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.

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!

Great Quote

Pondering a passage of scripture can be a key to unlock revelation and the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Ghost. Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in one’s ability to overcome the challenges of life. They have potent power to heal emotional challenges when there is faith in the Savior. They can accelerate physical healing.

Richard G Scott October 2011 conference

I love the scriptures and I love this quote. I have found it to be true in my own life. I think when we have emotional challenges- heartache, fear, sadness, depression-- the scriptures can lift us and remind us that the Lord loves us and is watching over us and things will be O.K. even though we can't see how. This lifts our spirits and encourages us to reach outside of ourselves which in turn helps us put our own feelings in perspective. The scriptures have been my guiding light throughout my life- that where I turn for peace, solace and understanding. I like the idea of that they can accelerate physical healing. I believe it, because when we are happy we are less likely to get sick and more likely to get better. Reading the scriptures makes us happy and encourages us to do more things that make us happy!

Perspective in Trials

Now I don't really consider myself to be going through a great trial anymore, especially compared to what I've been through with having twins, dealing with unkind actions at church, homeschooling, running a household and various other things which don't even seem like that much compared to what I've been through in other times in life and especially not compared to real serious trials I've watched other people go through with death, divorce and the like.

Even so, life is never stagnant and I am having to practice my long earned skill of patience. We are building a house and it has been moving slowly, but at least it is now moving, and I'm so happy at church, I feel so good when I go and my daughter is so happy to go and everybody is so nice and friendly. I am uplifted each week, and we all just can't wait to move there. but like I said it's moving slowly.

So I read this scripture this week:

1 And it came to pass that we did again take our journey in the wilderness; and we did travel nearly eastward from that time forth. And we did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness; and our women did bear children in the wilderness.

2 And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of suck for their children, and were strong, yea, even like unto the men; and they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings.

3 And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness.

4 And we did sojourn for the space of many years, yea, even eight years in the wilderness.

1 Nephi 17:1-4, Book of Mormon

8 years in the wilderness!!!!! Bearing children, eating raw meat, living in a tent, traveling by foot!!!!!! I can wait a couple months for my brand new house in a beautiful spot surrounded by nice, quality people. I can handle driving down there a couple times a week. I really have nothing to complain about and everything to look forward to!!

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.

some of my favorite verses of Scripture and other thoughts

These are some of my favorite verses of all scripture found in Doctrine and Covenants 6: 33-37

33 Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward.

34 Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.

35 Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.

36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

37 Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.


I especially like verse 36. Raising children right can seem like a daunting task, but if we teach them and love them and do our part and follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost, then we have no need to fear. I am so thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I just read a Christian lady's blog post and she described Melchizedek from what she could learn of him from the Bible. I was very impressed with her understanding and her study and insight she gained from the Bible. I sent her a couple links from the Book of Mormon and from the Joseph Smith translation of the Bible which give even more information about Melchizedek. I hope she will appreciate it.

Anyway, I am just so grateful for the added light and knowledge we have in addition to the Bible. I love the Book of Mormon so much. I don't feel right when I don't read it regularly. I'm so grateful to Joseph Smith for going through what he did to restore the fullness of Christ's church to the earth. We have the Melchizedek priesthood. The worthy male members of the church hold it and my family was benefited today by receiving father's blessings for the new year from their own father who holds the Melchizedek priesthood. I'm thankful for the temple and that my sweet family is sealed together for eternity. We will be together forever not just here on earth. I'm grateful for the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price we have in addition to the Bible. I'm thankful for our living prophet, Thomas S. Monson, as he receives revelation for us and Christ's church directly today just as the Bible prophets did in their day.

What a glorious although precarious time to be here on earth. I am most thankful for our Saviour, Jesus Christ and his willingness to give his life for us that might return to Him again. I know He loves me and my family and you. We are all his children and He wants us home. I'm so thankful for the love and guidance I receive. I'm thankful to have been baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide me in my life. I have certainly been guided. I love my husband and my children. I am truly blessed.

If you have never read the Book of Mormon, please do. I will send you a copy with my testimony or you can read it online here or the missionaries would love to deliver one personally and answer your questions. Check out www.lds.org and www.mormon.org for more information. We love our religion so much we want everyone to hear the Good News and share in the joy.

