tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33367583332794864112024-03-05T10:44:01.185-08:00What's it All About Anyway?Some thoughts on life, truth and everything in betweenUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336758333279486411.post-70081468880383062192012-12-29T13:55:00.000-08:002012-12-29T13:57:17.907-08:00The Silver LiningMy father is buried in a beautiful cemetery in the foothills close to my childhood home. I have hiked up the road to that place countless times throughout my childhood. So many different seasons - so many different stages of life. It is a place that is familiar to me, and for the most part a place of beauty and peace more than sadness. However, I must admit, when I reach the headstone and read the names - names of children (including my own) who were so young, so small when they lost their father, the tears start to fall. There will always be a little bit of pain. But there will always be a little bit of peace too. When I see the beautiful depiction of the temple carved on the stone and think of eternity, I remember. <br />
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One summer evening I walked up to the cemetery with my older sister. We were both young single adults. We'd been there many times before, but never just the two of us. The beautiful thing about the cemetery is that it has the most magnificent view. As it extends out from the beautiful mountain on whose foothills it rests, it looks over the entire valley almost 360 degrees. My sister and I sat on the grass and looked over the valley. We were so excited to see the beautiful sunset we knew was coming, when we realized that a few grey clouds had moved in and were covering the sun. A little dissappointed, we talked quietly, not expecting to see the beauty of the sunset. Then my sister noticed it first. The clouds were lined with a beautiful silver edge, glowing almost gold, as the light burst out from behind. We both marveled at the exquisite painting in the sky right before our eyes. We have all experienced the beauty of nature that cannot be put into words. <br />
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I could not help but think... silver lining. The clouds did cover the sun, but the glowing silvery gold left such beauty to enjoy. In life, the clouds may also cover the "sun" at times. Those clouds may be very grey, and very unwanted. But I know, through so many experiences of my own, that there is always a silver lining... always. Look for it. It is there. The beauty is there. The peace is there. The joy can be found. The beauty of life experience is that through trials we are transformed from a grain of sand to a pearl. As I sat in a place that often triggers sorrow and pain, I felt peace, joy and saw the beauty of the silver lining that comes with every experience in life - even the grey ones. Men are that they may have joy. Every experience comes with good, with beauty and with that silver lining. There is always a silver lining.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00358357989018038938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336758333279486411.post-83719707620762430982012-08-29T10:18:00.001-07:002012-08-29T10:20:47.189-07:00"Sunday Scoop"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We have a tradition in our family called</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Sunday Scoop"</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1O9AZ9imA2-3c01SH74G7z36w1Upp33r3L4cojCOD7OrAWSxJTMF840hyphenhyphensoJqi7pPEzOrvBc1cQ8iE6FLIMOoHJywXMCgkWmZ00DZ5W01GgmQKLBWSA-xEwyB4GEkPdmE6-Dk6md_fQ/s1600/sundae-with-cherry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1O9AZ9imA2-3c01SH74G7z36w1Upp33r3L4cojCOD7OrAWSxJTMF840hyphenhyphensoJqi7pPEzOrvBc1cQ8iE6FLIMOoHJywXMCgkWmZ00DZ5W01GgmQKLBWSA-xEwyB4GEkPdmE6-Dk6md_fQ/s320/sundae-with-cherry.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
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After church each Sunday, we gather around the table and enjoy scoops of ice cream as we get the scoop from each person about what they learned in church. It's a little silly, but a little bit of fun for the kids. And a small and simple way to talk about the gospel together. The kids now find me excitedly after church ready to tell me what they learned that day and eager to have "Sunday Scoop."</div>
Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00358357989018038938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336758333279486411.post-42954600381084550382012-03-16T13:55:00.003-07:002012-03-16T13:56:54.488-07:00I think the most difficult and the most vital thing our country must face is finding the balance between moral values and civil rights.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336758333279486411.post-47250074712923339532011-03-01T11:35:00.000-08:002011-03-01T11:38:02.179-08:00"Anything that is in the world when you're born is normal and ordinary and is just a natural part of the way the world works. Anything that's invented between when you're fifteen and thirty-five is new and exciting and revolutionary and you could probably get a career in it. Anything invented after you're thirty-five is against the natural order of things." (Douglas Adams)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336758333279486411.post-31585633365216196022010-12-15T20:55:00.000-08:002010-12-15T20:56:04.731-08:00<div align="center">Something I've learned this year...</div><div align="center">"Busy" - is a choice.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336758333279486411.post-23695333369259626782010-02-04T09:44:00.000-08:002010-02-10T19:17:38.696-08:00Dreams<div align="center">I'm a psychology major, so I've heard all the theories. </div><div align="center">Nonetheless, I still pose this question: </div><div align="center"><em>Where do dreams come from</em> </div><div align="center">(the dreams we have when we're asleep)</div><div align="center">...besides a certain part of the brain? </div><div align="center">Do they have real meaning? </div><div align="center">Always? </div><div align="center">Does God use our dreams? </div><div align="center">How often? </div><div align="center">Does Satan have power over our dreams? </div><div align="center">What about agency? </div><div align="center">Do we have power over our dreams? </div><div align="center">Are we responsible for our dreams?</div><div align="center">Or are they just nerve impulses - random, latent output of the subconscious? </div><div align="center">Sometimes dreams can be entertaining</div><div align="center">They can be wonderful fairy tales</div><div align="center">or silly-strange fables</div><div align="center">Sometimes they are frightening</div><div align="center">or disturbing</div><div align="center">and shake us to our core</div><div align="center">most of the time they don't make sense</div><div align="center">or are forgotten</div><div align="center">But sometimes they stay with us forever</div><div align="center">As strange as they may be, they are the residue - a small token </div><div align="center">of the many hours of our life spent in sleep </div><div align="center">What <em>are</em> dreams?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336758333279486411.post-14260019983491402612009-10-23T13:30:00.000-07:002009-10-26T15:11:02.191-07:00Wisdom<a title="Send quote to a friend" href="http://en.proverbia.net/enviar_frase.asp?id=25521"></a>What is wisdom?<br />Bertrand Russel, the British logician and philosopher said,<br /><br />"To conquer fear is the beginning of <em>wisdom</em>."<br /><br /><br />Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) Swiss political philosopher and essayist said,<br /><br />"What <em>wisdom</em> can you find that is greater than kindness?"<br /><br /><br />Socrates (BC 469-BC 399) Greek philosopher of Athens expounded,<br /><br />"True <em>wisdom</em> comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us."<br /><br /><br />Some of the greatest minds have explored this subject.<br /><br /><br />Here is my (clumsy) attempt to explore the subject.<br /><p>Does wisdom come from books?</p><p>"...seek ye out of the best books, words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith" (D&C 88:118)</p><p>Does wisdom come with age?</p><p>"...learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God." (Alma 37:35)<br /></p><p>Indeed, wisdom is many things.</p><p>And manifest in many ways.</p><p>I recently read a book where a mother contiplated the wisdom she had gained through suffering and trials - through experience and sacrifice and learning. She thought of Eve and her choice made in Eden - that we must all pass through sorrow that we may <em>know</em> the good from the evil. </p><p>I think wisdom is truly gained through the experience of trials, and not merely experiencing them, but choosing to put your hand in God's while experiencing them. To sit at his feet and be tutored by him in the midst of suffering. Wisdom is gained when we emerge from a trial a new person - a wiser one - one who has learned something and can <em>use</em> that new knowledge as a tool in future experiences; as well as to help, understand, and love others. It is to have gained a greater understanding of life, and of God.</p>A friend of mine once said, God gives us the necessary experiences to learn as much as we can as fast as we can in this life.<br /><br />As we pass through life experiences, always allowing God to tutor us, we begin to learn - to see things the way He sees them.<br /><br />This is wisdom.<br /><br />And, of course, the more we live learn and experience, the more realize how little we know.<br /><br />This is wisdom as well.<br /><br />I think of <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_kgs/4">Solomon</a>. He was thought of as a man with great wisdom. His wisdom was manifest in his ability to discern right from wrong, to understand people, and to judge righteously. His wisdom was acquired through a close and strong relationship with God and his desire to follow God.<br /><br />I think of the "three wisemen." Who were these men and why were they so wise? We don't know much about them, but that they spent their time searching, literally, for the Messiah.