EXPERIENCING JOY IN THE SACRAMENT -

I have recently been reading an outstanding book entitled: "Of These Emblems - Coming Closer to Christ through the Sacrament". The book has several stories by well known LDS authors. In reading some of these stories I have realized in a more powerful way the importance of preparing and partaking of the emblems of the Sacrament each Sabbath Day. One of the most important parts of the Sacrament is the word remember. This is a powerful word. We are there to remember and renew our covenants that we made with our Heavenly Father when we were baptized. We are to always remember our Savior in our daily life. We are to come with bowed heads and offer up a broken heart and contrite spirit. We are to come in an attitude of repentance with a desire to improve ourselves. We should reflect and think deeply about the purpose of the Sacrament in our lives. By doing our part we can put into effect the Atonement in our individual lives. All aspects of the Gospel of Jesus Christ point to the Atonement of the Savior.  In the Sacramental prayers we are encouraged to Remember him. Remember he loves everyone of us; that means every human being that has ever been born on this earth is cherished by our Heavenly Father and Our Savior Jesus Christ.  In our partaking of the emblems of his flesh and blood; we are to remember what he has done for us and how much he loves each of us. We can have feelings of great joy while participating in this sacred ordinance.

Not long ago in a Sacrament meeting I was pondering on some thoughts about the last hours of the Saviors life. I thought about what our beloved Savior went through as he began his journey to the Garden of Gethsemane and Golgotha. 

I took myself in thought to the upper room where the Savior met with his beloved disciples.  One of the first things that the Savior did was to gently wash each of the Apostles feet.

 

I am sure that they felt very uncomfortable in having the Savior do this service for them. Some of them would have felt embarrassed because their feet were  dirty from walking in sandals through the filthy streets of Jerusalem. Others may have felt that He was demeaning himself by His service to them. I am sure that the Apostles would have wanted to wash the Saviors feet instead of having their Master wash their feet. The Savior taught a poignant lesson in preforming this beautiful act of love; which in the end meant so much more than the disciples understood at that time. Can you even begin to imagine the sacredness of that moment. The Savior heart was full of deep love for his Apostles. They were his friends and He would be leaving them.

As he prepared and served the very first Sacrament, I imagine that the Apostles didn't understand at the time the significance of this moment. We know that the Savior served even Judas with love, fully knowing that Judas was going to betray Him. I am sure that the Savior's heart was deeply saddened by this impending betrayal.
The Savior knew that he was going to experience the most excruciating painful moments of his life in the coming hours.

As he arrived at the Garden called Gethsemane; he had with him Peter, James and John in whom he trusted and asked them to stay alert while  he went further into the Garden to pray. He checked on them once to find them asleep and again ask that they be more watchful.The Savior knew that he was going to be betrayed and arrested; he needed to complete this one final act for all mankind. Even the Apostles had no idea what their beloved Savior was going to have to experience. I personally feel that even Christ himself did not fathom what agonizing pain he would have to bare. As he knelt in prayer and prayed earnestly that he would not have to partake of this bitter cup, the Savior felt even His Father withdraw from Him and He was left alone to experience what only he could do alone for us.

As a nurse, I have watched people bleed out from various areas of their body; and just to think that the pressure upon the Savior was so severe that he bled from every pore. We can never fathom what that extreme pressure would have  felt like. It was so severe that an angel was sent to bare him up. After his sacrifice in the Garden he returned to find his disciples sleeping again; he loved them despite their weaknesses. I wonder if the Apostles had any idea that the Savior wanted them to be watchful for those who would be coming to arrest him. Knowing their love for the Savior I am sure they would have been more watchful.

The Atonement in the Garden was the ultimate of all of the suffering of the Savior. This is where His blood was shed for us. The continuing of this grueling experience I know would have been impossible to watch as these men filled with hatred towards the Savior whipped Him, spit upon Him and made a mockery of Him by putting a Royal robe upon His bruised and torn body and then in a final assault placed a crown of thorns upon his head. Finally he was forced to carry his own cross and due to loss of blood he faltered and was given assistance in the final steps to Golgotha.  The finally blow was his placement on the cross. Nails were driven into His hands, wrists and feet and then the cross was lifted and jolted into place. His position on the cross was excruciating and was the most painful of any known methods of death.

