General Women's Meeting 2014.

It is always so interesting to see who, and how many of us will gather for the General Women's meeting every year, and this past weekend we had quite an amazing number in our stake. It is always nice to see other young women, and sisters that I normally don't see every Sunday gather together exchanging stories, hugs, and smiles. The best part of this meeting is the fact that those who are as young as eight years of age can now attend the general women's meeting with their mothers. I have a nine year old, and amazingly she was pretty excited to go that evening (I believe having a pie buffet that night had something to do with her attendance as well!) Seeing young girls between the ages of eight and 17 attending this meeting gives me hope that when these young women reach the ages of 12 and 18 that they are going to be prepared to enter the Young Women program, as well as Relief Society and hopefully spread their wings wide when they venture out into the world after high school graduation (crossing our fingers right moms?)  It was so nice seeing everyone gathering, visiting, hugging, chatting, and smiling among one other. That is sisterly love, and I hope that my daughters will follow in the footsteps of my example in the way that I strive (key word being STRIVE) to be a faithful follower of Christ and how I love, and treat my fellow sisters...no matter who they are. 

The General Women's meeting was indeed so powerful this year! It seems that when I, or a loved one is going through a trial my intentions are totally focused on what our church leaders have to say, and my listening ears are on. Listening deeply with pure intent to every word they uttered that evening was needed in my life in numerous ways. 

For a moment I was prepared to enter the chapel with all these hopes and answers to my prayers for someone I love. When in reality some of these talks were meant for me. Sometimes I walk in thinking, and praying my heart out that every time General Women's meeting comes along that certain family members, and certain sisters I feel can really use some uplifting words of comfort from our church leaders, because they sure can use it. Well you know what...we can all take in some words of comfort, and we can all use it. Including me! 

**Linda K. Burton spoke about better preparing our children for temple blessings. To teach them at a young age to get them involved in family history work, and indexing names so that they'll be spiritually prepared to enter the temple once they turn 12. Preparation is key in all things especially when it comes to the way of the world. I love the example she gave about the 10 virgins, and how five of them were prepared in having oil in their lamps, while the other five were foolish because they didn't have them filled. Like those five virgins who were prepared  to go the marriage, we as members should be prepared to worthily enter the temple.

**Jean A. Stevens talk was focused on baptismal covenants, and gave a beautiful story of her mother, and father. She spoke so highly of her parents, and I was humbled by her story. She talked about how her parents were married in the temple by David O' McKay, and how their focus was purely on building an eternal family, and laying a foundation of the Lord in their life. It was a lovely talk about two wonderful people who sacrificed so much in spite of their challenges in serving their Father in Heaven with strength, and love. Preparing for temple blessings is something we should always be ready for once we enter the temple, and this quote from President Thomas S. Monson says it all, "No sacrifice is too great, no price to heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings." 

**Neill F. Marriott's talk was given with so much love, and conviction. I think the fact that she has a huge family (11 children, and 29 grandchildren) inspires her to be a strong disciple of Christ. Teaching and helping us how we can be a light to others in a dark world. Reminding us that we can shine bright just like the temples do on this earth. One of my favorite quotes she said that night was, "Great joy comes when those little boats [our children] grow into mighty seafaring vessels with gospel light."

**President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave the most quintessential talk ever! An epic talk that we all needed to hear. Mentioning social networking tells me that he knows what's up in the world with how we women think, and feel. Especially when it comes to numbers. Y'all know what I'm talking about. I mean seriously...who cares how many likes we get on a Facebook pic, Instagram, or twitter. Who cares how many followers we have on pinterest. Heck...I'm grateful to even get one like when I post a status on any of those social networks. That's the way of the world nowadays among our youth, and hope that someday they will realize that none of that matters. Heavenly Father doesn't care about any of those things. He cares about our spirituality, and helping us realize that he loves us no matter what. It is so easy to forget who we are in today's society without listening to that voice that protects us from sin. It's also very easy to stray away from the gospel especially if we are not paying close attention to the influences around us. I've mentioned before that I didn't grow up in the church, so I really appreciate everything that the young women program does for the youth including my kids. 

Unfortunately, I've seen quite a few young women go off on their own after high school graduation and struggle with their testimony, do what they want, and forget that they are a daughter of God. We need reminders of those moments to remember who we are, and to strive to live as a true disciple of Christ. To know that Heavenly Father loves us no matter what and that blessings will rain down upon us. Even at my age I need to be reminded of living the gospel, and how I attain that is by living the laws of the Lord the best I can. He also said that living the gospel joyfully with all our heart, mind, and soul may be hard, but by choosing Heavenly Father's path we can lay a divine foundation on our path, and in our lives. 

