light | 3/52

I brought my camera to church to take some photos of the primary children for a mural they are working on. While waiting I saw a mirror, and well, I couldn't help take the shot. When I got home and looked through my images I stopped on this one -- I didn't realize I had captured the painting of Christ with the little children along side my reflection. It made me smile, I love that painting, and then the song I Am a Child of God played through my head.



It's one of the very first songs I remember learning as a little girl and singing, not only in church, but with my family at home. Years later I sang it to my girls when I would put them down to sleep or when they were scared to calm their fears. It's still to this day a very comforting song to me. It brings light when darkness threatens to cloud my spirit, reminding me that I am and will never be alone in this vast world of growing uncertainty. I have no doubt who I am, where I came from, and where I want to be -- this alone brings peace beyond measure to my life.


Below is my favorite verse of the song. Go here to read more and/or listen to the song.

I am a child of God.
Rich blessings are in store;
If I but learn to do his will,
I'll live with him once more.

Chorus
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.

12of12 | February

click here to enlarge

01. the morning light
02. Tess making breakfast for the two of us.
03. It was her favorite and mine, scrambled eggs.
04. Of course Bella was ready for church before anyone else and reading to pass the time.
05. A valentine mess in my studio -- really hoping my girls finished addressing their valentines while I attended my multiple meetings.
06. The rain we woke up to finally turning to snow.
07. As I ran to my car after church I couldn't help, but get covered by snowflakes.
08. Most of the day was a complete whiteout and I loved it.
09. Family dinner. Even though most of the day we were on different schedules at least we were all able to eat together.
10. Megan and I attended her friends Baptism.
11. Notes from the parenting class. Another excellent night.
12. I came home around 8:45pm and saw that she was still reading. I love that she has finally found a love for it.

I was actually really interested to see how this 12of12 would play out. I was gone most of the day visiting other wards, being in charge of a Baptism, and attending a parenting class. I was literally at my church building from 4:30pm-8:45pm. It was a busy day, a long night, and although I did not begrudge my duties I was disappointed I had little time to spend with my family. To me Sunday = family time. I am grateful however, for the time I did have and that the day was beautifully snowy.

I must say, I do love to document a day like this that is totally unexpected, but then again, I guess you could say they all are really, in there own way.

I hope it was a great Sunday for all of you, hopefully a little more relaxing than mine. :)

Happy Monday!!

loving right now

Mormon Channel
I downloaded this app on my phone when it first came out and used it to listen to conference talks and even the Ensign. It wasn't until a few months ago that I started listening to the actually radio and discovered all the fabulous programs they had available. I listen to it everyday now--when I'm getting ready, cleaning the house, driving, working on photos, etc. I have come to love the spontaneous messages that come up as so many of them are ones I need to hear. It is available at the apple store free and I know it's available for other devices as well. Check it out.

apple TV
Recently Adam and I both discovered we were going to give the other Apple TV for Christmas (long story). After laughing about how funny that would have been to exchange the same gift (and him telling me he wouldn't have wanted it--nice), I walked into my closet, pulled it out of it's hiding place, and started setting it up. Since the cat was out of the bag I figured apple TV, as a gift, was off the table so why not enjoy it now--and enjoy I am. Last night I sat on the couch while the girls danced to music (controlled through my iphone) and watched my photos randomly stream from my flickr account. We were so caught up in the memory of each one saying, remember when..., I couldn't believe more than an hour had gone by. I must add, it sure didn't take long for Adam to appreciate the awesomeness that apple TV is. Once I got him acquainted with everything he could do with it he was, shall I say, hooked. Turns out, not such a bad gift after all.


the lights
I think it's been well established, for better or worse, that I lack patience so it should be no surprise that yesterday we succumbed and started decorating the house. I know it's a little early, ok quite early, but we were all in agreement--it had to be done. What a delight it was to come from church with the lights and glow of the holiday season. I know some think it takes away from Thanksgiving, but I think it's the perfect accompaniment to both holidays. We're loving it.

