Hi there!

As you can see, it's been awhile since I've blogged on here. I just spent the last two and a half weeks recuperating from a concussion which occurred when I decided to kiss the carpet with my face and chest. I still have recesses of pain and discomfort. I could not be a football player. But I diverse... 

I just have had a feeling of overwhelming joy and peace lately. I know that Heavenly Father is blessing me and my family with love and joy. It's been a rough year for all of us and for most it continues. I want everyone to know that when I say my prayers, I try to include everyone. Some I do specifically while most I do as a blanket of prayers and blessings. I'm not saying some needs are more urgent than others but I try to use a feeling of discernment and humbleness. I know I would love to solve, protect, help and bring health to all but that isn't my job. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are there to help each and everyone of us. So know that when I say: praying or will do. I am praying for all. Take care and have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. As for those who believe differently than I, may your wants and needs and beliefs be blessed...

Being Thankful

I know its a bit early but I want to share my thanks. We should, of course share our thanks all year. I'm thankful for my family and friends, my husband, church, and all the beautiful things in this land. I'm thankful for fruits and vegetables, our herbs, meats, juices and treats as well. In fact, there is not anything I'm not thankful for.

Sometimes, we forget what we have and tend to get frustrated about our lives. We tend to want the wrong things, the worldly things. Money and physical goods that we covet, whether it be from a store because we can't afford it or that awesome car that a neighbor might own. Coveting only brings grief and frustration, jealousy and anger.

As children of our Heavenly Father, we should show a better example for our friends and neighbors. Humble minds and sincere hearts show that we have a good outlook on life and a grateful soul. I know that being sincere is a good thing and I try to show that honesty and sincerity in my daily life. I know the Church is true and that our leaders are called of God. I know the Book of Mormon is true as is the Holy Bible. I'm grateful for the love we all share with each other and the good feeling I get when I'm able to show my love to those around me.

Our Church Leaders

Sometimes, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, LDS or Mormons, we tend to forget our leadership are human also. That they are not flawless but human like the rest of us. As members, we need to show our support and activity to them and to respect their leadership over us.

As we are aware of our humanity, we should be aware of theirs. President Thomas S. Monson is a true Prophet of God and leads us through inspiration of our Heavenly Father. He is guided and leads us through prayer and supplication with the Lord. As he goes through the humility and prayer for us, we should also go through the same thing for him and the rest of the leaders of the Church.

Heavenly Father gives us the same opportunity to have prophecy as far as our family is concerned. I woke up this morning with happiness and a prayer on my lips. I prayed that Heavenly Father would bless us all and especially those who are sick and afflicted. Both people and animals. I know to some this seems a bit extreme but I feel the we received our animal friends to comfort and love us in our time of need so I feel they should be blessed also.

Maybe my heart is to sensitive. Maybe my sensitivity is to much for our fellow man. Just maybe that is why I am who I am. I remember as a child, I'd be so into Christ that I'd be at the church alter almost every week when we were members of the Salvation Army Church. I was involved in the band and in sharing the gospel. Little did I know at the time it was preparing me for a larger and better assignment. Because of my sensitivity, I now understand how hard it is to lead and guide even my own family. I miss and love them all dearly. I pray in the name of Jesus that they will be provided for and guided by the power of Jesus Christ to do righteous and helpful things for their own families.  I know that through their own powers of inspiration and prayer that they to can share the Holy Ghost in their lives.

Everyone has the opportunity to provide their families with the power of prayer and supplication with the Lord. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ that we all share our faith and love with those around us. I pray that we be blessed with the spirit to provide whatever assistance is needed to our families and those in need. I also pray that we remember our leaders in and out of the church that they be inspired of the Lord to lead us in righteousness and prayer. I know we are but a small measure in this world of peril and contention but if provided with the right power and authority, we can move mountains. Please remember our leaders in your prayers daily as they are only human as you and I. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior, Amen.

