Just be nice!!!

Life is too short for meanness and cruelty. Sometimes we think we're not being mean by making fun of someone-- we're just joking. Maybe we think we're not being by talking bad about someone's faults when they're not there-- we're just trying to find a way to help them. The worst is passive agressiveness by people who are supposed to be nice- so they won't be outright rude or mean to someone-- they will just be on the lookout for that person's failure in anything so that they can subtletly point it out at an embarrassing moment for that person. They take secret pleasure when life is difficult for others.

We don't know what each other is going through. We don't know the pain we can cause, especially to those who trust us. Betrayal is such a terrible feeling.

Just be nice. Look for the good in people all the time and let them know. Overlook their faults and build them up. Give them opportunities to do good things if you can and be happy for them when they succeed. Be kind, say nice things, don't make fun of people. A kind word and a smile can do wonders for anybody. Life is tough enough, it is almost unbearable when surrounded by ridicule. Be nice!!!

This is from 2 Nephi 27:31,32 in the Book of Mormon:

31 For assuredly as the Lord liveth they shall see that the terrible one is brought to naught, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off;

32 And they that make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of naught.

Transition-- STIIIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLL............

Today was a little rough. As I've mentioned before we have been driving an hour each way to church each Sunday. We have to leave by 8 a.m. to get there on time. We didn't get up until 7:30 am last week, so this week we made sure to get everybody bathed Sat. night, but I forgot about gathering all their clothes. It didn't actually take that long to find them all, but it was just more than I could bear. I'm just running out of steam. We were very late again this week. It would be easier if we knew that we would get the lot we want and build the house we want on it to be in that ward and that neighborhood. I hate this uncertainty. I broke down and cried on the way there and held back tears when everybody was so friendly to me and wanted to know about us.

It's nice but it's hard to be so uncertain. I can't really tell them anything yet. It is a great ward, and they have all been really nice to us, but we aren't really a part of them yet. We can't move our records until we get our lot, and the builder/owner is being the same way with our new builder that they were with us- not returning calls, not making appts., etc. so it is moving way too slow-- it has now been 2 weeks since we signed with them and now it's Thanksgiving so we probably still won't hear from them this week. Day after day we wait, day after day, there's nothing new to report. Meanwhile, it's getting colder and snowier and later in the year. Plus the new ward isn't perfect. I'm very sensitive to picking out people's tendencies to be cliquish and mean and this ward does have a few of those. So it's hard to go, but I always leave feeling very thankful and glad that we did go (we did skip nursery and sunbeams though- the twins and the 4 yr old won't go to their classes without us-- we just drove around and talked/complained).

The other kids are very happy there. They all have friends. They all feel included and supported. I think the people are genuinely caring and kind overall, so we will continue going for the kids. It makes it worth it. I can hang on and keep going for them. I will just have to step up to the next level of organization again. I would never be well organized without all these cute kids. They have made me better than I every though possible and I guess there's still plenty of room for growth.

I do hope we will have something more definite soon. I hope we get that lot so that they can finally start the process of getting the permit and getting started on the house. Life is really tough sometimes. It's hard to fit everything in with all this driving. I think my cleaning time has suffered the most. I just have to make the kids follow through on their chores better. I think our new house will work out, but this is definitely the roughest transition we've ever had to make. Patience, faith, ENDURANCE. I will really try harder to not murmur.

2 Ne. 8, Isaiah 51

I read this chapter yesterday morning and got nothing out of it-- as I slammed the book shut, I remembered our Relief Society lesson and how important it is to meditate and listen for answers as we read, so this morning I decided to pay attention and look at these beautiful gems I found!!!!

7- Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart I have written my law, fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

12-- I am he; yea, I am he that comforteth you. Behold, who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of man, who shall die, and of the son man, who shall be made like unto grass?

22- Thus saith thy Lord, the Lord and thy God pleadeth the cause of his people; behold I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again.

I just need to do what I know is right regardless of how strange I may seem and what other people think. It is what the Lord thinks of me that I need to worry about. Man really can do nothing-- only the Lord!