this talk | education for real life by President Eyring
"Your life is carefully watched over, as was mine. The Lord knows both what He will need you to do and what you will need to know. He is kind and He is all-knowing. So you can with confidence expect that He has prepared opportunities for you to learn in preparation for the service you will give. You will not recognize those opportunities perfectly, as I did not. But when you put the spiritual things first in your life, you will be blessed to feel directed toward certain learning, and you will be motivated to work harder. You will recognize later that your power to serve was increased, and you will be grateful.


the snow
The snow not only helps create the holiday mood, but it allows the kids to get out of the house and stay active. I never thought of it like this until yesterday, but my girls won't go outside in the cold unless there is something pushing them to, and snow is the perfect excuse. They spent a good portion of the afternoon sledding down the hill across from our home and came in exhausted and ready for a low key evening.

holiday messages
I bought a bag of dove dark chocolates for our advent calendar and am ashamed to say the bag is almost gone. I've enjoyed the messages on the inside of the packaging as much as the chocolate themselves. Guess I need to go buy a new bag. I think I'll wait till next week so there isn't near the temptation.

the fire
Our fall wasn't as cold as it has been in the past so we haven't had a lot of fires up to this point. Tonight after much convincing from the girls, we enjoyed the warmth and mood that only a fire can provide. It definitely has a way of drawing everyone together and we spent the evening hanging out in one anothers company--well that is until I had to leave.

We had a really great weekend together as a family listening to the prophet and apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints speak to us. There were many comments that tugged at my heart, but the quote below pretty much sums it all up.



"The most powerful being in the universe is the father of your spirit. He knows you. He loves you with a perfect love. God sees you not only as a mortal being on a small planet who lives for a brief season, He sees you as His child. He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become. He wants you to know that you matter to Him. May we ever believe, trust, and align our lives so that we will understand our true eternal worth and potential." -Dieter F. Uchtdorf

12of12 | February

[click here to enlarge]

01. I had to be up early to be to my local Stake Woman's Conference so I tagged along with Adam and the girls for breakfast. There was a lot of jokes and silliness going on in the car on the way there. I think I'm missing out by not accompanying them every Saturday.
02. Just something very candid about this photo that I love of the girls eating breakfast. Megan making a mess and licking the cream cheese off her fingers, while Tess is getting town to the business of eating. I can almost her saying, don't bug me, I'm eating.
03. Adam drawing pictures for Tess on our wall chalkboard.
04. My friend Meili is doing the 12of12 challenge with me this year. We were at our meeting enjoying lunch and both taking pictures.
05. Flower centerpieces--had to have the color.
06. Leaving my house for the third time I noticed Bella sitting quietly in the basement just thinking. So her.
07. My friend Marissa and I took a self portrait in the heart balloon decoration on our way out.
08. Taking a moment to write a letter or two.
09. Hit the post office drop box before going to the grocery store.
10. The grocery store was dressed to the nines with Valentine decorations and gifts, except I did notice they were already putting out Easter. I mean they couldn't have waited until Tuesday?
11. Making pizza with the girls for dinner. This has quickly become our weekend go to meal. Thank you Pioneer Woman for the dough recipe.
12. The sunset. Can I just say how much I am loving the lingering light in the evenings.

It was a really enjoyable Saturday and hope it was the same for you. My only regret is that I didn't spend nearly enough time outside. It was an unseasonably warm day--I could use more of those. If you played along make sure and share using the link below. Looking forward to seeing what you were all up to.

quiet sunday

We came home in this last night, the winter storm we had been waiting for for weeks finally arrived. Winter took it's time getting here this year and can't say I'm let down by it. With an excellent fall behind me and Christmas on the way it feels like the perfect time, a quiet Sunday, to wake up to 10 inches of snow. And what a quiet Sunday it has been...I'm not sure whether or not it was the snow that caused church to be canceled, but apparently the meeting house power wasn't working...no power, no lights, no heat so they canceled.

