Briana Stephen

I had an epiphany today while sitting in the oncologist's office. There's so much talk and paraphernalia about finding cures for cancer. There's bitter talk about why Heavenly Father would allow such suffering. I sat there thinking to myself, No. My heart tells me it's not like that at all! ... Think of the communities and families that have come together to love, serve, and mourn with one another.

Our Father in heaven provides opportunities every day for us to keep his commandments, to follow His ultimate example of serving, loving, caring for His spirit children, our spirit brothers and sisters. I get to experience firsthand on a daily basis how beautiful the hearts of mankind really are.

Turn off the news of contentious politics, crime, and adultery for a bit. You'll find a world of compassion. PLEASE ACCEPT MY GRATITUDE to all those who uplift and show me what leading a Christ-like life is really all about. Loads and loads of LOVE!!!

-Bri, March 2010



Thursday, April 24, 2008

2008 Boston Marathon Finishers!!!



What can I say about the Boston Marathon? It really is as thrilling as it's made out to be. When you get 25,000+ runners together in a small town, it's certainly a sight to see.


The crowds were unparalleled and amazing! They will truly be the most memorable part of the trip for me. From the start line to the finish line, both sides of the street were lined with people shouting & cheering. A lot of spectators came ready as race support, handing out water, oranges, bananas, candy and even beer (which I decided I should pass on). During the last 3 miles, I thought I had blown the speakers to my ipod because the music was barely audible. Turned out the crowds were just that loud!


The weather was a perfect 60 degrees with a little breeze. My goal was to run a 3:20 or better. I was having a great race -- comfortable and right on target -- and then the calf cramps kicked in. About mile 19 I started to get little twitches in my calves and I slowed my pace hoping the feeling would go away, but when my right calf charlie-horsed in mile 22 causing my toes to curl under, I didn't have a choice but to walk it out. I started running again, only to have my left calf charlie-horse, too. I walked again, ran again, both calves cramping simultaneously with my toes curling. I had to stop completely three times to rub out the cramps. I hobbled across the finish line, running on the outside of my feet and trying not to flex my calves and went straight to the medical tent where two therapists worked on my legs. I was so happy to have them because by then my legs were hurting pretty badly. All in all, I fell short of my goal by 9 1/2 minutes with a finish time of 3:29:31, but I'm happy with it given the circumstances.


Even though my legs were cramping up, I was still able to enjoy my surroundings. I wish I could say the same for Tiffany, who just wanted the race to be over before it began, I think. She went and had a great time, but hopes to have a better race experience in St. George this fall with all of the Wilcock family.

Random Photos from MA Trip

Fun in Boston

As you know, Massachusetts is full of history. We didn't get to see all of the Freedom Trail, but did get to see a few historical sites and really enjoy the uniqueness of the city.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Johnny the Bagger

Refiner's Fire

Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'


This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'

He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Orchard Family Visit

Anna, Kambria & Emily

Gavin & Caleb

Briana & Tanja

Our dear friends from Carlsbad drove up to spend the day with us. We were glad to have them here to celebrate Leyna's 2nd birthday, as well.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Leyna!

Our baby has turned 2! Where has the time gone? To celebrate, we just had a small gathering with the family and good friends visiting from Carlsbad. Leyna opened a few presents (clothes, scooter, ball) and we had strawberry shortcake for dessert. The birthday girl went to bed just 30 minutes afterwards. Now that's a party!

By the way, the clothes she's wearing are a gift from Grandma & Grandpa Boulter. You'll see, Mom & Dad, that they started out clean, but we had a long day of play before the wild party!







Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Scenery

I just wanted to share with you all the beauty we are fortunate to enjoy. We hear it turns brown and hot during the summer, but right now we are surrounded by green hills in every direction. Simi Valley is definitely an appropriate name for the city.

To get to our home, you drive up a 2 mile street to our neighborhood. It looks like this:






Then, if you jog 3-5 minutes from our front door, you can hop on a number of trails that are begging to be explored by foot or mountain bike. Here are some snapshots from my jog this morning.








Our home sits somewhere in this neighborhood.


Bard Reservoir

Happy 5th Birthday, Kambria!!



Because we have only lived here a couple weeks, a big birthday party with friends was kind of out of the question. Instead, we celebrated with her class at school and than as a family later. Kami wanted a sleepover with her siblings, so that was easily arranged and they fell asleep watching a Barbie movie from Grandma Teri.







Kambria on our fire pit

We're looking forward to making dough-boys and roasting marshmallows.....

Sunday Frisbee

Enjoying an afternoon at the park, which is located at the end of our street.


Gavin & Caleb