New Year 2023 -- Expecting Miracles

 Welcome to the New Year 2023 Everyone!  

As per my personal tradition, today I'm looking back to previous posts and journal entries from New Years Day, especially January 1, 2022.   Unlike some years, in January 2022 I didn't set a list of goals or bucket list items.  The past few years have been quite different and challenging for most people, instead I chose to list many of the blessings and accomplishments I was able to see in my life in spite of the challenges.  Life must go on, and for the New Year 2022 I chose for my mantra to be . . . Carry On!

So how have I done?  What have I experienced and accomplished in 2022?

I've continued the daily work at the college

Teaching Primary classes -- now with four teachers for one class we teach about once a month instead of every other week, but it's all good.

Enjoying the company and contributions of two dear daughters living here at home with us.

Enjoyed visits with siblings several times during the year at family reunions and funerals.  Two sisters and I both lost our very noble and classy mother in laws this year.  And a dear cousin in law.

Completed 12 Endowments and 10 Initiatories during the year at the Jordan River Temple.  I didn't quite make it to the temple every month, but was able to go several times during some of the months.  Most of the names (possibly all?) were relatives found through family search.

Raised quite a productive garden in spite of record heat and drought and invasive grass in the garden

Blessed to visit children in both the Seattle area and Big Bear California during the month of September, including attending and witnessing the baptism of our oldest grandson.

Enjoyed a blessed Christmas with most of the children and our youngest granddaughter.  Time with our family is the light of my life!

I am carrying on, one day at time, trying to do better and be a bit better every day.  With the help of dear daughters we've done a bit of cleaning and organizing, but much still remains to be done.  I've slacked off quite a bit on being creative, but am still trying to be more compassionate and recognize opportunities to help others.

So, what are my goals and objectives for the new year?   

Serve -- in the temple and anywhere else there might be a need that I can fill

Be creative -- sew, write, and garden -- organize and beautify my home

Add more relatives to the family tree

Exercise and stay healthy

And above all, I want to look for miracles and expect miracles, and recognize miracles and be a part of miracles.  The prophet has promised glorious things to come!