Humiity

Today,as my husband and I contemplated filing bankruptcy, I overheard a conversation in an adjoining room. The lawyer was verifying information with a couple. A male voice spoke up talking about a house that was purchased. They had apparently used returned taxes to put a down payment on the house and were successfully making the payments. Then I heard a female voice pipe up that the chemotherapy rapidly wiped out the money they had to the point of putting them in the lawyers office; having to agree to filing bankruptcy,  thus losing the house they had just recently purchased. They walked out of the office and it was obvious who was getting the therapy. We then found out that we didn't actually have enough debt to file.

At first I thought of how frustrating it must be for this young couple to have so much on their plate. Also, how hard it had to be make such a decision to lose their home and the security it brings. Then I realized how much less it would be for them stress wise, to know one less problem they would have. I prayed for them as we left the office. He had also mentioned how his work insurance didn't cover the chemo. That frustrated me to think that his job wasn't helping him any and then she had mentioned that she was working two jobs.

I know that there could go I or Gary in that predicament. At this time, neither of us were dealing with a life ending situation, though we have in the past. I am grateful to be reminded of how Heavenly Father works and I pray that this young couple have all the help and support they need. Everyday I am reminded of what I have or don't have in life. Everyday, I am ever grateful for what I do have, a loving and patient husband, his wonderful family who have taken me in and made me a mother and grandmother, and my wonderful brothers and sisters. I marvel at how we continue to communicate with each other.

I'm also grateful for the church and the leadership. I'm always reminded of the beauty this world provides to us. I know the anxiety being faced and the promises of the new and old time Prophets. I know we face harder times ahead but I also know we as a people will be blessed if we continue to do the little things to follow the teachings and promises provided in keeping the promises we made to our Heavenly Father.

Heavenly Father, please bless those who struggle daily. Give them the strength and courage to follow you above. Keep them encouraged and provide them what they at need day to day. Always in the name of your son and our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, amen....

I feel blessed

As I lay down to sleep last night I got to thinking how blessed i am. God has been with me all month. The Holy Spirit has been so strong that I could barely speak or breathe. I'm so grateful for all the blessings that have been poured upon us since we moved to Utah. Sometimes, it feels so wonderful that my heart swells to twice its size and I am overwhelmed with emotion.

Heavenly Father is always grateful when one of his children comes back to the rod of iron and begins to cling to and follow its path. He is glad for his lost sheep, finding their way home. I find that the decisions I make really have kept me more positive and less fearful of what is in store for all of us. He guides us when we do right but is also ever present when we slip up. He knows all his children and loves us all the same.

I know the church is true. I know that God lives and loved us enough to sacrifice his only son, Jesus Christ, for our sins. I know that Thomas S Monson is a Prophet of God. I know the scriptures are made for us to serve as a guide and example for us to follow. I know that if we heed the council of our leaders that we will be blessed. We just received a new Bishop and his councilors. They are called of God. They will lead us in the way we should go.

Yes, I am blessed also with a good family. Wherever they may be. I'm blessed to know that they are trying to follow the advice we receive every day. I pray that we as a huge family of God's children will heed his council and share this wonderful Gospel that we are blessed with. I only hope and pray for all the sick and afflicted that they may obtain the help they need to get better. That includes animal and human alike.

Please be or become a follower of Christ. Join in the jubilee celebration of his sacrifice for us. Share his wisdom and knowledge with all you know. I pray that these words will be blessed with a following of my friends and family. I also pray that all those who need help will obtain it. I pray again for all sick and afflicted to receive the help and love they need to go on. I wrote these words in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Sitting in Church

As I sit in church today, I am humbled. Humbled by the people who sit around me, by their faith and never ending devotion to this wonderful gospel we have. I look around and see people I know who have grown up, grown old and grown strong in the faith. I see new families branching from other families, new members gaining a testimony of the truth. My heart is full today of the spirit and I can't help but cry in my heart for the gratitude I have. I know that I am doing the right thing and one step at a time, I will be fully enveloped in the church and I pray that I am even slightly worthy of the things that Heavenly Father has provided to me. 

