Beautiful Song

This is something worth checking out.  Here's a link to Carrie Underwood singing How Great Thou Art and it's a truly touching and inspiring performance.  She sings it so beautifully!  I can't help but be touched by it.  She really puts her whole heart into singing this song.  Just watching and listening to her warms my heart and soul and brings tears to my eyes. I'm so grateful for a loving and forgiving Savior and hearing this song reminds me how blessed I am. 

Time for a Change

My life is due for some change - I'm not sure how to start or what to do.  I just know that a change is needed.  It's time for some serious thinking and planning...

 I found these quotes on Pinterest.  Aren't they great?

 Change can be a really good thing - a great way to grow.

It's hard to know where to start but I know I need to.

 I'm anxious now but I need to get excited.

 And I need to believe in myself - things will work out.

Yes, it's time for some magic happen in my life.

Adversity

I saw this quote on Pinterest today - a great truth!  I love President Uchtdorf's perspective on life.

2012 Family Scripture

"Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.”  (D&C 88:124)

I Love this Quote

I saw this quote on Pinterest - which if you haven't heard of Pinterest yet it's become my new favorite pastime.  It's a site that allows you to post favorite web pages, pictures, sayings, recipes, etc - like an online bulletin board - and you can follow the pins from others too.  It's full of fun and fabulous things. 

Anyway, back to this amazing quote.  I'd love to have this hanging in my home - what a great attitude and philosophy to have.  I'd never heard of William Arthur Ward before so I googled his name and there's a bunch of information about him out there - he's on of the most quoted American authors of inspirational writing.

He's written a bunch of newspaper and magazine articles, poems and stories.  Here's a link to one site listing many other famous quotes by William Arthur Ward and here's another link to his official website.  I love his positive and motivating take on life.  I thought I'd share a few more quotes of his that I really liked:

Lose yourself in generous service and every day can be a most unusual day, a triumphant day, an abundantly rewarding day!

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. 

When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.

Moments That Matter Most

I love this message.  It's good to remember to slow down and enjoy the things that truly do matter most.

Thought for the day

Our choices today will affect where we end up tomorrow. Each choice has a consequence and each consequence, a destination. You should be asking yourself each day if the choices you are making now will take you to where you want to be. We are responsible for who we become.

and another one:

I choose to live by choice, not by chance;
to make changes, not excuses;
to be motivated, not manipulated;
to be useful, not used;
to excel, not compete.
I choose self-esteem, not self-pity.
I choose to listen to the inner voice, not random opinions.

Thought for the Month

I have learned that the ability to laugh at everyday family difficulties helps keep life in perspective. If we will learn to laugh and play more with our families, not only will we feel better but so will they. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine,” says Proverbs 17:22. -Gary K. Palmer

Here are a few of my favorite "smile" pictures of Winston. 

Learning Patience

 "There is an important concept here: patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!" ~Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I thought this was such a great message I had to post it.

Sunrise, Sunset....

As I left work today there was a sunset over the lake with beautiful golden-rose colored clouds.  I couldn't help but pause for a moment and admire the beauty - ahhhh, what a sight! Can't you just feel yourself relax and soak up the warmth and positive energy? That's how it feels to me.  What is it about a beautiful sunrise or sunset that makes it so captivating?  When I'm lucky enough to catch one it feels like my soul is being recharged and I can't help but stop and drink in the beauty. 

To often I'm hurrying from one thing to another and I hate to think about all those wonderful little moments I've missed because I didn't take time for them.  There's a saying I've heard that goes something like this, "Life isn't about reaching your destination, it's about enjoying the journey along the way."  When I see a pretty sunrise/sunset, it's a reminder to me to stop and enjoy the beautiful moments in life as they happen - to soak it all in and enjoy the ride.

Here's a beautiful sunrise over Padre Bay at Lake Powell.  Ahhhh!

And here's a pretty sunset over Bullfrog Bay at Lake Powell.

