That Which Heals Me

Which way to the moon?

2012-01-09T05:07:00.000-08:00

Ever been at a point in your life where you have no idea what's around the corner, as if everything is being tossed in the wind and you have no clue where it will end up? I suppose a lot of university students feel this way as they approach graduation.

My husband graduates this summer. By that time, we will almost be married 13 years. For the first 9 years of our marriage I think he avoided following his heart into the type of career he's always dreamed of.

Have you ever heard the phrase, "like a kid in a candy store"? It's when someone is absolutely giddy over something. That's how my husband gets when it comes to lunar and planetary studies. He's always said his dream is to fly to the moon, and he's serious. Even just the experience of being able to study the moon, the planets and stars his eyes light up! He has loved these things before he fell in love with me. But it has always been just a dream to him.

Just over four years ago we were at a crossroads. We had just sold our home to pay off all my husband's previous school debt from his associates degree, ITT tech, real estate schooling, pre-architecture classes, and our van. We moved into an apartment and sat there for a year not knowing where to go. We prayed for guidance every morning and night. We did a lot of fasting too. We had been everywhere trying to figure out his place.

All his education wasn't satisfying him, he knew he needed a bachelor degree. We knew he needed to go back to school. When the offer for him to attend BYU came up WE KNEW this was where the Lord was guiding us. It also meant he'd have to leave his job (that was paying very well) and find a new one in Provo. We'd have to sell most of our furniture, our washer and dryer to fit in a smaller and more affordable apartment. Our income would be cut down to an eighth of what he had been earning. His desire was to study Physics and Astronomy and he had never pursued it until that time because he didn't feel smart enough... and "how on earth would we pay for more schooling?" We went forward anyway, a little fearful of the unknown...yes, but we went with faith.

Now the end of August, we are facing another crossroad. He is graduating with his Bachelor of Science. He is applying for internships and may go on to pursue his master's degree in another state. He really wants to try an internship involving lunar and planetary exploration. So he's applying to the Johnson Space Center in Huston, TX. I'm so happy to see, after almost 13 yrs of marriage, he's finally pursuing his dreams.

"I don't know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future."

Thankful

2011-11-23T05:58:00.000-08:00

"The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments. They are the ones who, thread by daily thread, weave a tapestry of gratitude and wonder throughout their lives. These are they who are truly happy." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I've been thinking a lot about gratitude this week. One woman said, “Don’t try to be happy. Try to be grateful and then happiness will naturally follow.”

1 Chronicles 16: 8 “Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.”

Mosiah 2:23-24 “And now, in the first place, he hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye are indebted unto him. And secondly, he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you: for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and therefore he hath paid you. And ye are still indebted unto him, and are and will be, forever and ever: therefore, of what have ye to boast?

D&C 59:7 “Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.”

“Mercies and blessings come in different forms—sometimes as hard things. Yet the Lord said, “Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.” D&C 59:7; [emphasis added.]

All things means just that: good things, difficult things—not just some things. He has commanded us to be grateful because He knows being grateful will make us happy. This is another evidence of His love.”– Bonnie D. Parkin

Please bear with me as I share just a few things that make my life so rich: I'm so thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I'm so thankful for the freedom of religion, I'm thankful for my little family and for good people everywhere I go. I believe the majority of people are good in every land and every country, so I say I'm thankful for the good people all over the world. I'm so thankful to live in the United States, I'm thankful for the freedoms I enjoy here and the men and women throughout this country's history that have given their lives to make it free. I feel so blessed!

Whom then shall I fear?

2011-11-10T05:53:00.000-08:00

I think of how much we tend to value public opinion… especially with all of the social networking and status updates now days. Advertising sells that, “image is everything”. We spend so much time checking ourselves in the mirror but so little time checking our hearts with the Lord. Public opinion becomes our God and we so freely sacrifice the majority of our energy and time on the altar to uphold it.

Depression seems to be such a rising problem in society. I know for some people it is a very real illness but there are those who needlessly suffer with anxiety and depression from fear of what others think or don’t think of them.

“who art thou, that thou shouldest be ^aafraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; 13 And ^aforgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the ^bearth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor? 15 But I am the Lord thy God, that divided the ^asea, whose waves roared: The Lord of hosts is his name.16 And I have put my ^awords in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.

Why should we lose hope or why should we fear? When it's all said and done, who's opinion really matters most?

Rod and Staff

2011-09-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about the power that comes from daily scripture study and the blessing it is to have living prophets and apostles of God on the earth today. I am thankful to be led by those who have been given by succession direct authority to bless and perform ordinances in the name of Christ.

As I was reading this morning and as I thought of what a blessing the scriptures and words of the Prophet's are I recalled this Psalm:

4 Yea, though I ^awalk through the ^bvalley of the ^cshadow of^ddeath, I will fear no ^eevil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they ^fcomfort me. -Psalms 23:4

We learn that the rod is the word of God, the words of Jesus Christ. And if you look up "staff" in the dictionary it says "a symbol of office or authority." It's another way of describing power through the Priesthood (God's authority given to man to administer in His name on the earth).

When I insert these definitions in the Psalm above I find a greater perspective and dimension to where true comfort is found.

Change of Seasons

2011-09-13T21:48:00.000-07:00

I noticed a few of the leaves were turning yellow today which means the change of seasons is in the air. This is always a welcome change for me because I LOVE fall! Seeing these signs of nature, made me think of the variety of seasons in life for all of us.

I couldn't help but reflect on the phone call from my dad earlier this morning that mom has been admitted to the hospital again. With her condition seemingly getting worse over the past year, this could be an indication that I am entering another season in my own life... the leaves are changing. I suppose nothing really does stay the same forever and life unfolds in ways we usually don't expect.

Thinking about my mom today, I began to feel a little heavy with fear. "I'm not ready to be at a stage in my life yet where I watch my parents deteriorate.... In 20 yrs. from now I still don't think I'll be ready to handle such a challenge!" Needing some comfort, I recalled the scripture in Mormon that reads, "For do we not read that God is the ^asame ^byesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no ^cvariableness neither shadow of changing?"

I remember sitting in a testimony meeting years ago and listening to a mother who just lost a baby at birth. I'm sure this was something she never imagined would happen to her. But through her tears she had not lost her faith. She stood confident and declared with boldness, "I don't know what the future holds...But I know Who holds the future." I've never forgotten that.

I take comfort in knowing that God will not leave us, He will help us through whatever life requires of us and give us strength to bear it. I believe with all my heart in the promise found in Isaiah "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Thou shalt thank the Lord, thy God in all things.

2011-08-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about the enabling power of gratitude. Don't you love it when you have those "ah-ha" moments where you look around you and realized how incredibly blessed you are? I think of how freeing it is to ponder on everything I already have rather than the few things I don't.

A Perfect Morning

2011-08-22T06:14:00.000-07:00

I went for a bike ride this morning, rode past an apple orchard and saw 10 deer. Excitedly, I circled around the orchard trying to see if I could find anymore. “What a fun way to start the day!” I thought.

Breathing deeply, I savored the moment of the morning’s cool, crisp air. As I rode away, off to the side of me, I could see a doe and 3 fawns running in my same direction. I tried to follow them as long as I could but of course they were much faster. One of the fawns frolicked as she ran. It was such a beautiful sight! I said a prayer in my heart to thank God for this awesome experience.

"Why I Banned Barbie"

2011-08-16T19:27:00.000-07:00

"To Barbie, or not to Barbie. That is the question.

I have read other mommy columnists who wax nostalgic about their playtime with Barbie, passing on the tradition with their little girls and having a ball. The little shoes, the Corvette, the Dream House! It's all very alluring, very ... pink. What's not to like? I mean, I had a Brooke Shields Barbie doll when I was young and she was loads of fun!

Then one day my oldest son (a big second-grader at the time) came up to me with a half-naked Barbie doll in his hands and said to me sternly, "Mom, I don't think this is an appropriate toy." He had just had a fatherly talk with my husband about what is "appropriate" and what is "a poison worse than the black plague of death itself and should be avoided at all costs, lest it rot your mind like an unstoppable rebel force."

He was right. Half-naked buxom blondes littering the toy chest are not appropriate for my boys. It's just a fact of life that Barbie dolls spend 70 percent of their time either half-clad or not clad at all. Oh, it's all very innocent, of course. Those tiny clothes are really hard for little fingers to put on. Heck, it takes me the better part of 10 minutes to get Barbie ready for her hot date with Ken. How can I expect uncoordinated, chubby hands to wrestle on those microscopic rags and keep her plunging neckline and bare midriff Velcroed up all the time?

I know for families of girls, Barbies are a lifeline, an institution even. But that is not my family. My daughters are surrounded by brothers. Hot-blooded, American boys who should not be put into tough, compromising spots every time they're rooting around the playroom on a quest to find that one LEGO piece to complete their set....

.....

I searched online and found alternative 9-inch dolls we love, namely

"Only Hearts Club" dolls.

These dolls are girls, not women, and feature a much more modest wardrobe for my girls to emulate. They're not old enough to drive (no Corvette), or date (no Ken). But then, neither are my girls! Instead they ride horses, take good care of their pets and look forward to the day when they're finally old enough to babysit. Just right.

Our playroom may still be a mess, and there are LEGO pieces we've resigned we'll never find, but I believe making conscientious choices about playtime helps make our home our very own Dream House." - By Margaret Anderson, ksl.com contributor

---------------------------------------------------

This is an article I read in the news today and I was very impressed with it. I wanted to give her a standing ovation! Finally another mom who sees barbies the same way I do!!! By the way did you know that the woman who invented barbies got the idea while in Europe from a popular sex toy there? It's true! It doesn't surprise me though.

When I read in Margaret's above article about the Only Hearts Club dolls, I went straight to their website. I read about the companies intention to make wholesome dolls, to teach our daughters morals and values and to follow their hearts. I honestly started to cry tears of joy!!!

One of the greatest!

2011-08-05T14:44:00.001-07:00

Here is my latest sketch for my shop! I'm really excited about this one. Martin Luther King Jr. will always be one of the greatest hero's in American history!

Here's the link to my shop! Feel free to explore and share it with your friends :)

Glimpse of Heaven

2011-07-29T14:40:00.000-07:00

This is a sketch I did a few weeks ago for a very sweet mother who lost her baby at birth. With her permission I'm selling prints of this sketch in hopes that other parents who have experienced this same type of trial may feel comfort knowing their little one is safely awaiting them in heaven. Go here to visit my shop to see this and other Christian artwork I have done. Feel free to share it with your friends too! :)

Missing my man!

2011-06-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

3 weeks down and 5 more to go!! I've survived the first three weeks my husband has been gone on his internship in D.C. and it's gone surprisingly well. I've had lots of support from family and friends which has made all the difference. I miss him like crazy.

Without him around to hang out with in the evenings I've been putting some time into my art (which I have'nt done for a very, very long time.) It really feels good to draw again... I didn't realize how much I missed it. This is my latest work. I'm a little rusty but I'll get back into it with some practice, I think.

Christie's Shop

2011-05-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

I just started an Etsy shop and found a team called, "Christian Artists Promoting Shops". The team is led by a wonderful woman named Christie! She has helped me by tweeting about my shop. I want to return the favor by featuring her shop on my blog. I don't have twitter or facebook so hopefully this will still be helpfull for her.

Thank you Christie!! Best wishes to you!
Visit Christie's shop at Christie Cottage on Etsy.

Love Greeting Card by, Christie Cottage

Because He First Loved Us

2011-05-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

I had such a wonderful day at church yesterday. Our Stake Presidency visited and spoke to us about Charity, forgiveness and focusing on the good in all we say and do. It was so uplifting. President Christiansen focused a lot on God's love and how it works within us. He quoted the following:

“We think we have to change, grow and be good in order to be loved. But rather we are loved and we receive His grace so we can change, grow and be good.” - John Powell

Image by, Mark Mabry

It's true! In 1 John 4:19 it teaches "We love Him, because he first loved us." Grace is truly an enabling power. I pondered how often I extend grace to my fellow man or how often I only give love when I feel it's been "earned". What would happen if I gave love regardless of how others receive it? What miracles would happen, especially in my own heart?

I felt like yesterday was such a feast. I appreciated how humbling the messages were for me. I love meetings like that!

Where are we going?

2011-04-11T22:14:00.000-07:00

It's been almost 3 yrs. since my husband decided to go back to school to get his Bachelor's Degree. He has one more year and he will be done.... at least with that anyway... he's talked about getting a Master's Degree too. This summer he accepted an internship with NASA at Johns Hopkins University APL. It's exciting for me to see him getting this far because he never believed he could.... but I believed. I'm proud of my husband! This is going to be such a great opportunity for him this summer. Where will it lead us? I have no clue. I just know that we have been prayerful and the Lord has guided us throughout our life. I pray He will continue to guide our future and I will trust in Him.

