If Thou Knewest

Be Encouraged

2012-01-19T14:23:00.000-08:00

A bright black and yellow bumblebee comes to mind when I hear anything like "Be Happy" or "Be Cheerful" and today, its "Be Encouraged" buzzing through my head along with many other things.

BEE...ENCOURAGED!

(1) LISTEN LITTLE BEE....hear the "Flight of the Bumblebee" written by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov for his opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan, composed in 1899–1900.

(2) WORK LITTLE BEE...the buzzing and sporadic bouncing from idea to action appears to many without focus or purpose, but all those little collections of information eventually culminate into one beautiful and sweet reward.

(3) CONTINUE LITTLE BEE...worker bees, honey bees, bumblebees eat nectar and pollen, but not honey. We eat honey. We devour honey. And those little bees keep working, keep trudging along and zipping from flower to flower.

LESSON: "BE ENCOURAGED" (1) listen to those around you. learn from their mistakes. enjoy their opportunities and blessings. pay attention. (2) work with the end in mind. keep on task. filter good, better, and best moments. (3) continue to achieve your goals, your dreams. uplift others in the process. beautiful the world with your thoughts, words, and deeds.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz...Be Encouraged!

Happily Ever After

2012-01-09T17:12:00.000-08:00

...does it exist? Heaven? Hell? Fairytale weddings? Picture perfect marriages without divorce? YES!

50/50 chances...Divorce! Flipping a coin! Finding an IED! Choice! Happily ever after!

Truthfully, your odds are that if you're married and both people are giving their 50%...that makes 100% effort. Right?! And things go right! Right?!

I mention this because you don't have to give 100%.

"Marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other human relationship. Yet some married couples fall short of their full potential. They let their romance become rusty, take each other for granted, allow other interests or clouds of neglect to obscure the vision of what their marriage really could be. Marriages would be happier if nurtured more carefully." -- Russell M. Nelson, Ensign April 2006.

If each devotes only 50% to marriage & their spouse, and is free to choose the other 50% of their energy to everything else, that is realistic.

Because giving 100% to something is impossible and ends in what our boys like to spell out as F-A-I-L and sometimes they even mention the horrid "epic failure" during games.

I read in the news about marriages ending and one partner saying "I gave 100% and so-and-so gave nothing, I'm done!" Hmmm....sorry! But you're lying!!! At best you probably gave 50% maybe more, maybe less...maybe far less!

The problem is that your vision of "happily ever after" is a marriage scale where the husband is on one side and the wife is on the other...it's not a game where the two compete to be equal.

Because together (married man and woman) they are already equal (although different roles, not less than the other).

So the marriage scale is more effective when viewed with both the husband and wife side by side and the Lord on the other...when everyone is aligned with His purposes, both will succeed eternally and balance achieved. Both working together on an eternal marriage.

"Your eternal helpmate will gently hold you to your potential"-- James E. Faust, Ensign May 1988.

So...hold steady...put in your 50+ percent and feel the weight off your shoulders because you can have HAPPILY EVER AFTER!! Yes, you can!!

Joyful All Ye Nations

2011-12-05T15:11:00.000-08:00

"Father, Behold Thy Son"

A very merry Christmas to you and your kin!

Dare to Do Right!

2011-11-22T12:27:00.000-08:00

I was thinking of motherhood this morning driving to work. The kids were safe, but I felt like there was something more for me to do for them. These lyrics popped into my head; "Dare to do right! Dare to be true! You have a work that no other can do; Do it so bravely, so kindly, so well, Angels will hasten the story to tell....Other men’s failures can never save you. Stand by your conscience, your honor, your faith; Stand like a hero an battle till death."

I agree that being a mother is exhausting, exhilarating and scary sometimes. I continue each morning in the hope that what I'm doing now for our children will benefit them later and that they will remember me as their "brave, kind, faithful mother."

Each situation is different, each child is unique, but we treat them equally with love, kindness, and compassion. I'm learning how to do the scary parts better (like math timings and research papers and basketball).

Then, I found an extreme race called "Spartan Race" that was built on a code of a Spartan, but I think it applies boldly to that of Mothers:

Pushes their mind and body to their limits.
Masters their emotions.
Learns continuously.
Gives generously.
Leads.
Stands up for what they believe in, no matter the cost.
Knows their flaws as well as they know their strengths.
Proves themselves through actions, not words.
Lives every day as if it were their last.

So, I dare myself to do right each day so that if its my last, I have strength and courage to finish all that the Lord needs me to do. I will bear up arms around our little ones and defend them and protect them and:

Dare to do right!
Dare to be true!
Do the work that no other can do!
Do it so bravely!
Do it so kindly!
Do it so well!
Thank Angels who hasten the story to tell.
Know other men’s failures can never save me.
Stand by my conscience.
Stand by my honor.
Stand by my faith.
Battle till death.

Answer to Prayer

2011-11-12T19:19:00.000-08:00

Lots of rain.

Lots of whining.

Lots of fear of puddles.

Lots of prayer to avoid them.

Lots more driving.

Enjoying time with friends and family at Botanical Gardens.

More rain. More laughing. More fun.

More driving in the rain. More worry.

Lots of gratitude for getting off the freeway (almost home).

Sudden inspiration to head WEST to the beach instead of East toward HOME.

Undeniable willingness to follow the inspiration knowing my knowledge is limited.

Lots of gratitude.

Few pictures at the beach (in the rain) & laughing.

Driving the scenic route.

Sudden HUGE flooded road.

Urge to stop.

Inspiration to downshift (do not hit brakes) and go slower, but move forward.

Travel through flood with wall of water on each side (literally parting the sea of water).

Comforted. Thrilled having followed directions.

Lots of prayer.

Lots more driving.

Lots of cheerfulness having survived without fear.

Filled with confidence. Filled with joy.

Lots of gratitude having been given opportunity to conquer my fear and put ALL my trust in the Lord!

TONS more rain. Strength to make it home.

(Nothing worse than that puddle).

Be Thankful

2011-11-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

Prayers of Thanksgiving ARE the Songs of the Heart! (I think I combined a few Hymns with that statement, not sure though!)

The conversation went like this...

Me -- "I can't find my phone! (pause) Dang it, I dropped it. (pause) Its too dark to see. Argh, I need my phone. (pause) Where is it? I can't find it! (tension building) Where could it be? (frustration) It was just here in the car a moment ago (tossing papers and such around in the car) and now I can't find it. Ah! (relief) I found it, let's go!"

L (age 8) -- "Mom, I prayed."

Me -- "For what?"

L -- "That you'd find your phone and you did."

Me -- "Thank you!"

WOW! I am thankful for prayer. I'm glad that L called upon the power of prayer and that his prayer was answered. So so happy!

FYI -- I'd been searching for how to help L with drawing and the November issue of the Friend Magazine actually has an article "How to Draw like a Friend Artist" AWESOME! Check out the link HERE. Answers to prayers happen ALL the time. Those little thoughts and songs of our heart keep us going and constantly accepting the answers to questions we seek!

Enjoy Something New

2011-10-20T09:50:00.000-07:00

Children's Art Exhibit: The Gospel Blesses My Life
Church History Museum
45 North West Temple Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84150

Historical Sites
Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial
357 LDS Lane
S Royalton, Vermont 05068

Online Store
Strengthening Families
3 Simple Ways to Become a Happier Family
This booklet combines: 10 Ways to Improve Family Communication, 10 Ways to Take Time for Your Family, and 10 Ways to Teach Values in the Home.

Blessings in Disguise

2011-09-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."

-- 2 Corinthians 12: 10

Yesterday, I was racing through the radio channels in the car and heard the lyrics "What if your blessings come through raindrops? What if your healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you're near?" and I kept listening and pondering. Today, I've decided that this is something "praiseworthy" and such a true concept. We need to remember that sometimes the trials and challenges in our lives are the mercies and blessings of life! Our Heavenly Father's love is greater than we can imagine and to help us grow and learn of this greater path to happiness He let's the rain fall so that we can grow.

Here's a couple excerpts
from the song BLESSINGS by Laura Story:

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace

Comfort for family, protection while we sleep

We pray for healing, for prosperity

We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering

All the while You hear each spoken need

Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops?

What if Your healing comes through tears?

What if a thousand sleepless nights?

Are what it takes to know You're near?

What if my greatest disappointments

Or the aching of this life

Is the revealing of a greater thirst

This world can't satisfy?

And what if trials of this life

The rain, the storms, the hardest nights

Are Your mercies in disguise?

Lyrics by Laura Story

Laura explains on her blog "Not that I choose the right thing every day, but I'm learning that every morning when I wake up to choose to trust God." Agreed!

Every morning...we wake up and have to accept the good and the bad. We can prepare and ready ourselves by reading the scriptures and praying and setting ourselves apart from the world by choosing the right and standing firm in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but until we let go of the fear and worry and evil in the world...we can't partake of the great blessings that Lord has to offer us.

I've heard it said that when you hold water tight in our fist, we loose it all. When you relax and hold water gently not fearing of all the potential for loss, you keep all the goodness. No matter the worries or trials or challenges or problems, you will be blessed for your good efforts by trusting in the Lord.

Our mortal experiences will mold us and prepare us for eternity. If we aren't preparing today for an eternal life, we're preparing for less. Elder Ballard says "We prepare each day, right now, for eternal life. If we are not preparing for eternal life, we are preparing for something less, perhaps something far less."

President Uchtdorf said at Relief Society General Session (Sept 2011) the following -- "Celebrate our good efforts ... Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. It’s wonderful that you have strengths. And it is part of your mortal experience that you do have weaknesses. God wants to help us to eventually turn all of our weaknesses into strengths, but He knows that this is a long-term goal. He wants us to become perfect, and if we stay on the path of discipleship, one day we will. It’s OK that you’re not quite there yet. Keep working on it..."

I also recommend the book "In Trying Times, Just Keep Trying!" by Merrilee Boyack published by DeseretBook. Buy it HERE! Seriously, its an inspiring and powerful book that will help you confront those obstacles you're facing and work towards overcoming them!

Walk With Me & Fill Me Up

2011-09-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

This was the cover of Sunday's program for Sacrament meeting. The words "Walk With Me" struck a cord and kept thinking about the questions --What do I really know about Jesus Christ? Could I take His arm and walk with Him like my own brother or am I too shy? Am I comfortable with the Lord's plan for my life? When He beckons me "arise and walk," do I follow? Is my mind filled with His life accounts from the scriptures? Do I understand the many testimonies of Him written in the scriptures? Could I recognize Him in a crowd because I know Him?

"Walk With Me" by Greg Olsen

All those questions have been floating around in my mind...I know my own children from across the playground. I know my husband from across the airport terminal amongst thousands. If I close my eyes, do I know His image in detail. In a crowded room, could I really know which is Jesus Christ, the Son of God?! I find that at the moment, I'm ill-prepared for that task. However, I find comfort in the scriptures that "but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear" (Doctrine & Covenants 38: 30) and now I know that I have work to do in learning more and more every day.

***

Today, I looked at my dry & empty mug

I thought how often I keep it empty all day long.

So today, I filled it up!

I thought how many times it just sits full
at my desk without touching it.

But today I drank the nice cold & refreshing water!

Lesson learned -- fill your cup with goodness
& enjoy before it goes stale!

"Puppy Guarding"

2011-08-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

This morning, L was very excited to tell me his dream about playing capture the flag with his friends and that he was "Puppy Guarding" the flag. I instantly thought about his phrase "I'm a sproutling" and knew this is another great lesson from our eight year old son.

"MJ" courtesy of Deann Barrera of Deann B Photography

Because puppies have alot of energy and they are on guard with every new noise, sound and sight, I thought about how I could be more excited about sharing the Gospel, how I could be more diligent about scripture study, how I could be ever ready to defend the truth, and willing to serve others with kindness and love. This idea of "puppy guarding" the flag is like "puppy guarding" our salvation -- ever ready to pounce at the enemy, constantly working on keeping it safe, learning from those who have forged ahead, ever ready to protect and willing to share enthusiastically the truth.

And because puppies watch their Master and older dogs to learn and be trained...I thought about the importance of being a good example because "Parents teach their children with words and through example. This poem by C. C. Miller titled “The Echo” illustrates the importance and impact parents have as they influence their children:

’Twas a sheep not a lamb

That strayed away in the parable Jesus told,

A grown-up sheep that strayed away

From the ninety and nine in the fold.

And why for the sheep should we seek

And earnestly hope and pray?

Because there is danger when sheep go wrong:

They lead the lambs astray.

Lambs will follow the sheep, you know,

Wherever the sheep may stray.

When sheep go wrong,

It won’t take long till the lambs are as wrong as they.

And so with the sheep we earnestly plead

For the sake of the lambs today,

For when the sheep are lost

What a terrible cost

The lambs will have to pay.

"The consequences to parents who lead their children astray are laid before us by the Lord in the Doctrine and Covenants: “And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion … that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, … the sin be upon the heads of the parents.” --Richard J. Maynes of the Seventy, "Establishing a Christ-Centered Home" April 2011.

Rule of 3

2011-08-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

Everything is best in a set of three .... the Three Musketeers, the Three Blind Mice, the Three Little Pigs, Primary Colors (red, yellow, blue), the Godhead (Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, Holy Ghost)...and so on...

Yesterday, a friend reminded me about the Power of 3 as it applies to money ($1) for Spending including 10% for tithing ($1) for Savings ($1) for Investing...and because I'd like my children to have a bright future, this is something I will now apply more fervently in our family.

"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." -- Elder Robert D. Hales, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2009 General Conference

Elder Ezra Taft Benson stated: “A large proportion of families with personal debt have no liquid assets whatsoever to fall back upon. What troubles they invite if their income should be suddenly cut off or seriously reduced! We all know of families who have obligated themselves for more than they could pay.” (Pay Thy Debt, and Live, Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year, Provo: 28 Feb. 1963, p. 10.)

"The first hard rule of fixing our scale of living below our means is to budget, planning first for basic needs and then for other desired items. We should help all women enjoy the peace of mind that comes from making and following a plan for spending. Their lives will begin to have an aura of serenity when their expenses stay within their income." -- Barbara B. Smith, "Reach For The Stars" April 1981

Opportunity

2011-08-02T10:51:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, the sacrament meeting speaker likened a bullet to a testimony because a testimony is our defense against Satan. Only this confused me, because a bullet is not a weapon unless you have a gun. However, I thought about her statement and that unless you actually receive personal revelation (the bullet) and then share that testimony (the gun) taking action against Satan to defend yourself and others, you'll miss the target. Practice makes perfect and the more you learn how to receive personal revealation and share those bits and pieces when the Lord needs you, the better prepared you'll be in defending the truth.

When I was in kindergarten, we were taught how to memorize something. To memorize anything you use as many of the six senses as possible -- touch, taste, smell, sight, sound. Likewise, when you have a budding testimony and would like to keep it growing strong, you need to use more than one of your senses. Your testimony needs to be felt, heard, and seen to be remembered and ready for action.

Elder Boyd K Packer in Oct 1994 talked about "your spiritual senses" and that Satan is using all different ways to destroy our spiritual senses. But we have all the abilities necessary to protect our spiritual senses including much of what Elder Packer talked about -- the gift of the Holy Ghost, prayer, begin learning to discern, study scripture, listen to the still small voice, obey the Word of Wisdom, good music, attending Church meetings, and embarrassing the Comforter.

I invite you to read Elder Packer's talk (HERE) that you may learn.

Christmas in July

2011-07-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

This original piece is sculpted by award-winning artist, Peggy Esplin and reproduced in resin by master sculptor, Al Holgerson (my father).

The tallest figure in this Nativity is 15.5″ and the three pieces are ~27″ wide x ~15″ deep when sitting side by side.

Due to the lengthy reproduction process, purchases in July-August-September-October will be delivered in early November & arrive in time to decorate for Christmas!

Email me for details!

"Father, Behold Thy Son"

(Photos courtesy of Jessica Kuleto)

Be Nice!

2011-06-29T12:28:00.000-07:00

I'd spent the evening moving furniture for the carpet cleaning and instead of taking the moment to drink some water or eat to replenish myself, I raised my voice and sent them to bed. So this morning I was upset with myself for having chosen the wrong. All the way to work I was thinking about how I should "Be Nice!" and give our children a home of love and peace and words of kindness. I want them to feel loved because they are precious and deserve goodness from me.

Then, while reading in the scriptures the phrase "they have buried their weapons of war...and will not lift their swords against them, and this because of their faith in Christ" (Helaman 15: 9).

WOW!

Satan uses all sorts of strategies to break homes and he's targeted my compassion and soft voice making them shrill and harsh and insensitive like weapons of war. But I get it now and I know how to change it, I know how to thwart Satan and that I need to bury those weapons of war (ie loud voices, impatience, annoyance) and have faith in Christ.

I'm so thankful for this lesson. I know I can be better and grateful for the renewal of faith in Christ that with Him everything is possible.

P.S. Last night, the kids ended up climbing into my bed saying "Sorry Mom" and then, we watched "Chopped" on the Food Network. I did apologize to them too and gave them all hugs and kisses before sending them back to bed.