This is one of my favorite sunrise pictures at Lake Powell from a few years ago - Winston watching the sunrise from our houseboat window. Yes I do love it there!

Isn't it just beautiful?  He was entranced watching the sun come up and just sat there staring out the window for at least 5 minutes while I sat and watched him and the sunrise - a double bonus, enjoying a gorgeous sunrise and time with my little guy.  A wonderful moment I'll never forget.

 

Remember to enjoy those beautiful little moments that life has to offer - enjoy the ride.

My Resolutions

I've heard that the first step in accomplishing a goal is to write it down.  After putting a lot of thought into this, here's what I've come up with for my 2011 Resolutions:

1.  Make a positive impact on someone's life each day.  After a lot of thinking, I realized this is one of the deepest wishes of my heart, to make a difference, to help, to uplift and be a positive influence on those around me.  A simple thing but honestly it's really what I want to do - make my little corner of the world a better place through my actions and my attitude.
2.  Take a cooking class - I love to bake and would love to be able to learn new techniques and improve my skills - besides it sounds like fun.
3.  Learn to better control my reactions and not allow the actions of others to dictate how I react and how I feel.  I've learned over the years (through some not so very pleasant encounters) to try and do this but I still need to work on it.  I'll just take a deep breath and remember that someone's stupidity, inconsiderate behavior, anger and/or frustration doesn't have to become mine - and it won't unless I allow it to.
4.  Be a more patient and considerate driver.  I tend to grit my teath and mentally berate other drivers especially when I'm in a hurry (which is most of the time).  This one ties in well with #3.
5.  Run in a 10K and then a Half Marathon.  I did my first 5K last year and would love to build on that and be able to run for longer distances.  Guess I have a little bit of training ahead of me.  : )
6.  Take time each week to write down the highlights.  I'm not very good at journal writing (I think that's partly why I started blogging) and I don't want to forget about all the wonderful, strange, interesting, crazy things that happen in our family. 

Well that's it for this year.  Wish me luck!

P.S.  If you like the little wooden note book in the picture, you can find it here.  I think it's adorable and a great way to keep a handy little list of all those resolutions.  Good luck with yours!

A Song that Speaks to Me

While thinking about what to do for my New Year's resolution, I've been remembering some things I used to do back in the good old jr. high and high school days.  One thing I enjoyed doing was writing down the lyrics to songs that I loved - songs that touched something in me, that I related to and seemed like they were written especially for me.  (Did anyone else ever do this?)  I still have some old notebooks filled with my doodling.   It's been a long time since I've even thought about this (I guess trying to think about what this years resolution will be has brought out a little of my old teenage self). 

There is a song by Josh Gracin called "I Wanna Live."  Whenever I hear this song, I'm reminded of a warm afternoon in late spring several years ago when Brad and I took our boat out on the lake - just the two of us - for a ride.

I was kind of at a crossroads having finally come to terms with the realization that my two boy were almost grown - would be leaving home soon - and not knowing what I wanted to do with the next chapter of my life.  At the time, Zack and Bo were finishing up their junior and sophomore years in high school.  I was feeling sad and a little empty that my role as a mother would soon be coming to an end (I had no idea that our lives would be blessed with Winston and I'd get another chance to be a mommy for this wonderful little boy) and feeling a little anxious and uncertain about what might be in store for Brad and me.

With the wind blowing through my hair and this song playing as we sped across the lake, I couldn't help but relate to the lyrics and think this is what I want - to savor and to fully enjoy the experience that is my life.  To share all my love and be loved in return and to let go of things holding me back.

Following are some of the lyrics to this song:

Sometimes I feel like I need to shake myself, to wake myself:
I feel like I'm just sleep walkin' through my life.
It's like I'm swimmin' in an ocean of emotion,
But still, somehow, slowly goin' numb inside.
I don't like who I'm becomin', I know I've gotta do somethin',
Before my life passes right by.

