Unveiling the New Theme

"It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end."

-Ernest Hemingway

My thoughts this year will be much shorter then last year-because my theme is much more simple (don't worry, my goals are not). I have loved every step of my journey up to this point...but over the last few weeks, I've been distracted by fear and focusing to much on the end destinations. It is these experiences, and one heck of a dream series, that is leading me to make this my theme this year. 

My journey has been perfect up to this point because it has been everything that I have needed. And I need to trust in the Lord's plan and continue to be willing to change in whatever ways He requires. My goals this year are centered on two talks, one by President Monson and one by Elder Gerard Causse. 

President Monson's talk focuses on the abundant life: 'I challenge Latter-day Saints everywhere to undertake a personal, diligent, significant quest for what I call the abundant life—a life filled with an abundance of success, goodness, and blessings. Just as we learned the ABCs in school, I offer my own ABCs to help us all gain the abundant life.' The ABC's he provides are: 

1. Have a positive Attitude: So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment. We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude.
2. Believe in Yourself: Be honest with yourself, with others, and with your Heavenly Father. Don’t limit yourself and don’t let others convince you that you are limited in what you can do. Believe in yourself and then live so as to reach your possibilities. You can achieve what you believe you can. Trust and believe and have faith.
3. Face Challenges with Courage: Have the determination to make the effort, the single-mindedness to work toward a worthy goal, and the courage not only to face the challenges that inevitably come but also to make a second effort, should such be required. “Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’

Elder Causse's talk is about finding happiness in our lives: My dear brothers and sisters, my message for you today is that there is a different path than ones of fear and doubt or self-indulgence—a path that brings peace, confidence, and serenity in life. You can’t control all of the circumstances of your life. Things both good and challenging will happen to you that you never expected. However, I declare that you have control of your own happiness. You are the architects of it. Your happiness is not really the result of the circumstances of your life. It is much more the result of your spiritual vision and the principles upon which you base your life. These principles will bring you happiness regardless of the unexpected challenges and surprises you will inevitably face during your journeys here on earth. The principles he focuses on are:

1. Recognize Your Personal Worth: My brothers and sisters, imagine what it would mean to you if you could see yourself as God sees you. What if you looked at yourself with the same benevolence, love, and confidence that God does? Imagine the impact it would have on your life to understand your eternal potential as God understands it. If you could view yourself through His eyes, what influence would that have on your life? I testify He is there. Seek Him! Search and study. Pray and ask. I promise you that God will send you tangible signs of His existence and His love for you. It might be through an answer to a prayer; it might be the soft influence of the Holy Ghost consoling or comforting you; it might be a sudden inspiration or a new strength that you know didn’t come from you; it might be a family member, friend, or priesthood leader who happens to be in the right place at the right time to bless your life. In one way or another, as you reach out to Him, He will let you know He is there.
2. Become Who You Are: Brigham Young said: “The greatest lesson you can learn is to know yourselves. … You have to come here to learn this. … No being can thoroughly know himself, without understanding more or less of the things of God; neither can any being learn and understand the things of God without knowing himself: he must know himself, or he never can know God.” Become who you really are. Your happiness and ability to find balance in your life will occur as you find, recognize, and accept your true identity as a child of our Heavenly Father and then live in accordance with this knowledge.
3. Trust in God's Promises: I love these motivating words of President Thomas S. Monson: “The future is as bright as your faith.” Our success and happiness in life depend in great part on the faith and trust we have that the Lord will lead and guide us to fulfill our destiny...The greatest thing we can desire in life is to align our will to the will of the Lord—to accept His agenda for our lives. He knows everything from the beginning, has a perspective that we don’t have, and loves us with an infinite love...after you have done all in your power, if things don’t turn out the way you hoped or expected, be ready to accept the will of your Heavenly Father. We know that He will not inflict upon us anything that is not ultimately for our good. Listen for that calming voice that murmurs in our ears, “All flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God” (D&C 101:16).
4. Your Future is as Bright as Your Faith: I testify, with President Monson, that your “future is as bright as your faith.” Your happiness depends a lot more on the principles that you choose to follow than the external circumstances of your life. Be faithful to these principles. God knows you and loves you. If you live in harmony with His eternal plan and if you have faith in His promises, then your future will shine! You have dreams and goals? That’s good! Work with all your heart to accomplish them. Then let the Lord do the rest. He will lead you where you cannot lead yourself; He will make you into what you cannot make of yourself. At all times, accept His will. Be ready to go where He asks you to go and to do what He asks you to do. Become the men and women He is nurturing you to become.

