Reach out

When I created this blog, I wanted it to be more than just the common blog... I wanted to be able to express my thoughts and allow my readers to express themselves as well.  I wanted to not only talk about deals, and the wonderful aspects of life,  but also wanted to be able to talk about the things that we hide and try to ignore...

Sometimes life is not simple.  Sometimes it is down right HARD!  Sometimes we don't understand why we go through things or why some things just happen to be the way that they are.

“Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others.”
― Joseph B. Wirthlin

I know that as we endure the trials that each of us face, we will become stronger, better people because of the experiences.  No person has a trial so small that they should not find comfort and love from those who are near.  Reach out!  Show love to others, because you may not know what their path is like and you just may be the answer to their prayer.  Likewise, experiencing your trial will help you to better serve and love others.  I know this to be true!

The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ: Minister

Each month there is a Visiting Teaching message for sisters to share with other sisters (ladies to share with other women within the neighborhood or ward boundaries).  Visiting teaching gives women the opportunity to watch over, strengthen and teach one another.  

This month the focus is on The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ: Minister.  Christ was an amazing example at ministering to others.  He served unselfishly, constantly doing his Father's work.  For us to minister, we must also do the work of the Lord here on the Earth.  Sometimes this may feel like an overwhelming calling; however sometimes the simplest smile or text can fulfill a prayer that has been offered or a tear that has been shed-ministering to another and lifting them up.  

Feel free to use the above picture  to use for a handout!

A belated Happy Mother's Day

Mother's day is a special day for many mommies out there.  It is also an incredibly difficult for many amazing women who do not/cannot/or have not yet had children of their own.  I want to wish each of you, no matter your circumstance, a Happy Mother's Day.  Looking back at my life it was those women who were not my biological mother that influenced me the most.  They were there for me and built me up.  I am speaking of leaders, teachers, mentors, women I worked with, and family members... These women were not my mother, however they showed me how to be a woman that had integrity and that I desired to be like and emulate.  A mother is one who nurtures, shows love and compassion and teaches (as well as many other things).  I have many mothers that have been those things for me and who I hold dear to my heart!  

Elaine S Dalton in her address titled, "Because we Matter" stated this, 

As daughters of God we are each unique and different in our circumstances and experiences. And yet our part matters—because we matter.”

Each of you matter, and I want you to know that!  

I hope that you each found joy in Mother's Day and remember that your part matters, and it makes a difference!

Wishing you a (late) Happy Mother's Day

Preparing

Part of Preparing our SHELVES is making sure we are spiritually prepared for storms that may come our way!  I have been anxiously awaiting the news on the Ogden temple open house and re-dedication.  It is finally announced!!!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has Holy houses where we can serve the lord and make promises.  These are sacred places that we prepare to enter and treat with the utmost respect.  I love when temples are first built or renovated, because before they are dedicated, they have open houses where anyone can enter the doors and see what is inside and feel the special spirit that resides.  If you would like more information on temples the church has provided a great resource.  

The open house will be from Aug. 1- Sept. 6 with a cultural celebration on the 20th of Sept.  Then the temple will be re-dedicated on Sept 21, 2014!

Read more HERE

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

I think today is a great reminder of how we need to treat not only our spouses, but all those whom we love; children, parents, friends.  

Hopefully today you can rekindle your desire to find ways to Express your love to those around you!

I love the quotes on THIS page.  If you get a moment, read through them.  

Back to Basics

For the new year one of my goals was to spend more individualized time with each child and work on some of our basic beliefs and have more "learning" time in our house.  As part of that goal, we decided to work on an Article of Faith each month as a family.  We introduced each one for FHE and talk about what the words mean.  Then, we practice!  This is the First Article of Faith  from my 3 year old.  

It definitely humbles me to see both kids learning and understanding the love that Heavenly Father and Jesus both have for each of them and how special they are!  

What were some of your goals or resolutions at the beginning of the year?

2014

I am enjoying the end of this year and the excitement of Christmas, but with the releasing of the 2014 curriculum for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I can't help but be excited for the new year.

The theme for the youth (mutual age 12-18) will be "Come Unto Christ"!  I love this theme.  It is an excellent opportunity for the youth to focus on learning about the Savior and coming to know him and what his sacrifice means to them individually.

The primary also has announced their 2014 theme which will be, "Families are Forever".  I love that the focus will be on teaching the children that the family is eternal and Heavenly Father loves each of them so much, that he prepared a way for them to return with him.

I am excited for the new year and the opportunities we are given to better complete ourselves and continue working on what is most important.  I am looking forward to 2014!  It will be an amazing year!