PRAY, READ, LOVE

2011-06-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

PRAY TOGETHER DAILY

"The Savior taught, “Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed” (3 Nephi 18:21). Families that pray together build eternal relationships on a foundation of strength, comfort, inspiration, and love."

“There is no more beautiful sight in all this world than to see a family praying together. There is real meaning behind the oft-quoted ‘The family that prays together stays together.’” -- President Thomas S. Monson

READ FROM THE SCRIPTURES

"Reading at least a few verses every day can bring tremendous blessings into the lives of those who do it. Daily reading of the scriptures, daily feasting upon the words of the Lord, can be one of the most powerful, influential, and satisfying experiences we can have, a force enabling the Holy Spirit to permeate our daily lives."

“Live up to your important responsibilities and great spiritual capacities. Seek to know more about Jesus; open the scriptures.” --Elder Neil L. Anderson of the Quorum of the Twelve

SPEAK WITH KINDNESS & LOVE

"Nephi calls us to “follow the Son [of God], with full purpose of heart,” promising that “after ye have … received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, [ye] can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels. … And … how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost? Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ.”'

“Our words, like our deeds, should be filled with faith and hope and charity…May we all rejoice in the thought that when we say edifying, encouraging things unto the least of these, our brethren and sisters and little ones, we say it unto God.” --Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve

Time

2011-06-13T14:15:00.000-07:00

Today, I quote the Pink Floyd lyrics to "Time" which perfectly convey how I'm feeling today!

Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day

You fritter and waste the hours in an offhand way

Kicking around on a piece of ground in your home town

Waiting for someone or something to show you the way

Tired of lying in the sunshine

Staying home to watch the rain

And you are young and life is long

And there is time to kill today

And then one day you find

Ten years have got behind you

No one told you when to run

You missed the starting gun

And you run, and you run to catch up with the sun, but it's sinking

Racing around to come up behind you again

The sun is the same in a relative way, but you're older

Shorter of breath and one day closer to death

Every year is getting shorter

Never seem to find the time

Plans that either come to nought

Or half a page of scribbled lines

Hanging on in quiet desparation is the English way

The time is gone

The song is over

Thought I'd something more to say

Home, home again

I like to be here when I can

When I come home cold and tired

It's good to warm my bones beside the fire

Far away across the field

The tolling of the iron bell

Calls the faithful to their knees

To hear the softly spoken magic spells

Children's Books at Breakfast

2011-05-31T09:51:00.000-07:00

"The observance of four simple things on the part of parents would in a generation or two turn our societies around in terms of their moral values. They are simply these: Let parents and children (1) teach and learn goodness together, (2) work together, (3) read good books together, and (4) pray together." -Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign Sep 1996.

READ GOOD BOOKS TOGETHER!

I think about my children often and how I can help improve their behavior and provide an environment for them to succeed. I thought of creating them a book nook:

The Book Nook -- Good Books at Breakfast Time

Couple of years ago, our son said: "I am like a little sproutling. I grow and grow until I become a faithful tree for God." I've thought alot about this statement because I'm responsible for how he's growing. So I envision this book nook as a haven for them to play, learn and love reading together. I like to sit there too and help them read flashcards and picture books and play games.

Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley said: "Children are like trees. When they are young, their lives can be shaped and directed, usually with ever so little effort. Said the writer of Proverbs, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6). That training finds its roots in the home. There will be little of help from other sources."

Next step, read together at breakfast time. Instead of turning on morning cartoons, I want to read them a story before we rush out of the house and into the world...it might mean getting myself up earlier so that I'm more prepared, but I'm excited to see how it works knowing it will improve our day and giving them a positive memory as a family.

Our plan...READ TOGETHER -- (1) A Scripture -and- (2) A Story...EVERY MORNING!

Feast Upon A Love Of Learning

2011-05-03T14:50:00.000-07:00

A successful teacher and author said: “What matters most in learning is attitude. The attitude of the teacher.” --David McCullough, “Teach Them What You Love” (address given in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Utah, May 9, 2009).

To Feast (see also Partake):

feast upon that which perisheth not, 2 Ne. 9:51
press forward, feasting upon word of Christ, 2 Ne. 31:20 (2 Ne. 32:3).
those who have been wounded have daggers to pierce their souls, instead of feasting upon word of God, Jacob 2:9
feast upon God’s love, Jacob 3:2
feast of fat things to be prepared for poor, D&C 58:8

I was reading this article by Heather Sanders "Teach A Boy To Fish" (HERE) based on the proverb “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for the rest of his life.” And a mother's desire to teach her children to“'eat for the rest of their life.' I want them to feast on a love of learning and continue that learning well past their school years." I totally agree! I want my children to love learning about the gospel, about the world, and about how to make good choices.

Elder David A. Bednar said April 24, 2008: "President Brigham Young (1801–1877) was a learner. Although President Young had only 11 days of formal schooling, he understood the need for learning both the wisdom of God and the things of the world. He was a furniture maker, a missionary, a colonizer, a governor, and the Lord’s prophet. I marvel at both the way Brigham Young learned and how much he learned. He never ceased learning from the revelations of the Lord, from the scriptures, and from good books. Perhaps President Young was such a consummate learner precisely because he was not constrained unduly by the arbitrary boundaries so often imposed through the structures and processes of formal education. He clearly learned to love learning. He clearly learned how to learn. He ultimately became a powerful disciple and teacher precisely because he first was an effective learner. President Young repeatedly taught that “the object of [our mortal] existence is to learn.”" (see full address here)

Teaching is like shepherding stray sheep of the fold and beckoning them off a hilltop ledge to remain on safe ground. A good shepherd knows their name, their personality, hones in those special attributes to recognize the one from the other, and guides with love. One call isn't used on another because a good shepherd knows His them individually and calls them differently.

Motherhood revolves around teaching and this type of loving shepherding of children. Furthermore, when we teach children to love learning, they are able to feast upon the goodness and thrive when they are seperated from the fold for a time. Indeed, I know the Master Shepherder, even Jesus Christ, will be so pleased with us when we bring even one back to His fold...I'm shepherding three precious lambs (aka my children) just as Jesus is shepherding me...how about you?

"Loving Shepherd of Thy Sheep" by Margaret Tarrant

Happy Spring!

2011-04-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring!

Smiling back at you!!

For the Young Women

2011-04-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

"Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord," Isa. 52:11 (D&C 38:42; D&C 133:5).

Last night, I had an interesting dream and felt much like Nebuchadnezzar wishing I had someone like Daniel to interpret my dream. But at 3am I woke up (wide awake) and kept thinking about the dream and only could think of how to get back to sleep. I sent an email to a friend that popped into my head and asked how she was doing with her new baby and went back to bed. And this morning I remembered the dream and figured out something...

First, the dream...

Scene 1: I was a leader at Girl's Camp and some of the Young Women (YW) were playing with hot coals. The girls started throwing them onto a garden with their bare hands. The other leaders were laughing.

Scene 2: I was giving a talk in Sacrament meeting about gossip and explaining a Mormon Ad that I'd seen with hands holding a glop of oil. I was telling people that when you pass gossip you don't have clean hands everyone just keeps getting dirty and that when you do bad things your hands stay dirty unless you repent.

Scene 3: I was back at Girl's Camp and everyone was having a party. They'd made multi-flavored crepes (chocolate, coconut, vanilla, strawberry) and put coconut rice inside and a gentleman said "These are for Almond Beach!"

Scene 4: I confront the YW leaders about their laughing. And I ask them "If you knew none of these girls were going to be in the Celestial Kingdom, what would you tell them right now to change that?" and I was getting choke up and starting to cry, but asked "If you knew that all of them would have to pass threw sorrow and get their hands dirty and be scarred, persecuted, or spiritually burned in this life to earn their seat in the Celestial Kingdom, what would you tell them so they would endure?"

Scene 5: I'm in Utah with my sisters-in-law and we're chatting about one-piece bathing suits and working out to actually desire to be seen in a bathing suit. Then, I decide that I really would prefer swimming in a dress than a bathing suit.

Then...I wake up!

I thought of all the things that I'd want to tell my own daughter now so that she knows the importance of Heavenly Father's plan and returning to Him is vital. I'd want her to know that Jesus Christ can resolve her pain and her sin through the Atonement and Resurrection's power and she can be saved and at the very least have her burdens lightened so she can endure them. And although she'll have trials, temptations, challenges and joys, her scarred, weary and tired hands will be clean by her obedience to the counsel of the Prophets, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost and her own divine inspirations.

That's what I'd want all women to know...that you aren't going to have an easy life. Most of you are not going to be rich or famous or rid of struggles, but YOU CAN HAVE JOY NOW in knowing that every good choice will keep your hands clean and ready to meet your loving Father in Heaven!

"[She] that hath clean hands and a pure heart shall ascend unto the hill of the Lord," Ps. 24:3–5

Inspiration

2011-04-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

"If your inner voice, or your doctor's inner voice, says something is seriously wrong, listen to it." -- article from CNN.com by Elizabeth Cohen, Senior Medical Correspondent.

This is where I would interject and clarify that the "inner voice" is the Spirit of the Lord known as the Comforter (John 15:26), the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38 ) or the Spirit (John 7:39). I would be remiss to let you wonder and think that this 'inner voice' wasn't divine.

The Spirit of the Lord is accessible to everyone! All mankind has the power to hear the inspiration of the Lord for themselves. And the constant companionship of the Spirit is granted as a gift from God for entering the waters of baptism (see D&C 84:64).

Its good advice to be sensitive to the "inner voice" that warns you, comforts you and blesses you. I'm grateful to know the Spirit is always willing and ready to guide you. Our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, are active in your lives and send messages to us via the Holy Ghost.

It should make you smile that the 'inner voice' reminding you of your beauty, your wisdom and your talents...is the Holy Ghost, sent by Jesus Christ to remain with us on this earth to bring comfort and peace to our hearts and minds.

Embrace those good thoughts because "the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not." --Jacob 4:13

Noah's Ark

2011-03-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

Family is like Noah's ark--all different types sticking together during the stormy weather and floods of life to survive.

image by annalisa hall (c)

Simple Things

2011-03-07T14:58:00.000-08:00

"When we learn to handle the small and simple daily things in a wise and inspired way, the result is a positive influence that will solidify harmony in our souls and build up and strengthen those around us. This is so because everything which invites us to do good “is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore [we] may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God” (Moroni 7:16)....Let us instead focus on those things that will sustain a lasting peace of mind and heart. Then our “confidence [will] wax strong in the presence of God” (D&C 121:45). The promise to enter into the rest of the Lord, to receive the gift of peace, is far from a temporary, worldly satisfaction. It is indeed a heavenly gift: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). He has the power to heal and to strengthen the soul. He is Jesus Christ..." Per G. Malm "Rest unto Your Souls," (October 3, 2010).

Where's the love?

2011-03-02T13:09:00.000-08:00

Happiness in Family Life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.” ~ The Family: A Proclamation to the World ~

Living Together in Love ---"“Love one another; as I have loved you” (John 13:34). On this simple phrase hangs the success of every marriage and family. In the light of Christ’s love we see our family’s divine potential. We love them with all our heart, soul, and mind. And as we do, our ordinary family is transformed into an extraordinary one."

Today we're going to focus on LOVE and I know Heavenly Father does care about your temporal happiness as well as your spiritual happiness because its all part of our journey towards eternal happiness.

"You’ve tamed the laundry, hit a home run at work, and dished up a family dinner. Forget anything? Oh, right—your spouse! It’s easy to simply co-exist with the person next to you in bed. But a rise in "gray" divorce (couples over 50 calling it quits) suggests that neglecting your relationship is a bad idea." (Health.com)...I've tried to be tactful as can be about this subject.

Here's some pratical advice for a healthier relationship (courtesy of Health.com and my own flare) with the intention to help you smile a bit more about the love of your life!

(1) Try something new together ---Climb out of a dating rut (comedy club, rent a car & road trip, be silly & laugh together)
(2) Gossip ---It’s tempting—and often prudent—to keep couple conversations behind closed doors, but you may actually benefit from blabbing to a close friend.
(3) Tweak your diet---Eat up! Almonds, avocados, and arugula.
(4) Be open about your spending---You don't have to be a financial martyr, but don't hide your spending habits, either.
(5) Slip on something red ---Research shows that men find women who wear red sexier than those who wear “cool” colors such as blue and green.
(6) Medical Issues -- If you're not interested in intimacy—but you would like to be, there could be a reason (reduced blood flow due to diabetes, hormonal reasons, et al) Check with doctor.
(7) Hit the gym -- physical fitness increases blood flow
(8) Make your bedroom tech-free
(9) Obey the Word of Wisdom
(10) Keep in contact when you're apart-- text, phone call, email, snail mail...it all helps
(11) Try spicy food like Salmon & Scallop Skewers
(12) Give your bedroom routine a boost (meaning don't do exactly the same thing every morning)
(13) Be Quick To Forgive
(14) Eat an elegant meal—for less! -- put some thought and effort into presentation
(15) Remember that you're a team ---get a babysitter and cultivate one-on-one time
(16) Watch your waistline ---it’s important to establish healthy eating habits
(17) Make an exercise date -- Try a life sport that you can enjoy together for decades to come, like golf, tennis, or hiking.
(18) Work on your working relationship---Open communication can help you weather the storm and make your relationship even stronger
(19) Get some shut-eye ---experts insist that getting enough sleep is the number-one aphrodisiac
(20) Love your body --- Compliments can help you feel more positive
(21) Eat more seafood --- contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy heart.
(22) Spark Your Creativity
(23) Stop comparing yourself to other couples ***Worth Repeating*** Stop comparing yourself to other couples
(24) Have a pre-date --- have the babysitter come early so that you can have time to get ready in peace & quiet (LOL)...but I've done this before and its wonderful for shifting my mood from frumpy mom to sexy wife
(25) Get away --- totally recommend this...vacation, stay-cation., whatever...get out of the house for more than a few hours...overnight somewhere, anywhere
(26) Don't be afraid to get help --- its okay to seek professional counseling
(27) Be understanding --- listen and learn
(28) Realize that all couples fight --- I do live by the philosophy never to go to bed angry though.

“Happiness abounds when there is genuine respect one for another. Wives draw closer to their husbands, and husbands are more appreciative of their wives, and children are happy, as children are meant to be.”-- President Thomas S. Monson, "An Example of the Believers”

Look to the Lighthouse of the Lord

2011-02-22T12:34:00.000-08:00

President Thomas S. Monson said "No one has described these years as being easy. Indeed, they have become increasingly more difficult. The world seems to have slipped from the moorings of safety and drifted from the harbor of peace.

"Permissiveness, immorality, pornography, and the power of peer pressure cause many to be tossed about on a sea of sin and crushed on the jagged reefs of lost opportunities, forfeited blessings, and shattered dreams.

"Anxiously you ask, “Is there a way to safety? Can someone guide me? Is there an escape from threatened destruction? The answer is a resounding yes! I counsel you: Look to the lighthouse of the Lord. There is no fog so dense, no night so dark, no gale so strong, no mariner so lost but what its beacon light can rescue. It beckons through the storms of life. It calls, “This way to safety; this way to home.”

"The lighthouse of the Lord sends forth signals readily recognized and never failing. These words of warning, these safety standards, are printed in a small booklet soon to be distributed and entitled For the Strength of Youth.

"May I share with you the introduction to the booklet, prepared by the First Presidency of the Church:

'“Our beloved young men and women,

'“We want you to know that we love you. We have great confidence in you. …

'“We desire everything in this world for you that is right and good. You are not just ordinary young men and women. You are choice spirits who have been held in reserve to come forth in this day when the temptations, responsibilities, and opportunities are the very greatest. You are at a critical time in your lives. This is a time for you not only to live righteously but also to set an example for your peers. …

'“God loves you. … His desire … is to have you return to Him pure and undefiled, having proven yourselves worthy of an eternity of joy in His presence. …

'“We counsel you to choose to live a morally clean life. …

'“You cannot do wrong and feel right. It is impossible! Years of happiness can be lost in the foolish gratification of a momentary desire for pleasure. …

'“You can avoid the burden of guilt and sin and all of the attending heartaches … as you keep the standards outlined in the scriptures...." --Thomas S. Monson, "The Lighthouse of the Lord", Ensign, Nov. 1990, 95

***

When we look to the Lighthouse of the Lord, we will succeed. We will emerge from dense fog and dark stormy nights and be encircled by the safe harbor of peace prepared by our loving Heavenly Father and find rewards in returning home.

This past weekend we had the pleasure of hearing Elder Cordova speak at Stake Conference. His message was to the youth to "Pimp their ride" and to fix their mind and body by staying morally clean, doing things that brought joy, staying close to parents and grandparents and communing with the Lord. He joked that the youth's terms for "fixing" something were interesting and found that he could make a successful Family Home Evening that even they could understand. I liked the lessons to make Family Home Evening applicable to what is going on with children today. Its important to help them learn now how to withstand the storms and how to find that Lighthouse and save haven.

