My Testimony On My 28th Year Of Being A Member Of The Church Of Jesus Christ.

Today marks my 28th anniversary of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. “Love" and "following the Savior" are two of the things that I got out of when two lovely sister missionaries Stacie & Susanna talked to me about the gospel of Jesus Christ & Our Heavenly Fathers plan.

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. 

Our Last Day With Sister Griffin & Elder Berrett!

Once again I'd like to express my gratitude to all the missionaries all over the world who are serving full time missions. I know leaving their comfort zone is not an easy thing to do especially when one is super close to their family, but I know that leaving for 18 months to two years to serve The Lord, and share his true gospel is worth all that time gone from the ones you love. 

A Reminder On Keeping The Faith.

One thing I love about the LDS church in the spring is when they have BYU women's conference. I have yet to attend one in person, but oh how edifying they are. Had I known about them while I lived in Utah in my 20's, or had I been invited to go with someone I would have totally taken advantage of attending. Now that I'm in my 40's I am more involved in reading all about the presenters that were featured to speak. Very inspirational. If I lived even two hours away from Provo I would totally attend one. So for any of you who live anywhere in the Salt Lake Valley, please go! 

The First Seven Days: Wishes & Kindness.

The first seven days of 2016 were pretty wonderful, and so far things are still looking good!  

Couldn't let the week go by without jotting down a few things that I wish for my family. We all hope for the best when a new year begins, and no matter how hard we forget about the things we tell ourselves on new years eve such as the goals we want to make, the things we want to change about ourselves, and all the resolutions we'd like to accomplish, it's nice to know that there is always room for hope, and change. We all have the ability to change, and to do better in this world. I pretty much don't jot down as many resolutions as I used to, but I do have hope, and boy do I wish for a lot! With the world changing and society becoming more bold in the way it portrays certain things it is up to me as a parent to raise my children the best I can so that they can be prepared to enter the real world on their own with their eyes wide opened, and a laser focused mind. 

But first and foremost, it is my example that sets it in motion. It starts with me, and I want to be the kind, loving example to everyone so that my kids can follow in my footsteps. Hoping that their generation can make the world a better place. 

We also need to give blessings a chance. Some of us get a little frustrated because we feel that blessings don't come fast enough, but I know that through prayer, and acting upon the things that we believe in Heavenly Father will guide us to a path filled with light, and a less path filled with stress, and hardships. We've had quite a few trials this past year as we do every year. I mean...I don't think anyone is exempt from having a perfect year, but for me regardless of the negativity that goes on in the world, before we step out the door we pray as a family to have a good day. It makes a huge difference in our day when we do, and we look at the world in a beautiful perspective. It is up to me to make the world beautiful, and I have to say that I've gotten a lot better at it! Heavenly Father created such a beautiful earth for us to enjoy, and experience. We definitely take advantage of it, and also learn from the terrible things that the world can bring as well. Although we'll discuss the current events that are occurring around us, we don't sit and dwell on the negativity for too long. We try to look at the positivity that can come from it, say "it is what it is", and move on. Always hoping for the greater good! How grateful I am for the word change, and for the opportunity we have to make ourselves a better person. Changing to become a more kinder person can make a huge difference not only in our lives, but the person you are expressing kindness to as well. I witnessed it firsthand when I shared this story, and I can probably share a lot of stories in regards to serving, but felt the need to share that particular story this past year. 

It's so true, the older we get the quicker the years pass us by. I tend to focus more on my kids, and their happiness. My wishes for my kids are pretty much the same. They all have a unique life ahead of them, and am so proud who they are becoming, and how they handle things sometimes on their own. I wish many blessings upon each and every one of them this year. 

// My wish for Sierra is that she'll find fulfillment, and joy while serving her mission in the Philippines. She received her mission call on January second, and it certainly was a great start to our year. I hope that she'll find those who are searching for a greater happiness. One that will bind families forever. That her testimony will grow, and relationship with Heavenly Father will become stronger than ever. I wish. I wish. //  

// My wish for Lexie is that she'll never forget who she is, or why she is here. Regardless of all the negativity that the world can throw at her, she'll know that Heavenly Father as her back up in knowing that through Him, she can overcome anything. The teenage years are crucial, and high school is rougher than ever before, especially when you stand up for your beliefs. I hope that she will always defend them, and stand up for herself. I wish. I wish. //

// My wish for Chelsea is that she'll continue to be the kind, helpful, sweet young girl, and not be afraid to learn new things. Not be afraid to stand up for herself. That as she reaches her preteen years that she'll know that she truly is a daughter of God. That although she has already faced a trial in her young age, that she'll remember what she learned from it, and continue to have the strength for more. That she will never fall into "worldly traps" at a young age. I wish. I wish. //

