Sisters

I got to spend New Year's with these girls this year.  I don't thing that has happened in at least twenty years, or maybe not since I was  10, or before.  These are the best sisters  and mom a girl could ask for! We don't get together often, but when we do watch out.  We can put together weddings, dinners, clean, laugh, craft, shop, work, decorate, and do it all with sarcasm...sorry!   This is who I call if I need to chat, complain, get advice, share happy news, etc.   Thanks so much for putting up with me. I love you all!

Good things:  the 3 s's
1.  sisters
2.  sarcasm
3.  sense of humor

Am I?

So, today, on the first day I have chosen the word committed, I get a call at 8:30 from the Sister missionaries asking if I can help them out because they are in a trio right now, and two will need to go to Reno to pick up the other companion.  I was all ready to go workout, which I had decided I would do today, and take tomorrow off to go to the temple.  Hmmm, my first dilemma.   I had committed to working out better.  Going with the missionaries is WAY out of my comfort zone, and I could come up with several other reasons to NOT go. But, I didn't go to workout, I went with Sister Jones to visit a few people.  We tried to visit five people but only two were home.  It wasn't too bad, except the big fluffy cat that made it difficult to breathe, but we were able to help out someone.

So, what, you ask is the moral of this story?  Sometimes we commit ourselves to things that are good, but need to commit to things that are better.  You remember the talk "Good, better, best?"  well for a few minutes today a chose the better.  If I  want to be a better disciple of Christ, I probably wont get there by working out.

Good things:
1.  albuterol
2.  a letter from my sister K
3.  taking stuff to the thrift store

2014

Last week, my aunt posted on facebook that she is choosing one word  that will carry her through to becoming better in 2014. What a great idea, so I am stealing from her wisdom.   Her word is BRAVE.  A cousin posted JOY.  I choose COMMITTED.  Committed is a verb, that is what I need, not a noun, but a verb. A verb is action, and just what I need this year.  Committed to studying the gospel better, Committed to getting to the gym, Committed to eating food that will energize me, Committed to being happy, Committed to going to the temple more often. Committed to being a better wife, mom, friend, etc.  In Preach My Gospel it likens committed as "real intent."  It also says, "When people are genuinely committed, they have real intent, meaning that they fully intend to do what they have committed to do.  They make an unwavering and earnest decision to change."  There are so many areas of my life that can be improved upon by being committed.
You get the idea.  What will your word be?  Do you have a scripture, quote, song, person that will help you?  Leave your word in the comments and we can inspire each other.

Good things;
1.  hats on a bad hair day
2.  facebook posts that inspire
3.  nice warm fire

Christmas already?!

New experiences are all over the place these days.  I guess that is what happens when your children grow up.  Thanksgiving was really quiet at our house.  G, D, Gram and Pa G, and me.  It was small and quiet, but we ate some delicious food, and were thankful for so much.  K and A had planned to come, but A had to work on Friday, so they spent the day with Gram and Pa C and the rest of the crew there. 
K and A came here for Christmas, and we were able to get a few favorite traditions in.  Caroling, and Swiss Christmas.  We did Christmas eve with the Guisti's and played some games.  On Christmas we had a lazy day spent in pj's and had a really good dinner with all the fixin's. 
But, the best part of the day was a Skype with Sister K.  It was great to see her and hear all the good things that are happening for her. She is loving what she is doing and is so happy.  Her happiness just could not be contained.  We had a great time chatting with her, and said our "I love you's and good byes." I missed having B here, but so happy she is doing what she is.  She too said she missed us and the activities she was missing around the holidays, but she is so happy to serve and bring the gospel to people.  It is fun to see her testimony continue to grow  each in her letters home.
It is strange to not have everyone here with us, but especially for holidays.  But it does make me realize just how lucky I am to have a family that can be together forever.  I miss them when they aren't here!  I suppose that will continue for the rest of my life.

Good things:
1.  The gift of Jesus Christ
2.  skype
3.  being a mom

  This child continues to keep things lively!

Better

Things continue to stay so busy around here.  My friend Shelly continues to improve,  I can say I have seen miracles!  It will be a long difficult road, but thankful for the progress and miracles happening in her life. 
I have been thinking lots about the blessings of having a missionary.  And although there are so many,  the one I keep thinking most about is how hearing her experiences, and enthusiasm has put a little pressure on me to focus more on what I can do to serve those around me, and to put a lot more time into studying the gospel.  This is definitely not my strong point, and I struggle every day with making time to study.  I sort of feel like I will be left in the dust spiritually if I don't get a move on it. I love that the excitement of sharing the gospel can come across in an email, and the holy ghost testifies again and again that truth has been restored.  I am so blessed to know what so many do not.
 So, my current goal is to finish the New Testament by Christmas.  It really shouldn't be that difficult because I am almost there.  I am also trying to keep up on lessons.   And with Christmas coming, what better time to  focus on the essential truths of the gospel.  So, I give you a challenge... Put a little more focus on your studying of the gospel.  However you want to study, whatever you want to study.  Just focus on becoming a little better in whatever you feel inclined.  It will bless your life. 

Good things:
1.  pressure
2.  miracles
3.  music

Blessed beyond comprehension

Sister Koenig's blog is going private, if you would like to follow her, please contact me, and I will be happy to add you.  Just want to be safe since I have her address  posted there.

Good Things:
1.  Miracles
2.  Hope
3.  Knowledge

So grateful today for so many things.  I just have such a sense of gratitude for life, family, friends, and knowledge and hope of eternal blessings.  I have so much!

Tournament of Talent

I have a good friend who has to have a bone marrow transplant.  In August, I saw that she and her family were asking for financial help through an organization online.  So I asked if I could do a fundraiser for her.  Although she wanted to say no, her family said yes.  Shelly is an amazing person.  I served with her for over six years in young women's and grew to love and respect her in so many ways.  She has worked at the school through all of my kids, and everyone just loves Shelly.  I knew people would want to help.  So I contacted some people who "get things done," and Tournament of Talent, was born.

The event took place on Saturday, and I was so happy with the results.  It was similar to American Idol.  People auditioned with any talent for a fee, fourteen were chosen to move on to the actual events, then tickets and advertising were sold.  The audience chose the winner by paying for additional votes.  We also had concessions and a live auction of a date with a young man for dinner.  Unfortunately, it was not sold out, but we were able to raise over $6500 for the Shelly. 

I was so impressed with our community, and the very generous donations of so many people.  Also impressive, was the talent, and the many people who helped with this event.  So many donated time, services, and food. It was so exciting to see the community come together and help.  What amazing and capable people I had to work with.  Thank you, Thank you to all who helped in even the smallest way.  It takes a village to pull something like this off, and I was honored to be a part of it, and see first hand how kind, caring, and generous people are.  Today, I hear of a shooting just sixty miles away, and think what is this world coming to? But then I remember the previous weeks of planning and kindness of people on Saturday, and realize there is still good in the world.  We just have to look for it.

Good things:
1. Communities that come together
2. Generous people
3. Friends who have touched my life.