A Mother

As I've been writing this blog, every day I ponder the question, "How have I seen the Lord's kindness in my life today?" The tricky thing has become narrowing it down to one blessing to focus on- the Lord is so kind, and often I think that kindness gets shown through other people. For me today that was my mom. Not for any earth-shattering service or wonder, but for the simple fact that she is always there when I need her to be. My mom is so eager to help me, and all of us kids, that I often forget what a real blessing that can be. I think that sometimes the littlest gestures can show the largest underlying values, and for my mom those little gestures really add up. What a blessing it is to have a mom who is also a friend. I hope when my girls are older, I will be the same to them.

A Terrific Two-Year Old

I often try to be optimistic about the infamous 'terrible twos' and today I feel very blessed to see some of the 'terrific twos' that sneak in between the ominous meltdowns. All day Abigail has been extra loving of her younger sister, Lauren-wanting to always play with her, share with her, and include her in absolutely everything. That was the blessing I was thinking to focus on until this evening's prayers.

Tonight was the first night that Abigail really insisted on saying both her own personal bedtime prayer and our family prayer (with "No help, Mom"). After a long and tiring day, her sweet prayers brought me so much joy; Drew and I both caught each other peeking at the other with tears on our faces. Abbie prayed to her Heavenly Father and thanked Him for her day and then asked Him in turn to bless Laurie Lou and Mommy and Daddy and Abbie. She then asked that we have a good night and closed, "in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!"

It is just such a sweet blessing to know that under her sometimes rascally exterior, she has the sweetest spirit and really has learned so much- more probably than I know of. At the end of the day, it is such a blessing: a blessing of comfort, a blessing of joy, a blessing of hope. And I am so grateful for my sweet Abigail, one of my biggest blessings of all.

A Teaching Moment

I feel particularly blessed today to receive the guidance I needed on how to handle a certain situation. Mothering seems to be flying by and I can't believe that my once tiny bundles are becoming little girls. I know there will be many times when I will need to provide instant counsel and help them in their changing lives, but it just seems like it shouldn't be happening already. Today Abigail was being quite curious about her body, and at first I wasn't sure how to scold her, or if I should scold her, or what to say or do at all. But after a quick prayer I felt inspired to use the situation to teach her about how special and sacred Heavenly Father made our bodies. The whole conversation came to my mind almost as I was saying it, and she was quick to listen and understand, which is another blessing in and of itself. I think it ended up being a great teaching moment instead of an awkward criticism that it could have been. I am grateful that my mind was open and that the Lord filled it with what I needed when I needed it most.

A Beautiful Day

I was so impressed today with the beauty of my surroundings. I think this world is such a blessing and I love getting glimpses of it at its best. I grew up in Western Washington, surrounded by our lush forests and majestic mountains, and am so thrilled to be back here where natural beauty is abundant. The cost of such a green landscape, though, is sometimes what hides it from our view; but it is always worth it on a clear day like today when the clouds have lifted and the hidden panorama is unveiled.

When I was training for my marathon and running almost everyday, I had many mornings when I would come upon a scene that seemed like it was made for only me. No one else was around and yet the sunrise would be so beautiful; and I couldn't imagine that that was what I was missing on the days when I slept in. I had a similar feeling today, though much later in the day. We are blessed with such a beautiful world, and yet it is up to us to slow down from our busy schedules and realize it. I am grateful for this beautiful day and look forward to finding the beauty in many more.

A Patient Virtue

This was one of those stay-at-home days when it was just me and the girls with no errands to be run or appointments to attend. While it is sometimes easier on busy days to be more aware of the outward blessings received from others, it is these simple days that allow me to focus in on the everyday blessings that I so often overlook.

Today I feel very blessed for the beloved gift of patience. Not for mastering it, but for seeking it more earnestly. Patience is something that I find myself praying for quite often; and in those little on-the-spot prayers when I need it most, I am very blessed to receive a little nudge to step back, take a deep breath and start again a little kinder. As I was reflecting on how much I need to be patient with others, I realized how much others often need to be patient with me. Even my sweet two-year old, Abigail, who is at the forefront of my battle for patience, is in turn patient with me when I am not understanding her correctly or have to accommodate someone else before her or whatever the situation may be. And she is not alone. I wonder how much patience the Lord has for each of us? For me? I think He must have a lot, and I am very grateful for it and hope to continue to be blessed with more and more myself.

A Good Friend

Today has been a fun day, and I feel that it is due to the blessings that I have been given through friendship. The Lord has blessed me through various opportunities to become acquainted with those around me who can uplift my life. Today was one such experience as my girls and I spent the day with some dear friends down in Ridgefield. Whenever our little families get together we always play hard and are quite exhausted by the end of the day, but I always leave feeling enlivened and motivated. I really believe that each of us can be an instrument for good in the Lord's hands, and today I have felt the influence of one such friend.

A Sunday School Class

At church I've been asked to teach the fourteen and fifteen year-old Sunday School class, which has been a hard calling for me. Every week I look forward to studying the scriptures so that I can better answer their many questions, but sometimes I dread the work it takes to keep them focused, stop them from bantering with one another and have them actually learn something during our fifty minutes together. I feel a lot of pressure, because this is such an important age when these boys and girls are turning into adults, with the standards they'll live by for the rest of their lives.

I feel greatly blessed today because I feel like I've had a break-through with my class. Attendance was the highest it's ever been and spirits were high. While they were still squirrelly at times and every once in a while I caught one text messaging, I can tell that they are excited to be there and to listen to what I've prepared. This is definitely a calling where I need to rely on the Lord and not just try to teach by my own meager skill, and it has been humbly to fully realize this. I am blessed to have an influence in their young lives and to hopefully help them choose the right. It brings me such joy to share an example from the scriptures or my life and have the whole class just pause and really listen. I hope as the year goes by that there will be more and more moments like these, but I am grateful for the ones I have now.