Trust in Christ

Tomorrow, I'm teaching the Relief Society lesson in church. The theme is Trusting in Christ, and I've decided to write down my thoughts here before I stand up in class. I'll be sharing a video:

 This new manual has wonderful examples, of how Christ called upon the women he knew in his life- to help teach and bless the lives of families. Elder James E. Talmadge has told us that, "The world's greatest champion of women and womanhood is Jesus the Christ".

 We can read about how Martha and her sister, Mary were called to discipleship in the New Testament chapters. Luke Chapter Ten, tells us about how Martha opened her home to Christ and took care of him. Mary sat at his feet and learned all that she could about the gospel. These women were given the callings to participate in Christ's mortal ministry.

 Many other women and their families also came forward to help the Lord with food, shelter and service. They were asked by the Savior to teach their young daughters about becoming good wives and mothers. We are told in the scriptures that a seamstress named Tabitha, made clothing for the her village. When she suddenly died, Peter was brought in to witness her bodies death. He knelt and prayed for her spirit to return to her body. In Acts we read that Tabitha was restored to her body, sat up and looked into Peter's face.

What a wonderful miracle to behold during Christ's ministry. What an amazing blessing in our day and age to have prophets lead and guide us with the restoration of the gospel. We have been blessed to have an organization called Relief Society-where we can help and serve one another. We have the amazing examples of the women we read about in the scriptures, to help us understand that we carry on in His work.

Sunday RS Lesson

I just finished doing handouts for my lesson tomorrow-and I thought I'd share:)  My lesson is called "Honorably Hold a Name and Standing from David A. Bednar. The handout is a Temple box from JennySmith.net

This is a hard candy (Werther's Original) that I attached a paper to saying, "Let us each be worthy to enter in to the Temple of the Lord". Then I put the candy in the box below.

I'm so excited to teach tomorrow! I love to see the temple-♥

Let the Holy Spirit Guide...

Happy Easter Sunday everyone! Our Sabbath day was wonderful and peaceful...up until an hour ago. We attended sacrament, I took care of secretarial rolls for Young Womens, Primary and Relief Society (our RS secretary is out of town). I conducted relief society and Kirsten (our RS pres. taught). Then after class, my hubby was set-apart as a counselor in Young Mens. We had a full day of being filled with the Spirit and service. Wonderful moments:) Then-we came home took a nap after lunch. Later had dinner together...and sat down to watch The Wizard of Oz with my youngest. At eight p.m. I noticed it was getting late and I put my baby to bed. Then I did some reading and sat down to talk to Nascar-my seventeen year old. We were on the couch in our living room. I said to him, "Do you know the three ways our spirits can be influenced?". He kept saying, "Food and food and more food!". I laughed and said, "Yes-your mind can tell you that you're hungry. You can also be influenced by the Holy Ghost or Satan. We hope that we turn away from the dark-side and only listen to the whisperings of the gentle influence of the Holy Ghost. During that time of talking on the couch...I could hear screaming outside our door. I'm so short it's hard to see out my door's peep-hole. So I told my tall son, "Tell me if you see someone crying or laughing?". He looked and said to me someone is on the phone and the whole family is running in and out of the town-house. My hubby heard the commotion and we opened the door. I looked outside on the porch...and saw blood on the ground everywhere! People were yelling for a first-aid kit. Nascar and I ran to the kitchen and realized that we only have a box of bandaids. I ran to get a towel and some TP for the blood. I was in my night gown and robe, but felt strongly not to worry about my appearance...just help with first aid. My dear sweet, pregnant neighbor lady, had fallen down the front porch and split her nose wide open. "Sally" is Hispanic, middle aged, has a teenage daughter and wonderful husband (who cares for the grounds here). We saw them yesterday at the Easter egg hunt here at our front office. I was listening to this couple crying out in Spanish. The husband was on the phone with 911. The daughter was shocked with all the blood everywhere. I kneeled down next to my neighbor's head and whispered to her. I said, "Don't worry, everything will be okay. The ambulance is on it's way...and here's some tissue for your nose." She had a laceration across her nose from hitting the cement hard. She knew her nose was broken and she was worried about the baby. I just kept telling her that she needed to slow down and let us help her. My husband put blankets over her and her daughter put shoes on her feet. We took over talking to 911 and told them that we had started first aid. There was blood everywhere but by having her lay down, the blood had stopped gushing out of her face. I smiled and told her that I could hear the sirens coming-they were getting closer. I reminded Sally that her baby was in need too. She needed to relax and let her baby get oxygen and blood...and that would only happen if she was calm. Then, the EMT's stepped in and helped her to the ambulance. My older kids and husband then helped the neighbors carry buckets of water out side to wash the bloody porch down. It was a tense moment for this family-but so important for my kids to witness. I believe that the Holy Ghost was present to guide us, calm us all down, and give us comfort. My husband is an excellent example of how being trained in first-aid, gives us all confidence in helping those around us. The little spirit coming to this earth (inside Sally's injured body) needed help just as much as she did. My first instincts of thinking someone was playing around outside-I'm so glad that I didn't listen to. The Spirit encourage me to investigate and OPEN the door. I'm so grateful for this gift and the chance to serve. My heart is so glad that my children were present to witness this miracle of helping our neighbors, and LISTENING to the Spirit.

