So, I have about 5 books I am reading right now simultaneously. I know that seems kind of nuts, but most of them are non-fiction, spiritual, improving yourself, type books. The way my thought process works, I have to read it in chunks. I can't just sit down and read through the book. This is thinking material!
Anyway, one of the books is "Choose Higher Ground" by Henry B Eyring.
At one spot in the book, where he is talking about increasing our faith, he makes what I felt was an interesting point.
He wrote: "Great faith has a short shelf life."
I think too often we gain a testimony and then just let it sit. Just like a muscle that goes unused atrophies and becomes weak, so can our testimony if we don't constantly nourish it.
Then, when we need to rely on that strong testimony...it isn't there, and our faith crumbles.
I've thought about that a lot this week.
It's been interesting how many people have told me to "have faith and everything will be all right."
What does that mean to you?
I do have faith, and I do have trust, but rather than put a stipulation on it, I put that faith and trust in the Lord. Sometimes, things aren't "all right" sometimes, we have to go through sorrow, pain, illness, loss, etc... because there is something that we need to learn, that won't come any other way. Sometimes, that is the very experience that strengthens our faith and intensifies our determination to follow the Lord.
Instead of thinking, "please let everything be all right" I find myself thinking "please help me to be strong and willing to go through what I need to. Please help me to be calm and at peace with the things that I need to deal with...and help me learn what I need to from this experience."
I'm not perfect at doing this...but, when I find myself feeling a little anxious or scared, I think, "I have faith in the Lord's plan for me." The fear leaves, and I feel comforted.
Showing posts with label blessings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blessings. Show all posts
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Monday, October 7, 2013
What a weekend
It has been quite the weekend for me.
We'll start with Friday. Early Friday morning I was holding Emmett on my bed, rolled, and apparently rolled wrong, and threw my back out. I'm guessing it happened about 3 or 4 in the morning, because by the time I went to my chiropractor at 8 I could barely walk and felt like I had daggers shooting down my legs.
Thankfully, my awesome sister in law came and helped me, because I wasn't supposed to lift anything, and there is no way I could have taken care of my two little kidlings. I also had to call and find someone to take my shift at the library, because there is no way I could have helped people when I could barely stand upright.
Every time I throw out my back it reminds me how grateful I am that I have the health I do. It also gives me more motivation to not take my back for granted and to be more kind to it.
So, after all weekend, now I can mostly get around without pain. Compared to Friday it is quite improved, but compared to no pain at all, yes there is still some there. Not enough to keep me from working at the library today though! I can do it! Plus, I will be second clerk so I will just be assisting the other clerk for a few hours.
The good part of this weekend was general conference. It was so nice and inspiring and spiritually uplifting to listen to the leaders of our church, especially in the conflicting times that we are experiencing.
The future is going to be very interesting.
We'll start with Friday. Early Friday morning I was holding Emmett on my bed, rolled, and apparently rolled wrong, and threw my back out. I'm guessing it happened about 3 or 4 in the morning, because by the time I went to my chiropractor at 8 I could barely walk and felt like I had daggers shooting down my legs.
Thankfully, my awesome sister in law came and helped me, because I wasn't supposed to lift anything, and there is no way I could have taken care of my two little kidlings. I also had to call and find someone to take my shift at the library, because there is no way I could have helped people when I could barely stand upright.
Every time I throw out my back it reminds me how grateful I am that I have the health I do. It also gives me more motivation to not take my back for granted and to be more kind to it.
So, after all weekend, now I can mostly get around without pain. Compared to Friday it is quite improved, but compared to no pain at all, yes there is still some there. Not enough to keep me from working at the library today though! I can do it! Plus, I will be second clerk so I will just be assisting the other clerk for a few hours.
The good part of this weekend was general conference. It was so nice and inspiring and spiritually uplifting to listen to the leaders of our church, especially in the conflicting times that we are experiencing.
The future is going to be very interesting.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Reality
Shane went back to work on Sunday night. I was really glad that he was able to spend as much time with me as he did. I'm glad that he had the PTO to be able to do it. It was extremely helpful. Of course, with that comes reality...
