"Do Your Children Know That You Know?"

Well, I have had this post on my mind for a couple of months now. I was so impressed by this talk and the important nature of the message that it shares that I just haven't known where to begin in expressing my thoughts, but it is time and I guess I will just say whatever comes to mind.

Elder Kevin W. Pearson of the Seventy gave a talk entitled, "Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ" this last conference and I enjoyed it when I heard it but it was when I read it that the message had a profound effect on me. It is powerful and life-guiding. (I'm sorry that it is such a long post but I couldn't do it any other way :) I hope you will read on or if anything simply go read his talk.

A Commandment to Teach Faith -

He shares so perfectly the importance of teaching our children Faith in Jesus Christ, "As parents, we have been commanded to teach our children “to understand the doctrine of . . . faith in Christ the Son of the living God” (D&C 68:25)...faith is truly a spiritual gift worthy of our utmost efforts. We can give our children education, lessons, athletics, the arts, and material possessions, but if we do not give them faith in Christ, we have given little."

I love that last statement. We live in times of chaotic and full schedules. We live in times when people measure themselves on the total of their material possessions. We live in times that urge us to give our children both experience and material things. But are we making sure that during this time we are taking the time to give them faith? He clearly states that those other things add up to be much of nothing, that if we give them those things without faith "we have given little".


Throughout the rest of Elder Pearson's talk I have pulled 3 ways to build and strengthen the faith our children (all along the way strengthening our own faith in Jesus Christ):

1 - Bear Testimony to Your Children (this stirs up a seed of faith)

“Faith is kindled by hearing the testimony of those who have faith” (Bible Dictionary, 669; see also Romans 10:14–17). Do your children know that you know? Do they see and feel your conviction?"

I love the use of the word 'kindled' here. As we simply give our children opportunities to hear us bear our testimonies or to hear the testimonies of others their faith will light up, it will start burning, it will be ignited.

Do Your Children Know That You Know?

2 - Be an Example of Exact Obedience (this strengthens faith)

"If we desire more faith, we must be more obedient. When we teach our children by example or precept to be casual or situational in obeying God’s commandments, we prevent them from receiving this vital spiritual gift. Faith requires an attitude of exact obedience, even in the small, simple things."

I was struck by the bolded phrase above and particularly the word PREVENT. This thought simply multiplies the feeling of obligation we as parents must have be strictly and exactly obedient in our example because when we as parents are examples of casual obedience we are responsible for preventing our children of receiving the vital spiritual gift of faith. We rob ourselves of more faith and as our children follow our example we prevent them from gaining their own personal faith. What a responsibility the Lord has entrusted us with.

3 - Avoid and Overcome the Forces that Erode Faith

"Because there is an opposition in all things, there are forces that erode our faith. Some are the result of Satan’s direct influence. But for others, we have no one but ourselves to blame. These stem from personal tendencies, attitudes, and habits we can learn to change. I will refer to these influences as the “Six Destructive Ds.” As I do, consider their influence on you or your children."

You may watch this video of the 6 Destructive Ds or read a short definition of each below:

1. Doubt - Lack of confidence in one's self or abilities
2. Discouragement - Missed expectations
   
3. Distraction - A lack of focus
4. Lack of Diligence - A reduced commitment to remain true and faithful
   
5. Disobedience - Lack of obedience
6. Disbelief - The state of having CHOSEN to harden one's heart.
   

I find it powerful that each D leads to the next. It makes it simple to know that if we stop the destruction early we will never reach the state of disobedience or disbelief. If we recognize and avoid the work of Satan in our lives and overcome the bad personal tendencies that we have formed we will never be lead to the destruction of our faith and we can help our children to avoid and overcome these influences in their lives.

The D's are a well thought out plan or map in watching ourselves and our children. It is a guide to checking where we are at and where we should be. I will use these 6 Destructive D's in my life and as a parent. I am so excited for such a simple list because looking back on my life I can see some of the steps taking place little by little and I wish I would've caught them sooner.

I also find it interesting that the destruction begins with each of us personally and our faith in ourselves, it does not necessarily begin with the eroding of our faith in Christ, although they are so closely connected. Elder Pearson doesn't explain the first D of Doubt as doubting our faith but simply the lack of confidence in ourselves. Satan works in such small ways to bring us down in such big ones. He starts with confidence in ourselves to eventually lead us to a state of disbelief.
But just as Elder Pearson said, sometimes "we have no one but ourselves to blame". We must make sure that we both avoid the influences of Satan as well as overcome our own bad tendencies and habits.

The Savior's Promise

"Challenging times require greater spiritual power. Consider carefully the Savior’s promise: “If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me” (Moroni 7:33)." What a wonderful promise.

I don't think that I have even skimmed the surface of explaining what this talk has taught me and the profound effect it has had on me, I don't know how. I do know that it was a powerful message, one that we as parents need to listen to and follow. With all that is going on in the world today adding more faith to both our own and our children's lives will be essential.

Let us strive to bear our testimonies to our children more often. Let us strive to be more exact examples of obedience. Let us recognize, avoid, and overcome the destructive influences that attempt to erode our faith. Let us remember that these thoughts are not only to help us gain stronger faith but that it is a commandment to teach our children the doctrine of faith. "Challenging times [do and will] require greater spiritual power."

You can read more from "Mysti" at her spiritual blog, Becoming LDS. You may also enjoy reading or submitting to her other two blogs filled with Conversion Stories and Testimonies.

FUEL

Food, glorious food. It symbolizes so many things. Comfort, celebration, recreation, socialization. But how often do we consider food for it’s fundamental purpose? That would be Fuel.

