Thankful Thoughts...

What inspired me this week?

I believe our Heavenly Father wants to help us in every aspect of our lives, and I believe if we turn to him with faith he will magnify and enlarge our capabilities. 

My husband and one of our sons started a business about two years ago. They are both engineers and both have worked most of their careers in the medical device and kidney dialysis fields designing equipment and managing teams. Since they started their company they have worked tirelessly, and this week they hit a very important milestone that needed to be reached for the company to continue and progress. It was a huge accomplishment. For months my husband and I have prayed that those working on this project would be inspired by Him and be led to success if it was the Lord's will. Over and over again, thoughts and insights would come a step at a time until they reached the goal. I'm grateful for inspiration and guidance that helps us in every facet of our lives.

What moved me this week?

I had a moving spiritual experience during church today -- angels singing, hallelujahs ringing, hands raising, amens praising -- the whole nine yards. When I saw these shoes, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven...

Yup, those are ice cream flats.

Cutest shoes ever. {I especially love the waffle cone look.}

I could hardly concentrate in Sunday School because the teacher was wearing them. I ran up to her after the lesson to find out where she'd gotten them. Two words...  

Shoe Bakery. {Click here.}

 They even have a mini-version...

I'm craving baked goods and ice cream!

Thankful Thoughts...

What surprised me this week?

Last Monday I got an unexpected call. My eldest son had become ill Sunday night and had spent the night in the ER. He had been treated with antibiotics and released, but still needed rest and recuperation. When I called him on Monday afternoon he still sounded groggy and sick like he was still quite ill or like I had just woken him up from a deep, much needed sleep. So, I went into my "just-keep-breathing-till-I-get-there-mode", and I promptly booked an airline ticket. When I flew into San Jose Wednesday morning, said child picked me up at the airport looking fabulous and fit as ever. I asked my previously sicko son, "How do you feel?" He said he was feeling great other than being a little tired. {Dang antibiotics. How's a mother supposed to take care of her kid if antibiotics can do the job faster and better!*+#*~!}  I went through the checklist: Do you have a stomach ache? Low blood sugar? Headache? Cuts or bruises? Indigestion? Sniffles, constipation, or hangnails? No, no and no. Shoot. I couldn't save the day after all. {Disappointing.} 

When all was said and done, however, I had a wonderful time with my son this week. It's surprising when a mother gets one on one time with an adult child -- especially when she is a mother of many. We had so many meaningful and sweet conversations and discussions. He is someone I admire so much for so very many reasons, and I was able to express that love and admiration to him in many ways. I'm so happy he's feeling better, and so grateful that I felt prompted to go out and spend some time with this boy of mine. Feeling grateful.

What moved me this week?

My husband and I celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary this week. I met him when I was 18 years old, and he was 19. We were so young. Shortly after we met, he left on a two year mission for our church. Two and a half months after he got back from his mission in New Zealand -- even though we hadn't seen each other or talked on the phone with each other for those two years -- we got married. I'm still a proponent of writing letters to the one you love. It's an amazing way to truly get to know someone without the physical part of a romantic relationship "getting in the way." He is such a good man. I'm so grateful that he is mine, and I am his. Even though we were apart for our anniversary, our children got together and made a timeline of our years together. Each one adding memories and highlights. Their reminiscences -- both funny and touching -- moved both Mark and I. It was definitely one of the best presents we've ever received. 

What inspired me this week?

Twice a year our church -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- has a two-day conference where leaders of our church speak on a variety of gospel and spiritual subjects. In one of today's sessions, during the opening prayer, this thought was expressed... "May we balance our lives according to thy will..." Life can be hectic and unpredictable. Sometimes the most important things get put aside as we turn our attention to more trivial matters. 

I've gotten in the habit of looking words up in the dictionary. Sometimes, especially when a word is used in a spiritual context, a definition gives me insight. One definition of "balance" is to arrange, adjust, or proportion the parts. I love the thought of relying on the Savior to help me adjust and arrange my life best, so that I can tend to those things that are most important to him. I think I'll include this thought in my prayers more often. I love it when the Spirit works on me to listen carefully, so I can receive inspiration.

Thankful Thoughts....

 
What surprised me this week?