His thirst too was beyond anything that any of us have ever experienced and the only fluid offered to his swollen lips was the sting of vinegar.
One of the Hymns that reflects deeply my thoughts about the Savior during the Sacrament is, "I stand all amazed";  The first verse, "I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me, confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me. I tremble to know that for me he was crucified. That for me, a sinner he suffered, he bled and died. Oh it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me! Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me." Our gratitude for his atonement can bring us deep feelings of wondrous joy.
The Savior's gift to us through the Atonement was a precious gift freely given. Next time you partake of the Sacrament ponder on this wondrous gift; read some of the scriptures that relate to the sacrament, ponder the words of the Sacramental hymns and prayers. Allow the Savior to take your sins and feel free of the burden. Recommit yourselves to always remember our Savior in all you do. Make the Atonement more effective in your life. Feel the joy of knowing that your broken heart and contrite spirit is acceptable to our Loving and every aware Savior, Jesus Christ.Yes, experience and feel the joy of the Sacrament.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - February 2011

FOR TODAY - FEBRUARY 24TH 2011

Outside my window...today the skies are gray and dreary; kind of like I feel. There is an impending snow storm coming. It has been interesting the last couple of months; the weather will be rather pleasant and then the next day the temperatures drop and we are back with more snow.
I am thinking...today of my sweet brother that passed away in July. It would have been his 74th birthday today. I miss him so much; so today I have been grieving. I called his dear wife to see how she was doing and luckily at least for moment, I don't think she knew what the date was. I didn't want to bring it up. Later my dear daughter wished him a Happy Birthday on Face book along with my other daughters made comments. He was one of their favorite uncles and of course I lost it again. Regretfully, headaches usually follow the tears.
I love this quote by by Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "We are here in mortality and the only way to go is through; there isn't any around!" Sister Marjorie Pay Hinckley added, "the only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache". 
I am thankful for...the gift of each day. Sometimes, it brings a day of laughter and sometimes a day of tears. I will just cherish each day.
From the learning rooms...I learned today that I must be patient with myself. For to often I feel like I don't get any important things done.  I need to actually learn to prioritize my work for the day and then actually follow through by looking at my day timer. If it doesn't happen; I need to just relax. 
From the kitchen...it is leftover night; yum!
I am wearing...blue jeans, blue tee shirt, white socks and blue slippers.
I am creating...a Christ centered home by reading my scriptures everyday and having  morning and evening prayers to my Heavenly Father. I am choosing each day to do one good deed; sometimes for myself; but mostly connecting with those I love.
I am going...visiting teaching with a very sweet partner and we will be visiting two awesome sisters that I desire to create a loving sisterhood with.
I am reading...a new book entitled; "Snow Rising" by Matt Baldwin. I love the sub title; Take the Journey- Make the Change- Know the peace. I will let you know what it is about as I continue reading it.
I just completed, "The Silence of God". The ending was tearful, but sweet. I highly recommend it. It was beautifully written. It contains a woven history of Russia's revolution in the early 1900's. The family was real; but there were fictional characters added.
I am hoping...to get a good nights sleep tonight. For some reason I haven't been sleeping too well the last couple of nights; so I need some sleep.
I am hearing...the news on TV and my husband setting up a new computer for himself. I get the old one which isn't that old; so I am very excited.
Around the house...my dogs are playing. I managed yesterday to actually vacuum my upstairs; I will clean the downstairs tomorrow. I really want to hire someone to vacuum for me because I get a lower backache every time I do this chore. This probably won't happen. However, I know my sweet husband will do it for me if I ask him.  
One of my favorite things... is shopping. I am making some changes in some of our rooms. I have been looking around to decide what might look good in these rooms. One of the rooms is my study. My husband gave me a new desk and it is so awesome; but now I need to find some decorating items for the room. I will post a picture when it is complete. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: Going shopping tonight for a desk chair - Tomorrow, I have a physician appointment. I think I have an ongoing sinus infection or TMJ - Our Temple shift on Saturday. It is always a good day when you are serving in the temple - A sweet Sabbath day to follow on Sunday -
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...two favorite pictures of my brother Mac Millan Gledhill, who passed away on July 10, 2011 

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JOY: GIVING AND RECEIVING = SERVICE

Today at church we had our Relief Society Visiting Teaching Seminar. It was a very uplifting meeting. For those who may not be familiar with our Church's Visiting Teaching program this is how it works. In our ward Relief Society each sister is assigned a companion and these companion-ships  are assigned to visit 3 or more sisters a month. During these visits they usually leave a message but their main purpose is to become friends with these sisters and be available at any time for any reason to assist in times of trials and in times of rejoicing.  In essence we all watch over one another. It is an errand of angels.

