Scripture Study - Restore/Restoration

 1/11/24 - Restore/Restoration

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord; ... (Jer. 30:17) The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the path of righteousness for his name's sake. (Ps. 23:1-3) 

Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death. The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt. Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil. (Alma 11:42-44) ... see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again. For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored; ... (Alma 41:14-15) Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness. (Alma 41:10) ... and ye can do good and be restored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you. (Hel. 14:31)

And may God grant, in his great fulness, that men might be brought unto repentance and good works, that they might be restored unto grace for grace, according to their works. (Hel. 12:24 And when thy people transgress, any of them, they may speedily repent and return unto thee, and find favor in thy sight, and be restored to the blessings which thou hast ordained to be poured out upon those who shall reverence thee... (D&C 109:21)

Insights: The Lord delights in restoring us. He can restore our peace and even our physical wellbeing if we ask in faith and it is His will. Additionally, we are promised a physical restoration of our bodies after death in the resurrection. This is marvelous, but perhaps of greater concern for us in the here and now is the restoration of blessings for the eternities. He wants to restore good to us, peace to us, happiness to us. But just as there are natural consequences in life, He can only restore to us what we allow Him. Our decisions, our actions, our words, and thoughts, dictate what He is able to restore to us. Some may call it karma, but it is plain that what we put out in this life, will be returned to us. If we put out good, good will come back. If we put out bad, a just God cannot reward bad with good. But what about mercy? God, in His perfection, is the most just of all. But mercy can play a part, if we repent of our "bad" and turn away from it and back to Him, who is good. Only then can mercy take the place of justice. The key is to repent quickly - to have that change of heart sooner rather than later. Don't wait to make a change, if necessary; for we don't know the hours we have left before it becomes too late!

Scripture Study - Hear/Hearken

 1/9-10/24 - Hear/Hearken

God listens:

And God heard the voice of the lad; ... (Gen. 21:17) And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people ..., and have heard their cry...; for I know their sorrows; (Ex. 3:7) I have seen, I have seen the affliciton of my people ..., and I have heard their groanings, and am come down to deliver them. (Acts 7:34) ... if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. (John 9:31)

We listen:

He that is of God heareth God's words: ... (John 8:47) He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Matt. 11:15) ... Stand still, and I will hear what the Lord will command concerning you. (Num. 9:8) Hearken unto me (Christ), ye that follow after righteousness, ... (2 Nephi 8:1)

Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear (reverence) the Lord your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: (Deut. 31:12) Now these are the commandments, the statues, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them... Hear therefore, ... and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, ... (Deut. 6:1, 3) Hear instructions, and be wise, and refuse it not. (Prov. 8:33) He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth (obey) reproof getteth understanding. (Prov. 15:32) ... Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. The words of wise men are heard in the quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. (Eccl. 9:16-17) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock. (Matt. 7:24) But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God. (2 Nephi 9:29)

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. God shall hear, ... (Ps. 55:17, 19) ... Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Cor. 2:9) And God did hear our cries and did answer our prayers; ... (Mosiah 9:18) And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you and unto you that hear shall more be given. (Mark 4:24)

But behold, ye have both heard my voice, and seen me; and ye are my sheep, and ye are remembered among those whom the Father hath given me. (3 Nephi 15:24) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27) ... Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. (John 18:37) ... the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. (Acts 10:44)

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1 Tim. 4:16) Wherefore, my beloved brothren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (James 1:19) Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words ..., and keep those things which are written therein: ... (Rev. 1:3) Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers: And he will love thee, and bless the, ... (Deut. 7:12)

Behold, that which you hear is as the voice of one crying in the wilderness - in the wilderness, because you cannot see him - my voice, because my voice is Spirit; my Spirit is truth; truth abideth and hath no end; and if it be in you it shall abound. (D&C 88:66) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Rev. 3:20) ... for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts; (D&C 29:7)

Insights: God hears our prayers, and will respond in His time and His way. There have been many times when I've asked for a specific help and it hasn't come right away or in the way I had expected the help to come. Yet, I have later realized that when His answer came, it was more perfect than what I had thought it was that I needed right then. Remembering the His will is always better than mine is challenging, but there is great hope in this and it can help us through some of the more challenging times in our lives.

