Tender Mercies

I'm learning--Boy, am I learning! This trial was really kicking my butt, however, I've been becoming stronger, so that I can get through it. God has sent me many tender mercies that I am really starting to notice. God really is merciful! It's like a stream of light cutting through the darkness. I'm going to make it through. Happy Thursday!

Purpose through My ministry

When Jesus Christ came to this earth, He had a purpose and fulfilled it through His ministry. That got me thinking about my purpose. I believe that all of us have a purpose to fill in this life. Of course I have a lot to learn and shoes to fill, but with God and our Savior, Jesus Christ, I believe that I'll be able to fill those shoes.

There have been changes in my life recently that have helped me take a step back and really look at myself. Who do I think I am? What do I want to do? Where do I see myself in five years? I've been realizing (especially through job rejection) that I am looking in all the wrong places. God is trying to help me understand His will for me. And I haven't a clue what that is. That's okay though. I'll get there.

I began thinking about Christ and His ministry. And that got me thinking about my personal ministry. So I started to study and immediately turned to the Bible Dictionary.

Ministry. The work of the ministry is to do the work of the Lord on the earth- to represent the Lord among the people, preach the gospel, and administer the ordinances thereof. ...Therefore what he does "according to the will of the Lord is the Lord's business."

 So then I got to thinking that my ministry was really HIS ministry. I've received several blessings that have told me about my mission in my life. That I would be a great influence in bringing others unto Christ. And I've always thought that was cool, but I would just brush it off. It would happen when it happens. It wasn't until recently that I realized that it would only happen, if I kept myself worthy to fulfill that mission.

That mission has become my ministry. And I'm not perfect nor do I feel close to being able to do any of that. So I've been turning a lot to prayer. In the heat of this trial, there's no where else I should be than in the scriptures and on my knees praying to my God for help.

All of this has helped me put a purpose to my trials and pain. A defining (and refining) purpose to help me fulfill my ministry here. Whether that's being a better friend, becoming a wife/mother- whatever. The joy of the gospel of Jesus Christ is priceless and everyone should have it! And God, everyone should know that God lives and that He and Jesus Christ love us so much.

I still have a lot ahead of me. So here I begin again, but this time with a more focused purpose to my ministry. I have a lot of refining to do. A lot of "what lack I yet" and humility. I have a lot to take to the altar of sacrifice and willing let go to follow what He wants me to do. But I believe that it's all possible through the atonement of Jesus Christ.

I love God. I love Him so much. And I recognize more and more that I want to live with Him again. Eternity without God just wouldn't be eternity. So here I am again, turning to Him with the Saviors hand in mine. I want leave this life feeling satisfied and fulfilled knowing that I had done His work and fulfilled my ministry. A life spent in the Lord's work may not be the easiest, but if I trust God, than I know for surety that it will be worth it.

Raw Human

I'm not a loser or weak, because I choose to feel. I'm a human who is allowing herself to feel. Who is allowing herself to be completely raw. And for a few moments, I'm not going to have a care in the world what you think. I'm just going to allow myself to have a human experience that others choose to neglect. I'm not weak. I'm not admitting defeat. No. In fact, I see myself stronger than those who choose to ignore their feelings. You may see that as a "holier-than-thou" attitude. But we were given emotions and raw experiences to shape and strengthen us. I can't stand in the fire and not feel the burning affects. I will cry out. I will grieve loss. I will grieve from trauma. And then after my moment has passed, I'll get up and dust myself off and continue my journey.

I am a human in acceptance of my human experience.

Once upon a time, I couldn't fall asleep, because my mind was set on going running at 6 AM in this morning. So I did. And I puked in the church parking lot. What a lovely start, right? You'd think I would have just turned around and walked home. Ha, no! I said a quick prayer that God would get me through the rest of my workout and He heard my prayer. I finished the workout without dying. I had a realization that I need to treat my body better. So I prayed for forgiveness and promised God that I would do better starting today. It's never too late to make changes. You can start again. And thanks to the atonement of Jesus Christ, I can try again and again. Bonus: I've gotten through half of my to-do list and it's almost 8:30 AM. It's a good Monday! Have a great day! Jesus loves you.

P.S. If you didn't have the chance to attend the Women's Conference last Saturday night, you can go here to watch it. It was wonderful! https://www.lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng

Happy Easter!

