Peanut Butter and Cheese

Yesterday afternoon I stood with Scott in the kitchen, dying Easter eggs, when Audrey came out from her room looking bleary-eyed. "Hey, Tarythe, when Heather and Nora get here, just send them back to my room, okay? I'm going to lie back down on my bed." I replied that I would, and informed Audrey that there was a surprise waiting in the fridge for her. She at first looked confused, and then realized that I was speaking of the peanut butter and cheese sandwich (meaning two pieces of cheese with peanut butter in between them) that I had made for her earlier that afternoon. When I had taken the delectable to her bedroom for her to eat, I'd found her attempting a mid-afternoon nap so I promised to leave it in refrigerator for her to have later. Now, as she read the "DON'T TOUCH" sign I had labeled the sandwich with, she laughed and unwrapped the 5 or so layers of saran wrap that protected her treat from knaves.

It wasn't until a full 5 minutes after Audrey wandered back into her room to wait for her sisters to arrive that I realized the implications of her origingal request. I turned to Scott and asked, "Wait, did she say HEATHER and Nora? Heather lives in New York!" Scott affirmed that I had indeed heard Audrey correctly, and I stood there with a confused look on my face. Just then Nora and another woman (who I correctly assumed was Heather) wandered around the corner, looking for their sister. They found her in the hallway, and after a round of hugs the three traipsed into Audrey's bedroom to chat. I followed them shortly afterward, so I could meet Heather and to say hello to Nora, whom I hadn't seen for a week or so. The three looked so happy to see each other again. It was a wonderful surprise to finally meet Audrey's sister Heather, whom I had heard so much about and whose writing I kept up-to-date on. As I stood next to Audrey's bed where Heather and Nora perched, I noticed the similarities and differences between the three girls, both in appearance and personality. I have now officially met all of Audrey's immediate family save her mother...perhaps the summer will remedy that.

My Mission Call

Whether or not I would serve a mission for my church was never a question; I always just assumed that I would. I never even considered otherwise, and would never say "IF I go on a mission...", but rather 'WHEN'. It was simply the next step in life, and as I grew older so grew my anticipatory excitement of this great calling and opportunity. I wanted so much to offer myself to the Lord, taking a year and a half to do nothing but serve His children and share with them the gospel of Jesus Christ which has brought so much joy and hapiness into my life. As a girl, I looked forward to this time of personal sacrifice with excitement, and complained because I could not go until I was 21 years of age.

But as my 21st birthday drew nearer, the idea that my mission wasn't to be assumed became evident to me. I realized that there were other capacities in which I could serve the Lord, ones which would be just as pleasing to Him and would bring me equal hapiness. As this idea became more apparent, I recognized that it was a choice for me to make, in close council with the Lord.

When January came, I looked ahead to my birthday in the summer and thought about the fact that in a few short months I would be able to turn my papers in soon and ask to recieve a mission call. Throughout the semester it has been always at the back of my mind, to be considered as an option should another not pan out. At first it did not present a serious problem, but as the summer drew closer I realized that it was one of many upcoming decisions that would greatly impact the rest of my life, and would have to be made soon. So I called upon the Lord, begging for assistance and waiting to recieve my answers...in the meantime, taking life one day and sometimes one hour or one minute at a time. After my dental surgery, I had plenty of time to myself to think and to consult with the Lord. During those hours in which I was unable to do much of anything but think, the Lord graciously filled me with His Spirit and enlightened my mind. I felt peace like I have rarely felt before. In those quiet hours came many of the answers I sought; concerning those answers which I did not recieve, in their place came the soft whispers of comfort that told me I did not need to know those things now. ("...In response to my cries, He simply replies, 'Peace be unto thy soul.' ") I have said before that patience is a virtue but not one of mine, and I add to that statement that the Lord is patiently (ironic, isn't it?) teaching me to be so.

I have chosen to marry rather than go on a mission; perhaps one day Scott and I will serve a mission together, but for now I know that this is where I need to be. I have been told by the Lord that I will be given the opportunity to serve, but that my greatest calling will be that of a noble mother and wife. I jokingly threaten Scott with the possibility that as we are yet unmarried I could still leave him and choose to go on a mission, but in reality there is no chance of that. I know my place and my purpose. I thank the Lord for that; for the knowledge I have that I am His daughter, that He loves me, and that in me is the inherent capability of greatness. Truly, I am blessed.

A Story

This is an old story, a classic tale that you’ve heard many times before.

Boy meets girl. Boy and girl are just friends, until one day they discover that they could be more. Boy and girl flirt, date, hold hands, and kiss. Boy sweeps girl off her feet, and finally proposes with the most gorgeous ring the girl has ever seen. The two will get married in San Antonio in July, and begin their life together in Maryland. Everyone rejoices.

Pictures of the ring pending; just let me know if you want them…