Joyous Tomorrows

Never thought of my blog for the family as being an ethical will, but as I was reading Dr. Andrew Weil's description an Ethical Will, I decided that is what I am doing as I post from life experiences and desires to assist my family.  This is Dr Weil's description of an Ethical Will. "As we go through life, we acquire wisdom and life lessons that can benefit others. One way to pass along your stories and experiences is through an ethical will. Unlike an ordinary will or last testament, an ethical will has less to do with material possessions and more to do with nonmaterial gifts and spiritual well-being - a love letter of sorts for your family, friends and community. Writing an ethical will benefit you as well. It can: Help you to make sense of your life and the aging process. Provide a way to share your hopes, dreams and values with loved ones. Help you take stock of your life experience and distill from it the values and wisdom that you have gained. Regardless of y...

I remember dressing up like a princess.  My friends and I took our bags and started out across the neighborhoods.  Things were much less complicated then.  We went blocks away from our homes, there were no adults with us, everything was friendly.  I remember running across a large lot with my friends to beat some other kids to the next house. I all of a sudden found my self sitting on the ground because there was a wire fence I didn't see in the dark.  We had a good time laughing at me for "being the first".  After that I was the first to look, before I lept.  There was one house that everyone thought was spooky because they made the house look haunted with "spider webs" etc.  I don't think I went to that one.  At the end of the evening, we came back to the house, tired, sacks full of candy, costumes worn and torn, and full of spooky stories to tell about being out in the dark [never mind that there were 100 other kids in the same area with y...

This is an open letter to my grandchildren. The other day my oldest granddaughter and I were visiting.  After a few minutes of conversation, she said my you woke up on the happy side of the bed.  I answered "No, I make my happy place." As I have thought of this conversation, I have reflected on making a happy place in my life.  There is a reason I have a happy place always.  I along time ago (you know back in the dinosaur days) made a decision. When I was a teenager, I wanted to be like Jesus. I learned to play the song in my piano class: "Others" Lord let me live from day to day, In such a self-forgetful way, That even when I kneel to pray, My prayer shall be for others. Others, Lord, yes, others; Let this my motto be. Help me to live for others That I may live like Thee. —Dr. Jack Hyles The lyrics of the song became a part of me. I then fell away from my quest during my tweenies, I was fortunate that I found my way back to following in Christ...

I was so surprised to open my mail box an find a card to me from my Coppertop granddaughter (the small redhead in the pink in the picture.)  I hurriedly got into the car and tore open the envelope.  Wonder of wonder's, she had made me a card and a small pieced heart square (a blanket for a weeeeee wee one); how my heart sang.  This little lady is so joyful and full of life that she carries you along with her.  It is all good.  She is a classic example of looking at the glass as half full.  If you can't tell I love this sweetie.  I now carry my card on  my dash board.  She is my little angel offering love and comfort to me when I feel tired and worn.  Inside she wrote the note "I hope your ankle is getting better"  Well it is, and with uplifting gifts of love like this it will get even better. I am blessed. (Don't think I leave the other girls out, not even...We spend time on the cell phone and emails.)   God is good to me...

I started my day out.  Feet propped up, computer in lap, watching Conference and working on Family History.  I love doing that.  No one around.  Then in comes the youngest son and announces that we are going to his sister's house.  I was slow to respond.  I could tell he was disappointed so I said..."Okay let's go".  We ended up taking my grandson with us (this is the son of another daughter).  His eyes sparkled in anticipation of playing with JT. When we arrived, there was a wonderful smell in the air.  She had baked rolls and made spagetti and a wonderful cherry cobbler.  The son looked at his mom and said "see why I wanted to come."  I was laughing.  He was right, I have not been cooking for a month.  Life is chaotic at my house with all the extra family, I get home at 7pm, do my mission until 11pm...I stay tired.  I had not realized how it was affecting him though.  Guess, I will have to start doing some coo...