"What Faith Can Do"

2011-03-31T19:12:00.000-07:00

Photograph Entitled "Resurrection" by, Mark Maybry I have hope because of my Savior, Jesus Christ. I trust in His Atonement for me that as I press forward with faith in Him & do my best to follow His example, He will set things right. I know He lives and loves all of us. I know miracles happen when we keep our focus on Him. One of my favorite radio stations to listen to is K-Love Christian Radio And "What Faith Can Do" by, Kutless is currently my favorite song.

"What Faith Can Do"

By, Kutless

Everybody falls sometimes

Gotta find the strength to rise

From the ashes and make a new beginning

Anyone can feel the ache

You think it’s more than you can take

But you are stronger, stronger than you know

Don’t you give up now

The sun will soon be shining

You gotta face the clouds

To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains

Hope that doesn’t ever end

Even when the sky is falling

And I’ve seen miracles just happen

Silent prayers get answered

Broken hearts become brand new

That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard

Impossible is not a word

It’s just a reason for someone not to try

Everybody’s scared to death

When they decide to take that step

Out on the water It’ll be alright

Life is so much more

Than what your eyes are seeing

You will find your way

If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains

Hope that doesn’t ever end

Even when the sky is falling

And I’ve seen miracles just happen

Silent prayers get answered

Broken hearts become brand new

That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds You do have a chance

(That’s what faith can do)

When the world says you can’t

It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains

Hope that doesn’t ever end

Even when the sky is falling

And I’ve seen miracles just happen

Silent prayers get answered

Broken hearts become brand new

That’s what faith can do

That's what faith can do!

Even if you fall sometimes

You will have the strength to rise

Relief Efforts in Japan

2011-03-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law sent me this article from NBC news about the way the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has helped in the relief effort for Japan. Way cool! Check it out here. This is a real testimony of the Visiting Teaching and Home Teaching programs in the church! I'm so proud to be a part of it! I love the way this church is organized!

What is not seen...

2011-03-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

Have you ever found yourself complaining about the various complications in your life only to meet someone who's story makes your problems seem like a cake walk?...

As I was waiting in the Dr.'s office today for my son's appointment, I met such a person. She was very pretty and as our conversation began I would have assumed she had a fairly easy life.

We began to talk about our children. She told me she had 6 and then went on to tell me about some struggles she is having with one of her daughters. She feels it might be in part due to her husband's injuries in Iraq. A couple of years ago her husband, the father of her troubled daughter, was wounded while serving in the military causing him to be blind, deaf and partially brain damaged. She talked of the personality change in the man she had married and how she felt as if she didn't even know who he was anymore. The struggles she spoke of sounded like something only found in nightmares. She is carrying so much weight on her own.

It broke my heart and I wanted to wash all her pain away and give her a brand new life with everything in place as she dreamed it would be. I wished I could wave a magic wand and that she'd have her loving companion to come home too, to talk to and enjoy life together, working together so she wasn't alone in raising her children. A few times I tried to hold back my tears because I just wanted to cry for her. I asked her how she even began to find a support group for a situation like hers? She told me she finds strength and support in knowing that Christ understands her and knows her pain. She confides in Him and He has provided many blessings in the course of it all.

I have to wonder how I would hold up under circumstances like hers.... It frightens me to think of what I would do... or not do. I'm afraid I would just shut down and give up. I'd like to think I'd keep my faith, I pray I would! But I honestly don't know how I would handle the horrible things she's been through.

After we went our separate ways I found myself thinking of an old quote I had hanging on my wall as a teenager, "I used to complain I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet."

As we parted, I reflected on how much differently we would treat people if we only knew what they were going through. How much more merciful would we be, more willing to listen or slow down and offer the right of way? What opprotunities would we take to show expressions of kindness, of encouragement if we knew the achings deep within that person's heart?

I often think about the Atonement of my Savior, Jesus Christ, and how He took upon Him all our grief, pain, guilt, sorrow and sin etc. What about His pain and grief?! What about the weight He felt just from the sorrows of His own life?! He had been betrayed, beaten, despised and mocked not just by His enemies but also His own friends.... And now He was taking on Himself very literally the weight of the world! Ironically, I think it was His focus on others, His compassion for their pain that helped Him see beyond His own grief enough to Atone for us.

I pray to have my eyes open every day. Let me not be blind to the blessings I have nor to the help I can give.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf said it best, "there are so many people in need whom we could be thinking about instead of ourselves....There are so many ways we could be serving. We have no time to become absorbed in ourselves...When we see the world around us through the lens of the pure love of Christ, we begin to understand humility...We don’t discover humility by thinking less of ourselves; we discover humility by thinking less about ourselves. It comes as we go about our work with an attitude of serving God and our fellowman."

Light at the End of the Tunnel

2011-03-08T21:24:00.000-08:00

I'm starting to feel my old energy back again. I'm not quite up to par yet, but I'm getting there. It's such a relief to see a light at the end of the tunnel and know that it's not because I'm dying ha ha ha. My kids have all had some kind of throw-up bug all last week and I've been sick for 11 days, practically bed-ridden. I've had such violent coughing that I think I bruised my diaphragm. I seem to get bronchitis easily. I remember having it a lot as a child. I've never smoked before but when I was growing up some of my best friend's parents smoked... maybe I got a lot of second hand smoke then? I really don't know why I'm so susceptible to bronchitis? I'm just glad that I'm getting over it for this year at least.

There's a bunch of things I take for granted and health is one of those things. Man, when I'm old I hope I die quickly and not from some slowly deteriorating disease that drags out over 10 years... I can barely handle being in bed for 10 days!

The Other Blog

2011-03-01T22:24:00.000-08:00

I've been spending a bit of time catching up on some pictures for my other blog. It's fun to post snap shots of happy moments with my kids and it reminds me how worth all the hard work is that comes with being a mom!

It makes me proud and I feel like saying....

Na na na na na na! My kids are cuter than yours thhhhbbb!.... There I said it :)

Play me that sad song...

2011-02-15T20:51:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been a little under the weather emotionally.

Sometimes trying to pinpoint my depression makes me all the more depressed....

I get depressed that I'm depressed. Crazy ha?

Well, it's at times like these that I find comfort in music.

I definitely feel better when I listen to my favorite bands.

It's hard for me to stay low when I've got music playing that makes me want to dance.

And getting up and dancing usually is all I need to put me back in a good mood.

Occasionally though, there are times I don't mind wallowing in my sadness and listening to a few songs that vocalize exactly what I'm feeling at the moment.

The validating lyrics seem to sooth my feelings of loneliness and I feel like, "finally another human being understands me."

So here is my sad song for the day....

THE TOWER
by, Vienna Teng

The one who survives by making the lives
of others worthwhile
she's coming apart
right before my eyes
the one who depends on the services she renders
to those who come knocking
she's seeing too clearly what she can't be
what understanding defies

she says I need not to need
or else a love with intuition
someone who reaches out to my weakness and won't let go
I need not to need
I've always been the tower
but now I feel like I'm the flower trying to bloom in snow

she turns out the light anticipating night falling
tenderly around her
and watches the dusk
the words won't come
she carries the act so convincingly the fact is
sometimes she believes it
that she can be happy the way things are
be happy with the things she's done

reach out
but hold back
where is safety
reach out
and hold back
where is the one who can change me
where is the one
the one
the one

reach out
but hold back
where is safety
reach out
and hold back
where is the one who can save me
where is the one
the one
the one

she says I need not to need
or else a love with intuition
someone who reaches out to my weakness and won't let go

I need not to need
I've always been the tower
but now I feel like I'm the flower trying to bloom in snow
…the danger and the power; the friend and foe.

By Study and by Faith

2011-01-04T21:20:00.000-08:00

Winter semester started today. My husband is nervous because his classes are very intense and require long laborious hours of study and homework, leaving very little time for him to work to provide for our cost of living. Really, if it were not for the financial help from his parents while he is in school, I don't know where we would be? We also have food stamps which is something I absolutely have been against but I don't know what else to do?

One thing I do know is that he is supposed to be in school right now. He kicks himself for waiting so long to get his Bachelors Degree but I'm proud of him for having the courage to finish his schooling at this stage in our life! He knows he's in the right place too. He has had wonderful opportunities to work with different professors in Astronomy, Physics and now Planetary Geology. Each professor highly admires Joseph and have written excellent letters of recommendation for his internship this summer.

I don't know where we are going in the next few years. Perhaps we will stay here for another 4 until he gets his Masters? My oldest child will be turning 14 then... that's crazy for me to think about!! Most likely we will move somewhere across the United States. His dream is to work for NASA and I would love to see him achieve that dream.

There is no doubt in my mind that our Heavenly Father has guided us to where we are and is continuing to guide us where we need to be. It's very exciting. I've seen so many miracles in the 11 yrs. of our marriage. Prayer and faith have been a daily part of our journey. Monetarily, I don't like depending on anybody, I have had to humble myself and except a little financial help here and there. But I know that when all is said and done, when Joseph finally finishes school, we will then be in a position to help someone else in their journey.

I want it to be very clear that I have never cared for lots of money. I told my husband when I married him that I would be happy to live in a tiny house and live a very simple life. I don't care for manicures, matching purses and shoes, name brand clothes or name brand anything for that matter. And I think it's wonderful that my kids are content with paper, markers, books and their imagination... so spending money on toys has never been a problem either. It's wonderful! I like the simple life because it helps me treasure the simple things!

I am very excited for my husband to be successful and achieve his dream, not for money but for the sheer thrill of saying that he did it, he got his degree, he accomplished something that he didn't feel he was capable of doing.

I have no doubt that when he finishes up his schooling we will have opprotunities to make very good money. I'm sure it will be nice but at that time, I never want to lose sight of the happiness I have found in simplicity, hard work, prayer, faith, humility and trust in God...because money can't buy any of these things.

During Turbulence

2010-11-05T07:21:00.000-07:00

I was praying this morning for the Lord to help me know what I needed to do to improve my home environment, to reduce the stress level with my family and enjoy the relationships that matter most to me. During the prayer I recalled this last conference a message, "slow down during turbulence." I got up from my prayer and pulled up the talk on my computer. This is exactly what I needed to hear. "Of the Things That Matter Most"

I love the part where he talks about the 4 fundamental relationships. I needed these "reminders".

One thing I know for certain is that I make alot more mistakes or do a lot more regrettable things when I try to speed up during turbulent times. I get impatient and want problems solved immediately and therefore respond without being prayerful or sensitive to the spirit.

Sometimes the turbulence I face is completely avoidable... it comes from overcomplicating my life, when I try to solve simple problems in a web of distractions I have spun for myself.

So I think the message for me today is when I start to get overwhelmed or discouraged I need to slow down, evaluate the situation, be prayerful and clear away the distractions so I can more readily feel the Spirit and see things as "they really are and as they really will be".

Fruit Meet for Repentance

2010-10-26T07:04:00.000-07:00

"Repent".... all throughout the scriptures we hear this important word. It is a foundation principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After Jesus was baptized, Satan tried to thwart Christ's mission but to no avail.... triumphantly our perfect Savior escaped the snares of the adversary and the first thing Jesus began to teach was repentance.

"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."- Matt 4:17

Why is repentance such an important thing? And what did Christ mean when He told the Pharisees and Sadducees to "Bring forth fruit meet for repentance."?

What do we think of when we hear the word "repent"? I believe how well we understand the doctrine of repentance will greatly determine our personal application and affections for it.

What feeling does it provoke... difficulty, uncomfortable, hesitation, condemnation of others, ridicule of self, or on the other hand, does it induce feelings of peace, gratitude, an assurance of God's love, Christ, the Atonement, hope and confidence?

Our 4th Article of Faith states:
"We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are:
First - Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
Second - Repentance
Third - Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins
Fourth - Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost."

I submit to you that repentance is not a one time thing in our life. I submit that is the reason why Christ used the word "fruit" with repentance. A tree doesn't grow to bring forth one fruit but many, a whole harvest and year after year it does. Even within one fruit is the potential for so much more.

Today I read an article given years ago by one of the 12 Apostles, Neal A. Maxwell:

This is just a portion of it but you can see all of it here.... in fact I encourage you to read ALL of it. :)

"For some months, I’ve tried to emphasize repentance, one of the most vital and merciful doctrines of the kingdom. It is too little understood, too little applied by us all, as if it were merely a word on a bumper sticker. Since we have been told clearly by Jesus what manner of men and women we ought to become—even as He is (see 3 Ne. 27:27)—how can we do so, except each of us employs repentance as the regular means of personal progression? Personal repentance is part of taking up the cross daily. (See Luke 9:23.) Without it, clearly there could be no “perfecting of the Saints.” ( Eph. 4:12.)

Besides, there is more individuality in those who are more holy.

Sin, on the other hand, brings sameness; it shrinks us to addictive appetites and insubordinate impulses. For a brief surging, selfish moment, sin may create the illusion of individuality, but only as in the grunting, galloping Gadarene swine! (See Matt. 8:28–32.)

Repentance is a rescuing, not a dour doctrine. It is available to the gross sinner as well as to the already-good individual striving for incremental improvement.

