Hello Friends & Family! (And anyone else who happens upon this post by chance)
I wanted to take some time to reflect over this past year and let you know about my life. First off, I'm still very bad at staying in contact with people I don't see often. So I'd like to apologize if that's the case with us. I'll try and drop a message when I think of you, and I hope you'd do the same for me. Nobody's perfect. But just know that even if we've grown apart, I still care about you.
This year my greatest growing experience was probably serving as a Shift Coordinator on Saturday Afternoons at the Rexburg, Idaho Temple. For those of you who don't really know much about temples, here's a great video about them. There are many different tasks to be done at the temple and the majority of it is done by volunteers. I started serving as an Ordinance Worker at the Temple in October 2016. Since then I've worked almost every Saturday without pay and doing a variety of tasks to help things run smoothly.
I was very shocked at being asked to be an Assistant Shift Coordinator because that meant I would be the Coordinator come the start of the next year. Turns out I'm one of the youngest Coordinators that this temple has ever had, because normally they don't ask people our age. And I can see why. It's very time-consuming, and it takes a lot of organization and problem-solving on your feet.
But the thing I've learned most from being a Coordinator is that God really is in the details. Just about whenever something could have gone very wrong during the shift, there was a quick solution nearby. There have been only a few medical emergencies on my shift and almost every time one occurred it was when I had an Registered Nurse as a worker. She was always in the position closest to the person who needed help. I couldn't have planned that... but God did. Or the times when I made the schedule with what I would consider a mistake in it, but then a sister would come up to me and thank me for giving her that schedule for one reason or another.
So if God can plan things so well in the temple, why don't I let Help me plan my life more? I've been slowly trying to trust Him with more aspects of my life and see what he can make of it. I've been learning, growing, finding the friends and help I need, healing, and more peace. I won't say life is a breeze because there are unexpected moments and encounters that we may not feel we are prepared for. But just know that if it's in your path, God trusts you to be able to handle it.
Some of you may have heard this before, but a many years back I was reading in Matthew 22 where it says "love thy neighbor as thyself." I used to read that thinking that it meant the same as the Golden Rule's , "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." But this time I read it as "love thy neighbor as thyself."
Wait. You mean... I can love others the way that I want to love them? I can just be myself and that's okay? God trusts me that much?
Yes, yes, and yes! came the reply that I felt in my heart. You are enough!
It doesn't matter who you are ore where you've been. Because you are a child of God you are enough. Because Christ loves you and chose to suffer with you your sufferings and sorrows, you are enough. Because God is the Father of that Spirit which dwells within you, you can have help choosing to do what is good. And that is enough.
Christ went about doing good. Don't run faster than you have strength, just do something good. And then be grateful that God trusted you enough to give you that chance. Life is wonderful, and I hope and pray that you will be able to recognize more of that this coming year.
[Insert fun signature sign-off phrase],
Shawni, Daughter of God. At your service.
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Friday, January 5, 2018
1-year Scripture Challenge (LDS)
Hi Everyone!!!
I made a Facebook Group for a Scripture Reading Challenge and then realized that there are still many people who don't have access to facebook who still really need the opportunity to share in the Challenge.
This is a challenge to read all four of the LDS Standard Works of Scripture in one year! (This includes: New Testament, Old Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price)
Based on the schedule found here it only takes an average of 20 minutes a day to complete that goal, reading or listening!
We started on January 1st but you still have time to catch up! And I made monthly bookmarks that you can print out (below), or if you prefer a digital reminder there is a sync-able calendar download on the website.
This has been a goal for me for a long time and I wish to invite you all to share in it with me! Please join us and invite anyone you think would be interested or benefit from this challenge!
Happy reading!
[Insert fun signature sign-off phrase],
Shawni
I made a Facebook Group for a Scripture Reading Challenge and then realized that there are still many people who don't have access to facebook who still really need the opportunity to share in the Challenge.
