12.01.17

The last time I wrote on here, it was our wedding day and I had just dropped Josh off at the airport and went home to spend my wedding night alone. Then, I didn't know when I would see him again or how the next couple months were going to go. NOW, just four months later, we live in GERMANY and I get to see my best friend every. single. day.
We have a home, a Christmas tree, and a pretty comfy air mattress to sleep on each night. We live in a village with a bakery down the street, hiking down the road, and biking trails wherever you look. There are times when I feel so overcome with gratitude and feel so blessed to be here, to be able to experience this new adventure. But, at other times, I find myself feeling pretty down. . .especially as it's the Christmas season. Our home is devoid of decorations, our tree is bare, and there are no pictures on the walls. The other night, I asked Josh if he ever wants to go "home", to the states. He said that he sometimes feels that way, but since there isn't anything we can do about it, he is choosing to stay positive.

Josh and I are alike in soooo many ways, it's almost scary. But, there are moments when I am reminded how he literally is my better half,  because of conversations like that one. I tend to be more of the debbie downer and focus on the things I miss or what isn't going right, while Josh reminds me of what's most important. Sometimes I  tell him that he just needs to get upset or cry or be sad so I know he's human, but that's not Josh. He is truly happy, optimistic, and can make the best out of every situation. And you know what? I love him so stinkin' much for that. As we are learning how to be newlyweds, live in a foreign country, and be part of a military community, I know I can always rely on him. He picks me up when I'm down. He holds me tight in his arms when I break out sobbing because I just miss my dog, my family, or heck, even carpet. He never laughs when I'm being dramatic over the little things, and I love him more each and every day because of it. He's patient when I want to go see someplace I saw on Pinterest and end up getting us lost ten times, or when I tell him it's just a mile hike, when it's actually six. He feeds my adventurous spirit and shares that same spirit. There were over 50 places we could have been stationed, with about 40-45 being stateside. As I think about that, I have to believe we're here for a reason. I have to believe Heavenly Father had a hand in sending us overseas, miles and miles away from our families and everything we've ever known. As the Christmas season approaches and I reflect more upon Christ's birth, and the sacrifices He made through out His life, I feel so humbled. I'm putting my faith in Him.

Last night, while we were laying in bed, Josh asked me how I was feeling physically, mentally, and spiritually. I told him honestly I just feel useless, like I have no purpose. Then I think about our Savior, how His life was full of selflessness, how he singlehandedly served the people around Him, trusted Heavenly Father with His whole heart, and I know I can do better. I can do better at serving others, making friends, and hopefully bring companionship into someone's life.

This December, I want to challenge everyone to strive to emulate the life Christ lived. Focus not on yourself, your struggles, your woes, but on those around you. Strive to serve at least one person. Make cookies for your neighbors. Invite the new family to the neighborhood into your home for dinner. Share the gospel. Spread joy. And, most importantly, love one another.

Thomas S Monson said,

"What will you and I give for Christmas this year? Let us in our lives give to the Lord and Savior the gift of gratitude by living His teachings and following in His footsteps."

I think that is the greatest gift. Live His teachings and follow in His footsteps.

Merry Christmas.

Love,

Cort

The Most Perfect Day

As I sit in bed tonight, on my wedding night, I wait for Josh to land in San Antonio so I know he's safe and can't help but feel so blessed. I'm sure many of you have questions, so I'm going to give you the condensed version of our little wedding story.