Repentance requires both turning away from evil and turning to God. (See Deut. 4:30; see also Bible Dictionary, s.v. “Repentance.”) When “a mighty change” is required, full repentance involves a 180-degree turn, and without looking back! ( Alma 5:12–13.) Initially, this turning reflects progress from telestial to terrestrial behavior, and later on to celestial behavior. As the sins of the telestial world are left behind, the focus falls ever more steadily upon the sins of omission, which often keep us from full consecration.

Real repentance involves not a mechanical checklist, but a checking of the natural self. Often overlapping and mutually reinforcing, each portion of the process of repentance is essential. This process rests on inner resolve but is much aided by external support." - Neal A. Maxwell

Read the whole article here!

Daughters of God

2010-10-23T06:24:00.000-07:00

I think most mothers would agree that there are very humbling moments where you feel inadiquate as a mom. I know I do when I've displayed a lack of patience, an unkind word or a short temper. I have much need for improvement... but I am thankful that God is faithful and forgiving. And like Paul in speaking to the Corinthians I too have a thorn in my flesh... yet, Christ's grace is sufficient for me and my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Lately I've been deeply studying Alma 37. A couple of days ago three verses stood out to me very strong that made me think of my children, the way I speak to them, the time and attention I give them and what I truly value.

"I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise....If ye keep the commandments of God, and do with these things which are sacred [my children] according to that which the Lord doth command you, (for you must appeal unto the Lord for all things whatsoever ye must do with them) behold no power of earth or hell can take them from you, for God is powerful to the fulfilling of all His words. For He will fulfil all His promises which He shall make unto you..."- Alma 37:6,16-17

After reading these verses I went to LDS Scripture Citation Index and found a talk by Elder M.Russel Ballard given back in 2008. It fit perfectly with my thoughts on motherhood. I've posted a majority of the talk below.

DAUGHTERS OF GOD (After clicking on this link, scroll down to the bottom of the page it is the second to last talk given in the Sunday Afternoon Session. Here it can be viewed, or listened to as well.)

"After observing and empathizing with three generations of mothers and thinking of my own dear mother, I surely know that there is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood.

There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be “full-time moms,” at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part-or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else.

I am impressed by countless mothers who have learned how important it is to focus on the things that can only be done in a particular season of life. If a child lives with parents for 18 or 19 years, that span is only one-fourth of a parent’s life. And the most formative time of all, the early years in a child’s life, represents less than one-tenth of a parent’s normal life. It is crucial to focus on our children for the short time we have them with us and to seek, with the help of the Lord, to teach them all we can before they leave our homes. This eternally important work falls to mothers and fathers as equal partners. I am grateful that today many fathers are more involved in the lives of their children. But I believe that the instincts and the intense nurturing involvement of mothers with their children will always be a major key to their well-being. In the words of the proclamation on the family, “Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

We need to remember that the full commitment of motherhood and of putting children first can be difficult. Through my own four-generation experience in our family, and through discussions with mothers of young children throughout the Church, I know something of a mother’s emotions that accompany her commitment to be at home with young children. There are moments of great joy and incredible fulfillment, but there are also moments of a sense of inadequacy, monotony, and frustration. Mothers may feel they receive little or no appreciation for the choice they have made. Sometimes even husbands seem to have no idea of the demands upon their wives.

As a Church, we have enormous respect and gratitude to you mothers of young children. We want you to be happy and successful in your families and to have the validation and support you need and deserve. So today, let me ask and briefly answer four questions. While my answers may seem extremely simple, if the simple things are being tended to, a mother’s life can be most rewarding.

The first question: What can you do, as a young mother, to reduce the pressure and enjoy your family more?

First, recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction.

Author Anna Quindlen reminds us not to rush past the fleeting moments. She said: “The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. … I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less” (Loud and Clear [2004], 10–11).

Second, don’t overschedule yourselves or your children. We live in a world that is filled with options. If we are not careful, we will find every minute jammed with social events, classes, exercise time, book clubs, scrapbooking, Church callings, music, sports, the Internet, and our favorite TV shows. One mother told me of a time that her children had 29 scheduled commitments every week: music lessons, Scouts, dance, Little League, day camps, soccer, art, and so forth. She felt like a taxi driver. Finally, she called a family meeting and announced, “Something has to go; we have no time to ourselves and no time for each other.” Families need unstructured time when relationships can deepen and real parenting can take place. Take time to listen, to laugh, and to play together.

Third, even as you try to cut out the extra commitments, sisters, find some time for yourself to cultivate your gifts and interests. Pick one or two things that you would like to learn or do that will enrich your life, and make time for them. Water cannot be drawn from an empty well, and if you are not setting aside a little time for what replenishes you, you will have less and less to give to others, even to your children. Avoid any kind of substance abuse, mistakenly thinking that it will help you accomplish more. And don’t allow yourself to be caught up in the time-wasting, mind-numbing things like television soap operas or surfing the Internet. Turn to the Lord in faith, and you will know what to do and how to do it.

Fourth, pray, study, and teach the gospel. Pray deeply about your children and about your role as a mother. Parents can offer a unique and wonderful kind of prayer because they are praying to the Eternal Parent of us all. There is great power in a prayer that essentially says, “We are steward-parents over Thy children, Father; please help us to raise them as Thou wouldst want them raised.”

The second question: What more can a husband do to support his wife, the mother of their children?

First, show extra appreciation and give more validation for what your wife does every day. Notice things and say thank you—often. Schedule some evenings together, just the two of you.

Second, have a regular time to talk with your wife about each child’s needs and what you can do to help.

Third, give your wife a “day away” now and then. Just take over the household and give your wife a break from her daily responsibilities. Taking over for a while will greatly enhance your appreciation of what your wife does. You may do a lot of lifting, twisting, and bending!

Fourth, come home from work and take an active role with your family. Don’t put work, friends, or sports ahead of listening to, playing with, and teaching your children.

The third question: What can children, even young children, do? Now, you children, please listen to me because there are some simple things you can do to help your mother.

You can pick up your toys when you are finished playing with them, and when you get a little older, you can make your bed, help with the dishes, and do other chores—without being asked.

You can say thank you more often when you finish a nice meal, when a story is read to you at bedtime, or when clean clothes are put in your drawers.

Most of all, you can put your arms around your mother often and tell her you love her.

The last question: What can the Church do?

There are many things the Church offers to mothers and families, but for my purpose today may I suggest that the bishopric and the ward council members be especially watchful and considerate of the time and resource demands on young mothers and their families. Know them and be wise in what you ask them to do at this time in their lives. Alma’s counsel to his son Helaman applies to us today: “Behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass” ( Alma 37:6).

I hope all of you dear sisters, married or single, never wonder if you have worth in the sight of the Lord and to the leaders of the Church. We love you. We respect you and appreciate your influence in preserving the family and assisting with the growth and the spiritual vitality of the Church. Let us remember that “the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”). The scriptures and the teachings of the prophets and apostles help all family members to prepare together now to be together through all eternity. I pray that God will continually bless the women of the Church to find joy and happiness in their sacred roles as daughters of God."

Lesson from a Dandelion

2010-09-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

I can’t stand dandelions!

They are very difficult to pull out with just my hands… usually I need a tool to dig down close and deep to remove the root…

and so I don’t root them out because of the “extra effort” it takes. For the most part, I don’t even notice the ugly weed until I see the familiar yellow flower. Often, I rush past never noticing they are there.

Occasionally, as I’m crossing my yard, a spot of yellow will catch my eye. Usually, I stop only long enough to pluck the little bloom. I figure, “at least I could stop this one before it closes, reopens and bears more seeds”… I’m often blind to the flowers that have already closed up because they hide so well in the blend of green.

Then there are times when the weed has progressed further and I see the fluffy white seeds still resting in a perfect sphere, not yet scattered and so I carefully enclose it with my hand and find a place to throw it away cautious not to let any seeds float away. Even as I am doing this, I feel silly for not just rooting out the dumb plant in the first place… ironically… how much work, grief and time it would have saved me if I had?

Now why should it surprise me when I “suddenly” see so many dreaded dandelions in my yard?

American Heritage

2010-09-11T23:06:00.001-07:00

Years ago my father-in-law introduced me to "American Heritage" videos by a group called "The Wallbuilders." I was surprised how much beautiful history we are missing in our schools.
I wanted everyone to know about this great resource.

Just recently I've been taking the Faith classes by one of the founders of Wallbuilders, David Barton, on Beck University. David Barton is one of my hero's and I'm absolutely thrilled to see the true stories of our Country becoming more well known because of the knowledge of this man. It's important to know the truth because the truth will set us free.

This is an education we cannot afford to miss!!

Sad to see my website go....

2010-08-06T10:13:00.000-07:00

It's gone. I cancelled my website for my art prints. My husband and I have found ourselves needing to make a decision on expenses we can cut while he is in school. I am also a stay at home mom and I'd rather cut back expenses than leave my kids. Maybe my art would sell more if I invested a greater amount of money into advertising, but I think my faith in my talent is waining after having such little success with my website these last 3 yrs. "To everything there is a season" and I guess this is not my season.

Amazing Story of Healing

2010-07-29T21:48:00.001-07:00

This is a true story about a man who forgave the drunk driver that killed his wife and two kids. It is so powerful and inspiring!! It's a reminder to me of Christ's miraculous Atonement and the healing that comes from forgiving others!! Take a look and watch this increadible story. Share it with everyone you know :)

God is He that goeth with you...

2010-07-07T20:24:00.000-07:00

This morning I was reading Deuteronomy chapter 20 and I couldn't help but apply this to our day and the battles we are facing to keep our religious freedom and our rights as parents. These verses gave me hope and I wanted to share them:

"1 When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the Lord thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
2 And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people.
3 And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;
4 For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." - Deuteronomy 20:1-5

It is also interesting to note that in the next 5 verses this counsel is repeated 4 times, "let him [the soldier] go and return unto his house." to do what? to dedicate it to God and to be with his loved ones and property so he can defend them from others coming in and stealing it all away from him. see Deuteronomy 20: 5-8

The greatest and most important battles, I believe will be fought within our own homes... not against our own flesh but "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12

Good Things to Come

2010-06-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

I had been feeling a little depressed these last few days. I was in a real slump. My sweet husband came home from school yesterday to a tired and emotional wife. Poor guy. He was very patient with me though and was quick to offer help.

I tried so hard to pull myself up and attend to the needs of our little family but I was on the verge of tears with every effort. There wasn't really one particular thing that was distressing me, it was a bunch of little things all piled on top of each other. It was the fruit of self doubt, thoughts of inadequacy, comparing my weaknesses to all the strengths of the women around me and the typical fears of a mom for the future of her kids.

My children could feel and see the emotion in my face yesterday and seemed to mirror the anxiety and tension toward each other. Shouting matches could be heard throughout the house, which only created a perpetual problem of contention. I felt guilty with each heated exchange they had with each other, feeling as if I started the whole dilemma.

"If this is what I'm teaching my children, what good is it for me to be home with them?" I began to ask myself. "It seems they hardly ever listen to me and when they do all they hear is negative."

My husband encouraged to go to bed early and suggested I'd feel better after a good night's rest. He was right. I needed to step away for a moment because I wasn't seeing clearly at all.

This morning I woke up to find a new video on Mormon Messages called "Good Things to Come". I cried all the way through it. It was everything I needed to hear. It was so refreshing and I felt a renewed hope in my future.

God doesn't expect me to be a perfect mom. I know that. And He doesn't expect me to be happy and sweet all the time either. He knows I'll have hard days. But he doesn't want me to give up, He expects me to keep trying and to trust in Him! Being a stay-at-home mom isn't easy and it's hard to see what good is really being done but I know that my family needs me and God will help me in all that is required of me for good.

"Everyone of us has times when we need to know things will get better. My declaration is that that is precisely what the Gospel of Jesus Christ offers us, especially in times of need." ..... This is how the video starts out and then Elder Holland shares a personal story when he was discouraged in his own life and how the Lord helped him through. Watch the video here, so inspiring it's a must see!!!

What is being taught???

2010-06-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

I'm amazed at the simple prophetic words of Rudyard Kipling from 1919. His poem is called, "The Gods of the Copybook Headings".

The copybook headings to which the title refers were proverbs or maxims printed at the top of 19th century British schoolboys' notebook pages. The students had to write them by hand repeatedly down the page.

Makes me think about the Godless education in our Country and what is being taught in our school systems today.

You might already know that John Dewey is known for his educational reform around the beginning of the 20th century and was a major influence in how our school systems run today.
But did you know he said the following?.... "I believe there is no such thing as sin to be forgiven and no life beyond the grave but death everlasting... Faith in the prayer-hearing God is an unproved and outmoded faith. There is no God and there is no soul. Hence, there are no needs for the props of traditional religion. With dogma and creed excluded, the immutable truth is also dead and buried. There is no room for fixed, natural law or moral absolutes." (John Dewey, 'Soul-Searching', Teacher Magazine, September 1933, p.33)

When I read this I was blown away! Holy cow! One of the main founders of our education system was a total anti-God and his reformation was to bring the teachings of Marx and Engles into our school system.

