I've been reading the book 21 Days Closer to Christ and I was challenged to share some things, specifically with a person, but I couldn't think of anyone specifically to share them with, so I thought I would share them on my blog and maybe the person who needed them would be able to find them.
First I was challenged to share how I turn to the Lord for direction and support. I always turn to the Lord in prayer for direction and support. I've recently changed my prayers to be more specific and to get more direction. For example instead of "Please bless..." I now say "How can I help...what do you need me to do to help..." I pray for my husband, my children, my family and friends this way and it has been an amazing experience. Sometimes as I ponder after asking I feel like there is nothing that I need to do for them at that time, but sometimes I get very specific responses as to what I need to do. And as I do them I feel so good, and I truly feel like an instrument in the hands of the Lord. I think because I am so regular in my prayers, my scripture study, my temple attendance, that I have the Lord close by me. I know there are things that I can do better (like study more often than read!:) But I am honestly striving to be close to the Lord and as I do so He rewards me with ample revelation. Sometimes I am asked how I know things, (like how I knew that DD3 was supposed to be born so close to DD2) and all I can say is that I pray about them and Heavenly Father tells me. I honestly believe that it is one of my gifts, and is connected to my mission here on earth.
I don't always receive answers like I want. So many times I've prayed my babies will just go to sleep so I can get the sleep that I need and rarely did they actually go to sleep. But I have had more patience and I was able to live without that sleep, or find different times to sleep. He blesses in every way that he can. There are divine correlations all around us and as we notice them we are blessed. I truly feel that Heavenly Father is guiding my life and sending me places that I need to be to help me fulfill my mission. There are so many times when I look back and think wow, I got that right then and it has changed me so much and was exactly the direction that I needed at that time.
Second I was challenged to tell how I have learned to trust the Lord. For this one I'm not really sure. Mostly it just seems that whenever I do I am blessed. I look at my grandma and some choices that she made in not following the Lord and the many negative results from that...I know that has had a major influence on me. I guess I learned to trust the Lord when I was really little and He answered my prayer. Every since then I've known that He does answer prayers. I've seen it so much in my life. Maybe this is a gift too, that I trust in the Lord. I'm not perfect at it, I still make my own choices and don't listen to Him sometimes, but more and more I do choose to listen to Him and I've seen it bless my life and the lives of those around me.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Sunday, November 3, 2013
I am a Facebook addict. I haven't always been and I go in cycles, but I am currently a Facebook addict. I check it way too many times and spend way too much time looking at it when I am on. So with that I have decided to try to control my addiction and limit myself to only 1 hour a week on Facebook. We'll see how it goes. Mostly I just need to spend my time doing much more productive things. I would give it up completely but I feel like I can gain a lot from some of the things that I use on Facebook and those gains make it worth it to me to stay on Facebook. So let's see if I can control this addiction!:)
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Reading Scriptures
So the other day I was talking to my in-laws about scripture reading. My DH and I are currently reading the Old Testament for our couple scripture study and we just finished Isaiah. My in-laws commented on how they wished they could understand Isaiah better and I started to think, "What did I learn from Isaiah?" Not a whole lot. We just read it, we didn't discuss it or ponder it or learn from it, we simply read it. I don't have a fear of Isaiah because I had a seminary teacher who loved Isaiah, and just his passion from it passed on to me so that I don't fear it, but I wouldn't say that I take the time, study and spirit (see 2 Nephi 25:4) to understand it either.
I remember the first time I read through the Old Testament I had a much harder time understanding Jeremiah than Isaiah, so I've made it a point to try to understand Jeremiah. What better time do I have to learn and discuss and question the scriptures than with my eternal partner?!:) And now we are only in chapter 6, but I feel like I am understanding Jeremiah!!:)
Then the other night I was reading in my scriptures for my personal scripture study and I thought, I don't have very many questions, I want to learn. So I started reading my scriptures with a desire to learn. And then I read Mosiah 26:4 which says that if we know Christ than we are called. So I wondered how do I know Christ? So I did an index search of the word know and learned that we know Christ when we serve, by the Holy Ghost, and as a spiritual gift!:)
So I think that reading scriptures is way better than not doing anything, many days/nights I still just read my scriptures. Sister Dalton challenged my stake to read 5 minutes every day and I can do that!!:) And a seminary teacher challenged me to read every day even if it is only one verse, because one verse is better than not reading at all and it gets you in the habit. However, I know that studying and asking questions and seeking to understand is so much better for us!!:) We can learn more from studying than we can from reading!!:) And I think the Spirit is better able to guide us as we study and seek to know those things Heavenly Father would have us learn!!:)
I remember the first time I read through the Old Testament I had a much harder time understanding Jeremiah than Isaiah, so I've made it a point to try to understand Jeremiah. What better time do I have to learn and discuss and question the scriptures than with my eternal partner?!:) And now we are only in chapter 6, but I feel like I am understanding Jeremiah!!:)
Then the other night I was reading in my scriptures for my personal scripture study and I thought, I don't have very many questions, I want to learn. So I started reading my scriptures with a desire to learn. And then I read Mosiah 26:4 which says that if we know Christ than we are called. So I wondered how do I know Christ? So I did an index search of the word know and learned that we know Christ when we serve, by the Holy Ghost, and as a spiritual gift!:)
So I think that reading scriptures is way better than not doing anything, many days/nights I still just read my scriptures. Sister Dalton challenged my stake to read 5 minutes every day and I can do that!!:) And a seminary teacher challenged me to read every day even if it is only one verse, because one verse is better than not reading at all and it gets you in the habit. However, I know that studying and asking questions and seeking to understand is so much better for us!!:) We can learn more from studying than we can from reading!!:) And I think the Spirit is better able to guide us as we study and seek to know those things Heavenly Father would have us learn!!:)
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Consumers
The other day I was cutting apples from my Grandma's tree to make homemade applesauce. Many of the apples had worm holes and earwig holes that I had to cut out and it got me to thinking. I didn't mind cutting out those holes and the destruction they caused because I knew that those holes were the result of pesticide free fruit!:) Then I started thinking about when I go to the store. Do I buy the fruit/vegetables that are bruised or damaged? Most of the time I don't, I spend extra time looking for the best looking fruit. That thought led to this next thought. No wonder we use pesticides to get rid of bugs. Consumers want bug free food, so to meet the demand of consumers, producers started using pesticides to get rid of the bugs so that they could sell enough product to make a profit. That is when it hit me, I am part of the problem of pesticide-laden food. It seems to me that we can't have it both ways, we can't have food that is pesticide AND bug free. I feel bad for the farmers that are caught in this mixture of trying to meet all of consumer's wants.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Equality
Two things can be equal without being the same. My favorite analogy of this is 4 quarters and a dollar bill. They are worth the same, thus equal, but they can be used very differently. Yes 4 quarters can fill in for a dollar bill, or a dollar bill can fill in for a quarter, but they have different purposes and are different, yet equal.
In math you can have 2 equal equations that are not the same: x(x+2)=x^2+2x. The left side of the equation is an easy way to find out what the equation equals when set to 0, but I'd rather substitute a number for x into the right side of the equation. I'd also rather substitute the right side of an equation into another equation...
I was thinking this morning of going to Disneyland. I've been to Disneyland many times, each time has been so much fun, equal in the level of fun, yet I've never gone to Disneyland with the same people, done the exact same rides, or had the same experience.
So why do we think that men and women have to do the same things to be equal? I am no less equal than my husband because he has the priesthood. I am no less equal than him because he goes to a job all day long and works to provide for our family. I am no less equal than my husband because he has a master's degree. I am DIFFERENT from my husband, but not unequal. I bring different attributes and ideas to our marriage, but together we make harmony!:) My husband sometimes plays the melody and sometimes I do, but we are united and strong, because we are different but equal. We both make major decisions for our family, we both share in the responsibilities of raising a family. We both work together to make our marriage work, we both serve each other. We are equal!!!:)
In math you can have 2 equal equations that are not the same: x(x+2)=x^2+2x. The left side of the equation is an easy way to find out what the equation equals when set to 0, but I'd rather substitute a number for x into the right side of the equation. I'd also rather substitute the right side of an equation into another equation...
I was thinking this morning of going to Disneyland. I've been to Disneyland many times, each time has been so much fun, equal in the level of fun, yet I've never gone to Disneyland with the same people, done the exact same rides, or had the same experience.
So why do we think that men and women have to do the same things to be equal? I am no less equal than my husband because he has the priesthood. I am no less equal than him because he goes to a job all day long and works to provide for our family. I am no less equal than my husband because he has a master's degree. I am DIFFERENT from my husband, but not unequal. I bring different attributes and ideas to our marriage, but together we make harmony!:) My husband sometimes plays the melody and sometimes I do, but we are united and strong, because we are different but equal. We both make major decisions for our family, we both share in the responsibilities of raising a family. We both work together to make our marriage work, we both serve each other. We are equal!!!:)
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Sharing
Remember when you were a kid and begged your parents to let them bear your testimony? Well maybe you don't because you weren't that kid, but I was. I remember my dad telling me I had to wait until I was old enough, and then one day I became old enough and I stopped wanting to (I know sad...). I feel like I don't have any great experiences or anything important to share, so why get up there.