Josh called me Monday afternoon and told me he got leave and would be flying in that next morning. My emotions went through the roof! Excitement, anxiety, stress, nerves, joy---you name it, I felt it. We decided on Friday for our wedding because that gave some of my family from out of state time to make it up to Utah and gave us a little time after the wedding before he had to leave on the following Monday. Tuesday morning, I wake up before the crack of dawn to start getting ready to go to the airport to pick up Josh, even though he wouldn't be landing for another five hours. We pick him up, many tears were shed, and we start on our wedding checklist! Marriage license, suit, shoes, shirt, etc. We got it all done! Wednesday morning we wake up and have another list to complete so we get started right away. About mid morning, Josh is in the middle of shaving and gets a call from his Sergeant, which only means one thing---bad news. Josh gets off the phone and bursts into tears. He sits down, gathers me on his lap, and tells me he received his orders and has to report back in San Antonio as soon as possible. We did everything we could to delay it to even the next day, but it just wasn't possible (when they say ASAP, they really do mean as soon as possible). So, we start to brainstorm. Courthouse? Small ceremony? All I knew was, I wasn't letting Josh leave this time without becoming my husband. One o'clock rolls around and we decide, through much deliberation, that we're going to throw together a small ceremony. Then we have to decide where. Josh pulls out his tablet and types in Provo Canyon, because it just fit us. We spent so much time up there when we were dating that we knew it would be special no matter what. We find a gorgeous park (via Google satellite images) and decide that was it! We start making our calls and letting friends and family know a small ceremony was going to be happening at 4:30 that evening. About this time, three angels from my church show up at my doorstep and offer to help. Decorations were gathered, plans were made, and we were off! Our wedding was planned in about three hours, but I can't think of one thing I would change. I had a photographer willing to drop everything and come take pictures of a quick first look before the ceremony, and capture pictures throughout. I had a family friend sing a song for me to walk down the aisle to, and I had my best friend, my Papa Pete, lend me his arm as we made our way to Josh. My bishop, a man I have grown to respect so much, gave us advice and led us to the "I do's". But most importantly, I had my one true love standing next to me and holding my hand.

As I have been a military girlfriend, a military fiancé, and now a military wife, I have learned one big lesson. We really don't have much control over what happens. This life is so hard. It's unexpected. It throws you punches again and again and again. You can't make any plans because you know they'll undoubtedly end up changing. But what I've come to realize is that is not necessarily a bad thing. I didn't choose the military life, but I did choose Joshua. I choose him everyday, every moment, every second. I choose him in a hundred lifetimes, all because I love him. And with him, comes the military. Our country just needs him more than I do right now, and I'm so proud of him for being willing to answer the call---even when it's a call we really don't want to answer.

I want everyone to know we're doing okay. We stayed strong at the airport and didn't cry. We said our "I'll see you soon's" because it really is temporary. I keep reminding myself this won't last forever. Our lives will start someday, it's just not right now, and I'm okay with that because he is officially mine and I'm officially his. It will happen eventually and that makes me so happy. I'm grateful to Heavenly Father for giving me the strength to live this lifestyle. It's not easy and I don't think any military wife or husband would claim it is, but it is doable. Heavenly Father has blessed me with the personality to be able to withstand the distance and separation and I know Josh and I were put together for a reason. I just can't wait to see what that reason is.

Our wedding day wasn't what we ever imagined it would be like, but it was perfect. My heart is so full. Full of love for all the family and friends who were there, who have supported us from day one, who have been cheering us on, and who haven't gotten frustrated at us when we changed plans last minute. So many miracles have happened within the past 48 hours. We went through the lowest of lows and the highest of highs, but most of all, there was a lot of love. And for that reason, I am so at peace. I'm content, I'm happy, and I'm officially Mrs. Austin. That brings me too much joy to dwell on anything sad.

Joshua Austin,
You are my best friend. You have kept me on my toes, tried my patience, but have shown me an immeasurable amount of love. That love is what keeps me going.
As I said "I do" today, I made a promise to always love you. I promise to understand that we can't always choose how our life goes. I promise to follow you to Germany, to Alaska, and to anywhere in-between. With you, I am home, and that will never change.
I promise to be here for you on face time whenever we're apart. I promise to learn how to change a tire so I'm not stranded and helpless while you're gone. I promise to make you laugh when you're sad. I promise to try to be a good mother to our children and to love them with my whole heart. I promise to never forget the little things and to never stop doing little gestures that let you know I care about you. But most importantly, I promise to love you when life seems easy and when life seems hard. We're spending our wedding night in different states, back on different times, and with different schedules, but it's okay. I love you more than I knew I could possibly love someone, and I will hold onto that until I can hold onto you again. Until then, be safe, be strong, and think of me often.

