30 Days of Gratitude: Day Twenty-Seven

Today I am grateful for church.

I know there are many who don't believe in organized religion.  But for me -- I am grateful to have a place of worship to attend on Sundays.  I enjoy going and fellowshipping with like-minded friends and neighbors.

But more importantly, there are times when I feel a bit "empty" or "drained" from the week, or perhaps I am struggling with a certain trial.  Getting out of the house and entering a place of peace and a place of worship and basking in the glow of others around me seems to buoy me up. It's like their sunshine will flow over into me, embracing me and letting me know I am in a place wherein I am loved.

Often times, a message will be shared-- either from the pulpit, in Sunday School or in passing conversation and it is precisely the message I needed to hear at that very moment.  Today was no exception.

In this 30 days of Gratitude project, part of my quest, per se, was to determine the importance of gratitude to begin with.  Initially, I felt that developing an attitude of gratitude would help me be able to see the bright side of things, to look at the glass as half-empty and not half full.  Which it does.  But, somehow, it does something more -- affects me deeper somehow.  It's a bit enigmatic, and yet I can feel the change from within.

Today a speaker in church made the comment that having real gratitude in our hearts makes everything else "enough".  I thought about that and it really resonated with me.  This is the time of year I start to stress and feel anxious.  I feel this pressure (put on myself, by myself) to try to give my kids a good and memorable Christmas.  Sometimes the anxiety is so bad I want to stay in bed, with the covers up over my head and not come out until after New Year's.  But having gratitude and really striving to see the good in everything, really does make what little I give seem like "enough".

Today, I am grateful for church.

Chalk the Walk Testimonies

I've had this picture in my phone since early June. Often when I go on my walk/run, I go up near the Bountiful LDS Temple. It's hilly, so I like the added workout I get. But it's also "safe" because it's not hiking in the mountains by myself. It's an extra wide paved sidewalk that hugs the wide and well-lit Bountiful Boulevard. That road also overlooks much of South Davis County, including where I live; spectacular views.

Well, one evening as I was on my walk, there was a youth group up there. I could see them from a distance, they were mostly hunched over. I knew right away what they were doing, because many people do it up there. They were chalking the walk. The town has a city Chalk Art Festival down on Main Street every May, and this was just a few weeks afterwards. I thought it was a cool idea to let the kids sort try their hand at it, literally.

Because the sidewalk squares are so large up there, many locals head up there to run, walk their dogs, set up their camp chairs and watch the sunset, have a picnic, or let the kids loose with sidewalk chalk. There is rarely an evening that goes by that someone isn't doing one of those things. As I got closer, the activity was winding to a close and the leaders and kids were piling back into cars and vans heading home. I was sort of glad, as it allowed me to take my time looking at their finished sidewalk "art".

My guess is that they were supposed to each "color" a square with something that was important to them. Many had drawn pictures of their interests and hobbies and others had drawn stick figures of their families. A few had depicted religious scenes such as the nativity, temples, scripture stories, etc. But this is the one which stood out to me the most, and unfortunately my cell phone camera does not do it justice.

These youth were between the ages of 12-18 and I think it's great that they were able to express their beliefs through "art", even if it was in the medium of sidewalk chalk. It definitely makes an impact, doesn't it? It's big and bold and there is no doubt in my mind what this David Johnson believes.

No matter who we are or what we believe, we shouldn't be afraid to be our true selves; we shouldn't be afraid to let others know who that true self is, and what it is we believe.

It was a good reminder to me to be more "big and bold" about what I believe in. It was a good reminder that I can share my Christian beliefs with those around me, both through my words and my actions. I once read something to the effect that said is there enough evidence in your life that you could be convicted of being a Christian? Thank you, David Johnson, for being a good example to me and sharing your testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sunday Sentiments: Our Missions

Last Sunday we had a Stake Conference in lieu of "regularly scheduled programming" at Church. We had some great speakers from the area and the choir that sang was phenomenal! Well, one of the guest speakers was a young man who had recently returned from serving a Church Mission in Mexico. I am sorry, his name has escaped me at present time... so we'll call him "John" for now.

For those who are not aware, young men of our faith are asked to serve missions for our church when they turn 19 years old. Young women also have the option of going when they are 21. Many times the missionaries are asked to serve in other countries, and suffice it to say, that almost every young man I know that has served one of these missions has left a boy, but come back a man. It's an experience that cannot compare to anything else in their life, and while many young men do opt to go, there are of course many that do not.

