To my beautiful girls...

To Kristen, Jessica, Elise, and Hannah. I am so blessed to have you in my life. You are all beautiful inside and out. I love you so much, and don't know what I would do without you in my life. I read this book and recorded my journey for you. I would love for you to share some of your experiences as you read the and take the challenges in the book, "21 Days Closer to Christ."

Day Twenty-One - The Celebration!

Wow! What a journey, a learning journey that I hope to continue throughout my life. I am at the end of these twenty-one days, but at the beginning of my journey also. What a celebration! I'm sitting here at the computer pondering my wonderful blessings. For truly I am a daughter of God, who loves me. I'm filled with emotion as I feel the Saviors love for me. He knows me, and I feel this when my heart is softened. Yes, indeed I battle with the "natural man." What monument will be leaving after "crossing the red sea" of life? What am I taking with me through the journey? What burdens will a drop off at the Savior's feet? He knows me, and will give me those burdens for me to carry through my path.

Day Twenty

Abide with me - is my prayer for the morning.
Reading the scriptures brings me closer to Christ. This I know.
At the end of a journey there is a feeling of accomplishment and growth. I am a stronger person for taking this journey.
I can accomplish hard things through Christ, if I but reach out to him.

These are a few of my thoughts this morning.

Day Nineteen

In my greatest hour of need... Reach toward Christ. He will ease my burdens and make them light.

My daughter is dealing with sad stuff. My apartment is not getting rented, and I have to drop the rental price. I have a load of things to do today that seem to be hanging over me. My cat of twelve years is under my bed, she is very sick and weak. My XD card in my camera got messed up and I lost my pictures from May to now. Carson went to school without a coat, lost his shoes, and had an attitude- left me feeling like I'm the "bad mom."

I jumped out of bed this morning on the run, ate banana cream pie (yeah for my diet), got boys off to school, and now here I am. Ready to fill my spirit. Maybe I should first start off my day with at least a prayer.

I have to work hard to fight off the natural man tendencies that seem to meet me, follow me, and want me always. Dear Heavenly Father, give me some strength. Help me feel your peace. Let my mind be clear, and my heart be filled with love. Let me face the challenges of the day, with a peaceful and calm spirit.

Now I will go and do my day...

Day Eighteen

It's very painful to watch your child struggle in life, by making bad choices. Many years ago, as my child became a young adult, I learned the meaning of "free agency." One day I felt almost all resources were exhausted, I took one last step to try and answer the questions of "what can I do for my son?" I fell to my knees, and pleaded with the Lord for an answer. The answer came through a "still small voice." "He is My son also. Love him with all your might. Pray for him with all of your power. Go to the temple." At that point I made a commitment that I would go to the temple more regularly, and love and pray for my son. That is all I could do, and at that time I thought it would take a miracle to soften my son's heart.

I am very grateful to the Savior for my son's life. He and his beautiful wife and two young children were sealed in the temple this March.

Day Seventeen

Do I willingly give all I have to serve the Lord? In my church calling? As a wife? My role as a mother? As a neighbor or friend? At the temple this week, I covenanted to give everything I have to building up the Kingdom of God. Do I fall short? Yes, indeed I do. I like to look at the overall picture though, it seems a little better.

Giving my all as a mother... I have great relationships with my grown children, and grandchildren. My patience is waining when it comes to my teenage boys. I never knew how much they could tax me. Am I giving my all when it comes to raising my boys?

I accept church callings, even when they are difficult to accept. I am willing to take on any church calling and give it my all.

As a wife? Mostly yes, however I do have my moments, days, and issues. That is a question for another blog.

As a neighbor or friend? I could do better. Yes, I could.

My spiritual growth? I'm trying to be more in tune with the Spirit, by studying the scriptures and saying more meaningful prayers. It's a constant battle with my natural self. But, I'm not giving up.

Day Sixteen

Short blog today. I have my 18 month grandbaby on my lap. The house is not quiet. Life is pressing challenges that stretch my abilities as a mother. "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." Mark 9:23

11:35 pm - After a day of pondering on the subject of prayer, and how prayers are answered, I have come upon a more clearer understanding. There are very important gospel principles we learn as we pray. One is to have faith, and partake of the Lord's blessings. He has many blessings for us to receive, and are obtained through obedience and faith. The other part to prayer is that as we learn to submit to God's will, we will have faith that what we are blessed with will help us grow, and give us strength and knowledge.