So we all came home, got in our pjs again, and this is what we've been doing...some good old togetherness.


Adam read a short story to the girls. He's so great about sharing what he loves with them and I love to see, not only them together, but the girls soaking in all the goodness he shares with them.


With snow currently coming down with abandon, a fire going, and a quiet Sunday ahead of us we decided why not start decorating, especially since we're going to be gone for Thanksgiving and we usually do it the day after. We had some crazy moments of lights not working, TVs almost falling, & cords ripping (don't ask), but ever since we moved passed the crazy moments we've all been enjoying the warmth of the twinkling of the lights, me especially...it's one of my favorite parts of the holiday. I even put some up in my studio I don't think I'll never take down. There's just something about the lights that add to a home.

I hope it's been an equally fabulous day for you!

xoxo
amy

**so when are you decorating?

reminder

"Life is perfect for none of us. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life. May we recognize that each one is doing her best to deal with the challenges which come her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out."
-President Thomas S. Monson

I've had these thoughts swirling around my head ever since I heard his talk. I can't seem to get it off my mind...I needed it then. I need it now. It's such a great reminder of how similar we all are, how we're all working toward a common goal, how we all deserve the same amount of kindnesses as we go through life, no matter who, what, or where we are. Today while working I listened to it twice more letting he's words sink in a little deeper...hoping if I hear it enough, I will never forget.

"True charity is love in action."

If you'd like to read or listen to the conference talk go here. It's definitely worth your time.

xxox, amy

fives steps....

I believe this list was called the plan of life in five, but I can't be certain. I just know I liked it enough to not want to forget it.



01. Come to earth to grow

02. Can't grow without change.

03. No change takes place without conflict.

04. No conflict is solved without sacrifice.

05. All sacrifice creates some kind of pain...emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

small black book

Last night I had the privilege of listening to Emily Freeman speak, the author of 21 Days Closer to Christ. She spoke about many things that touched my heart, in fact, I frantically took notes while silently giving a prayer of thanks that I was there soaking up her goodness.

She made me really think and evaluate the way I pray and the way I study the scriptures. She reaffirmed my desire to focus on the important things in life and gave me another push to continue to seek for experiences to change my day, to focus on relationships, and to search for my purpose and what it is I have to offer the world.



But the one thing that stood out to me more than any other was to remember the special moments in my life. I think I do a pretty good job of this actually, but she made me think of it in a different way. The reason why we need to not only remember, but to document the special moments/spiritual experiences is so when the hard days come, when frustration and sadness rear it's ugly head, when all we want to do is curl up and hide from the world we can look back at our special moments and remember we are not alone. Remember we are loved. Remember who we are. Remembering is what will give us the push to get on our knees and ask for the strength we need to move forward. "A prayer for strength never goes unanswered." -emily freeman

I heard a talk a couple years ago that spoke on a very similar topic of writing our experiences down and I recall it's what pushed me to look at my photography differently. It's then I started focusing on documenting my everyday life. While I love this tremendously and feel like I have folders and folders of captured memories, I realize there are still so many moments that need to be documented that can't be captured in a photograph.

Today I'm devoting my afternoon to making a small book I can carry around with me so I can write down my special moments wherever and whenever they happen. So I'll never have to wonder and I'll always know God knows and is aware of me.

xoxo,
amy


--do you have a book for your special moments?

answers

Have you ever found yourself somewhere you knew you were suppose to be? That's what Woman's Conference was for me. I've never gone and I probably wouldn't have been there this year if I hadn't had the opportunity to present. I keep wondering how much my speaking had to do with making sure I was in the seats listening to Sister Becks talk. Talk about being in the right place at the right time. She answered my prayer as if I had asked her the question myself. It was a perfect way to start my Woman's Conference experience and another reminder that God is mindful of each one of us. I am so grateful I was there, listening.

I didn't get nearly all that I wanted to and probably got a lot of half thoughts, but here are my notes for what it's worth.

