Week 7: Record Your Testimony of the Book of Mormon
We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. --Article of Faith #8
When I joined the church at the age of 13 I can honestly say that I didn't have a testimony of the book of Mormon other than it was scripture. I wasn't looking for further instruction from the Lord at that time. I was looking for guidance and a strong moral compass to follow. I did as I was told, I read the scriptures assigned to me by the missionaries and my youth leaders. I continued on in my youth to go to seminary and study my scriptures. I never felt like I had any doubt whether or not it was true, it just made sense to me. I had no reason to deny it. I can remember the day that it all hit me like a ton of bricks and I literally was so overwhelmed by the Spirit that I bawled like a big baby. I had gone to Salt Lake City with a friend and his family. They took me to see The Testaments-Of One Fold Of One Shepherd. Finally it all connected for me. The light came on and I realized how deep of a love I had for the Book of Mormon and the Bible. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church) we believe that the Book of Mormon is ANOTHER testament of Jesus Christ. It never has, nor will it ever replace the Bible. I am grateful that we have another record of the people who were on the Earth. Jesus Christ loved them and desired that they too be known.
There have come many opportunities for me to deny my knowledge of the Book of Mormon. I have been offered jobs and schools for my children, but part of their requirements was that I sign a statement of faith saying that I believe that the Bible is the ONLY written word of God. I know that this is not true, and I know that I cannot deny something that holds such a place in my heart. I have loved sharing my knowledge of the Book of Mormon and what I understand. Every morning (almost) the boys and I sit at the table and study a chapter in the book of Mormon. The boys are really developing a love for the scriptures and are able to apply their teachings in their lives. Every time I read the scriptures I learn something new. Many times the answers I need are right in front of me and I gain new insight when I study. I am grateful for the power of the scriptures and I believe that if more people took a few minutes each day to read some form of scripture of positive affirmation, then things would be better in the world, and we would be more unified as children of God. I invite everyone to read the Book of Mormon. Just because you read it, doesn't mean you have to convert or even believe However, I do know that it will only do positive things in your life and I know it has taught me about who I am and my individual worth. If you want to know more, please ask. You can always go check things out at Mormon.org or LDS.org. I am an open book and I don't have all the answers but I will tell you what I can and if I don't have the answer I will find it for you.
The video I spoke of can be seen on youtube here, or if you want a copy I will get one for you.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
This is ME Monday (Crap, it's Tuesday again...)-Week 6
Week 6: When did you really have to forgive someone? What was the process? What did you learn from it?
Okay, so to protect myself and others I will not use names. Forgiveness is HARD! I have struggled with it and wrestled with it and I am still really bad at it. I have had many things that I have had to deal with and to forgive and I find that if it just involves me, its not so hard, but if it involves people I love....well, that's a whole different story. I can think of one instance that I really had to work at forgiving and to be forgiven. It too a long time, over a year to finally get to where I am now. Even now, the adversary tries to creep in from time to time and stir up contention in my heart and I have to put it in check very quick.
I had been friends with someone for a while. We liked to get together from time to time and it seemed to be a nice relationship. Suddenly we were not friends anymore. This was hard on me, as I wasn't sure why this had happened, but I was really sorry it had. Then I found out that this friend had started talking about me to other people that I didn't even know and the rumors started flying around. This broke my heart. I lost sleep over it and cried regularly I couldn't figure out what I did wrong. I agonized over this and even asked the person, to which I received no reply. I started then feeling ANGRY! I was mad that this person wouldn't even respect me enough to hear my apologies, let alone let me know what I had done. I started justifying my anger with "How can I fix something, if I don't even know how I broke it". This led me down some dark paths with some dark feelings. Finally one day I decided that I had to let it go! I had to, because it was tearing me down and keeping me from my personal path of growth and learning.
It started with me saying that I had to let it go. I had to forgive her. I had to forgive her for the rumors, the ignoring and the frustration. I also had to be forgivable I couldn't be forgivable if I couldn't forgive. That became my goal. I worked hard to pray for her, myself, and our past relationship. I worked towards positive thinking and positive association with her, and if ever I thought something unkind, I would cast it out as soon as I could. This sounds easy as I type it out now, but it really wasn't. The hardest part was coming to the terms of not knowing if I will ever be forgiven for whatever I had done to cause my friend such pain and heartache. The scripture that rang through my head constantly was Doctrine and Covenants 64:9-11
9. Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
10. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.
11. And ye ought to say in your hearts-let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds.
Finally I decided that as long as I did the best I could and I did all I could, the Lord would take care of the rest. I will admit that at times it is still hard to think about what happened and what could have been. However I now look back on our friendship as what a wonderful thing it was and not how it ended. I continue to only wish wonderful things for her and her family. I also try to remember to keep her in my prayers as I only want good things for my friends, past, present and future.
There is a song on the radio right now that really is one of my favorites and it really encompasses forgiveness and how hard it is, and how important it is, and how it is essential for our salvation. THe song is FORGIVENESS by Matthew West. I get teary just reading the lyrics.
You can watch the video here. WATCH IT! It is worth the 4 and a half minutes
Here are the lyrics:
It's the hardest thing to give away
And the last thing on your mind today
It always goes to those that don't deserve
It's the opposite of how you feel
When the pain they caused is just to real
It takes everything you have just to say the word...
