The Day I Met President Thomas S. Monson.

I woke up early this morning and received a text from my daughter who lives in Utah. The text read "President Monson passed away earlier tonight." President Monson is the third prophet I've known since joining the church back in 1992. The memories I have of President Howard Hunter, and President Gordon B. Hinckley are extra sweet, but there is something super special of the memories I have of President Monson, and I will always remember the first time I met him. 

seminary graduation & a personal memory.

For four years these kids woke up at 5am (or earlier) to attend early morning seminary to study  these four wonderful books. I'm sure the past four years were trying for them waking up on their own to study the word of God, but they persevered, and made it! 

It takes a lot of courage and desire to get motivated to attend early morning seminary. Most areas cross the world have it during school, and some have home study meaning they have it once a week. 

I commend these kids because of all the extracurricular activities, including jobs they had while waking up at an ungodly hour to study the word of God. 

Seeing my daughters commitment in taking responsibility to wake up on her own...yes, on her own (sometimes she'd have to wake her dad up when he used to teach) proved to me that she enjoyed it. Even though she'd grow tired as the year would wind down, she was strong, and knew that this is what helped her throughout her days, and that attending seminary was for her own good. I'm sure it's okay to speak for the rest of the kids as well. 

In Sierra's final year of seminary having a different teacher besides her dad taught her a lot. She learned that everyone has their own way of teaching, and unique spirituality. She really enjoyed Sister Neiman's method of teaching, and how she expressed herself with her testimony of the Savior, and His teachings.

Mingling is Sierra's favorite thing to do among friends, and to catch up with those whom she hadn't seen a while. 

I'm so glad Sierra had a few minutes to catch up on life with Dan, and to exchange one last hug. He'll be entering the MTC today to prepare for his two year mission in Brazil. We are so happy, and excited for him.

Until we meet again Elder Poaletti.  

*****

Now...a new chapter will soon begin for all you wonderful youth. 

Once you graduate high school, and attend various universities in the fall you will have the opportunity to attend the Institute of Religion which will further your knowledge, and help you gain spiritual growth as you continue to study the scriptures.

I remember when I joined the church a few of the young adults whom I call my friends today told me about a program that would be beneficial throughout my life as a young adult. I was told that these classes would help me become more familiar with the scriptures, strengthen my testimony, and that it would be fun.

And it was. 

Since I was 20 when I joined, and didn't have seminary growing up I thought that this would be something that would help me grow spiritually as well as learning more about the doctrine. I have to admit I also enjoyed going to institute because of the friends I made.

Coming from a nonmember family, and not having any LDS friends throughout my youth, or spiritual knowledge growing up, I really enjoyed being a part of a group whom I had a lot in common with. The college I attended was not Mormon territory, and so going to these classes helped me in remembering to keep my covenants in striving to live as Christ would have me. It didn't matter if there were only ten of us that attended...we had fun, and I learned so much!  


There were even nonmembers that would come, and I believe that was when my passion in sharing the gospel grew strongly, and I wasn't even afraid to share. Here I am this brand new member who didn't know squat about the scriptures (still learning), and I'm sharing this wonderful book with them. Pandora's box, in selflessly sharing the ultimate key that brought happiness to my life was opened on that day, and I was filled by the spirit to share, share, share!  

And I don't think it'll ever be closed.

It helped me throughout my daily struggles whether at home or at school. It took my mind off of any negativity that may be going through my mind because I had a lot of it back then. 

Looking back I don't see how I would of handled any dilemma had I not attended institute for that one semester. Moving to Utah soon after prepared me for what was next. Dating, major callings, marriage, temple covenants (look out...it's awesome!) kids, moving, etc. I honestly don't think I would have survived any trial in between all those duties had I not indulged myself in the holy scriptures.

I will always look back at those memories with fondness, gratefulness, and most of all love. Even though I didn't attend early morning seminary I think I got a taste of what it felt like to be taught by great teachers, and to be spiritually fed while having fun. Of course I didn't wake up at 5am everyday for four years to get the full effect. 

Regardless...I know that y'all had fun throughout those four years, and one day I guarantee that you will pass on your seminary experiences (hmm, hmm...marshmallow fight) to your posterity in telling them that it was bittersweet. 

Bitter because of those early hours of waking up, but sweet because of the love that you felt from The Lord, your teacher, your peers, and most of all the blessings you received while attending. 

C'mon guys...you know it was fun while it lasted. Look...Sierra is laughing instead of just smiling! OK...maybe she's happy because she doesn't have to wake up at 5am anymore!

Seriously, congratulations to you all, and good luck as you begin another chapter in your life!

COLLEGE! 

 I really do love y'all! Really, I do.

xo-
mama Jorgensen (because at times I treated you like a mom)

Our last general conference with Sierra.

