Imperfection

I have been studying various self-improvement methods.  A common thread is setting goals and gaining a proper focus.  I have never had a lack of aspiration but sometimes I felt that I didn't have the energy or know-how to improve to.  I have so many imperfections.  I am brash, I over react.  I am undisciplined.  I am self-indulgent.  My body has aged more than it should have if I had taken proper care with exercise and diet and I am no longer young enough to regain what I have lost with neglect.  In other words, if I concentrated on the ways I fall short of my aspirations I could become very unhappy.
On the other hand I know the direction I need to travel.  I have already taken a number of steps toward reigning in my grosser errors.  I am better off in many ways than I was this time last year.  Aging is inevitable, but I have learned to catch myself sooner when I deviate from the course I know is best for me.  I don't just subside or continue in a rut, I make an effort.  I overcome my natural reluctance to get up early, take a small amount of exercise, listen to the scriptures, pray on my knees, cook and eat a healthy breakfast, shower and put on fresh clothing, keep my laundry from becoming a pile, keep my house organized and fairly clean, proceed with projects whether art or home and yard improvement, abstain from temptation in the form of useless games and internet shopping, set a tight limit to social media and visit the temple for three ordinances twice weekly.  
There are still many opportunities for getting better.  I have begun to work on keeping a budget.  Fortunately I am not in debt, but I am on the edge and need to establish more distance in the form of regular savings.  Now that I have established a simple daily exercise routine I plan to extend my investment in fitness in other ways. 
So I have things to do and miles to go before I feel it is appropriate to rest my efforts.  This is truly a blessing. 

April

April has real problems.  She is going blind and most of her vital systems are in failure.  Her husband Ed is in the rehabilitation center after breaking his femur only days after returning home from the rehab center after nearly dying.  I have been driving April to appointments and shopping in her van that is fitted out to hold her wheelchair and extend a ramp.  It gives me exercise and provides a certain period of time when I know that I am serving someone other than myself.  She has a merry soul and makes friends wherever she goes.  She is undemanding considering the demands that must be met simply to get her where she is going  I joke with her and she laughs and she jokes with me.  We don;t talk a lot about her various problems, we just deal with them.  I am grateful I have the opportunity to serve April, and just hang out with her.

Saws

I am a saw aficionado.  Somehow I have accumulated a very impressive collection of saws, both manual and mechanical.  In my studio I have a number of saws used for cutting glass.  One is a band saw with a narrow blade coated with diamond particles, another saw is based on a 7" ring about 1/8" thick that I am gradually learning to use.  The third is based on the jig saw motif.  I find it difficult to use.  I also have a variety of Dremel saws that cut glass, metal and plastic with disks.  The only hand saw I have in my studio is a very versatile Japanese style trim saw.  On the other hand I have a variety of hand saws in a range of sizes in my workshop and my yard tool collection.  When it comes to electric saws I have a chain saw, a miter saw, a jig saw, a band saw, a 4" blade rotary saw, a 7" blade rotary saw, two table saws and an electric miter saw. 
With all these saws I have often encountered the problem of dulling.  My favorite saws need sharpening, or in some cases where sharpening isn't applicable, such as in blades coated with abrasive particles that wear away, the only way to sharpen the saw is to change the blade. 
Continuing to work with a dull blade is a waste of time and effort. 
While studying '7 Habits of Highly Effective People' I learned that the final habit for effectiveness is called 'Sharpen the Saw'.  From what I have seen it means to review, repent and renew.  I am grateful that I have gained the insight that I can improve and move forward.  I'm glad I can 'Sharpen the Saw'.

Talitha

Talitha turned 21 years old today.  Her parents were informed she had Down's Syndrome before she was born and they chose to go forward in faith even though some of the risks were well known.  Her parents make sure she has every chance to explore the world to the limits of her capacity.  She takes dance lessons and loves musicals, especially 'The Greatest Showman'.  She has danced at proms and participated in half marathons.  She loves the color red and things that sparkle.  She is loving and generous.  I am grateful for Talitha.

Song

Because of various emotions, promotions, commotions, and the misuse of an emblem in demonstration singing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl was toxic to almost every singer with any fame.  Gladys Knight stood forward and sang.  I am grateful for her song.

Fasting

Once a month I fast from food and liquids of all kinds for twenty-four hours.  The intent of the fast is nominally to save the money I would have spent on food and donate it to a special fund that is used to meet the needs of the poor among us.  I always have a focus for my fast, someone or something for which I focus my prayer.  All active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who are physically able, fast at least once a month for two meals or twenty-four hour, usually on the first weekend of the month.  The first Sunday of the month is called 'Fast Sunday and the general church meeting that day is called Fast and Testimony Meeting.  It differs from other Sunday meetings because instead of having assigned speakers members of the congregation bear their testimonies as the Spirit moves them.  I enjoy these meetings more than other meetings for several reasons. First, the speakers give brief witnesses.  They testify of truth.  Lengthy speeches and long stories are discouraged.  People of all kinds from children to elderly, the ' strangers in our midst, and male and female speak.  Sometimes they tell brief stories about miracles and blessings they have recently experienced.  Sometimes they sing.  Notes are rarely if ever used.  Facades are discarded.  Hearts are bared.  If all I did was abstain from food without praying or participating, if only as a listener in the testimony meeting the fast would have a beneficial effect on my body but I am grateful that the time I spend taming my hunger and thirst is part of something greater.

Groceries

I am trying to develop a budget in order to gain more control of my finances.  At this time I am in the fortunate position of having no debt and having a modest savings and a home and car I own  Since food and clothing are the areas that can be moderated at need to some extent they are a reasonable focus if I hope to increase my savings.  As I considered the foods I ordinarily purchase and eat I am reminded of all the variety that can be found in almost any grocery store.  Foods from around the world mingle with foods that have been common for centuries.  I can purchase ingredients to  make dishes from almost every culture on earth, let alone the major cultures of Hispanic, Chinese, Scandinavian and Mediterranean.  I am grateful for the wide and wonderful variety of groceries.