Sowing Seeds of Faith

This weekend I spent many hours in my yard. I planted our garden, helped my neighbor plant hers, sprayed round-up on some killer weeds (they know how to grow 'em out here!) and then I did my share of weeding. Anyone that really knows me understands that this is not really my thing, but I felt very blessed to have the opportunity to have a yard to need to take care of and I do admit I feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when my efforts result in a beautiful yard and a bountiful harvest.

I do also love the parallel to nurturing our faith. Just like weeds can easily overrun what might have otherwise been a thriving garden, when we don't care for ourselves spiritually we too can be overrun my sin and neglect.

I'm so thankful to be able to go to church weekly and be renewed. And to have access to scriptures and words of the prophets to be the "Round Up" in my life.

YAY for sun!

It really does make the biggest difference when it's a beautiful sunny morning. I still feel a little low, but seeing the blue sky and spending a little time outside does wonders for my mood. I'm excited that the rest of the week looks pretty good too. Maybe Utah's finally reached Spring.

Other rays of light:

*Snuggles with my sons.

*Freshly mowed lawn (that I didn't have to mow)

*Bradley's excitement about the last week of school activities.

*Actually sticking to my diet yesterday!

*Finally cleaning all of the tumble weed out of my yard. (It's truly amazing how much of that stuff gets into my yard with our "crazy winds" - as Braeden would call them.)

*Naps

*Knowing that when I roll over at night, my sweet husband is there beside me.

The Power of Light

I woke up to snow this morning and I was admittedly a little bummed. I love snow in the right season, but spring is for sun, right?! Luckily I wouldn't call myself someone with classic SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), but by this time of year I come to expect the sunlight.

I think it's a beautiful metaphor for the "light of the world." When we are in spiritual darkness happiness cannot exist. It's also amazing the power that light has on your soul. When you are truly in the light of the gospel, even the worst times seem a little better. When your motivation is lacking, the light bridges the gap. When you feel all alone, the light warms you like a hug from someone you know really cares. I could go on and on, but I think my task for today is to find the light from within, since I can't get it from the world the way I need it today.

Renewed Hope

A friend of mine from my Hall Advisor days asked me to be a guest contributor on her blog. I was definitely touched and honored that she would ask. Her blog allowed me the chance to again reflect on how the light of the gospel has helped me through a struggle greater than myself. Thank you, Lori, for this opportunity.

So...I should include a few Rays of Light:

*Braeden actually sat on the potty...no promise that he'll actually continue this trend, or heaven forbid, do it without clothes ;), but we'll take what we can get.

*Ryan's home from his Cali trip. Glad he had the opportunity to speak at a conference, but even more glad that he's back here with me.

*Bradley's did an amazing job in kindergarten. He's a reading fiend. On more than one occasion, he's said, "I just got distracted. I was reading!" Ah, music to my ears. (But he does still need to eat his meals!)

Thanks again, Lori, for helping me to see the light in my life and feel a renewed sense of hope.

Ray of Light

*Candles in the window

*Ruth coming home from China

*BYU Football...GO COUGARS! (they better win!)

*Kindergarten Christmas Party

*Watching the boys pick presents for their dad

*Last day of school until next year

*Knowing Ryan has the rest of the week off work

*Glad that the holiday craziness is almost done...now to just enjoy!

*Snow (as long as you don't count shoveling!)

*Christmas Cards

*Holiday music

*The smell of wassail

And most importantly....

*A baby in a manger and the miraculous life He lived.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Ray of Light

*Watching Bradley drive off with Grandpa for his very own Grandpa and Bradley movie date.

*Listening to his excited exclamations after he returned from the movie.

*Pumpkin pie!

Ray of Light

*Having Family Feud go so well with the Young Men and Young Women in our ward on Wednesday night.

*Being able to take a break Thursday so I could build up steam for Friday's family wedding.

*Watching my brother-in-law, Dan, and now my sweet sister-in-law Steph be sealed for time and all eternity. It was a beautiful day.

*Having another day to recoup from the craziness of a wedding! :)