Scripture Countdown to Christmas

I found 2 Christmas Scripture Advents (Pinterest is awesome...just sayin') that we are going to do as a family this year...thought I would share here as well (and on my facebook).  The first is a scripture, an event, and a Christlike characteristic to emulate.  The second is a scripture and a Christmas song.  

Enjoy and follow along if you like!

December 1

Luke 8:41-56

Jarius' daughter is raised from the dead

Jesus Christ was Compassionate

Isaiah 7:14

Angels We Have Heard On High

I also found a Twelve Days of Christmas countdown that will begin on Dec 13  :)

Be Thankful

A few days late....

Be Thankful (my LDW Magazine Blog post)

LDW Blog Post

LDW Blog Post

LDW Blog Post

Again,  a couple days late, but here it is....

LDW Blog Post--Forgiveness

What I'm Thankful for....caught up on my other blog

I got a bit behind...but I've caught up now....

What I"m Thankful For

On my other blog....

What I'm Thankful For...Day 2

My other (neglected) blog

At the beginning of the year, I started a new blog....that has pretty much been neglected most of the year. Being that this is November, seems a good time to rejuvenate it. Please visit.... 


Walk In Gratitude Daily

LDW Blog Post

As I started way back in the spring, a few steps on the road to happiness are developing the attributes described in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World".  It seems I did not get as far along as I had thought; in fact, only two have been shared.  (See links below.)

Faith

Prayer 

The next attribute in the proclamation is repentance.  Repentance is acknowledgement of a wrongdoing, an ill thought, a harsh word....and making amends to correct the effects of such actions.  It is more than simply saying "I'm sorry" (although that is a great place to start).  But repentance is turning away from that which is unbecoming to the Lord.  

President Monson said "Our task is to become our best selves. One of God's greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final."  There is great hope in that statement..."no failure ever need be final."  IF we repent we can be forgiven...and move forward.

In the most recent General Conference, Elder Todd Christofferson spoke of repentance, and gave 5 aspects to help in understanding this fundamental principle of the gospel.

     1.  "The invitation to repent is an expression of love. "  In a past General Conference, Elder Neil Andersen said "The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to “re-turn” toward God."  When our friends, leaders, or our own conscience suggests there is need to repent, we should not become offended.  We should feel grateful they love us enough to want to help us.   

     2.  "Repentance means striving to change." Repentance is more a journey than a one-time event. Change is hard.  We will falter.  We will struggle.  And, sometimes in our repentance, in our daily efforts to become more Christlike, we find ourselves struggling over and over with the same difficulties.  Don’t be discouraged. If you are striving and working to repent, you are in the process of repenting.  And the Lord is there to help us; as long as we continue and do not give up, we will succeed.  Repentance becomes part of our daily lives.

     3.  "Repentance means not only abandoning sin but also committing to obedience." The forsaking of sins implies never returning. Forsaking requires time. To help us, the Lord at times allows the residue of our mistakes to rest in our memory.  As long as we remember what we did, and the effect it had/has on those around us, we will be less likely to repeat the same offense.

    4.  "Repentance requires a seriousness of purpose and a willingness to persevere, even through pain."  This is much more than a casual “I admit it; I’m sorry.”  Sorrow and regret and bitter tears often accompany one’s confession, especially when his or her actions have been the cause of pain to someone or, worse, have led another into sin.  Any pain entailed in repentance will always be far less than the suffering required to satisfy justice for unresolved transgression. 

     5.  "Whatever the cost of repentance, it is swallowed up in the joy of forgiveness."  Repentance always means that there is greater happiness ahead.

There is a quote I saw recently that said  "Don't apologize if you're still going to do the things you're sorry for."  The opportunity to repent is readily available, but it is not designed to be a forethought...we shouldn't begin our day with the thought that I'm going to mess up, but I can repent later.  That is a mockery of the Savior's atonement and suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross.  We should instead begin (and end) each day with the prayer that the Lord will guide our thoughts and actions to be those becoming of a child of God.  