Every single talk was appreciated, and spoke to me in profound ways. The fact that some of the talks were so focused on leaving a legacy of great examples for our children, and seeking out our ancestors by attending the temple more often strengthens me as a mother even more. I am a first generation member, and unfortunately I don't have many stories to tell my kids about how my mother met & married my dad, and so forth. I have stories, but they aren't the uplifting kind (they will know those too.) My family as much as I know, did their best in living a good life, and unfortunately in most cases somewhat turned out dysfunctional. I know I'm not perfect, but I don't want to repeat the same mistakes some of them made. My hope for my children is that they will have fun, sweet, and uplifting stories to tell their future posterity about me.  I have built a history of my existence through happiness and trials on paper, photographs, this blog, and most of all my example which I hope will be good enough for my kids!

And I hope in return my children will live a faithful life in living eternal covenants and that by going to the temple will be much more than a "one time event", and pass that on down to their posterity, and so on, and so on. 

**Past General women's meeting posts can be found here, here, and here.

General Women's Meeting with my nine year old.

"Heavenly Father sees greater potential in his children than ever your earthly mother sees." 

~President Henry B. Erying

What a unique experience it was to have had eight to eleven year old young girls invited to General Women's meeting. When I heard about the age change I was so excited! Not only is it my job as a mother to teach my daughters true principles of the gospel, but taking them to conference at an even younger age is so important. 

This past Saturday I had the privilege of escorting my two daughters ages 14 & nine for a lovely dinner, and to watch the broadcast afterwards. This age change is indeed an advantage being that girls these days seem to be growing up way too fast & their need for spiritual guidance in preparing them for the young women program by taking them to women's conference is so important. 

Mothers & daughters in our ward gathered for an evening of spiritual fun, bonding with my nine year old by making washer necklaces, and playing a "getting to know you" game with the other mother and daughter duos in the ward was absolute fun! Dinner that evening was prepared by some of the brothers in our ward, and we are so grateful for the time they took in doing that for us.

Watching conference on the big screen in the chapel gives it so much meaning & it makes me feel as if I'm actually there. Made me a little homesick to tell you the truth. Seeing so many faithful mothers with their daughters sitting in the conference center made me miss my oldest daughter who is currently attending college in Utah. 

The messages tonight were so important about sisterhood, and how we truly need each other. We are all that we have, and our daughters are looking up to us as their role model to learn a proper behavior as to how we treat our fellow sisters. No matter how old my girls get I want them to become a faithful daughter of God & for them to pass it down to their prosperity. Society is changing everyday & as sisters & mothers who hold the truthfulness of the gospel it is our responsibility to pass that down on generations to come. 

President Erying brought me to tears throughout his whole talk on how he emphasized on treating every person we meet as a child of God. His words were so encouraging, and I pray that I will continue to strive to see every human being in that nature. It's so true when he said that we are more alike as daughters of God than we are different. We all carry the one thing that makes us strong, and unique as one and that is the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we love, forgive, and are kind to one another we are being like our Father in Heaven, and that "divine inheritance" comes from Him. 

Women need women, and as sisters in the gospel we truly need each other. No matter how old we are we need each other. Some of us may be at the level where we may be comfortable in how we love, but in the end we truly need to love each other better. That is my hope, and I pray that I can be able to exhibit that to my children, and to sisters I meet everywhere around the world. 

Now we plan to "unplug" just a bit by being tech free this week by spiritually preparing for the 184th annual General Conference this weekend!

***If you missed the General Women's broadcast you can watch it here. 

Have a great week!

Finding my identity through Christ.

Identity...what does that really mean anyway. 

Some of us may never know what it means to find ourselves, or find ourself or "true identity". This is something that I hear very often among the youth everywhere, but especially in the church I attend, and I think it's because the teenage years are the hardest years to find out who they truly are, and why they are really here. 

I personally have never understood that until I found my own identity. Teaching my children true principles of the Gospel, and the church we attend helps them figure out their place in this world, and with our help can give them an understanding as to who they are, and where they come from. I know that our example, and by seeking guidance from the Spirit, and praying to God can help them find their own identity. Throughout the years of raising my firstborn who is now 18, and seeing her go through the actions, and possible motions of who she is becoming as well as what she endured to get to where she's at today makes me one proud mama. 

