Reaching New Heights

I told Josh that I did not want any gifts for my birthday this year.  So he decided that if he gave me gifts beforehand, it would not count as 'my birthday' and he could get away with it.  Josh started celebrating my birthday a few weeks ago with 'un-birthday' gifts.  He is AMAZING.  Even though I couldn't possibly think of anything that I wanted, he surprised me with things that I have used every day since then. As I got to thinking about gifts, I realized that I have given myself one of the best birthday gifts of all.  I have given myself the gift of a healthy lifestyle.  It is of greater value than what money can buy.  I have been blessed with good health by a loving Father and I have maintained that good health through the way that I live.  A healthy lifestyle is not something that you can purchase at the grocery store.  It is more like a well that you fill up...one droplet at a time.  I add to my well e...

I have a wonderful Church calling.  I am privileged to teach the principles and concepts of the Gospel to children ages 3-5.  I learn so much through my preparation, but I learn even more from THEM.  Children are SO Christlike.  They forgive easily and love unconditionally.  I am amazed how they soak up each lesson like a sponge. At the end of each lesson, I like to review previously taught concepts.  Young children learn so much through review and repetition.  I pulled out a picture of Jesus calming the seas and asked them what they remembered about this story.  One girl excitedly raised her hand and said, "There was a storm.  Jesus was the only one who didn't know (he was sleeping).  They were scared and woke him up.  He said 'peace, be still' and the storm went away."  I was excited that she remembered so many details.  I pulled out the next picture.  It was a picture of Jesus gathering little children.  A...