I am grateful for the gift of repentance (and subsequent forgiveness...a topic to be revisited next time).  While I shudder to think that even one drop of Christ's blood was shed for me...I know that His sufferings in Gethsemane were on my behalf.  I will continue to strive to live so that I may return to live with Him.  I challenge you to do the same, to welcome the opportunity to repent for what it is, a gift and not a reprimand.

~~Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day~~

A person that loses a partner is called a widow. 

A child who loses a parent is called an orphan.

But there is no word to describe a parent that loses a

child, 

because the loss is like no other.

Read the story of my boys....

one a miracle, one an angel.




Take a moment today to think of the parents of the
babies born too small, too soon.

~~God's finger touched him....and he slept.~~

Happy Fall Ya'll!!

 A woman was asked by a coworker, "What is it like to be a Christian?" The coworker replied, "It is like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts the top off and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see."  

What timing....

I absolutely loved the movie The Help....finding a message and learning how to apply the lessons found is always a plus!! Life Lessons from The Help  Pain Happens in a Broken World By Poppy Smith Have you read or seen the movie, THE HELP? If you have, you know it is a story about racism and the treatment of black maids who worked for white people in the South. People’s reactions range from outrage at the humiliation blacks have often received, to charges that it was biased and untrue. I came out of the movie grieving. I not only felt wretched at the pain racism causes, but also at the hurt and suffering that comes when people mistreat others. Pain Happens in a Broken World. Being cruel to others, whether by actions or words, happens in every culture for many reasons: because individuals think they are superior for some reason due to their skin color, gender, position in society, wealth, or education. Whatever the reasons, they all flow from a sinful heart. Have you been hurt? Have you known what it is like to be looked down on, dismissed as unimportant, or made to feel unwanted? Have you experienced cruelty of some kind? How did it make you feel? Have you wrestled with anger, wanting to get revenge, or feeling crushed and of no worth? In The Help, one of the poorly treated maids gets her revenge in a startling way. But revenge is God’s prerogative, and not ours to take (Romans 12:19). Your pain might have come from someone you work with, live next to, or go to school with. Its source could be a relative or close family. Even fellow believers hurt others when operating in the flesh and not the Spirit. But no matter where your pain originated, it is something God wants to heal. God Cares About You. Why should He care? Why does He call you to forgive those who have harmed you? Because He loves you and wants the appalling power of bitterness, hatred, and inner rage to stop poisoning your heart and your life. God’s Path to Healing. How can you and I, followers of the Lord Jesus, indwelt by His Mighty and All-powerful Spirit, find freedom from pain? Only by forgiving the one, or many, who caused our pain. Three necessary principles for dealing with pain: Reject blame and bitterness. It doesn’t move you forward. It chains you to the past. Pray for willingness to forgive. It is a process that often requires time to work through. Forgive the offender. Be willing to release that person from your desire for revenge, or even for an apology. Realize they most likely have moved on and forgotten the incident. Remembering is only hurting you. Let it go. Remember something else: the Lord is our Healer. He wants you to experience joy, no matter how much pain you have experienced. He wants you to THRIVE in every aspect of your life. And He has provided a way for this to happen! Will you walk in it? Author Bio

Poppy Smith With her fun personality and passion for communicating life-changing truths, Poppy Smith inspires believers to thrive spiritually and personally. Poppy’s practical how-to messages (in print or in person) uses colorful examples from her own struggles to be more like Jesus. She encourages women (and men, at times) to grow in every kind of situation—whether joyful or painful! Poppy is British, married to an American, and has lived in many countries. She brings an international flair seasoned with humorous honesty as she illustrates Bible truths. A former Bible Study Fellowship Lecturer, Poppy’s teaching challenges women to look at their choices, attitudes and self-talk. As a result, God’s speaks, changing hearts, changing minds, and changing lives.

