tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39082798375946233442024-03-05T05:26:10.940-08:00Provident MommyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965870537468806830noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908279837594623344.post-86307703819244995312015-03-31T04:06:00.001-07:002015-03-31T04:06:13.587-07:00Blog Has Moved<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">For those of you who follow me or happen to stumble upon this blog:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I HAVE MOVED!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can find me at <a href="http://www.aboutsusanmarie.com/">www.aboutsusanmarie.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will be posting more of my photography and writing.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965870537468806830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908279837594623344.post-23254328923732732752015-03-26T10:15:00.000-07:002015-03-26T10:15:17.956-07:00Changes To A Lifestyle BlogDear readers, <div>
I have not kept up with my blog like I have wanted. I feel that if I can show with pictures and some simple words what we do week to week I would be more inclined to share my life. What do you think? Are you interested in seeing the day to day of people's lives? We do lots in our community, homeschool, some travel, and some shopping! So what say you? Do you want to see more?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965870537468806830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908279837594623344.post-67647604763052236862015-01-21T06:30:00.001-08:002015-01-21T06:30:28.823-08:00Your Spouse Will Not Bring You Happiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bLyF01Rqqho8GbhyphenhyphenlH356W-Cb3-G2ushCOrXz5qP_-wlAmSHkT0_qsow1J0tyg2uJgrL1guRHbG-_QrEOQZe_FVxvj-d3xwWHefUNwFgJA8wOL77Apja7EUp7HMqNibpYaszc8tIQvTa/s1600/chad+kissing+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bLyF01Rqqho8GbhyphenhyphenlH356W-Cb3-G2ushCOrXz5qP_-wlAmSHkT0_qsow1J0tyg2uJgrL1guRHbG-_QrEOQZe_FVxvj-d3xwWHefUNwFgJA8wOL77Apja7EUp7HMqNibpYaszc8tIQvTa/s1600/chad+kissing+me.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Over ten years of pure joy and 6 pack building laughter. Over ten years of sleepless nights, tear stained cheeks and mending a ripped and torn heart. Sound like marriage? Sounds like my marriage. For many of my youthful years I would look to others to make me happy. If something was done or said that was hurtful I would be devastated. Well, that may be a bit dramatic, but my happiness would be affected on some level.<br />
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Once I entered the eternal round of mawridge I looked to my spouse to make me happy. And what is up with being so touchy and sensitive with your spouse? Maybe it's just me, but one tiny comment made by him will send me into a whirling tornado of emotional derangement. That same tiny comment made by someone else will leave me indifferent. <br />
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Lately, while I read the scriptures I have been noticing a theme. I love how the scriptures come alive and you read what it is that the Lord wants you to see. My theme lately is "put God first". Take your eyes off worldly things and put them on God. Whatever you focus on in your mind is where you are laying your treasure.<br />
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As much as he wants me to be a helpmeet for my husband, he wants me to look to Him first. FIRST. Happiness will never come from my husband. Sure he can bring me happiness. We can have mind-blowing emotional, spiritual, physical experiences together. We can have amazing times as a family with our children and have a life filled with joy, but real happiness starts with God. We all have experienced the fleeting pleasures and good times of living in this world. I have met plenty of happy people who do not know God and I wonder what would it be like for them if they did?<br />
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Life is messy and complicated, but God is simple. If we seek Him out first we can have an everlasting happiness. This is a goal of mine this year and I have to say I am not starting off too well, but the first step is acknowledgement. So, may you raise your eyes toward heaven at all times and allow our Father in Heaven to bring you everlasting happiness :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965870537468806830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908279837594623344.post-80554201088441696122014-10-30T08:55:00.001-07:002014-10-30T08:55:18.861-07:00If I Weren't a Mormon...If I weren't a Mormon...<br />
I would drink wine at night.<br />
I would have my 10 piercings back in and probably more.<br />
I would have more tattoos.<br />
I would dress like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5fLDvIX3YoEpRBNI3ZliQalS7uDlj2gGk_uq2YQ9rz7IeYDHzCmvDk8OqbnsDfqufEgeI13phntLWeIV1W9ZjtWAVd1fhj3wNsQd1EU1X5srAaiSvmyfzxH4WuSPE9AFrd45sJjFSYt2/s1600/72bf29d6e55dac9479721e067ad88b95.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5fLDvIX3YoEpRBNI3ZliQalS7uDlj2gGk_uq2YQ9rz7IeYDHzCmvDk8OqbnsDfqufEgeI13phntLWeIV1W9ZjtWAVd1fhj3wNsQd1EU1X5srAaiSvmyfzxH4WuSPE9AFrd45sJjFSYt2/s1600/72bf29d6e55dac9479721e067ad88b95.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
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and like this:<br />