It's much easier to take care of a newborn and an 18 month old when there are two adults around... especially if you are recovering from a c-section. I read some recommendations that kind of just made me laugh a little... "the mom will need time to recover. It is best if she can have a nap in the morning and a nap in the afternoon..." I guess if there is just one baby and no other kids this might be a feasible thing...
I have a much greater appreciation for women that have a bunch of kids all close together...and no help. I honestly don't know how they do it!
Things have been going pretty good though. For the most part anyway... My two older kids have been an abundance of help. I try not to take advantage of their helpfulness, and let them know how much I appreciate them and all they do. A little gratitude goes a long way!
Jeffrey has been improving. He hasn't been crying as much, and he hasn't been throwing as many tantrums either. You can tell that he is going through that toddler phase where he is trying to test the boundaries though. :) I think it's good to have kind of a routine. I've started putting him to bed when the older kids go to bed for school. I also, have gotten into a habit of starting the dishwasher. For some reason, it's soothing to him. Kind of like a white noise machine I guess. Works for me! Added bonus is that by the time Jeffrey is completely asleep the load/cycle is done and I don't have to listen to it all night long.
I admit that yesterday was a rough evening for me. I don't know if it was just everything coming down at once... the realization that I didn't have anything for dinner, and no easy way to make something... I guess the extra or lack of hormones could have something to do with it too. :) Chocolate was looking more and more appetizing!
So, today we made sure to go to the store and get some meals that are made, and just have to be heated up. Not extremely healthy, but still better than going a restaurant every night, which we wouldn't have been able to do anyway, and at least gives me some ability to continue to take it easy until I'm given the go ahead to do whatever I want.
Still, things have been going pretty well for the most part, and unlike after my other pregnancies I am still feeling pretty good emotion wise. At least now I know for sure what I am dealing with and how to deal with it if I start heading down the postpartum depression road. Haven't started there yet though, so here's to hoping!
While I am grateful that my c-section went as well as it did, I will be really glad when I am cleared to do everything I feel like doing. Occasionally I have to break the rules. There are times when Jeffrey has to be held, and the only way to do it is to pick him up (which I try to do as carefully as I can!). Other than that though, I try to do what has been recommended.
One of these days I will write a post that has nothing to do with pregnancy, babies, toddlers, or c-sections... it might be a while though! :)
It's much easier to take care of a newborn and an 18 month old when there are two adults around... especially if you are recovering from a c-section. I read some recommendations that kind of just made me laugh a little... "the mom will need time to recover. It is best if she can have a nap in the morning and a nap in the afternoon..." I guess if there is just one baby and no other kids this might be a feasible thing...
I have a much greater appreciation for women that have a bunch of kids all close together...and no help. I honestly don't know how they do it!
Things have been going pretty good though. For the most part anyway... My two older kids have been an abundance of help. I try not to take advantage of their helpfulness, and let them know how much I appreciate them and all they do. A little gratitude goes a long way!
Jeffrey has been improving. He hasn't been crying as much, and he hasn't been throwing as many tantrums either. You can tell that he is going through that toddler phase where he is trying to test the boundaries though. :) I think it's good to have kind of a routine. I've started putting him to bed when the older kids go to bed for school. I also, have gotten into a habit of starting the dishwasher. For some reason, it's soothing to him. Kind of like a white noise machine I guess. Works for me! Added bonus is that by the time Jeffrey is completely asleep the load/cycle is done and I don't have to listen to it all night long.
I admit that yesterday was a rough evening for me. I don't know if it was just everything coming down at once... the realization that I didn't have anything for dinner, and no easy way to make something... I guess the extra or lack of hormones could have something to do with it too. :) Chocolate was looking more and more appetizing!
So, today we made sure to go to the store and get some meals that are made, and just have to be heated up. Not extremely healthy, but still better than going a restaurant every night, which we wouldn't have been able to do anyway, and at least gives me some ability to continue to take it easy until I'm given the go ahead to do whatever I want.
Still, things have been going pretty well for the most part, and unlike after my other pregnancies I am still feeling pretty good emotion wise. At least now I know for sure what I am dealing with and how to deal with it if I start heading down the postpartum depression road. Haven't started there yet though, so here's to hoping!
While I am grateful that my c-section went as well as it did, I will be really glad when I am cleared to do everything I feel like doing. Occasionally I have to break the rules. There are times when Jeffrey has to be held, and the only way to do it is to pick him up (which I try to do as carefully as I can!). Other than that though, I try to do what has been recommended.
