(This is Day 12 of my Journaling through January series)
We are called to use our gifts and talents to fulfill the work of the Lord. What are your gifts? How can you use them this year?
Music: I have the wonderful blessing of being my ward's choir director, and I truly love this calling! I feel like this is a really good way for me to use my musical abilities in serving others.
Writing: Blogging is a really good way to use my writing skills right now.
Homemaking: I don't know if I would call myself a really talented homemaker, but I feel like I've definitely been given a gift in the time I have to do crafty things. I know life won't always be so peaceful and conducive to crafting, cooking, and cleaning as it is right now, so I'd better take advantage of it while I have the chance. You'll get to see some of these things I've been working on someday (hopefully soon!).
Teaching children: Before I quit the workforce, I taught children at an elementary school. I was pretty good at it, though I do say so myself. Someday, I want to teach homeschool classes for my community using a few of the materials and techniques I learned at the school. I have a lot of ideas that I think might be pretty good. I'm not exactly sure how or when, but I plan to do it sometime soon. Until then, I'm plenty happy with teaching my son how to crawl, how to walk, and how to give his mommy kisses.
Journaling through January is a series which can be found on iamalongfortheride.blogspot.com
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Growing through Trials
(This is Day 11 of my Journaling through January series)
I chose not to post day 10, because the prompt said to write a thank-you note to someone who impacted you last year. It said you could either leave it in your journal or tear it out to give it to the person you were thanking. I chose the cyber "tear-it-out" version, and decided not to post it. But I did write it, and I will deliver the card today!
Here's today's prompt:
Write about an experience that was particularly tough. But more importantly, write about how that experience made you stronger.
During the first half of last year, we were living in my in-laws basement, paying a pittance for rent (thanks very much, in-laws!) an saving a lot for school and our baby that was due in June. It was a pretty sweet deal. We were hoping to have enough money saved to buy a house within a year or two. Tyler's family then began making plans to move, which meant we had to move, too. We considered renting another place, but after looking a bit at our options we decided to buy a home instead. We felt sure that we would find a good house and buy it within a month and a half. We applied for the loan and started looking for a house sometime around the end of March.
Here's where the "tough" part comes in. I really, really, really did not want the stress of moving while 8 1/2 months pregnant. It was important to us that we move before the end of May. We thought this was a highly achieveable goal. But because we had a low budget, our options were more limited than we thought. There were a few good houses that were in our price range, but once we made an offer on any of them, we would find out that someone had just barely beaten us to the chase. It felt like this happened a million times, when in reality it happened about three. Personally, I think every little inconvenience feels a bajillion times more dramatic when you're 8 months pregnant. But that could just be me. Let me just say that there were many frustrated tears and breakdowns during this process. Each time we started getting a good vibe about a house, it seemed like the Lord answered with a resounding, slam-the-door-in-your-face "no!" I did not do very well accepting these answers, especially the third time around. Deep down, I knew that we would be taken care of and the right thing would happen. But I couldn't convince my emotions, laced with crazy-pregnant-lady hormones, to accept this.
By the time we actually found our house and followed the necessary procedures to purchase it, I was--you guessed it--about 8 months pregnant. Moving so close to our due date really stressed me out as well, but it started tapering off since I knew that we'd at least have a place to set up our baby's crib. All in all, despite the difficulty and stress, we were blessed to work with great people who pulled a lot of strings to get us into our house by the end of May, leaving us just enough time to settle in a bit before our baby was born in June. Our families also did a fantastic job of moving us in and cleaning our whole house. I barely had to do anything. (Thanks, Bailey and Maloy families!!!) Looking back, I thank the Lord for His providence and wisdom in saying no all those times, because none of those other houses were really all that great compared to the one we bought.
This challenge made me stronger because it taught me that I need to really trust God more. Sometimes I'm not very good at letting Him be in control without wanting to know just what is going to happen. I like to make plans, and I like to stick to them--which can't happen sometimes. I learned from this experience that Heavenly Father really does know what He's doing, even if I can't see it. I am grateful for His patience with me as I learn these things in my own roundabout way!
