The Day to Day Miracles on the set of Uphill Battle: Part 2

Day 6:

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Last night's late wrap (1:29 AM) facilitated a late start time again today. Today was not an originally scheduled work day, though Rod and I both knew from the beginning working today was likely. Some of the crew took the day off. We were down a 1st AD and make-up artist. Shelby, that amazing miracle worker, scoured her contacts and friends of friends for a fill in make-up artist for the day. Less than two hours before the shoot, Tresia was hired! She did a beautiful job matching the looks Tara established. During lunch, Tresia let me know that the job had been a miracle for her and a direct result of paying tithing. She had paid it with the faith that doing so would bring blessings. She was so grateful for the work, and we were so grateful for her!

During lunch, I sent Taylor and Christian to run some errands. One of the errands was to buy three shirts for Aura for the rest of her scenes. She had run out of wardrobe. I gave Taylor the name of the store (a women's clothing boutique) and the address and these instructions "Buy something that looks, conservative, classy and cute, preferably in solid colors." He returned with a black shirt with a floral design around the neck, a red slim fit shirt, and a grey shirt with a baby doll type cut. I was astounded and impressed! He had been making the ladies on set happy all week with Dove chocolate and indulgent trail mix, but this was sensational!

The set had a peaceful feel and a lot of positive energy abounded. It was relaxed, unified, and "chill" as several people put it. It was probably just more "quiet" because the overall number of people on set was greatly reduced. We moved through scene after scene with relative ease and completed our day just after 8:00 PM. Finishing early was amazing, as it gave us time to completely break down the set and empty out the house. We'd be at a new location on Monday. When the house was empty, still and quiet, I said goodbye to it for the last time. I went in my grandmother's bedroom and slipped into the closet to offer a prayer of gratitude for all the miracles we had experienced to that point, and for the spiritual help my grandmother was providing.

Aura had a friend over when we got home that helped, along with Shawn and Taylor to completely empty the trailer and re-set the borrowed furniture and decor to its original position throughout our house. For the first night in days, we were in bed by midnight!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Though not a work day, several miracles took place today that are worth mentioning. As of noon, we still hadn't found Greg's car for the opening scene of the movie that would be shooting Monday morning. The script called for an Audi. The Audi from Stand Strong had since been sold. At church today, Shawn talked to one of his friends about his red Porsche. He agreed to let us use it in the morning for the scene that would be the opening shot of the movie. There was only one condition, that it not be raining because the convertible top was stuck in the down position. We prayed the rain would stop, at least between 8:00 AM and Noon on Monday!

The other miracle involved the home we would be shooting in the next day. The home was to be the "pre-divorce" home of the lead character. All of the pre-divorce scenes are seen as flashbacks throughout the movie. While writing the script, I could literally see in my mind's eye, the interior of the upper-end two story home where the character lived. In the opening scene, the lead character watches from a window above the driveway as her husband backs away. I saw it clearly and described it in words for the script. When looking for the home, I assumed it would be easy to find that type of set up and style of home, and that I'd know the place when I saw it. Several weeks ago, I thought of a friend whom I know to maintain her home beautifully and tried to get a hold of her. It was difficult finding her current number and when I finally got it and called it, there was no answer. I didn't feel that I keep pursuing it, and instead again started praying to find the right house. From that point, I kept thinking of a neighbor's home only a block from my own. I had seen the exterior, which is a beautiful two story home, but had never been inside. A friend of mine lived there a few years ago. To the shock of the neighborhood, my friend's husband shot her and then himself. The home was vacant for more than a year and then purchased by another neighbor. I kept thinking of the house and that it was the right one. I talked to the home owner who said we could film there. A week after scheduling it with him, Shawn ran into his wife at the park on Saturday. Shawn mentioned our coming to film on Monday. It was a miracle he ran into her because she had no idea of the plan. Her husband forgot to tell her. Shawn also asked if we could come by after church to look at the house and get acquainted with the space before showing up to film on Monday. She invited us over directly after church to look at it.

As we pulled up, I looked up at the window over the garage. I said "We need to use that room for the window. It has the perfect vantage into the driveway." Shawn said "I'm sure it's not the master bedroom, that floorplan isn't very common."

We were full of anticipation as we mounted the front stairs and rang the doorbell. When the door opened and I stepped inside, a phenomenal amount of "deja vu" overwhelmed me. I started to tear up. I followed the home owner up the stairs toward the master bedroom. Each step caused my excitement to rise. She opened the master bedroom door and I nearly fell over in surprise. The room was exactly as I'd mentally seen it when I described it for the script. The window overlooking the driveway indeed was in the master bedroom! Everything about it was perfect and was exactly what I'd seen right down to the decor! I was in complete awe of the literal vision I had seen of the home. I loved the realization of having had a literal vision of the home. I was so grateful to have experienced such an amazing miracle. I couldn't help but feel my good friend who had died there several years prior was helping me with the movie. Also at that time I was inspired to make the movie in her remembrance.