One of these days I will write a post that has nothing to do with pregnancy, babies, toddlers, or c-sections... it might be a while though! :)
Monday, March 18, 2013
Blurry
There are many things that I enjoy about having a newborn to take care of. I love how all my kids have been little snugglebugs. You hold them and they would just curl up into a ball content to be held and loved.
Probably the most difficult thing for me at this phase of life is the lack of sleep. :) I think it's that way for most people. Last night was hard. Emmett slept in 30 minute increments. Makes for one tired mama!
Still, I am grateful for the opportunity to have more kids. I look back two and a half years ago and remember how I wondered if we would be able to have more kids in our family, or if we would only be blessed with two. :) My how things have changed in just two years!
I am glad that I can be allowed to cherish these moments again.
I am also glad that Jeffrey is starting to sleep normally again! He took a nap today, and even fell asleep tonight without crying! He hasn't done that for two weeks!
So many things to be grateful for. So many blessings.
Probably the most difficult thing for me at this phase of life is the lack of sleep. :) I think it's that way for most people. Last night was hard. Emmett slept in 30 minute increments. Makes for one tired mama!
Still, I am grateful for the opportunity to have more kids. I look back two and a half years ago and remember how I wondered if we would be able to have more kids in our family, or if we would only be blessed with two. :) My how things have changed in just two years!
I am glad that I can be allowed to cherish these moments again.
I am also glad that Jeffrey is starting to sleep normally again! He took a nap today, and even fell asleep tonight without crying! He hasn't done that for two weeks!
So many things to be grateful for. So many blessings.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Perspective
So, I think I have been kind of whiny lately about things. Have they been hard? Yes. Difficult? Yes. Impossible? No.
I can see the Lord's hand in the blessings handed out. I can see things that have happened that have been beneficial to us, and made our burden lighter.
I have read other blogs and realized that maybe things aren't really so terrible and gloomy.
I can see both sides of things. Would things be financially easier if I had stayed on full-time? Yes. I still wouldn't have a job. Would I want that job if I could have it? The only way I could have it is if I hadn't gotten pregnant in the first place. Would I be willing to sacrifice that just for money? No. I see the miracle of Jeffrey's life, and am grateful every day that he is in our family.
I can see now, that asking to be put on PRN was good for us even though I ended up not even working PRN or being able to go back to work PRN. The main reason being, we knew that my paycheck would be significantly smaller. So, mentally I think we both started to prepare for that.
Me, in my candy coated, "Oh we will have enough money. I have worked full-time long enough..." and Shane in his more realistic money reality of knowing that things would be tight, but we would make it through until a few of our loans are paid off.
I seem to have a "don't ask, don't tell" when it comes to our finance situation. It's something that emotionally I always have a hard time dealing with it, so I put it on the backburner and forget about it until it forces itself to be paid attention.
Then I get worried, high strung, and overly emotional, until Shane lovingly and tenderly explains the plan to me, AGAIN (something that I know, but conveniently forget because I don't like dealing with it). After which I have to mentally convince myself that things really will be all right and work out.
We have so much that so many don't have. I wish everyone had someone like Shane in their life. He is my rock. Then, on the rare occasion when he actually has a downer day, I am his rock.
But, I gain perspective. I think we are so hard up until I find out about the family who has 9 kids and the dad has a mediocre job and they are just barely making ends meet, and haven't had power for two days at their house because they couldn't pay the bill, until they get a construction job and the bill gets paid.
We haven't had to do that.
I lament the fact that I can't nurse anymore for two reasons. One, I knew it was very beneficial for Jeffrey's health, and it was free! Formula isn't free. Even that need, someone ended up giving us three cans of the exact formula Jeffrey drinks because they weren't going to use it.
Shane's mom canned green beans and pears while she was here helping with Jeffrey, and then gave them all to us.
Hazel got sick, with a bug that normally would have kept her from school for almost a week, and yet she is well enough to go back tomorrow.
We've already met our deductible, and out of pocket maximum for the year, so we only have to pay bills from the delivery, but my emergency surgery will be completely covered. Harrison's meds will be covered completely for the rest of the year, and they aren't cheap.