I pray that we all strive to serve Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. That we share our testimonies to all around us, friend and foe, young and old, learned and ignorant. I pray that the church will grow and prosper in the Lord and that we as its people will expound, exhort and share it withh everyone everywhere. God's love be with you always.

A sister in Christ, Jan

Blessed day

What a wonderful day it is. The skies are clear and the weather is gorgeous. Heavenly Father provides us with so much to be thankful for. Today, Dodi, Kathy and I head to Redmesa, CO to take care of some business for Suzie. It's going to be an awesome visit with family and friends. I'm already missing Gary and Ms Cee Cee but it is worth it just for the beauty and the opportunity to be with people I haven't seen in awhile. We are taking a casual drive, stopping to take pictures and enjoy God's natural paintings.

Heavenly Father gives us so much to be grateful for, our families, friends, faith and our health as well. He helps us take every chance we can to share our feeling and testimony of his true church. I know today is a great opportunity to share my thoughts and I know that we are being prompted by the Holy Ghost when we do. May your day be awesome and that you can be thankful and ever grateful for what is provided to us.

A Better Day

It sure is beautiful out today, here by the Wasatch Front. I'm beginning to understand what people like about the mountainous areas of Utah. Though the weather will soon change, it's really nice here. You can tell the seasons. It gives me a feeling of old fashioned values and simple life antics. God really blessed us when we came here and for this, I am truly grateful. 

My life, these past few months has been good and bad. Though the good outweighs the bad. It was the bad that I learned from. Taking time out from being who I really can be, I've found how easy it is to just follow the crowd and take the road that's wider. Sometimes these roads look exciting and inviting. It makes us do things we think are fun at the time. We find out later that it gets harder to change direction as the road narrows and our 'car' can't maintain the same speed or control. Turning around takes a wide berth and a good steady mind. God gives us these things through prayer and supplication with him. He makes us aware that we are the ones holding ourselves back, not family, friends or those long gone. As mentioned in my mind during the session of church this morning while I listened to Russell M. Nelson, we are our own worst enemy. Our guiding angels don't have time to judge us. They are hear to help guide us. Family members who have past are doing the Lord's work. They are not spending time casting stones at us for our unfortunate life choices. Though I'm sure they would be happier if we made better decisions, they are a busy lot, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who haven't had the opportunity to hear it before hand. I realize for myself that my latest decisions were made to show off. The loss of weight was a good thing but for heavens sake, I'm getting older, why show off the bags and wrinkles. Time to wear the more modest clothing befitting my age and attitude. Though I will admit to keeping comfortable in the privacy of my own home, no more tight pants and tank tops in the public eye. Does the patio count? Cee Cee and I are up here watching the children play in our complex, and Ms Cee Cee us contributing to the noise level. As I sit here and write my thoughts, I am continually reminded of how I can share my testimony more with you.

Elder Nelson also mentioned that we shouldn't follow unauthorized doctrine and to be careful of the blogs we follow. As a writer of blogs, I can assure you that I will not attempt to lead you in a path of questionability. My purpose is only to share my feeling and the prompting of the spirit. I know my Father lives. I know he loved his son, Jesus Christ so much that he sent him down to sacrifice his life for ours. I know that Jesus atoned for our sins and wants us back with him and Heavenly Father. I know without a doubt that this the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the one and only true church on this earth. I know that we have a lot of uphill battles to overcome these next few years. The time could be a few to a hundred years, but in God's eyes, it is but a short time. I know that I am sealed and married to the best man in the world. I want everyone to know how much I love my husband and how much I honor him by being the best wife I can be. I'm no "Fascinating Woman" but I do what I can ( see book Fascinating Womanhood written back in the fifties, depicting the Leave it to Beaver, June Cleaver type of housewife). I know he (my husband) holds the Priesthood of God and I honor and respect his calling as husband and provider. I know we are here in Utah for a reason, even if it is to only get our lives on track, once again. I know God loves me and wants what is best for all of us. 