I chose not to post day 10, because the prompt said to write a thank-you note to someone who impacted you last year. It said you could either leave it in your journal or tear it out to give it to the person you were thanking. I chose the cyber "tear-it-out" version, and decided not to post it. But I did write it, and I will deliver the card today!
Here's today's prompt:
Write about an experience that was particularly tough. But more importantly, write about how that experience made you stronger.
During the first half of last year, we were living in my in-laws basement, paying a pittance for rent (thanks very much, in-laws!) an saving a lot for school and our baby that was due in June. It was a pretty sweet deal. We were hoping to have enough money saved to buy a house within a year or two. Tyler's family then began making plans to move, which meant we had to move, too. We considered renting another place, but after looking a bit at our options we decided to buy a home instead. We felt sure that we would find a good house and buy it within a month and a half. We applied for the loan and started looking for a house sometime around the end of March.
Here's where the "tough" part comes in. I really, really, really did not want the stress of moving while 8 1/2 months pregnant. It was important to us that we move before the end of May. We thought this was a highly achieveable goal. But because we had a low budget, our options were more limited than we thought. There were a few good houses that were in our price range, but once we made an offer on any of them, we would find out that someone had just barely beaten us to the chase. It felt like this happened a million times, when in reality it happened about three. Personally, I think every little inconvenience feels a bajillion times more dramatic when you're 8 months pregnant. But that could just be me. Let me just say that there were many frustrated tears and breakdowns during this process. Each time we started getting a good vibe about a house, it seemed like the Lord answered with a resounding, slam-the-door-in-your-face "no!" I did not do very well accepting these answers, especially the third time around. Deep down, I knew that we would be taken care of and the right thing would happen. But I couldn't convince my emotions, laced with crazy-pregnant-lady hormones, to accept this.
By the time we actually found our house and followed the necessary procedures to purchase it, I was--you guessed it--about 8 months pregnant. Moving so close to our due date really stressed me out as well, but it started tapering off since I knew that we'd at least have a place to set up our baby's crib. All in all, despite the difficulty and stress, we were blessed to work with great people who pulled a lot of strings to get us into our house by the end of May, leaving us just enough time to settle in a bit before our baby was born in June. Our families also did a fantastic job of moving us in and cleaning our whole house. I barely had to do anything. (Thanks, Bailey and Maloy families!!!) Looking back, I thank the Lord for His providence and wisdom in saying no all those times, because none of those other houses were really all that great compared to the one we bought.
This challenge made me stronger because it taught me that I need to really trust God more. Sometimes I'm not very good at letting Him be in control without wanting to know just what is going to happen. I like to make plans, and I like to stick to them--which can't happen sometimes. I learned from this experience that Heavenly Father really does know what He's doing, even if I can't see it. I am grateful for His patience with me as I learn these things in my own roundabout way!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Teaching about Christ
(This is Day 9 of my Journaling through January series)
Imagine you are talking to someone who has never heard of Jesus. How would you explain Him? What would you say?
Gosh, I don't even know how to begin that one. There are so many ways to start, depending on what that person already believes. Just to make things simpler for me, I'm going to assume that this person has a belief in some sort of God and some sort of pre-mortal and post-mortal life. Otherwise, this could be a very long post!
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is my Savior. He is your Savior, too. He came to earth thousands of years ago to erase our sins and mistakes by suffering for them. He did this because he loves us, and because we cannot do this for ourselves. When I do something wrong, I can become clean again through Christ's sacrifice for my sins. When I feel lost or unimportant, I can remember that Jesus, a perfect being, the Son of God, came to earth to take upon him my iniquities and sufferings. Because he gave his life in every way for me and for the whole human race, I can have true peace and joy at all times.
Jesus also gave us commandments that teach us how to live according to the will of God. He taught us to love God, our Eternal Father, with all our heart, mind, and strength. He taught us to love one another, even our enemies. He taught us how to have peace and joy by following his example and relying on his atonement to become clean and pure.
