Smith Family Ice Cream Scoop: Stuff and Stuff

Friday, May 28, 2010

Stuff and Stuff

The last day of school... that certainly went by fast. I think I just got whiplash watching that year go by. I'm actually kind of sort of looking forward to this summer. If I can keep them fed, we'll all be great.

I'm really really grateful for my family and friends who love me. Sometimes when I think I'm pretty darn unloveable, someone says something so sweet to me, or does something so nice for me, that I think I can't be all that bad.

And this guy? He's the best of them all. He knows every fault of mine, yet he still adores me. I love him with all of my heart.

There's a place I photograph sessions at sometimes, and I took the owners some bread the other day. She invited me into her lovely house, gave me a complete tour, and inspired me so much. I want to be that gracious. I'm going to work on it.

Along with the million other things that I need to work on. Thank goodness I have a lifetime.

5 comments:

Brenda said...: Pretty pictures! I like them a lot. Except for the one of Brandon. He's not pretty. That's a manly picture.; 9:49 AM
Charlotte said...: Gorgeous photos, once again. You never cease to amaze me with them...

Happy end of the school year!; 9:51 AM
The Wisers said...: Love it all!!!!; 10:11 AM
Josh and Kristen said...: You are so sweet and talented. I have told you this before, but I really admire you.; 10:38 AM
Anonymous said...: oh was that guy in the hat Brandon? i couldn't really see his face. perty nifty pictures tho; 10:00 PM

To Do Today

* Embrace this day with an enthusiastic welcome, no matter how it looks. The covenant with God to which you are true enables you to become enlightened by him, and nothing is impossible for you.
* When you are physically sick, tired, or in despair, steer your thoughts away from yourself and direct them, in gratitude and love, toward God.
* In your life there have to be challenges. They will either bring you closer to God and therefore make you stronger, or they can destroy you. But you make the decision of which road you take.
* First and foremost, you are a spirit child of God. If you neglect to feed your spirit, you will reap unhappiness. Don't permit anything to detract you from this awareness.
* You cannot communicate with God unless you have first sacrificed your self-oriented natural man and have brought yourself into the lower levels of meekness, to become acceptable for the Light of Christ.
* Put all frustrations, hurt feelings, and grumblings into the perspective of your eternal hope. Light will flow into your soul.
* Pause to ponder the suffering Christ felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the awareness of the depth of gratitude for him, you appreciate every opportunity to show your love for him by diligently serving in his Church.
* God knows that you are not perfect. As you suffer about your imperfections, he will give you comfort and suggestions of where to improve.
* God knows better than you what you need. He always attempts to speak to you. Listen, and follow the uncomfortable suggestions that he makes to us--everything will fall into its place.
* Avoid any fear like your worst enemy, but magnify your fear about the consequences of sin.
* When you cannot love someone, look into that person's eyes long enough to find the hidden rudiments of the child of God in him.
* Never judge anyone. When you accept this, you will be freed. In the case of your own children or subordinates, where you have the responsibility to judge, help them to become their own judges.
* If someone hurts you so much that your feelings seem to choke you, forgive and you will be free again.
* Avoid at all cost any pessimistic, negative, or criticizing thoughts. If you cannot cut them out, they will do you harm. On the road toward salvation, let questions arise but never doubts. If something is wrong, God will give you clarity but never doubts.
* Avoid rush and haste and uncontrolled words. Divine light develops in places of peace and quiet. Be aware of that as you enter places of worship.
* Be not so much concerned about what you do, but do what you do with all your heart, might, and strength. In thoroughness is satisfaction.
* You want to be good and to do good. That is commendable. But the greatest achievement that can be reached in our lives is to be under the complete influence of the Holy Ghost. Then he will teach us what is really good and necessary to do.
* The pain of sacrifice lasts only one moment. It is the fear of the pain of sacrifice that makes you hesitate to do it.
* Be grateful for every opportunity to serve. It helps you more than those you serve.
* And finally, when you are compelled to give up something or when things that are dear to you are withdrawn from you, know that this is your lesson to be learned right now. But know also that, as you are learning this lesson, God wants to give you something better.

from "Unleashing the Dormant Spirit by F. Enzio Busche