August Mini Mission: "Be Still"

I felt like taking a picture of many things simply undone. A sink full of dishes, and waffles left stuck on the waffle iron were just the tip of the iceberg yesterday, since there was so much I did not get completed.

As I thought about my messy house this morning and the endless to-do list would not leave my mind, I got up to study the Relief Society Lesson for this week   ( Teachings of President Joseph Fielding Smith chapter 14: The Gift of the Holy Ghost) and finally felt peace begin to return to my heart. I was reminded to be still. If I sincerely ask my Father in Heaven what His will is for me today,  and stay still enough to listen to the Spirit,  then I can know what really does need to be on the to do list.

Ultimately there is only one thing on that list: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10)

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Simply Undone: Dishes

Dishes, dishes and more dishes. . .are they ever really finished?  Instead of dishes today, I had a tea party outside.  How much more fun is that.  Dishes might be a good thing to do, getting my exercise might be a better choice, I think that today the tea party was the BEST choice.

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"We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families."  (Elder Dallin H. Oaks "Good, Better, Best" Ensign Nov. 2007)

What good thing did you leave undone so you could do the BEST thing today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Simply Undone: My Bedroom

 I got going early in the morning and really hoped to clean up the big pile of stuff left over in my room from displaced Christmas items, returns we needed to make, etc.  I was feeling energetic and actually excited to get the job done and have my room back.  After only a few minutes into my cleaning project, a little voice said "dance with me, mommy."  She was dressed up like Cinderella and had some of her favorite music turned on.  I am ashamed to admit that I kept cleaning for a minute or two. . .I really was limited on time before I needed to leave for work.  But the feeling that little Lady Slipper is much more important than a clean room couldn't escape my heart.  I stopped and danced with my Cinderella.

When I came home after work, the pile was still staring at me and I started in on it again.  Then I heard a little voice behind me:  "Come see my bike Mommy."
 This time I am happy to say I listened to the voice more quickly and went  out to see the bike and ended up playing outside with both my girls for quite a while. I can be taught.

It is two weeks later and that pile is still staring at me in my bedroom every day.  But now it reminds me of two special mommy memories I can never replace in my heart.

What did you leave undone today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Simply Undone: Blogging

Obviously, for the past few months my blogging has been continually in the "Simply Undone" category of my life. I have had lots of fun ideas and things I would love to share but never seemed to have a good time to do it. Well, I am thankful for all the loving family time I have had doing other things and hope that my blog can now be more a part of my creative creations.

Simply Undone: Morning Walk

I missed my morning walk with the family today. I know it is an important thing to do, but decided to do another important thing today: go to the temple with my husband. (Photo used by permission from Reb Sumner Photos. Check out her other beautiful landscape and temple pictures).

Simply Undone: Elementary School Play

My daughter had two things scheduled on the same night (it is starting already in the second grade). My husband said to give her the choice of which to do. When she chose her Faith in God Activity, I was tempted to encourage her to choose the school play she had worked so hard on. But these thoughts came into my mind: "Which is truly more important. What will happen in her future if you discourage her in her own choices? What are you teaching her by encouraging her to choose school over church activities?" Needless to say, I did not encourage her to change her mind. I supported her in her decision and within my heart, I thanked God for a little daughter who is a good example and for the inspiration which came to help me as I strive to be a good Mom.

Simply Undone: Dishes

Today I left the dishes undone and what did I do instead? I took a three hour nap with my 7 wk old baby girl cuddled up on my chest. Now really . . .which was more important?