Anyway. I was sitting in sacrament meeting today, it was at the beginning and I was toying with the idea of getting up and sharing my testimony. And then my bishop called us to action. He told us if we had those feelings to get up and share our testimonies. (Just a note, I'm not in a ward that often has awkward pauses, in fact I can't remember the last time that we had one...) I knew that he was speaking to me, so did I get up right away? No, not me. I waited until the last minute and was the last person to bear my testimony. Yep, pretty cool, huh.
But I did get up!!:) And I shared about how God has a plan for us (because He really does), he really wants to turn us into temples like one of the sisters from the Relief Society broadcast shared last night. He wants to help us so bad, but we have to ask him for help. Anyway, I know I shared more along those lines, but that was the topic!:)
And then after church I had 3 people thank me for sharing my testimony. Wow, really, something I said made a difference. Sometimes I feel so insignificant. Sometimes I feel like I don't have anything worth sharing and that my experiences are so small compared to other people's. Sometimes I feel unworthy of sharing what I know because I have so little experience. (And sometimes I don't blog, because I don't have anything worth sharing.) However, I am still an instrument in the Lord's hands and if I listen to Him, I can say things He wants me to say and do things he wants me to do, and become what he wants me to be. The intermediate song last night really touched me:
It may not be on the mountain height
Or over the stormy sea,
It may not be at the battle's front
My Lord will have need of me. This part is really how I feel sometimes, I don't have big trials, I don' feel needed...
But if, by a still, small voice he calls
To paths that I do not know, even if they are small and seemingly insignificant
I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in thine:
There's surely somewhere a lowly place
In earth's harvest fields so wide
Where I may labor through life's short day
For Jesus, the Crucified.
So trusting my all to thy tender care,
And knowing thou lovest me,
I'll do thy will with a heart sincere:
I'll be what you want me to be.
And in the end that's all that really matters, being what God wants us to be, not our neighbors, not our friends, not our family, not the world, but God!
Anyway. I was sitting in sacrament meeting today, it was at the beginning and I was toying with the idea of getting up and sharing my testimony. And then my bishop called us to action. He told us if we had those feelings to get up and share our testimonies. (Just a note, I'm not in a ward that often has awkward pauses, in fact I can't remember the last time that we had one...) I knew that he was speaking to me, so did I get up right away? No, not me. I waited until the last minute and was the last person to bear my testimony. Yep, pretty cool, huh.
But I did get up!!:) And I shared about how God has a plan for us (because He really does), he really wants to turn us into temples like one of the sisters from the Relief Society broadcast shared last night. He wants to help us so bad, but we have to ask him for help. Anyway, I know I shared more along those lines, but that was the topic!:)
And then after church I had 3 people thank me for sharing my testimony. Wow, really, something I said made a difference. Sometimes I feel so insignificant. Sometimes I feel like I don't have anything worth sharing and that my experiences are so small compared to other people's. Sometimes I feel unworthy of sharing what I know because I have so little experience. (And sometimes I don't blog, because I don't have anything worth sharing.) However, I am still an instrument in the Lord's hands and if I listen to Him, I can say things He wants me to say and do things he wants me to do, and become what he wants me to be. The intermediate song last night really touched me:
It may not be on the mountain height
Or over the stormy sea,
It may not be at the battle's front
My Lord will have need of me. This part is really how I feel sometimes, I don't have big trials, I don' feel needed...
But if, by a still, small voice he calls
To paths that I do not know, even if they are small and seemingly insignificant
I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in thine:
I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord,
Over mountain or plain or sea;
I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord;
I'll be what you want me to be.
Perhaps today there are loving words
Which Jesus would have me speak;
There may be now in the paths of sin
Some wand'rer whom I should seek.
O Savior, if thou wilt be my guide,
Tho dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo the message sweet:
I'll say what you want me to say. Because I am his instrument!:)
Which Jesus would have me speak;
There may be now in the paths of sin
Some wand'rer whom I should seek.
O Savior, if thou wilt be my guide,
Tho dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo the message sweet:
I'll say what you want me to say. Because I am his instrument!:)
There's surely somewhere a lowly place
In earth's harvest fields so wide
Where I may labor through life's short day
For Jesus, the Crucified.
So trusting my all to thy tender care,
And knowing thou lovest me,
I'll do thy will with a heart sincere:
I'll be what you want me to be.
And in the end that's all that really matters, being what God wants us to be, not our neighbors, not our friends, not our family, not the world, but God!
Sunday, September 22, 2013
What is in your heart?
At the "Celebration of Real Beauty" event that I went to recently, Tara Starling spoke about using makeup as a tool instead of a mask. She compared it to using a hammer to build or tear down a house. The hammer is used the same way for both tasks, even the motion is the same; the only difference is the intent - or what is in your heart. So many things apply to that. When you give a gift what is your intent, to make someone happy or to look good? When you invite someone to go with you what is your intent to make them happy, to make you happy (both:), to fulfill an assignment? When you smile at someone, is it because they have broccoli in their teeth, or because you want to help them feel happy? It is all in the heart; which is a big reason why we our eternally judged on what is in our heart. Sometimes I have to go through the motions and do something because I know it is the right thing to do, but I know that if I persist my heart will change and I will be able to do it for the right reasons!!:) Sometimes I do things for the wrong reasons. Sometimes I do things for the right reasons!:)
My DH and I recently finished reading The Count of Monte Cristo and we decided that a lot of that book is based on his heart. Why he did the things he did was often to help him get revenge, his heart wasn't in the right place and the repercussions of that was that he wasn't happy. Even though he did exactly what he wanted to do, he wasn't happy.
So I suggest that when we do things for the right reasons, or at least try to do them for the right reasons we will be happy. And not the artificial happiness, but the real true Godly happiness!:) Sometimes it might just be for a fleeting moment that you can feel that happiness, but it does happen!:) I can't judge what is in your heart. I can only judge what is in my heart (and I can judge fictional characters, because they are fictional and might help me better analyze my own motives!!:). But I challenge you to look into your heart and figure out why you do the things you do.
My DH and I recently finished reading The Count of Monte Cristo and we decided that a lot of that book is based on his heart. Why he did the things he did was often to help him get revenge, his heart wasn't in the right place and the repercussions of that was that he wasn't happy. Even though he did exactly what he wanted to do, he wasn't happy.
So I suggest that when we do things for the right reasons, or at least try to do them for the right reasons we will be happy. And not the artificial happiness, but the real true Godly happiness!:) Sometimes it might just be for a fleeting moment that you can feel that happiness, but it does happen!:) I can't judge what is in your heart. I can only judge what is in my heart (and I can judge fictional characters, because they are fictional and might help me better analyze my own motives!!:). But I challenge you to look into your heart and figure out why you do the things you do.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Being healthy and beautiful
So yesterday was the second ever Celebration of Real Beauty event; I loved the last one so much that I went again (and took my
sisters!:) Anyway while we were there we went to a vendor called
isagenix. They wanted us to guess our metabolic age, so we did, and
then they told us how close we were (I was 25). Anyway, it was so
confusing and I felt like that company really didn't jive with the rest
of the messages about how we are all beautiful. So I decided to do this
post on BMI. I did do a little research on the internet, but most of
this post is based on my own experience and what I remember from classes
back in college!:)
First of all BMI is not the most accurate test for telling if a person is overweight, for the biggest reason, it doesn't factor in a person's muscle weight. It is simply how much you weigh divided by your height squared. When finding out how fat you are, there are a lot of other tests that you can take and a lot better ones.
This test we took to discover our metabolic age told my SIL that she needed to lose about 5 pounds, but she was 7 pounds under her perfect BMI. How does that make any sense? Then my SIL's mother came and they told her she was obese. That didn't make any sense to me. I wouldn't call her obese by any means, overweight, yes, but obese? Wow. I'm sure that made all her training for 5Ks and triathlons (yeah she'd run a triathlon that morning.) worth it. My SIL said that she was the healthiest that she had been in a really long time.
Anyway, my point is that BMI doesn't describe how healthy we are. It doesn't describe how beautiful we are. I decided to put my scale away and I have felt so happy about where I am physically since I did that, instead of worrying am I at my perfect BMI, which is about 136 pounds, and I currently weigh 143. I am still healthy. I try to eat right, I exercise - and I'm getting even better at exercising!!:) At this point in my life it isn't a priority, my kids are. So when I use these tools to tell me how healthy I am and how beautiful I am I am just making myself feel bad. And honestly I don't need anything else to point out how bad I am, because those pressures are all around me. I need things to help me feel good about myself and valuable and beautiful!:) Because I am and so are you!!:) Society is so good at telling us that beautiful is this or that, but it isn't. We are all so beautiful. We are all daughters of God!!:) So celebrate your beauty, celebrate you and your uniqueness!!:)
First of all BMI is not the most accurate test for telling if a person is overweight, for the biggest reason, it doesn't factor in a person's muscle weight. It is simply how much you weigh divided by your height squared. When finding out how fat you are, there are a lot of other tests that you can take and a lot better ones.
This test we took to discover our metabolic age told my SIL that she needed to lose about 5 pounds, but she was 7 pounds under her perfect BMI. How does that make any sense? Then my SIL's mother came and they told her she was obese. That didn't make any sense to me. I wouldn't call her obese by any means, overweight, yes, but obese? Wow. I'm sure that made all her training for 5Ks and triathlons (yeah she'd run a triathlon that morning.) worth it. My SIL said that she was the healthiest that she had been in a really long time.