Robert D Hales Conference talk

Another winner-- this one is on patiently waiting upon the Lord-- great perspective:

http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/waiting-upon-the-lord-thy-will-be-done?lang=eng

Here are some of my favorite parts:

Why such terrible tribulation? To what end? For what purpose?

As we ask these questions, we realize that the purpose of our life on earth is to grow, develop, and be strengthened through our own experiences. How do we do this? The scriptures give us an answer in one simple phrase: we “wait upon the Lord.”12 Tests and trials are given to all of us. These mortal challenges allow us and our Heavenly Father to see whether we will exercise our agency to follow His Son. He already knows, and we have the opportunity to learn, that no matter how difficult our circumstances, “all these things shall [be for our] experience, and … [our] good.”13

What, then, does it mean to wait upon the Lord? In the scriptures, the word wait means to hope, to anticipate, and to trust. To hope and trust in the Lord requires faith, patience, humility, meekness, long-suffering, keeping the commandments, and enduring to the end.

In my life I have learned that sometimes I do not receive an answer to a prayer because the Lord knows I am not ready. When He does answer, it is often “here a little and there a little”33 because that is all that I can bear or all I am willing to do.

Elder Uchtdorf's talk

Fourth and finally, please understand that what you see and experience now is not what forever will be. You will not feel loneliness, sorrow, pain, or discouragement forever. We have the faithful promise of God that He will neither forget nor forsake those who incline their hearts to Him. Have hope and faith in that promise. Learn to love your Heavenly Father and become His disciple in word and in deed.

Be assured that if you but hold on, believe in Him, and remain faithful in keeping the commandments, one day you will experience for yourselves the promises revealed to the Apostle Paul: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

Brothers and sisters, the most powerful Being in the universe is the Father of your spirit. He knows you. He loves you with a perfect love.

God sees you not only as a mortal being on a small planet who lives for a brief season—He sees you as His child. He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become. He wants you to know that you matter to Him.

Another home run talk. http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/you-matter-to-him?lang=eng

Too bad I can't read and write all day-- gotta get the day moving!

Another Great Conference Talk-- Boyd K. Packer -- following the Spirit

I'm kind of behind in the whole conference discussion, because I really don't pay that close attention during conference mostly because of all the excitement that is constantly around me when all 7 kids are awake. But then afterwards as a I read or listen to the talks, I find these great nuggets of inspiration. This whole talk is great. Every sentence contains great wisdom. I'll just blog about these couple quotes:

http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/counsel-to-youth?lang=eng

This quote is very comforting to me:

The gift of the Holy Ghost, if you consent, will guide and protect you and even correct your actions. It is a spiritual voice that comes into the mind as a thought or a feeling put into your heart. The prophet Enos said, “The voice of the Lord came into my mind.” And the Lord told Oliver Cowdery, “Behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you.”

It is not expected that you go through life without making mistakes, but you will not make a major mistake without first being warned by the promptings of the Spirit. This promise applies to all members of the Church.

As I get older, I am better at recognizing the promptings I receive. Especially as I look back on my life, I can see times where I should have recognized promptings better and other times where I am so thankful that I did follow promptings. There have been a couple times where I feel so bad about something, that even though there is no logical explanation for my feeling- I can't do the said thing.

The big one that comes to mind is from my BYU years. It was summer and I had gone down to the Y to finish setting things up and I stopped by my apartment for the year. While I was there looking at it, one of the girls who was living there for summer term asked me if I would trade apartments with her for the fall, her fall apartment was just upstairs. I said sure, because the only roommate I would know was the one I was sharing my room with, and I figured she wouldn't care. On my drive home, I just had a terrible strong feeling that I should not live in the apartment upstairs. It was so strong that I knew that I should either live in the apartment I signed up for, or find a different place to live. I called the girl and told her I wouldn't trade and when it came time to move in, I was very nervous because I had not met any of the other girls yet and I was afraid they really liked that girl and would be sorry that I had taken her place.