Living Now

2011-01-26T16:33:00.000-08:00

Its ancient story about a man and a spinning spool. I recall hearing it years ago and reading it several places, but cannot find the orignal source at the moment...but the man carried it in his pocket for years without using it. The little golden spool of thread was magic and he hid it. He could tug at the string and the spool would spin making time speed up at his command. He resisted the temptation for awhile, but one day he argued with his mother and wished he was older. He spun the spool. He found himself alone at college. He studied and worked hard, but wished he could be finished with his studies. He spun the spool. Soon, he wished for a beautiful bride and spun the spool. Sitting at a quiet dinner table with his wife, he wished for children and spun the spool. At a cold Christmas gathering, he wished for a warm summer day and spun the spool. He liked the warm summer months, but wished the children could come back to visit and spun the spool. He didn't recognize an old gray bearded man in the glass. He searched the house for his wife and children and only found dusty frames with pictures of grandchildren and events he could not remember. He hadn't lived his life. He had speed up time when things got tough or boring. He didn't know that wishing for something else would leave him with nothing now. Wishing he could live again, he threw the spool and it spun...

“We cannot see the future with precision, but we can know what the Lord intends and what it will take [for] each of us to qualify personally to participate.” --Henry B. Eyring

...I have no magic spool. I cannot make time slow down or speed up. I was asked the other day at work why I'm such a relaxed parent and why I don't get frazzled about things. I laughed because in reality I do get frazzled, I do panic, I do wonder how to change myself, but I don't wish for something else. I don't wish for my babies to be toddlers and I don't wish for an empty nest. I'm calm and peaceful because I enjoy the moments "now." I enjoy waking in the middle of the night to feed the baby her bottle. I enjoy reading books to my son who is learning how to do it for himself. I love helping my oldest son learn the value of work and working hard. I live without regrets because I seek to learn from yesterday so that today I can try harder to make happiness and don't count on tomorrow.

There is value in trusting the Lord with all our heart, might, mind and soul. There is value in having short term and long term goals. There is value in listening to the Spirit. There is value in acting on those promptings.

This is why I say "Yes" when children want me to read one more book. This is why I say "Yes" when someone needs my help. This is why I say "Yes" to one more push-up. This is why I say "Yes" to changing another diaper. This is why I say "Yes" to living and actively participating in my life.

Hurray for Southwest Airlines!

2011-01-14T11:57:00.000-08:00

(CNN Article) -- Time was running out, and Mark Dickinson wasn't sure whether he'd get to see his dying 2-year-old grandson one last time. A long line at Los Angeles International Airport's security checkpoint had kept him from getting to his gate on time.

His grandson Caden would be taken off life support in a matter of hours in Denver, Colorado, with or without his grandfather's presence, according to CNN affiliate KABC.

"I was kind of panicking because I was running late, and I really thought I wasn't going to make the flight," Dickinson told KABC.

That's when a pilot from Southwest Airlines stepped up and held the flight at the gate until Dickinson arrived. The pilot was standing by the jetway waiting for him when Dickinson arrived in socks, so rushed that he just grabbed his shoes at security and ran through the terminal.

"I told him, 'Thank you so much. I can't tell you how much I appreciated that.' And he said, 'No problem. They can't leave without me anyway,' " Dickinson told KABC.

...Dickinson's wife had called Southwest and asked them to hold the plane. After the flight, Dickinson said, he never got the chance to thank the pilot for his serious display of empathy. Dickinson made it to Colorado in time to say goodbye to his grandson.

"I would just tell him that I can't tell him how grateful I am that he did that for me," he said.

Most airlines would punish any staff member who holds up a flight, according to consumer advocate Christopher Elliott, who broke the story of the compassionate pilot on his blog. However, a Southwest spokeswoman said the pilot's actions were exemplary.

"You can't hold a plane for every late customer, but I think we would all agree that these were extenuating circumstances and the pilot absolutely made the right decision," Southwest spokeswoman Marilee McInnis said. "I don't think you could ask for a better example of great service for our customers."

"As you're reading the story, you absolutely get tears in your eyes and just an overwhelming sense of pride that our pilot took such an action," McInnis said. "It really makes you proud to work for Southwest."

Innocent before God

2011-01-04T15:17:00.000-08:00

How do I begin to tell you the sorrow that plagues me for those women who have carried children in their womb and lost them within moments of their living in this world?

How do I begin to express the heartbreak of families who carry the memories of a missing child they never knew in this life, but know without a doubt their souls are connected for eternity?

How does a mourning mother willingly accept the loss as an accident and will of God instead of fault or carelessness of a medical professional?

How can so much tragedy bring forgiveness and love and mercy?

You could search the world and find things equivalent to a superficial bandaid, but self-help books and camp counselors neglect the power to heal the wound underneath. The sorrow, heartbreak and mourning soul can only be repaired by feasting upon the words of Christ and listening to the still small voice of the Comforter.

Therefore, in attempt to empathize with my friend, for I had not lost a baby moments before birth, I searched the scriptures:

Moroni 8: 12, 14 "...Little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respecter to persons; for how many little children have died without baptism!..Behold I say unto you, that he that supposeth that little children need baptism is in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; for he hath neither faith, hope, nor charity; wherefore, should he be cut off while in the thought, he must go down to hell."

Doctrine and Covenants 93:38 "Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning; and God having redeemed man from the fall, men became again, in their infant state, innocent before God."

How does God deal with the sorrow of losing one third of His children to the enticings of Satan's plan? How does he deal with the sorrow of letting innocent souls be delivered to this earth knowing they may not repent and make efforts to return to Him?

How does God show his mercy and love towards those who doubt His existence and despitefully use the righteous? Why does tragedy in this world bring us on bended knee to the feet of Him who created us?

I wanted to tell my friend "I'm sorry!" even though I'd done nothing wrong. I wanted to yell that it was the doctor's fault for not inducing her sooner or doing another ultrasound or even spending an extra minute or two to check the heartbeat was truly "perfect" as they'd said the day before. I cried like a three-year old throwing a temper tantrum unwilling to listen to reason for something that I could not change. I wished my friend's empty arms to be filled with peace and comfort. It took alot of calming down because I didn't want to be calm just yet, I wasn't ready to hear the answers...

...Then...

...I was ready...

I realized that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can all be innocent before God, like an infant. We can be completely dependent upon Him for all things no matter how long or short our time is away from Heavenly Father, like an infant. We feel love and mercy, when we embrace the joy of becoming acquainted with God again. And for those who forgive and cling to the Gospel principles that if ye have faith, repent, and endure to the end so great shall be their glory because they will see God and embrace their family forever.

Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear;

But with joy wend your way.

Though hard to this journey may appear,

Grace shall be as your day.

’Tis better far for us strive

Our useless cares from us to drive;

Do this, and joy your hearts will swell—

All is well! All is well!

--William Clayton

Family Home Evening

2010-12-20T17:21:00.000-08:00

Every family unit has different traditions for FHE. Our family has been working on setting a pattern to have FHE every Monday night. We're going on 22 weeks & counting. I found that SIMPLE is the key! Tonight's FHE (directed to our boys ages 7 & 5)..."BUILDING BLOCKS TO A SOLID TESTIMONY"

***

Song –How Firm A Foundation

Prayer by Invitation

Scripture—3 Ne. 14:24–27

Lesson –Emphasis on "Building Blocks" to a Solid Testimony! --Show a few blocks & label with gospel centered topics like Faith, Repentance, Tithing, Kindness, Follow the Prophet et al.

“…Our personal journey through life provides us with many special experiences that become building blocks of faith and testimony. These experiences come to us in vastly different ways and at unpredictable times. They can be powerful spiritual events or small enlightening moments. Some experiences will come as serious challenges and heavy trials that test our ability to cope with them. No matter what the experience may be, each gives us a chance for personal growth, greater wisdom, and, in many cases, service to others with more empathy and love. As the Lord stated to the Prophet Joseph Smith in a reassuring way during one of his most significant trials at Liberty Jail, “All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good” (D&C 122:7). As experiences accumulate in our lives, they add strength and support to each other. Just as the building blocks of our homes support the rest of the structure, so too do our personal life experiences become building blocks for our testimonies and add to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ…Faith is increasing among God’s covenant people, and I believe it is through having a personal treasury of such valued experiences that an increase of faith can happen for each of us. President Monson said: “[The Lord] commands. And to those who obey Him, whether they be wise or simple, He will reveal Himself in the toils, the conflicts, the sufferings which they shall pass through in His fellowship, and … they shall learn in their own experience Who He is” (in “The Way of the Master,” Liahona and Ensign, Jan. 2003, 7; quoting Albert Schweitzer, The Quest of the Historical Jesus [1948], 401; emphasis added). …In these days of worldly intrusions into our lives, when trials and difficulties may seem to engulf us, let us remember our own special spiritual experiences. These building blocks of faith will bring us conviction and reassurance of a caring, loving Father in Heaven, of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and of Their restored true and living Church. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” -- Ronald A. Rasband, "Special Experiences", Ensign, May 2008, 11–12

Song –My Eternal Family
I am a builder working each day To build my family.
And I will do the best I can To serve them lovingly.
I am a builder growing so tall And learning ev’ry day
To speak with kindness in my home, To help at work & play.
My Heavenly Father sent me here And He knows I can be
Strong and righteous as I build my eternal family.

Prayer by Invitation

Activity – Have Fun Building with Legos

***

I've learned that Family Home Evening doesn't have to be complicated or elaborate. In fact, the more preparation and fancy that I get..the less the children are interested. What we normally boil the lesson down to is the basics. The simple truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and what really matters. We obey the Prophet and hold Family Home Evening one night a week. We learn and grow together setting an example for the children to hold the tradition in their own family when they are older. We enjoy the time together as family.

Christmas Bells

2010-12-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

If they ring, what do they say to you?

Gratitude.

Jesus Is Born.

Thank you.

God is great.

Earlier this week, I got a voicemail from the Bishop mentioning that the Adventure Scouts would like to come put up Christmas lights and to call him back.

First, I don't hang Christmas lights outside. Second, I am tired. Third, I think I can do everything myself.

But without hesitation, I accepted the help and called the Bishop back saying he could relay the message that the Scouts could come over, just have someone let me know what time so that I could be ready.

Then, I panicked...I don't have Christmas lights to hang. I don't know when they are coming. The house is a mess!

But without hesitation, I calmed. I said a prayer. I went to sleep.

In the morning, I looked at the wreckage that is my house and sighed. I got the kids ready, dropped them off at the sitters and school. And I went to work wondering.

Then, I got inspired. I could buy some lights. I could have them hang a picture that is too heavy for me to do myself. I could have them build a bookshelf that has been waiting to be built for awhile.

With the husband out of town on business for the next month, its been a challenge to keep everything in order. But part of being a mom is looking on the positive side.

I got a message saying the Scouts were coming over between 7:15 and 8:15pm. That meant I could pick up all the kids, buy lights and get home to clean the house between 6-7pm.

So I prayed and felt that ring tingle that everything would work out and committed to be NICE. (Stressful times call for extra nice thoughts, words, deeds from the Momma). I bought the kids candy and they played in their room while I cleaned the downstairs, holding the baby. In a mere 15 minutes, went from chaotic disaster to respectable and ready for guests (At least I wasn't embarrassed). A miracle!

As I held the baby watching two leaders and 5 Scouts work...I smiled. I finally understood what it meant when people talk about service bringing you closer together. I wasn't all that interested in help from Scouts when the Bishop called, but I wasn't going to reject the willingness of others to serve. And so I let them into our house. And grateful to their Mothers for raising such good natured Young Men.

Let me tell you that I'm grateful! They were gracious and kind and very responsible. In 30 minutes, the Scouts hung lights on the porch, the tree, the banister, hung the picture on the wall and built a bookshelf for us. All things that I now smile brightly when seeing.

I fell like Angels are ringing bells and cheering for: Me--because I stopped fretting & let them help. Them--because they did a marvelous service. You-- because you deserve a smile.

The Lazy Exerciser

2010-11-16T11:37:00.000-08:00

is my new title...LOL. I am lazy. I would rather do nothing at home, but I get frustrated with nothing at work. I think of all the things I'd rather be doing at home while at work and vice versa. And I started to wonder what else I could do at work that would make my time at home more productive...interestingly enough it turns out exercise was the answer.

I'm the lazy exerciser because I did the minimal amount of effort expecting maximum results, but even with the minimum, I'm not consistent either and so I've wasted time.

And then...I realized this was a bible story! Abraham begs the Lord to save the city Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham believed that there were righteous among the wicked. As Abraham searches for fifty, he begs that if finds just ten it could be saved...the Lord destroys the city because Abraham could only found Lot and his wife and two daughters. (Genesis 18 & 19)

Now, its a wild way to come to such a conclusion...but this is how I apply the scriptures to myself. I had it all wrong. I thought that exercise was hard. I thought I couldn't do it, so I did nothing. And when it finally came time for me to exercise, after trying P90X workout and the Insanity workouts on max, I realized that I need to start small...a few jumping jacks and lifting one pound weights. And then I realized that doing that once a week wasn't going to help. I needed to be daily vigilant and come up with a plan that would work.

Its not alot, but its something every single day. I'm sure Abraham had grand ideas of lots of people to save and highly disappointed when one of the four looked back at the city. And I've got high hopes for my exercise routine, but I'm satisfied when I do something for at least 30 minutes straight. That's progress. That's moving forward. That's not looking back.

And last night at FHE, we talked about the Word of Wisdom. I could tell them that this law was given by God to Joseph Smith for all of us to have clean and pure bodies to enter into His presence again. I don't have to be obsessive about exercise, but I can do my lazy exercising routine because its helping my body stay healthy and strong.

You can do something too. Just make a 100% improvement from yesterday and you'll be happier tomorrow. And one day I plan on bringing my exercise wheel to work and putting it under my desk (but I'm still a little embarrassed).

General Conference

2010-11-10T21:48:00.000-08:00

Reflections on a Consecrated Life

Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

...A consecrated life is a life of labor. Beginning early in His life, Jesus was about His Father’s business (see Luke 2:48–49). God Himself is glorified by His work of bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of His children (see Moses 1:39). We naturally desire to participate with Him in His work, and in so doing, we ought to recognize that all honest work is the work of God. In the words of Thomas Carlyle: “All true Work is sacred; in all true Work, were it but true hand-labour, there is something of divineness. Labour, wide as the Earth, has its summit in Heaven.”

God has designed this mortal existence to require nearly constant exertion. I recall the Prophet Joseph Smith’s simple statement: “By continuous labor [we] were enabled to get a comfortable maintenance” (Joseph Smith—History 1:55). By work we sustain and enrich life. It enables us to survive the disappointments and tragedies of the mortal experience. Hard-earned achievement brings a sense of self-worth. Work builds and refines character, creates beauty, and is the instrument of our service to one another and to God. A consecrated life is filled with work, sometimes repetitive, sometimes menial, sometimes unappreciated but always work that improves, orders, sustains, lifts, ministers, aspires....

All that you can do

2010-10-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

A Hint

2010-10-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

"Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear; For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the humble..." -Doctrine and Covenants 136:32-33

Try Try Again

2010-09-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

Scenario 1:

Last week, I took an hour and picked up our downstairs rooms. Then, I vacuumed. Everything looked great except I started noticing spots on the carpet, stains on the couches, dust on the window blinds and trash on the counters. To be honest, I was disappointed and frustrated and gave up. I went to bed in a huff.

Yesterday, I took an hour and washed & put away dishes, baked a pie, popped popcorn, washed a load of laundry. I had our boys pick up the downstairs. Then, I vacuumed. Everything looked great. To be honest, I neglected to worry about everything else. I went to bed eager to do more later.

Scenario 2:

The other morning, I was running late. I had woken up late and blamed the kids. One son was crying of his missing shoe. I yelled at him for not finding his shoes earlier and that now I was really late for work, I was upset at myself, but lashed out at him verbally. His reply, "There's no reason to yell. I'm just a kid." He was right and I needed to repent for my inability to deal with my own frustrations. I really could do better. I had to do lots of repair so that he knew it wasn't his fault for us being late, it was mine alone.

Yesterday, we were in a familiar situation with one son crying over a missing shoe and I'd woken up late again. But I kindly asked his brother to help find the shoe. I helped him put the shoes on and we joked and talked about squishes and squinkies and silly bands (very popular toys). I took my time gathering things. Then, I shuffled the kids out the door and went to the car. Then, I remembered the carseat for the baby girl was still in the house. I chuckled and accepted defeat and that I'd be late for my training meeting.

After dropping off the children at school and daycare, I headed to off site location for the training. I sighed. I really wanted to cry. The training started at 8am, it was now 7:55am and the location was at least 20 minutes away. My company would be charged the full fee if I wasn't there by 8:15am. I prayed and drove. I even dared mention that I'd been really nice to the children and didn't yell at them and really needed His help. I knew I'd have to face my boss and accept consequences for being late. But it was my fault and I knew that. But I hoped for a miracle.

When I rolled into the barren parking lot, it was 8:25am and I was bewildered (the last time I'd been at training at that location the parking lot was packed full). I raced up the stairs (calves on fire) and quietly asked the receptionist "I know I'm late, but can I still enter the training class?" She looked at me, looked at the time and typed a few things and handed me a book with strict instructions to not ask questions and that it was up to the teacher.

*Lesson*

Long story short...the Lord gives us MANY opportunities to improve. He is willing to let us learn the same principle over and over again until we get it right. After we get it right, we are expected to make a pattern and habit of 'good behavior' over and over again. We have the power to overcome temptations and be successful.

