Temple *LIGHT*

more on Christmas later... but for tonight... this.

Tonight I drove in view of 6 temples... SIX! From my parent's home, the Bountiful temple. From lights at Temple Square, Salt Lake City Temple. And the drive home... Jordan River, Draper, Oquirrh Mountain, and then Mt. Timpanogos. Wow! What a blessing to be surrounded by so much glowing Temple LIGHT. Yep - the LIGHT of Christ shines through the darkness, especially with the House of the Lord.

Christmas *LIGHT*

1. christmas lights, 2. White Christmas, 3. .dreaming..., 4. Felt Gingerbread Biscuits // Star group, 5. Merry Christmas flickr!, 6. I *heart* Christmas, 7. Christmas Tree, 8. LDS Temple Salt Lake City, Utah, 9. Peace

Lastly... a lovely little quote from a prophet of God:

"The real Christmas comes to him who has taken Christ into his life as a moving, dynamic, vitalizing force. The real spirit of Christmas lies in the life and mission of the Master....

"If you desire to find the true spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, let me make this suggestion to you. During the hurry of the festive occasion of this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God. Perhaps in the quiet hours, and in a quiet place, and on your knees — alone or with loved ones — give thanks for the good things that have come to you, and ask that His Spirit might dwell in you as you earnestly strive to serve Him and keep His commandments" (Howard W. Hunter, "The Real Christmas," Ensign, Dec 2005, 22–25).

Still... still... still.  Sweet teachings of all that is good about Christmas - turning hearts to God.  Love that reminder!!

Christmas Tree : Lights, Memories, Traditions

As is our family tradition, we put up our Christmas tree today (the day after Thanksgiving). The kids enjoyed themselves. We listened to Jimmy's Mannheim Steamroller cd as background music. The kids selected a nice random variety of ornaments... some fancy... some homemade... some school projects by the tots. They like them all. As for our tree, a friend gave us a hand-me-down 8 or 9 years ago. It has probably seen better days.

But tonight as we were reading a Christmas story by the tree (well... while Tru was undecorating the tree - rather), I was thinking about how it just doesn't matter to kids what the tree looks like. They love the LIGHTS and the MEMORIES and the TRADITIONS.

My dad altered the words to a familiar Christmas tune... "Oh, Christmas Tree". Growing up, we decorated our tree with felt ornaments to go along with the symbols:

Oh, Christmas Tree

Oh, Christmas Tree

You represent Eternity.

The Bell is JOY

The Heart is LOVE

The Dove is PEACE from God above.

The Star reminds us of His birth

The night CHRIST came to dwell on earth.

May we remember sacredly, the meaning of our Christmas tree.

I've tried to continue these symbols in decorating my tree because I love the tradition and meaning.

"Christmas is a time of lights. We light our homes and trees, our streets, and our store windows. Processions of singing families carrying torches wind their way through the snowy Alps of Austria as they go to attend church at Christmastime. On that first Christmas night lights appeared in the heavens, especially one bright star that shone down on the manger where the Baby Jesus lay. Far away in the “new world” bright lights were also seen in the heavens.

"... At this special time of year may you feel the JOY of Christmas, remembering Jesus as you see the LIGHTs of Christmas." First Presidency - December 1972

Grateful Heart

1. Thanksgiving, 2. CORN!, 3. Mississippi Thanksgiving Colors, 4. Tempting Pumpkin Pie Recipe, 5. Happy Thanksgiving!, 6. Autumn decoration, 7. warm wooly socks., 8. Plenty Thankful, 9. Happy Thanksgiving

I love each of these quotes I found throughout November... each shares a great message!

"It has been by observation ... that when I focus on what I don’t have, I tend to become increasingly self-centered, selfish, and crabby . . . [But we can] find true happiness in cultivating humble, grateful hearts."
…Mary Ellen Edmunds


“Living in thanksgiving daily is a habit that will enrich our lives and the lives of those we love...We like to be around those who are grateful. They tend to BRIGHTEN all around them. They make others feel better about themselves. They tend to be more humble, more JOYFUL, more likable....The absence of gratitude makes a person miserable.” Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, Sept. 2001


“And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.” (D&C 78:19.)


‎"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving." - W. T. Purkiser


"When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives.” Gordon B. Hinckley

So Much by DudaDaze

Gratitude Journey : November 24

a clean front room: have you ever seen my front room? did it suck you into the vortex?  well, most people don't even know it exists... because the double french doors are always closed. This rooms turned into my catch-all storage room and it got pretty awful in there for a while.