// My wish for Noah is that he will enjoy school, and that as he grows older that he will know right from wrong. That his innocence will carry on throughout his elementary year, and that he knows that there is light, and goodness in this world. I wish. I wish. //

// My wish for Jon is that he'll continue to have a great year with his job. That he will find time to enjoy the little things outside of work. He is such a hard worker, and we all love him to death, and appreciate his life so much! I wish. I wish. //

And my wish for me...I just want to be a more kinder, and gentler person. One that can be a rarity among women, where people will wonder why I am the way I am. I love my life, and wish many blessings upon my family. 

I also wish that for you. 

I wish. I wish. 

So let's make that change, be kind, and make it a great year! 

Happy Weekend! 

Love & Appreciation For The LDS Missionaries.

Having the LDS missionaries in my life is vital to my well-being. I love being around them, and the spirit that they carry. The fact that sister missionaries taught me about Christ's love, and eternal life 23 years ago, makes me love, and appreciate them even more. Every six weeks we have missionaries come, and go in our area. Some stay for months at a time, and some transfer way too soon. Luckily for us, we were able to have Sister Jensen serve in our ward for six months!! That was a great length of time that flew by way too quick! We have had Sister Nutting, her companion for a few months now, and we've grown closer to her as well! I tell ya, the more you have the missionaries over your home, and take them out on their p-day the more you love, and want them in your life! Having breakfast with the sisters this past Monday was a great beginning to my day! Their spirit rubs off on me so strong, and urges me to want to share the gospel even more, and never forget my conversion. I love every single missionary that comes into our ward, and have always tried to welcome them with open arms. No matter what state or country their from, or their culture, I always strive to make the time to welcome them in my home, and do my best to fellowship them. They are thousands of miles away from their families, and I know exactly how it feels to be away from family. The only difference is I'm 20 plus years older, and am able to talk to my family whereas they are only allowed to make a few phone calls throughout their 18 months of service, email once a week, and write letters. Since I now have a daughter who will soon be serving in the Philippines it is my hope that the families in the church out there will help her feel welcomed, and loved. From what I heard about the Filipino people is that they are the most kindest, and humbling folk out there so I'm not worrying at all! 

Sister Jensen reminded me so much of my own daughter with her bubbly personality and all. She was always so willing to participate with the members, and teach in Relief Society. Such a great example of missionary work. I love that she got along so well with Sister Nutting, and can tell that it was real. There truly was a genuine companionship there, and that they treated each other as Christ would treat others. Although Sister Jensen will be missed we look forward to meeting new sisters, and hope that they will feel of our love, and support. I sure do love these girls, and try my best to make them feel at home. My son has grown to love them, and every time they come over our house he always wants to talk their ear off, and tell them about his day, toys, and school. It's too cute! He knows that they carry something special with them that will brighten anyone's day.  

And when they come inside our home, they always brighten ours! 

To know more about the missionaries you can log onto lds.org , and for a free book of mormon you can go here to request one! Or, you can always contact me, and I can send you a free copy!

Mission Call Accomplished: The Philippines.

For the past four months we have patiently been waiting for Sierra to get her mission call, and this past weekend she finally received it! Things happen for good reasons and I'm telling you, when it he comes to heavenly father's plan, everything works out, and there is no denying that He is in charge of our life. I know that everything He has planned out for our daughter is meant to be, and have faith that it'll be in His hands. Words cannot express how excited we are for our sweet Sierra to soon be on the Lord's errand. 

Goodness...I still have butterflies! The day I posted this photo on Instagram I received a call from Sierra later that evening letting me know that she received an envelope that read from the office of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She asked if that could be the envelope with her mission call inside, and I said if it's an eight by ten, white big envelope then yes, that's it! She exclaimed, "it is!", and her dad was like yes! You should've heard the excitement and anxiousness in her voice as we were talking about it. She was so excited to have finally received it. I seriously thought she was going to hyperventilate! I told her to take deep breaths, and that it'll be great news! I asked her if she wanted to wait until Sunday to open it but was so eager to open it that evening. I don't blame her. This waiting game was played for too long, and she totally deserved to open it the day she received it! 

She quickly called a few friends, and they soon gathered with the family at her grandparents house where she's been living since she left Jersey. Because of the two hour time difference she wanted to announce it at approximately 8pm which is 10pm where we live. The only person we were waiting for was her sister Lexie. She was at a birthday party, and luckily it ended at 10 so that she could be home for this exciting event! In no way would she announce it without her sidekick. Lexie finally came home, and we all gathered in front of the computer to await the big news.