I have felt the cleansing power of Jesus Christ in my life. I know that I can repent of my mistakes because Christ loved me enough to redeem me. This testimony gives me such hope and joy.
I know that what I have written is a very sad attempt. It does not come at all close to conveying everything that Jesus is to me. But the time has come to post this, perfect or not. I have tried about four times today, and every time I ended up erasing it because it just doesn't seem good enough. It's still not really good enough, but maybe I can come back to it another day and make it better.
Journaling through January is a series which can be found on
iamalongfortheride.blogspot.com
Imagine you are talking to someone who has never heard of Jesus. How would you explain Him? What would you say?
Gosh, I don't even know how to begin that one. There are so many ways to start, depending on what that person already believes. Just to make things simpler for me, I'm going to assume that this person has a belief in some sort of God and some sort of pre-mortal and post-mortal life. Otherwise, this could be a very long post!
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is my Savior. He is your Savior, too. He came to earth thousands of years ago to erase our sins and mistakes by suffering for them. He did this because he loves us, and because we cannot do this for ourselves. When I do something wrong, I can become clean again through Christ's sacrifice for my sins. When I feel lost or unimportant, I can remember that Jesus, a perfect being, the Son of God, came to earth to take upon him my iniquities and sufferings. Because he gave his life in every way for me and for the whole human race, I can have true peace and joy at all times.
Jesus also gave us commandments that teach us how to live according to the will of God. He taught us to love God, our Eternal Father, with all our heart, mind, and strength. He taught us to love one another, even our enemies. He taught us how to have peace and joy by following his example and relying on his atonement to become clean and pure.
I have felt the cleansing power of Jesus Christ in my life. I know that I can repent of my mistakes because Christ loved me enough to redeem me. This testimony gives me such hope and joy.
I know that what I have written is a very sad attempt. It does not come at all close to conveying everything that Jesus is to me. But the time has come to post this, perfect or not. I have tried about four times today, and every time I ended up erasing it because it just doesn't seem good enough. It's still not really good enough, but maybe I can come back to it another day and make it better.
Journaling through January is a series which can be found on
iamalongfortheride.blogspot.com
Sunday, January 8, 2012
3 Things about Me
(This is Day 8 of my Journaling through January series)
What are three (or more) things you love about yourself? Write them down and look back at them whenever you're struggling to find self worth.
Hmmm....three things I love about myself....
1. My blue eyes.
2. The way I can turn my thoughts into written words just the way I want them.
3. When I was about 8, I realized that when I read the Great Illustrated Classics, I was not reading the "real" thing, and from then on refused to read them because the "real thing" was most likely better than a knock-off. My first choice to read the "real thing" happened to be The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I love that I actually read 95% of it, although I'm pretty sure I didn't understand very much of it. (*Note that I am in no way hating on The Great Illustrated Classics--they're great to get kids interested in classic stories! I just think my second-grade snobbery is hilarious in retrospect.)
Wow, that was much harder than I thought! Have a great Sabbath!
Journaling through January is a series which can be found on http://iamalongfortheride.blogspot.com/
What are three (or more) things you love about yourself? Write them down and look back at them whenever you're struggling to find self worth.
Hmmm....three things I love about myself....
1. My blue eyes.
2. The way I can turn my thoughts into written words just the way I want them.
3. When I was about 8, I realized that when I read the Great Illustrated Classics, I was not reading the "real" thing, and from then on refused to read them because the "real thing" was most likely better than a knock-off. My first choice to read the "real thing" happened to be The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I love that I actually read 95% of it, although I'm pretty sure I didn't understand very much of it. (*Note that I am in no way hating on The Great Illustrated Classics--they're great to get kids interested in classic stories! I just think my second-grade snobbery is hilarious in retrospect.)
Wow, that was much harder than I thought! Have a great Sabbath!
Journaling through January is a series which can be found on http://iamalongfortheride.blogspot.com/
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Counting my blessings
(This is Day 7 of my Journaling through January series)
What are you grateful for this new year? Make a list and considering adding to it throughout the month as you become aware of God's abundance in your life.