It turned out that we all 6 of us got along great. We still get together periodically and keep in touch. My room roommate especially bonded with the other girls in our apartment and that just wouldn't have happened for either of us had we lived with the girls upstairs. That was also the year I met my husband. He came to our apartment because he heard it was the fun place to be and it was. He never ventured to that other apartment. The Lord really was watching out for me and now that I can look back, when I get that bad feeling I know it is the Holy Ghost warning me about something. Sometimes it takes me a while to figure out what it is, depending on how strong it is, but the Holy Ghost truly acts in my life guiding me and helping me as I go along. I definitely get answers to my questions and prayers. It is such a profound blessing in my life.

I also loved this quote:

You may in time of trouble think that you are not worth saving because you have made mistakes, big or little, and you think you are now lost. That is never true! Only repentance can heal what hurts. But repentance can heal what hurts, no matter what it is.

We have a tendency to get down on ourselves when we are not perfect and I know people who feel they are too far gone to even try to take advantage of the atonement. I wish everybody knew what I know-- that God loves us and wants us back no matter what. His time was spent among sinners when He was on the earth, and it is never too late to come unto Him. He loves us and He will help us no matter how good or bad we are as long as we let him. He will take us from wherever we are and help us get better little by little- He won't make us do more than we can. He is perfect and He loves us.

LDS General Conference-- Elder Anderson's talk

What little bits of conference I caught today amidst our weekly 5 soccer games and playing catch up in the kitchen and making lunch and helping kids with math, was all very good. But Elder Neil L Andersen's talk made me cry. He talked about how we should not delay having a family and we shouldn't limit the size of our families and of course how it is a personal decision and we shouldn't judge each other, it is very personal. He also talked about how we need to support families and help each other and love each other in this endeavor and how children are precious gifts.

Having a large family is hard. The prevailing attitude I see from so many people in and out of the church is that it is too hard to be worthwhile, and they wonder why anybody would want to subject themselves to that endeavor. There is little time for anything besides just taking care of the immediate needs of these little people in a large family. It is nice when I am around people who appreciate what I'm doing and support me rather than mock me or subtly make things more unpleasant or difficult than necessary. A smile of support is really all I need, and it was very nice to have a vote of confidence thrown my way from the top leadership of the church. It was nice to hear some words of support, and confirmation that there is a good reason for subjecting myself to so many dependent little children. Thank you, Elder Andersen.

Visit to our future ward-- so GOOD!!!!

We are in the process of getting a house built about 20 min. from my husband's work. We've picked out the lot and picked out the plan we want. We just have to hammer out the details, sign on the dotted line and put some money down. So we all went to check out the new ward.

It was so AWESOME!!!!! I am still in shock at how good it was and how welcoming the leadership was. They announced over the pulpit that they would like to have all the new families and visitors meet in the bishop's office after sacrament meeting. So we went and the bishopric, the relief society president, the young women's president, the primary president, and the young men's president were all there. They went around the room and introduced themselves and then gave the new people a chance to introduce themselves. They chatted with us a little bit and then all the presidents were there to help all the kids find the right classes. I feel totally comfortable with all of them, I have no qualms about handing my children over to them. They asked me if there was anything else they could do to help. They made sure I knew when the activities are. The bishop knew exactly who was serving in what calling. It was amazing. This is the first time in a long time that I have felt relaxed at church. I didn't have to be on guard. I could relax. There were tons of people there- it filled up have the overflow gym section. There were lots of families and lots of kids. A family sang a beautiful hymn humbly and beautifully without changing the tune or making any fanfare. It made me cry. One of the nursery leaders homeschools, and there are other families in the ward who do so also. Lots of people introduced themselves and were sincere. I am just in awe. It was such a contrast to what I have been used to in my current ward. I don't ever want to go back to my old ward. The bishop asked if we should pull our records and when I told him that I didn't want to make it to difficult for visiting teaching, he told me we could do phone visits. They already have tons of people in the ward, but they are so ready for more. Each organization had get to know papers to fill out. They were all so nice. This is the church I know and love, and I feel like I've come home.

I think we'll sign the papers this week and I will drive my kids to their weekly activities. My oldest is sooooo happy. I just can't wait. I can hardly believe it. I am still in shock.