John stated that he had a friend and when they were both almost 19 they contemplated going on missions. The friend asked their Bishop "What would happen if I didn't go? I can still be a good member of the Church even if I do not go... so what would I miss?" And the bishop looked at him and replied, "Your Mission. You'd miss your mission."

John was impacted greatly by what the bishop told his friend, although said he did not quite understand it until he himself went to serve his mission in Mexico. He told of an experience he had while he was there.

During his senior year of high school and the year before leaving on his mission, John had taken EMT training here in Utah and was loving the things he had learned. Well, one day in Mexico, John and his missionary companion were walking the streets and they felt prompted to turn down a certain street. As they began, they were stopped by several of the townsfolk. "Do not go down there!" they cried. "There is a crazy man with a gun who has entered a local shop!" Then all of a sudden there were gunshots. Just then, John saw a police car and was able to flag them down and send them to the shop where the gun shots were heard. The missionaries figured they were supposed to be on that corner just at that specific time as the police car drove past so they could flag them down. They figured THAT's why they felt prompted to be there at that very moment. Feeling somewhat satisfied, they began to leave. However, John kept feeling the urge to turn back. All of a sudden he couldn't help but feel that maybe there was something more. Just then someone yelled to get a doctor and call an ambulance. John & his companion ran back and John offered his skills and knowledge that he had learned as a medic here in the states. John asked the victim, Carlos, if he believed in Jesus Christ. Carlos said yes. John asked Carlos if he believed that Jesus Christ could heal him. Carlos answered in the affirmative. So, not only did this missionary administer the medical skills and knowledge that he had been trained for back in the states, but he and his companion were able to pronounce a blessing of healing upon Carlos as well. Because of the length of time it took for an ambulance to get to this secluded area, John was able to save his life. As the missionaries left, John knew now that THIS was the reason they had felt prompted to be at that spot at that very moment on that very day.

Then he said something in his talk I felt was profound. He said, "I knew at that very moment, that everything in my life leading up to my mission was preparing me for my mission. And now I know that everything in my mission has prepared me for the rest of my life."

I thought about that quite a bit over the past week and while I have not done missionary work in a far away land in a third world country, I feel that I can acknowledge and apply this to my own life. It is obvious to me that while the choices I make are mine and mine alone, that there have been times I too have acted in faith or followed a prompting or inspiration from the Holy Spirit. And when I have, these are the things that have usually prepared me for something else; something bigger. And many times I have not even realized it until much later.

Looking back, I realize the events that have unfolded in my life thus far have brought me to this state, to this town, to this neighborhood, to certain jobs wherein I have made certain friends and have endured certain trials and have become stronger because of them. I feel like everything in my life up to this point has prepared me for my "mission" here on this earth. I haven't quite figured it all out yet, though I can't help but feel that things are about to take a turn, and that this "mission" is now preparing me for the rest of my life.

It's an affirmation to me that when I listen to the promptings I can follow the path that the Lord has in mind for me. And what would I miss if I do not ask in faith and if I do not follow His promptings? Well, I'd miss my "mission".

Sunday Sentiments: Trust in the Lord

I have many favorite scriptures, especially which I feel apply to various aspects of my life. However, the one scripture that has been my all-time favorite since I was a teenager is Proverbs 3: 5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths."

I have recited this scripture to myself many times since first memorizing it as a 16 year-old. And it is a good reminder that the Lord has a plan for me, and that if I pursue in Faith I can realize that plan.

However, in case you didn't know, I have mild Anxiety Disorder. I used to stress and worry over things as a child and sometimes even to a point of hyperventilating. I didn't know until I was an adult that it was called Anxiety. I've learned certain triggers and can practice certain relaxation techniques when I feel an anxiety attack coming on. But in general, I still tend to have an anxious mind. I am constantly thinking what-if's and what-could-be's and suppose-this or suppose-that. Many times this anxiety keeps me up at night. Did you ever read those "Choose-Your-Own-Adventure" books as a kid? There were several possible scenarios and it would say things like, "To see what happens if Jane goes into the house, turn to page 25. Otherwise, keep reading." I loved those books, except I would have to read and reread it several times to see how ALL of the scenarios played out. It could get pretty crazy trying to keep track of them all. Well, let's just say I sort of play the same game in my mind with my real-life "adventures", and yes... it can get a little crazy up there too. ;)

In church last Sunday, we had a youth speaker and he shared a personal experience. There was a task he was asked to volunteer for, and over which he was experiencing some anxiety. He discussed it with his father who gave him some words of advice. "Take it to the Lord and He will make you equal to the task."