I've been missing family lately. We had a wonderful reunion with all our children and grandchildren in August at the wedding of one of our sons, but, as great as it was, it wasn't long enough or relaxing enough to get a really good visit with each one, so my heart has been a bit empty lately. I was surprised the last couple of weeks when some of our kids called and plans were scheduled for some visits in the next few months. I love these kinds of surprises!

What moved me this week?

I've watched and read a little this week about the Pope's visit to the U.S. I'm not Catholic, but I can appreciate people of faith coming together to worship and be strengthened. I loved the instances where the Pope stopped proceedings and slowed down schedules to give a blessing or comfort to a particular person. Obviously the demands of administration for Pope Francis are great, so it's especially moving to see those moments when ministering to the individual took precedence over schedules and events. Along those same lines...

What inspired me this week?

Sometimes it's pretty obvious to me when the Lord is trying to teach me something, and lately I've been schooled with "personalized instruction" on the subject of charity. I won't go into the details, but it's become clear to me that I could do better. Today in Sunday School our lesson was on... {you guessed it} charity. In the beginning of the lesson, we discussed the parable of The Good Samaritan. I'd like to think I would stop if I saw someone who was hurt or in apparent pain, but in other less obvious circumstances I fear I've seen myself turning away and not giving attention where it was needed. I want to be better and more compassionate. During the lesson we watched this inspiring video -- "What Matters Most."  I loved the statement at the end of the video... "Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved." Inspiring words to live by.

Thankful Thoughts...

A few years ago I was introduced to the idea of a gratitude journal. What I found as I wrote in my journal every week, was that it helped me to focus on the more uplifting events in my life and ignore or put into context those that were negative. It made me aware of the many tender mercies and kindnesses that were evident in my daily experiences and helped guide my thoughts toward more positive actions. I hoped that by starting this journal it would help me to cultivate a spirit of gratitude in my heart that would bless my life and those around me. For the last couple of years I made this journal private as I worked through some hard issues, but I'm back on the bandwagon and ready to share on my blog once again. My journal consists of answering one or more of these three questions each week...

What inspired me?   What surprised me?   What moved me?

This week...What inspired me?

I really like listening to Christian radio. It inspires me. It calms me. It teaches me. Simply put, it makes me happy.  The other day I was listening to the lyrics of a song by Casting Crowns called "Just Be Held." It's a song about putting your troubles in God's hands. A lyric in the song states,

"Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place...." 

Now there's a positive attitude. Hindsight often gives us this perspective, but it's a hard concept to accept when you feel as if your world is spinning out of control. When you're smack dab in the middle of a crisis, your last thought is that the experience could be a blessing or for your good. Yet, looking back, that has often been the case in my life. It's during those times that I've been taught and learned best, and it's when I've more faithfully relied on God and felt closest to Him. If that isn't having my world "fall into place," I don't know what is. I'm grateful for music and teachings that inspire me and help me remember God's love for me.

"Be still, and know that I am God..." 

Psalms 46:10

 

"Give Thanks" Plaque Attack...

 Tutorial and Link to Vinyl

It's been a couple of years since I've published a Plaque Attack on my blog. This one is going to be an all time favorite of mine. It's no secret that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love everything about it -- being surrounded by family, a fabulous dinner, the smell of autumn, a time to count blessings and express gratitude -- it reaches all my senses and sensibilities. This plaque symbolizes all of that to me.

TUTORIAL

Materials:

• For 5 plaques: One 1"x12"x6' length of pine board ::: For 1 plaque: One 1"x12"x13" pine board
• Dark walnut wood stain
• Vinyl wreath & quote
• Sander & sanding paper

Directions:

1.) I made five plaques at the same time so I purchased a 1"x12"x6' length of pine board and had it cut into five 1"x12"x13" pieces -- with a little remaining. {Take that remaining piece home in case you want to practice beveling the edges of it, before you bevel the edges of the plaques.} Home Depot will make these cuts free of charge, so I always have my wood cut before I leave the store.

2.) I wanted the edges of the plaques rounded (beveled), so I put the hubs to work on his router. This step isn't necessary, but it makes for a more finished look. If you like a rustic look, there's no need for beveling the edges.

