Zion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVHhcHOj7NI

As sisters in Zion, We'll all work together,

The blessings of God on our labors we'll seek.

We'll build up his kingdom with earnest endeavor,

We'll comfort the weary and strengthen the weak.

We are daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves us and we love him. Yes, we love him.

As sisters in Zion, We'll all work together,

The blessing of God on our labors we'll seek.

As sisters in zion, As daughters of God.

We have been born as Nephi of old to goodly parents who love the Lord.

We have been taught and we understand that we must do as the Lord commands.

We are as the army of Helaman. 

We have been taught in our youth.

We will be the lords missionaries to bring the world his truth. 

As sisters in Zion,

A marked generation,

As children of God.

-EFY Medley "As sisters in Zion/ We'll bring the world his truth"

This song gives me the chills every time I listen or sing it and brings me to tears.  The spirit is so strong every time.  It is a great blessing to know that we are all sisters and that we are to work together to lighten the load of each other.

We are sons and daughters of a loving Father in Heaven. We are here to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and help others who do not know come to know and love him. We are to help others to come to know of the truthfulness of this gospel and to help them to come to Christ.

We are children of God and no matter our race, our size, shape, beauty, beliefs we are as the army of Helamen and we are to share this light and knowledge with everyone and love everyone!! We are Childern of God...We are sons and daughters of a loving Father who wants us to learn and grow in this life so we can return to him! What an incredible mission we have here to share on this earth! I know these things are true with all of my heart and I hope you can feel the love Heavenly Father has for you through this wonderful song! This Gospel is true there is no doubt in my mind!  Our Savior lives!! 

Youth

 The "For The Strength Of Youth" is not only a set of principles for the youth, but it is a set of principles that we should all live by throughout our whole life.  This is something that has been very important to me ever since I first entered the young womens program. We tend to think that since it says "youth" on the cover, it means that being an adult it doesn't apply anymore.  Why is it any different now that you are an adult then it was when you learned it as a youth?

These principles are here to strengthen all of us beginning when we are a youth and should be a part of us throughout our whole lives. An example of this is Modesty.  I have always made it a point to dress appropriately in such a way that I did not draw negative attention to myself.  It has always been very important to me to dress modestly. In doing so I express respect for myself.  I show that I respect my body and who I am.  Living this principle has blessed me in numerous ways. In living these principles I have been able to make it to the temple and make sacred covenants.

 I want to tell you that I know as we live these principles the lord has asked of us that we will be able to become more like him and someday return home to him. I know that living the principles of the gospel brings happiness to all who will follow them.  I know this church is true and I know my Savior lives!

https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/ForTheStrengthOfYouth-eng.pdf

Xhosa

Xhosa is one of the languages spoken in South Africa. It is a really neat language. Travis, my husband, went on his mission to South Africa and learned a fun tongue twister.  Here is a video of a man from South Africa speaking this tongue twister.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvlN13NH0tc

Travis really loved his mission to this land. It holds a very special place in his heart. He loves the people and he learned so much from these wonderful people! Even though he was white, to Travis he will always be a black man!

Walk Tall

Right Now I have a prayer deep within my heart.
a prayer for each of you there is a special part,
that you remember who you are and he would lives above.
Please seek for him and live his way you'll feel his love.

Walk Tall you're a daughter a child of God.
Be strong please remember who you are.
Try to understand, your part of his great plan.
He's closer then you know, reach up he'll take your hand.

Long Before the time you can remember,
Our father held you in his arms so tender.
Those loving arms released you as he sent you down to earth.
He said my child I love you don't forget your great worth.


Walk Tall you're a daughter a child of God.
Be strong please remember who you are.
Try to understand, your part of his great plan.
He's closer then you know, reach up he'll take your hand.

This life on earth we knew would not be easy.

At times we loose our way his path we may not see.

But please remember always, please that you are not alone.

He'll take your hand he loves you he will guide you home.

Walk Tall you're a daughter a child of God.
Be strong please remember who you are.
Try to understand, your part of his great plan.
He's closer then you know, reach up he'll take your hand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHANOO2vq3E

This song holds a very special place in my heart.  Every year at girls camp, when I was in young womens, we would sing this song.  It meant a lot to me then, but now it means so much more.