Our bodies are incredible, complex machines, in constant use. They function all the time protecting us from disease, healing us, mobilizing us, giving us pleasure. No machine on the planet works harder then the human body. It really does deserve the best fuel there is, but because our bodies are so adaptable, and can continue to function even on very sub-standard fuel , providing good fuel can become a low or even non-existent priority.
 

Ironically the busier we are (and consequently the more taxed our bodies become) , the less time we take to fuel ourselves. I am guilty of this. When I am very busy or stressed I tend to forget about eating altogether. That is until my blood sugar finally crashes low enough to make me grab anything in sight. So there I am, super busy and stressed, sleep deprived and running on a handful of tortilla chips and a Milky way bar. This leads me to be even more jittery, jumpy and stressed and so goes the unhealthy cycle.
 

My son and I are currently training for a half marathon. The thing about running long distances is that it really humbles you. You become very aware of your body and how beholden you are to it. And when you have given it inferior fuel, you’re going to know it.
 

Because my son has only just turned eleven, which is very young to run such long distances, I have become very cognizant of his fuel intake. I obsessively monitor his water consumption, and insist that he eats protein immediately after our runs, so that his muscles can repair themselves. I have also been researching fuel as it pertains to exercise. A friend of mine recently referred me to this article from the NY Times. It was pretty fascinating to me. For instance, did you know that it is better to gulp water then to sip it when you are working out? That it takes a full hour for 20oz of water to reach your muscles?
 

If you exercise, you should definitely check it out. If you don’t, you should check it out, too. It can be a really good shift in perspective to consider the science behind how our bodies break down and use fuel. Regardless of whether or not I am running that day, it has certainly given me pause before trying to fuel an entire, busy day on a stick of gum and some popcorn.
 

Kirsty is South African, born into the Church, and currently lives in Ohio with her husband and four kids. She is a sometimes birth doula, fitness instructor, and writer with featured article in LDSliving magazine. She constantly plots against her laundry, and loves new visitors to her personal blog, Momedy.
 

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Spiritual Hugs

Several weeks ago our Stake President spoke in our ward. He gave a great talk. He briefly mentioned that we each need and that we each do receive "spiritual hugs". I liked the thought of that.

I often stand in need of an emotional hug. I often stand in need of an appreciative hug. I often stand in need of a loving hug. And I often stand in need of a comforting hug. But I never really thought of the idea of needing spiritual hugs but it is so true. And I now I have noticed them more in my life.

I think that spiritual hugs can come in many forms. Sometimes they come when we seek them and sometimes they come when we least expect them.

There have been many times when reading my patriarchal blessing that I have received a spiritual hug of reassurance and peace that I am doing what I should be doing. Other experiences have come while reading my scriptures or saying my prayers. I think we have all experienced these types of spiritual hugs when we need them most. Sometimes these hugs come in the form on an answer, sometimes they come as a feeling of peace, sometimes they are simply there to let us know that we are loved and that we are known. Whatever the form I hope to more often seek for and recognize the blessings of these "spiritual hugs" in my life.

One experience that I had a few months ago brought a spiritual hug in an interesting moment and way and looking back it was indeed a hug:

It was a Sunday afternoon after our early Sunday dinner. My husband and little boy were spending time together in another room and I was doing the dishes. Just to give my husband some credit here, this was by my insistence...he really is good at helping or simply doing the dishes, but this particular day our little boy was demanding some extra attention and so I sent the two on their way.

So I was chipping along in our messy kitchen and before I knew it I was singing Hymns as I went (not a typical task). I quickly felt a great source of peace as I cleaned up (also not a common occurence). I felt so blessed to have all that I have. I felt the Spirit touch me deeply and it almost brought me to tears. I felt warm and happy inside. I was unloading and loading the dishwasher, clearing off the leftovers, wiping the counters and yet at that moment the Lord saw an opportunity to reach me and to teach me and to remind me of how much I am loved and blessed. It was a wonderful Spiritual Hug when I least expected it.

I am grateful for the Holy Ghost and I am grateful for spiritual hugs. I know that the Lord truly is mindful of us. I know that He knows each one of us and knows when we need Him most. He knows when we are down in the dumps. He knows when we struggle to make the right choices. He knows that all along our journey we will need spiritual hugs or spiritual boosts to bouy us up. Often these moments are given freely and without a request by our part but sometimes we must ask and He will promptlygive us or lead us to where we might find a spiritual hug.

In Psalms 115:12 it says, "The Lord hath been mindful of us: he will bless us;" The Lord is indeed mindful of us and He does so abundantly bless us.

How and when have you received spiritual hugs in your life?

You can read more from "Mysti" at her spiritual blog, Becoming LDS. You may also enjoy reading or submitting to her other two blogs filled with Conversion Stories and Testimonies.

O God, Where Art Thou?

The purpose:

To learn to better endure adversity by turning to the Savior.




Scriptures:

• Doctrine and Covenants 121:1–33
• Doctrine and Covenants 122
• Our Heritage, pages 45–53

Scripture Chain:

• Isaiah 53:5–6
• D&C 88:6
• Hebrews 2:17–18
• D&C 122:5–8
• Alma 7:11–12

Lesson Links (lesson specific):

• Teacher's Manual Link
• Student Manual Link
• Brother Beardall's Gospel Doctrine Outlines
• James E. Neumann Institute
• LDS Living
• Meridian Magazine Link
• Meridian Magazine Link #2
• BYU Studies Series

Supplemental Links (resources):

• Seminary Manual Link
• Institute Manual Link
• Audio Doctrine & Covenants Downloads
• BYU D&C Series
• Our Heritage: A Brief History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

I'd love to hear any of your thoughts and feelings on this topic!