In no special order, I am grateful for:
Journaling through January is a series which you can find at iamalongfortheride.blogspot.com
What are you grateful for this new year? Make a list and considering adding to it throughout the month as you become aware of God's abundance in your life.
In no special order, I am grateful for:
- My husband finishing school
- being able to stay at home with my baby
- My home
- The talents God has given me
- The opportunity to use and expand those talents
- Yoga
- The scriptures
- Church
- My calling as ward choir director
- Friends
- Family
- Living so close to my family
- Jesus Christ
- Books
- The temple
- My baby's smile in the morning
- My husband's cheerfulness and how much he loves to spend time with me and Noah
Journaling through January is a series which you can find at iamalongfortheride.blogspot.com
Friday, January 6, 2012
Currently, I'm...
(This is Day 6 of my Journaling through January series)
Make a list of "currently's." Currently listening to, wearing, feeling, wanting, needing, thinking, enjoying, praying.
Make a list of "currently's." Currently listening to, wearing, feeling, wanting, needing, thinking, enjoying, praying.
Currently listening to: My napping baby's lullaby music drifting out of his room and the dryer going.
Currently wearing: A pink-and-grey striped t-shirt, a pair of comfy grey sweatpants, and a pair of cozy blue slipper socks to bring the outfit together. Nothing too exciting or cute, but I'm waiting for my jeans (the victim of spit-up and baby food) to dry. Thus the dryer going.
Currently feeling: happy to have a new day and a somewhat-clean house.
Currently wanting: a do-over so that I can have my Bountiful Basket this weekend. I thought I placed my order successfully before the deadline, but I was wrong.
Currently needing: to have a date alone with my husband. Thankfully, we have that planned for tomorrow. I'm excited!
Currently thinking: that I need to get off the computer and read.
Currently enjoying: the sunshine outside my window and the scent of the room spray I just sprayed in my house.
Currently praying: that I can be a better parent and that the guest lesson I'm preparing for Sunday will go well.
I liked this one a lot! :D I hope you did, too!
Journaling through January is a series which you can find at iamalongfortheride.blogspot.com
Thursday, January 5, 2012
A Prayer
(This is Day 5 of my Journaling through January series)
Day 5: Look at what you wrote yesterday. Now write down a prayer to God asking Him to take away your fear and fill you with His peace.
Hmmm, I've never written down a prayer before. But ever since reading The Help, I like the thought of it. Many prophets in the scriptures recorded their prayers. It feels a bit strange to write it down, but if they thought it was important to write down their prayers sometimes, it is probably good for me to do it sometimes, too. So here goes:
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank Thee that our family has the opportunity and blessing to save and do good things with the resources Thou hast given us. I pray that I can approach these goals without trepidation or gloomy thoughts. Please help me remember that Thou art with us as we strive to accomplish these worthy goals, that Thou canst do all things, and that through Thee, I can be strong. Please help me to be at peace, and give no place to fear in my heart. When we review our progress each month, help me to be cheered and comforted, and to see the blessings given by Thy provident hand. In Thy Son's name I pray, Amen.
Journaling through January is a series which you can find at iamalongfortheride.blogspot.com
Day 5: Look at what you wrote yesterday. Now write down a prayer to God asking Him to take away your fear and fill you with His peace.
Hmmm, I've never written down a prayer before. But ever since reading The Help, I like the thought of it. Many prophets in the scriptures recorded their prayers. It feels a bit strange to write it down, but if they thought it was important to write down their prayers sometimes, it is probably good for me to do it sometimes, too. So here goes:
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank Thee that our family has the opportunity and blessing to save and do good things with the resources Thou hast given us. I pray that I can approach these goals without trepidation or gloomy thoughts. Please help me remember that Thou art with us as we strive to accomplish these worthy goals, that Thou canst do all things, and that through Thee, I can be strong. Please help me to be at peace, and give no place to fear in my heart. When we review our progress each month, help me to be cheered and comforted, and to see the blessings given by Thy provident hand. In Thy Son's name I pray, Amen.
Journaling through January is a series which you can find at iamalongfortheride.blogspot.com
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