<br /><br /><em>Wise men</em>, indeed.<br /><br />Wisdom is also understanding truth. Truly understanding truth. And with that understanding comes the ability to apply truth to life. Applying certain truths at certain times in certain circumstances. Being able to do this, is wisdom.<br /><br />There are people who are knowledgeable - people who know a lot. But knowledge and wisdom are not always companions. Someone who is knowledgeable is not necessarily wise.<br /><br />A professor is a facilitator of learning. Being tutored by a good professor, a student can gain knowledge.<br /><br />Being tutored by God, a person can gain <em>wisdom</em>.<br /><br />It is through tutorials with <em>God</em> that we gain <em>wisdom</em>. This requires experience. Experience with God and his teachings. Often the crowning experience of learning wisdom is a test - just as a professor may give a test for you to apply your knowledge. God's test is an experience or trial where we learn to apply truth. This is true wisdom - to see and understand how the truths apply. Understanding and applying truth. This is why we are here on earth. We had the priveledge of living with our Father in Heaven and gaining wisdom at his feet. But what is wisdom acquired unless it is understood, applied, tested? Thus, here we are, experiencing the ultimate of tests.<br /><br />My dad, before he passed away, wrote an article in the New Era called <em><a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=024644f8f206c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=65155930f289b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1">Spiritual Strength: A Planned Process</a>. </em>I think spiritual strength and wisdom go hand in hand. He spoke of our ability to work for more frequent spiritual experiences. If we plan, study, work, and sanctify ourselves, we can have more frequent communion with God. The more we "visit" God, the more tutorials we can receive, the more wisdom we store up. And the more prepared we are for the tests. And through tests we also gain increased wisdom as it becomes more clear to us how truths are applied in real life situations - when they are so crucial. We gain understanding. Understanding that we can use in the future of our lives, and build upon.<br /><br />I had personally come to the conclusion that wisdom comes with age. However, I've realized wisdom comes with <em>experience. </em>Particularly e<em>xperience </em>with God. Thus, <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_sam/17/12,14-15,17,20,22-23,26,28-29,31-34,37-39,41-45,48-51,54-55,57-58#12">David</a> was a young boy <em>wise</em> beyond his years, as well as <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/morm/1">Mormon</a>, <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/js_h/1/11,13,26#11">Joseph Smith</a>, and many others. There are those who are young who are wiser than most - because they have spent many of their young years learning truth from the Ultimate source....<br /><br />"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336758333279486411.post-61523938734763295252009-05-03T17:55:00.001-07:002009-05-03T17:55:58.118-07:00Happiness<object width="500" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/And0988vdC4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/And0988vdC4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="315"></embed></object>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00358357989018038938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336758333279486411.post-16590809317169962192009-04-06T11:27:00.001-07:002010-02-05T09:23:14.679-08:00AdjustableThe pot of water on the stove starts boiling over while I'm chopping veggies on the 12 inches of counterspace I have in my kitchen. With the cookie rack balanced on the separator of the sink; I dump the pasta in the pot, turn down the heat, and pull the cookies out of the oven just as the timer goes off. The stove top's covered in pans of cooking food, so I search frantically for a space to set my hot pan of cookies. The 12 inches of counterspace is already overoccupied... the sink!... already occupied. Oh wait, I do have another 12-inch piece of countertop... but it's being used by the rack full of drying dishes. I would stick my cookies on top of them, if there wasn't already a bowl of something or other balanced on top of the drying dishes. I finally resort to holding the hot pan of cookies while they cool and I stir the boiling sauce with my other hand. Finally, I shovel the cookies off onto the rack balanced on the sink. I've almost mastered the skill of cooking a bazillion things at once, or anything at all for that matter, in my closet-sized (literally) kitchen. It wasn't always this way.<br /><div align="center">I recently went from this:</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SV8_k9lTAZflD9UsaznocC5Dr-B9jVi6f93On-B0Y9KYDzjKLEQQzPgPrxqM2v2fvlDP0LbTWD_7jNUlw6iuVwMl-Rih0yYcZgUXjxZZv0uNFpZbSjhEbJ7r5LuhdAZ3qEISuL-pJO0/s1600-h/April+2008+030.