Day 7:

Monday, May 16, 2011

The clouds gathered in the sky and the wind increasingly picked up, threatening a storm. We prayed it would wait until after the opening scene with the Porsche. Shawn picked up the car and and brought it to set. It became quite a popular prop as many of us were photographed next to or inside of it!

I offered the thought this morning after the cast and crew prayer. I shared of the experience I had yesterday and how I know that many are working on the project not only here in body, but also by those in spirit. I've felt the influence and support of angels and ancestors on set every day. The inspiration received by cast and crew alike, and the ongoing help from beyond, has kept us engaged in the literal Uphill Battle.

Shooting the pre-divorce scenes was intense. We prayed over every scene and how to accurately portray the heartache of infidelity and addiction. One scene called for a display of anger that led to violence. The rehearsed violence was in one lead character grabbing the other by the wrist. By about the 4th take, the scene had escalated in intensity with each time. Instead of grabbing her wrist and pulling her to her feet as had been done in prior takes, he grabbed her hair without even thinking, just being in the spirit of the scene. It was intense and very real. When I called "Cut!" the first thing I heard was Shelby yelling "Unrehearsed! Unrehearsed!" as she clutched at the side of her head where clumps of hair were falling between her fingers. Everyone rushed in to see if she was okay and the other lead character fell all over her with apologies. He hadn't intended to grab her in such a way and was really sorry. The three of us had our own prayer for the scene right before we shot it, to be as true and realistic as possible. I know that prayer was answered.

One of the lead characters was catching a plane to LA at 8:00 PM and needed to be wrapped for the day by 6:00. We wrapped at 5:30! We were scheduled to use a local bike shop for scenes from 6:00-10:00, however, when we arrived, we discovered that our contact at the shop had gone home early due to an emergency and there were no arrangements made to have employees stay to keep the shop open. Disappointing, but I don't believe in accidents. We were able to reschedule the bike shop for Thursday night. Wrapping early let everyone catch up on much needed family life and sleep!

Day 8:

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

The rain, which gratefully and respectfully held off yesterday while we used a borrowed convertible Porsche with a broken top, poured with a fury all day today. The rain even turned to snow mid-afternoon! Miraculously, all our scenes were indoors. Even better, was the fact that we shot Erica's bedroom scenes in my home, in Aura's bedroom. Michael's bedroom was also shot in my home, in the master bedroom. This allowed me to be close to my little children whom I've only gotten to see briefly, late at night and in lots of pics and texts from Shawn for the past week, and whom I have missed dearly.

Shelby's truck wouldn't start this morning. She needed a jumpstart and to let it run for awhile when she first arrived on set. We scheduled Nathan's scenes and Shelby was given the day off. Out of the kindness of her heart, she stayed anyway and read lines with Nathan.

Because of the tremendous downpour of rain and snow, all the outdoor driveway and yard scenes of Michael as a landscaper, which was scripted as his profession along with photographer, were scrapped. The decision was made to eliminate "landscaper/photographer" and have Michael just be a photographer. His outdoor scenes were changed to indoor with the profession change. It turned out to perfectly suit the Michael character better!

During one of the first scenes of the day, Michael's office scene, as I looked into the monitor, watching the action, I was inspired suddenly with the scripture on which the next movie will be based. A very strong impression of Isaiah 1:18 "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" entered my mind during the scene. In between takes, I turned to Taylor, who was standing next to me to share the inspiration. The next take resumed and I found myself doubting the impression. I thought over the scripture and decided it was too overt a message. After I called "Cut!" I again turned to Taylor and told him that perhaps it was too overt a message and that I wasn't sure I'd use it. The take resumed again. This time, the prompting returned more powerfully. Again I heard the words of Isaiah 1:18 powerfully in my mind. When the take was over, I told Taylor that Isaiah 1:18 was the scripture the Lord wanted as the message of the next movie.

Later that afternoon several miracles took place. We finished with all the Michael scenes earlier than expected and had time to move downstairs to Erica's scenes. Shelby was already on set despite her day off, so we were able to transition seamlessly to her scenes, though they were previously unscheduled. The inspiration of Isaiah 1:18 was miraculously underscored in an experience I had directing one of Shelby's scenes. In the scene, Erica was to question God about what He wanted her to do, pick up her scriptures, hold them out and drop them on the bed. There were to fall open to Proverbs 3:5 which she would read as the answer to her question. As we rehearsed the scene, Shelby asked me to show her what my vision for how the action was to play out. I picked up the scriptures, closed my eyes and plopped the scriptures out in front of me. They fell open to Isaiah 1:18! I had shared with Shelby the inspiration about the scripture at lunch, so we both gasped in awe as we saw where the scriptures opened to in the drop! We looked at each other, amazed, and laughed with delight!

Once we were ready to shoot the scene, a reverent and peaceful calm canvassed the room. The presence of the Spirit was strong as Shelby performed the action of the scene. She closed her eyes, held out the scriptures and dropped them before her on the bed just as we'd planned. They fell open to Proverbs 3:5, the very place they were "supposed" to!