The above article comes from Poppy’s recent Thrive e-newsletter. Receive Poppy’s Ten Tips for Saying “No” by signing up for her newsletter at: http://www.poppysmith.com/newsletters.htm

LDW Blog Post

Here is my post for this week on Latter Day Woman Magazine:


http://ldwmagazine.com/2011/10/10/general-conference-recap/

General Conference Meme

General Conference Highlights (Oct 2011)

1. Who were your three favorite speakers?  Pres Monson, Pres. Uchtdorf, Pres. Packer

2. Which talk spoke to you the most?  Elder Hales

3. What was your favorite Hymn and why did it move you?  Families Can Be Together Forever--it is one of my favorites; gives me the assurance that I will be able to raise my son in the next life

4. Which speaker was the best dressed? (Come on, we can have a little fun.)  I like ties...and I liked all of their ties.

5. Were there any topics that you felt like were repeated often? Any conference “themes”?  Not sure I noticed a theme among the talks this conference; but what i did notice is that Pres. Uchtdorf's remarks at the RS Conference and his talk at General Conference were very similar...and that is the sincere love Heavenly Father has for each of us.

6. Share a few of your favorite quotes from any of the talks (paraphrasing is fine). 

L. Whitney Clayton: The sun never sets on the work of the Lord.

Jose Alonso: Do the right thing at the right time, without delay.

Boyd K. Packer: I have been where you are, and know where you are going. You've not yet been where I am.

Boyd K. Packer: All beings who have a body have power over those who do not.

Boyd K. Packer: The voice of the spirit comes as a feeling rather than a voice. Learn to listen.

Boyd K. Packer: Repentance can heal what hurts.

Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf: Compared to God, man is nothing. But we are everything to God.

Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf: What you see and experience now is not what forever will be.

Neil L. Anderson: "Motherhood is not a hobby. It is a calling." (quoted from a mommy blogger)

Carl B. Cook: "It is better to look up." (quoted from Pres. Monson)

Pres. Monson: Yesterday's science fiction has become today's reality.

Pres. Monson: Although the laws of the world have changed, the laws of God have not changed. They will not change.

Pres. Monson: We are all in this together, and we each have a part to play.

J Devn Cornish: It is as tragic for one to believe he is too sinful to pray as it is for one to believe he is too sick to go to the doctor.


7. Name something(s) that made you smile or laugh during conference.  Pres Monson's "hello" when he spoke on Sat.

8. Was there any evidence that your children paid attention?  my youngest son was in my room with the whole time during each session playing games on my ipad....but I could hear him singing along to some of the hymns

9. What doctrine did you learn as you listened to the choir(s) sing?

10. Did the music enhance your General Conference experience? How?

11. What are some of your post-conference goals?

*memorize the Psalms (not sure which ones...)

*donate to the General Patron Temple Assistance Fund

*Use the YW theme and Values as topics for my weekly LDW blog posts

*participate more fully in the General Conference Book Club ;)

General Conference Trivia

I have truly come to love and look forward to General Conference....below is a list of trivia questions that can be found here.  (Click the link FIRST if you want to participate in the contest)

I've answered some of the ones I knew...I can only write so fast!  That's why I am so grateful the talks are provided in the Ensign the month following conference!

SPOKEN WORD

1.      When President Monson addressed the congregation for the very first time in this conference, what was the first thing he said?  hello

2.      How many new temples were announced?  And which one does President Monson want to dedicate himself? 3; Star Valley, Wyoming

3.      Finish this clever rhyme from President Uctdorf’s talk.  “The Lord doesn’t care if we work in marble halls or      (stable stalls)     .

4.      What kind of bird did President Packer refer to when teaching youth to learn from their elders? crows

5.      Elder Perry spoke about the Church in the media.  He asked us to share the church and the gospel with the outside world the same way that volunteers do at what kind of event?

6.      What did Elder Scott give his family as a Christmas gift in 1991?

7.      According to Elder Scott, what endeavor/achievement is “like forging a new friendship”?

8.      Elder Bednar suggested that young people are gifted in technology for a purpose.  What does he encourage them to do instead of video games, Facebook and surfing the Internet?