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I would swear like a sailor.<br />
I would go out on Sundays.<br />
I would watch rated R movies.<br />
I may even have dreads. (Yup, I said it.)<br />
I would read 50 Shades of Grey.<br />
I would probably be divorced.<br />
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I would do many more things that I am not comfortable sharing. So, doesn't doing whatever you want bring happiness? Satisfying every appetite. I have been there and done that. Although at times I feel like I want to do something that is not conducive to my covenants, I remember how I felt before becoming a member of <a href="http://www.mormon.org/">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints</a>. I was "free", but not happy. That lie of "freedom" were actually chains of hell holding me down. (Don't mean to be melodramatic, but that's how I remember it.) I have changed my life to live for Heavenly Father and to do His will.<br />
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Now, that I am a Mormon:<br />
I understand my Divine Nature as a child of God<br />
I have taken back my power as a woman<br />
If I keep my side of the bargain I can live with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and hopefully my family after this earthly life.<br />
I respect my body and see it as a temple.<br />
I have greater compassion for others.<br />
I have a day of rest to remember my Savior.<br />
I fill my mind and senses with uplifting messages.<br />
I work hard on a marriage that brings many blessings.<br />
I have many children that I am brining up in the Lord.<br />
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The last sentence doesn't do that blessing any justice ;) Now that I am a Mormon I understand where we came from, why we are here and where we are going. I came to know this for myself as I was taught. This change has changed my life. It is scary for me to think where I might be if I did not join.<br />
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I will take all my post-baptism blessings (and they are) over my pre-baptism worldly, selfish life any day!<br />
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``````` I am not saying if you are not a member of this Church that you do not do, understand nor have these blessings. This is specific to my life. I believe we all have a right worship our God how and where we may as long as no one is being hurt. And if you choose not to believe, so be it. But please don't call me names because my faith is different- you are reading a Mormon blog!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965870537468806830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908279837594623344.post-58041485499854518452014-10-05T13:01:00.002-07:002014-10-05T13:23:14.236-07:00October 2014 General Conference<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My mind may explode with all that has been going on. We have started and are in a full mess of homeschool work and field trips and park days and daddy/daughter dances and outings with friends. To add on top of that I am in school 2 nights a week. It's not a show up to class, turn in work and get an easy A kind of a class. No, it's more of a show up to class, have your brain turned up high, do all the extra credit, study every night until 11pm and maybe you will pass kind of a class. However, as of right now I have a 100. I'm bragging just a little, please forgive me. It is well earned. I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed and then I add this blog to the dark recesses of my mind that light up every now and again and then my books that oh so badly want to be written are lurking in there too. AND then add on that we would like to add a wee little one to our sweet family soon- whoa!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Off topic.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was laying in bed the other night and it hit me like a punch in the face that I don't have much time here. There is so much I want to do and I do not want to look back after I leave this world behind and wonder what the heck I did with my short time. I want to fill it full with service, creativity, and love surrounded by my loved ones. Learning patience, unconditional love and forgiveness from one another. That is one of the reasons Heavenly Father put us in families, is it not? What better way to learn and grow than within your own family? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Speaking of families... my hubby and I had a much needed vaca in the Keys.... alone. Like my every day life, it was filled. We had a little down time where we sat by the pool but my lovely ADHD doesn't allow me to sit still for long. We arrived home yesterday and because of fascinating technology we were able to listen to our church's General Conference on the drive home. To watch you can go <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch?lang=eng">HERE</a>. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today I am right where I belong. Enjoying my lovely home with my lovely family and watching the lovely conference. With all the turmoil, violence, illness and confusion in the world today I feel so uplifted listening to these wonderful leaders and of course our Prophet, President Monson, whom I deeply love.