Anyway, my point is that BMI doesn't describe how healthy we are. It doesn't describe how beautiful we are. I decided to put my scale away and I have felt so happy about where I am physically since I did that, instead of worrying am I at my perfect BMI, which is about 136 pounds, and I currently weigh 143. I am still healthy. I try to eat right, I exercise - and I'm getting even better at exercising!!:) At this point in my life it isn't a priority, my kids are. So when I use these tools to tell me how healthy I am and how beautiful I am I am just making myself feel bad. And honestly I don't need anything else to point out how bad I am, because those pressures are all around me. I need things to help me feel good about myself and valuable and beautiful!:) Because I am and so are you!!:) Society is so good at telling us that beautiful is this or that, but it isn't. We are all so beautiful. We are all daughters of God!!:) So celebrate your beauty, celebrate you and your uniqueness!!:)
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Exercise
So recently I've noticed something in myself. When my allergies picked up the beginning of August I stopped exercising because I felt so yucky, and then I had a harder time with stressful situations that occurred (like car repair problems *3, or kids). I'd only been exercising for about 20 minutes 2-3 times a week, but it made a huge difference for me. This week I started exercising again and I feel so much better. It is amazing to me that such a little thing can make such a big difference. When I finally made the connection I remembered this post that I had read a while back: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/03/how-exercise-can-calm-anxiety/?smid=fb-share&_r=0
on exercising mice. In my own experience now I can say that I agree with the results of this study.
Another thing that I have found is exercising is exercising...5 minutes is better than nothing. Sometimes all I can do is 5 minutes, but when I do it I feel that much better!!:) My brother told me about a site called, sworkit.com and I love it!!:) It gives you random circuit training exercises and you don't need any equipment to do them. Sometimes I do a harder workout and sometimes I'm like I can handle doing some stretching in between my workouts today. The best part for me is that you can set it to do just 5 minutes!!:) It is so awesome and I paid $1 for the app and now can see videos if the pictures they put up aren't clear enough. I love this program!!:)
So I think I'm going to start exercising every day since it really is so good for me, even if it is only 5 minutes!!:) I like being able to handle stress in my life!!:)
on exercising mice. In my own experience now I can say that I agree with the results of this study.
Another thing that I have found is exercising is exercising...5 minutes is better than nothing. Sometimes all I can do is 5 minutes, but when I do it I feel that much better!!:) My brother told me about a site called, sworkit.com and I love it!!:) It gives you random circuit training exercises and you don't need any equipment to do them. Sometimes I do a harder workout and sometimes I'm like I can handle doing some stretching in between my workouts today. The best part for me is that you can set it to do just 5 minutes!!:) It is so awesome and I paid $1 for the app and now can see videos if the pictures they put up aren't clear enough. I love this program!!:)
So I think I'm going to start exercising every day since it really is so good for me, even if it is only 5 minutes!!:) I like being able to handle stress in my life!!:)
Sunday, August 18, 2013
5K
I did my first 5k in 10 or so years yesterday and it was awesome!!:) I set a goal that I wasn't sure if I would actually be able to make, but I made it, in fact I got a minute under it!!:) It was pretty amazing to me because I think the first time I've run more than 3 miles was on Thursday and I averaged 12 minute miles that day, my goal was 11 minute miles. I really wasn't sure that I could do it, but I envisioned myself coming across the finish area at my goal. My DD asked me if I won the race and I told her I won because of my time, because I set a goal for myself and made it, but that didn't satisfy her. Apparently because I didn't actually win it was disappointing for her, but I felt very happy with where I was and how I ran!!!:) Yea for goals!!!:)
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Children's Miracle Music
I recently took a love and logic class (loved it:) In one of the classes we talked about chores and if you really want your kids to help you then you need to make it fun. So I tried, but I am just too focused on getting it done, and don't stop and think ooh, I need to make this fun for my kids. Then I had a friend who wanted to do a bulk order on a cd called Children's Miracle Music. It is a cd that puts music on while your children do chores and makes it fun!!:) I thought this could be what I'm looking for, so I decided to get in on the order. Well let me tell you what a find it has been for me.
We got our cd on Monday, it is actually 2 cds, one for the morning and one for night. We put it on Monday night, but didn't play the game with it. My girls loved it!!!:) They were so excited Tuesday morning to do their chores and eat breakfast and...all the other things she asked them to do!!!:) And as a bonus I didn't have to beg, or threaten or anything, I just let them listen to the music and reminded them for their chores that if they didn't do it they wouldn't get the point. So simple!!:) My girls are begging to do it every day!!:) And as a bonus for me, since we started, all of our beds are made every day (hasn't happened consistently ever), and our mornings and evenings have been so much more organized and happy!!:) I have felt so on top of things every day!!:) What an incredible tool this lady has given me!!:)
So in case you are interested in this little find, go to the website www.chorestomusic.com and if you want some good parenting tips check out her link on the bottom of the website called successful mothering convention video.
We got our cd on Monday, it is actually 2 cds, one for the morning and one for night. We put it on Monday night, but didn't play the game with it. My girls loved it!!!:) They were so excited Tuesday morning to do their chores and eat breakfast and...all the other things she asked them to do!!!:) And as a bonus I didn't have to beg, or threaten or anything, I just let them listen to the music and reminded them for their chores that if they didn't do it they wouldn't get the point. So simple!!:) My girls are begging to do it every day!!:) And as a bonus for me, since we started, all of our beds are made every day (hasn't happened consistently ever), and our mornings and evenings have been so much more organized and happy!!:) I have felt so on top of things every day!!:) What an incredible tool this lady has given me!!:)
So in case you are interested in this little find, go to the website www.chorestomusic.com and if you want some good parenting tips check out her link on the bottom of the website called successful mothering convention video.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Nursery
My ward split in April. In my previous 2 wards I was lucky enough to get to teach the 7-8 year olds and got to attend a lot of baptisms!!:) The first week they called and asked DH and I to do nursery. I was okay with that, then they made my DH the financial clerk, which meant he wouldn't be in nursery with me. Then again the second week they asked me to fill in (not a for sure thing that it will be your calling right). I didn't really want to do nursery without Chad. Then they gave me the calling Nursery Coordinator - basically in charge of the nurserys and buying supplies and what not. I figured I'd seen the nursery coordinator in our previous ward, and for the most part she didn't go into the classes, she just made sure all the classes had treats and took kids to their parents and things like that, filled in if needed...I thought I could do that. Then I found out in our ward we didn't have enough nursery leaders to do that, so I would need to actually teach. Then they never called anyone to be with me (they did eventually call to young girls, but there attendance is so crazy, that I can't often count on them...), so since April DH has done a majority of the nurserys with me and I have given a majority of the lessons. And lucky for me my 2 daughters who are nursery age (well DD3 just turned old enough today, but she has been going since April) have been in the other nursery class, so I haven't had to worry about them!!:)
I've been doing the older nursery, the one where the kids turn 3 this year and go into Sunbeams next year. The kids are so adorable. We struggled at first, but they all just love me and I know that some of those kids only come because of me. One of the moms told me that her daughter talks about me all the time at home, in fact if I leave her to go run an errand she cries if I don't take her with me. One of the kids who has been crying the last few times came in super happy!! And another kid who had to have his dad for half the time last week stayed the whole time today!!:) I know all of these kids so well and I love them so much!!:) They have adjusted beautifully to our routine!!:) So now that we are going to split the younger nursery and I am going to be teaching the middle class I am so sad. I'm going to miss my nursery kids so much. Who knew that I would like it so much!!:)
I've been doing the older nursery, the one where the kids turn 3 this year and go into Sunbeams next year. The kids are so adorable. We struggled at first, but they all just love me and I know that some of those kids only come because of me. One of the moms told me that her daughter talks about me all the time at home, in fact if I leave her to go run an errand she cries if I don't take her with me. One of the kids who has been crying the last few times came in super happy!! And another kid who had to have his dad for half the time last week stayed the whole time today!!:) I know all of these kids so well and I love them so much!!:) They have adjusted beautifully to our routine!!:) So now that we are going to split the younger nursery and I am going to be teaching the middle class I am so sad. I'm going to miss my nursery kids so much. Who knew that I would like it so much!!:)
Sunday, July 14, 2013
My freedoms
I hate that my freedom to raise my children how I see best is being taken away because everyone must be the same and because parents don't always agree on parenting techniques. Heavenly Father knows each parent and he sent them to live with parents that would be best from them. Who am I to say that a child holding a sign in the street didn't just
learn their lesson and that their parents really are loving? Who am I to judge another parent and say that they are doing it wrong? I in no means condone any abusive parent, but I think sometimes we claim abuse when the child is just fine. A friend of mine had CPS (child
protective services) come over to her house because a neighbor saw this friend's child playing outside with no shoes on in the rain. Was the child really in danger? Really? I feel like my neighbors could turn me in all the time (luckily none have yet...) It really feels like 1984 sometimes.
I hate that my freedom to eat healthy foods is being taken away because the government knows what is best for my body (or at least the cheapest to make and the most profitable for them). How can anything man-made be better than what God has made? Why is it so expensive to find good healthy food, oh wait, because the government likes it when people do what they say, even if it makes us sick, so they subsidize the conformists. :( I've heard that they want people to register their gardens so they can tax them or somehow control them (but that could just be rumors...) Why can't the government just leave my food alone?
I hate that my freedoms regarding health care are limited. I can go see a doctor yearly for free (well-checks are covered 100% by insurance), but if I want to see a natural healer it all comes out of my pocket. Basically if I don't want to pay for drugs (that really do harm my body) than it comes out of my pocket. Luckily I do have an HSA (health savings account) that covers these types of things, but insurance pays nothing and gives no discounts. And why do we have insurance anyway? Why do we not know how to save? Why do doctors have to charge so much (fear of getting sued)?