I love that. I wrote it down. I have thought about that time and time again through out this past week. How many times am I presented with an opportunity in which I feel inadequate? Or nervous? Or uncertain? It was a great reminder that I need to do as the Scripture says and Trust in the Lord with all my heart. In order to fully trust, of course I need to first "take it to the Lord", in prayer.

I've had some events unfold in my life very recently. On the one hand I am feeling truly happy and excited. But in the back of my mind lie the voices and fear and doubt. I am taking it to the Lord, daily, and I am learning to Trust. I am hopeful and prayerful that He will make me equal to the task.

I don't know the end from the beginning. And I am not sure how all of this will play out. But I am confident that by doing my part (prayer, act in faith, etc.) that all things will work together for my good, and whatever is supposed to happen, will.

Family Vacation, First Stop: Cove Fort

We were supposed to leave in Friday. But then we found out that my oldest son's "Pioneer Trek" adventure wouldn't be over in time. And they wanted the parents to come and pick up their youth in Wyoming Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately our tickets for the shows are nonrefundable, non-changeable. Luckily, the shows weren't scheduled until Monday and Tuesday of this coming week. That meant, we'd have to leave Sunday. It wasn't my first or best option, but I really felt that Pioneer Trek would be a chance of a lifetime and wanted my oldest to go. So, we left this morning.

Well today since we'd be on the road, we'd miss church. I felt like we still needed inspiration and some sort of "faith" building experience, so after we read our scriptures this morning we headed out, listening to what I refer to as "Sunday Sounds" on the ipod (Good, uplifting music).

We were making excellent time, and about halfway there, I realized that we'd arrive at our hotel before we'd be allowed to check in. I remembered that Cove Fort was on the way, and decided we'd stop and spend about an hour there.

The president of the Mormon Church, at the time the pioneers settled in Utah was Brigham Young. As more and more Saints traveled to Utah, Brigham Young would send them to various parts of the state to settle and build towns. Many ventured to the Southern part of the state to St. George. As many people would travel to and from the Salt Lake Valley, they would camp along the way. A common spot was where Cove Fort stands today. During that period of time, there was an Indian War going on. Brigham Young had asked Ira Hinckley, of Coalville, UT to build Cove Fort. This would be a resting place for travelers passing through. Here they would get a hot meal, a good night's rest and of course refuge from the Indians. Interestingly enough however, the Indians and the Hinckleys of Cove Fort never had any contention. In fact, in spite of the war going on, Ira Hinckley did many trades with the Indians, and the Indians respected him for they way he treated them just as he would any other human being. The cost was $.35 per meal or 3 for $1. The stagecoach from the North and the stagecoach from the South would also make regular stops here and the passers-by would usually spend the night. Cove Fort has hosted many ministers from several faiths, missionaries, government officials, and the "average" traveler.

Here are some pics of our visit.



It was a nice breezy day and the weather was perfect. We got to learn a little more about the history of some of our early church members and settlers. I thought it was a perfect Sunday activity!

Sunday Sentiments: A Child's Prayer

There is nothing more precious than when a child learns to pray. Everytime the children at church sing this song, I get choked up...



Heavenly Father, are you really there?
And do you hear and answer every child's prayer?
Some say that Heaven is far away,
but I feel it close around me as I pray.

Heavenly Father, I remember now
something Jesus told disciples long ago,
"Suffer the children to come to me."
Father in prayer I'm coming now to Thee.

Pray, He is there.
Speak, He is listening.
You are His child;
His love now surrounds you.

He hears your prayer.
He loves the children.
Of such is the Kingdom,
The Kingdom of Heaven.

by Janice Kapp Perry

If anyone is interested,you can download the free sheet music {HERE}.

Sunday Sentiments: Perfection

Perfection. Today this passage was brought up during church:

Matthew 5:48 "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

Such a passage can certainly make someone feel overwhelmed. Besides, don't we always hear, "nobody's perfect"? What is perfection anyway?

