A wider net doesn’t catch more fish
You think you’ll get ’em all, but that’s just a wish.
Specialize, focus, zoom in, concentrate.
Don’t waste your time tryin’ to overcompensate.
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Today it’s all about having the right niche.
Generalities never made a marketer rich.
If you discover that you’re a Jack or Jill-of-all-trades
Become an expert in something if ya wanna get PAID!
There is something deeply flawed about a system in which nine unelected snobs in robes decide to what extent we can exercise our God-given, constitutionally protected rights.
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That being said, today is a victory for religious liberty. Hobby Lobby will not be mandated to provide certain kinds of birth control in their employees’ health insurance plans. This decision is so obvious that I can’t believe it even got to the point it did, but still we have reason to rejoice.
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Hmm, how on earth will women pay for those things if they want them?
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Omgosh, genius idea: THEY BUY THEM THEMSELVES!
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The Supreme Court doesn’t always have clean hands. But today, the right decision stands!
“[W]hen we attempt to cover our sins,…the Spirit of the Lord is grieved.”
-Doctrine & Covenants 121:37
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“Now the cover of a Rolling Stone ain’t the cover of a Rolling Stone.”
-John Mayer
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But nobody could climb through that pattern—it strangles so; I think that is why it has so many heads, and if those heads were covered, it would not be so bad.”
-The psycho narrator in “The Yellow Wallpaper
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Never judge a book by its cover.”
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“The Atonement covers all pain.”
-Kent Richards (of TCOJCOLDS)
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Like a good neighbor, StateFarm is there.
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“Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
-Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:39)
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“If we had the power to bring our neighbors home from war…”
-John Mayer (surprise, surprise)
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“Neighbor to neighbor, father to son.”
-Newsies
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We all have a lot of responsibilities. We all have to go to work/ school, many of us go to Church, we have to do our laundry, pay our bills, go to the grocery store, etc. But there is more to our existence than the mundane tasks. In order to live a truly fulfilling life, we need to engage in what I call our passion projects.
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Passion projects are just what they sound like: projects or endeavors that express our talents, interests, and loves: our passions. Not that you asked or care, but my personal passion projects include performing and recording music, using makeup to experiment with colors and styles, and occasionally cooking up some yummy concoction. And as you can probably tell, my ultimate passion project is writing.
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What are YOUR passion projects?
What makes you come alive?
“You’ve been hit by a smooth criminal.”
-Michael Jackson
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“…Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things…”
-Isaiah 30:10 (in the Old Testament in the Bible)
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“The course of true love never did run smooth.”
-Lysander from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
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“..by His word He can cause the rough places to be made smooth, and smooth places shall be broken up.”
1st Nephi 17:46 (in the Book of Mormon)
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Some people are wimps and avoid discussing or debating anything the least bit controversial ‘cuz they don’t like conflict. Others get so worked up over controversial stuff that they become obsessed and argue ’til they’re blue in the face (figuratively!)
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Me? I strike that balance as perfectly as I can. 🙂
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How much do YOU debate the hot issues? When do you let it go?
With money, Obama’s reckless
But with foreign policy, feckless
He wracks up obscene debt
And says Iraq is not a threat
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(and speaking of, let’s transition to talking about the crisis)
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People like to blame George W.
And yes, he brought some trouble, true
But Bush predicted this would happen
And yet, our current administration’s napping!
.. It’s an error to think terror is all but done.
With ISIS, things look like they may have just begun.
I wanna be wrong, I wish it weren’t so
But the truth is America could take a major blow
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This is more than some paranoid, unfounded fear Mr. President, it’s high time you got your @ss in gear.
Apple
Eve ate an apple.
Apple is manzana in Spanish
I wanna manzana.
“I never liked this apple much” (John Mayer)
Applesauce
Applause (I live for the applause, plause…dumb Gaga song)
Apprehension
Apprentice
Appreciate
Application
Apply some lipstick
Apps on a smartphone
The most popular kind of smartphone is an iPhone
And iPhones are made by… Apple
“When you are married, be fiercely loyal to one another.”
-Gordon B. Hinckley (former president/ prophet of TCOJCOLDS; deceased) … “Once you commit to being married, your spouse becomes your soul mate, and it is your duty and responsibility to work every day to keep it that way.” -Dieter Uchtdorf (2nd counselor in the First Presidency of TCOJCOLDS) …
For my married friends (or even those who are in committed relationships),
how can you be fiercely loyal to your chosen soulmate?
