Great Teachers Series-Marvin J. Ashton

I happened to run across a blog that listed the author's 12 talks that changed her life. It inspired me to compile a list of my own. I know that a talk is meant for me when it pricks my soul and creates the pain of guilt but then inspires me to be and do better. You know that reading inspiring work can be traumatic to the soul.  If not for the healing power of repentance and the Atonement, I would have to avoid reading inspiring talks because I am so full of imperfection that it would just be too brutalizing and I would just have to spend my day eating chocolate.

This talk pricked my soul many years ago. It was given by this sweet man, Marvin J. Ashton and was entitled, "The Tongue Can Be a Sharp Sword." This is a talk that I need to read often as a reminder of the kind of charity I want to possess and demonstrate. I am grateful this morning that I had this reminder. It is way too easy to forget.

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1992/05/the-tongue-can-be-a-sharp-sword?lang=eng&query=

Serve it up

A few days before I set my intention to have a fabulous August, I had announced to my kids not to expect me to cook for the entire month because I probably wouldn't feel like it due to my hate relationship with the month of August. I would be on strike and enjoying my depression.

How good it felt with my happy new mind set to set out this spread for a Saturday brunch prior to hitting the pool. I really believe that presentation is everything. Not only for those that get to enjoy the feast, but it became more rewarding for me to make it wonderfully beautiful and inviting. I'm hungry for it all over again just looking at the picture.

We also had such a blast swimming. I stayed in the pool almost the whole time swimming around and treading water and even diving off the board a few times. With my new determination to enjoy the heat of the summer, it is certainly a blessing to have a pool, and especially to have a new pool maintenance service owned by Gabe Garn and Matt Read. Before they started taking care of it and fixing some major problems this last week, it was green most of the time and only inviting to a couple of ducks who took it over. Thank you guys (Matt and Gabe, not the ducks)!

It is so fun to have my family gather. I know I am an engaging personality and all but I realize that if I had gone the whole month without providing some sort of nourishment, they wouldn't have been motivated to come. Of course, I would have then had more reason to continuing hating August. Life can be a vicious cycle in that way.

Great Teachers Series-Stephen R. Covey

I read The 7 Habits of High Effective People in 1991. I had just had my sixth and last baby. It changed my life. From then on I made a commitment to Sharpen the Saw every day by doing something that helps me feel my best physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. When I start the day exercising, reading scriptures, writing and especially reflecting on what I am learning and grateful for; then I have a better day. No more excuses; even when it isn't my favorite month. But really; especially so.

The First Day of a New Mind Set

I am a believer in just changing a mind set to change an experience.
What a fabulous day. So far, so good. Instead of running around sprinklers on my early morning run, I ran through them. I took a pilgrimage up to my birth place, Brigham City, and attended the temple taking the very last spot in the session; and then spent some time in the cemetery visiting my Dad's and my grandparents' graves. As I ran my hand over their names honoring them, I was overcome with emotional gratitude for all that they did for me.

I stopped at one of my favorite places to eat and had shrimp steak while reading a book authored by one of our girls from the young married ward we were privileged to serve in. Maddox was always the place our family would go when visiting relatives so it is a nostalgic place for me. I avoided the rolls and honey butter because I figure if I am going to have a fabulous month, I have to eat healthy. I keep wanting to believe that eating the sweet stuff is being good to myself, but it really doesn't have long term benefits. Dang it. I am looking forward to heaven because that has to be our reward, right?

Driving back home, it started to rain. Now talk about a tender mercy. I guess someone who plans the weather reads my blog. I won't bore you with more details of my day but suffice it to say, it was a good one from morning until night time.  If I set the intention; it will happen.