When I was in the first grade I got in an argument with a kid in my class about whether Easter was on Saturday or Sunday. Obviously he won. But you see, I didn't understand that, because at my house the Easter bunny always came on Saturday morning. Turns out my mom was teaching us a lesson at a very young age about 1- Keeping the Sabbath Day holy and 2- Easter Sunday is about Jesus Christ. Momma Rock knows best, my friends. And I will continue to carry out this tradition with my own family.

Easter really resonates with me, because the atonement of Jesus Christ is close to my heart. I haven't really gotten super deep about sharing my testimony of Christ, because it's something that is very very dear and personal to me. I'm sure that will change someday, but for now I will just give you just a taste of my testimony of Him.

He's real. His mission was set out before He came to this world. He carried out his mission, because He loves God. And because He understood how His sacrifice would benefit all of God's children. His loves for each one of us is so personal, because He truly knows each one of us. He knows our pain and suffering. He understands how much that scrape on our knee hurt when we were five years old. And He understands how much it hurt when our hearts were broken. He truly paid the price. He wanted to. He chose to, because you and I were both worth it.

I often wish I could repay Him in full, because to me it seems like such a hard sacrfice to do. But perhaps that's what true sacrifice is. You sacrifice something, because you ultimately understand and love the purpose of it. You wouldn't even think twice about it. And while I can't pay him back, I can at least utilize His sacrifice personally in my life. He literally died, so that I could return to my God and live with him for eternity. Why wouldn't I want to live my loving Heavenly Father? You guys know how much I love Him.

If I could get on such a deep, intimate level with you guys on my honest feelings about my Savior, I would. But I think what's better is for you to do that with Him for yourself. He is real. Because of Jesus Christ, I have found new life. That's priceless!

Happy Easter, my dear friends. May your hearts be turned to your Savior, Jesus Christ during this wonderful holiday. See you next Monday!

“Turn your eyes to Gethsemane, and you will find inner strength and power to carry on and do whatever it is that faces you.”

Pep Talk and Daily Affirmations

Regardless of the outcome, I will always be good. I will always be divine. I will always be okay. I'm still alive. I'm still breathing. I'm still Marlisa Rock. I'm still strong. God still loves me. I'm so very good. I'm still worthy of love. I'm still worthy of acceptance. I'm still a daughter of God. It's not the worst. You got this. You can do hard things and you can endure hard things. It's a good day. I'm still good. I'm still loved. It's really not the worst. Breathe, you'll be okay. It's going to be a good day. All good things, all good things.

Repurposed

I remember vividly the day the Provo Tabernacle burned. I cried. I've had memories of going there. I remember seeing people standing outside watching it in flames and tears in their eyes. How could God let something so devastating happen to such a historic building that served many people through the years?

President Monson calmed the storm when he announced that it would be made as the second Temple in Provo. My heart soared. God wasn't just rebuilding a historic building. He was rebuilding it to be a holy and pure building. It was going to become His house. Wow.This last Sunday this beautiful building was dedicated as the House of the Lord. It was a beautiful ceremony. More than 600 buildings in Utah were set apart for this momentous occasion. Being able to attend along with hundreds of other people was incredible.

Friends, we all can be made holy and pure. We can achieve perfection. We can endure hard trials that refine us into better people. Just like this temple, we can change. God knows you. He knows who you can become and He will help you. Through the atonement of Jesus Christ we can change. Countless people in the scriptures and in these modern days can attest to this. We all can be changed through Christ. His purpose was to help you. You were worth it.

So when you feel like your burning inside. When you don't feel like you can handle your trials. I stand with you. I currently feel that. But don't jump ship! Everything will be okay, because God loves you. Your Savior, Jesus Christ loves you. God has a better plan for you. You're being refined. I'm being refined. Hold on thy way and know that you'll be okay. God has a purpose for you. Just like He had a better purpose for the tabernacle that would serve His children far better.

Remember it's not the worst. Jesus loves you, my dear friends. God loves you! Happy Wednesday!

I don't hate him (part 2)

Yes. I know I blogged about this yesterday, but I had to blog again.

Sunday night it hit me. Allergies. From. Hell. I hate everything in the world. When I get allergies in the springtime, it hits me like a bag of bricks. I can't breathe, I have a runny nose, and I want to stab my eyes out. 

