The Simple Woman's Daybook Entry - May 24th, 2018 - "Each Day Is A Gift" ~

For Today

This is a fantastic day! The temperatures are going up and up. It's been off and on cool for quite some time but today is sunny and warming up. 

It's been a really long time since I have done a The Simple Woman's Daybook Entry. I have had a lot of things on my mind so I thought this would be an excellent way to share my thoughts. 

Looking out my window

Recently, my dear SNL took over my office for his work. I relocated to my husband's office, so my desk looks directly out the window. Here is a photo of what I can see. I actually am enjoying being in the same room with my hubby. Having two offices was a drawback to conversing. I love this. 

I am thinking

Yesterday, I had a delightful experience at our newly opened re-dedicated Jordan River Utah Temple. My husband had I worked in this temple for 8 years as ordinance workers and then went on a two-year full-time Member Leadership Support Mission for our Church while the temple was closed. It was a stay at home mission, and we loved serving in it. However, to be back helping in the temple again has been our goal. 

 Yesterday was my second day of working there. I served as a mentor. I was helping new sisters, who are just learning. My role was to show them how to do the various things that ordinance workers are assigned to do. I was serving in an area where I was working with a patron and a new ordinance worker. This patron had cerebral palsy, and as she was doing the work; she did it correctly but loudly and at a slow pace. Tears came because it was an endearing moment. I looked at her and saw a beautiful daughter of God doing the best she could do.  

Our Granddaughter, Averi, and her father, James, our son.

I reflected then on my precious granddaughter that is blind and autistic. Her name is Averi, and you can read about her here.  I know that God has a unique plan for her. They don't have to experience life in the same way we do. Their lives are hard in a very unusual way. They are innocent and free from sin. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, they have already merited a place with our Heavenly Father. As we interrelate with them, we ourselves learn many things. I feel that the parents, siblings, and caregivers of special needs individuals are some of the dearest people I have ever met. As they give their time in caring for them, they grow in compassion, love, patience, tolerance and all the attributes of Christ. It may not seem like a gift to them at the time but it is. These children are blessings in their lives. I know that some of my happiest moments are when I can be with my Averi. She brightens everyone life around her. She is always happy. She is impressive in her own little world of thinking. She is a savant on the scale of autism. Anyone can tell her their birthdate, and she can tell them precisely the day of the year their birthday falls on. She also can recall what she was doing on various days that you give her a date. She can play the piano by ear. She started doing this at age 3. She can read Braille and care for most of her own needs. She doesn't carry on a two-way conversation very well. She will answer questions, and that is about all. She is a beloved student in her school and everyone knows her. She has learned a number of skills but probably won't ever be independent. I am so proud of my son James, daughter in law, Amber and their other children Taylor Jo and Christian for the love and tender care they give to this lovely granddaughter of ours. 

I am thankful

Wow, my list of things I am grateful for is too long to list here. Let's just say that I am very appreciative that I was born in this beautiful world to live and this time of the earth's existence where we have so many marvelous advantages and advancements not had before upon this earth.  I am thankful to my Heavenly Father for the miraculous gift of my husband and family. I have deep faith in His Plan of Salvation. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true and that we have a Living Prophet to guide us through our challenges of life. I am deeply grateful for The Book of Mormon which gives me guidance, comfort, and answers to many of life's questions. 

One of my favorite things

One of my favorite things to do is go on a date with my husband each week. Sometimes we don't have a moment to do that, but most of the time we do. We like to go to movies, eat out of course and then sometimes just sit and talk with one another and watch an excellent video at home. I most of all like to hold his hand and kissing is good too. 

I am creating

Actually, I am not building anything right now. I need to get my self in gear and do something. I am thinking about creating a bucket list of things I would like to do and accomplish this summer.  

I am wearing

I am wearing light blue capris, a pink blouse, and gray slippers. Yup! It's casual day for me.

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to

I am reading; "Only The Brave" by Gerald Lund. It is an amazing story of the pioneers that settle San Juan County in the late 1800's. It's a sequel book to one he wrote entitled:"The Undaunted." It is an incredible story of hardship and the successes of these stalwart pioneers. They were faithful and sent to this area by their Prophet to settle and establish relationships with the native Americans in that area and to overcome the environmental issues that they had to face.  How they did this, I will never know. I just know we are a very blessed people to live in this era. 

I have been reading 10 pages from The Book of Mormon every day since last September. I have now read this marvelous book 4 times. We are currently reading it for the 5th time. Every time I read this book; I find something new to ponder and think about. It is the most correct and true book on the earth today. It is the perfect parent manual. It tells of God's dealings with the people of ancient America and the coming of Christ to this continent after His Resurrection. It is a priceless book of scripture. 

I recently finished watching the Hallmark series of: "When Comes The Heart." The last episode was so sad that I cried for a long time after it. I love this era and enjoyed this series and will look forward to the new season next year. 

I am hoping

I am hoping that this summer my husband and I can get away for a few days. My dream vacation is to go up to a cabin where there is no internet and sit by a lake or stream and read a good novel and just talk and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. I want total peace and quiet for a few days. 

I am learning

I am learning that I can do hard things. At my age, I thought I would have a slow life of doing whatever I wanted. Instead, I am busy doing many things that I do enjoy but often times not my first choice. My life is more active than I thought it would be. I have more responsibilities than I thought I would have. It is all good, but it wasn't what I pictured. I still like the idea of rocking in a chair on the back porch and reading a good novel. I think I will try to catch a moment or two of doing just that. 

In my kitchen

Wow, nothing is going on in my kitchen except chaos. I seldom plan meals. We just kind of do our own thing and then sometimes we cook for our daughter and family, and sometimes they cook for us. I think right now they do more of the cooking. I did find an excellent cookie recipe that I want to try; except I am trying to eat less and less sugar. It's a bummer. 

 PostScript

In our church, we are starting a new era of ministering to one another. Here is a fantastic message entitled;" Ministering As The Savior Does" by President Jean B. Bingham; General Relief Society President of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

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Closing Notes

It has been a very long time since I have written a Daybook entry. They are fun to do. I love to write posts and read the writing of my blogging friends. I hope to do this more often. May you know the love I have for my readers and I am grateful for your friendship through the years. I have been blogging for 8 years, and it has fulfilled a great desire in my life. 

Blessings and hugs for all! 

You can read more wonderful The Simple Woman's Daybook entries here and join us all in writing a daybook post.     http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/