Keep a smile on and carry hope in your heart because the Lord will always give you a chance to do better. The trick is repairing the wrong and doing better when given that 2nd chance.

P.S. I got my training and many prayers of gratitude were given to a merciful Lord for seeing fit to bless my pathetic efforts. I am eager to do much better next time.

2010-09-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight my 7 year old made me humble when he said that "Heavenly Father is always available" and that "Heaven is never full."

At hearing his words, I felt hopeful that there was room enough for me at the feet of the Lord. That even on my worst days, I can kneel in prayer and ask for forgiveness and receive peace. That there is always hope of doing better tomorrow and that indeed God wants to hear my prayers and wants to let me in his holy house.

His house is open. His house is worth trying every moment to obtain. His house is available to all willing to apply faith, repentance and obedience.

I'm impressed with the youth. They certainly rise to the occasion and teach me new things about the mercy of God.

Love

2010-09-17T16:16:00.000-07:00

there is a sweetness in holding her that brings me peace

Under Construction

2010-09-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

This life is not filled with stagnant ideals and perfect scenarios. It requires hard work, constant fortitude, perseverance and the work is grinding to the body and soul. We are hear to prove our faithfulness to truth, right and to our Lord Jesus Christ and we have hope that all our best efforts will be rewarded.

This life is in a constant state of motion, change and adaptability. When we pray for strength, the Lord gives us rocks to move to build that strength. When we pray for patience, He provides us moments to practice patience. When we pray for abilities to endure, He gives us challenges that we can overcome under His watchful eye and eventually smile at our successes.

Marriage and family relations seems to me to be a mansion always under construction with improvements, modifications, and even demolition phases. They revolve around many variables and always in need of delicate attention to detail. Marriage must be build upon a sure foundation so that regardless of storms and phases, that marriage can withstand the turmoil and constant hammering and refining. Family relations are a whistling wind with major and minor affects on said mansion.

The lyrics "my castle stands upon pillars of salt, and pillars of sand" could summarize many couples when in doubt of continuing their marriage. However, "hell's foundations quiver" if that couple turns to the Lord and seeks forgiveness with one another to continue the honorable quest to build an eternal marriage, they find peace and sure up their fortress.

There are many moments in building a marriage that are hard, and require compromise, compassion, trust, love, helpfulness, sacrifice. There are many moments in building a marriage that are easy, relaxing, fun, and let you look around to see the big plan. Together with the daily grind of chores and elbow grease needed to get the cogs and corners dusted, there is ample time for leisure and joy in the process. Build together something you're both proud to offer.

We learn as we go. We make mistakes. We repair. We laugh. We love. We find joy in service. We forgive. We must seek out the good in all things and all people.

Remind yourself that your life, your marriage, your family relations are always under construction. Remember that its worth building right. Its worth your time, effort, talents and all that you possess to build it up. Do your best and when the time comes, that mansion will be waiting in Heaven for you, your spouse, your family and all will be perfected in Christ.

He's not going to fret about rusty nails or stain glass windows because you're building the best you can, and that's good enough regardless of mishaps along the way. There is hope for us all --we're amateur builders on a quest to build something worthy of our Father in Heaven...let's face it, all we can do is try and never give up on the process.

Try with a smile & sincere heart and He will accept! The construction zone is worth all you continue to offer it.

"Builders...
Blazing trails along the way;
Stepping-stones for generations
[Are your] deeds of ev’ry day.
Building new and firm foundations,
...Forging onward, ever onward"
--Ida R. Alldredge

Time, Effort, Patience

2010-08-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

Give it time.

Make an effort.

Have patience.

Standing Tall

2010-08-04T15:43:00.000-07:00

Church Statement on Proposition 8 Ruling

SALT LAKE CITY 4 August 2010---The Church issued the following statement today in response to the ruling by Judge Vaughn R. Walker of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in Perry et al v. Schwarzenegger et al:

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regrets today’s decision. California voters have twice been given the opportunity to vote on the definition of marriage in their state and both times have determined that marriage should be recognized as only between a man and a woman. We agree. Marriage between a man and a woman is the bedrock of society.

"We recognize that this decision represents only the opening of a vigorous debate in the courts over the rights of the people to define and protect this most fundamental institution—marriage.

“There is no doubt that today’s ruling will add to the marriage debate in this country, and we urge people on all sides of this issue to act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility toward those with a different opinion.”

***
My favorite quote from the article is "We urge people on all sides of this issue to act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility toward those with a different opinion."

I immediately thought of the phrases "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. --The Golden Rule."

Photo Courtesy of Deann B Photography

And a note on my Mom's refrigerator crossed my mind, something like "Stand firmly where you're planted, but spread your branches" It tells me that we're allowed to be firmly committed to our own opinion and have firm convictions of what's right and what's wrong, but that we can extend love to others and be nice to all mankind.

3 Nephi 29 : 8 "Yea, and ye need not any longer hiss, nor spurn, ...any of the remnant of the house of Israel"

One Minute Sermon (video)

2010-08-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

Bits of truth can be found in many places...I agree with her final statement that we need to live our life in the service of God.

Tithing

2010-07-25T23:47:00.000-07:00

For a week, I'd thought about going online to pay our tithing, but neglected those promptings for no good reason.

Today I was grumpy and couldn't figure out why. I prayed. I kept missing messages from my husband who was out on travel. But focused on the here and now, I started listening to the children's needs instead of my wants. I still felt glum with a twinge of hopeful.

At the end of the day, I put the children to bed saying sorry for my grumpy mood. They were easy to forgive me (after much Lego playing and cuddles and I love yous) and they fell asleep happily although later than usual (we had to finish building a pirate ship & baby girl needed more feedings) about 9pm.

Then, I begged Heavenly Father to know what to do so that I could speak to my husband who was traveling. I felt that I'd made a better effort to be kind to the children and repaired my gloomy attitude by the end of the day. His answer came without hesitation to pay our tithes. I immediately went online to pay them.

Late (like 11pm), I got my second chance to talk for 12 glorious minutes with my husband. It was a promised blessing fulfilled by obedience to commandments. I had followed the promptings to pay our tithing and the Lord opened the heavens.

3 Ne. 24: 10

Bring ye all the ^atithes into the storehouse, that there may be ^bmeat in my house; and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the ^cwindows of heaven, and pour you out a ^dblessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

I testify that the Lord fulfills His promises when we follow the commandments. I can say that paying my tithing was the key that unlocked the windows of heaven. I am happy. I know there is a right way to live and be happy--its obeying commandments like tithing.

Through the Looking Glass

2010-07-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, I remembered a story a little 3 yr old boy in our Primary gave about his thick eye-glasses. Without his glasses things were very blurry and on this day he lost his glasses. His older brother said a prayer to find them, and they did. The little boy thanked his brother for the help to find his precious glasses which allowed him to see again. They happily played the rest of the day together.

The Holy Ghost is like that pair of glasses. Without the Holy Ghost things are very blurry and when we make unrighteous choices, we lose the power to discern right from wrong. Our older brother, Jesus Christ, loves us and wants us to follow him. When we come unto Christ and seek out the right, we can have the Holy Ghost back in our lives. With the precious Holy Ghost, we can see clear and we are happier.

Image Courtesy of Deann Barrera of http://deannbphotography.com

Looking at this picture by Deann I noticed that the blinds were drawn shut. I became curious. With the blinds shut, I cannot see through the window pane. In theory, I could (1) go and knock on the door to see into the room and circumvent the window completely or (2) wait for someone to open the blinds or (3) forget about it and keep on moving.

Now, go back to the Holy Ghost analogy... We pray. We seek answers for things we desire, but then we are asked to wait or move along without it for awhile. We stand patiently waiting for something we're not supposed to get now or yet or ever. So we resort to whining and become impatient and we go to the door and knock. We beg to have the blinds opened to see beyond our current scope of vision.

We trust the Lord has a plan for us, but we neglect to realize the timing and how it will play out. We forget that the Holy Ghost has provided us with answers from the Lord to (1) Wait patiently because it will open soon or (2) Forget about it for now and keep moving or that (3) it won't happen in this lifetime so please refocus and enjoy the flowers instead.

Those are tough responses to things we feel deserving of now. Although our curious minds wonder about "what if" or "why" or "when" scenarios, we need to trust when the Lord is ready for us; He will invite us in and that is more glorious than merely looking through the glass anyway.

Faith in Every Footstep

2010-06-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

"Do your duty with a heart full of song" is part of the chorus to "Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel" (Hymn 252) which keeps ringing in my head tonight.

...Earlier, I was feeling grumpy. My day started at 4:45am nursing the baby and a lot of blah during the day and trying to end at 8:20pm to put the baby to sleep for the night. When...my phone rang and missed a call from my visiting teaching partner. We'd missed our appointment.

I looked around; the boys had showered, but were only half dressed in pajamas, and my visiting teaching partner was again texting me she was too ill to go herself and so we deliberated. We agreed to call all our sisters in the morning to make appointments in July for earlier in the month.

But I couldn't shake the feeling that I should show this sister that we loved her. I thought the appointment was at 8pm. And figured if she'd planned on an hour to visit, it being 8:30pm I could probably still catch her awake. So I took the chance...I left the shoes under the stairs and told the kids to put something on and booked it to the car...we were shoeless and I didn't care, I just wanted to see this sister before she could think ill of us.

My children and I got to the sister's home and there were tons of cars. At the door with the three kiddos and knocked lightly in a pathetic effort to not wake anyone or seem too weird for being at their door. She opened with a smile and I found out the appointment was at 7pm, oops! It was now 8:40pm and they were just sitting down to dinner and she was warm and inviting, but I knew we shouldn't stay long.

I stood at her doorstep chatting and noticed we were all barefoot (including her). I handed over a peace offering and chatted for only a few minutes. My boys did more talking, I think. But I began to feel better despite slight embarrassment about the time mix-up, being barefooted and all my worries seemed to fade with her slightly tired and sympathetic looking smile.

Photo by Deann Barrera, http://deannbphotography.com/

It was the last day of the month. It was also late at night. But I knew I wasn't visiting to get my numbers, I was following the Spirit. I could not deny it. I was visiting a sister whom I desperately appreciated for holding my baby during Primary so I could teach a lesson. I was visiting a sister who I loved for helping me do Temple work and showing me through the steps of the Genealogy Center. I was visiting a sister who had asked for help with her son's wedding and I showed up. I was visiting a sister who smiled at me in the hall at Church and I wanted to prove she could count on us. We might forget appointment times, but we didn't forget her or the wonderful things she does for the Ward sisters. She is worth the effort. She was worth visiting barefoot.

***
To Emma Smith on April 4, 1839, from the jail in Liberty, Missouri: “My dear Emma, I think of you and the children continually. … I want to see little Frederick, Joseph, Julia, and Alexander, Johanna [an orphan who was living with the Smiths], and old Major [the family dog]. And as to yourself, if you want to know how much I want to see you, examine your feelings, how much you want to see me, and judge for yourself. I would gladly walk from here to you barefoot and bareheaded and half-naked to see you and think it great pleasure, and never count it toil. … I bear with fortitude all my oppression; so do those that are with me. Not one of us has flinched yet.”--Prophet Joseph Smith

"We know where we want to go! Do we have the resolution, even the faithfulness, to get there? President N. Eldon Tanner answered this question in his own mind when he declared: “I would rather walk barefoot from here to the celestial kingdom … than to let the things of this world keep me out....I return to the Prophet Joseph’s words: “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God.” Let us walk these clearly defined paths. To help us do so we can follow the shortest sermon in the world. It is found on a common traffic sign. It says, “Keep right.'" --Prophet Thomas S Monson

***

Our hearts were in the right place this whole month of June--we love our dear sisters. And I love you. The Lord loves you more though!

Rest assured, our feet will be catching up next month; barefoot or not. We will fulfill our duty with a heart full of song and make those visits bringing joy to show faith in every footstep.

Paradise

2010-06-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

Most of my childhood memories include the Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise) bushes in the back yard and playing in or around them. With their sharp leaves, I'd get scratches. With their beak-like pedals, I got my eye almost poked out on several occasions. They are exotic, but upon closer inspection the crusty brown pedals amongst the vibrant purple and orange beauties can't be ignored; yet, part of the whole beauty. It reminds me of life...

Photo by Deann Barrera

"Nearly 60 years ago, while I was serving as a young bishop, Kathleen McKee, a widow in my ward, passed away. Among her things were three pet canaries. Two, with perfect yellow coloring, were to be given to her friends. The third, Billie, had yellow coloring marred by gray on his wings. Sister McKee had written in a note to me: “Will you and your family make a home for him? He isn’t the prettiest, but his song is the best.”

"Sister McKee was much like her yellow canary with gray on its wings. She was not blessed with beauty, gifted with poise, or honored by posterity. Yet her song helped others to more willingly bear their burdens and more ably shoulder their tasks.

" The world is filled with yellow canaries with gray on their wings. The pity is that so precious few have learned to sing." --Pres. Monson, Ensign June 2010.

Whether we are women with brown crusty pedals or gray on our wings, we have experience good enough for all to see and hear. Our beauty is glorified with seasons of time--youth, courting, child rearing, grand parenting. Though some winters we are frostbitten and some summers we're scorched beyond repair; we are ever ready to be proven worthy of salvation.

All we do now affects the paradise we receive later.

May you enjoy the journey to paradise and remember that the Lord will accept you. So Sing! Do! Go forth & Serve! Love! Smile! Pray! Cherish!

"Yes, I Can!"

2010-06-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Robin Baker

My boys wanted to bike to school the other day and so I obliged. I walked and pushed our baby girl in the stroller and they biked. Its about a mile to and from school. The youngest boy kept complaining. He wouldn't stop saying that he couldn't do it.

I did my best to help him and push his bike on the uphills and then, I remembered the book "The Little Engine That Could" and recited the story briefly and had him repeat "Yes, I Can!" as he pedaled his bike.

On the way home, I could see he wasn't going very fast. He was getting tired. I admit, I was tired too. But he asked me "Mom, what's that word you taught me?" and I replied "Yes, I can" and he'd put on a smile, pedaled harder and said "Yes, I can" all the way home.

When you have some distance to travel and there is no way around it, you might as well do it with a smile and say "Yes, I can!" and the power of positive thinking will help you succeed.

My Cup Runneth Over

2010-05-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

You've heard the saying "My cup runneth over" or at least I have heard it used for both positive and negative things. It means you're overwhelmed and either overjoyed or overwhelmed with something. I often think of how the sea rises and falls on the shore in high and low tides, ever changing, ever expanding slowly and steadily. And that on some days you just want "My cup to be runneth over-ed" and to give up the fight. Its those days that you need to feel inspired by the words of the Prophets...see HERE.

I'd heard recently in a talk while visiting Utah...the gentleman was speaking on LDS Women and their divine worth. He commented how societies tend to send their young men to battle. He commented that in most societies in the animal kingdom also send their young men to war except for ants--they send their infertile women to battle. In contrast, LDS Women are sent to battle against Satan--young and old, all mothers like Eve and daughters of God. Together as women we stand shoulder to shoulder fighting for family and righteousness. We have a war that needs to be won and we can do it--together. And yet sometimes we're left alone to sail across seas and at all times we think of thee and know you are able to stand again on firm ground to protect and salvage peace in your homes, your marriage, your lives.

Photo courtesy of Deann Barrera

May you find solace in the words of the Prophets and glean from their wisdom that which you need to survive and continue to win the battles that are raging all around us. May your cup overflow with joy and inspirations to continue to cause of truth. Sail on for your cup is full and we need your talents and virtue on our side!

Isa. 40: 3 But they that ^await upon the Lord shall ^brenew their ^cstrength; they shall mount up with wings as ^deagles; they shall ^erun, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Personal Motto: Smile

2010-04-20T18:46:00.000-07:00

The Boy Scouts have a motto--be prepared. Families we know have mission statements--to help focus on their goals. A motto or mission statement helps define purpose and meaning. It can also help those involved be motivated to do better and have focus.

And so I challenge you to think of your own purpose and meaning. Think of who you are and what you stand for daily. Then, write it down.

I decided that mine will be 'Smile for Right with Might' because when I'm feeling doubt or unhappy with my challenges or while watching the news, I can smile. I can smile knowing you and me are willing to stand for truth and righteousness with all the heart, might, mind and soul. Smiling softens the heart and chases anger. Smiles bring joy. Smiling helps lighten the burdens we carry.

Smile for Right with Might motivates me to be a better mother, sister, wife, friend...

Now you try it...

Self Sacrifice Service

2010-04-14T13:11:00.000-07:00

is...

1. Waking in the middle of the night to run a warm bath while changing the sheets of your toddler without resenting the lack of sleep incurred.

2. Giving up what you want most for something that will benefit someone else's need.

3. Reading the same book over again without rolling your eyes knowing the little kiddo will appreciate it.

4. Standing tall and honoring commandments when others are against you.

5. Serving others with a smile until your heart and mind catch up with the joy of that service.

Sunset

2010-04-02T21:13:00.001-07:00

Photo & Quote Courtesy of Deann B Photography

“Know what you want to do, hold the thought firmly, and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer the goal.” – Elbert Hubbard

The Irony of Procrastination

2010-03-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

They come as fleeting thoughts and when you miss catching them, you're in a world of hurt or as I like to say 'the throngs of irony'

Example One:

A rock, a window and a lawnmower! Yesterday, I’d arrogantly noted that large brown rock would never hit my window and left all but one resting in the tall grass.