We have food in our freezer and food storage, so if we have to we will only have to buy milk at the store...and even then, we could get by on the powdered milk that we have. I know how to make bread, and if it came to it, I could do that. Right now the 1.50 for a loaf of bread is still something we can afford.
An additional blessing...my body has been healing quickly. I am off pain meds and have been for a few days, enough days that I can think cognitively and feel safe driving. Most people are in shock when they see me because I guess I shouldn't be able to do things that I've been able to do. I still feel tired and exhausted and have to be very attentive to that, but I feel SO MUCH BETTER since having my gallbladder out, I realize how sick I really was getting, and how bad it could have gotten.
So see...perspective, and so many blessings that I know we will be taken care of.
I can see the Lord's hand in the blessings handed out. I can see things that have happened that have been beneficial to us, and made our burden lighter.
I have read other blogs and realized that maybe things aren't really so terrible and gloomy.
I can see both sides of things. Would things be financially easier if I had stayed on full-time? Yes. I still wouldn't have a job. Would I want that job if I could have it? The only way I could have it is if I hadn't gotten pregnant in the first place. Would I be willing to sacrifice that just for money? No. I see the miracle of Jeffrey's life, and am grateful every day that he is in our family.
I can see now, that asking to be put on PRN was good for us even though I ended up not even working PRN or being able to go back to work PRN. The main reason being, we knew that my paycheck would be significantly smaller. So, mentally I think we both started to prepare for that.
Me, in my candy coated, "Oh we will have enough money. I have worked full-time long enough..." and Shane in his more realistic money reality of knowing that things would be tight, but we would make it through until a few of our loans are paid off.
I seem to have a "don't ask, don't tell" when it comes to our finance situation. It's something that emotionally I always have a hard time dealing with it, so I put it on the backburner and forget about it until it forces itself to be paid attention.
Then I get worried, high strung, and overly emotional, until Shane lovingly and tenderly explains the plan to me, AGAIN (something that I know, but conveniently forget because I don't like dealing with it). After which I have to mentally convince myself that things really will be all right and work out.
We have so much that so many don't have. I wish everyone had someone like Shane in their life. He is my rock. Then, on the rare occasion when he actually has a downer day, I am his rock.
But, I gain perspective. I think we are so hard up until I find out about the family who has 9 kids and the dad has a mediocre job and they are just barely making ends meet, and haven't had power for two days at their house because they couldn't pay the bill, until they get a construction job and the bill gets paid.
We haven't had to do that.
I lament the fact that I can't nurse anymore for two reasons. One, I knew it was very beneficial for Jeffrey's health, and it was free! Formula isn't free. Even that need, someone ended up giving us three cans of the exact formula Jeffrey drinks because they weren't going to use it.
Shane's mom canned green beans and pears while she was here helping with Jeffrey, and then gave them all to us.
Hazel got sick, with a bug that normally would have kept her from school for almost a week, and yet she is well enough to go back tomorrow.
We've already met our deductible, and out of pocket maximum for the year, so we only have to pay bills from the delivery, but my emergency surgery will be completely covered. Harrison's meds will be covered completely for the rest of the year, and they aren't cheap.
We have food in our freezer and food storage, so if we have to we will only have to buy milk at the store...and even then, we could get by on the powdered milk that we have. I know how to make bread, and if it came to it, I could do that. Right now the 1.50 for a loaf of bread is still something we can afford.
An additional blessing...my body has been healing quickly. I am off pain meds and have been for a few days, enough days that I can think cognitively and feel safe driving. Most people are in shock when they see me because I guess I shouldn't be able to do things that I've been able to do. I still feel tired and exhausted and have to be very attentive to that, but I feel SO MUCH BETTER since having my gallbladder out, I realize how sick I really was getting, and how bad it could have gotten.
So see...perspective, and so many blessings that I know we will be taken care of.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Health
I am grateful for health. I haven't been very healthy lately, and I can't say that I am super healthy right now. I will be on my way to a doctor appointment shortly...