All the Christmas bins, junk boxes, extra food storage buckets and containers were cleaned out of the coat closet to make room for ... amazingly enough... coats. And I threw it all ... yes, in the front room. Anyhoo... the past 2 weeks though especially today I conquered the front room to make way for the Christmas tree. I wish my entire house (especially my closet) was as tidy as that front room. It would be a breath of fresh air.

Anyhoo... even though it was a killer day with a grouchy mom who didn't want to make decisions about what to chuck and where to store things, I'm so grateful that front room is clean. It now needs some tlc, like some paint and more decorations. I want to turn it into the heritage room and hang some family photos and Norwegian trinkets. Now, let's keep it clean! Now - to conquer my closet so I can be grateful for that to be tidy....


jimmy: after all, he endured my whining and indecision about what to do with all the junk in that room. he watched the tots all day so i could work kid-free. he made lunch. he even made a delicious dinner. and he was nice despite my sour mood. he is a very good man.


heat and a solid home: it's chilly 'round these parts. we had a mini snowstorm come through last night (nothing like Idaho Blizzards though). Even though our windows are a little drafty, I'm so grateful we have a good home. I know there are people all over the world who would think we live in a castle to have carpet, a bolted front door, insulation, windows, a heater, running water, etc. We are blessed.


caramel popcorn: as a family, we love eating popcorn and watching a movie. tonight i splurged and made Golda's Caramel Popcorn which is a recipe my sister Carol shared with me. It is tasty and gooey and "eeeeewicious"!

Caramel Popcorn - The Best Ever
from: Golda (shared by Carol Reed)

2 cubes margarine or butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup karo (light)
pinch salt

Melt butter in saucepan. While melting add brown sugar, karo syrup, and salt. Bring to boil over medium heat while stirring with a wooden spoon. Boil 2 minutes. Pour over popped corn.

Gratitude Journey : November 23

toddler speak: cookies = "hickeys". crackers = "hackers". delicious = "eeeeee-wicious" (that is my favorite ever).  and Max can't say car without putting "cool" in front of it = "cool car."

"osom" randomness: i love that the kids went from spelling awesome like 'osom' to 'asom'. They were certain it was right.

cheer: I definitely needed to seek out the good news and cheer after reading a few news stories tonight. I found these darling designs by Crystal. She's my go-to for cheerful colors. As for this thought... I saw it at Kneaders on a cute plaque. I need to take this advice and pass the cheer along - especially to my fam (who probably thinks I'm the grinch lately).

Abe's efforts: I'm so grateful for how hard Abe tries at so many things. I'm also grateful his teacher sees this quality in him. Today was his Thanksgiving program at school. He practiced his songs and speaking part for a few weeks at home. He did great and sang boldly.  He was so proud of his indian costume that he decorated.

Another thing Abe has made efforts at lately is exercising. Well... really it's when his mother knows he has way too much energy and requests that he do a bunch of jumping jacks and sit-ups. The other day he did 30 sit-ups. It was cool to see him learn that new skill.

Gratitude Journey : November 22

wow - can you believe it's nearly the end of November. time flies...

holiday cards: We got our first holiday card in the mail today (Go Steph!!). I love all the happy mail this season brings. I attach our cards to the wall and pantry door. It's like dear friends and family are visiting with us all season long. I love thinking about how each has blessed my life.


sharing "favorite" scripture: Abe always loves for us to each share a favorite scripture. Tonight was the night, his wish came true. And you know what he shared?

"And it came to pass that Coriantumr fell to the earth, and became as if he had no life." [Ether 15:32]

And we all paused ... and commented on the interesting nature of this verse. Then Jimmy explained the story behind it. I think we'll have a little chat about how to find and recognize inspiring verses of scripture. But overall... funny that he would randomly pick that one.


online shopping: really silly.... but after trying to get my Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving and spending 2 outings with what little crowd there was, I'm so grateful for online shopping. You can research, find coupons, and save yourself from screaming children, mean shoppers, long lines, time spent going from store to store, chilly winds, and traffic ... all while your kids sleep. Yes, I love it. Plus, it means you get some happy mail. I just have a few items left to get and yes, they are online purchases. Long live Amazon and super-saver shipping!


