Jeff - my pt

I am not usually grateful for 'other' men...but in this case I'll make an exception! I went to see Jeff, my physical therapist today. He is just a great guy. He is funny, kind, and helpful. We talk about all sorts of things...like my kindle fire or his i-pad. And he shows me interesting things medically on his i-pad.

A few weeks ago I attended a 'back' class, that he taught. It was very educational and has helped me already.

I am grateful for Jeff; for all the help he has given me thus far that has improved my life, and for what he will be doing to help my back. I am also grateful that he helped Pat with his shoulder a while back.

Food Network Shows

I love food network shows. Recently the Rachael vs. Guy celebrity cook-off aired. I am not in any way, shape or form enamored by 'celebrities'. Nope. In fact the thing I loved about the show was the competition, and the creative thinking when it comes to cooking. I am not a bad cook, in fact I am pretty good. However, I am not creative like they are, and I love creativity in others. (myself too, if it were present)

That is why I love the food network - for the most part (let's face it some shows are boring...yawn). I am grateful for the way they teach me to think more about how I cook. I think it is fun!

Orange you crazy for Oranges?

We have an orange tree...a wonderfully glorious orange tree! We are currently eating and sharing our oranges...which I am grateful for the fact that we can do both!

31 years ago when I was expecting Craig the only craving I had during his pregnancy was oranges. I wanted them...All. The. Time. I was so grateful to experience that craving during his pregnancy, during orange season! Honestly, I could not get enough of them! Maybe that is why I didn't gain much weight with him? (not that I gained a lot with any of my pregnancies, fortunately)

At any rate, I still love oranges. I don't think it has anything at all to do with growing up in Orange County either! I think I just like them, and I shall continue to be grateful for them - especially those off of our own tree. They are beyond delicious. I wish I could share them with you now. :)

Saturdays

Obviously today is Saturday. I like them, a lot. Why? Because it means that Pat and I can spend time together, doing stuff...around the house, shopping, at church - wherever. Today we ran errands, and in a while we will be going to our ward's emergency preparedness expo. Then later we are going to Skype with our granddaughters.

That makes for a great day! ...which I am grateful for.  =)

Packages!

Actually I am grateful for several things, regarding this particular package.

1) that it was Rylee's idea to send us pictures she and Sadie had colored for us - so, so cute!
2) that we have new pics of Sam and family =)
3) that the package could have cost a bundle, but because USPS was actually nice to us, it didn't (see story below)

Life is good...especially for grandparents that love seeing their grandchildren!

Story - yesterday our mail delivery person (not sure what title they have, somehow 'mail lady' sounds funny) came to our door. That rarely happens. She handed me our mail (all 2 items) then she explained that the other package she was holding was ours, they think, but it was going to cost us $18.95 to keep it.

I didn't even know anyone sent us a package so I was not willing to fork over the money at the time. I told her I wished I could contact our kids to see if any of them had sent us a package. She said she would take it back to the post office, and handed me a slip of paper for me to pick it up later.

I quickly texted our family and found out that Linzi had sent the package.

The package was a mess. Someone had cut and pasted the postal codes, our name and address and the amount paid for sending the package and then put it on an express mail envelope, inserting pictures, etc, inside. Then they sent it.

So, I totally made up a story in my mind to make this act excusable, about some little old person accidentally opening our package, realizing the mistake they had made, and then sending it on it's way the best they could.

That's not exactly what happened, so I found out today.

Apparently the envelope/package was ruined en route to California, it ended up in San Francisco, somehow. At any rate, the post office is the one that 'fixed' the package and sent it to us. Fortunately our post office finally realized that was the case so they didn't charge us for it. (first they did, then upon further investigation they didn't; I had even slid my ATM card through!)

Noteworthy - as long as there were pictures of our grandchildren it was worth it to me to pay the $18.95. It didn't matter to me, because they are worth every single penny, and if there was even less than a penny that could be measured, they would be worth that too!

