It's like this...

Often during difficult and painful times, I have found the most peace and comfort in the Temple. I am healed as I put the things of the world aside for a time. I am thankful for so many things---and today I am thankful for the blessings the temple bring into my life and the promises we have received as a covenant family. Things will work out in the Lord's time and in His way. For now, I hold fast to the promises.

On Sunday we attended another ward (congregation) in order to hear the farewell talk by the daughter of friends. It was lovely and spiritual and touching all at once. I felt the spirit there---especially during the closing hymn. Here's what we sang. Be Still, My Soul Be still, my soul. The Lord is on thy side. With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain. Leave to thy God to order and provide; In ev'ry change he faithful will remain. Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend. Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end. Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake To guide the future as he has the past. Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake. All now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still my soul: The waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below. Be still, my soul: The hour is hast'ning on When we shall be forever with the the Lord. When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone. Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys ...

A long, long time ago, on a planet not very far away, people wrote letters. Letters, at that time, consisted of hand writing on paper, putting the paper into an envelope, licking a (yucky) stamp and sticking it on the envelope. Then you had to actually GO somewhere to place the envelope into a mail receptacle. There was no clicking of buttons or a 'brrrring' sound to indicate that I had mail. I had friends who regularly did this for me, and I reciprocated. Oh the anticipation of going to mailbox each day to see if there was mail. Real, tangible mail. That's the mail you see above. I was cleaning out dusty boxes that have been moving with me from house to house to house. I came across a treasure trove of memories held within pages written 25+ years ago. Letters from Carin while she was away at Study Abroad in Europe. Letters from John away at BYU and his mission in Sweden. Letters from Kevin while on his mission in England. Letters from Cindy while she served ...

I have been listening more and more to The Mormon Channel . It's inspiring talks, music and videos. All uplifting and oh so welcome in my life. The other day I heard the song below---and I fell in love with it. The lyrics touched my heart. As I watch my little birds grow and leave my nest. I cannot find a video of the song---but I will keep trying. The group is called One Clear Voice , and they are amazing. My Nest The day has come for you to go I've watched you closely so I know I recognize your restlessness It's time for you to leave the nest I've taught you much of what you know It's been a joy to see you grow You fluttered first, then learned to fly While I was flying by your side A part of me will fly away As you leave my nest today But part of you will stay with me You will always be a welcome guest Within my nest You've had brief chances to explore That left you eager to see more You've taken tiny solo flights but ...

It's funny to me that I only made one blog post during the month of June---and it's already the 10th of July and I've yet to post. You're welcome. For me not clogging up your Blog feed. Very, very welcome. School is out and so is work. Well, school district work for me. I've been hired as a contractor for the PSESD to edit and add content to a website they are launching in conjunction with Columbia Legal Services. It's a website to help homeless youth and those who care or work with them. I have enjoyed it immensely. I was going into my office to do the work because the chair I have at home at the computer cripples me if I sit in it for any length of time. Seriously---on Monday night I worked in that chair and I was unable to even lift my legs up to bring them up on my bed that evening. So, the only thing keeping me from working at home was the chair, right? Of course right. Yesterday I purchased a very nice chair. A wonderful chair. A chair t...

I'm still standing, after all this time.... Today I have made a decison. For me. To let go of all the toxic people and things in my life. I cannot forget---oh that I could----but I can choose not to let other people's decisions tear at my heart and my soul. I can walk away. I can and I will. From now on I will let go of the pain and the heartache I have allowed to seep into my soul. I am only responsible for my decisions. I will only keep people in my life that do not use me, abuse me, or bring me down. I will walk in faith, knowing that everything is in His hands and give the control over to Him. I will not be hurt by other people's opinions of me. It's my opinion that counts---not theirs. I cannot save anyone--only He can. I will not dwell on painful experiences. I will seek His peace more fully in my life. I will be happy. I will write what I darn well please. When I please. When I am feeling overwhelmed, I will walk away. I will serve my hus...

I've been doing a bit of research on abuse, domestic violence and how it usually ends. It's not pretty and it's painful and I hurt every time I read another woman's tale of horror. Did you know that emotional abuse is as detrimental as physical abuse? And that most emotional abusers continue on to become physical abusers? I didn't. I do now. I found a site where formerly abused women, on the path to recovery from their abusers, have written poems. This one below is one that haunted me. Thank You You wooed me with poetry I bit on the hook Had I only first read The name of the book I would have avoided The very first page For pages kept turning Revealing the rage The ups were a great high The ride was a bash But I rode with my eyes closed To avoid seeing the crash I knew it would come soon But I never knew when The rage and the leaving And the path to the end You had to control things Determined you would Emotionally destroying me...