the delight and beauty of snow: (not to be confused with hazardous winter driving conditions, slick sidewalks, and frigid temps). I do have to admit that a week or so ago when I saw little snow flurries, I had that little thrill of seeing the first snow. I called to Max and Tru to come look out the window so they could be delighted as well. Today I drove on the outskirts of town overlooking the beautiful snow-covered Rockies. It really was lovely. Yes, I'm dreading a long winter, but I'm grateful for the first delights and beauty of snow.


health: whenever I feel a little sickie, I appreciate the times when I am in good health. And when I hear of others struggling with hospitalization, cancer, or other major illnesses, I thank my lucky stars for any health my family and I have. I'm working on improving my health right now, but I'm grateful for the stamina ("the strength or vigor of bodily constitution") I am blessed with. And I pray for those I love who are dealing with major health issues that they'll be blessed and strengthened to keep a'goin'.

Gratitude Journey : November 21

Broccoli: Why? Because even though Tru will hardly eat anything... really!!, today he ate a bunch of broccoli. Go figure. But then, the funny part was when 10 minutes after dinner we saw this little gem stuck in between his 2 lone bottom teeth.

Dinnertime humor: Most of the time dinnertime seems chaotic. Generally we struggle to keep Max sitting in his seat. We struggle to get Tru to eat anything. Mom and dad are rushing about to get everyone food. Hannah and Abe are either having a spelling bee or making up jokes or getting in a fight and end up eating cold food. But last night we had a funny conversation:

I commented that I couldn't find the pizza cutter. Abe said that it was robbers; he was certain. Hannah laughed and said, "Abe, they wouldn't take our pizza cutter. They would take our gold." Then Jimmy and I laughed and wished we had any gold for them to take. Then we were talking about Abe needing to pay his tithing. He said he only had a quarter. I commented that I know he had more $$ than that. He said the robbers must have taken his other quarters. Oh - we all laughed.


Perspective that History Teaches: How's that for a long Gratitude item. I watched a special on WWII last night. I was reminded that we need to learn from the past - so we don't repeat it. I'm so amazed/horrified at the good/bad things that have happened in this world. War is sad... sad... sad. Peace is good, good, good. Today we watched the Testaments and I thought of the state of the people in America when Christ died... and the state our world will be in when He returns. Makes me just want to be good and make my home a haven to teach my little ones to be good and happy and faithful and courageous to endure their trials in this life. Also puts things in perspective that life is not all about being entertained or having a vacation or going on dates or buying fancy presents or just having fun... there are higher goals and survival things.... and JOY (in moments). Just thinkin' out loud... perspective is good.

Gratitude Journey : November 20

Simple Prayers: Tonight Max said his first prayer all by himself. He was laying in bed after I had helped him say a prayer... and I guess he wanted to try it solo. His pauses and voice inflections were so very sweet. He said, "Dear Hebly Faveh. Please bless Maxie to be happy... happy. In name Jez Chist. Awben." The best little prayer!

Christmas Lights: I knew we would be needing some Christmas Cheer/Decorations in our main living area since we are putting our tree in the front room behind closed doors (so that Tru won't pull all the decorations off and tree down! 1-year-olds tend to do such things). I decided we could make a really long paper chain to drape around the room. And Christmas lights create such a gentle light. We had a lighting ceremony and sang We Wish You a Merry Christmas. The kids oohed and aahed and jumped around the room with glee. Tru keeps looking up at the lights in wonderment. They aren't fancy... but we'll call them "Homespun decorations" rather than tacky. The $2 in paper and $8 in lights were definitely worth it if for nothing more than the delight on the kids faces.

 

Gratitude Journey : November 19

All day I kept running things through my head that I was grateful for. Can I remember them after a day when my brain has become mushy?

7:30 p.m.: kid's bedtime. As much as I love these cute tots, I love when they are all snug and cozy in their beds ... and I breathe a deep sigh of relief ... knowing I have 11+/- hours until someone is pulling on my leg and needing something.


Waterproof bandaids & neosporin: the last few weeks have been brutal on my hands. I've had more teeny-tiny cracks on the tips of the fingers than ever before. Bandaids, Neosporin, and Neutrogena Hand Cream save my skin!


Bubble wrap: well... at least until 4 p.m. Max and Tru laughed and laughed this morning jumping on the bubble wrap. It was the sincere kind of laugh that can't be contained in children.  I love it!