I saw Sierra growing up spiritually, and building her testimony as she attended church services, and various activities. Bearing her testimony on her own motive. Sharing her beliefs with others without me telling her to. I have never, ever stood up with her at the pulpit to help her bear witness that Jesus is the Christ and that the church she is being raised in is true. Having the desire to attend all youth church activities was from her heart...not mine. I have to say I have never struggled with her in finding out who she is. I never had to coddle her too much, but if she had an issue or problem in relation to church or school, I was always there to talk, and listen. 

I asked Lexie the other day if she knew who she 'really' was. She said she knows she's a daughter of God, and that she is here to learn. Yet she's 14, and even though I feel she has a good head on her shoulders, she's bound to be tested. However, I feel that she herself truly knows that she's a daughter of God, and that she has Heavenly Father who is there for her no matter what. Knowing that my two oldest daughters have found their identity through Christ puts me at ease, and helps me to live less stressfully in a high strung world.

Finding our true identity whether at the age of 14, 16, 20, or 40 definitely bring us a clear picture in the life that we live. Once we get it, and I mean really get it everything will make sense to us & we'll have so much confidence within ourselves that no matter what trials come our way we'll be strong enough to fight them & make it through. 

I know this because like my daughters...I also had to find my own identity. And I found it at the age of 20.

Once I found my true self in knowing who I am, where I came from, & why I'm here living out my years in this mortal life I became more self confident, happy, and was dying to share my excitement. After all the shame that I felt of the things that I did as a teenager, and what happened to me as a young girl...I was lost, and had no idea why I was even living this life. Wondering why this happened to me, and why God would allow 'bad' things to happen to such an innocent little girl. It took years of healing and thoughts of believing that I was 'damaged goods' to leave my mind. The difference between my and my girls while finding our true identity is that I didn't have the tools that they have now. Scriptures, two parents, values, morals, and The Lord. Once I got baptized I literally wanted to shout it from the rooftops to the entire world and say, "I truly am a daughter of God & man does it feel good to finally know that at the age of 20! God really loves me...he really does love me!"

I know at one point every one of us has been lost with our identity including my husband, my daughters at some point, and everyone who in some shape or form has struggled with finding out who they are, why bad things happen to us, and where we came from.

I endured so much heartache in trying to understand who I am, why I'm here, and what my purpose in this life was. I was tired of living a life of being a 'wanna be', of hurting myself, and having morbid thoughts of how it would be to just leave this life. I often wondered how it would feel to just live a life somewhere else. I guess that's probably why I did so much soul searching by investigating every religion that was out there, and spending time in various states to find out what I really wanted. Is it going to be different if I move here. Is the grass going to be greener if I live there. If I live with my sister in Florida will the pains from my past go away. No, no, and no. 

Watching commercials from the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints practically airing 24/7 gave me the will & courage to call that 800 number. Then I'd feel it again on days where sadness, and loneliness would kick in. As if some special 'being' was standing right beside me telling me to pour that quart of bud light down the drain. Your mother does care...she just doesn't know how to show it. You don't need it. You don't need it to belong. You don't need it to fulfill your life. You don't need it to make you tough and strong. You don't need it to forget what happened to you. You don't...you just don't. Slowly but surely I began to listen to that special 'being'. I began to see that maybe this so called video will help me realize the purpose of my life, and possibly answer those questions. 

And it did with help from the missionaries. After so many attempts of feeling that nudge on my shoulder I finally called to order this specific video, and let me tell you something...It forever has changed my life! Still...it wasn't that easy. Giving my life to Christ was just the beginning. 

I had to go back to the place where I felt lost as a young teen to face reality, and the demons that were unable to set me free from the pain I endured, but I had to make the choice to want it. To want to change, to want to listen, and I mean really listen. And that desire of wanting it was passionately burning inside of me. After months of stubbornness, I had a change of heart & finally made it out of that dark cloud of confusion that was hovering over me for so long. My life was saved, but even afterwards escaping adversity never ceased. And that's okay. As long as I have the love from my Father in Heaven, and the tools I have to keep me firm in His love, along with the gospel- I can overcome anything. 

I am extremely thankful for seeking out the spirit in helping me deal with all those emotions from long ago, and for helping me change my life at the age of 20. I am grateful for the calling that I have in the Stake Young Women. I look forward to taking the time to know the girls. I know a few already, and hope that for those who may feel lost, alone, with dark clouds hovering over them that one day they'll see the beauty that's inside of them. I hope that they'll come to the realization that no matter how hard life gets, how rough times at school are that they'll know there's a reason for them being here, why we have to go through certain trials, and why we long for them to give God a chance in helping them know that He is always there for them. Ready and willing to listen. 