I know I love all my friends and family, no matter your race, religion, affiliation or whatever. I'm grateful for all I have and all I don't have. It humbles me to know that God loves us so much. It humbles me to understand how things have progressed these last few years especially. Those of us who have issues, let us pray that we can overcome them. We cannot wait until the last days. It's Saturday and almost midnight. Get things in order people.... Love yourself enough to change for the better no matter how you believe. Let us pray and share our testimony of Jesus Christ with everyone we know. Let us pray for the sick and afflicted that they can become better as God's will allows. Remember that we all have burdens and can overcome them through prayer and supplication. Be there for you. Be there for your friends and family. Mostly, be there for our Heavenly Father and his son, our elder brother, Jesus Christ. I love you all very much...Jan

Defiance 0, Brain 1

Ah, finally the brain wins out. I have decided after much prayer and supplication that I can do without the vapor cigs and the regular cigs. I know, I only did it for a couple of months and it was just stubbornness that I was doing it in the first place. How stupid is that?

It got me to thinking...How many things do we do for the sake of doing it and how many do we do for the sake of our logic and spiritual ideals? I must admit that at the ripe young age of 60, I've been acting like a stupid kid. I was doing it because I thought it would make me look 'cool'. When I looked closely in the mirror, I only looked like an old lady being an idiot. I'm not saying all people look like idiots doing things, I'm just saying I did.

When we practice to do things to impress others, all we end up doing is disappointing ourselves and Heavenly Father. I'm getting myself back into church activity and also starting to read the Book of Mormon again. For me, that's a pretty good start. I felt that I would be a total hypochondriac if I didn't drop the cigarettes and the vapors. Besides, I've not been able to taste things in over two months. No wonder most of the people I know who smoke don't eat a lot. Why eat if you can't taste it?

I'm grateful that the what if in the back of my mind won't happen. What if I really do get addicted? What if I get cancer from this? What if my lungs fail me....What if what if what if....you know the story. Anyway, I'm not saying that cold turkey works for everyone, but if it worked for my mom, it can work for me. I was always thinking about having a vape. I kept getting upset if one of my smokes ran out and I had to exchange it for a fresh top. I even got to point of getting irritated when I had to charge the body of the vapor cigarette. I wasn't really addicted, I just wanted to show off. Shame on me. Now, if I go outside to visit and be with my family and friends, I'll be visiting, not just showing off. If they didn't know that, they were the only ones who didn't.

I'm grateful once again to Heavenly Father who continually sends the Holy Ghost knocking on my heart and in this case, my head for me to wake up. As for my other vises, one at a time. They will go away as well.



Making a change for the better is always a good choice. No matter what category it's in. I know that some day, we human types will join Heavenly Father and not have to deal with these worldly temptations. Grateful always....Jan

To begin anew!

Well, here we go again. We start a new life once again in Utah. This time though, the climate is somewhat cooler and colder. The atmosphere is family and fun. We know more people and are with relatives. Sounds good right?

Well, let's just say that our attitudes will need adjustment to say the least. In order for things to be different than last time we set our sights on the Beehive State. I'm hoping that this time around we can do some of the things we want to do. But, as I sit here and type these words, I am struck with a thought, what makes me think things will be any different here than where we are sitting at this immediate moment! As I lay on a couch in San Luis Obispo, CA, why should things change? Yes, we are moving AGAIN. Yes, we are going on our own AGAIN... So, what's new this time? Our attitude is much the same as it was before. We haven't changed our minds on what we want. Much to my surprise, I don't seem to be going forward, but rather kind of sidestepping once again. I feel a bit of rebellion and frustration coming on. So what makes things different? What do I think I can do this time? Become a good little girl by going to church each week and reading my scriptures? Ok, maybe I'm being a bit sarcastic, just a tad even. I'm trying to fool myself into thinking I'm gonna change?