Remember, that HERE is where all of the discussion takes place. Come join us today. I'd LOVE to hear all of your comments!!

Click HERE to read other posts in this series.

You can listen to Whit on her podcast, The Mormon Mom-Cast. Or, read her personal blog, About Time.

quotable quotes: brownies

Ah, the power of brownies. It's such an amazing power. A favorite blog post of mine is about brownies; after chocolate chip cookies, brownies are my husband's favorite dessert; and brownies are the crux of an interchange on The Dick Van Dyke Show that so amused me I tracked down a video of the scene, then watched and re-watched it so that I could write it down accurately and keep it forever.

The interchange went like this:

Rob: A man's got to face up to certain responsibilities I guess. 
So does his wife. 
Bake some brownies.

Laura: Why?

Rob: Honey, when they hear news like that they're gonna want a good stiff drink.

Laura: Rob, Buddy and Sally don't drink.

Rob: I know it. So you better have some brownies to offer.

The Dick Van Dyke Show.
Season Five. "Talk to the Snail"(unfortunately I can't find an online video of the interchange)
[image by milk + honey cafe, oh! and there's a recipe there too]

Catch up with Miss Liss at A Year of Wisdom or The Fascinating Woman, based on Fascinating Womanhood.

The Lord's Anointed: Elder Richard G. Scott

Elder Richard G. Scott is is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was sustained an Apostle on October 1, 1988. He was called as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy on April 2, 1977, and served as a member of the Presidency of that Quorum from October 1, 1983, until his present calling.


He served as a Regional Representative in the Uruguay, Paraguay, North and South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. areas until his call as a Seventy. He also presided over the Argentina North Mission in Cordoba, Argentina from 1965 to 1969.

He was born November 7, 1928, in Pocatello, Idaho, a son of Kenneth Leroy and Mary Whittle Scott. At the age of 5, he moved with his parents to Washington, D.C., where his father served with the Department of Agriculture, later becoming an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture.

He graduated from George Washington University as a mechanical engineer, served a full-time mission to Uruguay, and completed post graduate work in nuclear engineering at Oak Ridge, Tennessee. From 1953 to 1965 Elder Scott served on the immediate staff of Admiral Hyman Rickover, directing the development of nuclear fuel for a wide variety of naval and land based power plants. Elder Scott received an honorary Doctor of Christian Service degree from Brigham Young University in 2008.

Elder Scott loves our Father in Heaven, His Beloved Son, and all of the Father's other children. Elder Scott enjoys a variety of special interests. He has a deep love for the natural beauty of the world.

He is blessed with a gifted wife, Jeanene Watkins, to whom he was sealed July 16, 1953, in the Manti Temple. She passed away May 15, 1995. They are the parents of seven children.

Quotes/Stories

I was so touched by Elder Scott's recent conference talk on the importance of temple worship. In it he shared this personal experience:

"We had the blessing of having children. A daughter, the first child, continues to be an enormous blessing in our lives. A couple of years later a son we named Richard was born. A few years later a daughter was born. She died after living only a few minutes.

Our son, Richard, was born with a heart defect. We were told that unless that could be cured, there was little probability that he would live more than two or three years. This was so long ago that techniques now used to repair such defects were unknown. We had the blessing of having a place where doctors agreed to attempt to perform the needed surgery. The surgery had to be done while his little heart was beating.

The surgery was performed just six weeks after the birth and death of our baby daughter. When the operation finished, the principal surgeon came in and said it was a success. And we thought, “How wonderful! Our son will have a strong body, be able to run and walk and grow!” We expressed deep gratitude to the Lord. Then about 10 minutes later, the same doctor came in with an ashen face and told us, “Your son has died.” Apparently the shock of the operation was more than his little body could endure.

Later, during the night, I embraced my wife and said to her, “We do not need to worry, because our children were born in the covenant. We have the assurance that we will have them with us in the future. Now we have a reason to live extremely well. We have a son and a daughter who have qualified to go to the celestial kingdom because they died before the age of eight.” That knowledge has given us great comfort. We rejoice in the knowledge that all seven of our children are sealed to us for time and all eternity.

That trial has not been a problem for either of us because, when we live righteously and have received the ordinances of the temple, everything else is in the hands of the Lord. We can do the best we can, but the final outcome is up to Him. We should never complain, when we are living worthily, about what happens in our lives.

Fourteen years ago the Lord decided it was not necessary for my wife to live any longer on the earth, and He took her to the other side of the veil. I confess that there are times when it is difficult not to be able to turn and talk to her, but I do not complain. The Lord has allowed me, at important moments in my life, to feel her influence through the veil.

What I am trying to teach is that when we keep the temple covenants we have made and when we live righteously in order to maintain the blessings promised by those ordinances, then come what may, we have no reason to worry or to feel despondent."

Another of my favorite talks by Elder Scott was given in 2007 at BYU Education Week. If you have time, read the entire talk. Here is one of my favorite quotes:

"'Throughout the remainder of my life, I will seek to learn by what I hear, see, and feel. I will write down the important things I learn, and I will do them.'

I suggest that you write down [this quote]. If Iwere to end this message at this point, you would have received one of the most meaningful ways to learn that I could impart. If the principle just shared doesn’t seem that important, think again. Many of the vital lessons I have learned and treasure, I have learned by carefully following it."