In listening to this song I remind myself that I am a daughter of a Heavenly who loves me and I love him. I will stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things and in all places. I will strive to live the young women values, throughout my whole life, which are Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works, Integrity, and Virtue. I believe as I accept and act upon these values that I will strengthen home and family, I will keep the sacred convents I have made and received in the temple and I will enjoy the blessings of exaltation. As long as I am doing these things I will receive those blessings.

https://www.lds.org/young-women/personal-progress/young-women-theme?lang=eng

To this day this song means so much to me. I sing it often to myself and to my daughter, because I want us to remember who we are often.  These principles we learn when we are young do not end once we are older. They are true throughout our whole lives.  I hope this song brings meaning to you as much as it has brought so much meaning to me! Remember who you are!! 

Vision Of Who You Want To Be

As young kid you have a vision of who you want to be. You think of yourself as a doctor, a teacher, an astronaut, a vet, a painter, a singer...a singer painter :) pretty much anything possible that you could be.  We feel invincible   We feel confident that we can do anything we set our minds to. But there comes a point somewhere down the line, when we suddenly have a change of mind.  We begin to think "there is no way I can become an artist I can hardly draw a simple stick figure," and other similar thoughts.  We begin to compare ourselves with others who may be talented in other areas that we are weaker in. Instead of building ourselves up we tear ourselves down.  Instead of being our greatest hero, we become our greatest enemy.


Why should we give up a vision of something that we have always wanted to accomplish just because someone else can do it better. Who cares if it will take you twice as long to learn the material and get through school.  Who cares how old your are, how pretty you are on the outside or how much better someone else is at the talent you have.  We are all different and that difference shouldn't stop you from reaching your dreams.

After having my daughter, for me life seemed to be put on hold for a time.  I didn't feel like I could accomplish anything that I wanted to do.  My life was revolved totally around my husband and my daughter and I thought that what I wanted wasn't important, it's taking care of my family that is most important.  But I learned that this was simply not true.  Yes, I needed to take care of my family, but I also needed to take care of myself.

I have dreams and things that I want to accomplish and I found something that I am very passionate about and I felt so excited and so happy with myself when I decided to make some changes in my life. I made a vision board and on that board I have put pictures and goals of things that I want to accomplish. In doing this I am going to make these possible for myself no matter how hard or simple they may be.  For example, I want to be certified as a Stress Management Consultant. So to accomplish this I am doing some training as well as going back to school to major in Human Development and Family Studies, so I can understand and help people a lot better.

I have changed the way I think about myself and have moved forward and will continue to move forward to reach my vision. Each one of us has a vision of who we want to be. So why not look at yourself in a different light and take those opportunities to become that person, your greatest hero! :)

Unique You

So U was a tough one for me to come up with, but the other day I ran into a quote that I thought was absolutely wonderful! It was by Jeffery R. Holland.  He was speaking to the young women, but I believe that this quote applies to ALL women young and old.  He says:

"I plead with you young "women" to please be more accepting of yourselves, including your body shape and style, with a little less longing to look like someone else.  We are all different. Some are tall, and some are short. Some are round, and some are thin...in the Kingdom of God the real you is more precious than rubies." 
-Jeffery R. Holland

I was really touched by this quote when I first read it and still am.  This is something that every woman struggles with at some point in life and often times through all of her life.  I know I struggle with these same thoughts.  I took a long hard look at myself and thought about all of the good that I have to offer.  I thought about all the beauty that is inside and outside of me.  In doing so, I felt so good about myself. 

Realizing the good and the beauty that I have, was a wonderful blessing to me. I have made it a goal to tell myself each day at least 10 things I love about myself. It builds self confidence and reminds me of my self worth. I challenge you to do the same. 

I was also reminded of a blog post one blogger talked about.  She titled it "Drops of Awesome." I'm sure many of you have read it, but I suggest taking time to read it often.  It's a good reminder to not be so hard on yourself.   http://www.daringyoungmom.com/2012/12/19/drops-of-awesome/

We are unique daughters and sons of a loving father in heaven.  We are each so precious to him.  He loves us more than we could ever imagine.  I have had moments where I have felt his love.  What a blessing that is.  So let us remember what Elder Holland has said, to be more accepting of yourself and in doing so we are able to accept others and help others in a more useful manner.  