I have SO much I want to write. So much I want to create. But I’ve been pretty busy lately with other projects where I actually get PAID! And that’s pretty important, huh? Seriously, I’m really getting into work, where I get to blog and research and do social media and write! So. Amazing. But alas, it’s taken some time away from my own personal blogging, which is pretty important for me to keep up on. So I’ve decided to set aside at least an hour everyday to write in my blog. It can be tough to find the time and energy to do so, but I’m up for the challenge.
Alrighty, gotta take a quick break and then get back to writing.
“We must combine the toughness of the serpent with the softness of the dove, a tough mind and a tender heart.”
-Martin Luther King Jr.
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“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus… was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him.”
-Mark 1:9-10 (in the New Testament in the Bible)
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“Just like the one-winged dove sings a song, sounds like she’s singing….”
-Stevie Nicks
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Hugh Hefner is not a hero. He is a ZERO. He is not someone to be admired. He is a sad, ugly oldman who has made millions from an industry that has destroyed relationships, lives, jobs, freedom, confidence, health, and happiness. Total loser, if you ask me.
Plus, his redplush robe only makes him look more like the devil,
AND emphasizes his blood-shot eyes and blotchy complexion.
And ya’ll know how much I love free speech, but don’t even try to go there with me on this one because I will PULVERIZE every claim you make. That’s how good I am 🙂 And that’s how badpornography is. So let’s hear what real men think of it:
Don’t care about/believe in religion/God/prophets? This guy doesn’t talk about it:
And neither does this girl:
Pornography is terrible in every way possible! It’s not sexy. It’s not hot. It causes abuse. It degrades something sacred. It it highly linked to drug use, depression, crime, and other problems. Bourne Ultimatum? I wish we could make it the PORN Ultimatum! But until then, we just have to try our very best to control ourselves and keep this trash out of our lives in every way possible. Sound good? Peeeeeerfect.
🙂
But back to mansions, if we Stay out of the Smut that Satan Spreads, we can party it up at this one!
In my Father’s House are many mansions... I go to prepare a place for you.
Every time I think I’ve got it all figured out, A piece of my surety shrivels to doubt. Not talking about meaning or purpose or God But there’s more to my paradigm I’ve discovered is flawed … There were so many things that I swore that I’d mastered Now, I’m just an unstable wheel with no caster. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still fairly confident. Just been forced to reexamine my level of competence. … But I’ve given it some thought, and if I’m not mistaken It’s actually GOOD to be rudely awakened. ‘Cuz to live is to struggle, and to struggle is to grow See, I’ve come so far, but GOT SO FAR TO GO!
PS: I’ve been posting waaaaaay too many pictures of myself lately. Don’t worry, I’ll stop soon.
There’s so much in my soul I desire to express. But sometimes, I wish my cluttered brain would rest! It’s good to be thinking, to study and learn. But a lack of sleep is a major concern!
I have TOO much inspiration, way too much insight. That I usually write well into the night. By the way, I really hope that doesn’t sound prideful They warn against that kind of thing in the Bible.
ANYWAYS, my thoughts bubble up and need a release.
But even then, new thoughts seem to never decrease.
But all things considered, it’s a good kind of problem.
‘Cuz truth be told, I think writing is awesome.
If you “lack wisdom,” get an answer from a trustworthy source (James 1:5).
Investigate, be thorough, and don’t simply rely on your own views.
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Obtaining the most accurate information often means seeking it out from other people who know or are more experienced. And while it’s commendable to be self-sufficient, never be so independent that you aren’t open to new learning and truth.
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Do your research. Get legitimate information.
It’s a theme that has fascinated and frustrated thinkers throughout the centuries. And a common idea is that many people favor one or the other, but not both. Sometimes believers are painted as mindless sheep who shy away from knowledge gained by reason and science. On the flip-side, those who are highly educated academically are often stereotyped as skeptical or even outright incredulous of the notion of God (among other things). But LDS theology and scripture eviscerates this false dichotomy. Here are a few examples:
.. “Seek ye out of the best books…; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.”
(Doctrine & Covenants 88:118)
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“To be learned is good, if [you] hearken unto the counsels of God.”
(2nd Nephi 9:29)
… “The glory of God is intelligence.”
(Doctrine & Covenants 93:26)
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So there you have it:
Secular intelligence need not diminish religious conviction, and vice versa.
“He has loosed the fateful lightening
Of His terrible swift sword.”