"Hi!"...again

Last night I looked at Amy's blog. On there was a video of Gavin and James playing in the snow. So cute!

The part I loved the most (besides James reenacting 'Polar Express') was when Amy told Gavin to say 'hi'. He was walking past her, said "Hi!" and automatically up went his little waving hand. He is too cute.

I am grateful for our family blogs, and that I can keep well informed about our grandkids that way. It's not nice that we have to be so far away from everyone. Their blogs, plus skyping helps us stay more connected. I don't know how we did without it when our kids were little. I wish we hadn't had to.

Baby Successes

Today our five month old granddaughter, Darci, rolled over for the first time! Go Darci!

I am grateful for the baby successes each of our grandchildren have! It always gives me cause to celebrate!

Tuesdays

This morning I went to Costco. Sometimes that place can be crazy busy! I love Tuesdays because usually there is hardly anyone there! (as opposed to Saturday, which was somewhat busy) I am grateful for the less busy-ness of Tuesday - particularly at Costco.

Food blogs

I love food blogs. I don't follow many, but I love them. It's almost like having a food network favorite show, only you don't actually get to know the people that write them. (unless of course you actually know them!)

Here are some of my favorite food blogs:

• Our best bites - super fun food, and great ideas...probably my favorite. (would love to get their cookbook one day, or their calendar...maybe next year)
• Skinny taste - great ideas for those that need/want to eat healthy.
• The Food Charlatan - which happens to be a dear friend of mine (one of my former Laurel's)
• Bakerella - I also used to love her blog but then she was more about posting her book signings and that just became boring.
• Smitten Kitchen is also one I used to follow...but her food was w-a-y too tempting for me! (It's like being on Pinterest...you want to make and eat everything!)

There you have it. I am grateful for food blogs and the fun ideas they give me. I am also grateful for the self restraint I have of stopping myself from making and eating much of the food on these blogs! If not for that we would be in serious trouble. ;)

Sense of Humor

One of the things I fell in love with my husband for is his sense of humor. We happen to enjoy a good laugh together. We have passed this trait on to our children. They each have a great sense of humor. That is a real blessing because when life is difficult it's always good to find something that will make you smile or laugh.

I remember when we'd break out into laughter when we'd be just about ready to have family prayer. Pat would 'scold' me since it was supposed to be a reverent time. I always lovingly reminded him that surely we gained our sense of humor from Heavenly Father, and that He would understand...eventually we would all calm down and have a reverent prayer. :)

Yesterday I was reminded of this humor trait we have in our family.

After my meeting yesterday Rach called. She has been sick for days - poor baby. :( (I really wish I was there to help her out, but instead I am home, helping Pat who is sick.) We had a lengthy conversation, much of it was heart felt. A while later I received a text from her. She said I should look up 2 Nephi 7:11, and read the first phrase.

I expected to find some great insight as I quickly went to my scriptures to see what was going to enrich my life!

Instead I found this:
"Behold all ye that kindle fire"

Ha! I got a good chuckle out of that one, especially since I am one who 'kindle(s) fire!" ;)

I am grateful for a sense of humor, and that it runs in the family!

Friends, Food and Feelings

Today was our annual Stake Relief Society meeting. This was the first time I was there as a mere participant rather than one involved in the planning and production of this meeting in years. I thoroughly enjoyed being there! I also missed being so involved, but I loved being there with so many wonderful friends.

We had an amazing brunch with creme brulee french toast, hash browns, sausage and fruit. It was very delicious. I have the recipe,well, everyone who attended does now; but I had the recipe since our ward was involved in making many of the french toasts. It pays to have someone in our ward on the food committee!

The way this meeting works is that shortly after we arrive (if we are on time) we eat brunch. From there (cultural hall) we go to the chapel. There we are blessed to hear amazing talks (sermons - for those of you who are not LDS) and enjoy the insights that are shared, but most importantly the Spirit that testifies to us of the things that we need to know.

