Family Home Evening, Monday, September 29, 2008

Happy Family Home Evening! We went to a movie!
Thanks to Gina and Jonathan for a wonderful Sunday afternoon after the blessing and naming of Porter Robert James!
Remember to watch James/M5 on CSI: NY this Wednesday
This is the week to see Topher's latest play, Pericles, at BYU
*****************************************************************************************
I wish we could hang on to this glorious autumn weather forever. The mountains are spectacular with their brilliant colors. It makes me think that we don't really need much to feel good, complete, and happy. Which brings to mind a wonderful book Lisa gave me called Simple Abundance; A Daybook of Comfort and Joy. I read from it often.

Simple, adjective 1: without embellishment; 2: clarity of form and thought; 3: fundamental
Abundance, noun 1: an ample quantity, profusion; 2: wealth; 3: plentifulness
Simple abundance, 1: an inner journey; 2: a spiritual and practical course in creative living; 3: a tapestry of contentment

The author Sarah Ban Breathnach suggests that we need to become aware that we already possess all the inner wisdom, strength, and creativity needed to make our dreams and wishes come true. External forces distract us and make it difficult to access our unlimited inner resources. She suggests that we take an inner journey and become aware of the abundance that is already there.

There are six threads of abundant living which, when woven together, produce a tapestry of contentment that wraps us in inner peace, well-being, happiness, and a sense of security. (I’ve added the scriptures)

GRATITUDE - When we stop and take inventory of all we have, we’ll realize how rich we really are.

“ . . . live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies ad blessings which he doth bestow upon you.” Alma 35:38

SIMPLICITY-Clear out, pare down, figure out what is essential to live well.

“ . . . he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity. . . “ Romans 12:8

ORDER-With simplicity comes order both internally and externally.

“Behold, my house is a house of order, saith the Lord, and not a house of confusion.” D& C132:8

HARMONY-A sense of order brings us harmony and an inner peace.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

BEAUTY-With harmony we appreciate the beauty around us.

“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time . . . “ Ecclesiastes 3:11

JOY-Beauty opens us to joy.

“. . . men are, that they might have joy.” 2 Nephi 2:25

Just as with any beautiful tapestry, it is difficult to see where one stitch ends and another begins. So it is with Simple Abundance.

“You only live once—but if you work it right, once is enough.”

Joe E. Lewis

We love you very much,

Mom and Dad xoxoxoxo
Shauna and Robert Valentine, Highland, Utah