It can happen. I can do these things I've promised so many times I would do. I don't mean to belittle the ideas of my lifestyle but sometimes it comes down to how simple it is. I can try to sugarcoat my life and make everything look perfect when lets face it, at this time, it isn't perfect. I suppose it never really is. I'm not being down trodden on my statement and I'm not stating it for a woah is me or poor me feeling. I'm trying to look things up as they are at the moment. My belief is intact of how I feel about my faith. I have a thorough knowledge of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I've never really lost that. Perhaps I think I can change at the last minute and request bedside forgiveness? Maybe I'm just kidding myself that when we make this move, I can change over night. Other people have. Look at Saul when he became Paul, or Alma the Younger, becoming a full witness for Heavenly Father. I'm reaching out I know. I made a new page on Facebook. I'm getting my own life back and being able to have more freedom. Perhaps I take it too far and disappoint myself and others around me? 

No, I think not. I know that I've done some silly things none of which I cannot be forgiven for. None of which I can be truly shamed for. Perhaps I give myself too much leverage but I know that I can get my life back. I want to at least. I want to do what's right and begin anew as I mentioned earlier? Yes, I think I can. Thomas the Engine said that as he climbed the big hill for the first time, struggling with his load. He made it to the top. He was determined to. I know I've got some issues to separate out and some reality to face. I've spent too many years on this earth not to see that for myself. I love my family here in CA. I'm going to miss the kids and grandkids but I can visit them right! Just don't burn the bridges as I go. I realize that I have things to square away. Habits to kick and some good ways to pick up again. So, what stops me? Why! Can I journalize that? Or, do I continue to pretend that I can do what I want. Defiance is what I'm doing right now. Every time I go out for a vapor, or test my limits, am I doing it for the last time? Am I telling myself to quit? Well, not yet and lets be honest ok? I'm not ready to yet. That doesn't mean in the next few months of my life I won't be. I'm going to work in that direction again. This time, I do want the perfect life. The pictorial white picket fence and apron on the front. Pictorially, not on me. Just the idea that things can get better. That I can do and choose the right. It's that simple isn't it? 

Life? What do you think of it?

I know it's been about a month or maybe longer since I've blogged on here. I've been a very busy girl. If this time was an award ceremony here is what I would say.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I want to tell you how grateful I am for the encouragement I received from all of you. For letting me find my mind and rely more on Heavenly Father and praying that everything is going to work out as he would like it for us. I'm thankful to my husband Gary for staying steadfastly by my side. I want to thank my girls for encouraging us to follow our dreams and helping us to push forward. I want to thank my own brothers and sisters for being my biggest fans for supporting our decisions as well. To all my cousins, aunts, uncles, brother and sister in laws...just knowing their love has made our future look bright. Oh, times up? Wait, I wanna thank my friends and acquaintances (music starts to play in the background) for just being there for us. I want to tell you (music grows louder, the lights start to dim) how much I love you. Again, thank you." blowing kisses, I quickly walk off the stage with a strong grip placed on my arms, pulling me away. I trip and break a heal, falling face first and everything left to the imagination.... Turning red as a beet, I quickly get to my feet and slightly limp off the stage.

As I exit, the popporozi [sic]. Starts taking pictures. One shoves a mike in my face and asks, "What made you so sure that your plans would work out?" "I trusted in God and my husband, with God's help anything is possible."

I go outside and with flashbulbs in my face, quickly get in Sugarpop and Gary and I speed away to our future...

All is well!

Sometimes, I tend to look at things negatively. I show a positive attitude outwardly, but in the recesses of my mind I feel impending doom. Most of the time things work out and I feel ashamed of my doubt. It's like when things go well, I'm waiting for what I call "the other shoe". This implies to me that since things are positive something surely will happen to ruin it all. I know it's wrong and I will admit that these doubts and anxieties are few and far apart now. They happen when they happen. 

I now am relying more on faith and Jesus Christ. It helps me to maintain a more positive attitude. He keeps me grounded in all I do and I know that I can accomplish more actions. I am grateful for all I have in this life, especially for my family, friends and acquaintances. I know getting more involved in activities and just doing stuff helps me to be more positive. I'm not one to sit around too long. Losing weight has changed me in that way.

