This was a journal entry from last month.  Thought I would share:
Oh my goodness. I was really blessed in teaching Seminary this morning. I was teaching Brendan's class (the seniors), because all the teachers were switching off. I was nervous, because the lesson wasn't coming together, even though I had read it and the student manual, etc. I made cinnamon rolls for them, and the pan was about 3/4 full. I was worried that there wouldn't be enough. I baked them, and as I got them out of the oven, the WHOLE PAN WAS FULL. That has NEVER happened before. The Spirit whispered to me that He would also help my lesson fill the whole time. That was also fulfilled. I couldn't get my computer to print for some reason, so I went to bed at 12:00a.m. and got up at 4:00a.m. to finish my lesson (I haven't slept more than 5 hours all week...). I emailed the lesson to Louise, and, for some reason, her computer wouldn't print the lesson, either. I didn't find that out until my lesson was 3/4 the way OVER. I HAVE NEVER taught a Seminary lesson without a well-prepared lesson. It actually was really good. I hope the students understood and that the Spirit taught them what they needed to hear. But, it was a miracle--2 in 2 days!!

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2003/04/a-prayer-for-the-children?lang=eng I read 3 Nephi 17 tonight and was reminded of this talk. I am so grateful to know that whenever I am troubled (in any way) concerning my children, I can kneel in prayer for them. What a gift these sweet little ones are. The Lord will help us protect them, teach them, and guide them.

Alma 20

This whole chapter opens my eyes to how seriously amazing Ammon was! At YW on Wednesday we were asked to think about someone who is confident yet humble and not prideful. As I read this chapter, I realize how much Ammon fits that description. He was certain of his own abilities when combined with the Lord's power and strength! I don't think he had any doubt. In fact, from the way these accounts are written, he doesn't seem fearful in anyway! He doesn't even seem nervous. YET, when he was given opportunity to receive worldly honor and possession for his accomplishments, he didn't even consider. For example: when he first arrived in the land of Ishmael, the king desired that he would marry one of his daughters. But Ammon said no, and asked instead to be the king's servant. Then when he was contending with Lamoni's father (the king of all the land), he was offered even as much as half of the whole Lamanite kingdom. He did not consider, he only asked for his brethren's safety and Lamoni's freedom of rule and worship as he wished. I think that one major reason Ammon was so confidant in the Lord was because he understood his purpose and never lost sight of that purpose. He was to be a missionary for the Lord. He was to share the gospel. He did not hesitate to impress and use his abilities, but he never allowed pride to creep in. He is amazing! I hope I can follow his example more fully in my life! Maybe he was older than me...meaning maybe I have more time to become better... :)

Answered Prayers

Christine sent me a link to the article about the Santiago Chile East mission president and his wife relating their experience preparing for and experiencing the 8.8 magnitude earthquake. This was an answer to my prayers. My anxiety has been nagging me and my heart has been troubled. I love what Sister Laycock says in her letter,
"When the earthquake came, we were prepared. We did not experience the panic that many felt. We knew we were prepared. Because of the words of the Lord's chosen Apostle, Elder Scott, we had listened and heeded the quiet, but clear promptings of the Holy Ghost. We were blessed with peace in the midst of chaos. We learned an important lesson: our preparation helped us to avoid panic and fear, but the Lord, in His wisdom, allowed us to experience enough discomfort to know that He has all power. He is in charge. We are nothing without Him. We are dependent upon Him for every breath we take. Only He can save us from death and destruction. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He is our perfect example. If we follow Him, we will be saved through obedience to the laws and ordinances of His Gospel."

I am humbled to be reminded of my dependence on our Father in Heaven and Savior. They love us perfectly and are in control. We experience times in life when we are out of control, but if we are DEPENDENT upon them we can have peace knowing that they are in control.

Thanks Christine!

Healing

Tonight, just before putting Spencer to bed, I watched him play for a moment in his room. He was playing with the toy I bought him on the way home from our first visit to the Burn Clinic. Mom and Dad went with me as Dustin was out of town, and that was the most difficult visit of them all. They had to debride some of the tissue that they had left on in the ER, and then they cleaned the burns, and dressed them. The PT came in and showed me the excercises I was to do with his feet, and I was required to push and pull his feet as far as I could with pretty good pressure--and mind you these were open wounds. I was devastated to have to clean and dress and stretch his little wounds.

I was struck tonight because he played so differently with his toy than he did that night. He is bigger and stronger, he has grown so much, but most of all, he is healed. Healing is real. And I am so very grateful!

p.s.-We have a wonderful family! We were at the burn clinic (in Salt Lake) virtually every day for a few weeks, and every few days for a few months. I NEVER went alone. When Dustin couldn't go, Mom and/or Dad went with me. When Spencer had his skin graft, Deanna came down to help, and took me to his appointment the next day even though she had to drive me back to Provo and turn right around to go back to Pocatello. Reflecting on the experience brings me great gratitude for a faithful and loving family. Everyone of my dear family members offered service (lots of it) during that time, and I am so grateful. I love you all!

O Remember, Remember that we have a blog!

Life has caught up with all of us.

I have neglected to write in my journal for months and just started again a few days ago. I remembered how much I LOVE to write and reflect and how ultra therapeutic it is for me. Writing about my day or my feelings helps me remember that I have them... does that make sense? Writing about my love for my children elicits those feelings of love, etc. It is good for me. So, I decided to try to write a bit more on this blog again, as I write in my own journal.

Have you all read the "The Gardener" by Sarah Stewart? It is a children's story book that I LOVE. Cheri gave it to me as a gift years ago, and it has become so dear to me! It is worth reading and pondering. The little girl in the book beautifies everything in her life. She creates beauty where there is none (or at least it isn't easily found). Her passion in life is gardening with her grandmother. The book is set during the depression, and she has to leave her family to live with her Uncle in the city until "things get better." She moves to the city and despite her life changes and circumstances, she creates beauty. One of my favorite things about the book is the illustrations. The illustrations say a million more words than the text. One of my favorite lines in the story is when she writes to her family the first day she gets to the city. She says something to the effect of, "...and Grandma, the sun shines on the corner where I will work!" The pictures shows the grayish city street with the crammed buildings and the sun is shining only on the corner bakery where she will live/work. She noticed....then she created!

I hope I can NOTICE the good and CREATE beauty whatever my circumstances in life might be.

Love you all!

Comfort

Yesterday I was laying Spencer down for his nap. It is still a challenge to get him to go to sleep on his own. Some days are better... Anyhow, he wanted me to sing him "just one more" song quite a few times. After the very last song (I made sure he knew it was the last one), he started to cry. It was a real, sad cry. I felt bad, but I knew he was okay and that he would be asleep very quickly. I started to get up from his bed, and he told me he wanted to say a prayer before I left. I told him that would be fine, and he folded his little arms and started to pray. As he prayed, his crying became a little more intense (it reminded me of when you are having a hard time, but keeping it together until you hear mom's voice). He said, "Heavenly Father, help me to be safe, and to be happy. Help me to have popcorn popping. In the name of Jesus Christ amen." He calmed down just after his prayer, and I did leave. He was asleep in just a few minutes. It was a simple experience, but helped me learn a good lesson. There is comfort beyond me. There is comfort that surpasses the comfort I will ever be able to give him. I am grateful for that because as he grows up and faces difficulties and challenges, he will need that comfort that I cannot give. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and Savior who give us comfort when there is no one else capable of healing our hearts.