't try to change it too much.

5. Life is art.

6. Try not to think in terms of yourself too often.

7. You have to get your feelings out sometime or they will catch up with you. But don't do it before you are ready. And do it in your own way.

8. Balance your knowledge. Memory. Reason. Imagination.

9. We are but one grain of rice.

10. Don't be exclusive when you are teaching...be inclusive.

11. Sometimes the best thing you can do is keep your mouth shut.

12. We need to learn how to listen.

13. Try a different way of doing things. And work hard at it.

14. Strive for a greater perspective. Then the big things become smalls things that eventually won't matter.

15. You can do hard things.

16. Those people that you have built up in your head to be something they are not...really they are only human.

17. Just be nice.

18. You have to love yourself before you can truly love someone else.

19. Sometimes you have to let friends go because it is better for you. This really applies to anyone.

20. Review what you learned and share...don't be selfish.

21. Never compromise your standards. And yes you have to have them first.

22. Always ask questions. And listen for the answers.

23. Marriage happens and it's beautiful. But that doesn't mean you have to like it.

24. The one you love is closer than you think.

25. Write it all down. You will forget it...eventually. And then you will be sad and not as smart as you were.

There is SO much more. But unfortunately I didn't listen to #25...DANG IT! Yep all of them are a work-in-progress.

much love,

b.

Parenthood.

Yes. This might be the one thing I REALLY miss besides family and friends and school of course.

This show is it. This is what TV should be about...FAMILY. I am totally in love with all of the characters and their stories. The family is far from perfect, but I love how they handle all of their mishaps. But at the end of the day the family loves each other and that is how it should be. I am always amazed at how REAL this family is....GREAT SHOW.

Mostly I laugh when I think of one character who might be me when I am a mother: Julia.

Let me just share a part of the last episode that demonstrates my reasoning:

It is Halloween and Julia's daughter Sidney is told her mom that she has decided what she wants to be: Miss California. They are now looking at costumes online.

Julia says: "Ok. Let me take you back here. Focus. Let me take you back to the beginning on this. In 1963...I don't know if you know this, but...the United States passed an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act that gave women equality in the work place. That's...that's so exciting! That was progress! That was important! And then this...is just kind of...."

Sidney interrupts: "But it's pink...and that's my favorite color!"

Julia :"Yeah that's true...but it kind of goes against everything that we as women have been struggling for, for the last 50 years."

Then later in the episode Julia is beautifying Sidney in her Miss California costume:

Julia: "You know how we have talked about....it's wrong to judge people by they way that they look. Right? And do you know how beauty contestants are judged?"

Sidney think for a while and then says: "Hmmm...talent, swimsuit, and interview."

Julia: "Right...Well mostly their judged by how they look and that's wrong so...all I'm saying is we do still have your ladybug costume...ya know...in the case you decide you have moral issues with what you're wearing. Ok...let's see how it looks with the tiara thing."

HA HA HA HA HA.

Yep. That might be the exact conversation I will have with my little girl when she wants to be Miss California. Oh goodness.

No seriously watch the show...well worth you time. I got my mom addicted and now she is asking what hulu is...YEP.

Oh and yes I even love the show's song...a Bob Dylan cover OF COURSE!

Ok. WATCH AND ENJOY!

much love,

b.

Sex STILL Has A Price Tag

Thanks goodness for wonderful friends like Julia who enjoy my passion for health and education.

I got wind of these amazing videos of Pam Stenzel from her.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

Pam Stenzel has an amazing talent for speaking about one of the hardest subjects. A subject which parents spend, I am sure, spend hundreds of dollars on books for or hours researching about. Yeah you guessed it: how to teach their kids about sex. She does it in 6 videos in the most honest and effective way I have ever seen.

I strongly suggest taking a gander.

And I don't care if you are or are not one who practices sex outside of marriage. You need to know the truth and consequences that come with sex. Because one day you will probably have to teach a little boy or little girl about sex, pregnancy and STIs. And I am guessing you don't want your boy or your girl to say...NO ONE TOLD ME. That's my reason for watching it...education...learning...and for my kids.

Consider that.

Oh yeah and one of my favorite quotes: Family stands for Forget About Me I Love You.

much love,

b.

