Happy New Year

The last day of 2008 is only a couple days away. A natural time for reflection on the past year and looking forward to a brand new year all fresh and untouched. It has been a very quiet holiday for me. Mostly I just stayed home by myself and rested, read, and thought. I realize that I have not taken much time to think. Not in a morose, sorrowful way, but in a considering kind of way about where I am today and where I want to be at this time next year. Of course, life is what happens when you're making other plans, but if I don't have some kind of direction then I tend to wander aimlessly about wondering what the heck is going on. Aimless wandering is neither satisfying nor productive. I will trust the good Lord to direct my life where He wants me and I will make an effort to listen to the whisperings of the spirit and then go and do. I have been in survival mode for so long, it's kind of exciting to be looking forward to the new year with anticipation and hope.

I am counting my blessings. All my children and grandchildren are healthy and doing fine. I am able to visit with my parents regularly and share my life with them while they are sharing their lives with me. I live in a beautiful place in a home that keeps me safe from the storms raging outside. I am healthier now then I have been in years (and wonder of wonder...I caught some of the year end sales and am down to a size 12-14). I got my hair cut and now I'm styling, or sorta styling anyway. It looks like I've found a good job working with good people doing work that is not too hard and yet keeps me busy. I have brothers near by who take care of me and help out when I need it. I am lifted up in the blessings of the gospel, my wonderful ward, and the people I'm privileged to know at church. I could probably go on for about another hour or so, but I won't be so boring. Being grateful has been a large part of my musings this holiday season.

Although not without its challenges, life is good. Happy New Year.

A good day ending

It was a quiet day in my little part of paradise. I stayed home, my brother stopped in for a bit and we visited. I was primed to put up some peaches Carmen picked for me off their tree yesterday. Got the canner full, made the syrup, got out jars and lids, sorted peaches, but alas, they aren’t quite ripe yet. Another day or two. Darn. I love seeing the jars on the table all full of peaches and pretty and hear the pop, pop of the lids as they seal. My life is full of small blessings that soothe the spirit and lighten the heart.

I work tomorrow and then I join the ranks of the unemployed. Oh well.

So I will take myself off to bed content that it has been a good day. The quiet gentleness of this day makes the night sweet and inviting.

God bless you, my family and friends.

WHACK...ok I get it now

I have been reading a little book called “Drawing on the Powers of Heaven” by Grant Von Harrison. It’s a book about faith. I thought I was faithful, and I am, but I’m learning so much more. This morning during my walk and prayer, I got whacked up along side of the head. I have been praying for a job but too proud to take “just anything.” Then it occurred to me that—and how stupid is this—I don’t want to work at jobs I’m qualified for because I want more, I want to “use my communication degree,” (read: I was being PROUD) and yet I’ve already talked to family to get help with my rent this month. I ask you do proud people beg for money from others when they are capable of working at something and should be making their own money? NO. I don’t want just any job really, but right now, I need a real job. And if it works out, it’ll be just what I want.

I looked in the paper and there are two jobs that I can do. I need to have the faith that my age isn’t going to matter to someone and I’ll be able to get some kind of job. I’m a hard worker. Dependable. Good with people. Okie dokie. I’m heading out this afternoon to pick up applications. I haven’t heard about the other job that I applied for and really want, but I’m not going to sit here and wait for the slow wheels of bureaucracy. If it comes through, I’ll throw a party, sing the halleluiah chorus, and dance in the street…or something like that.

It’s a good day to begin again. I’m so grateful to the Lord for his tender mercies.

STICKS

As I wandered outside this morning, I counted no less than 12 sticks in my yard and on my front and back porches. These sticks are various sizes and shapes and have been gathered by the two explorers who are visiting me this week. They're eight years old. Listening to them while they played, I discovered that these sticks weren't just naked branches from the orchard behind the house. The kids uncovered the true nature of these sticks. Inside these odd shaped sticks of various lengths, they found...walking sticks, magic wands, weapons (guns and spears), digging sticks, and just-in-case-I-need-a-stick sticks. I love the magic of this part of childhood. Anything is possible.

I thank the good Lord for the magic in my life.