I love feeling the Spirit. I love the insights and the strength we receive from the Spirit. I love our new Stake RS President (Linda Hicken) and her presidency. I love their willingness to serve; their ability to undertake such a daunting task having just been given the reins in November.

I am grateful for this meeting. I am grateful for our amazing Stake President who left us with a loving blessing. I am grateful for Relief Society and how important is has been in my life throughout the years.

Motherhood

My friend, Shannon, posted an article on facebook regarding motherhood - and how people always 'encourage' young mothers by saying things like, 'enjoy this time, it goes by too quickly'. That kind of thing, the thing I am super guilty of saying to my daughter. Sorry Amy...really.

Having raised four children I speak from experience - it isn't nice or fun when someone tries to encourage you while your child is screaming, and another one is running away from you, fully taking advantage of the opportunity he/she sees as you take care of the first child. It wasn't fun when I was grocery shopping and Craig decided right then and there to have a fit - throwing himself on the ground and screaming - as I (attempting to teach him that this is not okay) walk away from him...only to have a stranger come up and talk to him.

Really? You think you should parent my child and teach him that when he misbehaves he gets attention? NOOOO!!!

I can happily admit that I have never done that. If I see a mom walking away from her kid while they are throwing a fit I think, "Good for her!" Eventually her kid will stop his/her fit and get up to find mommy, who of course is not far away...waiting for her child to come to her.

I loved being a mommy, especially a stay-at-home mommy. I was getting my teeth cleaned yesterday and my dental hygienist was saying how she has Monday and Tuesday off, working half a day Wednesday, and all day on Thursday and Friday. She told me how by Tuesday night she can't wait to get back to work. I can understand that. I remember having days where I felt that my 'job' wasn't anything special, that anyone could take care of my kids, keep the house clean, do the laundry, grocery shopping and fix meals. Then as I would look at one of my children I would gain an understanding of what I was really doing.

It wasn't just about the mundane every day tasks. It was about teaching our children their importance - that they are worth sacrificing for. Was it hard? Heck yes! It was the most difficult thing I have ever done. Was it worth it? Every second of it was worth it. Did I feel like a failure more often than not? Yes, I did. But, I've always taught my kids that I was learning right along with them. I still am. Being a parent doesn't stop when your kids leave home - you still worry about them, you pray for their health and happiness, you love the sound of their voice and skyping with them; you just plain continue to care about them and love them, wanting what is best for them, and believing that they will become who they are meant to be and who they want to be.

I am grateful beyond measure for the opportunity and privilege I have enjoyed these past nearly 33 years of having our children and raising them, but mostly loving them and being loved by them. It was hard, sometimes it still is, but it is worth it. I am grateful for Sam, Craig, Amy and Rachel and all the joy they have brought to my life...to my heart.

RAIN!

Yay! It's finally raining! That means winter is actually here, and hopefully we will get plenty of rain and snow (in the mountains) to make up for what we've been lacking!

I am grateful for the moisture and the many ways it blesses us. :)

Kindle Fire

I bought myself a Kindle Fire back in December. Today when I had to go to the Dr I took it with me so that I could read, rather than just sit there and wait. I am so glad I did! I had to wait 20+ minutes to get into the room, and then another 10 before my doctor came and saw me. It was so nice to be able to turn it off, then turn it back on as I went from place to place.

After I finished with my doctor, and my physical therapist, I went to the prescription area. They told me it would be a 25 minute wait. No worries! I had my kindle to occupy my time. After about 10 minutes I looked to see that my name was on the board, meaning that my prescription was filled. I quickly closed my kindle and got in line.

I also love it on Sundays. I am always early for Sacrament meeting, so that I can have a comfy seat. As I sat there waiting I flipped open my Kindle and read my scriptures and a Conference talk. I love the easy access it gives me and how it's so easily transported.

When I was in RS I pulled it out to read along with the lesson. The sisters around me were amazed at it. (that I did not plan) They were so intrigued they wanted to get one too!

