New Year, New You!

It's that time of year, where you look back at all that has gone on, and you can see all the ways you've been blessed.  You can see where you've struggled, and decide on things you want to change.

I don't make New Year Resolutions.  I, generally, have time to sit and contemplate the things I want to change at Snowbird.  There's something about being up there, at the end of summer, out in the beautiful mountains, where you can feel closer to Heavenly Father than you do in the crazy, busy-ness that goes on down in the valley.  That being said, I'm not going to post any goals or resolutions, but I want to share some things I'm grateful for.

I have to say that the last year has been amazing in many ways!  Amazing in good ways and amazing in bad ways.  I feel like I've been being a downer for the last while, and I don't like that I've become that way, so I'm working on fixing that (I think I may have stated a resolution ;)). 

I've been serving in the LDS Mid-Singles program in Davis County for nearly a year.  For those that don't know, midsingles are singles in many various circumstances from divorced, widowed, and unmarrieds between the ages of 31-45 years old.  I've probably said this before, but I would never have imagined me being a leader like this.  When I started showing up for the weekly religion classes about 19 months ago, my plan was to attend the class, because I needed the spiritual uplift and get out of there.  I was shy and nervous, and didn't want to be noticed.  Then one day someone noticed me, and welcomed me in, and it felt right, so I stuck to it.  Through this program I have met a lot of amazing people that I have grown to love!  I've also learned many, many things!  Some things I sort of wish I hadn't, but oh, well!  Overall, I can't believe I'm the same person that walked in there not that long ago!  I've been able to step out of my comfort zone, that had me sitting on the back row, by the door, with my phone in hand, so I could escape, to being in front of many, many people and feeling completely comfortable.  I'm not saying that I'm always completely comfortable, but it's been amazing, because I have moments where I'm nervous and shy, but I just have to put on that "leader persona" and I can walk up there and do what needs to be done, and the nervousness and shyness dissipate.  I'm grateful for that!  I'm grateful for the wonderful people I've been able to associate with!  I'm still in shock to think that I accompanied Emmy nominated violinist, Jenny Oaks Baker.  It was thrilling!  Terrifying, but thrilling! 

I'm so grateful for a loving and supportive family!  I don't know what I would do without my mom, my brother, sister-in-law and their kids, and the support I can feel from my dad!  I'm thankful for all of my nephews and niece!  I'm grateful for each of their own identities, with their personalities, talents and all that comes with them.  Ford is brilliant and beautiful and so talented, and knows so much!  I'm grateful for his testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!  Ev is the funniest kid I know.  He's really smart, and is an amazing, athletic boy! Ady is hilarious and darling and my little twin!  Akston has been a comfort to me these past few months, as I get to cuddle him and rock him to sleep.  I am blessed!

I'm grateful for the people I've been able to serve with in young womens.  I'm amazed at the strength of the youth in the stake!  There are so many that have amazing gifts, talents, and testimonies.  I've loved getting to know them and see them grow up. 

I'm grateful for the abilities I've been given!  Heavenly Father has blessed me in so many ways, and I'm so grateful!  I'm in awe, knowing that He knows me, and knows my needs, and loves me.  I'm amazed that I can receive answers to prayers, and that even when I don't like those answers, and I keep wanting different answers, that I still know when my prayers are answered.

I wanted to share this video , as the new year is upon us.  I hope you enjoy it and take advantage of the new beginning that we all have!

Lessons...

I don't know that I ever mentioned this before, but  a neighbor and good friend of ours passed away on April 20th.  He helped us so much!  He was always looking out for Mom, and making sure she had everything taken care of.  One day we came home and had a new mailbox.  When our bathroom was fixed for us, while we were gone, we came home to new lighting in the bathroom and the garage.  He couldn't believe that two single women would come home, without having any light on in the garage.  The other night the lightbulb on the garage door opener died, and everytime I'm out there, I think about Scott and that he's probably put out with us letting it stay that way. 

The night before he passed away, he called me and said he was someone from the Jehovah's Witnesses and that they'd been observing me, etc...  Then he said, "Just kidding, it's Scott..." and went on about how he wanted to be a good piano dad, so could I please explain somethings to him.  So, as he asked me questions about symbols, he'd play them to see if he got it right, so he could help his son.  I have to say that this is the first time, ever, that a dad had gotten so involved with his kids piano lessons. 

The next morning, there were things going on down the street, and I knew something was up, but had no idea it would be that.  I was kind of in denial, because it seemed totally impossible.  It was really strange, and too familiar!  His oldest is just younger than I was when my dad died, his daughter is how old Collin was, and then they have a baby, that just turned one last month.  His wife was teaching part time, my mom was teaching part time.  His wife was in the relief society presidency, my mom was in the relief society presidency.  Our neighbor across the street was over at their house, she was over at the house next door, where I was when we found out about dad.  Just too familiar! 

I found myself being grateful that I knew what they were going to go through, so I could help them through it.  Had I been in different circumstances, maybe having a family of my own, and not living around here, I wouldn't be able to help them.  I'm really glad that I was already teaching their oldest, so we had a relationship already, because he feels comfortable with me already.  His first lesson after his dad died, he told me he'd be really good at this part, because his dad made him practice a ton.  Then, he did really well, and he said, "It's like someone is helping me, but no one is."  That's the kind of gift you get from your deceased relatives.  I know that Heavenly Father lets them help us.

Another lesson I've learned through the example of someone I admire and appreciate, is how I deserve to be treated.  Thank you!