Worldly Worries

I have to admit I have been pretty consumed with all the media, this week, about the financial crisis the United States is in. When you hear words like "depression" and " falling dollar" and "banks collapsing"--well it gets a little overwhelming and causes quite a bit of anxiety. This morning I was watching CNN and they had some "Expert" on telling us Americans what we need to do to protect ourselves as much as possible from all that is going on. I watched with eager eyes, as I waited for him to enlighten me with his expertise. These were his words of advice #1--get out of debt, especially credit card debt #2 Save money--spend less than you earn #3 have some cash on hand--do not have it all tied up in one place --Well, because of my membership in the LDS church I have had my church leaders giving me this exact same advice for years and years! I found myself realizing that nothing these so called "Experts" can tell me brings any kind of peace--I want to hear from my prophet--which I will in just two weeks! I remember a Stake Conference Adult Session Darren and I attended two years ago ( I think) and The presiding Bishop of the church, point blank ,told all of us, if any in the company had a sub-prime loan on their home to refinance as soon as possible. It is times like this I am reminded of one of my favorite scriptures--John 14:27--" Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Our savior is always the answer--even when our troubles are as " wordly" as they are in these times. He sends us prophets and apostles to warn us and guide as-- as I look back on financial decisions Darren and I have made in our lives, I can see the hand of the Lord so clearly. Not that we are rich as to things of the world, but we have enough for our needs. When we keep the commanments and have faith we are blessed with the peace that only He can give.

He's A Star!!

I don't mean to brag (but, what the heck--that is what a blog is for--right?) but Connor scored 20 of his team's 21 points on Thursday night! Football fans know what kind of team effort every touchdown requires! Connor has some great blockers helping him make it through the line--and one awesome coach that is really helping him develop his natural talents!! So far his team is 4-0--and mom is having dreams of cheering for one of her own from the bleachers of Lavell Edwards Stadium someday!!!!

GO COUGARS!!!!

For those of you living under a rock--you might not have heard the news that BYU blew out UCLA on saturday with a score of 59-0!!!! After the first fumble I said wouldn't it be great if we have a blow-out and UCLA does not even score--well in "true blue" fashion the cougars delivered!!! Look out BCS--here we come!!!!!

"Nothing can bring you peace but yourself" Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have you ever had one of those days, when everything just feels right with the world? I am lucky enough to be having one of those today! I cannot really even tell you why I am having this overwhelming feeling of contentment. (I did my check-book first thing this morning--and that does not usually result in the sort of feeling I am experiencing today!) Despite my deficit in the check register, I was still filled with this calming peace!! Maybe it was the sweet text I got from my husband this morning--totally out of the blue--but so comforting to know someone out there thinks I am wonderful--he ignores all evidence to the contrary!!
Maybe it is the sweet smell of fall in the air--to drive into town with the window rolled down gave me such happiness today!!
Perhaps it is because I remembered all my errands before I returned home--I almost forgot one--and a still, small voice reminded me to stop at Pioneer Party right as I was passing!
I came home and accomplished something that had been on my " to do" list for so long--it brought tears to my eyes when I finally finished!
I prepared dinner while my children were still at school--I marveled at my kitchen stocked full of all the things I need, plus so much more!! Dinner is waiting in the fridge--and because of busy schedules, that is more comforting than many of you could possibly know!!!
I made cookies for my children--which they could smell as they came through the door--their excitement made me feel like a good mom!!
As I accomplished all that was required of me today, I was surrounded by beautiful music--and the thoughts of good neighbors and friends made me feel far more blessed than I rightfully deserve. ( but I will take it anyway!)
Certainly everything about my life is the same as it was yesterday--crazy,busy,and hectic--but for today at least my Heavenly Father is seeing fit to bless me with a tremendous ability to see my life for what it is--far from perfect, but, Oh, so blessed!!
( I kid you not--as soon as I finished typing this--cassidy came in and told me the car was making a funny noise--my battery is dead--Heavenly Father must have a sense of humor!!)