But...I am grateful for the blessing of good health. Shane is usually very healthy. There have been a few times in our marriage where he scared me and almost died (not kidding here), but other than that, no problems! ;)
I am around sick people all day. There are some, where you just feel really bad for them, because their health is so poor. I look at them, and even though I am not feeling the greatest right now, I know I'm not as sick as they have been. I know I'm not as sick as Shane was when he scared me and had a blessing specifically telling him it "wasn't his time to die," so, I feel a little comforted in that.
I don't usually get nervous before a doctor appointment. Doctors don't scare me. They are there to help...but I am nervous about this appointment. I purposely made it with a doctor I have seen since I was a little girl, because I trust them, and I know that if they don't know what is going on, they will tell me, and will help me find a specialist that does. Still, I haven't hurt this bad since I had mono 11 years ago. : (
All I can say is...please pray for me. I really need your prayers right now.
But...I am grateful for the blessing of good health. Shane is usually very healthy. There have been a few times in our marriage where he scared me and almost died (not kidding here), but other than that, no problems! ;)
I am around sick people all day. There are some, where you just feel really bad for them, because their health is so poor. I look at them, and even though I am not feeling the greatest right now, I know I'm not as sick as they have been. I know I'm not as sick as Shane was when he scared me and had a blessing specifically telling him it "wasn't his time to die," so, I feel a little comforted in that.
I don't usually get nervous before a doctor appointment. Doctors don't scare me. They are there to help...but I am nervous about this appointment. I purposely made it with a doctor I have seen since I was a little girl, because I trust them, and I know that if they don't know what is going on, they will tell me, and will help me find a specialist that does. Still, I haven't hurt this bad since I had mono 11 years ago. : (
All I can say is...please pray for me. I really need your prayers right now.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Sweet
One of the biggest blessings in my life is my husband. (You can all groan now...) I know I have written about him before, quite frequently, but I can't help it when he is one of the largest blessings in my life. If I am down and depressed and feeling lonely, I can turn to Shane and he is always there for me.
He is there when I am having a rough emotional day, when all my peace and contentment seem to be gone. He is there to comfort me when I realize, yet again, that we can't have more kids. He is so attentive and loving, that I know I will never be able to match his level of affection and commitment, but I try anyway.
When people are in a class with us for marriage relationships, they probably think he is lying when he says, "I do everything I can to make her life better." It sounds glurgy and sickly sweet, but he means every word, and it makes my life bearable because of it.
Our marriage hasn't been a super easy one. Our challenges have been many and not far between, but they are challenges that have never been complicated by wondering if he loves me. That is one thing I have never questioned. Marriages grow stronger by the hardships that you bear and work together on. If you don't work on them together, you begin to draw apart.
I look at other marriage relationships around me, and know that we have an anomaly. I am glad it is me.
He is there when I am having a rough emotional day, when all my peace and contentment seem to be gone. He is there to comfort me when I realize, yet again, that we can't have more kids. He is so attentive and loving, that I know I will never be able to match his level of affection and commitment, but I try anyway.
When people are in a class with us for marriage relationships, they probably think he is lying when he says, "I do everything I can to make her life better." It sounds glurgy and sickly sweet, but he means every word, and it makes my life bearable because of it.
Our marriage hasn't been a super easy one. Our challenges have been many and not far between, but they are challenges that have never been complicated by wondering if he loves me. That is one thing I have never questioned. Marriages grow stronger by the hardships that you bear and work together on. If you don't work on them together, you begin to draw apart.
I look at other marriage relationships around me, and know that we have an anomaly. I am glad it is me.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Daisydoodle
I love reading Daisydoodle's blog. It is a blessing to me to read it because it makes me realize all the simple things in life that I have, and to be grateful for them! She writes about her family, recipes, crafts, projects, food storage, parties, and all sorts of other things.
The thing I love about it is it always makes me feel like I am reading about sunshine. Warm and comforting, I know it will always be a good experience.
Thanks Patty B., for sharing your life with the rest of us! :)
The thing I love about it is it always makes me feel like I am reading about sunshine. Warm and comforting, I know it will always be a good experience.
Thanks Patty B., for sharing your life with the rest of us! :)
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Nature
The ability to appreciate nature, is a blessing to me. Even with snow, and I really dislike snow, there is a beauty to it. I like watching it fall, and seeing how much is accumulating. I dislike the bitter cold, and driving in it.
Things look so beautiful after it snows. I could think of many things, for each season, to appreciate, even though...yes, I know you already know this, SPRING is the best!!