Gifts of the Spirit

This post is for LeAnn over at Living Waters Blog. She's waiting for me to update with news:) I always go to bed thinking about my day...wondering why I haven't written something here for Hello Dolly. Life gets in the way sometimes. I have so much to say-with little time to write it all out. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

There is so much to tell you about working in the Relief Society Presidency. Everyday (except Monday nights...I have been either at a meeting or hitting the pavements knocking on doors. My RS President likes to do cold calls (which means that we don't set up an appointment). There are sisters who need help with meals, babysitting, missionary discussions, and just plain "someone to talk to". I have been so amazed with the kindness of so many families also.

When we drop-in on sisters to say hello, we are shaking hands, petting dogs, holding babies, and looking through family photos. I started off feeling super excited to meet and learn names, and then I was scared by the family dogs (chewing on my shoes), surprised by women who did not want to talk with us, and humbled by families with desperate daily needs. I knew that my calling would push me out of my comfort zone, and guide me into the world of service for others. I had asked Heavenly Father to trust me enough to help me, learn to live by the Spirit. The days of endless Face-booking and finding fun links for crafts, now starts off looking at our ward list after I get my own children off to school. How can I be of help to others?

My own sister, down in Southern Utah, had a serious infection (Ludwig's Angina) that started in her back molar months ago. When the doctor put her in the hospital, I began to realize that I needed to go down and see her-my very own sister. Her body would not let go of the poison in her system and the infection spread to her neck and shoulder. The airway was beginning to be blocked off by the swelling and her pain was out of this world. My parents were doing all that they could to help, but we all felt stunned that new symptoms appeared each day. She had rashes and thrush and then a yeast infection from all the antibiotics. Most of the medications had to be put in her I.V.-because she simply could not swallow. Five days of wondering why she could not get better. It was all up to Heavenly Father-on just when her moments of healing would begin. There was a feeling of helplessness and complete surrender to the Lord for peace and comfort.

My mom helping care for my sister

More news tomorrow night! I'm going to pause and share the rest of the story later. *Hugs*

What happens when we die?

As Sisters in Zion

My heart is very full tonight:) I was called and sustained today as a counselor in our ward Relief Society-with my husband and children by my side. Since we moved up here over the summer, I have not a had a chance to meet the sisters and learn names yet. I've been serving in Primary (my six yr. olds class)-and have been his teacher almost every year since he was in nursery. This is such a blessing to finally be able to hear the messages each Sunday with a group of women, that live all around us in my neighborhood. Most of us are in town-homes and apartments, so I can walk to everyone's place to visit them also. What a huge gift in our area! I've learned through out my life, it doesn't matter where you are-the message is still the same in every language: The Church is true! Just as this Youtube video shows us from around the world...As Sisters in Zion- we'll all work together.

Life...

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

"One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

"The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith." The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?" 

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Nie Nie Dialoges

My friend, Val, invited me to hear Stephanie Nielson speak last night at the BYU Woman's Conference

My awesome friend-Val the photographer

(It was so amazing!)...I can hardly find the words to describe this speech. I was also in utter amazement that Val came to pick me up and drive us down to Provo:) She is truly an awesome friend from Southern Utah. We had quite an adventure getting into the ballroom itself. Here's the link to Stephanie's blog-

I could barely see Stephanie...but I was able to capture the moment on camera:

We felt lucky to squeeze in the room! 

