The Honeybee Project

Have you read this talk?

It's pretty good.

I've been thinking a lot about it.

It's amazing to me that during its life, a single bee will only contribute approximately 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey.  A TEASPOON.  That's not very much.  But that's not what has me thinking.

Mostly I've been thinking about this talk because I've felt guilty.  Guilty because Elder Ballard basically issued a challenge that I strongly agreed with but for which I have yet to comply:

"There is one simple daily practice that can make a difference for every member of the Church, including you boys and girls, you young men and you young women, you single adults, and you fathers and mothers.

That simple practice is: In your morning prayer each new day, ask Heavenly Father to guide you to recognize an opportunity to serve one of His precious children. Then go throughout the day with your heart full of faith and love, looking for someone to help. Stay focused, just like the honeybees focus on the flowers from which to gather nectar and pollen. If you do this, your spiritual sensitivities will be enlarged and you will discover opportunities to serve that you never before realized were possible." (www.lds.org)

I have a strong testimony of service!  I know it brings true happiness!  There are lots of times that a leader has issued the challenge to serve more, and I do and I am better off!  And I fully intended to follow Elder Ballard's counsel.  But I have yet to do so (okay, I did once, but it was really a half-hearted effort and I don't even remember serving anyone that day so it doesn't count).

I'm really bothered by that fact that I haven't acted on this, and almost every lesson I've heard in church since then has focused on service (or maybe my guilty conscience is interpreting that from everything I hear).  So........what's stopping me?

I'm lazy.  And selfish.  And life gets busy so I tell myself that I'll do better tomorrow.  But mostly, I'm afraid.  I'm afraid because I know that service can be inconvenient and/or exhausting (which was reinforced in another conference talk).  And if I pray specifically to help someone, and I'm presented with that opportunity, but then forgo it, then what good is praying for it in the first place?

Well, we are starting a new year.  And new years are great times for new beginnings, cliche as it may be.

Usually at this time of year I would make a long list of things I'd like to change and/or do throughout the next year (my resolutions can be quite lengthy).  Some I'd do, some I wouldn't, some I'd maybe add to the next year's list.  This year, I still have a long mental list of resolutions.  But I feel like the one I need to make official by writing down, the one I need to focus on the most, is to follow Elder Ballard's advice/counsel/command.

I'm dedicating 2013 to The Honeybee Project.

Every morning I'll pray for an opportunity to serve and then go throughout the day looking for someone to help.

That doesn't sound so hard, right?

I'm terrified.

Here's to the new year!

Christmas, Oh Joy!

Well, we all survived 12/21/12 but the bigger question this year was, would I survive the annual Bryant Family Christmas party?  It's been a long standing tradition that we all get together on the 23rd of December (22nd this year) for some of the most amazing food of our lives, in exchange for small amounts of exploitation.  If we want to eat, we have to put up.  Put our talents on display, that is.  Mom and Dad pull out all of the stops on the meal and expect everyone else to provide the entertainment via our talents.  This is non-negotiable (trust me, I've tried), and it gets harder and harder every year.  For starters, I seriously have the most adorable nieces and nephews.  And the older they get the more talented they get.  It's getting harder to deal with that kind of pressure.  Another problem is, I'm running out of really creative ideas.  Stand up comedy?  Done it.  Music video?  Done it.  Ventriloquist act?  Done it.  Let's face it, the only REAL talent I have is playing the piano, and all of the little ones are surpassing me on that.

Do you understand my desperation?

So this year, I had to pull out the big guns.  Slam poetry.

Don't know what that is?  Neither did I.  Check it out on YouTube and you'll get a good laugh.

I dressed in all (mostly) black, stood under a spotlight, and recited my original Christmas poem while everyone in the audience "snapped" me on.

Needless to say, it wasn't my finest hour.  But I survived.  And the food was amazing.  And everyone else really brought their A game, talent wise.  We had gymnastics, a beautiful craft, piano, violin, cello, guitar, singing, a sun BEAM! song, storytelling, and a family slide show.  All in all, it was a pretty fabulous night!  A great way to kick off the final days until Christmas!  I hope you and yours have a fabulous holiday!

Merry Christmas to all!

(For anyone interested, and for my own, personal record keeping, my slam poem is below.......use your imagination.  After I performed it, Hudson looked at me, smiled, and shyly said, "that was weird."  Ya buddy, I know.)

Christmas, Oh Joy!