When the Kindle first came out I did not think it was that great of an idea. I love books! I love the way they feel, and the comfort they give. (yes comfort!) I am not Rory Gilmore (I don't think that anyone actually is...) in that I don't love the scent of books, but I do love them just the same. When I saw how much more the Fire offered I was sold. So, I bought one.

I am grateful for it for a number of reasons. The greatest one is that I don't have to lug around my scriptures, and my other church books on Sundays. Seriously, the weight of my scriptures killed my back, so this is heaven sent for me. I am grateful.

Mexican Train

Now, don't be thinking I am being racist or anything, I am not! Saying I am grateful for Mexican Train doesn't mean that I am embarking on a new journey either! Simply put, Mexican Train is the name of a dominoes game that is super fun. We have played it twice with our friends the Brooksby's and Dahle's. Last night was the second time we played it...and it did not disappoint!

So, what I am really saying that I am grateful for is friends, games, and time spent laughing, eating and enjoying good company. If you are really lucky, and you come to visit sometime, I will be happy to share our new Mexican Train game with you so that we can laugh and have fun together too! =D

Bonus - there is even a train sound!

Cauliflower Soup

One of the wonderful things about visiting Utah is that they have so many great restaurants! Cafe Rio is one of the most favored by Californians (since they are always serving it at RS meetings/dinners here).  Another favorite of ours is Magleby's Fresh - they have the best french toast, well, the best buttermilk syrup to go with their french toast! Amazing!

But, my go to restaurant whenever I visit Utah is Zupa's. I know, I am unusual. Amy introduced me to Zupa's and we have been going there for something like five years now. Almost every time I go I get their Cauliflower Soup...or their Strawberry Fields salad, it's all good. Really, all of it is fabulous! I recommend it highly.

Today I was in the mood for something mild, warm and comforting. Seeing as how there is no Zupa's anywhere near here, and I was going grocery shopping I figured I could purchase all the ingredients I did not have on hand for a close replica of Zupa's Cauliflower soup. The girls and I have been making this for a few years. We all love it.

As soon as I walked in the door from grocery shopping I began the process of making the soup. When all was said and done, I was not disappointed...not one teensy bit.

I am grateful for this recipe - it warms my heart and soul.

Bonus! I am sharing it with you ---

Zupa’s Cauliflower Soup… almost

2 T butter

1 medium onion, chopped (optional)

¼ cup all purpose flour

½ t. salt

2 cups milk

1 can (13 ¾ oz – 14 ½ ) chicken broth

1 head (2 ½ lbs.) cauliflower (or can use frozen), cut into one inch pieces

1 t. Dijon mustard

1 pkg. (8 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups)

1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded

1.     In 4 qt. saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.  Add onion and cook until golden, about ten minutes, stirring occasionally.  Stir in flour and salt; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

2.     Gradually stir in milk, chicken broth and 1 ½ cups water; add cauliflower and heat to boiling over high heat.  Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer until cauliflower is tender, about ten minutes.

3.     In blender (with center part of blender lid off) blend cauliflower mixture at a low speed in small batches until very smooth.

4.     Return cauliflower mixture to saucepan.  Heat over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally.  Remove saucepan from heat; stir in mustard and all but ½ cup of cheddar cheese.  Garnish soup with remaining cheese to serve.

Shout hooray!

Today is my wonderful husband's 57th birthday. He is an amazing husband and a great father and grandpa.

I love his dedication to family, his job, his faith and to me. I love that he is a hard worker, loves his country, and wants to prepare our family for whatever comes our way. I love that he can be serious, or silly. I love that he willingly serves others at the drop of a hat.

I just plain love him and am grateful for him.

