Truly Grateful - Journal Post

I have really been trying to focus on things that are truly important in life, such as being more diligent in reading my scriptures, having more patience with my children, slowing down and really thinking and contemplating each word that I utter when I pray, and one of which is completely new to me is reading the Relief Society manual.

I was so grateful when our Relief Society Presidency gave us the challenge of reading the Book of Mormon starting on January 1 and finishing just before Easter. I will admit I am behind, but nonetheless I am reading and I cannot say what a difference this has made in my day! I love reading the stories in the scriptures and being able to know exactly where so many of those sweet Primary songs come from. I think it is so neat that we can not only teach our children the fun and catchy tunes but then reinforce what they are learning by showing them where it is in the scriptures. Speaking of children, I really have been working hard on trying to be more patient with each one of them. I sometimes sit back and think to myself would I like it if someone were talking to me like that? I don't know I think that I get so caught up in everything to do that they just are on the "to do" list. How unfortunate and lame it that? Yikes! I am so grateful for the amazing opportunity that I have to be a mother and to have such awesome spirits in my home. I loves my little stinkers so much and would not trade them for anything at all!

While waiting for Mason during his therapies on Monday I thought why not bring something good to read. And if you know me at all you know how much I HATE reading! However, I did bring along the Relief society manual with me this past Monday and man did I learn a lot. It is such basic concepts of the gospel that are so great to go over. For example, I feel that I understand the "fall" of Adam and Eve. Never had I before even contemplated those specific words. Also, by contemplating who our Heavenly Father really is and His role has really helped me to have more meaningful prayers. I just feel that we have been so blessed lately and everything is just working out. I am always amazed at how the Lord provides and at His tender mercies. I am so grateful to have this wonderful thing in my life we call the Gospel. It has been life changing for me and continues to be as I continue to learn and grow. I am especially grateful for our ward family. When Lonnie and I first moved into this ward we really did not care for it too much. Don't get me wrong there are a ton of amazing people in it however we just didn't feel that it was really a warm ward. Well, as we have been looking at homes it is incredible how strong of a feeling that we have had that we need to stay in our ward. We truly have come to appreciate it for what it is and it does feel like home. How wonderful a ward family can be! There are so many that would drop absolutely everything to serve others. I love it! Service is so contagious and we all need to do more of it! Now off to make lunch before those cute kiddos come home...