I love you,
Your wife , Cort <3

04.28.17

President Uchtdorf said, "Once you commit to being married, your spouse becomes your soul mate, and it is your duty and responsibility to work every day to keep it that way. Once you have committed, the search for a soul mate is over.” (link here)

Oh how I love this quote! So many times I have heard the question, "How do you know he's The One?" Well, there are the obvious answers. Josh and I have both prayed about our relationship and have received the peace we needed to in regards to our engagement and marriage. But really, how do you know? What do you look for when searching for someone to spend an eternity with?

Josh and I met when we were young (and we still are young), but I always knew. Some people say it's because he's 6'4" and towered over the whole student body, but I always noticed him. I remember admiring him from afar day after day with major swoon worthy eyes. I mean, have you seen the guy? *drool*

But it was more than just being ridiculously attracted to him, and thus developing a mild case of stalker...itis? ;) If you don't know our story, here's the condensed version:

When I moved to Utah, I made it on the volleyball team and ended up playing with Josh's older sister,  Rachel, who shared the same position as me. We became really good friends, but I never knew Josh was her brother. She was two grades above me and graduated the year I moved there. About 7 months after she graduated, she was in a relationship with her now husband and told Josh he should ask me on a double date. His reply? "Yeah, probably not". Ouch, right? Apparently Rachel's persuasion skills are sales person worthy because he ended up asking me out. This whole time I'm still reeling over my good fortune and slight mortification over having my "admire from afar, but don't touch" crush actually talking to me. So we went on our first date and I basically was tongue tied and hung onto his every word the whole night. It's no wonder I had to initiate the second date ;) But alas, I eventually ended up wooing him with my vast knowledge of fruit (he worked in the produce section at Smiths, so good thinking on my part, right?) and with my slightly exaggerated skills at mountain biking. I think he later learned I was stretching the truth a bit on that one when we went on a date mountain biking. Oops. 

And the rest is history in the making! 848 days later, we're still together and counting down the metaphoric days until our marriage (no, we still don't have a date set). So, back to the question at hand. How do I know Josh is "The One"? I agree 100% with President Uchtdorf. I do not believe there is just one person in the world you could spend your life with. Just like you were able to make many friends, I believe it's the same with relationships. Yes, Josh and I have both received confirmation about our marriage, but that doesn't mean it will always be smooth sailing. We're going to have to work to keep the romance, tender feelings, love, and devotion alive. But again, how do I know he's the one I want to spend eternity with? 

Josh is my best friend in the whole world. He treats me like a queen. He's protective of me and always makes sure I'm doing okay, even though he is 1,000 miles away at the moment. He makes me laugh and brings out the silly in me. He constantly tells me how beautiful I am. We share the same goals in life, both spiritually and physically. He makes me want to be a better person. He's always up for an adventure, which is one of my favorite things. But I think one of the most important reasons I know he's my forever is the fact that, with him, I feel like I'm home. That may sound cheesy, but the comfort I feel around Josh puts all my fears, anxiety, and stress to rest. He literally feels like my other half and part of me hurts when we're separated. 

So, is there such a thing as a "soulmate"? I would still say no, there isn't. But, if you find someone, or if there was someone on your mind while reading this post, don't let them go. If they make you happy, work to always keep that relationship alive. It won't be easy. Sometimes life is hard and it's even harder when you have to consider another person. But having someone else there to help carry your burdens is also a great feeling. Find someone to laugh with and explore with. Someone who can be silly, but also mature when needed. Find someone you know would make a good parent to your children. Someone who encourages you to go out of your comfort zone and try new things. If the thought of spending an eternity with that person puts a huge smile on your face, then hold onto them. That is so special and shouldn't be taken for granted. 

