HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2009

Thursday, January 1, 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2009. I began the new year as I usually do by staying away from the crowds and going to bed early. In return I woke up early this morning, with NO hangover, and I am ready to get the NEW YEAR off to a good start. I have a huge list of things to accomplish today, but mostly I am focusing on ALL the many blessings I have. I won't take the time to list them all here, but I spent a long time last night just thinking of what I have and THANKING my Father in Heaven.
I know that our country is having a difficult time right now, but I am kind of excited that it is happening. I pray that it will get the great people of our nation (which means "US") to cut back on all of our material 'wants' and things that we think we 'need' and get back to the basics.
I have been reflecting on the Christmas gifts that my 4 daughters-in-law gave me. Maybe my sons had some input on them too, but they were gifts of love and they 'KNEW' what I like and what I value. Larkyn gave me a gift card to Deseret Book, I have had quite a long list of books and music that I would love to have to help me stay more spiritually focused. Tawnie gave me the book "Reflections of Christ" and I have already ready it a couple of times. I keep it on my nightstand next to my bed, and it is a constant reminder of where my thoughts need to be. Aspen knows that I am 'storage' nut and she gave me a box of garden seeds that can be kept in storage. As I was reviewing my storage needs the past month or so, I had decided that garden seeds were to be my next preparation. How did she know? Mindy gave me a basked full of canned food along with a few goodies. Every gift so practical, yet so full of love.
Again, we all need to continue to get back to basics, back to love and appreciation and knowing that nothing in this world can beat having a great family.