Sunday School Lesson...enjoyed studying the Book of Mormon and Bible...'through the Restoration of the gospel and the teachings of the Book of Mormon, the Lord will cause truth to triumph over evil'...Next week-2 Nephi 31-33 and many corresponding verses from the Bible...
Praying For...Samantha and Spencer...happiness, safety, and health for all children...kindness, security, joy, and love within families...that the people of the great United States may return to worshiping Jesus Christ and God, the Father...that we might elect a president who cares more about the amazing way of life found in sticking with the Constitution rather than their own misguided political agenda...that we may now loose our liberties
Scripture Meditations..."If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14 With elections and the state of the land currently, I am still thinking about this one.
Bibliophilia...because I was so frustrated over my lack of reading time, I changed up my schedule a bit. I wake about 4:30 and study scripture, journal, and everything that goes with my devotionals. Next all the books I want to read for my various studies are on my side table. I read a bit from this or that one until 7:30. Then I get up and go about my day. Three hours of study before I'm all worn out from the best books is making all the difference. Interestingly, I still seem to get the writing done. If I have energy left in the evenings and can get my eyes to focus, I study some more.
Garden Gate...Indoor gardening is so cool. It's almost like having a green house. I ordered several types of baby vegetables this week to grow indoors: bordeaux spinach, tintin romaine, and toy choi. They have shorter maturation dates than their full-sized counterparts. I'm considering mini eggplant and cucumbers. I'd like to find a zucchini that is compact and grows in a pot.
Sound of Music: I really enjoyed researching Handel this week and intend to do as I advise the families in my school; focus on this composer for the next quarter. Enjoying playing hymns in the mornings again.
Movement: As a preparedness specialist, I try to instill the idea that preparedness incorporates every aspect of our lives. Physical preparedness is just as important as a basement full of grains and legumes. In January I encouraged the sisters to begin walking. February's goal was to incorporate a stretching program. March finds us adding a little light weight training. This has been good for me as well, since I can't ask them to do something I don't. I feel a lot stronger and happier, when I move.
Simple Pleasures...got beautiful flowers from Joseph this week...hired a neighbor girl to vacuum and dust weekly...my Mother's Day orchid has four blossoms on it with two more buds that promise to open soon.
Deliciousness...roasted asparagus has to be one of the most delightful vegetables ever...why did I never know to roast asparagus before...a delicious combination is potatoes, yams, peppers, onions, garlic, and asparagus...start the onions, garlic, potatoes and yams first then add the peppers and asparagus for the last 20 min...Oh, My...
My Style...favorite outfit this week was a grey wool straight skirt, white T, burgundy cardigan, and black tights...
Thimble News...didn't finish my dress but am almost there with it. I need to make a couple new skirts and tops suitable for warm weather. Hope to cut out the little red riding hood on Monday. Just as I've adjusted my schedule to allow for more personal study time, I sew some mornings for a couple hours after chores before I begin writing for the day. I was unhappy with my life entirely dedicated to the school. This makes me happier. I used to whip things up so quickly but now sew at a snail's pace. But at least I'm doing it.
The Herbalist...I've been using an herbal moisturizer lately. I had some age spots on my hands that are nearly gone now. You know not just brown spots but the kind that indent like my grandma has. Anyway the moisturizer is like my healing ointment made into a cream: sweet almond oil, black walnut bark or leaf, burdock root, comfrey root or leaf, lavender, chickweed, plantain, calendula, citrus blend essential oil, lavender infusion, and bee’s wax. I'm researching how to make hair conditioner. I love how WEN makes my hair look but it contains some allergens, soy, wheat, and aloe vera; these make me want to scratch the skin right off my scalp. I switched to a Redkin conditioner in my cabinet but want to make my own knockoff that is more moisturizing and healing: Cetyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Panthenol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, coconut oil, silk amino acids, with yucca, yarrow, rosemary, sage, calendula, and chickweed glycerites.
Living Fearlessly and Well...I've learned to enjoy and even savor simple daily pleasures. Living a crazy, busy life was never enjoyable to me. Sharing my dreams and hopes with to my beloved is the best part of my life. Sipping soup and herbal tea while is a favorite morning activity. Washing dishes with the family is bonding. Cooking delicious food and making my home clean and orderly is an act of love and peace. Growing things affects my spirit towards serenity and joy. Sewing teaches me patience but allows my creative side to emerge. Playing music increases spirituality. Treating my body well will with eating right and exercising increases my faith and brightens my outlook. Worshiping God brings me ultimate happiness and hope.