Joshua Haymond Austin, thank you for choosing me. I thank my Heavenly Father every single day for putting you in my life, even though I had to force it a little bit ;) I consider myself one of the luckiest girls in the world to be able to call you mine. You mean the world to me and I can't wait to be your wife.

I love you today, tomorrow, and forever.

-Cort

Aspire to be better

It has been quite awhile since I sat down to write a blog post, even though I've had countless ideas running through my mind for the past couple months. It's a new year, which brings out all those "new years resolutions". You know which ones I'm talking about. The resolutions that you make because you feel like you should---even though you know there's no chance in you know where that you'll actually complete them. The resolutions that you feel like are the "right things to say you want to accomplish" such as losing weight or eating healthier.

I'm not a fan of resolutions and here's why:

The word resolution basically means to do or not to do something. Nowadays, the term 'New Year's Resolution' holds no deeper meaning. It has become a "goal" you set in the beginning of the year that you know is most likely not going to be accomplished. And, shockingly, when our new year's resolutions get pushed aside and forgotten, we can laugh it off and say, "Oh, no one actually completes those, so it's fine". You've heard that before, right?

So here's what I would suggest:

Instead of the word 'resolution', let's look at the word 'aspiration'. Aspiration means the hope or ambition of achieving something. To me, that already sounds a hundred times better than a resolution. There are some powerful words in that simple definition. Hope. Ambition. Achieving.
All three of those words require some sort of emotional connection to what you're aspiring towards. Remember resolution? To do or not to do something. That doesn't require any effort or really any consequence if not completed. But if you aspire toward something you really want, then you won't be okay when it goes unaccomplished.

Now here's another thought I had on the new year:

We've all heard, and maybe even said, the phrase "New year, new me". My problem with this statement is that it implies a complete change or shift in your life as soon as the clock changes from 11:59 pm on December 31st to 12:00 am on January 1st. I say kudos to you if you can just start fresh at the beginning of every year. But, if you're like me, it's not so easy. I've been thinking a lot about the people who don't get to say "new year, new me". The people who are taking the problems from 2016 with them into 2017. And honestly, I would say I'm one of those people. 2016 wasn't so good to me. Sure, there were good moments. I made it to state for track, I graduated high school, my brother came home from his mission, and I got a puppy. But, there were also some serious negatives. I couldn't afford to go to college right away, Josh left for the Air Force, my parents started their divorce papers, my dad left, and I've just felt pretty exhausted with life. But here's what has really stood out to me in the past couple weeks, and it goes back to the word 'aspiration'. 2017 will still contain the same problems for me that 2016 held. But, the difference is, I'm starting off the year with hope. I'm engaged to the man of my dreams, even though the situation is difficult. He's 1,000 miles away and we have no idea when he'll get to come home next. I have a cute puppy to keep me company and make me smile on the days that are rough. I have a great family who is loving and supports me. . .and I'll be gaining a second family who I love just as much. All of these aspects of my life give me hope.

Before Josh got on the plane to go back to Texas, we sat at his gate together and talked about some aspirations we have as a couple. I told him I would always tell him what was on my mind, whether it was telling him when I think he looks handsome, or telling him when something is bothering me. We made aspirations as a couple for the new year. But I think what also makes an aspiration different from a resolution is the timeline. A resolution usually only lasts however long you can keep it going. But an aspiration will, hopefully, last your entire life. Sure, we made these goals as a couple for the next year as we're starting our lives together, but that doesn't mean it will end on January 1st of 2018. These aspirations we have will impact and change our relationship for an eternity.