A Hard Time

Sometimes it seems as though life is in a rut.  That things keep piling up and are just too overwhelming to overcome. With all the movement of life we expect picture perfect moments.  Ones that we see on blogs, Facebook, instagram, (insert whatever social network or means by which you feel not good enough or that you are not living up to what you "should" be, or that your life is not as "good" as theirs).  We are each on this Earth to have opportunities to become the best self we can be.  Not anyone else's self, our own.  I recently saw a quote that said, "it takes courage to grow up and become who you really are".  I love it.  We each are given our own pains, trials, and things to overcome in life.  Not one of us will experience the same things because not one of us is the same.  We are NOT alone though!  We have a loving Heavenly Father that is eager to hear what we have to tell him.  During this time of year we are more aware of our blessings (which is wonderful) but it is alright to occasionally say, "Hope ya know, I had a hard time".  He wants to give you comfort and help you through your "hard time".  He may not take it away, but he is there and will help you through WHATEVER you are experiencing.  I know this to be true.  I have felt his love for me, even in those moments when I just KNEW I didn't deserve it.  His love for me is unconditional and my knowledge of it only grows as I let him in.  You are not alone.  Let him in as this season continues.  Be grateful for your many blessings but find comfort in your heartaches, pains and trials.  

Temple

I wanted to post this yesterday, but the day flew and before I knew it, today was here!  I am excited to share that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, has started showing a new video for the endowment session!  I guess they haven't had a new one in 20 years or so!  It is exciting to get to be a part of this :)

Here is the article telling a little more...  Deseret News

I am excited to go and get to see it! 

Child of God

I have found in life that when we get too comfortable where we are at, usually something is done to stir us up...  I have been serving in the Sunday School teaching 12-14 year olds and loved it.  I loved the new curriculum and was learning as I was preparing and teaching.  However, I guess it was my turn to move on (I only served in that calling for about 9 months) to NURSERY.  With BOTH of my children :)

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I believe that my Heavenly Father knows me and knows what I need.  I trust that at this time I am needed in nursery. 

Yesterday I taught a lesson teaching the children that they are children of a loving Heavenly Father.  That he created them.

Next time you are feeling down, remember, that You also are a child of God.  That he knows you.  That he Loves you! 

Special witnesses

As I have gotten older, I have grown to appreciate the special blessings that we have been given for our time. I am aware of the increasing difficulty for ourselves and our posterity; yet I am comforted in knowing that we are given the tools to be prepared and handle the challenges and trials we may face. Of all our tools, we have been blessed with a prophet and apostles who are the mouthpiece of our Heavenly Father. I am grateful for the words they speak to us and especially for their sweet testimonies. If you have a few moments, take the opportunity to listen to some of them. Many of them touch on different aspects of our gospel, yet from each man you can feel the spirit of truth and knowledge.

Gospel Library

For those of you who have devices that have apps, I wanted to let you know that the church has updated their Gospel Library. It is much more user friendly and has some features that previous ones don't have. If you haven't downloaded it, I love it! It has so many items you can download and read anytime and it keeps all your notes easily accessible! Yay for simple!

Born to CREATE

I have pondered a lot lately on what I am accomplishing throughout my days....  Somedays it seems like I do nothing, yet have spent the day overwhelmed by the messes appearing and reappearing everywhere. Waiting to be picked up, cleaned up or changed. It is on those days that life seems to be monotonous; as though I was maybe cut out for more.... It is then that I remind myself; I was born to create and so were my children. My children are taking that instinct with full force and mastering it. They are also giving me the opportunity to master a part of my innate talent to create and serve. Sometimes, we just need to take a step back and see the masterpieces as masterpieces opposed to destruction sites, the noodles all over as art pieces, and the mud pies as experimenting with cooking.

So today, in whatever circumstance you may be or are in, stand back and see the beauty you are creating. Enjoy the things you have created and don't fret about what others may think of your creations.

Relief Society

I never quite understood the importance of the Relief Society.  Growing up I was not around it much and didn't understand it.  It has taken me many years to appreciate the sisterhood that it creates and gives women.  It is a form where we can find strength and help each other in times of need.  I recently found the Relief Society on the Mormon channel and thought I would share it (just in case you didn't know it was there).

 Relief Society

What Matters Most

I have been Missing in Action, and honestly, don't have any good reasons except playing with my kiddos.  They grow up so fast that I just wanted to be with them and watch them grow and learn.

With the coming of the new month, I have been contemplating how things are going and how I can better accommodate the needs of my family with the "to-do's" of everyday life.  As I was listening to some videos this morning from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I found this video that I thought I would share....

Sometimes we (I) get so busy in life that we forget what really matters most.  Take the time to ponder on what really matters most to you, and then to act on it and share those feelings. Take the time to share how much you love someone!

Mormon Monday

I have had many thoughts for the post today; however, someone linked to this article from Elder Oaks from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is entitled, Protect The Children.  It got me thinking about all the many children who do not have all the love and care they deserve. It is hard to think about it in the broad perspective of world, so I want to narrow down my thoughts just a bit.

I came from a house where my mother was an alcoholic. My step father had a TBI that created an uneasiness between the two of us. My home life was less than desirable (however, I am grateful for the trials I did not have to face). Looking back though, it was the people that stood up to protect me and nurture me that did not have to. Te example that many of those adults set for me are what kept me going then and are often what I now reference as a mother. In some instances, I don't believe that they had any idea of what I was facing, but they still made room for me in the protection of their "wing". This is what we have the responsibility to do! To not only love and protect our own children, but to also love and protect the other children whom come into our lives.

May we take the opportunity daily to look behind the rough edge of the children that may pass through our lives and see them as our Father in Heaven sees them and show them that unconditional love.