In talking with the landscaper, I remembered why I'd spitefully taken German instead of Spanish citing I wouldn't be retiring in Southern California. Um, I've lived in So Cal for 20 years and why don't I know Spanish yet?

Argh!

***

Example Two:

Midnight diaper change! I woke with my newborn to nurse. I thought 'She probably needs to be changed, its been an hour.' and vowed I'd do it at the next feeding which would be in another hour. Only she slept through her midnight feeding and by 3am I was doing laundry.

Argh!

***

In these cases, I was reminded of two simple tasks, but neglected them. I tricked myself into thinking the task would be just as easy later, but found myself with more work to do instead.

Many say to themselves "2 Ne. 28: 7-8 Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: ^aEat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us. And there shall also be many which shall say: ^aEat, drink, and be ^bmerry; nevertheless, fear God—he will ^cjustify in committing a little ^dsin; yea, ^elie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a ^fpit for thy neighbor; there is ^gno harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God. "

And they forget that "3 Ne. 27: 19 And ^ano unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his ^brest save it be those who have ^cwashed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end." Making the irony of procrastination inevitable.

Sorry, but fire and brimstone verses peace and rest is quite a contrast...what would you prefer?

**The Lord is mindful of those who follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost and blesses them for their efforts to diligently listen and obey.

promised blessings

2010-03-11T14:49:00.000-08:00

There is a common theme in the Book of Mormon which is that the Lord is bound to give promised blessings to those who keep the commandments, prompt the Gospel, and stand for the right.

When people forget the Lord, they do not prosper. They fall and left to their own strength until they repent.

When people praise the Lord and respect the commandments, they prosper under the watchful eye of the Lord. When we remember we're nothing without the Savior and Father in Heaven. So stay close to the Holy Ghost who will comfort you and guide you in the right.

Promised blessings to those who follow the light of Christ.

3 Ws

2010-02-21T17:47:00.000-08:00

“Patience may be required as we watch, wait, and work for a promised blessing to be fulfilled.”

WATCH -- watching others endure challenges. Watching others succeed where our own attempts have failed. Watching the beckon of light from the hill often questioning if it will ever be within reach.

WAIT -- waiting for our chance. Waiting for inspiration. Waiting for the answer. Waiting for the opportunity to go forth and serve.

WORK -- working towards perfection. Working towards goals. Working towards something unknown.

This reminds me of the ancient prophet Nephi, son of Helaman. He had to watch, wait, and work until the prophesy of Samuel, the Lamanite was fulfilled. Although many years passed after the sign was given, and many forgot. He tried to help them remember.

There have been many miracles and many counsels from our prophets that are easily forgotten by those who do not daily seek Christ in their lives.

While we watch, wait, and work for those righteous blessings may we remember to keep and eye single to God. He will always be there for us and He does have a plan. He has something special in store for us. Keep hope. Keep smiling. Keep on the right path.

Its about LOVE

2010-01-27T09:39:00.000-08:00

About a week before his birthday, my son asked for a very specific style cake. I fretted and worried about how to make the cake he wanted within our budget. So the journey began...I opted to do cupcakes. I bought a pineapple. I did buy fancy candles to match the underwater jelly fish theme. I followed the Spirit and bought a few things and then laid them out on the kitchen counter and fretted some more. For hours, I baked, I carved, I decorated, I was inspired and I cried in hopes it would turn out.

His brother kept saying 'Wow' and his friends said 'Wow' and I was pretty proud that I had pulled something off that was slightly impressive for 3 hrs of work. When it was L's turn, he knew it wasn't what he'd asked for. Disheartening was the fact that I knew it wasn't exactly what he'd wanted, but it was still amazing. Even at 7 yrs old, he knew that I'd spent alot of time in the kitchen that day. He knew I had tried my best. I had presented something I hoped he'd appreciate. He smiled up at me.

Placing his hand on my shoulder as I sat on the couch in exhaustion, he said; "Its not about the greatness. Its about your love." and he gave me a hug.

He recognized and reminded me that I'd put alot of LOVE into making it. That was good enough! I needed to remember that it wasn't about me, it was about him. It was about following the Spirit and making something for him within my abilities (although I was stretched at times and leaned on the Lord for help). It was about showing my love for my son and making him smile on his 7th birthday. It was about LOVE.

***

In your life, do you consider the time someone took in fretting, worrying and creating something for you? Do you show genuine appreciation for what they delivered, even if its not exactly what you'd expected? When you are asked to provide your best, do you give your best? Do you remember that what you do is about LOVE rather than showing your greatness?

While Jesus suffered in Gethsemane he said to God, the Eternal Father "nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done" (Luke 22:42). Jesus Christ atoned for our sins and performed a great work, but it wasn't because he desired to prove his own greatness. It was about LOVE for all mankind.

When Helaman writes about the courageous two thousand stripling warriors proclaiming his amazement that they "did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness" (Alma 57: 20), it wasn't because of their confidence in their own greatness and strength, "they said unto [Helaman] that their mothers had taught them," (Alma 57:21). It was about LOVE for God, family and religion.

Serving with LOVE, you will find that "joy which is unspeakable and full of glory" (Helaman 5:44) because the Spirit will deliver that greater joy which cannot compare to the praises of any earthly voice, but expresses the joy that God the Father and His Son have for us when we choose to keep the commandments, serve with love, and have clean hands and pure hearts.

Its about LOVE!

Propelled to Succeed

2010-01-18T15:18:00.000-08:00

In the midst of trial, we are propelled to succeed even greater challenges ahead by strengthening and conditioning ourselves to endure now. We do not fail rather we rise above and find new hope to adapt and overcome...

One day a young man carrying a bag of seeds walked across a newly paved road. As he hurried to reach the other side, a seed fell out of his bag onto the wet pavement. He opted to continue on his way. Several months later, he surveyed the same road and noticed a sproutling beginning to burst from the blacktop and chuckled to himself proclaiming that it wouldn't last. However, many years went by until the fellow was back in the area and driving along he noticed a peculiar tree blocking his path. He couldn't fathom why someone left it nor chopped it down. He noticed that on the shoulder of the road cars had driven around the tree. In a huff, he too drove around the tree. He failed to remember that years before he was the one who dropped the seed and after many opportunities had failed to move the tree which now annoyed him. He just didn't feel motivated to do anything about it.

Q/A: Have we done this? Neglected a few things hoping someone else would pick up the mess or do something on our behalf which wasn't really their responsibility to clean. Or have you felt unmotivated to do anything about something? Wishful thinking that someone would wipe away our mistake lists and to-do lists because they now annoy or hinder our immediate progress now. Right? Do we grow impatient of the burdens we are asked to bear?

Q/A: What if I told you that this tree had sprouted on a mountain side road and on the way home this man endured heavy rains. The tree that he'd grudgingly passed actually saved his life because over the years the roots sunk deep into the mountain securing the road's foundation. Would we be convinced of a divine plan or think differently of that 'mistake' or "choice" so many years prior?

Q/A: Although in repairing the mountain road, the tree was cut down and discarded, would you sense some divine plan? If you were the tree, how many times would you have prayed or reached to the Heavens that no one would pluck you from where you were planted? As the tree, how often did you hear scorn and rebuke for being right in the middle of the road (even from he whom you were meant to save)? Knowing your purpose was to survive and endure, how did you fulfill your purpose without ability to speak? Or to retaliate against attempts to thwart your mission? As the tree, how easy was it to strengthen your roots and burrow into the rocky mountain to hold steadfast to that which you knew was right?

I say again that in the midst of trial, we are propelled to endure now because we have hope for the future. We have the Spirit to guide and direct us and comfort us daily. We have the confidence that our path is correct regardless of persecution. Although not boldly defined to everyone, we have purpose and meaning within ourselves and focus on excellence to achieve it. We are willing to endure those who trespass against us and turn our other cheek because we know joy in service will come to those who wait.

Both our good and bad actions today will shape our future. May you see that the seeds you plant today will grow into miracles for generations tomorrow when nourished by a legacy of faith. May you endure and cultivate your strengths in the midst of trials so that you may be firmly rooted forever in the sure foundation --even Jesus Christ.

Miso Soup

2010-01-12T10:51:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of Alton Brown

Ingredients
12-ounce block firm silken tofu
2 quarts dashi (or chicken/beef stock broth)
6 tablespoons dark or red miso
2 tablespoons light or white miso
4 scallions, thinly sliced

Directions
Wrap the block of tofu in 2 layers of paper towels and lay on a plate. Invert a second plate on top of the tofu and weigh down with a 28-ounce can. Leave for 20 minutes then cut the tofu into 1/4 to 1/2-inch cubes.

Heat the dashi in a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. When the dashi reaches 100 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, ladle 1 cup into a small bowl. Add the miso, and whisk until smooth.

Bring the remaining dashi to a bare simmer, approximately 10 minutes. Add the miso mixture and whisk to combine. Return to a slight simmer, being careful not to boil the mixture. Add the tofu and scallions and cook for another minute or until heated through. Remove from the heat, ladle into soup bowls and serve immediately.

**Miso Soup just happens to be one of our favorite dishes. Sometimes we add muscles (which are my favorite) or mushrooms to the mix. Since my 4-yr old isn't feeling well today, this is the soup of choice to comfort him.

Warm wishes to you and hope you're feeling well this wintry season. Loves & Hugs!

Hold On

2010-01-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

image by Deann Barrera at http://deannbphotography.com

"Never a clean break, no one here to save me.
You're the only thing I know like the back of my hand"
--Taylor Swift & Colbie Caillat, Breathe

"Believe me, believe me, I can't tell you why
But I'm trapped by your love, and I'm chained to your side"
--Pat Benatar, Love is a Battlefield

"You were everything, everything that I wanted
We were meant to be, supposed to be but we lost it"
--Avril Lavigne, So Much for A Happy Ending

The world has an interesting perception on breaking up and divorce. The world makes its seem easy and 'okay' and a viable solution when times get tough. Yet, many artists have breakups songs about how hard it is to recover from something you thought would last forever, or in the world's case 'death do us part.'

I really liked how President Uchtdorf said this month in the Ensign Magazine "Hold on a little longer. You can do this! You are part of a special generation. You were prepared and preserved to live at this important time in the existence of our beautiful planet earth. You have a celestial pedigree and therefore have all the necessary talents to make your life an eternal success story.

The Lord has blessed you with a testimony of the truth. You have felt His influence and witnessed His power. And if you continue to seek Him, He will continue to grant you sacred experiences. With these and other spiritual gifts, you will be able not only to change your own life for the better but also to bless your homes, wards or branches, communities, cities, states, and nations with your goodness.

It may be hard to see that at times, but hold on a little longer, for “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” and wait for Him (1 Corinthians 2:9; see also D&C 76:10; 133:45)."

I've got friends that struggle in their relationships with family. Let's face it, I sometimes want to break up with my family and just stick to my own children and husband...but that's not right. We can't bury ourselves in the sand. We can't hide our light from others. We need to endure. We need to accept the large and small waves of challenge and persevere. We need to realize that after a good day of playing at the beach, there is a glorious sunset, but remember that the waves don't stop coming towards the shore. May you find joy in your family and life. May you hold on a little longer. May the Lord bless you with everything you need. May you find courage and strength. May you love with all your heart, might, mind and soul. May you make your life an eternal success story.

Women of Faith

2009-12-30T11:33:00.000-08:00

Margaret D. Nadauld spoke about being "A Woman of Faith" and she said "A woman of faith trusts God. . . . She knows of His interest in her life. She knows that He knows her. She loves His words and drinks deeply of that living water." She continued with some points I'd like to reiterate...

A woman of faith trusts God and faces adversity with hope.

A woman of faith is confident because she understands the divine plan of our Heavenly Father and her role to bless lives.

A woman of faith is fearless. She fears no evil, for God is with her.

And finally, she mentioned that "A woman of faith loves the Lord. She wants Him to know it by the life she lives, by the words she speaks, by the service she renders to His children, by her every action. She knows that He loves her even though she is imperfect and still trying to be better. She knows that when she does her very best, that it is enough..."

***

Ponder the question: What is the meaning and purpose of your life as a woman of faith?

***

You have your own unique meaning and purpose for this life. The Lord knows you best. He can help you answer this question for yourself. You are a woman of faith. You are imperfect, but trying to be better. You are showing your love for the Lord by your thoughts, words, and deeds. Keep up the good work!!!

Merry Christmas Song

2009-12-20T20:42:00.000-08:00

My little son likes to sing his "Merry Christmas Song" and the lyrics are "We wish you a merry Christmas song. We wish you a merry Christmas song. Merry Christmas song."

Today in the Primary, our lovely chorister decided that it was appropriate to 'share the gift of music' to others. She was right. A few children were selected to grab someone from the hallway and bring them to Primary. They received a big white bow and the children sang.

Surprisingly, when I returned from helping in the hallway, I saw that my sister and her daughter (newborn) were chosen by a child to receive this special gift of music. We sang the song, a Christmas lullaby. It was very sweet.

A few weeks ago, we reviewed the poem "The Friendly Beasts" and each had given a gift to Jesus. We asked the question again "What can I give to Jesus Christ?" and the resounding answer was LOVE. Love for the Gospel. Love for His children. Love for the commandments. Love for Heavenly Father. Love for all mankind. Love of service. Love of peace.

I'm not sure what else to say tonight, but that I wish you a Merry Christmas song...that you may feel the love of the Savior and in return share that love.

And just to share...my love for Christmas music here are a few versions of my most favorite song of Christmas "O Holy Night"

JOSH GROBAN--O Holy Night

CELINE DION--O Holy Night

CELTIC WOMEN--O Holy Night

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

Undecided

2009-12-08T16:47:00.000-08:00

In February, I began a personal project to read the Book of Mormon. Because of my schedule, I determined that reading online at http://www.lds.org/ during lunch hour and email comments to myself would be a good way to track my personal progress.

Yesterday, I finished Alma 43.

Today, my work schedule was shifted due to training. I immediately went to lunch and with various other random tasks, I didn't remember to read. The last 5 hours at work have been rough and kept wondering why I felt so undecided. Am I hungry? Am I tired? What else can I do?

Then, I remembered...my daily routine of reading the Book of Mormon had been forgotten. So I opened the web page and began to read Alma 44 and emailed myself favorite passages and my thoughts for today. I felt better.

From this experience, I gained a stronger testimony that good comes from daily reading the Book of Mormon and the Spirit brings happiness into my life. Reading the scriptures builds confidence and an assurance that cannot be gained by any earthy venue. Although I'd been seeking temporal methods like food and water to fill the void, it was spiritual nourishment that I'd been craving. Only by reading the words of the Lord was I filled with substantial light and refreshment to bring joy and peace to my mind.

Surely, we can all find time to read from the scriptures to be renewed and feel that the Light of Christ in our lives. When we are struggling to decided or when you're feeling sad or frustrated, remember that you can turn to the Book of Mormon to read the Word of God and be nourished.

2 Nephi 9:51 "Feast upon that which perisheth not"

2 Nephi 31: 20 "If ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."

Alma 32: 42 "And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious."

MAY YOU FEAST UPON THE WORD OF GOD & BE FILLED WITH JOY!

*Update: Said project is completed as of Sept 14, 2010. Wow, I've learned alot.

The Missing Egg

2009-12-02T11:07:00.000-08:00

This story is in the Friend this month...so touching! Its a great story about simple acts of kindness and service:

**Image by Deann B Photography

The Missing Egg
By George Sterling Spencer

One year when I was about eight years old, Dad told my brother, my sister, and me that there would not be much money for Christmas gifts. He suggested we use our imagination and talents to make gifts for each other.

I made gifts for Dad, my sister, and my brother, but I had trouble thinking of a gift I could make for my mother. I thought for a long time.

Finally, I came up with a plan. My mother was well known for her sponge cakes with orange-peel frosting. She often made them for fundraisers, and everyone loved them. But making a sponge cake took a lot of egg yolks, and this year there had not been enough eggs. I wanted to give my mother a dozen eggs for Christmas.

Dad had put me in charge of taking care of the young chickens. Usually, these chickens would start laying eggs in January, but I figured if I took extra special care of them they would start earlier.

Twice every day, right on time, I fed the chickens by hand. I carried warm water from the house for them to drink. I covered the windows with burlap to keep the chicken coop warmer. I even cleaned the coop and made six nests with fresh straw.

Every day, I checked the nests for eggs. December came, and there were still no eggs. In my prayers, I began to ask for the chickens to be blessed.

Finally, 12 days before Christmas, I found an egg! I kept checking every day, and carefully collected the eggs in a carton.

Two days before Christmas, my father announced that we would leave early the next morning for Grandma’s house. My heart sank. I only had 11 eggs! I was one egg short of my goal.

All night I tossed and turned. I got up early the next morning and ran to the coop to see if there was another egg. There were none.

At Grandma’s house, I wrapped the 11-egg surprise in pretty paper and ribbon and put it with the other gifts under the tree. I wondered if my mother would be disappointed about the missing egg.