I hate that my freedom to educate my children how I see best is being questioned. Education is best done locally, the more local, the better the education. Our kids do not all need the same things to be successful in life. They are individuals, not robots. They need different things to accomplish their missions. Being thrown into a classroom full of 30+ students they can't get the individual attention that they need and then for the federal government to throw national standards at them. It just isn't what most kids need. They need to be themselves, learn at their own pace, who cares if they want to study butterflies instead of frogs? Who cares if they want to learn geometry before algebra? Who cares, as long as they want to study and continue to learn?
My biggest question is why have we allowed the government to control so much of our lives? How many of us have read the Constitution? The federal government has taken so much more control than it is authorized to control. All of the things that I have mentioned (and more) are given to the states to govern, yet the federal government has taken control, sometimes in small manipulative ways. What are we going to do to win back our freedoms? I know for me it starts with education, and then who I vote for, but I am sure that I could do more. Sometimes it seems like the constitution is getting closer and closer to "hanging by a thread."
After putting that last thought I decided to do a little research on that phrase and came upon a Wikipedia article that declares it the "White horse prophecy," but I really like some of these quotes...
"In 1855, Brigham Young reportedly wrote that "when the Constitution of the United States hangs, as it were, upon a single thread, they will have to call for the 'Mormon' Elders to save it from utter destruction; and they will step forth and do it."[7][17]
In 1858, Orson Hyde (another contemporary of Smith) wrote that Smith believed "the time would come when the Constitution and the country would be in danger of an overthrow; and ... if the Constitution be saved at all, it will be by the elders of [the LDS] Church".[7][18]
In 1922, the LDS Church's fifth presiding bishop, Charles W. Nibley, stated that "the day would come when there would be so much of disorder, of secret combinations taking the law into their own hands, tramping [sic] upon Constitutional rights and the liberties of the people, that the Constitution would hang as by a thread. Yes, but it will still hang, and there will be enough of good people, many who may not belong to our Church at all, people who have respect for law and for order, and for Constitutional rights, who will rally around with us and save the Constitution."[19]
In 1928, the LDS apostle Melvin J. Ballard remarked that "the prophet Joseph Smith said the time will come when, through secret organizations taking the law into their own hands ... the Constitution of the United States would be so torn and rent asunder, and life and property and peace and security would be held of so little value, that the Constitution would, as it were, hang by a thread. This Constitution will be preserved, but it will be preserved very largely in consequence of what the Lord has revealed and what [the Mormons], through listening to the Lord and being obedient, will help to bring about, to stabilize and give permanency and effect to the Constitution itself. That also is our mission."[19]
In 2010, Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke at a Constitution Day Celebration, warning about the importance of preserving the U.S. Constitution. To this end, he claimed that "all citizens—whatever their religious or philosophical persuasion" should maintain several responsibilities regarding the Constitution: understand it, support the law, practice civic virtue, maintain civility in political discourse, and promote patriotism.[20] "
protective services) come over to her house because a neighbor saw this friend's child playing outside with no shoes on in the rain. Was the child really in danger? Really? I feel like my neighbors could turn me in all the time (luckily none have yet...) It really feels like 1984 sometimes.
I hate that my freedom to eat healthy foods is being taken away because the government knows what is best for my body (or at least the cheapest to make and the most profitable for them). How can anything man-made be better than what God has made? Why is it so expensive to find good healthy food, oh wait, because the government likes it when people do what they say, even if it makes us sick, so they subsidize the conformists. :( I've heard that they want people to register their gardens so they can tax them or somehow control them (but that could just be rumors...) Why can't the government just leave my food alone?
I hate that my freedoms regarding health care are limited. I can go see a doctor yearly for free (well-checks are covered 100% by insurance), but if I want to see a natural healer it all comes out of my pocket. Basically if I don't want to pay for drugs (that really do harm my body) than it comes out of my pocket. Luckily I do have an HSA (health savings account) that covers these types of things, but insurance pays nothing and gives no discounts. And why do we have insurance anyway? Why do we not know how to save? Why do doctors have to charge so much (fear of getting sued)?
I hate that my freedom to educate my children how I see best is being questioned. Education is best done locally, the more local, the better the education. Our kids do not all need the same things to be successful in life. They are individuals, not robots. They need different things to accomplish their missions. Being thrown into a classroom full of 30+ students they can't get the individual attention that they need and then for the federal government to throw national standards at them. It just isn't what most kids need. They need to be themselves, learn at their own pace, who cares if they want to study butterflies instead of frogs? Who cares if they want to learn geometry before algebra? Who cares, as long as they want to study and continue to learn?
My biggest question is why have we allowed the government to control so much of our lives? How many of us have read the Constitution? The federal government has taken so much more control than it is authorized to control. All of the things that I have mentioned (and more) are given to the states to govern, yet the federal government has taken control, sometimes in small manipulative ways. What are we going to do to win back our freedoms? I know for me it starts with education, and then who I vote for, but I am sure that I could do more. Sometimes it seems like the constitution is getting closer and closer to "hanging by a thread."
After putting that last thought I decided to do a little research on that phrase and came upon a Wikipedia article that declares it the "White horse prophecy," but I really like some of these quotes...
"In 1855, Brigham Young reportedly wrote that "when the Constitution of the United States hangs, as it were, upon a single thread, they will have to call for the 'Mormon' Elders to save it from utter destruction; and they will step forth and do it."[7][17]
In 1858, Orson Hyde (another contemporary of Smith) wrote that Smith believed "the time would come when the Constitution and the country would be in danger of an overthrow; and ... if the Constitution be saved at all, it will be by the elders of [the LDS] Church".[7][18]
In 1922, the LDS Church's fifth presiding bishop, Charles W. Nibley, stated that "the day would come when there would be so much of disorder, of secret combinations taking the law into their own hands, tramping [sic] upon Constitutional rights and the liberties of the people, that the Constitution would hang as by a thread. Yes, but it will still hang, and there will be enough of good people, many who may not belong to our Church at all, people who have respect for law and for order, and for Constitutional rights, who will rally around with us and save the Constitution."[19]
In 1928, the LDS apostle Melvin J. Ballard remarked that "the prophet Joseph Smith said the time will come when, through secret organizations taking the law into their own hands ... the Constitution of the United States would be so torn and rent asunder, and life and property and peace and security would be held of so little value, that the Constitution would, as it were, hang by a thread. This Constitution will be preserved, but it will be preserved very largely in consequence of what the Lord has revealed and what [the Mormons], through listening to the Lord and being obedient, will help to bring about, to stabilize and give permanency and effect to the Constitution itself. That also is our mission."[19]
In 2010, Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke at a Constitution Day Celebration, warning about the importance of preserving the U.S. Constitution. To this end, he claimed that "all citizens—whatever their religious or philosophical persuasion" should maintain several responsibilities regarding the Constitution: understand it, support the law, practice civic virtue, maintain civility in political discourse, and promote patriotism.[20] "
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Some thoughts on same sex marriages
I recently read an interesting thought on a facebook comment on same sex marriage. The quote is: " It seems like if we tack towards [Brigham Young's] school of thought, a change in favor of gay marriage seems less probable (because gods and goddesses are procreating as they do on earth to produce spirit and psychical bodies in the hereafter, something that a gay marriage, in theory, could not). If we tack more towards [Joseph Smith's] teaching in the D&C that spirit is uncreated and co-eternal with God, like Abraham suggests God did not create us but found himself in the midst of uncreated, "inferior" spirits and helped bring us along, that removes some of the heterosexual element and seems to be more "friendly" to a gay version of that eternity." He also talked a lot about how blacks receiving the priesthood was talked about as never happening and then in 1968 that all changed.
We are a church with continuing revelation and that means that things do change. However my response to his thoughts about same sex marriage is this: concerning blacks and the priesthood, polygamy, or any church policies that have changed since 1930 I don't know of any official statements made by the Presidency of the Church and the Quorum of the 12 apostles (although if you know of any, I'd be happy to know about it!!:) however, concerning same sex marriage there is one. And it came out several years before the legalizing of same sex marriage ever became an issue.
"Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father...
The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife." (excerpts from The Family: A Proclamation to the World)
Even if as intelligences we had no gender, our gender was created as spirits. It is specific to our destiny and what our role is on earth. Heavenly Father looked at us as intelligences and knew what we could become, he created us to be what we are.
When we choose to follow our true divine destinies then we are truly fulfilled. Satan know our weaknesses and he is good at twisting ideas (like equality and discrimination) to thwart our eternal salvation.
And last of all, it is so unnatural for men to be with men and women to be with women. If you look into the animal world, you never see it happening, so I guess that puts us even lower than the animals.
I have never had sexual relations outside of my marriage, so I don't know for sure, but I'm pretty sure there is nothing better than a relationship where each is true to the one and serving each other faithfully, where each partner has separate roles, but they work for the good of their union. I've noticed that in many homosexual relationships one partner takes on the male roles and the other female roles. I just find that so fascinating! We do have divine roles and purposes!
We are a church with continuing revelation and that means that things do change. However my response to his thoughts about same sex marriage is this: concerning blacks and the priesthood, polygamy, or any church policies that have changed since 1930 I don't know of any official statements made by the Presidency of the Church and the Quorum of the 12 apostles (although if you know of any, I'd be happy to know about it!!:) however, concerning same sex marriage there is one. And it came out several years before the legalizing of same sex marriage ever became an issue.
"Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father...
The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife." (excerpts from The Family: A Proclamation to the World)
Even if as intelligences we had no gender, our gender was created as spirits. It is specific to our destiny and what our role is on earth. Heavenly Father looked at us as intelligences and knew what we could become, he created us to be what we are.
When we choose to follow our true divine destinies then we are truly fulfilled. Satan know our weaknesses and he is good at twisting ideas (like equality and discrimination) to thwart our eternal salvation.
And last of all, it is so unnatural for men to be with men and women to be with women. If you look into the animal world, you never see it happening, so I guess that puts us even lower than the animals.
I have never had sexual relations outside of my marriage, so I don't know for sure, but I'm pretty sure there is nothing better than a relationship where each is true to the one and serving each other faithfully, where each partner has separate roles, but they work for the good of their union. I've noticed that in many homosexual relationships one partner takes on the male roles and the other female roles. I just find that so fascinating! We do have divine roles and purposes!
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Emotional Needs
This is an update on what I have discovered on emotional needs. I discovered that there are 6 emotions that need to be filled. 1-peace, 2-joy or happiness, 3-empathy, 4- connection with family, 5-uplifted/identity, and 6-is friends/playful.
Now I know that everyone gets these emotions filled/drained in different ways. For me I think even realizing what emotions I have was huge!:) I decided I am short on being playful and identity. I don't laugh enough, I'm too scared to be my true self around my friends because I am afraid of rejection. So now I am on a mission to make my life more enjoyable when I am around my friends, I am going to try to be my crazy self, and I guess if people reject me it is their problem and not mine. One specific example of my fear of being playful is in Visiting Teaching. I am friends with a sister that I visit and I am friends with my partner, but I feel myself purposefully sabotaging my relationships with both people so that it won't be awkward when I go visiting teaching, so that neither person will feel like a third wheel. So this month when I go visit that sister I am going to bring a game and a treat and we are going to have some fun!!:) And my vision board goal is to laugh everyday!!:)
Now I know that everyone gets these emotions filled/drained in different ways. For me I think even realizing what emotions I have was huge!:) I decided I am short on being playful and identity. I don't laugh enough, I'm too scared to be my true self around my friends because I am afraid of rejection. So now I am on a mission to make my life more enjoyable when I am around my friends, I am going to try to be my crazy self, and I guess if people reject me it is their problem and not mine. One specific example of my fear of being playful is in Visiting Teaching. I am friends with a sister that I visit and I am friends with my partner, but I feel myself purposefully sabotaging my relationships with both people so that it won't be awkward when I go visiting teaching, so that neither person will feel like a third wheel. So this month when I go visit that sister I am going to bring a game and a treat and we are going to have some fun!!:) And my vision board goal is to laugh everyday!!:)
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Building a Great Place to work!!:)
So my DH's work is AWESOME!!!:) They are so family oriented and they love building friendships among their employers. They take their employees and a guest to nice dinners once a year (We've eaten at Christopher's, several different hotel restaurants, Market Street Grill...) and they give out nice prizes too!!:) Then they take the family out somewhere in the summer (parks, boondocks, zoo...) However, they decided not to do that this year in lieu of their 40th year in business celebration. They are taking all of their employees and a guest on an overnight trip. They pay for the food, the bus ride there, the hotel and lots of activities. (If you want to know more about what we did, check out my personal blog!!:) So why would they do this? Simply to build friendships at work, to make their employees happy so that they will enjoy going to work and feel a sense of community. Pretty awesome if you ask me!!!:)
Companies that are like this stay in business, because their employees like coming to work they work harder!!:) They are invested in the company and want to do a good job. They don't want to lose money for the company. I have never felt like the company has been out to get my DH, although they have done some strange things with him and some people like to push DH to his limits I am always able to remind him that they honestly have good intentions. They see his potential and want him to become it!!!:) How lucky I feel to have stumbled upon this company!!:)
Companies that are like this stay in business, because their employees like coming to work they work harder!!:) They are invested in the company and want to do a good job. They don't want to lose money for the company. I have never felt like the company has been out to get my DH, although they have done some strange things with him and some people like to push DH to his limits I am always able to remind him that they honestly have good intentions. They see his potential and want him to become it!!!:) How lucky I feel to have stumbled upon this company!!:)
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Taking on other's pain
So yesterday my SIL found out that her grandma was going to be taken off all machines that were keeping her alive and pass on into the next world. All of it was quite sudden. Her grandma fell on Wednesday and had a cardiac arrest. The paramedics brought her back and took her to the hospital where she was given a blessing. Then they decided to cool her to 30 degrees Celsius for 24 hours, then warm her back up and see what damage was done. They warmed her up by Friday, but the tests weren't showing any brain activity...so her 9 children and husband had a meeting where they decided to let her go.
Now what does this have to do with me? Well I saw my SIL yesterday at a family reunion, she actually found out at the reunion since the meeting was at the beginning of the reunion. I could tell she was hurting, I could tell she was trying really hard to have a good time and not think about it. I gave her a hug and this might not make much sense, but it's almost like she gave me or maybe the better phrase is shared with me some of her emotions and I didn't even realize it. Btw, I think hugs are pretty powerful and can leave one drained or energized. So after the hug, I felt so grumpy. I left the reunion with my 3 kids feeling more angry with them, etc. I felt like I didn't have a good time at the reunion b/c my DH was sick and couldn't come. Then I started thinking about all the fun I did have at the reunion (because I really did have a good time) and I thought why do I feel so yucky - dumb hormones. And then I remembered the hug. And I remembered what my emotional healer told me about not taking on other people's problems, but putting them on the table and letting them go. I called my DH because that is one way that I let other people's problems go is I tell him about them, and that mostly helped!!:) I felt so proud of myself for being able to recognize that I had taken on her emotions. But I felt frustrated that I did too, because me feeling bad isn't going to stop her from feeling sad and grieving, in fact it isn't going to help her at all, it is only going to make me feel bad.
I texted my emotional healer and one thing she said was to realize that it isn't my pain to feel, it is my SIL's and the Savior's. Man I need to get better at empathizing, but not owning other people's problems!:) The Savior has already suffered for all of our pains. I love Alma 7:11-12 because it explains that role of the Savior's so well. "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
Now what does this have to do with me? Well I saw my SIL yesterday at a family reunion, she actually found out at the reunion since the meeting was at the beginning of the reunion. I could tell she was hurting, I could tell she was trying really hard to have a good time and not think about it. I gave her a hug and this might not make much sense, but it's almost like she gave me or maybe the better phrase is shared with me some of her emotions and I didn't even realize it. Btw, I think hugs are pretty powerful and can leave one drained or energized. So after the hug, I felt so grumpy. I left the reunion with my 3 kids feeling more angry with them, etc. I felt like I didn't have a good time at the reunion b/c my DH was sick and couldn't come. Then I started thinking about all the fun I did have at the reunion (because I really did have a good time) and I thought why do I feel so yucky - dumb hormones. And then I remembered the hug. And I remembered what my emotional healer told me about not taking on other people's problems, but putting them on the table and letting them go. I called my DH because that is one way that I let other people's problems go is I tell him about them, and that mostly helped!!:) I felt so proud of myself for being able to recognize that I had taken on her emotions. But I felt frustrated that I did too, because me feeling bad isn't going to stop her from feeling sad and grieving, in fact it isn't going to help her at all, it is only going to make me feel bad.
I texted my emotional healer and one thing she said was to realize that it isn't my pain to feel, it is my SIL's and the Savior's. Man I need to get better at empathizing, but not owning other people's problems!:) The Savior has already suffered for all of our pains. I love Alma 7:11-12 because it explains that role of the Savior's so well. "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
And he will take upon him death, that he may loose
the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him
their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according
to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." I can't ease their pain, only He can. Instead of trying to take over Christ's role, I need to lead my family and friends to Him and show them that He really is there to ease their burdens and suffer what they suffer. I can fulfill my role by "mourning with those that mourn" and "comforting those in need of comfort," allowing my light and love and Christ's light and love to strengthen them, but I do NOT need to take their pain. Instead, I need to stand as an example of Christ and as His disciple "and let my light so shine so that when others see my good works they will glorify our Father in Heaven.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Natural Family Planning
When I was pregnant with dd #2 I found out that my grandma had never used birth control...she simply put her trust in Heavenly Father and she got 10 wonderful kids (5 miscarriages and says she would have had more if she could've:)!! I thought wow, that is so cool, I want to be like that, so I talked to my DH about it and we decided that we would try it!!!:) I also knew that baby #3 was supposed to join our family soon, so we used no birth control and dd #3 made her appearance almost 13 months after dd#2 (and boy is that little girl in a hurry to get things done!!:). However, after that I lost my braveness and decided that it takes 3 to create a baby a man, a woman, and God. I decided that using birth control (which really means condoms) was my way of telling Heavenly Father that I wasn't ready (and I know that no form of birth control is 100% effective, my aunt was told to never get pregnant again because of health risks to her and the baby and she was on 3 forms of birth control and still got pregnant...). Then recently I was introduced to Natural Family Planning. I read both of these posts and learned a lot!!:)
The latter recommends reading the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler (www.tcoyf.com) and so I checked it out from the library and I have learned so much about my body and reproduction!!!:) I am loving it and I have to agree that this is the most natural and intuitive birth control out there!!:) There are even some tips for infertility struggles!:) So even if you just want to learn more about your body, I highly recommend the read!!:)
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Balancing Time
I sometimes find myself confused. How much time do I need for me? What really fills me and allows me to be my best self for others? Now I know what fills me spiritually (daily reading/studying the scriptures, daily prayers, temple attendance, following my leaders...) and I know what fills me physically (food, exercise, sleep), however, how do I make sure my emotional needs are being filled?
