Finding Joy

I went out with the sister missionaries tonight. They are teaching a lady who is new to the area. It was nice to be able to bare my testimony about the Savior and Joseph Smith. It is amazing if we think about it, how much we are loved. Our Heavenly Father has provided a way that we can return to Him. As I was sitting in the temple on Saturday it reminded me of how He has made it possible for each of use to return to Him through the atonement of our Savior our personal Redeemer. I know He is aware of each of us and is waiting for us to come unto Him. I loved how President Monson's admonished us to find joy in the journey. The Savior invites each of us to receive Him. As we approach this Christmas season may we find joy in the little things, may we find joy in serving others, may we find joy in knowing who we are, may we find joy in receiving Him.

Linda tagged me. This is the fourth picture in my fourth folder. It was taken last Thanksgiving. I went to the temple this weekend. I love the peace I feel there. It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is around the corner. I get to go to Texas this coming week for a reading conference. I hope it will be a great learning experience. I hate missing my students. I have so much fun with them. Today one of my girls said I needed to be President. When I asked her why she said, " your cool and your a teacher!" Maybe we do need a teacher as a president. I just know it will not be me!! Enjoy voting tomorrow.

Some things I have learned

I was reading in my journal the other day. I would like to share one of my entries. May 22, 2008 How often the word “Why?” has been emitted from my thoughts or mind yet the answer eludes me time and time again until a moment way down in time I understand the why. Often our prayers seem to be unheard and I stumble groping for peace, hope, or assurance that I am headed in the right way. I was contemplating several of the 'whys' in my life and realized if it weren’t for these ‘whys’ I wouldn’t know love, the kind that is eternal. I wouldn’t know joy, the kind that can come from being a mom and a wife. I wouldn’t know deep anguishing pain or sorrow for those you truly care about. I wouldn’t know anger, happiness, misery, forgiveness both being able to be forgiven and for being forgiving when someone has hurt you deeply. I wouldn’t have known laughter, the kind that makes your heart soar. I wouldn’t know misery and unconditional love, the kind that keeps on giving even when you don’t deserve it. I wouldn’t know peace, the kind that comes from knowing who you are. I wouldn’t know kindness, thankfulness and gratitude. I wouldn’t have courage to face each new trial. I wouldn’t have wisdom beyond my earthly capabilities. Yes, the ‘whys’ may be painful but they are what has shaped the woman I have become.

Seasons

Wow! I am not looking forward to the cold weather. I loved the fall colors but it always is a prelude to the winter. I guess I need to think that after winter is Spring my favorite time of the year. I don't want to sound like I am complaining because I am grateful for each season and the promises each one brings. It is just that I enjoy some more than more. Today I have been the shredder queen. I was going through my papers and decided I needed to do a little draw cleaning. I got two big bags of shredded paper from three drawers. I can't wait until I hit my filing cabinets. Poor Shawnee has had to take care of me once again. I came home from school yesterday with a sick stomach. She makes a good nurse for me. Well until next time.

Tagged

Tagged 8 TV shows I like to watch:

• Gilmore Girls
• Reba
• Wheel of Fortune
• Hallmark channel
• What ever Shawnee has on
• I lead a boring life

8 Favorite Restaurants

• Olive Garden
• Cracker Barrel
• Quiznos
• I can't think of any other place. I live in a small town and don't get out much

8 Things that happened yesterday

• Woke up
• Went to work
• Taught my students
• Taught my reading class
• Went home
• Threw up
• Threw up again
• Went to bed

8 Things I'm looking forward to:

• having all my children home again
• Spring
• finding just the right place for Kirk
• giving back all the pots and pans from the generous people who brought food
• getting all my paper work done
• getting my bills payed off
• feeling better
• hugging my grandchildren~!!!

People I tag: Mandi Lauri

Anyone for Salsa cheese dip?

I had Kirk home this weekend. It was nice to see his smiling face. He loved Shawnee tickling his feet. He is very spoiled to say the least. It was so funny yesterday when he was eating lunch he got hold of a jar of salsa cheese dip and was eating it out of the jar. He was eating it so fast for fear I would take it away. By the time he was finished with it I could almost see flames coming from his ears. He looked at me kind of startled then drank a BIG glass of milk to cool himself down. I had to chuckle because of his expression. I am not sure if he knew what was happening.

As I was sitting listening to conference today, I realized how blessed I am. The talk by Elder Holland touched me so much. I have been so blessed by so many angels these past few weeks. I want to testify that there are angels all around us. These angles seem to know what I need, a hug, a smile or just a listening ear. If we take the time to look around they are everywhere. I pray that we can all be angels to those around us. Here are a few of the angels in my life these past few weeks.