2014, A Time of Reflection

I really can't believe it has been a month since I wrote on this blog.  There have been may challenges and opportunities as we have adjusted to the new hours, both for the temple schedule itself as well as our personal schedules.  Previous to this month our shift was in the morning. The beginning of December, we moved to the afternoon and evening shift.  We thought we would change back to mornings at the beginning of the New Year, but on receiving our schedules this past week found that we will still be serving from 2:00 to 10:00 PM.  Either time is good for us. but I do miss our date night on Thursdays at the Mall having a treat and listening to the Piano Man who plays there.

We just finished watching the Rose Parade via Internet and as BYU-TV would say, "Seeing the Good in the World."  Denise called and we shared the parade as we watched it together.  So Grateful for so many blessings in my life and for his wonderful tradition in our family stemming from our being raised in Southern California. It always brings back so many good family memories.  Yesterday, we had a wonderful New Years celebration here with our temple family, although being the "oldies", we left before the New Year arrived. But the best part of the holidays has been being able to be close to our family through today's wonderful technology and through the gospel that binds our hearts together even though we are many miles apart.  We are so grateful for each of you, our loved ones, for the many blessings that have been ours over these many years.  It seems the first of the year is a time to look back as well as look forward.  In looking back and "remembering", my heart is full because of the many blessings afforded to each of us as a family and, as we look forward, we are anxious for the adventure in each day, for the opportunity to yet learn new things and continue in our daily efforts to change and improve and ever continue to try to emulate the perfect example set for us by our Savior, Jesus Christ.  As Pres. Monson said in our last General Conference, "This should be our purpose, to persevere and endure, yes and also to become  more spiritually refined as we make our way through sunshine and sorrow." May this be our beacon call in this New Year, 2014.