Happy Birthday Sweetie! I love you!

to sleep, perchance to dream

lately i haven't been sleeping much. it seems there is frequently something bothering this tired body of mine lately that keeps me up. *sigh*

ever notice that when something isn't working right in your life you come to appreciate it more? yeah, that describes me to a tee, as i write at 1:37 AM.

i miss sleep...really sound sleep.

i remember those days where i didn't sleep because of a child (thank you miss amy), and i l-o-n-g-e-d for a good, solid night of sleep.

i also remember when sam was a toddler and we were visiting pat's aunt and uncle in mesa, only to be woken up in the middle of the night by his uncle roaming around in their house (we were sleeping on the back enclosed patio). i couldn't imagine what kept him up... poor guy was in pain. i remember being flabbergasted that anyone his age would be awake due to pain.

oh how i can relate.

don't get me wrong, i am not here to complain, just the opposite. when i get a good night of sleep, about twice a week, i embrace it. i have no expectations from anyone else of getting up early, so i allow myself to sleep in...sometimes as late as 8:30.

i am grateful for sleep - for it's rejuvenating, energizing, glorious way of making us feel like we can face the day, and anything that is thrown at us.

So many blessings

I am grateful for all of my blessings today. Lately when I have gone shopping or on a walk I find myself so grateful that my body works mostly the way it should. I'm not limping, I feel pretty strong, not tiring easily...a real blessing. I am also grateful for the ordinary things: Pat's job, living in a nice area, being able to purchase food storage, a sound mind, etc. I know these things sound like nothing special but as I look around and witness other's struggles I am grateful for the simple blessings that we take for granted...they really are quite special when you think about it.

Hi!

During the day I often get a phone call from our little Mr. Gavin who loves to "talk" on the phone with Grandma. He always says "Hi!" repeatedly. It's adorable. I also get other words from him like 'up', 'all better', 'humpty dumpty', etc. His vocab is really expanding. It's great!

Today was no different. I did get a phone call from Gav saying 'hi' to me. The surprise was that earlier when Amy and I were talking on the phone James actually wanted to talk to me! He is not usually one for being intrigued with talking to Grandma. He told me about his crackers with peanut butter on them, his toys, and that he was having a good day.

I love talking to all of our grandkids. I am grateful that Amy frequently calls so that Gav can say 'hi' to me. I need to start calling the other grandchildren and letting them know that I think of them all the time and just how important they are to me.

They really are.

Vitamins

I am horrible at taking medication...truly horrible. It's just not something I remember to do on a regular basis. I am really good at taking my synthroid because I am motivated by an unwillingness to be depressed, or tired all the time, etc. But, that's about it. That is about to change.

I haven't been feeling well over the past year. My stomach has been bothering me quite a bit. I actually went to my doctor last summer and he diagnosed me with (drum roll, please)...upset stomach. I know, brilliant, right?

My mom has me pick up things at the store for her since they don't have a car, and my sister isn't doing well at all. I was supposed to take her out to breakfast yesterday, but she is sick so I couldn't. I did, however, get all the things at the store that she asked me to get. One of those was Vitamin B12.

I have never taken that...given how good I am at taking any medication. For some reason I just felt I should pick myself up a bottle at Costco today, since they are on sale, and begin taking them (along with other healthy supplements - seriously, I need to be well again).

After running several errands today (Pat's birthday is on Sunday and I wanted to be sure that I have everything for him) I needed some rest (the whole not feeling well thing). While I rested I watched Dr Oz. His show today happened to be about those who are deficient in Vitamin B12. Interestingly enough he said there were three things that were signs of a deficiency. I only remember two, because those are the two that I have. One was being tired and lacking energy - me to a tee. Second, having an upset stomach. Hmmm, there could be something to this.

So, I am happy to report that I am now officially taking Vitamin B12 and I hope that it will help very soon! I am grateful for vitamins and the help they do give us, especially as we age, because the results of aging are not fun and we need all the help we can get. =)

17 Miracles

For Christmas I gave Pat the DVD "17 Miracles" (along with other gifts, of course). Last night we watched it for FHE (family  home evening). What an amazing movie...more, what an amazing historical account of the Willie and Martin handcart companies (they combined the two accounts).

