Just One Good Excuse!

(Stormy skies make for beautiful flowers!)

Wednesday was Relief Society. And since I'm long (well, a few years at least) out of the "Back-to-School" phase of life, I confess the theme just didn't leave me too thrilled.  So Tuesday after we crawled into bed, I rolled over and told Brent to just give me one good excuse, just one, and I would be more than happy to stay home Wednesday. He was trying to fall asleep, but he did open one eye and slobbered out something like "too busy."

I was ready to turn back and bury my head in my pillow when something else pops out of his mouth... "nothing there for you."

And then he was on a roll - you'd think he was sitting in a RSDOA (Relief Society Drop-Outs Anonymous) session: "It’s boring." "There’s nothing there for you," "You don’t feel like you belong", "Your time spent there will not be of any benefit," "It will not make you a better wife or mother…." (When did I forget I was talking to a former bishop?) He just kept going ... I got the hint.

Bottom line is I went, and the predictable happened. It was one of the best Relief Society nights I've ever been to. Isn't that always the case?! Even though I was late (had to wait for the hailstones to stop) I was spiritually and emotionally fed a feast that night.

Kathy, my sister-in-law, did an awesome presentation on emergency preparedness and I felt new motivation to get better prepared. Now, before I forget, I need to make a list and do something about it! Favorite quote: "When you're in the middle of a crisis, it's too late to prepare."

Holly Nielsen led the "PE" class on dieting (had to be better than the WW class I missed. Loved this quote: "Make sure your treats are really treats and not daily requirements."

Marsha College did "History" and has all her family history vitals in one book divided by tabs for each person - birth certificates, death certificates (glad we don't need that one yet), marriage licenses, pictures, family group sheets, etc. all for herself and her children. Important documents all in one spot that can be grabbed in an emergency. Great idea.

A lady by the name of Diana Boley (not from our ward) gave the math class on couponing (Do the math, ladies). I gave up on that ages ago when I realized I was throwing away time spent cutting out and filing coupons each time they ended up unused in the trash. Now I see what all the craze is about today. If I had computers back then that told me which mailer and what date to find the coupon to use on the sale ... Sorry, Stephanie, you may not get the coupons from me anymore. She said there is typically a sale on an item about four to six weeks after the coupon comes out. Who would have known?

The final class - seminary - was the very best. Cathy Dorton is an awesome lady. Her son lives in our ward, but I've known Cathy forever. And I have so much respect and love for her. She was asked to speak on gratitude. These are just a few of my favorite quotes from her:

"Devote every ounce of energy and every resource to helping your family have (the gospel in their lives - didn't write fast enough to catch the last, but I liked the word "Devote.")

"What are we serving our families? Leftovers?"

"We become what we have set our hearts upon." (Sherrie Dew)

"The Lord will judge us by:

The THINGS we do.

WHAT we say.

and

The WAY we LOVE."

"We are not down here to learn about astronomy, geology, etc.  though that is part of it, but we didn't have to come to earth to learn that.  We are placed on earth to learn to use our bodies, to be parents, and to learn how to become Gods."

"Think to Thank"

"Great people start by being Grateful people."

"It's more than a social courtesy  - it is a commandment."

Handout from Cathy Dorton

Well, I am grateful.

- Grateful for Relief Society leaders who listen to the Spirit and follow it.

- I'm grateful for so many wonderful people in my life - at every turn I have been blessed.

- I'm grateful for a husband who understands my needs and encourages me and supports me.  He hasn't always been that way.  I'm grateful for the chance we've been given to change and become better people.

- I'm grateful for you, those dear friends and relations who read my drabble and are a dear part of my life.  Thank you for the examples you set, the encouragement you give, and the strength you are to me and so many.

What are you grateful for?