This video is also one that puts a smile on my face! I hope you enjoy. (Also, this video is not of me :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg

Thoughts

Every good thing comes from God. This includes your thoughts, words and deeds.  Last night my husband and I starting talking about this subject and how important it is to act on your good thoughts.  We each have so many thoughts that go through our heads and at times we may feel lost and unsure what path to take. We are blessed with the spirit, the holy ghost when we are baptized.  I would ask myself this question often, how do I know that the spirit is helping me choose which way to go? I have always been told that it was just a good feeling or a warm feeling or just some sort of feeling, that would tell me that this is from the spirit. I have realized that yes this is true, but the spirit does not just come from a good feeling all the time. Sometimes the spirit comes through a simple thought.  Every good thing we think is from God and is the spirit helping us make good choices.  So if you have a good thought why wouldn't you want to take every chance you get to act on that thought?  We often hesitate and postpone these good thoughts, but if they come from the lord why not do everything you can to help yourself as well as others grow and learn. What a great blessing the holy ghost is in our lives and to know that he is always by our side is so incredible!!

Sealed For Time and All Eternity

Ever since I was a little girl, I was taught that marriage in the temple is one of the greatest blessings we can receive   This blessing was one that I really wanted to receive in my life so it became my goal to make it to the temple and to be sealed for time and all eternity to my husband and family.

The opportunity came and I was sealed to my sweet husband in 2011 in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. It is one of the greatest blessings I have received.  As long as I am living up to the covenants that I make with the lord, I will be with my best friend forever. It is and incredible blessing. This sealing ordinance is for everyone.  It is for those who are willing to make and keep sacred covenants with the lord.  In doing so we are happier beyond anything we could ever imagine.  The lord has blessed each of us, no matter who we are to be able to have the opportunity to be sealed together as families.  What a blessing!

River Rafting

When I was about  fourteen, my family went to Lava Hot Springs for a family reunion.  We decided to go tubing down the river nearby.  When we got to the place we wanted to be, I noticed there were two little waterfalls.  They seemed harmless enough and I thought "I could do that without flipping over," as I watched everyone else flip and rush for their tubes.  I thought I was way more skilled and could control my tube.  So I got in the water and floated towards the rushing waterfalls.

As I got closer I started to get nervous, I was going a lot faster then I thought.  I made it past the first waterfall, but on the second I flipped over and hit my head on a rock just under the current.  I felt like I was drowning.  I struggled to reach the top to breathe and once I was able to take a breath I panicked while rushing and searching for my tube.  My brother saw my struggle and came to my rescue.  I eventually got my tube and struggled again to get on top. My legs were scrapped up from the rocks below and my head was pounding. After the struggle of getting on top of my tube, I found my heart still pounding hard and I was a little shakin' up.  I couldn't believe I had done that. I almost drowned in those rapid waterfalls.  What was I thinking?

I learned a great lesson from this experience and one I will never forget. First of all, when you want to go down a waterfall thinking you can do it without flipping over...if everyone else is flipping, chances are you will too. :) Second of all, I learned a great lesson of the importance of listening.  My cousin warned me and told me that it was a little dangerous  but I ignored the warning and went ahead anyway.
This is just like the spirit.  When we are headed into dangerous waters, the spirit always warns us, but if we ignore those warnings we may get caught in a trap.  We may get sucked under the current unable to breathe. It is important that we listen to the holy ghost and his promptings especially when headed into dangerous waters.  He will lead us and help us make right decisions.  Decisions that will make all the difference in our lives.  What a blessing it is to have the holy ghost by our side if we will do those things the lord has asked of us!

Quiet Time

In a busy world where it seems like time just flies by, we can get so caught up in our day to day routines that we almost seem to get lost.  Lost in working, lost in running errands, lost in worry or fear, etc.  We get so caught up in the worldly things that we forget the things that are most important.  We forget about those moments that matter most.  We forget to take the time to ponder. As Dieter F. Uchtdorf has said "we would do well to slow down a little."  Taking time for those things that matter most make all the difference in our lives.

I have learned that it is really important to take time each day and ponder in a quite place.  Whether it be reading your scriptures, praying or just sitting and thinking, taking time to be alone is important. In having some quite time for myself I find that I am able to organize my thoughts and feelings and I am able to know what I need to do next in my life. As well as taking time for myself, taking time to make memories and do those things that are most important in life are a far greater blessing to me than any other thing in this life.  Taking time to learn and grow and to love one another is a far greater treasure than any worldly possession.

http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?cid=HP000016&lang=eng#moments-that-matter-most

Prayer

"When life gets too hard to stand, kneel."