Life Experience-- love

I've written a bit about some of the frustrations I've had here in Utah and especially in my ward. I have tried to be fair and keep it general, I hope I have done that and will continue to do so. I'm getting tired of the whole thing, but I keep understanding myself, others and life around here a little better and I keep wanting to share. This has been a huge growing experience for me, and we'll be moving into a brand new house probably the end of November so I'm all set for a completely new set of problems-- because they (problems) are everywhere- you know.

The most important experience I've gained is what it feels like to be on the outside and to really not fit in. I hope that all through my life I have felt empathy for those around me who haven't fit in or who have been shunned in one way or another. I've known people who have felt and gone through similar things I've just gone through, and I have talked with them and tried to help them and make them feel better, but now that I personally have gone through it-- I can REALLY empathize. I think I have a better idea (although, my understanding is still extremely limited) of what Jesus Christ went through- being thrown out of synagogues and being asked to leave his home town. Wow, you just don't know how it feels 'til it happens to you. I had no idea-- I'm glad that I tried to be understanding, but I really didn't understand. I have friends now who try to understand, but just really can't. I can see people with the same thoughts toward me that I had towards other people-- I've now been on both sides.

I think the most important thing for me to take away from this experience is to just be kind and considerate of everyone. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself or to get to know people. Everyone wants to be loved and accepted. Each one of us has power to do things that will brighten or darken someone's day. There's no way to know the sorrows people carry with them. We need to lift each other and rejoice in others successes and sorrow at their failures. We need to make sure we are kind and friendly with people. A smile can make such a difference-- it's such a small thing, but so powerful. We also need to sincerely care for others-- not just because we should-- but because we really do care. If we really love people, it will shine through even if we don't know how to relate to them or help them-- it will make a world of difference just to know that someone cares.

I think Cor 13 is particularly applicable here-- if you don't have love or charity- then whatever other great things you can do or have, don't matter. Without love- life is meaningless.

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not acharity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

If you don't have charity- you can pray for it, and God will grant your desire Moroni 7:

46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—

47 But acharity is the pure blove of Christ, and it endureth cforever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, apray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true bfollowers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall cbe like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be dpurified even as he is pure. Amen.

What I have learned from being shunned at Church

I recently posted about not being given a calling for 18 months after I had the twins even though I had offered to help in different areas. I think I last wrote when I realized that I was being shunned and realized that something was very wrong. I tried to make an appointment with the bishop- but that is a long story- suffice it to say that I finally got his ear and felt that he understood my situation and why I had to talk to him only. He thanked me for my patience- I reminded him that I am a mother of 7- I have developed a good amount of patience thus far. Anyway, I felt much better and my burden was lifted.

Actually I really started feeling better after a heartfelt prayer I had the day after I first got his attention and set an appointment directly with him for the following day. I poured my heart out to the Lord in prayer and I was instantly calmed. One of my concerns was that some of the people who were treating my badly in the ward would have influence over my precious children. I really did not like the idea of sending them off to people who don't like me. Anyway, I felt calm and peace and also the assurance that the Lord knows, he understands and their incompetence will not affect my overall purpose in life. They can't take away my influence as a mother to my children. The Lord will give me opportunities to serve at a later date.

For now I think I have learned some valuable lessons. The first is how awful it can feel to go to church. I have a very strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and of the divinity of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but it was really hard to go to church for a while. I understand how those who go inactive must feel. It is not that they have necessarily lost their testimony-- they just may feel like they are different and on the outside. There may be some people there that they just don't want to see or have contact with or be reminded about how rotten things have gotten. I have never really been on the "inside" of any social group, but it has never really bothered me. But to feel so on the "outside" at church was really hard- because that is supposed to be a place where you can feel safe and loved. I am much more empathetic than I have been in the past. There is nothing like experiencing it for yourself.

I am very much relieved because I did my part. I kept going to church. I realized that it is not the primary president's church or the bishop's church-- it is the Lord's church. I tried to talk to people in the hall and to anybody that looked like they needed a smile. I stopped talking to other people who pretended to be my friends and really aren't. I was polite if I saw them, but I have to admit it felt good to show them that they couldn't push me out or down. Regardless of what they did to me intentionally or unintentionally I would still do what is right. I decided that I would not avoid them- I would watch out for my kids regardless of what they might think. I substituted a couple times and just did my part without fanfare or attention. I didn't make a big deal of anything. I was polite and made it through the church day although it was hard to do. It gave me courage to know that this is Christ's church and he wants us all to feel welcome in his church. That gave me courage to reach out to people I normally wouldn't have reached. I made and delivered loaves of bread a couple times to people I just thought might appreciate it. And I was right- they did appreciate it. I found that I was not the only one feeling shunned.