Telling Amy's Story

My OWH mentor sent me a package of the most wonderful items:

1. Best Bones Forever Campaign Materials (tattoos, journals, magnets).

2. A Parent's Guide to Girls' Bone Health

3. A DVD on The Office of Minority Health

4. A folder: Ending Violence Against Women

5. The DVD: Telling Amy's Story

All of materials are fabulous, but last night my mom and I watched Telling Amy's Story. It was really eye opening and spoke of the many layers of conflict (and not just in the home) women face while dealing with domestic abuse.

Here's a sneak peak:



I highly suggest visiting the website and somehow getting your hands on this film.

Open up your mind while you watch the film...learn something new...care a little more...and then DO SOMETHING.

much love,

b.

Things that Bother Me More than They Should

Yep. I totally copied this blog post. But it was a good one...click here...for the original.

Here is my list. Yes and if you know me, you know it is all b.okada:

1. Double negatives...or just poor grammar in general. COME ON PEOPLE THIS IS OUR NATIVE LANGUAGE!

2. People who do not study. I think you should EARN your grades.

3. Long fingernails...GROSS! Especially on boys.

4. When people refer to themselves in the third person. YIKES!

5. Mismatched outfits...gone wrong. I know; I know...everyone has their "own" style...but honestly some things just should never be worn together.

6. Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip. EWWWWWWWWWWWW.

7. Unnecessary Mail. PLEASE NO MORE WASTING PAPER!

8. When people refer to me as Ma'am. I am NOT married or 69 years old...it is MISS thank you.

9. Lack of efficiency...JUST GET IT DONE.

10. Excessive photos on facebook...no one really has that much fun...it's all FAKE.

11.. Old people and babies. YEP you heard me right. I have no logical explanation...it is just the way it is....but it's OK...I am working on it.

And the list goes on...

One by one hopefully these will disappear off my list and I will no longer be judgmental or care about these little nothings.

Well...one day...and probably not any day soon because the list keeps doubling. As I take one off, two more are added on...oh well I don't think my efforts are a lost cause and one day I will succeed.

much love,

b.

This Is What Happens When You Miss Two Weeks of Blogging

I KNOW RIGHT?

I missed way too many worthwhile walks around the block to catch up. So yes I am being lame and mainly linking...but I promise all are worth you time...that is what WORTHWHILE means!

Look HERE to see more.

Vintage Inspired...YES!

PERSPECTIVE

"We all have the desire to achieve a happy life, and everyone has the right to achieve a happy life," [The Dalai Lama] said. "...without desire, movement is not possible. Even wishing happy life, a happy life for others – all is desire. Desire leads our action. Action must come from motivation. Motivation comes from desire," he said. KEEP READING.

My Ideal Wedding Updo. Second. Third.

Fashion Based On How You Should Feel In Your Clothes.

Easy on the Eyes.

Wedding Invitations Anyone?

Let's Talk About It: Yep. Gender.


More.

"You fierce, fearless mama! You go right ahead."

Yep. That's definitely not all, but you have to stop somewhere. Right?

much love,

b.

I've Been Around the World

OK not really...BUT I AM BACK!!!!

So I have been back to DC and to Utah. I guess you could consider that my immediate world. But oh did I miss blogging. I was just too busy...my apologies.

And this will be my last week of blogging...sad I know. But I promise to be diligent.

Well let me update ya'll. I went to DC and saw my sister and went to the DC temple:


Yes isn't it beautiful. Then I saw some friends which was good to catch up. I forgot how my heart just beats for that city. There is SO much to do and SO much to learn. And SO much history, good food, great architecture, and there is a feeling in that city. I always feel like a can make a difference...it is like I have power there.

I got to meet with my mentor and oh it was so good. She is just SO inspiring and her advice is just what I needed to hear:

"You are able to explore and experience things many wish they could....make it great. This is your life's journey. You only get one chance. Embrace it."

Wise...isn't she? Oh I just hope I can be 1/10 as great as she is.

Then I went to Provo and WOW I am so blessed. I realized how many GREAT people I have had the privilege of knowing and loving. It is truly humbling. I also got to hear so many people's wise words...I am very appreciative.

Most of all I got what I wanted: closure and hope.

Closure in that I feel like I have wrapped everything up that I needed to. I said my goodbyes...or more like see-ya-laters and I also said just about everything I wanted to. Hope in the I feel like I left everything taken care of and ready for me when I get back. All my relationships are maintained and I feel like I have left on good terms with everyone...that is the best feeling in the entire world.

