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



Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Kami's a Graduate!



Today was Kambria's kindergarten graduation ceremony, the best children's program I've ever attended. I wish our video camera worked so I could post some of their songs. Kami had a speaking part: "What has a long nose, big floppy ears and tons of wrinkles?....You guessed it....an elephant!" One year of school completed. Only 20 more to go!

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Test of Three

One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance, who ran up to him excitedly and said, 'Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students...?'

'Wait a moment,' Socrates replied. 'Before you tell me, I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Test of Three.'

'Test of Three?'

'That's correct,' Socrates continued.' Before you talk to me about my student let's take a moment to test what you're going to say. The first test is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?'

'No,' the man replied, 'actually I just heard about it.'

'All right,' said Socrates. 'So you don't really know if it's true or not. Now let's try the second test, the test of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?'

'No, on the contrary...'

'So,' Socrates continued, 'you want to tell me something bad about him even though you're not certain it's true?'

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.

Socrates continued, 'You may still pass though because there is a third test - the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my student going to be useful to me?'

'No, not really...'

'Well,' concluded Socrates, 'if what you want to tell me is neither True nor Good nor even Useful, why tell it to me at all?'

The man was defeated and ashamed and said no more.

San Diego Rock 'n Roll Marathon

I know, I know. This family blog is turning into Bri's running blog. I'm addicted!

With a personal best of 3:15:54, I completed my fourth marathon in San Diego last week. It was awesome! The weather was perfect with overcast skies until mile 23, the ambience was fun and diverting with bands and cheerleaders along the way.

Just being down in San Diego is enough to lift spirits. When I started to get tired, I just had to look around me and remind myself that the ocean was a stone's throw away and how fortunate I was to be there. It's amazing the parallel between happy thoughts and improved performance. I would immediately find a little more bounce to my step.


It was great to see old friends! Thanks, Clare & Chris, for putting me up.
I desperately miss my running groupies.














It was fun while it lasted, but so glad to be done!!

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Gavin as Belle

Gavin wanted to get in on Kami's playdate. He went upstairs and came down dressed in a Belle gown with the Barbie Belle dress on his head. What a goof!