Here It Comes

Day 151

All day busy. Running around. Last minute preparations. Organizing. Ah, yes.

I love Summer Reading--and that this year it will be so much more enjoyable!!

Today's Smile: The little boy who asked for book recommendations and enjoyed telling me what he has liked and what he thinks I will like.

Today's Something New: I watched the rest of "Gods and Generals" and all of "Gettysburg" today. So many names floating all over, I wanted to keep them straight. I also wanted to know what was accurate of this movie based on a fictional book based on an actual event. So as generals were named, I looked up information about them. Interesting to see the simple facts given. "Gettysburg" drives home the sorrow of very good friends Armistead and Hancock fighting on opposite sides--on the very same battleground. But seeing some of the facts, there were so many more who faced similar personal struggles and sorrows. It truly was a war of brother against brother, friend against friend. It continues to open my mind more to, well, more.

Ways to Remember

Day 150

I watched a few military movies and documentaries to remind me of the true meaning of Memorial Day. It helps me to exactly what we are supposed to do--remember.

I loved seeing all the many flowers at the cemetery by my home. I'm becoming attached to that cemetery, and I sometimes feel sorrowful for the many graves without flowers. But today, the entire place is well-laden with beautiful flowers and visitors. It is a lovely sight for a Memorial Day.

And I still got to have a barbecue with my family. And part of our discussions included our grandfathers who fought for our country and the preservation of our freedoms.

It may have been my coldest Memorial Day ever, but my soul and my heart were warm, and I'm grateful the Savior gave me that.

Today's Smile: The many from my niece as I played the game I'd given her for her birthday. Of course, I enjoyed all of the smiles my nieces and nephew gave me throughout my visit--just for coming, during the movies, as we ate, for sitting by them....

Today's Something New: I learned that a "wing chair" (aka "wing-back chair") is an easy chair or club chair with "wings" mounted to the back of the chair typically but not always stretching down to the arm rest. I've heard the name before, but never knew what it referred to. Our family had two of these when I was growing up. They were excellent for nap-taking.

New Focus

Day 149

I listened to a recent "Faith in Action" podcast this morning. It was Justin Osmond, son of one of the "original" Osmond Brothers. He was born with 90% hearing loss. It was interesting to hear him speak so well, and to speak of his experiences and the things he has done that show faith in action. Then he said something that really stood out to me: Don't measure your life by the days you live, but by the smiles you leave behind. And I thought that I would like to try: give a smile every day.

This morning I was also reading from Sister Oaks' A Single Voice and read about never having a single dull moment. To continue to build ourselves in all ways. I felt prompted to make a list of things that I would like to try/learn/do/improve. From the possible to the ridiculous. From the short-term to the life-long. It was rather fun. And that got me to thinking of something else I'd like to try: learn something new every day.

Similar to my attempts to find a gratitude for each day, I think accounting for these things will help me try to accomplish them more. And I believe they will make a difference in my life.

And I thank my Savior for giving me 2 worthwhile purposes in life to strive for.

Today's Smile: I helped my new RS President hand things out before church began. It was a smile of appreciation, even for something so small and simple. But her smiles brighten my day and make me feel like I truly made a difference for her, no matter what it was in.

Today's Something New: I learned there were Japanese Americans living in Hawaii when Pearl Harbor was bombed. I know--it's something I should know or could have guessed. But my knowledge of 20th century history is terrible. And my Chinese American relatives lived in Hawaii. I often here of the Chinese peoples, not Japanese. The Japanese I heard of were in California. Learning that there were Japanese Americans in Hawaii then added one more dimension to my thoughts and knowledge about history there at that time.

I Try

Day 148

I got to make magnet boxes and cut out various felt shapes for my summer Toddler Play Hour programs. How much fun is that?! Seriously. All day cutting, tracing, pasting. And I got paid for it. My skills--especially in the cutting and tracing part--are not very good. I often say I'm not creative. The more accurate thing to say would probably be that I'm too lazy and impatient. Which, to me are traits that detract from creativity. Thus, "I'm not creative" seems to fit. But what I love is that the toddlers aren't judging my lack of skills. They're not going to look at my felt mouse and think it looks like a grey glob with a detachable pink squiggle. And if they do, well, it's not as painful to hear from them as it is from older people. These toddlers are going to love what I do with and for them, and many of the parents will appreciate that I provided something outside of the house!

I'm grateful the Lord knows that life doesn't always require specific talents from me, and that appreciation of any of my efforts can be just as uplifting as using the talents I do possess.

I Love to See

Day 147

I love my weekly temple trips. Being on Temple Square still hasn't lost its wonder--and I hope it never does. I love when I go on Fridays, knowing my mother is fulfilling her calling as a temple worker at the same time. And now I'm guessing my brother goes along to do temple work as well.

Temple work--with others or on my own--is one of the greatest joys and blessings that the Lord gives me.

Stressed...Or Not

Day 146

I am in quite deep with Summer Reading now. It's such a busy time of year--but I love it! Especially now where the program is so well-supported and fairly organized. And so much better now that I'm not trying to run the whole thing myself.

Less stress means I can enjoy this time so much more--and I'm grateful He's brought me a much less stressful job (especially as He knows how I am with stress).

Lord's Inspiration

Day 145

It astounds me how truly inspirational the Lord was in me taking this dating class. It is absolutely perfect for me right now! Of course, I know such a thing shouldn't astound me. He is, after all, my Savior. He knows me better than I know myself. He knows what I need and how. And He not only wants my happiness more than any one else, but He knows how to help me find and achieve it!

I'm so grateful the Lords knows me best and "leads me along."