We need to listen as well. God will speak to us, generally through the Holy Ghost, and in the quiet moments, but it is our responsibility to be quiet enough to hear Him. As we school ourselves to listen and obey those promptings that come, we are refined and given more from the Lord. Blessings will increase and our personal peace and joy will grow. Those promptings will be truth regardless of what the world says, and that truth will last forever -  longer than the flawed idea's of man will last. 

Ultimately, the Lord wants us to be with him. He gives us all we need, but we need to choose to listen and obey and if we do, He will bless us with all that He has. That is worth the sacrifice to find quiet moments each day to spend listening and then obeying.

Scripture Study - Build

 1/8/24 – Build

Every wise woman buildeth her house: … (Prov. 14:1) Through wisdom is an house builded: and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. (Prov. 24:3-4) And they that shall be of thee (disciples of Christ) shall build the old waste places: thou (Christ) shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. (Isa. 58:12) Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the Lord build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: … (Ezek. 36:36) Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. (Ps. 127:1) Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. (3 Nephi 11:39)

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Eph. 2:19-22) For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder. I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. (1 Cor. 3:9-10) Build upon my rock, which is my gospel; (D&C 11:24) Therefore whosoever heareth these saying of mine (Christ), and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the flood came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. (Matt. 7:24-25) As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. (Col. 2:6-7)

Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. (D&C 6:34)

Insights: As we travel through our days and weeks, months and years, what is our foundation? What is it that gives us anchor and holds us as we navigate the many complexities of life? For me, my foundation is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I’m still just a baby in my comprehension but the Lord doesn’t expect us to be perfect right away. This is why we have this whole life experience, to gain wisdom and understanding, and to act accordingly – “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: … a time to build up; …” (Eccl. 3:1, 3). I may never be perfect in this life, but that’s why our loving Heavenly Father sent His Beloved Son, to make up for the lacking that I have – the lacking we all have. All I am asked to be is the best that I can be and Jesus bridges the gap. Jesus is my foundation that I build my life, my actions, my thoughts, my desires upon. He is my guiding star pointing me in the direction of the path back to my Heavenly Home. If I stay true, I am promised that no matter what the world throws at me, in the end, all will be made perfect and fair. As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, “The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, …”

Scripture Study - Simple/Simplicity

 1/5/24 – Simple/Simplicity:

And for this cause, that men might be made partakers of the glories which were to be revealed, the Lord sent forth the fulness of his gospel, his everlasting covenant, reasoning in plainness and simplicity – To prepare the weak for those things which are coming on the earth, and for the Lord’s errand in the day when the weak shall confound the wise, and the little one become a strong nation, … (D&C 133:57-58) The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. (Ps. 19:7) The Lord preserveth the simple: … (Ps. 116:6) To give subtilty (refinement) to the simple, … (Prov. 1:4) But I fear, lest by any means, … your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (2 Cor. 11:3) For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. (2 Cor. 1:12) … that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise. (Alma 37:6)

Insights: We naturally tend to look at complicated things as being better with the mistaken idea that only the wisest of individuals would be able to comprehend it, but that is not the Lord’s way. His is one of simplicity and plainness. He isn’t trying to catch us with trick questions, but to provide a straightforward path back to Him. He wants us to learn and grow through this life experience, to prove to ourselves what we are capable of doing; but ultimately, He wants us to return to Him, better and wiser. So His path is simple – love Him enough to follow Christ’s example and return home. That’s it – be obedient and don’t get distracted by the complexities of man.

Scripture Study - Good Works

 1/4/24 – Good Works:

… be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. (D&C 64:33)

… and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God… (Micah 6:8) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Eph. 2:10) … they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. (Titus 3:8) … men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, … (D&C 58:27) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Tim. 3:17) … by works was faith made perfect … faith without works is dead… (James 2:22, 26)

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (1 Jn. 3:18) And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. (Mosiah 2:17) Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. (Mosiah 5:15) I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. (John 9:4) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matt. 5:16)

For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts. (D&C 137:9) … and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. (1 Cor. 3:8) … for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Gal. 6:7) … They shall stand as a bright testimony against this people, at the judgment day; whereof they shall be judged, every man according to his works … (Mosiah 3:24) To them who by patient continuance in well doing … glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, … (Rom. 2:7, 10) … for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. (2 Nep. 25:23)

For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. (Rom. 2:13) … be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, … (James 1:22) And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works. (Alma 7:24)

Insights: It is plainly obvious that the Lord wants us to be active in His Gospel. We were not sent here to just hear the Gospel and believe – we were sent to activate that belief through response. Not only do we need to solidify it in our own souls by putting it into action, but we need to be sharing it with others by serving them as Jesus served. As our love for God and Christ increases, this desire to serve others will change from obedience to reverence for God. We won’t be perfect in our service, and we won’t be able to serve everyone at all times, but if we are “anxiously engaged” and have a “desire” to serve at every opportunity, then the Lord will bless us more abundantly than we can imagine. I love the scripture in Malachi 3 that says, “… and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” The Lord is ready and willing to bless us but we need to be active participants in His mighty work. Our combined small efforts will make a world, even an eternity, of difference!

