sunday thought + 12of12 reminder

This quote stood out to me while reading this morning.



"God is interested in what you are becoming as a result of your choices. He is not satisfied if your exercise of moral agency is simply a robotic effort at keeping some rules. Your Savior wants you to become something, not just do some things. He is endeavoring to make you independently strong—more able to act for yourself than perhaps those of any prior generation. You must be able to be righteous, even when He withdraws His Spirit, or, as Brigham Young said, even “in the dark.”

Using your agency to choose His will, and not slackening even when the going gets hard, will not make you God’s puppet; it will make you like Him. God gave you agency and Jesus showed you how to use it so that eventually you could learn what They know, do what They do, and be what They are."

~Elder D. Todd Christopherson (Moral Agency | 31 Jan 2006)


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Also I want to quickly remind you all that tomorrow is the twelfth. Yep, it's that time again and hard to believe our last opportunity this year to play along with the 12of12 challenge.

Have a great day capturing your everyday. I look forward to seeing your holidays in full swing.

sunday quotes

Just wanted to share two quotes I heard while in church today, quotes I've heard before, but stood out to me more today than in the past.

"...those who diligently seek to learn of Christ eventually will come to know Him. They will personally receive a divine portrait of the Master, although it most often comes in the form of a puzzle--one piece at a time. Each individual piece may not be easily recognizable by itself; it may not be clear how it relates to the whole. Each piece helps us to see the big picture a little more clearly. Eventually, after enough pieces have been put together, we recognize the grand beauty of it all. Then, looking back on our experience, we see that the Savior had indeed come to be with us--not all at once but quietly, gently, almost unnoticed.
-Elder Uchtdorf

"that which we persist in doing becomes easier to do, not that the nature of the thing has changed, but our power to do is increased."
-Heber J Grant

sunday thought

We had a special Stake Conference today, which turned out to be a wonderful reminder of many of the things on my mind as of late...my purpose, spiritual growth, strength through the Lord, family, what matters most, temple worship, and missionary work. I love it when all the thoughts in my head come together in one meeting and I leave feeling edified with strength and courage to try harder and carry on.



It all started with our Stake theme which comes from Mosiah 24:14

"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."

This is a very comforting scripture because if I know one thing about life, it doesn't come without it's challenges and if it did, I surely wouldn't be the woman I am today. It has taken me some time and some maturing to finally be grateful for the things I have faced, grateful to know it's purpose, and where it has lead me up to this point. So if we think about it this way, the question is not when will we face adversity, but how we'll contront it and what we'll become in the process?

The how is the part that I need to work on the most. Choosing to accept my struggles. Choosing to ask for help. Choosing to face it with a good attitude knowing that it's for my benefit, knowing it's what will help draw me closer to the Lord. There is a lot of power in our gift of agency...I guess I picked my word for the year wisely :)

Other stand outs from the meeting:
--"Do not focus on the pain, but what we are becoming in the process." -President Crocker
--"Nothing is worth the making if it doesn't make the man." a poem by Edwin Markham and quoted by Elder Packer
--"The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing."
--"The key is to love and serve one another." -Sister Nixon.
I believe whole heartedly that this is key to life. I can't tell you how many times I've been in a dark place and when I take the focus off of myself, serve someone else, I see the light and everything seems right with the world again.
--"Each day we are building upon experiences that are needed for our growth." Sister Nixon
--"When you are thinking about missionary work experiences will happen." Sister Winn
--"Prepare your heart and the Lord will provide opportunities." Sister Winn
--"We cannot only live on spiritual experiences of the past." -Elder Snow

It was a lot of "good stuffs" all at onces, a lot to think about, but it was exactly what I needed as I start this week full of change and welcome in a new stage of my life.

xxox,
amy

Sunday thought

What is most important?



This was the opening question of our speaker today at church. It always amazes me, and yet, it never should, that God can and will answer prayers so quick & blatant. I literally had been thinking this morning about this very thing...Am I doing what matters most?

Sigh.

I wish this was a question I could answer an unequivocal yes to, but I know I'm falling short. Each day I have a renewed commitment to do my best, unfortunately I'm one of those one step forward two steps back kind of gals so my progress, though progress nevertheless, is small compared to where I want it to be.

