Bravery: Courageous Endurance

I've been thinking about bravery. What does it mean to be brave? How am I becoming brave? What can I do to become more brave? Is bravery a process? My understanding of bravery has increased a little. I know I don't understand it fully, but I feel I am becoming more brave and really understanding what it means to be brave- to say "I am brave". One definition of bravery I liked states "bravery is the possessing or exhibiting courageous endurance". I also liked the following words associated with bravery- bold, adventurous, confident, firm, and honor. "Courageous endurance" I like this. Why? Endurance really gives me hope as a work through challenges; a greater ability to be brave. Guy tells me that Heavenly Father needs brave children. That's me- Heavenly Father needs me-Katie to be brave and He will help me to do so. I have a "covenanted responsibility" with Him. I am learning more of why and how He needs me. It really is a process to become fully brave. With God to be brave is obtainable! And He needs me to be brave! He needs me to be confident, bold, adventurous, firm, and to be honorable in all I do. A quote I repeat to myself frequently and find myself speaking with Heavenly Father about it says,
"Let me have the courage to believe in myself not only on the days when I'm going great and nothing seems impossible, but on the days when the world looks lousy and I'm losing, and the road ahead seems too hard; when I wonder if I'm BRAVE enough and I must be CRAZY to try, don't let me quit- let ME have courage in myself. No matter how many people discourage me, doubt me, laugh at me, warn me, think me a fool don't let me LISTEN. Let me hear another voice saying, "you can do it", and I WILL! If no one else in the world CARES or BELIEVES in me- let me have the COURAGE to believe in MYSELF." Since I first received this quote I have been trying to live it and to understand it more. As I find myself striving to be more adventurous- more brave I am discovering it is all ready there (one true self) and that I need reminding.

GRANDmothers

Grandmothers are wonderful! I am grateful to have these two women in my life. My Grandma A. that I'm pictured with on the left is a humorous, caring, sassy, and keen woman. I enjoy her sense of humor, telling it how is, and quick wit. She has many childhood memories she shares willingly, she speaks of her parents often, and of Grandpa. Her love for him is vibrant and true. They truly are best friends. She has a great

love for animals and for spending time with the family she cares for.

My Grandma E. who I am pictured with on the right is a loving, affable, outgoing, and sensitive woman. I enjoy laughing with her and listening as she speaks of her parents and her childhood. Grandma has a deep love and respect for Grandpa. As the last few years as he has needed extra care I have watched Grandma patiently serve and help him. She loves delicate things and her family that she cares for.

From both of these women I have learned more about the other great women I come from, love of family and friends, more about caring for spouse and family, and about faith in God. I am blessed to have these women in my life. They are a part of me. I am grateful for who they are and what they have taught me and what they are teaching me.

Positively Energetic Katie

I've noticed lately that I've been carrying negative energy, maybe absorbing would be a better word than carrying. I don't like it! I'm an optimist. So why the negative energy? Why am I taking it and why do I share it? NOT GOOD! I've been thinking about this and decided that it's enough. I choose the positive- the good energy. That's me. Positively ENERGETIC Katie. It'll take effort-responsibility and accountability to push away negative energy and to absorb and embrace the positive energy. Being hopeful and giving myself, others, and things the benefit of the doubt. After all is that what having charity is. As I am seeking God's guidance to better discover myself and BECOME. He gives me knowledge and the ability to act in wisdom with that knowledge to BECOME and to know more fully I am Katie and who Katie truly is.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "The world belongs to the energetic." I agree with Mr. Emerson, but I would like to add belongs to the positively energetic and hopeful. This is what I am choosing to be positively energetic and hopeful.

Wala Lang

I decided it was time for a new background. I like it! Change is good! Not too much to say tonight. Mary did an excellent job on the cakes she made for the Relief Society activity. They were way yummy! She has a real talent for cake baking and decorating. Me? My talent is cake eating :)

Frisbee Sunny Side Up, Please!

You never know quite what you are going to read on my blog. I blog about it all progression and unfolding, food, the temple, clothes, the Philippines, I blog about it all- I like that! Today, I cooked breakfast for me and Guy. Waffles and eggs- sunny side up of course! After we ate we walked to the park and tossed a frisbee back and forth. Guy taught me there are many different frisbee throws and showed me a few of them. :) It was an enjoyable time today. It's awesome that the weather is pleasantly cool. It makes going on a walk nice and what makes it even better is the company.

The Unfolding Me

It's March! I like March. Spring is inching CLOSER and that makes me excited! I was thinking about the SIGNIFICANCE of Spring. Spring represents new, a birth, it's a growth, a shedding. When I think of Spring I think of some of the following:

Easter
flowers
budding trees
fashion/clothing (which includes no heavy coat and wearing bright colors!)
butterflies

I am excited for Spring! I am excited for the new season- the new things that are unfolding in my LIFE and what will be. As I am UNFOLDING and GROWING and really learning many things about mySELF. In the this process of unfolding- of PROGRESSION. I am BECOMING closer to God and the people in my life. I feel a greater sense of who I am and who I can BECOME with God's help. One thing I am really learning is I can me, I need to be me, I want to be me and not hold back or guard myself-my heart in ALL parts of life. It's a CHALLENGE, but I BELIEVE it's possible! Masaya Ang Aking Puso (my heart is happy)

There is so much to say about "The Unfolding Me", so STAY tuned to this happy girl's blog as she really is DISCOVERING who she truly is and always has been (One True Self) and is gratefully HAPPY about it. :)

Alaska Here I Come!

I'm leavin' on a jet plane I'm going to Alaska! Cooper Landing in the Kenai area to be exact! Yesterday, I talked on the phone with the woman who hired me and she offered me a lead housekeeping position! HECK YES! This will involve more resposibility and other good bonuses. I am way excited! Nervous- yes that would only be normal. I'll be leaving in May and back in August. I'm excited to see what this summer will bring. I'm excited to live in Alaska; a place I have always wanted to see and now get to experience it for a few months and live in the beauty of the mountains! Masaya Ang Aking Puso :)