On Christmas morning, my curious mother unwrapped the carton. A look of amazement spread over her face. Then happy tears filled her eyes and streamed down her cheeks. She looked at me lovingly and told me what a special gift I had given her. There were just 11 eggs, but I had done my best to show my love.

***

“If every one of us would make the effort to do our best, the world would be much better, and we would be much happier.”--Gordon B. Hinckley

Gratitude

2009-11-22T20:22:00.000-08:00

Its Thanksgiving this week & the theme is GRATITUDE.

D&C 78: 19 And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.

"My sisters, we are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness—be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us." --Pres. Thomas S. Monson, 2009

We are thankful for blessings. I am thankful for you.

PRAYER of THANKSGIVING
by Anonymous, The Netherlands

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing; He chastens, and hastens his will to make known; The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing. Sing praises to his name; He forgets not his own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining, Ordaining, maintaining his kingdom divine; So from the beginning the fight we were winning; Thou, Lord, wast at our side; All glory be thine!

We all do extol thee, thou leader triumphant, And pray that thou still our defender wilt be. Let thy congregation escape tribulation; Thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

**Photos by Deann B Photography http://deannbphotography.com

Rollercoaster Rides

2009-11-11T16:23:00.001-08:00

Image by Deann Barrera http://deannbphotography.com

As a child, I always wanted to ride on the roller-coasters like my big brothers. Fast, big and scary. When my chance to ride a roller-coaster came, it wasn’t that great…all scary. I screamed and squeezed my eyes tight. I vowed never to go on another roller-coaster ride again.

But then there was the Ferris wheel, around and around, that might just be my thing. However, the height didn’t suit me, and having the basket swing and teeter back and forth when it stopped mid-ride; I screamed and squeezed my eyes tight. I realized that by age 15, I wasn’t the roller-coaster type of gal.

The rides looked tempting, but I knew better. I dare say that log rides might just be the way to go. And then, I remembered why I didn’t like those either, but not after I’d tested a few. I kept thinking that maybe I wouldn’t get ‘that’ wet this time. Oh, I don’t like being drenched like a wet dog. It’s not my thing either and so I’ve been thinking…

Thinking back to the age when I was trying these roller-coasters, I thought about any part that might interest me again…indeed, I thought of one…a oceanfront coaster with its quick drops, steep hills, sharp curves and high speeds. However, the only portion that was remotely exciting was the sharp turn just before the quick drop. You come down the hill and slowly turn a steady corner and drop suddenly. I liked the slow and steady part. Yet, I can still feel the adrenalin building as the anticipation for the drop comes and slows to let you off the ride. You can see the drop waiting for you, but you just can’t get there fast enough so that the ride can be over…and really there was all that fuss for nothing.

And so in all this babbling…there is a lesson. Our life is like an amusement park! We are given choices and every ride can be tempting and good. And each person has their favorite. To each their own! We all have different paths; we take a different series of rides and have a lot of fun. We get a lot of joy from our lives in different ways.

When I was little, I wondered why the old folks would sit on the merry-go-round on the benches that didn’t move, but just spun with the ride smiling. I’m beginning to see the appeal of that choice.

But just maybe I’ll hop on a horse and go for a whirl a time or two. It’s never too old to give up or forgo joys of life in whatever makes us happy. And many days I feel like I’m on that roller-coaster making that slow wide turn ready for something to happen…its good right? If I scream, it’s for joy! No need to fuss, it all works out in the end.

Write It Down

2009-11-02T12:03:00.000-08:00

Because when you write something down, it doesn't change. This concept isn't new.

Many unwritten languages are lost because no one bothered to write it down. Many of my own stories and memories are vague or change after each telling, but those I'd written down do not change.

**

During a lesson, a kitten wandered into the room and distracted the youngsters. It was brought to the front of the room so all could see it.

One youngster asked: “Is it a boy kitty or a girl kitty?”

The teacher, unprepared for that discussion, said, “It doesn’t matter; it’s just a kitten.”

But the children persisted, and one little boy said, “I know how we can tell if it is a boy kitty or a girl kitty.”

The teacher, cornered, said, “All right, you tell us how we can tell if it is a boy kitty or a girl kitty.”

The boy answered, “We can vote on it!”

Some things cannot be changed. Doctrine cannot be changed.

“Principles which have been revealed,” President Wilford Woodruff said, “for the salvation and exaltation of the children of men … are principles you cannot annihilate. They are principles that no combination of men [or women] can destroy. They are principles that can never die. … They are beyond the reach of man to handle or to destroy. … It is not in the power of the whole world put together to destroy those principles. … Not one jot or tittle of these principles will ever be destroyed.”

--Boyd K. Packer, “For Time and All Eternity,” Ensign, Nov 1993, 21

**

Doctrine is written down. Modern revelation such as "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" and "The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles" and Church magazine articles and scriptures and General Conference talks...they are all written down and preserved.

Although topics are expounded upon and more insight given to the doctrine, nothing changes. "For [God] is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world" --1 Ne. 10: 18. Principles stay the same.

I think this is why its important to keep a family record and personal history of temporal and spiritual happenings of yourself, loved ones, community, goals, achievements, interests, dislikes, favorite recipes, childhood memories, and anything worth preserving.

Its never too early or too late to start. Write it down.

Plum

2009-10-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

Image courtesy of Deann Barrera

...That night there was a huge wind storm. I heard the wind howling and twisting and wailing all night long while I lay in bed unable to sleep. When the morning came, I didn’t feel any relief as I had prayed for. I felt worse. The pain had reached a point on every inch of my body, inside and out, to where I knew I couldn’t bear it any longer.

That morning, in desperation, I slowly walked to the bedroom window. The blisters on the bottom of my feet made it difficult and painful. I opened the curtains and looked out at the plum tree in tears. I felt alone. I felt my prayers had not been answered....

Through the tears, I noticed that on the ground beneath the plum tree were piles of tiny green plums blown off the tree the night before in the wind storm. Every one of them represented one less ripe plum I’d have to eat later that summer. But as I looked closely at the tree, there were still a few lone plums clinging tightly to the tree branches. They would be able to draw strength from the tree throughout the growing season. They would continue to grow and ripen and live to see the harvest.

I suddenly realized that sometimes, all we can do for the present is hold on. It was that ability that had made the difference between the fallen fruit and the fruit that remained alive and growing. They had survived the storm....

Janene Wolsey Baadsgaard, “Hold On,” New Era, May 1987, 12

Symbolic

2009-10-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

"Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again....Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other." --Marvin J. Ashton, “The Tongue Can Be a Sharp Sword,” Ensign, May 1992, 18

Frank Jones # 6

2004, Oil & Acrylic on Masonite, 3' x 4'

Artist: Geoff Hall

To me, this work represents charity, sacrifice, commitment, determination, long-suffering, compromise and compassion. Its symbolic of a marriage in progress.

You may concur that its a pleasing piece of work. Yet, I see the flaws in this work. I know which sections that were compromised at 3am to get some sleep and which sections I loved and debated and why they are those colors and not others. I know it makes me smile to see it. Despite the 'final' result that you see, those behind-the-scene stories and details cannot all be written nor told because it would take a lifetime to recount. As in marriage, its a lifetime of change, seeking excellence, and charity.

Therefore, no one can judge a marriage based on what they merely see externally because you cannot know the heart and soul and work that is going into that marriage. Nor can you comprehend what stage of painting that marriage is currently working to accomplish. (Whose to say the couple is painting abstractly? Very abstractly, so much there is no paint, no canvas, no brush to show yet, and they are just thinking about it.) Suffice it to say, the product (ie marriage) is still in progress and under the watchful eye of the Lord, especially through trials, challenges, and a myriad changes.

"We build our marriages with endless friendship, confidence, integrity, and by administering and sustaining each other in our difficulties." -- James E. Faust, “The Enriching of Marriage,” Ensign, Nov 1977, 9

Choose to love. Choose to help. Choose to smile. Choose to compromise. Choose to stay committed. Choose chastity and fidelity. Choose to keep going. Choose to uplift each other. Choose to walk hand-in-hand and run side-by-side. Choose marriage as a work in progress and accept each other's efforts as equal. Choose kindness. Choose endless happiness.

Doctor Recommended

2009-10-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

If I did everything a "doctor recommended," like 30 mins elevated heartrate daily, apple a day, 5 fruits and vegetable servings, 8 hrs sleep, 64 oz water, brush teeth lightly for 1 minute 3 times a day, get some sun, laugh, this shot & that shot, teeth cleaned every 6 months, eyes checked, eat more pasta, eat less bread, read 20 minutes a day to children, don't sniff glue, go to work & work hard, walk every hour for 5 minutes at work to relax eyes, drink more water, put rubbing alcohol on open wounds, use the bus instead of car, vote, serve others, take time for yourself, eat vitamin C, eat more garlic, wear a scarf, wash your hands, attend community meetings, put children in sports, homeschooling is best, don't put alcohol on open wounds, shuttle children to & fro for school & parties, make healthy meals, make fast healthy meals, eat less sugar, watch less TV, launder the clothes with eco-friendly soaps, vacuum, wash linens daily, grow own garden, water plants three times a week, dust, wash the dishes/walls/carpets/floors/body daily....and the list goes on...

If I really thought about it, there are holistic doctors, sketchy doctors, specialists, extremists, and well...you can find about 6-7 opposing opinions to anything you do despite the fact that at some point it was once "doctor recommended" and depending on which doctor's opinion you choose to take...it all boils down to what you think is best for you and your family.

Suffice it to say, "In our search to obtain relief from the stresses of life, may we earnestly seek ways to simplify our lives." --L. Tom Perry, Ensign Nov 2008

Instead of getting overwhelmed with all the suggestions and recommendations and "new study shows" articles...I stick to the basics like the "Word of Wisdom" and scripture stories like Daniel and Nephi and the 2000 Warriors and praying for guidance and attending the Temple. For my family, we keep it simple and if someone challenges me, we are confident because the Lord's recommendations are best. We know the best advice comes through listening to the Spirit.

For our family, we think in rhymes and songs:
"Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" = wash from your head to your toes
"Itsy Bitsy Spider" = on rainy days, dust the cobwebs from all the corners & wash the walls and on sunny days, wash the linens
"ABC" = say it twice while washing your hands, sing it in your head three times while brushing your teeth
"Do as I'm doing" = help clean the toys off the floor and help with the work
...and the list goes on...

You'll have to think of what's most important to you and not sway with everything tossed at you by the media and "doctor recommendations" or things. Satan is trying to distract you and detour you from doing good. So you need to find peace in your choices and the things you do to make you healthy, strong and vibrant so that you can complete your tasks.

"May we comply with the inspired counsel and direction the Lord has given us in the great plan of happiness. May we be worthy to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost and follow the guidance of the Spirit as we navigate this mortal journey. May we prepare ourselves to accomplish the ultimate purpose of this mortal test—to return and live with our Heavenly Father."--L. Tom Perry

Something

2009-09-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

Old

New

Borrowed

Blue

The Silver Lining

2009-09-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

*Image by Deann B Photography http://deannbphotography.com/blog/2009/09/09/roadtrip-god-light/

"Do you feel gloomy? Lift your eyes. Stand on your feet. Say a few words of appreciation and love to the Lord. Be positive. Think of what great things are occurring as the Lord brings to pass His eternal purposes." --Gordon B. Hinckley

"And it all begins with the willingness to believe. "For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them" (Ether 12:12). Do you believe that the Savior will really do for you what he has said he will do? That he can ease the sting of loneliness and enable you to deal with that haunting sense of inadequacy? That he will help you forgive? That he can fill you with optimism and hope? That he will help you resist your greatest temptation and tame your most annoying weakness? That he will respond to your deepest longing? That he is the only source of comfort, strength, direction, and peace that will not change, will not betray you, and will never let you down? An unwillingness to believe that the Savior stands ready to deliver us from our difficulties is tantamount to refusing the gift. It is tragic when we refuse to turn to him who paid the ultimate price and to let him lift us up. Life is a test. But divine assistance is available to help us successfully complete this most critical examination." --Sheri Dew

For me optimism or being optimistic can be a struggle. When everything in your life is going wrong, and you're not able to catch a break, and you feel that no one is helping you out, its hard to be optimistic. Its just plain hard and I whine and I complain and I focus on me me me. On the other hand, there is always a silver lining to the horrible, tragic and bleak days and events of life. Its a glimmer of hope. Its a ray of sunshine. Its...well, its something happy that breaks through all that gloom and doom to make me remember (even for a moment) that eventually things will get better, even if they get worse first.

Funny thing, sometimes the timing isn't always like we'd planned because we weren't prepared or ready to accept it. Sometimes the Lord has lessons for us and a different timetable and we wade through rough seas with waves crashing and trapping us on a rock. We see others on a boat deck laughing, happily dancing, and dry. We realize that the tide is coming in and sharks are circling. It doesn't look like we'll survive the night and its unpleasant in cold wet clothes and the list goes on.... And you ask why that is funny? Because you didn't turn around. You didn't realize that you were three feet from shore and His outstretched hand was right behind you to help you ashore the entire time. You couldn't hear His quiet pleading "take my hand" over all the yelling and whining and crying.

You get the idea?

Sometimes its just takes turning around and seeing the situation from another point of view to realize we're saved. Your focus can frustrate the solution He's trying to offer. Your pity party attitude will only make you accentuate the negative. So its time to refocus. Its time to review, reassess and remember ALL sides of the situation at hand and then accentuate the positive.

I once received a book called the "Baby Whisperer" by Tracy Hogg from some friends...in that book is the term S.L.O.W. which means to (1) Stop --simply stop, hesitate, ponder. (2) Listen--determine the nature of the situation, terror, emergency, playing, humor, what is the sound, et al. (3) Observe--get a clear view of everything happening (a whole 360) and cast away assumptions (4) What's up?--Based on what you hear, see, evaluate and now you can react or present a solution.

In the eyes of God, we are His children and learning. He's not condemning us or punishing us when something happens to us...he's reacting SLOW because he wants us to learn, solve, and become more. He has confidence in our abilities. Yes, we can be babies, and we can be whiners. We can lash out and cry when really we have inherited so many divine gifts to resolve the problem under His guidance. We know He is close, like the loving parent He is...and He's ready to step in and help if its a real emergency or He knows we've done all we can do. I trust that. I hope that. I see that He is the silver lining.

Uplifting Movies

2009-09-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

"The choices we make in media can be symbolic of the choices we make in life. Choosing the trendy, the titillating, the tawdry in the TV programs or movies we watch can cause us to end up, if we're not careful, choosing the same things in the lives we live. If we do not make good choices, the media can devastate our families and pull our children away from the narrow gospel path."

**

Here are some movie quotes:

"Have faith in your dreams, and someday, your rainbow will come smiling through. No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true." --Cinderella.

"Be quiet! So, young woman, the way forward is sometimes the way back." --The Wiseman, Labyrinth.

"Do or do not...there is no try!" Yoda, Star Wars.

**

We all have our own tastes in media, may you find the good and be uplifted in the things you watch! Your choices are between you and the Lord and trust the counsel of the Prophet and Apostles.

I'm lucky to be me

2009-08-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

"I'm lucky to be me" said my four year old son this morning. Singing and dancing to his own rhythm and rhyme: "I'm lucky to be a kid. I'm lucky to be me."

Upon thinking about those words, I have come to say to myself "Wow, what a profound statement." Because how many times have I taken for granted my life? The miracle of being here on earth as me. Or my experiences that helped me learn so much? Or my family with its quirks and problems and laughter? Or everything that makes me?

Often times we really get so caught up in living and rules and commandments that we forget the purpose and miss the blessing it is to be here at this time. We lose our vision and forget the joy of knowing an eternal prospective because we get suffocated by bills and doubts and daily routines.

Later this morning, my son sang: "You're lucky to be you and you and you" as he pointed to us in the room. Indeed, I look around and know that YOU are lucky to be YOU. You have talents and blessings and goals and hidden potentials that only YOU can accomplish and learn. And things only YOU can do to bless the rest of us. You're lucky to be you.

"Woman is God’s supreme creation. Only after the earth had been formed, after the day had been separated from the night, after the waters had been divided from the land, after vegetation and animal life had been created, and after man had been placed on the earth, was woman created; and only then was the work pronounced complete and good.

Of all the creations of the Almighty, there is none more beautiful, none more inspiring than a lovely daughter of God who walks in virtue with an understanding of why she should do so, who honors and respects her body as a thing sacred and divine, who cultivates her mind and constantly enlarges the horizon of her understanding, who nurtures her spirit with everlasting truth” (“Our Responsibility to Our Young Women,” Ensign, Sept. 1988, 11).

“Live up to the great and magnificent inheritance which the Lord God, your Father in Heaven, has provided for you. Rise above the dust of the world. Know that you are daughters of God, children with a divine birthright. Walk in the sun with your heads high, knowing that you are loved and honored, that you are a part of his kingdom, and that there is for you a great work to be done which cannot be left to others” (“Live Up to Your Inheritance,” Ensign, Nov. 1983, 84).

Mother’s Christmas Mouse

2009-08-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

A former college roommate, posted this story on her blog. Its by Betty LeBaron Mostert called “Mother’s Christmas Mouse” and published in the Ensign, Dec. 2007, 62.