Happy Mail: Boy, oh, boy. Today we received some fabulous happy mail.  Some expected Christmas presents for the tots.  Some Happy Surprises. Isn't this darling packaging? A bit of what's to come inside.... eeeee... love it!

Speaking of Happy... I'm grateful for happy smells such as Nivea Happy Lotion and Happiness Body Wash. They really do smell like ... happy.

Clouds: I have a love for clouds. They are just so interesting because each is so unique. Well today Jimmy noticed the sky out our front windows. This is what we saw (unedited even). The sky was so brightly lit.

Looks like my brain pulled through and remembered a few... though not deep, they are simple daily happy things.

Gratitude Journey : November 18

A good night's rest: This is a rarity for me. But last night I slept well. Tru slept well (a rarity since he got sickie a few weeks ago). A good night's sleep does me a world of good... a whole heap o' good! Sleep sweet... zzzzzzz...

Color:  So grateful that we live in a world with bright, cheerful, rich colors.  Today's favorite - yellow... because I love this Thanksgiving Print by "I love it all" by Monika Wright

Salad: Even though dinner was an utter disaster due to boiling hot spilled soup on Hannah and this mom's emotions... I'm still grateful for our dinner salad. The kids loved it. I felt like we had something healthy. I loved the dark green lettuce, rich red craisins, deep orange carrots, and cheerful yellow bowl.

a bit of cheer = *LIGHT*

Love this! Just keep moving... This sums up my day... I really just wanted to hang out in bed all day and watch a girly movie and then read a book. Instead I MOVED and got some projects tackled. Hopefully the MOVING made for a more balanced and fulfilling day.

vol25 'life is like riding a bicycle'

Speaking of moving... isn't this bike the best?! I just need one in the buttercup yellow and I'd be set to ride on the Jordan River Trail with Max and Tru strapped in the bucket. So cheerful!

Madsen Cycles

You know why I love this one? ... the light... the cheerful colors... the hanging mini quilt... the rug... the plant. Makes me want to decorate my house in all the cheerful colors I love.

Allie Hoopes

I love what this gal, Heather, is doing with the Joyful Life Library. To honor the joyful life of her baby Samuel who died, at 6 weeks old,  she started an organization to donate books to the local picu so the parents can read to their sick kiddos. So sweet and inspiring!

Isn't this so bright and fun?! It's a sewing kit for girlies from the Discovery Store. I want to put together my own homemade kit for Christmas with brightly-colored little felt shapes/projects, ric-rac, buttons, embroidery thread ... for miss hannah ... who has a great interest in CREATING.

*LIGHT* in the Trenches

I've been thinking about life in the trenches lately. I'm often reminded that this stage of life with 4 tots under the age of 8 is a challenging time of life... oh, it's good too... there are many blessings and joys... but...

The constancy of little ones NEEDing all day is overwhelming. I either have a babe on my hip while working, OR 1 or 2 little ones wanting a love, OR 1 or 2 older tots wanting to be heard ... or all at the same time.  It is good to have these little blessings in our home ... just overwhelming for this mama.

Those without little ones would tell me to cherish the moments because soon they'll be gone (or the tots will grow to be teenagers!!). I know - it's true. But the daily stuff is often full of challenges - physically and emotionally for young mothers.

So yes... the 24/7 trenches.  So - how do we survive? I read a brief snippet of a book by Linda Eyre about life in the trenches.

"I needed to find the LIGHT in my trench of motherhood...

I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less."

Linda Eyre

ah-ha... there can be LIGHT in the trenches. It may not make the hard work go away, but it will make it more bearable.

"And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon [the mothers of zion] were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." Mosiah 24:15

LIGHT is good.  It's essential to survival.  Elder Holland, in our recent Regional Conference, counseled us to build a reservoir of faith to gather from when times are tough.  Replenish... Refill... Rejuvenate... all important things to work on.


10:30 a.m. - p.s.  the person who said, "Don't cry over spilled milk," never had a baby grab an open formula bottle which dumped itself into every unimaginable and uncleanable area of the stove. Or maybe they did and 50 years later couldn't remember why spilled milk would have been so traumatic and so they gave their grandchildren that advice.  ... hold on.... the LIGHT will come.

Seeking *Light*

"Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism.
Walk with FAITH, rejoicing in the beauties of nature,
in the goodness of those you love,
in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine."