In the Book of Mormon in Mosiah 2:17 it states: "And, Behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." 
Through the years I have learned this wisdom. I have had many occasions to serve others. Sometimes these moments of service were not always convenient; but when you complete this moment of service, a feeling of joy comes into your heart. You will feel deep gratitude that you were able to help another individual.
There are numberless ways to serve one another. Within our neighborhoods, communities, work, and just within our own homes there are always someone in need. Some of this service may not be in giving time, providing meals, material needs, and etc. but perhaps just a listening ear, a moment of kindness. 
I have been the recipient of many acts of Service. Often times prideful thoughts come and we say to ourselves we can do this alone. We have a difficult time accepting service or asking for it.  Years ago, I fit into that category. We were  moving from Las Vegas, Nevada to Spokane, Washington when I had a moment that I truly needed help. My husband had been transferred to Spokane to be the Director of a new mail order pharmacy. My husband had a heart attack on the Sunday before we were to move out of our home on the coming Wednesday. He was only 45 years old at that time. He had an angioplasty procedure and was released to travel a few days later. Instead of the week long trip that we had planned with 4 of our children; we ended up flying directly to Spokane. Our furniture was not to arrive for a few more days; so we were staying in a hotel. The first night there my husband started to have some lung discomfort and a temperature. We didn't have a physician so I made some calls and found a good Heart Specialist. I took him to the Emergency Room and the physician wanted to admit him into the hospital. My husband was in the  hospital for 4 days with Dresslers Syndrome, a complication from the Heart attack. Meanwhile, our furniture arrived and I didn't know what to do other than I knew I had to have some help. I finally called the Bishop of the ward we were moving into. Not only did the Bishopric arrive quickly to see about our needs but the President of the Relief Society came baring a gift of a delicious homemade pie and she set about making sure we had some meals for the next few days. One of the counselors in the Bishopric came back to help us set up a water bed so that my husband would have a bed to be in when he was released from the hospital. Also, my husband was given a priesthood blessing that calmed us all. Through this whole experience our children were taught about true Christian service and I felt such joy in knowing that we had people around us who would care for us at this time and I knew that Heavenly Father was aware and sent these angels to us. 

 I also learned that service can have a healing effect upon our spirits. I was a Hospice Home Health Nurse for a few years while living in Las Vegas. Being a Hospice Nurse was such a blessing in my life. When you visit and care for a patient suffering with a terminal illness and their families you feel great joy when you have had an impact on their lives. At one point I had some health problems; there were days when I had such a hard time dragging myself to work. However, when I  would make my first visit for the day; I always felt better. I felt joy in being able to help another and in the process; I was deeply blessed and I was able to handle my illness. Although I have not been depressed I do know that when you are feeling down that if you will do something for someone else you will feel better. Service is a great antidote for those down days. 

We know that loving and caring for other people is not just our duty but also our joy; that love is one of the purposes of our lives. Christ reminded his listener that the second great commandment is to love our neighbors as ourselves and then, when asked who our neighbor is, he responded with the story of the Good Samaritan. This story tells us many things; but basically it tells us that love and service bring joy and that the tears that come to our eyes echoes of the love of Christ, in recognition of a good act.

" When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." This is the moment in time that you will feel wonderful feelings of joy.

Thus, Joy is in giving and receiving service.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - February 2011