As a teen I always wondered how can this supreme being whom I've never met possibly know what I'm going through. And then I remember the time when I was little and how my mom was so desperate in keeping us faithful by going to church on Sundays, and watching Jesus movies. Unfortunately that didnt last. One thing I'll always remember is the love I felt for Jesus. Every time I saw a picture of him in my catechism book I would always wish (not pray) that He would save me. I have to say that one spark of memory helped me to know that Jesus is always watching over us. I just had to let him in, and when I finally allowed Him back into my life at the age of 20 I felt like a little child again. It truly was the greatest feeling being cleansed from my past, and to have forgiveness in my heart towards those who wronged me. 

So to all the young women out there who may be reading this... 

You have something so special that I didn't have while growing up. Values that I wasn't taught or raised with. The gospel of Jesus Christ that helps you find answers to your prayers, and a loving Heavenly Father that loves you. Give your leaders a chance to help motivate, and encourage you to know that there is that eternal light, that special 'being' that is always watching over you to let you know that life can be good, that we can find our true identity. And when we do, I promise that you'll be able to endure any trial that comes your way, and that all will be well. 

All you have to do is pray your heart out, listen, & know that He is always there. 

"If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest as well as the easiest times in life can be a blessing. In all conditions, we can choose the right with the guidance of the Spirit. 
The Savior has [even] promised angels on our left and our right to bear us up. 
And He always keeps His word."
 ~Henry B. Eyring

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!

From coast to coast

Our lovely young women of New Jersey

I was thrilled when a friend of mine in my old ward in Utah thought of a pen pal activity with her young women, and the young women in our ward. I thought that would be one great way for different young women across the country to get to know each other through their written testimony, and eventually become long distance pen pals, or in our generation today...Facebook friends.

Sierra brought the idea up to her Young Women President and it was a done deal. Although it took a couple of months to get it started the girls in our ward finally had an activity of where all the young women  wrote out their testimonies along with an introduction of who they are.

I helped Sierra make these cute cards with the theme for this year, "Arise and Shine Forth" labeled on the front of each card, and had each young woman choose one to send to their pen pal in Utah.

So many of us today are not into handwriting letters especially for those who find it so easy to email, text, and Facebook a message. I know it's a lot easier to communicate that way, but I know from personal experience that receiving a piece of mail that is not junk or a bill can really brighten up someones day. 

I have had countless experiences of receiving good mail, as well as sending off good mail.  A piece of mail can be a light in someone who is having a dark and dreary day. It can also be an answer of hope to a young soul who feels lost, and thinks to herself, "wow, there is someone out there who loves and acknowledges me." You never know who you will be uplifting by simply sending a handwritten note. Sometimes those handwritten notes mean more than an audio or electronic message. It is saying that you took the time to sit down and put pen to paper to write down a few simple sentences. It's saying that you do care, and that you want that individual to know that you do. 

Sierra has grown to love writing letters, and I think it helps her talent by having a love for her english class, as well as having an amazing talent in writing essays. She knows how it feels to receive good mail, and has found the joy in handwriting a letter. She wants others to have that euphoric feeling knowing that someone far away is thinking of you, and taking the time to jot down a few words on your behalf. 

I am so grateful for the friendship that I have kept with Vilisha. It has been almost seven years since moving from Utah and I still keep in touch with her and her family. It's through letters that have kept us in touch this whole time, and when I got on Facebook two years ago...it made us closer. It also became easy in not writing as much, but I still try my best to keep up with handwriting letters to many friends, (and I have a lot!)

 

There are so many young women who will benefit from receiving good mail. Especially those who just turned 12 and are new to the program. I'm sure they will be thrilled to be receiving a sweet message on handwritten paper. 

I hope that all the young women in both wards will strive hard to keep up those handwritten letters. Even if it's just a simple postcard where you don't have to write a whole paragraph! It's the thought that will count, and believe me when I say this...that simple thought will do its justice through a handwritten simple little note, and the person receiving it will be cheerful. They will truly be cheerful. 

Arise and shine forth.