I didn't realize that this years general conference was going to be the last one to watch with Sierra. She mentioned it before it began. It was surreal, and I didn't want to believe it. All those months for the past 17 years of watching conference together whether in our home or at the chapel seemed like yesterday. Those 17 years sure flew by quick! So for those of you who have a young woman (or man) in the church take advantage, and watch general conference with them. Always treasure those moments spent with her, or (him.) 

I was bummed that we didn't make it to the chapel for the first session on Saturday (Jon was helping a friend move into a new place), and missed the first session on Sunday due to an open house we attended for accepted students at the University of the Arts (which I'll blog about later), but grateful we made it for the second sessions on both days. 

The talks that were given this spring were masterful, and everything that was said is what I needed to hear. Not one year goes by where these talks identify something that is needed in my life, or someone in my family.  

I really try to focus on the talks, and the choice I make to attend the chapel instead of watching it in the comforts of our own home is better for me. At least scripture bingo will keep the kids occupied in the chapel when at home they'd probably wouldn't listen clearly to the words that are spoken.

**Thanks to the lovely sister missionaries who made this for Chelsea! She got Bingo in the end along with a sucker! 

I'm going to get a little bit personal on this post because I feel that what I'm about to write is important. Don't worry it's PG-13, and I hope that it will be beneficial not only to my children, but to whoever is reading this as well. 

Elder David A. Bednar's talk was one of my favorites. He spoke on chastity, and how we should take care of our bodies, and treat them with respect. 

I admit I was promiscuous while in high school, and I thank my Heavenly Father that I didn't contract any venereal disease, or that any of those sexual encounters resulted in pregnancy. I cannot even begin to tell you the feeling I got when I realized that I had to do something that was spiritually life changing to my entire being. Shaping up my life at the age of 20 was not easy, but I knew that as long as I stayed on a path of righteousness it would lead me to be a better person, and that I could conquer anything...and I did. 

I remember many a things from my youth that I did which were not good. I chose to contaminate my life with things that in my opinion were not conducive to the spirit. I experienced alcohol, tobacco, and yes...a little bit of marijuana. I am not proud of what I did, but I am grateful that I learned to not let it take over my life, and by talking to my two oldest daughters about my experiences at an age that was appropriate makes them want to be a better person. I don't take offense to that because I myself want them to make wiser choices, and to be better than me.  

I am thankful for the courage to have shared my experiences with them, and to know of all the things that I experienced as a teen, and how I would never want them to endure any of the guilt, heartache, or consequences that I had to face. 

I'm grateful to know that through repentance all those unclean things I did back then were washed away when I became baptized, and that The Lord will remember them no more. Chastity is so important to ones self, and I continue to implement that in our children. 

"Chastity and virtue are now, always have been, and always will be most dear and precious above all things." ~David A. Bednar

Sierra will be off on her own to college, and all I can do is pray for her. Pray that she continues to keep her moral standards high, and to be a good example to others. She will be making decisions on her own, and it is my hope that she will make the right ones, and not slip up too terribly, or at all!

Communication is key in our home, and I make sure we have that. No matter the distance that comes between us we will be on the phone every day! I know that she will be missing her sister Alexandra. They are extremely close!

General conference is so important, and each year it becomes more and more meaningful to me. My spiritual level with conference is at an all time high, and attending the chapel to watch it on a huge screen is so inviting to the spirit. 

As my kids grow older I want to keep that routine going as if we were attending sacrament meeting.  If we can't go to the chapel to stay for all the sessions, try to at least go to the one on Sunday to hear  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk (my favorite)!!!

It's important how we as parents represent ourselves in front of our children. Our children need peace, and love just as much as we do. Especially in this day and age where the things of the world keep getting more severe when it comes to immorality, and negativity. I want to continue to teach our kids to live a righteous example so that others will want that. 

I love that we can listen to these talks any time we need some spiritual enlightenment. We do have 183 years worth of conference to listen to anytime on any given day. 

seeking a holy place.

What a momentous week this has been. The month of March for me had its ups and downs, but I'm happy to say that it's going to end with a tremendous up! 

I've never been to the temple on Good Friday & having attended during the Easter season was very special. So special that I would like to make it a tradition to go on Good Friday every year from here on out.

Every time I attend the temple I learn something new. I've learned to never go in a casual state of mind, and to try to go with a clear mind that has room for more things to learn and to look at things in a different perspective. 

our sunday box.

Sunday is a day that is different from any other day in the week. At least for me.

When Sunday comes I have to admit there are times when I am just drained. Drained from having a week that dealt with carpooling, and running four kids around in different directions, laundry, constantly cleaning up after my three year old, taking Noah to the park at least three times a week so that he can let out his energy and have some reverence built in him for Sunday, and just dealing with the mundane. 

