~Exhaustion~

Since September I've been sick. Actually it started with my broken toe and then continued on from there. I've had multiple sinus infections, the flu, and a coldsore in my eye. Yes, you can get coldsores in your eye. The odds are crazy. It's one in 4.5 million people who get one. I'm a statistic. Apparently you get coldsores when your body gets run down. So I spoke to my health care provider.

She says the reason I've been so ill lately is because I'm suffering from exhaustion. She says my immune system can't keep up to the stress I'm putting on my body and that my adrenal glands have slowed its production of adrenaline which is why I am both tired and ill. The course is to sleep more and to cut out the stress in my life. She says I need to cut back on everything except family stuff. Hiring a housekeeper was actually mentioned.

So the first thing I did was tell the PTA I can't do the Talent Show. Wow. The guilt almost outweighed the relief. Fortunately, Cathy, the volunteer coordinator suffers from an autoimmune hepatitis. She says it's set off by stress and totally understood.

Now I'm just practicing saying no. I feel so selfish. I have heard numerous times that when you're feeling down or tired you just need to throw yourself into service and everything will resolve itself. I no longer believe that.

I'm supposed to look into some specific sleep books and learn mindful meditation. There are numerous books out there and my doctor recommended getting them from the library to see which ones are right for me. So I go to the King County Library System website to put them on hold. Each of these books have about four copies and about 32 holds. So Amazon.com here I come.

I suddenly feel like one of those celebrities who checked themselves into a hospital to rest. I can't say I totally relate but I understand.

So if anyone out there actually happens upon my blog, hopefully you'll understand if I tell you no. But since I'm still practicing please be easy on me.

~Time and All Eternity~

My niece called to tell me President Hinckley passed away last night. When we told the kids, Ratchet asked if his wife was sad. When we told him she passed away a few years ago, he said, "He must be so excited to see his wife and Heavenly Father." He always has the best insight into things.

I know I should be in mourning, but I'm really not sad. I am so excited that he is reunited with his wife. I think that's what is important. Families really are forever. I am so grateful for that knowledge. I can't imagine how lonely I would be without my husband and I've only been married for 11.5 years. President Hinckley lived an amazing life. He was a great prophet; a great leader; a worthy priesthood holder; an amazing father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He exemplified all that was good in this world. He gave us hope, love, perspective, and guidance. I am grateful for the spirituality he helped add to my life.

President Hinckley always strengthened my testimony. So as a tribute to a great, great man, prophet, and priesthood holder, I would like to bear my testimony.

I know without a doubt that I am a daughter of Heavenly parents who love me and want me to be my very best so I can return to them. I know that the gospel is here on earth. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to live in this dispensation. I know Christ lives. I know He died for my sins. And I know He wanted to because He loves me. He loves me, Becky Reynolds. He knows who I am and He knows what I need. He gives me strength and guidance and so many other traits I need as a mother, wife, and friend. I know that President Hinckley was a prophet of God. And I know the next prophet will also be a prophet of God. He will continue the work that President Hinckley left. He will be there to guide me, to inspire me, and to strengthen my testimony. I am so grateful for a loving God who cares for us enough to give us such amazing leaders. I love my family. Even when they drive me crazy. And I hope that I can be as incredible as they are so that I can be with them in the Celestial Kingdom. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

~Call Me Morbid~

I couldn't stop laughing. Check out this site for more Calvin and his snowmen here.

~One Word~

On Ali Edwards blog she has encouraged everyone to choose ONE WORD for the year.

My choices are:

• balance--because I have a difficult time balancing all the aspects of my life.
• discipline--because I think that is why I can't balance my life.
• prioritize--because I need to so I can balance my life.
• simplify--because if I did that then maybe I wouldn't have so many aspects in my life to balance.

However:

• I'm not sure I can simplify because I'm not sure I have anything I can cut out. I could stop overdoing things, but I think that's who I am.
• In order to balance my life I obviously need to have more discipline and better priorities.
• But, I think I do prioritize I just don't have the discipline to follow through.

Therefore the word I choose is:

~DISCIPLINE~

So, I must discipline myself in a variety of areas:

1. Self~I resolve to go to bed earlier and get up earlier; floss daily; take my medication consistently; actually get dressed each day; and learn the Mindful Meditation techniques recommended by my doctor.
2. Spiritual~I resolve to spend more time praying on my knees instead of in bed; to finish the Old Testament; to finish my Personal Progress; and attend the Temple monthly.
3. Health~I resolve to exercise at least three times each week; eat healthier meals; and especially eat breakfast.
4. Family~I resolve to play with my kids; keep up with their Accountable Kids boards; have weekly Family Home Evening; have prayer and scripture study with Mr. Bear; and go on more dates with him.
5. Mind~I resolve to read one book each month; finish the Old Testament; and watch less TV.
6. Home/Yard~I resolve to be better at maintaining a house of order so the Spirit will feel more welcome and to take better care of my yard.
7. Projects~I resolve to finish five by the end of the year.

Hmmm. Maybe I should look more into simplify. But, as I look at my list it is things I am supposed to be doing. Only a few are out of the ordinary. So many of them work together(i.e., if I read scriptures daily I will finish the Old Testament; if I watch less tv I will have more time to do other stuff; if I exercise I will have more energy). So, if I just discipline myself and set a better routine for the big stuff then my priorities should fall into place and my life can be better balanced. Yes, I think it's all about my discipline.

I'll check in later.