According to Dictionary.com...

per⋅fec⋅tion –noun
1. the state or quality of being or becoming perfect.
2.the highest degree of proficiency, skill, or excellence, as in some art.
3.a perfect embodiment or example of something.
4.a quality, trait, or feature of the highest degree of excellence.
5.the highest or most nearly perfect degree of a quality or trait.
6.the act or fact of perfecting.

I also like this particular passage of scripture with regards to perfection:

1 Kings 8:61 "Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day."

So, it got me thinking. If "No one is perfect", but yet God has commanded us to "be ye therefore perfect" there must be something we can do, right?

First off -- I want to address the scripture I referenced above in 1 Kings. It talks about perfecting our hearts with God. God wants what is best for us. And when we do His will, our hearts are perfected in His. To me, it means wanting the same thing for myself that He does, or becoming the person He already knows me to be; or striving to become that person. That is what having a perfect heart with the Lord means to me.

Secondly -- this whole "Be ye therefore perfect" business. That is a lot to consider. Especially the "even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." The sentiment today was that even though we might never achieve that level of "perfection" in this life, we shouldn't give up. It is something we must continually strive for.

But also, we are not commanded to "be ye therefore perfect all at once". I mean, I didn't read that... did you? Nope. Didn't think so. Isn't that why we're here anyway? To learn and to grow?

I think back to the definition of "perfection". "the highest degree of proficiency, skill, or excellence"..."a perfect embodiment or example of something"... "a quality, trait, or feature of the highest degree of excellence"...etc.

The thought came to me that there are so many commandments, and some I am already perfect in. Romans 13:9 "...Thou Shalt Not Kill..." I have not killed. Currently speaking, I have perfected this commandment. Luke 21:36 "...Pray Always..." As much praying as I do, I admit - there are times I have rushed out the door forgetting to say my prayers, or fallen asleep before my knees hit the floor. This is something that I am still working to perfect. And there are so many more commandments that I could list.

I guess the point is, just like some people are perfect in a certain skill or talent, like sewing or playing the violin, so are our areas of perfection varied. We can (and possibly should) focus on one area we are really struggling with and strive to become perfect in that and then move on to the next. Don't eat the elephant all in one bite, right? After all, Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven"

So, now, I must learn what "season" I am in, and that now is the "time" to learn what and to strive for perfection in what? I can study it out in my heart and I can pray to know the answer if it is unclear. For some of us, it could be our season to teach, to be missionaries. For others of us, it could be our season to learn and to grow. For some of us, it is our season to give, and for others our season to receive. It may be the season for some of us to be reading our scriptures daily, while for others, simply opening them up for the first time is a start. Praying always -- keeping a prayer in our hearts throughout the day, every day might be our season; and for someone else, it may be the season in which they are just learning to pray.

As I strive to implement His teachings into my life daily, I know that I will grow and that I can become more Christlike. Turning my heart towards my Father in Heaven will more easily pave the way to perfect my heart in his. This is the only way I will ever be able to even scratch the proverbial surface of perfection.

Sunday Sentiments: Prayer & Charity

First of all, I had an early morning meeting before church this morning, to discuss the welfare of those that live within our church boundaries. However, my daughter had a rough night. Her eczema was flaring and she couldn't sleep. Then she was sleep-walking and sleep-talking, and soon sleep-crying, and ended up in my bed. The rough night turned into a rough morning, and I was now going to be late for my 7 am meeting. I made it to the last ten minutes. :( Nonetheless, what little I did hear, I thought was awesome.

During President Cleverly's closing remarks of the meeting he said, "When we are invested in taking care of the poor and needy, we will better come to recognize the Savior." He also said something to the effect of when we are aware of those around us who need our help, and when we strive to reach out and to serve and help those with needs, we WILL change; our hearts will change. If the pure love of Christ is charity, then it makes sense that we can be most like Christ when we are doing as He did and serving others. Serving others is one sure way we can get to know our Savior, because we will be better positioned to see things through his eyes and to love as He loves.

Moving on to our Sunday School lesson today about Family and Personal Prayers. Because it was our Ward Conference today, our Stake President (presiding clergy over area Wards/congregations), President Cleverly came to visit and he also led our Sunday School discussion. He said that he would hope for three things in all of us with regards to prayer.

