with thankful heart journal #2

My outlook today... is happy and hopeful!

On my mind today...I'm so thankful for a home, clothing, and dishes to clean, a pantry full of staples, a market with fresh fruit and veggies, and a wonderful family.

Biggest challenge in the coming week...pacing myself. I have so many things I want to do. I need to slow down enough to prioritize. I got a planner again for the first time in years.

Blessings from the past week...family...family...family...we spent Thanksgiving with the Hollingsheads, loving every moment spent with our dear ones. Our niece Heidi was sealed for time and all eternity to her sweet man, Dal. At the luncheon following the sealing, we saw many of our children, nephews, and other beloved family members. We are a loud bunch. A temple lady came out to the outer waiting room to tell us to be quiet. How Embarrassing!

What's cooking in my kitchen...trying to perfect a new pesto lemon salad dressing recipe. Baking bread tomorrow.

Prayer requests for the week ahead...Spencer's continuing health especially on Wednesday.

My appearance today...Navy jacket dress with a soft pink 3/4 sleeve T, black tights and mary janes (wishing for some navy and/or red mjs from Privo or Rockport in 5.5 or 6 W), usual simple gold and diamond necklace, and same long curly hair.

Exercise goals for the week...include the special stretches given to me by Dr. Chan and an hour daily walking in the neighborhood. I like to walk to the library, market, and mailbox as well as just looking at the interesting Sears catalog cottages on 200 W.

My reading this week…soo many books sooo little time. I love reading the Bible and Book of Mormon in Spanish. However, I must pare down my book lists. I want to continue LMU, Great Books, and my herbal studies. Plus, I have a covert plan that is keeping me very excited.

A Scripture passage I am meditating on...Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a sone is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor. The mighty God. The everlasting Father. The Prince of Peace. We're celebrating Advent this year. One of the scriptures we read last night was the one above. As Spencer read it, I sang it in my head and have burst into this favorite from The Messiah several times today.

Home making tasks this week...I'm following my usual from the Pantry Principle area list. I'm working on the Bedrooms and Bathrooms. But the kitchen is getting a bit of extra work too. After two years of neglect while I was sick, my home needs a lot of TLC. I'm looking for some pine or fir boughs to make a wreath. Right now our Advent candle holder is sitting on the bare table. It would look so much nicer resting on an evergreen wreath. Want to sew a charcoal wool or corduroy jumper

Something new I want to try...it's a secret. Don't try to get it out of me either. Someday about four or five years from now, I may tell you.

My week is looking...Quiet and peaceful. I've been invited to sing in a quartet at our annual Relief Society Dinner. Singing is such a joy to me. I can't exactly say that I've been blessed with a great deal of talent in this area. But I have a fair voice and love to sing in small groups when asked.

Creative projects I'm working on...If practicing my violin is creative, then I qualify here. I'm still working on the same piece. I'd really like to get a bit of vibrato going. It is so difficult to recapture lost skills. Recording videos to promote my new book and getting out the Christmas decorations soon.

For my devotions...I've been studying the Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual. Last week the lesson focused on aspects of charity as applied to people over which we have authority. We ought not use our authority to coerce others. In the end, we really can't force others to comply anyway. Patience and long-suffering, kindness and meekness are better methods of influence. I need to pick a hymn to memorize for December but haven't felt inspired by any one in particular yet. Any suggestions?

God has been teaching me...to trust the answers He gives me through prayer.

A picture to share…Mr. and Mrs. Walker at the temple door. I haven't seen her this happy for years. His mother is a little lady like me; I can't look many people in the eye.