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.

Mosiah 3:19

We just finished memorizing and using this scripture for copy work. It is a pretty deep scripture and longer than most of the ones we've done in the past, so I let the younger boys just trace half of it each day instead of the whole thing, that made it a little more doable for them. The older girls pretty much have it memorized, the boys don't really, but at least it is familiar to them now and maybe they will understand it as they mature. They do like the part about how we need to be like a little child. Here's a link to the whole chapter online and here it is:

19 For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

Out of the Mouth of Babes -- Alma 32:23

This is a lovely scripture from The Book of Mormon, you can read the whole chapter here, this chapter is mostly known for its beautiful explanation of faith being like a little seed, but verse 23 is the one I want to share today:

23 And now, he imparteth his word by angels unto men, yea, ^anot only men but women also. Now this is not all; little ^bchildren do have words given unto them many times, which ^cconfound the wise and the learned.

I had the privilege of experiencing words of truth from my little 4 yr. old boy. He is so sweet, I think all 4 yr. olds are. Anyway, we had just found out that I was pregnant with baby #6 (yes it was planned), but we hadn't told the kids yet. I was in the kitchen and my little boy came up to me out of the blue and said,"Mommy, there's 2 babies in your tummy." I was a little surprised, but it got me wondering and thinking about the possibility. I didn't want to get too excited, but I was anxious to get that first ultra-sound nevertheless, and sure enough -- we're having TWINS!!

We are very happy and excited about it. Our families are excited, and our ward is excited. I'm so grateful to have so many people who care about us and support us. I am also grateful for this privilege. I feel so blessed. I don't think I will even mind being cooped up for a few months while we wait for the cold season to pass after they're born. Anyway, it has also caused me to sit and think about how precious our little ones really are, and what do they remember and know and see about heavenly things that we have grown out of. Truly we must "become as a little child to enter the kingdom of heaven" (3 Nephi 11:37-38).

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.

The Answer to Life's Problems-- Sunday Verse

After all this energy I have expended on Love and Logic, it is nice to know that there is an answer to the evil. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here are some of the words of King Benjamin:

Mosiah chapter 4:

" 9 Believe in ^aGod; believe that he is, and that he ^bcreated all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all ^cwisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not ^dcomprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.

10 And again, believe that ye must ^arepent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in ^bsincerity of heart that he would ^cforgive you; and now, if you ^dbelieve all these things see that ye ^edo them.

11 And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have ^atasted of his love, and have received a ^bremission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own ^cnothingness, and his ^dgoodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of ^ehumility, ^fcalling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing ^gsteadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel.

12 And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the ^alove of God, and always ^bretain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the ^cknowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true."

He continues with how we should act:

"13 And ye will not have a ^amind to injure one another, but to live ^bpeaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due."

Here's how we should raise our children and teach them, notice he uses the word teach, not inspire, not make them figure it out and suffer consequences -- TEACH them:

"14 And ye will not suffer your ^achildren that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye ^bsuffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and ^cquarrel one with another, and serve the devil, who is the master of sin, or who is the ^devil spirit which hath been spoken of by our fathers, he being an enemy to all righteousness.

15 But ye will ^ateach them to ^bwalk in the ways of truth and ^csoberness; ye will teach them to ^dlove one another, and to serve one another."

In light of Love and Logic and other strange educational philosophies I have been dealing with, this scripture came to mind:

"29 And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them."

We have to be more careful and more discerning about things we think are good. If it is not simple and strait and narrow, then it is probably not good. If it is not meek and humble and easy, and something that everyone could do if they wanted, then it is probably not good. The gospel is simple. It is the way to happiness. We don't need to know the mysteries to be happy. Enjoy your children, your husbands and wives. Be happy. Stop trying to find hidden meanings and deeper understanding. There are several scriptures that say this:

1. Matt. 7: 13-14
   13 ¶ Enter ye in at the ^astrait ^bgate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to ^cdestruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
   14 Because ^astrait is the ^bgate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto ^clife, and few there be that find it.
2. 3 Ne. 14: 13-14
   13 Enter ye in at the ^astrait gate; for wide is the gate, and ^bbroad is the way, which leadeth to destruction, and many there be who go in thereat;
   14 Because strait is the ^agate, and ^bnarrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and ^cfew there be that find it.