9.      Elder Christofferson said that we should smile when we speak about what principle? repentance

10.  Which apostle quoted a mommy blogger who said, “Motherhood is not a hobby; it is a calling.”? Neil L. Anderson

11.  In Sister Thompson’s talk, she told the story of a woman during WWII who was asked how she kept a testimony through all her suffering.  Complete the woman’s response:  “I didn’t keep a testimony, my testimony kept me”

12.  Elder Whitney L. Clayton was able to go into the presidential palace that he had once taught in front of on his mission.  In what country? Peru

13.  Elder Ian Ardern gave a great talk about managing our time.  Finish this wise piece of counsel:  “Let us be as quick to kneel as we are to _______.”

14.  Elder Carl B. Cook found himself riding in an elevator with President Monson when he was feeling very discouraged.  What was the prophet’s advice? It is better to look up.

15.  What did President Monson lose (and then find) as a child that helped him gain his testimony of prayer? $5

16.  What are the three points that President Eyring reminded us are part of our baptism covenant?

Promise to become charitable, Promise to be witnesses of God, Promise to endure and keep the commandments

17.  According to Elder Ballard, what 9 words explain exactly who we are and what we believe?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

18.   According to Elder Tad Callister, why are there so many Christian churches?

Because there are many intrepretations of the Bible

19.  On Sunday morning, we were taught about fatherhood in one of the best talks on the matter I’ve ever heard.  Who was the speaker?  Sis. Elaine Dalton

20.  Elder Russell M. Nelson said that the greatest compliment that can be given in this life is to be known as a    (what?)   ?

21.  Brother Richardson told a story about mountain hiking with his children.  What did he do when they wanted to know how much further they had to go? Told them to look at how far they had come rather than how far they had to go

22.  What happened to Elder Randall K. Bennet when he ignored a warning sign?

23.  When Elder Cornish wanted to eat a piece of chicken, how was his prayer answered? He found a quarter on the street across from the chicken place.

MUSIC

24.  Where was the children’s choir from? Pleasant view and ??
25.  What primary song did the Tabernacle choir sing during the Saturday morning session?
26. During the Saturday morning session we were asked to sing the congregational song with full hearts. What was the name of the hymn? Press Forward Saints
27. The women in the tabernacle choir wore two dresses during conference.  What colors were they? Blue on Saturday, pink on sunday
28. What Hymn did Sister Dalton refer to in her talk?

LDW Blog Post

I haven't yet decided what I'm going to do with this blog...but while I decide, I will post/link up to other blogs that are important to me.

Here is the link to my most recent LDW blog post....

Recap and Refocus

1. Shoes in the house - yay or nay?  as in do i wear them in the house--no. allowed in the house--so long as there is nothing on them that requires clean up

2. What do you call them- flip flops, slippers, thongs, etc?  flip flops...and I have many many pairs!

3. What song are you almost embarrassed to admit you know all the lyrics to?  i know the lyrics to many songs, some not as appropriate as others

4. What is the best quality to have in a friend? great big shoulders...for crying on, for lifting up, for supporting, for celebrating

5. Do you know what you want for Christmas?  I have a WISH list for each of us...but mine probably won't happen by Christmas. much of what I want either costs too much or takes more time....

an article to share....

SIMPLE GIFTS

By Sharen Pearson

As a mother of five and now grandmother of seven, I’ve planned my share of birthday events. I am a creative person, so my problem is “going over the top.” My expectations supersede those of the birthday child. So, I have to step back and say, “Whose birthday is it anyway?” And, therein lies the key to a successful birthday party.

 

I recently assisted with my grandson, Waylon’s party. He was reaching that big-boy age of 5 years. He knew what theme he wanted: Herbie the Love Bug. He wanted a backyard campfire and a cake with Herbie on it. Simple—Herbie, campfire, cake. Got it! My daughter complied. She invited a few families from church that Waylon knew well and was comfortable around. Since entire families were represented, parents were there to help with crowd control. Bowls of chips and dip provided a place to gather around as people arrived. Children scattered to play in the back yard, parents grouped to watch and chat. Easy, huh? Daddy lit a small fire in the campfire ring in the yard. More talk, more easy playing. The cake was a simple giant chocolate chip cookie with a frosting “Herbie.” Waylon thought it was wonderful.