I know I said I wasn't going to make a long post (but its me-I always get caught up in something or another). But as I delved into my theme deeper, I knew that I needed the focus of my goals to be about living an abundant life-becoming the disciple Christ is asking me to become. And to become the architect of my own happiness. Because its my journey, back to God, which means I have to learn as much as I possibly can-but I need to do that with joy. 

And now for the GOALS (my favorite part!): 

This year, per a request from our relief society president, I broke them down into categories

Spiritual Goals

1. Study the lessons for Gospel Doctrine and Relief Society prior to Sunday, each week

2. Continue attending the temple at least 2x a month

3. Write in my journal at least once a week (on Sundays) 

4. Have one 'gratitude prayer' a day

5. Practice patience: patience is far more than simply waiting for something to happen—patience requires actively working toward worthwhile goals and not getting discouraged when results don't appear instantly or without effort.

6. Work on becoming softer (more meek): work on softening my speech (no more I'll cut yous or I'll punch yous); work on letting others take the lead; and work on not being aggressive (no more punching boys in the leg...)

Service Goals

1. Share the gospel/my testimony with at least 2 people this year

2. Continue to focus on the betterment of others-without expectations (Do my VT with the sisters as a focus, prepare my lessons focused on what others need, etc.)

3. Contact (written letters or phone calls only) family/loved ones at least once a month
4. Work on Family History at least once a month

Educational Goals

1. Read 10 church books and 10 non-fictional books about something I don't know a lot about

2. Read 5 classic books (Les Miserables, To Kill a Mocking Bird, etc) 

3. Try one new activity a month (cook a new recipe, go hiking, etc.)

Physical Goals

1. Continue running weekly and work on toning up

2. Get ready every day (no going out looking frumpy-makeup and hair must be done) 

Financial Goals

1. Get a real job!! (haha, no really...I would like to be hired on as clinical faculty at a pharmacy school)

2. Create a budget for the next year; save for and go on a trip somewhere foreign (Ireland or Africa); save for my upcoming move

3. Read a book on financial planning/take a class

Dating/Relationship Goals (this is my own addition)

1. Go on one date a month (either someone asks me or I have to ask-but they have to be actual dates-meaning planned, paid, and paired off) 

2. Practice building in relationships: Become better at listening and communicating; let go of control-get out of the pilot seat and jump into the co-pilot seat

So there you have it! My goals for my 28th year of life. This year I managed to accomplish almost all of my goals-This next year will be even better. I know that some of those goals don't seem very measurable, but I will know if I am meeting them (and I'm quite certain that a best friend of mine *AHEMthebrowAHEM* will also be able to tell me if I am meeting them!). 

'Our journey toward perfection is long, but we can find wonder and delight in even the tiniest steps in that journey...You are closer to heaven than you suppose. You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine. Continue to increase in faith and personal righteousness. Accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as your way of life. Cherish the gift of activity in this great and true Church. Treasure the gift of service in the blessed organization of Relief Society. Continue to strengthen homes and families. Continue to seek out and help others who need your and the Lord’s help.'

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Year in Review

Last year, around this time, I posted that I wanted 27 to be a year to beat. It is amazing to me that as I sat down this morning to write this post, I was immediately pulled to all the many things I have to be grateful for-so much so, that I started to cry. (SHOCKING! This girl crying?! NEVER!) 2012 has definitely been a year to beat and for some reason I just know that 2013 will be just as great, if not better (maybe that's because of my new theme!! Which I am sooo excited about! But patience-that post will come soon).


My overall feelings about this past year have been summed up in a mix I made for my best friend, 'On Top of the World', or the song 'Up and Up'. That does not mean this year has been perfect-far from it. But every mountain and every challenge has had a purpose. And my theme for the year has really helped define my journey that much more.