We all have hard times in our lives, but sometimes no matter how many hugs you recieve, no matter how many people tell you everything is going to be okay, you just need someone to talk to who really understands.  Our Father in heaven is always there waiting for us to take the time to kneel in prayer and talk to him.  He is waiting to here your troubles, your thoughts and desires. He is there waiting to give you that hug you have been in so much need of.
Within the past few months there was a day where all I wanted was a hug and someone to talk to. I wanted to know that I was loved and so I knelt down and prayed to my Heavenly Father and asked him if he would show me that he loved me.  I felt a warm feeling come over me as I prayed and I knew that my father loved me. I felt his warm arms wrap around me reminding me that I am loved and that I am his daughter.  It was a great blessing for me to be able to have that reminder.
 I know that as we pray to our Heavenly Father he will answer our prayers! He is there and is watching over us.  He knows the desires of our hearts and he is waiting for you to talk to him.  What a blessing it is to have this knowledge of knowing we have a father who loves us more than we ever thought possible!

Optimisim

There is quote I often remind myself almost daily:

"Everyday may not be good, but there is something good in everyday!"

When I am having a hard time or a hard day I remember this quote and think to myself that it is much better to look at life with a positive outlook than always tearing myself down and looking at the bad in the world and in my life.  There is much more good then there is bad!  Never is there a day where there isn't a bit of good! It's all about how we look at it.  We can live our lives feeling sorry for ourselves and live in darkness or we can be optimistic and look at the good that surrounds us! The lord has blessed us with joy in the sorrow that overcomes us.  There is always something good in any situation.  We just have to look up! :) 

Nature

Every Summer we go up to my grandpa's cabin, away from the city and into the mountains.  I am always amazed each time by the beauty up there.  There a birds chirping, chipmunks, deer, beautiful flowers and the sound of running water.  It is so peaceful and so quite.  You can't help, but feel so good and so happy.  It is so nice to be able to get away from the things of the world and to see the beauty that Heavenly Father has created.  There is so much beauty in the nature around us.  What a blessing it is!  Going up to the cabin for me is a good reminder of all of the beautiful creations and the blessings that the lord has given to me.  I am so grateful for this time of year and to be able to see the plants and gardens starting to sprout up after a long winter.

Music

Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
thought it scarcely worth his while
to waste much time on the old violin,
but held  it up with a smile;

"What am I bidden, good folks." he cried
"Who'll start the bidding for me?"
"A dollar, a dollar"; then two!"
"Only two? Two dollars, and who'll make it three?
Three dollars once; three dollars twice; going for three.."

But no, form the room, far back,
a gray-haired man came forward and picked up the bow;
then, wiping the dust from the old violin,
and tightening the  loose strings,
he played a melody pure and sweet
as caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
with a voice that was quiet and low,
said; "What am I bid for the old violin?"
And he held it up with the bow.

"A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two?
Two thousand! And who'll make it three?
Three thousand once, three thousand, twice,
and going and gone," said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,
"We do not quite understand,
 what changed it's worth?" Swift came the reply:
"The touch of the master's hand."

And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughless crowd,
much like the old violin,

"A mess of pottage," a glass of wine;
a game-and he travels on.
"he is going" once, and "going twice,
He's going and almost gone."

But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd
never can quite understand the worth of a soul
and the change that's wrought by the touch of the Master's hand.

Myra Brooks Welch


Music is such a big part of my life and this poem shares a special message about how music can touch the lives of people around us. It shares not only the power of music, but shares a little about our Savior and what he has done for us.  Music is a powerful tool that the lord has placed on this earth for us to explore, enjoy and use to express ourselves.  Music is that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible.  It is an incredible gift we have been given!

Love Of My Life

My husband is the love of my life! He is so loving and so kind. He is confident and works hard.  He always takes the time to listen to me and to spend time with me.  He has a wonderful smile and because of that smile he brightens my day! He glows with the light of Christ.  He is funny and will make anyone laugh even when they are having a bad day.  He encourages me to accomplish all that I have ever wanted to accomplish.  He inspires me to be more like Christ.  He is strong in the gospel and has an incredible amount of faith.  He is strong and courageous.  He brings me flowers, especially on days when I am not feeling good.  He tells me I'm beautiful about 50 times a day.  He is a good friend to all.  He loves to serve. He has a good heart and wants to make everyone feel that they are loved.  He makes me warm milk when I am in need of a little warmth. His laugh will make any person smile.  He loves me more then words can say. He is my strength and my joy in in my life! These are only a few things about my husband that make him so special to me and there are so many more things I could say. He is an incredible man and I am truly blessed to have him in my life!

