Smith Family Ice Cream Scoop: I Need Family

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

I Need Family

Last night I had a dream that Cassie (Brandon's sister) moved to my town. I was SO excited, and thrilled that I would have a best friend right around the corner! As soon as she moved here, I had lunch dates, shopping together, walks, talks, everything all planned out. During the dream, Hannah (another sister of Brandon's) came to visit us, and it was so much fun! I loved the dream so much that when I woke up, I was still excited... until reality set in. The funny thing is, about a week ago I dreamed that we had to move right by my in-laws, and when I woke up I was sooooo excited... until reality set in. Why can't my dreams just come true?

Here's Cassie's cutie, Hayden.

Cassie biting her fingernails. ;) Here's a funny story... when Brandon and I hadn't been married very long, Cassie came to visit us and came to church with us. Lots of people thought she was MY sister, not Brandon's, because we looked alike. Well, I can tell you... I'll never be offended if anyone says I look like Cassie. (She, on the other hand, might be... ;)

My most recent picture of Cassie... and the last visit I had with her. Every time we visit each other, it just about kills me to say goodbye. I don't know what it is about Cassie, but every time we say goodbye I get so weepy. Maybe it's because I know that it's going to be way too long before we see each other again. I'd almost rather just run out the door and drive away without saying goodbye! We're about 6 months apart in age, and I have loved having her as a sister all these years. I just wish she really did live here... Cassie, do you think you could convince Doug to move here??? It would be perfect!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...: I hear you on the family. I just wish I could select WHICH family could move here! And please know I was just kidding. I was soo not offended. I know how that goes! ;); 7:21 PM
Callie said...: Mindy-
Not sure if you remember me or not, I used to be Cassie and Alison's roommate back in those good old days... anyhow, just had to pop in and say you're not the only one that would love it if Cassie moved a little closer!; 10:24 PM
Amy said...: Sister in laws are the greatest aren't they??? It would be so hard to be away from family. I don't know how you do it and you always seem so happy!; 9:48 AM
Lisa said...: well that was sweet.; 4:19 PM

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To Do Today

* Embrace this day with an enthusiastic welcome, no matter how it looks. The covenant with God to which you are true enables you to become enlightened by him, and nothing is impossible for you.
* When you are physically sick, tired, or in despair, steer your thoughts away from yourself and direct them, in gratitude and love, toward God.
* In your life there have to be challenges. They will either bring you closer to God and therefore make you stronger, or they can destroy you. But you make the decision of which road you take.
* First and foremost, you are a spirit child of God. If you neglect to feed your spirit, you will reap unhappiness. Don't permit anything to detract you from this awareness.
* You cannot communicate with God unless you have first sacrificed your self-oriented natural man and have brought yourself into the lower levels of meekness, to become acceptable for the Light of Christ.
* Put all frustrations, hurt feelings, and grumblings into the perspective of your eternal hope. Light will flow into your soul.
* Pause to ponder the suffering Christ felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the awareness of the depth of gratitude for him, you appreciate every opportunity to show your love for him by diligently serving in his Church.
* God knows that you are not perfect. As you suffer about your imperfections, he will give you comfort and suggestions of where to improve.
* God knows better than you what you need. He always attempts to speak to you. Listen, and follow the uncomfortable suggestions that he makes to us--everything will fall into its place.
* Avoid any fear like your worst enemy, but magnify your fear about the consequences of sin.
* When you cannot love someone, look into that person's eyes long enough to find the hidden rudiments of the child of God in him.
* Never judge anyone. When you accept this, you will be freed. In the case of your own children or subordinates, where you have the responsibility to judge, help them to become their own judges.
* If someone hurts you so much that your feelings seem to choke you, forgive and you will be free again.
* Avoid at all cost any pessimistic, negative, or criticizing thoughts. If you cannot cut them out, they will do you harm. On the road toward salvation, let questions arise but never doubts. If something is wrong, God will give you clarity but never doubts.
* Avoid rush and haste and uncontrolled words. Divine light develops in places of peace and quiet. Be aware of that as you enter places of worship.
* Be not so much concerned about what you do, but do what you do with all your heart, might, and strength. In thoroughness is satisfaction.
* You want to be good and to do good. That is commendable. But the greatest achievement that can be reached in our lives is to be under the complete influence of the Holy Ghost. Then he will teach us what is really good and necessary to do.
* The pain of sacrifice lasts only one moment. It is the fear of the pain of sacrifice that makes you hesitate to do it.
* Be grateful for every opportunity to serve. It helps you more than those you serve.
* And finally, when you are compelled to give up something or when things that are dear to you are withdrawn from you, know that this is your lesson to be learned right now. But know also that, as you are learning this lesson, God wants to give you something better.

from "Unleashing the Dormant Spirit by F. Enzio Busche