Continued Counting

Last Sunday on the Internet, I heard The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square sing, “... you will fall asleep counting your blessings instead of sheep.”  This morning I continued counting, as my companion Kay & I are very blessed.

Leading our Colonial Court family home evening last Monday, I asked our neighbors, “What can you be grateful for this Thanksgiving? What are you writing in your gratitude journal this week that may be shared?”  I read in iPhone Notes, “... two of many positive constants in my life — the sun rises every morning, and the temple is always there [across the street], helping me come closer to the Savior. I am thankful for our Heavenly Father’s love for His children.”

This morning I added to Gratitude Journal:

“Thanksgiving Day 2019, Herriman Utah

Good road conditions despite huge snowfall; safe travel both ways — I was protected. Our son Spencer, daughter Katie, and their spouses provided a marvelous, traditional feast and get-together.  ...  I’m grateful for my forever family — parents, wife Kay, and our posterity.”

There is so much I could add here, but this blog keeps it short.  A parting question: Do you count sheep to fall asleep?

Liking/Loving Ideas

Heard repeated on a TV series with twin brothers who remodel homes: “I like the idea ...” and “I love the idea ...”  I catch it in passing through common areas of our Colonial Court Apartments — amazing results of contemporary ideas about “the good life”.  (That may apply to our CC, in my opinion, as well as to the popular series.)

The phrase fits the secular program, but also makes me wonder if it would roll off the tongue as easily with more important discussion, such as protecting religious freedom or helping the homeless.  For example, I like the idea of living a simple life, and I love the idea of strong families praying together and enjoying daily conversation at the dinner table.

What ideas do you like and love?

Hotel Nauvoo for family dinner, 19 July 2016

Heaven to Me

Yesterday and today with family and friends, I celebrated the first twelve months in my new home at Colonial Court Apartments.  As previous, it is like heaven to me, here in Ogden, Utah.  For my “holiday open house”, food served in our front social room and small-group tours enjoyed in my studio apartment went simply as planned (and inspired by my party-expert wife Kay).

I’m surrounded by people who love people and are some of the luckiest in the world.  (Am I recalling Barbra’s song?)  Many of my older neighbors look out for each other on a daily basis.  Some are ministering sisters and brothers as directed by inspired leaders in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  They and others are led by the Spirit with pure love for those in need; (aren’t we all in need?)

Living within easy walking distance of everything I need ... is heaven to me.  Across the street are the temple and the FamilySearch Center, reminding me that families can be forever, and my companion in Heaven is not far away.  Continuing our work on both sides brings us joy, and hopefully brings others closer to the Savior, whose life is the perfect example of everlasting love.

Far From Fatigue

My mind plays tricks when tired — a frequent occurrence in my senior condition.  At work (typically in my apartment “office” or away for WiFi) it thinks siesta as my sweet solution prescribed by doctors.  At play, it goes for more fun and games (no home TV yet, but likely next month).  How do your parents or grandparents respond to fatigue?  (“extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness.”  — New Oxford American)

Memories of Cannon Beach with my wife Kay, for example, carry me far from fatigue, and make me feel young again.  Anticipating my return to winter skiing, which brings back memories of winter quarter at the University of Utah, gives me a familiar burst of energy.  And good music does it to me.  With Colonial Court stairs to run, I forget fatigue and go far to the top in two-step increments (an old habit from work in the ‘80s that’s hard to break).  Serving others uplifts me as well.  Resting in common areas to visit with friendly neighbors is spiritually energizing.  I’m lovin’ life here.

With some healthy fast food, it’s a mind game I can use to “travel” with my sweetheart Kay, get my jobs done, enjoy life, and feel grateful to God for taking me far from fatigue.  Write your own prescription, and live ... with love

Gratitude Photo Journal Too

An early start for a Thanksgiving post allows time to collect a few pictures (each “worth a thousand words”) before our family feast.  As in my 2015 set, I hope my gratitude is evident without many words.  Let our photos speak for themselves.  I feel sure my sweetheart Kay is forever grateful, and I thank Heavenly Father for all of my blessings.

Halfway There

One day last month, I noted, “Approaching noon, and  I’m halfway ready for the day.  What is wrong with that?”  I thought, “Some folks at age 50 are halfway between birth and death.  Only God knows, as He sees the end from the beginning.”

This morning I see a connection.  Is it ever good enough to be halfway ready for the final day — your time to pass on to a better place?  I was not ready at age 50, but I’ve made progress since then.  With me for over 48 years so far, my forever companion Kay continues to influence me for good ... with love