Red Clover

I'm working on a new set of goals.  I've been overwhelmed with my life for the past month or so to the point of just sitting around doing nothin'.  Then I'm depressed about doing nothin' which them makes me not want to anythin'. It's a vicious cycle.

I'm reading a book called the "Happiness Project".  Yup, similar to the Gratitude Project here. :)

Anyway...I'm not going to go into the book other than to say that the author wanted to create a happier life for herself.  Appreciating her life and family more.

Spinning off from her ideas I've decided that I'm just going to set three little goals to accomplish every day.  The same goals, so as not to get too confusing.

1. Make my bed
2. Read with Joey
3. Walk the Loop*

*The Loop is my name for the 1/2 mile paved circle of an medical complex that hasn't been built yet.  All I have to walk is one time around the Loop.  If I want to do more, that's fine too.

I've been 100% the last five days. (I just set the goal on Sunday)  I'm finding that I'm having more of a desire to get other tasks accomplished as well.  I'm finding my desire to create to be springing up again also.

Today I didn't really want to walk the Loop but it's a simple thing.  Before I left, I asked the Lord with a simple prayer in my heart if He would should me something unique on my walk. (The Loop is starting to get boring)

I set off on the Loop and I hadn't walked a 1/4 of it before I noticed some red clover on the side of the road.  I've been searching for some red clover flowers to collect and make into a tincture.  All the red clover I've been seeing has been on the sides of roads where there are too much car fumes coating the flowers.  These flowers on the Loop we untainted and perfect.  There were only about five or six I was able to collect but there are many plants starting to bloom and soon I'll have enough to make a tincture.

How kind was my dear Father in Heaven to show me exactly for what I've been looking for a couple of months now.  I look forward to my walks because I know I'll be able to collect more flowers.

I'm grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that was so kind and thoughtful and specific.

A few weeks ago, the kids and I were headed up north of Philly to pick up our 1/4 side beef. One mile from my house is a bunch of construction going on--something to do with the Turnpike.  I knew there was construction and I didn't think I was going that fast....but a policeman thought I was.

It's a 35mph zone during construction.  I was doing 54mph.  I was shocked and angry when I was pulled over.  I was amazed and dumbfounded...nearly speechless.  I really couldn't believe it.  The officer was very nice to me but kept interrupting my efforts to talk.  I got frustrated with him.  Quite angry actually.  He really made me made because I felt he was patronizing me. 

He took my license and registration and went back to his car.  I had a bit of time to calm down and realize my fault in the matter.  The kids were trying to take my side, but ultimately, if I was speeding....I was speeding.  My fault.

The officer came back.  I apologized for being a snot.  I cried.  I cried a lot.  I felt like a dumb woman.  But, I was truly sorry for being snotty to him.  He told me he wasn't going to charge me with anything.  At which point I cried harder.  He also warned me that in a construction zone the fines and points are doubled.  It would've been $300 and 8 points on my license.  I was just so grateful.  

As I pulled away, I couldn't stop crying and offering my gratitude to the Lord.  I learned at that moment how God uses others to do His work.  I feel strongly that because that police officer was a good man and trying to do his job with diligence that the Lord softened his heart towards me.  I believe that with all my heart.

I cried a lot as I thought of it.  We can be merciful to others and do God's will.  I deserved a ticket and all those dang points.  BUT!!!! - that officer chose to be merciful to me.  Isn't that a wonderful lesson?  Justice demanded that I receive a punishment.....the officer had the authority to use his judgement and allow me to "go free".  

What a wonderful lesson on the Atonement I received that Thursday morning.  I taught it to the children as we drove also.  I've reflected it on it ever since.  

I'm so thankful for the increase of gratitude I have been blessed with recently.

Thank You Notes

I've been sending out snail-mail thank you notes for two weeks now.  My intention was to generate more gratitude in my own life.  It's working.

Out of the 15 that I've written, I've heard back from about four people.  How kind of them for their efforts to acknowledge my gratitude.

I wrote a note to my Aunt Fay. I love her so much.  I received a note from her yesterday that was so kind and thoughtful.  I think she out did me on love-expressed. I'm so grateful for her.

I wrote a note to Donietta Quillon (who is Aunt Fay's sister-in-law).  I thanked her for teaching me how to fold fitted sheets when I was a young girl.  I heard back from her daughter who expressed how much her mom cherished that note.  That was so nice of Alice to take the time to express her gratitude to me.

I find that my few moments with a pen and a notecard are quickly becoming such a delightful part of my day.  I find that I'm constantly adding people to my "thank you" list which is wonderful.  I can't really express in words yet how I'm feeling about this.  As I write just a few sweet words to one person, I can almost imagine the smile that appears on their face for being thought of and how their heart much lift, even if just for a few seconds, that someone appreciated something about them.

I don't say any of this to boast or promote myself.  In fact, I have tears falling down my face in humility as I type.  I'm grateful to fan the flame of joy and gratitude in a world that is full of selfishness and pride. These little teeny tiny cards are carrying the spirit of Christ with them.  Hope and love.  I'm thankful to me His servant and do what I can to strengthen their faith in Him.

I'm just so thankful.  I'm thankful for such good parents that taught me how to express gratitude.  I'm thankful to my sisters Holly and Sandy for being such good examples for sending thank you cards for everything.  They've all helped me to develop this new habit.

It's all good. :)

New Quest

I'm taking gratitude up a notch.  I'm concerned because I struggle with discipline and follow-through.  I'm hoping that like anything, once it's a habit it stays that way.

My goal is to send a thank you note a day.

Right now I'm in the process of creating a list of people that need a thank you note from me.  I'm writing down the name and the reason for my gratitude.  It's quite amazing actually how names are popping into my head and reasons for which I'm grateful to that person.  It's kinda cool actually.  And, party invitations, I don't have to eliminate anyone from my list.  It's a great feeling.

I don't know what to expect from this new quest.  At the very least I'll brighten someone's day.  I'm hoping that I'll receive more gratitude by expressing it in a "go the second mile" kinda way.

I'll let you know how it goes.  You may even get a note from me.