Scripture Study - Do/Doer

 

1/3/24 – Do/Doer:

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only; … (James 1:22) Trust in the Lord and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. (Ps 37:3) … I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them. (1 Nep. 3:7) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Phil. 4:13) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, … (Gal. 6:10) But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 3:21) … whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31) And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, … (Col. 3:23) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (Matt. 7:24) … Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matt. 25:40)

Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Rev. 22:14) … for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. (2 Nep. 25:23) Therefore, … let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed. (D&C 123:17) I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; … (D&C 82:10)

Insights: To be a disciple of Christ, we can’t just hear and believe, we are required to act. Christ lived a life as an example to be followed and emulated. We can rest assured that we will not be asked to do anything that the Lord hasn’t already provided a way for us to do. And when we have done our all, we can be still and know that the Lord is pleased with us and will make up where we lack.

Scripture Study in 2024 - Begin/Beginning

 Each year, I try to do something new with my scripture study so that I am able to have different emphasis and insight brought to my mind. This year, along with my weekly Come Follow Me scripture study (which I will be doing on Sunday's), I've decided to study by topic. I've chosen a handful of topics for each week of the year and the plan is to read all the verses I can find which include this topic in all the books of scripture.

I am a big proponent of writing down your insights as you study. Not only does that help cement these into your minds, but then there is a record for you to look back on and be reminded of what was important to you at that particular time. The scriptures are magical and you will find exactly what you need each time you read them. You may read the same verse a dozen times and find a dozen different meanings from it. The Lord brings to mind what you need at the moment. I love the scriptures for that!

I am keeping a record of my insights for 2024 written down, but I feel impressed to also put them here for posterity. So let me begin...

1/2/24 – Begin/Beginning:

In the beginning was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Rev. 1:8) … I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. (Rev. 21:6) And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go froth, saith the Lord: (D&C 112:25) Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not create or made, neither indeed can be. (D&C 93:29) … God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief on the truth: (2 Thes. 2:13) The fear (reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Prov. 1:7) … a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. (2 John 1:5-6) Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. (Eccl. 7:8)

Insights: Christ and Heavenly Father are one in purpose and are the beginning of all things pertaining to this life. They have all knowledge and power. But we were also in the beginning as intelligences, or the light of truth, and they want to share all that they have with us. They chose us to be with them and we grow into this right through understanding and obedience to the laws of Heaven. The first law being to love – God, and ourselves, and others. As we are able to abide in this first law, all others will be fulfilled because we will want to follow them due to our love for God. We are not expected to be perfect from the start, but will get better and better, purer and more perfect, over time.

MOVIE Group!!!

Several of us have been talking about starting a Movie Group (think along the same lines as a Book Club). I LOVE the idea and am jumping right on it. We will be going with my favorite movie this month and it will be at my house, but all the rest of the months will be chosen in a random selection (slips pulled out of a hat- type solution). I hope you can all join us! It's going to be so much fun and you don't have to prepare (such as read the book) ahead of time. Just show up, and enjoy!

Because this site is public, I am blacking out my address, but email me if you need it. : )

Christmas Announcements...

No, I'm not pregnant!

1.

Tonight is going to be a wonderful opportunity to gather the family together and come join in a Christmas Sing-along. Anyone in the Prosper/Celina area or even those nearby are invited to join tonight from 7pm to 8pm at the LDS chapel at 970 Coit Rd in Prosper.

2.

On Christmas Eve, there is going to be concert at 1pm feature the principle violinist from the Orchestra on Temple Square and myself. It is going to be a truly wonderful presentation. This is also in the LDS chapel at 970 Coit Rd in Prosper.







Both events are sure to bring smiles and fill you with Christmas cheer. Don't miss either one!!!

So Much Time Has Passed...

