Trying to be a better me..................

Have you ever just looked around you, especially recently, and noticed all the tough times, challenges and obstacles invading homes and families? I look around, I see so much pain, sorrow, enduring to the end, service, love, heart ach, illness...etc etc...seems I could go on and on. Believe me, the Schroeder household have had their share as well.....I think about the Family Unit and the Love and Security that should be felt there. I see others struggling with faith, decisions, trust etc and see that as such a way that satan works his "mighty miracles" to destroy these precious families. This is part of enduring to the end, that we must follow our leaders that teach us and guide us....it's just so hard at times. We are so easily discouraged in simple things, that when it comes to the hard things..how do we ever do it. I know we have been given promises..and "guides" to help us receive those promises...these things will help us stay strong especially during hard times and I am committed to try to do better myself. I want my family to succeed and be Eternally together. I want to do the right things to keep us Faithfully obedient to all the Lord's commandments...Attending the Temple...that is so easy for me, why is it soooo hard to find the time! Well, I am going to go more often. Once a month just isn't good enough, it needs to be more often especially right now. I need to feel the Lord close to me and witness again to me that these things are true and good and precious and WORTH IT! My scripture reading....I am sooo bad at that, and it has got to be a priority for me. Prayers, what a hard thing for me to always remember. I'm quick to pray when there is a problem, when I need help, or when others need help (which is actually a lot) but I have been so bad at my own evening personal prayers for quite some time now and that is just not an option anymore .....I guess I have just been plain lazy...I can't allow this anymore. I know it is up to me to make sure I do those things that promise blessings....right now I need those blessings and to feel close to our Savior. My Testimony is strong, but I have been ignoring it and just not doing my part. I love my family, I want the very best for each one....and I want us all to succeed. So...here's my big list.........Personal Prayers, Family Prayers, Personal Scripture Study, Family Scripture Study, Try to attend the Temple twice a month even if it's by myself.....try to give service to someone at least once a month....or whenever the Lord needs me too. I Love my Savior. I am so sorry for being a slacker. I know I have let my "busy" schedule of life take over and put aside those things that are really important....that will change. This sounds like if I do all these things I will be "perfect" lol...not a chance....I will always have something to work on...that's just who I am. If the Lord can forgive me for these past short comings, I promise to do better with my life...to be a better mother, wife, grandma, friend...just a better me.