Yep you should try it. Resolve everything with everyone...it is a freeing feeling.

So now I am about to head on one of life's journey's. And I think I will follow my mentor's advice and embrace it.

much love,

b.

RIP Cross-Fit

I did it! I made it through a whole month of torture. WOW.

To be completely honest I never made a Saturday...but who really works out on Saturday...ok usually I do, but I got busy....everyone gets busy!

And to be COMPLETELY honest... I am totally going to miss Cross-Fit. I know I NEVER thought I would say that...but it is VERY true.

I am going to miss going to bed SCARED because I do not know the work out for the next day. I am going to miss waking up at 6:10 exactly so I can be ready to catch a ride with my dad. And thinking how am I ever going to do this work out. I am going to miss all the names of the works outs...the guy who invented it named them after all his ex-girlfriends because well you know they are all a pain in the bum. I am also going to miss telling Mere what my Cross-Fit work out was every day...it's always the best thing I can bring to the conversation.

Most of all I am going to miss the PEOPLE:

Mike: The instructor who is way too nice to be a instructor...so encouraging and understanding.
Mindy: The other instructor who I inspire to be...she can do like a thousand pull-ups.
The Guy Who Is Always Done First: When he gets through it I know it CAN be done.
The Girl Who Is Always Done First: She is a beast...in the best possible way and gives me hope.
Bernie: The woman who is much older than me, but gets done either before me or at the same time as me. She is the one that lets me know I CAN do the work out.
The Lady Who Is Always Joking: She makes the whole thing bearable and funny.
The Lady Who Is Always Joking's Husband: He is just REALLY nice and is funny too.
The Couple That Started At The Same Time As Us: We started together and finish together and still think we all are crazy for doing this.
The Oldest Lady: If she can do it so can I!
The Guy Who Always Gives Me A High-Five When I Finish: I always looked forward to this...it was really encouraging.
The New Lady: She is in crazy good shape and like 30 years older than me. She is definitely fun to work out with and challenges me.
My Dad: The man who made me do it in the first place, but always comes with me. I am going to miss talking about how hard the work out was with him.

More than anything I am going to miss that feeling when I have just accomplished a work out that I know I would have never done nor could have ever done on my own...SHEER BLISS. When you do something that seems impossible there is nothing like that. You want to shout I did it...I finished...I pushed...I CONQUERED!

Man that was a great class...I totally am going to miss it SO much. I am so happy that my dad convinced me. Although exhausted I know my body thanked me after every work out. I am stronger. I am happier and I am going to miss you Cross-Fit!

So moral of the story...do hard things...they are rewarding. Go ahead try something hard...if you think you can't think of me doing a Cross-Fit work out every morning for a month...I never thought I would survive...but I did. And I didn't ONLY survive...I conquered and loved it!

much love,

b.

My Poor Kids

Maybe it's a girl thing or maybe it's a me thing...but I think about my future kids all the time. Weird I know...but I do it. I think I just think being a mother is probably the most important job there is. I mean think of all the great people that you know...more often than not they probably have a great mother. That's just the way it is.

Sometimes though I feel sorry for my kids already...because I think they will have anything but a conventional childhood. For example, I saw an add for Trick-or-Treat with Unicef and I thought...yep my kids will do that...be dressed up and collect candy, but also collect coins for Unicef. That's just the way it will be.

Other things:

1. They probably won't know what it is to bottle feed a baby...if I can help it.
2. Recycling will be a matter of fact...and probably when they get to school they will cry because there is only ONE trash can.
3. Every vacation will NEVER be just for fun...always learning or helping...they won't know what a REAL vacation is.
4. It won't be weird that they know what DVT is and how to prevent it.
5. They will probably think the f word is fat and the s word is skinny.
6. Kids will probably stare at them with open mouths when they banter about the morning news, politics, human rights, or international relations...well see just how informed they can become.
7. Inviting friends to dinner will always be interesting...naan, peanut sauce, fish eggs, and haupia do not always sit well with everyone.
8. They will think riding in a car is a luxury...depending on where we live.
9. They will probably think that everyone speaks at least two languages...if not 3 or 4.
10. Soda, sugar cereal, sweets and treats will either be VERY special or the devil.
11. They will call all their body parts by their correct anatomical names...and will think its weird when people call them otherwise.
12. Video games will be weird to them...they will think...Why would anyone want to play a video game...playing in the real world is so much better!...we will see how many boys I have...YIKES!
13. Talking about anything and everything won't be scary or embarrassing...it what people should do...COMMUNICATE and LEARN...no shame.