There is a certain peace and quiet that I feel when I am appreciating the beauty of the earth. I often feel this way when we go camping, which is probably one of the reasons that I enjoy camping.
There is a certain absence of sound when you are out in the snow, and just THERE.
The other day I was picking the kids up from school, and the sun was shining. It was still fairly cold, but as I sat there in the sunlight, I guess I had a smile on my face because the principal came up to me and stated "You're enjoying that sunlight aren't you?"
Things look so beautiful after it snows. I could think of many things, for each season, to appreciate, even though...yes, I know you already know this, SPRING is the best!!
There is a certain peace and quiet that I feel when I am appreciating the beauty of the earth. I often feel this way when we go camping, which is probably one of the reasons that I enjoy camping.
There is a certain absence of sound when you are out in the snow, and just THERE.
The other day I was picking the kids up from school, and the sun was shining. It was still fairly cold, but as I sat there in the sunlight, I guess I had a smile on my face because the principal came up to me and stated "You're enjoying that sunlight aren't you?"
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
My Sister
I decided that since I had already written two posts that included my sister, I will dedicate this one COMPLETELY to her, because she is definitely a blessing in my life.
When I was younger, elementary school age, we didn't really get along all that well. There are 7 years difference in age between us, and when I was younger she pretty much took care of me a lot.
When my sister left for college, things had started to change, and we became really good friends. She started taking my brother and I to movies, she'd invite me to come spend the weekend, and there were times when I rode with her because she didn't want to drive alone. It was good. I have happy memories of that time.
My sister taught me a lot of things, and I realize that growing up, a lot of things that she liked, I liked because she liked them, and disliking things...same thing. I started playing the piano because she played the piano. I played the clarinet in middle school because she did. :) She HATES bananas, and apricot nectar, and while I never really HATED bananas, I've never really been able to stomach apricot nectar. She couldn't stand pink, and even though I was a girly girl when I was little, I decided I didn't like pink either. (I actually like pink now, but BLUE is so much better.)
Because there were just the two of us (with five brothers) we got to do a lot of things together. I went along with her when she went dress shopping for dances and pageants, and I helped quilt on a big quilt that her friend made her when she got married.
She has been such a blessing in my life, and we occasionally call each other and vent, or just cry, and laugh about things. I wished she lived closer so I could do things with her all the time, but we have fun anyway even from afar.
Monday, December 6, 2010
The Messiah
This piece of music is definitely a blessing in my life. There seem to be two huge ways to reach my heart, and music is VERY high on that list.
I first went to a Messiah Sing Along when I was... about 12. My sister took me to the one that was in our area. If I remember right, it was one of the first times they performed it. We sat and sang and it was wonderful. At that time I really only had even heard two of the songs... the Hallelujah chorus, and For Unto Us A Child Is Born.
After I started playing the cello, I started playing in the Messiah Sing Along, because they ALWAYS need string players. By the time I ended high school, I had performed it 4 times.
When I went down to college, there was a community orchestra in Kanab that needed more strings (I know, KANAB is NOT a huge place, and they have a thriving community orchestra!) The difference was that the Kanab orchestra played a lot more songs out of the book than the one I had played in high school, so it was good.
When they started the sing along where I currently live, they played a LOT of the songs in the book. The edition we play is, I think, one of the most common, and even it is a chopped version. To play the entire Messiah work, I've heard takes about 4 hours...or even longer.
This year we are playing a good amount. Not as many as before, and some of my favorites have been cut, but it will still be a good experience. I LOVE this piece of music.
It speaks to my heart and soul and just fills up my being with goodness. What a blessing!
I first went to a Messiah Sing Along when I was... about 12. My sister took me to the one that was in our area. If I remember right, it was one of the first times they performed it. We sat and sang and it was wonderful. At that time I really only had even heard two of the songs... the Hallelujah chorus, and For Unto Us A Child Is Born.
After I started playing the cello, I started playing in the Messiah Sing Along, because they ALWAYS need string players. By the time I ended high school, I had performed it 4 times.
When I went down to college, there was a community orchestra in Kanab that needed more strings (I know, KANAB is NOT a huge place, and they have a thriving community orchestra!) The difference was that the Kanab orchestra played a lot more songs out of the book than the one I had played in high school, so it was good.
