THE GIFTS OF JOY!

Many times I have thought about the meaning of the words Happiness and Joy. We are told to seek for happiness and joy in our lives. It can be elusive and not that easy to capture sometimes in our everyday live experiences. I remember listening to a program that suggested that one keep a happiness or joy journal. By doing this one would learn to recognize in their lives what makes them truly happy. Many would say that happiness is found in money, good fortune, beauty, worldly recognition and respect, material possessions and etc. To me  happiness often is found in the simple things of life. Learning each day to appreciate both the non tangible and physical blessings in everyday experiences. Seek to enjoy the smell and the beauty of a rose, the peace of a beautiful sunset, the taste of chocolate, the feelings of accomplishment and the love that surrounds us within our relationships. 

Now Joy to me although often synonymous with happiness means much more. I feel you can be happy during your everyday experiences; but to me Joy means something more. A more exquisite feeling inside of you. Happiness stays for a while; but joy sometimes drops by for just a moment of time.
I do feel Happiness most of the time. In general I view life on the positive side. To me moments of Joy come in other ways; spiritual ways and feelings. For example witnessing a child's birth, watching a child moving forward in their pursuits in life; seeing them achieve wholesome goals in religious beliefs such as missions and temple marriage. Also, witnessing their eternal marriages, holding their new born child and watching them bless the newborn baby. It's like a cycle of life; you live your own and then add too it the joy of children and grandchildren.
One great joy is feeling inside your testimony of the Savior and truly knowing you are a daughter or son of God. Feeling the joy of a prayer answered; a blessing given. These are true moments of joy.
I have decided to keep a journal of my joys and share them on Sunday evenings. Some of these joys will be reflective and some will be happenings in the present. 
Today, I want to share the Joy my husband brings to me.  Yesterday, he turned 65 years old. It's rather hard to realize we now qualify for Medicare. He received his card recently in the mail and I already received mine in November. Therefore I am the oldest in our family. He likes to say that I was born in 1945 and he is in 1946; therefore, I am a year older but in reality it is just two months. I can't say that turning 65 is a joy; but I felt happy on our birthdays.
I take great joy in my husband. He is a very very good man and I feel we have an exceptionally good marriage. It is a marriage for Eternity. We were married in the Salt Lake Temple and I treasure the memories of that day. As soon as we started to date; I knew inside he was to be mine. We have joked many times that we chased each other round in the pre-existence. Secretly, I think it is true. He is my very best friend. He has always been there for me.
We seldom disagree. In fact in the 43 years of our marriage I would say that he and I have only had maybe a handful of arguments that would be defined as serious.
Just to share a couple of thoughts about him. When we had each of our children; he was so very happy; together we were joyful. This was one of those exquisite moments of time. We have had 6 children who have blessed our home with many joyous times. These moments came with each of their births, blessings, achievements, missions, temple marriages and now grandchildren and our great grandchild.
When the children were young he was always helping me in caring for our growing family. I couldn't number the  many times that he walked the floors and rocked our babies when they were small and when they were ill. Housework was just part of his service to me when I felt overwhelmed with motherhood duties and it continues today. I actually feel he is a better cook than me. Often, I will set some items out for dinner and I will be busy doing something and before I know it he has created a wonderful dinner.  We have always assisted and helped one another in our assignments in the church. We find great joy in Temple service together. Our greatest desire is to serve one or more missions together for our faith. I know with him these will bring many moments of joy.
He is not afraid to show his emotion; and often we both feel overwhelmed with feeling of joy that brings tears to our eyes. He is sensitive to my needs and the continuing needs of our children.
I will share a few thoughts that I shared with him yesterday on his Birthday.

Happy Birthday to my dearest husband Roger.