Day 9:

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Cold and raining again today. We were able to get a good start on the Erica scenes yesterday afternoon. Because we could technically finish with Erica's scenes early, I started seeking out a location for the Sunday school scene since the scheduled location fell through. It was surely a miracle that I was able to find a location willing to get us in later in the afternoon during a brief window of time the church had between activities. I solidified our reservation and then prayed we could make it.

We started out the day with our cast and crew prayer and thought. Tara, our very talented make-up artist, offered the thought. She shared a beautiful metaphor that she had realized on her drive to set. She had been feeling off about some problems in her life and was tempted to feel discouraged. Just as the dark gloom of sadness threatened to block her joy, the same as the dark storm clouds had been darkening the sky, a strong beam of light broke through the clouds, revealing the sun. In that moment, she realized that though the cold feeling of disappointment and pain had crowded her life like the storm clouds covering the sky, the sun had never left. It remained constant behind the clouds and it broke through bringing a brilliant radiance and warmth with it. I was very touched to hear her observation and grateful for that thought, especially since there were problems on set this morning. There had been some tension between several crew members that disrupted the unity on set and a subsequent coldness followed. This beautifully shared, and definitely inspired thought, cleared the way for the bright sun of unity and friendship to burn through the storm clouds of discontent that had been present. We needed that unifying and healing thought to make it through the otherwise hectic day.

The time allotted for the Sunday school scene meant that we would leave Erica's bedroom scenes mid-day to get to our appointed location. We decided that it was to make only a partial company move to maintain continuity in filming Erica's bedroom scenes. Only a few lights were to be transported and the dolly and track would stay assembled in Erica's bedroom awaiting our return. We prayed we would be able to get the shots we needed with minimal equipment.

The first scene we shot in the church location was the recovery group for a montage sequence. Since we had no dolly, Rod asked Taylor to scout out the building for some kind of cart on which to wheel the camera. Taylor returned with a rubbermaid garbage cart from the church kitchen that worked beautifully. We were glad he found a cart, as we had considered part jokingly, that we could use a piano in the room as a dolly!

The recovery group scene, though a silent montage, was beautiful. Nathan shared a heartfelt testimony with the group of men who assembled in the circle. The extras for the recovery group circle was comprised of all the men on the crew. I was very grateful that they agreed to sit in front of the camera, especially on such short notice. I think my crews are learning that they will be actors at some point in the movie every time!

Scaled down equipment and a time dealine for use of the location were not our only concerns. Because of the short notice of same day scheduling of the location, there had been no previous scheduling of extras for the scene. We were in need of 6-8 teens to fill the Sunday school class. I had Aura begin calling and texting her friends the moment school let out at 2:45 PM. We were to be at the location from 3:30-5:00 PM. I also began calling Christian, who was at school and who was to play Jake, the long haired boy in Sunday school. Aura had some success in making contact with a couple of friends. Taylor also got on the phone trying to enlist the help of his cousins who lived nearby. I got a hold of Christian, who was with several friends. He asked them to come take part in the movie, to which they scornfully denied his request and told him what a "loser" he was for being in it. He no longer wanted to be in it. I begged him to get to the church and prayed he would come.

When he arrived, there were still no other teens in attendance for the scene. He was skeptical, doubtful, and upset that I wanted him to play the part. He adamantly stated that he just did not want to do it. He kept saying that nobody was even going to come and that we couldn't shoot it anyway. With no time to re-cast the part, nor the spiritual confirmation that I needed to, I silently retreated to a desserted corner for a fervent prayer. My mother, Frances, arrived to play her part as the Sunday school teacher. She suggested we call my sister to see if her daughter Kya, Christian's close friend and cousin, could come. It just so happened that Kya was riding with three friends just a few blocks away. She asked if they wanted to be a part of a movie and they did. They showed up, along with several of Aura's friends and Taylor's cousin, for a total of 10 teens in under an hour of searching and literally 10 minutes before we filmed the scene! This miracle, along with Kya's encouragement, changed Christian's mind about the part and he agreed to do it!

We were able to finish at the church right on time and get back to my house and shoot out the rest of the scenes in Erica's bedroom. While watching the monitor in the closet of the bedroom on the final scene of the day, a sudden and powerful impression came to me that Shelby was to play a teen pregnancy counselor in the next movie. I was overwhelmed with the feeling of truth and tears came to my eyes as I felt the Spirit. I told Shelby about her part as soon as I called "Cut!" She too felt the same spiritual confirmation.

Upon completion of the scene, we were ready for a company move. Everything was loaded up in anticipation of the move for tomorrow's shoot at the bike shop. Because we don't have access to the bike shop until closing, we will have the day to rest. We'll need it. Tomorrow's shoot is an overnighter, scheduled from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM because our locations are businesses that keep regular business hours.

A Life of Capability Celebrated and Remembered

Last fall, a friend stopped by and brought me a fridge magnet that she said caught her attention and made her think of me. In bold white letters on a black background is the quote:

"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, steer a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new project, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly." -- Robert Heinlein.

The friend who gave me this great fridge magnet was complimenting my capability. I was humbled and honored, and I immediately thought of a role model who exhibited capabilities and capacities far beyond my own, in whom I look to as a mentor and guide.