Other Favorite talks

• To Establish a Secure Foundation for Life, BYU Devotional: March 18, 2008
• To Live Well Amid Worldly Decay, BYU-Idaho Devotional: February 24, 2004
• Let God Continue to Be This Nation's Strength, America's Freedom Festival Patriotic Service: July 01, 2001

For Your iPod (or other MP3 player)
right-click to download and save to your computer/device

• Guiding Principles, BYU Commencement: August 14, 2003
• To Acquire Knowledge and the Strength to Use it Wisely, BYU Devotional: January 23, 2001
• Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge, BYU Devotional: August 17, 1993
  
  
  
  
  

You can listen to Whit on her podcast, The Mormon Mom-Cast. Or, read her personal blog, About Time.

Building our own Arks....

Making it really easy on us all again this week.... I am sharing below a you tube video... from church leaders, sharing a message that is NOT new to us. In fact it is a message of hope, love and one that hopefully many of us are doing our best to heed as best as we can. It's a beautiful message, feel free to pass it on.



"Start a HUGE foolish project, like Noah. It makes absolutely no difference what people think of you." - Rumi



Visit Sister Savings for this weeks deals!
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Visit Be Prepared.COM
Be Prepared, NOT Scared!
I Will Prepare

Jess is happily married to her best friend and mom to three kiddos..Actively practicing attachment parenting, home schooling and much more...You can read about their adventures on her blog, Life Learners.

Glorious Light of Truth

When my great-great-great Grandmother Sophia Lois Goodridge crossed the plains with her family and many others, she was only 24 years old. Close to my age. Could I have gone through what she went through? Accomplished all that she did? Felt the blessings of the Lord the way that she had?

June 29th, 1850 - Our company all in good spirits this morning and I feel grateful of my Heavenly Father for His kindness in preserving our lives and health this far and that He has preserved us from accidents and dangers of all kinds.

Before leaving for the Salt Lake Valley, Sophia, the second eldest of 7 children was a lover of music and had studied with the famous Lowell Mason. It's recorded that the old LDS hymn "When First the Glorious Light of Truth" was composed by William Clayton specifically for her to sing. He felt inspired by the spirit of her voice. Sophia was a gifted singer and was the first soloist in the Tabernacle Choir.

July 9th, 1850 - Had a heavy thunderstorm last night. This morning cool and cloudy. Brother Woodruff baptised 12 persons - Father, Mary Jane, and George among them. We traveled 17 miles and camped on the Platte River.

Sophia remained good friends with Wilford Woodruff - the apostle who baptised her family, even when he became the Prophet of the Church. The families were lifelong friends, but never married. That is, not until 154 years later....

August 24th, 1850 - Brother Stratton read a letter from Pres. Brigham Young. It was truly cheering to hear from our friends in the valley and know that they have not forgotten us. 

A wayward letter from the Prophet caused them to rejoice much in their journey despite the fact that she had recorded five deaths in their camp since the departure. How many excuses have I used when missing General Conference?


September 15th, 1850 - We met Captain Hardy in search of his horses. They had been lost two days. We let Captain Hardy have a yoke of oxen to travel on.

Sophia would later marry Captain Leonard Wilford Hardy and become his second wife. Two of her sisters would later marry him as well (as polygamy was still legal and practiced often). Leonard had been given a blessing in England on his mission with Wilford Woodruff. "You will be a Bishop in Zion, and if this does not come to pass I will acknowledge that the blessing was not given in the spirit of truth." Captain Hardy became Bishop of the 11th and 12th Wards in the Salt Lake Valley in 1856, and was called as the first counselor to Edward Hunter in the Presiding Bishopric of the Church.


October 14th, 1850 - Brother Woodruff came up with us this mornning and we drove into the Valley. I thought at first, have I got to spend the rest of my days in this dreary looking place? But soon felt all right about it and I love my mountain home. 

She learned a tailoring trade and made clothes for her entire family by weaving cotton and growing flax. She also was gifted in diagnosing diseases and the doctors of Utah often consulted her in this capacity. It was also known that she knew the Bible and Book of Mormon so well, she could quote them extensively.


Sophia married Leonard Hardy November 28th, only a month after arriving in the valley. Out of his eighteen children, she gave him nine, the second youngest being Jesse Wallace. Jesse would have a daughter, Aretta, who would have a son, Joseph, who would have a daughter, Lisa . . . who is my mother. I am the first in that line to leave the Valley that Sophia spent months to get to . . . and I've been dying to get back myself ever since.

It took me extensive research to find the lyrics to the hymn that was written for my grandmother Sophia to sing, but here they are, and they make me weep.

When first the glorious light of truth
Burst forth in this last age,
How few there were with heart and soul
T'obey it did engage;
Yet of those few how many
Have passed from earth away,
And in their graves are sleeping
Till the resurrection day!
 

How many on Missouri's plains
Were left in death's embrace,—
Pure honest hearts, too good to live
In such a wicked place;
And are they left in sorrow
And doubt to pine away?
Oh, no; in peace they're sleeping
Till the resurrection day!
 

And in Nauvoo, the city where
The Temple cheered the brave,
Hundreds of faithful Saints have found
A cold, yet peaceful grave;
And there they now are sleeping
Beneath the silent clay;
But soon they'll share the glories
Of a resurrection day!
 

Our Patriarch and Prophet too
Were massacred; they bled
To seal their testimony,
They were numbered with the dead.
Ah, tell me, are they sleeping?
Methinks I hear them say,
“Death's icy chains are bursting!
'Tis the resurrection day!”
 

