The Whisperings of a still small voice...

February 2011

The first Thursday in January I took on a weekly Thursday babysitting job of our cute Lucy (Lucy Lou to me) while Casey had classes at BYU and Cindy had to work.  When I started she was 2 1/2 months old.  Today was my last Thursday and she is now a few days short of being 6 months old.  I have loved these Thursday's and have missed not going when Cindy was home, or no school classes, etc.

That first Thursday before leaving I sat in my car and said a little prayer that I would travel the 50 ish miles each way in safety over the coming months.  As I was backing out of the driveway it came to me in a very clear voice that if I "obeyed the laws of the road" I would be safe.  I made the decision right then and there that I would obey the speed limit as well as any other laws that there were.

I have had cars and trucks pass me when I was traveling  65 in a 65 mph zone and cars and trucks pass me like I was standing still in a 55 mph work zone. I have had accidents to the right of me three times, and a truck that if I had tapped lightly on my brakes they would have been running over the top of me. (that company will be dealing with that truck driver in the next few days)

March 2011

Last Thursday as I traveled home, traffic wasn't heavy but indeed very busy as it was the start of rush hour.  I saw brake lights in all the lanes in front of me.  I started to slow down in anticipation of coming to a complete stand still.  Cars in lanes to the side of me and in front of me started skidding and swerving to miss each other.  As I looked in my rear view mirror I saw cars swerving and dodging each other, BUT no one was close to me.  Again I heard that voice.  It whispered two things to me and the one that was most important was "you are cocooned."  As I looked around me it was true.  The lanes to the side of me were now empty.  The lane I was in the nearest car behind me was at least 5 car lengths away.  I indeed was in a cocoon!

March 2011

Today as I traveled home there was hail, lightening, torrential rain and finally snow.  As I slowed to almost 35 mph in the hail storm I was continually amazed at the traffic around me, or should I say the lack of traffic around me...

I have enjoyed my Thursdays with Lucy!!  She recognizes my voice and her cute little face lights up (ask Casey if you don't believe me)!

Putting aside the wonderful opportunity of bonding with Lucy these Thursday's have given me the choice opportunity of being reminded that my prayers were heard and were indeed answered!

Why is it....

That we all want acceptance, respect and  love and yet it is so difficult to always give it and sometimes even get it in return.  Is it genetic in nature? Is it what we have learned growing up? Is it who we become all on our own?

Years ago I knew a woman who had had a hard life growing up.  She was less educated, and thought it was okay to tell people exactly what she thought and yet she was one of the most humble people I knew. However, I can't say she was my favorite person!

I  know several people who seem angry, dissatisfied whatever you want to call it at the world.   I know people who are afraid that any happiness they find, is not real.  I know several "somebodies" whose hearts are broken and sad.  I know people who prefer the "good 'ole days".  I have even laughed when they have said this because during those "good 'ole days" they still wanted something different.

There are times when I want something different.  There are times I want to be somewhere different. (a warm beach and a warm sunny day would be my first choice!)  There are times when I want to be someone different.  I  hate to admit it but there are times when I am annoyed at the world too.  However, most days I just want to be me. Happy sometimes, not so happy other times.  Why is it that we (insert I) forget to allow people these same emotions?

How about we throw anger to the wayside?  Trust in others a little more?  Extend ourselves to those hurting with a simple smile, word of encouragement, or with today's technology, text them, inbox them, email them or even pick up the phone and call them. Tell them we care. I know someone who is so very good at this that they are my hero and I love them  for their kind words of encouragement. You never fail to amaze me! (I hope you know who you are...K)

If we live with anger, fear, or unhappiness we become that all to easily.  I once decided I could remain angry with the world, slam the door, kick the cat or I could get over myself and be someone different.  I think I became that someone different.

Dare to become someone different if you need to, because....when all is said and done most of us are very fortunate!!

I hope today is a good day for you!!

Did I Let an Angel Go By?

Yesterday morning as I came out of Smith's with a couple of bags of shopping a younger women asked me "Do you have any spare change?" I said "No." and hurried towards my car. As I was walking away I heard her say in a sweet polite voice "Thank you anyway." As I put my shopping in my car I thought of the few one dollar bills I have in my car. I hurried to get them. Only $5.00. As I got out of the car I saw her reach into the garbage can and pull something out. I started to walk back to her and then I judged. "Was that a cigarette butt? I'm not going to give her money to buy cigarettes!" Our eyes briefly met and I had started walking a few steps when those thoughts occurred. She too by then had started to walk towards me. I got in my car and started to drive away all the while rationalizing by actions. It was then I decided to go buy her some food. The first fast food place I went to was closed. The second one I ordered two egg and bacon biscuit combos. I had to wait a few minutes for the hash browns to cook (even fresh food no stale hour old food). I drove back and she was gone. I drove around the car park. I drove down 5th South, I drove up 5th South, I drove along Main Street. No young girl who someone had taken the time to teach her to say "Thank you" in a sweet polite voice.

One of my favorite scriptures is Matthew 25:34-45. I don't always stop and give money to those with signs but yesterday I think I let an angel get away! I will not be so quick to judge but will share what I have. Where else could she have disappeared to, if she wasn't an angel in disquise?