My maternal grandmother, Karen Louise Rasmussen Lundell Steele was the epitome of capability. She was 5 ft. 1 inches of pure power. Though in the physical sense, most every family member over the age of ten towered over her, in the spiritual sense, she was boundless. Day in and day out, she rose at 4:00 AM to greet the morning with a five mile power walk. Walking her pace made the blood pool in my fingers, as I had to swing my arms too hard to keep the pace. I went with her a few times and practically jogged to keep up.

Her day flowed from one activity to the next. She accomplished more by 9:00 AM than most people achieve in a 24 hour period. I watched in awe as she scrubbed dishes, walls and baseboards, vacuumed, made telephone calls, fixed meals to take to sick friends and neighbors, weeded her yard, planned a primary lesson, organized a closet, finished a quilt, and prepared to leave to run errands. Did I mention she could do all that by 9:00 AM?! She could never sit still. Even in her down time, which consisted of watching the 10:00 PM news while brushing her teeth and writing in her journal, she was exquisitely productive. She hit her pillow each night exhausted from the thrill of hard work and real living and rose again with the same renewed and tireless vigor she carried throughout her life.

An afternoon in her presence was inspiring. She filled volumes and volumes of journals, left a legacy of six children, twenty seven grandchildren, and who knows how many great grandchildren. Well, she did. She had every one of them scheduled into her calendar and each received a birthday card, religiously. Each grandchild received a handmade quilt upon their high school graduation. Each new grandbaby and great grandbaby received a handmade quilt. Every Christmas and Easter she put on the biggest parties imaginable in her small and welcoming house. These events could be counted on as surely as the sun rising each day. She was faithful and consistent in every aspect of her life. Nothing got in her way, nothing held her back, not even cancer, and only death itself could stop her.

She was all a grandma should be, fun loving, creative, family focused, full of faith and love. She loved the Lord and used her considerable and varied talents, skills, gifts and abilities to serve others. The capability at which she could perform these skills was superhuman in life, and perfect in death. I feel her presence often and know that she is assisting and intervening in my behalf and especially in important family matters. Her influence is now completely unstoppable and eternal and the impact she has is just as broad.

Happy Birthday, Grandma! I love you and miss you and look forward to seeing you again!

Celebrating Six Months of Cycling on SUNCREST!!!!

The thought of cycling Suncrest, which is a new housing development atop South Mountain, Draper, has loomed on the horizon of my mind since I started cycling in March. I didn't initially view it with anticipation. I associated the thought of summiting Suncrest, with dread. Reaching its peak is a sort of rite of passage from novice to semi-seasoned rider, though, so I kept the thought out there in the distance as something I'd maybe like to try, someday.

Suncrest is steep, 14% grade most of the way. To a novice cyclist, it may as well be Mount Everest. That's how I viewed it. I wondered if I'd ever be strong or fit enough to summit its peak. Last week, while on my morning ride, the thought of Suncrest rolled through my mind and I decided that I would find out. I set Saturday, September 11 as the day for my Suncrest summit because it is the six month anniversary of getting a bicycle and starting into cycling.

I couldn't have picked a better day to ride Suncrest. It was a beautiful Saturday morning; the kind that makes me grateful to be alive. Clear skies, full sun, incredible mountain and valley views and a constant, but not overpowering wind, kept me smiling the whole way.

As is common of irrational fears, it wasn't nearly as difficult as I had built it up in my mind. It was actually rather enjoyable. I realized in a huge way that preparation really does make all the difference. All those morning rides of 26-30 miles a day, prepared me for such a ride. I hadn't really realized the level of strength and fitness I'd gained over the last six months. Also over the last six months, I've ridden 3,179.49 miles as of today. The ride today was work, but it was exhilarating because I was prepared.

Had I tried to ride Suncrest sooner, as a new cyclist, when I was 45 pounds heavier and much weaker, it would have been a horrible experience. I wasn't yet prepared. I wouldn't have wanted to do it again as it would have been painful and brutal. Life is hard enough. Why compound the pain of it by being unprepared either spiritually or temporally, for the trials that come?

I thought about the spiritual aspect of preparation as I peddled toward the summit. Daily prayer, scripture study, pondering, meditation, recording inspiration and ideas in a journal, and listening to and obeying spiritual promptings really do add up to significant spiritual strength over time. Life is much more steep and daunting than Suncrest. Spiritual preparation is crucial to making it through.

It was worth all the effort it took to prepare on my daily rides. I felt great joy in persisting up the hill, ultimately experiencing the view, and resting at the top. Oh, and the descent was phenomenal! I know that daily spiritual preparation for the challenges of life, will also be well worth it at the completion of life and will bring great and eternal joy.

Riding Suncrest futher committed me to working harder at spiritual preparedness, not only for myself, but for my family. I rode Suncrest with Shawn. That made the accomplishment truly great and worthwhile. Finishing life with a close and committed family, united in obedience and devotion to God and having prepared through a life of service to our fellowmen, will be the only true joy.

