I know joy.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
The Grass Is Greener Where?
When we lived in Atlantic, Iowa a year ago, our thoughts were, "we can't wait to move to the next place!" When we lived in Eden Prairie, Minnesota a few months later, despite enjoying ourselves there a lot, our thoughts were, "man! We can't wait to get moving to the next project (to get out of this hotel!)" Once we moved to Dodge City, Kansas a few months later we thought, "man... The next move is coming right up. We can't wait to get out of podunk Dodge!" And now that we are settled down in Las Vegas, Nevada for an indefinitely long period of time we think back and say, "aw... I miss this about Atlantic..." or "Remember this about Minnesota..." or "I miss so and so from Dodge."
Friday night we watched, "Midnight In Paris" for our date. We both really enjoyed the movie, and took away from the it to make our present our ideal time. Our abundant moving was a hassle, and I am still very grateful for the opportunity to be grounded to one city for a long time; but we gained more than we could have imagine from all our moving around. We had a lot of ideal experiences while being traveling gypsies. I know we recognized people's friendliness and kindness to us then, but I don't think we realized how out of the ordinary it was. We didn't realize how many gems we would encounter, and how their compassionate love and sincere desires to know us would impact our hearts.
I am like my sweet grandma, Beth. She and I need friends like flowers need sunshine to flourish. Our permanent situation hasn't brought us the quick friendships we anticipated (like in all the other areas we've lived). I struggle privately (and now publicly...) with this a lot. It is consistently in my petitions to the Lord to know how to make real connections with people, or maybe even A connection at all with them. I have been blessed with small moments of friendship, for which I know are heaven sent tender mercies to me. Although struggles are never comfortable it has helped me to gain a deeper love and gratitude to all those who have opened their hearts to my sweet little family, and who have taken us in without a backwards glance. We have received so much love and warmth that I have a tremendously full heart. The grass has always been green in our pasture; sometimes we have just been too close to the greenery to recognize its vibrancy.
I have yet to receive a miracle solution to my petitions to God; but I know he is listening and will help meet my needs by either changing my heart and giving me new eyes to see through, or by helping me to be proactive in a new way that I have yet to figure out and therefore will lead us to the real sincere friends we need (and who hopefully need us as well); And in the mean time, I am thankful for the green pasture we do have; for all of our incredible, loving family and friends who we are not privileged to live close to at this time.
It is a blessing and curse to have such incredible people in our lives who live just too far away!!
Our pasture is green, and I do recognize God's love and tender mercies performed on our behalf... I am a blessed girl to have God care for me.
Friday night we watched, "Midnight In Paris" for our date. We both really enjoyed the movie, and took away from the it to make our present our ideal time. Our abundant moving was a hassle, and I am still very grateful for the opportunity to be grounded to one city for a long time; but we gained more than we could have imagine from all our moving around. We had a lot of ideal experiences while being traveling gypsies. I know we recognized people's friendliness and kindness to us then, but I don't think we realized how out of the ordinary it was. We didn't realize how many gems we would encounter, and how their compassionate love and sincere desires to know us would impact our hearts.
I am like my sweet grandma, Beth. She and I need friends like flowers need sunshine to flourish. Our permanent situation hasn't brought us the quick friendships we anticipated (like in all the other areas we've lived). I struggle privately (and now publicly...) with this a lot. It is consistently in my petitions to the Lord to know how to make real connections with people, or maybe even A connection at all with them. I have been blessed with small moments of friendship, for which I know are heaven sent tender mercies to me. Although struggles are never comfortable it has helped me to gain a deeper love and gratitude to all those who have opened their hearts to my sweet little family, and who have taken us in without a backwards glance. We have received so much love and warmth that I have a tremendously full heart. The grass has always been green in our pasture; sometimes we have just been too close to the greenery to recognize its vibrancy.
I have yet to receive a miracle solution to my petitions to God; but I know he is listening and will help meet my needs by either changing my heart and giving me new eyes to see through, or by helping me to be proactive in a new way that I have yet to figure out and therefore will lead us to the real sincere friends we need (and who hopefully need us as well); And in the mean time, I am thankful for the green pasture we do have; for all of our incredible, loving family and friends who we are not privileged to live close to at this time.
It is a blessing and curse to have such incredible people in our lives who live just too far away!!
