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Summer is definitely here, and I was complaining to a friend the other day about how ridiculously full it is.  I told her that next year I was putting restrictions on what everyone is able to participate in so that we can have some serious summer down-time. At that moment, it hit me that Our Princess only has one. more. summer. as a kid after this year.  The weight of that thought just about crushed me. I took back everything that I'd said and decided right there that I will encourage her to participate is as many things as she chooses, this year and next, and enjoy every second of it. There will be plenty of time in years to come for down-time.  And as we race from one exciting adventure to the next, this will be my motto!

Elder Carl B Cook, October 2011:

"At the end of a particularly tiring day toward the end of my first week as a General Authority, my briefcase was overloaded and my mind was preoccupied with the question “How can I possibly do this?” I left the office of the Seventy and entered the elevator of the Church Administration Building. As the elevator descended, my head was down and I stared blankly at the floor.

The door opened and someone entered, but I didn’t look up. As the door closed, I heard someone ask, “What are you looking at down there?” I recognized that voice—it was President Thomas S. Monson.

I quickly looked up and responded, “Oh, nothing.” (I’m sure that clever response inspired confidence in my abilities!)

But he had seen my subdued countenance and my heavy briefcase. He smiled and lovingly suggested, while pointing heavenward, “It is better to look up!” As we traveled down one more level, he cheerfully explained that he was on his way to the temple. When he bid me farewell, his parting glance spoke again to my heart, “Now, remember, it is better to look up.”

As we parted, the words of a scripture came to mind: “Believe in God; believe that he is … ; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth.” As I thought of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ's power, my heart found the comfort I had sought in vain from the floor of that descending elevator.

President Monson’s encouragement to look up is a metaphor for remembering Christ. As we remember Him and trust in His power, we receive strength through His Atonement. It is the means whereby we can be relieved of our anxieties, our burdens, and our suffering. It is the means whereby we can be forgiven and healed from the pain of our sins. It is the means whereby we can receive the faith and strength to endure all things."

"Turn your face to the sun and the shadows follow behind you."
~ Maori Proverb

 Keep Smiling!