Forgiveness
Forgiveness
It flies in the face of all your pride
It moves away the mad inside
It's always anger's own worst enemy
Even when the jury and the judge
Say you gotta right to hold a grudge
It's the whisper in your ear saying 'Set It Free'
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness
It'll clear the bitterness away
It can even set a prisoner free
There is no end to what it's power can do
So, let it go and be amazed
By what you see through eyes of grace
The prisoner that it really frees is you
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness
I want to finally set it free
So show me how to see what Your mercy sees
Help me now to give what You gave to me
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Okay, so to protect myself and others I will not use names. Forgiveness is HARD! I have struggled with it and wrestled with it and I am still really bad at it. I have had many things that I have had to deal with and to forgive and I find that if it just involves me, its not so hard, but if it involves people I love....well, that's a whole different story. I can think of one instance that I really had to work at forgiving and to be forgiven. It too a long time, over a year to finally get to where I am now. Even now, the adversary tries to creep in from time to time and stir up contention in my heart and I have to put it in check very quick.
I had been friends with someone for a while. We liked to get together from time to time and it seemed to be a nice relationship. Suddenly we were not friends anymore. This was hard on me, as I wasn't sure why this had happened, but I was really sorry it had. Then I found out that this friend had started talking about me to other people that I didn't even know and the rumors started flying around. This broke my heart. I lost sleep over it and cried regularly I couldn't figure out what I did wrong. I agonized over this and even asked the person, to which I received no reply. I started then feeling ANGRY! I was mad that this person wouldn't even respect me enough to hear my apologies, let alone let me know what I had done. I started justifying my anger with "How can I fix something, if I don't even know how I broke it". This led me down some dark paths with some dark feelings. Finally one day I decided that I had to let it go! I had to, because it was tearing me down and keeping me from my personal path of growth and learning.
It started with me saying that I had to let it go. I had to forgive her. I had to forgive her for the rumors, the ignoring and the frustration. I also had to be forgivable I couldn't be forgivable if I couldn't forgive. That became my goal. I worked hard to pray for her, myself, and our past relationship. I worked towards positive thinking and positive association with her, and if ever I thought something unkind, I would cast it out as soon as I could. This sounds easy as I type it out now, but it really wasn't. The hardest part was coming to the terms of not knowing if I will ever be forgiven for whatever I had done to cause my friend such pain and heartache. The scripture that rang through my head constantly was Doctrine and Covenants 64:9-11
9. Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
10. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.
11. And ye ought to say in your hearts-let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds.
Finally I decided that as long as I did the best I could and I did all I could, the Lord would take care of the rest. I will admit that at times it is still hard to think about what happened and what could have been. However I now look back on our friendship as what a wonderful thing it was and not how it ended. I continue to only wish wonderful things for her and her family. I also try to remember to keep her in my prayers as I only want good things for my friends, past, present and future.
There is a song on the radio right now that really is one of my favorites and it really encompasses forgiveness and how hard it is, and how important it is, and how it is essential for our salvation. THe song is FORGIVENESS by Matthew West. I get teary just reading the lyrics.
You can watch the video here. WATCH IT! It is worth the 4 and a half minutes
Here are the lyrics:
It's the hardest thing to give away
And the last thing on your mind today
It always goes to those that don't deserve
It's the opposite of how you feel
When the pain they caused is just to real
It takes everything you have just to say the word...
Forgiveness
Forgiveness
It flies in the face of all your pride
It moves away the mad inside
It's always anger's own worst enemy
Even when the jury and the judge
Say you gotta right to hold a grudge
It's the whisper in your ear saying 'Set It Free'
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness
It'll clear the bitterness away
It can even set a prisoner free
There is no end to what it's power can do
So, let it go and be amazed
By what you see through eyes of grace
The prisoner that it really frees is you
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness
I want to finally set it free
So show me how to see what Your mercy sees
Help me now to give what You gave to me
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Monday, February 11, 2013
Decisions, Decisions
Whoa! Two posts in one day! Can you tell it is nap time at my house?
Okay, so I have been thinking about an issue that is very dear to my heart, as I struggle with it every single stinkin' day! Mommy Guilt! Okay, so some days it is worse than others, but on the days it is bad....it's really bad. I think part of what makes it rough is that overflow of information that is at my fingertips. I can hop online and get thousands of answers and opinions about ANY given topic. I no longer have to get together with the other Mommy's in my circle of friends to bounce ideas around, I can go to the entire world!
So, I have a habit of looking for approval in decisions I make. Stupid decisions and important ones. From what to cook for dinner to what to teach my child about the birds and the bees. I either go to my husband, grandma, mom, friends, facebook, groups, doctors, just about anyone (yup, even the cashier at the grocery store). Why do I do this? Why do I care what these people think about what I do with my children? I think the biggest reason is I am totally afraid I am screwing it up. We hear about terrorists, psychopaths, introverts, extroverts, obese, anorexic, sociopaths...the whole gambit Do you ever wonder what their childhood was like? I do. I think, was there a point in their lives where mom might have noticed the kid was a little bit different? Did family cram religion down their throat? Were they abused? Were they taught at home? all of these crazy questions and more.
