Streets of Gold

It has been so beautiful. I have been spending more time outside, just enjoying the fresh air, and breathtaking scenery. I was told in a blessing to spend time in nature to connect with God. I have found it essential for me to take the time to do that. I certainly want to be connected with God, and so out into His world I go... even when it is freezing! Brrrr!  

I teach the 16-17 year old Sunday School class. This last lesson emphasized the importance of the connection between body and spirit. One of the terms used in a talk I referenced was, "Spiritual Dissonance." This is what can happen when the body and the spirit are not connected and working in harmony together. I think we can easily neglect our bodies, and think that it does not affect the way our spirit feels.  But the body and the spirit are one, and they operate together. The neglect of one or the other has a HUGE impact on the way we feel: both body and soul. 

I have been thinking a lot about the body and spirit connection lately. I have deliberately been taking better care of my body and my spirit, and the way I feel has been life-changing. I exercise for my body, but even more so for my spirit. I have also been focusing on healthy eating, and that has been the key to feeling good. I have always exercised, but I have never felt balanced. I am finding the right balance in my life, and it has been good. 

Really good. 

Along with tending to my physical health, I have also been exercising my spirit through diligent scripture study, pondering, and prayer. I grab The Book of Mormon at least 3 times a day. I study in the morning before I get out of bed, while I am waiting in the car to pick up kids, and before I go to sleep. As I strengthen my spirit, it helps me to have better control of my body, and my desires.  I need all the strength I can get. And I have found that strength comes from scripture power. It is a real and tangible power, and it can help control the natural man. I love the scriptures. I love them so much. 

As I more diligently study The Book of Mormon the more life feels... magical. 

Onto the pictures of life! 

Oh Henry. I love this little boy. He is so willing to have his pictures taken. 

Cheese!

William was working hard at unclogging the leaves in the drain. William likes to figure things out. He likes to build things and take them apart. He is also very helpful. I feel like I call on him a lot, because I know he will listen and help me out, especially if I am trapped in the bathroom without any toilet paper. He is the first to respond when I cry out for help. I love my William.

It is still glorious down by the river.

I took the boys out running with me. William keeps up really well. I still put Henry in the stroller when I run, because, well, his legs are too short to keep up.

I do let him out for some occasional bursts of speed to burn some energy.

And even during running, we stop and enjoy the day.

The clouds were so cool!

I think Fall is about to be conquered by Winter.

I thought the clouds were pretty amazing.

There is snow on our foothills!

Bridges are beautiful, and crossing them is symbolic.

I went out today, and it was the most glorious morning. It just felt amazing to be outside and alive and moving freely. I would run hard, and then I would have to stop and take a picture, because I was just overcome by the beauty of everything I was seeing and feeling.

I was just giddy at the glory!

I could not quite capture what I was experiencing. The sun was shining so brightly on the yellow leaves, it looked like I was running on a street of golden light. It was almost other-worldly. It was Heavenly and magical. The picture really does not show what I was seeing and feeling. That light has been with me all day.

Nature. I love it.

Everything was covered in frost and sparkles.

The leaves were falling fast with the weight of the frost.

This spot is like something from a fairytale.

We are starting to make our home golden, with the Light of Christmas. We start kind of early, because it is a process, and we like to just enjoy the entire month of December with the lights, and concerts, and beautiful things that happen around Christmas time. I love decorating, it makes me happy.

It is coming together.

I found some fun ribbon at Costco.

We found this spray stuff that looks like frosted glass. I don't like it, it makes me feel cold. I will be wiping it off, and finding the white snow kind. I want to make snowflakes on the window.

The kids love this.

This angel in my room makes rainbows.

Henry loves to play wth the Polar Express.

My dad sent us the movie Peter Pan. We had not seen it in a very long time. 

Henry was so captivated he sucked his thumb.

William enjoyed working on the tree. 

We are going to Christmas-town. We need as much light in our home as possible!

Look who we found... in the gutter?

More rainbows.

This blanket is the best. It is so cozy. It is hard to resist sleep when cuddled up in it.

More beauty.

I have soaked up every ounce of Fall. It has just seemed more beautiful this year.

I have a good life, and I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for it.