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Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Reading, more reading, and thinking some more

Wow. I don't even have time to post today, but here I am trying to find the right words and wondering where to begin. Just yesterday, D called and wondered how my day was going. I told him that it was a good day. I was keeping on task with all my New Year's resolutions, had dinner going in the crock pot (which is a huge thing in itself) and was absorbed in a book that I NEVER thought I'd pick up. Just out of social rebellion! I told him that I was a little overwhelmed as I was looking around. So many closets needed to be cleaned and organized, my new sewing machine wasn't even out of the box, and my book cases were a wreck. I think back at what I used to be able to accomplish in a day. I was the queen of spontanaity. I'd paint rooms, build rock walls, fix sprinklers. Now, I feel like I don't do much. D reminded me that I'm in a stage of my life where I might not be able to tackle as many things in a day. That I should enjoy this stage of my life. That got me thinking...and then I got reading on other people's blogs.

Rather than focusing on all of the things that I'm not getting done, I need to think about all the wonderful things that I have done in the last year. And be excited for this next year and all the goals that I've set for myself.

I've learned how to download pictures on the computer. Yeah for me, I'm not the dumbest computer person out there anymore.

I delivered a beautiful baby girl this past year. It was a great feeling knowing that our family was complete.

We sealed B to our family in August. That was the best day of my life. I'll never forget seeing my children filing into the sealing room in their white clothes.

I've taken C driving for many hours and had patience while doing it.

I've been to countless games and practices.

I've thrown parties.

I customized my own diaper bag unlike anyone elses. I love that!

I handed out two Book of Mormons to the cutest Latino couple that removed rocks from my back yard.

Contrary to everything I ever said, I borrowed Twilight from a cousin and am currently reading it. Can I just say, that with seven kids and at the age of 37 now, why in the heck am I sooooo intrigued by this book? Did I really just admit that to the world? Who am I anymore? Actually, last night I was scared to go to bed because the 'tracker' was out.

I had the best faith experience of my life. I had never prayed and fasted so fervently in my life. I promised my boys that we would see a miracle if we truly prayed and fasted with faith. The miracle happened. I wasn't surprized. I can't express how much love I felt. I knew that our prayers had been answered. It's changed my life.

I played in the Messiah orchestra back home. It was awesome.

I met a 3rd cousin in the orchestra. She's a freshman in college. Can you believe she was born the year that I graduated from High School? That is the only time that I've felt old.

I've been uplifted by friends. Some I know personally, and some I've never met. Thank you.

I read the Book of Mormon in December. I hadn't realized it, but our theme in R.S. for 2008 was 'Drink from the Lord's Well'. We were encouraged to read the Book of Mormon that year. The sisters that had would be recognized at the end of the year. Well, don't know how, but I heard about it the first time from my friend while she was bearing her testimony on Dec. 7th. I was so touched by what she said, that I decided that I too was going to read it by the end of the year. I needed to read 22 pages a day to finish it by December 31st. Well, I forgot that night, and the next night until 10:00 P.M. I read thirty pages that night. I felt as though I needed to speed read if I was going to really reach that crazy of a goal. After one page of that, I talked myself out of it. I was going to read the Book of Mormon. From that point on, it became a book that I couldn't put down. I loved the book. I couldn't wait to get to all the stories I had heard about all my life. I wanted to get to the story of Abinidi, King Benjamin, Helamon's Stripling Warriors, and of course when Christ visited the Americas. I found myself reading the Book of Mormon while having my bubble baths. I wasn't tired when I read it. I wanted to read another page, and just one more, and just one more... Christmas day arrived, I thought, what better Christmas gift could I give myself than to finish the Book of Mormon on Christmas day. I read almost 100 pages that day and finished at 11:00 P.M. I had remembered hearing people say that they would pray in their closets. I was anxious to have my own experience in my closet. I quickly ran to my closet, embracing my beloved Book of Mormon. There I knelt and poured out my heart. I already knowing that the Book of Mormon was true, wanted to know again. I was reassured that the book was true. Every time that I couldn't put the book down, or was eager to read, or told somebody that it was such a good book, was the Spirit testifying to me that the book was indeed true. I was overcome with gratitude. I couldn't believe that at 37 I had never read the book like that before. I'm happy to say that, that was one of my greatest accomplishments of 2008. I read the Book of Mormon in two and a half weeks and can honestly say, that I LOVE THE BOOK OF MORMON!

Five days later, it was my birthday. I received a phone call from someone that's been having a rough time and is searching for something more. She called me knowing that I believe a lot in my faith. I was caught so off gaurd. She wanted help, answers. I instantly knew that she had called because I had just read the Book of Mormon. I asked her if she would like to meet with our missionaries? She committed to visit with them in a couple of days. She did. I had the chance to testify to her of my recent experience and the things that I know to be true. She comes again today. What a marvelous blessing.

Anyway...lots to think about. Thank you to all of you that get me thinking, and thanking. Have a wonderful new year. As for Edward...he'll have to wait until tomorrow. Yeah, we'll see...

6 comments:

Erika said...

I hear ya! It's good to write it all down and see how much you've really done, huh?! I loved your BoM story too! That is my goal this year, as soon as I finish the Pearl of Great Price.

Amy said...

Thank you for sharing your testimony of the Book of Mormon. I got goosebumps when I read it!

What an incredible year you've had! I'm a firm believer in times and seasons for everything.

I'm really looking forward to all that this year will bring!

Oh~ Congrats on learning to download pictures!

Amy said...

I can't believe I am crying right now, but I am. I don't even know what to say, except thank you. I am truly touched by you, your testimony, and your sense of humor. I am so thankful that we have been able to get to know each other more. Thank you, thank you. I look forward to seeing you again.

Lorilee said...

What can I say? I know what I feel right now, and I don't want this feeling to end. I can barely see the computer because of all the tears. I love you Big T. You are the big sister I always wanted and knew that I had. What a true blessing you have been to me. Thanks for sharing your experiences with me and motivating me to do the same. I love you.

NelsonFamily said...

Hey- your blog left me in tears. Mostly because of your sweet and true testimony and partly because you like Twilight. I am one of the few and proud who do not love the book. Read it and was not impressed. Love the Book of Mormon though. Where do you find time to design diaper bags? You're amazing! Do you ever sleep?

loveland9 said...

You're 37?----Man you are getting old. Seriously, I loved reading your post. i love you with all my heart. You are an amazing person. Keep up all the good work that you do. I'm proud to call you my wife. Have a good day.

D