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321657021680202994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SV8_k9lTAZflD9UsaznocC5Dr-B9jVi6f93On-B0Y9KYDzjKLEQQzPgPrxqM2v2fvlDP0LbTWD_7jNUlw6iuVwMl-Rih0yYcZgUXjxZZv0uNFpZbSjhEbJ7r5LuhdAZ3qEISuL-pJO0/s320/April+2008+030.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">To this:</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLjn3nSqKCO5ZBGZH6ToA8tHfaW-YERW0JuAe55z2I43lo_x8PQK2H0MPU1MNQIwkLL1LRPFm5jjyQ8JIeyU6HHl7k6_6kiPu4IFeJXG7_iJnPijIOZuTiUkDpWrU3NsdFPwMhzQFNQY/s1600-h/July+2008+041.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321656621206898450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLjn3nSqKCO5ZBGZH6ToA8tHfaW-YERW0JuAe55z2I43lo_x8PQK2H0MPU1MNQIwkLL1LRPFm5jjyQ8JIeyU6HHl7k6_6kiPu4IFeJXG7_iJnPijIOZuTiUkDpWrU3NsdFPwMhzQFNQY/s320/July+2008+041.JPG" /></a> <div align="center"><div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I don't regret the decision. However, it has required some adjustment.</div><div><br /></div><div align="left">Our lives are full of changes - good or bad - and we, are required to adjust. Often times the decision to adjust is ours. We can choose to live in discomfort or misery. We can choose to refuse change. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Or... we can adjust. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">We live in a world of adjustable things. Adjust the sound; adjust the height; adjust the length; adjust the temprature; adjust the lighting; adjust the support level; adjust the angle; adjust width.... modern convenience is wonderful. But are we sometimes losing the growth that comes with adjusting <em>ourselves? </em>Adjusting ourselves to our circumstances can make us stronger. Better. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">When you adjust a belt, you leave room for growth. Of course in this sense, there is a negative associated with gaining weight. However, if we choose to adjust the "belt" in our selves, we allow our spirits and our character room to grow. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">When our eyes are exposed to light, they adjust. Often after a long time in the dark it is hard for our eyes to adjust to light. But once our eyes are adjusted, the light helps them see far more than they could in the dark. The light illuminates everything. When we allow ourselves to adjust to circumstances (either that we have chosen, or that God has chosen for us, or that others have chosen for us) we can see the beauty in all that is around us. And we are able to see things in a different "light."</div><div align="left"><br />When babies are born, their bodies must experience great adjustment. Each day they adjust more and more to the new world they have entered. But each day, as their bodies are allowed to adjust, they become stronger and stronger. So can we, as we adjust to circumstances in our lives, become stronger and stronger. </div><div><br />So, I'm trying to be more "adjustable."</div><div>And I hope in doing so, to be able to grow and become stronger. And happier.</div><div>And to see the beauty....if there is any.... in my miniscule, </div><div>closet-sized kitchen!</div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336758333279486411.post-41022856865287109222009-03-15T06:50:00.000-07:002009-03-15T06:52:19.224-07:00Temples<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-x_-TQivCx8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-x_-TQivCx8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00358357989018038938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336758333279486411.post-64394709517624176912009-03-07T12:39:00.000-08:002009-03-10T08:32:27.472-07:00Create!<div align="center">In connection with my little <a href="http://justsomethoughtslds.blogspot.com/2008/11/one-of-deepest-yearnings-of-human-soul.html">spill</a> on creating, I found an inspiring little video on the subject.</div><div align="center">This is based on a talk by <a href="http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-37,00.html">Elder Uchdorf </a>and it's on lds.org.</div><div align="center">It's called "create"</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.lds.org/pa/display/0,17884,4644-1,00.html">Enjoy!</a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.lds.org/pa/display/0,17884,4644-1,00.html"></a></div><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyRga8BCzgDJFXxfc1xqERA9R83puePuaZEI7AKf9NmI3M71PxYP7gqYWgZdmdmFpwolNjaWOtXu72e6EYhLA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p align="center">Never underestimate the power of creating! </p><p align="center">The power we each possess!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336758333279486411.post-20592888457049785372009-01-27T10:52:00.000-08:002009-01-27T10:55:15.875-08:00Today, Tomorrow and Someday<div align="center"><em>"Grow old along with me!<br />The best is yet to be,<br />The last of life, for which the first was made:<br />Our times are in His hand<br />Who saith, 'A whole I planned,<br />Youth shows but half;<br />trust God: see all, nor be afraid!'"