And here, in this sweet, peaceful vale,
The shafts of death are hurled,
And many faithful Saints are called
T'enjoy a better world.
And friends are often weeping
For their friends who pass away,
And in their graves are sleeping
Till the resurrection day.
 

Why should we mourn because we leave
These scenes of toil and pain?
O happy change! the faithful go
Celestial joys to gain;
And soon we all shall follow
To realms of endless day,
And taste the joyous glories
Of a resurrection day.

Out of Jail

Boy howdy, I can hold a grudge with the best of them. Seriously. When I was 7, a girl named Julie (I still remember her last name, even) called me a lima bean, and to this day I remember the pain I felt at that insult (though I can't imagine why--lima bean? Really?). Eight years ago I was walking down the street in Brussels, Belgium, when I heard two young men commenting on my weight, loudly enough for me to hear. I'd still like to sock them in the face. Sad, eh? The list goes on and on.

When I consider all the people in my life I have not forgiven for random (and not so random) hurts here and there, it truly astonishes me. What do I gain from spending hours ruminating over 'what I should have said' and 'what I should have done?' I have wasted so much of my earthly probation being hurt and angry at people, the majority of whom I will never see again. Kind of silly, really.

As silly as it is, my immense talent for holding a grudge is not at all pleasing to my Father in Heaven. The Lord has not made forgiving others an optional gospel activity. In the Doctrine and Covenants, he tell us, "I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." (D&C 64:10, emphasis added.) Now, that doesn't make it easy, but if the Lord commands it, he will help us accomplish it, as we learn in 1 Nephi 3:7.

This idea--that the Lord would help me forgive--was driven home to me a few years ago, in a very life-changing way. Here’s some background: when I was six years old, my father was killed in a car accident. I was very angry with the man driving the semi that plowed into my father’s vehicle. I hated him. I carried that anger for years, until one night at Institute class. I don’t even remember what the instructor was teaching about, but it all of a sudden occurred to me: by not forgiving the man who killed my father, I was asking more of the Savior than the Atonement. It’s like I was saying to him, “No, this is not enough for me. I need more to be able to forgive this man.”


I still feel the astonishment of that moment. Who was I to effectively tell the Savior that what he wrought for me--and the driver of that semi--in the Atonement was not sufficient to allow me to forgive this man? I was horrified at the thought: all the pain of Gethsemane and the cross wasn’t good enough?

Well of course it was. It is, and will be, for every person we ever have to forgive. At that moment I was able to forgive that man. I still regret the fact I didn’t get to grow up with a father, but I no longer hate the man who took him from me. I wonder about him from time to time—if he’s ever forgiven himself, how much he must feel when he looks in the mirror. It makes me sad for him and the burden he must carry. Reflecting now on that one perfect moment of forgiveness and the peace that endures from it, I don't know why I haven't made the effort to forgive the rest of my grudges.

The Savior himself offered a perfect example for us when He, after having suffered in Gethsemane, uttered those unforgettable, piercing words, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34) Can we emulate that example and just let go?

Julie de Azevedo wrote a song about this very topic called Out of Jail. This song has always touched me, as I feel it offers a particularly keen insight into holding grudges and forgiveness.
 

"It's time I let you out of jail,

In my mind,

In my mind.

It's time I let you out of jail.

You may not know it,

You've done time.

And I'm tired of leaning against this door,

Screaming all the things you're in for.

I'm tired of of holding shut the gates,

My hands are worn,

And I can't escape.

It's time I let you out of jail,

In my chest,

In my chest.

Bound in angry iron chains,

It's high time I took a breath and got some rest.

'Cause I'm tired of seeing the world through bars,

I'm tired of being prison guard.

Wearing armor and feeling sore,

I'm calling truce on this one way war.

It's time I let you out of jail,

so I speak,

so I speak,

Forgive me.

It's time I let you out of jail,

In my mind,

In my mind.

It's time I let you out of jail.

You may not know it,

We've done time."

The part of the song that affects me the most is the last line. To dwell on and harbor anger imprisons us, as surely as though we had committed a crime. Maybe it's time to take a look at my life and let myself out of jail, along with all this anger I hold. The peace I feel about my father's killer is amazing, and I wonder why I haven't given myself that same gift for the rest of my 'grudge list.' Is it time to let yourself out of jail?

Devon is wife to a wonderful guy and mom to a superhero. Check her out at Defining Devon or see a real live Superman at The Daily Dakin.

images: lds.org and microsoft.com

Linky Love

Modern Molly's Favourite Posts:

Getting Started with Food Storage - Food Storage Made Easy
Brown Sugar Zucchini Bread - Family Home Evening
Are You Prepared or Alarmed? - Shelf Reliance
20 Tips to Waste Less Food - Small Notebook
Slow Cooking During a Recession - A Year of Slow Cooking



Contests!:


Box of Detergeant - Better in Bulk (Ends July 23rd)
Skin Free - Better in Bulk (Ends July 13th)
Leverage DVD - Trying to Stay Calm (Ends July 14th)
Bookshelf Lamp - Book Giveaways (Ends July 15th)
Providence Essential 72-Hour Kit - Shelf Reliance (Ends July 24th)
Bake Me a Wish! Triple Chocolate Enrobed Brownie Cake - Better in Bulk (Ends July 27th)
The Love Dare - Love, Actually (Ends July 27th)
$30 Gift Card to 1800Flowers - Trying to Stay Calm (Ends July 28th)
Rumbi Island Grill Meal Passes - Trying to Stay Calm (Ends July 28th)
Violight Zapi - Trying to Stay Calm (Ends July 28th)
Smart Mama's Green Guide - Book Giveaways (Ends July 28th)
Chex Mix Turtle Bars - Trying to Stay Calm (Ends July 28th)
Debbie Coon's latest CD, "You Are Loved" - Not Entirely British (Ends July 29th)
Grilling Gift Basket Giveaway - Meal Makeover Moms (Ends July 31st)
Ufadili Clothes - Better in Bulk (Ends July 31st)
HUGE Giveaway - Penelope's Oasis (Ends August 7th)


Favourite New Sites!:

The cutest new blog that I found this week was Love, Actually. A blog that teaches you how to be romantic! Seriously, the ideas, tips and tricks on this site are amazing! So far I'm hooked!

