Hinckley Challenge Update

Today I completed the Hinckley Challenge by finishing The Book of Mormon in less than 97 days, and remembered President Hinckley throughout. I wanted to make sure and finish it before Drew and I left on our trip and I feel very blessed for meeting my goal. This has definitely been my best time reading it. I think there's something to be gained by reading scriptures at a faster pace; for me, the stories and events, the people and the times just really came to life. It's so much different that just reading a few verses or chapters a day, because it really links everything together. My testimony has definitely been strengthened through these last few months, and as I finished today I jsut found myself longing for more.

I also noticed that as I read, my mind was instantly pondering and anticipating how I would teach the various stories and events to my Sunday school class. Being a Sunday school teacher, which often seems like a burden too heavy me, today really felt like a great blessing, and I found myself so excited to share my excitement, enthusiasm, and testimony of the scriptures with my class.

I am so grateful for this work of scripture, which truly was written for us. It is such a blessing for us to have. As I read and ponder the lives of the great prophets of old who recorded these scriptures, it is clear to me that this is a sacred record that was preserved for us at this time, and I hope I can continue to read and reread this holy book, and apply its teachings to my life. What a blessing it is.

A Happy May Day

Today I feel very blessed for the new month and for our little May Day traditions. May is such an exciting month- it seems to be the real transition month when we change from rainy to warm weather; it's the month that Drew and I graduated in; the month we were engaged; there's just something special about the month of May. Today we had Abigail's friend, Camille, over for day and we and my mom all went together to deliver some May Day flowers and cards. I guess I just feel especially blessed today for the start of this month, and for the opportunity we had to spend it with others. After a long winter flowers are so symbolic of new growth and change, and I'm excited and blessed for the coming month.

To Remember

Today I have been reading over some of my very first blessing blog posts and I am so grateful for this means that allows me to better remember the blessings that I receive from the Lord daily. Yesterday in church we discussed Henry B. Eyring's talk "O, Remember, Remember," which initially inspired me to begin this blog. I feel very grateful for his guidance and for the impact it has had on my life already. I really think that this record will be something that I will treasure for generations to come.

Abigail

Today is Abigail's 3rd birthday, and I can't help but feel blessed for her and for the three years that we have had together. Some researchers say that most of a child's personality and character is determined during their first three years of life, and I am so happy and proud of the little girl that Abigail has become. She is not perfect. She has a wild side and a little temper, but she can be so kind and so gentle and so respectful, and I know that she wants to do what is right and is learning how if we can but teach her. We have spent a lot of time together over these last three years; she has been my little one, my helper, my friend, my world, and my happiness. I love her more than words can describe. I sometimes miss my little Abbie, but I am so excited for the future and for the little girl she is now. I know that these last three years will be some of the best years of my life and I will cherish my memories of and with her as she grows and ventures out more and more on her own. I am so blessed.

Here are some pictures from each of her birthdays....

Abigail on her birth day.

One year old at her Pajama Party.

Two years old at her LadyBug Party.

Three years old at her Dress Up Party.