Assessments

Last weekend I had the fantastic opportunity to hear Elder L. Tom Perry speak. He discussed with us the importance of assessing our time, lives, finances, souls, minds, and physical bodies. He counsels to do a serious assessment overhaul on a yearly basis. He habitually chooses his birthday as his day to sit down and look over his life.

I’m thinking this is a great way to live one’s life- a fantastic program. I’ve decided I’m implementing it, but I know me.






I know once a year isn’t nearly often enough for me to assess how I’m doing, feeling, working, etc. So, to help me with the day to day, hour to hour check ups I bought myself a mood ring.

Another Little Piece of My Heart

Rough morning. When picking up the kids from my Utah home I ran into the realtor showing our home to the new buyers. It ripped my heart out. Here is this beautiful home with the most perfect floor plan. The house Redge and I bought together 6 years ago, and truly believed we would die there. Arthur was only two when we moved in, and we imagined him leaving there at nineteen to serve his mission. This, as we all know, "ain't gonna happen." Not only have we left the house, but we didn't even leave it together.

Luckily I have a few things to help me through this:

1. Friends. I'm blessed with great friends who listen to me, cry with me, humble me, and build me; and each friend and emotion has been spot on, and there at precisely the correct moment. Case and point... Today when getting back in my truck to leave for my new home my friend, who often travels with me, seeing that I was crying and having a hard time with the situation; reached over, and without saying a word just squeezed my knee. He knew that was exactly what I needed at that time. He knew talking was beyond my capabilities, but I did need a friend.

2. Family. Ditto the above. For instance... Just last night when logging on to Eric's facebook wall to say hello I came across something he posted that perfectly prepared me for facing leaving my house in the hands of someone else today. This is what I found on my wise, younger brother's wall,

"There comes a point in your life when you realize:
Who matters,
Who never did,
Who won't anymore...
And who always will.
So, don't worry about people (or places) from your past, there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future."

3. The scriptures. I think of Sariah being told by her husband, Lehi, "We're outta here. I'm sorry you have to leave your home, friends, family, and pretty much everything you own except for a tent!" And, get this, the only time she complained was when she was afraid her sons had been killed. I'm going to allow her that. I had to leave two sons, and I cry and complain about it quite often.

So, as you can see... there is basically one thing that gets me through these days of "losing just another little piece of my heart" (thanks, Janis). That is my Heavenly Father. I'm so grateful for my friends, family, and scriptures who through the hand of a loving Father in Heaven know just what to give me and when. And thus: I think I just might make it.

Angels and Faith

Today while doing nothing I thought, "What caused the people of Enoch and Alma the Younger WANT to change?"

So... My scripture study for today consists of TRYING to find the answer. I emphasize the word "TRYING" because unlike my questions of yore I'm not going to continue looking TODAY until I found the answer. I found a partial answer, and I'm going to control myself from staying up all night tonight searching for the ENTIRE answer as I used to do. Nor did I put off my chores and time with the kids with an (I felt) justified answer of, "I'm doing my scripture studies!" Instead I'll continue my search tomorrow because I believe the counsel found in Ecclesiastes 3. You know, "To everything there is a season... " But, for now here's what I've found... (PS- Mom, be sure to read all of that to Dad. I think he'll be pleased.)

I thought about what Enoch and Alma the Younger had in common. They were both visited. Alma the Younger by an angel, and Enoch by the Lord. I would have thought that was enough, but then I remembered that Laman and Lemuel were also visited by an angel, and we all know how that turned out. Then I remembered the prayers and faith and heartache of Alma (the older). I read in Moses 7:13, "And so great was the faith of Enoch that he led the people of God..." So, I know that A LOT of faith was a part of the redemption of these souls, but Lehi, Nephi, and Sariah had a GREAT deal of faith,and again- Laman and Lemuel...

So... what's the difference between Laman & Lemuel and Alma the Younger? Anyone? Seriously, does anyone know where I can find the answer? I know... pray and keep studying, but if anyone has a clue... I'm totally happy to take it in...

That's it for today. I promise.

Great Quotes by Kate the Great

Kate, Jenn's daughter, is VERY funny!!!

Last Saturday at Jenn's house while dying eggs we were guessing one anothers' favorite colors. I asked Kate, "What's my favorite color?"

Her response, "Black."



Later, when Jenn passed the bowl of eggs down the table, Kate looked at Taite and said, "Smell the eggs."