I was optimistic that I had reached the bishop, probably in a way that anyone any less patient could not have reached him. Two months passed with no word, but I felt that I had had my say and it was not my responsibility to contact the bishop again. Then this week he just showed up at our doorstep one evening and wanted to chat. He let me know he had thrown my name out there and still there were no takers- no calling for me. I let him know that since my son's cub scout leader was moving that I would be taking that over until they called someone new so that there would be continuity. We visited for awhile and I think he saw further what I had been saying. Today he issued me 2 callings in the primary which I am thankful for. I think he realizes that he had to go and fix it himself because auxiliaries were not giving me opportunities that I should have. I am very thankful.

I am still annoyed at the primary president and a few other annoying people who seem to constantly be in callings of influence. I think they could really benefit by experiencing what I have experienced over the past couple years. But I am watching some changes happen and I'm sure there will be more. I am not afraid to speak my mind to anyone in the ward about things that affect me or my children. In a way by being pushed out I was liberated. I was able to see and show myself that I am not dependent on people for my testimony or my faithfulness in the gospel. I was able to overcome the feelings of betrayal I felt and deal with those people in a healthy way. I am stronger and more confident in my thoughts and abilities. I have been able to forgive them all and thus not worry about being around them or having to work with them. It is still annoying, but I can handle them.

Another thing I have learned is that I need to make sure that I have positive interactions each week so that I don't have to rely on my ward as a social outlet. I attend to worship my God, not to make friends. I need to make sure I am fair to people- not all of them are responsible for my shunning. I have to treat them all as best I can. I am not afraid and it is very nice! I do much better when I make sure to meet at least another mom friend for a field trip or to visit. Life is good. I am grateful for the experience-- hopefully I've learned my lesson and I can enjoy a better church- going experience! Things always change- and when things are looking bad- it's nice to remember that they won't stay bad and it will get better!!

Mostly I'm thankful to my Heavenly Father for being so perfect and being there for me. Prayer is real. Forgiveness is real. God is real.

Pride in my Ward

I am very sad to report that I see pride among my fellow saints. I have tried to give people the benefit of the doubt for the 7 1/2 years that I have lived in my current ward, but I'm past it now. I have different ideas on how to do things than the people in my ward-- I homeschool, I like to read, we hold regular family home evenings and read the scriptures together daily, we memorize scriptures and poems. My kids memorize their talks and they know the primary songs. I get a lot of compliments on how well my children behave and how kind they are to each other. We try hard to do the right things and to be kind, considerate and generous. But we don't fit in. I am not cool. I could care less about what I'm wearing, I care much more about what we eat- that it's real food even if it takes extra planning and time to make it. I really don't care what others think of me. It may make me sad, but it doesn't affect my decisions or what I do. I learned early on that the best course is to please the Lord because He is consistent ( and good and true, etc).

Anyway, the very same people who were in leadership positions are still in leadership positions just moved around a bit. They pick their friends to work with them and they pick the hip, cool people which I am not. My twins are almost 16 mos. now and I still don't have a calling even though I had 5 children in primary until last month when my oldest turned 12 and I am there at church with my 7 children, bathed, fed and dressed at 9 a.m. church every Sunday. It makes me sad every time a calling is announced that I could do especially the non- Sunday callings that I could do. I feel like I am really missing out on opportunities to serve the Lord and have a part in building his kingdom. I love the gospel. I love the Lord and I want to serve Him. I wish I could serve and be with my children in an official church capacity. It is not to be at least in this ward at this time.

Unfortunately I don't think it would be different in another ward. My ward may even be better than some. I think the "Mormon coolness" is everywhere in the church. I am sad. I am left out. But my testimony is strong. I will continue to go to church and have my children participate in the activities, but I will also have to find other outlets for them where they are not around so much "coolness and awesomeness". They are great kids and I hope they will be O.K. because they are not being raised to be "cool" and thus they will be left out just like me.

