November's Testimony

 Hindsight is 20/20, but we must look and see first. How can we look on what has just happened to us if we don't make an effort to see, I often am amazed at how the Lord's timing works out perfectly. I love to see the tender mercies that he bestows on my life. Even when I feel a twinge that difficulty maybe approaching, it is nice to know I have a helping hand in my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

 Uncertanty abounds, but knowing I have a loving Heavenly Father helps me to conjure up some faith and it helps me to try to be calm and know there is peace. I love that I booked two differnet hotels for our stay in Idaho, I love that the second one was so comforting because if was by the river and had a great view of the Idaho Falls temple. There really is opposition in all htings, right when I feel the most blest, the hardest things seem to come. I can then choose how to act, think or feel on the subject.

 So far, today, I am feeling grateful. I love that there is a Holy Ghost to guide me daily as I strive to let God prevail in my life. The beauty of the earth lifts me up and time with the family is of most importance to me. I have traveled a lot lately, but I feel the time spent with family is what is specical about those moments and I can build those memories around where I live as well. Date nights, car rides, gardening,watching sunsets, working in the kitchen and in the garage. These strenghten bonds and teach so many lessons.

Its amazing how life unfolds and we chose our path It is writtten as we move along. We are helped and cared for and thought of along the way, It becomes a beautiful picture filled in with color, of our own making There are dark colors and contrasts and the saturation is real. There are ugly parts and there is symmetry and beauty.

On my hike with Emmy, I realized the brown trees looked beautiful when seen from higher up. There were till some green pieces and the contrast of the whole landscape wasnt as dreary as it seemed on the ground. The templed lifts us to a high place to see sweeping views, so does prayer and active supplication. I am hopeful as I go through the unknown, 

My heavenly father knows my name and what I am trying to be and how I can grow the most. He knows my strengths and how I can lift others. He knows if I pass throough sorrow and trial, I would be so commited to helping others through those same sorrows and trials, or that my empathy in that area would increase exponetially. No one likes to suffer and we all cry out for deliverance, but I hope the peace the Savior brings will be enough to see me through any diffifult times ahead. I will hold on and stay the course, make it through the turbulences of life and see the shining sun at the end. And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sometimes a Beach day is in Order

 Going back to school in person has been okay. School is difficult and the social aspect can be even more challegning. I've been wanting to go and see the Ocean and with the fires and Pandemic related closures, it just wasn't happening. With Celia getting a day off of school, I thought a beach trip would be in order. I chauffered Celia and we had a great music filled trip. I was amazed, on my slight detour that took me to another beach entirely, that the towns were so cute and quiant even near Vallejo in the bay area. We continued on toll free back way roads and found a familiar store and went in. Celia didnt want to buy anything after all, so we continued on our way. 

We were so blessed to find a place where we could enjoy the ocean alone. It was an adventure walking down the beach head to the sand below, but it was worth it. So many colors, sights, and sounds. We relaxed and picked out shells, played in the surf, and explored the area that looked like from another world. It felt liek Hawaii and Laguna and Mendocino all at once.  I loved how multifacted the scenery was. Celia even found Seaweed that looked pretty alienlike and I told her she couldnt bring it home, lol. 

I loved the drive and the many hills and mountains and trees a long the way. I think getting out and seeing new and different sights is healing to the soul for me and Celia enoyed the calm and familiarity of the car( like Spencer does) and all her things she brought to keep her busy. We compromised and it was a wonderful time.

Looking for the good and familiar

 Conference has been nice. I love feeling like I'm rejuvenating my thoughts and feelings as a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. I love that its importannt to me, that I asked questions, prayed and listened for answer for these sesssions. I did feel answers and comfort come. I do feel my job in motherhood is important and my testimony strengthened. It's hard to explain as we all hear the same words, but taken differently depending on how much we focus, what we notice, where we are at the time of listening. I want to be open to hear the saviors words and better myself and I feel I got that. 

It's been a pretty good start to Celia's first week of school in person. I like that we are dubbing her and Olivia as walkers for easier pick in the afternopon. It only seems fitting for high school students to be able to walk off campus when the day is done together as friends. We had fun going to In n Out after school on Friday like we used to do. Joe wanted to do the same, so I took him and David there later that night. The kids sure love routine and remembering the good ole days which I can appreciate. 

We also got to go to church in person last week on Brian's Birthday. It was so reverent and clean and open. I feel it was more focused on the sacrament with listening to the hymns and reflecting in the quiet time alloted. Sitting in families was nice and the lack of talking about our week to friends in the chapel was better, I believe. I cant believe Sacramento is now opening up enough to be able to go in person weekly. That is so great! Celia has been to a optional in person seminary class and a young women's pool party. I hope this can continue, but if we have to close again, I'm glad we are taking opportunities to be amongst others and have a good time in person.

I have had my folks over for lunch once and we all went ot Lucilles to celebrate Brian's birthday. With that and magic drafting and furniture delivery from Javier, it seems like we are getting back to normal a little bit and its so nice. Now I just need to decortate for fall and bring cheer to all my neighbors and friends as fall approaches. We are still in the ninties and experienceing smokey skies, but rain will come and cool weather. Fall leaves will be turning orange, yellow,  brown and purple before we know it. A welcomed change in seasons.

I've been getting active wear that Tanya is selling and Brian is buying me from Amazon and I feel a need to exercise in them. I've enjoying going out and exercising in nature. It's hard to deal with the smoke, but masking up for almost everything is getting to be normal now, so thats what I'll do and maybe it will help more with my seasonal allergies. I see a healthier season chosen and arriving just in time.