-I feel a great urgency for us to strengthen and lift not just the family, friends, ward members, but the world.
-If stand strong we will be safe.

What it means to serve the Lord
-What is your mission?
-Taking care of our children takes precedence over all other things.
-We have the power to know God's will for us.
-The vision of our family is the vision of our purpose before the Lord.
-Each of us is important to our time/generation to the success of the house of Israel.
-We come from Royal blood.
-When we choose we have power in our house.
-Power is limited to what we'll allow.
-We must prioritize so that we're focusing on what's most important.
-The power to receive revelation is the greatest gift we can have.
-Being able to feel the Lord's spirit and influence is the best education we can have.

How do we choose to walk with God
-We have to know our responsibilities and how to fill those.
-Seek and help others in need.
-We will be tried and it's our network that will be the ones to help us.
-If you believe it will and can happen.
-What you teach and do in the home must be important to you.
-We must prioritize so that we're focusing on what's most important.
Essential Things: know the mind and will of God. (Prayer, scripture study, share the gospel, give service, attend the temple.
Necessary Things: make a home where the Spirit can dwell (Make mealtimes a place a togetherness and teaching, smile, be a comfort to your husband, lay aside things of the worlds, be self-reliant).
Nice Things: all the extra stuff. (Lunch with girl friends, pleasure reading, hobbies.)-We can't do all things at once.
-Nothing can = a visiting teacher. They should be first responders.
-Relief Society is parallel to the Priesthood.
-Read Book of Mormon with the questions; Who am I? What are my responsibilities? How do I fulfill those?
-Doing this (above) will lead you onto the road of discovery.
-We don't always see the outcome of our efforts.
-Our lives are an investment.
-If we serve God His spirit will be with us.

recitals

The Primary Presidency spoke in church today, which means I spoke in church today. Admittedly I was not happy about the timing of this talk and tried to use whatever persuasion I had over the Bishopric (Adam) to make this assignment later on in the year, but to no avail. I guess today was as good as any. I tried to see it as an opportunity to practice my speaking skills for Woman's Conference and with that in mind it was really the easiest speaking assignment I've ever had.

Because it was the Primary that spoke we had Bella play the violin and another girl accompany her on the piano for a musical number. I was just happy I was first and didn't have to go after them because it always gets me a little emotional to see the kids express themselves through music.



Speaking of the violin we've heard it a lot lately around the house as Bella and Megan have been preparing for their recitals that were held last week on the 18th. They both did a tremendous job. I'm so grateful for the time and effort they put into their pieces knowing getting up and performing is not the easiest thing.

I never really know what to expect from Megan, she could either be silly or quite serious, from what I can tell she enjoys performing, but this time she put her silliness aside and had her game face on. Much like her sister Bella who focuses all her energy on the instrument and tries to show as little emotion as possible. She enjoys performing with a group rather than on her own and has told me she would love to be in an orchestra one day.



One of my favorite things about watching them perform is to see the relief written all over their face when they're practically running off the stage. It's cute and sweet and I know exactly what that feels like...I felt it today. I love to see Bella's sitting with me (above) with such a contented look on her face enjoying the rest of the recital because her part was over.



Of course if you asked them the best part about the night is the celebration afterward...always a trip out for ice cream.

sunday thought

It's interesting, once I changed my attitude last year about going to church by preparing myself before hand, taking notes, and looking for the reason I was there I got so much out of it. Today was no exception.