This is a challenge to read all four of the LDS Standard Works of Scripture in one year! (This includes: New Testament, Old Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price)
Based on the schedule found here it only takes an average of 20 minutes a day to complete that goal, reading or listening!
We started on January 1st but you still have time to catch up! And I made monthly bookmarks that you can print out (below), or if you prefer a digital reminder there is a sync-able calendar download on the website.
This has been a goal for me for a long time and I wish to invite you all to share in it with me! Please join us and invite anyone you think would be interested or benefit from this challenge!
Happy reading!
[Insert fun signature sign-off phrase],
Shawni
(Click here for a digital PDF of the bookmarks,
or Right-click to save the images below)
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Lodgemaiden Chronicles, Juneau Journies: The Coming of the Last Days...
"The end is coming! Can't you feel it?!" ~ Barrel-wearing Man from Hercules
Even though the end is coming I can tell you one thing for sure, the Millenium will definitely NOT be coming until at least the beginning of next season. ;) The Celebrity Millenium cruise ship had some engine trouble, got stuck in Ketchikan, and is out for the rest of the season. We have less touring days because of it, but I'm sure I'll find good ways of spending my free time. :)
Now I believe it's time for me to regale you with stories about my tourists. ;)
First I want to tell you about my best tour group ever! I first realized that this group was really great when I told them about our State Capital Building. Shawni: "And up to the right on the hill you'll see a two-tone beige building with a couple flags sticking out of the top of it. That's our State Capital Building, and it's actually been voted the 2nd ugliest State Capital in the United States." *Laughter from bus* Passenger: "Hey I'm from Florida, why can't you guys be the ugliest?" Shawni: "I don't care, I'm from Idaho." *Exceedingly more laughter from the bus* And it just got better from there. :D Anyways, after I picked them up from their Whale Watch they found out I was a music major and asked me if I could sing for them. I now know I can make the left turn at De Hart's from Allen Marine towards the Glacier while singing the National Anthem. Thank you, thank you. I'm here till late September. ;)
However, on another day I didn't have quite that amount of luck. My passengers were great BUT I had the remote control for my wheelchair lift go out. When I had multiple wheelchairs loading. Back to back. I definitely got in my exercise that day by using the manual lift pump. ;)
Also, I have a lot of passengers that comment on my name. I tell people that my name is Shawni when I introduce myself. Most people ask me how I spell it and some smart alecs have called me Cherokee or Navajo for the duration of the tour. ;) However, when people read my name tag (Shawndel) they tell me they've never heard of that name before, that it's pretty, or that it sounds like a black person's name. One man even told me that it's an airplane maneuver (Chandelle). Who knew?
The following is a list of the coolest tips I've received this summer: a $50 bill, origami dollars, Presidential Gold Dollars, a 1 oz Copper piece imprinted with the Buffalo Nickel reliefs, 2 mini boxes of Froot Loops, a bag of Kettle korn, a $2 bill, and a Canadian $5 bill. :)
~~~~~~~~~~~
*We interrupt this blog post for a special episode of "Globetrekkers: Juneau Edition."*
First stop: Eagle Beach. Better make sure you have a friend with a car for this excursion because you have to drive far out past Auke Bay. At Eagle Beach you can usually find a group of friendly people with a bonfire going. Tonight we're joining a group of local tour bus drivers who happen to be celebrating the birthday of one of their co-workers. People are eating, socializing, and playing frisbee as part of the festivities. And I can't forget to mention the beautiful sunset behind the mountains. Truly a glorious evening.
Next Stop: Taku Glacier Lodge. Nothing can make a stay in Juneau more exciting than hopping on a float plane to fly over glaciers to a remote lodge. While there you can walk down short trails, eat a lovely salmon lunch, and watch a black bear who frequents the outdoor grill after the cooks have left (trying to find any tidbits they might have forgotten).