You guys, I had plans for yesterday. It's a fresh week. You know how I feel about Mondays. I had goals. I climbed out of bed two hours after I usually do. I didn't want to, but I had things that needed to be done. So I powered through. And Satan was so mean to me. His constant put-downs were enough to make me cry. I felt terrible. I was vulnerable. I was tired. And he wouldn't leave me alone.

You're not going to finish everything.

Stop it.

You're all ready behind.

I'm caught up on though.

No one wants you.

That's not true.

This week will be like all the others.

That's not true.

You're a failure.

Stop it! STOP IT! STOP IT! STOP IT! 

Workout time came and I was not feeling it, but I needed to get it done. So I threw my laundry in the washing machine and told myself I would workout while it washed. That's killing two birds with one stone. I hit play on my laptop and started the workout. Satan started coming at me again.

You're fat.

I know I am. But I'm working on it.

You can't do half of these moves.

That's not true. I can do the moves just not well.

See that girl on the screen? She's doing better than you.

She's also the instructor so-

You're powerless. Give up!

I'm sick, but I'm not powerless. And I'm not stopping. 

*Cue tears*

Satan has been trying to stop me from doing what I need to do. And I'm holding on to what God has promised me and what he holds for me in my future. So no, Satan, I won't listen to you. Even on the days when I feel tired and wiped out. I won't listen to you. I'm not powerless. I'm powerful. And I have the power to ignore you. I have God and Jesus Christ on my side and you cannot touch me. Not today! You can't have me today. Or tomorrow. I'm stronger than you. 

I don't hate him, I just don't like him. Here's to you folks! I hope your Monday was better than mine.

Tomorrow's post is much happier as I share with you my experience at the Provo City Center Temple Dedication. See you later!

***I pre-write my posts, so yesterday's post was written on Thursday. The events of this post was yesterday as in Monday.***

I don't hate him

...but I don't like him. And if I'm going to point out the obvious, then I'm just gonna going to say it without holding back.

Satan is mean.

He's so mean. Mean enough to make me cry. And the issue is, no matter how mean he gets, I have found myself lately letting him be mean to me. I listen to his lies, because through his lies, I perceive bits of them as truth. And that's a no-no!

So last Thursday, I picked at my Chinese takeout, because I was feeling gloomy. Which was super annoying, because when you're with good company, there's not time for gloom! Ain't no time for that! But Satan was just whispering his little lies and I was just so fed up that I asked a friend for a blessing. Then Satan left me alone and I could breathe and it felt good.

Satan is mean. And I let him treat me thus! But no more. I will be working on filling myself more with light and love. Daily affirmations will resume and take place along with Meditation. And of course you've got to have daily scripture study and prayer. It's really the little things, you guys.

Satan, you have no power over me! Not today! Not this week! Here's to a fresh week, my dears! Don't let Satan have you, because he's just a jerk! Fill yourself with light and then go and share with the world. You can make a difference in this world!

Safe & Secure

Personal Credence: I firmly believe that following my Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ will keep me safe and secure throughout all season of my life.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ (AKA Mormon Church) has sustained me through some of the hardest trials in my life. There's something about it that offers safety and security for my soul. For example, the little things you are asked to do, such as scripture study, prayer, paying tithing etc. offers a sense of security, especially during hard times.

I've been learning this AGAIN. The trials that I am facing have caused me to want to jump ship! But I haven't. I keep holding on. I choose to stay in the boat, because I know that God is at the helm. God knows me. God understands my situation and I know and trust that He is ironing out the path for me. So I cling to my scripture study. I cling to my covenants. And it sustains me through each day. God sustains me through each day. The atonement of Jesus Christ sustains me through each day.

Stay in the boat! Don't jump ship. Let God show you what He can do. Trust Him, because He wants to help you. He will help you. Jesus Christ knows you! He loves you an He will help you. Don't forget that He too as walked your path. He has felt your pain. He has felt your confusion. He also has felt your joy and He knows the joy you will have, so long as you keep yourself worthy.

Happy Friday/Weekend, my dear friends! And for those in Utah, don't forget the Provo City Center Temple Dedication THIS Sunday! May God continue to bless and watch over you, my dear friends!