So, let's review the theme and my goals! (I'm more excited about this then I have ever been before!)

"Meekness, however, is more than self-restraint; it is the presentation of self in a posture of kindness and gentleness, reflecting certitude, strength, serenity, and a healthy self-esteem and self-control."

-Neal A. Maxwell

This quote served as my theme for the year and I broke it down into three points:

1st: The presentation of self in a posture of kindness and gentleness

"I am a daughter of a King. How very important it is for me to treat myself with love and respect.

And then carry that love, respect, kindness, and gentleness to all those around me. How very important it is that each of us knows that God knows us and numbers us among the stars. This is an additional thing I think of when I read presentation of self in a posture of kindness and gentleness. Everyone has struggles, everyone has their own demons and challenges; EVERYONE needs a little more kindness and gentleness. And for some reason, Heavenly Father has given me a gift of being able to love-to see a person as an individual. And now, I want to really work on loving as he does. I want to see the worth of souls and help them to feel God's love for them. I want to serve from the bottom of my heart and give myself completely to following Christ's teachings."

In reflecting over this point, it amazes me just how many ways I was called to fill this role without recognizing it until now. It started with a call to the Relief Society Presidency. During a time of great need-a need for my talents to be used in the midst of extreme grief and sorrow, both my own personally and my wards. In less then a week, my rocky family relationships were all left hanging by a thread, I was left questioning who I really was, and then I was called to the presidency. Less then two weeks later, while I was still in the midst of my own grief, one of our sisters died in a car accident. Because the experiences were beyond personal, I will just simply say that I was literally carried by the Lord and managed to accomplish everything that was required of me. And as I gave everything that I could possibly give, I was given glimpses of the Lord's plan for my life. It was one of the most beautiful tender mercies I have ever received.

Later in the year, recently actually, I had a very special blessing from a friend. It was one of the most beautiful (and longest) blessings I have ever been given. In the days prior to the blessing, I had been struggling with how to serve a sister in our ward after I had unintentionally hurt her. The blessing was very specific about my call to serve. In the weeks since, I have seen that blessing fulfilled in ways I never thought possible.

In each instance I have learned more about who I really am, been able to love myself a little more, and more importantly-been able to love others more completely (and hopefully helped them to feel God's love).

2nd: reflecting certitude, strength, serenity

I want to continue this pattern, of involving my Father in Heaven in my life, with consistency-to really reflect certitude and strength. And then with this, find that inner peace-the serenity-that comes with really knowing God and understanding the plan that he has for me as an individual and all of us as a collective group...There is serenity in this concept that I want to find-a great strength in knowing God on that level. I want to dedicate this year to knowing my Savior on this level.

I don't think that I can say I have involved the Lord consistently in EVERYTHING this past year-but at the same time I have involved Heavenly Father in my life and I have known God's plan more then ever before. Its hard to reflect on this one, because it involves a lot of those refiner's fire moments. And its even harder because of the last few weeks-which have been an uphill battle to not fear the 'unknown' of the next phase of my life. But today as I sit and reflect on this statement and what I had intended for my life this past year, its obvious to me that 'heaven has shown me miracles'. I have learned this past year, that my inner strength and drive is a gift from Heavenly Father; but I have also learned that that strength is not really my own-but that I become mighty because of the Savior. This year I have learned that even in the thick of struggling, I can have complete peace.

3rd: a healthy self-esteem and self-control

'Have the courage to be imperfect on the road to perfection." Self-control is like a muscle-it requires constant use to build up its strength. And when we lack self control, Satan has complete control over our path in life. Elder Holland has reminded me, "The only real control in this life, is self-control." This is my goal for this year. To love myself a little more, to remember that I am not forgotten, and to consistently 'flex' my self-control.

Always a challenge to be completely honest with yourself-and of all my areas, this is one I still struggle with. But I've improved and that's the point of goals. I'm still struggling with certain definitions I've assigned to myself for years, but I'm getting better at recognizing my personal worth and strengths. And most importantly, my self control is getting better-not great, but better!