1. That we will be committed to personal & family prayer
2. That we will have faith in our personal ability to have meaningful prayer
3. That we will have faith in Father in Heaven's desire & willingness to answers all of our prayers

He challenged us using the words from another talk, saying "All of us can improve the sincerity and efficacy of prayer." He went on to say that our prayers should be meaningful. They should be a time in which we counsel with the Lord. We should express our gratitude, pray for others and also plead for understanding and direction in our own lives.

Then a few quick points that some others shared during the discussion that I liked so much I jotted down:

One lady said, (and this is paraphrasing) "I talk to my mom on a regular basis, and I don't tell her the same checklist of items each time. I always have something new to tell her or to discuss or to ask her opinion. If I remember that the Lord is my Heavenly Father, or Heavenly Parent, then it helps me to be mindful to make my prayers more meaningful and not just run through the checklist of usual items."

A man brought up that it is hard to be able to have focus during prayers if we have contention in the home. He suggested to find peace or make peace or pray for peace, and that once we obtain that peace in our homes and in our hearts we will be able to better focus on the things that we are grateful for, the things we need guidance with and those whom we are praying for and in behalf of.

Other things mentioned were that we can contemplate our circumstances before actually praying, so that we know ahead of time the condition of our hearts. Knowing the condition of our hearts before prayer will often times serve as a guide for the things which we need to pray for.

Pray always. If it is right and good and in accordance with God's will, and if we pray with sincerity and with real intent, we will be blessed.

Man's greatest power lies in the power of prayer.

Meaningful prayer requires holy communication and consecrated work.

During prayer, we are most concerned about our circumstance, whereas the Lord is most concerned with our soul.

Ask in faith, then act.

There are some days in which it seems like all I ever do is pray. I've fallen asleep during really long prayers before... of course feeling a little guilty afterwards. Sometimes I am pretty sure the Lord thinks I am a basket case, cuz all I seem to do is pour my heart out. But I take comfort in the fact that as the Savior bled from every pore, He felt everything that we feel and I know that He knows my pain.

I like the reminder that we can't just pray for something, but that we should act on it too! Prayer is to ask for things beyond our control. When we act we are showing that we are doing everything in our control, which helps our hearts become ready to receive His grace.

Like my mama always said, "Pray as if everything depends on the Lord, but work it as if everything depends on you."

What about you? Have you had any life changing or "heart"-changing events because of prayer or charity?

Sunday Sentiments: God's Love & Forgiveness

I know it is a little late for a new post. But, this thought was such a good one, I wanted to share before I forget. Aside from the fellowship, support and overall good feelings of the spirit I obtain by renewing my covenants at church, I like going to church because I always learn something "new". Granted, the principle may not be new, but it's like reading a book or watching a movie for the second time. I get to certain parts and I am like, "I don't remember that from the first time I read/saw that." Or, maybe it is more enlightening. Or even better, perhaps I will understand it with greater depth. Like when I read a passage of scripture that I may have read a hundred times before, maybe this time it has new meaning for me.

Anyway, today in church in our women's Relief Society class, the lesson was back to basics; about how there is a God and that we are part of a heavenly family and God is our Father in Heaven. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, etc. The teacher asked the class to make a list of all of His qualities and attributes. There were lots of attributes mentioned. He is a Loving God, kind, merciful, patient, everywhere all the time, answers our prayers, etc. Here is the one that made my ears perk up just a little -- He is a forgiving God, and He is QUICK to forgive, and will forgive over and over, so long as we have a repentant heart and ASK.

Then, someone brought up THIS. Not only is He quick to forgive us of our trespasses, but He remembers them no more. As a Christian, I strive to live a Christ-centered life. Christ's whole mission testified of God. If God is quick to forgive AND forget, then we should strive to "forget" as well.

One lady said, and this is paraphrasing, "In order to truly forgive, we just need to FORGET about it; let it go. We need to FORGET the wrong choices our children have made. We need to FORGET about the things our parents did that perhaps we didn't agree with. We need to FORGET about the little quarrels or contention we've had with our friends and neighbors and brothers and sisters. If God can FORGET about our sins, we owe each other that same luxury."

As a parent, this doesn't mean I should turn a blind eye to the wrong things my children do. But it does mean that after I do my best to teach and correct them, I need to, as the quote says, "let bygones be bygones."

In my own group of siblings, we all have varying opinions on child-rearing or homemaking skills, etc., but simply put, we don't fight. I can't tell you how many people I know -- adults, mind you -- that tell me they aren't speaking to one of their siblings, or worse one of their parents. It's sad, really.