If you are an avid New Year's Resolution-ist, I'm not trying to degrade you for that. If you can make a resolution and stick to it, then good job and I'm proud of you! But to the others who struggle, I challenge you to drop the resolution and add an aspiration. Aspire to be more kind. Aspire to be more forgiving. Aspire to be a giver. Aspire to make the best of every situation. Aspire to have more hope. Aspire to be better. Because that's really what it's all about, right? Being better than we were before.

With love,
Cort

10/09/16

I'm not very good at voicing my thoughts and find it much easier to portray them through writing. Not only is it easier, but it's also my stress reliever. By putting my thoughts into words, I'm taking them off my chest and relieving myself of the burden. My purpose in saying that is so you all know that I realize this is not my typical blog post. I can't say it will be upbeat or positive. And here's why:

My mentality has always been to smile through the hard times and to just keep laughing when all you want to do is cry. I've always wanted to be the girl that people look at and think, "She is always so positive and happy. I don't think I've ever seen her without a smile". That seems like the perfect life, right? Wrong. It's exhausting. . . both mentally and physically. Now don't get me wrong. When having a bad day, I don't think it's a bad idea to keep smiling and trying to be positive. Sometimes, that's exactly what is needed to turn the mood around. But what I am talking about is when those bad days turn into weeks, or maybe even months. When you're down and you just can't seem to find the energy to get back up. That saying that goes, "When it rains, it pours" and you feel like it has been pouring on you longer than you feel like the sun has been shining. That is when I don't think it's okay to pretend. . .and I've just now come to realize that.

For a couple months now, I feel like I've fallen down and just keep getting kicked and kicked. No matter how many times I try to stand back up and get on my feet, I just keep getting kicked down. And I've been pretending to be standing there like I have it all together. Like life is so good. But after many tears and prayers, I received an answer from a nice lady who didn't know me, didn't know my situation, nor did she know my story. I was sitting at the temple, with my ear buds in. No music was playing since I was just using them to keep anyone from talking to me. I had my scriptures out and my journal on my lap. My nose was running and I couldn't stop crying. During this, a lady walked over to where I was sitting and sat beside me. After some time, I felt guilty about ignoring her and took out my ear buds. I glanced at her, kind of sheepishly and secretly hoping she didn't strike up a conversation, when she turned to me and kindly said, "You know, I've been here a long time and this is what I know: sometimes it's okay to just not be okay".

At this point my tears were streaming even harder, but what she said stuck with me.

"Sometimes it's okay to just not be okay."

How powerful and much needed was that statement. Somehow, that lady knew exactly what I needed to hear. So that's my advice to anyone who may be struggling, whether it be big or small. Be honest with yourself and realize that you don't always have to have it together. You don't always have to be smiling. But also, I've learned that you don't always have to have an explanation. People may ask what is wrong, but you don't owe them anything. "No" is a complete sentence.

I'm not at the point yet where I can say it'll all work out if you just keep on truckin'. But here's what I can say: Don't be ashamed to let yourself have a bad day, or even week. Life is hard. That's a fact. But, don't forget, sometimes it's okay to not be okay. Heavenly Father is aware of you. He is aware of your needs. He has felt every pain you are suffering and He wants to help you. . .if you will but let Him in.

All my love,

Cortlee

8/25/16

Dear Mommy,

Last night I had a dream we were hiking. There were many people all around us, but all I remember is seeing you and me. In my dream, we were hiking in what looked like a big canyon. We were on a trail that was maybe two feet wide with one side as the canyon wall and the other side a cliff that dropped down to hundreds of feet below.

We had been walking for a few miles when the trail gave way to a spot where we had to jump from one side to the other to continue on. As dreams usually are, this moment was very exaggerated. Though the space in between the trails was only a few feet long, it looked like a mile to me. In my dream, I remember peering down to the canyon below and thinking there was no way I could cross. I started to shake and cry and cling to the mountain to the side of me --- deathly afraid of falling. In the meantime, you had already jumped to the other side. When I looked across at you, you turned back to me and simply held out your hand.