[taken nov 2009]

It was our Ward Conference and while that doesn't really mean anything to me except that our stake leaders will be there, it was different because our focus was on the conference theme Mosiah 24:14 and it's exactly what I needed. The scripture reads:

And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

It's a funny thing, I read through this last week knowing it was our theme and it means something so different to me today as I heard it again. I specifically love the part where it says, God will ease our burdens so that we may stand as a witness of Him. We go though trials and struggles not only to gain experiences that help shape us, but also so that we will know of God's existence and great love for us. It is bringing comfort to me this afternoon knowing that God is mindful of each one of us and that all things that we pass through in this life are for our own good and have a purpose.

other comments that caught my attention
-God's help is available to us if we ask.
-Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
-Faith in Jesus Christ is not insurance against pain it's a resource when trials come.

keeping a journal, take II

One of my goals that I didn't keep as faithfully as I would have like last year was writing in my journal. There are just so many things that get missed on a blog and thought a journal would be just the thing. Unfortunately somewhere along the way my journal writing petered off and I went from every day to once a month to twice a year. Very disappointing.

Today in church a man was quoting the church news and said, "I think that if you're going to make progress in any aspect of life, you have to keep track of that progress and you have to keep track of it somewhere. I think it's a good practice to use a journal as a workbook to keep track of progress."

This definitely hit a chord with me. I really liked that he said a journal is a way of keeping track of our progress. I don't know why I've never thought of it like that before because I've definitely taken note that my blog has done just that. I've at times, looked back at my 2005 self and seen how much I've grown as a person, but also creatively in those 5 years. I'm so grateful that I have a record and can see exactly where I've come from. I know a journal that has even more personal thoughts/experiences can do the very same thing and it gave me another push to start again and keep it up.

Another thing that caught my attention was President Erying's talk from Oct 2007 General Conference. He talked about finding ways to recognize and remember God's kindnesses and he did it by keeping a journal. He said, "As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done."

I realize I need to find more quiet moments where I can recognize the hand of God in my day. I know there are many instances in my life, but also in the life of my family where God has helped one of us. It's a shame to think how many experiences I've already let fall through the cracks and become forgotten. I believe seeing God's works everyday will change the way I see myself in the big picture and get a better understanding of my purpose.



I came home from church once again with the renewed desire and commitment to be better about writing in my journal. To write what's in my heart so my children will know who I am. To answer the question, what do I need to do to get from where I am to where I want to go? So I can everyday see evidence of what God has done for me and my family. I'm hoping that it will help me not only recognize the experiences more as they're happening, but that I too will be able to find opportunities to serve.

Now, I just need to find a way to make this desire last longer than a month or so...thoughts?

the letter

Have you ever been asked to do something that you're not quite sure you can do and for starters you don't know how you got asked to do it in the first place, but it's the kind of thing you can't say no too?

Ya. I got asked to do something like that and it's so hard to keep the I'm not worthy and really what can I offer feelings away...

Last week I got a letter in the mail. I should have taken the letter a little more seriously after seeing the BYU symbol in the left hand corner, but I opened it as if it was junk mail. Man, how I wish it would have been junk mail. So you can imagine my utter shock when instead it was a one page letter asking me if I'd be willing to participate in Woman's Conference at the end of April as a presenter to discuss the topic: "She....Worketh Willingly with Her Hands" (Proverbs 31:13)

I know, after you've whipped the shocked look off your face let me just tell you how shocked I was when I first read it. I was literally motionless. When I was finally able to compose myself I read the letter over and over, double checking to make sure it was really address to me (it was) and then felt the panic set in. Tears welled up in my eyes and I stared pacing the house, they want me to do what? I can't do this! There are so many more woman out there who are more qualified than me that could do this. Can I do this?

Deep breath...

I just got off the phone with the woman who sent me the letter telling her, Yes, I would be willing to participate. It's a good thing I've had some time to think about this, I'm calm now and feel peaceful about the whole thing. I have a different understanding today than I did the moment I opened the letter. I've been praying for some time, over a year in fact, to find ways to use my talents for good. I know I have a desire to create for a reason and I keep searching for the answer. Whether or not this is it, perhaps part of it, I'm not sure, but I do know I cannot let this opportunity pass me up. I'm grateful for someone believing in me enough to think I could do this and grateful that I feel peaceful today knowing that I can.

That is today. I'm quite certain it will be around the middle of March when I'll start crying again and will need lots of encouragement.