The Reality of Dreams

I've been thinking a lot lately on the nature of personal revelation, and the way I mainly receive it; through dreams. Even as a child, my dreams were very vivid. Whether my dream was peaceful and fun, or scary and unsettling, it was lucid, vivid, clear, and full of meaning. I can recall those early childhood dreams as easily as those I had last night. I have always been grateful for the knowledge, instruction, insight, understanding, peace, joy, comfort, visuals of the future, and detailed premonitions I have received through dreams.

Over the years, and through many provident experiences, I realized that dreams are a powerful way I receive and interpret God's will for me. The information I've received in dreams has literally saved lives on several occasions. I keep a "dream journal" to write down my dreams when I wake up. As I come to consciousness, my mind is often filled with the interpretation of the dream. I write down the interpretations as well, knowing that the dream is important and impactful in the work of my conscious life. I have been humbled on many occasions to re-read old passages and realize that what I had dreamed several years prior, was fulfilled in near perfect detail in reality. I know that by being a good steward of the information I receive by recording and trusting it, I am further blessed with additional experiences and understanding. This principle is true for all. When we acknowledge, regard and appreciate our blessings, we are further blessed.

I have learned by experience never to underestimate dreams as a source for personal revelation. In fact, I have come to trust and count on the information I receive and I find myself praying for dreams that further my understanding as I study gospel principles.

Scripture also states that dreams, visions, and an increase in the Lord's spirit will be poured out on men, women and children in the last days. I know this is true.

Joel 2:
28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

“In all ages and dispensations God has revealed many important instructions and warnings to men by means of dreams. When the conscious mind and physical senses are released from their activity, the nerves relaxed, and mankind lies asleep, it is then that the spiritual senses are at liberty in a certain degree to assume their functions, to recall some faint outline, some confused and half-defined recollections of that heavenly world, and those endearing scenes of their former estate. Their kindred spirits then hover about them with the fondest affection, the most anxious solicitude. Spirit communes with spirit, thought meets thought, soul blends with soul, in all the raptures of mutual, pure, and eternal love. In this situation the spiritual organs (and if we could see our spirits, we would know that they have eyes to see, ears to hear, tongues to speak, and so on) may converse with deity, or have communion with angels, and the spirits of just men made perfect.” If we will learn not to be so sophisticated that we disregard that possibility of impressions from those who are beyond sight, then we too may have a dream that may direct us as a revelation.

The revelations of God are the standards by which we measure all learning, and if anything does not agree with the revelations, then we may be certain that it is not truth." --Parley P. Pratt

I can think of numerous times I know that I communed with angels and "kindred spirits" in dreams. Several weeks ago, I dreamed that Aura was getting married and I was at her wedding party. I was taking photos with my phone. When they drove away, I put my phone down on a table while I talked with other guests. A few minutes passed and I went to get my phone from off of the table. It was gone. I got on my hands and knees and crawled under the table, looking on the ground and in random purses and bags. I looked on and under all the tables, in flower arrangements, in the kitchen, asked people if they'd seen it, and became more and more distressed. I couldn't find it anywhere. I was heartsick that the photos of the wedding party, which were irreplaceable, were gone. I started to cry. For some reason, I called out for my grandma. This would not be unusual, except she died in February. In my dream, I seemed to be aware of that as well.

Within an instant, she walked toward me, looking her same beautiful self as I saw her before her illness. She asked me what was wrong. I told her I'd lost my phone and all the photos I'd taken. "Did you look in your pocket?" she asked. I told her I had. "Check again," she said. I put my hand in my right pocket and felt my phone. As I was taking it out to look at it, she said "Don't worry. I'm right here watching and helping when you need me." I understood the big picture of what she was saying. She meant that she was watching and helping with the problems and perplexities of the lives of our family, that she was mindful and proactive in providing assistance. I was comforted when I awoke moments later, knowing that she had in fact, visited me and affirmed her position as a spiritual ally for me and my family.

That dream served in strengthening my faith, especially of the future and in all the problems and projects I am working on now. I know that I am not working on them alone and that all will work out as it should so long as I am obedient and do all in my power, and trust God with the rest.

Due to a life threatening circumstance involving the birth of my ninth baby this January, I had to have major surgery. I was taken to the operating room and given a local anesthetic through a mask over my mouth and nose. I remember only seeing the room briefly before my consciousness ended. Once I was completely out, I was intubated and my surgery lasted four and a half hours. The first thing I remember as my breathing tube was being removed was a cough, and then I said "You're waking me up from a really good dream." I don't remember any of what was happening during that time I was out, or who was there, only that it was immensely enjoyable. Considering I prayed every available angel and ancestor in attendance, I have a feeling I was at an amazing family reunion. I fell asleep again after stating that I had a good dream. I think it no accident that I remembered that.

Several days later, I talked to one of the surgeons. There were four who performed my surgery. With all the nurses and interns, there were seventeen people present at the surgery, besides myself. I asked her about the surgery and if she was nervous about how complicated it would be. She told me that she had been perplexed about it. She knew it was very risky. She said that the night before the surgery, she had a dream about it. She saw how and what to do and followed through with it perfectly in her dream. When it came time to do it for real, she was calm because she said it was exactly like what she had seen in her dream. I knew it was an answer to the many prayers offered in my behalf.

