Journal #4

My outlook today...I'm quite happy after last night's family Christmas party. Eight hours of driving was a bit tiring but Oh so worth it. That Lorelyn girl is a great cook.

On my mind today...a song from the Christmas fireside I sang in Sunday night. "I want to be like Him, the Savior of the World. I want to be like Him, the Holy One. He is my Redeemer, the Lord of Israel, My Lord, I want to be like Him." What do I have to do to attempt to change my life to be like Jesus? Well, the instruction manual is right in the scriptures.

Blessings from the past week...Time with family. Also, I didn't remember how fulfilling it was to make Christmas presents instead of buying them. All the hours I spent over the last two weeks, I mused about different members and felt a concentration of love for each one.

What's cooking in my kitchen...apple juice...I'm doing a juice fast with Liver/Gallbladder cleanse this week. I'm making cinnamon honey spread for my friends and family from our own honey. I'ts heavenly on hot buttered toast. I'll need to cook though. I'm finishing up my new cookbook and have a few more recipes to test. Shhh...the cookbook is one especially written for my two bachelors. Hopefully, Spencer won't starve at school this semester and will be more prepared to cook healthful meals on his mission.

Prayer requests for the week ahead...I'm praying for the leaders of our country right now. Won't you join me in praying that their hearts will be softened, that they will be inspired to move in a Godly direction, and that they will choose to serve their constituents rather than themselves or special interest groups.

My appearance today...at this hour I'm dressed in my favorite blue and cream night gown. But soon I'll put on my tweed skirt, white blouse, and plum wool sweater. Of course the usual winter black tights will be part of the ensemble. However, I've taken to wearing Birkenstocks as the only shoes I own that don't hurt my feet and was really thrilled to learn that that company still makes the Madiera style that I used to make years ago. I hope to get a new pair very soon. Sandals are not good in the snow. Also I want a pair of their wool clogs to use as house shoes.

Exercise goals for the week...walk, walk, walk

My reading this week…I started my Master Herbalist course and am finishing up the 2009 schedule for LDS Mommy University. It was founded by a close acquaintance. 8) Plus, I'm still studying Spielvogel's Western Civilization in the bathtub--I haven't dropped it in the water yet.

A Scripture passage I am memorizing/meditating on...I've decided to revisit 1 Corinthians 13 for the next few weeks. It's a passage that has changed my life. I need to remind myself of Jesus character, because I want to be like Him.

Home making tasks this week...I'm going to stay in the same area as last week, because nothing got done.

Something new to try...I'm learning web development, which is quite fascinating. The learning curve is huge right now.

My week is looking...Great! Next weekend we'll go to a Master Singer's Christmas concert. I've got to send presents to the Seattle Coles. And I've got to finish shopping for the boys, you know the usual underwear and sock gifts.

Creative projects I'm working on...I'd like to make a plum or red wool jersey dress. Since I'll be spending three days in the town 45 miles away that has a JoAnn's Fabric, I'll look to see if they have any such fabric. We'll see.

God has been teaching me...love for my dear family and maybe a bit of compassion, too. I remember what it was like to have a house full of children and how hard it is too be mature, when one is exhausted.

For devotions...Still reading the Bible and Book of Mormon is Spanish. I had a great breakthrough with my acquisition of Spanish this week. Joseph and I went to a Mexican Cafe last week. I was able to converse in Spanish other than ordering food and asking how the waiter was doing for the first time. Words from my scripture readings kept popping into my mind as we talk. Admittedly, I was very slow, but the waiter was patient. God rewards me in the most surprising ways.

A simple pleasure...dried prairie grass lifting its yellow head above the white snow.

Pictures to share…They loved the gifts. As soon as they were opened last night, little children colored in their books and played with their taggy jingle balls. Here's a view of some of my girls working together in the kitchen. And some of the men visiting. And grand children having a tea party at the table Papa and Grammy brought to the Bruner Bunch. We already gave one to the Hollingsheads. The Murphys and Coles are next. Why is it on days, when I'm in a hurry the pictures take eons to load?