Our pasture is green, and I do recognize God's love and tender mercies performed on our behalf... I am a blessed girl to have God care for me.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Simply
With every move we make, I find myself in a drifters state for a period while I assimilate to my new climate, getting to know the area and the people. I have a lot of things that I feel passionately about, as well as things that I feel particularly interested in, and during this time of assimilation I feel like those things are brought to the forefront and I assess more honestly whether they are things for me or things I have started to do because of people around me. (Not sure if that makes sense or not; I just mean that my hobbies and interests can be influenced by the people I am around).
One thing that I always come back to is the fact that I'm what I call a simplist. I like things to be simple, raw, and real. I like nothing more than to have a conversation with someone where my real side comes out, and where we aren't tip toeing around trying to get to know each other. I like talking about things that matter, I like being honest about things that are hard to deal with (like adjusting to a new schedule ever set by the baby in the house), then followed up with the simple joys of life- like watching Will play by himself in contented joy, or getting to comment on how much I appreciate my hubby for working hard.
I feel like it's easy to define ourselves by the things around us. The "stuff" in our house, the clothes we wear, the activities our kids are involved in. And while all of these things are fun and in their own way more or less important, I think what really matters is the raw individual; or in my case, realizing that all the things I like really are the things that just accentuate my personal individuality.
When I was an older elementary- junior high student I was very hard on myself. I never felt like I measured up; I was never pretty or skinny enough, or liked or popular enough. I was self absorbed and floundering for acceptance. It took me a while to understand that I already had all the good things a girl could ask for. I relate it directly to a tender, merciful God who stepped in as I turned to Him and showed me all the good things about myself. It was then, and only then, that I realized my worth came from Him not my peers, that I didn't have to be a size 2 to be cute and pretty, and that it didn't matter one bit what my peers thought of me; I am a beautiful daughter of God with tremendous potential to learn, become, and influence others.
As women it is easy to stack our talents against each other; to feel like in order to be a good wife, mom, or friend (or visiting teacher...) we have to make world class meals, have our houses always spic and span, throw immaculate birthday parities for our kids (who would be just as happy with a cardboard box!), or bring insane goodies every time we go out to visit a friend/ sister in the ward. To all of that I say (excuse my language...) screw it! In my humble opinion it doesn't matter an ounce. The real things that matter are the individual gifts we are cultivating. Are we doing the best with what we have? Are we perusing hobbies because we are sincerely interested in them? Are we being kind to our bodies and our talents by not obsessing over every flaw or imperfection? Are we trying to cultivate our relationship with God and Christ? Are we putting aside the pile of to-do's and spending necessary play time with the little ones who matter most?
When it comes down to it, the thing I want my kids to remember most are that I was grounded to the things that matter most; I didn't spend excess amounts of time worrying about my hair, make up, and clothes, I didn't put Facebook or pintrest above getting down and playing Legos with them. I want them to remember me doing the simple things to make them feel loved; like making them special dinners, letting them eat sugary treats (because I am pretty sure sugar won't kill them ;)), or laying in bed with them listening to them tell me stories. I want these things to be what matter most. And I forever want my relationship with my husband to be at the forefront. I want our home to be beautiful, but most of all a safe place for our kids and their friends where we can gather and feel the protection of our loving God.
I want to stay grounded to the raw things of life; the things that won't ever loose their value. Because when it comes down to it, the most pure and simple thing about me is that I am a daughter of God, and am on His errand to raise his spirit children and love His spirit son whom I am blessed to have as my husband.
One thing that I always come back to is the fact that I'm what I call a simplist. I like things to be simple, raw, and real. I like nothing more than to have a conversation with someone where my real side comes out, and where we aren't tip toeing around trying to get to know each other. I like talking about things that matter, I like being honest about things that are hard to deal with (like adjusting to a new schedule ever set by the baby in the house), then followed up with the simple joys of life- like watching Will play by himself in contented joy, or getting to comment on how much I appreciate my hubby for working hard.
I feel like it's easy to define ourselves by the things around us. The "stuff" in our house, the clothes we wear, the activities our kids are involved in. And while all of these things are fun and in their own way more or less important, I think what really matters is the raw individual; or in my case, realizing that all the things I like really are the things that just accentuate my personal individuality.
