Up Close/Tender Mercies

Can’t help getting up close to little beauties like these I see everyday!

David A. Bednar helps me to understand who receive tender mercies.  “To be or to become chosen is not an exclusive status conferred upon us.  Rather, you and I ultimately determine if we are chosen.   God does not have a list of favorites to which we must hope our names will someday be added. He does not limit “the chosen” to a restricted few. Rather, it is our hearts and our aspirations and our obedience which definitively determine whether we are counted as one of God’s chosen.”

So as I look close up at a flower – I sense a tender mercy and witness of God through the beauty of the flower.  The flower is also a recipient of tender mercies because it is fullfilling the end for which it was created.  In so doing, it has been obedient to its purpose.

I hope I can make choices that will allow me to be chosen to receive tender mercies.  I hope I can be obedient to my purpose!

What's on my plate/vision

What a full plate I had today.  

Mo Tab with my sister’s family, 

flowers and La Cai leftovers 

along with peanut butter treat from a friend.  

Doesn't get any better than that! 

One song the choir sang talked about being with people you love.  It evoked a desire to create stronger bonds with those I love.  I am greatful for the family I came from --for strong family ties.  I know I can call on them any time. What a full plate my vision and understanding of eternal families gives me!

June 2 "Empty/Face

 Spent a wonderful afternoon and evening with some of my favorite people.  

My niece suggested I use the statue below as empty - beautiful but still empty!! 

Love the contrast of her beautiful full of life pose.  

Also since she is newly graduated from HS 

- she posed with her future (invisible) husband 

- we waited around for awhile but he didn’t show.
The space by her is still "empty".
Whoever fills that space will be one lucky fellow!

When I first started thinking of the word face --the first thing that came into my mind was 

"the face of God".

Because of His son's atoning sacrifice,

we WILL see His face.

June 1 - The bottom line/morning

Started June PhotoadayJune and am combining it with a list Cheryl and I are calling: 

New Heart Awakenings for June.  

We created this list with a desire to become more like our elder brother Jesus Christ.

So this is the basic combining thought that came up for me:  These are the morning pictures I finally had time to take around noon.  ”The bottom line” is if I hadn’t been up so late last nite I could have been up early enough to take morning pictures!!!  Council given in the scriptures to retire to bed early.  I also checked out the April 2012 General Conference.  I found this in Pres Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk:

The Bottom Line

This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:

Stop it!

It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children. God is our Father. We are His children. We are all brothers and sisters.

When I first read this I thought of it as it relates to myself.  I need to stop judging and comparing myself to others.  I want to "Stop It" and use my efforts in more positive ways.  I also want to be able to see the people around me more like God sees and loves them--something like the pictures I've posted.

Here are the 2 lists I'll be working with.

New Heart Awakenings for June
1		the bottom line
2		face
3		vision
4		tender mercies
5		fish
6		guide
7		He truly loves us
8		hair
9		light
10		a child shall lead them
11		crimson
12		dove
13		submit
14		Love of God
15		mountains to climb
16		contentment
17		charity
18		music of faith
19		faith
20		crystal
21		special lessons
22		crown
23		dancing
24		seek learning
25		arise and shine
26		sacred
27		lost may be found
28		happy are we
29		darkly
		30 service Add caption I'm going to clean these lists up at a later date cause I want to go to bed early so I can get up early!!!! See you tomorrow!!!

A Cute Visitor

Exceptional Mother's Day

Had breakfast and dinner with 

a son, a daughter & her kids.

Talked with a daughter in Arizona

& a son in Utah.

Visited a friend.

Talked with my mom.

Then 2 daughters and their families

came to visit.

A Perfect Day.

What a Cutie!!

Back to a Little More Healthy Food

Happy New Year!!!
Spinach Salad with cucumber, avocado, cherry tomatoes, onion,
fish, blueberries, parmesan cheese & pumpkin seeds