I'm happy because

I am happy because:                    

• My kids are all snug in their beds.
• Catnip makes my senior kitty act very kitten-ish.
• Tomorrow I may finally have answers, or at least the beginning of answers, regarding my son.

I am happy because:          

• Today we had a wonderful fast and testimony meeting.  So many people got up to give their testimony today, and if not for Robbie being unable to control his behavior in the chapel, I was so close to going up myself.  I felt so strongly that I needed to share.  I never, ever get up to share my testimony.  But I almost did today.

  I wanted to tell my daughter, who recently attempted to share the gospel with a friend with . . . less-than-ideal results, that I knew how it hurt to have such a precious gift rejected out of hand.  I wanted to tell her about the times that I tried to share it with others who, for one reason or another, said “no”.  I wanted to tell her how, once, when I shared my testimony, the person laughed right in my face.  I wanted to tell her how, another time, a friend didn’t speak to me for several years.  And how, once, someone very dear to me told me that I was a fool, and that I had a “too-soft” heart, that I should harden it and start thinking with my head.  And I wanted to tell her about the people who’s lives were touched by my gesture, even though they didn’t accept the gospel.  They knew what it meant, they knew at least a portion of what I offered.

  I wanted to tell her about the many, many times that I was that person.  The person laughing at a girl sharing her testimony.  The person calling the girls in my school “crazy Mormons”, telling them they were “brain-washed”.  The person who rejected, and ridiculed.  The one who said “no”, more than once, and to many.

  I wanted to tell her that when I finally came around, when I finally knew the truth . . . when I finally embraced what Heavenly Father had to offer me, I remembered those instances.  All of those times I said “no”, in one way or another.  And I admired, respected, and appreciated the risk that those good people took when they tentatively, or sometimes boldly, offered to me the one thing I now hold most dear.

  I wanted to tell her that not a single day goes by where I don’t appreciate what they tried to do for me.  Not a single day goes by that I am not thankful for the gospel in my life.  For what I know.

  I know that most of those people who tried to share with me do not know what ever became of me.  I certainly  don’t know what became of all of them.  I only know the seeds that were planted, because they grew up to bring forth fruit in the Lord’s own time-table.

  I have never regretted planting in barren soil, as you never know when the rains may come to make it fertile.

  And I will forever be grateful for those “member missionaries” in my life.  The “big” and the “small”.

  I know that the church is true.  I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.  I know that the Book of Mormon is true scripture, and I love the words therein.  I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet.  I know that my Heavenly Father loves me, and is mindful of me, just as He is mindful of each and every person on this planet.  And I know that He sent His Son for us.  Collectively, and individually.  I know that Jesus Christ died for me, and that He was resurrected and now succors me in my trials.  I know that He does this for me.  But I also know that he does this for you.  For every “you” on this planet.  We are bought with a price.  And if something is only worth what someone will pay for it, we are each of us, then, PRICELESS.  For what greater price can one pay than one’s life?  I know Christ did this for me.  And for you.   And I know that the hosts of heaven rejoice every time one of us remembers our worth, and returns to the fold.

  And I know that truth shared is never a wasted effort.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I am happy  because:             

• I laughed today.  It wasn’t any big thing, really.  But I laughed.  And you know, they say laughter is the best medicine.  And I really think, sometimes, that it is.
• I ate soup for dinner, and it really hit the spot.  And I don’t normally even like soup all that much.  But tonight, well, it  was really rather perfect.
• My storage closet off of the patio was cleaned up and somewhat organized today.  I can now poke my head inside without fear of something crashing down and knocking me out cold.  I can actually see where everything is, and I think that’s the first time I could honestly say that since we moved into this apartment!

I am happy because:                  

• I got my storage closet all cleaned out today, with the help of all four of my kids.
• Although my headlight burnt out on the car, I was financially capable of purchasing a new one.
• Becca’s performance with the Honor Choir today was very good!

I am happy because:           

• The morning may be overcast, but that means there might be rain, and I love rain.  And I love cooler weather, too.  So bring it on!
• My house is the perfect tempurature right now.  Just cool enough to wanna snuggle under a quilt on the couch!
• I don’t have to work today, so I am going to get to spend the whole day with the kids!  Yay!

I am happy because:              

• I won a $50 gift card from Lerin Photography today!  I’m so excited!  Lerin is such a dear, and I’m so happy for her and her wonderful life.  I’ve known her “online” for years, now, and watching her, and knowing her story, have been an inspiration and a hope to me.  Someday I’ll find my “Adam”, too.   I was one of the folks who helped her to win a photo package for herself (the photographer never gets to be in the picture!) and her sweet husband, and so she “paid it forward” to those who helped her, and I was one of the lucky ones!  I would have done it without the prize, she’s a truly special lady who deserves every good thing.  Can you tell I’m excited?  I keep going, and going, and going!  LoL
• Today I got to take a nap on the couch while the kids played, and when I woke up the house was not as trashed as it would normally be, so I’m pretty excited about that!
• Tomorrow I get to sleep in until at least 7 in the morning!  Woot!   Yeah, I’m a big fan of sleep!

I am happy because:                   

• My car radio was NOT stolen last night.  Nor, it appears, was anything else, for which I am very grateful!
• My little apartment has a wonderful heating system, so I’m not freezing my tush off in the morning!
• I only work until noon today, and I don’t work tomorrow, so I can get a bit of rest and hopefully my body can try a bit harder to NOT succumb to this virus that’s workin on me.

I am happy because:            

• I learned, yesterday, that I am strong enough to do things that I didn’t think I was able to do.
• I had a sort of satisfaction. yesterday, in saying something that really needed to be said.
• It looks like it is going to be a very nice day outside today.

I am happy because:                      

• My tooth pain is 100% resolved.  And I still have a working washer and dryer.  And my rent is paid.  And my pantry has food in it.  And my car works just fine.  And I’m surrounded by wonderful friends who support me.  I think I’ve got it pretty good.
• Robbie makes me smile.  He said, on the way home from therapy today in the car, “Mom, I used to think taste buds were little baby flowers on your tongue that taste things, because buds are actually baby flowers.  But now I know they aren’t really flowers, we just call them buds because they are small and round like baby flowers are.  But they aren’t flowers.  They are just part of your body.”
• Today the weather outside was absolutely gorgeous!  It’s days like today that make me glad I live in Arizona!

I am happy because:                

• I have a plan!  It’s always a good thing to have a plan, and I have one, which is a good thing.  And good things make me happy!
• I saw the most amazing pink sunset tonight!
• Tonight’s FHE lesson was pretty awesome, if I don’t say so myself.  (Especially considering that the person in charge of the lesson didn’t prepare one and so I had to do one on the fly.)  I think the kids may have actually learned something.  About the price that was paid, and the worth of a person.  I was thrilled to see that the kids seemed to grasp what I was saying, there were a lot of “ah-hah” facial expressions . . . it was great!  I love my kids!