True Self Improvement

Dear Gabriel,

I am feeling as if I need more spirituality in my life. I don't know exactly how to describe this feeling I am having. In the last few months we (your dad and I) have been concentrating so hard on our mindset, our thoughts, our feelings... been working with various self improvement goals, books and programs. It has been really good... But one thing is always missing from them... God.

This phrase is one of my favorites... 'The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than the study of behavior will improve behavior" (Packer). I have had this reaffirmed to me over and over and over again in the last week. No matter what faith someone belongs to - I do believe that the study of true spiritual doctrines is better than any self improvement book ever written. After all - the techniques and skills that are taught by people doing self improvement really comes from a spiritual base. Where are we told that gratitude of one of the most powerful mindsets? The scriptures. Where are we told that forgiveness is imperative? The scriptures. Where are we told what we focus on expands? The scriptures.

There are SOOOOO many skills and techniques taught - but no matter what I can always find the deeper meaning and doctrine behind them because of the scriptures and the gospel of Christ. I know what your dad and I have been doing over the last few months is good, but I believe the spirit is pushing me to reach for higher ground now. I believe I am being pushed to reach for a deeper relationship with my Savior. I believe I am being directed by God as to how this world really works... because after all, He made it anyway.

I love you so much. I hope you will always remember that your mom loved the Lord. I love Christ. He did everything for me. He will teach me more about self improvement than any other master on the world ever could.

I love you,

Your Mom

Earth

Dear Gabriel,

I want you to be raised digging in the dirt. There is just something about getting back in touch with the earth through gardening, digging, scrapping, more digging, working hard and the joy of seeing the law of the harvest fulfilled before your eyes.

This earth was made abundant. Just when we think we have lost resources, we find new ones. Just when we think man has made a mess of everything, the earth and the Lord fixes it all. Seriously - there is such a flow inside of planting, growing, cultivating, and living the actual law of the harvest that causes wisdom to sprout within your mind.

I believe to really respect the earth around you it is imperative to become part of the flow inside of life. Especially to realize that the Lord is in charge of it all, and He and the earth with always provide.

I love you,

Your Mom

Moments

Dear Gabriel,

This last week has been filled with 'moments'. It is all the moments which happen each and every day that make the conglomeration of a full life. This week I have had many moments that lead to my life right now = which is completely full!

There were mommy moments when you just came up to me and cuddled with me for no reason, I saw your dad out of the corner of my eye and my heart jumped a beat, a neighbor waved and smiled, my friend needed some time talking, talked to family and filled my love bucket, walked outside in the rain, hugged a friend for no reason, when you looked up at me and just laughed and smiled, I danced and sang as loud as I wanted to... For some reason all the 'moments' have been so potent - so real for me this week.

Thank you for your moments. Thank you for your smiles. Thank you for your love. Thank God for my real, potent moments that make the passion of life real and tangible. The difference between someone who lives in the passion of life and those who don't is living in the moment, thanking God for the moment and living the next one just as joyfully.

I know this time I have with you is a fleeting moment and the next thing I know, you are going to up and gone. I am soaking in as much as I can.

I love you,

Your Mom