Take a look at this!!
The drastic drop in stories with a moral lesson is reflected in a special study of fourth grade readers between 1810 and 1950. Out of each 25 pages the following pages emphasized a moral lesson:

1810 - 16.01 pages

1830 - 16.75 pages

1850 - 12.42 pages

1870 - 6.00 pages

1890 - 4.19 pages

1910 - 4.50 pages

1930 - 1.00 pages

1950 - 0.06 pages

(George C. S. Benson and Thomas S. Engeman, "Amoral America" Stanford, Calif: Hoover Institute PRess, 1975, p. 23)

Needless to say, I have been driven to do some personal study of our Constitution, and the teachings of our Founding Fathers. I believe they would be appalled at what is being taught today!! I want to find out where we went wrong, how we could stray so far from everything they fought for and how to take it back and make things right.

I believe the only way to combat the evil that has been penetrating our society and restore our Country to the principles and morals we once honored is start with ourselves. Educate our minds with truth. Seek to understand and fight for the faith of our fathers. Defend our home. Be with our families as often as we can! Teach our children morals and principles, teach them by our own example. Teach them to pray and pray always. Teach them that God is not dead but that HE LIVES and we are His children. Teach them to follow the Spirit of Truth that God has given each one of us to guide us.

I pray like Elisha did for his servant, "Lord, open my eyes that I may see that they that be with us are more than they that be with them." 2 Kgs. 6: 16

Words of Wisdom From a 7yr. Old

2010-05-27T13:43:00.000-07:00

The following is an experience my husband related to me:

"I was sitting at the table with my daughter Sunday morning and she painted while I was eating. She kept asking if I like her art and I said I loved it. Which I do. She's very talented and has beautiful brush control. She then started talking about how she was going to be the best painter in the world. Now, I confess, I missed the boat on this one. As the father of a 7-year-old you're dang right she's going to be the best painter in the world.

However, lest she be exalted above or disappointed beyond measure I entered with the wisdom that could only come with age and experience, "That sounds wonderful sweetie. But always remember that there will always be somebody better than you at whatever you do." I swear she didn't miss a beat and she did not look up from her painting, but in that beautiful way that only a child can do she replied, "Well, then there will always be somebody for me to learn from!"

POW!!

How's that for wisdom? I just thought I would share that. It was so wonderful!

"Out of the mouth of babes."

Imagine if more of us adults would be as humble and teachable as little children. Mark 10: 14-15"

How Does Truth Set Us Free?

2010-05-09T19:30:00.001-07:00

Did you ever think that truth is constraining in nature? Interesting paradox because "the truth shall make you free." John 8: 32

Look at it this way:

"You see, if 2 + 2 = 4, then we are not free to believe that the total is 5 or 10 or 103. Only one right answer is constraining. You can believe anything you want, but on the other hand, if you want to be free to build a rocket that is capable of flying to the moon, then you had better believe 2 + 2 = 4. Without the terribly constraining nature of truth, we could not be free to do anything!" - University Professor, Dr. Hal Heaton

Where's Earth?

2010-05-06T14:31:00.000-07:00

I took my children to see a kid's show at the planetarium in the science building my husband does research at. The planetarium is a large dome theater that projects a replica of what we see in our night time sky. The lady giving the presentation pointed out different planets such as Jupiter, Venus, and others...

...then she asked the children if they knew where Earth was.

One child squinted her eyes, "there it is, I see earth," she said pointing to one of the stars.

"Actually you can't see earth in the stars like you can the other planets," responded the presenter. "The reason you can't see it in the sky is because you are standing on it."

I looked over at my 4yr. old and saw this revelation hit him...

He looked down at his feet with complete amazement... as he gazed with his eyes wide open he shouted excitedly , "I'M STANDING ON EARTH!"

I laughed with adoration. And then..... I learned something from him. I learned how children see miracles in things we adults often take for granted. Isn't it amazing in this vast expanse of space that WE ARE STANDING ON EARTH!

Chin Up, Hold Your Head High in Meekness

2010-04-12T12:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I fall into the temptation of beating myself up, of picking at every little flaw and putting myself down saying things like, "Why can't I figure things out?" "She seems like such a better mother than me." "When will I learn to hold my tongue and be more patient with my kids?" "I wish I were prettier like her... I wish I were smarter like so and so... I wish I could somehow keep at least a little order in my house instead of this chaotic mess all the time..." and on and on I go viewing myself so negatively.

Pretty depressing ha?

So in my little slump I turned to some talks that were given at a women's conference a few years back. This is exactly what I needed to hear. Maybe someone else needs this pep talk too... so here's a few clips from it.

"We are all pretty hard on ourselves, but it seems to me women are harder on themselves than men will ever be. Why is that so? We ask you not to do it. Repent when or where that is necessary, but then honor that other “R”—Rejoice!" - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

and then Sister Holland adds...

"Sisters, may I make an appeal that it is a time for us, especially as women, to try to strip ourselves of something else that also seems so prevalent among women. I suppose men suffer with such things, too, but it seems to be particularly evident, and particularly painful, among women. It is closely related to the things my husband just touched on. I speak of the constant feeling we seem to have that what we are or what we have is not enough. That is Satan’s demonic chant sounding continually in our ears. It is not true! We are more intelligent than this. We are stronger, much stronger, than this! Constantly comparing ourselves with others leaves us feeling so weak and worthless. It taps into our pride and poisons with jealousy. Let’s start a new “chant”— that we are women of Christ, that we are spiritually strong personally, and that we will prepare the next generation for their opportunities. Let us strip ourselves of pride and vanity and envy forever.

Heaven only knows how much the world uses envy and pride and worldly glamour in our society. We have to walk away from these things but this will not be easy to do. We will need these gifts of heaven of which we spoke earlier, the power of God’s grace and priesthood, the atoning power of the Savior, which compensates where we try and try but seem to fall short.

James knew all this. He said: “The spirit which God implanted in us [all of us] turns towards envious desires. Yet the grace he gives is stronger. Thus the scripture says, God opposes the arrogant and gives grace to the humble. Be submissive then to God. . . . Come close to [him] and he will come close to you. . . .Humble yourselves before God and he will lift you up” (James 4:5–6, 8, 10, New English Bible;
emphasis added).

Isn’t that a tremendous thought? If we would not “lift” ourselves up with these cursed temptations of envy and pride, God would gladly step in and do the “lifting” for us! Only He can lift us up where He wants us and where we really want to be. We can’t get there by clawing or clamor, by cattiness or cutting others down. We certainly can’t get there by vaunting ourselves “up.”

Furthermore I believe with all my heart that this is a challenge we will face again and again. We should not be discouraged if the challenge returns tomorrow just when we thought we gave it such a good effort today. I say this out of the honesty, and experience, of my own heart. I struggle with these issues just as you do, and just as everyone does. So don’t give up hope and don’t think you are the only one who feels these things or struggles with these temptations. We all do, but every effort is a godly one, and every victory is counted for our good. And if we turn around to face the same challenge again tomorrow, so be it. We will work again, with all our heart, to strip away anything that keeps us from truly being “meek and lowly”—in all the right ways—before God. His grace is sufficient to help us succeed at that."- Patricia Holland

The Empty Tomb

2010-04-04T19:52:00.001-07:00

Back in 2007 my husband and I had the privilege of traveling to Jerusalem. One very memorable experience there was at the Garden Tomb. As we stood upon the ground where our Lord had conquered the grave and rose from the dead we offered a prayer of gratitude for the power of redemption made possible by Jesus Christ. Then we sang one of my favorite hymns, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives." As we sang, the Spirit bore a powerful witness to our hearts that Jesus Christ does live, that it is through Him we are Saved and redeemed from death both that of the physical and death of the spiritual. How grateful I am on this Easter day and every day for my beloved Savior, my Exemplar, my Shepherd and my Friend. He loves us. He shows us the way to our Father because He is the way, the light and the truth... HE LIVES!

The following passages are from John chapter 19 and 20

"Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.

42 There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

11 ¶ But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

Tender Mercies

2010-03-31T12:31:00.000-07:00

This past week, answers to prayers have been pouring down on me like refreshing rain. One of the miracles is something I've been praying for a very long time.

I feel like shouting hallelujah!!

In a recent post, I shared a story about a neighbor of mine that had been treating me very rudely for well over a year. Just last week I decided to do a neighborhood BBQ and I made a special invitation to her. I sincerely wanted her to come but didn't expect her to show up because she hadn't shown up to any previous invitations. But to my surprise she came.... not only did she come but we had a friendly conversation too! I felt so relieved. I don't know what exactly softened her heart towards me and I still don't know why she was so rude to me in the first place. I'm just so thankful that things are better now! I am so thankful for the healing that is taking place between us.

"I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us."- Elder David A. Bednar Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Beauty is...

2010-03-20T13:45:00.000-07:00

When I was in my late teens my family had a wonderful couple for hometeachers, Brother and Sister Anderson. They were an older couple, probably in their late 70's. They always had a sparkle in their eyes and a smile on their face(I called it perma-grin). They were filled to the brim with gratitude for everyone and everything around them. I never heard a disparaging remark come out of their mouth. They spoke freely about God, His mercy and blessings. Their testimony of the Savior was not just in word but in the choices they made every day of their lives. They were a beautiful example of charity and oneness in marriage and of Christlike love for everyone. They shined so bright! I loved to be around them and glean from their wisdom.

About five years ago, I saw Brother Anderson in the temple...His physical health had declined for he needed to constantly be on oxygen and he carried a cane but he still had that strong and vibrant spirit... he hugged me and gave his regards to my family. His eyes shined as bright as ever and he still had that warmth of spirit that could soften any frozen heart.

I will never forget this wonderful couple! What an impression they made on me... they helped me see what true beauty is!

Awesome Video for Easter

2010-03-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

This youtube video was so popular last year that it went viral in a matter of days.
I love this video and want to share the link since Easter is just around the corner. See "An Apostle's Easter Thoughts on Christ". I hope you will watch it. I promise you will come away feeling hope, peace and consolation for whatever you are facing. We have hope in Christ, I know He lives and that His sacrifice saves us. I am so thankful for my Savior and His great love for all of us.

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to share with me your thoughts on this video.

Help Me to Freely Forgive

2010-03-08T08:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Fast Sunday. I have been fasting and praying for help with many things but one thing in particular has been hardest for me to do.… to let go of hurt feelings and forgive my neighbor. I have a neighbor who I have offended, I’m not exactly sure if it was something I did or my kids did or something I didn’t do??? I don’t know...and she won’t tell me... I wish she would but she refuses to communicate with me.

Just over a year ago we were great friends. Once, I stayed up till midnight helping her make a birthday cake for her daughter. I helped watch her kids all the time and I even let her borrow my car on several occasions. Now she hates me. Many times I have tried to talk with her and figure out what went wrong but to no avail. She avoids me and ignores me when I say “hello”. And when my children go outside to play she rushes hers into the house saying nothing. A few months ago she had the flu so I brought her over some soup … and still no response. It must be about a year that she has refused to even look at me. It hurts. It really hurts. So I’ve been fasting and praying for the ability to forgive her for months now. I need a mighty change of heart. Matt. 18: 23-35 D&C 64: 9-10 has been on my mind all week.

Yesterday we arrived to church early so we had a little quiet time before the meeting began. My 7 yr. old daughter climbed on my lap and asked me if I would read her a story from The Friend (a children's magazine in my church.) As I read to the end of the story my eyes filled with tears. My sweet little daughter had a stack of magazines and hundreds of stories to choose from but this was the one she wanted me to read....perhaps the Spirit guided her. All I know is that it's what I needed and it was a message for me! I’m so thankful for little children and their example of forgiveness to me… it’s no surprise that Jesus said little children are the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Help Me Dear Father
(Children’s Songbook #99)

Help me, dear Father, to freely forgive

All who may seem unkind to me.
Help me each day, Father, I pray;
Help me live nearer, nearer to thee.

Help me, dear Father, to truly repent,
Making things right, and changing my ways.
Help me each day, Father, I pray;
Help me live nearer, nearer to thee.

Meet Ramona

2010-03-04T11:54:00.000-08:00

I've been blogging for a couple of years now and along the way I have met many wonderful people. Ramona is one of them. Ramona found my blog in Jan. this year and in return I found her blog. I have gotten to know her a little through emails and have enjoyed our correspondence very much. We share some southern ties. She grew up in the south and my grandma is a southern gal. Ramona and I both love gospel music. I learned to love gospel music from my mom.... (you see when my mom was growing up she belonged to the African Methodist Evangelical church in Wisconsin and that good old gospel music has never left her soul.)

Ramona has a very witty and fun sense of humor. (It must be the southern girl in her.) I think if we were neighbors I would like to sit on my porch and shoot the breeze with Ramona.