So it was comforting today to hear the words service & give spoken from the pulpit. I know wholeheartedly the best way to find happiness is through others by serving them, but it never hurts to hear again and again that service is the key to our joy. In fact, it gives me hope that while my progress is small at least I know I'm on the right path.

xoxo
amy

sunday thought

There was a time when church was hard for me, when it felt like so much work to get everyone ready and out the door, when it almost felt like an obligation and not something I truly wanted to do with my Sunday. Instead of coming home uplifted and ready to tackle another week, I was worn out, frustrated that I hadn't felt the spirit. I can't say it was like that every singe week, but a lot of the time it was.

I hated feeling that way, not wanting to go to church on Sunday, when I know how strongly I feel about being a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After praying and pondering about how I could find more meaning in my Sunday worship I received the answer that what I wanted was within my grasp and relied solely on me. The word attitude moved around in my head until I understood that my attitude towards going to church is what needed to change.

Since that day I've made a special effort to prepare myself & my mind each Sunday for worship. I pray each week that I know there is a reason why I'm going and ask that I'll know it when I see/hear it. I also take notes to help keep me focused and participate as much as I can. The result: I come home feeling edified and uplifted, I feel ready to tackle my week and recharged to face my struggles, but the best part, I come home knowing why I went to church that day. I will hear it in a lesson, a talk, from one of the primary children, or talking with one of my neighbors. Sometimes it's an answer to one of my prayers, sometimes it's recognizing a service I can do for one of my neighbors, sometimes I hear something I think will be valuable to one of my friends. Whatever the answer I always leave knowing why I was there and have a better understanding of my purpose.

It's another lesson to me just how much I can learn and grow by changing my attitude and seeking the guidance of the spirit.

Here is a quote from Elder Holland that stood out to me today. The entire talk, Lessons From Liberty Jail, is fabulous as well if you have some time and would like to read it.



"Regarding our earthly journey, the Lord has promised, “I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up” (D&C 84:88). That is an everlasting declaration of God’s love and care for us, including—and perhaps especially—in times of trouble." ~Elder Holland (Ensign | Sept. 2009)

Have a great Sunday.
xoxo

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P.S. Just a quick reminder that tomorrow is the 12th and you know what that means...another month of 12of12. Looking forward to another summer installment. Happy shooting and remember it's never to late to begin.

sunday thought

I'm home from church with a sick Megan today. Technically she's sick, but she sure isn't acting like it. In fact, she keeps asking if she can go outside and ride her scooter. Since I'm home I decided to read over some of my church notes from the last few months and found this list of things we can do to help strengthen us for the days ahead.

1. Change your attitude. Think positively.
2. Have gratitude in your heart daily. Say thank you.
3. Do at least one selfless act each day...something you wouldn't normally do.
4. Offer yourself to others.



This is not the first time I've heard a list like this, but I do remember thinking how interesting it is that it seems to keep coming back to these same four principles. Be positive. Be grateful. Be selfless. Give service.

It's all pretty basic stuff, wouldn't you say? But I can see how adding them to your everyday can make a significant impact on you, the way you see the world, and those you come in contact with, i.e. family & friends. Even though I feel like I do think about these things often I know that I have plenty of room to improve and am recommitting myself to doing better at living this way on a daily basis.

What do you think about the list?

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.

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.

sunday thought

This story was told today in Sacrament meeting and it really hit home.


"And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver..."
Malachi 3:3

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?' He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'

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?

conference weekend

I am walking away from this conference weekend (for those of you who don't know general conference is a time when the Leaders of the LDS church speak to the entire church. It happens over a two day period every 6 months) feeling edified, with a renewed sense to try harder and do my best. I thought the messages given did not lack great wisdom and inspiration that I needed to hear. Here are just a few of the things that stood out to me.

Richard G. Scott
-Some truths comes when you are not actively seeking (e.g. dangerous situation), however, God will not force you to learn. You must exercise agency and authorize the spirit to teach you. As you do this you'll be more receptive to guidance and when it comes you'll recognize it more.

Russell G. Osguthorpe
-Aim High
-Rely on Lord. He will help you do things you think are impossible.