I don't know how many of these will really happen...just depends on the kids I get and how well I raise them. And I am sure the list will grow and grow...my poor weird kids.

much love,

b.

I have NO idea where I got this...so sorry! I think it is floating around in a lot of different spaces. But what I DO know is that I completely agree with it...well except for the tea part...I don't drink tea...but I can replace it with milkshake...YUM an elvis milkshake to be more specific. If you have no idea what I am talking about, I am sad for you...seriously go try and elvis milkshake...YUM. That is art...flavor...goodness...and yes PEANUT BUTTER!!!

OK well I have to go take care of some art.

Why don't you do that too...live.

much love,

b.

Nearer My God To Thee

Tomorrow I head to the LDS Temple for my first time as an adult...yep I am all grown up!

Excited.

Nervous.

Anxious.

Happy.

Whoa.

Those are just SOME of my feelings. Mostly I am excited. My only hope is that it is a good experience...that is all that I can ask for. And I guess I am realizing that I am the one who really determines that.

So yeah...make your experiences how you want them to be. You are the one in control of how your react...why not make it positive, great, happy, exceptional, special, or extraordinary?

much love,

b.

Yeah So What If I Don't Drink Coffee

YEAH TODAY IS THE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My beautiful and fabulous friend Meredith is opening her coffee shop!!!

SO yeah if you are in the area please stop by and say hello!

Parlor News Coffeehouse
135 E 2nd St
Powell, WY

AND if you are like me and do not drink coffee that is OK...there are pastries and I'm sure she would make a wonderful hazelnut steamer for you...my fav! But no promises :).

So go ahead stop by...but preferably not during a rush hour...give her a break it's her FIRST DAY!!

love you mere!

much love,

b.

Pickleball

I know what you are thinking:

Yuck I hate pickles.

Yum that sounds like the greatest treat ever!

Picklewhat?

Or something like that.

Well let me tell you something. I am the daughter of a pickleball champion. Yep that's right. Ok maybe he isn't a nationwide champion, but he has taken the prize at the Billings, MT tournament with some first and second places. Yep my dad is a pickleball champion!

OK you are still wondering what in tar-nation is pickleball! Well it is no treat...it's a sport.

The Ball:
The Paddle:
That's Old School. If you're like my daddy you use this paddle:
The Court:
The Rules:

Click Here.

Basically it's similar to tennis, but totally different. Does that help?

Anyway. So every week my dad gets together with the guys in the morning for some pickleball. Yesterday I had the fortune of playing with the fellows...it was really fun even though I'm not all that great.

Another great detail about this sport is that old people can play too:

In fact I think it is relatively an old persons' sport. Well at least all the guys who I played with yesterday are at least 50 or older. Yes I just played a sport with people who are more than 30 years older than me or even 50 years older...I still got schooled.

Anywho you should try this sport it is SO fun and not as easy as you might think!

Here's some things from my morning stroll:

And last but certainly not least. Wish Upon a Wedding:

A non-profit organization who in their own words is "Based on the concept that two people in love should never be denied the chance to marry their soul mate, [they] help couples who have endured much greater challenges than the average person. Specifically, Wish Upon a Wedding provides weddings and vow renewals for couples who have faced terminal illness or other serious life-altering circumstances."

I think that is just dandy. I mean if you know me I am always looking for great ideas to start a non-profit organization and I think this one is not just brilliant, but touching!

So....go ahead think "How can I change the world through a non-profit organization?" and then DO IT!

much love,

b.

ASIAN LOVE

As many of you know I am half Japanese, hapa, half Asian, hapa haole, half white, half American, half Caucasian, mixed...whatever you want to call it.

Most people who don't know just ask "So, what are you?"

I am always tempted to respond "I am a human...what are you?" but I usually don't...when I have people just look at me funny.

Anywho. I LOVE ASIA...and not because I am half Asian, but because I just LOVE it. It is so RICH, COLORFUL, CRAZY, and the PEOPLE...WOW.