Seven years ago while living in North Carolina, Sierra came home from sunday school with a thought on how to make a sunday box. I thought it was such a neat idea so I grabbed an old kleenex box, decorated it, and we made a 'Sunday box'. We then cut slips of paper, and the girls wrote things they would like to do on Sunday, and added them in the box. 

**Keeping the sabbath day holy not only sounds so refreshing, but important at the same time.**

Some of the things they wrote were:

*attend church services (of course!)

*visit a neighbor, or the sick. 

*write letters to a missionary, or a family member. 

*call our family. 

*write in our journals about countless blessings Heavenly Father has blessed us with.

*read a story from "The Friend" or the New Era. 

*read the scriptures.

*invite a friend, or the missionaries over for dinner, (and make sure you have salad!). 

*go for a walk.

*read a good book.

*have family home evening (we did that then, because Jon sometimes worked on Sundays.)

*visit teach, and home teach your families.

Seven years have passed since we made this box, and I remember how faithful we were in grabbing a slip form the box every time we came home from church on Sunday, and how we would just do it. The girls, then 12, and 7 were so eager to come home, and find out which slip they were going to choose. 

Well, a lot has happened within those seven years, and times have definitely changed. The girls got older, and we added an addition to our family. 

Since then we've added devices such as ipods, ipads, iphones, and a really nice computer to our house which could be such a distraction (thank goodness we only have one!) Luckily the girls have control, and because we have taught them to use technology in moderation (especially on Sunday) life isn't as stressful.

Granted we have slacked off on using the sunday box since moving to New Jersey, and having our son who is now three, but have made it a goal to get back into it. Although we pretty much do the things without looking in the Sunday box, we can always do more. 

Like I said...times have changed. 

So with that being written we have added "unplugged" to our Sunday box, call a loved one instead of texting, facebooking, or emailing. I was going to add no media, but then again I love the tube. We have so many uplifting church movies, and missionary videos that we can watch as a family (without turning on the computer.) 

Times are going to continue to change, and who knows what other social networks will be invented between now, and the year 2025! It's inevitable, but by remembering the important things in life that are written inside that box can help us grow spiritually. It'll make our life so much easier, and happier. 

I have had it for seven years now, and I remember how rejuvenated I felt every time we'd do an act of service that came from that box, and to do it from the heart. It certainly helped our kids grow spiritually, and has given them an understanding as to why keeping the sabbath day holy is so important. 

No matter how old our children get, no matter how much the world will change in 10-15 years we will strive to keep the sabbath day holy, and do the things that matter most. 

"But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work. ~Exodus 20:8-11

Chelsea's Baptism

This past weekend our youngest daughter got baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She had been counting the days for her father to baptize her, and she was so excited when January 20th came. 

Kind words were said about Chelsea, and it makes me feel good knowing the our daughter is loved by so many. 

We started out with Chelsea singing "I feel my Savior's Love" for the opening hymn, and her voice sounded so precious. We truly felt the love so deeply on this day from everyone who came to support Chelsea on her special day, and I thank you all for being here on this special event.

Especially my wonderful in laws who flew all the way from Utah. 

It was also nice to hear her sisters playing music on the piano & violin while Chelsea was getting ready.

We had such a wonderful time, and I am so thankful to my great friends including my wonderful mother in law who helped out in the kitchen to set up the luncheon afterwards. 

Chelsea's favorite part...the cake! 

We are so happy that she made the choice to be baptized on her own, and she looks forward to attending the Faith in God program as well as learning more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that having the the gift of the holy ghost by her side will help her make wise choices, and I pray that even at such a young age she will follow the promptings of the spirit. 

It truly was a special day. 

One that she will never forget, and having the baptism journal that the Primary Presidency gave her is something that she can look back at to reflect on the joys that this day brought. 

grateful receivers.

Christus statue inside the visitors center at the D.C. temple. (picture taken by yours truly)

There is something about the Christmas season that brings people from all walks of life together.

In the past few years Christmas has become more commercialized, hence making Christmas insignificant. For some it may be all about the gifts as to what they are going to receive. For some it is mostly about giving.

Christmas is a time where you talk to the people you hardly ever talked to before. It's about forgiving your enemies, getting along better with your neighbors, extending a hand to a stranger, and talking to those long distance in whom you only reach out to during Christmas.

It is a time where more smiles, & hugs are exchanged, kinder words are said, gifts are given, and God is obeyed.

Today we had a special Christmas program at our church in which various members of our congregation participated in singing, and we even had the time to sit and watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional.

It was a beautiful service, and as I observed those that came to worship I was in awe at the energy members of our congregation had in expressing love to one another. The spirit of Christ is indeed strong this time of year, and it was so nice to see those that don't attend often. So nice. 