Send in your favourite sites to be featured here next week!

What's New with Molly:

(catch up with your favourite Modern Mollies on their own blogs)

Jia (Married Molly) misses cleaning.
Miss Liss (Moxie Molly) wrote a great new series on her blog about thinking yourself thin.
April (Media Molly) went on a road trip.
Kristin (Metaphysical Molly) is counting down the days until her daughters wedding.
Cornnut (Masterpiece Molly) is 75% through her pregnancy.
Mysti (Mysterious Molly) went to a temple open house and learned a valuable lesson.

If you would like to have your site, blog or post featured on Modern Molly Mormon's Weekly Linky Love, email UntypicallyJia@gmail.com with the subject: "Linky Love" and please include a link to what you would like to be featured!

Today is the Beginning of a New Day

Have you ever had one of those days? You know where you have a list a mile long and nothing on it seems to get done? After several such days in a row I woke up one morning debating on how long I could get away just laying there... pretending that I didn't have a zillion things that needed to be done. Reluctantly I finally got up and started in on the day, less than thrilled and stressed that things were not getting checked off my list as quickly as I would have liked. I went about my work grudgingly until mid morning when a picture of a beautiful sunrise that had hung on my wall for years caught my eye. I paused to look at it for a second - lingering over the quote beneath it.

"Today is the beginning of a new day....."

As I went back to my work those words stayed in my mind- and my perspective began to change. It wasn't anything life changing or altering- It didn't make the items on my to do list any easier or magically disappear but my new outlook made things seem just a little bit easier.

Yeah... yesterday didn't go how I planned (or the days before) but Today is a NEW day! Yesterdays failures are just that- yesterdays. Each day is a clean canvas ready to be painted- and even if yesterdays picture was less than a masterpiece, today's canvas is clean, ready to be painted with the colors we choose.

Audra, her prince charming and their toddler son live in a rural LDS community. You can find more of her ramblings at her blog Latter Day Lady or check out her digitial scrapbook designs at Audra's Little Scraps.

picture compliments of arturodonate

They Must Needs Be Chastened and Tried, Even as Abraham

The purpose:

To learn about the early Saints’ efforts to establish the city of Zion in Missouri and to renew efforts to help build Zion today.




Scriptures:

• Doctrine and Covenants 101
• Doctrine and Covenants 103
• Doctrine and Covenants 105
• Our Heritage, pages 27–29
• Our Heritage, pages 37–45
  
• Scripture Chain:
• Acts 14:21–22
• 2 Nephi 2:11
• Mosiah 24:13–16
• D&C 50:5
• D&C 58:2

Lesson Links (lesson specific):

• Teacher's Manual Link
• Student Manual Link
• Brother Beardall's Gospel Doctrine Outlines
• James E. Neumann Institute
• LDS Living
• Meridian Magazine Link
• BYU Studies Series

Supplemental Links (resources):

• Seminary Manual Link
• Institute Manual Link
• Audio Doctrine & Covenants Downloads
• BYU D&C Series
• Our Heritage: A Brief History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

I'd love to hear any of your thoughts and feelings on this topic!

Remember, that HERE is where all of the discussion takes place. Come join us today. I'd LOVE to hear all of your comments!!

Click HERE to read other posts in this series.

You can listen to Whit on her podcast, The Mormon Mom-Cast. Or, read her personal blog, About Time.

quotable quotes: dishonesty

Most of us have been trained in the basics of honesty in that we wouldn't think of stealing, cheating, or telling bold-faced lies. These standards, however, don't necessarily make us an honest person, for we may dishonest in the more subtle forms.

Subtle forms of dishonesty are to lie about a child's age, return items to a store under false pretenses, buy items wholesale by deceptive means, illegally copy DVDs or music files, fail to leave identification for a damaged car, make excuses that are not entirely true, exaggerate the truth, fail to return money or goods that have been given by mistake, take pay for jobs not completed, accept a reward not earned, give false reasons for mistakes or bad behavior. We are dishonest when we attempt to deceive anyone or misrepresent ourselves, even if only by the tone of our voice or the raising of an eyebrow.

Subtle forms of dishonesty usually have something to do with money, inconvenience, or the fear of humiliation . . . Tell yourself that honesty can be costly but it's worth it. Be willing to pay the price of it . . . Be determined to live an honest life, no matter what the cost.

~Helen Andelin

Fascinating Womanhood. Ch. 16 "A Worthy Character"

image "handshake" by oooh.oooh

Catch up with Miss Liss at A Year of Wisdom or The Fascinating Woman, based on Fascinating Womanhood.