Technology is so awesome! It's so nice to be able to see her surrounded by people that love, and support her, and I'm so grateful that she wasn't alone while opening her call. She was so nervous that she couldn't even open the envelope. She had her grandma open it for her because her fingers were shaking! She was that thrilled/excited/enthusiastic/nervous! Name it, she was that adjective. 

Her voice was literally shaking when she announced her call, and for a minute there I thought she was going to faint! The sound in her voice when she mentioned where she'll be serving is proof to me that she decided this all on her own motive and that she is so ready and willing to serve the lord with all her heart, mind, mind, and strength! We are so excited for her, and know that she is on the right track in her life, and that this is where she's supposed to be in her life right now. And that is to serve a church mission. My feelings right now is euphoric, and I still can't seem to get rid of these butterflies in my stomach! It's surreal and I just can't get over it. I've just never experienced this...you know, having a child leaving for 18 months to serve God. I mean, I met the sister missionaries while I was investigating the church, and they totally helped change my life, and to know that our daughter will be doing the same things is so, so, humbling to me! 

I've realized the sacrifices we are going to make so that she will be able to serve, and my thoughts right now are focused on nothing but positivity, joy, but most of all faith. I know that the Lord will guide, and take care of her, and that there is no need for us to worry. I will have to get used to not facetimeing her every other day, texting, and calling her. We'll be okay, and it's a good thing I love to write because she'll be getting good mail every week or so. She reports to the MTC on February 10th which means we have to prepare quickly. She will be getting her passport today, and are looking forward for her to come to our neck of the woods to get her endowments at the DC temple. She sure has faced obstacles in her life, and that is something that she'll be able to apply in her life as she serves, and take what she has learned with her. I know that she'll be guided to those whom she will relate to, and understand their needs. Sierra has a big heart filled with so much compassion. She is going to be amazing! We are so proud of her and the decision she has made to serve The Lord. 

She is has so much of her dad in her when it comes to "being an official missionary" and we are so excited for this chapter to begin in her life as well as ours and to see her prosper, and grow in the gospel while sharing it with the people in the Philippines.

This truly is an amazing start to our 2016. 

See...I was right. Good things do come to those who wait! 

Reflecting On The Night Before Christmas.

When I saw this painting on Beth's Instagram last week I just knew I had to get it. She only had 10 left, and I was the third person to claim one. I love her work of art, and having a picture of Mary with the Babe in our home truly reflects the whole reason for the season. 

Focusing on Christ not just at Christmas time, but all year round is as crucial as reflecting on the gifts we're going to get. I personally didn't grow up with huge Christmases, and as my kids get older our Christmases become more simple. I am extremely grateful that I have made our Christmases to be more focused on the Savior's birth than all the worldly things our kids may get. I for one don't buy my kids too many gifts. As much as I would love got give my kids everything that their little heart desires, I tend to focus on others more than my own family. I have taught my kids that it is better to give than to receive. They don't mind that, and when I'm in the middle of fixing treats, and wrapping small gifts for friends, and extended family they see the joy on my face, and when it's time to personally deliver and/or mail them they always want to drop them off themselves! 

On the night before Christmas we have a few traditions that we do. We have all the kids open one gift, and it's usually the one from their grandparents. Ornaments, and books have become a tradition, and that's what the kids usually receive. I personally think it's a simple and meaningful gift. Something that they can pass on down to their kids, and of course books never get old...especially if you have kids that like to read. I love those gifts and am grateful to those who think of them. 

^^^ Besides reading I believe in Santa Claus to the kids, we also read the Christmas story in Luke. Noah is always excited to play a wise man, and isn't he the cutest. ^^^

Because of all the baking we did on Jon's birthday we ended up buying cookies that evening for Santa. Noah had so much fun putting them on a plate, and because of all the Santa advertisements we see of him holding a coke Noah thought it would be cool if we gave him that to drink instead of milk. Chelsea insisted we leave him a cup of milk just in case. A friend of mine on Facebook commented on the photo and asked if Santa was lactose intolerant. Ha Ha! I laughed so hard, and you know what...he could be! We never know, hence the coke advertisements!

Our kids have never had a bedtime schedule, and because of that has made Noah and Chelsea a little harder to get them to bed on time. They all went to bed close to 10pm, and I made darn sure that they were knocked out before I began to wrap last minute gifts, and fill up their stockings! Jon is always a huge help in this department, and now that Lexie is old enough to help out has fun helping me with picking gifts, and wrapping them. Jon then grabbed the few gifts that we had in the basement and put them under the tree. It is so fun doing this, and I swear I never want to stop this tradition of giving no matter how old our kids get! 