David A. Bednar
-We can become more faithful and diligent at home as we
1. express love and show it
-what we know isn't always reflected on what we do.
2. bear testimony and live it.
3. be consistent
-out of small things lead to something great.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf
- For what we love determines what we seek, and what we seek determines what we think and do, and that determines who we are.
-though we are incomplete God loves us completely.
-Don't get discourage the first step is to try and do. Keep trying until the difficult becomes possible and a habit - a part of you.
-love is the factor that takes obedience to dedication.

Dallin H. Oaks
-Laws are there to give us a way to advance (progress) like God.
-God's choicest blessings are contingent on our actions.

Jorge F. Zeballos
-God doesn't expect that we do what we cannot achieve. The command to become perfect as He encourages us to achieve the best of ourselves.
-God does not require more than the best we can give because that wouldn't be just, but He will not expect less than that. Always give your best.

Neil L. Anderson
-it is not easy to repent, to change is difficult.
-Repentance is turning away from some things such as dishonesty and pride, and turning toward other things such as kindness, unselfishness, & patience. It is returning toward God.
-How to decide where our repentance should be focused? Humbly petition the Lord. The answers will come and we will feel what changes we need to make.
-Christ knows how difficult it is.

Boyd K. Packer
-Know matter who you are or what you've done you're always worthy to pray.
-Prayer is your personal key to heaven and the lock is on your side of the veil.
-He concludes prayer with "they will be done". Do not expect to be free entirely from trouble, pain or discouragement. Theses are the things were sent to learn on earth.

Henry B. Erying
-We can and must expect to become better
-love is the motivating purpose
-husbands and wife pray for love that make weaknesses seem small
-you feel love of Savior when you try to do the things you know He would do.

L. Tom Perry
-looking to the past will help us find a better way to face the future.

H. David Burton
-faith will diminish if we follow world
-parents need to start in home by being an example

Ann Dibb
-We learn and grow by overcoming challenges with faith, persistence, and personal righteousness.
-Thomas S. Monson said, "Remember that you are entitled to our Heavenly Father's blessings in this work. He didn't call you to your privileged post to walk alone, without guidance, trusting to luck. On the contrary He know your skill, realizes your devotion and will convert your inadequacies to recognize strength."
-God has given us all what we need to return to Him. It is up to us to choose whether we use it or not.

Russell M. Nelson
-Generous gift God gave us is personal revelation...we need to be ready to receive it.
-Real intent means really intending to follow counsel given.
-We are given gifts precisely to fulfill Heavenly Father's purposes.

Prophet Thomas S. Monson
-What did you do for someone today? Each of us can do something
*"Whosoever shall lose his life for my save shall save it." I believe the Savior is telling us unless we lose ourselves in serving others there is little purpose to our lives.
-"Man's greatest happiness comes from losing self in others." - David O. Mckay
-We are one with you in moving forward this marvelous work. I testify to you that every man, woman and child has a part to play. May God give us the strength and the ability and the determination to play our part well.

Jeffery R. Holland
-One cannot come to full faith until one accepts the Book Of Mormon and Christ which it testifies of.
-God always provides safety for the soul and has done it through BOM.

Quentin L. Cook
-Try to do what is right because we love God not because someone else wants us to.
-When we are accountable to God we see how foolish our rationalizations are.
-Remember having religious observance in home is as important as feeding family.

Dale G. Renlund
-do not be casual about the small acts of praying and reading scriptures.
-consider where you heart is

Michael T. Ringwood
-Pray til you have faith in Christ
-daily living of Gospel brings a softness of heart.

This is just a glimpse of the goodness and a rough one at that coming from me. I am not so good at note taking, but I do my best. If you are interested in hearing the entire talks go here.









Besides the great talks that were given we had a great weekend together. I was so pleased with my girls that they were able to stay the whole time while conference was on. For the most part Bella sat and listened while Megan quietly (at times not) set up a closet for her stuffed animals and changed there clothes and Tess colored and hopefully heard some of the messages. We also had a fire going which makes everything seem a little cozier. When we weren't watching we made rolls for Sunday dinner, played go fish, ate a delicious turkey dinner, and carved pumpkins (yet to take a picture). It was delightful and was so grateful at the ease of 8 hours in front of the TV with little ones.