Being Spiritually prepared.... (WIP)

Visit Sister Savings for this weeks deals!
Visit Shelf Reliance here!
Visit Be Prepared.COM
Be Prepared, NOT Scared!
I Will Prepare

Jess is happily married to her best friend and mom to three kiddos..Actively practicing attachment parenting, home schooling and much more...You can read about their adventures on her blog, Life Learners.

A Sure Foundation

Lately I've been thinking about Helaman 5:12:

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

Recently, I've had some experiences that have seemed to challenge this 'sure foundation' that I thought I had. I wondered why I was getting so shaken by these things - didn't I have a testimony? I was sure I did, so why wasn't it as strong as I thought it was? I did a lot of thinking and praying to know why I was so upset and how I could make myself stronger.

What I finally came to was this...All my growing up life, I was surrounded by people who were strong in their testimonies of the gospel. I had friends who were strong as well. It was easy for me to be strong because of the people around me. I think I became complacent with not having to feel like I was ever alone in my beliefs.

When these upsetting things happened, it made me realize that I need to have a strong faith and belief all on my own - that even if I was the only one who believed the way I did, it would be ok, it wouldn't be the end of the world. I could be strong enough for myself.

I have a testimony that Jesus is the Savior, that Heavenly Father is our Father and loves us and looks out for us. I have a testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet, that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that the Book of Mormon and the Bible together contain the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have a testimony that Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet of God, and I know that he is led and directed by the Lord. I know that even though God allows difficult things to come into our lives, He is always there to comfort and guide us through these challenges. We are never alone.

It has become a personal challenge for me to build up this testimony so that whatever happens in my life, whatever choices those around me make, it will not shake me.

In the end, this has nothing to do with these people and their choices, and everything to do with me and my choice...My choice to be strong or weak in my beliefs. If I'm weak, then every decision of those around me will shake me and worry me. If I'm strong, then it won't matter what others think or do. I will know what I must think and do.

images here and here

Annike is a lifelong member of the church, married to her sweetheart, and taking life a day at a time. Feel free to stalk her blog at A Great Adventure.

Metamorphosis Molly Intro

Hiya! I’m Devon, nice to meet you. I am thrilled to be a part of Modern Molly Mormon. I admire these women greatly and hope to learn more from them!

Born and raised in Alaska, I converted to the church at age 13 after developing a major crush on a member boy. Yes, silly, I know, but it worked out for the best: he ended up marrying one of my best friends, and I got to learn of the truth of the gospel—a blessing I am so deeply grateful for.

After graduation, I headed off to BYU, where I discovered my burning, drooly passion for French. I ended up majoring in it. While studying the language of love, I received a mission call to the Idaho Boise Mission (yeah, I thought it was strange too, but it was totally where God needed me). It was an amazing experience—one of the best of my life. After serving my mission, I met my husband (on the internet--gasp!!!) and married him in the Manti Temple in 2002. We lived a somewhat nomadic life for a few years, and then finally settled down in East Texas and had our little boy. When he was 3 months old, he woke up one day unable to breathe. After being rushed to the hospital, airlifted to Dallas and spending 2.5 months in various hospitals there, he was finally released to come home, on a ventilator 24/7. He was finally diagnosed with an extremely rare genetic disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress. He is unable to breathe on his own and is not expected to be able to walk, but he is cognitively normal and extremely bright. He is the light of our lives. Which brings me to my name, “Metamorphosis Molly.” When my son got sick, my entire life changed: my faith shattered, my health left me--my whole viewpoint of existence was challenged. I seriously questioned everything I believed. After that period of serious difficulty, I believe I am finally getting a real testimony, and emerging from my chrysalis to be the daughter of God I was always meant to be. I pray so, anyway.

Anyhoo, it is great to meet you all! Hope to get to know you better!

Devon is wife to a wonderful guy and mom to a superhero. Check her out at Defining Devon or see a real live Superman at The Daily Dakin.

Foto Friday--Macro Photography

Last week in my Forum, Christina asked this photography question:

Can you explain Macro? My camera has a Macro function and I have no idea what to do with it. I've tried playing with it, but the images are terrible. When, why, and how should I use Macro.

So, here you go, Christina! Basic info about Macro.

What is Macro photography?
Macro photography is a term used for close up photos. Technically, true macro photography is defined as photos which are made between 1/10 life size and life size (ie--really, really close up). Many "macro" settings on point and shoot cameras (which can be seen as the flower symbol on your camera's dial) are not true macro, but simply assist you in getting a better close up shot. Make sense?

On point and shoot cameras, you will typically be able to select macro (the flower symbol) to take close up shots. On an SLR (single lens reflex) camera, you will need to purchase a lens with macro capabilities. I currently own a 70-200mm lens, which can zoom in a lot...however, the lens will literally not allow me to get close to anything (seriously, it yells at me whenever I try). No, really, I often try to get macro-type shots, and the lens refuses to focus until I back up far enough. Not conducive to good macro shots.

Now THAT is close up!

by Hypergurl - Tanya Ann on Flickr

When to use the Macro setting:
I typically use Macro when photographing plants, flowers, and insects. This is not the only reason to use the Macro setting, but possibly the most common use.

Why use Macro?
Use the Macro setting to capture the smallest details of objects. Often macro images show just a part of an object (such as the petals of a flower) and are more abstract than realistic. Using the macro setting to take a portrait could turn out beautiful, but the likelihood of your subject being blurry is great (see below).

Why aren't my Macro shots turning out?
One of the main reasons that macro shots fail is that they require a large aperture (ie--your lens opening will be/should be very large, letting in a lot of light), making your depth of field very shallow (ie--only a small portion of your image will be in clear focus. The rest of the image will be blurred.) Because of this, you must chose your focus carefully and stay very still. Tripods are especially handy when doing macro photography.

