Sundays are often so busy for me that by the end of the day I'm ready to crash (hence my lack of a post yesterday). But the past few Sundays, instead of feeling overwhelmed as I have every Sunday for the past five months, I've felt gratitude and peace. So what changed? Mostly my perspective.

Today I read a blog post entitled ”'Blessed are the Warriors' Isn’t a Thing” and I can't stop thinking about it.

One of the things we have tried to do as a bishopric is visit people in their homes. We've set aside Wednesday evenings as the time to do this. Sometimes schedules don't line up or we aren't able to arrange to visit with anyone (we don't want to show up unannounced), but when it happens, it's always a wonderful experience.

I enjoy having long talks with loved ones. It's a wonderful way for us to connect, share experiences and perspectives, and to “think out loud” – to talk through and crystallize thoughts that have been bouncing around in our brains but haven't quite fully formed yet.

I forgot to write a post yesterday. My first church meeting started at 9am and between all the church meetings, phone calls with family, and meals somewhere in there, I wasn't free until about 8pm. Add Daylight Saving Time starting and having to take allergy medicine that makes me sleepy on top of all of that and I was pretty wiped out at the end of the day.

Today I finished reading a book I have been meaning to read for a long time called “The Crucible of Doubt” by Terryl Givens and Fiona Givens. This is a book I have heard recommended by several faithful LDS who have struggled with doubts and questions.

I need to do better at recognizing the tremendous blessings in my life and acknowledging God's hand in all of them.

I received some good news about my job today. I'm just grateful to have a job in the first place, but it's nice to know my contributions are valued and are making a difference. It made me realize how starved for good news I've been.

Occasionally I listen to a podcast called “The God Minute”. These are daily prayer and meditation programs that last 10-15 minutes. They are a wonderful way to help me focus on God and on sacred things. And they often feature wonderfully curated, beautiful music that draws your thoughts heavenward. One of the songs from today's podcast caught my attention.

I didn't sleep well last night. My first church meeting was at 7am this morning and it was another busy day. I also had to take allergy medicine, which always makes me feel tired. Needless to say, I'm running on fumes a couple hours before my normal bedtime.