Kindness

We are a people who like to help others, but sometimes we forget that even the people closest to us need our help.  Whether it be our neighbors or a family member, we all are in need of a friend and someone who truly cares, especially when we are struggling.  I believe it is important to take every opportunity to help those around us whether you may think they need help or not and whether you know them or not.  It takes a simple act of kindness without hesitation that can make all of the difference in the lives around us.

When I was pregnant with my little girl, I was struggling being in a new place where I had no friends. I felt incredibly alone and felt that no one really cared about me. After having my daughter I became very sick and it has been a consistent event ever since.  The whole time I just needed to know someone cared.There were times where I wished that someone, anyone would take the time to just stop by and talk to me or come by and show me they really cared.  All I wanted was a friend and though I was trying my best to be a friend to others, it was hard to make friends feeling the way that I did.  Being in a place that I didn't know too many people and they didn't really know me, really made things difficult. Even the people who tried to come in contact with me, I felt that they didn't really show much interest in getting to know me.

It was a hard trial for me, but I learned a great lesson from it all.  I have always been one to take the initiative and talk to others and make sure they feel loved, but there came a point where I wished someone would do that for me.  I just wanted someone to show me kindness the way that I try to show them, but I found that that was not going to happen. In showing kindness people tend to hesitate and wait for someone else, but waiting does nothing. That was hard for me to realize, especially when I needed a friend most through a lot of sickness and loneliness.

I challenge you all to come out of your box and find someone in your neighborhood and show a bit of kindness no matter how big or small that kindness may be and no matter how well you know the person. You have no idea how much a little kindness can make all the difference to one person!!  We all need a friend, someone who understands and will listen! I hope you can be that kind of person!

Journals

I can't tell you how much I love my journal.  I started writing in a journal when I was 12 years old and have written ever since.  It has been something that is very important to me.  It has been a strength to me when I have been weak and has helped me overcome challenges that I may not have otherwise been able to overcome. I was reading some of my entries from this past year.  I have had so many challenges and so many trials that I have faced.  It has been incredible to read the things that I have gone through and then see the blessings and the things that I have learned from each of those experiences.

 My journal is a place where I can go to vent without hurting anyone.  It's a place I can go to express my feelings, to express out loud those things I have trouble expressing in any other way. It is a place that encourages and inspires me.  My journal is a great motivator to me and I hope one day it can be a great motivator for someone generations from now.  Writing personal history, thoughts and feelings not only can help yourself  but can help and strengthen family somewhere down the road.  It is an incredible gift to be able to write a journal and to be able to learn and grow from your thoughts and feelings.  What a blessing it is!

Inch by Inch

My husband and I have a quote that we keep in mind often from President Thomas S. Monson.
"Life is hard by the yard, but by the inch it's a cinch!"
There is so much in this world that overwhelms and stresses us.  At times we tend to look at everything all at once as a whole rather then taking it one step at a time.
For my husband and I this is a struggle at times. It's hard when you have so much thrown at you all at once that it is hard to focus. But when we keep in mind each task one at a time, then we are able to accomplish more and we are a lot happier. I am so grateful for this reminder daily to take things "inch by inch."

Home, A Place For Joy

"As you create a home, don't get distracted with a lot of things that have no meaning for you or your family.  Don't dwell on your failures, but think of your successes.  Have joy in your home. Have joy in your children. Have joy in your husband. Be grateful for the journey.
-Marjorie Pay Hinckley

This woman has really been someone that I have admired. She lived a great life and was so faithful and her words still ring true today.
I believe it is so important to have time together as a family without distractions. During General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, one of the speakers mentioned putting aside the things of the world, the technology of the world and have a time each day where all distractions are put aside for time together as a family.
This is something I want in my family. It is so important to me to be able to have quality time together where we can learn and grow together as a family. In doing so we are able to, not only strengthen our relationships with one another, but we are able to have the spirit in our home and are able to enjoy the journey of life together. Our home is a place where love dwells and will always dwell.

