my favorite form of media

we all waste time on our phones, mindlessly scrolling through other people's lives. 

sometimes I don't feel bad about it because photos are my favorite. 

photos can take you back to a happy time, a happy place, a happy memory or can have the opposite effect. they can take you back to a difficult time, to heartbreak, to struggles but they can help you realize how far you've come since that photo was taken. 

pictures are my thing. taking pictures, being in pictures, they have the potential to capture everything beautiful about a moment. 

so here are just a very few of my very favorite photos. 

something good in the media

Yesterday, along with the majority of the valley, I had the privilege to attend the Provo City Center Temple dedication. This temple holds a special place in my heart for a number of reasons. But I love the symbolism behind this building's miraculous transformation from a tabernacle burned to ash into this beautiful House of the Lord.
A few months ago I attended a fireside with the project manager of this new temple. He related this temple to each of us as imperfect beings. This building literally went through the refiners fire as each of us should in this life to become new, clean, pure, and whole again.

I am so very grateful for temples. I cherish the opportunity I have to enter into the House of the Lord and perform sacred ordinances. I am astounded that there are two of these sacred buildings in our very own city. We truly are a blessed people.

good things to come

Two weeks ago, I attended a Saturday evening meeting for Stake Conference. Elder Summerhays of the Seventy was presiding and was the only person on the program for the two hour evening session and it was incredible. I was tutored and taught by the Spirit and received very specific and personal guidance. Elder Summerhays assured us of the future and the many things God had in store for each of us if we keep our covenants and strive to be more like Christ. He explained that we have no need to fear what lies ahead because our future holds more good than we can even prepare for.

His talk reminded me of one of my very favorite Mormon Messages that I go back to so often.
It is a beautiful reminder that our Father in Heaven is aware of what we are going through and although we experience great difficulty and trials, there are good things to come. We can look forward with hope for a brighter future.

bringing families together since 1929

Every February preparations are made, invitations are sent out, candy is bought, ballots are printed, prizes are put on display, and a feast is made in the home of Rose Garner. Since the early 80's Noni (Gramma Rose Garner) has been the event planner of the family. She has always taken every opportunity to get the family together and have a party. 

The Academy Awards are no different. 

It's become a coveted event. Friends, neighbors, boyfriends, girlfriends, and new spouses have all worked their way in and itched for an invite to Noni's annual Oscars party. She goes all out. Candy for correct guesses, prizes for overall winners, and dinner for all. 

Not all see the Oscars as being a family bonding experience but it has been a sacred day in our family since the beginning of time. Regardless of how many of the nominated films we have seen, how educated in film we are, or if we just came for the food and a good time, a celebration is had. The media can destroy a home if you let it, but it can also bring a family together in unity, love, laughter, and happiness.