This scripture in Helaman 3:32-36 came to mind today:

33And in the fifty and first year of the reign of the judges there was peace also, save it were the pride which began to enter into the church—not into the church of God, but into the hearts of the people who professed to belong to the church of God—

34And they were lifted up in pride, even to the persecution of many of their brethren. Now this was a great evil, which did cause the more humble part of the people to suffer great persecutions, and to wade through much affliction.

35Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.

36And it came to pass that the fifty and second year ended in peace also, save it were the exceedingly great pride which had gotten into the hearts of the people; and it was because of their exceedingly great riches and their prosperity in the land; and it did grow upon them from day to day.

A Great Talk and New Church Websites

I was checking out the some of my churches' new websites. I really like the www.newsroom.lds.org It has a lot of basic info about the church as well as church news that is quite interesting.

I also like www.new.lds.org. The search is really great. I'm looking forward to using it. But I couldn't find the link for the online ward directory so I gave up and went to the old site to find a phone #. I'm sure I'll get used to it and find other great stuff on the new site. I really want to start having my kids watch Mormon Messages and download them to watch on my mp3 player. Then I read a great quote on the site and followed the link to the whole talk here:

https://new.lds.org/new-era/2010/09/line-upon-line-precept-upon-precept-2nephi-2830?lang=eng&signmein#

It was given by Elder Bednar in 2001, actually on 9-11, anyway-- it is a great talk on listening to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and how to tell if it is just yourself or if it is really a prompting. Elder Bednar points out that the Lord works line upon line, and often gives us many small answers that lead up over time to a big answer. He gives the example of dating his wife. He never felt like he got a specific one answer that this is the one, but rather over time as they got to know each other he could see that she was a good person and that they would get married. He said they dated for 15 months and knew each other 4 months before that before they got married. I very much enjoyed the talk and feel edified from having read it. Here is a quote I especially liked:

The process of discerning between our will and God’s will becomes less and less of a concern as time goes by and as we strive to rid ourselves of worldliness—and thereby cultivate the spirit of revelation in our lives. That is, as we mature spiritually, we begin to develop sound judgment, a refined and educated conscience, and a heart and mind filled with wisdom. It is not just that we have grown older, nor have we simply become smarter and had more experiences on which to draw, as important as those experiences are. Rather, the Holy Ghost has over time been expanding our intellect, forming our feelings, sharpening and elevating our perspective, such that we increasingly think and feel and act as the Lord would under similar circumstances. In short, we have made steady progress in obtaining “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).

Thanks for reading!

Great April 2010 LDS General Conference Quote

This one came from Julie Beck, President of the Relief Society, actually quoting Eliza R. Snow, 2nd Pres. of the Relief Society :

… Women should be women and not babies that need petting and correction all the time. I know we like to be appreciated but if we do not get all the appreciation which we think is our due, what matters? We know the Lord has laid high responsibility upon us, and there is not a wish or desire that the Lord has implanted in our hearts in righteousness but will be realized, and the greatest good we can do to ourselves and each other is to refine and cultivate ourselves in everything that is good and ennobling to qualify us for those responsibilities.

I have to admit that I was feeling a little sorry for myself and all the work I have to do to get things to even run semi smoothly and how little appreciation I ever get. This quote changed my whole outlook and I am much happier. What does it matter if I am ever acknowledged for what I do. Lots of people do things and they are never acknowledged. Things have to be done. I just needed to buck up and get to work and stop feeling sorry for myself!! What matters? I feel so much more control too. The harder it is, the harder I have to work, but I can over come-- by the way my twins are getting older and my life is getting a little easier and I do enjoy it!!

Thank you Sister Beck-- you are such an inspiration. I love your talks and your messages!!

Read the whole talk here

What's up with the Oil Spill?

Each day the news seems to be worse than the day before. Rense.com seems to have the best compendium of local news stories and info of what is actually going on down there as far as we can tell. I know they're not telling us the full story. Check out this article and this video



I think we are definitely in the last days. Revelation 8: 8-9

8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;
9 And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.