The other day I asked my grandma about my oldest son Alex. Lately he is eating like crazy! This kid can EAT! Now, I am obese and I am working on getting control over myself and improving my habits (Down 20 pounds!). Well, I started worrying about his portion sizes. I know he is a growing boy and I shouldn't deny him, but at the same time I try to make sure I instill healthy habits in him so that when he is older he isn't fighting the same battle I am now. Well, after a whole lot of reading and consulting with my grandma. We talked about not denying him good foods and limiting unhealthy stuff. I already do that, so why was I worrying? So, all I can do in encourage good nutrition and keep him active. If I see him starting to pack on the pounds, we will discuss it with his doctor, but until then, I will let him gauge how much food he needs. Finally I quit guessing myself and took ownership of my decision.
My grandma is my sounding board. I run everything past her, not so much for approval, but for me to say it out loud and hear myself say it. Well, she has a strange habit of playing what I like to call "devil's advocate". She will probably deny this when I talk to her tonight but it is true. I will say something and she will tell me a whole other side I didn't think of. I used to second guess myself and kinda get a little panicky that I was rushing into such decisions Then I would change my mind and do what she said because I was sure that she knew the right thing because she is older and wiser. Well, then I would tell her I changed my mind, and then she would say that she agreed with my first decision HEADACHE! Finally I learned that whether she knows it or not, she taught me to own my decisions. She is not my child's parent, and even though she is older and wiser, she isn't here being the mommy. Now, when I tell her something, I wait for the rebuttle and then smile with confidence that I can handle my choice. Sometimes she does bring up things that didn't cross my mind, but I no longer let it consume me. These are MY kids, nobody else's and I know them better than anyone else.
The topic of "indoctrinating our children" has become a hot topic lately. I started to think about that. I really don't want someone else teaching my child what is right and what is wrong. I want to teach them that. I don't want to make them think that my choices and the way I live are the only way, but I also want them to know that I think the way I live is the right way to live for me. I will no longer hide my political beliefs from my children (I may sugar coat them a bit) and I will let them know when I think something is wrong in the world we live in. From now on, I will own EVERY single decision I make. I will take responsibility for it and I will wear it like a badge of courage.
I receive Parenting magazine in the mail. I have thought about canceling my subscription because lately it feels like mostly a big commercial, and a pretty liberal one at that. Then I cam across an article that really struck home. I think EVERY SINGLE PARENT SHOULD READ IT! It made me smile and left me feeling empowered. The Title of the article is 'Judgment Day" by Erin Zammett Ruddy. You can find it in the February 2013 issue of Parenting Magazine. It is worth your 15 minutes to read it. I can't find it online, so anyone local, I will lend it to you, and anyone else, try and find it.
Like I said many times already, and I will say it one more time. Take ownership of yourself and your decisions. It will drastically change your outlook on parenting and life as a whole. It might even help take away some of that Mommy-Guilt.
Okay, so I have been thinking about an issue that is very dear to my heart, as I struggle with it every single stinkin' day! Mommy Guilt! Okay, so some days it is worse than others, but on the days it is bad....it's really bad. I think part of what makes it rough is that overflow of information that is at my fingertips. I can hop online and get thousands of answers and opinions about ANY given topic. I no longer have to get together with the other Mommy's in my circle of friends to bounce ideas around, I can go to the entire world!
So, I have a habit of looking for approval in decisions I make. Stupid decisions and important ones. From what to cook for dinner to what to teach my child about the birds and the bees. I either go to my husband, grandma, mom, friends, facebook, groups, doctors, just about anyone (yup, even the cashier at the grocery store). Why do I do this? Why do I care what these people think about what I do with my children? I think the biggest reason is I am totally afraid I am screwing it up. We hear about terrorists, psychopaths, introverts, extroverts, obese, anorexic, sociopaths...the whole gambit Do you ever wonder what their childhood was like? I do. I think, was there a point in their lives where mom might have noticed the kid was a little bit different? Did family cram religion down their throat? Were they abused? Were they taught at home? all of these crazy questions and more.
The other day I asked my grandma about my oldest son Alex. Lately he is eating like crazy! This kid can EAT! Now, I am obese and I am working on getting control over myself and improving my habits (Down 20 pounds!). Well, I started worrying about his portion sizes. I know he is a growing boy and I shouldn't deny him, but at the same time I try to make sure I instill healthy habits in him so that when he is older he isn't fighting the same battle I am now. Well, after a whole lot of reading and consulting with my grandma. We talked about not denying him good foods and limiting unhealthy stuff. I already do that, so why was I worrying? So, all I can do in encourage good nutrition and keep him active. If I see him starting to pack on the pounds, we will discuss it with his doctor, but until then, I will let him gauge how much food he needs. Finally I quit guessing myself and took ownership of my decision.
My grandma is my sounding board. I run everything past her, not so much for approval, but for me to say it out loud and hear myself say it. Well, she has a strange habit of playing what I like to call "devil's advocate". She will probably deny this when I talk to her tonight but it is true. I will say something and she will tell me a whole other side I didn't think of. I used to second guess myself and kinda get a little panicky that I was rushing into such decisions Then I would change my mind and do what she said because I was sure that she knew the right thing because she is older and wiser. Well, then I would tell her I changed my mind, and then she would say that she agreed with my first decision HEADACHE! Finally I learned that whether she knows it or not, she taught me to own my decisions. She is not my child's parent, and even though she is older and wiser, she isn't here being the mommy. Now, when I tell her something, I wait for the rebuttle and then smile with confidence that I can handle my choice. Sometimes she does bring up things that didn't cross my mind, but I no longer let it consume me. These are MY kids, nobody else's and I know them better than anyone else.
