Hello Old Friend

 As I mentioned in my New Year goal post, I have been feeling stuck.  I decided a good start would be to go to the temple with preparation and a purpose.  The Newport Beach temple was closed for two weeks, so I decided to drive up to LA.  I fasted and listened to "church" music on the way up.  As "Eagle's Wings" came on, I started to cry and when she sang "...and hold you in the palm of His hands", I left the spirit so strongly.  I haven't felt like that in a long time.  It was so awesome.  I prayed.  I thanked Him for that feeling.  I recounted my blessings.  I asked Him for help in my calling as compassionate service chairman.  And then ideas came to my mind.  I am so grateful for that experience.  I know He loves me.  I know He hears and answers my prayers.  I know he is aware of my story.  I know he will guide me.  I know He has me in the palm of His hands.

Monday's Memory--Raceway

 In 2022, I did a memory post about the raceway that the kids had and loved.  It was so well used that it eventually had to be held up with soup cans in the back.  They had races down the ramp to see which of their cars could go the furthest.  Such fun times.

The other day, I saw this picture on Facebook and all the memories of the fun times came flooding back.

I texted the picture to Todd and Amy...here is our conversation

Dance Weekend

 And no, it isn't May already!!  The girl's joined a new studio which has two performances a year, one in January and one in June.  They were terrific, but it was hard to watch them both as this was the first time they were in the same company together.  I loved being there to cheer them on and see how much improvement they have made.  Way to go, girls!!

Snowman Puzzle

 

At first, I thought this puzzle would be fun, but easy.  Then I realized that it seemed no two pieces were the same!!

Monday's Memory--Smurfs

 As I was cleaning out the play bin on my back patio, I came across this Smurf pitcher from many, many years ago.

My mind immediately went back to  1983.  Todd and Amy's birthday party.  Todd was turning 7 and Amy 5.  I made a cake, and this was the topper!

This was before the dinning room was added.  The curtains were a back door that led to outside and the garage.  And boy, did mom like green plants.  I remember her watering then with Miracle Grow.

New Year...New Goals

 As always, I'd like to start by reviewing my goals from last year and report how I did.

**I set the goal of attending the temple weekly, and this I did.  I probably went 45-48 times this last year.      I'm proud of that accomplishment, but more on that later.

**I commited to read 2-3 conference talks per week---yeh, that didn't last long!

**I did follow through with birthday cards to my friends.  I made and sent out 35ish cards this year.

**My goal was to walk 5 days a week, and I did really well with that.  Most of the year I logged a little          over 3 miles a day.  Eating healthier was harder.  I did well some times and not so well others.  I did,          however end the year 5 pounds down!!

**Clean out a closet or cupboard every month.  I actually did OK with this one, too.  

The thing that sticks out to me the most is that I feel stuck.  I'm on a sailboat in the middle of the doldrums.  After going to the temple almost every week for the last two years, I don't feel more spiritual...I don't feel closer to my Heavenly Father...I feel like I have only been checking off boxes.  After much thought and contemplation, I realize that my heart wasn't where it needed to be.  In the past, I've gone to the temple needing guidance, needing encouragement, needing help.  Either I was preparing to teach in Sunday School or Relief Society and needed guidance on where my lesson should go, good questions to ask, finding out what the sisters needed.  After that, I went seeking help with my stake choir calling...what songs to sing at stake conference...theme for the Christmas fireside...words to complete the narration.

Now, my calling is compassionate service chairman, so I haven't felt the need of help.  I need to change my thinking.  I need His help is all aspects of my life, including how to be a better minister to the sisters.

So, I am going better prepared to the temple, with a purpose.  Maybe not as often, but with intent.  Quality over quantity.

My goals are going to look different, too.  This year, my goals are coming from the book by Gordon B Hinckley, Way to Be!  It's aimed to the youth, but there is so much that's applicable to adults.

It's divided into 9 chapters...ways to be happy and make something of your life.  Every 5 1/2 weeks, I'll move to a different topic

First up--gratitude  Be grateful

I've thought about this and I've decided to focus on two things

1--say thank you more...and often.  Take time to look at them in the eye and let them know I really              mean it.  Say your welcome when someone thanks me.

2--several times a week (I know myself and I won't be able to do this daily!) write in my journal things      that I'm thankful for...where I've seen the Lord's hand in my life...His tender mercies.

3--And I just thought of #3..every Monday, say a prayer of gratitude...just be thankful...no asking, just        thanking.

Here's to a HAPPY new year.

Happy New Year 2024

 

A beautiful sunset to end the day.