We were in the "standing section"-but tried to sit on the floor in the aisle:

Next- we crouched down to allow the people behind us a view: 

You can see how far back we were!!

 The security asked everyone to move into "another room with sound"...

We slowly moved back into the ballroom:) and watched the slide show.

I was really touched by the very personal family pictures she used for her talk. Stephanie told her story of  surviving a near fatal plane crash with her husband, two of her children and family friend (the friend did end up dying on the way to the hospital). Stephanie was burned on eighty percent of her body. She explained that when the plane crashed and caught on fire-her memories include a very spiritual moment. She told the crowd-that she knows that God lives and knows each one of us. She said if you've ever wondered if He's out there...she personally testifies of His existence. She knows for sure-after this experience. She then went on to say she learned in the second grade to stop-drop-and-roll. So, when she caught on fire-she did these steps and kept on rolling...clear into the wheat fields:) The neighbors in the area, came to their rescue, and she spoke of being loaded into the ambulance. She reached up to touch her own face-and was shocked that she felt missing skin. The slide show picture, was her in a full body cast. She was in a coma for three months!

The next part of the story...I didn't get to hear. Security came in and moved the crowds {not in the ball-room}...into another room. Val and I walked back into the ball room to be closer after security left:) We were only able to see the last few slide show pictures. I heard Stephanie say that one of the most difficult moments was the day she saw her own children. They were all very nervous seeing each other again. Most of her relatives were told to say their goodbyes. She wasn't expected to live much longer, but she has continually gained strength each day-to the utter amazement  of everyone around her. The nurses let her husband (who had broken his back and also been burned) in everyday to hold her hand and help her heal. Some days, her heart-rate would get too high-as he spoke to her with love:) The nurses would have to send him back to bed, so that she could rest. She explained that those were the "hot and heavy" moments! -which made the audience laugh! I felt such amazement that I was standing in the same room with this angel. (What a complete blessing...thank you so much Val) Stephanie bore her testimony and we all realized that this had to be the best way to start our Conference Weekend! I was completely fed with a spiritual insight from this lady.

First Day of School in SLC

My kids and I knew that this day would be here all summer long. This year's "FIRST DAY" would be especially challenging because my kids are starting brand new schools in a new city. Since we've been up here in the Salt Lake area for over three months now, we are now use to the roads, stores and our new church ward. We've driven all over exploring Sandy, Draper, Riverton, Herriman, Murray and all the other towns.

I've taken the kids inside their new schools and walked their hallways. But new schools and people are scary. I knew that this day would be hard. I, myself, have gone through changing schools when I was a teenager (my senior year in H.S. we moved to Tulsa from Alaska). I was so excited but painfully nervous also. Nascar who is almost 17- has been awesome. We've gone over to his school several times to register, walk his hallways

and look for parking spaces. We didn't get a parking sticker-so he was worried about his car being in the right place. I did get a nervous phone-call, asking what he should do? No big deal I told him and he was fine with the options. My daughter, Chabs was having a major melt-down this morning. We've talked about her new schedule and having a locker. We've gone over to see the classrooms and practice opening her new lock. She was adamant that she was NOT going today. Luckily, her dad gave her and her brother father's

blessings last night...and we had morning prayers before breakfast today. I even went to my room, after seeing her sobbing this morning. "Heavenly Father-Please help my children make it through this day! Help me be strong and guide these brave Saturday's Warriors. Send angels to pick my daughter up off the couch-and dry her tears, and thank you for giving me another day to get Starwars out the door". I only have an "Open House moment" with my youngest today (we don't have to be ready till after lunch). It's a cruel punishment for him though-he WANTS to start school and meet his teacher:) I wanted to take pictures and show my kids happily skipping out the door. Not today..maybe tomorrow. I'm happy that both of my teenagers are safely in their classrooms-and my six year old is now snuggled next to me watching cartoons while I blog this morning. "Thank you Heavenly Father for helping me be a mom!!!".

Strong Spirits

Our new home has lots of fabulous friends for us to get to know better. We've just met an awesome family in our new ward (their daughter is in my primary class now). The mom's name is Holly Gooch (She blogs also) and the eldest son, Spencer has cancer. I just read his baptismal story-and it's pretty amazing! Our whole ward is very supportive and the primary organization absolutely rallies around this cute boy. 