The topic of "indoctrinating our children" has become a hot topic lately. I started to think about that. I really don't want someone else teaching my child what is right and what is wrong. I want to teach them that. I don't want to make them think that my choices and the way I live are the only way, but I also want them to know that I think the way I live is the right way to live for me. I will no longer hide my political beliefs from my children (I may sugar coat them a bit) and I will let them know when I think something is wrong in the world we live in. From now on, I will own EVERY single decision I make. I will take responsibility for it and I will wear it like a badge of courage.
I receive Parenting magazine in the mail. I have thought about canceling my subscription because lately it feels like mostly a big commercial, and a pretty liberal one at that. Then I cam across an article that really struck home. I think EVERY SINGLE PARENT SHOULD READ IT! It made me smile and left me feeling empowered. The Title of the article is 'Judgment Day" by Erin Zammett Ruddy. You can find it in the February 2013 issue of Parenting Magazine. It is worth your 15 minutes to read it. I can't find it online, so anyone local, I will lend it to you, and anyone else, try and find it.
Like I said many times already, and I will say it one more time. Take ownership of yourself and your decisions. It will drastically change your outlook on parenting and life as a whole. It might even help take away some of that Mommy-Guilt.
This is ME Monday (Yes it is Monday!)-Week 5
Week 5: What are your feelings for "The Family: A Proclamation to the World"?
For those of you who might need a refresher on this sacred document you can find it here.
Well, from my first sentence you know that I find this proclamation to be sacred, and revere it as scripture. I have read this statement more times that I can even count, but every time I read it, I feel inspired and reminded of my role in our Heavenly Father's Plan and in my home as a wife and mother. I feel that if the world read and took to heart this document, many of the problems we see in our world would dissipate. Even if they wouldn't follow it to the letter of the law, but just remembered that the family is central to God's plan and central to our lives then maybe we would see a whole lot less selfishness and a whole lot more teamwork.
Often times when I struggle with myself (usually who I struggle with the most) on whether or not I am doing the right things for my children and leading them down the right paths I reflect on this part of the proclamation:
This is what I need to remember when I teach my children. I need to teach them about love, serving one another, keeping the commandments, and to be law abiding citizens. I will let you take that to whatever level you may like, but for me this is huge. As a "homeschool mom" I often want to make sure I am teaching all that needs to be taught academically, but at times I forget that the best lessons for my child will come through my teaching him the gospel and that he is a literal child of God.
If you haven't read the proclamation in a while, I encourage you to do so. It is a sacred gift from our Heavenly Father that was delivered by men who are endowed from on high. We will be forever blessed if we heed the teachings in this document, and this I know with all of my heart.
For those of you who might need a refresher on this sacred document you can find it here.
Well, from my first sentence you know that I find this proclamation to be sacred, and revere it as scripture. I have read this statement more times that I can even count, but every time I read it, I feel inspired and reminded of my role in our Heavenly Father's Plan and in my home as a wife and mother. I feel that if the world read and took to heart this document, many of the problems we see in our world would dissipate. Even if they wouldn't follow it to the letter of the law, but just remembered that the family is central to God's plan and central to our lives then maybe we would see a whole lot less selfishness and a whole lot more teamwork.
Often times when I struggle with myself (usually who I struggle with the most) on whether or not I am doing the right things for my children and leading them down the right paths I reflect on this part of the proclamation:
"Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations."
This is what I need to remember when I teach my children. I need to teach them about love, serving one another, keeping the commandments, and to be law abiding citizens. I will let you take that to whatever level you may like, but for me this is huge. As a "homeschool mom" I often want to make sure I am teaching all that needs to be taught academically, but at times I forget that the best lessons for my child will come through my teaching him the gospel and that he is a literal child of God.
If you haven't read the proclamation in a while, I encourage you to do so. It is a sacred gift from our Heavenly Father that was delivered by men who are endowed from on high. We will be forever blessed if we heed the teachings in this document, and this I know with all of my heart.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
This Is ME Monday (Crap it's Tuesday isn't it!?!)-Week 4
Week 4: How did you gain your testimony of the temple?
I often joke around temple experiences I have had because really, a lot of them are laughable. When I was going through for my own endowment the fire alarms went off while I was changing into my clothes and I had to be ushered down the stairs while being huddled around by sweet ladies who were very concerned that all I had was a robe. Thankfully the alarms stopped before we had to completely leave the building It wasn't funny at the time, but now it is pretty hilarious.
I always seem to end up in sessions in really off-the-wall languages...Mandarin, German, French, Sign Language, and Spanish. Then I get totally tangled in those headsets (I can totally sympathize with those who need them in an English speaking session).
Then of course there was the time I lost my name. Okay so let me paint this picture for you. I am in a room filled with wonderful women. Most of them were my leaders and teachers growing up. Well, we are getting settled and all and the name COMPLETELY DISAPPEARS!!!!! No joke! We had to stop the session, everyone had to check their things and it was pretty chaotic. Quiet, but chaotic. Finally they had decided that I would need to leave the session as I didn't have a name and the paper was gone. Quickly I prayed to know what to do. I prayed for the woman I was doing the work for. I asked her where she was and why she was hiding from me. I asked her if she was ready or if it wasn't her time. I told her that I knew this was the work the Lord had in store for her. Suddenly a very clear and distinct thought entered my mind. I knew her. I could remember her name, birth year, and even the details of the person who submitted the name! It was bizarre! I quickly told the matrons who were helping me and trying to figure out what to do. After they repeatedly asked if I was sure, I was positive, there was absolutely no doubt in my mind who she was. The session continued as if nothing had happened. I kinda felt like Dory from Finding Nemo when she could recite P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney. Then as I left the doors of the temple, the name was gone from my mind. No matter how hard I try I cannot remember the name.