FOR TODAY February 17th

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Outside my window...the snow is gently swirling around. It is night time and I am just happy to be inside where it is warm and cozy. I substituted at the temple tonight and while going there this afternoon there was a 50 to 60 mile an hour wind storm. I was late leaving the house and was praying I could find good parking place. I was even later due to a semi truck pulling out of the drive way at the temple. However, I did find at least a parking spot in the parking lot. The temple was busy as usual which is awesome. On the way home I was praying that we still had electricity. There are 16,000 homes without lights tonight; and I am grateful mine is not one of them.  
I am thinking...I am tired and need to go to bed. I am waiting for my husband to come home from the temple. He had to work later.
I am thankful for...I am so grateful to have the privilege of working in the temple as an ordinance worker. Tonight I was assigned in the Living endowment area for a little while. We had a sweet little bride to be come in and it was a precious moment for us all. She was a very sweet young woman and you could feel her giant spirit.
From the learning rooms...I was reading the rest of Jacob 5 in the Book of Mormon. This is the discourse on the Olive Tree and the grafting in of the branches and etc. It came to me clearly tonight how much the  Savior really loves us. He continues to stretch out his arms to us and to the whole world. Even when he felt that his vineyard was totally corrupt, the Prophet asked him to try one more time to save his vineyard. We are in those last days when he is sending his servants forth to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. As our Prophet of today has asked us all to pray for the Leaders of the nations that will not let our missionaries in at this time to open the doors to the Gospel. As of 2003 there was 87 % of the nations of the world that were allowing the missionaries in. The time is short for the final gathering of his people.
From the kitchen...there was no cooking tonight. However, when I returned home the first thing in my mouth was a chocolate pretzel. It was yummy!
I am wearing...my favorite warm red bathrobe and red fluffy socks. I am so ready for bed.
I am creating...a new study room. My husband bought be a beautiful new desk for my study for Valentines; so tomorrow I will be working on getting it filled with all my stuff. Genealogy work will be so awesome when I can spread all my information all over my desk in an organized manner of course.
I am going...to bed!!
I am reading...my novel "Silence of God" and a couple of short church books that I will elaborate on later.
I am hoping...I am hoping for a very productive day tomorrow.
I am hearing...my husband getting ready for bed and cars outside driving on the wet streets. I can hear the clock ticking reminding me that it is late.
Around the house...there is a lot of items all over my husband's study that I hope to get put a way tomorrow. However, I have a closet where I keep most of my materials for doing my genealogy and other projects that I need to reorganize and that could take a day or two.
One of my favorite things...is reading the scriptures especially the Book of Mormon. I am journaling the Book of Mormon and tonight I felt like I finally understood more about Jacob 5.
A few plans for the rest of the week:  Thursday I will be working on organizing my closet and study. Also, Tomorrow is my  great granddaughters 1st birthday so I am looking forward to Saturday for her birthday party, along with my grandson Joseph who will turn 12 on Saturday. - Friday, a temple session with friends and continuing work on my study. Saturday, my temple shift and then the birthday party for Jadyn and Joseph. Sunday, I hope a very quiet sabbath day; I will need the rest.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing..



Baby Jadyn

Joseph

JOY OF FAMILY - A TRUE VALENTINE GIFT !

This has been a very sweet Sabbath Day as I take a moment to write some thoughts. I have been thinking about the deep joy that I receive from being a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Just today I was thinking about what joy my husband and I felt when we welcomed into our home each of our dear children. What exquisite joy there was in our hearts as we held in our arms our sweet gifts of joy. Then it was a continued joyful experience to hold each of our  grandchildren and great grandchild. Just think for a moment the joy of a child as you have held your own wondrous gifts from Heaven. This is one of the greatest joys of our lives.

How I savor the moments that I have with our children and grandchildren. I marvel at the intelligence and ability that I see in each of our precious grandchildren. These children come to us with their own unique personality, natures and talents. Today's children are even smarter and more faithful in their quest for truth and knowledge. Their beginning testimonies are stronger and truer of our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ at younger ages than every before. It becomes even a greater challenge to our parenting and grand-parenting skills. 

The truth is that we just need to love them, and tenderly guide them. Give them opportunities to feel the spirit of the Holy Ghost in their lives. Bless them with your love, time and devotion.

 Grandchildren
A grandchild is so special
full of love, laughter and joy.
A little girl so coy,
A little boy with all his ploys.
They give us their trust,
and our love is a must.
There's nothing to compare
with all that they share. 

-Norma L. Bowling

OUR GRANDDAUGHTERS

OUR GRANDSONS

OUR GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER

Our Kids Sammy and Suesue are our children too!

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<a href="http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/family/poetry.asp?poem=1252">Grandchildren by Norma L. Bowling - Family Friend Poems</a>

The Simple Woman's Daybook - February 2011

FOR TODAY THURSDAY 10, 2011

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Outside my window...it is a cool winter day; the sun is shinning brightly with hope of warmth. I have opened my blinds to enjoy the rays of the sun that filter into the room as afternoon aproaches. The days are getting longer and I look forward to spring. I can see the snow covering the eastern mountains. I have always loved the mountains surrounding the Salt Lake Valley. In the evening as the sun slowly sets the  white snow covered mountains will be covered in different shades of pink. Of course there are those days when smog ruins the visual picture. 