When I was a child in the 1950s and 1960s, our Christmas traditions were not elaborate—except for the stockings. Because we children enjoyed our Christmas stockings so much, we continued the tradition when we married and had children of our own. Buying surprises and assembling dozens of Christmas stockings, however, soon became too much for my aging parents, especially my mother, who had a serious case of rheumatoid arthritis that limited her mobility and energy.

Eventually, I volunteered to take over the project. Our annual extended family home evening, in which we acted out the Christmas story and opened our stockings, found me exhausted from the demands of being the mother of several small children and juggling the events of an active life. As I watched everyone dump treasures out of the gingham Christmas stockings I had carefully prepared, I was feeling a little sorry for myself.

As expected, my stocking was empty except for the standard candy cane and Japanese orange that I had placed there earlier. But as I shook them out, I noticed a little bedraggled mouse made of a walnut and hazelnuts. One ear was much bigger than the other, and the whiskers were crooked. The tail had been cut too short, and the loop to hang it on the tree was off center. I was confused. Had someone’s kindergarten project ended up in my stocking?

I looked up and saw my mother watching me from her wheelchair across the room. With a gnarled, bent finger, she beckoned to me.

“I wanted to do something for the Christmas stockings,” she said. “They made these little mice in Relief Society, and they were so cute.”

Her tears were close to the surface, and her gentle voice shook as she continued.
“I couldn’t get my fingers to work, so I made only one. It didn’t turn out, but I knew you wouldn’t mind.”

I looked again at the little mouse in my hand. She was right. I didn’t mind. In fact, her little bedraggled mouse became the most precious treasure of all that Christmas.

For more than 20 years, I have tenderly removed the tissue paper from the misshapen mouse crafted by misshapen fingers and carefully placed it on a branch. My angel mother has been free of her crippled body for several years, but her Christmas mouse reminds me of two profound truths.

The first is that my mother honored me by believing that I could look past the mouse’s crooked ears and feel the love and sacrifice that went into its creation. The second is that if I, as an imperfect mortal, am capable of finding beauty in a humble little mouse, how much more is our Father in Heaven capable of seeing past our imperfect efforts and understanding our pure intentions.

I know that when we do our best to give to others and to Him, our gift is not just good enough—it is of incalculable worth.

***

May you believe and see past outward appearances to feel the love and sacrifice that went into your creation. You are divine. You are special. A loving Heavenly Father created you to achieve great potential. May you find beauty in your imperfect efforts and understand that your pure intentions are worth it.

Sunflowers

2009-08-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

**image by Deann B Photography. http://deannbphotography.com

Sunflowers!

Every time I see a sunflower, I think of a lesson that I was given in Young Women's about being a disciple of Jesus Christ: "Son follower". We are asked to follow the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who is the only true source of light and goodness.

Sunflowers follow the sun all day long. Their petals point only toward the sun. If we are true disciples of Jesus Christ and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we follow Him daily: morning, noon, and night. We are ever pointed in His direction for light, truth, and knowledge.

Next time you see sunflowers, think of being a disciple of Christ and following Him as a Son follower.

Power of Prayer

2009-08-03T11:33:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost over and I've learned much about pleading prayer and the power of conversing with our Father in Heaven. With August this year, it seems to bring in the new school year with all its learning. Harvests are beginning and the heat scorches the old. Prayer seems to do this too by giving refreshing relief and understanding, but at the same time scorches and humbles one to repentance when needed.

**Image courtesy of Deann B Photography.

“For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?” (Mosiah 5:13).

I really loved this scripture when I read it a couple of days ago and have been pondering it awhile. It relates directly to prayer because if we haven't ever talked with our Father in Heaven, how do we expect to know Him? How can we know His will for us? How can we trust Him in our time of need?

I love that in the heat of the moment we can pray for peace. When we are tired, hungry and thirsting for help...He will be there through prayer. We can be refreshed and find new hope in prayer to our loving Heavenly Father.

He's ready and waiting.

Every Good Decision

2009-07-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

**Image courtesy of Deann B Photography

You make good decisions daily so that when trials come into your life your good decisions will hold you firm to principles of faith, prayer, repentance and forgiveness which help overcome challenges.

Growing up I loved to sing the song "The wise man built his house upon a rock...and the rain came tumbling down...and the house on the rock stood still." (I paraphrased.) You get the idea though.

Every good decision we make builds a firm path which leads us on the path toward eternal life. Luckily we already have the Iron Rod (the word of God) to hold tight; however, we have to make a daily choice to move foward along the path.

There are temptations, rivers, mists of darkness, others scoffing at us from the great and spacious buildings on the sides of us...and through all of that we must stay focused. By holding tight to the Iron Rod and remembering the goal at hand and making a choice to head forward, we can make our way past the darkness and receive light.

If you create a habit of making good choices, when presented with a "major" challenge your reaction will follow in the same direction you've been heading...towards goodness. Those challenges won't feel so dramatic because its another step forward in the right direction.

You can be a force for good by letting others watch you live and make good choices. Your daily choices for good are building a firm foundation for those to follow (even future generations), they are bricks in the path.

Fish

2009-07-17T15:03:00.001-07:00

My New Best Friend

2009-07-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

I don't have many real friends nor many hobbies nor many interests. On a particularly adventurous day, I go grocery shopping or blog in one of many blogs, but not much else finds my fancy. Its sometimes a lonely life and don't interact with many people other than immediate relatives. That's okay, I'm not entirely upset about it.

But sometimes I wish I had a friend. You know the kind of friend that you can call on the phone and will always pick up no matter what the hour and will be happy to hear from you. And a friend who will always know the right thing to say and won't think you're silly. No, I don't have many of those. Actually, none (no offense).

One day, I was feeling particularly frustrated and needed someone to vent. I wanted to tell someone everything wrong with my life. No one came to mind and so I didn't vent. That made me sad.

Another day, I was feeling pretty excited about some new ventures in my life. But again no one came to mind and had to keep the little secrets to myself. I was sad again and wondered why I couldn't find a best friend to tell all these important things.

After several more frustrating days with joys and sorrows and no one to tell, I was feeling pretty sad. I seriously looked to the heavens and wanted someone so badly to always be there and always listen to me that I pleaded in prayer. I prayed for a friend to tell my secrets and joys and sorrows. I kept praying and no one came to mind. If a name popped in my head, I justified why I couldn't tell them "everything" and kept feeling sad. But I didn't give up hope that there was someone out there who would fill the hole.

Then, one day it happened and I found a friend that surpassed all my expectations. He's always been with me. He's always ready to hear my stories and joys and sorrows and never tired and never upset for keeping him up late or chatting early in the morning. He's always happy to hear from me. He feels for me when I'm sad and he lifts me up. He is happy for me when good things happen to me and my family and smiles and laughs and He is amazing. He is everything to me.

Secretly, I knew he'd always existed but hadn't made the leap of faith to admit he really wanted to hear everything. He is someone who knows me and my family well. He is our Heavenly Father. I found that Heavenly Father is waiting and willing to help us with everything. He wants us to talk to him in prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. He wants us to trust Him. He wants us to count on Him for everything. I realize that (no offense) there is no one on this earth that knows me better than He does. He knows me best and knows what's best for my me, my family and my eternal salvation. He knows what's in my heart and head and He knows. Even before I say it, He knows. And in this discovery my fear to tell Him everything ceased. I'm not afraid to tell him "everything." I have discovered my new best friend through powerful and meaningful prayers. And I'm happy.

I hope one day you find He is waiting for you too. Look to the heavens and seek Him. He is there for you. He can be reached anytime in the light of day or darkest of nights, He is always available through prayer.

Be Not Offended

2009-07-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

**Image courtesy and used by permission from Deann B. Photo at deannbphotography.com

"Its like water on my back,
it just rolls off and I pay no mind."

Reported that President Brigham Young once said that he who takes offense when no offense is intended is a fool, and he who takes offense when offense is intended is usually a fool.

I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men. (D&C 64:10)

Be who you are and say what you feel...
Because those that matter... don't mind...
And those that mind... don't matter."
-Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss)

Temple Work

2009-06-23T13:15:00.000-07:00

Strive to be worthy of Temple blessings.
Attend often to remember those promises.

Do Temple work for yourself and others.

Used by Permission, Whitney Smith Photography

"Exaltation is available only to those who become righteous members of the kingdom of Jesus Christ, only to those who obtain their endowments and are sealed for eternity as well as time, and who then continue to live righteously." --Spencer W. Kimball.

"In the peace of these lovely temples, sometimes we find solutions to the serious problems of life."--Ezra Taft Benson.

"This aspect of temple work is an unselfish work. Yet whenever we do temple work for other people, there is a blessing that comes back to us." --Howard W. Hunter.

"All of our vast family history endeavor is directed to temple work. The temple ordinances become the crowning blessings the Church has to offer." --Gordon B. Hinckley.

"Pray that they may pursue lives of goodness and of service to others. The temple is a place where we can find peace." --Thomas S. Monson.

Arm of the Lord

2009-06-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

Image by Liz Lemon Swindle, courtesy of Foundation Arts

From Abraham 4, we know that man was formed in the likeness and image of God the Father and His son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. From Moses 6, we know Adam begat children in his own likeness and image and we are Adam & Eve's posterity. From Ether 3, we know know the Brother of Jared saw the finger of the Lord confirming what we already knew. I think this is sufficient evidence that our bodies are like the Lord's and when the scriptures refer to the arm of the Lord, its his physical arm like yours and mine, only perfect.

By the arm of the Lord...

2 Nephi 28: 32 "I [ the Lord ] shall lengthen out mine arm unto them from day to day"

D & C 6:20"I [ the Lord ] will encircle thee in the arms of my love"

Alma 34: 16 "mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety"

Even better than a hug from your best friend or pat on the shoulder, the Holy Ghost can witness of the truthfulness of these things and the Lord's arm is sufficient to sustain you far better than any earthly arm.

His arm is perfect. In our loneliness, in our joys, and in our sorrows, His arm is there for us. The Lord will pick us up, carry us and guide us. The arm of the Lord is full of grace, mercy and eternal love. He will never fail you. He will always have enough strength for you. He will.

"Wrapped in the arms of my Savior's love, I feel His gentle touch."

Coming or Going?

2009-06-07T16:34:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, we went to the train depot and I learned a valuable lesson about decision making. Lately, our family has been debating our options and circumstance ( I know, can I be anymore vague? Probably.) Anyway.

I realized that like this train in station,
the Holy Ghost is a vehicle of revelation:

Keeps on track
Whistles to warn
Circles several times
Comes and goes
Goes fast or slow
Carries a lot or little
Travels far distances
Conductor navigates
Passenger has choice
Can be bumpy ride

When it comes to a decision, we can get on and enjoy the ride, or miss the train completely and wait for another ride. However, this train only runs on certain days and times, if you get there late, you won't get your chance. Seating is limited, so you need a ticket. Don't delay and have your ticket ready and willing to give when you see the train coming, hope its not going. Anyway, it all made sense at the train station, the Holy Ghost is a vehicle of revelation.

Faith & Trust

2009-05-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

My son, six years old, found this scrap metal in his grandfather's backyard. He said "Its part of a gun." and we shrugged our shoulders and didn't believe him. We told him that he had a great imagination, but that indeed it wasn't part of a gun. He insisted and very confidently said "I'll show you and then you'll know what I'm saying is true." We still had doubts and couldn't imagine what he was talking about.

My husband and I simply couldn't understand, the object didn't look like anything we knew. Then, we quickly learned how to be humbled by a wise little child who knew exactly what the strange object was and unwilling to back down. Indeed, we should have believed, we should have had more faith in his words rather than waiting for him to prove the truth. We should have had more trust in him.

He brought down a toy musket like the one on Pirates of the Caribbean. Indeed the two objects matched perfectly. He was right, and this little obscure object was completely familiar to him because he knows his toys and guns in every detail. That strange object totally looks like the flint clasp on his musket now and we've learned our lesson by a child and grateful.

We apologized to our son for doubting him. He appropriately declared "I was right." And "even babes did open their mouths and utter marvelous things" and we were joyous that we all could learn. He learned to stand for truth. We learned to have faith and trust.

Our hard hearts were softened learning a profound lesson in faith and trust by our six year old son, L.

Be Happy

2009-05-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

**Image courtesy and used by permission from Deann B. Photo at deannbphotography.com

"We are as happy as we make up our mind to be."--Abraham Lincoln

Excerpts from Alma 41 "Be restored unto that which is good....The one raised to happiness according to his desires of happiness, or good according to his desires of good; ...If he hath repented of his sins, and desired righteousness until the end of his days, even so he shall be rewarded unto righteousness. ...whether to do good or do evil... the decrees of God are unalterable; therefore, the way is prepared that whosever will may walk therein and be saved....Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness."

D&C 130: 19 "And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.

Mark Twain said "The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up."

"The number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance." --Pres. Uchtdorf

“Happiness is not the absence of problems but the ability to deal with them.” --Aeschylus

Lessons from Chemish

2009-05-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Indeed...one of the writers in the Book of Mormon: Chemish. You might not recall him off hand because he only wrote one verse found in Omni verse 9:

***
8 And it came to pass that I did deliver the plates unto my brother Chemish.

9 Now I, Chemish, write what few things I write, in the same book with my brother; for behold, I saw the last which he wrote, that he wrote it with his own hand; and he wrote it in the day that he delivered them unto me. And after this manner we keep the records, for it is according to the commandments of our fathers. And I make an end.

10 Behold, I, Abinadom, am the son of Chemish.
***

Although in early morning seminary, we'd passed over him lightly, scoffing at how he'd written so little, I have often pondered his verse carefully, regretting not recognizing sooner his great impact on the bringing forth the Gospel. I know the scriptures are true, and contain all answers and testify of Christ, I realized that there is more to Chemish than meets the eye...

Truths about Chemish from his one verse. He...

(1) had a brother and son: a family.
(2) lived: educated & possessed ability to read and write.
(3) testified the book is the same: verifying truth & that he saw them.
(4) obeys tradition: passes traditions onto family & preserves records.
(5) follows commandments: faithful man.

Things I have come to assume and derived from Chemish...life was hard, he might not have had confidence in his writing, his brother kept the plates for a long time, he might have been at war and didn't have time to write, yet despite all the excuses I came up with regarding why he'd written so little...that all doesn't matter.

What matters is that he'd written something to testify and confirm that the book was important enough to them that he passed it on and kept the commandment given him. And you might say
"What shall I write?” and found that Pres. Woodruff would say "Write about anything that is worth preserving."

If we only write one verse about our lives it will be written in the Book of Life because "whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven"...and let your verse and life be a testament to the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon like Chemish. Because if the Book of Mormon is true, Joseph Smith was prophet. If Joseph Smith was a prophet then he did see God the Father and Jesus Christ. If we know these things to be true and have had a witness in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, we can not deny that is true, then the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true and that's something to write about so our children's children and their friends will have confidence to know we lived and could stand for truth and righteousness.

Lessons from Chemish are profound...we should keep commandments, testify boldly of the truthfulness of the restored Gospel and pass that along to our posterity in writing that it might be preserved and a blessing to others.

Write your verse today and every day live up to that which is good, true and virtuous! You are loved & your life is worth preserving. Have a wonderful day!

Peace Be Still

2009-05-04T13:52:00.000-07:00

**Image courtesy and used by permission from Deann B. Photo at deannbphotography.com

Lyrics from "Peace Be Still" by Mary A. Baker started running through my mind as I looked at this polaroid...

The winds and the waves obey Thy will Peace, be still!

Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea

Or demons or men, or whatever it be

No waters can swallow the ship where lies

The Master of ocean, and earth, and skies

They all shall sweetly obey Thy will

Peace, be still! Peace, be still!

Beauty

2009-05-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

You're beautiful. Yes, its true. Say it again, beautiful.

Today I was clicking through some random blogs and realized that there are so many women in this world with amazing lives, challenges and ALL are beautiful.

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” --Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Thought Update--I didn't really like that quote about "stained-glassed windows" because it brought another topic to mind over the weekend about tattooing. There seems to be an unnatural urge for once faithful Latter-day Saint couples to get tattoos. I don't understand this urge to defile their bodies for the sake of something they believe to be stronger than the words of a Prophet...."Latter-day prophets strongly discourage the tattooing of the body. Those who disregard this counsel show a lack of respect for themselves and for God. The Apostle Paul taught of the significance of our bodies and the danger of purposefully defiling them: "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are" (1 Corinthians 3:16–17)."..."A tattoo is graffiti on the temple of the body,” said President Gordon B. Hinckley.

I take a stand on this issue and abhor tattoos! I find no reason to justify it when Latter-day prophets have discouraged it and label it as graffiti on the temple of the body. And I'm confident that the Atonement applies to these mistakes even when people decide to get them after years of activity in the Church.

“Your body is God’s sacred creation. Oh, how I pray that all men and women will seek the beauty praised by the prophet—beauty of body, mind, and spirit!"--Susan W. Tanner, “The Sanctity of the Body,” Liahona, Nov 2005, 13–15

You are beautiful!!