Another amazing story here, is about one of my friends from Southern Utah. We worked together at the Family Support Center-giving respite to adoptive/foster care families in our area. She was attending school in 

Provo, and was attacked while on her way to class a few months ago. My friends from facebook sent me links to her story-and I was absolutely stunned with shock. This friend, had been writing to me earlier in the year -and she had planned to make a career out of modeling.She really is such a beautiful girl!! People all over Utah have been so supportive of her story now-and have set up accounts to help her family with the medical expenses building up. I was so touched with the messages her family wrote each day-updating us on her progress. We were all cheering when they'd say she was healing from the physical trauma her poor body experienced. She's back home now and such a ray of sunshine to all those around her. I feel super lucky to know this young girl-and witness the miracles of her life now.

Our First Day in Switzerland-Pt. 2

The first night we stayed in Zurich, was a absolute nightmare crazy time!. We had reservations at the Hotel Hottingen-recommended by the mission home. The airport car-rental lady was kind enough to give us

a map and directions to the hotel. Somehow (By the Grace of God), we managed to find this place after midnight in downtown Zurich!! All the signs were strange to us on the roads-since we'd never been out of the U.S. *Elder was in another town...so we were on our own. The hotel locked it's doors at eleven p.m. and we were left to wait out front till morning...in our rental car:) Luckily, the seats

 were heated! Three a.m.-we started searching for a restroom, Four a.m.-I was freezing in the backseat, Five a.m. I was so mad that all the hotels were closed and six a.m. I spotted the manager walking in!! I was so happy to meet them. We unloaded, called Elder and ate breakfast:) Bread with Nuttela-MMmmm! Then, we finally got to see our missionary...we had quite a reunion (even if we hadn't slept in two days! What a fantastic moment:) We all later went to the mission home for a testimony meeting and to meet the mission president and his lovely wife. I think our adrenalin kicked in-as we had the most spiritual meeting I've ever been to in my whole life. I was so grateful to be safe, surrounded with love, and enjoying the moments with my handsome hubby and cute son. Pure heaven!

This blue van carried the missionaries luggage down the hill-back to our hotel. The Elders all walked down (we were staying in the same place). This was their last night together and their room was right across from ours! How lucky is that??

Listening to the Spirit

Today, I had to go into work. Almost everyday (except Sunday) I go in to Comforts and help open the store for the day. As I enter the store, I usually grab my name-tag

off the fridge in the back. There's a magnet on the back to hold it on to my apron that I wear through out the day. I'm now, pretty use to the thought of losing this name-tag... as I turn on twenty different Christmas trees (that we've had up since the end of September). The magnet on the back falls off first and then the tag sometimes grabs onto something metal. I find it on metal buckets, metal table legs, picture frames, and even the tree stems. Lately though, I've been frustrated in finding this silly tag! I'll think to myself that it's kind of nice not wondering if someone knows my name. If I make a mistake...I don't have to worry that my name will make it's way back to my boss!:)

Today though, after I lost the name tag for the millionth time...I wondered if maybe I prayed about finding the little trouble maker...I'd have some better chance of finding it faster. Every other time that I have asked for divine help in searching...I seriously walk right to the spot that I have lost the item. It never fails.

There were tons of people shopping today, and I felt I better just say a silent prayer that I'd be guided to the exact spot that I lost my tag-without being noticed or trampled. I re-traced my step, said a prayer in my heart, and waited for the little feeling to take me along. The next thing that happened was I heard a voice say, "Look in your coat pocket". It was cold in the store-so I had left my jacket on...and had kept my zipper up. My first thought was to doubt that the tag could possibly have fallen into the side pocket! So, I hesitated. Then I had another strong feeling to put my hand in the pocket-...so I did this time. My name-tag WAS in my coat pocket!!! I laughed as pulled it out, and then I stared at this crazy piece of metal and plastic. I have no idea how it could of slipped off my apron and fallen into my jacket pocket...but I do know that I was guided by another being to find this tag and wear it again. I have no doubt that my life and actions are my own, and that I can ask for help- if I just have faith. All I have to do is ask first. I may not get the answer that makes sense or hands me exactly what I think I need. But, if there's a sincere question in my life, I can be guided and given direction and help from above. I believe that our Heavenly Father wants to help us. We just need to ask for that help.

The Light from Within

Here's my new favorite quote:

"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." -- Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Music Impact

I'm hoping that I can focus on good music this week. My kids always remind me to choose the very best. I know that music sets the mood for the day!