Christmas!  Christmas!
Joy to the world, oh joy, oh joy, joy to the joyous world!
There's so much joy.........
Joy in the smiling, in the sledding, the singing, the skiing, and in the shopping.
The shopping!
Shopping and crowds and sales and traffic and chaos.
Buy!  Return!  Buy!  Return!  Buy!  Return!  BUY!  RETURN!!
Exhaustion.
Relax.
Listen......listen......listen.....
Do you hear them?
The Bells!
The bells!  They're ringing and singing and jingling.
Jingle!  Jingle!  Jingle!
He comes.
All red and white and jolly with his belly full of jelly and sack full of toys.
His rosy cheeks and charcoal boots and brass belt.
Who is it?
Ho!  Ho!  Ho!
Santa Clause!  St. Nick!  Kris Kringle!  Papa Noel!
Bringing toys and toys and toys, more toys.
Oh the joyous toys!!
The stockings, the candy, the holly and mistletoe.
And the lights!
SO BRIGHT!
Brightly shinning,
On the rooftops, the housetops, the midnight sky.
They lead the way.
Lead to your house, your tree, your heart, your fam-i-ly.
They bring peace.
Peace and comfort and joy.
Oh Joy!
It's Christmas!  It's Christmas!!  CHRISTMAS!!!
May your days be merry and bright.
Oh joy!
It's Christmas, oh joy, the joy.
Christmas Joy!!!

Week In Review

Some people think that the life of a single person can be boring.  Sometimes I think that a "boring" week at home sounds really nice.  For me, this week has definitely been eventful!  To recap:

• Went to the Jazz v. Spurs game (thanks Mom & Dad!) with Shan.  It was so great to spend some quality time with her even though we both had super busy weeks.  She is a fabulous sister and I love laughing and being crazy with her.  Just like old times!  The game was awesome.  Tim Duncan was amazing, although I don't think he'll be playing for much longer.  Such a talented ball player.  My allegiances were torn because I'm such a devoted fan, yet I felt a pull to cheer for my "home town" team.  Luckily for me, the Jazz ended up winning it with an unbelievable 3 pointer at the buzzer!  Sorry Tim, maybe next time.
• Saw "Lincoln."  Wow.  It really made me want to read up more on him and his life.  I wish that my history teachers in junior high and high school would have focused more on the individuals of history rather than memorizing dates.  That was boring.  The older I get the more I realize that history is entirely fascinating.  I'm just sad I jumped on the train so late.
• Went to the Christmas Concert at Temple Square and cried like a baby.  It was INSANE trying to even get downtown and we barely made the concert.  Once again, it was a busy week but I'm so glad I went because it was one of the best concerts I had been to!  Not only did Alfie Boe sing a "Les Mis" song ("Bring Him Home"), but Tom Brokaw was there to narrate.  He told an inspiring story of the "Candy Bomber" during WWII.  I don't know what it is about me and war stories, but I love them.  Not only was it an inspiring story, but the concert designers arranged to have the sound of jets flying in the background while they were showing home video footage of German children near the US airstrip.  Then they brought out snow.  And if that weren't enough, they threw parachutes of candy from the ceiling down to the audience.  For anyone that wasn't in tears by this point, they pulled out the big guns.  The Candy Bomber himself appeared after the story was told.  I'm telling you what, nothing brings the Christmas Spirit stronger than a story of someone engaging in a small act of kindness (that subsequently turned very, very huge.  But I guess that's what kindness does, it inspires us all to act a little better).  Afterwards my friends and I walked around Temple Square to look at the lights and see the candy displays in the Macy's windows.  It was a magical evening! 
• There was a huge "women wearing pants to church" movement.  Being a recent law graduate, I had a lot of friends who joined in the debate.  I personally did not share my views on the subject because, quite frankly, I've got bigger problems to worry about.  Like, for instance, whether I even have any CLEAN clothes to wear to church.  My laundry is seriously getting out of control.  But I digress.  I heard and read a lot of commentary on both sides and I've come to the conclusion that........I'm Switzerland.  
• Tried eggnog (again).  Decided I kind of like it (in small quantities).  Then again, maybe not.
• I was double booked for Christmas parties on Saturday.  My work threw an awesome Christmas party at the restaurant I named (Sixth Street Pizzeria) and then spoiled me with gifts.  I also went to a Christmas party with an amazing group of friends.  It seems like time slips away so quickly and we don't get to spend as much time together, but it was great to get together and celebrate the season!  I also drank some of the best hot chocolate I've ever had.  The secret?  Half and half.  Maybe I shouldn't have asked.........
• I listened to a Seventy speak at church.  Due to the fact that my calling legally allows me to "ward hop," I've had the opportunity to hear from quite a few general authorities in the last year and a half (Elder Bowen, Elder Munday, Elder Keech, Elder Lund, Elder Terry.......Sister Beck......Elder Bednar).  Sometimes I wish that I could listen to them every Sunday.  It is so uplifting to have them expound the scriptures and bare testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel.  Unfortunately, when the time comes, it may be a difficult transition attending the same ward every Sunday.  It's definitely been a blessing that comes with its hardships, but for now, it's my life.
• For anyone living under a rock, there was a shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut.  Once I heard the news, I immediately called my friend, Sara, to make sure it wasn't her kids' school.  Thankfully, it wasn't.  But it was still a horrific tragedy and my heart breaks for everyone affected.  It has been inspiring, however, to hear the stories of forgiveness and families/communities coming together to support each other.  Maybe we can find peace on earth, even in the midst of such tragedy.  