When I was an older elementary- junior high student I was very hard on myself. I never felt like I measured up; I was never pretty or skinny enough, or liked or popular enough. I was self absorbed and floundering for acceptance. It took me a while to understand that I already had all the good things a girl could ask for. I relate it directly to a tender, merciful God who stepped in as I turned to Him and showed me all the good things about myself. It was then, and only then, that I realized my worth came from Him not my peers, that I didn't have to be a size 2 to be cute and pretty, and that it didn't matter one bit what my peers thought of me; I am a beautiful daughter of God with tremendous potential to learn, become, and influence others.
As women it is easy to stack our talents against each other; to feel like in order to be a good wife, mom, or friend (or visiting teacher...) we have to make world class meals, have our houses always spic and span, throw immaculate birthday parities for our kids (who would be just as happy with a cardboard box!), or bring insane goodies every time we go out to visit a friend/ sister in the ward. To all of that I say (excuse my language...) screw it! In my humble opinion it doesn't matter an ounce. The real things that matter are the individual gifts we are cultivating. Are we doing the best with what we have? Are we perusing hobbies because we are sincerely interested in them? Are we being kind to our bodies and our talents by not obsessing over every flaw or imperfection? Are we trying to cultivate our relationship with God and Christ? Are we putting aside the pile of to-do's and spending necessary play time with the little ones who matter most?
When it comes down to it, the thing I want my kids to remember most are that I was grounded to the things that matter most; I didn't spend excess amounts of time worrying about my hair, make up, and clothes, I didn't put Facebook or pintrest above getting down and playing Legos with them. I want them to remember me doing the simple things to make them feel loved; like making them special dinners, letting them eat sugary treats (because I am pretty sure sugar won't kill them ;)), or laying in bed with them listening to them tell me stories. I want these things to be what matter most. And I forever want my relationship with my husband to be at the forefront. I want our home to be beautiful, but most of all a safe place for our kids and their friends where we can gather and feel the protection of our loving God.
I want to stay grounded to the raw things of life; the things that won't ever loose their value. Because when it comes down to it, the most pure and simple thing about me is that I am a daughter of God, and am on His errand to raise his spirit children and love His spirit son whom I am blessed to have as my husband.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
A Little Experiment
Around the time William was born, I made a goal for myself to hold off on social media (Internet, tv, or even a book I'm reading for fun) until I have read my scriptures for the day. I haven't been perfect at it, but that's not the important thing! I've started to notice a huge blessing it brings, besides the blessing of starting my day off right with the spirit.
The mornings where I promptly sit down and read my scriptures after putting Will down for his morning nap, William sleeps significantly longer (we're talking an hour or more longer... Ya!) It is incredible to me! This morning I tried to put William down for his morning nap with the intention of working on getting some pictures ready to print (see, I told you I'm not 100% on my goal!) I began working on the pictures and William was bawling, which is not typical for him. He finally fell asleep, but then a few minutes later he was bawling again. I thought, "Geeze! What is wrong?? I know he's tired... What should I do?" Then I looked at what I was doing and realized the problem. I put my picture project on hold, grabbed my scriptures and sat down to read. Immediately (no joke) William stopped crying and settled in for his nap. That was at 9:30ish, and it's now 12. I told ya, his naps are incredible when I do what's most important first: READ MY SCRIPTURES!
A part of my analytical side wants to say, "that's just by chance that Will naps better when you read your scriptures first..." but the deeper, more spiritually connected side of me doesn't let me dismiss this huge blessing as nothing. I know God blesses us as we put Him first. It follows His laws and His order; when we place Him first He can't withhold the natural blessings that come because of our choices.
The mornings where I promptly sit down and read my scriptures after putting Will down for his morning nap, William sleeps significantly longer (we're talking an hour or more longer... Ya!) It is incredible to me! This morning I tried to put William down for his morning nap with the intention of working on getting some pictures ready to print (see, I told you I'm not 100% on my goal!) I began working on the pictures and William was bawling, which is not typical for him. He finally fell asleep, but then a few minutes later he was bawling again. I thought, "Geeze! What is wrong?? I know he's tired... What should I do?" Then I looked at what I was doing and realized the problem. I put my picture project on hold, grabbed my scriptures and sat down to read. Immediately (no joke) William stopped crying and settled in for his nap. That was at 9:30ish, and it's now 12. I told ya, his naps are incredible when I do what's most important first: READ MY SCRIPTURES!
