Progressing

“I am a slow walker, but I never walk backwards.” ~Abraham Lincoln

There are days when I really feel like I am wading through mud, dragging my feet [and the rest of my reluctant, slow-to-learn self] behind. I hate feeling like I am not progressing the way I'd like to. But I am not walking backwards. I need to remind myself of that, when I feel like my progression forward is too slow.

There's so much I want to do and to be and I'm not good at 'slow'. I want to do better and I want to be better. But steady is good, and my progression is undeniably forward -- just not at the pace I would like. I think I want perfection now.

At least I'm not walking backward.

Yes or No?

Well? Yes or no?

Age

" Everyone is the age of their heart." ~Guatemalan Proverb

Miss Maya is very interested in my age [more so recently since I just had a birthday] and thinks it's cool that we both have 5's in our ages [she will be 5 soon]. Me? I'm not quite so taken with it but the above cartoon spoke to me today.

I did start at one. But if I am the age of my heart, I'm still just a kid. Thank goodness.

How God Does Things

“It is always the simple things that change our lives. And these things never happen when you are looking for them to happen. Life will reveal answers at the pace life wishes to do so. You feel like running, but life is on a stroll. This is how God does things.” ~Donald Miller

After a full Saturday of errands, shopping, preparation for Sunday and general busy-ness, I'm looking forward to Sunday: time at church, time with family, and time with children I love.

Most especially, I look forward to quiet time, where I can sit and think, listen and feel the spirit. It's during quiet moments that those simple, life-changing things happen.

Happy Sunday!

Beautiful!

Like I said before, it's not all bad to have your birthday presents late to arrive: it extends the celebration!

Look what was handed to me yesterday! Not only is it exactly my style and something that I will wear and enjoy, [I told Natalie to expect to see it a lot - -and she will!] but the sentiment engraved on the top of the bracelet says it all.

'Loved'. On a day when I feel dumb [like yesterday], or frustrated or alone or lonely or unlovable, I can glance down and remember that I am blessed. I am happy, and I am loved.

Thank you, Chris, Natalie and kiddoes! I love it.

Choices

I have been reflecting recently on choices -- there are choices to be made everywhere. Some choices are hard and some are easy. But the bottom line is that is given to us to be able to choose. [2 Nephi 2:27]

When I was younger, I remember reading a talk by Pres. Kimball about choices -- the words he used were 'decide to decide.' His point was that if you make the decision well in advance of an actual event, when it does happen, the decision is made and there is no wavering or consideration or struggle. You already know what you will do in almost any situation.

I loved that thought and have tried to use it in my life. There are some decisions I made long ago. Knowing in advance what I will and will not do makes things much easier as time goes on. I already know what my choice is going to be.

And I think this quote says it all:

"Decisions become easier when your will to please God outweighs your will to please the world." ~Anso Coetzer

When I know who it is that I am really trying to please, it all falls into place. The decision is made.

Lucky!

Beautiful roses, and yummy cake.

Miss Vida, waiting to move into her new home.

Birthday balloons -- with a fishy theme!

I had a lovely birthday yesterday -- thanks to so many of you for your love and wishes.

My sister had already surprised me with a necklace [the 'pebble ring' necklace] that I love [it arrived before the big day] and yesterday, my sweeties Mason and Maya showed up with balloons, cards and a special surprise that they picked out themselves: a little Vida-fish all my own! They provided everything I needed to get her all set up too -- the bowl, the bright colored gravel, the water conditioner, the food, and Miss Vida herself. She is a sweet little fishy and waves her fins at me every time I go to tell her hello. What I love most is that they picked everything themselves and I knew it.

Mark arrived home at lunch with a beautiful bouquet of roses [they smell delicious!] and the promise of whatever gift I want once I make up my mind [which could take some time - the older I get, the harder it is to put together a wish list.] Natalie had ordered something [still a surprise!] and was annoyed that it hadn't arrived in time. [it's all good -- that extends the birthday and there's nothing wrong having random gifts arriving!] Chris and Tara called to check in and they were not sure what to send so once again the BD gets extended. Math put together a fun mix CD that he did just for me which is always something I love. Both parents sent the money [the ultimate gift!] and I'm going to hoard it till I figure out how I want to spend it.

My counselor and friend Natalie showed up in the afternoon with a beautiful [and delicious] home-made white chocolate raspberry [my hands-down favorite flavor] birthday cake which we enjoyed with ice cream after a fabulous dinner with family at Chuy's. And there was even a fresh loaf of home-made bread from another sweet friend -- it doesn't get better than this!

And of course there were all the sweet greetings and phone calls that I received from friends and family members. All together, it made for a lovely birthday.

I felt loved -- thank you!

Spreading Love

"Spread love everywhere you go . . . let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier." ~Mother Teresa

That woman really knew what she was talking about, didn't she? As soon as I read this, I knew it was something that I wanted to make a conscious effort towards.

I want people to leave my presence uplifted, smiling and feeling great about themselves. A good goal, no?

** I know the picture doesn't go with the quote -- I had the quote all ready to go with another picture and then started getting lots and lots of birthday wishes [which was a lovely surprise!]. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the wonderful birthday greetings. I wondered how so many people knew.

Hardly anyone is as lucky as I am to have such a lovely daughter!

Method to my Madness

I'm the best Grandma in the world and this is why: I'm helping with fine motor skills.

Compensation

"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself." ~Emerson

For me, this picture says it all. The grandchildren love the stories and the time with Grandpa, who loves it probably even more. What a gift!

[picture via Greg Olsen]