Last Saturday was the Young Women General Conference and each year just keeps getting better and better. Last year it was just Sierra and I, but this year I am lucky to now have two daughters coming to attend. Alexandra has been looking forward to this conference since the day she turned 12. It was so nice to have seen so many sisters and daughters hand in hand sitting together conversing with one another. This moment is one of my most favorite moments in the church because it's an opportunity to be with my daughters and grow with them spiritually in hearing the words of the General Young Women Presidency. 

Growing up as a youth I didn't have the church, or anything to guide me spiritually, and I didn't have much guidance from anyone as far as setting goals for my future. The youth of the church today are so fortunate to have programs in the church in which they can participate to learn and grow in making the right choices in this life. They all have the gift of agency, and the gift of the holy ghost to guide them in making the right choices in which can lead them to eternal happiness. 

Living the teenage years is not easy, and some of you may feel a little overwhelmed at what the future will bring. But I do know that if you pray and strive to live by the standards in which you are taught, your direction in this life will be much easier. I know that the Lord blesses those who keep their values strong, and holds their morals in a way that is respecting not only to yourself, but to others as well. 

It took me 11 years to hold a temple recommend. It was my stubborn choice, but I am glad I went through at the time I did. My hope for you girls is that y'all will let your light shine brighter than mine did when I was your age. Y'all have a chance to do it right. You have a chance to live up to your standards because of what you are learning in the church as well as when you pray to your Heavenly Father. You have a chance to make a difference in this world because y'all have the gospel. Y'all have a better chance at fighting all opposition because you know how to pray, serve, and attend programs like seminary, girls camp, youth conference in which helps build your testimony. 

I am grateful for the young women program in the church, and for the strength of youth handbook. It truly is a guide for all the youth to remember their standards, and to keep their values high. Although I would never exchange my youth for anything I'm grateful for all that I went through because it has made me the woman I am today. I'm grateful that y'all have the spirit to guide you in a direction that will help you to avoid all the temptations of the world. Y'all have the gospel of Jesus Christ in your life, and are extremely fortunate and blessed to have it. 

Follow the words of your young women leaders in the church. No matter how trite the words"live up to your standards" become to you... continue to heed those words in hopes that it'll sink in to your heart. Most youth today "don't get it", or they don't care to get it, or they just don't have a firm belief foundation that when you follow the Lord's commandments better things come your way.

God Bless all the young women out there who may be struggling with any kind of issue in which they know may be wrong. Keep praying for the strength to overcome all temptation. Determine to remain virtuous and pure.

I didn't understand the concept behind the young women program until I had a daughter involved in it. Now that I have two daughters who are in the young women, I know now how to encourage them to stick to their standards and keep them high. I pray that they will attain their most spiritual goals as well as their temporal goals. Something I didn't achieve as a youth in my generation. May you continue on to get the highest education possible, and in due time receive the blessings of the temple. 

"The call to "arise and shine forth" is a call to each of you to lead the world in a mighty cause to raise the standard and leave this generation in virtue, purity and temple worthiness. If you desire to make a difference in the world-you must be different from the world." -Elaine Dalton

The diagnosis, a fundraiser, & a humble heart

"Sometimes we want to have growth without challenges, and to develop strength without any struggle, but growth cannot come by taking the easy way. We must be careful that we don't resent the very things that help us put on the divine nature. Not one of the trials & tribulations we face is beyond our limits, because we have access to help from the Lord.
 We can do all things throughout Christ who strengthens us."
~Elder Paul V. Johnson (general conference April 2011)

My lovely Sierra covered in tulle that was used to decorate the floor entrance of the cultural hall at the fundraiser. 

I have to be one of the most grateful women in the world today. Although we have had a long week of endless questions concerning our broken down vehicle...we found out late in the afternoon yesterday what the deal is with our car. I also feel rejuvenated by attending my meetings at church and I give thanks to the Lord for all my blessings!

The diagnosis... 

The engine is kaput which means we need to replace it. Funny how it didn't stress me out at all. Sure I was bit sad, but I always manage to look on the bright side of things...we are all healthy, strong, and have some great friends who are willing to help us out until we decide what to do with the car. I also manage to observe 'life', and see that other people have much greater problems than we do.

We have two families in our ward who are in need of prayers. We have an 11 year old young girl who is having brain surgery this Tuesday, and a sister in her 60's (she looks more like 50) who has multiple sclerosis who just started having seizures. These two wonderful people are going through something much more harder than the 'Jorgensen's' having a broken down car.

Having such need in our ward helps me to focus less on myself, and that makes me so happy...it truly does.  Although I may not be able to visit the sick, or bring a meal to someone I thank God in having the ability to serve others through a phone call, Facebook, email, and sending a handwritten note.