I don't know how many times I have said this; "Star Light, Star bright, wish I may I wish I might have the wish I wished tonight." I started wishing upon a star then I found you and wished no more."
Thank you for being the best husband ever. you are a loving and caring Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa.
I feel so blessed to be the mother of your children and much of who they are came from you and your determination to live the kind of life Our Heavenly Father wants us to live.
Thank you for your testimony of our Heavenly Father, and our Savior.
Thank you for loving the temple and desiring to go often and also to labor within; which brings great joy to our souls.
Thanks for being a righteous priesthood holder and for the many times you have blessed our children and me. Through the years these blessings have brought peace, comfort and healing to our family. 
Thanks for all of your hard and dedicated work which has brought our family great blessings of plenty.
Thank you for tenderly loving us all. Thanks for all the moments of Joy we have shared with each other throughout our years together! May we have an eternity full of joy!!

Perhaps, take a moment to think of

and share a few of your own joys.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

JANUARY 27TH 2011

Outside my window....I love the sunshine and I wish I could go outside and bask in it's warmth. I have to remind myself that it is still winter and I can't really do that. Oh, I guess I could bundle up and take a walk with my dogs; that's a thought. The only real problem is that the air isn't good today; we are in an inversion. I have horrible allergies so I guess I am stuck.


I am thinking...I wish I had more time to complete all the tasks that I would like to do today. However, because I am sidetracked  that usually doesn't happen.

I am thankful…for my husband. His birthday is on Saturday and I have been trying to figure out what to give him for his birthday. My mind has been a blank. Everything that I would like to give him is  expensive. I know he would like a new car; but that won't happen. However, I dream about giving him one. He is always so creative with birthday gifts for me. I am at a loss as to what to do for him. I know he doesn't really care about getting a gift; but I care. He is going to take tomorrow off since we work at the temple on his birthday. It is always fun to have a reason to just celebrate by going out to eat and perhaps even a movie. It is just fun being together, maybe that's the gift!

From the learning room....I am learning more about blogging. Yesterday, I started a blog that will be my personal journal; so it won't be opened to the public. I am sure that there will be thoughts and experiences that I will share from time to time. I have been keeping a journal for over 33 years. There are many moments that I haven't written about; which are memories lost. However, what I do have written are some wonderful memories through the years.

From the kitchen....I am trying to avoid the kitchen since I am still off Chocolate. It has been difficult because we do have some in our house; so I am constantly being tempted.  As I was getting into my baking drawer, I notice 3 chocolate chips; I manged to get them from the drawer into the garbage. I am addicted! I have had a good week in self mastery; so that has been a good outcome.
ONE MORE DAY! I will not binge on Chocolate!! 

I am wearing....a light green bathrobe and black slippers. It is now 12 noon; so I do need to get dressed. I have my make-up and hair completed; so that is a start.I am reading...the novel "Silence of God". I am learning so much about Russia and the wonderful members of my church who lived there during the early 1900's. The Russia government fell apart and they became a communist socialist government. I also started reading the book, "Awaken Your Spiritual Power (The Fairy Godmother Isn't Coming)", by Susan Noyes Anderson. I am thoroughly enjoying her writings. She has a blog that I follow; and I love her thoughts and ideas. Here is the link to her blog: Sue's New's, Views 'n Muse:
http://grannysuesnews.blogspot.com/

I am hoping.....to have a productive day without too many interruptions. That usually doesn't happen. I am hoping that my husband gets home from work so we can go to our ward temple session tonight. 

I am hearing...the news on in the other room. Most of the time I have to have some noise in the house since all the children are gone. However, I like peaceful moments when there is not much to hear so I can actually hear myself think. That might bring on a moment of talking to myself; which scares me.

One of my favorite things... is to go shopping and I am really sad when I don't have anything to shop for. I developed this desire many years ago. The grocery store became my favorite place to have peaceful moments without the children. Years ago when I was recovering for the birth of my 4th baby. My husband took our three boys to the grocery store. He came home very stressed and said that they were busy putting items in the cart when he wasn't looking. As he got up to the checkout stand out came the eggs onto the floor; he was very embarrassed. He then promised me that he would be happy to watch our children while I went shopping by myself. Thus was born the desire to shop.

Around the house....I really need to dust and clean my house. I am allergic to dust so I need to accomplish this today.

A few plans for the rest of the week....Shop for my husband's birthday - attend the temple to night - enjoy Friday with my husband - Work at the temple on Saturday - Enjoy birthday moments with my husband- Attend church
and have a quiet Sabbath day.