I often think back on that experience and I smile. I know she was there. I know she was scared. I know that she heard me and I heard her. I felt so close to her that I wanted to hug her. I know that the temple is a sacred place and that the veil is very thin. I hope one day I will get to meet her face to face. I will tell her that she embarrassed the crud out of me and that she also taught me more about the temple than I could ever imagine.
Years have passed and even though they have replaced carpets and chairs and such in the temple, they still have NEVER found her name.
Another moment that my husband and I shared was in the Salt Lake City Temple. We were very excited to go because neither of us had ever been inside and we had been told it was amazing. It is indeed, amazing! While we were getting our clothes and walking through the lobby we both felt the same thing...it felt busy. Yet, when we looked around there were a few patrons walking around and no noise to speak of. Why did we feel like things were so busy and bustling around? Again, a testimony to us that the work of the Lord is at hand and the veil is very thin in the temple.
We are so blessed to have a temple close by. We try and go once a month. There we renew ourselves and our commitment to the Lord.
WARNING: THIS POST MAY BE A BIT CONFUSING FOR ANYONE WHO IS NOT A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS (MORMON). PLEASE FEEL FREE TO MESSAGE ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT MY BELIEFS, I AM HAPPY TO SHARE THIS AMAZING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING WITH YOU.
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| Houston, Texas Temple |
This really took me a bit to think about. I really think my testimony of the temple came naturally. The temple is our Heavenly Father's home on earth. This is where he can reside. This is where we visit to seek guidance and direction from him and we carry forth his works. We need a place unspotted from the world, especially when it is hard to find any peace at all in the world.
I often joke around temple experiences I have had because really, a lot of them are laughable. When I was going through for my own endowment the fire alarms went off while I was changing into my clothes and I had to be ushered down the stairs while being huddled around by sweet ladies who were very concerned that all I had was a robe. Thankfully the alarms stopped before we had to completely leave the building It wasn't funny at the time, but now it is pretty hilarious.
I always seem to end up in sessions in really off-the-wall languages...Mandarin, German, French, Sign Language, and Spanish. Then I get totally tangled in those headsets (I can totally sympathize with those who need them in an English speaking session).
Then of course there was the time I lost my name. Okay so let me paint this picture for you. I am in a room filled with wonderful women. Most of them were my leaders and teachers growing up. Well, we are getting settled and all and the name COMPLETELY DISAPPEARS!!!!! No joke! We had to stop the session, everyone had to check their things and it was pretty chaotic. Quiet, but chaotic. Finally they had decided that I would need to leave the session as I didn't have a name and the paper was gone. Quickly I prayed to know what to do. I prayed for the woman I was doing the work for. I asked her where she was and why she was hiding from me. I asked her if she was ready or if it wasn't her time. I told her that I knew this was the work the Lord had in store for her. Suddenly a very clear and distinct thought entered my mind. I knew her. I could remember her name, birth year, and even the details of the person who submitted the name! It was bizarre! I quickly told the matrons who were helping me and trying to figure out what to do. After they repeatedly asked if I was sure, I was positive, there was absolutely no doubt in my mind who she was. The session continued as if nothing had happened. I kinda felt like Dory from Finding Nemo when she could recite P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney. Then as I left the doors of the temple, the name was gone from my mind. No matter how hard I try I cannot remember the name.
I often think back on that experience and I smile. I know she was there. I know she was scared. I know that she heard me and I heard her. I felt so close to her that I wanted to hug her. I know that the temple is a sacred place and that the veil is very thin. I hope one day I will get to meet her face to face. I will tell her that she embarrassed the crud out of me and that she also taught me more about the temple than I could ever imagine.
Years have passed and even though they have replaced carpets and chairs and such in the temple, they still have NEVER found her name.
Another moment that my husband and I shared was in the Salt Lake City Temple. We were very excited to go because neither of us had ever been inside and we had been told it was amazing. It is indeed, amazing! While we were getting our clothes and walking through the lobby we both felt the same thing...it felt busy. Yet, when we looked around there were a few patrons walking around and no noise to speak of. Why did we feel like things were so busy and bustling around? Again, a testimony to us that the work of the Lord is at hand and the veil is very thin in the temple.
We are so blessed to have a temple close by. We try and go once a month. There we renew ourselves and our commitment to the Lord.
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| My Eternal Family-What the church is all about! |
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
This is ME Monday (ummm...Tuesday)-Week 3
Week 3: What is your favorite hymn and why?
This is really tough for me because I absolutely LOVE church music! I love it to death! I love Primary songs and hymns. It's kind of funny to me that that this topic came up this week because of a conversation I had with our Primary President this week.
We were sitting in the back of the room taking care of some business and I was just singing along during singing time. I just couldn't help myself Our Primary President looked at me and asked if it was strange to me to watch singing time rather than leading it. Honestly, it is a little strange. I led the music in our ward's Primary for almost 6 years! It is hands down, the best calling in the church! I absolutely loved it and I would NEVER hesitate to go back to doing it. I do like being in the presidency, but there is something about those Primary songs that really touch my heart.