I wish there were more than a few who could find it, because it really is simple and easy and good and happy. Why do we make things so difficult for ourselves?

Sunday Verse Doctine and Covenants 29

This whole section is awesome. The first part is about the Last Days and tribulations before the 2nd Coming. I had to read a couple of times and I may read it a couple more times. It is so full of information. I really got a lot out of it, but I know there is so much more.

Then the second half has some good explanation of different things:

"34 Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a ^alaw which was ^btemporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created. "

So the "temporal" commandments like get out of debt, get your food storage, follow the Word of Wisdom, pay your tithing, etc. are actually spiritual. I can see that. Disciplining ourselves temporally certainly gives us spiritual strength.


"39 And it must needs be that the ^adevil should ^btempt the children of men, or they could not be ^cagents unto themselves; for if they never should have ^dbitter they could not know the sweet— "

I appreciate this scripture having been annoying to some of my family members over time and not being anywhere near perfect, I am sorry for my sins. It does feel bitter when I realize how ridiculous I've been and wish that I was better. It gives me comfort to know that is part of the plan, so that I can feel the sweetness of repentance and improvement and increased understanding.

"48 For it is given unto them even as I will, according to mine own ^apleasure, that great things may be required at the hand of their ^bfathers."

The Lord gives us so much responsibility as parents to teach our children. This is one of my new "banners", because I'm seeing so much error in this great responsibility. I think the most important thing is that we love our children and they know it, and that they know how great we think they are and how great they really are. Then all the other learning and growing and working will fall into place as they grow. Unloved children do all sorts of strange things to gain their parents approval or disapproval. Nothing is more important than our own children. "Great things are required" of us, their parents.

Sunday Verse - one of my favorites!

One of my favorites sections of scripture, it never ceases to touch me and inspire me to do a little better: Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:33-37

33 ^aFear not to do ^bgood, my sons, for whatsoever ye ^csow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow ^dgood ye shall also reap good for your ^ereward.

34 Therefore, fear not, little ^aflock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are ^bbuilt upon my rock, they cannot prevail.

35 Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and ^asin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.

36 ^aLook unto me in every ^bthought; ^cdoubt not, fear not.

37 ^aBehold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the ^bnails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall ^cinherit the ^dkingdom of heaven. Amen.

Sunday Verse I should have followed!!!

1. Mosiah 4: 27 (Book of Mormon)
   
   27 And see that all these things are done in wisdom and ^aorder; for it is not requisite that a man should run ^bfaster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.
2. D&C 10: 4 ( Doctrine and Covenants)
   
   4 Do not run ^afaster or labor more than you have ^bstrength and means provided to enable you to translate; but be ^cdiligent unto the end.

What good advice!! Does the Lord know us or what?!! I have been staying up way too late and taking my children on too many field trips and now I'm sick!! And now I have to slow down and take it easy!! It is more annoying than anything else, but we do have to take care of our selves and not worry so much about all the things we have to do. We just have to be diligent, not perfect, diligent. Then each day we'll get a little better. We also have to say "no" to fun events and realize our limitations. Wish me well!! I hope I feel back to normal in the morning. Hopefully I won't have to keep learning this lesson the hard way!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas to you!!!

What a great thing to have a day set aside to remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Of all the many things I read and have read and have learned from, the scriptures and especially the words of Christ from his own mouth are the most uplifting and enlightening. I am always amazed when I get to 3 Nephi in the Book of Mormon and read the words of the Savior which he spoke to those people. Some of it is almost word for word what he told the people in Israel in the Sermon on the Mount as recorded in the book of Matthew. Every sentence is a jewel, each line is so full of wisdom. Here are a couple of them:

" And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn thou not away." 3 Nephi 12:41-42

"But behold I say unto you. love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you;"
3 Nephi 12:44

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." 3 Nephi 13:21

"No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon."
3 Nephi 13:24

"Judge not that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." 3 Nephi 13:1-2

"Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened." 3 Nephi 14:7-8

"Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them." 3 Nephi 14:20

I could go on and on. Look at how succint and brilliant and to the point these sayings are. How true they are, how many ways we can apply them to our own lives. Wow!! If I could only have one book it would be this one!!

Merry Christmas!!