What Matters Most?

The Las Vegas Temple--where John and I were sealed for time and all eternity


Today I went visiting teaching with my awesome friend, Stephanie. The thing that I love so much about these monthly visits is that I always learn something from those that I visit.

I was so impressed with the first woman we visited. Although I have visited with her many times before, she said some things that I really needed to hear. I truly believe that some of the questions that can be stewing around in our minds, are answered by those around us. She sets very small and attainable fitness goals. She is a diabetic and has to be very careful about what she eats, but she doesn't let it control her. She's very dedicated to simple exercise, too.

Another thing that was so impressive is that she has made the decision to get on the computer only 1 time per week. She used to spend 1-2 hours per day on the computer and realized that she needed to use some self-discipline and reduce that. ALOT! She gets on every Friday. That's it!

The second woman we visited is an older woman. This month's message was on the importance of staying temple worthy and having a recommend, even if you are unable to attend the temple. She told of a dream she had many years ago after her husband had passed away and she was left to raise 8 children on her own.

She was standing by a river and a boat, like those in Italy that are pushed along with a pole, came by. In it was her husband and two other men. They asked her to come with them, but she needed to get her recommend. She didn't have it with her, so she asked one of her daughters to run up to the house and get it for her. They told her they couldn't wait, and they left her there. She woke up in tears.

Now, you may be thinking that the moral of this dream for her was to always carry her recommend with her. But she felt impressed that she was to always keep her recommend current. We've been counseled to do that very thing by the leaders of our church. John and I are now at a point that we CAN get our recommends renewed. I am planning to make an appointment with the Bishop ASAP and get the ball rolling. I know that attending the temple would truly be a help for John and I at this time. The temple brings such peace and perspective. I love how I can leave the world outside and take time to ponder and pray and reflect on what is truly important.

So, I got to thinking, what matters most? Does how I spend my time truly reflect what is most important to me? Or am I all talk? I've decided to take a true inventory of what I BELIEVE to be most important to me and then compare that with how I spend my time. I feel this huge need to take a close look at my life. I can see that I have been very busy, but busy doing a lot of things that just don't matter.

Because of this, I've set a goal, as my friend has, to only get on the computer 1 time per week. It may be hard at first, but I can see how beneficial it will be for me in the long run.

Second, I've decided to simplify my weight-loss, or rather, fitness goal. I have decided to simply 1) stop eating after dinner and 2) walk every day.

And third, I am going to get my temple recommend renewed.

I have a lot more thinking and examining to do, but this is my start! Have a great week!

A Simple Day #1

Today I spent over an hour on the porch with Lincoln while it rained. I talked to him, sang to him and watched him go up and down; up and down; up and down the stairs leading to the porch.

I loaded up 7 boxes into the Suburban that I will take to the DI tomorrow.

I limited my time on the internet to 30 minutes + however long it takes for me to get this blog post done.

I've decided not to color my hair anymore. But I give myself the right to change my mind if I just can't stand it. : )

I didn't make a single phone call or send a single text.

I took a little nap instead of drinking diet Coke.

Good night!

Simplicity

I am currently reading a book entitled, "You Can Never Get Enough Of What You Don't Need: The Quest For Contentment" by Mary Ellen Edmunds. It has been a very thought-provoking and eye-opening experience for me.

Having our yard sale was just one tiny step towards simplifying my life. As I began reading this book, I realized that there are a lot of things and activities that I need to eliminate. I've also been looking up "simplifying" and "minimalism" on the internet and I can see that I am on the brink of a whole lot of change.

For example, both the book and the things I've read on the internet point out that having one of something is enough. Having two or more is luxury. As I think about the things I have 2 or more of, I would have to agree. It really comes down to a paradigm shift. What do I really need? What is really important to me? What things do I do that bring me satisfaction and happiness? Have I done any good today?

I've realized that as I ask my self these questions and others that M.E.E. asks in her book, that I am not living my life in a meaningful way. I have become so bombarded with things, and stuff, and lists of stuff to do, that I don't have time for, or don't get to the things that matter most. It is truly a shame.

So, now that the yard sale is over, I am taking loads of the leftovers to the DI (similar to The Goodwill). I did put one thing up for sale on KSL classifieds that I think I'll be able to sell, but at this point, I'm donating!! I know that there is much more that I can donate. I want the clutter gone! I want to clean less and have more fun with my kids.

I also have realized how much time I waste. I spend way too much time each day on the internet. I check email, I check my family website, I check out my friends' blogs, I balance our checkbook, etc. Now, there is nothing wrong with these things, but I do see the need to set myself a time limit, otherwise I end up looking something up on google and getting sidetracked for a bit and then looking up another thing and getting sidetracked some more. It is so wasteful.

I also realize that I spend a lot of time wishing. I wish I were thinner. So then I spend money on a weight loss magazine in order to get some motivation. But really, all it does is cost me nearly $4, persuade me to buy A,B, or C in order to slim down, and makes me feel bad about myself-that somehow I'm not lovable or good enough in my plus sized clothes. I also wish our money situation would improve IMMEDIATELY, so I distract myself with those things that don't help AT ALL!! Such as...

Maybe I decide I need chocolate because I'm stressed about money (so I spend money buying chocolate). Or I think the latest finance book will solve my troubles (so I end up with my nose in a book). Nothing against reading. I love to read. But really, what I need to be doing is making home cooked meals and homemade snacks, or clipping coupons, or working in our garden, or just enjoying what we already have. I need to be doing a lot more DOING.

It seems like I always believe that there is a quick answer in a book or a magazine somewhere. I'm always searching or writing lists or thinking instead of ACTING. Of course, a lot of help can come from a book-the scriptures. But of course, I don't seem to use that resource as much as I should.

So I am officially beginning my journey of simplifying my life and DOING those things that matter to me. Enough wishing and list making. Enough goal making about how much weight I'll lose by next summer. Each day I will make an effort to simplify by: 1)setting something aside that needs to be donated or 2) giving something to someone I know who might need it more than I or 3) de-junking a drawer or 4) staying unplugged (from tv, internet, the phone, the radio) 5) Being more purposeful and intentional in my choices--doing everything with purpose. Take time and not rush through the day. Stop to enjoy my surroundings.

I will try to record what I do as I chug through this new territory. I will also put quotes on my blog from M.E.E.'s book. She is a great woman and author and I highly recommend this book written by her, as well as several others that she has written.

P.S. Did you notice? I made a list in this blog!! Habits die hard. : )

The Count Down Begins

Eight days left until school starts. I'm happy and sad about it. This week will be a hustle and bustle of final preparation for school. Mark will be in 11th, Savannah in 8th, Wynter in 4th, Hunter in 2nd and Micah in Kindergarten. I hope it's a great school year!

This year I want to stay on top of the kids to stay on top of their homework. That was a bit of a problem last year. I will also be keeping track of their grades, etc. on the Nebo website. I also have a goal to walk my 3 youngest to school (Hunter and Wynter in the am and Micah in the afternoon for pm kindergarten) as well as walk to pick them up. That would be 3 round trips daily to the school for a total of 45 minutes of walking.

I've got 5 kids in 3 different schools. Uggg. It can be daunting to keep track of everything and everyone, but I am going to put phone numbers for the schools, teachers names and school times on one sheet of paper that I put in the kitchen. All three schools begin and end at different times!

Everyone is excited to get back to school except for Mark. I will miss them all being home, but I look forward to having a more predictable schedule and having a little peace and quiet each day (except that Lincoln isn't the quietest child, but he still takes naps).

Here's to a great school year...2010/2011!