One more thought......There was a missionary Elder Walker from our church who was killed recently in Jamamica.You might find it interesting to read the thoughts from a missionary couple that are serving there. It was way sweet; grab your kleenex.
Here is the link:

 http://webejamminmission.blogspot.com/2011/01/tribute-to-elderwalker.html

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

This is a picture of my sweet little granddaughter Averi learning to type braille. She is doing well in school and progressing a long. She is such a precious gift to us all.

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Wet Pants - Enjoy this one!

Come with me to a third grade classroom...There is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet. He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened.  It's never happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out he will never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to him again as long as he lives.
The boy believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his head down and prays this prayer, "Dear God this is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes from now I'm dead Meat." He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher with a look in her eyes that says he has been discovered.
As the teacher is walking toward him, a classmate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy's lap.
The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, "Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!"
Now all of a sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy. The teacher rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out. All the other children are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk. The sympathy is wonderful. But as life would have it the ridicule that should have been his has been transferred to someone else - Susie.She tries to help, but they tell her to get out. You've done enough, you klutz!" 
Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers," you did that on purpose, didn't you?" Susie whispers back, "I wet my pants once too." 
May God help us see the opportunities that are always around us to do good!!
Remember...just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any and more than standing in your garage makes you a car..
Each and everyone of us is going through tough times. Right now, God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only he can. Keep the faith.
Prayer is powerful, and  prayer is one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Let's continue to pray for one another.
-- Anonymous Author
Remember that this sweet boy's prayer was answered through another person who saw and felt his pain.
I hope to always strive to be a friend like this. Love to you!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today January 19th 2011

Outside my window... it has been raining off and on so no sunshine for today. It is one of those days when I would like to just curl up by fire and read a good book. This is wishful thinking on my part.

I am thinking...I wish it was the weekend; but then on the other side I still have three more days to work on my endless list of things I need or want to do. One thing about being in the winter of my life; I can choose almost everyday what I want to do with that day. I have been praying that I can learn to prioritize my time better so I can choose to do the more valuable items on my list. 

I am thankful…that I completed the course I have been taking to earn CE for my nursing license. I passed; so I am very happy. It was a long day yesterday because I am not able to whiz through tests like I could do when I was younger. My over supplied mind cannot hold as much new information any more. I am also grateful that my husband is feeling better. He had a short bout with stomach flu; so he stayed home yesterday and of course continued to work from home all day.
From the learning room…today in a book I have been reading; I read a chapter entitled; "The Healing Power". It was a powerful discourse on repenting of sins and forgiving others. As I read it I was overwhelmed with the main thought that the Savior will heal us as we take part in the repentance and forgiveness process. Sometimes when one has been hurt deeply by someone; it is so hard to truly forgive them with all of our heart. We are required to forgive everyone regardless of whether they repent or even care about what they did and how it affected us. I know that I have felt inside that I had forgiven a person in my life that has caused deep wounds; but as I read this I feel that I am still in the process of healing and that the Savior knows how I feel and is assisting me in that process. My soul was lifted by the beautiful thought of the "Savior will heal us".  
From the kitchen... I just went in for another piece of Chocolate. I have been diminishing our chocolate supply. Last night I finished off a big part of it. My plan is that on Thursday I am going off chocolate for one week. I know that is not a long time; but I feel I will be exercising a small amount of self control. Last night I read from a sweet blog post that her and her husband had decided to just have chocolate on Sunday each week. If I past this test; I plan to do just that. Prayers may be needed.

I am wearing....a light green bathrobe and white slippers. I have my hair and make-up on but haven't gotten dressed yet. I probably won't answer my door it someone comes since I am not dressed; but I must say I am very comfortable. I figure if dressed like this, I could still take a nap.

I am creating...I hope a Christ-centered home. One of the Daybook blogs I follow has that for a thought and I feel that I am trying to do this everyday. 