Last stop: Indian Cove. To finish off this part of our visit we are going on a little camping trip. Don't forget to pack a tent and canoe because we're paddling out to a small island to spend the night. I hope you'll remember to bring chocolate for your s'mores because we weren't so fortunate. It was also supposed to be an amazing night for viewing the Aurora Borealis, however it was cloudy the whole time. Maybe next visit.
There are many more places to go and things to do here in Juneau, maybe next time you'll get to come with.
*Now back to your regularly scheduled blog*
~~~~~~~~~~~
(Not that there's much more to tell at this point, but I'm sure I'll think of something...) Oh yeah! I've seen more bears on my outings up at the Glacier. There's a mom and two cubs that frequent the salmon stream and I've got a few pics and videos of them. :)
Random fact of the summer: I found out I love to drink herbal iced tea. Especially Good Earth's Sweet & Spicy tea. Mmmmm... :) I've also started trying to plan out how I'll use up the rest of my food before I have to go home. So if anyone has fun "leftover" recipes please send them my way.
Other than that, I only have this quote that I found the other day. I believe it adequately says exactly how I feel about Juneau right now. “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” ~ A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
[Insert fun signature sign-off phrase],
Shawni
Even though the end is coming I can tell you one thing for sure, the Millenium will definitely NOT be coming until at least the beginning of next season. ;) The Celebrity Millenium cruise ship had some engine trouble, got stuck in Ketchikan, and is out for the rest of the season. We have less touring days because of it, but I'm sure I'll find good ways of spending my free time. :)
Now I believe it's time for me to regale you with stories about my tourists. ;)
First I want to tell you about my best tour group ever! I first realized that this group was really great when I told them about our State Capital Building. Shawni: "And up to the right on the hill you'll see a two-tone beige building with a couple flags sticking out of the top of it. That's our State Capital Building, and it's actually been voted the 2nd ugliest State Capital in the United States." *Laughter from bus* Passenger: "Hey I'm from Florida, why can't you guys be the ugliest?" Shawni: "I don't care, I'm from Idaho." *Exceedingly more laughter from the bus* And it just got better from there. :D Anyways, after I picked them up from their Whale Watch they found out I was a music major and asked me if I could sing for them. I now know I can make the left turn at De Hart's from Allen Marine towards the Glacier while singing the National Anthem. Thank you, thank you. I'm here till late September. ;)
However, on another day I didn't have quite that amount of luck. My passengers were great BUT I had the remote control for my wheelchair lift go out. When I had multiple wheelchairs loading. Back to back. I definitely got in my exercise that day by using the manual lift pump. ;)
Also, I have a lot of passengers that comment on my name. I tell people that my name is Shawni when I introduce myself. Most people ask me how I spell it and some smart alecs have called me Cherokee or Navajo for the duration of the tour. ;) However, when people read my name tag (Shawndel) they tell me they've never heard of that name before, that it's pretty, or that it sounds like a black person's name. One man even told me that it's an airplane maneuver (Chandelle). Who knew?
The following is a list of the coolest tips I've received this summer: a $50 bill, origami dollars, Presidential Gold Dollars, a 1 oz Copper piece imprinted with the Buffalo Nickel reliefs, 2 mini boxes of Froot Loops, a bag of Kettle korn, a $2 bill, and a Canadian $5 bill. :)
~~~~~~~~~~~
*We interrupt this blog post for a special episode of "Globetrekkers: Juneau Edition."*
First stop: Eagle Beach. Better make sure you have a friend with a car for this excursion because you have to drive far out past Auke Bay. At Eagle Beach you can usually find a group of friendly people with a bonfire going. Tonight we're joining a group of local tour bus drivers who happen to be celebrating the birthday of one of their co-workers. People are eating, socializing, and playing frisbee as part of the festivities. And I can't forget to mention the beautiful sunset behind the mountains. Truly a glorious evening.
Next Stop: Taku Glacier Lodge. Nothing can make a stay in Juneau more exciting than hopping on a float plane to fly over glaciers to a remote lodge. While there you can walk down short trails, eat a lovely salmon lunch, and watch a black bear who frequents the outdoor grill after the cooks have left (trying to find any tidbits they might have forgotten).
