Sunday Thoughts

The past week has been pretty rough for me. On Tuesday I had a root canal (blah). I wish that were the only reason why my week wasn't very good, but that root canal lead to a really, really nasty infection which made one side of my face blow up like a balloon. Long story short, my dentist put me on some antibiotics pretty early on that should have nipped it in the bud, but for some reason I built up a resistance to them and ended up having to get emergency oral surgery yesterday to drain the infection so I could heal. 

Although I did experience a lot of pain and discomfort, I think what made this week so awful was how anxious, worried, and afraid I was. I already loathe going to the dentist, so you can imagine how I felt about needed to see an oral surgeon. Right before we left, Dallin gave me a priesthood blessing -- a blessing of comfort. One of the phrases that I remember most from that blessing was, "You have no need to fear." 

There is nothing that I needed to hear more than that. It is so easy for me to fear what is to come, and I'm not just referring to dental/medical procedures. I tend to worry about or be afraid of so much, but that is the opposite of faith. As long as I am living faithfully and doing my best to make righteous decisions that will help me to become to person I want to be one day, I have no reason to fear. 

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop

to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.”

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Before I wrap this up, I also want to express how thankful I am for the power of the priesthood, and how grateful I am to be sealed to a worthy priesthood holder. There really aren't words to do my feelings about this justice. I can't imagine not having the priesthood in my home. I can't imagine not knowing that I can ask my sweet husband for a blessing any time I need one. I received a few blessings this week, including a blessing of healing that my father-in-law participated in, and I know that my week would have been very different without receiving those blessings. The priesthood power is real, I know it is, and I will always be thankful that I didn't settle for anything less that a worthy priesthood holder when I chose my husband.

And since I know you all are just dying to know, I am doing much better today. It only hurts if I press on my cheek, and as you can see in the above picture the swelling has gone down a lot. Below is a "before" picture for comparison. 

Can you tell how happy I was? ;)

Happy Sunday!

-Mikaela

As of late (in pictures)

Since I last posted...

I chopped off the end of my thumb cutting cabbage. I'll spare the gory pictures, but it was pretty nasty. It's much better now, just looks funny and feels a little numb still. 

I started a couple sewing projects, this one being my favorite. And yes, it has pockets... yay! :)

(Directions for dress here)

Dallin and I made a trip to Zion National Park with some friends to go canyoneering. Unfortunately, I chopped off my thumb the day before we left and couldn't get it wet or touch anything without searing pain, so I didn't get to do much besides a couple short hikes. It was still fun though, and I'm excited to go back sometime this year when I can do some more hard core stuff. :)

While the boys were canyoneering, I also got to drive to St. George to attend the temple and visit my sweet, reheaded grandpa's grave. I can't believe it's been nearly 10 years since he died. He was a wonderful man... one of the best I've ever known, and not just because of his red hair which I am thankful to have inherited! 

My aunt and uncle that live in Tokyo came to visit! They are awesome and it was fun to introduce Dallin to them and catch up. Also, isn't my grandpa cute? :) I really have such a great family, immediate  and extended. And that includes in-laws for sure! 

They always bring delicious Japanese treats. We never complain. 

I got my birthday bike at last! Ain't it purty? I love 

it. :) It's nice to finally live close enough to be able to bike places, something I couldn't do when I lived in the boonies. 

I started work at a Verizon retailer. I have a lot to learn, but I feel like less of an idiot every day so that is good... haha. ;) I love being able to help people... even the 80 year old grandpas that come in with their iPhones that are a little too complicated for them. :)

Well, I guess that's pretty much it for us! We're just living our lives that are kept busy with work, church callings, and such... and enjoying married life, which is awesome. :)

Until the next time I post... whenever that may be!

-M