I want to cry like the rain, cry like the rain,
Shine like the sun on a beautiful mornin'.
Sing to the heavens like a church bell ringin',
Fight with the devil an' go down swingin'.
Fly like a bird, roll like a stone,
Love like I ain't afraid to be alone.
Take everything that this world has to give,
I wanna live.

I guess this song comes to mind now because I'm at a crossroads again.  Zack and Bo are back from their missions but headed off to college.  Soon they'll be establishing lives of their own that don't include me - at least not very much.  I'm so grateful we have Winston - I really wasn't ready for my role as a mother to be over.  One big difference - this time around, I don't feel so anxious and uncertain about what the future holds for me and my family.  In fact, I'm really looking forward to all the possibilities.

On a side note, I'm still trying to figure out what this year's resolution will be....

Just Somethings to Think About....

Picture by my sister Lauri.

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream"  C.S. Lewis

 "All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become." Buddha

‎"People who soar are those who refuse to sit back, sigh, and wish things would change. They neither complain of their lot nor passively dream of some distant ship coming in. Rather, they visualize in their minds that they are not quitters; they will not allow life's circumstances to push them down and hold them under..."Charles Swindoll

‎" Life really is beautiful, even with all of its ups and down. No, let me rephrase that, Life really is beautiful because of its ups and downs!!!"  Jessica Simons 

The Real Meaning of Christmas

This is the cutest video about the real reason for Christmas.  A little girl is the narrator and tells the story of the Nativity with her own flair - it's just adorable and well worth a look.

Thought for this Month

We had a great lesson in church yesterday.  President Dieter Uchtdorf is one of my favorite Apostles to listen to - I really relate to the way he views the world and his perspective on things resonates with me.  The lesson was on a talk (click here to view) titled "Of Things That Matter Most" given by President Uchtdorf at this past General Conference and it's such a great message for this time of year - well worth the read.  Following are a few quotes from his talk:

"If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most."

"There is a beauty and clarity that comes from simplicity that we sometimes do not appreciate in our thirst for intricate solutions."

"Let us simplify our lives a little.  Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship - the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness and peace."

And one more quote from President Uchtdorf:

"God does not need us to love Him.  But oh how we need to love God.  For what we love determines what we seek.  What we seek determines what we think and do.  What we think and do determines who we are - and who we will become."

Wise words from a wise man.

A Grateful Heart

I didn't want to let the month of November go by without expressing my gratitude for all the wonderful blessings in my life.  For the past year, I've tried to focus on "Finding Joy in the Journey" and being grateful for all that I have.  It hasn't always been easy.  Why is it such a simple thing to fall into a mode of self pity and wanting things that are out of reach?  All that does is bring sadness, disappointment and heartache.  When I focus on the many wonderful things in my life, I'm overwhelmed by how blessed I truly am.  Not only do I feel satisfied with what I have, but also I'm filled with such a deep sense of gratitude I can't help but feel and be happy.  So here goes with a few of the things I'm grateful for - really my list could go on and on and on...

I'm so very grateful for my family - my three wonderful sons and terrific husband.  I'm so grateful my sons have returned home safely - that they've had these wonderful opportunities to serve missions, to teach and help others and by doing so have learned so much about their own capabilities.  I'm so grateful for how our lives have been blessed by their missions - both spiritually and financially.  I'm grateful for their example - to Winston and to me.

I'm so grateful for Winston's health.  The surgery he had last year has made a HUGE difference in his health and strength and I know he's been blessed and watched over these past four years.  He is a miracle and I can't help but be amazed at how far he's come since the day of his birth.  Knowing how much Heavenly Father has blessed this little guy fills my heart with so many emotions - it's hard to express the depth of gratitude I feel.  I'm also so very grateful for Winston.  He's brought so much joy to our family and to my life as his mother.  My father told me he would keep me young and as usual, my father was right - even though Winston can be exhausting at times, his energy and enthusiastic wonder add a sense of magic to the mundane and remind me how special the simple things in life really are.