Last stop: Indian Cove. To finish off this part of our visit we are going on a little camping trip. Don't forget to pack a tent and canoe because we're paddling out to a small island to spend the night. I hope you'll remember to bring chocolate for your s'mores because we weren't so fortunate. It was also supposed to be an amazing night for viewing the Aurora Borealis, however it was cloudy the whole time. Maybe next visit.
There are many more places to go and things to do here in Juneau, maybe next time you'll get to come with.
*Now back to your regularly scheduled blog*
~~~~~~~~~~~
(Not that there's much more to tell at this point, but I'm sure I'll think of something...) Oh yeah! I've seen more bears on my outings up at the Glacier. There's a mom and two cubs that frequent the salmon stream and I've got a few pics and videos of them. :)
Random fact of the summer: I found out I love to drink herbal iced tea. Especially Good Earth's Sweet & Spicy tea. Mmmmm... :) I've also started trying to plan out how I'll use up the rest of my food before I have to go home. So if anyone has fun "leftover" recipes please send them my way.
Other than that, I only have this quote that I found the other day. I believe it adequately says exactly how I feel about Juneau right now. “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” ~ A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
[Insert fun signature sign-off phrase],
Shawni
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Lodgemaiden Chronicles, Juneau Journeys: 75¢ Part II (Picture Update!)
I promised pictures, and boy are you getting pictures! :D
Flume Trail
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| The awesome boardwalk |
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| That has water running across it at some points... |
Temsco Helicopter Glacier Tour
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| The Helicopter |
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| Temsco from inside the Helicopter |
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| Mendenhall Glacier from the air |
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| Glacier from the air, take 2 |
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| Me and our guide Nathaniel |
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| Me on top of the glacier, with surface river running behind. |
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| I claim this land in the name of... Nevermind ;) |
Summer Solstice Sunset Pics
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| I caught Rachel and Jed. Aren't they so cute! :) |
Tramway Hike
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| Looking at town from the hillside on the way up |
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| Kyle, Becky, and Dylan at the Tram look-out |
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| Juneau/Douglas from the look-out |
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| Juneau/Douglas/Gastineau Channel from farther up the trail |
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| And, looking down the other side of the Channel |
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| Me, Juneau, Douglas, The Channel, & the Disney Ship |
Eaglecrest/Zipline
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| Me in full Zip-lining gear |
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| Me trying to throw an axe at a target |
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| Picture caught mid-throw, but I hit it! :D |
Tracy Arm
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| Iceburg! |
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| Hole in the wall falls (literally, there's a hole) |
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| Iceberg with an eagle sitting on top! |
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| South Sawyer Glacier |
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| Seals! |
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| North Sawyer Glacier |
Aurora Borealis
Float Trip
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| Where Montana Creek (clear snow run-off) meets with the Mendenhall River (silty glacial run-off) |
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| ♫ What's around the riverbend?♫ |
Kickball
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| We won against Temsco! :D |
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| Me in my awesome XL Dragonfly shirt with the Trophy! :) |
Whale Watch (Just went this morning)
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| LtoR: Me, Kelly, Jenny |
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| Fluking! |
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| More Fluking! |
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| That one must be a fluke. ;) |
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| 3 whales together, 3 puffs of air |
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| Sea Lions Sunbathing |
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| Me at home on a boat again. :) |
Animals
(Sorry for the quality. These were all taken on my cell because I didn't have my camera with me)
(Sorry for the quality. These were all taken on my cell because I didn't have my camera with me)
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| Porcupine |
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| Bear (Just barely off-center, it's there) |
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| Raven |
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| Slug. Why do you ask? We have these covering the sidewalks instead of worms when it rains. |
Alaskan Skies
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| Double rainbow through our living room window! |
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| Another beautiful sunset on the walk home. :) |
I hope you enjoyed them all!
[Insert fun signature sign-off phrase],
Shawni
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