Attending my girls YW fundraiser last night made my whole week. We brought things to auction for the fundraiser, and it feels so good doing things for a good cause. It turned out really well, and it was so nice to have focused on other things besides our car. The only reminder of it was when someone would come up to us, and ask endless questions about what our solution will be in fixing it.

Well friends...we have no answer set in stone, but listening to Brother Ward's talk today helped me focus on the correct way in looking for answers, and to have even more patience in waiting to listen for an answer from Heavenly Father. So we are in no rush in fixing the car. We are going to wait a while, pray our heart out, and look at our cash flow first, call places in town, and out of state for a motor, and also look into junk yards. It won't be an easy task, but with faith and patience we will know the right answer when the time is right. We are definitely going to lead by the spirit, and to be spiritually guided, and prepared.


I have been humbled through our past struggles not only with cars, but with the struggles that some of us face in the world today. Some of us may struggle with our testimony, faith, and other things. We have been down that road too many times, and I know this won't be the last. I have seen the difference in my spirituality today compared to ten years ago, and I know that those trials in the past have helped me grow spiritually.

I never complain anymore about the struggles we face, because without them...we will never grow spiritually. 

New beginnings

"Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations."

D&C 115:5 

With each new year comes a new beginning for several young women in our church who turn 12, and we have quite a few this year. This is a stepping stone of growth in the church for them as well as their spirituality in finding their own testimony. This is their time to progress within the gospel, and find out for themselves who they really are. This is their time to have fun, and serve each other with maturity, and without any level of contention. With diligence, and heartfelt prayer these young women have the potential to do a great many things in the church as well as in the world. One of these young women is my middle daughter Alexandra. It's her turn now to let her light shine, to be an example to all the youth in choosing the right, and to serve others as she has been served. 

She is so thrilled to be a part of the 'group' now (notice I didn't write the word 'clique' because there shouldn't be any), and ready to fulfill her duties to serve with her older sister as well as the rest of the young women. They were all welcomed and presented with candy grams. 

Sierra welcomed her with this cute candy gram that she made for her and it reads...

Welcome Lexie...our little Starburst, (aww, so sweet!)

Come stride on in to YW! We are so nuts about you! If you hit a sour patch we'll be your three musketeers. This is york time to be a smartie, but don't forget the almond joy of all the snickers you'll share.

 We love you! 

You adorable junior mint. 

Love the goobers, a.k.a. the Young Women

Such a cute idea, and I know Lexie will enjoy all that candy!

What can I say about these girls except that I am so proud of who they are becoming. They don't cause me any stress, and bring nothing but joy into my life. Sierra will be 17 in a few months, and I have to say for a teenager, she has never caused any trouble for anyone, and is doing magnificently well in her academics as well as in her social life. Alexandra is following in her footsteps with her own individual personality, and is so mature for her age. Sometimes I feel as if she's older than 12!

 Heavenly Father has blessed me with such wonderful children. They are not perfect, but through all their  imperfections they can certainly work on them, and grow from them. I know it is because of Him, and all the praying that I do for my family, that He has given me the life of having precious daughters who strive to do their very best to live up to the highest of standards. Being involved in the young women program is a blessing to all the young women. Although all the young women have differences with age, hobbies, and interests, they will always have one thing in common...the true gospel of Jesus Christ. They all have the choice in appreciating it, and to find out what it can do for them. It is their guide to happiness in this life, and can be an answer to any prayer. With faith, constant prayer, and having the will to be strong with any adversity they face, they can conquer anything in this world. They are the future generation of what is to come, and right now we need as many stalwart youth as we can get.

As parents, leaders, and teachers it is our job to encourage, and help them along the way.

What a beautiful world it would be if we all did just that!

To a new beginning for Alexandra, and all the other tweens out there!

Enjoy your youthul life!

It's not about the necklace

"Yea, they had been taught by their mothers." 

~Alma 56:47

What a beautiful December it has been. Busy, but beautiful. Beautiful because my husband and I celebrated 17 years of marriage, and the fact that he puts time in on his days off to spend time with the kiddos, do some home teaching, and attend the temple makes all things merry and bright. He also has three Sundays off this whole month which is fantastic!! Oh...and his 41st birthday is tomorrow!

The best Sunday thus far was last week. I have never felt the spirit so strong within my heart, mind, and soul. It was the best Sunday for me because I accomplished something that I didn't grow up with that took me two years to complete, but 40 years to earn. What am I referring to is my Young women medallion.