Dreams and revelation are as real as the images we see, and the sounds we hear in our temporal reality. This film is an excellent clip on personal revelation and how to better tune in to it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPbDZnrxBLM

I've never liked sleeping, but always loved to dream. I guess there has to be some balance so that I wouldn't want to be sleeping all the time just to have the opportunity to dream.

The Power of Creativity + a Plan = Amazing Results

Every amazing event, pursuit, action or result I have ever witnessed or experienced was the natural result of a masterful plan. Life itself is God's greatest plan, specifically designed for the ultimate happiness, growth and eternal progression of each His children.

I am so inspired when I witness the creative power to impact eternity, carried out through a purposeful plan. Nothing inspires me like the creative process, and the result such creativity brings. The purposeful design and beauty of everything from the universe, to nature, to animals and people and their raw potential for greatness, stir within me an unparalleled rapture and awe as I recognize the hand of the Creator in all. It is difficult for me not to feel moved to the point of tears as I walk through a crowd of people . I am touched at the beauty and diversity of the size, shape and color of each individual. God's artistic expression is evident in the face and physique of each person. We are each, basically, a purposeful, planned, and unique work of art. My heart also swells when I view beauty in the handmade works of man, knowing that these works too are a gift from God.

As we are each patterned after God's image in both form and function, we too are creators. Creativity is our birthright. Creative expression comes as naturally and deeply to each soul as the experience of emotion. This life offers each of us ample opportunity to discover or role as creators, insight into our individual gifts of creative expression, and a boundless canvas to impact our surroundings. All that is needed to bridge the gap from potential possibilities, to completion, is purposeful action taken on a plan. A plan is the tool to enact and unleash creativity from its potential state and bring it to a state of completion; the result.

Since creativity can be used for good, or evil, according to the will and application of the creator, intention and motive are critical. I have often pondered such results as the Holocaust, and the purposeful actions of terrorism, genocide, and abortion and traced the results back to the origin of thought, which is always the first step in the creative process. Thought always precedes action. When the thought is dark, wicked, corrupt and vile, the result created will always be as well.

The power to create good or evil is given to each of us. The creative power is meant to be used with wisdom, discernment, and an eagerness to please God. When our creative intention is anything other than the desire to please and glorify God, especially, when it is self-serving, it is subject to all manner of corruption. Enlightenment or entrapment directly result from the correct or incorrect application of creative expression.

With boundless potential to impact eternity, and the gift of creativity to do it, we are each prepared to complete God's will and build His kingdom. I am especially excited when youth recognize their creative capacity and engage in such a process. I got to witness such an action, on a grand scale, even, this summer.

One Thursday morning, July 15, to be exact, I watched as two teens created a plan that impacted their lives, my life, and the lives of the rest of my family. Aunts, uncles, cousins and friends also joined in the fun. They essentially impacted eternity for good. The result was such a memorable and enjoyable month, that none of us will ever forget it. The planning session took three concentrated hours that consisted of making a list of fun activities and experiences they wanted to do. Once their list was complete, they systematically fit the activity list into specified days and times on a calendar. Because the plan was so well thought out and incredibly fun, the whole family got behind it and greatly benefitted from it.

Planning session.

The calendar:



Highlights:

Rope swing at Burston Ponds.

Water fight.

Horsey rides.

Dirtbiking.

Zip line and Alpine Slide at Snowbird.

Jet Skiing and boating at Jordanelle Reservoir.

Hiking, backpacking and camping in the Uintah's.

Taking pics at Temple Square.

I love it when today's youth exhibit so much faith, vision, creativity, attention to detail, unity, cooperation and purposeful application. It inspires me, and reassures me that the leadership of tomorrow rests with the wise and the capable. The upcoming generation is powerful, good, strong, intelligent and fun. We were blessed enough to get to experience a preview of their power this summer. I can't wait to see this generation serve missions, pursue an education, assume leadership positions, rear children, and impact the world for good. It won't be long before they set out to work. They are creating their plans now...

The Power of the Playlist

On my ride, I thought about the music on my "Amy's Workout" playlist, which is what I listen to while cycling. I laughed pretty hard as I realized just how cheesy some of the stuff is that inspires me. First, I noticed a trend in that I have many songs that come from dance movies of the 80's and 90's. Well, I was a child of the 80's, so that explains a lot. Many of the dance movies, whose music now tops my playlist, I have never seen as they were rated R. So having never even seen many of the movies, why do they inspire me? I think it is because of the feelings instilled in me that directly stems from the way I dream. In my dreams, I often see myself running over mountain tops at top speed, scarcely touching earth's surface, leaping over canyons, flying upward and soaring all around. I feel inspired, limitless, and powerful when I have those dreams and the lyrics of some of those cheesy 80's songs remind me of those sensations. I have often wondered if the people who are drawn to flight and extreme physical activities that produce such amazing sensations, have a little memory or fondness for what transportation was like in heaven. Maybe we miss it and do all we can to simulate it in our temporal existence :) Some of the songs that evoke those sensations for me are:

"What A Feeling" by Irene Cara from the movie "Fame" (Forbidden 80's movie. Never seen it.) The lyrics say "Now I hear the music, close my eyes, I am rhythm, in a flash it takes hold of my heart, what a feeling, bein's believin', I can have it all now I'm dancing for my life, take your passion, and make it happen, pictures come alive, now I'm dancing through my life, what a feeling!" I have loved that song since I was about 10 years old.

