It's been a long time since I've posted anything. I'm sorry for that, but pharmacy school took up way more time than I could've imagined. The two years of lecture at pharmacy school flew by and now I am in the middle of a year of rotations before graduation in May 2020. We've done a lot in that time, but it also seems like we haven't done anything but work and school. We've got the cutest little girl you'll ever see (mostly because we don't post the ornery pictures/days). She's now 15 months old and gets into everything.
We've officially moved to St. George. It's the first time Kaylee and I have actually lived in St. George since we've been married. We're looking to stay in St. George as long as I can find a job here after graduation, because St. George is heaven. So let us know if you know of any pharmacist jobs opening up in the next year. Hopefully this won't be my last post for another year, but no promises. Thanks for reading.
Before you read this, if you haven't read the original statement on the matter, you need to see it here. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is taking a lot of flak for its stance on medical marijuana and the Church is undeserving of such backlash. Within the statement (link above), the LDS Church is placing information in front of the potential voters so that they can make an informed decision.
The LDS Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. Image from templesquare.com.
Since you probably ignored the link, I'll give you a quick rundown of the first part and why this statement was even published. First off, the Church asked legal advisers to run an analysis on the bill that is being proposed in Utah. These legal advisers came back with a memorandum. These were then mentioned briefly throughout the remainder of the statement. So, technically, your anger should be directed at this helpful law office. Some of the main items that are seriously worrying within the initiative were brought to light, but obviously, that doesn't fit the media agenda, so the articles are twisted into how the LDS church is fully against it. Although, that might be true, that's not what this statement was about. I found it very enlightening. I've been pondering this subject for awhile (just ask Kaylee, she's sick of it). Some of the items I wanted to mention that I thought were disturbing was the idea that patients would be able to grow their own "medical" marijuana. When you're growing your own, is it really medical? Oh, and if you do get that exception, you also get the exception of using as much as you'd like with no restrictions. Another issue I saw was that this medicine won't be dispensed at a pharmacy, but rather at a "dispensary" without a prescription as long as you have your marijuana card. This is something that should be considered a controlled (addictive) substance along with the lortab, percocet and norco, but won't fully be considered that way. These dispensaries will also be able to give out free samples! Are you kidding me?! Why don't we just make the recreational stuff legal while we're at it.
Cannabis oil might be able to fix a lot of problems, but this bill is not structured correctly.
Here's a quick selection from the memorandum: "The list of 'qualifying illnesses' includes life-threatening and debilitating diseases, but also includes conditions that are difficult to diagnose and can afflict many people in varying degrees, such as 'chronic pain,' which by some estimates includes over 15% of the population. Further, the physician must only believe that the patient 'may benefit' from marijuana. Finally, the Department of Health does not have discretion to deny a medical cannabis card." Let me just repeat that last sentence with emphasis, "Finally, the Department of Health DOES NOT have discretion to deny a medical cannabis card." This initiative is sounding like a great idea now, huh? I don't want to drag this out much longer, so really quickly, here are a couple of other topics: Physicians will have no accountability; It could be prescribed to minors; Passing it will legalize possession of marijuana even before cards are distributed. Don't get me wrong, I think there is a benefit in using cannabis medically. I have heard the stories and heard about the incredible results. I'm not saying I am opposed to medical marijuana. I am opposed to this version of the bill/initiative. Utahns need to realize this bill is not the answer and will only lead to recreational use of marijuana in the future. I implore you to become educated on this bill before November comes. Don't listen to the polarizing sides, seek it out yourself and make an informed decision.
February 14 will be an important day for years to come. Nope, not because it's Valentine's Day. Our little girl, Joslyn, was born on February 14, eight days before the due date. Both mom and baby are healthy. Joslyn is perfect and adorable. See for yourself with the pictures in this post.
The hero I am talking about here is Kaylee. She started feeling contractions at 11:50 p.m. February 13. We didn't go to the hospital until I woke up fully around 6:30 a.m. We drove about 20-25 minutes to the hospital (St. Mark's), and she was calm the whole way there. When we arrived at the hospital, the nurses put us in a room, and Kaylee said she wanted to go as long as she could without an epidural. She had contractions for hours and hours after that. The nurse even said she was impressed with Kaylee's strength. When her contractions got stronger, but not much changed besides that, Kaylee chose to get the epidural. It didn't seem long after that when we ere to the point to push. Kaylee pushed for probably around an hour before Josyln officially arrived at 4:01 p.m.
Kaylee and all mothers everywhere are heroes or perhaps heroines is a better term. The pain they go through and the endurance and strength they show is incredible. We'd be absolutely lost without mothers and wives everywhere.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is mourning the loss of the prophet of the Lord today after President Thomas S. Monson passed away last night. President Monson was only 36 years old when he was called to be an apostle. That's only 10 years older than me now. That's so young. He passed away at the age of 90. He spent 53 years of his life as an apostle of the Lord. That's more than half of his life (for those of you who are numerically challenged). I've been thinking a lot about how I could write something that hasn't already been written. Maybe, I will just post two of my favorite talks that I've read (from 1970 to 1979) of his.
This one is called "My Personal Hall of Fame" from October 1974.
This one is called "Hopeless Dawn--Joyful Morning" from April 1976.
