Simplicity, Service, and Suspense

So, one of my favorite talks from General Conference was Elder Uchtdorf's on the need for us to simplify our lives. He talked about flying planes in turbulence and how new pilots tend to want to keep the same pace, or speed through the turbulence... but experienced pilots know to slow down a bit. I feel at least right now that Ryan and I have a wonderful and simple lifestyle, but I guess I liked it so much because I feel like it's something I'll have to continually remind myself so that it can keep on being simple. I'm sure as Amy grows up, there will be tons of things clammoring for attention and we'll have to be careful not to get sucked into every type of little activity.
There was another speaker who also spoke on this topic somewhat, and talked about the importance of simple things like family dinner and said how it took courage not to over-schedule our families and make sure we had time to spend with each other talking and doing simple things.

The other things that has been on my mind a lot is service... particularly Temple service and geneological service. We believe families can be together forever, but we also believe that certain ordinances outlined in the gospel are essential for eternal progression (like baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and making personal covenants with God). I always love going to the Temple, because it reminds me of the covenants I've made with God and it teaches me about Jesus Christ. I always feel peace when I'm in the Temple. I recently read Boyd K. Packer's "The Holy Temple" and it made me think about how important Temple service is, not only for us to remind us of our covenants, but for our anscestors. I know I should do geneology, but sometimes I feel overwhelmed like I don't know where to start, or 'it's all been done' (which I know isn't true, but I tell myself that sometimes). I was thinking this morning about how I need to allocate some time to do geneology and serve those who've made it possible for me to live where I do now. Even if it's just learning more about them and appreciating the sacrifices they made, it's worth it. It will serve me, and may lead to opportunities for me to serve them in the Temple.

Now to our third 'S': Suspense. Those who know me, know I don't do well with suspense. I don't like watching movies in theaters because I can't fast forward to the end if it gets to be too much for me. I am always asking questions on new movies (even if I know Ryan's never seen it before) "Why do you think he's doing that? What's going to happen? etc" Thankfully Ryan loves me, madly, and can handle this trait of mine. Well, there's nothing quite as suspenseful as having a baby. Yes, you have a due date... but for me right now where I'm now 37 weeks, and having strong contractions in spurts from time to time, it could be any time between now and Halloween and that's a LONG time to be in suspense. We'll just have to see. I hope you're now in suspense too, so I'm not the only one. ;)