"Footloose" and "I'm Free" by Kenny Loggins--just the titles alone speak to me, a free spirited freedom lover. They were both from the "Footloose" movie soundtrack. "Footloose" was filmed in my hometown of Payson, UT when I was in grade school. I clearly remember the summer when movie crews took over the town. I have a split second cameo at the beginning as the camera zooms down Utah Avenue, the "main drag" of town where my house was located. My grandpa was walking toward his truck parked outside my house, so he's in the shot too. Little did I know that years later I'd be so involved with film, called to make movies. Funny how life works out.

"Dancing in Heaven" by Orbital Bee Bop from the 80's movie "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." Ok saw this one as middle schooler. It was pretty irreverent, much too irreverent for my tastes now. A fun fact about this movie was that it was the big break for LDS dancer/actor, Darryl Yeager who plays the dancer in the black muscle shirt in the Dtv audition scene. Darryl now owns and operates Oddyssey Dance Repertory Theater in SLC.

More recent dance movie music:

"We're Dancing" by PYT from the "Center Stage" soundtrack. Love the lyrics, "There's a passion inside An inner strength that drives Can't nobody take that away from you It's the greatest high You set the floor on fire When you come alive"

"Higher Ground" by Red Hot Chili Peppers, which could be their most spiritual song. It was also featured in "Center Stage" with lyrics that say "Gonna keep on tryin' Till I reach my highest ground...Whew! Till I reach my highest ground No one's gonna bring me down Oh no Till I reach my highest ground Don't you let nobody bring you down (they'll sho 'nuff try) God is gonna show you higher ground He's the only friend you have around"

Other stuff that just inspires me:

"All Fired Up" by Pat Benatar. Again, I am a child of the 80's enough said. Also, I do really like the lyrics "Livin' with my eyes closed, goin' day to day I never knew the difference, I never cared either way Lookin' for a reason, searchin' for a sign Reachin' out with both hands, I gotta feel the kick inside All Fired Up Now I believe there comes a time When everything just falls in line We live an' learn from our mistakes The deepest cuts are healed by faith."

"Whip It" by Devo. A true motivational, and 80's classic.

"Elevation" by U2. Love this line "Can't sing but I've got soul." It totally sums me up!

"Beautiful Day" by U2. Who's not inspired by this song? "What you don't have you don't need it now What you don't know you can feel it somehow What you don't have you don't need it now Don't need it now Was a beautiful day"

"Learning to Fly" by Foo Fighters. Reminds me of paragliding in Mexico, thermalling toward the sun. Love all the sensations that go with those memories.

Stuff I like because it's funky and it makes me smile:

"If Everybody Looked the Same" by Groove Armada

"Hot and Cold" by Katy Parry. I think the irony makes me laugh. This is one that has to be listened to from the beginning, clear until the end. "Katy, do you take Alexander to be your lawfully wedded husband? I do. Alexander, do you take Katy to be your lawfully wedded wife? Long Silence....Alexander? Silence, then the song, then after the song...."Alexander, do you? Silence. "I do." Cheers and applause.

"Freestyler" by Bom Funk MC

"Can't Stop the Rock"

"Pump Up the Volume" by MARRS. This song encapsulates that teen/highschool era.

"No Limits" I don't even know who this is by and it is total electronica. Definitely "Jock Jams" fodder. It just happened to play at a life training seminar that Shawn and I staffed while we were dating. We were dancing on a table. Great memories! "There's no limits, so reach for the sky, no valley's too deep, no mountain too high, no limits."

Stuff influenced by my teen kids:

"All the Above" by Maino. "Tell me what do you see When you looking at me On a mission to be What I'm destined to be I done been through the pain and the sorrow The struggle is nothing but love I'm a soldier, a rider, a ghetto survivor And all the above All the above How the heck could you stop me? Why in the world would you try? I go hard forever, That's just how I'm designed, That's just how I was built See the look in my eyes? You take all of this from me, And I'm still gon' survive You get truth from me" (Christian)

"Down" by Jay Sean (Aura)

"Like Whoa" by Aly and AJ (Sierra)

I just remembered that I forgot to add my favorite song in the world to my playlist! I LOVE "Symphony #9 in D Minor: Ode to Joy" by Beethoven. I am deeply moved and inspired every time I hear it. I think it is literally what heaven sounds and feels like. It makes me want to be an orchestra conductor everytime I hear it, and I'm not even musical! I'm going to add it right now. Done. Tomorrow's workout will be that much better!

