"I am...quite content."

Day 7

This was my Scripture-a-Day scripture, and I absolutely love it! It is so perfect for my life right now.

"...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

- Philippians 4:11

Oh, Paul. Amen.

Learning to be content is a lesson I learn repeatedly throughout my life. In many, many ways. Whether it was the school I was in. My employment. The choir I was part of. The literal state(s) I had to live in (with their cultures, weather, economies, laws, etc.). I noticed some time early on during my undergraduate college years that the many moves in my life and other changes that occurred had helped me learn to find happiness and joy wherever I was placed. And I have been quite grateful for that.

But especially recently, with things that reside within me--no matter where I am or go, it has been such a great blessing from the Lord to help me learn to be content with things not under my control. I am so happy to be content. It is a peace and serenity that is incomparable.

What in your life are you content with? What brings you contentment?

Food, Glorious Food

Day 6

Wednesday nights are always difficult to come home after closing at work. Because I'm hungry. And I know I shouldn't eat that late, or that close to bedtime. Plus, I've spent almost a month being very careful of portion control and nutrients and such. It's been working great and I'm quite proud of myself. But that doesn't mean I don't miss feeling stuffed. Yes. I like that feeling. Not the I'm going to throw up if I move stuffed. But the I can tell there is food in my stomach. I know that just because I can eat the whole box of prepared macaroni and cheese, it doesn't mean I should. But I miss it. So though I'm still going to be as careful as I can be about the amount, I think it's OK to have a snack. And I am so grateful to have access to an abundance of food.

A Cluster Here, A Cluster There

Day 5

Another worldly gratitude--and about clothes, again! But I just love my outfit today.

Love. It.

Probably more than I should. But oh well. What I'm grateful for is the concept of clustering. The term was introduced to me by my Image Consultant from Conselle, who told me I already had a good grasp on the concept. I can't imagine not using clustering. My desire to be thrifty and have fewer possessions fits in with it quite well.

Clustering basically means creating a variety of outfits from just a few items of clothing. For example, I have a much loved blouse that can go with various camis, pants, and skirts. With that one blouse, I have a possibility of 15 different outfits. Any time I discover a new outfit that works with what I already own, it is a happy day. This especially works for those items that are limited in capability. Like my suit. I love my suit. It looks so good, and is a size smaller than we had thought would fit me. :-) Always flattering and makes me feel professional, feminine, intelligent, slender, and sleek. Amazing what clothes can do. Really.

Anywho. The suit jacket came with pants and a skirt. Two outfits that can be increased by the various blouses I own to go with it. Said blouses must be button up, which are hard to find if I don't want to be showing off more than I ought. Which I don't! Still, only two choices to go with the jacket are not as exciting as four. I discovered a 3rd skirt that not only goes well with the suit jacket, but also adds a bit of flirty and fun to the outfit. OK. So it's my favorite skirt. And I love the outfit!!!

Especially as I discovered the first use of a blouse that my sister-in-law gave me a few months back. (Camisole to the rescue!) I was doubting I would find a use. I'm thrilled that this has worked, and now hope to find at least one if not two more outfits to fit the blouse so I can feel better about letting it reside in my closet. I'm happy that my clothes make me happy. And I have my wonderful parents to thank for "giving" me someone who could teach me what would work with my personality, budget, resources, style, and profession.

What joys do you have about your clothes and outfits...(oh, all right!) and shoes? :-)

I Love to See...

Day 4

There is one thing which I could not pass this day over without acknowledging my joy and gratitude for. Although, it's a lot of things that are all related into one:

The Temple.

Temple covenants. Temple blessings. Temple promises. Temple Work (and workers!). Each one even more special to me because I am blessed to take full part of these covenants blessings, promises, and work. Today marks 8 years since I was blessed to receive my endowment. It is hard to explain how defining and life-changing an experience that is, and how it makes my life what it is as I try to live and keep my temple covenants. This is one of my favorite anniversaries, because it means the most to me.

What anniversaries are special to you and bring you joy? Or, if you have been blessed with your own temple endowment, what joys has this brought you in your life?

A Little Thing

Day 3

Sometimes it's the little, dare I say even worldy, things that bring a little bit of delight. But as long as it is a little bit of delight and naught of vanity, I think I'm all right. Tomorrow is my 8th Temple Anniversary. As I looked in my closet of few Sunday clothes, I realized my even more limited winter Sunday wardrobe is rather dark in color. I like dark colors. I love black. Plus I've been told I look really good in black.

But black just didn't seem right. As much as I love that dress, I didn't want to wear all black on a 30-degree (somewhere in the teens with the wind chill) at the start of a new year. I was just too happy in this brand new year, and on the eve of my anniversary, and I wanted to show it.

So I wore my Easter dress. It's one whose colors make it more of a spring/summer dress. But sometimes I joy in defying conventions and I chose this dress that I always feel so cute and feminine in. I receive a comment here or there from friends when I wear it. Today, I received so many positive comments and compliments--from females of all ages within 3 different church units/congregations. Actually, I think there may have been the rare male compliment of "you look nice today" somewhere. But it was so nice that people said I looked good, because it matched that I felt good. Well, OK. I felt great. But we can ignore that irrelevant difference.

The Warmth of the Season

Day 2

I love cold weather. Not that I want to live where it is cold all the time. But I love living in places with 4 distinct seasons. What is so great about winter? In my lifetime, I have seen the cold bring the family home again. It's great to run around and play outside. But it's also nice to come close together on a cold afternoon or evening to talk, play games, or just...be together. The falling snow is a singular beauty in sight and sound. Food tastes better on a cold day. The warmth and glow of a fire is enchanting. Snuggling into blankets brings feelings of comfort and security.

Obviously I wouldn't be as grateful for the cold if I didn't have the blessings of warmth, provisions, shelter, and family. But my focus today is on the winter. Most of my life I have had to live where winter was a prominent weather change. And instead of being miserable and unhappy with it, I've learned to find the positive from it. And not just find the positive, but to love it. I also learn from it, because I cannot help seeing the spiritual analogies of it. And that's what makes the love complete.

What are your joys and gratitudes of winter?

Introducing...

Joy and Gratitude Every Day!

I am going to try every day to focus on something that gives me joy and/or that I want to express my gratitude for. It's to go along with having more of the Attitude of Gratitude as well as help this wonderful, newfound happiness abiding within me become a lasting joy.

Day 1

I ran a race today. My first race in the winter, and a great way to start the new year. It wasn't too cold, which was nice. It was a lovely race in terms of weather and the cloud-watching I was able to do. Having not run in 2 months, you can guess that my lungs were in a lot of pain as I ran, and have been a bit sore since. And being a street race, my knees are in a little pain, too. But I am so grateful for every morning I wake up. When I can stand on my own. Walk without help.

And run. Run because my physical disabilities are not enough to stop me. Run because I love the feelings of accomplishment, ability, strength, and peace. Run simply because I want to, and because I can. It does not matter that I am not good at it. What matters is that it's something that gives me enjoyment and that I am blessed to be able to do.

I love it!