Hearing the words of the First Presidency about what Christmas means to them was as always inspiring, and I'd like to share some of my favorite excerpts from each of their talks.

"Therefore, we have it within us to experience this Christmas season with the wonder and the awe of a child. We have it within us to say, "My heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God"-The Giver of all good gifts." 

~President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Success in giving joy at Christmas usually involves help from others. It is rarely found in solitary effort. Joining with others spreads the joy and makes it more lasting. And perhaps most important, invoking faith in the Savior, the Creator and source of all lasting happiness, invites the pure love of God, which is the greatest of all gifts, and the sure source of enduring joy.

~President Henry B. Eyring

There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus the Christ. It is the time to love the Lord, our God, with all our heart-and our neighbors as ourselves. It is well to remember that he who gives money gives much; he who gives time gives more; but he who gives of himself gives all. 

~President Thomas S. Monson

Besides hearing our lovely daughter sing "When Mary Sang Her Lullaby", and watching the Christmas devotional via satellite my favorite part of today was seeing the love being shared inside the chapel.

Just as the First Presidency mentioned in said quotes seeing our brothers and sisters hugging, shaking hands, talking, laughing, sharing tears of joy (my tears), exchanging cards with gifts, and hearing the words "Merry Christmas" was a beautiful sight to see. I can never fathom any of us being ungrateful receivers.

To me-that is a sign of having the very best Christmas.

I hope that we will always remember the greatest gift of all which is the Savior, and that we will always be grateful receivers not only at Christmas time, but throughout the years to come.

Arise, Shine & Sparkle

One of the greatest things about being in the church is the fact that every Young Women auxiliary throughout the world has the same program year after year. Each year the church leaders come up with a different theme, and the meaning behind it is spiritually uplifting.

Last week Sierra hosted the Young Women in Excellence event, and since she's heading off to college next fall she wanted to be a part in hosting it.  She, and her counselor buddies all helped by pitching in their thoughts, and ideas. We especially need to thank this wonderful blog we found on pinterest that inspired the girls so much that they mocked some ideas, and tweaked it a bit.

The theme this year is Arise and Shine Forth, and being that the trend this year seems to be glitter, and sparkles Sierra wanted to add some sparkle to the scene, and I think everything turned out really nice.

The next generation of young women. Our fun loving beehives! 

She will definitely miss being part of the young women as she will enter into the Relief Society next fall! She'll still be able to attend one more year of EFY, youth conference, and girls camp. I am happy to see that Lexie is continuing to enjoy being part of the young women, and I know that her light will shine just as her sisters does.

As our daughters get older I see them being more responsible, spiritual, and most of all loving. I know it's because of the choices they make, and being involved in the young women program at our church makes all the difference!

an act of charity.

This is one of the reasons why I became a member of this wonderful church. Charity, compassion, love, devotion, and service. I feel the love of the Lord when I serve others. No matter how trying our times may get there are others who have it worse.

And there are so, so many who have it worse right now.

This past weekend we had a special fireside (which in laymen terms is an informal gathering in which members of our church talk about various gospel topics) at our church, and in doing so the stake Relief Society sisters had a collection drive in which so many of us contributed.

I personally don't have much, but I did donate some nonperishable foods, and a couple of gently used coats. My heart swelled with joy when I walked into the foyer of the building, and saw tons, and tons of bags of clothing, diapers, bedding, canned goods, feminine supplies, and toiletries. It was overwhelming, and I know that this is the work of the Lord.

I can never become desensitized when a catastrophe hits. Never. I grew up in hurricane territory in South Texas, and have seen the aftermath of it, and persevered...even as a little girl.

When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005 I was living in Salt Lake City, and became the humanitarian leader at our church. That calling couldn't have come at a better time, and even though I was 1900 miles away from ground zero of Katrina I was so saddened by the outcome of the severe damage, and chaos that occurred within the city as well as with FEMA. I prayed so hard for everyone including my great aunt who still lives there till this day. She lives about 30 minutes from New Orleans, and her life was spared. I never stopped praying for her city. Many sisters in the area I lived in Utah made hygiene kits, school kits, quilts, and we even sanded and hand painted wooden toys for the little kids. I miss those days as a humanitarian leader.

Having that calling was really an eye opener for me, and reminded me of my hurricane days. It truly gave me a testimony of giving, and serving unconditionally.

We were so blessed that our borough wasn't a direct hit. I pray for those who lost everything! I pray that they will have the patience and faith knowing that it will take time to rebuild what so many loved and lost.

I know I've blogged more about my family, and my little boy's birthday within that past week but want y'all to know that you are not forgotten.

I have developed a strong love for the people in Jersey as well as this city.