<br /></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Rabbi Ben Ezra (1864), stanza 1<br /></span></em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>"God doesn’t care nearly as much about where you have been<br />as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go."<br /></em><a href="http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=12522&x=47&y=5">~Jeffrey R. Holland</a> (apostle, LDS Church)<br /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Life is so much about progression: about change, about faith and about moving forward. God planned time and seasons of change because change is so good for us as humans! Change allows us to stretch, to learn, to grow and also gives us excitement and variety in life as well as motivating us to make goals, to "start fresh" and to become better as we look to the future. The past often holds many valuable memories and lessons that bring joy and enrich our lives. However, life is not about living in the past. It's about looking to the future! Our lives are all about the future. The future is the only thing we have power over. And the future holds everything for us! No matter what the past holds, the future holds who we will become. And the power of Christ's atonement is what makes all of this possible, if we choose to use it. God wants us to look to the future and to progress. He cares most about what we become!<br />"Faith is for the future. Faith builds on the past but never longs to stay there. Faith trusts that God has great things in store for each of us..." (Jeffrey R. Holland) </div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00358357989018038938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336758333279486411.post-88265073877073075892008-11-08T13:31:00.000-08:002008-11-20T14:37:04.878-08:00"The hand that rocks the cradle"Lately I've been thinking a lot about mothers, and have been confused and frustrated with what I've been seeing of women.<br /><br />A mother, to me, is a woman who has been given power that no one else in the world possesses. A mother is someone who is living the ultimate dream and experiences the ultimate of joy. What a privilege! What greater gift is there than motherhood (or fatherhood?) But particularly motherhood. To be entrusted with precious children. To be their co-creator, their protector, their nurturer, their teacher, their friend; the one who they can come to to feel loved and understood; the one who is always there for them. To witness the purity, the joy, the excitement, the love that only comes from mothering a child. And to have that be entitled to us as our biggest and most sacred responsibility is no small thing.<br /><br />Not only is motherhood a tremendous privilege, blessing and responsibility (for what is worth more than a human soul, a human life, especially that of a child?), it also possesses great power; power that most people overlook. You can't ignore the truth of the words of W.R. Wallace who said, "The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world." The power and influence of a mother, as she teaches her children, is the power and influence that is the future of the world! This power does not come at a small price. This power requires all the time and attention a mother can give!<br /><br />I have always dreamed of being a mother. I feel I have had my fair share of experiences and accomplishments in life. I have recieved an education from one of the best universities. And I feel the best way I can use that degree right now is as a mother, in my home with my children. I consider my greatest accomplishment that of being a mom. It wasn't until I became a wife and mother that I have been able to live my dream. There is nothing I have yearned for more! And I am only grateful I have had this priceless opportunity.<br /><br />There is so much time in life to live, experience and accomplish. But there are only a few years when a mother has children in her home. These precious years are special years for mothers to raise, nurture and teach their children. This is the responsibility in which they have been entrusted.<br /><br />Would I trade my husband for his job? No. He has an important job. We each need to do our part for the happiness and well-being of our children and our family. But trade him for his job? It is definitely a woman's divine role to be the nurturer of the children - all of nature points to it! It's a part of who I am. I wouldn't trade it for the world!<br /><br />When I witness my children learning something new, there is a light in their eyes that is irresistable. There is nothing more satisfying than being an instrument in that process - being part of a soul receiving truth and enlightenment.<br /><br />When I kiss the soft cheeks and hold the sturdy little hands; when I hug the little bodies, and feed the little mouths; when I create a smile, a memory, a sanctuary, for these little ones, there is nothing in this world that can compare with the satisfaction and divinity of this work. I feel so blessed every day, and I can't ignore the ache I feel when I think of ever having to give it up.