The lite at the end of the tunnel has appeared
You know when you have a realization, out of the blue, and it’s like a litebulb has turned on? I had one of those this weekend. I was at a training conference for Mary Kay all weekend. I love my Mary Kay meetings because it’s ME time, I always leave uplifted and motivated. This weekend was no different- only better. But the litebulb moment was close to the end of the conference. I was quickly taking notes while a National Sales Director spoke. I had a special notebook with a cute pen and it hit me, “Do I ever take notes at church?” I am at church every week, studying the life of my Savior, and I rarely take notes. What the heck am I thinking? Usually I am just happy to make it to church on time with all my kids in tow and I often say, “I didn’t get anything out of church today!” But you know why? I don’t think I’m really listening. I’m just there, going thru the motions, taking up space, and usually a bit frazzled. So, this Sunday I made sure I was more prepared so I could get to church on time without a mad rush. I brought a notebook and took notes. Nothing in particular, just anything that jumped out to ME. And it made such a difference. I left feeling like I had learned something. I left feeling like I had done more than just take up space. Wow. Duh!! And wow- the choir’s number was A.MA.ZING. I had chills all over. It was beautiful. It touched me.
So, I am excited to take notes in the future. To find things in the talks I hear that speak to me. I am excited to “get” something out of church. I am excited to prepare myself more so I am ready to receive those things. I am happy to actually care. The past year or so I haven’t cared. I have been so unhappy and lost. More lost and out of hope than I think I’ve ever felt. More than during my divorce. More than when my sister died- which is hard for me to comprehend- but I was so out of hope. I am happy to be out of that place. There’s still crap going on, but it will be easier to get thru and accept now that I see a lite again. 
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YAY!!!
Tori, what a beautiful and heartfelt post! I always think about taking a notebook to take notes at church, but I never do! It’s really those simple things that make such a big difference and you’ve inspired me to be better! I’m sorry that you went through such a terrible time. I wish we lived closer so we could hang out again! ***hugs***
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this. What a great thought. I know when I read my Gospel Doctrine lesson ahead of time I get a whole lot more out of the class.
Thanks for sharing this thought.
.-= yvonne´s last blog ..AND NOW WE KNOW… =-.
SO glad you’re feeling better!! Can’t wait to see you guys!
Good post Tori. Thanks for sharing.
What a great post! You are so correct . I don’t think I am that ahead of the game yet (especially with the little one) but I loved reading your testimony on here! Thanks!
.-= Angel´s last blog ..Zoom =-.
I take notes at church. I just thought I was weird. I hadn’t thought of it the way you just said, but since I just got home from a day long anger, forgiveness and the healing process, where I wrote pages of notes, it hits home. I do take pages of note during General Conference, but at church it’s just a couple of thoughts that stand out to me.
Great post Tori!
.-= Klin´s last blog ..Where I finally remember a funny =-.
I loved Mary Kay meetings, too! I haven’t been in years, but the positive energy was wonderful. And the stories! Wow. Mary Kay did so much to change my life in a good way – teaching organization, not to take things personally, taking care of yourself, reaching out to help others, goal-setting, and much, much more. The Golden Rule and putting God first, Family second, and Career third were lessons well-learned.
Fantastic idea to take notes in Church, it would help you to focus and remember.
Great post!