I definitely don't have one favorite hymn, but I do have some definite favorites.
Here are my Top 10, in no particular order:
I Know That My Redeemer Lives-Who could not just LOVE this song!?! What a perfect arrangement and the words pierce my soul.
There is Sunshine in My Soul Today-A song filled with joy! I literally sing this some days just because I am filled with joy!
Because I Have Been Given Much-This song is very tender to me. It reminds me of what I have and waht I need to give. It also reminds me to not overlook a single one of my blessings, no matter how small they may feel.
I Need Thee Every Hour-I sit at the piano and quietly pay this sometimes. It helps me to feel peace when I am having a particularly rough or emotional time.
Count Your Blessings-I have been teaching this song to the boys and we really like it a lot. It is a great song to march to.
Have I Done Any Good?-I gave a talk in church about this not too long ago and it really helped to remind me that everything I do needs to be in His name and I need to remember that I am standing as a witness to His at all times, and in all things, and in all places. I need to make sure that each day I can say that I have done some good.
Teach Me To Walk in The Light-This song has been one of my favorites since I joined the Church I memorized it at EFY, the summer after my senior year of high school. I had just been called as a Nursery Assistant and I was really scared because I didn't know anything about Nursery or Primary (I had never even been in it as a child). The second verse really touched me and I have continued to sing it almost every day since then. I sing it to my babies every night.
Now Let Us Rejoice-I really thing the biggest reason I love this song is because I like to play it on the piano. I love the Hymns Simplified book!
Redeemer of Israel-A beautiful Hymn that is earth moving when a large choir of men sing it!
True to the Faith-Nothing like a good upbeat song to confirm your beliefs and call you to action!
I add these ones at the bottom because they remind me of something special that I never want to forget.
Onward Christian Soldiers-Grandma's favorite vacuuming hymn!
If You Could Hie to Kolob-James can play this on the piano, he learned it on his mission
Lean on My Ample Arm-I came home from church one Sunday when I was about 16 years old. I asked my grandma what "ample" means. She said, "Sufficient, or Fat" From that day on we can't help but giggle as we sing "Lean On My FAT Arm"
My Favorite Primary Songs (There's 11, I couldn't narrow it down any more):
I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus-I love to hear children sing this song
Nephi's Courage-I Will Go! I Will DO!
When I am Baptized-The imagery is perfect. Alex is learning this on the piano now.
"Give" Said the Little Stream-This song makes me smile
I Feel My Savior's Love-This song is like a warm blanket being wrapped around you.
My Hands-My absolute favorite song to get out the wiggles
I Love to See the Temple-A gentle reminder of where we need to work on going
We'll Bring the World His Truth-Gives me similar feelings as True to the Faith!
On a Golden Springtime-The most perfect spring/Easter song
This is My Beloved Son-The gentle words of our Father
Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus-Probably my favorite story from the Book of Mormon (we are actually reading it right now!). I have a fond memory of this song. A few years ago (almost 5!) we were invited to sing in our town's Hometown Christmas Celebration! We were super excited as it was a huge honor. This is one of the songs we sang and it was beautifully received. The kids worked so hard to get it right and it gave me goosebumps to hear them sing it.
Okay, so obviously I love music as this has been my longest post I think. My favorite scripture about music is:
Doctrine and Covenants 25:12-13
12. For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.
13. Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.
Music literally completes me and is definitely a part of who I am.
This is really tough for me because I absolutely LOVE church music! I love it to death! I love Primary songs and hymns. It's kind of funny to me that that this topic came up this week because of a conversation I had with our Primary President this week.
We were sitting in the back of the room taking care of some business and I was just singing along during singing time. I just couldn't help myself Our Primary President looked at me and asked if it was strange to me to watch singing time rather than leading it. Honestly, it is a little strange. I led the music in our ward's Primary for almost 6 years! It is hands down, the best calling in the church! I absolutely loved it and I would NEVER hesitate to go back to doing it. I do like being in the presidency, but there is something about those Primary songs that really touch my heart.
I definitely don't have one favorite hymn, but I do have some definite favorites.
Here are my Top 10, in no particular order:
I Know That My Redeemer Lives-Who could not just LOVE this song!?! What a perfect arrangement and the words pierce my soul.
There is Sunshine in My Soul Today-A song filled with joy! I literally sing this some days just because I am filled with joy!
Because I Have Been Given Much-This song is very tender to me. It reminds me of what I have and waht I need to give. It also reminds me to not overlook a single one of my blessings, no matter how small they may feel.
I Need Thee Every Hour-I sit at the piano and quietly pay this sometimes. It helps me to feel peace when I am having a particularly rough or emotional time.
Count Your Blessings-I have been teaching this song to the boys and we really like it a lot. It is a great song to march to.
Have I Done Any Good?-I gave a talk in church about this not too long ago and it really helped to remind me that everything I do needs to be in His name and I need to remember that I am standing as a witness to His at all times, and in all things, and in all places. I need to make sure that each day I can say that I have done some good.
Teach Me To Walk in The Light-This song has been one of my favorites since I joined the Church I memorized it at EFY, the summer after my senior year of high school. I had just been called as a Nursery Assistant and I was really scared because I didn't know anything about Nursery or Primary (I had never even been in it as a child). The second verse really touched me and I have continued to sing it almost every day since then. I sing it to my babies every night.