-Battle Hymn of the Republic (Hymn #6)
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“[Love] is swift as a shadow, short as a dream.”
-Lysander in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
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“We must be swift messengers to share the gospel.”
-Russell M. Nelson (of the Quorum of the 12 of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
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“Please take me swiftly.”
-Kalai
“Discipline is the soul of an army.” – George Washington … “Walkin’ like a one man army.” -Thief-of-my-heart John Mayer … “We are as the armies of Helaman. We have been taught in our youth.” -We’ll Bring the World His Truth” (#172 in the Children’s Songbook) … ‘Build your heart an army.” -John Mayer (again; gasp!) … “The priesthood represents a mighty army of righteousness—even a royal army.” -Thomas Monson (current prophet/president of TCOJCOLDS) … “From camp to camp through the foul womb of night The hum of either army stilly sounds.” – (in Shakespeare’s ‘Henry V’)
Dallin H. Oaks says, “Good, Better, Best.” But what if my best is less than the rest? I do what I can to get through the tough But so many times, even that’s not enough … I’m not asking for help, not wanting your pity Just saying it can be hard to survive in this city And it’s not just location, but my general existence It’s more than just miles that can make you feel distant … But I’m still here, and I’m not leaving So I tell myself to “doubt not, but be believing” That things can improve, that I’ll make it through Though my insecurities are more than a few. .. Be patient, sweet self; you’re a work in progress. And think of the things you’ve already accomplished!
PS: I am happy overall. Just giving voice to some of the hard times. Not a cry for attention. Just an expression of my heart in a poem with a pretty boring rhyme scheme. ‘Cuz that’s what I do!
Dominion King’s Dominion Domino Domino’s Pizza Domino (Van Morrison song) Minions (from Despicable Me) “Dominion” is a term that evokes Biblical archetypes Archery Cherry Scary Scar Scar from “Lion King” “Lion King” is loosely based on “Hamlet” In Hamlet, the murderous uncle was trying to seize the….. Dominion
“When something is over and done with, when it has been repented of as fully as it can be repented of, when life has moved on...it is not right to go back and open up some ancient wound that the Son of God Himself died trying to heal.
Let people repent
Let people grow.
Believe that people
can change and improve.”
-Elder Jeffrey Holland
(apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
History is replete with democratic governments going tyrannical. It happened in France, it happened in Spain, it happened in Germany, it happened in Italy, it happened in Japan, and the list goes on.
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It is not paranoid to seriously consider whether or not these things could ever happen in America.…
It is vigilant.
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“Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived…”
(Doctrine & Covenants 46:7)
There are a lot of Mormon blogs out there. They are often very effective at laying out the doctrine and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and also giving insight into the life experiences of its members. Other online forums articulate challenges or controversies concerning the faith and seek to provide an environment of understanding for those who have questions or doubts.
The things I write don’t fulfill either of these aims; those things are not my purposes. I don’t have a niche, other than Human/ Mormon/ Woman, which is basically everything under the sun. I never set out to write about the Church; instead my views are informed by Church doctrine (scriptures, words of our leaders, etc.). But it’s not my goal to write a Mormon blog. It doesn’t need to be; so much of who I am and what I believe, and then consequently what I write is naturally infused with Mormon influence. I see no need, nor do I have a desire to separate out my identities into distinct spheres.
PS: Hope this doesn’t come across as me bashing anyone. I’m really grateful for a lot of the blogs out there. Just wanna offer something unique.
Don’t tell me flat out what you’re all about Allow me to navigate, then let me extrapolate … “Discover me discovering you” And yep, that’s a lyric, by… GUESS WHO? If you said John Mayer, you are correct (Get back on track, Kat; you always digress!) … I want to know who you are and what you believe But I usually prefer to infer and perceive Quiet says a lot, so don’t be afraid of it. Silence is golden, and something good is made of it. … Recently, I’ve been whipping out the sonnets; Never been much into poetry, so it’s kinda ironic!
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God, and with man.” -Luke 2:52
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This simple scripture is one of my favorite as it is bursting with insight. It expresses how Christ fulfilled different aspects of self and provides a beautiful model of how we might do the same: We should grow ourselves intellectually (increase in wisdom), physically (stature), spiritually (in favor with God), and socially (in favor with [wo]men). I try to make sure I give adequate attention to all these areas of my life and not neglect any one of them.
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1) How can YOU fulfill these aspects of self (intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social)?
