Love Is In The Air

Today as I was taking Noelle to dance, I saw Darren's truck at the studio. He forgot to take his cell phone to work and had come to ask me if he was suppose to bring Noelle home. He walked her to the door then came back and said, "I was thinking about you today". Whenever he says that, I know that it means flowers! Not flowers from a store, but flowers from someone's garden that he has been working on (just for the record, he doesn't steal them - he saves them from what he is pruning or removing) Now I am the kind of girl that will go to the super market and happily buy herself some flowers simply because I love them and I love having fresh flowers in the house - But when they come from a garden, from my husband, who says that he was thinking about me as he worked, well that is the best. So as Darren walked back to his truck, I waited and wondered what kind of flowers it would be today and I was filled with gratitude - for a husband who loves me. I love what he does, he makes everything beautiful! He returned with his arms filled with lilacs. I love lilacs. My parents use to have a huge lilac tree at there old house, from which I benefited every spring as I snuck over there and "pruned" their lilac tree for them (I said Darren doesn't steal, I do....from my own parents anyways). But sadly since their move to a new house, I have been without the smell of lilacs in the spring. As I drove home with that sweet scent filling the van and a huge smile on my face, I felt happy and loved.

Nuts!

Inspired by my mom who has lost 38 pounds in the last 6 months (way to go mom!) and looks fantastic, I have recently changed my eating habits, drastically, for the better, and I feel better. One of the things I did was to completely cut out eating after dinner (which previous to the change was my most favorite time to eat, all the yummy things that I shouldn't). I am amazed at how easy it has become. I thought that it would be harder than it has been. I am surprised by how little I am tempted. Apples have become delicious again and I have found a new love - nuts! I love them, all of them. Cashews and almonds (without the chocolate coating) especially! I have to restrain myself. At this point I would choose them over chocolate, I never thought I would ever be saying those words! Since the change I have also fallen in love with cooking. If you know me well you will know that being in the kitchen was not my most favorite place to be. Also something I thought I'd never say, I LOVE COOKING! I love making healthy and tasty food for my family. I feel so....motherly (that is good in my eyes). I must publicly thank my dear friend Rachel as she has been such an inspiration in this arena. Thank you Rachel for your yummy recipes, your clever tips and your amazing friendship. (Can you believe it?)

No Doubt About It

As much as I write this blog for family and friends to see what we are up to, I also write it as a journal, a place to record the things that I am learning in my life. This post is one of those. These kinds of posts always mean more to the writer than the reader as I am the one who has had the changing experience. Feel free to read it if you want or leave it just for me.

I recently read the book 'No Doubt About It', by Sheri Dew - I loved it! I would recommended it to every woman. For me the entire book was like one big pep talk, filling me with courage and hope and a deeper sense of who I really am and the importance of my mission here on earth.

I watched a documentary on a farmer in Africa who has devoted his life to the Lord and spreading the gospel. Although he is not of my faith I was in awe of his sacrifice and dedication to the Lords work. The amount of time that he devoted to studying his scriptures and doing good to all those he meets, as well as being a farmer, husband, father of 4 and a friend. At one point during the documentary he said, "This is not our life, this is the time to prepare for our life." Although I knew this, the simplicity of his words has stuck with me, changed me, and helped me to contemplate the decisions I am making in my life.

It would be impossible for me to write my favorite parts of Sheri Dew's book, as I took pages and pages of notes, but I will share just a few and hope that they will be inspiring instead of overwhelming. All of these quotes I took from Sheri's book, although some quotes she shares are from other great leaders.

- Everyone has the power to close his heart against doubt, against darkness, against unbelief, against depression, against anger, against hatred, against jealousy, against malice, against envy. God has given this power unto all of us, and we can gain still greater power by calling upon Him for that which we lack. Elder George Q. Cannon

- We are not women of the world, we are women of God - which means that we no longer have the luxury of spending our energy on anything that doesn't lead us and our families to Christ.

- If we insist on spending all our time and resources building up for ourselves a worldly kingdom, that is exactly what we will inherit. Pres. Spencer W. Kimball

- The only way we can overcome the world is by coming unto Christ. And coming unto Christ means walking away from the world.

- If you expect glory, intelligence, and endless lives, let the world go. Pres. Joseph F. Smith

- A casual commitment to Christ will not carry us through.

- We are not panicked about perfection, but we are working to become increasingly pure.

- No women is a more vibrant instrument in the hands of the Lord than a women of God who is thrilled to be who she is!

- Ultimately we will become what we give our hearts to, for we are shaped by what we desire and seek after. If we love the Lord such that our hearts are changed, His image will fill our countenances.

- The spirit cannot dwell in a home, a ward, or a relationship where there is criticism. Contention neutralizes us spiritually.

- Only when the Lord is directing our lives can we have peace about our choices. And His approval is so much more vital than anyone else's.

This last quote in particular inspires me. I do worry too much of what others think. I do put my priorities in the wrong order. I do have to be humbled, and over and over commit to change and do better everyday. The possibility of change excites me though! I want to be better tomorrow that I am today. I want to be like the lady described by Marjorie Hinckley, when she talks about how she wants to arrive at the pearly gates (read it here). I want to be strong in the Lord. The way to do this is to seek Him. "We seek him not only by studying and searching, by pleading and praying and watching always lest we enter into temptation, but by giving up worldly indulgences that straddle the line between God and mammon. Otherwise we risk being called but not chosen because our hearts are set so much upon the things of the world." Sheri Dew

I was called to this task of which I now perform. Satan would have us rationalize away our weaknesses for the things of the world and convince us that good, instead of great, is good enough. There is a real war between good and evil, but there is no question of the outcome. Christ will be victorious. Good will triumph. The only choice left is which side we will be on at the end. I will be one of the chosen ones.