This is the beginning of a new year and I've decided that this is the first day of the rest of my life. It's a new beginning to try and be the very best person I can possibly become. I need to prepare for my eternal life. Joy and happiness is my goal for the year. This is what each of us really wants after all. It's good to take the time to think about it.
This is another big week for our family. We'll be saying goodbye to Ryan for the next two years as he leaves for the mission field in Everett Washington. We'll also be saying welcome home to Matthew six days later! It's exciting!
I have to admit to bitter sweet feelings about our last e-mail from Matthew in Russia this coming Monday. How excited and happy we are that he's coming home--but we will miss the e-mails full of news from a foreign land. The spirit has been so strong as we've read his letters home. It's been quite an experience praying for his specific needs. A blessing to know he is doing so much good in the world. Now we'll have Ryan and Jason to write to. It's all good in the end.
One of the things I'm striving to do better at, is being kind. In a world that's become so harsh and heartless and so monitary, it's important that we instead try to bring a little kindness into the world. It's not easy to do some days. If you make up your mind to do your best, it's easier to strive to meet your goal of self- improvement.
I love this quote that was sent to me recently.
"The righteous man strives for self-improvement knowing that he has daily need of repentance for his misdeeds or his neglect. He is not so much concerned about what he can get but more about how much he can give to others, knowing that along that course only can he find true happiness. He endeavors to make each day his masterpiece so that at night's close he can witness in his soul and to his God that whatever has come to his hand that day, he had done to the best of his ability. . . . he is clear of vision, keen of intellect, and strong of body. The breastplate of righteousness has given him 'the strength of ten---because his heart is pure'" (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, p. 169-170).
1 comment:
I love your blog and the inspiring messages you share. Elder Dewey, my son, is your son's companion and has truly loved serving with Matthew. Your son has been his favorite companion thus far and has learned a great deal from him. Chad will greatly miss him as well as the Russian people that love him.
What an exciting time for your entire family to have raised three missionaries. GREAT JOB!!
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