— Gordon B. Hinckley

 

"The dishes were so clean they sparkled,

throwing glints of LIGHT around a room that was once shabby and rundown."

(New Era, Apr. 2003)

"Whatever you are doing, take a minute to notice the GOODNESS around you." Stephanie Ackerman

"A sacred LIGHT comes to our eyes and countenances
when we have a personal bond with our loving Heavenly Father and His Son."
James E. Faust (Ensign, Nov 2005)

"With all the strength of my soul,
I testify ... that the gospel of Jesus Christ
is that penetrating LIGHT
that makes of every hopeless dawn a joyful morning."
President Thomas S. Monson

 

“That which is of God is LIGHT;
and he that receiveth LIGHT, and continueth in God,
receiveth more LIGHT;
and that LIGHT groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.”
(D&C 50:23–24).

(sorry - i wish i had linkies to all the photos I gathered from flickr long ago. i'll have to do better giving credit where credit is due)

LIGHT - this is where I want to be!

The Silence of God, was a very interesting read. I felt enlightened about part of the history of Russia. Oh how much history can teach us!

This book is a historical fiction based on the Lindlof family who were the first Mormons in Russia in the early 1900s. It is incredible what people have had to endure... such hardship. All they were trying to do was live in righteousness. I can hardly imagine experiencing what they had to. This story puts 'life is a test' in a new light for me.

This story made me realize that so often individuals get caught up with political groups and movements without realizing all the implications. And in this case, "Bread, Peace, and Land" and "All power to the Soviets (councils)" went from socialism to horrible communism in a few short awful years. Many citizens involved did not see it for what it really was until it was too late. It was also interesting to imagine a culture without religion, a place where so many don't believe in God. How dark and dreary an environment that would be.

Though this book wasn't a cheerful read, it helped me appreciate all that we have. I admire the faith and courage of the Lindlof family and those who may have been friends with and helped them. It also helped me understand how socialism and communism are Satan's form of the law of consecration... only Satan forces all to give. The Lord's way involves pure hearts and freedom to choose.

So - reality is that we don't live in Russia in the early 1900s ... we aren't going to be shipped off to Siberia to spend the rest of our short life in a work camp... but we have our challenges here and now.

I see a common thread in the stories of courageous men, women, and children - they choose LIGHT. Their faith in Christ sees them through the trials of life... even when all around them is darkness and despair. They are blessed with inner peace and calm, knowing the eternal nature of this plan.  LIGHT - this is where I want to be!

The Beach - a memory

2004. Miss Hannah was so carefree and enjoyed the water at her first day at the beach.

Can we go to the beach? Sometimes I miss Florida. Like when I want to go to the beach and sit and read and listen to the waves crashing ashore. Realistically though - now I would be fussing with 4 tots who would be sad about the sand in their eyes. But still... the beach is a unique, cool place.

I love the *LIGHT* in this photo of Hannah. The color of the ocean.  Her shadow.  The delight.

Basking in the sun
I am not wet
But I am soaked to the bone
With happiness
As the colors of serenity
Weave through my skin.
Loftily I sing a song of praise
As the contentment that was once mine
Is spread to those around me.
Audrey K. Carlson, “Sunlight,” NewEra, May 2009, 49

the gift of *LIGHT*

Needing some encouragement today. It's the first real day of summer break and after all... it takes us all a little time to get used to a new groove. And though I love the rain today, my quiet time needs some LIGHT.

"Every person born into the world is given the gift of light - the Spirit of Christ." (see Moroni 7:16) Sherrie Johnson

Sunshine and happy children... a perfect combination!

I love the gentle LIGHT coming in from the window. Also love the idea to make kid's scanned artwork into a huge framed poster. Creativity is full of LIGHT.

Love these INSPIRING words in this definition:

Dew and LIGHT ... perfect quiet still morning.

I want some happy birds such as these on my wall. 

A bright window, red floral curtains, and happy flowers... Love that!

Mild LIGHT of stillness.  The sound of waves coming ashore.
The smell of salt and sun.  Time... quiet.  A coastal breeze. sigh ... relax ... breathe...

The LIGHT Divine

Hymn 305

The LIGHT of God rests on the face

Of brook and flow’r and tree

And kindles in our happy hearts

The HOPE of things to be.

Father, let thy LIGHT divine

Shine on us, we pray.

Touch our eyes that we may see;

Teach us to obey.

