Who does God's Work...

Who does God's work will get God's pay


However long may seem the day

However weary be the way

No mortal hand, God's hand can stay

He may not pay as others pay

...In gold or silks or raiments gay

In goods that perish and decay

But his high wisdom knows a way

And this is sure let come what may

Who does God's work will get God's pay.

Anonymous

LDS.org - CES Fireside - To Have Peace and Happiness

LDS.org - CES Fireside - To Have Peace and Happiness

I Must Admit....

The passed three weeks of my life has been absolutely out of the normal.  First, I had to take time off (2 weeks) from running due to some upper back muscle straining (apparently I didn't give my body enough recovery time after my last marathon).  Then, once I was healed from that I came down with a horrid COLD.  Maybe it's the FLU.  I don't know, but it is no fun!
 
Anyhow, it seems like it was meant for my life to slow down for a bit.  I really feel that the Lord has allowed all this to happen so that I could stop and smell the roses more, well stop and make time for Him, to do what He wanted me to do or needs for me to do.  It is like He is preparing me for something and this was the only way I would actually listen and obey.  So, what have I done the last 21 days?
 
Well, I'll tell you what I have not done...

~I have not studied photography (like I said I would), or
~facebooked (approx. 45min. total through out the whole day) or
~blogged as much. 
~I haven''t watched a lot of movies (maybe four movies total thus far). 
~I haven't talked on the phone to friends or family, more than the usual.
~ I haven't eaten the left over Halloween candy.
~I have not done the laundry (Rob's done it)
~
But I have found myself sitting on my rear more often than normal (because of icing/heating my back or sick from my cold).  And during these sitting times...

~I have listened to all of October's General Conference talks, again. 
~Read some church talks from the past. 
~Studied and researched, via lds.org, about marriage and intimacy and oneness. 
~Emerged myself in the scriptures more (reading "Preach My Gospel") and pondered about what I read, for once. 
~I have looked though mormon.org, jesuschrist.lds.org, and mormon messages. 
~Started a profile on Mormon.org.  Not done with that yet. 
~I made and wrote thank you cards to friends. 
~I did some e-mailing to family and friends that I have not contacted for awhile. 
~I went through 1000's of pictures (still have 1000's to go) and deleted a ton of them. 
~I have had so much quiet/alone time to do some real soul searching and thinking. 
~I have been more calmed and at peace.
~I have, ironically, been a scattered brain; forgetting words and things, not making any sense, etc...(I blame my COLD)
~I have listened to uplifting music
~I have gone outside and taken pictures of nature and tried to capture the beautiful Autumn colors.
~ I have gotten more hugs and kisses from my kids, and I have hugged them and kissed them more, in return.
~I have drunk more than 90oz of water a day.
~I have actually gotten more sleep the last 2 weeks than I have in months (regardless of my back and cold)
~I have felt more love in my home
~I have had some wonderful spiritual experiences (Heavenly Father really tries to communicate with me more than I had ever imagined, in just one day)
~I have thought of friends' situations, relatives' unfortunate circumstances and made an effort to recognize the good in my every day life
~I have expressed more prayers of gratitude and have asked the Lord to help all those in our lives that need peace, answers, healing, love, comfort, etc. 
~I have spent more time listening to my kids, etc........

As you can see I have done much good the last 21 days while I have had to sit on my rear and stop to "smell the roses" more. Life has been a challenge, but it has brought us a load of blessings. Life is GOOD! I have been shaped and molded by the Lord in 21 days. I am better today than I was yesterday. I am progressing towards becoming the person I'm supposed to be and who I once was, according to Heavenly Father's Plan.

Lunch With Friends Is A Must In Life...

I always love going out with friends to eat.  I don't do it often because it can get expensive.  There is just something about enjoying a delicious meal together with people you relish being with, and then endulging on some sweetness over a nice talk about life in general or whatever is on your mind.  When all is done, everyone leaves feeling renewed and thinking "Why don't we do this more often?" 
Rob and I had the wonderful opportunity to go out to eat with my old Best Friend from High School, Brian (Rob replaced him ^_^, he is my best friend now!!)  and his sweet wife, Angee.  We laughed, cried and teased for three hours.   I brought up some past teasing by Brian, I still have not gotten over some of his pestering, heeheee!  I'm scarred for life!  I may need Therapy, Brian would you be able to pay for that?  Just kidding! 
Anyhow, Thank you Angee and Brian for lunch!  We had so much fun and felt so much love amongst us.  I hope we don't have to wait another year to see each other.  We love you guys!
P.S  Brian, you are so lucky I controlled myself from posting all of your dorky pictures that I took.  You better give me a good one next time.  Smiles are required! 

Happy Birthday James....

James had a wonderful birthday and we all enjoyed dinner at Olive Garden.  Thank you to everyone who wished James a Happy Birthday and for all his gifts.  He is truly grateful.  He is a happy 13 year old!

I'm Officially The Mother Of A Teenager~

I cannot believe my baby boy is 13 years old today!  I'm too young to be the mother of a teenager.  But what an honor it is to be so.  James is a sweet young man.  He is very responsible, considerate, helpful, studious, self-reliant, atheltic, confident, a spiritual giant, a righteous priesthood holder, a great friend, an awesome son and fun brother, plus more.  He also has a soft spot for his Mama.  He is a blessing and a joy in our lives.  I'm Honored to Be Called His Mother.  I love you my boy.  We all love you and are so grateful to have you in our lives.  Have a wonderful 13th B-day!

     

P.S  Don't think that because you are officially a teenager now that you need to act like one!  heeheeee!  You are great just the way you are and you are becoming even more great in the eyes of God!