I don't know if that's what this is, I would think the previous verse would have had to happen first or maybe we're not to those angels yet, we are still in the warning phase-- it's looking like we may be headed for a famine or worse-- read that article I linked to especially if you are or have loved ones in Florida. This is not a good time to be wicked. Let's be as good and righteous as we can so that if we die, we'll be ready!! I'm not really looking forward to going through a refiner's fire, but things sure look bad. I will trust in the Lord.

Check out Helaman 10-12 and Nephi's lamentation over the wickedness of the people and the famine. Maybe the Lord is trying to stir us up unto remembrance and repentance. He wants us all home and sometimes we get so hard-hearted that a famine is a last resort before the destruction. Chapter 12 occured 11-7 years before the destruction in the Americas right before Christ came.

The Amazing Joseph Smith Story

Not too long ago I had a Christian friend tell me that she could accept many of the doctrines of my church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but not the story of Joseph Smith. I have run across blogs where other people kind of say the same thing-- they like the teachings of the church, but they just cannot accept Joseph Smith. And then there are those who leave the church because they feel that Joseph Smith must have been a fallen prophet because of polygamy mainly.

In case any of you don't know the story, you can read it here in Joseph's own words. Basically as a 14 yr. old boy, Joseph Smith wanted to know which church was true, so after reading in James 1:5 of the Bible, he decided to ask God for himself to know which church to join. He prayed in a secluded area, a grove of trees, and God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ actually appeared to Him and gave him instructions that he was not to join any of them. A few years later, a Heavenly messenger appeared to him and a few years after that, Joseph began translating a book similar to the Bible in that it was an ancient record of a people and God's dealings with them, The Book of Mormon. Soon after that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized with Joseph Smith as Prophet and President of the church in these latter days.

That is a super summarized version of how Christ's true church was organized after being taken from the earth when the early apostles died. It is also just the beginning of the many marvelous works and teachings that Joseph Smith performed up until his early death as a martyr in Carthage Jail. I am amazed by all the things he was able to accomplish. I know it is because he was called of God and given the power and ability to do what he did. So to answer the concern that his story of actually seeing the Father and Son when he prayed in the Sacred Grove is too surreal or amazing or that that kind of hting doesn't happen anymore:

I say -- why not? Has God ceased to be a God of miracles? The Bible is full of miraculous stories and events and of prophets communing with God. Why should it be any different today? And on top of that, the Lord has actually given us proof that we can read for ourselves-- The Book of Mormon. If you read the Book of Mormon with real intent and ask the Lord if it is true, then He will give you an answer, and if that answer is yes-- which it will be if you are sincere-- then Joseph Smith must be a modern day prophet because he's the one who translated it and he must also be telling the truth about how he got it and that he saw the father and the Son in Sacred Grove. There is nothing out of place about it. The Lord works in mysterious ways.

Then there are those who read a bunch of anti-Mormon literature and lose their testimonies. I wonder if they spent as much time studying the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, The Pearl of Great Price, the History of the Church and conference talks as they do reading anti- stuff, if they wouldn't be so swayed. I have a learned a few things about Joseph Smith that don't put him in a very good light especially with regards to polygamy and the secrecy that surrounded it. But I wasn't there, and I know I don't know the mind of God or the overall purpose of the whole thing, and maybe Joseph Smith was wrong about some things-- but this I do know-- that he did a lot of good and he was definitely right about a lot of very important things. He restored Christ's true church to the earth. He translated the Book of Mormon so we would have something tangible that we could search and know the truth for ourselves. He restored the keys or authority of priesthood so that baptisms and sealings and blessings could be done by the power and authority of God. He received countless revelations recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants. He translated the Pearl of Great Price. He built the first temples in the Latter days. There is more, but those are the big ones. He sacrificed so much in order to do what God commanded him. I am very grateful to him for his sacrifice.