3.) Next I used my orbital sander to whip the plaques into shape. It took me less than a minute a plaque to get them ready to stain...

4.) Stain both the front and back sides of the plaques...

It always amazes me how wood takes stain so unevenly, but that rustic, imperfect quality is what I love most about working with wood...

5.) When the stain is dry, apply the vinyl "leaf wreath" -- centering it on the plaque horizontally, and placing the tops of the leaves about one inch from the top of the plaque. After the leaf wreath has been affixed to the plaque, center the quote inside the wreath and add it to the wood plaque.

My friend Sharon has this vinyl wreath and quote available at her online store, Vinyl Wall Expressions. Follow this link to purchase this beautiful golden and white custom vinyl to make a plaque of your own.The vinyl measures 9 inches wide x 10 3/4 inches long.

6.) I put a light coat of Rust-oleum Clear Matte Spray Finish on the top of the plaques once the vinyl was affixed to the wood. This will protect the wood and keep the wood from fading. Done!

These plaques were such a fun project, and I now have five beautiful gifts to give away this month. I think one of these plaques would make a beautiful hostess gift.

The vinyl for the wreath is a beautiful metallic gold color, and I love the simple phrase that sums up Thanksgiving to me.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Thankful Thoughts...

What moved me this week?

For the last few years I've been on a quest to develop more inner peace. I think that's something we all crave, but often, especially when we are facing real-life challenges, it's not easily found. I've had enough experiences in my life to know that true inner peace can only be found through Jesus Christ and his teachings, but for me, knowing that and applying His principles -- especially when life gets painful -- can be two separate things. This week I had a break-through in this quest when I realized that inner peace and faith are inseparably connected. As I read specific scriptures about faith, I realized that God has given us the capacity to exercise faith, and by doing so we can replace our fears and concerns with inner calm, comfort and hope born of the Spirit. When we have faith that the Savior is all-powerful and that He knows and loves us and is aware of our thoughts, concerns, failures and pain, we can be assured that He will provide help and support when we need it most, no matter how challenging the circumstance. By exercising more faith in Jesus Christ and inviting Him to shoulder our burdens and heal our hearts, He helps create for us a new path to inner peace. Now that I've discovered how to develop more inner peace, my next journey is to grow my faith and trust in the Lord. I'm confident that inner peace will be a natural consequence of that quest.

Thankful Thoughts...

What inspired me this week?

My husband and I had the opportunity to spend some time with my 91 year old mother last week. She is an inspiration. She has a walker as a constant companion, but the walkways and halls of her independent living home must remind her of a racetrack. I hope in the future she continues to have the same agility and finesse as she speeds around objects and individuals like she demonstrated while we were there. I'd hate to hear that she had a collision with a bookcase or mowed some poor soul down because her walker got away from her. I'm certain she would come out of a collision in one piece, but as for a bookcase...

What surprised me this week?

 While in California my husband and I were able to visit the LDS Oakland Temple. It sits high on a hill and has an imposing view of the San Francisco Bay Area. As we looked at this beautiful building that symbolizes so much to us, it surprised us to realize that it was 37 years ago this week that we were married there. Much has happened in our lives since that day -- so much good and, of course, some difficult times as well. However, every aspect of our life together has been blessed by our marriage taking place in this House of the Lord.

What moved me this week?

Lately I've been thinking a lot about forgiveness, so I paid special attention in church last Sunday when someone spoke on this subject. One particular thought the speaker expressed touched my heart. His comment, as I remember it, was, "When we demonstrate forgiveness we open ourselves up to other possibilities, opportunities and blessings." That simple thought gave me peace and moved me. Maybe it will help you too. 

Because of Him...

He lives. 

He suffered and atoned for our sins. 

He is my Savior and Redeemer, and he can be yours.

Wishing you a meaningful Easter. 

 

Thankful Thoughts...

Yesterday, while it was still early and few people were out, I went on a long walk near our home. I never get tired of this view. Our town is situated just east of Longs Peak (the snow-capped mountain in the distance). Winter, spring, summer and fall the view of this beautiful summit never disappoints...

Like many places in the U.S. we've had a cold winter. We're just beginning to see green grass and buds on trees. It'll be weeks before all the trees have blossomed and leafed out, but spring is in the air and with it a sense of renewal and optimism.