And now time for the GOALS

1. Read the New Testament-Learn more of Christ's ministry and how to apply those teachings to my own life (CHECK!)

2. Seek out opportunities to serve (and serve in the right way, without expecting blessings, but instead for the betterment of others) (CHECK!)

3. Consistently make the choice (my theme last year can't just be forgotten! Instead I have to consistently do it!) (CHECK!)

4. Pay off some of my debt (starting with the small things and working to the big ones!) (This will be on my list for years-but I've made progress and so I'm giving it a CHECK!)

5. Get published! (with my first manuscript) (Results still pending...)

6. Run a half-marathon (gotta do it this year...I ain't no spring chicken) (No check! But I am running 3x a week and working up so thats good)

7. Make a trip to VA (Hopefully in the Fall with Grace! And to see my all my favorites, including my BEST friend. Cause I miss her like crazy-and maybe convince her to finally come to Texas *hint,hint*) (CHECK CHECK CHECK!!! I saw all my favorites, had an amazing time with Jess, and she's totally coming to Texas! WOOOT!) 

8. Be Healthier (Exercising, simplifying my diet, and loving myself every day) (CHECK! I am most proud of this goal-because not only have I accomplished it-I've also lost weight and not just a few pounds, but I weigh less then I did in high-school. And most importantly, I feel better about myself then I have in years!) 

9. Read 25 books (Meh...it wasn't a good year for reading-because I was too busy running around and living my life) 

10. Go to the Temple 2x a month (CHECK!)

11. Less media, more time choosing the 'better part' (CHECK!)

12. Meet Heather's baby (my new little munchkin to spoil! I think I'm going to call him/her a giraffe!) (CHECK!)

So as you can see-2012 really has been a year to beat. But here's my thoughts on the matter (hey, you are reading my blog so I get that luxury) 2012 has been a year to beat-but I will beat it because this life is my journey and as you will soon learn, I have decided that's the most important part!

 

Days 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18

Day 14: Institute 

By helping students draw closer to Heavenly Father, make friends, and set priorities, institute strengthens testimonies and changes lives.

Institute is a saving grace. Its been almost 10 years since I started attending institute. My first few years my attendance waxed and waned. But I found that every time I went back, the Spirit would testify so very loudly that I could't block it out. And even in the midst of storms in life, slowly I began to learn something-I began to learn that institute was mine. It was the one thing in my life that I could put in effort and receive more then I ever put in. As I continued to attend, my learning increased and I found greater purpose in church and ultimately my own life. My beloved scriptures went from being a gift that I didn't know how to use, to my most prized possession. They are filled with my notes, my revelations, my growth, and my testimony. And I owe all of that (and so much more) to institute. 

Day 15: Tender Mercies

Today was a very hard day for me. And as I sat, trying to piece together where things went wrong-a friend randomly showed up at my house. She had made some food and felt prompted to drop off the extras. Little did she know that she was going to be a HUGE tender mercy. 

Then later, another person wouldn't let me ruin the rest of our evening with my crazy girl brain. So instead, they made the effort to communicate exactly what I needed to hear so that we could enjoy the night. (it sounds vague and weird, but it was definitely a tender mercy for me). 

My life is full of them. And I am so very grateful that each one testifies to me that the Lord is aware of me and loves me. 

Day 16: Books

I love them. I can't get enough of them. I don't want a kindle or any other form of electronic book. I want to touch my books, I want to smell them, and I want to mark them all up with my thoughts and ideas as I am reading them. 

Day 17: Last Weekend of Work for a while

ITS AVERY GOOD THING TO BE GRATEFUL FOR. Trust me. 

Day 18: Best friends that forgive

Its to much to write out-but I'm glad that there are people who are willing to overlook my weaknesses and provide support, even when I've let them down.

Day 13

My PapaBear

'A child needs a Grandpa to grow a little more securely into an unfamiliar world.' 

Charles and Ann Morse

He's the man who scared me so bad as a child my Grandma had to devise a game to get me to look at him. 'What does the doggy say? Woof. What does the kitty say? Meow. What does the PapaBear say? RAWR.' 

He's the man I've always admired-from the way people talk to him, to the way he runs his business, to the way he carries himself in life. 

He's the man who loved my Grandma completely-heart and soul. And His example is what I want to find in my life-always and forever. 