***************************************************************************************************

P.S. If anything (stories, talks, quotes etc...) occurs to you about that topic please email me, I would love to hear what you have to say. I've decided not to even think about this until after the big meeting at the end of this month where they give me all the details and I meet the other 2 woman I'm presenting with, but I guess it can never be too soon to start compiling ideas.

today

* I'm writing this on a laptop because I'm experiencing computer woes. I fear I may be out my computer for a week or so. Other than the obvious, it has been seriously inconvenient since I had a project I had to finish yesterday. I kept hearing in my head, "make it work". What can I say, I'm such a fan of Tim Gunn.
* I made banana bread with the girls and I can smell it cooking in the oven. (edit...I'm pretty sure I over cooked the smaller ones)
* I took a 2 hour nap. I fear it may mess me up tonight.
* I got a new calling as the Primary Secretary in my ward for my church (it was a complete shock). A calling, for those of you who don't know, is volunteer service for various organizations in my church. The primary is the organization over the children 11 and under.



* I can see the mountains are beginning to change colors. I'm offically ready for autumn.
* I've been debating about either adding more to my etsy store or closing it down. I've been told it can't be found so I am adding a link to my sidebar in case anyone is interested.
* I've been watching Return of the Jedi with my four. I definitely like the other 2 better.
* I feel like I've got something I need to do that I'm not doing, but I can't imagine what it is. I keep looking at my calendar thinking something will be there.
* I have photos I want to upload and share from our attempt to camp last weekend.
* Have I told you lately that I am not a fan of computer problems.
* It's 8:30pm. I think I'll go back to bed and read a while and hopefully get a good 8 hours.

sunday departure

This morning instead of attending church like usual in our regular building we were fortunate enough to do like the Pioneers and attend our meeting at This Is the Place park. It was an enjoyable departure from the norm, but also a wonderful experience to have while honoring our heritage and the Mormon saints who sacrificed so much to travel west.

Among the talks I heard one thing that stood out to me was, we all have a story to tell and have the responsibility to share it. I guess it was validation to me as to why I spend time to remember moments on my blog, take everyday photographs, and write down my thoughts in my journal. It's not so much that I want to be remembered by my children, grandchildren, and so on, it's that I want to be able to make a difference in their life through the things I share about my life, about today and the time I live.

I believe we all have a purpose to our lives, but it wasn't until today that I thought part our purpose could be beneficial to those who come after us. It's strange to think one day the life you lived will be important to one of your great great grandchildren. It's actually quite a daunting thought, but I love it still. It's definitely given me a push to continue and make sure to be better about sharing the woman I am with my children today and for future generations.

Do you think about telling your story?

sunday stand out

Usually at church there is always something, even a very small thing, where I think that is the reason why I came today.

Here are two things that stood out to me today...

"The major work of the world is not done by geniuses. It is done by ordinary people, with balance in their lives, who have learned to work in an extraordinary manner”
-President Hinckley Apr. 1996

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Phillipians 4:13

the program

[i love her details]

Tess really nailed it when she drew this picture of us. That is how I felt, oozing with love, as I sat in the congregation watching my three little ones participate in the primary program. What else can I say, it was a magical moment. I was beaming. They were beaming. We all got chocked up by the spirit that was felt. I am so grateful they know they're children of God and had the courage to share their testimonies. I hope this is an experience they will not soon forget.

Surprises
Megan sang and knew all the words to each song. I had no idea she would sing. The best part, she really enunciated each word. Very funny to watch.

Tess gave her part slow and precise without needing any help. We worked all week trying to slow it down and I feared once she got up in front of everyone she would say it as fast as she could.

