A Great Evening!

Last night we had an awesome Relief Society enrichment meeting that combined sisters from the 2nd, 3rd, and 6th wards and included Laurels as well. The focus of the evening: "Follow the Yellow Brick Road... but watch out for flying monkeys!" reminded all of us that although there are many distractions in life (aka:"flying monkeys"), we can and must strive to stay focused on our Savior.

Through music and spoken messages, the Spirit was strong and my heart and mind were filled. Not only did I grow in my understanding of how much I have to offer as a daughter of God, but my testimony of the Savior and His amazing love was also strengthened through the evening.

So many wonderful people worked together to make this an amazing evening! I love the members of this church! Through you I am strengthened, I am uplifted, I am blessed.

I am thankful for the opportunity to have been in the company of so many wonderful sisters, learning the gospel and feeling the presence of the Lord's Spirit. I am also grateful for all those who walk beside me and help me dodge those "flying monkeys" as I try to follow the path that will lead me back to my Father in Heaven.

The music selections from the evening......

"Come Unto Christ" by Sally deFord
http://www.defordmusic.com/comeuntochrist.htm


"Live Like You Believe" music by Jenny Phillips, video by Kerrianne Dugan

My mom

Do you know my mom? Her name is Peggy (not Margaret!), she married my dad - even after he jumped out of a tree and scared her to death when he landed on her car (he thought it was a buddy's car!), she has 5 children (of which I am the oldest, bless her heart!), and she has 7 precious grandchildren she loves very much.

Oh yeah, she also has quite an interesting personal history, which reveals more and more about her as she diligently records it for all of us to enjoy.

I have had the chance to know her for almost (but not quite!) 33 years now, and since today is Mother's Day, I thought I'd take a minute to highlight 10 great qualities I love about my mom...

1. She has always loved me, even when I was a "difficult" teenager (I know, it's hard to believe that I was ever "difficult," but there were a couple of days!)
2. She is patient and kind.
3. She thinks staying up late is okay.
4. She is always willing to help - even when the request is sometimes a "bit" last minute.(Okay, MOST of the time!)
5. In conjunction with # 4 - she can whip together GREAT costumes in a pinch!
   (I would not be "The Queen" without her help).
6. She is mega-creative (see # 4 and # 5).
7. She is an avid (or maybe rabid!) reader! (Thanks for setting this example, it has served me well.)
8. She thinks I'm great (even when I'm not).
9. She always knew that Jenny and I would be friends... one day!
10. She has an amazing testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ and I KNOW she loves Him!

Thanks mom for letting me grow into who I am today (even though there were several valleys to cross along the way).

I love you and hope you had a Happy Mother's Day!

The Finale (finally!)

Being gone last week put me a bit behind on my blog (not that I do a terribly good job of keeping up, but I was working on it).

So, my finale (finally!) for my list of 101 Everyday Joys

91. Being safe during severe Texas weather (aka: tornados and hail)
92. My family being safe during severe Texas weather
93. My friends being safe during severe Texas weather
94. My house staying intact during severe Texas weather
95. Sleeping peacefully after a night of severe Texas weather

Okay... I know... enough of the severe Texas weather, but these are some real joys that I felt after last week's storms.

96. No pressure to be anywhere or to do anything
97. Homemade guacamole (thanks for the recipe, Tracy!)
98. Freebies from conference
99. Being missed by others when you are gone
100. Receiving a compliment and knowing it is sincere
101. Being able to recognize how blessed I am EVERYDAY!

Counting Blessings

81. The chance to attend the Texas library conference
82. Central Market!
83. A former student (now a grown up) calling to say hi
84. Powerpoint
85. The brakes in my car (I'm sorry I almost ran you over Jenny!)
86. My sister forgiving me for almost running her over
87. Catching up with family
88. Warm socks (WHY is it cold right now?)
89. Dublin Dr. Pepper & pure cane sugar (found at Central Market)
90. HGTV (but I'm glad we don't have it since I get sucked in to all the great shows!)

Abundantly Blessed

I am so blessed! My life is filled with people who love me, care about me, and accept me even with my shortcomings. By being surrounded by so many good and righteous people, I have gained a clearer understanding of how much the Lord loves me and how much He blesses me through the love, kindness, and generosity of others.

So, the first item on tonight's list of joy is...

71. Being loved by others

And now for more blessings that bring me joy...

72. Having Family Home Evening

73. Attending the temple

74. Getting to know others better

75. Great Sunday lessons

76. Listening to a well-prepared talk

77. The chance to help someone else

78. Men who show respect by standing when I walk into a meeting

79. Taking the sacrament

80. Seeing someone I know sing at conference! (YEAH, ALLISON!)