When the kids came home from church on Sunday they brought home this ornament with that read SAVIOR. Their primary president made one for all the primary kids. Really thankful to them in doing that. Chelsea immediately put it on their little tree. It's so sweet, and those six letters really stand out, and shows the whole purpose to this beautiful season of light. I am so thankful for the Savior's sacrifice, and his atonement. I know that because of Him there's is hope in all things, and that we can live with Him again. To know that He died for me helps me to want to become a better disciple of Christ, and sharing His gospel brings me happiness. I know that because of Him we can live with our families for all eternity. He truly is the perfect gift of this season, and I pray that we will strive to put Him first in all that we do. I want this happiness, and joy for everyone, and every year is a new year to start anew. To learn more you can log onto mormon.org. 

Here's hoping you're having a fabulous last week of 2015. 

A New Calling.

Each calling that I receive, and accept in the church, and I've had quite a few, has been a blessing in my life, and in one way or another has strengthened me. I learn something different every time, and each calling helps me further my knowledge in the gospel. 

This past Sunday at church I was assigned to be the new Faith in God leader. And can I just tell you how much I have been wanting to serve in this calling?!? Sierra and Lexie experienced the faith in God program in different wards, and in two different states, and I saw so much activity & growth among them and the leaders that they had were amazing! I saw how involved the leaders were in their lives, and how much my daughters enjoyed going to the activities, but most of all how much they spiritually grew. Sierra received her award in North Carolina, and Lexie received hers here in Jersey.  I have one ore daughter left to accomplish the program, and I'm so excited to be her leader. 

When I told Chelsea what my new calling was going to be she smiled so big, and began jumping up and down whilst giving me a bear hug! It truly made me smile, and her reaction was a joyful one. I can tell she is thrilled for me to be her leader. See, some kids can find it annoying or even intimidating to have a parent as their leader in a calling, but luckily Chelsea is young and innocent and is not at that stage where she finds me annoying as a mom, (at least not yet!) and/or being her teacher when it comes to a church calling. 

^^^ me and my youngest daughter Chelsea. Can you tell she's excited?!?! ^^^

I'm really looking forward in seeking inspiration, and to spiritually grow in this calling. I hope that the girls that I'll be teaching will know that even though I don't know all their hobbies, likes, dislikes, and idiosyncrasies that I love them, and that my intentions are good. I want to help them accomplish their goals in preparing them for the young women program. I hope that after one hour of teaching them, that they'll leave with feelings of joy, love, and with a smile on their face. I hope that they'll leave feeling inspired knowing that they learned a Christlike attribute on how to serve, and love others, but most of all to establish a righteous pattern of living. I hope that they will develop gospel habits, and develop strong testimonies, but most of all increase their faith in Jesus Christ. I hope that they will spiritually grow in the things that they are taught while enjoying themselves at the same time. 

Faith in God truly does shape the lives of our young girls and it is my hope that I will do my best in my calling to help them along the way as they grow older so that they can grow up to be the best young woman in their generation! 

185 Years of General Conference.

Attending general conference with my family is a blessing we all need. It uplifts us and strengthens us, and even though there may be times when some of us feel as if don't need to watch it, or need to hear those spiritual words...we do! 

I look back at the time when weren't very faithful watchers of conference when Sierra was little, and I think to myself, "maybe if we watched it without feeling obligated, and actually paid attention we may not have gone through all of those trials." Then again, we needed to go through what we went through in order to progress, and be who we are today raising a family. 

The difference today as to why I enjoy general conference so much, and make it a priority in my life as a mother, and wife is that I choose to attend. But most of all listen. 

Every year as my children & I grow older confrrence becomes more meaningful. These talks are something that need to be heard, and no matter how many times the subject of the talks may sound similar to some that were given five, ten, or 20 years ago it doesn't matter to me. The talks may sound familiar, but the meaning I get out of them are always different. The talks that are given are also reminders that tell me that I am a good mother, and that there is always room to do better. They remind me to be the best friend, mom, and wife I can be. 

I love the fact that even though my oldest daughter is out west and on her own that she attends conference at temple square on her own motive. Whether she has tickets to go inside the conference center, or not she will go to temple square, sit on the lawn, and listen to the words of our leaders. She is currently waiting for her mission call, and once she does she'll be flying out here to get her endowments. No matter how old my kids get, and when they move away, and are all gone it is my hope that they will always have the desire to attend conference.