He is the man who always encouraged me to be better-even if I didn't understand why he was pushing me so hard, he's always had my best interests at heart. 

He is the man that I love unconditionally and he loves me unconditionally. He is the man that helped me figure out that I wasn't so different (that I did fit in with my family). 

He's the man that is my biggest support system, the president of my fan club (and I'm the president of his), the man that lets me have 'bipolar disorder' when I watch football, the man who stocks his fridge with oatmeal raisin cookies from Ralph's when I come into town, the man who always cuts fresh flowers for me (and even grew an Abraham Lincoln rose), the man who always wants to ask the boys in my life, 'do you like pain?', the man who is my hero in every sense of the word. 

I could never express enough gratitude for my Grandfather. I have a lot in life to be grateful-but I cannot wait to thank Heavenly Father in person for giving me my Grandfather. He is an inspiration and every moment with him is the best in life. I love him-heart and soul. And I could never ask for a better PapaBear. He is truly the world's most amazing man. (And I am not prejudiced.) 

'What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies.' 

-Rudolph Giuliani

Thanks for the Cookies PapaBear. And thank you for being my everything! 

Day 12

MUSIC

'Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.' 

-Plato

'Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent' 

-Victor Hugo

'Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl back my loneliness.' 

-Maya Angelou

7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Man oh man I am behind! Its been a crazy week full of lots of good things. But that means very little time for blogging. Don't worry though! I assure you that I have been taking note of the things I am grateful for each day!

So here are the last 5 days...sorry for the shortened version, but note that I am very grateful for each of these things!

Day 7: Days at Home

Occasionally, I get to arrange my schedule in such a manner that I get to stay at home and work. Oftentimes, my home is a place for sleeping, bathing, and eating. But I love my little home. I am so grateful for the ability to afford a place that is spacious and comfortable. I am grateful that my home is my safe haven. That it is peaceful. I have a white board on my kitchen counter and from time to time I write different quotes on it. But most recently, the scripture from Joshua has been there. I love it. And every time I look at it, I am reminded of just how important it is for my home to be a Christ-centered home. 

'But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.' Joshua 24:15

Day 8: The Temple

It is my favorite place on earth. Doesn't matter which one, doesn't matter what season I never stop wishing that I could be there. And I'm grateful that every time I go, I get reminded of my first time through. I'm grateful for the people who were there that day. And for the love and support they showed. And I am so very grateful that I always feel at home in the temple. 

'Through our efforts in their behalf their chains of bondage will fall from them, and the darkness surrounding them will clear away, that light may shine upon them and they shall hear in the spirit world of the work that has been done by their people here, and will rejoice with you in your performance of these duties.' -Joseph F. Smith

Day 9: Dentists!

Weird right?! Well I just got my teeth cleaned and they feel amazing (okay so really, the day that they were cleaned they did not feel so amazing-the hygienist painted my teeth with this fluoride crap that was AWFUL; but the next day they were great!) So I am grateful for dentists who keep my teeth from falling out of my head! 

Day 10: Liz-Biz

Liz-Biz (ahem...Elizabeth Renae Brown) is my friend that I should have met YEARS ago-but only met a year ago. Seriously, we grew up in the same state-just a few miles away from each other. We graduated the same year. And we even know some of the same people. And yet it took 26+ years and a move to San Antonio, TX for our paths to cross. I wasn't quite sure Liz liked me when she met me-in fact I remember thinking that she didn't want me around. But somehow, she's become my closest friend in San Antonio. She was my visiting teacher for a while-and she taught me to let people help me out. And when I would call her, she would drop everything and come (even if it was just to help me clean my kitchen cause it was stressing me out so bad). We spent Christmas together (away from home) and we still enjoy laughing about the 100 octaves that JT managed to get out while snoring. She tried to kill me on New Year's with this 'cake that was supposed to bring good luck for the new year'...We've explored the river walk and went adventuring for wild flowers. We've had sleep overs and silliness. She is the most sincere person I have ever met in my entire life. She loves completely and constantly gives of herself. She is good. Like ridiculously good. And I constantly want to be better because of the examples she sets. I'm not sure why it took so long to meet her, but I am so grateful that I finally did. 