Today, I sit at my baby sister's house, helping her to recuperate from surgery. It was a good thing for me to be here. I had let things build up too much and it has been helpful to not only Suzie, but to me as well. I've been able to devote time to others and think of someone besides myself. It's more important to me to share my abilities, though they can be limited, with others and shine my little candle. Taking my light off under the bushel, and sharing it with others. I feel better just knowing that I can be a better person. I've spent so many years dwelling on things that profit me nothing and this last year I've been trying to do more to help me and Gary feel better physically. It's working ok and we've been able to get out more and do things I never thought I would be able to do. 

It's been a blessing. I've enjoyed being more lively and being with my family. I love my life right now and it can only get better. Make your days better by helping others, maintaining a positive attitude and just keeping yourself active and busy. Love to all....Good bye!

Here we go again!

Just how many times do I do this anyway? Moving is a six letter curse word. I've done it more times than I can count. This time, I move twice within a three month period. Hopefully to a final place where hubby and I can settle down with our sweet dog and have our own life.

Yeah, it involves a lot of work. Gotta pack boxes, buckets and bags. Gonna put stuff in storage and take it outta storage when we find our permanent place in August. I am grateful that we have this opportunity to do this. This time, I know that Heavenly Father approves our choice because I am going to rely on HIM only and not be influenced by those around us. We have made a lot of wrong choices and I know that we have paid dearly for them. Things have been rough but at the same time, we have been so blessed. I love my family. I love how they want to be together and share our good times and even some of the bad times. I am blessed with wonderful sons (in laws- present and future), two beautiful and spiritual minded daughters and a smattering of grandsons. I am also thankful for the little special family of a young man, though not a son, (if I had a choice of one, he would be it), his wife and beautiful son and daughter. Since they claim us as extra parents and grandparents, we have our only grand daughter. Thus a total of 10 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. What a blessing. But I diverse, from the original subject.

Already we have been packing boxes, separating sell, keep and toss outs along with donates. It's interesting to say the least. God provides me with the brain power and strength to accomplish these things and affords me the blessing of being able to go and help my sister.. I need a diversion, right? 

I must say, it's all good and I am truly excited. I want you all to know how truly humbled and filled with the spirit I am tonight. I want you to know how grateful I am for my family, friends, acquaintances and all the rest. I am grateful for my church, I know it's true. I'm grateful for my husband, his tolerance of my strangeness and demands, his commitment to our relationship, and his love for me...all for eternity. I'm grateful for my health and the struggles I have everyday that remind me to stay grounded. I love my brothers and sisters on both sides of the of our families. And especially both sets of parents that raised us right and raised good kids all around. 

Thank you for your patience as blog followers and FB fans for being willing to read my words of mood, victory and especially all my blessings... Love u all!

Moms

Just in case you didn't know, today is Mother's Day. I see a lot of posts on Facebook about how people love their moms. How grateful they are for them and all the usual things. I'm not rating these as bad but I also wonder, how often do we show our moms how much we appreciate them? Today, there will be parties, luncheons, dinners and merriment everywhere. 

What about those days when she's had it rough with kids, work, cleaning and cooking? What do we do then? Or as she ages, is she alone? Maybe we should try harder to remember her then too? Yes, as with all things precious and dear to us we should put aside some time to reminisce about what she did or does for us. Maybe remember the sacrifices she made. Special hugs and kisses, treats and thank you for all of these things. Perhaps a phone call or visit at least once a week for those of us fortunate to have her still here with us. Mothers are a very special calling on this earth and they make it better for us as they help the family grow, show us how to care and teach is more than we can learn in school. I love my mom and miss her everyday.

Not unlike moms, Heavenly Father and Jeaus Christ do so much for us. Our best gift from them is the atonement. We must always share and show others a conscious effort to be a good example for the sacrifice that Christ made for us. It's not always easy but like being a mom, you do it everyday.

A good friend and acquaintance

passed on today. I miss him strangely. His wife and family will mourn his death and share his memories. They will come to know his love and understanding even more as time goes on. 