All the talks that were given this time around were filled with such emotion, and were extremely powerful! They touched the core of my soul, and for once I'm not going to say that I had a favorite talk because they were all so good. Including the talks of the three new apostles. Such humbling men who mentioned how inadequate they felt having that calling, but in the end gave amazing talks. 

Elder Holland who truly is my favorite apostle gave an amazing talk on women and motherhood, and Elder Quentin L. Cooke talked about being temple worthy. One of my favorites, and I hate to admit that I truly need help in this department in regards to reading the scriptures on my own, was Brother Devin G. Durrants talk on encouraging us to "ponderize" the scriptures. That's definielty something that I started doing, and I hope that I'll stick to it! 

Another great talk that I have to mention was Russell M. Nelson's. I love that he quoted President Packer who said,

"We need women who are organized, and can organize. We need women with executive ability who can plan, direct, and administer. We need women who can teach, who can speak out. We need women with the gift of discernment who can view the trends in the world and detect those that, however popular, are shallow or dangerous. Today, let me add that we need women who know how to make important things happen by their faith who are courageous defenders of morality and families in a sin-sick world." 

I know that by listening to their talks, and heeding their words that blessings will come, and no matter how hard times get for me, and my family whether spiritually, emotionally, or financially I know that Heavenly Father is always there to lift us up. I know that these wonderful leaders are called of God, and are given inspiration as to what to teach us in hopes that we are uplifted, and that their words will guide us in the right direction. 

We definitely live in a society filled with sin, and it is up to us to share the goodness. It is always my hope that each day I wake up being a good example to my children. That I will always have something nice to say to everyone on a daily basis. That I will learn something from the scriptures even when i'm too tired to comprehend what I'm reading. Just because I've been a member for 23 years doesn't mean I know everything! I know enough, but at the same time I'm still learning. I'm not perfect, but the Lord knows my heart, and knows how hard I strive to endure to the end, and to "find joy in enduring."

I love my family, and want to live with them for eternity. I know that by keeping the commandments as our wonderful prophet counseled that we can have eternal life, and be with our families forever. 

***You can listen to all the general conference talks including the womens sessions, and priesthood session here. 

Happy Wednesday! 

The Best Two Years In The Stake Young Women!

^^^ This photo was taken on the second day of girls camp. They wore hawaiian attire carrying leis singing and welcoming all the young women who arrived that morning for camp. I obviously was behind the camera, and admired them as they were singing, and having a good time. Amazing women! ^^^

*There's something about serving in the young women that not only helps develop a unique love for the youth, but strengthens your testimony even more.* 

After serving in the stake young women for the past two years the time came for me to be released. I hope that these three lovely ladies felt my love through my actions as well as my words in testimony, and how I felt at the time I served with them. Whether it was at a meeting, a youth activity, or a stake dance. I want them to know how much I appreciated them for all their efforts, and all that they sacrificed when it came to serving in their calling. I especially want to thank Sister Shipley for being guided by that still small voice in noticing me enough to think of my name and handing it over to our stake president to pray if I was the right person for this calling as her secretary. We may not have chit chatted as much as I would have liked, and that's okay because at the end of the day it was all about fellowshipping with the youth. To help them join in on the fun, and find joy in every activity that was held. Not only with their friends, but within themselves too. To feel the spirit, and to know that they are there for a spiritual purpose, but to also have had a great time among their peers. 

I am so grateful to have had this calling for as long as I did, and even though there were times as though I felt I didn't do enough, (because for the most part the young women presidencies in every unit seem to do so much more than we did) I know that I did my best in serving my leaders, the youth, and the Lord as well. I strive to find the joy in each calling that I've received, because in the past there was a time where I turned down one calling. Probably my mistake, and loss, but I'm grateful for those seven words that are written in my patriarchal blessing, "never hesitate to turn down a calling." Ever since I read those words after receiving my blessing I have never turned down a calling. I pray that I will always serve God with all my heart, might, mind and strength no matter what level or capacity of a calling it is. Service is service whether it's organizing the ward activity closet (yes, there is such calling) serving in the nursery (that was my first calling at 20 years old), or a stake calling (in my 40's) Yes...I learned so much from these women, as well as the calling itself. 

Even though I only had the opportunity to serve with them for two years I felt such a unique spirit among each of them. I learned what to do and what not to do, but mostly focused on the spirit of the Lord in doing my best with serving Him with all my might as well as these wonderful ladies as their secretary in the stake young women. 

It truly was a wonderful two years! 

Now I wait for a new calling! 

To be continued...

Happy Monday!