So with that, since I don't even know how much time I need, I struggle finding balance with my time. How much of me do my kids really need? How much should I serve? How much time should I spend on my relationship with my husband? and the list goes on and on. I know I waste a lot of time on the computer (am I trying to get my emotional needs met?) There are so many things to do, how do I find the ones that are the best. I know that it changes with each season of life, but I am really struggling to find out how to balance my time in this season of my life.
Part of the reason I am struggling is because I have been on a self-discovery quest recently. I have figured out one of my major purposes in life and now I want to spend time working on it, but I still have a young family that needs my attention too. So how do I balance the two? Time is such a gift, we must be wise stewards, but it is such a struggle.
So with that, since I don't even know how much time I need, I struggle finding balance with my time. How much of me do my kids really need? How much should I serve? How much time should I spend on my relationship with my husband? and the list goes on and on. I know I waste a lot of time on the computer (am I trying to get my emotional needs met?) There are so many things to do, how do I find the ones that are the best. I know that it changes with each season of life, but I am really struggling to find out how to balance my time in this season of my life.
Part of the reason I am struggling is because I have been on a self-discovery quest recently. I have figured out one of my major purposes in life and now I want to spend time working on it, but I still have a young family that needs my attention too. So how do I balance the two? Time is such a gift, we must be wise stewards, but it is such a struggle.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Who am I to judge another
So I recently read a book The Pulse of Hopeful Life I don't recommend it - it is a real tearjerker, but it really made me think. The book is about a woman who left her family because of the death of her 14 month old daughter. She just walked out on her other daughter and husband...because she felt guilty. Now there were many times in the book when I thought, "how could she do it, I could never leave my children..." but I really empathized with her at other times in the book. So often I am quick to judge. So often I remember people at the beginning of their trial and then just forget about them. So often I make a judgement about a person before I even realized some of the circumstances. What if this was the only way to help her overcome the trauma of losing her daughter.
We are all so different and we have different challenges, different upbringings, different lives. We are not meant to be the same (otherwise we would have followed Lucifer). Instead of being so judgmental, I need to give others a break, I need to be their friend and truly love them. "In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can't see" boy is that statement so true. We all carry around burdens that we don't let others see and we can always lend a helping hand, a listening ear and an understanding heart instead of an upturned nose.
We are all so different and we have different challenges, different upbringings, different lives. We are not meant to be the same (otherwise we would have followed Lucifer). Instead of being so judgmental, I need to give others a break, I need to be their friend and truly love them. "In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can't see" boy is that statement so true. We all carry around burdens that we don't let others see and we can always lend a helping hand, a listening ear and an understanding heart instead of an upturned nose.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Writing
One of my goals is to become better at writing. I figure one way to do that is to start writing, so I've been trying to update my blog regularly...anyway, if you ever have any suggestions of how I could be a better writer I would love the information!!!:) I know writing is very personal, but I know I can get better and I know that people who read this blog can help me in my endeavor, so if you wouldn't mind sending me a message (or telling me in person), commenting on my blog, etc. I would really appreciate it!:)
Missions put into action
I wrote last month about missions (ha, that is my first ever link, I hope it works!:) and just found out more for my specific mission, and since I've been wondering what to share on here, I decided that would be as good as anything!!!:) So I know what my mission is, but what am I supposed to do right now? I have 3 little girls that take up most of my time and I don't have any extra money to start putting into the preparation. Anyway, so I was talking to someone recently about my mission. Her mission involves domestic violence and she works a lot with the homeless, so she suggested starting to network...basically to go volunteer in homeless shelters - get to know the people, get to know the need, that sort of thing, so I'm going to do it!!!:) I've decided to ask a mom or two to trade babysitting with me so that I can go volunteer!!:) I'm so glad that I have an action step to do now!!:)
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Spring Fever
I love spring - which is why I chose to get married in the spring!!!:) I have such fond memories of being in college and finally being able to study outside in the warm air, or grading papers outside when I was a teacher. I remember having a picnic with DD when she was just a baby just because it was spring!!!:) This year it hasn't hit me as hard. Until this weekend!!!:) I spent so much time outside on Friday and loved every minute of it!!!:) The weather was gorgeous, I got a lot of yard work done, and I even went for a run Saturday morning!!:) Oh how I love the spring!!!:) I love the signs of rebirth, spring flowers (tulips and daffodils and blossoms) I love being able to plant a garden and see the plants grow!!!:) Yep, spring is definitely my favorite time of the year!!!:)
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Common Core
I don't know how much you know about common core, but from what I know
it scares me. I would really appreciate your help in getting it removed
from Utah (if you live in other states there is a link at the bottom that will take you to your state page). If you want more information, feel free to browse this
website:www.utahnsagainstcommoncore.com there is also a petition on the
webpage that I would really appreciate your signature.
Here are some more links if you are interested:
http://www.glennbeck.com/2013/03/14/exposing-common-core-kids-are-being-indoctrinated-with-extreme-leftist-ideology/
http://whatiscommoncore.wordpress.com/2013/02/24/which-states-aim-to-reclaim-educational-liberty/
http://www.utahnsagainstcommoncore.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/AlysonWilliamsFlowchart.png
Here are some facts about Common Core:
·Common Core ignores your child’s uniqueness
·Common Core strips away local control of education, leaving you
with no say in standards or curriculum
·Common Core puts your child in a national database for cradle
to grave tracking
·Common Core will prepare your child for technical school, but
not all colleges
·Common Core math standards are lower than our old standards
·Common
Core English standards reduce great literature reading in high school English classes
to less than 50% of reading, while over 50% is for “informational texts”
·Common Core was not “state led” or “internationally benchmarked”
·The players behind Common Core are large corporations aiming
to massively grow profits by getting all students on the exact same new learning
schedule. You could rename this Corporate Core.
Here are some more links if you are interested:
http://www.glennbeck.com/2013/03/14/exposing-common-core-kids-are-being-indoctrinated-with-extreme-leftist-ideology/
http://whatiscommoncore.wordpress.com/2013/02/24/which-states-aim-to-reclaim-educational-liberty/
http://www.utahnsagainstcommoncore.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/AlysonWilliamsFlowchart.png
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Vision Boards
So in another post I told you I would blog about vision boards later, so here is that post!!:) I recently learned about vision boards, mostly at the Celebration of Real Beauty event. Rebecca Rush, the vendor presenting the vision boards talked to me about vision boards and I thought it was a really good idea, so much so that I did a little more research on them when I got back home. She had the bagua layout for 9 region goals. So I found that and wrote down each region and then put it off and decided to work on other things for the moment. Then I found out that I would get a free consult with Rebecca, so I decided to make some goals for each of the regions. So after all that background this is what I have learned about vision boards...
First of all the brain is amazing (okay I already knew that:). Using vision boards is allowing the brain to function at it's highest level. So this year my gift to Christ at Christmas was to be more healthy, and to make that more specific to be better at working out and eating more fruits and vegetables, so I've been working on that, not mastered it yet, but doing much better!!:) Anyway, I found out that making multiple goals in the same category isn't a very effective way for your brain to work. However, having goals in different categories is. So I made my goals, things like making a list and only buying things on my list, and writing a personal blog every week and having a couple/family over for dinner and games once a month. I am very left brained and my dad taught me how to best make a goal, so my goals were achievable. And I made them finite (for now all my goals are for 3 months, and then I'm going to have a lot of fun!!:) However, the whole picture thing had me lost. So for me the pictures have to bring out my feelings, how I want to feel when I have the goal accomplished. That was a lot of fun working on that aspect, although a bit daunting. Now I have my goals and pictures up matching their brain color (bagua layout -google it if you really want to know:) and I look at it throughout the day...mostly in the morning when I first wake up and at night before I go to bed.
Okay, so now here is the really cool part. You can make goals like have my backyard finished. And just because you are thinking about it regularly and planning for it, people will help you to achieve that goal. Like maybe someone will have some extra sod and give it to you, or maybe someone will move and let you have their playset or give it to you for a discount. How cool is that!!:) It's like your brain tells other people's brains that you need help. And even though you may not always be working really hard to achieve a goal, your brain is still thinking about it and giving you connections to get it done. I love it!!:) I am so excited to use my vision board and make things happen for me!!!:)
Oh and just a note, you do not have to have 9 goals to make a vision board work, you can start with just one - one thing that you can do that you haven't been doing. Put a picture with it and put it up in your room, your creative spot, and look at it before bed and when you wake up!!!:)
So I know this blog has been all over the place, but I hope I have been able to convey my excitement of vision boards, they are AWESOME!!!:)
First of all the brain is amazing (okay I already knew that:). Using vision boards is allowing the brain to function at it's highest level. So this year my gift to Christ at Christmas was to be more healthy, and to make that more specific to be better at working out and eating more fruits and vegetables, so I've been working on that, not mastered it yet, but doing much better!!:) Anyway, I found out that making multiple goals in the same category isn't a very effective way for your brain to work. However, having goals in different categories is. So I made my goals, things like making a list and only buying things on my list, and writing a personal blog every week and having a couple/family over for dinner and games once a month. I am very left brained and my dad taught me how to best make a goal, so my goals were achievable. And I made them finite (for now all my goals are for 3 months, and then I'm going to have a lot of fun!!:) However, the whole picture thing had me lost. So for me the pictures have to bring out my feelings, how I want to feel when I have the goal accomplished. That was a lot of fun working on that aspect, although a bit daunting. Now I have my goals and pictures up matching their brain color (bagua layout -google it if you really want to know:) and I look at it throughout the day...mostly in the morning when I first wake up and at night before I go to bed.