Yes...I really have, and I'm so grateful to have that empathy, and love.

quotes & thoughts on general conference.

Smooching on my boy!

"Love" and "following the Savior" are two of the things that I got out of the talks that were given during General Conference this past weekend. I look forward to conference every six months, and after everything that life has thrown at us this past year I have realized how important it is to watch and to listen.

"First observe, then serve."

~Linda K. Burton

One great example of the church that I have always noticed is the service that we render to our fellowman, and we do it all in the name of love. I feel that at times when I am feeling at my lowest I want to serve others more. I have always loved doing things for other people, and I truly feel that I am pretty devoted in doing so. I do it out of my heart, and without any obligation. Christ is the perfect example of unconditional love, compassion, empathy, and service in doing good to all mankind, and knowing that gives me a huge desire to serve others until the very end.

This quote was said by Jeffrey R. Holland. His talk was among my favorites.

...We have neighbors to Bless, 

Children to protect, 

the poor to lift up, 

and the truth to defend. 

We have wrongs to make right, 

truths to share, and good to do. 

In short, we have a life of devoted 

discipleship to give in demonstrating

our love of the LORD.

Understanding the atonement is a vital part of my life. Understanding it now humbles me to a level in which I didn't comprehend. Jesus suffered and died for my sins so that I could experience all the heartaches, challenges & trials that come my way. I have experienced them throughout my life as a child, a teenager, a young adult, a newlywed, and now as a wife and mother. I am grateful for the trials that we have gone through as a family, because in the end they only make us stronger.

Having those challenges has helped me grow spiritually through understanding the atonement and in striving hard to live like our Savior. Having that spiritual maturity really grounds me as a mother in raising our children with true gospel principles without judging others. It has made me a better person and my level of joy is at an all time high. I feel that all time high when I am being kind, loving, and in serving others. I feel it most when I am sharing the gospel and/or sharing my conversion story to someone as to how I became a member of this wonderful church. I am deliriously happy knowing that I am doing all that I am supposed to do all in the name of Christ.

"Many of the deepest regrets of tomorrow

 can be resolved by following the Savior today."

~President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Without those challenges I don't think we'd grow as a family, and I certainly don't think I'd be learning anything. Sure there are times when I have felt like an "inexperienced member"of the church, but then I think again, and say to myself, "I am not an inexperienced member, I am an imperfect person who has the truthfulness of the gospel in which I am responsible in sharing, and striving my best to "be of good cheer." I am someone who hugs others because I love, serves others because I love, and forgives others because I love." 

"I am a Mormon.

I know it.

I live it.

I love it."

~Ann Dibb

**To listen and watch general conference you can go here. 

grateful for relief society.

The evening before the General Relief Society Broadcast began I was visiting a sister whom usually only comes to sacrament meeting. Every time I walk into her home I feel the love. Hers, mine, and that of our Savior.

I brought along my oldest daughter with me, and it was such a joy for her to have seen me in action & genuinely talking to this dear sister about "life". She observed my actions towards her as a friend as I was expressing my thoughts, and advice as to what I feel could help her in her current situation. She saw the exchanging of hugs, and just being "good ol' mom". I know I write this all the time, and mention it in almost every talk or in a testimony meeting, but having lived in many areas across the globe, and serving in different wards I have grown a love so strong for all of my sisters that there is no way that I can judge, or hold any grudges...no way. Even the ones who have such hardness in their hearts.

We were so deep in visiting with each other that time flew, and the broadcast was about to begin. Although I had invited this sister if she wanted to attend she declined, and that was okay. We had a nice needed visit, and I am so grateful that I had Sierra come with me to get a glimpse of spiritual adult conversation between two loving sisters.

I hurried home, and came home to hungry kids. Normally this never happens, and I always go to the chapel to watch it live via satellite, but luckily we have access to watch it online.

Listening to all of these talks online always brings such a stronger love, and appreciation in my heart for the purpose of Relief Society. There have been times in my life where I have slipped. Whether it's not praying enough, not reading the scriptures enough, or serving enough. For whatever reasons that caused that slippage I strive hard every single day to pray, read, serve someone in need, and endure to the end.

There will always be times where we feel like giving up not wanting to have anything to do with the Divine, but if we are strong we won't allow the enemy to intervene. Luckily through the grace of God with prayer, good friends, and having loving sisters in the gospel they can help us "climb out of that pit." I am grateful to have all of that, and I don't ever want to take any of them for granted.

I feel so blessed to be a part of a wonderful worldwide sisterhood. I love all the sisters with all my heart, and hope that they know that I am there for them no matter what. This is what Relief Society is all about. To love unconditionally, to listen without judging, to be a friend, and to have compassion for others. I love my family so much, and pray that as long as we are striving to do our best in this life in keeping our covenants that all will be well. I hope that as sisters in the gospel we can be an example of strength & endurance to our daughters in teaching them proper principles in accomplishing these goals.