OK so it is not like I have traveled all over Asia or anything...actually I have only been to Japan twice. But I did a four month research project on Cambodians...LOVE those people...what a STRONG people. I lived in Hawaii for a summer where I met TONS of Asians...who I just LOVE mostly because they love love love and make you laugh SO much. I also had the privilege of working for BYUs International Services where I worked with plenty of Asians. So I think I am well-acquainted with Asians...I mean I have grown up with one my ENTIRE life. LOVE YOU DAD! SMILE.

OK BREAK...I know I am saying Asians as a lump term...SORRY...I know Asians are so diverse and shouldn't be clumped into one term...but really I love just about ALL ASIANS...because of the diversity. Each country and culture is so rich and lovely and lively...WAHOO...Asia is SO amazing!

So this morning I did my usually click click click and I found this....thanks to A Cup of Jo:

My Rocking Wardrobe: Japanese and Korean inspired FASHION!

Amazing right? YES!

Please take a look:

FOR ME:For Little Girly Rocker MAE:

For the Tough Little Guy TORU:

OK OK OK you caught me...I just chose the cutest pictures for the kids...they were just too cute to resist. And there are TONS more...suggest taking a peek.

So...YAY for ASIAN LOVE.

Yeah you heard me go find Asian love.

much love,

b.

Missionary Wish List

As many of you know I will be serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints come November 17. I have been called to serve in Vancouver Canada and will be preaching to Chinese immigrants therefore I will learn to speak Mandarin Chinese. I will be in Provo, UT at the Missionary Training Center for about 12 weeks studying and then I will be shipped off to spend the remainder of my mission with the crazy Canadians!

These last few months I have been preparing and preparing. This includes reading the scriptures, studying Preach My Gospel and getting ready to enter the LDS Temple. Also I have been shopping to gather EVERYTHING that I need. And I have gotten a TON! My mom deserves a huge THANK YOU for helping me and paying for the majority of it. I still have a few more things to get before I am set, but there are some items that I will never get…but I still think they are great.

Here is my wish list of items:

I will always need to be on time.

I hear Vancouver is WET.

A dress for every day of the week (made modest of course and all different colors...this IS a wish list right?).

I hear it get nice and cold up North.

I will need to look professional…but cute at the same time.

I am traveling to Canada…HELLO.

Whew...what a list. And you should see what I already have...I'm so spoiled...YIKES!

I am so excited to go to Canada to teach the Chinese about my beliefs and share a message about Jesus Christ! I am also SO READY to GO! I can't wait for November 17...even though I will definitely miss family and friends.

I am READY. Ready to learn, grow, speak Chinese, teach, pray, and LOVE. I am READY.

I realized that my missionary wish list only included material objects...YUCK! So really what my missionary wish list includes is: (NO particular order OK...you just can't order these things)

1. Growing closer to God.

2. Working hard EVERY day.

3. Loving all the people in Vancouver.

4. Not just getting along with my companions...but LOVING them.

5. Gaining a strong (like rock solid) testimony.

6. Increasing my knowledge of the scriptures and spiritual things.

7. Understanding my Savior: everything He did/does for me and everyone.

8. Speaking Mandarin fluently.

9. Being perfectly obedient.

10. Forgetting myself...because this is NOT ABOUT ME.

There's SO much more...I can't even list it all...I just want to be the BEST...you know me, the perfectionist...but it is really what I hope for and what I am going to strive for.

So be your best...I know you can do it...and you are already succeeding if you are trying!

much love,

b.

Am I Brave?

Have you ever asked yourself this or maybe just hope that you were. Well I have...LOTS. I want to be brave. I can think of many people who are brave that I admire. If you brave it seems like you can do anything. And I want to do EVERYTHING!

Well...think about this:

It's not brave if your not scared.

-From Bounce

much love,

b.

Never Underestimate A Mother's Love

I have been mia due to a few family events (aka stress)...but that's OK.

While I have been home I been fortunate to spend a lot of time with my momma. We drive to school together, eat all our meals together, and go on walks together etc. I pretty say to her everyday..."So what do you want to do next?"

So yeah I have been able to see a lot of things...like just how much my mom LOVES her kids. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of frustration, tears, sleepless nights, tongue biting, and LOTS and LOTS of walking (Walking is how my mom deals with life. She walks, walks, and walks until everything is doable). But there is no doubt that she loves her kids.