A part of my analytical side wants to say, "that's just by chance that Will naps better when you read your scriptures first..." but the deeper, more spiritually connected side of me doesn't let me dismiss this huge blessing as nothing. I know God blesses us as we put Him first. It follows His laws and His order; when we place Him first He can't withhold the natural blessings that come because of our choices.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
"Just" A Stay At Home Mom
Whenever I meet people I go through the same initial drum roll questions and answers. They're great "getting-to-know-you" inquiries that eventually lead to either, "what do you do?" or "do you work or...?" At first (especially when I was only expecting William) I was a little hesitant to say that I simply stay at home; especially because I worked my toosh off to get a degree in education that I'm stinkin' proud of!
I have often wondered why it is that I have felt the need to have a job title tacked on to my "introduction" to people to really feel like I am received (or even perceived) in a bright, competent light- Almost as if saying staying at home means that I am in general a lazy person, or don't have enough drive to take on the home front and the work force at the same time. I have also wondered about women in generations past where it was common, even expected for them to say at home. How did they feel about their tasks and who they were individually (did they feel fulfilled in their roles)? While I am sure there are many answers I could find to these questions, I had a big one dawn on me just recently.
House chores are an endless burden. It's what women can easily complain about, "ugh! I just cleaned the floor to have Sam spill sticky juice all over it!" It feels nice to vent, but more so I think us women just like having things to talk about- especially the things that we're doing 24-7! Not to take away from the annoyance spilled juice on a clean floor really can be, but I feel like I have turned over a new leaf and gained better perspective into the life and role of a stay at home mom (aka ME).
In any career, you work your hardest to be able to succeed. You stoke the right people's egos (and hopefully out of genuine care and real sincerity ;)), you put in extra hours to get things polished and up to par, and you research new innovative ideas to be more streamlined and efficient. You also try to maintain a good, if not excellent, report with the people you serve. If this is the attitude towards a career in the work force, why not apply it to the career of being a stay at home mom?
I worked hard as a college student, student teacher, and TITLE intervention teacher to succeed and progress. I learned, changed, and adapted to new situations. I put a lot of effort into being successful- especially in areas where success meant everything to my career goals. As I have transitioned from my school and career drive to being a stay at home mom, I have lagged that spirited push for achievement that brought me a lot of personal satisfaction. At first I found myself hopelessly bored and hungry for a challenge. William has helped satiate that hunger (he can keep a crowed busy ;)), but I still have that longing to push myself to learn new methods and achieve personal success on a daily basis.
With help of my budget frenzy kick, I have had a beautiful realization hit me! Those women in generations past I mentioned before weren't lacking for any drive. They got the big picture about what it means to be a stay at home mom. They knew instinctively that their natural drive for success could easily be fulfilled in house keeping and child rearing. They knew they didn't have to look farther than the four walls surrounding them to achieve challenges many people seek in the work force. They ran a tight ship, and made teaching their children, hard work, and seeking new talents a priority.
I have just come to realize the vast areas at which I can succeed, and at which I can learn to become better in being a stay at home mom. I have realized that dreaded house cleaning doesn't need to be so dreaded after all. There is a lot of time I seek to fill just so that I can play off the, "I'm just too busy to clean today..." mantra. I have begun to feel the deep satisfaction that comes from having a consistently clean house; not one that is spotless (because trust me, I'm not immaculate by an stretch of the imagination!), just one that is orderly and calming to the mind! I have begun to feel the extra energy my day is filled with when I wake up to a house that was put back in order the night before so I could start the day on top. It makes me feel excited and reenergized about my role as a stay at home mom in all of its well rounded forms. There are more areas than being the sassiest taxi driver on the block that I am looking forward to achieving as a SAHM ;)
Chalk this one up on my gratitude list too! I'm one blessed momma to have the job I do!
I have often wondered why it is that I have felt the need to have a job title tacked on to my "introduction" to people to really feel like I am received (or even perceived) in a bright, competent light- Almost as if saying staying at home means that I am in general a lazy person, or don't have enough drive to take on the home front and the work force at the same time. I have also wondered about women in generations past where it was common, even expected for them to say at home. How did they feel about their tasks and who they were individually (did they feel fulfilled in their roles)? While I am sure there are many answers I could find to these questions, I had a big one dawn on me just recently.