To read the last Personal Credence post, read here: http://itsnottheworst.blogspot.com/2015/11/silent-conviction.html

To learn more about what sustains me, check out this link here: https://www.mormon.org/

For more information about the Provo City Center Temple, click here: https://www.lds.org/church/events/provo-city-center-temple-open-house-and-dedication?lang=eng

To read Elder M. Russell Ballard's Talks about staying in the boat, read here:

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/stay-in-the-boat-and-hold-on?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/god-is-at-the-helm?lang=eng

Hit or Miss

...or curious. My creativity through cooking comes out when I'm trying to use up the food that I have. I don't want to go shopping, because I'm lazy and I hate it. I ate a fried egg with pimento olives and cheese mixed in it. I topped that with some cilantro-avocado dressing. It wasn't the worst. I ate every bite. And then I had the same thing for breakfast the next day.

For lunch today, I thought it would be great to use my frozen cauliflower. I bought them, because I had read that you can substitute chicken with cauliflower. So I went to work and made this beautiful lemon chili pepper flour coating and poured it over the cauliflower. Then I baked it. And I baked it. And it baked. But it wasn't looking the way I wanted it to. So I threw it in the oven again and wracked my brain as to why it wasn't working. Then it hit me. I was supposed to fry the cauliflower. So I took it out of the oven fried it up and still looked terrible. And the taste, you ask? It wasn't the worst. And usually I will tolerate that, but not today. I threw it away in the trash and made chocolate chip pancakes.

It's a hit or miss with me. I am usually pretty good at cooking. I have limited ingredients, so maybe I need to just suck it up and go grocery shopping this week. It's not the worst. Happy Tuesday and I hope your food tastes better than mine.

P.S. You've been asking for recipes on food that I've posted on Instagram and those recipes are coming!

Library Card

My library card is one of the few things that I own that is the most valuable to me. I am an avid reader. I read everything and anything. You can ask my roommates how many library books are sitting on my desk right now. If I'm not mistaken, there should be around 18 books. I struggle going to the library and not leaving empty handed. Cannot do it, cannot do it.

 I think it's important to educate yourself outside of school. I believe reading is the quickest way to having a basic knowledge of something. And if you come across something you really enjoy, you can study further on the subject. I'm currently reading about accounting, quick books, and English Monarchy. It's quite fascinating.

Reading should be fun. I currently have 3 Nancy Drew books checked out. No shame here, friends! I walk in the children's section like the adult that I am and roam the bookshelves. It was children's books that go me into reading in the first place anyways.

Have any of you guys used a Kindle? I have the kindle app, but I don't use it that often. What are your reading  choices? Leave a comment below or email me. Happy Wednesday! We're halfway through the week!

#Hallelujah

It's truly because of Jesus Christ that I have new life! I can start again and again, because of the atonement of Jesus Christ. Dear friends, you are not alone. Jesus Christ is always there for you! He knows you. He see's you. He gets you. He loves you. And He will always rescue you! #Hallelujah

To learn more about Jesus Christ and His church click here: https://www.mormon.org/easter

Another Monday, Another week

Okay, so I know I've talked a lot about job searching and getting turned down for many jobs. Here's the thing. I'm not upset about it. I don't feel worthless. I'm not mad at God about the situation. I'm just like, "Eh, it's not the worst." I have faith. Maybe not a lot of faith, but I have faith that God is preparing the way. And I'm just going to trust Him, because He's the only one I can rely on and trust that I'm going to be okay. And I'm always okay.

So here's to another Monday and another week. This is a good week! This is a wonderful week! I'm off to make this week a success! Happy Monday, darlings! Make today and this week a good one! Also, it's Pi Day so celebrate with some pie. Pizza counts.

P.S. I know. I blogged everyday last week. And guess what? I'm blogging everyday THIS week too and from here on out. (or at least until I stop.) I'm like a mystery. You're never quite sure what you're going to get from this blog. It's not the worst. It's not the best, but it's not the worst.

Create.

If you were to ask me if I'm creative, I would laugh in your life. But I love the idea of creativity. I love artists in any form, because individually, they are masters of their own craft. And I look up to them with awe and wish I could be half as great as them. 

And then at family home evening we talked about creativity. We had to chant, "I am a creative person" or something like that. And I hated it. Every. Single. Bit. Of. It. And I ain't be over-dramatic, I'm simply bringing to light about my very feelings on the matter.