I am reading...still the book, "Silence of God". I am continuing to learn a lot about the history of Russia in the early 1900's Right now the 1st World War has started and the families in the novel are being part of the beginning of this event. I lost my grandfather in the 1st World War; so I have a deeper connection to this war. He was killed in France and one of the first killed in the war from Utah. My grandmother had died from Kidney disease 9 months before and my father was left as an orphan to be raised by his Grandmother and Grandfather after his father was killed.

I am hoping...I am hoping to have some time to work on a little genealogy. Right now I am coping off the ancestral lines that I can and then starting the research. I already found and completed some names for sealing s and I have one ancestor that needs all of his work completed. I try to do a little of this each day although that doesn't always happen. I am so fascinated by finding our ancestral pedigree lines. I also have a few histories from my ancestors that are a joy to read. I am continuing to work on my Aunt Della's history. I visited her this week and she is such a joy in my life. I have a feeling that she is not doing as well; so I want to complete this history so she can have me read it too her before I won't be able too. 

I am hearing...my portable heater, my husband on a conference call in his study and the TV is on also. Way to much noise for me. Off goes the TV.

One of my favorite things...today is that I am going to work at the temple this afternoon for another sister. I loved to be there and be involved in the work. I normally work on the early morning shift on Saturday's but I sub every once in a while. I love Saturdays because of being privileged to do this work. 

  
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

This is where I will be this afternoon. Of course there won't be this many flowers for a little while; but I like the thought of the Temple and of Spring. 

 TEMPLE QUOTE

"And they pitched their tents round about the temple, every man having his tent with the door thereof towards the temple, that thereby they might remain in their tents and hear the words which king Benjamin should speak unto them."

  —Mosiah 2:6

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY  - JANUARY 13, 2011

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Outside my window...it  has been a very gray and dreary day. Sometimes, it feels rather depressing if it goes on for too many days. I can feel an impending snow storm coming. I love watching a fresh new snow storm with the magical soft  white snow flakes falling gently to the ground. New snow is much better than snow that is frozen and halfway melted.  The air quality has not been good and it has been so cold. I have a chronic cough that has been exacerbated by the air quality. This is the kind of cold that chills you through and through and stings your face wherever you are walking about. It seemed warmer when I went out this evening. Perhaps, the new snow will clean the air; that's my wish at least.
I am thinking...that I really should be studying the 30 hours of continuing education that I need to complete in order to keep my nurses license active. My license expires on the 31st. I am so not in the mood to study and I have rationalized that I still have more time.
I am thankful....that I could attend the temple this morning with four of my friends. It was a sweet day. We had lunch in the temple cafeteria after the session. It is always enjoyable to take a few moments with friends when you can discuss whatever comes to mind. Today we had a delightful discussion on families and how to maintain close family relationships.  
From the learning rooms...I am learning about Helping the Older Adult Improve Their Health Care. This CE teaches that we all need to take responsibility for our own health care by keeping good records, going prepared with a list of concerns when seeing a physician. Also, if hospitalized one should keep a personal chart of tests, medication, and etc. If not well enough to do that; a person should have a friend or family member do it for them.
Communications are so important in health care; so basically the course is on how to communicate better with the different disciplines involved. I personally think everyone should know how to keep a better personal record of your medical history.
From the kitchen...I finished off today the last of the fudge  my husband made a few days ago. I have been thinking seriously about going off chocolate for a while. It would be a great self discipline moment for me. I wonder how many days I could possible go. I believe in the following quote with all my heart: "Nothing heals the soul like chocolate. I just love chocolate. It's God's apology for broccoli."
I am wearing...brown pants, a brown, turquoise and white stripped shirt with a soft beige vest. I have tan socks and black house slippers.