 
I'm so grateful for my wonderful husband - for his support, his strength, his kindness and his friendship.  He really is my best friend.  He knows all about me and still loves me inspite of my flaws.  From the day we met I've felt a connection with him - I think we're kindred spirits.  I feel so lucky and so blessed to be able to share my life with this incredible man.  Just the sound of his voice brings a smile to my face and warms my heart.  I couldn't do all I have to do without his help and love. 

My life is so blessed and enriched by my wonderful family and friends - your offers to help, your listening ears, your hugs and "I love you's."  I want to thank each of you for these special blessings - your love, your help, your friendship and for all that you add to my life.  I truly am grateful for each of you.  When I think of all I've been blessed with, my heart overflows with gratitude and I feel such a sense of peace and happiness.  Thank you.

Today I Can Choose

I love Sunflowers.  Have you ever noticed that in a sunflower field, the flowers almost always face the same direction?  I read somewhere that sunflowers actually track the sun when they're young - they'll face East in the morning and then follow the sun throughout the day until they're facing West in the evening - that's why they're called sunflowers.  I like to think they're also a reminder for us to look up - to seek out the light in our own lives.

I came across the following affirmation a few years ago while preparing for a talk in church and have loved this from the momet I first read it.  We really are in charge of our attitudes - how we feel and how we allow others to affect us each day.  It's also a good reminder about how our actions affect those around us.  I've misplaced it a few times so thought I'd just post on my blog so I'll always know where to find it - especially on those days when I need an attitude adjustment.  ;) 

TODAY I CAN CHOOSE

"Today comes with built in decisions, great and small. The clothes I put on, the road I travel, the people whose lives I touch. In fact, nearly everything in my day depends on how I choose. Today I can choose to carry the blame myself, or to hold out a helping hand...to shout out loud in anger, or to wait ten seconds...to cloud someone's mind with doubt, or to lift a heart with encouragement. Today I can choose to count stars or to count mud puddles. When I go to the store, I can choose to see how much there is to buy instead of how much I have to pay. When I get stuck in traffic, I can see, in every other car, a person just as important as me. Today, because I live in a free land, there are a thousand things I can choose: The neighborhood I live in, the friends I laugh with, the work I do, the thoughts I think, the dreams I dare. And what I will become, in spite of my fears and failures, in spite of the talents I lack, in spite of all the privileges I never had, depends on how I choose to challenge myself today. For I have power, if I choose, to act instead of complain...to speak out instead of cherishing a hurt...to seek justice instead of revenge...to love the world instead of waiting for the world to embrace me first. What I choose today may well be the cause of my tomorrow. Today...I shall live as I choose. Let me choose wisely and well..."   Author Unknown

Remember to look up - like a sunflower!  :)

Thought for the Day

“There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way” ~C.S. Lewis

Thought for the day

We function most powerfully when we are giving love. The world has led us to believe that our well-being is dependent on other people loving us. But this is the kind of upside-down thinking that has caused so many of our problems. The truth is that our well-being is dependent on our giving love. It is not about what comes back; it is about what goes out.  Alan Cohen

Words to live by

I came across the following verses in my reading during the last few weeks and even though I've read and heard them before, these words really struck a cord with me this time.  I love the promised blessing of peace if we keep the Lord's commandments - not just in our actions but in our hearts (I could really use some peace in my life right now). 

PROVERBS 3:1-6 “…Forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments, for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart; so shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Sometimes in this rush and hurried world it's easy to lose sight of what's truly important. This scripture reminded me that no matter what's going on in and around my life, I need to trust Heavenly Father. He will bless and guide me through all my struggles. These words are so comforting to me, especially since I know how flawed my own thinking can be at times (I blame it on hormones - sometimes it's hard to be a girl - emotions, pressure from others and the typical distractions in life - besides, nobody's perfect.  Right?).  I'm recommiting to try and do all I can to Trust in my Lord.  I hope some of that peace finds me along the way.  :)