Sunday School... for the coming week, study 1 Nephi 16-18 and Alma 37:38–46...last week we learned that God gives revelations to help us understand and navigate the future-we must choose between following Jesus or the adversary-promised blessings are available to all who follow Jesus...
Praying For...Oakley and Kelsey...joy, safety, and peace for orphans, families, and others seeking truth and happiness...softening of the hearts of leaders of nations...return to Christian values for the nations of the Promised Land...
Garden Gate...problems with mold in my indoor gardens this week, watering too much. I didn't think it was possible in the dry, high desert...
Sound of Music...expanded my General Conference timer idea and listen to Bedtime with Bach while doing dailies and areas...beautiful, serene music to start my day...
Family Tree...So glad Grandma made the off hand comments about her grandfather's second wife at Christmas. I've been working on finding and documenting this little branch for the last month. I love this work!
The Herbalist...I'm so thrilled I learned to know Hawthorn Berry. My first brush with it was the back of our pasture in Kent. In the moist soils and air of the Pacific Northwest, hawthorn grows to great heights. I thought it a weed and was forever fighting it. Had I known this tonic herb could heal my weak and fearful heart, I would have welcomed it. I find it interesting how we often fight the things that can give us the most help. Historically, hawthorn berry has been known to strengthen heart muscles and the entire vascular system down to the capillary level, increase oxygen levels in the body, but especially near the heart, regulate blood pressure, and increase courage/well-being. Personally, it mended mitral valve prolapse, stopped dizziness, and calmed my racing heart. Although it works best in conjunction with a plant diet, I received its healing power before I began that journey. I wonder if hawthorn trees/bushes grows in UT?
Bibliophilia...Re-read What Katy Did and enjoy this book quite a bit. A friend asked for recommendations for a six-year-old granddaughter that just finished up the Little House series. I recommended Caddie Woodlawn, Betsy-Tacy, Children of Noisy Village, All of a Kind Family, Pinocchio (unabridged), The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Everyday Graces, Heidi, and Sarah, Plain and Tall. Children's classic literature is my favorite subject. Still trying to get motivated to keep up my commitment to GB.
Project Joy/Silver Lining...Although a storm seems to have blown in and dumped some white, I don't mind at all. The weather has been delightful for most of January. "Winter has its own pleasures. Unlike the frenzied pace of summer, winter gives you permission to stay indoors, and, while in, explore creative things or enjoy foods not usually served in summer" Lydia Sherman. Since the arthritis seems to have disappeared, the cold of winter doesn't bother me anymore. I can always put on another sweater or wear warm unmentionables.
Aging Fearlessly and Well...find the magic...I used to dread this time in my life but have recently realized the second half can be as exciting as young parenthood. It is a time of opportunity. If we seize these opportunities, adventures and growth can be wonderful.
