They are Real People

I am so grateful that I have kept this book of names. They are real people from real places, I enJOY going to the Temple. I enJOY recording their names. I enJOY viewing this book over and over again.

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Feels Like Home

"There's something in the way, that makes me wanna lose myself in your arms...feels like home to me...feels like home...feels like I'm on my way to where I belong."

Bonnie Rait

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I Don't Feel Like It

Too hot, too tired, no energy...I just didn't want to go. Noah insisted that I go hit golf balls with he and Rick. I am so glad I did. I found JOY in being with my family and Rick telling me I have a good swing. It wasn't as hot as I thought it would be and getting up and moving, got my blood pumping and energy restored. Sometimes JOY is found in those things you don't feel like doing.

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Gifts of the Magi

The Anniversary Gifts for year thirteen -- traditional is lace and modern is textile. MMmmm...not very good subjects to work with and being penniless and idealess meant the two of us were going to pass on gifts. Rick had a golf round at Bonneville. There are memories of of "us" at tournaments and a usual mid-stop for my favorite big, giant, soft pretzels. Rick came home with four of them for me and wished me a Happy Anniversary. Early mornings for Rick and a few golf rounds, meant exhaustion. I mowed the lawn for him and wished him a Happy Anniversary. Neither gift fitting the theme, but the thought behind the gifts were priceless.

JOY is thinking about your significant other more than yourself.

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Testimony

*I know Jesus is my Lord and Savior. He died for me.
He lives for me. I live for Him. I love Him.
*I believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. Reading this book blesses my life.
*I know Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the restoration. He lacked wisdom. He asked of God. Heavenly Father and Jesus answered him personally.
*President Thomas S. Monson is the Prophet today. He is the instrument Christ uses to guide His children through revelation.

I am so happy to know and believe this...

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Images: spiritlessons.com, theironrodisthewordofgod, byustudies.byu.edu, thomasmonson.net

A Lost Art

Yes, you can even find JOY in your kitchen sink. I have been spoiled to have a dish washer for the greater part of my life. Although, I do remember helping to wash dishes when mom decided to use the china and the silver and I remember the "Madge and dish pan hand" commercial for Palmolive. Washing dishes by hand seems to be some what of a lost art. I could complain that I do not have a dishwasher, but I will be grateful that I do not have to carry buckets of water from a well to heat over a roaring fire...just so I could eat off a clean plate...it is how you look at it that makes the difference. :)

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Small and Simple Things

Faith is the subject of things hoped for and not seen...like money to pay off a debt? Peace? Talents? JOY is knowing I do not have to see everything for me to believe.

What small and simple things must I be about? What great things can come from my simple mind? There is JOY in knowing I do not have to be rich and famous to do great things.


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Artwork by Arnie R. Fisk purchased at Deseret Book

Lemons to Lemonade

July 16, 2011
JOY is Rick coming home with a Silver Platter reading the “Stansbury Senior Champion.” WHEWHOOOOOOO Rick. After a few lemons, he made lemonade! I found JOY in the neighbor children selling thirst quenching lemonade. It was fun to see them stop traffic with card board signs and waves. They made $12.00 between the 7 of them...$1.71 a piece. I love that Noah has friends...lots of them.

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Heat Wave

July 13, 2011
It has been too dang hot. I may not be able to work in the yard, but admire, that I can do. The flowers and yards are so beautiful.

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America

July 4, 2011
Happy Birthday America!!! JOY is found in Patriotism. I love America...a land with a destiny.

JOY is the Cul de Sac of Fire with your neighbors.


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Just Face It

There is always one more thing to do. When one item is checked off, three more appear. Noah wanted to go to get an ice cream snickers. We were in the car when I noticed something needed to be put away. While putting that away, I found a few other projects to complete quickly. Noah patiently waited until he could bear it no more. I saw him walk in the backyard backwards and that got my attention. When he turned around...I realized his boredom and sense of humor. It sure put a smile on my face. I was able to stop the projects and took him to the Maverick for his treat.

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Time

June 25, 2011
Grandma and Grandpa took Noah and a friend to dinner and the movies. As much as I love the little guy, we were able to get so much accomplished.

JOY is receiving a gift of time.

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Look for Miracles

June 24, 2011
I believe in miracles. I have had some myself. It seems the time has come for another miracle. I saw a quote that read, “Look for Miracles.” Oh, so that is what I am missing. I need to look for them as they are every where. Hmmmm...maybe I will try growing one. (I really do love Miracle Grow...I believe it is what transformed our hibiscus tree.)

JOY is looking for a miracle.

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Be the Change

I have already forgotten about the glass half full idea. I am determined once again to find JOY and see the good in all my relationships. JOY is having another chance with Rick. JOY is knowing we can improve upon our past. JOY is knowing the Savior made it possible for us to forgive, forget, and move on to our God given potential. I will be the change.

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Internet Connection

JOY is the internet. I have been without a connection for a couple of weeks. I have had to record my JOYS in pages or go to the library. JOY was having the modem delivered. I did not know if I would see that again. JOY is deleting unimportant emails. JOY is the library computer and it's message, "Would you like to extend your session another 15 minutes?"

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Tests in Life

I love the quote, "TODAY'S TEST IS TOMORROW'S TESTIMONY."

I find JOY in knowing there is a tremendous amount of growth that results from overcoming challenges. I can hardly wait to see what this one brings.

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Examples of Perspective Change

I can't believe the renters left our home in a state of shambles TO I really am a great housekeeper.
I can't believe Rick is choosing to golf over helping me TO I am glad Rick has something to enjoy during this time of trial.
I can't believe how much money is owed to us TO I will trust in the Lord to deliver us from our financial burdens.
I can't believe how much money we owe TO I can set up a payment plan...little by little.
I can't believe I would forsake a clean apartment for a bachelor pad TO I am so grateful to be together with my family once again.
I can't believe how overwhelmed I am feeling TO I can hardly wait to see what I learn from this challenge.
I can't believe how complacent we are at living Gospel Basics TO I am thrilled that we are having daily family prayer.
I can't stand the dog hair and smell TO I see how happy Da Vinci makes Noah.

The question is, "What will I do about it?"

There is such JOY in knowing I have a choice. I will choose the better way...

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Glass Half Empty

Life... so full of challenges... Focusing on the negative outcomes has created a big, black hole in which I have found myself. I am determined to JOurneY out by changing my perspective from the "glass half empty" to the "glass half full." Some call them coincidences. Some do not see them at all. I believe there are tender mercies happening all the time whether or not I choose to notice them. There are solutions to life's challenges. It is time for me to start seeing and acknowledging them.

I raise my glass to the"half fulls"

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