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?

creating=happiness

As I alluded in my post yesterday, I have been struggling for a few weeks now to find the purpose of the everyday monotony...the waking up, getting the kids off, house work, more kids stuff, dinner, and then going to bed exhausted. Today after being reminded once again of President Uchtdorf inspiring words I realized what it was I've been missing.

The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before....Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty.

A couple of weeks ago it occurred to me I haven't done much creating since the Christmas season. I don't know why I've chosen not to find time for something that has, in the past, brought me great joy, but as I sat listening to these words this afternoon I realized what an important part creating has been to my happiness, and it no doubt plays a huge part in the reason I'm feeling the way that I am.

When I got home the lesson of creating hit more home when I saw Bella starting to write a new story in her new notebook (thanks akenheads) and Tess making pottery with her pottery wheel (more photos to share when I get my computer back). They looked happy and content and I knew it's what I needed to do to get me feeling like me again.

So I start off my week with a renewed commitment to my earlier goal to find time everyday, even if it's only 20 minutes, to create. I use to think it was something I enjoyed doing and now I understand I need those little break during the day to help rejuvenate me.

Does creating make you happy too?

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

3 lessons

I was a few minutes early to Stake Conference so I pulled out my ensign and began reading when I noticed everyone was standing up. Instinctively I stood up looking in the direction of everyone else and noticed a man and his wife walking toward me. It took me a moment or two, but when my eyes focused and I realize who it was walking toward me I felt the spirit witness to me that in my presence was the Prophet of God, Thomas S. Monson and his darling wife. Instantly I knew why he was there. His daughter was speaking in conference and had come to hear her. I was surprised he choose to sit in the congregation in the overflow area, but perhaps he felt more comfortable not wanting to draw too much attention to himself. He was five seats away from me and I couldn't help feel a sadness that my children were not with me attending the meeting. I know they would have loved to meet him.

It was a marvelous conference. Marvelous. Everything I could have hoped. I walked away feeling I had prayers answered and was so grateful I didn't pass up this opportunity to learn.

The Stake President related a story he had heard at a BYU commencement talk recently and I will paraphrase it.

A young man lost his father in his late twenties and was forced to take over a company and business he was not ready for. He was overwhelmed and prayed to the Lord that his father's spirit might be permitted to inspire him, but no inspiration came, no answers to guide him. It wasn't until years later that he had a dream one night where his father came to him and said he had been quite busy and then suggested to his son, "We really don't care much about your business up here-we care only about who you are becoming as you run your business."

Many thoughts ran through my mind as he told this story, it made so much sense, and I realized that I could fill that sentence with any number of things. For instance, We really don't care what calling you have or We really don't care how many children you have-we care only who you are becoming as you run your life. etc. Our choices are significant in the sense that it brings us to where we are and ultimately helps shape the person we become, but the Lord has given us free reign to choose for ourselves and He is only concerned about the person we are striving to become not the jobs we hold or where we live.

Another powerful lesson taken from the Stake Presidents talk was referring to a parable given in The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis.

There was a bus that would take the souls from Hell on a ride up to Low Heaven where they were greeted by angels coming to minister to them. The angels encouraged them to abandon their sins and stay with them and progress to Deep Heaven. Many souls struggled with making the choice, but sadly the souls made there was back on the bus and returned to Hell. One soul, inclined to stay in Heaven, asked, "how can they chose to go back", and the angel said, "The choice of every lost soul can be expressed in the words 'Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven'. There is always something they insist on keeping, even at the price of misery. There is always something they prefer to joy..."

"The reason the souls returned to the bus was because there was some part of the natural man that their pride simply did not allow them to let go of...some sin or aspect of their worldly character that they pridefully desired to retain despite the best efforts of the angels missionaries. In a fit of ego gratification they wanted to hold onto envy, self absorption, lusts or worldly acclaim even at the risk of losing heaven. And this brings us to the heart and essence of the opposite of humility, that is, pride--in that pride is at it's very core a competitive vice. The opposite of a humble person who forgets about themselves, is the prideful soul who is focused not only on self, but on comparing themselves to others, and are focused on how they look and not on their relationship with God. The element of comparison and competition creates enmity between us and others and ourselves and God.