So I processed. I'm not an artist. (My seventh grade art teach can attest to that one.)  I don't sew. I don't do crafts. I can't sing. I can't write.  But really though, I can't write. Seriously!!! Why are you crossing out everything I'm saying?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!

That was a bit over-dramatic. I'm sorry.

I can write. I don't write like everyone else. We all know my grammar is atrocious. That's okay. I can write. I have my own style. I express myself my own way. I don't write for you. I write for me, but I share with you. I have loved writing since I was a teenager. I love it. It's a big part of me.

I guess I am creative. My own way. Hm...it's really not the worst. Happy Friday and Happy Weekend. See ya'll back on Monday!

I started blogging in 2008. You can check out that blog at http://marlisarock.blogspot.com/. The archives date back to 2010, because I once got really self-conscious and deleted posts from 2008-2009. I think my writing has improved. Or at least I hope it has. Eh, it's not the worst.

Acceptance

I've been studying and thinking and thinking and studying a lot about acceptance. I struggle with self-acceptance and it's always something that I am constantly working on. It's easier to accept other people, because there's that part of me that knows everyone struggles. And then there's that other part of me that would want to be accepted, so I treat others that way.

I've talked to you about Brene Brown and how she's amazing. I've also told you how it's hard for my mind to accept her words and to swallow down my pride when it comes to shame, self-worth, vulnerability etc. I have a past. Boy, do I have a past! And shame is like the un-welcomed uncle that just keeps showing up at your door. I'm human. I struggle. And I struggle with acceptance. And when the day is done and I get ready to go to bed, I look at my phone and see this quote:

“Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.” -Brene Brown

Isn't that what everyone wants? To feel accepted, authentic, and wanted? But--isn't it more powerful when you can accept yourself? Because wouldn't that feeling dispel that need or want to be loved or accepted by others? Wouldn't that satisfy the innate need of belonging?

I don't know my friends. I'm still studying it and thinking about it and applying it. But I believe that Brene Brown is on to something! Happy Thursday, friends.

Filled with Light and Love

I told you how meditation has become my new thing. I'm still navigating my way through it with the (little) knowledge of how to do it. It's...it's a process, but I believe it's working. I start off by envisioning God's light and love pouring down and filling me up. Literally. I literally envision a bucket of God's light and love being poured over my head. And maybe it's just my imagination, but I have a warm feeling each time I do it.

I want to be filled with God's light and love, because it sustains me. I want to be able to share that light and love with whoever I come in contact with that day. Roommates, friends, family, clients, co-workers--ANYONE! I believe people gravitate towards people who are of light. I know this is how I am, especially when I'm not feeling up to par. I always feel good around people who are happy and kind. And you can see it in their eyes and the way they speak. I believe that when you fill yourself with God's light and love, you will be able to make a difference. People will want to be around you, because they see God's glow within you.

And let's not forget about love. I'm a believer in the power of God's love! His love is both satisfying and fulfilling! And I could tell you all the reasons why it's so great, but you'll only really know, if you ask to feel His love. I promise you will you know and feel it!

You readers may think that I don't think about you, but I do. And if I'm going to be honest, I pray for you and send God's light and love to you every day! May God watch over you on this beautiful Wednesday!

UCAP Conference

Public Service Announcement: Utah Coalition Against Pornography is hosting a one day conference THIS weekend. If you or someone you know struggles with pornography OR you want to learn more about the dangers/prevention's of pornography, CHECK THIS OUT!!! There will many keynote speakers such as Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.

For more information, go to  www.ucapconference.org. Prices go up on the 11th, so you'll want to register before Friday. There are discounts too, such as if you are 25 or younger, you can register for $5.00! That's a steal of a deal, my friends.

I love this foundation, because pornography is so destructive. I've seen it destroy the lives of many close to me. This is a great opportunity to learn how to heal from it, how to teach your kids about it, and so much more. While pornography is associated with a lot of shame, don't let that stop you from going or learning more about it. It's important to educate yourself and your loved ones about this "drug". There are many resources that you can turn to if you aren't able to attend this conference. I've listed some of them below. Happy Tuesday, everyone! 