Ours the sacred mission is

To bear thy message far.

The LIGHT of faith is in our hearts,

Truth our guiding star.

The LIGHT of faith abides within

The heart of ev’ry child;

Like buds that wait for blossoming,

It grows with radiance mild.

Today thine unseen purposes

By faith’s rare LIGHT we feel.

Dear Father, make us pure in heart;

To us thy will reveal.

Text: Matilda Watts Cahoon

(i wish i had the links for the photos, but I just randomly saved them... mostly from flickr)

morning *LIGHT*

My FOCUS for 2010 is LIGHT. I've been gathering photos of things, people, places that are full of light. Some mornings I need some extra LIGHT in my life so I'm sharing these today.

Jimmy is heading out of town for the week and I need to SURROUND myself with LIGHT so I can survive single mothering. We all need LIGHT, don't we?!

In these photos I notice how the light 'makes better... or brighter' each setting. Isn't that just how the LIGHT of Christ is in our lives... makes us a little better... or brighter.

"The Light of Christ is the divine energy, power, or influence that proceeds from God through Christ and gives life and light to all things. The Light of Christ influences people for good and prepares them to receive the Holy Ghost." (Gospel Topics - Light)

I am so blessed to have LIGHT in my life. “My cup runneth over.” (Ps. 23:5)

"Bring up your children in LIGHT and truth." D&C 93:40

"Parents must bring LIGHT and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time."(L. Tom Perry, Ensign, May 2010)

Doesn't this quiet porch setting seem like a good teaching place? ... to read or sing to little ones. Peace ... LIGHT.

"Walk in the LIGHT of the Lord." 2 Nephi 12:5

"Whatsoever is LIGHT, is good." Alma 32: 35

A light exists in spring

Not present on the year

At any other period.

When March is scarcely here

A color stands abroad

On solitary hills

That science cannot overtake,

But human nature feels.

It waits upon the lawn;

It shows the furthest tree

Upon the furthest slope we know;

It almost speaks to me.

Then, as horizons step,

Or noons report away,

Without the formula of sound,

It passes, and we stay:

A quality of loss

Affecting our content,

As trade had suddenly encroached

Upon a sacrament.

Emily Dickinson

2010 - One Little Word

The word I want to focus on this year is LIGHT.

See the Light (be positive with self and family and life)

Discover the Light (personal Scripture Study and Spiritual uplift)

Share the Light (help set the mood in our home so the Holy Ghost can dwell here ... teach my children about the LIGHT of the Gospel of Christ)

Celebrate the light (enjoy simple moments and glimpses of eternity)

Enjoy the sunLIGHT (get outside to exercise and enjoy outside family adventures)

Be a LIGHT (serve happily especially at home)

I'm lovin' this word for me this year. I need it! I need to be positive. I need to find energy in good things (if that makes any sense).

In the past 10 days I've tried to focus on LIGHT and being positive ~ and man ~ it's hard. I've decided sleep really helps me see the LIGHT. Please send some good restful sleep!

I see glimpses ... good things... happy things ... light in eyes ... happy hearts ... I just need to REALLY SEEK IT.

Some resources I love about ONE LITTLE WORD:

Ali Edwards - the scrapbooker gal I originally got the idea from last year.

Word-of-the-Year Discovery Tool Worksheet: Great little 'Action' activity to get you thinking about why you picked your one little word.

Sherrie Johnson's post about why she loves picking one word instead of making resolutions. I love this especially:

New beginnings don’t have to be measured in years. At one point in Paul’s teachings, he tells the Corinthians, “Though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). In other words, our bodies might be growing older and becoming weaker, but our inward being, our spirits, are renewed daily through Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.

That is one reason I like having a word for the year instead of goal resolutions. My word is not something that is kept or broken like a goal; it just floats with me in whatever I am doing. If I am cleaning house, I’m thinking rejuvenate—do it better than ever before. If I am studying, I’m thinking rejuvenate my studies—have more enthusiasm and excitement in my study. If I am with an old friend, I’m thinking rejuvenate my friendship—don’t take friendship for granted but cherish it. Instead of feeling like something extra to do, my word resolution enhances and invigorates everything I am already doing. In this way I help the natural process of letting the Spirit renew me day by day by day without getting discouraged or being tempted to give up. I love it! (Sherrie Johnson)

Did any of you pick a word this year? What did you go with?