Gigi's 90th Birthday/Goal Update/Scripture Reading

Happy 90th Birthday Gigi!

Today was my Gigi's 90th Birthday. We had a fabulous family get together/party for her birthday. I know that we take Gigi for granted because she doesn't seem anywhere close to 90! It is crazy how active and with it she is. It was fun to get a picture of all of us and just enjoy the company. Hopefully I will have more pictures to post soon!

My goals are going pretty good so far. I have been reading my scriptures everyday and have been excited to start going to Institute and have made some new friends. We have also decided to start an FHE group. We start Monday at my house, and I am making chocolate pie with graham cracker crust and whip cream! I think this is going to be super exciting! Laundry has been pretty successful thus far (Thanks to the help of Lizz). And temple attendance will resume once again on January 23rd, I cannot WAIT to go!! Saving money is one of those terrible things that I am not good at, but I will keep on trying. As for the rest I feel as though I love my family and friends, I am excited for voice on Tuesday, and taking time for me is coming in small but adequate doses!

During my scripture reading I have had some interesting insights. I feel like things are starting to make more sense to me and have a real life application. I have read the Book of Mormon before, but I feel like this time I am able to apply scripture to my life even more. As I was reading in 1 Nephi, he was talking about Lehi's vision. I was reading about the iron rod and the tree, and how Lehi wished his family would partake of the fruit. He spoke of the iron rod and how the people were holding tight and walking to the tree to partake of the fruit. As the mist of darkness came those people who had ALREADY partaken of the fruit fell away because of the temptations of the Devil.

And it got me thinking (Okay so this is an elementary concept I should have connected a LONG time ago, but I am trying people!) the fruit is the love of God, it is His truth and his word. This overwhelming sense of sadness came over me, these people knew God, they knew His word and His love, and they were still tempted to stray. It broke my heart to think this is possible. To think that bad things have happened to people with a testimony and instead of clinging to God's love, they withered away into Satan's domain and were left to feel sorrow and an ache that will never be filled. I never want anyone to know what that feeling is like.

This makes me want to remind people of what they have. It makes me want to share the gospel with EVERYONE! I wish I was braver, I wish I knew HOW! But I vow to try harder, because the sorrow I feel at this very thought moves me to action. I love this gospel! It is true, and I have taken it for granted, because I always knew it was there, it was comfortable and easy and safe. But how dare I do that! I have the true and restored gospel of Jesus Christ! I want to be better!

2010

2010 is a year of new commitments. A year of realizing my potential. I have never had a new year feel quite like this. I have so many things I want to accomplish, see, feel, dream. I want to live! I know 2010 is the year of making my life everything I want it to be. I have so many things I am excited for. So here and now I am going to list some of the things I hope to accomplish or become more successful at this year.

1. Becoming a better teacher. I have learned SO much in the past 5 months. I am so looking forward to starting a new semester with my students. I have a lot of ideas that are really getting me jazzed!!
2. Taking time for me. I have realized that when I am stressed and overwhelmed I shut down. I know this may sound funny, but it is HARD to live like that! I need to let myself de-stress and relax! That means a little pampering now and then.
3. Reading my sciptures EVERY day! I have always struggled with getting into a schedule/habit. This year my goal is to read everyday. It helps me to have this written down, because now I am more accountable, and it will drive me crazy if I don't stick with it!
4. Giving my all in my calling. I am now the primary teacher for the 10 year olds in my ward. So far in the class, we have 2 boys who are active. I find this calling very intimidating!! Wish me luck!
5. Appreciating my friends and family. I am extremely blessed with wonderful people in my life. I need to show my appreciation for them more. I hope to be a better sister, daughter, grand daughter, friend, teacher, colleague, child of God.
6. Saving money! I hope to be able to put some money away for a rainy day, and use both my money and time more wisely.
7. Voice lessons. I hope to really dedicate myself and become the best I can be.
8. Making friends. Living in Havasu has been a challenge due to the lack of people my age. It has been lonely at times and I hope that I can put myself out there more.
9. Attending the Temple. I have enjoyed the temple SO much this year, but there always room for improvement in the area of attendance. My goal is to make it no less than once a month.
10. Keeping up on laundry. I am TERRIBLE at it. There are ALWAYS so many clothes, hopefully in 2010 I won't change so much!

So once I got started I was satisfied with nothing less than 10. I hope that this year is a new beginning for all of us. A year of becoming better people, kinder, gentler, softer spoken, caring, encouraging, loving, appreciating, people. It doesnt matter what has happened in the past, if we recommit and have a desire to be better, the BEST is yet to be!!

Happy 2010!

11. Listening to the Holy Ghost! After typing this post I navigated away from this page thinking I had saved it. A message popped up that said, "Are you sure you want to navigate away from this page?" Without reading I clicked "ok." I had one of those feelings telling me "don't do that," but I did it anyway! Uhg! I hate when I don't listen!!! So when I went to view my blog this post wasn't there. LUCKILY, blogspot saves posts as drafts... In 2010, I am going to LISTEN!!!!

P.S. I am officially a certified teacher in the state of Arizona! Its about time!!