One thing we learned when we sent Johnathan on his mission is that whatever cost estimate you've heard...double it! About 2 weeks before we were taking Johnathan to the MTC the van broke down. We ended up replacing the fuel pump at the tune of $800. This time we had to call a repairman to fix the fridge. Fortunately, it didn't cost $800. When we realized there was a problem we moved all the freezer items to the food storage freezer, and the milk and cheese into a cooler filled with ice. The problem was the fan had broken down...$148 plus half a gallon of milk.
Another thing we learned was that as soon as Johnathan was set apart, the blessings of having a missionary started kicking in. From that point on and for the next two years, things seemed to last longer and run better. We had a few break downs and repairs (the biggest was crushing my foot and Tom's fall off the ladder), but all in all things went rather smoothly...until Johnathan came home and things started breaking down.
While we were getting Johnathan ready I heard so much about the "sacrifice" a mission was. The boys sacrificing time, schooling, money and jobs. The parents sacrificing money, time, support and their child. I couldn't see it as a sacrifice. I served a mission and I knew the blessings Johnathan would be receiving. I knew they outweighed anything he was giving up. I saw it as a priviledge for Johnathan and for us. It's an amazing opportunity to serve the Lord, serve his children and the blessings received are amazing.
I knew that our family would be blessed for having a son/brother serving as a missionary. As far as I'm concerned the greatest blessing I received was the knowledge that Heavenly Father loves me. He knows me and loves me no matter what, no matter how imperfect I am. I didn't know that before. I'm excited to see what blessings Tim's mission brings.
Showing posts with label blessings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blessings. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
B & B
No, I don't mean Bed and Breakfast! I'm talking about Bummers and Blessings.
I was SO excited to think that I've now been off gluten for two whole months, and I was looking forward to slowly start eating it again. I've anticipated tasting that first slice of fresh baked white bread with butter and homemade strawberry jam all week. I've looked forward to not having to read every single label while shopping, being able to use a few convenience foods in my cooking, and being able to eat more than a salad at a restaurant. Then I visited the naturopath today, and he said, "NOT YET."
BUMMER.
I've been so discouraged ever since. Typically, I am not a picky eater and I'm getting so tired of always worrying about what is in the food I eat. In some ways this has been the longest four months of my entire life. Sometimes I can't even see the light at the end of the tunnel. Even though I have already seen some great changes in my health and weight loss, it seems like I'm never going to get to the end of the journey.
BLESSING...
My good friend who is traveling this journey with me brought me a gluten-free treat this afternoon. Macadamia nuts! Just knowing she cared was enough to make me cry.
One of my favorite things as RS president is doing food orders. Sometimes it is hard to not judge and to find ways to help people improve from the self-imposed slump they are in. Other times it can be so heart-wrenching to hear about their troubles. But I always feel glad that I can help them in some small way. Tonight was one of the second type of food orders. I felt ashamed while talking to a sister who is facing so many trials, knowing that my biggest trial at the moment is a hiccup in comparison. The experience reminded me that Heavenly Father is in charge and that I need to trust Him.
One last note about RS...I've always cared about people and what is happening in their lives, but I have always assumed that if they want me to know something they will tell me. As RS president I've had to learn that as "mother of the ward" most of it is my business and it's ok to push for a little more information. Most of the time it's just priming the pump, and then they will share. Also, I've always been one who doesn't gossip much. I'm usually the last one to know what's going on. So this has been a very interesting experience learning what needs to be shared with the Bishop. Just part of my learning curve, but I know Heavenly Father hasn't left me alone in this. I always feel that someone is with me, helping me along as I carry out my duties.
I was SO excited to think that I've now been off gluten for two whole months, and I was looking forward to slowly start eating it again. I've anticipated tasting that first slice of fresh baked white bread with butter and homemade strawberry jam all week. I've looked forward to not having to read every single label while shopping, being able to use a few convenience foods in my cooking, and being able to eat more than a salad at a restaurant. Then I visited the naturopath today, and he said, "NOT YET."
BUMMER.
I've been so discouraged ever since. Typically, I am not a picky eater and I'm getting so tired of always worrying about what is in the food I eat. In some ways this has been the longest four months of my entire life. Sometimes I can't even see the light at the end of the tunnel. Even though I have already seen some great changes in my health and weight loss, it seems like I'm never going to get to the end of the journey.
BLESSING...
My good friend who is traveling this journey with me brought me a gluten-free treat this afternoon. Macadamia nuts! Just knowing she cared was enough to make me cry.
One of my favorite things as RS president is doing food orders. Sometimes it is hard to not judge and to find ways to help people improve from the self-imposed slump they are in. Other times it can be so heart-wrenching to hear about their troubles. But I always feel glad that I can help them in some small way. Tonight was one of the second type of food orders. I felt ashamed while talking to a sister who is facing so many trials, knowing that my biggest trial at the moment is a hiccup in comparison. The experience reminded me that Heavenly Father is in charge and that I need to trust Him.
One last note about RS...I've always cared about people and what is happening in their lives, but I have always assumed that if they want me to know something they will tell me. As RS president I've had to learn that as "mother of the ward" most of it is my business and it's ok to push for a little more information. Most of the time it's just priming the pump, and then they will share. Also, I've always been one who doesn't gossip much. I'm usually the last one to know what's going on. So this has been a very interesting experience learning what needs to be shared with the Bishop. Just part of my learning curve, but I know Heavenly Father hasn't left me alone in this. I always feel that someone is with me, helping me along as I carry out my duties.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Gratitude
I’m grateful that Hannah and James had a great time at camp and returned home safely.