Our greatest bond we share is our love for the Restored Gospel. Ramona was kind enough to take the time and share her testimony with me and here she is letting me share it with you:

"I was baptized on Dec 29 2009. No small feat, considering that I had been assigned two in a series of headstrong Sister Missionaries. Sister Paulson and Sister Mulford were 2 of many, and 2 of only 4 missionaries that made it successfully through my front door.

My husband and I have been married for 10 years and I had noticed that people I didn’t know whose first names were always sister or brother would appear at our door. I wondered if my husband had long lost brothers or sisters he wasn’t telling me about. I also wondered how they found us. We would get calls from Elders and Bishop’s. My husband wasn’t very forthcoming on any info.

We moved again and then the Sisters and Brothers started to tag team. They would ask for Brother Gordy. I would ask, are you my husbands long lost brother? No one would talk. By the time Sisters Paulson and Mulford made it through my door, I wasn’t feeling too sisterly toward them, I thought they were trying to sell me something. I asked them why they came; they said “We came for you.” They also told me that my husband was a Mormon. Are you kidding, he never told me that. I figured that I would listen. I didn’t realize that they represented the Church.

I had always gone to church since I was a little girl. I was born in the South and church going is a way of life. My grandmothers help my reading skills by teaching me scriptures. I always went to church all the time. My grandmother was a serial church goer. She had memberships in at least 3 churches in 3 locations. Most of the time I accompanied her whether I wanted to or not. I discovered that if I could read the scriptures with the rest of the congregation I wouldn’t be bored. I was baptized when I was 8 years old. I decided all by myself. I wanted to go to heaven and meet God.

So, you can imagine my reluctance to be baptized again. The Sisters did their best to explain why I needed to do it again. (Article of Faith #5). One underlying reason for my reluctance was a fear of water. I told them that I would think about it. One Saturday we all went to the Visitors Center to watch a film about Joseph Smith. They seemed to always be talking about this man. They asked me if I knew of him. I said, of course. Everyone knew who he was. In Louisiana, where I am from, he was portrayed as an itinerant preacher who had got himself into trouble and was arrested, but he tried to break out of jail by shooting his way out. Of course I did relay this story quite innocently and with no malice. So we watched a film about Joseph Smith and the Restored Church. I have to say that was amazed at his story. I felt that I could identify with him as a child in search of the right church to go to. I was genuinely sad and angry that he was killed in such a way. Everyone was crying including me. I decided right there to agree to get baptized.

These are some of my favorite scriptures; this is my testimony. I did experience a mighty change of heart.

Alma 5: 12 and according to his faith there was a mighty change wrought in his heart. Behold I say unto you that this is all true.

13 And behold, he preached the word unto your fathers, and a mighty change was also wrought in their hearts, and they humbled themselves and put their trust in the true and living God. And behold, they were faithful until the end; therefore they were saved.

14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?

Luke 24: 32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

The Saturday I was baptized was the best day of my life. The Bishop of my church baptized me. As I was lowered into the water, time seemed to stop and when I came up I truly felt that all of my past sins had been washed away.

I love this Church and I know it is true. I believe that Joseph Smith was chosen as a Prophet to restore this church. I know I was born to be here in this time, right now. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ; Amen " - Ramona

Catholics and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Unite

2010-02-24T20:47:00.000-08:00

See the devotional here Francis George Catholics and Latter-day Saints: Partners in the Defense of Religious Freedom February 23, 2010 BYU Broadcasting

Haitian Saints Keep the Faith!

2010-02-13T07:04:00.000-08:00

This is an amazing story of faith in the middle of adversity.

Photography by Scot Facer Proctor
Maurine and Scot Proctor, Meridian’s editor and publisher, are currently in Haiti with 125 LDS medical, construction and translation volunteers from Utah.

Much of Haiti lies in rubble. Collapsed roofs lie at angles, smashed against the floor below them. Cinder blocks slant in heaps along the roads. Some streets in Port-au-Prince look like old pictures of bombed-out Berlin after World War II. It’s a horror, an apocalypse.

Yet, amidst a shoddy neighborhood stands a jewel, the Croix-des-Missions LDS church and sounding through the air is a hymn: How Firm a Foundation.

It is a particularly well-chosen song in a land whose physical foundations could not stand the earth’s tremors, but whose Latter-day Saints have proven to be remarkably resilient. They know that though all but a handful have lost their homes, their foundation is in the gospel of Jesus Christ and that is firm.

Attending the 3-hour church block on Sunday felt remarkably normal to us. There were the Saints dressed well, many in crisp, white shirts that looked newly ironed. The deacons wore their white shirts and ties as they reverently passed the sacrament.

How can this be? Without homes, they are living on the street in hastily-assembled, makeshift shelters on any flat land that is available. Their walls may be sheets hung over ropes or pieces of cardboard. Their beds are concrete or hard earth. Everything they owned—and that already wasn’t much—has been stripped from them by an initial quake that lasted about 45 seconds and after shocks that continued for days.

Haiti, right now and for the foreseeable future, is a land sleeping out. People fill the church’s courtyards at night—and instead of woe, they laugh and talk. They have shanties on the median strip between two lanes of riotous traffic.

We asked member after member, how can you be so beautifully groomed on Sunday, given your conditions? They answered that because most everyone is now living in the street, they are indeed dirty during the week, plagued by all the ills that befalls a newly-made street person, but, they added that though they had no water to drink, they had water good enough to wash their clothes.

So there they were singing about what really is their firm foundation and looking like any other LDS congregation across the world—except they are homeless.

Their Lessons and Talks

That is not all. Their lessons and talks were sophisticated and scripturally based, as if they had a library and computer at their fingertips to prepare instead of the side of the road.

The sacrament meeting began with strains of “Come, come ye Saints, no toil, nor labor fear, but with joy wend your way.” For most of us who come from other nations, we would be hard-pressed to find joy in impoverished and broken Haiti before the earthquake, let alone now, but they sang like they meant it, “Happy day, all is well.”

They prayed, “We are all thankful to be counted among the living. We are grateful to know of thy truth. There are many outside the walls of this church who do not have this truth to sustain them through the trials. We know we were kept alive because we have a mission to complete. Bless us all that we can be strong and take care of each other.”

We listened tearfully. The sacrament was passed and each of the seven children sitting on the row next to us took not a single piece of bread but a scoop each. They are hungry.

Then we heard a talk, a surprising, enriching talk from France Nathalie Desir—so beautifully done.She told the audience:“For some of the adversity we face, we can place the weight on our own shoulders because we are not obeying God’s laws. That adversity we can control, but there are some kinds of adversity we can’t control like the earthquake. We didn’t do anything to attract it. We all had friends and families who were killed. A lot of people are discouraged and have lost faith, but we as members of the Church now have a mission.

“We know why we have adversities. They are to make us stronger. We have the freedom to either let them overcome us or to make us strong. Just as we send little children to school, the Lord has sent us here for a school.

“Our big enemy is our pride that keeps us from loving our neighbour and obeying the commandments…Since January 12, we all have experienced sleeping outside. As I was lying in the courtyard looking up at the stars, I knew this was the time to manifest charity and mourn with those who mourn, give food to those who need food.

“We have a certain joy, and the joy is knowing these things are temporary. The trials we are given on earth are for us, and the Lord knows everything we are going through and they are to augment our faith and bring us to God.”

The primary children at the ward were as happy, giggly and bright as any children in the world—maybe more so.

The lessons for the youth were very much like those for the adults.

We must be strong in this time of adversity. We must reach out with love to those who are discouraged.

Home Teaching

Francy Saint-Preux, the High Priest group leader for the ward, said doing home teaching is ten times harder than it used to be because people are no longer in their homes and sleeping somewhere on the street, but after the quake they made every effort to assure that everyone was safe. Temporal needs are difficult to meet because they are so overwhelming and every priesthood leader is inundated. They’ll do anything to help, but there are some things they just can’t do.Francy said, “The island is in disarray from top to bottom.”He noted, “One of the first things I had to do as a leader in the high priests is to restore confidence in the members. I remind them that the important things are still intact. Your kids are safe. You have the gospel. I encourage people to focus on staying close to God. “What we teach the members is the gospel,” he said. Our gospel is simple--pray, read your scriptures, pay your tithing and work. Do everything you can to work. Even the solution to a temporal problem is a spiritual one. Get back to the basics.”

Meet the Members

Guerby Pierre

Guerby Pierre is one of those exceptional people in Haiti who actually has a job. He is well-educated and has a job as an accountant with a billboard company. He tells what happened to him when the earthquake hit:“The things I saw during the earthquake are forever engraved on my memory. You see things in disaster movies, but it is nothing like when it happens in real life, and I cannot ever forget it.

“I was inside at my work, working at my computer, at what seemed like a normal day. Then, all of a sudden with a roaring noise, it seemed like a giant beast had taken the building in his arms and was twisting and shaking it back and forth. My screen fell off my desk; bookshelves started falling, and I ran for the door, but could hardly keep my footing with the shaking. As I stood at the door, the wall I had been leaning against before completely collapsed. “It is so different when you experience this in real life. People think of the great earthquakes in 3rd Nephi. People outside thought it was the Second Coming.

“My work is destroyed. That was my livelihood. I went to my house and it is completely gone, but I was able to go in and get the things that really mattered to me—my temple recommend, my passport, some clothes and my scriptures.”He held up his battered scriptures at that moment, the gilt-edged pages long ago worn away, and we asked him, “Did that happen to your scriptures during the earthquake?”He just smiled back and said, “No, I really love my scriptures and I use them all the time.”The day before the earthquake a tune started wafting through Guerby’s mind. Again and again it came and stayed with him through the day. He realized that the words were “The Lord my pasture will prepare, and guard me with a shepherd’s care.”He was so impressed with the message that returned again and again to him, that he wrote down the words to the hymn and sent them in a note to his sweetheart. The next day the meaning was still in his soul as his world was hurled apart, and he knew that no matter what happened, the Lord had already sent him a message of comfort.Now, Guerby is sleeping outside in a tent every night. The way he looks at it is his first job is to take care of his friends and other members of the Church. Even if he doesn’t have a lot of money he can strengthen them. His second job as an accountant is gone, so he has more time for his first job.Some things are really hard. It is hard to think that after working hard to become college-educated that he might be back to shining shoes to get enough money to live on. And it’s hard not to have a home. He misses the feeling of something comfortable and recognizable to come back to at night.He’s holding on. He had saved a little money. He got some food and shoes from the bishop.

Each night as he lays under the stars, it reminds him of what is really important in life. He said, “In one sense I have nothing, but in another, I have everything because I have the gospel, and this earthquake has only augmented my testimony. My life is changed. The earthquake simplified it. Since the earthquake, I could all of a suddenly think clearly.” Gone are certain things he thought were really important. Instead, he is hoping to find a way to take his best friend and sweetheart to the temple to be married.“Life can be hard sometimes,” he says, “but it will be OK.”

Charles Marie Murielle

“When the earthquake happened, I was inside my house. I had just come from school because I am studying to be a nurse. There was a professor who was absent, so I came home early.“I was just taking off my uniform when the earthquake started. I heard the noise and felt the earthquake and thought to myself, this is an earthquake.

“After it stopped, I found myself, I was yelling, but I had a strong feeling I shouldn’t leave my house. I should just stay there. I went to open my door to go out, and my door was blocked, I couldn’t open it. “I said a sincere prayer. I told the Lord that I was not ready to die. I don’t have a family, yet, and I haven’t been to the temple. With a lot of strategy I was able to open the door by myself.

“Outside, everyone was crying and screaming out to God, ‘What is going on?’ The farther I got out, I saw that churches had fallen and people had been killed. “My school which is four stories tall had collapsed and all the students and teachers had been killed. I would have been there if my teacher had not shown up. “All communications were cut off. No radio. No telephone. No one knew what was going on. We were all trying to find an open space. We kept hearing instructions, “Don’t go inside. Don’t go inside.”“From time to time the earth would shake again. I was continually scared. I was the only member of the Church nearby, and I felt like I was alone. People from other religions were making a lot of noise and were screaming. I found myself in silence because the Spirit told me exactly what to do. I knew it was not the end of the world.

“I prayed, ‘Give me strength so that I can hold on.’ I found the strength to help a few people who were injured. I found a lot of people who were in shock. The next day I met a brother from the church who came to my house to see if I was OK. He told me I needed to come to the church that all of the members were meeting there. That gave me strength.We asked her what the future holds for her without money or a house or a school. She said she is determined to find a way to finish her nursing, but for now, she lives at the church and she’s scared to go back to her house. Maybe she will make cookies to sell.

Erick Goimbert

They didn’t try to get out, as it was hard to stand, impossible to walk. They just started praying. He did not know it was an earthquake as he had never experienced anything so overwhelming before.When they finally made their lurching way out of the house, he saw that all the houses around him were completely destroyed and his neighbors had been killed.