I'm sorry I know that was long, but I had to share it. Comparison is something I have dealt with a lot in my life and have a sense we have all had a taste of it. Comparison or even caring about what others think is a sure fire way of bringing me down and making me feel like I have absolutely no worth, but I hadn't really thought about how those feeling could be hindering a relationship with my Heavenly Father. I know blogging can play a big roll in helping me compare to each one of you. It can be hard at times to see so many of you succeed where I fail, but I know that we have all come to this earth with difference strengths and weaknesses so that we will rely on each other. It would be a shame to let the one thing that pulls us together push us apart.

I love going to a conference where you walk out and think it was all prepared just for you. I have one last lesson I want to share, one more quote I don't want to forget. At the end President Monson made his long way up from the back and talked for a few minutes. He shared a story about when he was ten years old and was riding along the Provo River on an inner tube. He had been riding for quite some time when he came around a bend and heard people calling "save her". He didn't know who they were talking about until he saw the head of a fourteen year old girl come out of the water. He grabbed onto her, pulled her onto the tube, and took her to the shore. The point of his story was this..."Heavenly Father can intervene so always have listening ears." He had been on the water for some time alone, no one knew he was coming and yet he was there ready and willing to answer the plea to "save her". He ended by saying, "I am grateful God knows who I am and knows I will do what He asks me to do."

A very powerful lesson to remember to always listen...you never know when you might be needed.

happiness

I didn't sleep last night, which is nothing new except it hasn't happened in several weeks and I just happened to be speaking in church again today in another ward. As I got ready this morning I decided to go the 3 hours and come home and rest, but then I found out about a meeting I needed to attend right after church so leaving would have been pointless. I was tired during my second sacrament meeting and craved my bed, so I must admit, my full attention was not on the meeting. Funny thing happened as I sat there grateful my children were quiet, I was inspired and loved the talks that were given. One was on joy and this quote by Joseph Smith caught my attention.

"Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God. . . ."

I love this because I believe we are here to find happiness in this life and that most certainly happiness is a choice we make everyday.

Thanks to everyone who supplied me with a recipe or a site to visit full of ideas. I have no excuses now. :)

Wouldn't it be boring if we all were the exact same?

For FHE we talked about how wonderful it is that we are all different. We look different, we talk different, we create different, etc, but with all these differences we are still all children of our Heavenly Father and how important it is that we treat each other the same.

It was a fun family project (glad Whitney could join us) to watch as each girl took to their doll in a different creative direction.

As I sit here thinking about this topic I moved pass the "treat each other the same" and remind myself how each person in my life with their differences serves to bring to me something I am lacking, something that I need. How grateful I am that we're all different in our own little ways, that we can strengthen each other along the way and do for each other what we cannot do for ourselves. My life is richer because of those in it and full of beautiful different colors.

Are we not lucky to be so different? I wouldn't have it any other way.

house project & sunday thought

We're hosting a Elder's Quorum dessert social at our house this evening and I should be doing last minute prep, but instead I wanted to share our latest house project & something that's been on my mind.

before

For Christmas Adam and I decided to make our study into what we had envisioned when we first built the house, a library, and have custom bookcases and desks line the walls. We want it to be a place our family can read, do homework, use the computer, play games, etc.

after

Well this weekend it became a reality when they were finally installed Saturday. It took until 8 o'clock PM to finished, pretty late for us to be starting a project, but we were all so excited to put it together and wanted to get it finished for today so we stayed up late moving books and filling the room. The girls were thrilled, especially Bella who could barely contain her excitement, when we told them we were going to have our very own library. I loved watching the girls haul in book after book looking for any space to put them. It's been a while since we've had such a family activity and I loved the whole experience. There is something about organizing a space from scratch that I so enjoy.

Since it's a Sunday I want to leave you with one finally thought that has been on my mind since last week. In our discussion about miracles preceding faith a girl made a comment about the story from Mark 9:14-24 where a man asks Jesus to heal his son's dumb spirit and, "Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." At that moment the story touched me deeply. How many times have I been in that situation where I want to believe so badly, when I thought my faith was strong enough, but my weak mind fails me and I feel otherwise. Often I've felt myself calling out saying, "Lord help thou mine unbelief". God truly is with us in all things...even in strengthening our faith through His love and His constant hand in our life. What a blessing. What a gift.