I am very grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know there are many good people out there of other faiths. I respect that, but I hope that they will be open-minded enough to really look into my church and learn for themselves that God wants to give us even more than just the knowledge that He is there. He loves us so much. He wants us to be happy and to return home to Him with our families. There is an added benefit to having the priesthood in your home, to being sealed to your spouse, parents and children, to having the words of modern day prophets and apostles to guide us in the last days before the 2nd coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

This is my testimony. I know that Jesus Christ lives and loves us. I know that Joseph was a true prophet and that he restored Christ's true church to the earth. I know the Book of Mormon is true and was written for our day-- it helps me still on the 20th time reading it. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet and the one chosen to direct the work of the Lord and His true church today. I hope writing this will help somebody someday. You don't have to believe me-- read the Book of Mormon and find out for yourself!! God is still a God of miracles and He is as involved today with man and prophets and apostles as He was in Bible days.

Find out more at mormon.org.

Preparations for the Earthquake in Chile

I found this article to be very inspirational. It is about the preparations that were made a couple weeks before the earthquake hit after the mission president and his wife received a prompting that they should be ready for one. It is a great reminder to me to live in such a way that I will listen and heed the promptings of the Holy Ghost in my own life. How exciting for the mission in Chile as more people are open to listening to the gospel. Very interesting to read what it was like to experience the earthquake. Enjoy:

http://www.ldsmag.com/churchupdate/100303chile.html#_begart

A Great Speech from BYU

This is kind of long, but well worth the read. He describes the kind of home and order and refinement my family and I are working towards. It makes me want to be better and continue to work harder. It is very edifying. I may have to post some of his remarks on my fridge to remember. Thanks, Dana for the link, I haven't read my Ensign yet.

Here is the link to the whole article.

Douglas L. Callister, “Our Refined Heavenly Home,” Ensign, Jun 2009, 54–58

From a devotional address given at Brigham Young University on September 19, 2006. For the full text in English, visit http://speeches.byu.edu.

Here are some quotes I especially liked:

"Refinement in speech is reflected not only in our choice of words but also in the things we talk about. There are those who always speak of themselves; they are either insecure or proud. There are those who always speak of others; they are usually boring. There are those who speak of stirring ideas, compelling books, and inspiring doctrine; these are the few who make their mark in this world. The subjects discussed in heaven are not trifling or mundane; they are sublime beyond our most extended imagination. We will feel at home there if we are rehearsed on this earth in conversing about the refined and noble, clothing our expressions in well-measured words."

President McKay noted: “As with companions so with books. We may choose those which will make us better, more intelligent, more appreciative of the good and the beautiful in the world, or we may choose the trashy, the vulgar, the obscene, which will make us feel as though we’ve been ‘wallowing in the mire.’”5

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “We … live in a world that is too prone to the tasteless and we need to provide an opportunity to cultivate a taste for the finest music. And likewise, we’re in a world that’s so attuned to the now. We need to permit people to be more attuned to the best music of all the ages.”6

Words of a Prophet

"To you parents, express your love to your children. Pray for them that they may be able to withstand the evils of the world. Pray that they may grow in faith and testimony. Pray that they may pursue lives of goodness and of service to others."

This is from President Monson's final talk at General Conference this April 2009 Sunday afternoon session.

I really like that, because it shows what is the most important goal and desire we should have for our children. First they need to feel and know of our love as parents toward them and that they are special and important and loved. Then we need to pray for them, that they will withstand temptation and evil and learn of God, and be good people willing to help those around them. I love the simplicity of the gospel.

Here is Alma 37:6 :

6 Now ye may suppose that this is ^afoolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by ^bsmall and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

I am learning that this is so true. It is the simple decisions we make everyday that make the difference in our lives over the long run. I'm learning it with cleaning my house. When I follow Flylady's regimen, even though it may not seem like much to clean the bathroom everyday, it makes a huge difference, and the other little, small simple things do too. Same with raising kids. Teaching them, loving them, reading to them, cooking for them, helping them, may seem simple and unimportant because it is so constant, but those are the little things that turn into big things.

I'm so grateful to have a prophet of God remind us in simple terms of what is most important.

A fabulous video link

This is only 1:50 seconds with audio from Pres. Uchtdorf's talk in the General Relief Society meeting on Creating. I loved it and wanted to share. It is on the Relief Society page: www.reliefsociety.lds.org