My Mantra

I read a favorite blog of mine where she chose a Mantra instead of just a bunch of resolutions.  This seemed fitting for me this year.  I spent the two weeks the kids were home de-cluttering and organizing my house.  Still have more to do, but what is done is sooo nice.  Last year I posted about the people of Denmark and their philosophy,

"Less Stuff Equals More Life"

Well, that is going to be me this year.  I am working on focusing on improving myself, my family, and service to others.  I don't know about anyone else, but by the time I would get done cleaning my house, doing laundry, etc. I was so tired and didn't give as much time and energy as I should to those things.  So this year I have set some goals and hopefully with less stuff, I can live life more the way I want to and should.  I am a huge stress er about my house being clean, so less stuff has made such a difference for me. 

My other big thing this years is Family Dinner Time.  My goal is to have 6 planned meals, leaving Saturday for leftovers or eating out, that are yummy and well thought out.  I just love the show "The Food Nanny" on BYU and I finally broke down and bought her BOOK and it is amazing! One of the best recipe books ever.  Everything I have tried is delicious.  She really helps you plan out your meals and organize yourself.  I am a firm believer that families that eat together have fewer problems and are a closer family.  I am amazed when we sit down and discuss our day what our kid will tell us.  Since I can't be with them all day at school I love to hear about what is going on in their lives and then we are able to discuss other important issues from those conversations.

On Tuesday we had a RS Workshop "Come Unto Christ Through Prioritizing Our Lives". We showed a video clip from Sister Julie B. Beck about "How to Prioritize".  One of the speakers that night was our Bishop.  He said something  that sunk in deep.  Something I needed to hear.  He said that we can be reading our scriptures, saying our prayers, going to the temple, going to sacrament meeting, but never coming unto Christ.  How often do we go through all the motions because we know we are suppose too, but don't feel with our hearts what we are doing?  Well, at the moment I realized that had been me.  So for the next year I am putting my time and effort into changing my heart.  I love the gospel so much.  I love that we can walk away not feeling guilty, but motivated to change, and that we can change using the atonement.  What a blessing!  What a blessing to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost to guide us in our efforts.

I love the beginning of a New Year!  It is such a wonderful time to re-prioritize and begin fresh.

Happy New Year!