News for the Week

What's been going on here in our house? Well, I'm about to change jobs again...more news and pictures soon.

We've been at a missionary farewell this Sunday, for our neighbor. The luncheon was just beautiful! We are really excited for this new Elder, because we've known him since he was little and growing up in our old ward.

*So, today we're noticing time is really marching very FAST now. "Our Elder" will be home right after Christmas:)

More news later!!

Here's a quote I found on the internet tonight:

You are or have been a Latter-day Saint Missionary if:

You've ever worn a name tag without your first name on it.

You've ever said to someone, "This is my companion."

You dropped out of college, stayed unemployed for two years, lost your favorite girl, and called it the best time of your life.

You think that Elder doesn't necessarily mean older.

You easily recognize three common human ailments: blind minds, hard hearts, and stiff necks.

You lived with a roommate for a whole month--or more--who you never called by their first name.

The investigator asking you probing personal questions isn't a police detective.

You put ketchup on nearly everything you cook.

You enjoy telling people why they are here and where they are going.

Your greatest hero in the scriptures was a man named Ammon.

About every eight weeks or so you get a new roommate who you don't get to choose.

Your most coveted present all year was a new tie.

You're 20 years old and it's been months since you went to bed after 11:00 p.m.

You introduce yourself to people every day without telling them your first name.

You get one half day per week all to yourself and you spend most of that time doing your laundry.

April 4th and 5th, 2009-General Conference Weekend

Saturday...We are so happy to slow down and listen to the general authorities for this Conference weekend. Incredible to hear this messages of faith, hope and charity during this difficult year for the world. It's true that the prophets have warned us for many years to plan for our physical and financial family needs during these last days. We are grateful for our food storage, savings and definitely our home at this time.

After the past year of closing my preschool down and then my husband losing his job, we've watched the miracles pour into our household. Our eldest son was still able to be sent on a two year mission. He's experienced tremendous growth spiritually and in becoming a responsible adult. What a fantastic blessing to know that this faithful son is being blessed for his future wife and children. He has written to us saying that we are not to worry about his car. If we needed to sell it or let his bothers use it, he was happy to share. He made me cry when he said that all his needs are taken care of and he needs nothing of material value. His only that real happiness comes from serving others.

My second child, Casanova, is learning and growing each day. He shows moments of real responsibility and adulthood. I lean on him for transporting the younger kids back and forth from school and activities. His presence in our home, allows me peace as I leave to work during the week. I'm so grateful for his talents and kindness.

My sweet Nascar, is a real genius in school. But his spirituality is so real that I'm amazed when he tells us about seminary and the scriptures. His new found interest in the game of tennis is a joy for our family to watch.

Chabs is such a wonderful babysitter, that I have to sign up early for child care with her little brother (which I know is not as fun) The neighbors are lining up! She really helps me out the most after school three days during the week. While I'm working at the craft store, she helps tend Starwars for a few hours till everyone comes home for dinner. She keeps me organized and on top of household chores. I really couldn't take on a job without my right-hand Chabs:)

We are so grateful for our side jobs these days too. My hubby has been driving out of town early in the mornings to Milford for a temporary job wiring a mine. This has put food on the table and kept the mortgage company happy. I've been able find weddings and proms to handle on weekends. Not only fun-but great for getting my name out there. We are truly blessed to have these experiences come our way.

There are daily challenges-but nothing we can't handle. The power went out for a few hours last night. A power-line caught on fire when the snow was causing the lines to arc. We could see the sparks flying off the burning pole around eight o'clock p.m. down the road. Later on, the power completely shut down and didn't return till early into the morning. We bundle the kids up in blankets and then everyone fell asleep with our flashlights near by. We drove past the charred, cut down pole today and felt pretty lucky, to not have lost more than just power for a few hours. We are protected continually.

I had two side jobs today with flowers. One family has asked me to help them with their daughter's wedding in May. She's chosen beautiful colors and gorgeous flowers. I'll be doing a silk round hand-tied bouquet for her temple pictures, and a fresh flower bouquet for her reception. I'm really so excited to gather the materials and create her dream bridal bouquet and corsages for the family.

Sunday-We are thrilled to hear the general authorities speak to us today. The words give us comfort and hope for the year. Our goals include more temple attendance, giving more service to others and bearing witness of Christ's life. Our lives can be more dedicated to Him.

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