Graditude for Our Gardener

I have thought long and hard about what I wanted to share with this subject.  I expected to share a list of things I am grateful for, but I think I have found the most appropriate way to share with you this subject of Gratitude.
I was really sick last week with a horrible flu/strep throat.  Being sick, it was easy to feel sorry for myself and feel like this would never pass.  I was in so much pain and there were times I wanted to cry all through the night, but I couldn't.  It would only make it worse if I did.  I asked my husband for a blessing and in it he said that there were things to be learned and that it was a symbol.  I thought and thought about those two things and decided I was not going to figure it out on my own.  I decided I would let the lord teach me what I needed to learn.  I don't know if this was what I was suppose to learn from this experience, but it was something that really touched my heart and strengthened my testimony!
As I laid in bed for almost a week, I felt like this would never pass.  I felt alone and unsure if I would make it through this sickness.  I even wondered at times if the lord even cared for me to get better (Illness can really test your faith).  But through all of that I realized that my pain was nothing compared to the lord's when he suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane. Nothing compared to the walk he had to take alone. Nothing compared to the pain on the cross.
I can't even imagine the pain he went through and to think that he did that for me...That is the most incredible thing of all!  He suffered for me! He died for me! He did everything he did for me!  He did that for each one of us individually!  He loved us so much that he would give everything he had for us! I don't see how we can't get down on our hands and knees and give thanks for the incredible gift he has given.  Because of him we don't have to suffer, we don't have to go it alone!  He is there by our side through it all.  Through all the struggle, through all the heart ache and pain...he is there! He is our Gardener.  He takes care of each of us and our needs.  He provides the sunlight, the water, the good soil, building us up so we can become like him. Gratitude for our Savior is one of the greatest gifts we can give to him!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWLXep0IVqM

Forget-Me-Not

As a young boy Elder Uchtdorf had a connection with the small forget-me-not flowers.  He would look at the little forget-me-not's and sometimes feel a lot like that flower...small and insignificant.  He states "I wondered if I would be forgotten by my family or by my Heavenly Father. Years later I can look back on that young boy with tenderness and compassion. And I do know now- I was never forgotten."
He reminds each of us that we are not forgotten and in doing so he tells us five things we should not forget.

 Forget not to be patient with youself.

 Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.

 Forget not to be happy now.

Forget not the "why" of the Gospel.

 Forget not that the lord loves you.

These five points have reminded me to stop and look at myself and to remember that I am not alone, that I am not perfect and it takes time to become perfect.  I have been reminded not to sacrifice more then is needed, to live life with a good attitude and light and rather then waiting to be happy sometime in the future, to be happy now. I need to remember why I am here and where I am going.  But the most important thing I have been reminded of is that I am loved!

There have been times where I have felt so alone and I have felt that no one cares.  There has even been a time when I wondered if my Heavenly Father loves me.  But I know that he does! I have felt it!  And even though I may ask him often he never stops reminding me of his love!

This talk has a special place in my heart and I hope that it can brighten up your day and remind you to Forget not who you are!
http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/general-relief-society-meeting/2011/09/forget-me-not?lang=eng

Education Daily

As a young Mom I spend a lot of time at home.  I take care of my daughter, the house, dinner, etc. Sometimes I feel like I do the exact same thing everyday and I'm not learning or progressing in life.  But through it all I try to remember that even thought it seems like I'm not doing much, I really am doing alot. Even though I'm not in school right now like some Mom's are, I try to remember that I am still gaining an education, just in a different way.

Education can come in so many forms.  It's not only going to school, but it is learning through your everyday life.  For example, with my daughter being the first child in our family, she is being tested on.  I've never been a Mom before, so everything is so new! When the next child comes around, I will have learned things not to do and things that I should do for him/her. I am the oldest in my family so I know how it feels to be the "test child."  I only hope that my daughter can see that I am doing my best for her.

Learning also comes in forms of trials.  Every one of us has trials that we face almost daily.  It could be an emotional trial, a physical trial or a mental trial.  It doesn't matter, we all have trials to face, but with each trial we are learning and we are growing.  We come to understand ourselves and others better.  I don't think there has ever been a day where I haven't learned something new.