As I walked I could hear the trill and chirps of a variety of birds. They are busy feathering their nests and preparing for good things to come.

Like many families we've faced some hard challenges the last few years, but individually and as a family we have been blessed in many, many ways. It was easy to relax and count those blessings as I took in these beautiful scenes.

One of my favorite sayings is...

Work in place of worry, 

faith in place of fear.

                  Lucile Tate

 I love the hope and conviction those words give me.

Sometimes our lives get tangled up and messy, but even in those times one can find beauty.

Wishing you a wonderful day!

Thankful Thoughts...

 "A grateful heart... comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings

 and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives."   ~Thomas S. Monson

Feeling grateful. 

Thankful Thoughts...

What moved me this week?

My brother came home from the hospital this week. He'd been in the intensive care unit of the hospital for more than a month recovering from a very serious at-home fall. We'd been told that it would be weeks before he was released from the hospital, but in one week he improved dramatically and was released from the hospital. I'm grateful, and I was moved by the prayers of loved ones and strangers who felt compelled to pray {and fast} for him. This last year our family has become well aware of the strength and spiritual benefits found in prayer and fasting. I'm so grateful he is further along on his road to recovery.

What surprised me this week?

I love the first signs of Spring ... warmer temperatures, rain showers, bright green blades of new grass, crocuses peeking through the soil. Yesterday morning we awoke to birds chirping. Earlier in the week I'd notice two birds nest building in a little pine tree just outside our front door. As I sat at my computer in our study yesterday morning, I heard quite a racket outside the window. When I opened my front door and peeked out, this little guy greeted me...

 He's one of the nest builders that was busy this week.
I think this birdie's sweet song is going to be a welcome surprise every morning this Spring!

Thankful Thoughts...

What surprised me this week?

Tuesday morning we awoke to a snowstorm. On rare occasions in the winter, I'll look outside the window and see a swarm of birds perched in our trees.

Usually they are robins dressed in their cherry-red finery, but there are often little finches among the congregation as well.  Tuesday, with the snow coming down, the birds started to gather. I stood at my second-story bedroom window looking out at the branches of our tree just outside the window. As I looked I noticed one bird, just a few feet from the window pane, that seemed totally out of place amongst all the fat red robins. It looked like a yellow cardinal, with a bright yellow body and a little tuft on its head.

(source)

(learn more)

It was gorgeous. As I stood looking at it, it cocked his head and stared back. This sunshiny yellow bird made me smile, and I as I admired it I had a feeling of hope and happiness wash over me. I've done a little research and apparently this bird is extremely rare. I believe it was sent to me on this cold wintery day as a sign of hope and good things to come. I'm grateful.

Thankful Thoughts...

What inspired me this week?

I flew to California this last week to visit family. Our family has been traveling a rough road lately. My brother, who sustained terrible injuries in a fall 2 1/2 weeks ago, is finally showing some signs of improvement, but I was at a low ebb when I reached out to a friend of mine in the middle of the week. She sent back an encouraging email that soothed me and calmed my anxieties. In it she quoted some scriptures that helped me remember my faith and beliefs. Faith can be a fragile thing when you're in the thick of it. Sometimes fear replaces faith, and you start to despair. Chris reminded me of the beliefs that I hold dear by pointing me toward the scriptures. They inspired me and gave me hope. I'm so grateful for sacred writings and faith-filled friends. 

For those interested, here's the list of the scriptures that Chris sent: 

1 Peter 5:7

Jeremiah 33:3

Luke 1:37

Psalm 118: 5-6, 8-9

Psalm 31:24

Isaiah 65:24

Hebrews 4:14-16

Philippians 4:6-9

What surprised me this week?

