I delight in always knowing there's a choice.

columbia river gorge, oregon

fall 2013

Last week was one of those weeks where I really had to sort some things out with myself. I know that sounds kind of ridiculous and it is so be it, but really I felt like there was an invitation that came ever so subtly where I had to decide what I was really going to make time for in my life, what I was really going to stress over and what really matters the most to me right now. I have been abundantly blessed lately. I once again, have been tutored by the Lord that indeed, when I put first things first, everything else falls into place. Sure some of the first things that go first change from time to time but the staples are still the same: having quality and regular prayers, spending quality and regular time in the scriptures, attending the temple regularly and with purpose, serving my family and fulfilling my callings. Those are the top 5. When i'm doing those things, I'm doing the other good things I should be doing and the Lord blesses me and blesses my time. I'm not sure I'll ever understand how, but I know he blesses me.

This week I spent a lot of time in the car  as I drove to Boise early Thursday morning, and then back on Saturday afternoon. I had some quality listening time as a consequence. I loved listening to the Mormon Channel's Conversations program with Elder and Sister Bednar and Sister Dew. I feel like I learned so much from both of these conversations. One thing that I loved a lot was when Sister Dew said, "I don't view myself as single, I'm simply not married yet." It made me so happy because I feel much the same way. There is something about these roadtrip/work/independent adventures that remind me of all the reasons I'm grateful that I am where I am and who I am. While I am certainly aware of the desires of my heart and the things that I want most, I'm grateful that my circumstances or lack there of have not limited me in doing what it is that I want to do and being who I want to be. I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to act and not just wait to be acted upon. That's the lesson of the week. I'm grateful that I know my worth and that its the Lord who validates my worth, not anyone or anything else. I'm grateful for all the things I have to delight in and for the many things that make my soul delighteth in Him.
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18) I delighted in getting to know myself and everyone else in my ward a little better. There's something about the color code that I just love. Whether you're a red, blue, white or even a yellow I feel like I gain a little more perspective into who people are and how they perceive themselves and how I perceive themselves. Not going to lie, I love that no one ever correctly guesses what I am. I love being a little mysterious I guess. I also love being a mix of colors and I loved seeing how I've changed. When I took the test in high school I was split red/white like almost exactly with 2 blue and no yellow. I'm happy to report that a few (or more than a few) years later I've changed. I was hoping for change because there's no way I'd want to look at the last 8 years and say I'm the same person. I'm grateful for the experiences that have invited me to become something different and hopefully a little more balanced than I was then.

19) I delight in a dad with listening ears. I don't know how I got such fantastic and admirable parents. They're amazing. Tonight, my mom and I barely crossed paths as I walked in, she walked out. And then I filled my dad's ears with all the random thoughts of my brain before I walked out the door to a relief society activity. Later, he gave me a screwdriver and let me practice my skills. I'm glad I can be his "other son." I'm so glad he teaches me lots of things that most girls would never know.

20) I delight in family who cares. I'm leaving tomorrow for Boise for URLEND. I'm excited about my trip but its going to be a long one. I'm flying solo on the trip. Sometimes it does the soul good. My mom has been checking the weather, my dad making sure my care is in good condition (fluid levels, tires, etc), mom packed me a snacks bag, dad made sure i was "safe." I know Craig wishes he was going (we've got relatives in Boise), and Christin, she just says, "three days except my sissy" or translated "three days without my sissy." Its so great to be so loved even though sometimes its almost like too much love? Many would say, is there such a thing? I would say, you haven't lived with Christin. But then I am reminded of how because of Christin, my capacity to love others has grown so much. Her deep and abiding love is as close to the love that the Lord has for us that I think I'll ever experience here in mortality. I'm so blessed.

21) Today I had the most awesome opportunity. First of all, to come to Boise, a place I've never been. Second, I was able to observe at NNH's Autism Clinic. In one day, families can come in and have a complete diagnostic assessment for autism including feedback. It was so great to be a part of. I learned so much. As much as I delighted in that whole experience, I have to say that my delight of the day was being in bed (a king bed for that matter) asleep by 9:30.  I can't even know when the last time that happened. It was magical.

22) I delight in going to a new temple. I have a running goal to do a session in 3 new temples each year. Today was 2:3--the Boise Idaho Temple. It's so beautiful. It was made extra special as there were two missionaries in my session who were going home the next day. As I sat next to the sister missionary who goes home tomorrow, I couldn't help but reminisce back to when that was me. Its been almost 4 years, but honestly, my memory can bring back those memories in a snap. Sitting in the Canada Halifax Temple at the end of my mission was a treasured time. I delight in those memories. I'm so grateful for that experience. And I so delight in being able to recall those times.   

23) I delight in a met goal. Today made 3:3 for sessions in new temples this year. I did a session in the Twin Falls Idaho Temple on my way home from Boise today. It was beautiful. I also made a stop at the scenic Shoshone Falls with some extra time I had in Twin. It was so fun! I love being a tourist in new places. It always makes me happy to be independent and touristy even when I'm by myself. I also delight in further adventures. Its one of those "adventures" that I've known was coming for a while. While I'm not sure its really logical (meaning that I don't have time for it), I also don't have the sense to say no. When I'm passionate enough about something, and when there's enough factors in play that its definitely going to be a success, I just can't say no. And so, here's to publication and a lot of writing.

24) I delight in finishing books. There is something so rewarding about finishing anything really. I used to be a serial book reader...one book had to be finished before reading the next. I don't know what happened...I really think that way worked better but now I read 5 books at a time and I consider myself to still be reading a book when I got half way through it and then stopped for 1.5 years (the current status of one book I'm reading). But today, I finished the most recent book I started, "How to get a date worth keeping." It is the only and best book I have ever read about dating and I feel like it highlighted and reminded me of all the things I needed to be reminded of. I love empowering books. Books where I go, hey, I just need to think about or do, this or that differently, and then I can do and be better. I love learning.