Transitions

My life as I knew it has changed dramatically. I will be quiting my job at the end of December and will be going back to school. This I hope will be a blessing in my life. I've done away with the television, the Tivo, and our home phone. I am trying to sell my car and our Timeshare. It is now time in my life to simplify. We hear the bretheren talk about this all the time, but I am finding it is liberating to really do it. I want my home to be more of a refuge from Satan's influence, more now than ever. I think it is so important to realize that we are truly at war and we cannot be complacent. I'm sure there are many changes to come and I hope I can do what is necessary to have joy in my life.

I've also been thinking so much about the things that I am Thankful for. It always seems that at this time of year I try to reflect on all of the blessings I've been given. I'm so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. What a blessing. I'm grateful for 4 beautiful children that have given me so much joy. I'm grateful that Parker and Logan have served missions and that Maddi is planning on going at the end of this year. I'm grateful for scriptures and the guidance we find in their words. I'm grateful for a living prophet that leads us today. I'm grateful for wonderful parents and a wonderful, supportative family. I don't know what I would do without them. I'm so grateful for caring friends and the way they lift me when things aren't going well. I feel like I've been given so much. I know Heavenly Father is a loving God and that he truly cares about each and everyone of us, and for this I am eternally grateful. I know that I have taken so much of this for granted and for that I need to repent, because I have truly been blessed.

My Auntie Em

Last Thursday I was able to take my mom and her sister DD up to see their sister on the Idaho/Oregon border. My Auntie Em is dying. I was born on her birthday and we've always shared that special bond. She has not had an easy life, but she has seemed to always roll with the punches. They found out she is full of cancer and they give her 6 months. It was wonderful talking to this special lady. We talked about Heaven and she told us that she believes that Heaven is closer than we think. She said that she believes that when we close our eyes and die, we just take a step out of our mortal bodies and you're there. That's how close Heaven is. She is close to the Spirit right now and you could really feel it present in her room.

I'm so grateful for our knowledge of the plan of Salvation and that we know we'll be together again as an eternal family. Her mother and father have both passed away and I know they will be there to greet her with open arms. We will miss her deeply while we continue on here without her, but we will be together again. What comfort I find in that.

My Aunt was born the Oldest of 4 children. Her brother, the next in line died a couple of years ago. Then there is my aunt D. My mom is the youngest. They talked about wonderful times that they had and memories of their times together on trips. It was fun to hear them reminise about their youth. How glad I am that we took that trip, because I'm not sure we'll ever see her again in the condition that we were able to enjoy her in. The day after we left, she didn't have such a good day. She wasn't even able to get out of bed or wake up to converse. I will forever be grateful that we took the time for this special time together. The trip up was also fun as my cousin LF made the trip a wonderful memory for us. She is so fun-loving and crazy. She makes friends wherever she goes. What wonderful memories . . . .

Gratitude

So, this week has been a week full of feelings. It all started with realizing how important it is for our family to do daily scripture study together. It is amazing to me how the spirit will reside in our home when we have study time together. And when we don't take that time, how Satan is right there ready to pounce. I've been so grateful for the Gospel, my Savior and his words this week. On Saturday I was blessed to be able to attend the Temple with friends and neighbors. The spirit bouyed me up. And to finish it off, going to church on Sunday and listening to beautiful lessons taught there. It gives me such a feeling of gratitude. I am so blessed and I feel like I need to share, but am not sure where to share or with whom. I need to search this out and find where or who I need to do this with.

I think it must be the time of year. It seems like at this time of year I start reflecting on what the year has held and how I've been given so much. I see the beautiful colors starting to change and I realize time has flown by. I'm not ready for another winter, but it will come anyway and I'll be glad when the spring buds begin to show again. I guess I shouldn't wish away time and I need to learn to enjoy the moments that make up my life. I've begun to realize how fast time goes and how much of it I've wasted wishing it away. I guess this will be one of my goals - to enjoy the tiny moments and memories. I have such gratitude in my heart that I can take the time and do this. It will make life that much sweeter of that I am certain.