When we think of Education we think of schooling.  I believe going to school is very important  but it is also important to remember that we are learning all day everyday whether we are in school or not.  None of us are perfect.  We are always striving to be a better.  As Gordon B. Hinkley has said "Try a little harder to be a little better."  Each day through the education we are gaining we are trying harder each day to be a little better then yesterday.  So, what will you learn today?

Daughter's in my Kingdom

"Daughter's in my Kingdom," is a book that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has provided as a teaching tool, not only for those who are not members of this church, but for everyone.  It is a teaching tool for men and women, but especially for women to understand and know who they are!
I have grown up in the church, but there are times where I loose my way and I have felt very alone and unsure of who I am, where I am going, if I am loved and etc.  This is something I have been struggling with for quite sometime.  I have felt alone and unsure of my divine purpose as a woman in these latter days.  I have blamed myself for many things and have put myself down feeling as though I am completely worthless, but this is not true!
For those of you who have struggled in some way or another similar to myself, I want to express to you that you are not alone! This book is one that will help you come to realize that you are special, that you are a Daughter of a Heavenly King, that you have a divine purpose here on this earth! Never forget that! Never forget who you are and remember always you are loved!!

Children

When you are single and dating the thought crosses your mind that you would one day like to have children.  But once married many couples hesitate to make that decision.  Yes, it is a big one, but it is the best decision you will ever make.

Children bring a whole new perspective on life.  When Travis and I had decided  to start our family we were nervous, but we knew that we needed to bring some special spirits into our home.  Yes, there was the worry of not being financially stable or not being a good parent or what if we loose the baby, etc, but

when our daughter was born, we had a feeling come over us that was unlike any other we had had before.  Our worries and fears left us and even though we had struggles at the time, we knew everything would be okay. 

 Emree is the greatest blessing we have ever had in our lives. She brightens every day with her beautiful smile and laughter.  Truly, she is a miracle!  Every little baby born to this earth is a miracle! You are a miracle! What a blessing it is to have children in the home.  There is no better joy than this! 

Beauty All Around

There is so much beauty all around us! Everyday as I walk the streets of Salt Lake admiring the wonderful things this place has to offer, I always find something new to admire.  The mountains, the streets, the flowers, the buildings, the people...there is so much beauty to enjoy.  I often remember the phrase from the hymn "Love at Home," where it says "There is beauty all around..." It is true there is so much beauty to be seen and heard all around us.  The last part of this phrase ends with "...when there's love at home."  Beauty is all around, but especially when we love one another within the home there is so much more beauty and joy then could ever be found anywhere else!  Often times we take for granted the people who are closest to us. When I listen to that phrase, I am reminded that it is so important to take every opportunity given to show those around me they are loved!  There is so much beauty all around!

A is for Attitude

I heard a story about a man who decided to wake up each morning and say to himself "I choose to be happy today." He did this every day!
This man owned a bakery and one day he went out the back door to get some things out of his truck. There was a rule to make sure to shut the door after you walk out so no one else comes in without you knowing.  But this time he forgot and some robbers broke into the store.  The man tried to stop the robbers, but one of the robbers had a gun and shot the man. When he was found, he was rushed to the hospital.
While in the emergency room, he noticed that the doctors and nurses were very glum and didn't think he was going to make it. In this moment the man decided and said to himself "I choose to live." One of the doctors came up to the man and asked him "Are you allergic to anything?" The man took a deep breath and yelled as loud as he could..."BULLET'S!" Everyone in the emergency room started to laugh. Even in a dire situation, this man brought humor to the events that were happening. Because of this simple attitude that he had chosen, this man survived and was able to continue living his life.

 Life gets tough and there are so many problems and issues that come up, that there is a tremendous amount of negativity.  There is talk in the news, at work and with people around you that make you feel afraid.  It's hard to stay positive. Is there no happiness in this world?  I say there is much more happiness in this world then bad, but we tend to focus so much on the bad that we forget the good in the world. The man in the story chose to ignore the bad things in life. Through his trials he chose to stay happy and tried to make the best of things no matter what the situation was.

Attitude is everything to making a good day or a bad day, to feeling good about yourself or bad about yourself, to being kind to a person or angry at a person.  It is a choice! The lord did not put us here to make us miserable.  He put us here to learn and grow.  We will all have trials and tribulations, but it is how we handle and look at them that will make all the difference. So today I extend this message to you.  What do choose to be today?


"Those who move forward with a happy spirit will find that things always work out!" 
-Gordon B. Hinkley