I am creating...a new journal blog. This will be just a private blog. Right now I journal on a site called ldsjournal.com. I think it will be more fun to do it as a blog. I love to journal about as much as I love blogging; so it makes sense to have another blog.
I am going...to go visiting teaching in a few minutes to a  sister that I am assigned to see once a month and check to see how she is doing and we also leave a message. I went earlier today with my visiting teacher partner to see another sister. It is such a wonderful program to help us all watch over each other. I also have two sisters that visit with me once a month. It's also an opportunity to cement friend relationships.  
I am continuing to read... a Book called the "Silence of God." I am learning a lot about Russian history in the early 1900's. The book is getting more intense and I am having a harder time putting it down. I am frustrated because I just don't have time to spend on a novel right now.
I am hoping...to complete the C.E. course this week and take the test on Monday or Tuesday of next week. I will be cutting it close.
I am hearing...a clock ticking in my study; and cars going by our home. It is unusual for me not to have the TV or radio going in the background. Now that I am a Empty Nestor; I still need some kind of noise or it feels strange.
Around the house...my cute little dogs keep wanting to go outside; so they can come back in for a treat. I need to break them from this. They are both little con artists.
One of my favorite things...to do is to play the piano and I haven't done that for a while. I am realizing as I am doing this post I find excuses for not working on the CE and then I don't even do any of the things that I normally love to do. I think there is something wrong with this picture somehow.
A few plans for the rest of the week.... Study two hours  on Friday and Saturday. Work my usual shift at the temple Saturday morning. Go to a session at the temple with our brother and sister in law on Saturday afternoon. Try to find time for a nap and enjoy some of the weekend with my dearest husband.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... Perhaps I am thinking green and spring!

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A Woman of Faith - Drink deeply of the Living Water -

I like to collect articles, poems, thoughts, quotes and etc. Yesterday, I located the book that I keep these items in and thought I would like to share a portion of  beautiful thoughts by Margaret D. Nadauld former YW General President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Oct. Conf. 2002

May you enjoy reading these words and realizing how much Heavenly Father loves each of you for the woman of faith that you are.

"A woman of faith is confident because she understands the divine plan of our Heavenly Father and her role to bless lives. She is confident that any sacrifice she makes is worth something in an eternal sense. She knows about sacrifice from knowing of the life of the Savior. She knows that her sacrifices may be small by comparison, but she knows that Heavenly Father understands and values what she does to strengthen her home and her family and the world in which she lives. Her confidence grows because she is virtuous and lovely and gracious, which is even better than beautiful. She has pure motives. She is loving and gentle and kind. The hearts of her husband and her children safely trust in her.3 And so do the children or youth or women that she has been called to teach, lead, serve, and love—they are drawn to her because of that special spirit that she radiates. It is the image of God that she has in her countenance that is appealing and important.4 She is confident that she is fashioning a character and a record of performance that will be invited to stand in the presence of her Heavenly Father. She will be able to do so with the sense that she fully belongs there, that she is known by Him and loved and valued and treasured forever and always.
A woman of faith trusts God...She knows of his interest in her life. She knows that he knows her. She loves His words and drinks deeply of the Living Water."

The Simple Woman's Daybook

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FOR TODAY
Outside my window...there is a little bit of sunshine breaking through the clouds, hurray! The weather has been kind of dreary the last few days. When the weather is like this I feel a little melancholy.  Earlier this morning there was thick fog that rolled across the valley; which I was concerned about my husband driving to work in it. We have driven many times when the fog was so thick we could hardly see anything ahead and it of course was very scary. I hate that kind of tension when driving. I am pleased to say I have no where to go  today. Now there is sun shine and I am beginning to feel more energetic.

I am thinking...that I would like to go to the movie "Country Strong" which opens tonight. I like Country Music. I am a fan of some of  Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's music. However, my husband sent a critique given on the movie and it only got a 2 1/2 Stars and it is PG-13; which I am a little more leary about going to it. My husband and I like to go on date nights to the movies. We loved the new Naria movie. I have always enjoyed C.S. Lewis' books and the Naria movies.  He was such a  great Christian writer. We did go to one movie over the Holiday that I didn't like; so we have decided to be a little more careful on the movies we see. Now days you can't really trust the PG-13 ratings and regretfully sometimes the PG.