Now, he and his family are sleeping wherever they can find a spot at night, mostly in the road by their house. He’d like to come and sleep at the church, but his home is too far away.He has no tent, but sleeps under some corrugated tin cover. Every morning he doesn’t know where to get food. He just waits day to day for help. Like most Haitians, he doesn’t have a job, and his wife just sells things in the street.Among his slim possessions are a few Tylenol pills for when his back, hit by the dresser in the quake, hurts too much.

He says with some good cheer, “Everybody is praying. There is definitely a feeling of unity and my testimony has been strengthened. You drive through my neighbourhood and mine was the only house that is not completely destroyed.What for the future? He sees no possibilities to rebuild a house. He has no money and can’t see where he could possibly get any.

Polycarpe Macking

The day of the earthquake, two of his children had just come home from school and were watching television. He was out in the front yard feeding the chickens, their main source of livelihood.

About 4:45, he started to feel the shaking movement. Immediately his children ran outside as the roaring, pitching earth got worse. As soon as they ran outside, the house collapsed. They knelt down and, crying, said a prayer for his wife and other daughter, asking that they would be safe. They found her quickly for which he was grateful.

Now, he doesn’t know what he’s going to do. “God must have a plan for me,” he said, “and I’m just going to have to see what it is.”

The scriptures are his life and he loves to read.A vibrant young man, he still hasn’t had a job for seven years, and the few chickens they had were crushed or scattered in the earthquake. For now, they are sleeping in their yard. They have no money to rebuild.

Group Photograph

We couldn’t help ourselves in wanting to show the amazing light and joy in the faces of the Haitian Saints here in the Croix-des-Missions Ward in Port-au-Prince.

We then told our translators to instruct them to do something we learned from then President David Bednar at BYU-Idaho. We told them to hold up their scriptures high and let us see them.

We saw every variety of scriptures, manuals and hymnbooks go up into the air.

Many of the children wanted to gather for their own group picture.Their faces captured it all.

This is a glimpse of the members of the Croix-des-Missions ward after the earthquake. It’s good they can sing “Happy day, all is well,” because like the handcart pioneers of old they have nothing but God’s help and the help of his children to see them through.

Donate here to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

More good news about relief efforts here.

Parable of the Sower and Alma 32

2010-02-09T16:18:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite songs is from the Chronicles of Narnia soundtrack , "The Call" by, Regina Spektor. Everytime I hear this song I can't help but think of Mathew 13:1-23 and Alma 32:28-43. This song keeps playing in my head today, I know the words but this is the first time I've put them down. Great song... even greater message!

It started out as a feeling
Which then grew into a hope

Which then turned into a quiet thought

Which then turned into a quiet word

And then that word grew louder and louder

'Til it was a battle cry

I'll come back

When you call me

No need to say goodbye

Just because everything's changing

Doesn't mean it's never

Been this way before

All you can do is try to know

Who your friends are

As you head off to the war

Pick a star on the dark horizon

And follow the light

You'll come back

When it's over

No need to say good bye

You'll come back

When it's over

No need to say good bye

Now we're back to the beginning

It's just a feeling and no one knows yet

But just because they can't feel it too

Doesn't mean that you have to forget

Let your memories grow stronger and stronger

'Til they're before your eyes

You'll come back

When they call you

No need to say good bye

You'll come back

When they call you

No need to say good bye

- The Call by, Regina Spektor

Of Mind and Heart

2010-02-05T20:03:00.001-08:00

My husband and I were having a discussion the other night about education. And these are a couple of thoughts I had and I wanted to share them...

The finest education is not obtained in state universities but rather in the state of mind and heart.

With a formal education, one may achieve great positions of power, fame or wealth....but in all their fine schooling, if they fail to use this gift of knowledge for good, for the betterment of others, to share virtue and light, If their pursuit is for self and self alone then they have learned nothing and they are fools indeed.

Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying that higher education is not important. It is vital to obtain all the learning one can and seek wisdom all the days of their life. But like all other gifts from God it must be used with wisdom and for worthy purposes and then it will be added unto them, like Jesus teaches in the parable of the talents. For in God is the "highest" education. :)

This makes me think of Prov. 4:7. “With all thy getting get understanding.

..........What are your thoughts?

Wisdom From Mother Teresa

2010-02-01T11:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at church a sister spoke about charity and quoted this famous verse by Mother Teresa. It impressed me so much that I wanted to share it:

"People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."

- Mother Teresa

What a wonderful legacy of discipleship she left for us! I want to memorize this and live by this.

Heavy Laden

2010-01-30T09:47:00.000-08:00

Painting by: Greg Olsen

I am so exhausted from this past week, I don't think I have much strength left to do any more. In between momhood, schooling, apartment managing, laundry, dishes and caring for some friends who are ill... I feel very, very "heavy laden."

I'm thankful for the comfort and peace I find in the scriptures and in the Spirit. I will cast my burden on the Lord and trust in the beautiful enabling power of His Grace. I don't need to be perfect I just need to follow Him who is perfect. I find hope knowing that He will make up the difference for all that I lack. I know that in His strength I can do all that He requires of me.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." - Matt. 11:28

"Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls." - Alma 37:34

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." - Galatians 6:9

"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great." - Doctrine and Covenants 64:33

Temples Around the World

2010-01-26T11:40:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of the temple in Hong Kong:My friend lived in Hong Kong for a while and taught school there. Of all the sites to see around the world I suggest visiting a temple.

So why do we have all these temples and what is their purpose? Click here for the answer.

Aba Nigeria
Adelaide Australia
Accra Ghana
Albuquerque New Mexico
Anchorage Alaska

Apia Samoa
Asunción Paraguay
Atlanta Georgia
Baton Rouge Louisiana

Bern Switzerland

Billings Montana

Birmingham Alabama

Bismarck North Dakota
Bogotá Colombia

Boise Idaho
Boston Massachusetts
Bountiful Utah
Brigham City Utah

Brisbane Australia

Buenos Aires Argentina

Calgary Alberta
Campinas Brazil

Caracas Venezuela

Cardston Alberta
Cebu City Philippines
Chicago Illinois
Ciudad Juárez México

Cochabamba Bolivia

Colonia Juárez Chihuahua México

Columbia River Washington

Columbia South Carolina

Columbus Ohio

Concepcíon Chile

Copenhagen Denmark

Cordoba Argentina
Curitiba Brazil
Dallas Texas
Denver Colorado
Detroit Michigan
Draper Utah
Edmonton Alberta
Fort Lauderdale Florida
Fortaleza Brazil

Guadalajara México
Guatemala City Guatemala
Guayaquil Ecuador
Halifax Nova Scotia
Hamilton New Zealand
Helsinki Finland

Hermosillo Sonora México

Hong Kong China

Houston Texas
Idaho Falls Idaho
Johannesburg South Africa

Jordan River Utah
Kansas City Missouri
Kona Hawaii
Kyiv Ukraine
Laie Hawaii

Los Angeles California

Tuxtla Gutiérrez México

Manila Philippines

Medford Oregon

Melbourne Australia
Memphis Tennessee
Mérida México
Mesa Arizona
México City México
Monterrey México
Montevideo Uruguay
Monticello Utah
Montréal Québec
Mount Timpanogos Utah
Nashville Tennessee
Nauvoo Illinois
Newport Beach California
Nuku'alofa Tonga
Oakland California
Oaxaca México
Ogden Utah
Oklahoma City Oklahoma
Oquirrh Mountain Utah
Orlando Florida
Palmyra New York
Panamá City Panamá
Papeete Tahiti
Perth Australia
Philadelphia Pennsylvania
Phoenix Arizona
Portland Oregon
Porto Alegre Brazil
Preston England
Provo Utah
Quetzaltenango Guatemala
Raleigh North Carolina
Recife Brazil
Redlands California
Regina Saskatchewan
Reno Nevada
Rexburg Idaho
Rome Italy
Sacramento California
St George Utah
St Louis Missouri
St Paul Minnesota
Salt Lake
San Antonio Texas
San Diego California
San José Costa Rica
San Salvador El Salvador
Santiago Chile
Santo Domingo Dominican Republic
São Paulo Brazil
Sapporo Japan
Seattle Washington
Seoul Korea
Snowflake Arizona
Spokane Washington
Stockholm Sweden
Suva Fiji
Sydney Australia
Taipei Taiwan
Tampico Mexico
Tegucigalpa Honduras
The Gila Valley Arizona
The Hague Netherlands
Tokyo Japan
Toronto Ontario
Trujillo Peru
Twin Falls Idaho
Vancouver British Columbia
Veracruz México
Vernal Utah
Villahermosa México
Washington D.C.
Winter Quarters Nebraska

To Honor Martin Luther King Jr.

2010-01-18T08:42:00.000-08:00

Let's make this a day of service, a day of forgiving others, a day of kindness and pure Christian love toward all people. Let's show our honor for this great American by putting our differences behind us, letting go of hatred and losing ourselves in the service of our Lord as Martin Luther King Jr. examplified so beautifully throughout his life.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a man of God! He was a true Christian in every way, a great example for all of us to follow. We would all benefit by living by his inspired words.

"Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." - Martin Luther King Jr.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." - Martin Luther King Jr.

"If we are to go forward, we must go back and rediscover those precious values -- that all reality hinges on moral foundations and that all reality has spiritual control." - Martin Luther King Jr.

"Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man's sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true." - Martin Luther King Jr.

"Let no man pull you low enough to hate him." - Martin Luther King Jr.

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Prayer

2010-01-16T10:02:00.001-08:00

I just love this video about the power of prayer. It happened in 2007. It's about a woman in New York who tells a beautiful story of how the Lord answered her prayer. This also includes the testimony of a living Prophet of God. This video is truly inspiring, and will brighten your day no matter what faith or religious backround you come from.

The truth is there is great power in prayer as we humbly and gratefully seek to know the will of the Lord and then do His will. I have a testimony that God is our Father, He is most merciful, most loving, most powerful and is anxious to communicate with His children.... and we are all His children.

I pray for blessings to be with all who might stumble upon this blog. I hope it gives you encouragement, strengthens your faith in God and inspires you to lift the lives of those around you.

Alicia

My Tribute to Jim

2010-01-13T08:22:00.001-08:00

Today I found out that a relative of mine passed away. I just found out about his blog and was reading some of his final entries. He died very young. I've been sitting here crying as I'm reading. What a truly wonderful family and what an amazing man. He had great faith in our Savior and was devoted to being a true disciple of Christ. I didn't know him, he was my dad's cousin. I guess not many people do know their second cousins... But this is a one I really wish I did. I guess I'll have to wait.

I want patience....And I want it NOW!!

2010-01-12T12:15:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling a little impatient with my lack of patience today. Oh the irony! :P

I get impatient with my children for their lack of patience and in turn show absolutely no patience for their impatientness. Did that make any sense?.... because I think I'm dizzy from saying it. ha ha.

New Years... and Fears?

2010-01-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

I think with a new year it's easy to have new fears. Maybe fear because of the unknown, fear of future burdens, war, economic struggles, sickness, or losing a friend or loved one. We may have anxiety for a new year because we doubt our abilities or we are afraid we will make the same mistakes all over again.

But faith is to hope for that which is not seen but are true, to trust that God is in the details of our lives and will guide us as we seek His guidance. He will strengthen us to do right as we seek His strength.

The Lord led the children of Israel out of bondage through the plagues, the famines, the sea and wilderness... surely then He can and will lead us through our trials and provide us with our needs!

Painting by, Arnold Friberg

So many times I have witnessed this in my life! I know God lives and He hears our prayers. He will provide & He will guide as we seek His will. The right things will fall into place and that which is not essential will drop out. It's through the Refiner's fire that gold is made and dross consumed. He loves us, we are His children. This I know, I shall not fear!

The following quote is from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf and is part of the January Message from the Ensign.

"Individual and collective trials may sometimes seem overwhelming. That is when we need, more than ever, to draw near unto the Lord. As we do, we will come to know what it means to have the Lord draw near unto us. As we seek Him ever more diligently, we will surely find Him. We will see clearly that the Lord does not abandon His Church or His faithful Saints. Our eyes will be opened, and we will see Him open the windows of heaven and shower us with more of His light. We will find the spiritual strength to survive even during the darkest night.

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)."

Amazing Example of Faith!

2010-01-01T10:10:00.000-08:00

Gladys Knight is one of my hero's and this is why....

She, along with her choir and a three-person band, gave four shows to thousands of members and non-member investigators... She tells Floridians "This is the Light."

She does concerts like these all over the world!

Worth of Souls

2009-12-28T21:54:00.000-08:00

This scripture has been on my mind alot lately... maybe because it's taped to my computer :) heh heh

Anyway, I think it's important to share.... even more important to know.

"The worth of souls is great in the sight of God." -D&C 18:10

We lived with God as His spirit children before we came to earth. Jer. 1: 5

We are created in God's image. Gen. 1: 27 Acts 17: 28-29

He has a plan and a purpose for each of us.

He loves you!

Do we realize who we are?