 I mention this because he was a good man. He respected God and the laws of the land. He was for the betterment of mankind in all ways especially in human rights and spiritual rights. He wasn't afraid to share his thoughts and feelings on any and all subjects. He expounded his wisdom of God and man to any who could hear or would listen. Though you may not agree with everything he said, you could respect him for his thoughts and feelings. He was a Robin Hood, giving knowledge and help to those even beyond his health restraints. Many times he was ill and in emergency rooms and hospital beds, coming to terms of his physical weaknesses but he knew he would make it and he did. He was a man of God. He could quote and search scripture with the best of them. He would say what he knew about God as knowingly as he did about law. He was not afraid of sharing his love. He was a caring man who gave beyond what he got. He suffered a hard life but he used his suffering to better his and others through his strong example. 

I don't say this because I know him well, but because I know his heart. He was a tender soul who felt love for others and compassion beyond his physical limitations. I wish my spiritual self was as strong as his was. He was here but a short time with me and my family but I grew to love and respect him. He was a very special person. My condolences go out to his wife, daughter, brother and sisters. Also, to his growing family of which I am honored to be but a small part. He was a good example to all. God bless you Curt. Be with him on the other side. We will see you soon.

God loves us...

So he sent his son, Jesus Christ to sacrifice his life to atone for our sins. We live with such simplicity that we forget the pain the they both went through. We are troubled by the "little things" in our lives. I am reminded constantly how true this is. My main mistrust is money and bill payment. I worry to excess on something I can't control. I've finally decided that it's up to God what I can do. It is hard to maintain the calm needed to trust God that things will work out. I'm finding, however, that it's getting a bit easier to hand the burden over to him. Maybe because the bills are coming down. Maybe it's because I robbed from Peter to pay Paul and Peter is getting refunded. All I know is this is my vice or weakness. It doesn't help much that I love to spend money. I've got to control my efforts a little more. 

I say all this to show how quickly it can grow. Note how I was able to link my problems to each other and also knowing the solutions. Heavenly Father has made me aware of this problem. It's up to me to do what I can and hand the rest to him. He is ready to take up our burdens and keep us afloat. All we do is obey his commandments and live righteously. He does the rest. We are to share our love, show charity, help others, feed the poor and help the helpless. That's just a few things we need to do. We need to gain knowledge, share this knowledge with others and also to show how we gained the knowledge by sharing our abilities. 

           God allows us opportunities to learn and grow. He loves us unconditionally. He knows all our weaknesses and fallacies. He knows who can help us and who we can help. It's up to us to do something. Show our self worth and to know that we are not worthless. Learning how to handle the adversity in our lives teaches us empathy and compassion. Heavenly Father is very patient. We have no worries if we live righteously. We can be a good example to those around us. Just do it...

Daily changes

Tend to enhance our lives. I must admit I've been way lacking in the faith department lately. Not that I lack faith, I just haven't given myself challenges to practice what I believe. Gaining a better perspective on my life is something I really need to do. I do know that I have improved on my patience for things here at home and that's a big deal to me. Knowing that I can accept some of the oddities of this living situation makes it easier for me. I guess I do practice faith more than I thought. I love my family and I miss them a lot.

Being with my kids and grandkids has been special. Gary and I need to get out and visit his brothers and my brothers and sisters. I miss them. With losing Dad last November, we have only got our siblings and their families. I have been enjoying a more relaxed life here on the beach. I'm not going to quit the good life. It has helped my health and really makes it special. Gary has been more conscientious of what he needs to do also and we are persuing his Heath issues also. 

Our little Cee Cee has turned into a true beach dog. With a FB account and a blog, she could become a star. I think a few followers is fine. We don't want it to go to her head you know. If she starts sponsoring and sharing about other pets that need help, then we might consider her growing her fan base. It's up to her and of course, Momma has to get involved. I guess we can get that going... Though this print below isn't Cee Cee, I think it's cute, so I share it!

My future is important to me. I want to get more involved in artistic adventures, maybe some bead making or more writing. Maybe things can get me busy so I don't feel so stagnant. Now that my health is improving, I can now work on other issues. It's time to advance another step. It's time to use more faith.