Now Let Us Rejoice-I really thing the biggest reason I love this song is because I like to play it on the piano. I love the Hymns Simplified book!
Redeemer of Israel-A beautiful Hymn that is earth moving when a large choir of men sing it!
True to the Faith-Nothing like a good upbeat song to confirm your beliefs and call you to action!
I add these ones at the bottom because they remind me of something special that I never want to forget.
Onward Christian Soldiers-Grandma's favorite vacuuming hymn!
If You Could Hie to Kolob-James can play this on the piano, he learned it on his mission
Lean on My Ample Arm-I came home from church one Sunday when I was about 16 years old. I asked my grandma what "ample" means. She said, "Sufficient, or Fat" From that day on we can't help but giggle as we sing "Lean On My FAT Arm"
My Favorite Primary Songs (There's 11, I couldn't narrow it down any more):
I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus-I love to hear children sing this song
Nephi's Courage-I Will Go! I Will DO!
When I am Baptized-The imagery is perfect. Alex is learning this on the piano now.
"Give" Said the Little Stream-This song makes me smile
I Feel My Savior's Love-This song is like a warm blanket being wrapped around you.
My Hands-My absolute favorite song to get out the wiggles
I Love to See the Temple-A gentle reminder of where we need to work on going
We'll Bring the World His Truth-Gives me similar feelings as True to the Faith!
On a Golden Springtime-The most perfect spring/Easter song
This is My Beloved Son-The gentle words of our Father
Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus-Probably my favorite story from the Book of Mormon (we are actually reading it right now!). I have a fond memory of this song. A few years ago (almost 5!) we were invited to sing in our town's Hometown Christmas Celebration! We were super excited as it was a huge honor. This is one of the songs we sang and it was beautifully received. The kids worked so hard to get it right and it gave me goosebumps to hear them sing it.
Okay, so obviously I love music as this has been my longest post I think. My favorite scripture about music is:
Doctrine and Covenants 25:12-13
12. For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.
13. Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.
Music literally completes me and is definitely a part of who I am.
Monday, January 21, 2013
This is ME Monday, Week 2
Week 2: What has been the biggest trial in your life so far? How did you overcome it and what did you learn?
I can only think of a few major challenges in my life. I feel very blessed to have not been bombarded with some of the struggles I see many of my friends dealing with. I can think of a few that have been real humdingers though. I can think of my miscarriages, Job change for James, Deciding to Homeschool, and Selling our Home.
Okay, so I look at these and think I am a bit of a wimp because now these don't seem as horrific as they were when I was going through them. That's a nice piece of perspective pie for ya! I discussed my trials with my miscarriages here and I won't rehash it all out. I really learned one very important thing from that long, 3 year experience...LOVE your children in every moment. This has really changed my perspective on being a mother and I am a little sad it took be this long to figure it out, but I am grateful I finally did. I love my children so much and I am really trying to enjoy these mini moments I get each day and live in them, and not just watch them. I am important to them, and they are important to me.
Now, the one with James' job change wasn't a huge trial for me personally, but it was definitely a trial of my faith. James' job had been a bit demanding and they were not willing to give him the raise he definitely deserved. He was offered a job elsewhere. we prayed long and hard over whether or not he should leave his current employment and move forward with this other company. Every prayer, temple visit and fast came back with nothing. Silence was on the other end of the Heavenly phone line. Finally I told James to just make a decision and I would trust him because I wasn't getting anything...not a no, not a yes, not an anything. We took the leap of faith and he worked both jobs for two weeks and then he moved to this other company. To put it lightly things at this place of employment STUNK! He was teased and ridiculed for his beliefs (the owner was an inactive member of our ward, that was a shocker to us!) and was treated as if he were incompetent. We couldn't understand this. Why would they seek him out and then treat him like garbage? James is an amazing man and he was determined to stick it out. A few weeks later his other job called and begged him to come back! He didn't have to go through a re-hire or anything, basically just pick up where he left off! We took it, along with the significant raise they gave him to get him back. I can only look back on this experience and think of the different things we learned. We learned to take a leap, we learned that we are strong, that good things come to those who wait and we learned that the Lord puts us where He needs us. Shortly after James left the other company the owner got in touch with his Home Teachers and started accepting their visits. Sadly, the gentleman died not too long after. We pray that James' example helped to soften his heart.
Deciding to homeschool our oldest son was one of the hardest decisions ever, but at the same time, it wasn't a tough decision at all. Kindergarten is supposed to be a wonderful year. It is your first experience with real school! The start to Alex's year was amazing. He had a long term substitute that will one day become the patron saint of kindergarten teachers! She was amazing! She guided Alex through his first semester of kindergarten with love and encouragement. The second semester his regular teacher returned from maternity leave and something changed. Don't get me wrong, she is a very sweet lady with a big heart, but something changed in my sweet boy and he became very unhappy/ I spent a lot of time on my knees and in that classroom trying to figure out what was going on. I will never know all that happened that last semester, but I knew enough to know that my child didn't like school anymore. Alex was a trooper and he wanted to like school, but his spirit kept dimming. One day, during the last two weeks of school Alex came home and asked me if I could teach him at home. I was shocked! I had contemplated it and discussed it with James, but never with Alex. I knew what I had to do and it scared me to death. It still scares me every single day. I needed to teach Alex at home. We decided to finish out the school year and I would formally withdraw him from school in the summer. This decision has shaped our entire lives since that day. I remember a dream I had the Spring before Alex started kindergarten. I dreamed that President Monson stood up in General Conference and instructed all parents to teach their children at home because the world had become full of wickedness. It was a very vivid dream and I tried to laugh it off. Maybe it was inspiration for me? I'm not sure, but right now I know this is what I am supposed to be doing. Honestly there are days I hate it! It is a lot of work and responsibility, and don't get me wrong, Alex deserves the best, but I usually don't feel that I am the best. I am learning and growing every single day. My limits are tested and I know I can be great and my children are amazing.
