A Favorite Memory

One of my favorite memories so far this year will be star gazing under Delicate Arch in Moab, UT.  I don't think I have ever experienced anything like it before and I loved every minute of it.  As soon as I can find a picture, I'll share it. :)

Growth

So it turns out the hardest thing about blogging is...um writing posts.  Weird.  Also being away for so long has not helped me get back into the grove either. 

Life the past year has been challenging.  But a good challenging for the most part.  I have learned so much and find myself happier now than I thought possible a year ago.  I find myself learning and growing daily and that keeps me going to a new day every day.  My friend sent me a quote today that I have thought about constantly since I've read it. 

“Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing nor that but simply growth. We are happy when we are growing."  --William Butler Yeats

I love it!  I have been growing and stretching out of my comfort zone constantly for the past year.  At times I didn't think I would make it another day but I have.  All the tears and the anger have been completely worth it for the growth and happiness that I feel now.  Life is still hard, but you know what I am blessed.  Blessed more than I can comprehend.  The Lord is so good to me!  There are many new goals and challenges that I have set for myself over the next year.  I am looking forward to taking you on the journey with me.  Don't give up on my blogging skills yet! :)  Cause we are going to have some fun and there will be laughing along the way!

A Temple in Star Valley

My friend Natalie told me I better find something to smile about and blog about it...well Natalie, I found it. :) 

The announcement of the Star Valley, Wyoming LDS Temple was a great cause for me to smile today.  I was so excited when the announcement was made that I may have forgot that I had a cup of flour in my hand.  Let's just say that the jumping in the kitchen with said cup of flour resulted in an empty cup and a flour covered Carolynn.  But it didn't matter.  Within seconds my phone lit up with text messages and a phone call from a tearful, grateful mother.  I'll be honest, I don't remember anything else from that session of conference.  I'm glad I have it on DVR to go back and watch.  The announcement caused me to think a great deal about the blessing of a temple to the wonderful valley that I call home.  I thought about the wonderful ancestors that I have, that settled in the valley.  Who sacrificed so much to stay in that paradise and help to set up the church there to thrive.  I can only imagine how much they rejoiced when the announcement was made.  I also thought of all the wonderful Saints that live there now, who drive to participate in temple ordinances now.  I thought of my own wonderful parents who keep me on my toes with their temple attendance.  They often go many times a month, most times leaving after a work day and drive the 2 1/2 hours to Idaho Falls, completing a session and then driving home to arrive early in the morning hours.  I think of what a blessing this will be to my sisters who have small families and have a hard time leaving children for that long of a time.  What a blessing it will be for them.  I also thought of my nieces and nephews that will be able to participate in baptisms more often because of the close proximity of the temple.  I have cried many tears of joy today because of this announcement.  The Lord knows and blesses his people.

Grocery Shopping

I finally made it to the grocery store on Saturday. 
I hate grocery shopping...like lots and lots.
It's only been 8 weeks since I've been.
It was really not pretty in my cupboards and fridge.
I walked in and had my regular grocery store panic set in.
I walked out with milk, diet Pepsi, grapes and green olives.
I'm still debating whether I should consider that success or failure.

I had a post covering the craptastick week that was last week. But since rereading it, I have decided to go in a different direction. Last week was rough, very rough. But once again, I learned how strong I can be when I rely on the Lord. A part that made last week so rough was having to say goodbye to my Grandma Clement. She had the wonderful opportunity to leave the pains and trials of this earth life and move on to the next life. While it has been hard, I am so happy for her. There were so many strengthening moments for me, so many testimony builders. My testimony of the plan of salvation has grown so much in the last couple of days. One of the songs that the grandkids and great grandkids sang at my Grandma’s funeral is a new song that the Primary kids learned this year. I love the words of the song. It strengthens me. It also helps me keep all the other stuff that happened last week in check.  It shares part of the Testimony of the Savior that I have.  He is real to me!


I Know That My Savior Loves Me

A long time ago in a beautiful place,
Children were gathered ‘round Jesus.
He blessed and taught as they felt of His Love.
Each saw the tears on His face.
The love that He felt for His little ones
I know He feels for me.
I did not touch Him or sit on His knee,
Yet, Jesus is real to me.

I know He lives!
I will follow faithfully.
My heart I give to Him.
I know that my Savior loves me.

Now I am here in a beautiful place,
Learning the teachings of Jesus.
Parents and teachers will help guide the way,
Lighting my path ev’ry day.
Wrapped in the arms of my Savior’s love,
I feel His gentle touch.
Living each day, I will follow His way,
Home to my Father above.

I know He lives!
I will follow faithfully.
My heart I give to Him.
I know my Savior loves me!
I know my Savior loves me!

--Words and Music by Tami Jeppson Creamer and Derena Bell

Today's quote

“May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.  It is there for each and every one of us.”
Pray of St. Theresa

The curse of working a Saturday

I had to work Saturday last week.  That is out of my normal work week.  I am a Monday through Friday worker.  I know I am spoiled because I am used to this.  I love my Saturdays.  You know what working last Saturday has done to me?  It has made me think today was Wednesday, hope it was Thursday and pray that it was Friday but be hit in the head with the realization that it is only Tuesday!