Mommy announced that it was gift-opening time and everyone pulled up lawn chairs and sat in family groups. Waylon sat in the middle of the circle on the grass and guests watched as he opened each gift and thanked the giver. He received many nice gifts, but to everyone’s delight, a small, inexpensive VW bug toy car was his favorite. He opened it, raised it above his head as if it were a trophy and yelled in delight. Waylon slept with his “Herbie;” woke up and greeted it; placed it on the edge of the tub so he could see it. He had the birthday he wanted. Simple party, simple gift, simple fun!

Some suggestions to consider when planning your party:

• If your child is old enough to have input, allow it.

• For ages 1-5 years, simple is best. Simple decorations, simple food, simple games.

• Invite only one party guest per age of the child. Young children are very intimidated by many children of the same age. Remember, “Whose birthday is it?”

• If guests include family/friends with older children, add activities especially for them.

• Home is the best place for children ages 5 and under. Big party venues are confusing, scary and do not position the “birthday child” as the center of attention as he should be.

Some traps that parents fall into:

• Making the party so complicated that you, as the parent, no longer enjoy it. (Been there, done that.)

• Allowing young party guests to get close to and grab for gifts as as the birthday child is opening them. (Admit it, you’ve seen this haven’t you?)

• Spending too much money. (Guilty as charged.)

• Preparing food for adults and not age-appropriate to the guests. (The only thing to show off today is your wonderful child)

• Engaging in sleepover parties before the age of 9 years. (Children younger than 9 or 10 years often find sleeping at someone else’s home frightening and uncomfortable.)

________________________________________

Author Bio

Sharen Pearson

Sharen Pearson’s Goof & Giggle classes and materials continue to provide a quality Mom/Tot interaction. Widely popular, Goof & Giggle’s child-focused play plans are offered in various Arizona communities. She’s also created a variety of Goof Juice DVDs and filmed episodes of Baby D.I.Y. and written workbooks for BabyFirstTV. Arizona Midday (NBC) tapes monthly segments with Sharen to provide their audience with a variety of original and creative “easy to do” activities for babies and preschoolers. Sharen’s creativity reaches a combined audience over 200 million viewers worldwide. Goof & Giggle classes and products encourage green living, repurposing materials from around the house into affordable objects for play and learning. Learn more at: http://sharenpearson.com/

________________________________________

posted with permission from russ@kathycarltonwillis.com.

LDW Magazine Post...Finding Peace and Balance

A friend of mine has the following on her Facebook info page:


“I am a personal chef, taxi cab driver, nurse, doctor, tutor, maid, banker, stylist, shopper, gardener, hairdresser….a MOM.” Some of us can add full time employee, event planner, peacemaker, cheerleader, mentor/coach, storyteller, teacher, and a host of other titles.

How do we fit it all in? How do we do all of those things, plus the personal and family building activities we are counseled to do (ie scripture study, FHE, prayer, etc)? How do we find peace and balance amid the chaos and activity of our lives?

I don’t profess to have the answers. I often don’t even feel qualified to be writing this blog. I’m often overwhelmed myself and swamped in my own inadequacies and burdens of life. However, the leaders of the church are fully qualified and very much aware of the need for balance. I was encouraged that not only did my ideas match some of those of the general authorities, but much of what is suggested is totally 100% do-able.

The short list (ie MY list) is this:

--Plan

--Schedule

--Prioritize

--Attend the temple

Before beginning any endeavor, we should review the covenants we have made with the Lord. This will allow us to see where we can improve our life and our day to day duties.

1. Set your priorities—figure out where you are going and what you need to do to get there. (This would be the Planning part.) Write your daily tasks, using the covenants made with the Lord foremost in mind (Schedule).

2. Set short term goals—Goals that are balanced, ie not too many, not too few; not too high, not too low. Pray for guidance. Write them down in order of importance (ie Prioritize).