Music is such a powerful force to inspire or debase. I have to have positive, uplifting, clean and inspiring music in order to have any kind of power to do difficult physical activities. Music that is any less than that is very draining, mentally and physically, as well as soul numbing. If the music isn't right, I can literally feel a physical shut down, a weakening of my overall capacity.

Vision of Zion

In the summer of 2006, our family took a 27 state, 5 week, 8,015 mile journey across America. It was incredible; definitely an unforgettable family favorite. One of the stops we made was to visit the Kirtland Temple in Ohio. We also visited the Newell K. Whitney store, which was the location for many key revelations received by Joseph Smith, including the Word of Wisdom. The room above the store also became the place used as the training grounds for the first four prophets of the LDS church in what was known as the "School of the Prophets."

Standing in the "School of the Prophets" was overwhelmingly powerful for me. I was hit with inspiration so deeply and strongly, I could not ignore it. I knew I needed to start a "school" with the same attributes. The "School of the Prophets" was designed to teach world history, languages, upper mathematics, world cultures, ancient history, the wars and perplexities of the nations, manners and civility, and an in depth study of theology and religion as all subjects were taught through a gospel perspective, with Christ at the center of all truth.

The undeniable witness I felt was that this type of school was needed, not only for my children and those that would come to the classes, but to serve as an example of what is possible for others to replicate. Parents everywhere could make their own "schools," completely privatized, unfunded by government dollars, uncontrolled by compulsory laws, voluntary, staffed by educated, skillful, passionate, and God fearing instructors in an environment where God is welcome and invited rather than prohibited and shunned. The classes would be inexpensive and yet, superior to the government schools run by tax dollars. It would also be non-profit and rely on the work, effort, vision, and support of the families that utilized it.


Not long after returning home from the trip, I set to work on formulating a vision for this type of institution. I have always wanted to build a large "community center" type building to use for classes, parties, dances, political functions, meetings, community service projects, family support services, business endeavors, etc. much like the usage of the public libraries, only, it would be privately owned and under no such regulations, restrictions, and scrutiny as government owned buildings. As the vision got bigger and more defined, I started looking at large buildings to purchase. I looked at buildings that were minimally 7,000 SF, consequently making the sales price begin at about $500,000. Knowing that I didn't want to get a loan on the building, I started entertaining the idea of getting other investors to purchase the building with me, using cash so we would own it outright. I formulated the numbers and started looking for investors. If ten investors put up $50,000 a piece, we would easily be able to buy a building outright and negotiate quite a deal with our cash.

It soon became apparent within the diverse group of potential investors that our motives were different. Several potential investors were about the philanthropy and community impact of the project, while others were bent on a phenomenal profit margin that discouraged philanthropy. The tension over the use of the building and the lack of cohesion in the investment group started to make me doubt whether we could make the project work. When it looked as though we could not make it happen as a team, I started thinking about starting something on my own again. I immediately felt as though I was on the right track.

Along with the thought to press forward on my own, came a rememberance of a principle I have always utilized in entrepreneurship, and really, in life: start at the bottom stair (or ladder) and build upward. I realized that I had been trying to skip many steps by purchasing a building that I did not have the cash to purchase on my own. I knew that I had to start at the beginning and that if I built upward, like climbing stairs, I would eventually be at the place I could buy a building on my own and it would be when it was the logical "next step." A spiritual confirmation followed, so I set out to define and start at the beginning step.

In the fall of 2008, I started holding classes in our existing real estate office space for older teens. We had Seminary, Speech and Debate, Constitutional Studies, and History. By the spring of 2009, the vision had grown and I rented the space next door to our real estate office, formed a non-profit organization, and called it Vision of Zion. We used it in the summer as a place to audition, cast, and rehearse for our movie, Stand Strong. We used it in the fall of 2009 to start hosting an extended number of classes for teens as well as younger children. Month by month, new students, and excellent instructors kept manifesting themselves into the vision.

Because of the intensity of the inspiration, and the urgency to start Vision of Zion, I was sure that it had been for the purpose of spiritually aiding one of my children. It turned out that at the end of the 2009-2010 school year, that child had never attended a class, and will not be in the future. While contemplating that thought and the realization that was not the purpose, it occurred to me that amongst other things, Aura made a friend in her classes that she may never have met any other way. I felt a spiritual witness of that truth. Vision of Zion was started for many reasons, all of which were inspired.


I thoroughly enjoyed watching Vision of Zion blossom this year. As we just ended the school year, I have had some time to think about the many great families and youth I've come to know and love through our association at Vision of Zion. We finished out the year with a night games party last night. It was amazing to watch the 70+ youth who attended, run and chase and laugh. They are incredible youth and I'm so blessed to have gotten to know them.

Here is a link to the photos that were taken over the 2009-2010 school year. If you took photos or video of activities, parties, classes, or events, please share them on the site.

http://visionofzion.shutterfly.com/#

Next year's schedule is looking amazing and will start again the day after Labor Day, Tuesday, September 7, 2010. Hopefully, I am ambitious enough to get a website up for it soon!