See what I mean?  Definitely NOT boring.  This time next week, it will be Christmas Eve.......I should probably start shopping.  An even bigger problem, though, is what the heck am I going to do for the annual Bryant family talent show?  

Tips From Kan's Kitchen & A Movie Star

Saturday was the annual "Christmas Cooking Day" at the Bryant house.  This is a tradition that has been going on for several years and we were able to do it earlier in the month due to the fact that I didn't have the stress of finals (yahoo)!  It is an exciting/educational/exhausting day when the Bryant (and Ludlow) women ages 10+ get together to make holiday goodies for our friends and neighbors.  It's a full day of cooking, dipping, laughing, and sometimes, crying.  My usual assignments include paper products (which is actually harder than it sounds) and bon-bons.  This year, partly due to the fact that I am trying to hone my domestic skills, I also tried out a new recipe.  Peppermint brownies.  I'm still not sure the results outweighed the effort involved, especially considering the real cooks in the family made awesome new contributions this year, too (JaKayla's cookie dough balls were to die for and Shanel blew us all away with her almond joy cupcakes).  But I think we really outdid ourselves this year!  Becky Jo and Jocelyn joined us for the first time and although Jill was still recovering from her recent surgery, she made an appearance to join in the fun!

You may think it odd that the goodies were in the garage......but it's actually the best way for the chocolates to set up before we prepare them for packaging and delivery.  My dad came up with this idea and set it all up for us! (Don't worry, everything complied with FDA regulations).

So here are a few tips if you're thinking of doing your own holiday baking this year:

1.  Don't double the bon-bon recipe.  Ever.  You might think that if you have a large volume of treat plates to give out, you should double the recipe to make sure everyone gets some.  This is a trap and will result in the development of carpal tunnel from all of the ball rolling you will have to do.

2.  When your sister says that she will help you with your brownies, what she really means to say is that she will mix 4 ingredients together and then leave you to fend for yourself.

3.  No matter how hard you try, no matter how careful you are, when you dip chocolates you inevitably end up spilling and smearing chocolate on random body parts that were not used in the dipping process.

4.  Ziploc bags are heaven sent and whoever thought of "the holiday collection" was a genius.

5.  Porcelain mugs will break when you drop them into the sink.  Even from a height of 6 inches.  Even by accident.  Just leave the dish washing to those with more experience in the kitchen.

In other news, we have a movie star on our hands (or at least a budding celebrity)!  My niece Taylor was featured on the local news for the efforts her school class made in helping to save an eagle.  Check it out! (I still have not learned how to embed videos to the blog, thus the link instead of the actual video).

It's Christmas Time

I was unsure whether I would decorate for Christmas this year.  All of my holiday decor is stored at my house in Salt Lake, 45 minutes away.  Normally this is not a big deal but when you factor in time to drive there, dig through all of my stuff, decide what I'm going to use and what I won't, then drive back home and spend time setting it up, I wasn't sure the benefits outweighed the effort.  I mean, in less than a month I would have to go through the process to take it all down again.  I have similar feelings about mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, and sometimes even making my bed.  Plus, my parents have amazing decorations and if I really wanted to get in the Christmas Spirit, I could just go visit them.  BUT.....in the end I finally buckled.  I do love Christmas.

Kayla, Joc, Brook, and Brin all came over and helped me set it up.  They did a great job and were really creative in where to put things and how to arrange them!  Especially with my tree since I have a tree and lights, just no ornaments.  It was so fun to spend some time with them since I don't get to see them as often anymore.  So, thanks to my four little helpers I am all set for Christmas!

Christmas is a time for Mo-Tab music and the First Presidency Devotional.  I watched it with my parents tonight and really loved President Uchtdorf's talk on being good receivers of gifts.  I told my mom that this is one area I should probably work on more this season.  Unfortunately, she didn't agree.  Regardless, I love Christmas because the gifts you give/receive are symbols of the love you have for the people in your life.  According to my list, I love (and consequently will gift) approximately 31 people this Christmas.  For those of you that don't make the list this year, you can either interpret that to mean I am still a poor graduate trying to pay off her student loans and the funds just couldn't stretch as far, or you can try to get back in my good graces and make the list next year.  But let's all be good receivers, eh?

December is also a month for family and lights and hot chocolate and maybe even a Christmas miracle or two.  Jill is going in for surgery tomorrow and I just pray that everything will go smoothly.  She is one of the greatest people I know and I love her so much.  I just hope that the doctors will be lead to do everything necessary to help her get healthy as quickly as possible.  Especially since, if the Mayans were right, none of us have much time left.

I hope your holidays are merry and bright!