Do you ever feel...

Do you ever feel

like this little, deflated, red balloon?

I have felt like that for a week or two.  I have no reason to feel that way.  I have a great life! And that is what has been bugging me. 

I hear, over and over, how the Lord will only give you what you can handle. 

I guess I felt like the Lord didn't have a lot of faith in me.  I don't have too much to handle, and people all around me are handling all kinds of things...cancer, tumors, sick family members, financial woes...

you name it. 

AND:  I watch the news....tornadoes, earthquakes, avalanches, politics.

My thoughts were really beginning to drag me down.

I do not really want a trial because life is pretty good and who in their right mind would want to screw that up.  But I do want to feel like the Lord needs me, and that I need Him. 

I am tired of feeling like that deflated balloon. 

Yesterday during sacrament meeting Jane looked at a book filled with pictures depicting stories from the scriptures.  When she turned the page to the Ten Virgins I realized that  I am not being as proactive as I need to be in securing oil for my lamp.

 I did what I do when I have a desire to do something.  I make a list.

1. Scriptures and Prayers

Oh sure, I read my scriptures and say my prayers...but not with much heart lately.  Get in to it, lady!

2.  Remember that serving your family is still serving.

Seems like the day to day drudge held no delight.  Remember to not just lay a brick, lay a brick with perspective.

3.  Smile and Laugh

John reminded me of fainting goats the other day and I had a nice real laugh.  Maybe I should just get me one of those.  Men are that they might have joy.  Why else would those goats have been created?

4.  Organize something.

That always just feels so good.

(Today I did a shelf in my kitchen.  I had no idea I had an addiction to cupcake liners.)

5. Remember

I am a daughter of God!  He loves me.  He has given me talents and a body.  Use them. Help anyone I can who IS facing a difficult trial.  Where much is given, much is required. 

6.  Keep the list open.

No final checkmarks here...this is ongoing and I need to keep filling my lamp.

I already feel a little more like this:

And now I'm out of blogging time.  Three posts in one day!