Enlightenment

I don't like to leave a {downer} post {up} for long. I always worry that I am a little more open than I should be. That perhaps I should sweet talk my way into believing I am so confident in my faith that nothing else matters (because, in the end, it really doesn't). But I have my days. Yesterday was one. I ate myself into oblivion. Seriously. After sampling the meal I took to a family in our ward, AND after partaking of the delicious ribs, chicken, salads and apple-pie-with-ice-cream at a lovely Relief Society dinner, I came home and had a bowl of Chex. I KNOW. Pathetic.

This morning I awoke with a new determination that today would be better.

I went on my morning walk, even though my trusty walking-buddy couldn't go. As I walked I listened to some General Conference talks. I like to put them on shuffle and find it amazing how often the very talk I need will play. It's like randomly opening up the scriptures to the very chapter/page/verse(s) to help you at that precise moment.

Sure enough, I was given gems of encouragement and enlightenment.

Here are just a couple:

"In the great Composer's symphony, you have your own particular part to play - your own notes to sing. Fail to perform them, and with certainty the symphony will go on. But if you rise up and join the chorus and allow the power of God to work through you, you will see 'the windows of heaven' open, and He will 'pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.' Rise up to your true potential as a son [or daughter] of God, and you can be a force for good in your family, your home, your community, your nation, and indeed in the world." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Four Titles)

"Lift up your soul in prayer and explain to your Heavenly Father what you are feeling. Acknowledge your shortcomings. Pour out your heart and express your gratitude. Let Him know of the the trials you are facing. Plead with Him in Christ's name for strength and support. Ask that your ears may be opened, that you may hear His voice. Ask that your eyes may be opened, that you may see His light." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, The Hope of God's Light)

Happy things:

Last week, Bill, my little handyman, fixed my dryer.

I was grateful to at least have a dryer that worked for the month+ while this one was out of commission, but it sure slowed things down and it's in the basement. Two floors up/down. Seriously, a workout, especially in the middle of a hot summer day. Way to go, Bill!

This morning Mar and I whipped this up for our neighbor-dude, Chase:

More often than not, these types of projects end up taking me an eternity to do...  something breaks down, I won't have what I need, or it doesn't turn out as I had anticipated.
Today? Smooth as butter. Just what I needed!