I remember standing tall again, wiping my tears, taking one last look below me, and grabbing your hand before I took that big leap of faith to the other side.

Waking up this morning, that moment was so vivid in my mind. I also couldn't help but think of the correlation between my dream and Peter walking on water. When Jesus walked on water to join His disciples on the boat, He told Peter to come to Him. The stormy sea began to crash waves against Peter and he became afraid, crying out to the Lord. Jesus then reached His hand out and grasped Peter's.

Like Peter, I was too afraid to cross the trail, until you reached out your hand to me. I think of all the times you've held your hand out to me, both figuratively and literally, and I'm overcome with emotion. Heavenly Father blessed me with you---a mommy who has always motivated me and guided me throughout my life. Whenever I have stumbled, you have held out your hand to me, making the choice mine. . .to either grasp it and accept help or to keep trying on my own.

When I think about the type of mother I want to be one day, all I have to do is look at you and it's clear. You're nurturing, honest, faithful, compassionate, a hard worker, my best friend, and most importantly, you're constant. You're constantly there for me should I need a hand to hold along the way. As I'm navigating through and deciding what to do with my life, you will always be ready to lend your hand. And for that, I will always be forever grateful.

Mommy, I love you. I'm grateful for you. I hope that one day I will become half the woman you are. You're my biggest role model, in all ways. Don't ever forget your divine worth.

Love,
Your Dolly

6/24/16

This is something I've wanted to write about for quite some time, but haven't really found the words or been able to portray them in a way that wouldn't hurt anyone's feelings. So if this does offend anyone, that wasn't my intention and I do apologize.

I've worked at a clothing store for almost five months now, and if there's one thing I have learned, it's this:

Every woman has their insecurities and needs to be told they're beautiful.

Today at work, I was helping a woman who was very much pregnant. I told her we don't sell maternity clothes, but we have many shirts that are flowy and would be very cute. She turned to me with tears streaming down her face and said, "I hate how I look right now. I'm not buying new clothes until after I have this baby."

Working retail, I see so many circumstances like this and it breaks my heart. Another lady came in with a return and said, "I'm too fat for this skirt. I looked horrible in it." To which I told her, "You're not fat, it just isn't the right size. Let's find a different size and I bet you'll look and feel much better."

I hurt for the women who hate the way they look. I'm not going to stand here and preach about loving your body, because I haven't always loved mine. There is a big movement going on that is embracing women with curves and teaching them to love their bodies. And while I absolutely love the message, it didn't apply to me. I've always been petite. I don't have an hourglass body or hips. I can still fit into jeans from Junior High. And for the longest time, I felt bad about my body because I wasn't curvy. I wasn't the "ideal body type" because "no one should wear a size 0" or "it's unhealthy". But it wasn't my choice. It was the way Heavenly Father designed me, and it's taken me a long time to realize that that is beautiful too.

President Monson said, "a woman needs to be told she is beautiful. She needs to be told she is valued. She needs to be told she is worthwhile." (See Others As They May Become)

I can't tell you to just wake up one day and love your body. That's something that needs to be felt on your own and could take months. But here is my advice to all women:

You are valued. You are worthwhile. You are beautiful. When that inner voice tries to tell you that you are not, you go grab another size. You do not need to squeeze and conform to anyone's views on beautiful, because if you do, when you look in the mirror you will feel like you're wearing a skirt that is just too small. Once you accept that the body you have been given is beautiful and grab the right size, you will be so much happier and comfortable in your own skin.

I can't say that I don't have my days where I wish I could just grow a few more inches or become a little more curvy, but those days are also becoming less and less frequent. I will probably have to bear through endless short jokes for the rest of my life, but it no longer hurts. I was given this body and that in and of itself, is the greatest blessing.

So to all the girls, young women, and women out there:

You are valued. You are worthwhile. And most importantly, you are beautiful.