I haven't blog ANYTHING in soooooo long! Too much has happened over these years but I'll give just a few highlights (and lowlights). Let's call it a Top Ten List...

1. The picture to the right of the three kiddos is a far distant memory! Colbey turns 21 in January and is still working at Sprouts. Landon is looking forward to 15 in April and loved every minute of football this year. He has some serious talent. Ryleigh just turned 11 and is finishing her last year in elementary school. She is looking forward to middle school in the fall when she can spend time each day doing her real passion, art. (Colbey was about Ryleigh's age when that picture was taken. Time FLIES!)

2. I graduated college from BYUI and am considering (maybe, possibly) looking into a Master's program. I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up....

3. After working in the schools for the last nearly 8 years, it turns out I love teaching in the middle school the best. (I used to think they were the absolute worst grades to teach!) I feel blessed to have taught middle school choir and although I'm not teaching this year and am loving being a stay at home mom for the first time in forever, I do miss the up's and even the down's that come with teaching. I definitely don't miss the crazy amount of time it takes up or the stress of concerts/productions.

4. In April, Scott was laid off work, not because they wanted to, but because of something Obama put into law about contractors not being allowed to work for more than three years. Scott's three-year time limit was up and the company was forced to comply with the law. Less than three days later, the company called begging Scott to come back and they literally created a position for him that is permanent instead of contract. This was wonderful because now we have health insurance again.

5. Also in April, mom was diagnosed with cancer. She assured us that it was not a big deal and we didn't need to worry. We spent most of July with her in D.C. She was being taken care of at Johns Hopkins in Bethesda, Maryland and we felt blessed that she was receiving the very best care available in the country.

6. Not even two weeks after Scott was made an employee of Verizon, we were given a two-day notice that he would be moving to Manhattan to cross picket lines and do work he was never trained to do in the field climbing poles and working with the elements for an indefinite amount of time. Scott's a genius but the atmosphere and the age of the existing wires in Manhattan was hazardous. Although the picketers from the Union were legally not supposed to touch or harm Scott, they were angry and got more physical than they should have. We felt so grateful when he returned home safe two days before school was over. We found out he was coming home that day. (A lot of notice for each direction!)

7. Colbey's newest apartment is in Prosper which is nice having him so much closer. Not that we see him much more than before, but knowing he is close (literally just down the road from our house, less than three miles away) gives me some comfort in case he needs us.

8. Mom's battle with cancer ended in September. Five months of extraordinary pain finally came to an end on the 20th. I was by her side for the final six days and holding her hand as she left this mortal sphere. Although I still find myself in tears at odd moments, and generally trying not to think about it or the fact that she was so young, I am grateful that she is out of that pain. All of us kids had two days together around her bedside where we were able to cry, talk, sing, laugh, play games, eat and comfort each other. Although she was not conscious during those days, we feel sure that she could hear us and it would have brought her great comfort knowing our bond to each other was so strong.

9. Our house has become very quiet and peaceful. We are down to just the four of us and the two cats. I am not constantly trying to beat a deadline for my schooling (I can say right now that taking 5 online classes at a time is pure insanity and don't do it!!!) nor am I frantically trying to keep the house running and a school choir program functioning. Let's be honest here, the house running hasn't really been happening for the last three years. With the extra people and animals on top of everything else, the house has been in a constant state of frenzy for three years and only once did any Christmas decorations go up during that time. (My poor kids!!!) But now, I have chosen to slow life down and pair back. Our home has a greater sense of peace with much less clutter. Christmas has finally bloomed in the house. It is the first year that I've realized we don't have little ones anymore and all of the decorations in the house are grown-up and subdued. Apparently, Ryleigh prefers a more mature look and rolled her eyes at the one cutsie Santa I hung up. This is probably his last year.

10. This last one is really more selfish than the rest... In the last three year, (three really hard years on me) I have been told by at least half a dozen people not connected to each other or bound to me in any significant way, that I look like I am between 26 and early 30's in age. Of course, I tell them that they are my absolute favorite people on the earth because they are so willing to lie to make me feel good. : ) Losing 15-18 years off of my age makes waking up with aches and pains, or looking at something and knowing that I am physically not capable of doing it anymore, easier not to get depressed by. So I'll take the younger looking age even if I know it's just a facade. : ) Perhaps it's because I STILL don't know what I want to be when I grow up.... my body is waiting for my mind to mature.