House chores are an endless burden. It's what women can easily complain about, "ugh! I just cleaned the floor to have Sam spill sticky juice all over it!" It feels nice to vent, but more so I think us women just like having things to talk about- especially the things that we're doing 24-7! Not to take away from the annoyance spilled juice on a clean floor really can be, but I feel like I have turned over a new leaf and gained better perspective into the life and role of a stay at home mom (aka ME).
In any career, you work your hardest to be able to succeed. You stoke the right people's egos (and hopefully out of genuine care and real sincerity ;)), you put in extra hours to get things polished and up to par, and you research new innovative ideas to be more streamlined and efficient. You also try to maintain a good, if not excellent, report with the people you serve. If this is the attitude towards a career in the work force, why not apply it to the career of being a stay at home mom?
I worked hard as a college student, student teacher, and TITLE intervention teacher to succeed and progress. I learned, changed, and adapted to new situations. I put a lot of effort into being successful- especially in areas where success meant everything to my career goals. As I have transitioned from my school and career drive to being a stay at home mom, I have lagged that spirited push for achievement that brought me a lot of personal satisfaction. At first I found myself hopelessly bored and hungry for a challenge. William has helped satiate that hunger (he can keep a crowed busy ;)), but I still have that longing to push myself to learn new methods and achieve personal success on a daily basis.
With help of my budget frenzy kick, I have had a beautiful realization hit me! Those women in generations past I mentioned before weren't lacking for any drive. They got the big picture about what it means to be a stay at home mom. They knew instinctively that their natural drive for success could easily be fulfilled in house keeping and child rearing. They knew they didn't have to look farther than the four walls surrounding them to achieve challenges many people seek in the work force. They ran a tight ship, and made teaching their children, hard work, and seeking new talents a priority.
I have just come to realize the vast areas at which I can succeed, and at which I can learn to become better in being a stay at home mom. I have realized that dreaded house cleaning doesn't need to be so dreaded after all. There is a lot of time I seek to fill just so that I can play off the, "I'm just too busy to clean today..." mantra. I have begun to feel the deep satisfaction that comes from having a consistently clean house; not one that is spotless (because trust me, I'm not immaculate by an stretch of the imagination!), just one that is orderly and calming to the mind! I have begun to feel the extra energy my day is filled with when I wake up to a house that was put back in order the night before so I could start the day on top. It makes me feel excited and reenergized about my role as a stay at home mom in all of its well rounded forms. There are more areas than being the sassiest taxi driver on the block that I am looking forward to achieving as a SAHM ;)
Chalk this one up on my gratitude list too! I'm one blessed momma to have the job I do!
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Overwhelmingly Grateful
My heart is full of gratitude. We have received so many answers to our prayers lately. I am overwhelmed by the compassion our Heavenly Father has on my family. He listens to us from the big things to the small things, and everything in between! These are the things that have been swarming me with untold amounts of gratitude lately:
1. Our prayers were answered to find a new job that gave us family time. I didn't realize how starved my relationship with Richard was. We did the absolute best we could with the time and situation we had (and were doing well, don't get me wrong!) I have been bursting at the seams though with love and gratitude for this thoughtful man. We have been able to do so much more together. I love his company, intelligence, and devotion.
2. We were blessed to be able to trade in our truck, sell our trailer, and purchase a commuter car with a little bit extra to cover the cost of a moving van. All of these things were individual prayer that weighed on us considerably. Heavenly Father put us in touch with the right people at the right time and gave us the proper inspiration when we needed it. Truly a blessing.
3. We are going to live in a HOUSE! We get to put down some serious roots here! No matter what our initial insecurities are, we are living in an incredible area and get to expand our lives, meet new friends, serve more fully, and raise our beautiful family in one area. I have fretted about not having enough furnishings to make our house beautiful and cozy, when I should be spending that time thanking the dear Lord we have an incredible roof over our heads, food on our tables, and the chance to grow into a home bit by bit.
4. I am tearfully grateful for all the incredible friends I have made while moving around so much.
-Laura Nielsen was the first of many friends I made on our crazy job adventure. She talked baby with me and showed me awesome ideas of things to do as a mommy. She helped me feel excited about the next step, and kept me from going crazy bored in the Eden Prairie hotel.
