a quote that makes my life all better.

President Marion G. Romney said, "I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake of peace, joy, and happiness." (Ensign, May 1980, p. 67).

This is one my favorite quotes that always caught my attention every time someone would give a talk or a lesson at church. It didn't resonate with me at the time because I was 20, and didn't have a family of my own nor was I raised in the church, but I loved it! As I was slowly progressing, learning, and gaining more knowledge from reading the Book of Mormon there was something between the lines in that book that was preparing me for the words in that simple quote. Little did I know that I was going to get married (like two years after joining the church) & have a family of my own shortly thereafter. 

See...I wanted to serve a full-time mission, but because my head got mixed up with boys (the good kind) my heart started to change, and I knew that I wanted a husband (a good one.) I just didn't know which one was going to be the right one. I dated pure mormons. That's it. Mormon boys were it for me. I didn't want to involve myself with anyone outside my new faith. I got lucky and married my best friend whom I knew for three years. Time flew and we had Sierra right away...and I mean right away. We were a little nervous at first not knowing what to expect, but because we had the knowledge that I learned of the purpose of what it means to have a family, and with Jon's experience in serving a mission in bringing others to Christ, to see the love & family in an eternal perspective gave us the confidence we needed to raise a family. It didn't matter that we were young (23 is young for me) with a child, unfinished education with hardly any money. We had each other, our faith, our baby daughter, and we knew that somehow God will provide.  

And He did. 

It didn't matter that we struggled for half our young life, and guess what? We still have our struggles! Whether it's financially, emotionally, or spiritually everyone has them. But you know what else? We don't allow that to destroy our spirituality, or confidence in knowing that this church is true. That Heavenly Father is always there to hear our cries, and prayers. That He will find a way to help us, our children and if sometimes those prayers come unanswered...it's okay! That's how we learn, and grow. 

Knowing that some things weren't meant to be. 

Raising my kids with a firm foundation of The Lord is a huge blessing. Huge! Sometimes i still can't believe that I am into God. I mean really into Him. No, I'm not one that dances and jumps around convulsing on the floor, and we don't clap our hands while singing in church. We worship reverently in a calm manner resting our feet & sitting down quietly (it's impossible for me with a four year old) listening to various talks every Sunday. I am just really passionate about what I've learned, still learning, and knowing more about the gospel. 21 years of membership in the church isn't enough time for me to be a scriptural scholar nor will I ever be, and maybe serving a mission may have made me one, but seriously...does memorizing the scriptures really get us into heaven? I don't think so. It's how we use that memorization, and knowledge in sharing it. So I wasn't too upset that I didn't have an opportunity to serve a mission because I know that once all our children are grown that we will serve one as a senior couple. Plus...I enjoy being challenged with the scriptures, and who knows...maybe I'll know more in my 60's as opposed to my 40's! 

I'm so grateful for the 21 years I've had to learn from the gospel, and various members in the church all over the world. Everything that our leaders say are true, and the things they advise us on how to treat life, God, & mankind makes me want to be a better person. 

Sierra has been a great example to me when it comes to learning, growing, and thinking of others. Last Sunday she surprised me with a sticky note in my scriptures. I'm still new at being a Sunday school teacher for gospel doctrine, and even though I seem confident I still get the jitters. Her note wishing me luck in class boosted up my spirituality in knowing that I will have a good class, and I think i did. Her loving spirit, and kind words are proof enough that i have done something right in raising her. 

As a family we strive to live the commandments, and let me tell you in this day and age it is hard! Especially when you are running around in four different directions with a kid in college, middle school, elementary school, and keeping up with a very active fun four year old at home with no grandparents, aunts, or uncles nearby...it can be tough. We manage our time to fit in all the things that will keep our family together knitted with love, and strength. 

I never want to stop learning from this great book. No matter how many times I've read it, or studied it the meaning is never the same, and i never get bored! It truly does mold a family in a way that is different (at least it does for me), and no matter what trials we encounter I know that with fervent prayer, true faith, and time...it will all pass us by. 

I'm so grateful for the Book of Mormon, and for that quote by Marion G. Romney which is a reminder to me to never give up on doing the things that will strengthen our children. But most of all I am grateful for my membership in this church that is keeping me on my toes no matter how many times I have fallen down.

And it has been...for 21 years now.

Summer review.

So far this summer is going by way too fast.  The kids have been super active with walking, swimming, birthday partying, running, sweating, talking, walking, never ending hide and seek, netflicking, bike riding, walking. Oh...and did I say walking? 

And, a lot of this...napping

and this...more napping,

 and,

I have to admit that it is so easy to just jump into bed after weeks of strenuous activity, hardcore playing, and visiting with friends. I feel so good about myself knowing that as I am sitting on the couch watching "Cold Case" that I can turn off the remote at the drop of at hat, and like a mean mom shout out..."Time for scripture study everyone!" My better half may have just come home from work around 9pm, but he knows how important it is to read as a family.

No matter how late it is...

As soon as we are done reading, the end result to an evening of late scripture study after a day of venturing out by foot looks like this...more napping (well in this case immediate shut eye as soon as we closed with a prayer!)

This summer has been interesting to say the least, and I am loving every minute of it. I kind of don't want it to end...yet!

Committed through the scriptures

"Certainly there are times when getting the family together to read the scriptures does not stack up as a spiritual experience worthy of a journal entry. But we must not be deterred. There are special times when a spirit of a son or daughter is just right and the power of these great Scriptures goes down into their hearts like fire. As we honor our Heavenly Father in our homes, He will honor our efforts."

~Neil L. Andersen

I couldn't help but to take this picture of Noah turning the pages of his sister's scriptures (without tearing them) last night. It's amazing how our little kids catch on so quickly and follow our example in wanting to do the things older people do! We are not a perfect family, and there have been days when something unexpected will occur, and we realized we didn't have our regular scripture study! It has also been extremely challenging during the school year, and easier for us to do it diligently during the summer.

When you have a husband who is in sales and works retail hours, and wakes up at 4:30 in the morning to teach seminary with four kids waking up at different times...it's challenging, and it takes a lot of devotion to open up that faith book. I know that it's going to be more challenging this next school year having three girls going to different schools at different times. High school, middle school, and elementary. That's what you get for having kids five years apart, but we make it work. Sometimes we will read in the evening. I miss that routine of waking up at the same time when the kids were younger and having hardly any stress. Welcome to reality!! As our kids get older, I find that it takes more commitment to do the things that are right and pleasing to our Heavenly Father.

Our Home teacher from our church came over yesterday to teach, and discuss with us the First Presidency Message given by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. The lesson was on being committed to our Heavenly Father's commandments, and not just the commandments and covenants that appeal to us. I once heard that sometimes we treat the commandments like a menu...I'd like a side of forgiveness, but I don't think I want to serve. I love charity, but hate having a cup of humbleness. I found that interesting. The message stated how some of us may "sort of" receive blessings if we are "sort of" committed. I became a member of this church for a reason and that is to do my best in all things. I just don't want to be "sort of" committed, but be fully committed. Reading the scriptures on a daily basis really strengthens our family, and helps us in becoming more committed. We want to receive the full blessings of happiness and not just "sort of" receive them.

I love to see the temple, I'm going there someday...(Noah's thought in the second picture.)

I can see the light in my children's faces particularly the little ones when they see that we are going to do something that they have seen us do many times...Opening up that faith book!

It's not always easy to find the time, but I know that after reading a chapter or even just a verse makes the days of my life happier and easier for me to take on the world!