All my love,
Cortlee

03/08/16

Dear Elder Crockett,

Today I went to the store after track to get a drink and saw a $20 bill, which reminded me of you. When I was 16, I was getting ready for a date when you walked up to me and handed me twenty dollars and told me it was "In case your date is horrible and you need to get a cab ride home". At the time, I laughed it off and rolled my eyes, happy that I just became $20 richer.

When I was a freshman, I remember getting so mad at you whenever you would go home and tell mom about the guys I was talking to and how they "weren't good guys" or "not trustworthy". It used to make me so upset. I didn't think it was your place to tell me who I could talk to or not, which made me want to talk to them even more, just out of spite. But in the end, my being mad at you would only last so long and I would be back at your car the next day at lunchtime asking to be taken to Safeway, which you would always do.

I remember having a class with you, which I thought was the worst. Whenever I would talk while the teacher was talking, you would glare at me or give me a look of disapproval; which, again, just fueled my acting out. I wanted nothing more than to be independent and make my own choices.

Now, as a senior, and 18 months and 5 days apart from you, I wish I could take back all those moments when I got annoyed at you. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't wish we could go out to lunch together and you could buy me a cheesy bagel. As I go on dates, I wish you were there to answer the door wearing a Duck Dynasty shirt and holding your machete. I wish you were here to worry about me, even when it's not necessary. I wish we could have a class together and you would keep me in line and on top of assignments. I wish we could have jam sessions in the car, even though we both hate each other's music.

But as I've gotten older, I realize that things will change. When you get home, our car rides and jam sessions aren't going to be as frequent. We will both be adults, doing adult things. But that's okay, because I will always have those memories of spending time with you. Our lives will change, we will change, and circumstances will change, but our friendship will remain constant.

Because of our friendship, I have learned so many lessons. So to my future children, here's my prayer for you:

***

I pray you realize that the closest friends you will ever have are the ones you have in your home. You will fight, get irritated, and annoyed at one another, but their friendship will mean more to you than the arguments.

I pray you will be forgiving and that you will show one another love. Your siblings will make mistakes, but your forgiveness could be what gets them through.

I pray you will guard one another when they can't see the danger of their decisions.

I pray that as you're finding yourself, you never leave each other's side. As you're transitioning through the different stages of life, I pray you will lead each other on the right path and encourage one another to continue faithfully on that path.

I pray you will trust one another in all aspects of your life.

I pray you will show one another love, despite your weaknesses.

I pray that as people come into your life that may love you or hurt you, they bring you to know your siblings for the first time or rekindle the relationship you already share.

I pray you will catch one another if any of your feet should slip.

I pray you will help one another feel peace in the midst of hardships and help carry one another when your burdens are too much to bear on your own.

I pray you will encourage one another to be the best you can possibly be and to excel in all you do.

I pray you will help one another know of Heavenly Father's love for them and lead them to a place where His glory dwells. Help one another realize that His love is unfailing and that the only way to see true light is through His light.

There will be days, or even weeks, where you feel like giving up and you will fail to see the point. I pray you will keep your siblings close during those moments and that they will help you to see the bigger picture. I pray you love them with your whole heart and come to rely on your friendship with them as you grow. Throughout your life, people will come and go, but your siblings will always be there for you. Hold them close to your heart and keep that relationship a priority. You won't regret it.

All my Love,
Cortlee

Always be Humble and Kind

Anyone who knows me, knows I love country music. Lately, this song has really hit home. 

Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw

I love the verse that says, 

"Hold the door, say please, say thank you

Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie

I know you got mountains to climb but

Always stay humble and kind

When the dreams you're dreamin' come to you

When the work you put in is realized

Let yourself feel the pride but

Always stay humble and kind"

Always stay humble and kind. This sentence is simple, but following it's meaning may be a little trickier. In seminary a couple weeks ago, we talked about the attributes we think would make a King great. Words were put on the board such as, 'popular', 'loyal', 'trustworthy', 'outgoing', etc. And while all these qualities would make a great king, I want to focus on the words 'humble' and 'kind'. In my opinion, I think a great king would be both of those things.