Okay, so now here is the really cool part. You can make goals like have my backyard finished. And just because you are thinking about it regularly and planning for it, people will help you to achieve that goal. Like maybe someone will have some extra sod and give it to you, or maybe someone will move and let you have their playset or give it to you for a discount. How cool is that!!:) It's like your brain tells other people's brains that you need help. And even though you may not always be working really hard to achieve a goal, your brain is still thinking about it and giving you connections to get it done. I love it!!:) I am so excited to use my vision board and make things happen for me!!!:)
Oh and just a note, you do not have to have 9 goals to make a vision board work, you can start with just one - one thing that you can do that you haven't been doing. Put a picture with it and put it up in your room, your creative spot, and look at it before bed and when you wake up!!!:)
So I know this blog has been all over the place, but I hope I have been able to convey my excitement of vision boards, they are AWESOME!!!:)
Saturday, April 13, 2013
More thoughts about thinking
This blog originates from a conversation I had with my DH. We were talking about 1984, by George Orwell, which led to thinking. Previously I've written that everyone needs to be able to question and think for themselves, but as we were talking I came to the realization that everyone does this in different ways. For example Brigham Young read the Book of Mormon, pondered, studied, questioned, prayed about it for 2 years before he was baptized, but Parley P. Pratt read it in one night and knew it was true. Ultimately we all must learn how to think, because our goal is to become like Heavenly Father. I came to realize though that it is a gift from Heavenly Father to be able to think things through, "To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby." (D&C 46:12) For some it comes really natural, while others it takes a long time to develop. I love that we can all learn on different levels and in different ways and be so different, but all have the same reward!!!:)
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Missions
So all my life I've been preparing for my mission...motherhood and now I am here and I love it!!!:) But I've recently come to realize that my life is more than just being a mother...I know I'm a little slow, but at least I got here!!!!:) I'm not sure exactly what my mission is, but I've recently been on a discovery to find out what it is. I have been learning like crazy it feels like.
I read a post about having two missions...one is family and the other is organization (however you want to define that). That is part of what made me realize that my mission is more than raising children.
Oh and then there is the idea that if you had an unlimited supply of money what would you do -- that is connected to your purpose. And I decided what I would do...it sounds so crazy, but I want to create an organization to help homeless people get off the streets and have some job skills and have a home that they can put on their job applications. In thinking about it more I decided that my base operation would be an organic farm, but with DH's engineering skills and desire to take an idea and make it work who knows what we could morph into!!:)
I went to the "Celebration of Real Beauty" event in March (btw, a plug for that, it is super awesome, every woman should go the next one is in September www.acelebrationofrealbeauty.com) and I connected with two awesome people there. The first taught me about vision boards (a post for another day) and the second told me about a gift that I have. I have an ability to connect emotionally with people. As I have thought about that, I see it all over my life. I've also been told to use my talents to bless the lives of others, so knowing that this connection I have is a gift (talent) I know somehow that plays into my mission.
Anyway, I've also been trying to study about missions in the scriptures. Moses had a mission that he didn't expect nor want, so did Saul/Paul. So I think that when we discover our mission we may not have planned on that mission, but I know the Lord will prepare us and make us equal to the tasks that he gives us!!:)
I read a post about having two missions...one is family and the other is organization (however you want to define that). That is part of what made me realize that my mission is more than raising children.
Oh and then there is the idea that if you had an unlimited supply of money what would you do -- that is connected to your purpose. And I decided what I would do...it sounds so crazy, but I want to create an organization to help homeless people get off the streets and have some job skills and have a home that they can put on their job applications. In thinking about it more I decided that my base operation would be an organic farm, but with DH's engineering skills and desire to take an idea and make it work who knows what we could morph into!!:)
I went to the "Celebration of Real Beauty" event in March (btw, a plug for that, it is super awesome, every woman should go the next one is in September www.acelebrationofrealbeauty.com) and I connected with two awesome people there. The first taught me about vision boards (a post for another day) and the second told me about a gift that I have. I have an ability to connect emotionally with people. As I have thought about that, I see it all over my life. I've also been told to use my talents to bless the lives of others, so knowing that this connection I have is a gift (talent) I know somehow that plays into my mission.
Anyway, I've also been trying to study about missions in the scriptures. Moses had a mission that he didn't expect nor want, so did Saul/Paul. So I think that when we discover our mission we may not have planned on that mission, but I know the Lord will prepare us and make us equal to the tasks that he gives us!!:)
Monday, March 18, 2013
I love me!!!
No this is not a narcissist blog. I have just come to realize that I really need to love me!!:) Heavenly Father loves me, so why don't I love myself? In my goal/plan to learn who I am and what my purpose is I discovered that not only do I need to see myself as Heavenly Father's creation - beautiful! But I also need to love myself!!:)
I don't often beat myself up...I can forgive myself for not being perfect, for yelling at my kids (I'm working on it!:), for not having a clean house, for not accomplishing all my goals, because let's face it, failure is one step on the path to success!!:) But I discovered that I need to tell myself that I love me, because I don't love myself, I don't always see me as beautiful...but I'm going to start!!! And until I can actually love myself, I will bask in Heavenly Father's love and realize that his love is enough for me!!:)
So if you haven't recently tell yourself in the mirror that you are beautiful and you love you!!!:)
I don't often beat myself up...I can forgive myself for not being perfect, for yelling at my kids (I'm working on it!:), for not having a clean house, for not accomplishing all my goals, because let's face it, failure is one step on the path to success!!:) But I discovered that I need to tell myself that I love me, because I don't love myself, I don't always see me as beautiful...but I'm going to start!!! And until I can actually love myself, I will bask in Heavenly Father's love and realize that his love is enough for me!!:)
So if you haven't recently tell yourself in the mirror that you are beautiful and you love you!!!:)
Friday, March 15, 2013
Daniel and food
So I was recently reading about Daniel to my 4 year old dd from the scripture reader. We were reading about Daniel in the king's court when we was a child and how he refused to eat the king's gluttonous food and instead ate "pulse" or really good food. At the end of the 10 day trial Daniel and his friends were healthier and wiser. I've been trying to get healthier and I think a big part of that is we are surrounded by food that has been changed, loaded with sugars and fats to get us addicted to them and keep us buying. And I know for me to some degree it has worked (Like I said, I'm working on being healthier!!:) and for society it has definitely worked. And the worst part is we are not only unhealthier with tons of medical conditions, but we are also stupider.
I keep looking at all of our medical conditions and wonder how many of them would be solved if we just ate healthy. If we began working in our gardens (maybe the prophet's counsel wasn't just for food storage...) and making healthier eating decisions. So often we try to fix our health problems with a quick pill or a surgery, but if we were as dedicated to eating healthy a lot of our health problems would disappear!!:)
My friend recently shared a perfect thought...we look back on the Israelites and say it was so easy to look at that serpent and live, why did so many of you die? But maybe they are looking at us thinking it is so easy to eat healthy especially in a world where you can have fruits and vegetables all year long, why are so many of you dying and unhealthy.
I won't always eat perfect, but I know that as I try to eat better, I will feel better, I will live better and I will be wiser!!:)
I keep looking at all of our medical conditions and wonder how many of them would be solved if we just ate healthy. If we began working in our gardens (maybe the prophet's counsel wasn't just for food storage...) and making healthier eating decisions. So often we try to fix our health problems with a quick pill or a surgery, but if we were as dedicated to eating healthy a lot of our health problems would disappear!!:)
My friend recently shared a perfect thought...we look back on the Israelites and say it was so easy to look at that serpent and live, why did so many of you die? But maybe they are looking at us thinking it is so easy to eat healthy especially in a world where you can have fruits and vegetables all year long, why are so many of you dying and unhealthy.
I won't always eat perfect, but I know that as I try to eat better, I will feel better, I will live better and I will be wiser!!:)
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Forgiveness from A Tale of Two Cities
So I recently read A Tale of Two Cities. I have to admit I was intimidated at first, but someone suggested reading through the plot summary (which was pretty intense in and of itself) and that helped a ton!!:) I was able to see a lot of foreshadowing at least and look forward to the end of the book, where all the good stuff is!:)
One of the most interesting characters to me was Madam Defarge. I felt so sad for her because she let her desire for revenge overtake her and in the end it got her killed. And Dickens, as I guess he likes to do, gave us a parallel character in Lucie Manette. Both had their family stripped from them unfairly; Lucie ends up being sweet though even before her father is "recalled to life." Madam Defarge however is infuriated by her loss of family. I just look at Madam Defarge and think you could have had a rewarding life, you could have chosen to forgive, but instead you let this evil fester inside of you and destroy you.