"You are unique and you are not lost in the crowd. You are known and loved by your Father in Heaven." - (See Doctrine and Covenants, Section 76:24)

"Discover the beauty within. Real sparkle is not something you put on. It comes from the heart." - (See 1 Samuel 16:7)

"With the Lord's help, you are strong enough." (See Joshua 1:9)

The Abundant Life

2009-12-26T16:12:00.000-08:00

During the Christmas Season I often ponder upon what makes a person rich? In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught us to lay up for ourselves "treasures in heaven." What are treasures in heaven and how do we obtain them?

Jesus of Nazareth also observed in his teachings the following:
"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10.)

And this next promise Jesus gave is recorded four times in the New Testament:
"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."

"The abundant life, of course, has little to do with the acquisition of material things, though there are many wonderful individuals who have been blessed materially and who use their wealth to help their fellowmen—and this is most commendable. The abundant life noted in the scriptures is the spiritual sum that is arrived at by the multiplying of our service to others and by investing our talents in service to God and to man. Jesus said, you will recall, that on the first two commandments hang all the law and the prophets, and those two commandments involve developing our love of God, of self, of our neighbors, and of all men. There can be no real abundance in life that is not connected with the keeping and the carrying out of those two great commandments." - Spencer W. Kimball

"If we would truly reform mankind, we must first reform ourselves." - Spencer W. Kimball

Just something to think about....

How thankful I am for the example of perfect selflessness and charity of my Savior!

the quotes in this post are clips from a talk entitled, "The Abundant Life" originally given in 1977 by President Spencer W. Kimball (Prophet of God from 1973 -1975)

Who He Was and Is

2009-12-20T22:43:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else find it really cool that all who came to worship Christ and the gifts laid before Him

are also symbols of Who HE was and IS!

He is the Light, The Star that shines to warm our souls and guide us through the darkness.

He is the Good Shepherd keeping watch over His flock and searching out the lost.

He is the Lamb of God, a perfect, pure and innocent sacrifice to atone for us.

He is The Wise Man, all knowing and all powerful.

He is The King of Glory, the Lord of hosts.

He was sent from heaven like the angels that sang His praise.

He is The Greatest Gift the world will ever know.

May we remember Christ this Christmas Season and every day of the year. May we remember His Atonement and Resurrection. May we be filled with His grace and follow His example of love and forgiveness to others. May we follow His example of obedience to Our Father In Heaven. May we rejoice in Him and show gratitude daily for His tender mercies.

I know my Redeemer lives. He is the rock of my salvation, my sure foundation, my counselor, my exemplar and my greatest friend!
His love never ceases to amaze me!

"Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. " - Revelations. 5:13

The Grandeur of God

2009-12-10T14:02:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about the greatness of our Father in Heaven, how amazing His creations are, our relationship to Him and the miracle of life itself.

As I reflect upon this I can't help but recal what Moses experienced when He talked face to face with God....Moses Chapter 1

"And God spake unto Moses, saying: Behold, I am the Lord God Almighty, and Endless is my name; for I am without beginning of days or end of years; and is not this endless?

"And, behold, thou art my son; wherefore look, and I will show thee the workmanship of mine hands; but not all, for my works are without end, and also my words, for they never cease."

"he beheld also the inhabitants thereof, and there was not a soul which he beheld not; and he discerned them by the Spirit of God; and their numbers were great, even numberless as the sand upon the sea shore."

"And it came to pass that Moses looked, and beheld the world upon which he was created; and Moses beheld the world and the ends thereof, and all the children of men which are, and which were created; of the same he greatly marveled and wondered."

"And he beheld many lands; and each land was called earth, and there were inhabitants on the face thereof." "And it came to pass that it was for the space of many hours before Moses did again receive his natural strength like unto man; and he said unto himself: Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed."

Look at the size of the earth compared to the sun... isn't it amazing how small we are!!!!

"And the Lord God spake unto Moses, saying: The heavens, they are many, and they cannot be numbered unto man; but they are numbered unto me, for they are mine. And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof even so shall another come;"

Isn't this a beautiful picture?! The Milky Way Galaxy has 200 -> 400 billion stars Dwarf galaxies contain around 10 billion stars whereas giant galaxies can contain upwards of a trillion stars.
"...and there is no end to my works, neither to my words."

This image was from the hubble telescope a view in space the size of a fingernail. There are an estimated 100 billion galaxies in the observable universe.

These are not individual stars, these are GALAXIES!! And it's only a sliver of the sky!!

The most amazing thing about all of this is after God showed Moses His glory, the expanse of the universe, His greatness and power..... God said....

"For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."

God is our Father, we are His children, His spiritual offspring created in His image. He wants us to be happy, to be one with Him as Christ is, to become like Him.

How completely humbling and wonderful it is to know that I am a daughter of God and to know God sent His Son to atone for me! I will praise Him all my days!

God Bless You, Alicia

Read what a modern-day apostle has to say about the Grandeur of God here.

"One Sees Clearly Only with the Heart"

2009-12-06T20:47:00.000-08:00

Photo by, Mark Maybry "Healing"
“One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.”
- Antoine de Saint Exupéry

“Sometimes the most precious and sacred things are right in front of us, in plain sight so to speak. But we cannot or will not see them.”

[During the Christmas Season] “All of these spectacular displays and decorations that compete for our attention can be beautiful and uplifting…. But if that’s all we see, we are missing something that’s in plain sight. Sometimes despite our best intentions we become so preoccupied with responsibilities, commitments and the stress of our many tasks that we fail to see with our hearts that which is essential and most sacred.”

“Even many who lived during the time of the Savior’s mortal ministry could not see Him though He walked among them in plain sight.”

“The self-righteous and unteachable, those whose hearts were closed to the Spirit could not see Him.

Now, can we see the Christ?

Sometimes when we read about a people who could not see the Savior for who He was, we marvel at their blindness…. But do we also let distractions obstruct our view of the Savior during this Christmas season and throughout the year?

Some are external distractions; the gifts we worry about, the decorations or the glamorous advertising…. But often it is what is inside us that blinds us from seeing the Christ.

Let us see the Christ in Christmas!

Photo by, Mark Maybry "Angels"

This is a season of rejoicing, a season of celebration, a wonderful time when we acknowledge that our Almighty God sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ to redeem the world, to redeem us. It is the season of charitable acts, of kindness, of brotherly love. It is a season of being more reflective about our own life and about the many blessings that our ours. It is a season of forgiving and being forgiven. But perhaps most of all, let it be a season of seeking the Lamb of God, the King of Glory, the Everlasting Light of the World, the Great Hope of Mankind, the Savior and Redeemer of our souls.

I promise that if we unclutter our lives a little bit and in sincerity and humility seek the pure and gentle Christ with our hearts, we will see Him. We will find Him on Christmas and throughout the year. Of this I testify, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”
- Dieter Friedrich Uchtdorf (Apostle of the Lord, Jesus Christ)

To watch the full Christmas Devotional click here.

Psalms 31:24

2009-12-05T16:32:00.000-08:00

One of my ultimate favorite scriptures is found in Psalms 31:24 "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."

I remember when I was in High School I saw a beautiful video about the life, love and sacrifice of my Savior, Jesus Christ. This scripture from Psalms flashed across the screen and I felt the truthfulness of this speak to my heart with such force. The spirit bore such a powerful witness to me then. I still feel the wonderful truth of this verse when I read it today.

I know that as I seek the Lord through diligent prayer, sincere and humble heartfelt prayer... He is faithful in answering. Sometimes it's not always the answer that I want but His ways are not my ways. He is aware of my needs, fears, insecurities, trials, my failings, my triumphs, my efforts, my desires and so on. He delights to bless each of us, He is anxious to answer our prayers, to direct our paths.... He wants us to call on Him, to knock, to ask, to pray, to hear, to receive....

One more scripture I love is found in the Book of Mormon...

2 Nephi 25:23&26
For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

I am forever thankful for the hope and strength that comes from my Father in Heaven through His precious Son, Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the peace and hope I find in His word and His Spirit. He gives me strength beyond my own and comforts my heart.

God Bless you!
Alicia

Help Me to Be What I Am Not

2009-11-30T10:35:00.000-08:00

I've never done this before but this year I've been doing an online school with my kids through k12.com I've chosen to do it for several reasons... one is because we move alot and another is because my son has asperger syndrome. I also like the fact that my kids can pray in school and use Scripture for part of their study. My children will still take a few classes at a regular school as they get older but I will teach the core ones.

This has been both rewarding and very challenging. Today has been very challenging. We all woke up on the wrong side of the bed and have been irritated, rude and impatient with each other. It's days like these that I feel like I am doing more damage than good by homeschooling. uggg!

I was getting so impatient and so irritable with my kids that finally for their safety I sent them outside for an hour long recess from me!

I went to my room and knelt down completely overwhelmed by my own weakness. I prayed for patience. I know about patience, I can talk about patience. I read scriptures about patience. But I don't feel like I AM patient... I know I'm not. So I prayed for GRACE! "Dear Father in Heaven please help me be what I am not." As to my own strength I am weak... I need strength beyond my own to accomplish this God given assignment as mother.

Every day I pray to improve but most of all I pray that He will help me see what I don't see.... in myself and in others. I pray He will help me be what I am not.... Because so often I am not forgiving, I am not gentle and I am not compassionate....the human nature side of me isn't.

But He knows my divine nature. I know our Father in Heaven is so anxious to bless us and he will give us what we ask for if it is a righteous request. I feel better now that I've given myself a "time out." I'm thankful to know that I can pray anytime, anywhere and seek for the powers of heaven to assist me. Our Father in Heaven is faithful, as I seek Him, He is always there. Oh how I need Him.

A Website all About Gratitude

2009-11-21T15:52:00.000-08:00

Because next week is Thanksgiving... I thought it would be appropriate to share this really cool website all about gratitude.
I think gratitude is one of the main keys to happiness.

...At least I know in my own life, when I'm in a slump it usually is because I am thinking about everything that is going wrong or everything that is difficult rather than thinking of what I have and all that is going right.

What am I grateful for??
I'm grateful to see there are good people everywhere you go who enrich and bless the lives of all around them.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!

What is happiness?

2009-11-16T11:55:00.000-08:00

I was reading another blog a few days ago. They asked, "What is happiness?" this blogger had posed a very good question with some very good arguments.

I have pondered on this question for several days. I have scribbled down some thoughts in an attempt to try and describe it. I think there is often a confusion between "fun" and "happiness." Sometimes we define them as meaning the same thing but they are not. Of course we can have both at times. ..But we must understand that fun and happiness are different. I have more thoughts on this but I won't go into the details today.

As I continued to ponder on this question I remembered a talk given to the women (but certainly can be applied to men as well) by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Second Counselor in the First Presidency. The following is taken directly from his talk. This is some very wise counsel.

May the Lord bless you all and thanks for taking the time to visit my blog, I hope it inspires you and lifts your life today and gives you hope for tomorrow.
- Alicia

Here is a link to a youtube video also collaborated from bits and pieces of his talk. It's less than 2 minutes so take a second and check it out and then come back to read the rest ;) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhLlnq5yY7k

To All Who Are Weary
"Today I would like to speak to those who have ever felt inadequate, discouraged, or weary—in short, I would like to speak to all of us.

...We know that sometimes it can be difficult to keep our heads above water. In fact, in our world of change, challenges, and checklists, sometimes it can seem nearly impossible to avoid feeling overwhelmed by emotions of suffering and sorrow.

I am not suggesting that we can simply flip a switch and stop the negative feelings that distress us. This isn’t a pep talk or an attempt to encourage those sinking in quicksand to imagine instead they are relaxing on a beach. I recognize that in all of our lives there are real concerns. I know there are hearts here today that harbor deep sorrows. Others wrestle with fears that trouble the soul. For some, loneliness is their secret trial.

These things are not insignificant.

However, I would like to speak about two principles that may help you find a path to peace, hope, and joy—even during times of trial and distress. I want to speak about God’s happiness and how each one of us can taste of it in spite of the burdens that beset us.

Let me first pose a question: What do you suppose is the greatest kind of happiness possible? For me, the answer to this question is, God’s happiness.

This leads to another question: What is our Heavenly Father’s happiness?

This may be impossible to answer because His ways are not our ways. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are [God’s] ways higher than [our] ways, and [His] thoughts [higher] than [our] thoughts.”1

Though we cannot understand “the meaning of all things,” we do “know that [God] loveth his children”2 because He has said, “Behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”3

Heavenly Father is able to accomplish these two great goals—the immortality and eternal life of man—because He is a God of creation and compassion. Creating and being compassionate are two objectives that contribute to our Heavenly Father’s perfect happiness. Creating and being compassionate are two activities that we as His spirit children can and should emulate."

The Work of Creation
"...The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.

Everyone can create. You don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty.

Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty—

What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. ...Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside.

If you still feel incapable of creating, start small. Try to see how many smiles you can create, write a letter of appreciation, learn a new skill, identify a space and beautify it.