I’m grateful for great teenagers who are making correct choices in their lives. I’m grateful for the things they teach me every day and for the privilege of associating with them. Our family would not be the same without them.
I’m grateful for a missionary son who is working so hard he doesn’t know what day it is or have time to write more than a few lines in an email each week. We have been greatly blessed because of his service. The time has gone so quickly, but we do look forward to seeing him in 12 days!
I’m grateful for medical technology. Besides our accidents, in the last 6 weeks our niece was in an accident on a 4-wheeler and sustained serious injuries to her face. Our nephew who has epilepsy had brain surgery. Also, one of my sisters had extremely bad migraines this week. Without the medical technology we have today all of them could have had very different results from their health issues.
I’m grateful for friends and family to lean on in times of need. From shopping to letting me cry on their shoulders, I appreciate all they have done for me.
I’m grateful for our country and the freedoms we enjoy. I’m grateful that I can choose where to live and how to live. I’m grateful for the privileges we enjoy, and for the service of so many men and women that allow me to live safely in this country.
I’m grateful for our religious freedom. I’m grateful for my forefathers and the sacrifices they made to make my life and blessings possible.
I’m grateful for the love of Heavenly Father. He loves me no matter what I do or don’t do. I’m grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ, and the fact that the atonement can be applied to my life and be a great blessing to me. I’m grateful for the gospel knowledge I have to guide me, and for every part of the church from leaders to programs to opportunities to serve, learn and grow.
I hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th of July!
I’m grateful for great teenagers who are making correct choices in their lives. I’m grateful for the things they teach me every day and for the privilege of associating with them. Our family would not be the same without them.
I’m grateful for a missionary son who is working so hard he doesn’t know what day it is or have time to write more than a few lines in an email each week. We have been greatly blessed because of his service. The time has gone so quickly, but we do look forward to seeing him in 12 days!
I’m grateful for medical technology. Besides our accidents, in the last 6 weeks our niece was in an accident on a 4-wheeler and sustained serious injuries to her face. Our nephew who has epilepsy had brain surgery. Also, one of my sisters had extremely bad migraines this week. Without the medical technology we have today all of them could have had very different results from their health issues.
I’m grateful for friends and family to lean on in times of need. From shopping to letting me cry on their shoulders, I appreciate all they have done for me.
I’m grateful for our country and the freedoms we enjoy. I’m grateful that I can choose where to live and how to live. I’m grateful for the privileges we enjoy, and for the service of so many men and women that allow me to live safely in this country.
I’m grateful for our religious freedom. I’m grateful for my forefathers and the sacrifices they made to make my life and blessings possible.
I’m grateful for the love of Heavenly Father. He loves me no matter what I do or don’t do. I’m grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ, and the fact that the atonement can be applied to my life and be a great blessing to me. I’m grateful for the gospel knowledge I have to guide me, and for every part of the church from leaders to programs to opportunities to serve, learn and grow.
I hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th of July!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Happy New Year!
For many years we would set the same goals over and over and never acheive them. I started dreading the New Year's celebration. I was so discouraged and depressed. Nothing ever changed...not my weight (except to go up), not Tom's employment situation, not our finances...
During this time I was called to serve in the Primary presidency and the Bishop promised me an amazing blessing when he set me apart. He told me that if I fulfilled my calling my desires of a home and land would be filled. I did my best at that calling, and ultimately we moved to Boise a couple years later, on my birthday in 2000.
When we moved here I held on to that promise the Bishop gave me, and we finally bought our first home six years ago. Tom's employment has been steadier. We set goals of paying off overdue bills from our time in Salt Lake City, our school loans, our van and the credit cards, respectfully. Over a period of seven years we were able to finally pay off all consumer debt. My weight has even been coming down. It's been one of the hardest experiences of my life to overcome the issues that were the very reasons I gained weight in the first place.
Every year I spend the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas counting my blessings, enjoying the time with my family, and planning for the next year. That's when I set my goals and do all the normal New Year's things. Between this habit and the discouragement I was feeling for many years New Year's has been a wasted holiday in my mind. Right next to Halloween on my list of least liked holidays.
This year has been different. Everything has been the same as usual except I have been so excited. I set my goals and couldn't wait to start them...so I didn't...lol! This year is going to be a great year! To quote something Tom told me over and over during the hard years, "Something great is just around the corner."
During this time I was called to serve in the Primary presidency and the Bishop promised me an amazing blessing when he set me apart. He told me that if I fulfilled my calling my desires of a home and land would be filled. I did my best at that calling, and ultimately we moved to Boise a couple years later, on my birthday in 2000.
When we moved here I held on to that promise the Bishop gave me, and we finally bought our first home six years ago. Tom's employment has been steadier. We set goals of paying off overdue bills from our time in Salt Lake City, our school loans, our van and the credit cards, respectfully. Over a period of seven years we were able to finally pay off all consumer debt. My weight has even been coming down. It's been one of the hardest experiences of my life to overcome the issues that were the very reasons I gained weight in the first place.
Every year I spend the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas counting my blessings, enjoying the time with my family, and planning for the next year. That's when I set my goals and do all the normal New Year's things. Between this habit and the discouragement I was feeling for many years New Year's has been a wasted holiday in my mind. Right next to Halloween on my list of least liked holidays.
This year has been different. Everything has been the same as usual except I have been so excited. I set my goals and couldn't wait to start them...so I didn't...lol! This year is going to be a great year! To quote something Tom told me over and over during the hard years, "Something great is just around the corner."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)