A Chair by Any Other Name...

I finished!

I really like it- but it is definitely not perfect. Which got me thinking...

Before I took the covering off, this was a usable chair. It was comfy to sit in and very functional- just didn't look so hot and had a wire out on the bottom. Now it has a new covering, looks great in the room I want it in, and is clean (plus the wire is put back into place).

However, if this chair could talk (and if it was a typical person), it would probably tell you all about all of the faults it still has. It is not perfect by any means, and in the end, it is still a chair.- as the one who put on the new covering after taking it all apart and fixing the broken wire, I can tell you every little thing that is not perfect!

But I love this chair!

Guess it is kind of like me. So many times in life, I need a 'new covering'. I have been worn down and worn out- and just need to have a change in order to 'look good' in my new surroundings. My Father in Heaven works on me (giving me challenges and/or trials) to help me to grow and to give me my new 'covering' and to fix my broken 'wires'. 

In the end, I am still me and by no means perfect. My Heavenly Father knows all about my imperfections- yet He still loves me! I am His daughter- and He loves Me!

You can't get any more blessed than that!

2014- A Year in Review

It has been a long, hard, challenging, joyous and wonderful year!

January:

I reflected on how we all have hidden challenges in life. That is part of why we came to earth!

But we must always remember that through the atonement of Christ we ALWAYS have hope! Because of Him, we are able to do so many things beyond our own natural abilities.

February:

I celebrated 1 year in my VERY GOOD life! One year of being married to the man I had dreamed of for so long, one year of learning what a good marriage truly means, and one year of having the great challenge of Luke's chronic fatigue syndrome also giving us some great blessings!

March:

I learned that cottage cheese and chocolate chips- together- do describe my life. And I learned a new skill that I was able to share with my beautiful granddaughters!

April:

I got to spend some time as the frog! as life decided to hand me some more uphill, in the snow, both ways kind of days! But I also reflected on this:

"But as I poured my heart out to my Father in Heaven, something wonderful happened that I will NEVER forget:

 I felt my Savior's arms wrap around me and comfort me. It was not just in my head- it was a real sensation- as real as anything I have ever known. He 'held' me when I needed Him most."

 And it made all the difference!

May:

A month full of love and remembering that those who show love are the ones that truly do love you! Something all of us, especially me, should remember!

June:

A month of family for me! Reflecting on the wonderful fathers in my life, discovering that I am one of those family history people after all as I unraveled a family knot, and learning more about happy marriages as outlined in 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World'.

1) Repent- judge not, that ye be not judged

2) Listen carefully with intent of heart- but especially listen to the Lord

3) live within your means- always including tithes and offerings

4) court each other- do good things together

5) pray together EVERY night

6) meet a need- do something for your spouse every day!

7) speak softly and kindly- always build each other up

8) where possible, brethren, provide for your family

9) do the work of salvation together- temple work, FHE, scriptures, etc.

10) cleave unto each other and none else (except perhaps the Lord)- Nothing is more important than your spouse.

July:

Although it is a continual struggle to live with CFS, we found time for lots of family fun!

And Claire decided she just couldn't wait until August- being grandparents is the best!!!

August:

So many things were august in August! And so many project galore... 

September:

After a truly rough start to my school year, I had (and still have) the joy of an amazing young man in my class who reminded me that your attitude is linked to your angle!

So, I spent the rest of the month loving being Grandma and Grandma-to-be!

October:

This little one came into this world! Ashtyn Dee!

Also, I 'confessed' my addiction- my family history work addiction, that is!

November:

As if having grandchildren doesn't make me feel old enough at times, my very own baby boy grew into a man!

At least I have a wonderful, caring husband who will grow old with me!

December:

I was able to celebrate all that is good, especially the great blessing in my life of my Savior, Jesus Christ!

May I always remember my Father in Heaven and His son and all that they have blessed me with in my life!

The Party is Over...

Had a great day spending time with my family yesterday! Luke and I wanted our kids to be able to spend time with all family during the holidays- so we try to schedule our time with them away from other events...

Got to see our parents, kids, and grandkids all at the same time- so blessed!

But this is how I feel about going back to work tomorrow...

Life is so full of ups and downs!