The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. "

Being Compassionate
"Being compassionate is another great work of our Heavenly Father and a fundamental characteristic of who we are as a people. We are commanded to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.”7 Disciples of Christ throughout all ages of the world have been distinguished by their compassion. Those who follow the Savior “mourn with those that mourn … and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.”8

When we reach out to bless the lives of others, our lives are blessed as well. Service and sacrifice open the windows of heaven, allowing choice blessings to descend upon us. Surely our beloved Heavenly Father smiles upon those who care for the least of His children.

As we lift others, we rise a little higher ourselves. President Spencer W. Kimball taught, “The more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls.”9
President Gordon B. Hinckley believed in the healing power of service. After the death of his wife, he provided a great example to the Church in the way he immersed himself in work and in serving others. It is told that President Hinckley remarked to one woman who had recently lost her husband, “Work will cure your grief. Serve others.”

These are profound words. As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness.

President Lorenzo Snow expressed a similar thought: “When you find yourselves a little gloomy, look around you and find somebody that is in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom which the Lord bestows upon you; and the first thing you know, your gloom is gone, you feel light, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, and everything seems illuminated.”10

In today’s world of pop psychology, junk TV, and feel-good self-help manuals, this advice may seem counterintuitive. We are sometimes told that the answer to our ills is to look inward, to indulge ourselves, to spend first and pay later, and to satisfy our own desires even at the expense of those around us. While there are times when it is prudent to look first to our own needs, in the long run it doesn’t lead to lasting happiness."

Conclusion
My dear sisters [and brothers], I have a simple faith. I believe that as you are faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, as you draw closer to Him in faith, hope, and charity, things will work together for your good.14 I believe that as you immerse yourselves in the work of our Father—as you create beauty and as you are compassionate to others—God will encircle you in the arms of His love.15 Discouragement, inadequacy, and weariness will give way to a life of meaning, grace, and fulfillment.

As spirit daughters [and sons] of our Heavenly Father, happiness is your heritage.

You are choice [children] of our Heavenly Father, and through the things you create and by your compassionate service, you are a great power for good. You will make the world a better place. Lift up your chin; walk tall. God loves you. We love and admire you.

Of this I testify, and leave you my blessing as an Apostle of the Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Second Counselor in the First Presidency

Science and Religion

2009-11-12T09:24:00.000-08:00

My husband is studying to be a scientist. Currently he is working toward a degree in physics and astronomy.

Also this year I am doing an online school with my kids. I don't make the curriculum but I get to teach it. (This is my first time trying an online school and I really enjoy it for the most part.) I've been teaching my first grader and third grader about the different phases of matter, about, molecules, elements, atoms, protons, neutrons and electrons etc.

As I teach these things, I can't help but be in awe of how science compliments religion and visa versa. Some may believe just the opposite of this but I truly believe God is a Scientist. It just makes sense that He would be. Therefore I believe when we understand our true nature, God's true nature and the eternal nature of matter and the elements then science and religion come together in a most beautiful fashion.

Some Things I Do Know With Certainty

2009-11-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

There are many things I don't know nor do I have the answers to. But there are some things I do know with complete certainty.

I know there is a God. Before we came to earth, we lived with God. He is the Father of our spirit. Everyone who has ever lived or will live on this earth is a spirit son or daughter of God.

I know God is loving, kind, compassionate, merciful, just and true.

I know His work and His glory is to have His children return home to Him. But there are two things that separate us from being able to return to His presence. The first is sin. The second is death. Since we cannot cleanse ourselves from sin anymore than we can raise ourselves from the dead, we needed a Savior. A Savior is someone who does for us what we cannot do for ourselves.

I know Jesus Christ was and is that Savior who makes it possible to return to our Father. Through His Atonment we can be cleansed from sin and live beyond the grave. Jesus is God's Son. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever beliveth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

I know Jesus came to redeem us and show us the true character of our Eternal Father. He said, "I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me."- John 5:30

I know that after our Savior's death; Jesus, the Risen Lord, appeared to many that He loved in life and also ministered to the "other sheep" (John 10:16) in ancient America. (We have this record.) God has spoken to prophets anciently and He speaks through living prophets today.

I know God lives, I know Christ is His Son and our Savior, I know we are God's children and that He loves us. I know God wants us to come back home to Him and He has provided a way. I know this with all of my heart and with every fiber of my being.

I have hope in Christ. It is through Him that I am able to return to my Father in Heaven. I am so thankful for the gift of God's Son. I am so thankful for the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ!

May God bless each and everyone of you!
Alicia

Anger and Ignorance

2009-11-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

When I read the news and various comments from viewers I am saddened by so much anger. I don't care who is wrong or right in the conversation...... it makes me so sick to my stomach to see people lashing out at one another, accusing, scorning, mocking, name calling, swearing etc. Can't we all just get along!!! I see it among the Liberals, the Conservatives, religious, non-religious and among every race and color. There is no excuse to treat anyone (no matter who it is) there is no excuse to be so uncivilized whether online or in person!! And before we look around and point the finger we must first examine ourselves. There are times when I've reacted in anger or in sharp hurtful words and I'm not proud of it. I believe in forgiveness. I believe we can let go of perceived offences. I believe in redemption.

I just heard about the shooting in Fort Hood. This incident makes me very sad because the shooter was a so called "Muslim". Of course immediately following this news there are those who blame the religion of Islam for the shootings. But, Islam is not to blame for these violent acts. Ignorance and anger are to blame. These extremists are taught from a Koran that has been distorted, twisted and changed from it's original text thus in many cases excusing their violence in the name of God. They become fed a steady diet of lies that lead them far from the original teachings of Islam.

Terrorism isn't related to Muslims any more than it is to Christians. There are incidents where Christians have become ignorant to the doctrine of Christ and twisted His teachings to justify violence. Anyone is susceptible to causing terror.

On a smaller scale how often do we get in arguments with neighbors, family or friends when we don't have all the facts, when we jump to conclusions, when we gossip or twist words?

What does it do to us when we dwell on these injustices?

What does it do to us when we see only bad and close our eyes to any of the good around us?

This is where it starts.........If unchecked it leads to violence, misery and sorrow... destroying everything in it's path.

Last general conference our modern day Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson warned against anger.

He quoted the words of the hymn written by Elder Charles W. Penrose, who served in the Quorum of the Twelve and in the First Presidency during the early years of the 20th century:

School thy feelings, O my brother;

Train thy warm, impulsive soul.

Do not its emotions smother,

But let wisdom’s voice control.

School thy feelings; there is power

In the cool, collected mind.

Passion shatters reason’s tower,

Makes the clearest vision blind.

On another occasion he quoted this poem by, Bolton Hall:

'I looked at my brother through the microscope of criticism,

and I said, 'How coarse my brother is.'

Then I looked at my brother through the telescope of scorn,

and I said, 'How small my brother is.'

Then I looked into the mirror of truth and I said,

'How like me my brother is.

I pray for all of us, myself included, that we will

seek to understand more,

to get the facts,

to refrain from anger and cease idle words & gossip,

to find the good in our brothers and sisters

no matter what our political view, religious view, cultural background or however different we might me.

No one accomplishes anything by tearing down another human soul.

Let us build each other.

We are all brothers and sisters.

We are all children of the same God.

Let's be civil.

Let's be kind.

I pray for peace.

Oh how I pray for peace.

Just Thankful

2009-10-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

I'm just thinking how thankful I am to have a living Prophet of God on the earth today and to have the Quorum of the 12 Apostles as well. I've been listening to the most recent conference address by these men.
http://lds.org/conference/languages/0,6353,310-1,00.html

I love to hear them speak! Every time I do, I feel a undeniable wittiness in my heart that they are called of God, I feel peace, I feel direction, I feel love, certainty and hope. When I hear these men speak I feel a greater desire to serve my neighbor, to love my family better, to pray harder, to listen to more of God's words, etc. In short I feel better and I live better when I follow their counsel. I am so thankful for Divine revelation, where God speaks to us through those in authority, through holy writ and through the Holy Spirit. I feel like shouting hallelujah! I have the greatest treasure on earth, a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I love to share it!

Black Mormons

2009-10-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

Just the other day I found this really cool website. http://www.blacklds.org/ It's not a site that is owned by the lds church but it is one that some black members have put together by their own making. It includes their testimonies, stories, pictures and history. Truly an inspiring site to visit!!

Feeling Grace

2009-10-07T21:56:00.000-07:00

I've tried to put into words how Grace makes me feel.... it's not easy because

it's so much more than this. Either way, here it goes:

FEELING GRACE

"Warm rays of sunlight stream down upon me and dance across my face.

Darkness is dispelled as the morning breaks.

I breathe in the crisp refreshing air that follows a summer rain.

I smile.

I breathe deep again.

I feel blessed, I feel free.

I am home.

A new day has arrived,

I am rested and renewed.

Hope is alive,

It pulses through my veins.

There is nothing I fear,

I am safe here.

And it's only the beginning..."

by, alicia rawlins

No matter where I've been or what I've done, after I have experienced a mighty change of heart and after I have given all I can and tried my best, no matter how imperfect or flawed my best may be......Grace is the enabling power that allows me to lay hold on the things of heaven. Through sincere prayer, sincere repentance, I feel strengthened, sweet forgiveness.....I am made whole, washed clean, I feel hope and enabled to keep going because of the amazing miracle of Grace through Christ and the atonement....and I want to share it!

Reflections of Christ Video AMAZING

2009-09-21T18:24:00.001-07:00

I saw this at a concert the other night, I want to share this video with everyone!!! It is absolutely AMAZING!!

click on this link to watch...
Reflections of Christ Video

Happy Constitution Day!!

2009-09-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

Today Sept. 17 in the year 1787, The Constitution of the United States was signed. A Historic Day! One of my favorite stories of the convention is what Benjamin Franklin said concerning our country imploring the help and guidance from God...

"The Constitutional Convention was on the verge of breaking apart completely over the issue of representation, a stalemate created by the concern of smaller states that they would be overpowered by the larger states, and the concern of larger states that smaller states would be given representation out of proportion to their relative size." "Tempers were short, and the ship of state seemed headed for the rocks before its maiden voyage had barely begun." "Benjamin Franklin rose and uttered these immortal words:"

“...To that kind Providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?"

“I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth – that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?"

“We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that “except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.” I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel...

“I therefore beg leave to move—that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessing on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business.” - Benjamin Franklin

9/11 Story of Hope

2009-09-11T06:09:00.000-07:00

I saw this video last week on youtube. It is so beautiful. Wonderful things can come out of terrible tragedies. The video is called "Finding Hope" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkWc_EKLs4E

The Power of Virtue

2009-08-24T22:56:00.000-07:00

I read this quote today in a talk given by Sheri Dew. It was a wonderful talk on virtue and the family:

click here http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/57746/Sheri-L-Dew-The-Power-of-Virtue.html for the complete text of a talk given by Sister Sheri L. Dew at the World Congress of Families V in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on Aug. 10, 2009.

"There can be no public virtue without private morality….And there cannot be a good society unless the majority of individuals in it are at least trying to be good people….A nation that is traveling the low road is a nation that is self-destructing. It is doomed, sooner or later, to collapse from within."

- Clare Boothe Luce

Trust in God

2009-08-07T22:09:00.000-07:00

"Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for His arm to be revealed." -Doctrine and Covenants 123:17

I really like this scripture....I am learning to trust God more. It reminds me of a poem that I read years ago...

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.

-by, Reinhold Niebuhr

Strength and Hope in the Midst of Trial

2009-08-02T17:12:00.000-07:00

We sang this song in Church today and I cried all through it... the words are what I needed at this time. I have been struggling with an illness that the Dr.'s are still trying to figure out. I have anxiety over the "unknown" sometimes and it's baggage that I really don't need to carry. A wise person once said, "I don't know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future." I just need to remember "peace be still" and know that it's all in God's hands.

I am so thankful for the power of prayer, for God's tender mercies, for the power of His word, the power of music and the comforting influence of the Spirit of the Lord.

"Master, the tempest is raging!The billows are tossing high!The sky is o'ershadow with blackness,No shelter or help is nigh;Carest Thou not that we perish?How canst Thou lie asleep,When each moment so madly is threateningA grave in the angry deep?

The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will,Peace, be still!Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea,Or demons or men, or whatever it beNo waters can swallow the ship where liesThe Master of ocean, and earth, and skies;They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,Peace, be still! Peace, be still!They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,Peace, peace, be still!

Master, with anguish of spiritI bow in my grief today;The depths of my sad heart are troubledOh, waken and save, I pray!Torrents of sin and of anguishSweep o’er my sinking soul;And I perish! I perish! dear MasterOh, hasten, and take control.

Master, the terror is over,The elements sweetly rest;Earth’s sun in the calm lake is mirrored,And heaven’s within my breast;Linger, O blessèd Redeemer!Leave me alone no more;And with joy I shall make the blest harbor,And rest on the blissful shore."

- Words by Mary A. Baker