Let's start with the Good Stuff! Some pictures to lighten up your day!
Here we are at a Saturday service project in the park. We're really working hard!
HALLOWEEN: Analia is Ariel--the " 'il'l mermay dress" was a hit! She even sang the song--ahh ahh ahh...
What else could Maya be, but an Angel?
Off to the beach...kinda different from FL! But SOOO beautiful.
Hello my faithful readers--I'm finally having a few moments of quiet on this Sunday afternoon...I do get moments of quiet every day, but I'm usually doing other things--reading scriptures or sleeping or cleaning with toxic cleaners--but today I thought I'd post a few things that have been going on in my life.
First off, Mike and I decided that we need to infuse our diets with vegges and fruit and, WOW, what a difference it is making in how we feel and sleep and exercise...I've started my own Nutrition 101 course and have decided to veer away from trans-fats, hydrogenated oils, sugars, and pesticides. Up until lately, I kinda thought that I was 'above' all of the healthy stuff--like "I don't need to spend a buck fifty more on organic something or other because I exercise everyday and eat pretty well..." Until I found out that even big exercisers need to have 'clean' and healthy food to live well and continue in an active lifestyle. I learned that as early as age 7, kids are showing signs of hardened arteries!! Is that insane?! 7?! I was shocked and really felt like I need to help Analia make good food choices--and it starts with what we have in the house. So I bought the all natural peanut butter (a daily staple around here), Soy milk, organic vegges and fruits (not much selection here on Guam--everything is shipped and is not in fantastic shape), and organic yogurt (so yummy!). That is just a start--baby steps.
The next thing is that I've been studying my scriptures (almost) everyday--and I'll give another big WOW for that, because I feel so much more love in my life...I'm nicer to my kids (most of the time) and to Mike, I feel happier, and find myself wanting to laugh more. It really was a decision that I made--when I found myself getting mad for wasting time napping when I didn't absolutely have to, or reading dumb emails, or any other thing that is not productive--and then I would feel crappy and grumpy. It was almost becoming habitual. Then I just decided that I want to be a happy, spiritual person again--and poof--I made the tweaks to my day and felt so much better. It's nice how the commandments and guidelines of the church are really for our own benefit and growth--which in turn benefits those around us. And can I send out a shout for this past General Conference?! Fantastic. What I learned from conference (thanks AD!):
- L. Tom Perry: 4 things needed to survive: food, clothes, shelter, fuel (from Thoreau)--he expounds: FOOD: care for body and nourish spirit; CLOTHING: dress modestly and have a clean appearance; SHELTER: do not live beyond our means; and FUEL: build up our spiritual fuel by strengthening our testimonies. I love references to literature!
- Dieter F. Uctdorf: Faith--Hope--Charity all build each other. Put my faith and hope into action.
- Joseph B. Wirthlin: "Come what may and love it." How do I approach adversity? He advises me to: laugh, seek for the eternal, understand the principle of compensation, and trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
- Jeffery R. Holland: God sends his Angels to comfort, guide, and warn. I must try to see the love of God manifested in people. D&C 84:88 "mine angels round about you to bear you up."
- Lawrence E. Corbridge: The highest standard is achievable because it is God's endeavor, not a human endeavor. It's achievable by everyone. He makes us able.
- David A. Bednar: I should counsel with the Lord in all my doings--morning and evening prayers are linked together to spiritually create our day. Try giving a GRATITUDE prayer every once in a while--just say thanks for everything you can think of, and don't ask for anything. And pray for others with sincerity...I will receive strength, comfort, revelation, and guidance.
- Henry B. Eyering: Speak well of each other--be generous, because that is what the Lord will do for us.
- Pres. Thomas S. Monson: Find JOY IN THE JOURNEY, NOW. Appreciate life. Make the most of today. Change will come, so be loving and kind. Relish life as we live it. Gratitude is one of the noblest virtues. Follow the life of Christ.
I've been so uplifted and spiritually strengthened from this conference (and the General Relief Society Broadcast too--Elder Uctdorf spoke to my heart.) I can't wait for the magazine to get here!
And finally--we just had an earthquake!! Yes, literally just now. My hands are totally shaking--just like all of the pictures on the wall. It started sounding like a low grumble then everything started shaking, books falling over and the pictures slanting on the wall...and the grumbling sound just got louder and stayed for about 10 seconds, then slowly stopped...wow. Really kinda scary. It makes me think about perspective--not about fighting over politics (which I've learned my lesson--just don't bring it up, with ANY ONE, PERIOD), or worrying about what people think--it's about loving and staying close to my family, and those I care about. And well, right now I don't really know--I'm shaken up, literally.
I love you all and miss you. Until next time---Kisses from GU.
8 comments:
Those are awesome thoughts and changes Nellie! I need to be more like you! =o) I've noticed I need to start doing more of those things as well...I think you have just motivated me to get it done!
holy cow....earthquake?!?!? I didn't know ya'll had those there!! oh man! hang in there.
you're all in our prayers! =o)
Sounds like you're living the way we are guided to live. It's a tough climb but worth it. You look great and your girls are seriously adorable! It's ridiculous. Keep the faith and be strong. You can do it.
What branch of the military is your husband in? Keep us posted on when and where he's deploying. It's tough but you can do that too. I'm here for you if you need another military wife to commiserate with. Good luck!
you guys are too cute. You gotta love politics. Someone always gets upset. I just say, I'm glad people have opinions and fight for what they believe in. There's nothing wrong with that! Hope the earthquakes are few and far between.
Good job Nellie, you're a good example. We've been reading together as a family every day since I've been back and it makes a big difference. We've also been doing a lot better with family prayer both morning and night after Elder Bednar's talk.
Hey Nellie! I LOVE seeing your posts! I miss you and your adorable family so much! Guam looks beautiful, you and the girls looke beautiful. I love your insights and thoughts and you inspire me so much. Thank you :)
Scary on the EARTHQUAKE! Is that common over there? I sure hope not. I wish you the best!
Miss you!
Teryn
Ok, you have inspired me to make some of the same changes. Honestly. The scriptures should take precedence over my other activities that often leave me feeling like I've wasted time. Thank you!
Seems like you have inspired quite a few people so far, me included. Keep those posts coming with what you learn. Thanks Nellie!
After girls camp this year I came away with a real desire to know the scrpiture stories, and to honestly study them daily. The feeling of peace and perspective that has given me just testifies to me again that this is the way to live!
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