This is a very foreign concept to me. I don't think any of my siblings or my parents are perfect, and I am positive they will tell you the same about me. I am sure I do things that make them cringe, just like I can truthfully say I have cringed over some things they have done. But this whole concept of forgiving and forgetting, I love.

I hate carrying the burden of being upset with someone. It feels awful. Recently, when someone said some very unkind things to me, I carried that burden. I allowed myself to be hurt. Finally, I had to bury it and move on. So, I did. I packed it up, buried it away and forgave. Now - I hope to just forget about it. It doesn't really matter anyway.

I am sure that as my kids grow older and make choices for themselves, I will not always be proud of all of their choices, just as my parents have probably been disappointed by some of ours. However, I hope I can reflect upon and remember that as children of our Heavenly Father - and we all are - we owe it to each other to give each other the luxury of "Forgiving & Forgetting".

Just one more thing that hit me while I was sitting in the class today, and then I'll get off my soap box...

I think most of us are familiar with the saying that "God is Love". And He is. I remember when I had my first baby. I remember how much I loved him. I loved that baby with every fiber of my being. I would do and give anything for his safety and well-being. He brought so much joy into my life. He was an only child for almost four years before I had my second one. I remember during my second pregnancy, being a little worried and concerned. I wondered, how could I possibly divide my love? Would I have enough love to give to both children? But then the second one came and I didn't have to divide my love at all. I remember rocking my new little newborn in the hospital, and thinking, "Loving this baby doesn't mean I love my other child any less. I don't have to divide my love; there is simply just more to give." It is a phenomenon really. I mean, to give all you have to the first, and then to still have more when the second one is born? It truly amazed me.

And I thought to myself at that time, "I feel like I have just glimpsed into the heart of God. He doesn't divide His love; there is just more to give. He loves ALL of His children."

There is no end to love, after all, is there...

It's Sunday. You Only Get ONE Meal!

Growing up, we had one big meal on Sundays. I mean, we ate breakfast (usually cereal, sometimes pancakes) and then scurried off to church. Once we got home we worked together to make "Sunday Dinner". I remember hanging out in the kitchen, seeing what I could do to help. Mostly because I was hungry, and wanted to speed things along.

It was during these Sunday preparation times I learned to set a table, tear lettuce (not chop), slice onions, chop tomatoes, make Garlic Bread, grate cheese, or whatever other task I was given. Then... we ATE! Depending on what time our church ended, when we got home, and how long it took to make the food, Sunday "Dinner" would often commence sometime between the hours of 1-3.

Usually following the meal, my parents would take a nap. (I don't care what ANY of you are thinking...in *my* mind, they took a nap.) Then in the evening, around 7pm, my dad would make popcorn. This was pretty much a Sunday tradition. In the winter months, he would often do one batch of homemade caramel corn too!

Now, to accompany the popcorn we would also have Ice Cream or brownies or cookies, or whatever it was one of us girls baked (usually me) while my parents were taking said nap. Then we snacked the rest of the night while we played games or watched a TV program together.

Ok, fast forward. When I became an adult, I followed this same pattern. Come home from church, make the "big meal"/"Sunday Dinner", then NAP (for me, it really *IS* a nap!) and then snack the rest of the night.

When I was married, I remember the first few times my husband would ask me, around 6pm, "What's for dinner?" I'd look at him like, "Are YOU CRAZY??" I would answer with, "Um... nothing. It's Sunday. You get ONE meal. If you're hungry, find a snack." I have ALWAYS been like this, yet it never fails. Every Sunday around 7pm, one of my children (usually the same one) will inevitably ask, "What's for dinner?" And I always respond... "Um...it's Sunday. One Meal."

Anyway, it's funny to me that I do not get hungry on Sundays for more than one meal. Also, I can barely make it through the meal staying awake. As soon as I finish my plate, I literally drag myself to my room and I am OUT.FOR.THE.COUNT. I can't even stay awake long enough to wash dishes. That usually happens *After* I get up and while the brownies or cookies or cake are baking.

I mean, any other day of the week, even if I *do* have a late lunch, once it hits 6pm or 7pm I am STARVING for dinner. And though I don't really sleep for more than 2-3 hours at a time anyway, I can rarely nap on a "regular day".

I guess my brain just KNOWS when it is Sunday.

What about you? Is your brain wired differently on a certain day of the week or during certain events?