Monday, August 29, 2011

Monday Musings

I read this blog post this morning. It was about preparing our daughters for real life. How to teach them courage and not shelter them from the reality that life is hard. She quoted Joshua 1:9 and how they use that scripture in their family as a courage bolster. I remembered it from last year's Mutual theme. Here's the scripture in case you're not familiar with it.

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

This prompted some serious thought for me this morning. Life has been hard for me lately. Many things are piled on my plate - some from my own choice and some have been put there by others. I've found myself complaining and lamenting how unfair it is for me. I've cried that I feel so alone. Wo, wo is me. On and on I go.

I'm amazed at the power one scripture can have. I've had my eyes opened in a way. I've been afraid and lacking faith. I haven't seen the amazing things that the Lord is doing in my life. "...Mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst...." (D&C 38:7) I need to remember this more as I go about my life. Most of what feels hard are things that the Lord has asked me or prompted me to do. I know He wouldn't leave me alone to accomplish them. I need to do more drawing near and seeking rather just asking and asking and asking. (D&C 88:63)

Today was a better day. I felt more peaceful and less anxious. I fussed less and said yes more. I enjoyed my day more and was more deliberate about the choices I made. I am grateful for today!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Five Things Friday


So here are five random things that have been going on here lately:

1. We were all talking one day at dinner about being pretty. So I decided to tease Tyler and called him pretty. He objected by saying, "I'm not pretty. I'm awesome!"

2. Karena and Hannah have both started new activities this past month. Karena has started guitar lessons. She loves it and is doing quite well. She is now learning that she has to practice and practicing is not as fun as lessons. Hannah is doing gymnastics. I think she actually likes it better than dance. We've been working on not saying I can't. For a few days I annoyed her by calling her "Cannah" to encourage more of a "I can" attitude. I told her I'd quit calling her Cannah when she quit saying "I can't" all the time. So far it seems to be working.

3. We have discovered that certain TV shows in our home make my children argue and fight. Since eliminating those shows they get along much better.

4. The kids and I are all learning to crochet. Some are taking to it more than others.

5. This is the month of field trips. So far we've gone to the zoo to learn about Rainforests and visited the Tennessee State Museum to see an ancient Egypt exhibit. Next week we're going to the Purity Dairy to learn how they make ice cream. In a few weeks we get to go to Cheekwood Botanical Gardens.

Monday, August 01, 2011

Things Overheard

1. While discussing a past visit from Santa at the library - Tyler: Was that the real Santa or one of his dorks?

2. While listening to talk radio about the budget crisis - Tyler: Next year I'm voting for President Monson because he's always good.

3. Karena: You can't tell if someone is Mormon just by looking at them. You have to see how they act first.