I am thinking...about my husband and how hard he works and how dedicated he is. He has always been a good provider. He started the job he has now 5 years ago after he was fired from a company that he had worked for 17 years. At that time the department he was working in was deleted and we had to move from Spokane, WA. At first this new job was very stressful but the last couple of years have been good. He has been rewarded well for all of his hard work.  
I am thankful for...my children, grandchildren and our one great granddaughter. This little one will be turning one this month and she has started to walk. I can't wait to see her. There isn't a moment of the day that I don't think about children and their trials and disappointments. I would like to fix it all; but I am learning how to turn it over to the Savior because the load is often too heavy to bare. I do a lot of praying.
From the learning rooms...I am hoping to start an online course on the Book of Mormon.
From the kitchen...nothing is coming out of my kitchen as of now. I don't even have a plan for dinner; so I must think about that soon. The only trips into the kitchen was for breakfast and two pieces of Chocolate. Yep, I am struggling with this ongoing addiction. There has to be chocolate in Heaven; or I am in trouble.
I am wearing...a pink sweater that is bright and warm to lift my spirit today; black pants, socks and favorite white slippers.
I am creating... a new blog for private journaling which I am still working on. I am going to put some lovely music on it today.
I am going... to be right here at my computer. I plan to update the month of February on my journal site. I also hope to have some time to do some family history work.
I am reading...a new book entitled "Snow Rising" by Matt Baldwin. I will update on this book as I am reading it. I am almost through with "The Silence of God;" it is a wonderful historical novel. I finished yesterday the book I have been talking about "Awaken You Spiritual Power (Fairy Godmother Isn't Coming). I so enjoyed this book. The last two chapters were answers to prayer for a dear loved one.Thanks you again Sue for sharing it with me.
I am hoping...to be able to complete most of the list of items I would like to check off tonight.
I am hearing...the news on TV in the other room, cars going by, and the clock in the study ticking.
Around the house...it's not a cleaning day so there is not much going on around the house.
One of my favorite things...is to create the message that I would like to leave today on my post. This week I have had some extended family turmoil that comes up every once in a while. Again, I would like to fix it; but I can't. I thought perhaps I would share this poem by Mother Teresa which calmed my heart today. 

DO IT ANYWAY

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;

Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway. - Mother Teresa
A few plans for the rest of the week: work on my journal and family history for the next two days. Enjoy the temple on Saturday and of course watch the BYU - Utah basketball game with my hubby- Attend ward conference and meet with our Stake President.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Our beautiful Salt Lake Mountains

Joy of Journaling!

 I have been keeping a journal for over 34 years. I have been greatly blessed in doing this.The following are some thoughts on the joy of keeping a journal.

As one reads the Book of Mormon you will see the value of a journal. 

The Book of Mormon is a journal of a family and the eventual history of an ancient civilization in the Americas. This history started out with two families and covers their leaving Jerusalem, their travels, trials, tribulations, joys, the growth of their nation, the waring amongst them, and their relationship with God and our Savior Jesus Christ. The prophets of that time were commanded to keep a record of all of these events.

I love the Book of Mormon and my testimony of the Savior expands each time I read it. The history, genealogy and spiritual experiences found within the pages of this great book are of great value to us all.

 I especially love the Saviors visit to Ancient America after his atonement, crucifixion and resurrection. In 3 Nephi we learn how much the Savior, Jesus Christ loved these people. His teachings are powerful and are some of the most valuable in Holy writ. The Nephite prophets had long foretold of his birth, death and resurrection. The righteous people at that time looked forward to that great day. 

We have been encouraged to keep a journal of our own lives and I feel strongly that there will be a need for our writings. As we read journals of our ancestors and the early pioneers; these writings give us courage to go on in our own struggles. Once I read the book of Mary Fielding Smith's life and for many years when I had a difficult moment I would say to myself, "If Mary Fielding Smith can do it; I can do it". 