I hope...I hope.

Love one another, don't hurt them...especially online.

I have found myself on my knees a lot lately, and seriously praying my heart out for guidance, and strength about all the things that have happened to me since the year 2012 began. Fall is just around the corner, and when seasons change so do we.

Each year as I get another year older with children growing like weeds I seem to find myself in a different realm. I am making the choice to let bygones be bygones. To serve and love more, and to not let the little things get to me. I now the Lord hears our prayers, and he definitley gives us what we can handle. I am thankful for that. I truly am.

A couple of weeks ago I had a rude awakening. I woke up one morning & noticed that I had a few messages in my inbox on my Facebook. I'm never nervous when I check my messages because they are usually from family, or friends. Once in a while I'll get a kind message from a random person regarding my blog.

Well, I've been blogging a little over a year and a half now, and have never received any hurtful messages...until now.

This is my story...

Someone created a fake facebook account and used a bogus name. I didn't even know we had a spam account in Facebook, did you? Well as I was checking my facebook messages I noticed the word "other" next to the inbox message, and clicked on that. As soon as I read the first few words...I knew it was going to be ugly.

And it was.

At first I thought it was a joke, but it certainly didn't sound like one.

"No one has the guts to tell you this so I will" were the first few words that I read. I hesitated for a bit, but I let my finger do the walking and I clicked on it. It continued to read hurtful words, but I didn't let it get to me. I felt so bad because I have realized for quite sometime now that it has to be someone from my church. All the things they wrote pointed out to someone whom I thought would never stoop so low as to creating a fake account to write such horrible things (I should be flattered since they took their time to go out of their way to do such a thing!) I've also learned that when someone usually says or writes such hateful words is usually a reflection of themselves, which is even more sad.

I do have an inkling as to who it could be, but I'm not going to give into it. The "old Rose" would have retaliated, but I refuse to let anything or anyone damage the spiritual side of me. I know the kind of person I am, and I know the kind of family we are. I did shed a few tears so the pain of the knife that was stabbed in my back could go away. Talking about it to my eldest daughter really helped (since her name was mentioned), and even she was in major shock. Nothing was directed at her, but the thing that hurt her (& me) the most was when they wrote "ur kids dont even like u.", and "sierra tells everyone that as soon as carter comes home thast they r getting married and gettin away from you." (Sorry for the poor spelling & punctuation. I copied & pasted the actual message that was sent from this person.) 

There was so much more that was written, and for those of you who know me, and I mean really know me will know that it's not true. I wasn't going to justify any of that with a response. I did however tried to report it, but because it was a deactivated account it wouldn't allow me. After talking to an acquaintance who is an FBI agent I realized that I'd have to go through hoops, and a lot of red tape to get the ball rolling as to who would send such a message. It's not worth my time, money, or even worry...especially since I know who it could be.

It amazes me the kind of people we can become, and how we can allow Satan to get under our skin for the dumbest reasons. We always want to be able to trust the ones we've become friends with in a new environment, state, and neighborhood. We always want to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, and find good in all mankind. We especially want to trust the ones that even attend the same church.

After all...church should be the first place we consider a safe haven.

But we can never be too careful, and for whatever reason this person decided to fake an account and to tell me off online instead of talking out their feelings to me personally is really sad. Especially since we worship the same faith, and share the same beliefs. My heart goes out to that person, and I pray that they will find it in their heart to seriously change their thought perspective as to how to treat others.

As Latter-day saints we all want to come to church with the assurance of feeling loved. We come for the sole purpose of renewing our covenants by partaking the sacrament. We come to fellowship, serve, and love one another. Not hurt one another.

We come to feel safe, not to get wounded.

One thing I've learned by living in New Jersey is how to develop a tolerance for such behavior. It has made me stronger than I've ever been before. I am one of those Mormons who bears my testimony every fast Sunday, and I'm not afraid. I know that as a family we are not perfect, and that is exactly why we attend service.

So I write to everyone especially to that one person who sent me such a hateful message... I love you. I really do.

Before sending such hateful messages please get to know the people who are moving in before passing any kind of judgement, and I mean really know them. You'll be surprised at how loving they are when you give them a chance.

Lucky for me I have endured worse pain in my life than a nasty online message. If it was sent to someone whose heart is not as forgiving, or testimony is not as strong you might as well have damaged their self esteem, and the way they view us as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the Lord. Even though we have a choice to decide whether or not a crude message will hurt us, things like that should not happen.

