Direction > Speed

I started this post over a year ago, and while some things have changed, there is still truth to the words, so enjoy!

It seems like when we need it the most, there are tender reminders (which sometimes need to be large wake-up calls, or figurative neon signs, or symbolic 2x4s) of some of the most important nuggets of truth that sustain us and bring hope. It amazes me how often these reminders come just before we really need that support.

Direction > Speed

I often feel like I am behind on my life's journey. I am not married (yet), I don't have kids (yet), I don't feel like I am necessarily doing my 'life's work' (yet), I don't feel like I have accomplished much (yet), and I often question if I am even close to the right path.

Direction > Speed

Through a variety of ways I have been reminded that the direction I am going, the positive things I am doing, the attitude I have, and the feelings in my heart are so much more important than when these 'milestones' happen in my life (if they do happen).

We often think that if our lives don't match the cookie cutter mold of what we think it should be, then we are doing things incorrectly, that we are being punished for something, or that we are off the path with little hope of finding the 'normal' way.

Direction > Speed

I have found that the times when I feel most un-cookie cutter-ish are the times that I am being prepared for something else in my life, or I am fulfilling some unseen plan that is greater than what I could have anticipated, or I am learning lessons that I need at that time in that way.

Blogging Renewal

I know, I know. I have been here before, with promises of keeping updated on my blogging, to give you insight into my thoughts and things, and yet, here we are again, almost a year later, and no blog posts. Sure, I have a list of things I want to blog about, but nothing actually posted to show for it. What keeps me from sitting down and simply typing? Too busy? An excuse, to be sure. If it is important enough, time will be made. Habit? (or lack thereof..) Absolutely. I know it takes 21 days to make (or break) a habit, but I don't know if I have 21 days of things to share. Needing an accountability buddy? YOU BET! Gym buddies, temple buddies, blog buddies...accountability is huge and knowing someone is going to be checking in on you is huge motivation to just do it! SO...maybe a reminder on my phone will be a good buddy? Let's see how it goes! And here we go!

The prayers of Little Ones

Between spending regular time with some of my nieces and nephew, and being a Primary (children's Sunday School) teacher at church, I get to hear a lot of prayers said by children, or Little Ones. Let me tell you, these prayers are some of the most sincere, genuine, and truthful prayers I have heard in my life. Sometimes they can also be the funniest...but still SO sincere, and I love it!

There are two prayers that are in my mind that I want to share.

The first one was from my niece, who is 6 years old. In her prayer, she prayed for me specifically, in the midst of her conversation with Heavenly father, to be happy and to have joy. Have you ever had a prayer resonate with such truth and hope and love? I felt loved to have her think of that for me. I felt hope that it was possible. I felt inspired to do things to make sure I was happy on my on terms, and not depending on others. It was a sweet reminder that we are meant to have joy and to BE happy. I have my ups and downs, like we all do, but it was so tender to me to have my niece pray for me to have things that I can have, as I choose them, and allow myself to enjoy life.

The other prayer that has stuck with me was said by one of my Primary kids. He is also 6. (It is a WISE age!) Anyway, one part of a prayer that he said was that he prayed, "for the gospel to be with us". It sounds poetic to me, that we may have the gospel with us. I know people pray for God's love, for direction, truth, guidance, counsel, inspiration, and so one, but it has stuck with me for us to have the gospel with us. We need to have the doctrines, truths, commandments WITH us, they become a part of who we are, they influence the choices we make, the things we do, and the people we become. As we have the gospel with us, we are blessed.

I am grateful for the prayers of Little Ones, and for the honest, humble purity that comes as they open their hearts and mouths.

Tender Mercy Doppelgangers

Silly title, but I think it fits perfectly.

Have you ever had a day when things are not going well? You just need to see a friendly, familiar face? You just need to feel loved?

It amazes me when I have these days, I am then blessed to see a doppelganger of someone near and dear to my heart.

It has thrown me for a loop sometimes, because you know that there is NO way it is the person you initially think it is, for several reasons, be it geography, current age, or perhaps they are no longer with us. As much of a loop as may be involved, I am grateful for those glimpses of reminders of the love, companionship, fun, friendships, memories, and relationships that have enhanced, improved, and blessed my life.

It's amazing what a friendly and familiar,  albeit unknown face can do for us on those not going well, need to see a friendly face days.

Back in the (blogging) saddle again!

I have a list of things on a sticky note on my computer desktop (a virtual one) I want to write about on this here blog. I hope to get through the posts in a decent amount of time. I hope to develop more of a habit of blogging, and my list will help, I hope. :)

I will put them in  as separate entries. They may be shorter, but yay for quick reads!

Here we go!