3. M. Russell Ballard says, “…we will never have balance in our lives unless our finances are securely under control.” Control your *real* needs and balance them against your wants. Always, always, pay a full tithing.

4. Stay close to family, friends, children, etc. Good relationships can be maintained through good communication. “A man’s character is the reality of himself—his reputation is the opinion others have formed of him. Character is in him—Reputation is from others. Character is the substance—Reputation is the shadow.” There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child…while it may not actually take a village…the message is that we are not intended to “balance” alone.

5. Study the scriptures. There is no greater source of peace in one’s daily life. Sincere study produces faith and provides hope and solutions to daily challenges. I have found as I try to read each day (usually in the morning, but not always), that I not only learn something new, but new insights come to mind that are specific to whatever the day brings.

6. Schedule time for sufficient rest, exercise, and relaxation. Take care of your body. Obey the word of wisdom. We will never have the mental or physical energy to meet the demands pressed on us if we do not adequately nourish and exercise our bodies, as well as adequately rest our mind and bodies.

7. Teach one another in regular Family Home Evening. Seek after the things of God.

8. Pray often. (Need I say more?)

I have been struggling lately with getting things done, especially in the evenings. I have hope that the beginning of the school year will help in that it will get my boys back to a regular schedule. We are in our third week this week, and so far, not happening. But I still hope. I also hope some of the ideas presented will help you find peace and balance. I know that when I pray and read the scriptures, I don’t feel as overwhelmed, even if I haven’t actually accomplished a single thing.

Sunday Stealing

1. If you could live in any other time period, which would you pick?

absolutely no idea

2. What is your favorite topic to write on your blog other than a meme?

my children

3. What are some traits that you admire in a lover?

respect of others

4. Could you adjust to life in another country?

I'm sure I could

5. If you could study anything, what would it be?

currently want to learn sign language

6. What is your favorite possession that cost less than $15?

I love pens...and individually, they cost less than $15

7. Which color do you wear most often?

pink and green (but not together)

8. What has been your “theme song”, or favorite song this summer?

A Little Bit Stronger by Sara Evans

9. What's the most romantic thing that's ever been said to you?

i'm gonna pass on this one....because while I thought it was romantic at the time, it means very little now

10. What would be your dream birthday cake?

any cake made by The Cake Boss

11. What is the coolest thing you’ve ever done?

it was cool to me...visiting my friend in WA last year, we went up one of the mountains....60 degree pleasant weather to freezing temperatures and snow and back again all in one day....

Sunday Stealing

1. Tell us about something that made you laugh last night.

I'm sure it was my son..he tends to do that on a fairly regular basis

2. What were you doing at 8 PM last night?

sadly, I don't remember--but I think watching tv

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?

watching tv, talking to a friend

4. What happened to you in 2006? (Feel free to republish an old post from '06.)

you know...I don't remember...and I didn't start blogging until 2008 so no republish available

5. What was the last thing you said out loud?

"No"....answered a question about a tv show we're watcing

6. How many beverages did you have today?

4 i think

7. What color is your hairbrush?

one is black, one is silver

8. What was the last thing you paid for?

gas for the lawnmower

9. Where were you last night?

at home

10. What color is your front door?

tan

11. Where do you keep your change?

in the zipper pouch in my wallet; i also keep some in my drawer at work

12. What’s the weather like today?

hot, muggy, scattered thunderstorms

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor?

cookies and cream

14. What excites you?

good news

15. Do you want to cut your hair?

Do I want to cut it...no.  but it does need to be cut

16. Are you over the age of 35?

yes i am

17. Do you talk a lot?

depends on the subject and who i'm talking to

18. Do you watch Franklin and Bash?

um...no

19. Do you know anyone named Steven?

yes I do

20. Do you make up your own words?

been known to, yes

21. Are you a jealous person?

no

22. What does the last text message you received say?

"Very possible.  I'm never far if you need me."

23. Where’s the next place you’re going to?

my bedroom

24. Who’s the rudest person in your life?

someone who shall remain nameless, as he is a minor

25. Are you crushing on anyone that you shouldn't be?

nope...no crushing going on anyone