Changed Indeed

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.
*Nelson Mandela

If you don't like something, change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it.
*Mary Engelbreit

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step
*Lao Tzu

- we had a beautiful new niece!
- i started a new job.
- we learned we'd be having another niece or nephew this year!
- we moved.
- i learned to truly be happy in my circumstances.
- i received the call to teach the women at church.
- i made a few new friends.
- i learned how much perception can impact things.
- my little sister Megan, moved here from provo!
- i learned most people don't have your back, even when you expect them to.
- we learned the niece or nephew we'd be welcoming would be a nephew! (we're still waiting to meet him... guess he's going to be a 2010 baby!)
- i left my job.
- i grew closer to my Savior.
- i learned how much a forgiving heart can change you, I had forgotten this one.
- i grew closer to Clint, he is my rock & teaches me multitudes.
- Clint received the call to become the membership clerk at church.
- i joined the choir at church.
- we've served more & complained less.

These are just some of the more obvious changes that have occurred in our lives in 2009. There have been many, many more changes & many transformations. Mainly my own. As I set out on the journey of change at the start of this year, I truly had NO IDEA the changes the Lord had in mind for me. And, I might add I HATE change. It makes my anxiety go through the roof, I feel sick, I cry more, I shut down. But also in the process I turn closer to my God. For it is through Him that I truly can make it through the large & even the small changes that occur in my life.

This year I have learned that the Lord is truly in control. He sees the whole picture. It's one of those things you've heard a thousand times, but this year I can testify that it's true. He has molded me, shaped, stretched & further perfected me this year. I think about how far I've come, & yet at the end of the day, or year I still have SO much further to go.

I've also recognized this year my gift to be change in other peoples lives. I've always thought I was just a simple person who couldn't make an impact, but I've learned how opposite this is. We are here in this journey with those we encounter to change them, & them us. Because of this realization, I've tried to be more positive this year. I've had my moments, & again I certainly haven't perfected it, infact I've learned that in certain situations I tend to be the exact opposite. This coming year it is one of my goals to work harder at this one. People that are positive are more successful, have more friends, build stronger relationships & draw others to them. I genuinely love people & I want people near me. People from all walks of life, with stories & experiences of their own, because that is what helps me change.

When I posted my word for 2009 I shared part of the following quote with you, I still love it! This portion stood out to me today as I wanted to document my progression.

"...But most of the changes take place subtly and slowly.Day by day, minute by minute, second by second we went from where we were to where we are now. The lives of all of us, of course, go through similar alterations and changes. The difference between the changes in my life and the changes in yours is only in the details. Time never stands still; it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes.

This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now.

Said one well-known author: “Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend … when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]—the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.” - Thomas S. Monson

So, my report to you is this. Change is possible. It's not always easy, nor is it always hard. Part of the learning process in changing is to be happy & joyful in the changes that occur. As I set out to be a changed woman in 2010, I can say I absolutely am, just not in all the ways I speculated at the start of the year, & that's fine with me. I am content with the changes that have occurred in my life & look forward to the changes that will continue to come!

Stay tuned for my word for 2010!