Unfortunately it does, and that is when we need to stop, think, pray hard, be strong, and do the things that will strengthen our testimony. Believe me...20 years of being a member of this wonderful church, and giving my heart to the Lord can be easy if we just follow the commandments, and strive our best to endure to the end.

Those are the christian ways, and that is what being a latter-day saint is all about. So next time you have the urge to tell someone off write it out in your journal, or find someone in your life close enough to talk about it.

Better yet...I'll end this post with this scripture:

"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."

~Matthew 5:44

The House of the Lord is a great blessing.

Today is Sunday, and this morning I literally woke up, clapped my hands and said to myself "today is going to be a great day!" I love my family, I love my life, I love the Savior Jesus Christ, I love testifying of Christ, and I love the church I attend. I love the fact that after all these years of being someone that has endured sorrow, trials, challenges, imperfections, & heartaches that my faith in the Lord is strong, and that I am still a member of this church that continues to attend. That has to attest for something don't you think?

The older I get, (okay...I'm not that old, I'll be 41 in 22 days), and the older my kids get I feel as if I am more in tune with the spirit, our needs, and the decisions we make in this life that makes us who we are as individuals, and as a family in striving to live a happy and normal life.

And I am striving to choose happiness everyday I wake up.

For five months it has been difficult to get to the temple as a family. I did go with the sisters from my ward back in June, but my husband hadn't been since our car broke down in March. I can't even begin to explain to you the joy, and overwhelming feeling that came over all of us as we were on the freeway, and the ear to ear smiles that were exchanged as we were drawing near.

Seeing the spires with the angel Moroni on the temple from a distance is always a sight for sore eyes. It's beauty on a hot, humid day still gleamed from within. The sky although a little gray still had a few white puffy clouds peeking out. It was as if Heavenly Father was saying to us "welcome back".

I didn't mind the heat, the drive, the traffic, and I didn't mind that my youngest daughter kept saying "are we there yet?". I also didn't mind that our kids wanted to eat first, and hit the book store before entering inside its holy doors.

Luckily we went to those places first because if we hadn't we wouldn't have been called as... a "witness couple". In the 20 years of being a member we've been a "witness couple" at least 15 times in about eight different temples. Our first time was two weeks after I was endowed, and that was in the Salt Lake Temple back in August of 2003.

When we attend the temple with a right frame of mind we are filled with so much love, and compassion. Those sorrows, heartaches, challenges, imperfections, and trials all go away for a couple of hours, and the decision I make each time I leave the temple is to be better.

It was a blessing that was needed, and a reminder to let me know that no matter what challenges come our way, I can be in tune with that still small voice that tells me, "all is well...all will be well."

Keeping the faith.

Having been without a car for the past five months has really really humbled us even more not only as a family, but as individuals as well. It wasn't easy being carless, and as much as I am happy to say we have transportation...I will miss those who so lovingly gave their time to take me, and my family to church.

I am so thankful that we went through yet another trial.

These trials...gotta love them. They never stop do they, and I don't believe they ever will. No matter how nice, and humble we are those trials can land on our lap so fast before we can say, "What happened?"

And it always happens to the best of us.

Reading this message from President Uchtdorf helped me in ways to understand the significance behind those trials whether great or small. I have recently learned and studied all the things that we have gone through while dealing through this specific trial. I used to focus on when the trial started, and when it was finally over. I realized that I wasn't as understanding, or spiritually mature enough to seriously learn from those trials when I am not paying attention to what is happening in the middle of those trials. I was always focusing on waiting for that trial to be over instead of actually growing and learning from it.

Well...this particular trial was a lot different, and man oh man did I (we) learn a lot from it! It certainly wasn't easy experiencing it while living in New Jersey!

What I learned from the trial is how much I shouldn't have worried too much over it (after all it's just a car), and I tried my hardest to not stress over it too much. I was more concerned with how we were going to get to church, and with school & early morning seminary starting soon, we were contemplating on how that would work out if we didn't have our own transportation.

If you have faith, and I mean really have the faith, things will work out according to God's will. He is our friend, and He will never leave us. He will help us get through any trial if we just learn to listen, learn to love, and have faith in all things. Even if it means accepting help from others while at the same time trying to be self-sufficient, and do it on our own.

That's how I want to live our life as a family.

And to my wonderful children:

That's what I am striving hard to teach y'all. I want you to know that having faith is what is going to help you get through the most toughest moments in your life. That faith is the key to happiness. Faith is better than complaining. Faith is better than anger. Faith can be better than crying (unless they are tears of joy), and Faith is better than worry.

Remember that song that you made fun of when your dad, and I first introduced y'all too? "Don't Worry Be Happy"... well, add faith to that, and try to keep those three words engrained in your brain, and all will be well. 

Always.

Choose faith over worry. 

