I love those moments…

I know it's Father's Day, happy Father's Day dad!!! Love you, but this is what came to mind today!

You know those little moments when something you hear, or something you smell or see brings back memories?  That happened this morning! I love that, well, especially when they are good memories.

This morning I was walking out to feed our chickens and the sweet smell of the air, the height of the sun in the sky, the temperature, reminded me of when I was about 13 and would ride my bike to swimming lessons in June.

I remember it being SO cold and not wanting to get in the water.  I would even wear a sweatshirt when I was riding over in the morning.  I remember complaining in my head at first about having to ride my bike because it was SO far and cold (It wasn't).  But I also remember enjoying the quiet.  I didn't realize then how much I needed that solitude, and quiet.

I realize that I need that quiet stillness so much more now.  Maybe it's the chaos of my crazy life of homeschooling 4 kids, and church, and yard work, and the list goes on and on that make that need so apparent (and yes 2 of those children were just trying to kill each other as I was writing this.  Isn't it ironic, don't you think?).  I think that time for reflection is so crucial.

About 5 years ago we moved 45 minutes out of town onto 8 acres of land.  At first it was a very difficult adjustment.  I missed the grocery store being around the corner, well 3 grocery stores.   I missed close friends that understandably weren't willing to make the long trek to come see us.  I missed the activities my kids would only be able to fully participate in if we lived in closer proximity.  There were and sometimes still are days I hate the drive, but as with everything there are positives and negatives.

There are days when I love the drive because it gives me time to contemplate, and pray.  Every day I love to be able to see the sunrise and watch the sunset and bask in the glory of all that God has created.  It's quiet where I live (unless my kids are trying to kill each other).  I can go outside, and find stillness.  I can find peace when I need it most.  Now I crave the peace and serenity that I find only on our 8 acres.  I love that I can go out on a beautiful spring morning and have that same quiet happiness that I had while riding my bike to swimming lessons as a kid!! It's wonderful!  go find some peace today

An excerpt from President Nelson’s address to women during General Conference:
“President Packer declared, ’we need women who are organized and women who can organize, we need women with executive ability who can plan and direct and administer, women who can teach, women who can speak out. We need women with the gift of discernment who can view the trends in the world and can detect those, that however popular, are shallow or dangerous’ Today, let me add, that we need women who know how to make important things happen by their faith and who are courageous defenders of morality and families in a sin‐sick world. We need women who are devoted to shepherding God’s children along the covenant path toward exaltation, women who know how to receive personal revelation, who understand the power and peace of the temple endowment, women who know how to call upon the powers of heaven to protect and strengthen children and families, women who teach fearlessly. Throughout my life, I’ve been blessed by such women.

Having recently graduated with my Master’s degree in Speech‐Language Pathology, I am stepping into a new career with a steep learning curve. I see clients and their parents who depend on me to give them educated advice, answers to questions, and effective treatment for speech and language disorders. I constantly battle imposter syndrome, where I have much difficulty in shaking the continuous companion of feeling incompetent. This undesired companion also invites its comrades of fear and anxiety. Daily, almost in a feeling of panic, I plead in prayer for strength, discernment and clarity of mind as I commute to work. I begin to wonder if being “the professional” will ever become more comfortable or if I should seek another form of employment. Despite these intense and very real and discouraging feelings, I have also felt recently that I must discover and develop my talents. While listening to President Nelson speak, I immediately knew that the discomfort I am experiencing in my new career is an opportunity for me to develop many talents that will be useful as a clinician, and also as a servant of the Lord. Difficulties are always time for growth.
I must learn better organizational skills, better delegation to an aide, better teaching skills, more confidence in speaking to parents and caregivers, discernment of my clients’ needs, and how to strengthen and support children’s development. I caught a glimpse of my potential as I develop these skills through this scary and uncomfortable experience of being a new clinician.

While hearing President Nelson’s words, I felt comforted, and strength to carry on. I felt more purpose to the difficulties I’m currently experiencing than becoming effective in just my career, but rather, I am also developing skills that will be useful in all aspects of my life. I must remember that I was led and directed to gain this education and to choose this career. Heavenly Father is there and through Christ, I can overcome the negative feelings that currently beset me. He sees potential in me and all of us. He knows our capabilities, and He gently guides us and supports us during difficult times of growth. He wants us to succeed. He loves us. We are His children, and we have the power within us, thanks to Christ, to become like Him. Just keep moving forward! For those who follow God’s counsel and commandments, there are good things to come!