Thanksgiving Everyday

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, I feel like it's important for me to share some of the gratitude that is in my heart, because although "the day" has come and gone, there are so many things to give thanks for every single day! President Thomas S. Monson said in this last conference, "Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God's love." I feel that is so true. When I sit back and count my blessings, I always seem to become overwhelmed with a deep sense of love that I know my Heavenly Father has for me. In fact, the more I feel gratitude, the more blessings I am freely given. Doesn't it seem kind of ironic? In trying to give back thanks to Him, I am given even more. It's also that way with service. When we give of our time and talents to others, in the end, we are the ones that feel the blessings of serving. President Monson also said, "feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." So as we move from Thanksgiving to a holiday full of gift giving, I wish to express my love and gratitude to those who touch my life. My husband - he's truly amazing and is always giving to me. He gives me love, support, laughter and encouragement, and compliments that would make any woman feel like Ms. Universe! I love you Clint! :) And my children - who make me feel needed and loved, who love their one on one time with me, and who unconditionally love me even when I am grouchy! (and tend to pick those moments to tell me that I'm the best mom in the whole wide world! Imagine that! ;) I love you kids! And my parents - who have given me all that they have to give throughout my life - and can be good sports about attending a "rock Christmas concert" for an unforgettable 69th birthday gift with no complaints! I will never forget that one! I love you mom and dad! And my siblings - who I know love me even through banana-less banana bread and my all time famous attention getter - "accidentally" getting my nose in my ice-cream cone and then acting like I don't know it's there! I love you guys! And my in-laws - who accept me and love me just the way I am, and who make me feel not at all like an "in-law," but a prized sister and daughter who can do no wrong! Boy do I have you guys fooled! ;) I love you all! And to all of my friends - who love me, encourage me, believe in me, and inspire me and make me want to be better. Thank you for your devotion and friendship! They mean the world to me! And last but NOT least, a kind and generous, wise and eternal Father in Heaven who lifts me, forgives me, and loves me to the end. I am eternally grateful for all of these precious gifts!

It's a Wonderful Life!

I recently wrote about the "speed limit " that we travel through this life at, and since that day, I feel that "time" is traveling at the "speed of light!" I am just simply amazed at how true it is that the older we get, the faster time goes by. Everyday seems to be full of things to do, people to see, places to go, reasons to celebrate-laugh-and smile. And as much as I desire for the little things in life to linger, I am enjoying life to the fullest - along with each of the days that come and go. I love taking my little ones to the zoo, (especially when it's their first time!) I love going on dates with Clint and taking our children on their individual dates each month when it's "their day." I love making birthday cakes for my family and laughing out loud when the little ones press their faces up against the window with squished noses and crazy faces! I love having Family Home Evening and the time that we are together with no where to run off to, and no where that we have to be. Whether it's being a "Ghost buster" with Clint or "Booing" someone for the 3rd time in one week, our family home evenings is on my list of favorites. I also love serving in the church. I feel like life has so much more meaning when we are doing something for someone else. And although I wish I could do more at times, I still feel so much joy and satisfaction from the time that is given from a mother to her family. I love having my parents come and stay for a visit and to see everyone giddy over the"special attention" that they get from grandma and papa. I love when the kids say something so cute like, "I'm choosing the right because I want to be on Jesus' side!" I also love watching the kids all run for the back door for a big hug every night around the same time, (you know the time, when daddy comes home?!) I love watching the seasons change and taking in all of the wonder and beauty of Heavenly Father's creations. I love watching my children grow in confidence with their accomplishments in church or at school. I love getting together with family for blessings and baptisms and holiday gatherings. I love family traditions, especially the ones that come this time of year! (Baking, singing, decorating, and the "Gift of Time!") I love seeing old friends and wrapping my arms around them and hugging them a little longer than usual. I love to close my eyes at those moments and push pause and record those thoughts and feelings and memories in my heart. And even though there always seems to be challenges both great and small that are mixed in with all of the good, I love making it through the hard times and then looking back on how we may have grown through the experience or trial. Because - it is true that without the opposition in life, we would not know true joy. For all of these reasons and so many more, I am so grateful at this Thanksgiving time. I know that all that is good in my life comes from our Heavenly Father and I can honestly say, "it's a wonderful life!"

"SPEED LIMIT 35"

I can hardly believe that it's already November! It feels as if the hands of time are turning faster and faster as the days pass by. So, in an effort to remind myself to take time to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life, I have been listening to President Uchtdorf's talk from this last conference titled, "Of Things That Matter Most." I love everything that he says in this talk! He reminds us that during some of the busiest, most hectic times in our lives, we need to slow down and SIMPLIFY! As I have listened to this talk over and over again, (almost daily now!) I find myself learning new things all of the time. (And just as Dieter relates almost all of his stories to airplanes, I seem to relate almost all of mine to running!) So, I guess I'll chalk this one up to just one more of "life's little lessons" that I learned on a run!
I was on my way home with only about a mile or so left to go, when I happened to look up just as I was passing a speed limit sign. It said, "SPEED LIMIT 35." Now, I don't know how many times I have passed a sign like this, but for some reason, today, this sign taught me something. A speed limit is just that. It's a limit. Not a challenge of "how much faster than that can I go?" Well, as I thought about this sign, I also realized that it was there to help me and to keep me safe. And - not coincidentally, the closer we get to home, the slower the speed limit gets. In some areas on the freeway we can travel at speeds of up to 75 mph! After we exit the freeway the speed limit drops to 50 then 45 then 35, then once inside our little neighborhood, the speed limit is a whopping 25 mph! So, as we continue to race on through this life, we need to be sure that the closer we get to home, the more we need to slow down! Doesn't it make perfect sense? Some of the most important work that we do in life happens within the walls of our own homes. Wouldn't it be sad if we were in too big of a hurry or we were in such a rush that we ended up missing out on those priceless opportunities? I know that I personally try to fill my day to the fullest with good things. But, I also know that there are millions of "good things" in the world and that I need to be selective on which ones I put my effort into and which ones can be left aside for another time. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who is kind enough and wise enough to help us learn and grow while we are here on this journey through life. I am grateful that He speaks to our hearts and minds in ways that we can understand, and if we are listening, we just might hear what it is that He is trying to tell us. This life truly is a gift and I am so happy to be reminded daily that there is a purpose and a plan to all of this! Now, if only I could figure out how to get the laundry done at freeway speed, and how to turn nap time into a "school zone!" Or hey, how about a "STOP" sign! THAT would be awesome!