Years ago I read "Fire of the Covenant" by Gerald Lund, an account of the Willie handcart company. I was impressed with the Saints and how they handled all that they encountered. What courage those saints had. When I think of the difficulties they endured, the trials they faced, the hope they had in spite of all of that, and their determination I cannot help but want to be a better person, a more prepared person as well.

We have been told/warned that things are going to be difficult. Recently Elder Bednar was in the Stockton Stake for their Stake Conference. When there he told the Saints that it is no longer going to be enough to have a testimony, you have to have a relationship with Jesus Christ and God, our Father. He said we are going to be persecuted. I believe him.

With that being said, I have hope. This weekend at our Stake Conference Elder Pieper was in attendance. His message to us was to put our hope in Jesus Christ. We cannot put our hope in our 401K, in our bank account, or even our home. We have to put our hope in Jesus Christ as a sure foundation. He is our rock. We can experience miracles. We need to become prepared for whatever is coming our way, whether spiritually or physically, it is what we need to do.

"If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." D&C 38:30

Now is the time to prepare, to become a stronger people, so that we can endure our hardships that are surely coming. I am so very grateful for the pioneer-Saints who endured so much that they could find Zion. They are a rich example to me.

i heart

Our daughter Rachel has a blog entitled 'i heart'. She stopped blogging for a while, and I really missed her insights, and her personality, and everything. I just plain miss her. She has once again begun blogging and I am grateful...because it makes the ache in my heart a little lighter.

I miss all my kids...I really do. I am pathetic, I know. BUT I am grateful that I love them enough to miss them all. I am one lucky mommy.

sitting together

Since we had Stake Conference today Pat and I were able to sit together. One of our friends came up and asked if I had discouraged Pat from being in the Stake choir...of course I did! I can be selfish once or twice a year, right?

I am grateful that Pat didn't mind not singing in the choir, so that we could sit together. :)

Life changes

Tonight was our evening/adult session of Stake Conference. We have Elder Piper visiting, who is in the Seventy, and serves over the Middle East area. I shook his hand twice. I loved his humble spirit, and his teachings.

During the meeting they also asked six members to come up and bear their testimonies. Some were converts from recent years, some have been members for quite a while. One was a former home teacher of ours that just lost his wife in August. His testimony, and his ability to endure without her touched my heart. All of the testimonies touched me, of course, as did the talks by our Stake Presidency.

What touched me the most, though, wasn't what happened in the meeting. It was what took place just prior to the meeting. One of the sisters in our Stake used to be a youth in Manteca. She had some struggles in her teen years, and later. I had the opportunity of being in her home a few years back when we made visits in her ward. She was also at a bunko night that I attended a few months back. Pat saw her at the temple last night (I was home not feeling well, naturally) and was so excited to see her there. She and I talked for a few minutes before the meeting, in the foyer. She had been invited to give the opening prayer and didn't want to go up to the stand yet since there was no one else up there. We chatted for several minutes, she was concerned about how I was doing since being released.

She is a sweet sister, and I love her. I am grateful to witness the changes she has made in her life; to feel of her testimony, to know the strength that she has. She is a wonderful example to me. For any of you out there (if anyone reads my blog, that is) who wonder if people judge you for what you did in your youth now that you have made the changes that bring you true happiness - wonder no more. All you have become makes you an inspiration to people like me.

Health

Today someone in our ward had to attend the funeral of their father. This is someone that recently moved in, that we don't even know. They are foster parents of two little drug baby girls, they needed someone to take care of them while they attended the funeral, so our RS president and I did just that. This post is not about the service given; rather it is how grateful I am that our children and grandchildren are all healthy. These little babies will have problems throughout their lives because of the problems inflicted on them by another.

I am grateful for health, the word of wisdom, and the guidelines we have.

on demand

today i spent the day watching tv, something i don't normally do, but i didn't feel well, so i opted to do that rather than anything else.

i am grateful that we have shows on demand - it just makes the being sick thing much better...but i do need to get away from the tv for awhile now...so overloaded.

