This time of year is so beautiful. I love the colors that seem to magically appear over night. In keeping with the season I decided to decorate the beautiful table my son built for me to bring in the season. I made the table topper and the quilt on the back of my new chair. I love these colors! Hope you enjoy!

Change/Principles

The other day while I was sitting in the temple I realized even though my life is always changing one thing that doesn't change are principles. Each one of us is guided by principles. We make choices based on principles. I read a book called, The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews. In the book he talks about several principles that governs his life. Here are several quotes from his book I really like: "My past can never be changed, but I can change the future by changing my actions today. My future is immediate." "My smile is the key to my emotional makeup. A wise man once said, " I do not sing because I am happy; I am happy because I sing!" When I choose to smile, I become the master of my emotions. Discouragement, despair, frustration, and fear will always wither when confronted by my smile. The power of who I am is displayed when I smile." "The words of a wise man are like raindrops on dry ground. They are precious and can be quickly used for immediate results. Only the blade of grass that catches a raindrop will prosper and grow, The person who ignores wise counsel is like the blade of grass untouched by the rain- soon to wither and and die." I know there are so many things others do that help me grow, so I want to be the one who smiles, who seeks wisdom from others and then change the future by changing my actions today!

Well I guess it is time to fire up the computer and catch up on life. This summer Kristin took some pictures of my family. The wind was blowing but they show how cute they all are. I am back at work trying to get in the grove of things. I caught a bad cold, sinus infection and have had a plugged ear for over a month now and can't seem to knock it. I have been on two antibiotics and lots of decongestion's. Let's just say I am tired of it. I want to hear!! I have to turn my head so my good ear is facing who ever is talking to me. Now I know how those who can't hear all the time feel. I have more empathy for them. Mike and Nicole have moved into their new house. It has been very quite around here. Kirk turned 23 on the 7th. I can't believe my baby is that old. I love having him here in town. He his learning every day. I am so grateful for the wonderful ladies that care for him and teach him. Bekah turned 5 years old and is enjoying kindergarten. It is amazing she has kept her shoes on every day! I was made the Nursery Leader instead of just the helper. I am enjoying the little ones but have trouble coming up with activities they can do. I love their hugs and cute little smiles. It's warms my heart when they recognize me. Yesterday, a new granddaughter was born, Heidi Brynn Hendershot. I feel so blessed. This gives me 5 granddaughters and 3 grandsons. Check out Bryan's face book for a cute picture of the little darling. I wanted to go see them this weekend but hate to give them the crud I have, so I will wait. Well now I am all caught up for another few days. Until next time.

Trip

Shawnee and I had the opportunity to travel to Nauvoo and Winter's quarters after visiting my sister in Minneapolis. One can't even begin to express the emotions that passed through me as I walked upon those sacred grounds. Even though it was extremely hot and the humidity was just as high we were able to attend the pageant two nights (thanks Shawnee for indulging me). We were treated like royalty. Even though it was very hot and humid it was a wonderful trip. The best part for me was being able to attend the temple in all three places we visited. I love the temple. I will post more picture later of other high lights. This is the Saint Paul/Minneapolis temple. The top window is the window in which the prophet fell from after he was shot. The door at Carthage where the bullet went through the door. Joseph and Hyrum as they rode off to Carthage. Truly humbling. I think one of the greatest things I came away with from this trip was a greater love for the prophet Joseph Smith, his wife Emma and for Hyrum his brother. What love they must have had for each other and for the Lord. While in Nauvoo we were able to attend the pageant. It was amazing. I think I felt every emotion from happiness to sorrow while watching it. This is a picture of the Nauvoo temple. It was amazing to see the river while standing in front of it on the hill.You can see Shawnee in front looking west as Pres. Hinckley suggested during the dedication of the temple. I loved attending a session while there. When I was quite young I learned how to spell MISSISSIPPI. It is as wide as its name is long! Shawnee overlooking the great Mississippi! On our way home we stopped at Winter's Quarters and went to the temple there. We were able to tour the visitor center and I walked the sacred grounds where so many pioneers were buried.

Serenity!

As the sun slowly slips into twilight, nightfall awakens. Birds sing a lullaby to their sleepy offspring. Crickets chirp within their hiding places orchestrating a musical arrangement for all to hear. Winds waft softly through the tree tops, kissing the swaying leaves. Arrays of colors waltz across the horizon dancing luminously in the sky. Stars slowly twinkle adding just a hint of radiance to the encroaching darkness Silver moonbeams encourage harmony, as the silent shadows ushers in nightfall. Serenity!

Hand of God

One question, Where is the time going? The summer months are so short and it seems like the older I get the faster they pass by. The other day I was thinking about the question: Have you seen the hand of God in my life today? So I have been taking that challenge to recognize His hand in my life and here is a few of the things I have witnessed: A phone call from someone in the past that makes your realize you are not forgotten. A cuddly baby in my arms. Grandchildren praying to their Heavenly Father. Feeling the spirit while doing service for someone else. The peace that comes from being forgiven for something you have done wrong. My son really looking in my eyes as if to say, "I love you even though I can't say the words by myself". Children who try to choose the right. Finding an answer to troubling questions while reading the scriptures. Just being able to get up in the morning and be happy. Looking at the beautiful colors and the variety of beauty around me. Of course these are only a few of the things I have witnessed. Sometimes, I find it harder than others to recognize the little things that are from God but I do know that He is very aware of me. I just need to learn to be more in tune to His goodness.

Thanks!

I wanted to say thanks to all who wished me Happy Birthday. I had a very nice day. I went to the temple then did a little shopping and bought each of the grandchildren an outfit to wear on the 4th. When I got home the phone kept me busy and while on the phone my sister Juanita then Richard and Linda came over to visit. I felt so special. I got a call from President and Sister Tingey (Kevin's Mission president). My sister Laretta called and we talked for over an hour. Kevin's sister, Susan also called. It was a wonderful way to be remember. Lloyd gave me a call today. Janet and Nicole made super for me (which was wonderful!). Again, thanks everyone. I've been reading a book on self esteem and I loved this form the book by Mary Jane Woodger: "Self Esteem is given to us through spiritual gifts. It is the development of those gifts once we have discovered them, that we gain confidence. Spiritual gifts are given to us so that we can have peace in this life and feel secure when we experience disappointments, discouragements, despair, doubts, fears or jealousies." She quotes Elder Packer, "If you learn and earnestly seek the gifts of the Spirit, then you will be competent. The problems will be there, but ... you will find a great solace and comfort and great power will be with you all the time."