As foretold by the prophets through the ages the Second Coming of our Savior is close. We are living in an era of great wickedness. We are exposed daily to Satan's lies and deceit. Our journals will reflect our fight against his evil designs and the ongoing events that will occur in preparation for the Second coming of the Savior. We do live in the worst of times and also in the best of times. We need to write down what is occurring in our lives and in the world of today.
As we look forward to a thousand years of peace; just think of the marvelous stories we can share. Towards the end of the thousand years there will be a space of time when Satan will be loosed. Many of the children of that time will have no idea what it is like to have Satan and his followers in their lives. Perhaps reading of your experiences will give them courage to fight against this evil. The  people of that day will be our posterity.
I enjoy writing in my journal spiritual moments. Those moments when prayers are answered, miracles received and spiritual learning has taken place. I write of goals written and hopefully completed. Most of all I write of the wonders  and the struggles of raising children, and then those sweet enduring moments with grandchildren. Capturing family events with thoughts and pictures are a priceless and precious treasure to me. 
Other important moments are writing about my own struggles and trials. These are  times when I am angry, upset or disappointed. I find that if I pause for a moment and write down these feelings; they tend to disappear more quickly.  
Distress always seem to have a lesson learned immediately or in retrospect and are found throughout my journal.
Recording my moments of joy and happiness brings great peace to my soul. I want my children to know that I have a strong and true testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I want them to feel my love for my Savior and for each and everyone of them. I want them to know how much I love my husband and the good father and man he is. These thoughts and feelings are interlaced throughout my writings.
Another bonus is that I have a record of the dates of the main events in my life and the life of my family. Just tonight I was talking with my daughter on the phone and at that time I had been looking in my journal for a trip we took to Nauvoo, Illinois in 2002. During this time she was dating her future husband. I asked her if she remembered the date of their first date. She said she didn't know for sure. There it was right in my journal. I have had children call me up to find dates for different events in their lives. 
Finally,  my journal writings are now also my memories. At this stage of life, I can't remember many details of my past; but I can read my journal to refresh my mind.
No matter what stage of life you are in; start a journal today and feel the joy of journaling.
    

The Simple Woman's Daybook - February 2011

For Today February 3, 2011

Take a moment to enjoy other Simple woman Daybook entries here: http://thesimplewoman'sdaybook.blogspot.com/

Outside my window... there is sunshine pouring through the window and I am warmed inside by the sunbeams floating in the air. This is a beautiful cold crisp winter day. I am in Heber City, Utah taking care of my son Sean who just had surgery yesterday on his shoulder. I am also with my little grandson Joshua for the day. The snow is glistening in the sunlight and my mood is one of exhilaration. 

I am thinking...that life is good and I am happy to be part of this great universe. I am learning so many good things and enjoying my new friends in the blogging world. Yesterday, I spent some time reading posts; it was a perfect day for that. I needed to bath myself in the goodness that I felt while reading. 
I am thankful for…so many things. My gratitude list is long and I am so grateful to be able to recognize all the good in my life.
From the learning room…as I was waiting for my oldest son Sean to come back from surgery; I  found that I was in a wing of the LDS Hospital where I worked as a nurse many year ago. I was a charge nurse in a surgical wing for about two years and then I worked in a 6 bed ICU in the same wing. The hospital has been remodeled so I didn't recognize anything about the area. A few memories came back. I learned that when I am inside a hospital I don't really like being there at all. I loved what I did as a nurse; but I don't want to work as a nurse in a hospital setting. I remembered how much I loved working with patients in the home environment. Hospice has always been my favorite; and I had so many special and spiritual experiences. I loved caring for my patients and also working with their family members. I have thought about being a volunteer in a hospice. It won't happen in the near future because there is something else on the horizon.
From the kitchen... I just grabbed a Slim Fast from the fridge; that's my lunch for the day. It is a chocolate one; yeah!
I am wearing....black Levis, a blue shirt with a black vest and black stockings. This is my routine wear when I get dressed. Different day and different colors; that's me.
I am creating...this blog post. 
I am reading...the book, "Awaken Your Spiritual Power (The Fairy Godmother Isn't Coming"). I mentioned the book in an early post. Today, I had an answer to prayer. I have an incident going on in my family that has been disturbing. I was praying about this on my drive up to Heber. When I opened the book to the chapter that I was going to read next, I found the answer to my prayer.  The Chapter title is Serving As Christ Served, And Was Served. The two Subheadings were Codependency and Enabling: Selfish giving and Love Unfeigned: Serving and Receiving in Humility. Thanks Sue for sharing this book with me.
I am hoping...to leave here before the traffic gets bad. I hate the canyon drive and worst than that I hate driving the freeway during rush hour. I pray a lot when I am driving that I will be alert and blessed with safety. This is paranoia I know.
I am hearing...the TV on in the kitchen playing a cartoon and my grandson right now is playing the Wii. He is easily entertained and such a sweet little boy.  
One of my favorite things...is reading and I also enjoy playing the piano. Reading I do but the Piano isn't a priority yet. I was thinking about trying to schedule a time to play the piano and perhaps learn a new piece.
Around the house....since I am at my son's house; there are alot of toys spread all over the family room. His other four brothers will be home soon; so I think they have a clean up assignment. I will save my energy for the drive home.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

This is my sweet Joshua!