2) How do you keep them in balance?
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PS: Please don’t think I’m a narcissist for including 4 pictures of myself. But it IS my post, after all.
“Popular culture today often makes women look silly, inconsequential, mindless, and powerless.”
-M. Russell Ballard (of the Quorum of the 12 of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
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“Welcome to my silly life.”
-Pink
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I can see a strange, provoking, formless sort of figure, that seems to skulk about behind that silly and conspicuous front design.”
-The narrator in “The Yellow Wallpaper”
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“It’s not a silly little moment.”
-John Mayer
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“I’m so scared about the future, and I want to talk to you.”
-Coldplay
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“Be of good cheer: the future is as bright as your faith!”
-Thomas Monson (current President/Prophet of TCOJCOLDS)
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“Not to brag or sound immodest, but I am a future goddess.”
-Katherine Anne (ME!)
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“The way of the future, the way of the future, the way of the future, the way of the future….”
-Howard Hughes (at least Leo’s version of him!)
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“If my past is any sign of your future, you should be warned before I let you inside.”
-John Mayer
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Although it has been around since the beginning of time, mental illness is a relatively new discovery. This term refers to a myriad of diseases: depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and multiple personalities are among the most common.
The field of psychiatry has made significant progress in helping to understand the complexities of the human brain, and pharmaceutical companies have produced medications to help people struggling with mental illness be able to live a fuller and more productive life.
And although we as a society have made great strides in the acknowledgement and understanding of this problem, there is still unfortunately a detrimental stigma that goes along with it. Many people hastily and insensitively suggest that one struggling need only to “snap out of it.” From a religious perspective, some wrongfully assume that mental illness is brought on by sin, which only adds to the pain and guilt of people experiencing it.
Jeffrey R. Holland, one of the 12 apostles of the LDS Church, recently gave a remarkable address on the subject of mental illness, where he revealed that he himself had (once) experienced it. This address will undoubtedly go down in the history books as one of the most informative, sensitive, vulnerable, and perhaps most importantly, hopeful ever given on this topic. I know that I often include links on this blog to outside resources; some surely go unclicked, but I highly encourage (and perhaps even beg) my friends/readers to thoroughly study this talk.
Whatever your struggle, my brothers and sisters—mental or emotional or physical or otherwise—do not vote against the preciousness of life by ending it! Trust in God. Hold on in His love. Know that one day the dawn will break brightly and all shadows of mortality will flee. Though we may feel we are “like a broken vessel,” as the Psalmist says,we must remember, that vessel is in the hands of the divine potter. Broken minds can be healed just the way broken bones and broken hearts are healed. While God is at work making those repairs, the rest of us can help by being merciful, nonjudgmental, and kind.
…I bear witness of that day when loved ones whom we knew to have disabilities in mortality will stand before us glorified and grand, breathtakingly perfect in body and mind. What a thrilling moment that will be! I do not know whether we will be happier for ourselves that we have witnessed such a miracle or happier for them that they are fully perfect and finally “free at last.”Until that hour when Christ’s consummate gift is evident to us all, may we live by faith, hold fast to hope, and show “compassion one of another.
I wish now to add my own two cents to the conversation.
(While I could write a lot more about this, here is what I’ll say for now):
1) Mental illness is real. And it’s hell.
2) There is hope, both professional and spiritual.
3) Although much easier said than done, shame need not be part of the already messy equation.
4) Be sensitive. With others, and with yourself.
5) God lives.
Friends
1. What are YOUR experiences/opinions/beliefs concerning the topic of mental illness?
2. What can you do to make yourself (and others) more educated about this crucially important subject?
“…we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets”
I’ve been told that I have a big personality, and I think that is true. I’m pretty confident, I like being social, and I don’t mind a healthy dose of attention from time to time.
But I really, REALLY don’t want to be annoyingly outgoing and obnoxiously loud. I want to be happy being me, but not full of myself. You know those people who are hot and know they are hot? Yeah, that’s not hot. And I want to avoid that kind of arrogant attitude at all costs.
How do you let your personality shine without building yourself a shrine?
“Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.”
(Matthew 8:26)
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“This morning, there’s a calm I can’t explain.”
-John Mayer
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“It is a beauteous evening, calm and free.”
-William Wordsworth (British Romantic poet)
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“I am going like a lamb to the slaughter;
but I am calm as a summer’s morning.”
-Joseph Smith Jr.
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Human/ Mormon/ Woman: KATHERINE 
