Day 70

© 2009 Carrie Morris

Is your life path like this fence? Winding and long? I know we're all aware we should walk the "Straight and narrow," but sometimes I wonder if our straight is more like this winding railing... Life has different options and trials. Some can be treacherous like the tops of the posts next to the railing while others can end up with a long fall down. Yes, the path is narrow and I believe it's getting ever more narrow, but if we continue onward and as straight as we can, we'll get where we want to be. I promise.

Day 69

© 2009 Carrie Morris

I love the look on Mary's face in this sculpture. There is such love and tenderness displayed. Such awe and amazement in Joseph's face. I love the overlapping of their hands as they hold the tiny baby Jesus. As I read a passage in Luke 2 yesterday while sitting in the temple, my heart was touched by these two amazing people. They are such a great example of unwavering faith, obedience, humility, love and respect. As I sat there reading Luke's version of the birth of Christ I found myself wishing I could read Mary and Joseph's version of that sacred night. What insights would they have shared? What tender feelings must they have felt? What special visitors and experiences were they blessed with? I am grateful for the example of Mary and Joseph. I find in them a couple worth emulating.

Day 68

© 2009 Carrie Morris

I spent part of my morning at the temple. It was such a spiritual experience for me. About four months ago, I received some family names from my mom. They have been sitting on a shelf in my room since then. Recently I have been feeling the tuggings of desire from those ancestors wanting their work done. I took those names and did their initiatory work today. There were the names of two sisters and a cousin in my pile. As I was finishing up the work of the last name, I felt such overwhelming joy on their behalf that their temple work had been started. I could almost see them rejoicing together on the other side. It was such a special experience for me. I'm anxious to continue and finish the work for them. I am so grateful I took the time to go to the temple today. I'm grateful for the sweet and spiritual experiences I am offered in the temple by a loving Heavenly Father when I'm there doing service for others.

Day 67

© 2009 Carrie Morris

I am so grateful that it is "officially time" to start celebrating the Christmas season. It is time to "deck the halls" and "haul out the holly." I love the feeling and Spirit that comes in the Holiday season. Everyone is a bit nicer, friendlier and more willing to help out a stranger. It's the influence of the Light of Christ in everyone being exhibited a bit stronger that helps makes this season so wonderful.

Day 66

© 2009 Carrie Morris

© 2009 Carrie Morris

On this day of Thanksgiving, I find my heart most grateful for these individuals in my life. I'm grateful for my family, immediate and extended. For all that they teach me, do for me, the way they love me, and the way they help me be a better person.

I have been truly blessed.

Day 65

© 2009 Carrie Morris

When I first took this picture a couple months ago, I was mostly trying to figure out different settings on my camera. I thought I was just taking a picture of a pretty flower with some beautiful lighting from the sun on it. I thought I was aware of and seeing all that was before me. Well, when I got home and uploaded the pictures to my computer and was able to blow the pictures up larger I was surprised the see the little guest I also got a picture of. See him? The little bug on the petal at the bottom of the picture? If you click on the picture you can see it bigger. It was a pleasant surprise to find him in the details of my picture.

Much like everyday life, I often go around thinking I am aware of and see all that is before me. Little do I realize how much I'm missing in the smallest details of my life. The details that Heavenly Father takes care of for me whether I acknowledge them or not. It is my goal and desire this Thanksgiving to start noticing more of the finer details in my life. To start noticing and to start THANKING Him for taking care of the finest details for me. For His tender mercies.

Day 64

© 2009 Carrie Morris

I am so grateful for Brad. He takes such excellent care of me. I woke up in the middle of the night feeling like I was going to tear in two pieces. I wasn't much better when I woke up, but thought I could make it through the day taking care of our two girls. Needless to say, he was back home a couple hours later with a Sprite in hand and orders for me to go to bed. I love that he willingly took such good care of me and of our daughters. I felt much better when I woke up from my nap, and I'm still in one piece. I'm grateful for a good man in my life who loves me and who treats me so well. I love you Brad.

Day 63

© 2009 Carrie Morris

The changing of seasons is as inevitable as the changes that happen in life. Change is good for the soul... not always fun or easy, but good. Change can make us stronger, softer, nicer, meaner, better or bitter. It depends on how we choose to handle the change. I believe we have choices. I believe we can choose how we react to the changes in our lives. I like to believe that I always choose the better way to respond, but I know that's not true. I'm going to keep trying to improve my reactions and myself. And I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to keep trying.

Day 62

© 2009 Carrie Morris

This picture makes me laugh every time I see it. I love laughing.

Joy and Happiness is a gift from our Heavenly Father.

"Men are that they might have JOY."

May you have some joy in your life.

Day 61

© 2009 Carrie Morris

I love the smell of baking bread. Today I made Brad's mom's recipe. She was one of those wonderful moms who had fresh bread out of the oven when he got home from school. My mom was the same way. When I see home made bread, I think of moms. Those wonderful women who love us, who teach us, who feed us, who care for us and who make us the people we are. I'm grateful for my wonderful mom who is one of the best women I know. I've never met Brad's mom, but I'm grateful for her also. For the legacy that continues in her children.

Day 60

© 2009 Carrie Morris

Brad was able to leave work early today because he had already reached his 40 hours for the work week. When he arrived home he sent me out the door. I was told to "go take some pictures. The lighting in great and you need to do it." I obliged. Having a moment or a few to myself to enjoy a new hobby is relaxing. I drove around and stopped wherever I found something interesting to look at. I really am grateful to Brad for recognizing the need I have to get some "me time." For sending me out the door to be alone and to be able to do something I love.

Day 59

© 2009 Carrie Morris

Whenever I see berries like these, I start thinking about the Holidays. They symbolize Thanksgiving and Christmas to me. I start to think about playing Christmas music, hauling out the decorations, putting up a Christmas tree and doing all the festive things for the holidays. I love celebrating the holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas are my two favorite holidays of the year. Lots of family, traditions and joy!