Strengthening the Family

In a world of turmoil and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to make our families the center of our lives and the top of our priorities. We need to make our homes a place of refuge from the storm, which is increasing in intensity all about us. Even if the smallest openings are left unattended, negative influences can penetrate the very walls of our homes

Each of us is in a different family situation. Some families have a mother and father with children at home. Some couples no longer have children at home. Many are single, and some are single parents. Others are widows or widowers living alone.  No matter what our family looks like, each of us can work to strengthen our own families or help in strengthening others.

We can start strengthening our families by bridging the distance.  I grew up in a home that was filled with love, laughter and lots noise.  Family dinners last for hours as we discussed our days, listened to jokes or whatever was bothering each other.  As each of us went our separate ways, we have been able to maintain close ties with each other.   We sent cards for no reason, other than to say, "I thought about you today".  We meet at least once a month, usually at mom and dad's house, to enjoy each others company.  We make sure that everyone in family knows that they are important and loved.  We let each other know that they are appreciated.

Are you proud of your family? Another indicator of a strong family is that members are proud to belong to the family. They are committed to each other and the family as a unit. Family members think of each other as friends with whom they can talk and have fun. They enjoy each other as individuals and like being together. They recognize that functioning together as a family is not always easy — there is conflict, things are not perfect — but they work at making family life more enjoyable and satisfying.

Strong families do not just happen. They are built over time from many little parts. Most of these are simple everyday occurrences, things we share with one another within our families.

Dancing in the Rain

Adversity will be a constant or occasional companion for each of us throughout our lives.  We cannot avoid it.  The only question is how we will react to it.  Will our adversities be stumbling blocks or stepping-stones?

When some people face adversity, they complain and become bitter. They ask questions like “Why does this have to happen to me? Why do I have to suffer this now? What have I done to deserve this?” But these questions have the power to dominate their thoughts. Such questions can overtake their vision, absorb their energy, and deprive them of the experiences. Rather than responding in this way, people should consider asking questions such as, “What am I to do? What am I to learn from this experience? What am I to change? Whom am I to help? How can I learn to dance in the rain?

As I thought about this and have reflected on my past, there has always been something to take my mind off of the blessings I have. Satan is good at that. We each have received blessings. We receive blessings of life everyday that we are alive. Yet too many times we look at the trouble that surrounds us, we look at our pains, we look at the clouds; and often say, “Here comes another storm.” We often want to run inside when the storm hits and bury ourselves. But, as I am reminded, we miss out on dancing in the rain. I can remember walking in a warm rain shower a few years ago.  It was fun and refreshing. The raindrops felt good. So what has changed from walking in that warm rain to the adversity that I am facing now? Why can’t I learn to dance in the rain?

Satan wants us to take our minds off the blessings and he wants to remind us of our circumstances. He enjoys us being miserable and wallowing in the troubles we have. Remember the Grouch on Sesame Street? He isn’t happy and he doesn’t want those around him to be happy. When others are happy around him, he is miserable. Satan is the same way. As long as I am focusing on my troubles, I am not praying, reading the scriptures or doing what God has called me to do.  As long as I am in this state, I can’t see the blessings God has given me or is giving me. I am so blessed. I have family and friends that are there to help me to move on. It’s time to dance in the rain.

There will always be something to take our focus off our blessings. There will be pains we didn’t expect , illnesses we weren’t counting on, bills that need to be paid, or a number of other things that weren’t planned. Today we sang a song in church that reminded me to count my many blessings, naming them one by one. Maybe we need to start naming our blessings.

I realized I can wallow in self pity or I can dance in the rain and enjoy each drop that falls around me. The storms will not pass, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy dancing in the rain. If there were no storms, I couldn’t dance in the rain.

Are you experiencing trouble? Is there illness you didn’t plan on or a bill you can’t pay or something keeping your focus from your blessings? Life is not about waiting for the sun to come out; it is about learning to dance in the rain! Let us all learn today to dance in the rain, and let’s enjoy those drops of blessings together.


I borrowed this prayer from another article.  There was not author so I cannot give them the credit.

Prayer:

"Thank you for the rain. Thank you for the raindrops that fall on me and refresh me. I love the sweet smell of rain after it has fallen. I love friends who often remind me it is time to move on. I love those people who care enough about me to share your word with me; those who take time from their busy lives to step into mine and let me know they care. You are an awesome God that brings people and simple things like rain and raindrops into our lives. Help me to always remember to dance in the rain and to watch for those raindrops called blessings. Amen"

Similarly, if we face up to our individual adversities or hardships, they can become a source of blessing. God will not give us adversities we cannot handle, and he will bless us richly for patiently doing the best we can in the circumstances.  “Whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day” (Alma 36:3).