When they started the sing along where I currently live, they played a LOT of the songs in the book. The edition we play is, I think, one of the most common, and even it is a chopped version. To play the entire Messiah work, I've heard takes about 4 hours...or even longer.
This year we are playing a good amount. Not as many as before, and some of my favorites have been cut, but it will still be a good experience. I LOVE this piece of music.
It speaks to my heart and soul and just fills up my being with goodness. What a blessing!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Winter Blessings
So, I have been a little depressed lately. That's all I can chalk it up to. Everything seems to make me sad. Every time someone writes about anything wonderful I turn into Eyeore from Winnie the Pooh... "Everybody but me..." I don't like feeling this way.
I was assigned to teach the family home evening lesson at my parents today, and in my mind I thought, I want to teach a lesson about blessings. Maybe the Holy Ghost inserted that into my head, because when you start thinking about what you DO have, instead of what you DON'T, life doesn't look as grim and dark as before. Still, then I feel guilty for thinking negative thoughts, because I really do have a ton to be grateful for. Eventually though, and I have learned this from experience (you'd think I would remember before I get to this point) eventually, the good grateful for everything thoughts begin to overpower the dark negative ones.
So, since it is December, and Christmas is approaching, I decided it is the perfect time to begin writing down the blessings that I have. I know I have done this before, but that was the tip of the iceburg! So, we will see if I can write about others...or maybe the same ones, but either way, it will be something on the positive side.
BOOKS
Does that seem like something silly to consider a blessing? Well, I'll explain a little then I guess. I LOVE BOOKS. I really do. When I was young, I remember going to the Book-mobile (For those that don't know what that is, it is a library on wheels that stops around different rural areas). My sister would take me, and she would always grab a huge stack of books, and I would grab two or three. Eventually I remember thinking, "If she can get lots of books, I can too!" and I began to check out a lot of books. Then the challenge began to be reading all the books I had checked out before it was time to turn them back in.
When I married Shane I learned that his Dad had never really had any books in his home growing up. It had become a very important think for his Dad and his Mom that their kids had books around. They would each get a book for Christmas. So, consequently, Shane loves books too. This is good, because Shane is very considerate and realizes that when I am really really stressed out, reading helps me unwind.
So, I am grateful for books, and I am glad that my kids each have a collection of books, that we have the ability to get them books, and that they enjoy them. Nothing made me smile more than when we went to a store and they both ran for the book section, even over the toys!
I was assigned to teach the family home evening lesson at my parents today, and in my mind I thought, I want to teach a lesson about blessings. Maybe the Holy Ghost inserted that into my head, because when you start thinking about what you DO have, instead of what you DON'T, life doesn't look as grim and dark as before. Still, then I feel guilty for thinking negative thoughts, because I really do have a ton to be grateful for. Eventually though, and I have learned this from experience (you'd think I would remember before I get to this point) eventually, the good grateful for everything thoughts begin to overpower the dark negative ones.
So, since it is December, and Christmas is approaching, I decided it is the perfect time to begin writing down the blessings that I have. I know I have done this before, but that was the tip of the iceburg! So, we will see if I can write about others...or maybe the same ones, but either way, it will be something on the positive side.
BOOKS
Does that seem like something silly to consider a blessing? Well, I'll explain a little then I guess. I LOVE BOOKS. I really do. When I was young, I remember going to the Book-mobile (For those that don't know what that is, it is a library on wheels that stops around different rural areas). My sister would take me, and she would always grab a huge stack of books, and I would grab two or three. Eventually I remember thinking, "If she can get lots of books, I can too!" and I began to check out a lot of books. Then the challenge began to be reading all the books I had checked out before it was time to turn them back in.
When I married Shane I learned that his Dad had never really had any books in his home growing up. It had become a very important think for his Dad and his Mom that their kids had books around. They would each get a book for Christmas. So, consequently, Shane loves books too. This is good, because Shane is very considerate and realizes that when I am really really stressed out, reading helps me unwind.
So, I am grateful for books, and I am glad that my kids each have a collection of books, that we have the ability to get them books, and that they enjoy them. Nothing made me smile more than when we went to a store and they both ran for the book section, even over the toys!
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