Bella, hmm, no surprise there. She knew all the songs, her part, and even got to play the violin. The opportunities she's had to get up in front of others has really helped her to feel more comfortable. If only you could have seen her years ago, you would know how far she's come.

tender mercies

I woke up in a bad way this morning. I can't pin point it's origin, but I'm struggling with my self worth and an understanding of what my purpose is here on this earth. I'm grateful of all weekends that my mood fell on a day that could devote to listening to the words of the Prophet and the Apostles. As I sat listening I could see the tender mercies of a loving Heavenly Father in my life. Many of the talks and the words spoken today felt like they were just for me and a direct answer to my prayers.



There were many fabulous talks that got me to think, and made me more fully appreciate my life and my knowledge of the Gospel. I'll just share with you a few that spoke to me this morning that truly gave me hope, especially considering the place I found myself this morning.

Neil L Anderson
"While there are many experiences like the one we are having today full of spiritual power and confirmation, there are also days when we feel inadequate and unprepared. When doubt and confusion enter our spirits, when we have difficulty finding our spiritual footing, part of the victory as disciples of Christ is what we do when these feelings come."

"You don't know everything, but you know enough."

"Faith is not only a feeling, it's a decision."

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"Hope is a gift of the spirit...a principle of promise as well as a commandment, and with all commandments we have the responsibility to make it an active part of our lives and overcome the temptation to lose hope."

"No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations."

"The things we hope in, sustain us during our daily walk. They uphold us through trials, temptations, and sorrow. Everyone has experienced discouragement and difficulty. Indeed there are times when the darkness may seem unbearable. It is in these times that the divine principles of the restored gospel we hope in, can uphold us and carry us until once again we walk in the light."

Joseph B. Wirthlin
"I do believe the way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be. If we approach adversities wisely our hardest times can be of greatest growth that in time can lead to greatest happiness."

If you didn't get a chance to listen to it, it's definitely worth your time. Go here to find the videos from both sessions.

the story of a song

Today I had the opportunity to see Bella sing a duet in church, though she would have never called it an opportunity. In fact as we walked to church this morning to practice one last time she confessed how much she didn't want to do it and how she felt so pressured.



It all started innocently enough where she was asked a month ago to sing A Child's Prayer for someones lesson with another lady. She reluctantly sad yes, but she did agree to it. Well it all went south last week when the chorister heard about the duet and wanted them to sing in sacrament meeting in front of 150 people. I made sure and told him he would have to ask her himself. When he did she was quite hesitant, but he kept saying, "just say yes", so she eventually did. I felt bad she was in that situation, feeling like she had to agree to something she clearly didn't want to do, so I almost called to tell him she wasn't going to perform, but honestly I completely forgot about it until last night.

This morning she was more nervous than I ever remember her being. At the practice she was quiet and reserved and I must admit I was very nervous myself wondering if she would be able to do it once she got up in front of the congregation. I said several prayers for her throughout the morning hoping her nerves would be calmed.

Minutes before it was time to sing her eyes started to fill up, she was terrified. I tried to reassure her, reminding her she has sung lots of times before, that she was totally prepared, and that no matter what we loved her. I also encouraged her to say her own little prayer to ask for comfort and support. As she walked up and stood ready to sing she looked a bit hesitant, but had an air of confidence I had not seen from her all day. Here are the words she sang:

Heavenly Father are you really there,
and do you hear and answer every child's prayer.
Some say that heaven is far away,
but I feel it close around me as I pray.
Heavenly Father I remember now
something that Jesus told disciples long ago
Suffer the children to come to me.
Father in prayer I'm coming now to thee.

As she sang the words so beautifully, without a bit of fear, my eyes filled with tears as I listened to her sweet voice sing about prayer realizing in that moment her prayers had been answered and I knew she knew it too. When she was done I looked over at Adam who's eyes were also filled with tears. We were a mess, but rightly so. Our little girl had just done something she was terrified to do and did an amazing job.



I hope she will never forget what it felt like to face her fears head on and with her Heavenly Father's help do what seemed impossible to her hours before. She has tremendous courage, but more than that she has unwavering faith. She knew she would not be alone today and in so many ways she wasn't. My sweet Bella I love you to pieces. You amaze me.