The last one is selling our house. This is going on right now and I HATE it! I am not patient and I am not organized and tidy. These are key elements to successfully selling a home without losing your mind, and let me tell you...I'm losing my marbles most days. I will update on what I will learn from this. So far I have learned that I can clean a house like no other! My dog thinks it is time to ride in the car every time I pull the vacuum out and that I can't control everything, no matter how hard I try. This is obviously a learning experience on many levels and I just hope I learn this stuff soon so that I can move on.
So this is ME!
I can only think of a few major challenges in my life. I feel very blessed to have not been bombarded with some of the struggles I see many of my friends dealing with. I can think of a few that have been real humdingers though. I can think of my miscarriages, Job change for James, Deciding to Homeschool, and Selling our Home.
Okay, so I look at these and think I am a bit of a wimp because now these don't seem as horrific as they were when I was going through them. That's a nice piece of perspective pie for ya! I discussed my trials with my miscarriages here and I won't rehash it all out. I really learned one very important thing from that long, 3 year experience...LOVE your children in every moment. This has really changed my perspective on being a mother and I am a little sad it took be this long to figure it out, but I am grateful I finally did. I love my children so much and I am really trying to enjoy these mini moments I get each day and live in them, and not just watch them. I am important to them, and they are important to me.
Now, the one with James' job change wasn't a huge trial for me personally, but it was definitely a trial of my faith. James' job had been a bit demanding and they were not willing to give him the raise he definitely deserved. He was offered a job elsewhere. we prayed long and hard over whether or not he should leave his current employment and move forward with this other company. Every prayer, temple visit and fast came back with nothing. Silence was on the other end of the Heavenly phone line. Finally I told James to just make a decision and I would trust him because I wasn't getting anything...not a no, not a yes, not an anything. We took the leap of faith and he worked both jobs for two weeks and then he moved to this other company. To put it lightly things at this place of employment STUNK! He was teased and ridiculed for his beliefs (the owner was an inactive member of our ward, that was a shocker to us!) and was treated as if he were incompetent. We couldn't understand this. Why would they seek him out and then treat him like garbage? James is an amazing man and he was determined to stick it out. A few weeks later his other job called and begged him to come back! He didn't have to go through a re-hire or anything, basically just pick up where he left off! We took it, along with the significant raise they gave him to get him back. I can only look back on this experience and think of the different things we learned. We learned to take a leap, we learned that we are strong, that good things come to those who wait and we learned that the Lord puts us where He needs us. Shortly after James left the other company the owner got in touch with his Home Teachers and started accepting their visits. Sadly, the gentleman died not too long after. We pray that James' example helped to soften his heart.
Deciding to homeschool our oldest son was one of the hardest decisions ever, but at the same time, it wasn't a tough decision at all. Kindergarten is supposed to be a wonderful year. It is your first experience with real school! The start to Alex's year was amazing. He had a long term substitute that will one day become the patron saint of kindergarten teachers! She was amazing! She guided Alex through his first semester of kindergarten with love and encouragement. The second semester his regular teacher returned from maternity leave and something changed. Don't get me wrong, she is a very sweet lady with a big heart, but something changed in my sweet boy and he became very unhappy/ I spent a lot of time on my knees and in that classroom trying to figure out what was going on. I will never know all that happened that last semester, but I knew enough to know that my child didn't like school anymore. Alex was a trooper and he wanted to like school, but his spirit kept dimming. One day, during the last two weeks of school Alex came home and asked me if I could teach him at home. I was shocked! I had contemplated it and discussed it with James, but never with Alex. I knew what I had to do and it scared me to death. It still scares me every single day. I needed to teach Alex at home. We decided to finish out the school year and I would formally withdraw him from school in the summer. This decision has shaped our entire lives since that day. I remember a dream I had the Spring before Alex started kindergarten. I dreamed that President Monson stood up in General Conference and instructed all parents to teach their children at home because the world had become full of wickedness. It was a very vivid dream and I tried to laugh it off. Maybe it was inspiration for me? I'm not sure, but right now I know this is what I am supposed to be doing. Honestly there are days I hate it! It is a lot of work and responsibility, and don't get me wrong, Alex deserves the best, but I usually don't feel that I am the best. I am learning and growing every single day. My limits are tested and I know I can be great and my children are amazing.
The last one is selling our house. This is going on right now and I HATE it! I am not patient and I am not organized and tidy. These are key elements to successfully selling a home without losing your mind, and let me tell you...I'm losing my marbles most days. I will update on what I will learn from this. So far I have learned that I can clean a house like no other! My dog thinks it is time to ride in the car every time I pull the vacuum out and that I can't control everything, no matter how hard I try. This is obviously a learning experience on many levels and I just hope I learn this stuff soon so that I can move on.
So this is ME!
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