-Rebecca Phillips was my first friend in Atlantic. She and her hubby gave us a list of available houses to look for our first Sunday and first day in town. She took me to all my prenatal appointments, while she patiently waited in the foyer with a baby and a two year old. She helped me get prepared for finally having William, gave us clothes they didn't needed for baby and even gave me maternity clothes. She and her family made Atlantic feel like home.
-Laurel McCance saved me from boredom by taking me out to lunch every week so I wouldn't be trapped inside all day. She took me to buy groceries (one car w/ Rich all day limited my mobility). She kept me company, listened to my stories, and showed me around Atlantic. She was an unexpected friend (because she's older than me), but more needed than I could have anticipated.
-Christine Bare was the pea in my pod. I could relate to everything she was going through and she me. She was the first non-family member to watch William for us (so we could celebrate our anniversary), and was the shoulder I needed to lean on. I could talk to her for hours and not realize the time had passed. She was invested in the well being of my family and I hers, and it meant the world to me.
As I reflect back to these people and their recent roles in my life, I know they have been answers to my prayers. I am the type of person that always and forever will need a good friend, and they have been the answer to my consistent prayer for such a friend wherever I am.
5. I am grateful for the sweet baby I get to call my own. He is a wonder. He is loving, innocent, and loyal. I am thankful to be his mother. He is a boy with tremendous potential. I love him with all my heart, and plead to qualify for the spiritual guidance needed to be the best mother to him I can be.
6. I am grateful for the beautiful promise of the future, and the willingness of God to answer my prayers. Life always brings a hurdle to jump over; I am glad I am being trained how to run the race well.
While in the shower tonight, I had this bit of inspiration come to my mind:
Our life stories don't always go exactly how we imagined them. Some events come sooner, others come later, and some never occur at all. Throughout the novel it's important to remember that it's the Editor's notes that make it a master piece.
I am thankful for the little decisions that have lead me to where I am now. They have produced incredible miracles.
Life is so richly blessed when I strive to see it as such.
1. Our prayers were answered to find a new job that gave us family time. I didn't realize how starved my relationship with Richard was. We did the absolute best we could with the time and situation we had (and were doing well, don't get me wrong!) I have been bursting at the seams though with love and gratitude for this thoughtful man. We have been able to do so much more together. I love his company, intelligence, and devotion.
2. We were blessed to be able to trade in our truck, sell our trailer, and purchase a commuter car with a little bit extra to cover the cost of a moving van. All of these things were individual prayer that weighed on us considerably. Heavenly Father put us in touch with the right people at the right time and gave us the proper inspiration when we needed it. Truly a blessing.
3. We are going to live in a HOUSE! We get to put down some serious roots here! No matter what our initial insecurities are, we are living in an incredible area and get to expand our lives, meet new friends, serve more fully, and raise our beautiful family in one area. I have fretted about not having enough furnishings to make our house beautiful and cozy, when I should be spending that time thanking the dear Lord we have an incredible roof over our heads, food on our tables, and the chance to grow into a home bit by bit.
4. I am tearfully grateful for all the incredible friends I have made while moving around so much.
-Laura Nielsen was the first of many friends I made on our crazy job adventure. She talked baby with me and showed me awesome ideas of things to do as a mommy. She helped me feel excited about the next step, and kept me from going crazy bored in the Eden Prairie hotel.
-Rebecca Phillips was my first friend in Atlantic. She and her hubby gave us a list of available houses to look for our first Sunday and first day in town. She took me to all my prenatal appointments, while she patiently waited in the foyer with a baby and a two year old. She helped me get prepared for finally having William, gave us clothes they didn't needed for baby and even gave me maternity clothes. She and her family made Atlantic feel like home.
-Laurel McCance saved me from boredom by taking me out to lunch every week so I wouldn't be trapped inside all day. She took me to buy groceries (one car w/ Rich all day limited my mobility). She kept me company, listened to my stories, and showed me around Atlantic. She was an unexpected friend (because she's older than me), but more needed than I could have anticipated.
-Christine Bare was the pea in my pod. I could relate to everything she was going through and she me. She was the first non-family member to watch William for us (so we could celebrate our anniversary), and was the shoulder I needed to lean on. I could talk to her for hours and not realize the time had passed. She was invested in the well being of my family and I hers, and it meant the world to me.