Hopefully that answers some of your questions, Christina! Everyone, please visit my Blog Frog forum to ask more questions! I love having prompts. :)

PS--I am not a macro expert, and currently I do not own a good macro lens. But I LOVE macro photography and the stunning images that can be captured with this style of photography.

Lolli is a lifelong member of the Church, married to a convert. She has five kids--3 girls and 2 boys (and a camera that goes everywhere she goes!). Read more on her personal blog, Better in Bulk.

Tip for Turning Green

Go bagless!

Or at least plastic bagless.

For a while now, I have owned six of those handy little green canvas bags you see hanging out by the grocery check out. I keep them in my truck so they are readily available for any store outing that may arise. With a family of five I'm constantly running errands and stocking up on needed supplies for the home.

Next time you plan a grocery trip set aside a few dollars to purchase one or two and then get a few more on your next trip. I realize grocery budgets are tight. Trust me though, you need some. They are the best dollar investment and will not disappoint. Not only will they save our landfill, waterways and wildlife from waste, filth and harm caused by plastic bags; but they provide many perks for consumers.

On average, I've found I can fit about three plastic bags worth of goods inside one green bag, and still carry it with ease. Most come with a sturdy insert on the bottom which helps stabilize the base so the cashier can stack nicely while insuring no bread is crushed. They have long durable handle straps that wont cut into hands, and stay in there rectangle shape. We've used our for a soccer bag, beach bag, library bag, overnight bag, church bag- the list goes on. And the best thing, they don't roll around the back of your car/truck so groceries stay put while making turns on the way home. Glory Hallelujah! I can't tell you how many times I used to have to climb in the back of my truck to find a lost can of beans that had rolled out of it's plastic bag, or worse, left new refrigerated groceries in my truck bed.

Remember, at first you may find yourself forgetting to bring your bags, I know, I've been there done that, even on my best days. Don't get discouraged or down on yourself. Little steps in the right direction over time create a good habit. What helped me was getting my kids and husband involved. My children never let me forget...anything. Plus, they love a new chore to help mom out. I like that they are conscience of there impact on our beautiful earth.

Happy Green bag shopping!

Linky Love

Modern Molly's Favourite Posts:

Divine Manifestations Must Have a Purpose - Simple Mom
The Voice of a Child - Time Out for Women
Fabric Scrap Project Ideas - Make and Takes
Honoring the Mormon Pioneers - Mormon Soprano



Contests!:


Living Beauty - Book Giveaways (Ends July 15th)
The Body Shop Coconut Line - The Meanest Mom (Ends July 17th)
The Pantry 72" - Shelf Reliance (Ends July 17th)
Taco Time Mexi-Money - Trying to Stay Calm (Ends July 21st)
Oolong Dead - Book Giveaways (Ends July 21st)
Bucket Blast - Trying to Stay Calm (Ends July 21st)
The Last Waltz - Book Giveaways (Ends July 21st)
RCA CD Clock Radio - Trying to Stay Calm (Ends July 21st)
And They Were Not Ashamed and Love 101 - Not Entirely British (Ends July 22nd)
Box of Detergeant - Better in Bulk (Ends July 23rd)
Skin Free - Better in Bulk (Ends July 13th)
Leverage DVD - Trying to Stay Calm (Ends July 14th)
Bookshelf Lamp - Book Giveaways (Ends July 15th)
HUGE Giveaway - Penelope's Oasis (Ends August 7th)


Favourite New Sites!:

Send in your favourite sites to be featured here next week!

What's New with Molly:

(catch up with your favourite Modern Mollies on their own blogs)

Jia (Married Molly) got a new job!
Annike (Madcap Molly) got a promotion!
April (Media Molly) hit her 300th post!

If you would like to have your site, blog or post featured on Modern Molly Mormon's Weekly Linky Love, email UntypicallyJia@gmail.com with the subject: "Linky Love" and please include a link to what you would like to be featured!

Aloha! (Next stop Hawaii!)

We will be making a brief stop on the tropical island of Hawaii today. My family LOVES pineapple and they are sure to love this wonderful refreshing birthday treat.

I don't know what they are called . . . WAIT . . . Let's make up some exotic tropically delicious name . . .

How about . . . Pineapple Volcanos? . . . hmmmm . . . . Hawaiian Hula Heaven? . . . I'm open to suggestion!

(would make a great birthday treat - don't you think!)

Begin by cutting a whole fresh pineapple in half, cutting off the green top but leaving the shell intact on both sides so you can hollow it out for a bowl.

Use a pineapple corer or a sharp knife to go cut the meat and core out of the center of the pineapple bowl. Add the fresh pineapple to a bowl in which you will be mixing in other fruit later.


Add 3 to 4 of your other favorite fresh or frozen fruits. Today, I used frozen peaches from the orchard last fall, and frozen raspberries from the garden also. Throw in a handful of sweet strawberries halved and some blueberries for a little festive JULY holiday color - and VOILA!


Spoon a little fruit into the bottom of the pineapple bowl, top with two scoops of your favorite flavor of sherbet. Pile more fruit on top of the sherbet, add a straw.


Pour Fresca over the top of the whole creation - and yum! It looks delicious and is ready to eat!

Pretty healthy treat also - loaded with Vitamin C, visions of warm beaches and summer sun!

(It was an instant hit at our house!)

This Latter Day Mom, just trying to "Endure to the End" one day at a time. You can follow these antics and more at Alpine Klein Bunch.