Back to the house for a few days

My step-daughter has been taking care of our dog since we have been living up in the mountains.  We tried bringing Bella up to live with us but she did not like it at all.  She quit eating and barely would drink.  We made a trip down the mountain to bring her home.   She has been much happier.  Bella does not deal with change very well.  Anyway, the step-daughter texted me and asked if I would come down and watch the dogs for the weekend. She has a rat terrier.  She wanted to go camping with her sister.  It works out for me because my father's birthday is Tuesday and I would like to spend sometime with him.

Living up in a motor home has been interesting.  I didn't think I could do without all my stuff (scrapbooking, beading, quilt and crochet) but I found out that I really don't need material stuff to make me happy.  The other day I was sitting out under the awning watching the cotton fly off the poplar trees around us.  It was like watching a snow storm in July.   The cotton would dance around merrily as it covered the lawn, the motor home and everything else.  It was so relaxing to watch it fall.  Didn't help with allergies but I enjoyed it.   The other thing I enjoy watching is the birds.   We have had four nest of robins around us.   I was enjoyed watching them grow up.  With nature around us up there I have not missed my stuff.  My hubby is retired and he would like to go south for the winter, I have been dragging my feet because I didn't think I could live in a motor home and not be bored.  But this past few months, I have decided that I could do it.  I still have some of my beading stuff and do make jewelry but I don't need everything that I have.

I miss not being able to read the blogs and to be able to write.  I have learned something new from each and everyone of you.  I hope you are enjoying your summer.  I will be heading back up the mountain on Wednesday and I am ready to sit and watch the birds.

Update

Just stopping in for a few minutes.  I am living in the motor home until school starts.  Where we are staying does not have WIFI.  I didn't realize how much I relied on my computer.  I have been lost without it.  The first week without the computer was terrible.  I grumped around for days.  But as time has progressed I realized that there are better things to do and to look at then playing games on the computer.  I have played more golf, crocheted a bunch of stuff and read quite a few books.  I miss reading the blogs and seeing what everyone is doing but I will check in every once in awhile.  Hope everyone is having a fun summer and are safe.  See you next time I am near a computer. 

Going to be out of WIFI reach

We are moving the motor home to a new place for awhile.  I won't have internet service for a few weeks.  I am going to go through internet withdrawals.  It won't be pretty.  I get very ugly when I don't have my computer.  Hopefully the guys can get up there fast and hook us up.  Everyone have a peaceful memorial holiday.

We Want to Know Wednesday

We Want To Know Wednesday 5-25-11

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IMPULSIVE ADDICT MAMARAZZI JANETTE SERIOUSLY SHAWN

So it's Wednesday again time for another round of we want to know this weeks questions come from Shawn.


1.} What must you do before you go to bed at night?

Wash my face and brush my teeth. 



2.} What is one thing you must snack on at the theater?

 Popcorn.  I love theater popcorn.  All that butter and salt.  Fattening but so worth the calories.

3.} Before going on vacation what must you do?

Clean my house.  I can't leave things undone at home.


4.} What is one thing you must do every day?

Farm on my Farmtown.  I am so addicted to that game it is ridiculous.  


5.} Is there something you do that must be done in a particular order?

 The way I do laundry.   I have to wash whites first, then towels, then shirts, then jeans and then last is sheets.  If I do the wash out of order it just mess up my routine.

I would add pictures but when I do, for some reason beyond my control, my blog will not post.  Can't figure it out.

Meet Me on Monday

Tried to post this earlier but it didn't work.  Going to redo it with out the pictures

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Questions:

1. What is your favorite bagel flavor?

Jalapeno.  I love them with the veggie cream cheese.  They are my down fall.
 
2. If you had an extra $100 right now, what would you spend it on?

 I would spend it on books for my new Nook.  I love the Nook.  I am hooked.
 
3. What is the last thing that you felt guilt about doing?

 Not going to my H's nieces wedding shower with my mother-in-law.  I decided to go with H to Mackay and go boating with some friends.  My bad.
 
4. Soft serve ice cream or hand dipped?

 Hand dipped.  Soft serve ice cream melts to fast.  I like to savor my ice cream.
 
5. Are you allergic to anything?

Hay, smoke, dust and other disgusting things.  I hate spring planting and fall harvesting.  I really suffer during those times.