President Monson should be also submitted for the hall of fame for his service throughout his life. He devoted his life to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He became a Bishop at the age of 22. He was in a stake presidency at the age of 27. He served as a mission president at 31. He is a fantastic example to all people, not just members of the Church of Jesus Christ.
He will be sorely missed with his humor and incredible life stories. I'm saddened by the fact we won't hear those stories, but also that we haven't heard them in over a year. It makes me happy knowing he has rejoined his beloved wife, Frances.
I'm excited to see the progress of the Church under President Nelson. I bear testimony that there is a prophet on Earth today, just as in the Old Testament. The prophet leads and guides the Church of Jesus Christ under the ever-watchful eye of Christ himself. I know this to be true.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! Hopefully you're all celebrating with family or friends or both. Hopefully Santa Claus visited your home and everyone is enjoying themselves. I just wanted to tell you all what I've been thinking about lately. We all know that worldly possessions won't be able to go with us into the next life, right? You could make millions of dollars, but that's not going with you into heaven. I've been thinking a lot about people. People can be incredible, inspirational or amazing. They can also be annoying or rude. One of Kaylee's favorite things to do is "people watch." People do the strangest things, but in their head, it probably makes sense. I've been thinking about how people are everything. Creating relationships is more worthwhile than making money. Knowing those people, especially who we have constant contact with, is essential to life.
Kaylee's family.
I understand that sometimes we can't stand people, just drive in Salt Lake at any time of the day and you'll be frustrated out of your mind. I know I am. But, when you have a chance to meet people, get to know them. Find interest in people. It's obviously more comfortable to just sit in our little corner and shy away from others, but I promise that your life will be fuller if you just come out of your shell a bit and meet someone new. The most important people though, is your family members. Don't fight or argue with them. They will hopefully be there by your side forever. That is the ultimate goal. We don't ever want a single life to be lost (in this life, but especially the next) because every life and soul is important.
My dad's side of the family.
My mom's side of the family.
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, but remember at this time that Christ came to this world not to save just you. He came to save everyone!
It wouldn't be right of me to end with just stories of my mission, especially with the life I currently have. God has prepared a way that we can live together forever in our families. I can't think of a greater blessing than this. I'll never forget the day that I married Kaylee. It was a whirlwind of a day, but it was perfect.
A week before we actually got married, Kaylee was able to go through the temple to get her endowments. This means that it was her first time through the temple (besides baptisms for the dead). I was there and seeing her in all white, made me and my heart happy. She radiated beauty as she entered the Celestial room for the first time. Prior to the wedding day, we picked Gail Ockey to do our sealing. He was the patriarch that gave me my patriarchal blessing.
I don't remember a lot of what he said by Patriarch Ockey, but I remember how I felt as I looked across the altar into the eyes of my wife. She looked happy. Don't ask why, it was only me. I wish I could've taken a snapshot of the entire room though and the people that were there. So many happy faces of family and friends. Kaylee and I were sealed for "time and all eternity" together. That means that we will not be separated after this life. We are not married "till death" only, but forever. I recommend that blessing to everyone, but not just anyone can seal someone for all eternity. The proper authority must be held by that sealer. Because we are sealed together, our children, starting with our baby girl, will also be sealed to us.
Living together forever is something that I would wish that everyone could enjoy. These moments, especially within the walls of the temple, are moments that mean more than anything in the world. The Spirit is so strong in the temple, and being able to go to the temple with the one you love most is incredible.
Have you ever heard a song, especially around Christmas time, that just seems to cut right through you? This has happened many times for me.
This seems to happen to me more often lately. I don't know if it's
because I've seen my family less this year since my mission or what, but
I've had songs cut through me on multiple occasions this year. This has proven to me that the Spirit can be there in daily activities. While growing up and even now, my mom always makes up songs whether it was to wake her kids up, or to calm the grandchildren down. She has always loved music. I think I got that from her, but not the creativity of making up songs on the spot. My siblings and I were all told to sing our favorite hymn or primary song if we were ever scared or afraid of something. If you've never tried this, it works. Music is incredible. It can make someone get up and dance or sing. It can make you feel the Spirit or it can drive the Spirit away. There are so many different songs and styles of music. The lyrics of songs can be so inspiring or so degrading.
It seems every year around Christmas time, I find a different song that I fall in love with. One of the biggest times of this that I remember was in Strasbourg, France. We sang the First Noel in church and I was absolutely punched by the Spirit as we sang it. I couldn't help but tear up (no tears fell, so it's ok). Typically, I don't love Christmas music. The radio plays the same songs over and over and it gets old fast. One of the few songs that I usually like is "I'll Be Home For Christmas." When it comes to Christmas music though, I'd rather listen to older artists than any recent takes on the classic songs. I love listening to Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Dean Martin. For whatever reason, this year, I've loved most versions I've heard of "Silent Night." The lyrics of that song have struck me down. The last verse has been the one that does the trick:
Silent night, Holy night, Son of God, Love's pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
Next time you're listening to music, make sure you pay attention to the lyrics. The background music and beats aren't as important as what's being said. Listen to and think about the lyrics of Christmas music, because they usually give you something more than just a fun song. Here is one of my favorite songs because of the lyrics:
Even with songs that aren't Christmas related, you can find the Spirit being invited. I hope that you will start seeking out wholesome music, because it can make or break each day.