Both my daughter and I accomplished this great goal, and together we received our medallions. We also both bore our testimonies on the purpose of achieving it as well as the love we have for the gospel. It feels so great to know that we accomplished this program for a purpose, and that it wasn't just about receiving the necklace. A friend of Sierra's in high school even called it "her bling". This was such an honor to receive, and to have accomplished it with my daughter has been such a blessing. I saw all the hard work, and countless hours she put in reading her scriptures, doing service projects, attending all her meetings, and participating in all the young women activities. Her example of following the Savior has been close to perfection, and it brings me great joy to know that she did this on her own motive. Her heart was totally into it as was mine.

How nice it would have been to have learned these values while I was a young teenager, but the Lord knows the direction we are all headed. My time was to have earned this is with me eldest daughter while being a mother to four wonderful children living in the Garden state.

Totally worth all the work and hours I put into receiving this. 

For all you young women, and mothers of every age, and I encourage you to work on this wonderful program. It will transform your life into a better disciple of Christ, and a mother. 

Stand for Truth and Righteousness

WE ARE DAUGHTERS of our Heavenly Father who loves us and we love Him. 

WE WILL "STAND" as witnesses of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places" 

As we strive to live the Young Women values, which are:

Faith*Divine Nature*

Individual Worth*Knowledge*

Choice and Accountability*

Good Works*Integrity

and Virtue.

WE BELIEVE as we come to accept and act upon these values, WE WILL BE PREPARED to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessing of exaltation.

I love the young women theme, we recite this with the young women in Relief Society every fast Sunday, and that is what every young woman should be, and become.

 When I found out two years ago that I can be able to begin and accomplish my Personal Progress I had my daughter grab me a book, and I got started working on it. This is another wonderful program in our church that I didn't grow up with. Of course you have to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in order to participate and complete it. 

My daughter and I have both been working on it together and our goal was to complete it by the end of the year. We will have accomplished this goal by December 1! (I actually already completed it!) I cannot believe I started working on this right after my son was born in 2009, and I am so grateful that I have taken my time into reading the Book of Mormon, For the Strength of Youth, and completing all the tasks and projects that were required with patience, and that I put my whole heart into it. It has been so much fun to work on this. It literally gave me a spiritual boost every time I completed a value and in reading the scriptures. I have been filled with the spirit of the Lord, and my love for our Heavenly Father grows stronger each day. I feel so blessed to have this in my life, and to have worked on it. I am also excited to do the program AGAIN with my middle daughter who turns 12 in January next year. She is so excited to enter into the Young Women program and to start working on it. What a great start to 2012 it'll be for us!

Every time a value is completed we receive a colored ribbon. Each value specifies a color. We use them as bookmarks for our scriptures. Once the personal progress is completed we will receive the Young Woman recognition award. This reward is a medallion. It signifies all the hard work and effort you put in for the Lord in accomplishing all the tasks in said personal progress. I am so excited!

Just a note, and a testimony...

I encourage every young woman between the ages of 12-18 to work hard and to strive to complete your personal progress. These values are so important to learn, and by reading the scriptures daily your testimony will be strengthened. I know it may seem time consuming to some, and you might feel it's too late, but please know that this is something so important that it will make you feel confident, and it'll uplift your spirit. You will feel the love from Heavenly Father more that you'll ever know. I know that it'll prepare you on how to handle the hardest trials of your life. I know that it'll turn you into a more compassionate, mature, strong daughter of God. I am grateful to have my daughters involved in this, and that I gained a testimony of it.

 It's never too late to begin working on it either!

 I am 40 years old and just completed it...with four kids!! It's taken me two years, but it was so worth my time! So whether you are single, married with children, or widowed it is a wonderful program to accomplish. It has been such a blessing in my life to be working on this with Sierra. I've grown spiritually, and I also see the spiritual growth in my daughter as well. I know why these values are so important in our lives, and how crucial it is to uphold them as well...they have become more important to me as my daughters get older. I am grateful to have been involved in this program, and I plan on doing it with all of my daughters. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to have it in your life.  For the Strength of youth book is not just for the youth...it is for everyone!

Especially in the kind of world we live in today.

Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.

Moroni 10:32

Keep Your Standards High

Libby, Sierra, & Amber. Thanks for coming to see us on Standards night!

Every year the youth of our church coordinate an evening called Standards Night. This entails speaking from the pamphlet titled For the Strength of Youth about how to keep morally clean, and how the youth today can fulfill these duties if they strive hard to live a life of purity. This past week all of our young men and women put together skits, and prepared talks of how the youth today should strive to live high standards, and keep morally clean.