I am thankful for...that I was able to visit with my daughter Christina on the phone this morning. Our conversation was long; but I was able to do all of my housework while talking with her. I just put the phone on speaker and go about doing my work. I accomplished a lot today and therefore I am very happy about the work and the phone call.  Doing two things at once is good for me and I didn't get sidetracked.  
I am grateful for the Christmas Gift that my dear husband gave me for Christmas. He wanted to send a friend and I to the new Time Out for Woman event for my birthday. We were not able to do it so he bought me the 2010 DVD of the program. I have asked my dear friend to come out and watch it with me in the next couple of weeks. The title for Time Out for Woman this year is Infinite Hope. I believe we all need this.


From the learning rooms...I am hoping to start a Spanish Class soon. I bought my husband for Christmas a great program for learning Spanish. I have always wanted to learn another language. I took French in High School and I can say the following: "How are you! Very well thank you; and you? Not very well. Shut your mouth if you please! I love you very much my darling." That covers a good area of conversation. I have a Spanish Sister in law and two of my children served  Spanish missions so that is  one reason for wanting to learn Spanish. Of course, my husband and I would love to serve a mission in a Spanish speaking country and or a Spanish speaking area of the US. 
Another unique present my husband gave me was a timer that I can wear on my pants. I have twice almost flooded my bathroom by running water for a bath and then forgetting about it. I was lucky I think that I was warned by the spirit and got there barely in time before the tub overflowed. This is worrisome! 


From the kitchen...oh my gosh, I just looking at the word kitchen and I remembered I haven't had any chocolate today. Sorry, I am going to have to take a quick break and run and get a piece and then I can plan my menu for this evenings meal.


I am wearing...a dark brown jogging suit. Perhaps, just sitting in the clothes will help with my exercising. I also have a pair of Sketchers jogging shoes that my husband gave me for Christmas. These shoes are suppose to be great for walking in and also help with posture and etc.; we will see on that one.


I am creating...some goals for myself. I am taking a long time to just think about what I really want to accomplish this year. I normally like to have the goals set right on New Years day. However, since I always have had the same goals for the last 20 years that I  rewrite each year. I thought this year I would go slower in creating the plan; so I can be more precise on what I really want to achieve this year.  


I am going.. to.work on some family history after I complete this post.


I am reading...the book titled, " The Silence Of God" by Gale Sears. It is a historical novel about a family that were convert members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Russia during the early 1900's. I am only into the first two chapters; but I can tell it is going to be an exciting read. They were the only members of the Church in Russia for a very long time.


I am hoping...today to complete some goals I have of doing a little family history, and writing in my journal. I love to journal and have done so for 33 years. However, since 2005 I have been kind of a slacker and missed a lot of good moments that I have had through the years. I have journal ed  through the past five years; but not like I normally do. So I am trying to make one day a week the day to journal. In the past it has been  fun to have my children call up and want to find out a certain date of an event in their lives and I could usually go to my journal and find out the event they were wanting to know about. This is one of my most important goals to add to my list of things to actually complete this year.


I am hearing...the sound of my electric heater that is by my desk; and listening to myself as I sometimes talk while I am typing.


Around the house...I am very happy that I got it cleaned today! Yea!!


One of my favorite things...to do each day is look at my emails and I really like the one from Mormon Times. I enjoy many of the articles. Jason F. Wright had an article on 10 resolutions you can actually keep. As I said before, I am still putting together my list. I will share his list with you.
1. Ignore the mirror 2. Walk more 3. Eat better 4. Pray more 5. Be more charitable 6. Only make new mistakes; (I liked that one). Sometimes that isn't so easy. 7. Read more good books; I am up for that 8. Pray more from the heart 9. forgive others and yourself - quickly 10. Express love and kindness


A few plans for the rest of the week:
 Work my shift in the temple tomorrow and attend a temple session with my husband's brother and his wife.
Church meetings and work on some family history in the afternoon.
That will end this week!
Wishing you all an awesome weekend! I liked this thought from one of the blogs I follow. " If you are kind to one person a day for 40 years; you will make 14,600 people happy!" I loved that thought and it is a great goal.
Love to you all!!


Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
There is beauty and a mysterious feeling when viewing a foggy day; especially if you don't have to go out in it.