One of my favorite quotes from the book is: "the vigorous tenacity of love, always so much stronger than hate." I guess I found Madam Defarge's choice interesting in light of a recent women's stake conference I went to. The keynote speaker repeatedly told us we always have a choice to make. Every time something bad (or good:) happens to us we can choose the path of happiness or we can choose the path of misery. Every choice we make leads us to happiness or misery. When Heavenly Father asks us to forgive it isn't because of the other person, it is because if we choose not to forgive misery festers inside us until we can no longer feel happiness and evil consumes our thoughts. When we choose not to forgive we choose our eternal destruction.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Comforting...
So I was recently studying Mosiah 18:8-9 and I learned something I would like to share. First of all let me post the scriptures: "8 And it came to pass that
he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were
they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses
of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be
in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered
with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—"
So what I learned is a good way to comfort someone. I always thought the three ways listed were just randomly put down, but now I know they were not. First we must lighten the person's burdens, then we must be willing to mourn with them and then we can give them comfort. How powerful! As I thought about this revelation a little bit more it made sense to me. So often we burden ourselves so that we cannot truly mourn, so in order to be able to mourn we have to have our burdens lightened, and then after we have mourned we can be comforted!!!:)
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Faces and Hope
So I recently read The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis. I love his books!!:) Anyway, I read it as part of a book club and I learned so much more about the book from the book club, so yea for book clubs!!!:)
My first thought is what is holding each ghost back? So I took notes on each ghost and it seemed it mostly came down to pride and selfishness; they wouldn't give up their sin, for a glorious life. I know we all have our favorite sins, but as I read through I couldn't really relate to any of the ghosts specific sins. I definitely have sins of omission, I spend too much time on the computer when I should be doing more productive things (basically I don't use my time wisely) and I do yell at my kids sometimes - it is really hard for me to overcome this one. I can be pushy, and although I know better I do compare myself to others and judge others unkindly. (This is part of my trying to be more real!:)
Then I went to book club and we started talking about the dwarf ghost who held a tragedian on a chain. We talked about how he was living with a face, instead of being who he really was. And I realized that I do that all the time. In fact when I was first married it drove my husband crazy. Haha!:) But I would be upset and then we would have to go somewhere and I would be happy the whole time we were there and as soon as we were alone again I would be upset. On the one hand I'm glad that I can show my true self to those who I truly love (my husband, and a few good friends), but at the same time I wish I could be my true and real self all the time to everyone. Sometimes I think that people won't like me as much or think as highly of me if I were who I really was, but time after time that has been proven wrong to me, I guess I ought to just get over my pride and become real!!!:)
One other thing that I really liked in the book; we didn't see too many endings, so there was hope for most of the ghosts in the book and the Spirit that meets the narrator tells him that if there is even a spark inside the ghost that the spirits will flame it until it burns bright!!!:)
I also liked the scene where the ghost overcomes his obstacle and is the better for it. How true that is; sometimes in life, it is so hard to give up our sins, we think we are going to die without them, but when we finally let them go we are changed for the better. The letting go does hurt us, but the sacrifice is worth it!!!:)
--"For most followers of Christ, our sacrifices involve what we can do on a day-to-day basis in our ordinary personal lives." Dallin H. Oaks, Sacrifice, April 2012 Conference
My first thought is what is holding each ghost back? So I took notes on each ghost and it seemed it mostly came down to pride and selfishness; they wouldn't give up their sin, for a glorious life. I know we all have our favorite sins, but as I read through I couldn't really relate to any of the ghosts specific sins. I definitely have sins of omission, I spend too much time on the computer when I should be doing more productive things (basically I don't use my time wisely) and I do yell at my kids sometimes - it is really hard for me to overcome this one. I can be pushy, and although I know better I do compare myself to others and judge others unkindly. (This is part of my trying to be more real!:)
Then I went to book club and we started talking about the dwarf ghost who held a tragedian on a chain. We talked about how he was living with a face, instead of being who he really was. And I realized that I do that all the time. In fact when I was first married it drove my husband crazy. Haha!:) But I would be upset and then we would have to go somewhere and I would be happy the whole time we were there and as soon as we were alone again I would be upset. On the one hand I'm glad that I can show my true self to those who I truly love (my husband, and a few good friends), but at the same time I wish I could be my true and real self all the time to everyone. Sometimes I think that people won't like me as much or think as highly of me if I were who I really was, but time after time that has been proven wrong to me, I guess I ought to just get over my pride and become real!!!:)
One other thing that I really liked in the book; we didn't see too many endings, so there was hope for most of the ghosts in the book and the Spirit that meets the narrator tells him that if there is even a spark inside the ghost that the spirits will flame it until it burns bright!!!:)
I also liked the scene where the ghost overcomes his obstacle and is the better for it. How true that is; sometimes in life, it is so hard to give up our sins, we think we are going to die without them, but when we finally let them go we are changed for the better. The letting go does hurt us, but the sacrifice is worth it!!!:)
--"For most followers of Christ, our sacrifices involve what we can do on a day-to-day basis in our ordinary personal lives." Dallin H. Oaks, Sacrifice, April 2012 Conference
Monday, January 14, 2013
New Year Ramblings
So I often write blog posts in my head, or at least start them in my head, but they rarely actually make it onto the blog. I'm going to try to do better and actually record my thoughts!!!!:)
So here are some random thoughts. First of all about New Year's resolutions, I don't believe in them, haha!!:) I do believe in goals though and I make goals all the time, currently I have been doing a 6-month inventory (not every 6 months, haha) and a weekly goal list!!!:) Lucky for me I don't feel guilty when I don't accomplish everything in my goal list!!!:) I work my hardest to accomplish what I can, but at the end of the day I realize that I have 3 little girls to take care of and if it doesn't get done, oh well!!!:) So as for New Year's resolutions, mine happen whenever I need them, not just January 1- whenever, and most of the time I am trying to make my life better and make lifelong changes, whereas I think a lot of New Year's resolutions are over by Valentine's Day.
Okay, so second thought. Yesterday we were chastised by our stake president for not going to stake conference. I love stake conference and I hope that everyone who reads this goes!!:) It is such a great opportunity to be instructed by our local leaders, and I have found that our local leaders really are inspired to help us in our needs!!:) Especially the Adult session of stake conference...I've tried to attend as many of those as possible, although it isn't always possible (last time my husband had his high school reunion that we'd already paid for by the time we found out about stake conference, too bad.) The sad thing is that we only had 10% attendance at the last adult session...how sad. The adult session is where all the good stuff is taught...plus you don't have any kids as distractions, so you can really glean a lot!!!:) And yes, my husband took my 2 little girls to stake conference last year when I had my 3rd little girl (I was still in the hospital) and yes we took 3 little girls to stake conference 2 weeks in a row (haha, we went on vacation and it just so happened it was stake conference - and I tell you what, our stake conference was a lot more pertinent to me than the other).
When I was younger I always took notes during stake conference. In fact I took notes at a lot of functions!!!:) Anyway, now that I have 3 little girls, I find it impossible to take notes, I'm lucky to hear half of a talk!!:) But last stake conference I came home and wrote notes from what I remembered and what really impressed me. I printed off the paper and stuck it on my mirror in the bathroom, and I've actually read it quite a bit!!:) And I am excited to get to do it again in a couple weeks, and maybe make some more goals - not new year's resolutions!!:)
~The ability to convert ideas to things is the secret to outward success.
Henry Ward Beecher
So here are some random thoughts. First of all about New Year's resolutions, I don't believe in them, haha!!:) I do believe in goals though and I make goals all the time, currently I have been doing a 6-month inventory (not every 6 months, haha) and a weekly goal list!!!:) Lucky for me I don't feel guilty when I don't accomplish everything in my goal list!!!:) I work my hardest to accomplish what I can, but at the end of the day I realize that I have 3 little girls to take care of and if it doesn't get done, oh well!!!:) So as for New Year's resolutions, mine happen whenever I need them, not just January 1- whenever, and most of the time I am trying to make my life better and make lifelong changes, whereas I think a lot of New Year's resolutions are over by Valentine's Day.
Okay, so second thought. Yesterday we were chastised by our stake president for not going to stake conference. I love stake conference and I hope that everyone who reads this goes!!:) It is such a great opportunity to be instructed by our local leaders, and I have found that our local leaders really are inspired to help us in our needs!!:) Especially the Adult session of stake conference...I've tried to attend as many of those as possible, although it isn't always possible (last time my husband had his high school reunion that we'd already paid for by the time we found out about stake conference, too bad.) The sad thing is that we only had 10% attendance at the last adult session...how sad. The adult session is where all the good stuff is taught...plus you don't have any kids as distractions, so you can really glean a lot!!!:) And yes, my husband took my 2 little girls to stake conference last year when I had my 3rd little girl (I was still in the hospital) and yes we took 3 little girls to stake conference 2 weeks in a row (haha, we went on vacation and it just so happened it was stake conference - and I tell you what, our stake conference was a lot more pertinent to me than the other).
When I was younger I always took notes during stake conference. In fact I took notes at a lot of functions!!!:) Anyway, now that I have 3 little girls, I find it impossible to take notes, I'm lucky to hear half of a talk!!:) But last stake conference I came home and wrote notes from what I remembered and what really impressed me. I printed off the paper and stuck it on my mirror in the bathroom, and I've actually read it quite a bit!!:) And I am excited to get to do it again in a couple weeks, and maybe make some more goals - not new year's resolutions!!:)
~The ability to convert ideas to things is the secret to outward success.
Henry Ward Beecher
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