Day 11: My Bed and Sunday Naps

'Consciousness....That annoying time between naps'

Day 6

Aunts

Only an aunt can give hugs like a mother, keep secrets like a sister and share love like a friend.

Today I would like to express gratitude for each of my Aunts-so here they are, in no particular order: 

  

Jeni: She's the perfect addition to our family. She makes my Uncle Mike even better then he was before. She is sweet, kind, loving, and a devoted Mother. She always listens, never yells, and always manages to include everyone. I'm really grateful that my Uncle made such a wise decision in marrying her. And I'm grateful that she's accepted me as her niece and loves me fiercely. I'm also grateful that she's always shared her testimony with me. That she helps strengthen mine. She is definitely 'the babe'! 

Stacie: I don't think any words that I could write would ever adequately describe my gratitude for this lady. If there was any one person that understood me better then I know myself, it is her. She has always loved me unconditionally, fiercely, and completely. She has always treated me like a niece, a daughter, a friend, a confidant, and so much more. She's been one of my biggest supporters and my biggest fan. She's got a heart of gold and I could never fully repay her for all the many ways she supported me in school (but I will attempt for the rest of my life!). She is gorgeous, she is fun, she is stubborn and a control freak like me, she's dedicated, she's faithful and loyal, she's bright, and the list just goes on and on. This is my travel buddy-'my scared out of my pants driving 100km/hour and wanting do die cause we are still lost 8 hours later', 'carry my luggage and break your finger', and 'holy crap we ate gelato 5x today' best friend. And I'm quite certain she's slightly cracked and only getting better the older she gets....

Stefanie: If there was ever a person who has set the bar for achievements-its my Aunt Stef. She was Miss Teen-Deaf Idaho, Miss Deaf Idaho, she put herself through school and even when challenges arose, she pushed and persevered. She is silly. She is sweet. She is so very talented-from crafts, to artwork, to her ability to teach. She amazes me in every aspect of her life. And I love her dearly. Her spirituality has always impressed me. She's never seen her deafness as a handicap-instead she believes that Heavenly Father made her special. And she is so very right. She is a rare gem in a world of rocks. I will always hope to emulate her love of the world and those around her. 

Shauna: aka 'the nut'. Seriously, I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in my entire life. She's goofy. She misses the point 9x out of 10-but its not because she's blonde...or maybe it is. All of my Aunts are giving and loving-but Shauna does it differently. She always has-her thoughts tend to be about serving you and loving you. She gets so excited about finding the perfect gift for you-but then forgets it or can't find it for months. And when you finally get the gift, you can't help but love her a little more because you know that her whole heart went into finding something that would bring you so much joy. She is thoughtful. Loving. Drives you 'bat-crazy' when playing games. Always has to have the special fudge-cause she's 'allergic' to nuts but will share with you because you hate nuts. And she's also the one Aunt who will always embarrass you in front of boys-not cause she intends to, but because she thinks you are the greatest ever and that all boys should love you! 

Jenifer (Jeni): If there was one word I could use to describe my Aunt Jeni it would be, 'Grandma'. Because everyday, I see more and more of my Grandma June in her. She has always been stunning to me. I was so intimidated by her as a child: she was (and still is) GORGEOUS, smart, witty, talented, and a perfectionist. But then something amazing happened, I grew up and she became one of my best friends. When tragedy struck our family, I was terrified that I would lose myself because I no longer had my Grandma in my corner. How grateful I am for Jeni and her ability to pull us all together, to step into my corner and to emulate my Grandmother in so many ways. The relationship I share with Jeni is priceless-every time we get to spend time together or just talk, my life is enriched more. She's still setting the example in all she does: she is an amazing mother (AMAZING), she is an amazing person, and one of the best Aunts in the entire world. She is always rooting for me, always encouraging me, always pushing me to be the best version of myself, and I love her fiercely. And I am so very grateful that she continues to be a reminder of just how beautiful my Grandma was and how much I need to learn to emulate her myself. 

An aunt is a gift whose worth cannot be measured except by the heart

And I am so very grateful that I get to claim all these women as mine!