March 19, 2012

Spring has sprung me right into countdown mode. With the bulk of the school year behind me, I can finally see through the fog. But I’m completely stuck in my tracks. What to do this summer? Ah, some of you might say; “sit by the pool, get a tan.” yeah right, with this skin coloring?  L While others may say; “take a trip” Ah, gas prices are going up, up, up! L Still, others may say, “catch up on your reading, relax.” Obviously they don’t know me, relax? huh? L My co-workers might say; “go to a conference, earn some credits, you may get to move you up on the payscale.” If I have a job next year, that might work. L Okay, yes, I’m a little grumpy thinking about the summer.  It’s probably just the hum drum routine of it all. I run at full speed during the school year and then shriek to a stop on May 25^th. But don’t worry. Until May 25^th I have plenty to keep me busy. Teach school, work on my book(s), write that song, and maybe a couple more, oh yeah, compete in a triathlon (bike and run), and lose 5 more lbs. Oh, and there’s the kids and grandkids squeezed in there, church assignments, and let’s not forget my sweet husband J.  Hmmm. What a tough life I have? I get to decide how to spend those precious eight weeks, that are only nine weeks away J.

I’m sure I’ll figure it out. J St. George, Utah March 2012

HOPE Changes HEARTS

February was a spiritually enlightening month for me and I feel that my heart has changed because of the experiences I had during that month. My dear sister Barbara passed on January 30^th. I will miss her!  We were kindred spirits in our beliefs and feelings concerning the importance of the gospel in our lives. We shared many conversations about the importance of making choices based on our spiritual commitment to Christ. My sister exemplified many Christ like traits through her service. Many lives were touched and changed, yes; she was a missionary of hope. Her courageous attitude towards her chronic illness and then cancer and final few days after a stroke was a testimony to me and those whom she loved to hold on, to have hope and to move forward in faith. I feel so blessed to have been her sister. I struggled during the days after her passing and could only visualize her in this life. I prayed for the Holy Ghost to bestow comfort to my grieving heart and to give me a picture of her in a happy state.  Shortly thereafter, I saw her dressed in white skipping with arms hooked in a row of women. Her long red curls bounced on her shoulders, her face shone and her body restored to perfect health as she sang praises to God.  My hope was renewed in the gospel plan, that I would see her again someday and sing with her too. My hope comforted me and I knew then that she was in a better place and I could let her go.

The week after the funeral I ran a 10k and made it all the way to the finish line without stopping. Something I haven’t done before.  I was able to hold my composure until the last quarter mile when the tears brimmed in my eyes. I deep breathed as I kept going until the finish line. My hope was tested because I had to have faith that I would be able to even run that day. Afterwards my hope was strengthened because I had met the challenge with success.

The next week was the big 100^th Arizona birthday celebration. I helped organize and produce a huge celebration at my ‘school’ including a music program and day long activities for the students. My hope was strengthened because of the kindness of my co-workers who knew that I was grieving. Their considerateness and kindness to me during that week boosted my spirits as we pulled all of the details together to make the program and classes a success.  

And then, believe it or not, I had the opportunity to teach at my first conference.  I attended the ANWA annual writer’s conference in Mesa, AZ and taught two classes on ‘Songwriting’.  I shared many of my songs, discussed how to get started and at the end shared a new song written especially for Barbara, entitled, “Life is Forever”.  My hope in my talents and my ability to share the spirit through them was greatly magnified.

Yes, it was hard. Yes, I’m tired. Yes, hope changed my heart. 

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all of you still reading my blog.  I haven't kept this one up very well-but plan on doing better in 2012.  Now isn't that a trite statement?  I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks that they will work out harder, eat healthier, be more nice, be more diligent, be more...everything!  But it's true, I'm a dreamer and I will always keep trying to be better.  I have grand plans this year. How about you?
I am going to play the violin again!  Yep, since my singing voice is unreliable, I thought I would give a couple of instruments a try.  Right now I'm going to pick the violin back up and hopefully this summer add the flute.  I'm very excited about learning a new instrument and hope to find some success.
My year started out wonderfully, one of the best holidays ever.  I had all of my family together for this Christmas.  The first time in a couple of years.  My own children, my parents and my mother in law were all here for the holidays.  I feel at peace...Omedoto!