Trees

Our landscaper, Steve, came today and put a new tree in our front yard. Then he put one in the back yard, there are 3 more to be planted! I am super excited about this! It means our yard is going to come together...FINALLY! He is also going to be removing the liquid amber on the side of our house that drops these funky spindly round balls. :)

Then we are going to get another shed to put all of the excess stuff out there and have the garage much less crowded. We are also getting a mow strip (concrete) around the grass. This is really going to be great!

Why do these things make me happy? I have no idea, but they do.

I am grateful for our new trees, and all the improvements we are making. I love smiling about the simple things in life. =)

food

yes, today i am very grateful for food. i am on my first day of the juice fast and i am missing food. so, i am grateful for it...very much.

Fettuccine Alfredo

We have a 'family' recipe that goes back a long ways, I think I received the recipe when we were married from Pat's mom. Wherever it came from, it is a hit! Everyone in our family loves it - for the taste, and for those of us who actually cook it - for the ease.

I am beginning a 3 day juice fast tomorrow (wish me luck) and wanted to have something I would enjoy tonight. "Chini" (as Amy used to call it) won out over everything else. It's just the best. I love it. I am grateful for it on so many levels. I am sharing the recipe...you will thank me, maybe not personally, but whenever you eat it, I am positive you will - it is that good.

Recipe:

1 pkg. egg noodles (or whichever you prefer)

1 cup whipping cream

6 T margarine or butter

1 ½ - 2 cups freshly grated parmesan

Cook egg noodles.  Drain.  Add butter, mix in.  Add whipping cream and mix.  Finally add the parmesan cheese tossing with two forks. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Insights

I finished reading the Book of Mormon last night. I could have finished it a day earlier, but I wanted to end the year on a positive note. So, with about an hour left in the year I finished it...again.

Oh, how I love that book. How I love the Prophets, the testimonies, the examples of good, righteous faithful saints. They inspire me.

Last night as I was reading the final chapter in Moroni, I read -

 18 And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that ^aevery good ^bgift cometh of Christ.

 19 And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that he is the ^asame yesterday, today, and forever, and that all these gifts of which I have spoken, which are spiritual, never will be done away, even as long as the world shall stand, only according to the ^bunbelief of the children of men.

 20 Wherefore, there must be ^afaith; and if there must be faith there must also be hope; and if there must be hope there must also be charity.

 21 And except ye have ^acharity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God; neither can ye be saved in the kingdom of God if ye have not faith; neither can ye if ye have no hope.

 22 And if ye have no hope ye must needs be in ^adespair; and despair cometh because of iniquity.

 23 And Christ truly said unto our fathers: ^aIf ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me.

 24 And now I speak unto all the ends of the earth—that if the day cometh that the power and gifts of God shall be done away among you, it shall be ^abecause of ^bunbelief.

As I read I was thinking in terms of goals for the coming year. I thought of all the goals that I have made and not kept...and I thought that as we apply these principles we should be able to meet those goals. First, we need to have faith - that we can accomplish said goal and that we can attain help through the Spirit, hence our Savior, Jesus Christ. Second, that we need to have hope in accomplishing said goal. Third, and finally, that we need to have Charity - the pure love of Christ - for ourselves. That was the clincher for me. So often when I find I have failed at my attempts at goals I berate myself - I am not kind nor understanding of my personal weaknesses.

As I considered this I realized that Christ would not berate us -He would lovingly (figuratively speaking, of course) take us by the hand, help us get through whatever obstacles we have placed in our paths, and help us along our way. Somehow we need to do that for ourselves - to be more kind, less judgmental, and certainly more understanding and accepting. We need to celebrate the accomplishments we have made, realize that perhaps we hit one of those obstacles and not use it as an excuse to stop our progress, but rather find a way around that obstacle, with faith and hope that we can achieve said goal.

I apologize for being so long-winded. I am not an eloquent person, and I hope this has come through the way it was intended. I am grateful for the insights found in the scriptures, for personal revelation, and for the opportunity we have to testify to one another, and to hopefully, help each other along life's paths.