Fight The New Drug: http://fightthenewdrug.org/

UCAP: https://ucapconference.org/

12 Step Addiction Recovery: https://addictionrecovery.lds.org/steps?lang=eng

Healing

I was in attendance at a Christ-Centered Healing & Meditation Conference a week ago. It was brain overload for me. I must say that the speakers are masters of their craft. Their knowledge and belief in healing was something that I struggled to understand. The first class I attended was about healing from trauma and abuse. I hesitated going because--well the title speaks for itself. I got there early and pulled out my Nancy Drew book and read. If I'm going to attend a healing conference, then you bet your bottom dollar that I will be bringing a Nancy Drew book for comfort! No excuses. No shame. 

Class started and I sat there uncomfortably towards the back. No, you can't make me move. I'm here and that's all that matters. And then she made us move forward, but I didn't budge, because there were some people behind me. She proceeded with telling us her story. I felt sorry for her and felt grateful that it wasn't me. Everyone in class was moved. You could just feel it. And see it. There were people who were moved to tears. I was not. I choked those tears down. But oh how my heart ached. And I was trying to convince myself that I was okay, because I had already dealt with all those feeling. Then the teachers gaze fell on me and she talked about the atonement of Jesus Christ and its healing power. And she stared at me and she talked. And I couldn't break the connection, no matter how hard I wanted to. Her words rang true. I could feel it all while I choked down those tears. I wasn't going to budge--not even for her. Not even if I knew how true her words were.

Class ended and I felt the strong hustle come over. I wanted to leave. I wanted to cry. I wanted to stay and learn. I wanted to pray. I didn't want to pray. I wanted to shout out in anger. My emotions were all over the place. I needed time to process. Of course, you couldn't tell. (Or maybe you could tell, because I was surrounded by Empaths and energy professionals.)  I kept my face emotionless and smiled as little as I could. I gave hugs to people who offered them--even that was hard, because I don't like touch. 

I survived the conference. It really was so good. Brain overload. I needed time to process everything. My brain couldn't do it. It was at battle with my emotions. The battle was like this:

You need to let your emotions speak.

No.

Emotional releasing is good. Triggers are good.

No.

Stop being stubborn.

Don't tell me what to do.

You know all of this is true. You know you can be healed.

I know. I just--I just can't. 

Stop being prideful and let go.

I will eventually.

You're probably thinking about how stubborn I am. And I am. But I can tell you that I am meditating. I am praising God more. I am praying more. I am being more grateful and thanking God for His kindness. I am doing what I was taught. I'm processing while I attempt something new. If there is anything I've learned is that God is still there and the atonement of Jesus Christ is still available to me whenever I need or want it. I'm learning. Slowly. And that's okay. It's not a race. What matters is that I'm learning. I'm healing. I'm coming closer to my Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm strengthening my relationship with God. It's all okay. I'm okay.

Rejection

I think rejection in any form can be hard. Whether it's relationships or jobs--it hurts! Today I got turned down for job that I thought I was going to get. And to be honest, I am extremely grateful that I didn't get it. But that doesn't mean that I didn't feel the sting of rejection. So after a very awkward phone conversation from the employer, I sat there staring out the window. I was disappointed and relieved at the same time. So I took a deep breath and told myself "it's not the worst" and changed my attitude. Because I love God, I trust Him to guide me to where He wants me to go. And if I have to be continually rejected by employers to get to the right one, then so be it! Feelings of rejection have such a  negative tendency to make you feel like you're a failure and not good enough. It's easy to wallow in pain. Keep moving forward through the sting of rejection, because you'll always come out on top!  It's not always going to be  easy, but with God, it's so much easier to bear. And let me share with you a little secret: You are good enough and worthwhile! Especially in God's eyes. (That's not really a secret.) There's joy in the journey, my friends.

Changes

If you're a regular reader, you've probably noticed that the site as been down. But as you can see, the site is back up and the name has changed. I hated the name of the blog "Thoughts For Your Tea" for many reasons. I came up with that name on a whim and just decided to stick with it. But I just felt like it wasn't me. And after much thought (and prayer) and brainstorming, the new name "it's not the worst" was born. It's something that I've been telling myself for 25+ years, so why not use it as my blog name? I ditched the domain, because again, I didn't like it. And as for the layout, I wanted it to be clean, bright, and simple. So I cut back here and add somethings there and voila! This is what it is. Many of you have asked how to follow me and I'm here to tell you that Google+ is it, until I can figure out how to add a "follow me" tab that's not just the email one. So if you'll stick with me, I think this blog has more potential than it did before. It's not the worst.