Mostly it is so great to see how much she wants each of us to succeed. She expresses how she sees so much potential in each of us and prays that we can reach it. She really thinks the world of us...maybe even more than we really deserve.

Seeing all of this love, I reflected on all the times my mom has been there for me. First let me say...the list is endless...my mom was there for me ALL of the time. But here are some of ones I really remember:

1. A+ Student (I was believe it or not the biggest procrastinator; I thrive with stress. BUT I am also a minor or MAJOR perfectionist. My mom would stay up with me all night to finish and perfect a school project which was almost always due the next day).

2. Excuses, Excuses (If I ever felt uncomfortable about going somewhere or hanging out with someone my mom ALWAYS said "Blame it on me." She didn't care what people thought of her...she would rather have me safe and comfortable).

3. Globe Trotter (My sophomore year of high school I decided I wanted to study marine biology in the Bahamas through a school program. My mom worked every Thursday night with me "stuffing boxes"...my first job, to help me pay for the trip. She also was encouraging when I went to Hawaii, Washington D.C., and Japan. Hopefully this lasts so I can go to Jerusalem, Nepal, Thailand, and Cambodia.)

4. Brown Baggin It (Yes this is humiliating, but my mom packed me a lunch all of my school years. Yes that includes through my Senior year. She didn't insist on me taking a sack lunch...I am was just plain lazy. She never complain though.)

5. SURPRISE (My mom never failed to surprise me with a little gift. Whether it was a new scarf, note in my lunch, extra treats in my ski bag, or just a trip to Dairy Queen she always found a way to make my day better.)

Yep those aren't even one thousandth of all the great things my mom did for me.

I have realized that my mom really is my best friend.

We talk. We walk. We shop. We fight. We laugh. We eat out. We cry. We learn. We grow. We love.

I don't know how many other girls are that lucky to be able to talk to your mom about anything and be besties. It's kinda weird. But she is still my mom and knows me better than anyone in the entire world. I'm one lucky girl.

My mom really does love all her kids. She would do anything for all of us. She ALWAYS does what she thinks is best for us. If I pay attention close enough I realize that she is always teaching me.

The other day my mom asked me "So are we even?" My answer was "No. We will never be even. I will always owe you."

much love,

b.

Smile Today.

.

Try NOT to be SERIOUS.

Be GRATEFUL.

Sing a TUNE. (No you really don't have to sing, but let you soul enjoy some music.)

Have a CHAT with a friend or stranger.

PICTURE something beautiful. (I don't mean visualize. I mean organize. Organize a scene into a beautiful picture for yourself...which later you can visualize and let it inspire you, calm you, or simply ground you.)

Say HELLO. (I mean say hello to some THING you don't know. Become informed.)

Do one thing that SCARES you.

BREATHE. (I mean hard as in move you body.)

Lists motive and inspire. Please add and subtract as you please. Make it your own. Be you.

BUT remember: become.

Becoming means not being who you are but making the little changes along the way to be who you want to be. This will include trying.

TRY NEW THINGS.

Trying new things helps shape who you are and who you are becoming.

SO: Smile Today. (I mean try things that are hard and difficult that make you frown at first, but when you realize you can do them bring the biggest smile...whether its on the outside or inside).

much love,

b.

Addiction: the state of being enslaved

Yep you guessed I am addicted. Now the definition doesn't lend to me (yes I just discovered that wonderful wording...lend...I like and maybe love and am going to make a point of using it more often). But what am I in the state of being enslaved to?

CLICKING

Yep. I get online and click, click, click. There is just TOO much to see and love. I am hoping you know exactly what I mean. You see a blog and love it then see a post and click you are on to a new website which you just love too and then you find a post and click you are on to a new website which you just love...click...click...click...the cycle is almost unbreakable. UNTIL you look down at that little clock in the bottom of you screen which tells you exactly how much time you have just wasted click. Guilt takes a hold and you end up closing the long line of tab on your browser.

Whew yep that just happened to me. So follow my trail:

First I started with my own blog list.

Which landed me HERE and HERE.

Where I found:







Which led to:

More Recipes



More Prints



More United Plates and some Presidents





and More Candy Cakes





And then I found:

1.

2.

3.

Yep I kept clicking and clicking and finding and finding.

And that's OK.

Because the find is the best part.

So go ahead click, then click, then click again.

Happy Finding.

much love,

b.