Peace, Prayers and Precious Moments

I had the pleasure of visiting the temple this evening. When I first got off of work, I debated about going because I was tired and didn't want to fall asleep in the temple. I squashed all the worldly objections my mind was raising, and committed to going anyway, stopping to get Del Taco on the way home so that I could cross food off my list of objections. At home, I was preoccupied doing some planning for tomorrow and answering emails, but I managed to change, eat and get on my way in plenty of time. Along the way, however, traffic was difficult, and to make matters worse, there were emergency vehicles heading in the same direction as me, causing even more traffic delays. I walked in just a few minutes before the session was to start, and changed quickly.

There were quite a few people from our ward there, which delighted me. As I sat there, I pondered for a few moments, but noticed my mind was unfocused and still distracted by the busy-ness of the day and all the concerns I have for various situations. I closed my eyes and tried to focus my attention on my breathing and on the peace of the temple, and it really helped. As the session progressed, I finally felt my mind and heart fill with peace, and I could pray in earnest.

Toward the end of my time at the temple, my bishop did a kindness for me that really touched my heart, and because of that kindness, I felt the spirit very strongly and an abiding peace that filled my soul. It was truly a precious moment that I shall not forget. The temple is a place of refuge and strength for me. It is one of the ways that the Lord can speak to me and quiet my worries. I'm so grateful for it, and for the beauty of it. It teaches me about consecration and duty, and helps me feel the Lord's love more abundantly in my life so that I can share it with others throughout my days of working with others. I'm so very thankful!

Birthday Weekend

I celebrated my birthday this weekend. We were lucky enough to have Erin and Nick in town for Nick's sister's wedding, so they were able to be here and attend church with us on Sunday morning. On Saturday, the kids mowed the lawns and tidied up the yard a bit, so that was a HUGE gift to me. (I don't have to be depressed anymore when looking out of the windows!) I received a meyer lemon tree, which my former husband Patrick planted for me along with a fig tree that I had yet to plant. During the day on Saturday, I happened to glance outside and noticed a hummingbird on my porch, right outside the window, hovering there for a few minutes. I consider that one of many gifts from my Heavenly Father. I also received a gift card for Chipotle and CHOCOLATE...how can any birthday be bad when it involves lemons, hummingbirds, chipotle and chocolate? (Especially Lindoor Truffles.)

Sunday was kind of a lazy day, for which I was grateful. The kids played Settlers of Catan and taught Nick how to play, and now he has a new favorite game! We had scrambled eggs and waffles with strawberry topping for dinner.

On Memorial Day, the kids of course had no school, but I had to work. Fortunately, Erin and Nick were able to be home to keep the kids occupied. When I returned from work, we cleaned up a bit, and I prepared ribs, rice pilaf (a ton...three bags to freeze for later use!), corn on the cob and lemonade. I also made myself a birthday cake...lemon with lemon frosting. Are we noticing a theme here?? LOL

On Monday, Erin & Nick surprised me with new non-stick frying pans. I guess they noticed that my small and medium frying pans were old and icky. I used them to fry eggs this morning!

I feel very blessed to have my children, good health and many wonderful intangible things in my life. Here's to another good year!