Monday, January 20, 2014

That moment when you realize you're a grown up. But for reals.

1/13/14

Today I got an email from my Mama that said one of my very dear friends from my childhood would be getting married in May. Now I don't want to name name's because that would be rude.....
But shout out to Sarah K for getting engaged!!!!!!!!!
You win some, you lose some, eh? :)
So that's 6/8 for my childhood/teenage friends from church. (Does anyone know if Justin's engaged yet, cause that would make it 7/8) All my school friends are tying the knot and sending me invitations, and being all ridiculous and adorable. Then there's me in Minnesota, freezing my tights off, and trying to teach people about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
And as I sat here geeking out in the public library I thought to myself, "Hey, this makes me a grown up doesn't it? Aw maaaaan!"
If I didn't think I was one before, this new engagement seals the deal. I'm old, and I'm an adult....mostly. :))
It was a bit of a mind blowing moment, but I'm happy.
Right now.
In this moment.
I am happy.
:) I hope all of you have found something to be happy about today.
With love, from Can-Win

"Nevertheless We Did Not Feel To Murmur"

1/6/14

This week my thoughts have been focused more or less on this really nasty habit I seem to have developed. It's called complaining, maybe you've heard of it. Maybe some of you do it!
Well, it's bogus. I know that's not really a dignified word, but it came to mind so I'm using it.
Complaining is something Satan has set up to trick us into thinking it will make a less than ideal situation better, but it doesn't. It makes it worse actually. A lot worse. And then you're just grumbly for the rest of the day. Once you open your mouth and that whining, irritating tone comes out, you're sunk! Give yourself a round of applause ladies and gents, cause you've just ruined your whole day.
"Psh! That's not true Sister Hutchinson! Complaining doesn't ruin your day!"
False.
I should know, I do it. And it does, in fact, ruin your day. I don't really know how it happened honestly. To me I was just venting frustration and then I started to notice I got this tone, and it wasn't pleasant.
To quote my mother, "It's not about what you say, it's about how you say it."
Man, I hate it when she's right! It's all about how you say it. So one day I'm sitting talking with one of my favorite people in the world and it hits me, "I'm a complainer. I murmur!" That was it, game over. I sat there and realized I had found myself in the company of Laman and Lemuel, and that was not pretty. (I think the exact words that ran through my mind were "Well this is unsettling.")
You know who likes Laman and Lemuel? NO ONE. Cause they murmured ALL THE TIME! I mean they had amazing experiences and STILL complained. I know for me I read the Book of Mormon and I think "You're an idiot! How can you be so hard hearted?!?!"
Oh...wait....
I do that too.
Well, after having that nasty little realization, I decided I needed to change. The "tone" has got to go. A) It doesn't make me feel better about anything and B) it's really unattractive. So I'm breaking up with complaining. It's outta here,. We are through!!!!!!
Best part: that's what the Atonement is for. Uh, I love this! I love my Savior because He died so I could overcome the big stuff. But He also died so I could overcome the little stuff too. So I'm going to conquer complaining.
If you've got a nasty little habit like complaining, I invite you to break up with it. The Savior will help you, that's a promise. But you have to make a decision to do something about it first. :)
I love you all!!! Be good!
Stay excellent.
With Love from Can-Win

"Have Some Candy"

12/30/13

This week's email is going to be short because I fail at life and forgot that I haven't written in forever!
MERRY (late) CHRISTMAS!!!! AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!
This Christmas brought surprise visits from Santa, candy wars with the elders next door, lots of hot chocolate, Wreck It Ralph, phone calls home, and my birthday! I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!!!!
In light of the holiday that has past but the New Year that will be here in a few days, I invite you to think of one thing to give the Savior this coming year. It could be reading your scriptures everyday, it could be being nice to that one guy at work who just reeeallly gets under your skin, it could be bringing someone else closer to Christ by inviting them to church. It could be so many things! But think of something, and make plans!
For myself I've decided to adopt the motto "Kindness is free!" and be more kind to ALL of God's children. Even the ones that drive me more than a little crazy. :)
I love you all!
Be good! Be happy! And don't look back, look to the future! Like President Monson says, it's as bright as your faith.
WIth love, from Can-Win