<br /><br />How could anyone want to give this up? There are those who do. I do not understand. There are those who go searching for another profession. What are they looking for? For power? For fulfillment? For self-worth? For freedom? For relief from boredom? Or to spend their days helping others...who are more important than their children? It's like finally getting the dream job, only to hire a substitute each day!....it doesn't make sense to me. All the noble and worthy jobs in the world are not more important to me than my precious children. I would never imagine finally acquiring my "dream" job, and then giving it up to someone else each day! Unless, of course, I had to.<br /><br />There will be many years when I can chase my "dreams." But the years with my children are few. I would not give up this privilege to any nanny, daycare, or grandma in the world as long as I could help it. I would sacrifice much to be home with my children! There are many who do.<br /><br />"Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother," says Lin Yutang. Are we going to give up that right? In search for other rights we feel we do not have? Where are we going and what are we looking for when we leave our homes and children each day? How many of the precious few moments are we wasting? How much will we long for them back when we are finally "free" to pursue our "dreams"; when we are finally free to find "fulfillment"; when we are finally free to be "successful?"<br /><br />How many of us mothers are giving up our greatest rights in pursuit of another? How many of us are giving up such divine power in search of power from the powerless? How many of us are giving up moments with our precious little ones so someone else can enjoy them? How many of us are sacrificing our childrens' longings to be with their mother, and their need to be taught, nourished and companioned, so that we can teach, serve, or work for others? Are the needs of others more important than our children's? And what child would not jump at the chance of spending each day with their mother?<br /><br />I understand there are those women who long to be home with their children each day, but can't. I know those women are strong and God helps them and their families. But there definitely are those who make a choice. Why do they?<br /><br />I love the words of Anne Campbell as she looked at her children:<br /><br />You are the trip I did not take;<br />You are the pearls I cannot buy;<br />You are my blue Italian lake;<br />You are my piece of foreign sky.<br />(“To My Child,” quoted in Charles L. Wallis, ed., The Treasure Chest [1965], 54)<br /><br />Mothers, come home. Your children need you. The world needs you - at home!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336758333279486411.post-17430722448851555902008-11-03T20:04:00.000-08:002008-11-03T20:12:41.435-08:00"Substance"<div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>"The more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls."</em></span></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">~Spencer W. Kimball~</span></em></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336758333279486411.post-55386176752433431722008-11-03T19:34:00.000-08:002008-11-03T20:15:36.439-08:00"One of the Deepest Yearnings of the Human Soul"Elder <a href="http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-37,00.html">Deiter F. Uchdorf</a> said, "The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul.... 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."<br /><br />When you look into a child's eyes when they have created something with their own hands, there is an expression of self-fulfillment and joy that is irresistable! And it testifies of the beauty of human life, experience and fulfillment.<br /><br />"Everyone can create. You don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty."<br /><br />"remember that you are spirit [children] of the most creative Being in the universe."<br /><br />"If you are a mother [or father], you participate with God in His work of creation—not only by providing physical bodies for your children but also by teaching and nurturing them."<br /><br />"The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter."<br /><br />"If you still feel incapable of creating, start small. Try to see how many smiles you can create, write a letter of appreciation, learn a new skill, identify a space and beautify it."<br />(Elder Uchdorf)<br /><br />“Progress, and improve upon and make beautiful everything around you. Cultivate the earth, and cultivate your minds." (Brigham Young)<br /><br />"As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you."<br /> (Elder Uchdorf)<br /><br />Even if your creativity and talents are never used for the success of a major franchise, and aren't being sported down the latest runway, or even recognized by more than a handful of people. If you use your God-given creativity and talents to better the lives of a few - of those in your family, your children. Your influence is of infinite value. The power within each of us to create is endless, with God's help, and infinitely valuable for others as well as for ourselves!