As I reflect back to these people and their recent roles in my life, I know they have been answers to my prayers. I am the type of person that always and forever will need a good friend, and they have been the answer to my consistent prayer for such a friend wherever I am.
5. I am grateful for the sweet baby I get to call my own. He is a wonder. He is loving, innocent, and loyal. I am thankful to be his mother. He is a boy with tremendous potential. I love him with all my heart, and plead to qualify for the spiritual guidance needed to be the best mother to him I can be.
6. I am grateful for the beautiful promise of the future, and the willingness of God to answer my prayers. Life always brings a hurdle to jump over; I am glad I am being trained how to run the race well.
While in the shower tonight, I had this bit of inspiration come to my mind:
Our life stories don't always go exactly how we imagined them. Some events come sooner, others come later, and some never occur at all. Throughout the novel it's important to remember that it's the Editor's notes that make it a master piece.
I am thankful for the little decisions that have lead me to where I am now. They have produced incredible miracles.
Life is so richly blessed when I strive to see it as such.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Priesthood
My friend from back in Dodge City recently shared this Mormon Message about the Priesthood:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WNLYeTxBQiY
(I am not sure how to share the video directly on here, so the link will have to suffice for now.)
The older I get, the younger I realize these young men are who pass and administer the sacrament, and who are blessed with the beginning power to act in God's name and His ordinances. I am impressed by the significant trust God gives to young 12 year old boys to serve in His name. I am impressed that He trusts 19 year old boys to go out and preach His word. As a mother it makes sense though. You don't teach your child in a day what you want them to be like forever. You teach them repetitively, day in and day out, and then some day down the line you hope it all sticks and you can see them acting and living the way you taught them to.
I feel this is why God gives these young boys the early responsibility to act in His name. He is seeking for them to be life long servants to Him and those they are around. He is teaching them how to bear responsibility with dignity and respect early in their lives; and He is teaching them early their power to do good in this world.
As I watched the Mormon Message video it reinforced a strong feeling I have had lately to do all I can to teach my sweet William, and other boys of I am blessed to have more, the sacred responsibility it is to be a holder of the Priesthood. I want him to understand early its significance and lasting importance. I want him to, if anything, understand that being a holder of the Priesthood is a sacred trust and to bear it with dignity and respect. It makes me teary to picture my sweet William passing the sacrament and futuristically blessing his home, wife and kids, with the power of God.
From examples in my life, the Priesthood of God transforms ordinary men into extraordinary, loving men. I hope deeply for this for my baby. There is no greater blessing I could see come to my baby than to have him take hold of the truths we teach him and to watch him grow in that light and knowledge.
I am infinitely blessed because of the extraordinary men in my life who have allowed themselves to be shaped and molded by God's careful hand.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WNLYeTxBQiY
(I am not sure how to share the video directly on here, so the link will have to suffice for now.)
The older I get, the younger I realize these young men are who pass and administer the sacrament, and who are blessed with the beginning power to act in God's name and His ordinances. I am impressed by the significant trust God gives to young 12 year old boys to serve in His name. I am impressed that He trusts 19 year old boys to go out and preach His word. As a mother it makes sense though. You don't teach your child in a day what you want them to be like forever. You teach them repetitively, day in and day out, and then some day down the line you hope it all sticks and you can see them acting and living the way you taught them to.
I feel this is why God gives these young boys the early responsibility to act in His name. He is seeking for them to be life long servants to Him and those they are around. He is teaching them how to bear responsibility with dignity and respect early in their lives; and He is teaching them early their power to do good in this world.
As I watched the Mormon Message video it reinforced a strong feeling I have had lately to do all I can to teach my sweet William, and other boys of I am blessed to have more, the sacred responsibility it is to be a holder of the Priesthood. I want him to understand early its significance and lasting importance. I want him to, if anything, understand that being a holder of the Priesthood is a sacred trust and to bear it with dignity and respect. It makes me teary to picture my sweet William passing the sacrament and futuristically blessing his home, wife and kids, with the power of God.
From examples in my life, the Priesthood of God transforms ordinary men into extraordinary, loving men. I hope deeply for this for my baby. There is no greater blessing I could see come to my baby than to have him take hold of the truths we teach him and to watch him grow in that light and knowledge.
I am infinitely blessed because of the extraordinary men in my life who have allowed themselves to be shaped and molded by God's careful hand.
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