In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the simple definition of humble is this:

Humble

adjective  hum·ble   \ˈhəm-bəl also chiefly Southern ˈəm-\

• :  not proud : not thinking of yourself as better than other people
• : given or said in a way that shows you do not think you are better than other people
• : showing that you do not think of yourself as better than other people
  Humility is so important. This world is full of very proud people. Girls who are proud of their $200 shoes, how their make-up is perfectly "contoured", or even just the amount of friends they have. Life has turned into one big competition. A competition to have the best hair, the most likes, and the most retweets. Humility is doing something kind for someone and not having to put it on social media for recognition. Humility is wearing make-up because you want to feel pretty, not because the girl next to you is wearing it. Humility is looking for ways to serve, without a thought of what you'll receive in return. Humility is helping, not because you're better than them, but because you can.
  

  
  

  kind

  adjective \ˈkīnd\

  Simple Definition of kind

  • 
    : having or showing a gentle nature and a desire to help others : wanting and liking to do good things and to bring happiness to others.
    Humble and kind go together like chips and salsa. Kindness is helping others, not because you have to, but because you want to. When I think back to the moments that mean the most to me, they all begin with kindness. So the next time someone cuts you off or someone forgets to put the milk in the fridge and you feel yourself start to get angry; remember, kindness changes everything and it begins with you.  Learn to have a desire to help others, as well as learn to genuinely like bringing happiness to others, because in return, you will also feel that happiness. 
    A great king is loyal, trustworthy, and honest; but more than that, he is humble and he is kind. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the perfect example of a king who was humble and kind. A man so humble, He washed feet and cleansed the sick who had been shunned from all others. A man so kind, He dedicated His entire life to serving others. A man who chose to be humble and kind even when everyone was against Him. When He was surrounded by pride and hatred, He never changed who He was; a man, who was always Humble and Kind. 
    
    
    Always be Humble and Kind.
    -Cort
    Ephesians 4:32"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
    Doctrine & Covenants 112:10"Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers."
    Ether 12:27"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."
    

  
  
  

10/22/15

"Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values. It is peace because we have found peace in the Savior's teachings. It is the time we realize most deeply that the more love is expended, the more there is of it for others."

-Thomas S. Monson

The Christmas season to me is exactly what President Monson described:

Christmas is. . .

spirit of giving
happiness
joy
forgetting self
finding time for others
stressing the true values
peace
love


12/22/15

After 65 years of marriage, today my sweet grandparents are entering the temple to receive their endowments and be sealed as a family for time and all eternity (To learn more about eternal families, click here for a great talk).

As I've grown older, the Christmas season has become more meaningful to me. I have come to acknowledge the purpose of Christmas, the joy that is felt, and the love our Heavenly Father has for each one of us. Christmas is time with family, baking sugary treats, gift shopping, and listening to carolers. It's driving around and seeing houses decorated with lights, trees glowing in the windows, and snow covered driveways. But most importantly, it is a time to reflect on our Savior, Jesus Christ.

This Christmas, I have felt the love of our Savior more profoundly than I ever have. As I was helping my grandmother put on her makeup before leaving for the temple, I was struck with an amazing feeling of peace. As I looked at her, though aged with lines that provide a glimpse into the life she has lived, I couldn't help but think of the beautiful woman she is and the love our Heavenly Father has for her. . . as well as her family.

We have been given the gift of an eternal family. The new pair of shoes or the new toy won't matter in 10 or 20 years, but the gift of family is priceless and has no end. Because of the missionaries and the example of others in my grandparents lives, my family and many generations to come will be eternal. We will be able to meet again in the next life and laugh and love and celebrate being a family. Because of our Savior, we have been blessed with the most precious gift that could have been given to my family this Christmas season: an eternal family. And for that, I will be forever grateful.

Merry Christmas

-Cort