<br /><br />Creating something with our own minds and hands is the one of the ultimate of human experiences. And is a God-given gift to us.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336758333279486411.post-51725182271152760982008-10-11T21:46:00.000-07:002008-10-11T22:19:44.739-07:00Rights, Freedom and ValuesI think many people are confused. Many people, like me, believe in the constitution. They believe in freedom. And people are hesitant to start defining too much what one can and cannot do; worrying that it might start limiting the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, as human beings. <br /><br />However, what we must remember is that amidst "freedom" there is still right and wrong. Yes, people should be free to speak, live, work, worship and learn how they will - but there is still right and wrong. The constitution is based on underlying fundamental values. Values must still remain in place. The constitution was created for this "one nation under God." The freedoms of our country are based on god-given values if which crumble, so will the freedoms and framework of our country. <br /><br />We must speak up for truth and right. We must voice our values - as Americans and human beings. And be grateful for the constitution that still allows us to do so. As long as this country and government runs the way it's supposed to, the majority voice will be heard. Let's make that majority voice be one fighting, not only for freedom, but for right and truth, goodness and morality. Not to limit others' freedoms, but to allow the freedom that comes with truth and right! When someone is <em>doing</em> wrong, they can never be free anyway. And when a country is built upon wrong principles, it will fall.<br /><br />(Will the day come when we allow someone to go around stealing, or <em>killing </em>because it's what they believe or it's what they prefer or what they are inclined to do?? Just a thought.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336758333279486411.post-46525159576336356492008-10-11T20:52:00.000-07:002008-10-28T14:06:47.332-07:00Save Marriage and Family!<div align="center"><em>"We call upon responsible CITIZENS and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society."<br /></em>(<a href="http://www.lds.org/Static%20Files/PDF/Manuals/TheFamily_AProclamationToTheWorld_35538_eng.pdf">The Family</a> : A Proclamation to the World).<br /></div>Don't be afraid to stand up for traditional marriage and fight for measures that will save the family! (See link <a href="http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-divine-institution-of-marriage">The Divine Institution of Marriage</a> ).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336758333279486411.post-30226183398833650212008-10-11T20:21:00.000-07:002008-10-28T13:50:53.516-07:00Quote of the Day<div align="center"><em>"Be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled, will disappear all too soon... and that you will, to your surprise, miss them, profoundly."<br /></em>President Thomas S. Monson</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I've been thinking a lot along these lines lately. A few months ago, I was staying with my mom, and my two boys (3 and 1) were running wild and crazy. I thought I had had enough being a mom for a while. Seriously considering ebay as a means of relieving myself of my two little "burdensome obligations," I was met by my mom with a smile on her face. She said, "Isn't it so much fun - you get to take care of these two cute little children. Think how lonely your life would be without them." Ever since then, I have tried to look at things this way. I absolutely ADORE my two little guys! And life WOULD be dull withought them! It's just I sometimes forget. It's usually at night, when they're asleep and I have a quite moment to contemplate, that I feel such a profound love for them and joy that comes with it. And I feel so BLESSED that I get to be their mother. To be a mother has been a lifelong dream of mine!</div><div align="center">In truth, children are not stressful, irritating,difficult,tiring, or crazy - though I often turn them into that. They are fun, cute and wonderful beings who can bring so much joy to life! </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Like Pres. Monson also said "Live in the present." Enjoy each moment, each day. And thank God for all the joy that can be found - especially in being a mom! It's true, as Elder Ballard once said, the time of having young children in your home makes up only about 1/10th of an adult's life! Enjoy it while it lasts!! </div><div align="center">Love it. Take it in. </div><div align="center">You will certainly have time later to fulfill the other "dreams" you have. But none will ever be so valuable as the one you are fulfilling now - being a mother.</div><div align="center">So don't look forward too much to the time that will assuredly come when, along with all of your new-found freedom, you will "miss them profoundly."</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3