I have found that when difficult situations surround us they are often balanced by obvious blessings. This heavenly assistance is referred to as a "tender mercy" in the scriptures. The challenge is to recognize this aid and relief for what it is, rather than discard it as a mere coincidence. For me, tender mercies are evidence that the Savior is mindful of me and my family and that He loves us. This week I was surprised by the number of those sweet assurances and blessings. Here are a few examples of the tender mercies that our family experienced this week:

• I made my plane reservations a couple of months ago to fly to California -- never realizing that my brother would be involved in an accident. I was so grateful to be able to be there to {hopefully} lift and support my family.
• Several of our family members received the good news of a wonderful summer internship, a sought-after residency, and a well-deserved promotion this week. 
• My husband and I were asked to attend a Young Single Adult Ward (congregation) as "ward missionaries." So excited!  
• My mother's helper was ill this week. Fortunately, her illness coincided with my visit, which was a blessing because she didn't feel pressed to come to work and my mother still had the help she desired.
• Today our part of Colorado received a much needed snowstorm! 
• The announcement that a new little one is expected in our family. ;o) {Time to start sewing again!}

 

Thankful Thoughts...

What moved me this week?

I expect family to pull together in emergencies, but it warms my heart all the same. My favorite expression of this is when loved ones unite in prayer for a common blessing. The last couple of years our family has become more and more acquainted with this experience. Collectively we've petitioned the Lord much on behalf of different family members in need. I've grown to appreciate -- even more -- the power of prayer and the strength and positive influence one can feel through the Spirit from the prayers of others. I'm grateful that members of our family understand this gospel principle and take advantage of this blessing daily.

This week I was moved by the prayers of strangers. When my mother's LDS bishop (leader of their congregation) heard the news that my brother had been in an accident, he called my mother and asked permission to go visit him in the hospital. My brother doesn't live within the boundaries of this bishop's congregation, however, this good man took it upon himself to travel some distance to visit and bestow a priesthood blessing on my brother. I'm grateful. In another instance a good friend of my mother's, who had never met my brother, felt prompted to visit him in the hospital. While there she prayed for him, his family and all those attending him. It was obvious to those present that her prayer calmed and comforted my brother. Again, I'm grateful. 

What surprised me this week? 

We got the surprising news this week that my daughter and her husband sold their current home and bought a new home. All this was great news, except for the fact that they will be homeless for about 2 1/2 months between the time they move out of their current dwelling and close on their new one. What will they do during that two month period? Move in with us of course! Never mind that they live 500 miles away. They will have the opportunity to have an extended vacation in the Rocky Mountains, and we'll have the opportunity to be around our grandkids 24/7! It's a win/win situation. They even worked it out so that my son-in-law will be able to work from our home every other week. My husband and I are busy plotting and planning all the fun we'll have while they're here!

 

Thankful Thoughts...

What inspired me this week?

Since Christmas I've been in a little creative slump. I've been busy and preoccupied by a number of typical life situations. This happens and it isn't anything I've worried about. I knew the inspiration would come when things settled down a bit. 

A couple of weeks ago I joined a gym, and I've been working out in the mornings ever since. I love this particular gym because it has a long row of big screen TVs, and one TV is always tuned to HGTV. I love the remake shows that take a room from a dilapidated, outdated space into a beautifully fresh and functional room. This week as I {huffing and puffing} glided away on the elliptical, I felt my creative inspiration fire up. Often, other people's work inspires my creativity. I can see a project created by someone else and visualize how to change it to apply to our needs or wants. I now have a list of several to do projects that I'm excited about.

What surprised me this week?

Last Sunday I was visiting some favorite blogs when I came upon this post at Somewhat Simple. Stephanie had created a lively free printable with the following words which John H. Groberg stated in his book, "The Other Side of Heaven."

Sometimes God calms the storm. 

Sometimes He lets the storm rage and He calms His child.

I loved the message {and graphics} of the printable, so I immediately printed it off and hung it up. 

A few days later I was surprised when I got some news that no one ever wants to receive. My brother had been in a terrible at-home accident involving a fall and, as a result, a "storm" was raging. Since then my mind has gone back to that beautiful quote many times, and it has brought comfort to my soul. I know those words to be true, because I've lived them many times. I'm grateful that in situations like this I can lean on Him, and He will bring me the peace and calm that I desire. My brother has stabilized, but the situation is still very serious, and he has a long road ahead of him. I imagine that quote will become a mantra in our lives for the next few months. Prayers are always appreciated.

1957

my brother :: me :: my sister
This is one of my favorite pictures of the three of us.
It says more about our respective personalities than you can ever imagine.