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A DAY OF REFLECTION THAT BROUGHT PEACE TO MY SOUL -

Today, I am having perhaps post Holiday blues. I usually don't wallow in this state for long. I have been thinking about this past year and some of the struggles that my family has been faced with. I have one son who was laid off in October and then in November his wife also lost a job. Recently, my son torn a muscle in his chest and arm. He is probably going to have to have surgery. They have a total of 8 children with 5 still living at home. Another son has had some health concerns along with job insecurities and the job situation will escalate in the next month. We have a daughter who is having health issues. I guess I could say that each of our children are experiencing various stresses. Of course, this is true for all of us. This is what life really is all about. We are here to gain a body, experience earth life with all of it's joy and struggles and through this all develop a stronger relationship with our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ. 
One morning when I was feeling somewhat the same as today  I started to read from a couple of books and became uplifted; so I sent a message to my children on our family blog. Today, I read again some thoughts and felt compelled to share these thoughts with all of you, my friends.  Putting all of these thoughts down on paper was spiritually healing for me that day and still sweet to me today. 
"This morning as I approached the day; I suddenly felt very lonely and sad. Of course, I immediately drop to my knees in prayer. Interestingly, I didn't pray for myself; but prayed for all of you. I recognize that each of you are facing difficulties in your lives. No one knows the inter struggles of the soul except for a very kind Heavenly Father and an ever aware Savior, Jesus Christ. Even we as your parents don't know what you may be fighting with at this moment of time. We do however have moments when we know that one of you needs  help. I guess that is one reason I believe so strongly in prayer and the scriptures. Even this morning I was led to find a thought that lightened my burden and brought peace to my soul and through tears I wanted to share some of the thoughts with all of you. 
Many times I will have a thought about one of you and want to share that with you so I hope and pray that you will feel this as a feeling from the spirit to you. Today is one of those days. 
I want you to know that our Heavenly Father loves you! I would like to shout again and again to you that Heavenly Father loves you! You are his child.
Do you ever wonder what the pre-mortal existence was like. What were you like there? With whom did you associate with? Who were your friends there? What promises did you make there that must be fulfilled here? I know beyond doubt that we were there; that we chose to come here and that we knew and associated with each other and perhaps even chose to be within families there before we came here. 
Elder Marion G Romney taught,"We were individual, separate persons, with agency, being, and names prior to our entry on earth." 
Part of our assignment here, I am sure is to learn about who we are; our individual identity; that can not be changed.
When you are discouraged, and disappointment lingers and your soul needs to feel refreshed think about these words by President Spencer W. Kimball; "All of you need to drink in deeply the gospel truths about the eternal nature of your individual identity and the uniqueness of your personality. You need, more and more, to feel the perfect love which our Father in Heaven has for you and to sense the value he places upon you as an individual. Ponder upon these great truths, especially in those moments; in the stillness of such anxiety as you may experience as an individual you might otherwise wonder and be perplexed."  Then the how comes; Pres. James E. Faust said, "Your strength  and identity will come from obeying the commandments, developing your talents and serving the Lord. Each of you will have to work very hard to qualify for your eternal potential. It will not be easy. Finding your true identity will tax your ability far beyond climbing a dangerous cliff or speeding in a car or on a motorcycle. It will require all of your strength, stamina, intelligence, and courage." OK, I thought when I read these two statements that one seemed positive and the other just hard to do. Ponder a moment on both!
Another author Toni Sorenson stated in her book, "Defined by Christ"; "It's not a game with Heavenly Father. He didn't send us to earth blindfolded with our memories erased, expecting us to grope around in darkness and hopelessness. He sent us with everything we need to find our way back to Him, with everything we need to become like Him. He promises us His help, and He is the only one in this life who will never let us down or disappoint us. He always keeps His promises. God would not have sacrificed His Son to save us if these two principles were not true: (1) We need saving; and (2) We are worth saving."
God love you and so do we. A lovely thought is to read your own personal scripture from the Lord; realize that you are a child of God and he knows you and what you need to come back to him.
Forever prayers for you all! 
I include all of these thoughts for my family and my friends again this day.