Love, 

Mom

trials of our faith, an explanation, and a forgiving heart.

As I reflect back on all the places I have lived in I have to say how grateful I am for the friends that I have met, and still stay in touch with. Especially those whom I have reconnected with through Facebook (a huge thank you to Facebook.) It makes me happy to know that not once did I ever have an altercation with any of those friends of any kind!

My friends are a mixture of different religions, races, and that makes them very unique individuals. I continue to learn from their experiences, and I know which ones are true. Whether they are true friends or not...it doesn't matter to me, because I know that I am.

Although I had an absolutely amazing weekend with my family I had an experience on Sunday that I never thought I would ever have. I don't want to get into much negative detail because I only want to write positive, and cheerful things on my blog. The only thing I will write is how much I know the Lord loves me, and how much my family loves me, and how much my home teacher loves me (well...my whole family!) I am extremely grateful for the strength that carries me through all the tests, and trials that the Lord puts in front of me. I am grateful that I...as a human being, and devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints recognize my imperfections, strives extremely hard to live the gospel, serves others, and how I make the choice to quickly do something positive every time negativity comes into play.

I wasn't feeling too well when I woke up Sunday morning, and decided to attend church service anyway. I came home wondering why did I even bother going to church when I wasn't feeling well (my son wasn't either), but I made the choice to attend anyway, and then all hell broke loose (excuse my french.)

My son threw up, I was in extreme pain due to having a stye in my eye, and my youngest daughter overheard something negative someone said before sunday school started. It was all surreal, but I persevered and because I have an awesome husband whose spirit shines like sunshine helped me explain to my seven year old that not everyone is like Jesus and that we need to love them, smile at them, and help them to be a good example. It did make my daughter feel sad because it was directed at me. What child wouldn't feel bad if they heard a comment directed towards their mother? Luckily children are resilient, and easily forgiving.

And at the end of the day my better half told me how strong I was in keeping my faith through that small trial that I endured on that day.

Well I made it through that day. I've written in the past that nothing will damage the spirit that carries me through times of stress, and for the testimony I have for the gospel, as well as the love I have for the Savior.

Nothing.

It does make me sad when others don't recognize their harmful actions, and forgive me if it sounds like I am judging, but if your alive and breathing, and don't appreciate the life the Lord gave you...do not harm those that do. I do care about everyone that the Lord has put in my path...even those that do harm. Satan tries so hard to work on me, and when he knows he can't provoke at me directly he uses others to bring me down. Well...I have news for the adversary, and for those who do such a thing...

It's not working.

It only makes my faith grow stronger.

So always remember to be of good cheer no matter who or what kind of harm, trials, or challenges come into play, and to do no harm to others.

We also make the choice to be strong.

Youth conference at the Jersey shore.

One advantage of living in New Jersey is the fact that it only takes us 50 minutes to go the shore. Last week while other stakes did a pioneer trek for their youth conference (which I think that would absolutely be a great idea if we did that) the youth in our stake attended a three day conference in the comforts near the ocean in Cape May.

This year their theme was Arise and Shine Forth. The meaning behind those words stands so true for me. This is the chance for all the youth to stand up, share their beliefs, and let their spirit shine. I love that!

The youth in the church are so fortunate to have youth conference year after year. Various classes this year included a returned missionary discussion panel in which several returned missionaries prepared to answer questions for those who are preparing to serve a church mission. They also had a class on optimism, and another one in 'recognizing, & keeping the holy ghost'. It is a conference in which they learn about gospel principles, serving others, and it helps build their testimony in the gospel.

Towards the end of June Atlantic City endured a powerful thunderstorm. My girlfriend and I visited Ocean City the day after the storm, and it looked like as if an intense hurricane hit the city. We saw tree stumps through windows, power lines dangling low almost touching the street, and they had a power outage that lasted more than a week!

can you find her?

After the storm Mormon helping hands came to the rescue and for the past few weeks members of our church have been driving down to help clean up the mess. The youth also made the time during the conference to do their part in serving a community that was in need.

 They even had time to spare, and hung out at the Cape May Zoo.

I always look forward when Sierra comes home so she can tell me all about what she learned in the classes, the boys she danced with at the dance, and any pranks they did to the young men. They always turn a spiritual activity into a world of fun. It is nice to hear about their experiences, and to watch these kids grow in the gospel. It puts my mind at ease knowing that these kids have the gospel of Jesus Christ in their life that will help them grow spiritually in hopes that it will keep them on the right path. It helps them define who they are, and by attending these conferences gives them a chance to remember as to why they became baptized a member of the church. They are the ones who have a choice to take in all that they have learned, and to apply it in their daily lives.

And if there is a beach nearby... it's double the fun!

***Photo sources were leaders of the young women, and some of Sierra's friends!