Category: Goals

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To Become

Believe it or not, I’m an avid list maker. Lists about everything–to do, to make, to cook, to crochet, to try, to call, to buy, and to redo. If it can be listed, I’d be happy to do it. This fact, makes facing the New Year more fun because if something doesn’t get done–I’m more than happy to scoot it ahead to the next page…or next week…or month…well, you get the picture.

I do love how the New Year gives us all that gentle nudge to go beyond the ordinary task list, and make a few real-live, honest-to-goodness resolutions. This year, rather than things I’m determined to do, I’ve decided on a few things I’d like…

to become.

Therefore, in 2012, I resolve…

~to become more grateful for the health, happiness and family-life that I’m so lucky to share with those that I love, both human–see above…

and feline.   :}

~to become more loving, kind and caring both within these walls, and outside them–more generous with my applause, a smile or a simple nod that could lift someone’s spirits or give them the strength to keep moving forward.

~to become a better friend and listen harder–to actually look people in the eye while they speak, so they know they have my complete attention…no matter how short they may be.

~to become a participant rather than a spectator, to go outside rather than watch from the window, to let a little rain fall on my face rather than dodge for cover–whether or not I’m wearing waterproof mascara. Believe me…that’s big.

~to become more healthy by cooking more and eating mostly wholesome food…and feeding it to my family as well…and to figure out what the heck my deal is with…

peppermint–it’s everywhere! More on that later.

~to become more trusting of my own abilities and have greater faith in myself and what I know deep down inside I can do…and then do it.

~to become a ferociously organized person with an incredibly low tolerance for clutter. I know, I know, big talk…I’m working on it. And no, I’m not showing you a picture of why this is sooo necessary. It needs to happen…trust me.

~to become a brave, courageous person who’s not afraid of anything…or of so many things, at least.

~to become a woman of valor and strength, someone my family, my friends and the Lord can count on–to do what is good, and kind, and right…no matter what.

This is my hope and prayer for 2012.

What about you?

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All The Single Ladies

Fear not. I won’t be singing to you anytime soon–or dancing, for that matter. Either option would be an unpleasant experience for both of us.

Last Friday, I was invited by LDS Philanthropies to a Blogger Luncheon to learn more about a new scholarship program for single parents.

(I’m the little hobbit in the back.)

We heard all kinds of facts and statistics about the difficulties of raising a family as a single parent. Even though I’ve been a single parent for 12 years, I was still stunned by the numbers. For instance~

Did you know that:

• 28 percent of children now live with just one parent.

• 40% of children under 18 experience a parental breakup.

• 90% of single parent families are headed by females.

• 60% of children living in mother-only families are impoverished.

• Single moms median income is only about 25% what a married couple make.

The truly moving part of the meeting was when Megan Fletcher–the sweet little gal in the middle–got up and told her story. Receiving the *Stella Harris Oaks Scholarship to LDS Business College changed her life and gave her and her daughter hope for an amazing future. And she’s positively adorable besides.

Beat that.

The kind fellows in charge of the meeting explained that they were several Scholarships short of meeting their fundraising goals for the coming year. In the month of November and through the magical powers of the blogging world, they hoped to raise $7,200 total–the cost of one full scholarship–for some deserving young parent. Hmmmm…

Helping others and offering a bit of hope is quite an inspiring thing…

but then so is a focused group of mom bloggers.

We came to the conclusion that helping one parent just wasn’t enough and that with all the incredible bloggers out there in the world–with all their amazing readers, we should be able to do much, much more.

I told them that Gracious Rain was “in.”

So, here’s the simple bottom line. If you’d like to hear Megan’s story yourself–click on the widget on the left. Then see if it doesn’t inspire you to do something…wonderful. If it does, please give, whatever you can. Any amount–no matter how small will help.

And if you’re inclined to share this message, they’ve even made that easy too–just click “Share.”

With your help, we can see to it that–

a little hope goes a long way.

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*Stella Harris Oaks–a single mother who raised three children alone, after the death of her husband. One son became a world renowned eye surgeon and another became a University President, State Supreme Court Justice and inspiring religious leader.

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{ Scripture Power }

 

“Certainly there are times when getting the family together to read the scriptures does not stack up as a spiritual experience worthy of a journal entry. But we must not be deterred. There are special times when the spirit of a son or daughter is just right and the power of these great scriptures goes down into their heart like fire. As we honor our Heavenly Father in our homes, He will honor our efforts.”

Neil L. Andersen

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{ Life Goals }

“I urge you to examine your life. Determine where you are and what you need to do to be the kind of person you want to be. Create inspiring, noble, and righteous goals that fire your imagination and create excitement in your heart. And then keep your eye on them. Work consistently towards achieving them.”

Joseph B. Wirthlin

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