Hi... I'm Jamie and I have a problem

During the past couple of weeks I had been practicing for a mothers day program at church. We were preforming the story and music about the 10 virgins. When I received my part I kind of chuckled to myself because I was an unprepared virgin who was constantly comparing her lamp to the lamp of the others. Hmmmm! I wondered who had assigned the parts and was someone trying to tell me something. I even called my mom on the phone and told her of my part and she laughed as well.... knowing how I am sometimes.

The performance turned out great and I was glad that it was over (I get very nervous singing in front of others) but for some reason I can't stop thinking about the subject of being content.

Yesterday I read in the Ensign Magazine the talk entitled,

"Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually."

Here were some of the highlights for me:

"Today I speak to all whose freedom to choose has been diminished by the effects of ill-advised choices of the past. I speak specifically of choices that have led to excessive debt and addictions to food, drugs, pornography, and other patterns of thought and action that diminish one’s sense of self-worth. All of these excesses affect us individually and undermine our family relationships. Of course some debt incurred for education, a modest home, or a basic automobile may be necessary to provide for a family. Unfortunately however, additional debt is incurred when we cannot control our wants and addictive impulses."

What is a provident provider?
All of us are responsible to provide for ourselves and our families in both temporal and spiritual ways. To provide providently, we must practice the principles of provident living: joyfully living within our means, being content with what we have, avoiding excessive debt, and diligently saving and preparing for rainy-day emergencies. When we live providently, we can provide for ourselves and our families and also follow the Savior’s example to serve and bless others.

Thou Shalt not covet

I realized that I spend to much of my time focusing on all the things that I feel I need to have. Always thinking that the next thing/or stage in my life is going to make me more complete.

Some things on my list

1. A new camera. The one we want is over $1,000. Not now.

2. A house. Have you seen the prices in the Northwest?

3. A car that has power windows and locks.... ok I really do think I deserve that at least. I'm to the point where I'm willing to get pregnant to get a new car. J/K

4. A garden/backyard. I love to garden

boy I'm a little embarrassed to go on.

I know that to a certain extent it is natural to want new things and have goals and wants for your families future. The question that has been weighing Heavily on my mind is how to achieve the

Joy of being Content

In my mind I know that I have so much and am so blessed. My husband has a great job that provided for our family and works so hard each day, two beautiful daughters who challenge and bless me on a daily basis, we are healthy. I don't have to give my kids medication each day or wrap burns, or go to physical therapy. We have the gospel.

Some days it is hard though with QVC (which I love and Aaron despises) showing you Everything you have to have, and blogs who connect you with everyone in your past and then their friends (I know I blog hop sometimes) I get to see everyone adorable houses, yards, vacations, newest custom blog heading, baby nurseries, newest crafty creation, or new home business. I also know that I have found great ideas, recipes and other women who have inspired me to be a better person. I'm trying to find the balance.

Like I said, My name is Jamie and I have a problem

I need to find contentment and joy in what I have now, prepare wisely for our future, because someday it could all be gone. Thanks for surviving through one of my "keeping it real" posts.

What has helped you?