Finding Joy

2009-04-28T10:41:00.001-07:00

**Image courtesy and used by permission from Deann B. Photo at deannbphotography.com

Icing on the Cake

Count your many blessings,
name them one by one

Let's be honest sometimes its hard to get out of bed in the morning. Sometimes I really don't want to face the dishes and the laundry and the blah.

So I stay in bed and wait for the kids to come in to tell me their dreams from last night and wild stories. They giggle and tussle with my hair saying "Good Morning Momma"

Let's be honest sometimes its hard to let my husband go running. Sometimes I really don't want him to leave the house even for a minute because I miss him.

So I let him go anyway knowing he'll be back in 15 minutes or so and blog keeping my mind distracted and reminding myself that if he's healthier, he'll live longer.

Count your many blessings, name them one by one and find you can have cake and can eat it too.

"I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now." --Thomas S. Monson

Find Joy = Icing on the Cake

Prayer Sandwich

2009-04-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

Based on true story of how we taught our children about prayer during an FHE lesson. We used something familiar from our lives to describe parts of the prayer and it totally worked. Even our three year old says prayers by himself now. So I wrote this story to commemorate our testimonies of holding Family Home Evening on Monday nights...

Its Monday morning, we had our family prayer and then Dad made me a sandwich. "Dad, can you hurry it up, I've got to get to the bus stop?" I said. He silently continued and I watched him carefully put down one soft piece of bread adding layers of leafy lettuce, fresh turkey and thinly sliced cheese with just the right amount of mustard too. Then, as he placed the final bread slice; I insisted "Dad...please, I have to go" and the whole sandwich went into a plastic bag ready for eating at lunch time. "You're welcome!" He said from the table and I raced out the door "Thanks!" I shouted back. Indeed it was a very good sandwich at lunchtime; he had taken great care in offering me the sandwich.

That evening at Family Home Evening, Dad challenged us to be like Nephi and "liken all scriptures." Luckily, he'd explained that this meant taking something from the scriptures and matching it to our own life creating a valuable lesson. He'd talked about how in 1 Nephi 8 the Lord knew Lehi and his family gathered many seeds of every kind before leaving Jerusalem. Dad told us how the Lord used something familiar to communicate with Lehi in his vision and that's why he saw the Tree of Life instead of something like an airplane from our time. Following Family Home Evening, we made assignments and I was asked to give a lesson on "Prayer" and I accepted knowing it was a week away.

Each morning I asked my Dad questions about Prayer. Begged for help doing the lesson and even whining about it. I wasn't sure what to say about Prayer, but I read the scriptures and tried to remember what I knew about Prayer. While Dad made my lunch we discussed aspects of Prayer including the beginning "Dear Heavenly Father" the middle "We Thank Thee" and "We Ask Thee" and the end "In the name of Jesus Christ," but each morning went too quickly. Somehow it was Monday morning again and that night I'd have to give the lesson. I didn't feel like hurrying and so I watched Dad make my sandwich. He'd put the beginning, middle and end together it was just like a prayer and I felt the Holy Spirit comfort me.

At lunch time, I pulled out my sandwich and noticed two little slips of paper "Liken All Scriptures" and another scripture note "I have heard their prayers, and will accept their offering. D&C 105:19" I was comforted that whatever I prepared would be accepted by my family and realized that I could liken the scriptures unto myself. The Holy Spirit whispered that I could use something I'd seen every day to teach a lesson and so I ate my sandwich with a smile.

That evening, for Family Home Evening, I pulled out all the items for making a sandwich: bread, lettuce, turkey, cheese and mustard. "It’s not time for a snack; you were in charge of the lesson not the treat." They said. "Its okay, this is my lesson on prayer. I'll show you."

I pulled out the first piece of bread and said; "To open a prayer you say "Dear Heavenly Father"' and I placed the slice onto a plate. Then, I pulled out a slice of turkey "This is part of the middle”We Thank Thee'" and holding the cheese "This is "We Ask Thee.'" As I put the two items on my little brother shouted "Don't forget the lettuce" and we all laughed. He was right, I couldn't forget the lettuce or mustard for that matter and Dad mentioned that sometimes when we pray it’s important to ponder before closing. Sometimes we need to feel the Spirit or listen for answers and he added that each part of the prayer is important. I completed the sandwich agreeing that with the final piece of bread "In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen" the sandwich prayer was now complete.

My family stared at the sandwich. It certainly didn't look as nice as the ones that Dad made for me each morning. My smile quivered and I wondered if my comparison was really appropriate or understood. However, Dad had challenged us to liken all scriptures and I stood confident and could not deny it. My family smiled and I know prayer is an offering to the Lord. I know even at my small age, I can use something I'd seen every day like a sandwich to teach the important parts of prayer and offer it to my family as a lesson. We can learn many things by likening all scriptures and listening to the Holy Spirit comfort us because he is our friend.

Dream A Dream

2009-04-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

Last night, my hubby showed me a YouTube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY showing 47 yr old Susan Boyle's performance on Britain's Got Talent. She sings Les Miserables "I Dreamed A Dream"

I learned a valuable lesson in humility and pride watching her performance. I found myself cynical and skeptical of her ability because of her plain appearance. Regardless of my personal cynicism, she did marvelous and is well on her way to achieving her goal to be a famous singer. All forces and people against her she kept going.

**Image courtesy and used by permission from Deannster, Flickr

Its like an ocean current. Pres. Spencer W. Kimball stated "If we can create in our families a strong, steady current flowing toward our goal of righteous life, we and our children may be carried forward in spite of the contrary winds of hardship, disappointment, temptations, and fashion. " (Spencer W. Kimball, “Ocean Currents and Family Influences,” Ensign, Jan 1984, 3)

**Image courtesy and used by permission from Deannster, Flickr

Truly its an important lesson for each of us to believe in ourselves. We cannot become consumed by the input others and opposing forces that try to place resistance on our lives, decisions, and dreams. We need to press forward. The scriptures confirm that indeed there is opposition in all things.

Dream a dream and live it.

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-11T15:18:00.000-07:00

1. Matthew 26:26-27,39 (sacrament cup or small cracker or chex cereal)

2. Matthew 26: 48-49 (chocolate kiss)

3. Matthew 26: 14-15 (3 dimes) [This fulfilled the prophecy in Zechariah 11:12-14.]

4. Matthew 27:1-2 (knotted twine)

5. Matthew 27:15, 17, 21, 24-26 (chunk of hand soap)

6. Matthew 27:28-30 or Mark 15:16-17 (square of red or purple fabric)

7. Matthew 27:31-32 (small nail or toothpick cross)

8. Matthew 27:50-51, 54 (crushed rocks)

9. Matthew 27:57-60 (strip of white cloth)

10. Matthew 27:60, 62-66 (a small, flat stone)

11. Mark 16:1, 2-6 (bay leaf or other herb)

12. Matthew 28:5-6 (empty)

Aspire Higher

2009-04-04T19:25:00.000-07:00

Many years ago I read a MormonAd and it says "Aspire to Something Higher
The Lord invites you to prepare yourself and enter his house. It holds great peace and wonderful blessings. (See D&C 88:119.)"

It had a photo of the Salt Lake Temple. My hubby & I were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. I took that photo of the Salt Lake Temple when his sister was sealed...the Salt Lake Temple is impressive and inspiring.

Announcement: 28 July 1847
Site Dedication: 14 February 1853 by Heber C. Kimball
Groundbreaking: 14 February 1853 by Brigham Young
Public Open House: 5 April 1893
Dedication: 6–24 April 1893 by Wilford Woodruff

I tried to find some pioneer stories, but still looking. Stay tuned.

My Dear Friends

2009-03-24T16:41:00.000-07:00

I write you this letter so that you will always remember I think of you often and desire for you to find joy and happiness now. I heard a character on a TV Show say "you cannot die with dignity; you can only live with dignity." I took this to heart because often times how we exit this world isn't pleasant nor beautiful or dignified. However, we can LIVE with dignity because we are honorable virtuous women, mothers, sisters, teachers, and friends. We live with dignity when we stand immovable and firm in our convictions that a living prophet leads and guides us today.

I started this blog as a reminder to myself that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is simple, is readily available and brings joy. Seeking for these reminders, produced many good resources that I've come to trust and review often including www.LDS.org which includes talks, articles, and topics of importance and guides to live with dignity and happiness.

When I ask my children "How do we find happiness" they quickly stand and recite Proclamation paragraph 7 which says "Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded up on the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ." I find joy and comfort they are learning how to find happiness now because reporting back to our Heavenly Father is something everyone will do.

Learning about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how it applies to in our lives fills a reservoir and brings a smile of hope to our lives when we need it most. Neglecting to fill and nourish our lives with positive and good things will leave us thirsty and dehydrated.

Friends, obtain the desire to find happiness now. I know some of you personally, I know some of your trials, I know some of your challenges, but the Lord Jesus Christ knows you much better and as a child of Heavenly Father, He's invested in you deeply and if you ask Him, there is ample feasting and living water within reach to provide you comfort, the Holy Spirit will lead the way. Live with dignity. And smile, because I love you too.

2 Nephi 31:20-21 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.

Blossom & Grow

2009-03-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

**Image courtesy and used by permission from Deann B. Photo at deannbphotography.com

Something to ponder...Blossom & Grow...

Allegory of the tame & wild olive trees. (See Jacob 5)

Sound of Music Lyrics to Edelweiss

"Small and white, Clean and bright,

You look happy to meet me,

Blossom of snow,

May you bloom and grow,

Bloom and grow forever"

"Your testimony of Jesus Christ is the most important anchor that you can have to help hold you, steadfast and immovable, to principles of righteousness, regardless of the challenges and temptations that may come in the future." --M. Russell Ballard

You are Awesome. You will Blossom. You make me Cheerful.

Pride

2009-03-15T12:46:00.001-07:00

Last night I had a dream that everyone on my Facebook had a reunion. One guy from my past carried his daughter introducing her to each person and then he passed out his business card. However, as he walked by me, he didn't make eye contact and told his daughter "that's the prideful one" and I gasped. In dreams, I don't normally confront people, but I felt the need to correct him, I'm not prideful. I grabbed his arm and stopped him. I could only say: "I'm sorry." and I ended with "I'm glad you're happy in your family."

I woke from this dream curious because of the phrase "prideful one" and then it hit me today at church after the lessons on Pride over the pulpit...that I've been prideful. I didn't want to ask how his wife, child, and family are doing. I didn't have the desire in my heart to care about his success over the years...I just wanted him to know about me, my family, my published books...and PRIDE ruled my heart because I want to brag about my own life instead of learning about his life. The Lord knows our hearts, He knows our intentions. We need to guard our thoughts, words and deeds so they are in harmony with the teachings of Jesus Christ and that when we love our neighbor, we really do love them as ourselves.

Scripture today is from Alma: "Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye are not ye are not prepared to meet God. Behold ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath not eternal life."

My Eternal Family

2009-03-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I had the flu. Suffice it to say, I thought I was going to die. After about three days of minor pains, I got a high fever and chest pains and headaches and blah...it was here that I realized that if I was faced with actual death...Am I ready? Do I need a Will? Could I go peacefully? Did I really have a testimony of God, the Eternal Father, His son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost? How would my husband and children react and cope? Would they stay true and faithful to the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Are we really an Eternal Family?

I calmed down singing myself the primary song lyrics: "My life is a gift, my life has a plan, my life has purpose in Heaven it began..." And indeed being ill I was reassured that life is a gift. I pondered the love I have for my husband, my children and know my life has a plan and purpose no matter how long I have on this Earth. Although it would have been hard to part with my family, we ARE an Eternal Family if we keep hoping and working hard together.

Good Articles on "The Eternal Family"

L. Tom Perry, “Fatherhood, an Eternal Calling,” Ensign, May 2004, 69

Margaret Lifferth, “Sharing Time: My Family Can Be Forever,” Friend, Apr 2005, 13

“The Family Is Central to the Creator’s Plan,” Ensign, Feb 2008, 69

Heartfelt Prayer

2009-03-02T11:19:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend, we had Stake Conference. Presiding at the meeting was Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Throughout the week, my husband and I have been wondering what to do with his unemployment...to be honest we thought of moving out of state, join the military, and various other wild ideas. A theme presented itself throughout the weekend meetings which is "Heartfelt Prayer" and having just held FHE on prayer and such...I realize that indeed, prayers are answered when we actually believe we'll receive an answer. At my lunch break today, I read the message in the Ensign for March by our Prophet Thomas S. Monson and like the reminder that we should "not sit idly by hoping and wishing" for something to happen, but we must work, obey commandments, try on our own, make a plan and such. Indeed, hoping for a job won't get us relocated unless we're really searching with intent and exhaust every effort. When we do all that we're able, the Lord is bound to fulfill His promises to us. Therefore, I'm comforted that indeed there is power in prayer, and should take advantage of that blessing and ability to pray with real intent and our whole hearts. God knows the desires of our hearts and will grant us blessings when we obey His commands. Smiles to you, everything will work out for our good and even if we first pass through tempests and raging storms, the Lord will lead us home!

Brothers

2009-03-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

Brotherly Love.

Ages six and three.

They play together.

They fight too.

Boys, I love you.

Treasure Motherhood

2009-02-24T12:50:00.000-08:00

**Image courtesy and used by permission from Deann B. Photo at deannbphotography.com

“To every thing there is a season,

and a time to every purpose under the heaven;

A time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance; …” [Eccl. 3:1–4]

Time is not meant to be measured by a clock or a calendar because the things that matter most will continue for eternity. "Female roles did not begin on earth, and they do not end here. A woman who treasures motherhood on earth will treasure motherhood in the world to come, and “where [her] treasure is, there will [her] heart be also” (Matt. 6:21)." --Sister Beck

Sister Hinckley has said this about motherhood: “It is the mothers of young children I would like to address first. These are golden years for you. These are years when you will probably do the most important work of your lives. Don’t wish away your years of caring for small children. Life is what happens to you while you are making other plans. This is a time of great opportunity for you to build the kingdom. When you teach children to love their Heavenly Father, you have done one of the greatest things you will ever do. If you can be a full-time homemaker, be grateful. If not, you must do what is best for you. I for one have never felt a need to apologize for my role as a full-time homemaker."

"After experiencing the deaths of three sons, I have continued to search for understanding through scripture reading and prayer. Through the loss of these sons, I have learned to appreciate the gift of the Resurrection and the promise of eternal life in a personal way.
One of the most comforting and beautiful scriptures for me is found in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” --Sister Walker

A Budget

2009-02-23T15:52:00.000-08:00

Growing up, Bishop Bagley was our home teacher in Poway and he brought his oldest son over to do a lesson on putting the Lord first. In the object lesson, Brig (probably 10 yrs old) pulled out a jar and filled it with rice talking about all the fun things that filled his day like talking on the phone, skating, homework, playing outside, eating candy, etc. Then he had some golf balls with labels assigned prayer, scripture study, helping a friend, keep the commandments, etc.

However, after filling the jar with the designated amount of rice the golf balls didn't fit into the jar. So Brig dumped everything out and started again, but putting in family prayer, scripture study, attending Church meetings, Home Teaching, Keep Commandments, etc. into the jar first. And then he filled the jar with rice and to our surprise...everything fit. The rice filled up all the extra space and the cap even closed tight making a complete day.

I remember this lesson because its a vivid reminder of budgeting our time, talents and everything the Lord has blessed to do His work and to be obedient to His commandments. When we put the Lord's will first, everything else will fall into place and sealed.

So today...a quite reminder about Budgeting:

Financial Budgeting -- "If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear" and so its a good thing we have food storage and we did make a budget so that the basics get covered while my hubby is looking for work...its tight, but it brings us peace to know we'll survive. See http://www.providentliving.org/

Family Budgeting ---"consistent in holding daily family prayer and weekly family home evenings" like Elder M. Russell Ballard mentions is something to schedule into the week. When we put the family first and spend time teaching our children the Gospel, blessings will come. See http://www.lds.org/hf/fhe/welcome/0,16785,4210-1,00.html

Marital Budgeting-- Yes, your marriage needs attention too and date nights, stay-cations, romance, hard work laboring together et al. are needed to keeping a marriage alive and together. Example One: We have a wonderful couple next door that every Wednesday night she meets her husband at the Subway for dinner. Every other week they go on a date night and go out some place special to talk and spend time together. On alternating Saturdays he gets to go fishing (his favorite hobby) and on the others, they do chores together and big projects. Their marriage endures challenges, two tours to Iraq, and they are a very good example to us of how making time for their marriage also makes them better parents to their children. Example Two: "Strangling Your Husband is Not an Option" by Merrilee Boyack...she's a friend and her book is quite funny and is "A Practical Guide to Dramatically Improving Your Marriage" and she admits from an LDS perspective that resolving issues together requires real work and not just wishful thinking to understanding each other. See http://deseretbook.com/authors/author-info/12807

Moderation in all things....budgeting works for more than just money...planning for a rainy day is a great idea....YOU CAN DO IT!! Smiles to you!

Smile

2009-02-18T18:20:00.000-08:00

Its February and that means St. Valentine's Day. The national day of love! Even though its a little late, thought I'd say "I love you" and that "I'm here for you" and "Remember marriage is between a man and a woman" and "Smile" and....

**Video courtesy of Coldplay & YouTube and Image courtesy and used by permission from Deann B. Photo at deannbphotography.com