In this video Boyd K. Packer is counseling the youth on how they can find happiness through family, thrift, education, purity, good friends, and faith in Jesus Christ.

Amen to his counsel!

This program is something that I wasn't raised with. There are times when I wish I was raised with it, and times that I'm glad I didn't. It makes me extremely grateful to have experienced all the rebellion, and to know of the things to teach my teenager, and her siblings all about how to keep morally clean while at the same time having a strong love for the gospel, and having clean fun. All of these standards are true, and I just wanted to share some of my thoughts and give counsel to my children as well as all the youth who are reading this as to why it's so important to live a life with high standards:


Agency and Accountability:

Although you have your free agency...we hope and pray that you will continue to make the right choices that are pleasing not only to your parents, but to your Father in heaven as well. 

Gratitude: 

So often we forget to say thank you for even the smallest things. Sometimes its even hard to express it. It's so important to cultivate and live a life of gratitude. 

Education:

I know that every single youth out there, no matter who you are, have the potential to do something big in this life. Do your best in finishing high school and college. So many of us didn't have the opportunity. 

Family and Friends:

Always honor your parents, and no matter what, love your siblings. If you have the right attitude, and pure love of Christ, the family bonding will begin, and never end! Without judging anyone in your life, do your best to have friends who respect, and believe in your standards. Those who don't respect and believe in who you are...are not good friends.

Dress, appearance, music, dancing, and the MEDIA:

Whether its homecoming or prom, your dress should be fully modest! Just because all the other girls are wearing strapless dresses doesn't mean you have to also. The way kids dance today is so offensive and unnecessary. Keep yourself clean in the way you move your body. I love music too, but remember what you listen to can describe who you are. Movies today, and even prime time television is becoming immoral. Choose what you watch wisely, and that is conducive to the spirit. Just imagine Jesus knocking at your door...would you answer it immediately? Or would you wait to turn off the TV or take off the earplugs because of what was being played in your home was immoral? Something to think about.

Dating and Sexual Purity:

I sure did learn my lesson when I had a boyfriend at a very young age. Save yourself for the perfect mate. Don't date until you're at least 16, and go on group dates. I know it's hard with the way the world is today, and what it's teaching y'all. Just because everyone is doing the things that are low...stand tall and believe in your standards. Just because people are gay doesn't mean they are a bad person. Love the person, not the sin. Be strong, and endure to the end. Following these standards will truly keep you on the right path and help you become a happier person.

Just ask my daughter.

"Wait until marriage and play it safe. Yeah, wait until marriage and exercise faith. If you do this, then I for surely know, to the celestial kingdom you might surely go!"

~Jordan Jones (Purity rap song)

Click HERE to listen to the Purity rap song. (Sung by Sierra & Jordan) 

(Lyrics by Jordan Jones & filmed in the comforts of home.)

A Modest Fashion Show

"Modest is Hottest, Ladies. "I find the whole concept of being 'sexy' embarrassing and confusing. If I do an interview with photographers, people desperately want to change me-dye my hair blonder, pluck my eyebrows, give me a fringe. Then there's the choice of clothes. I know everyone wants a picture of me in a mini-skirt. But that's not me. I feel uncomfortable. I'd never go out in a mini-skirt. It's nothing to do with protecting the Hermione image. I wouldn't do that. Personally, I don't actually think it's even that sexy. What's sexy about saying, "I'm here with my boobs out and a short skirt, have a look at everything I've got?" My idea of sexy is that less is more. The less you reveal the more people can wonder."

~Emma Watson

This past week Sierra put together a fashion show for the Young Women at our church. She did it as a project for her Personal progress, and I think it turned out great.

 Most of the young women participated and I can see that they all had fun with it. I was the MC and I enjoyed hosting for my daughter. I guess all those years of attending fashion shows in which my girls were in really helped me as to how to describe their clothing with pizzazz!

Here are some of the highlights of that evening...

SPRING

SUMMER

FALL

WINTER

 SPORTSWEAR...Go Phillies!

FORMAL WEAR

and last but not least...a MODEST MOM and the 
Young Women President sporting casual wear...

I am really grateful that Sierra chose this as her project.
Like Emma Watson...she exemplifies modesty in its truest form.
There is no need to bare your midriff, or wear what 'the world' expects you to wear.
 Dress modestly, and you will be more respected in this life.