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here are some great quotes from this conference:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kAyFmOZ4IkrWabZRR7nOn4WNdKtGNNy3a3n9O8gPW4Lb_QYjVjw3v3lFa4C3JLvqdVcQLieh4-xG4JKJhmO-9V9krhnpIqmmiyFbSSPuWSB7wo4oY_RVNZ9WqiDKX82hXDVyOdnGxy9f/s1600/bednar-quote-baby-1172920-gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kAyFmOZ4IkrWabZRR7nOn4WNdKtGNNy3a3n9O8gPW4Lb_QYjVjw3v3lFa4C3JLvqdVcQLieh4-xG4JKJhmO-9V9krhnpIqmmiyFbSSPuWSB7wo4oY_RVNZ9WqiDKX82hXDVyOdnGxy9f/s1600/bednar-quote-baby-1172920-gallery.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-lTxTlbcK4jqWekyuJaPQ5DPo9JCh79tHtilCPXnClViJjp7R75KKRXbRXXzMv8OJmwHbgqzYfY-FQwIP_alEcISfMANu6lqbeQzW7inyGRFBRuntqmHlQ0m8W1Chmy7jqexUL3-2h2-/s1600/meme-nelson-prophet-1311927-gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-lTxTlbcK4jqWekyuJaPQ5DPo9JCh79tHtilCPXnClViJjp7R75KKRXbRXXzMv8OJmwHbgqzYfY-FQwIP_alEcISfMANu6lqbeQzW7inyGRFBRuntqmHlQ0m8W1Chmy7jqexUL3-2h2-/s1600/meme-nelson-prophet-1311927-gallery.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965870537468806830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908279837594623344.post-27512919126036246702014-07-22T07:30:00.000-07:002014-07-22T07:30:02.171-07:00HomeschoolingWow! I made a bold decision. One that I have been teeter tottering with for a while and have actually done before. We will be plunging in and begin official homeschooling. (I emailed my letter of intent of homeschooling to the county, so yeah it's pretty official.) Add that to my writing, blogging, Primary 2nd counselor calling and college student status. You can officially call me squirrel nuts. Nah, I'm excited. This summer has been going so great with the kids at home and with the "homeschool" work we have been doing thus far. I will have to kick it in high gear and add a lot more curriculum but I am looking forward to it. More travel, field trips, learning and growing together- what doesn't sound awesome about that?! Well, thought I'd share and let my little blogosphere know what my personal life is up to!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965870537468806830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908279837594623344.post-19981008796612903992014-07-18T14:02:00.001-07:002014-07-18T14:02:11.752-07:00Sifted Like Wheat<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCtX6bfDx7PqTdUykrwRwnBmTohJGm94RxXQJINUdGHIKFFCUuKXeU61Pq4atPPPd6IwpspkzBuga-BbdNmKG52zDNHR0m8r_RE5rNjtJSnYpXlQkS07oyPFh-szxVDJxyJfu-U0gBkE1/s1600/7728969250_05d3ff79e7_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCtX6bfDx7PqTdUykrwRwnBmTohJGm94RxXQJINUdGHIKFFCUuKXeU61Pq4atPPPd6IwpspkzBuga-BbdNmKG52zDNHR0m8r_RE5rNjtJSnYpXlQkS07oyPFh-szxVDJxyJfu-U0gBkE1/s1600/7728969250_05d3ff79e7_c.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sometimes when I think of Satan I think of some spirit in some far off land. I think of something not in my life physically. Something that, perhaps, is not in my reality. Then something happens and I am reminded that he most certainly is real and actively in my life.<br />
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When times start going well, is when I have learned to worry. Especially when my relationship with my husband is going super well, I am waiting for it. The last thing Satan wants is for us is to be happy, to uphold our covenants and make it to the celestial kingdom. When he sees that we are doing well he is going to tempt us and try to break us apart. It could be a look, a word, a tone, a memory, a disappointment. Anything. No matter how big or little the issue he can try to use against you. He will use whatever he knows about you and use that against you. If it is addiction, depression, anger. He knows you. </div>
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A few weeks ago I was hit really hard. I knew it was Satan immediately which helped me tremendously. He was trying to sift me like wheat. I never truly understood the emotional aspect of the scripture when Jesus was talking to Peter about how Satan wanted to sift him like wheat. I understood that the wheat berry is separated from the stalk and chaff. It literally tears the wheat apart. It is a violent process. I now understand the emotional part. I was literally being torn apart and it was an internal, violent process. I knew I was being tested to see if I'd say "screw it, I'm doing what I want and I am no longer living the Gospel" or if I would stay faithful. </div>
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I have never been through anything like that before. It made Satan a reality. It made all the times I had heard people say that "we are at war" a reality. We truly are at war. Constantly. Every Day. The armor of God is real to me now. It is a primary concept, I know, but I have a testimony of it. As we go through our struggles that is where our testimonies and our faith is strengthened. As we come out of the darkness and see the light, we know we have chosen the right side. </div>
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As we go throughout our days putting on our armor of God let us not forget Joshua 1:9 "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965870537468806830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908279837594623344.post-73599746099265170812014-06-18T05:17:00.000-07:002014-06-18T05:17:16.002-07:00Godly Sorrow is Good, Worldly Sorrow Bad<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">As Latter-Day Saints we understand that this life is a test. We are here to be tested and tried in our faith and our obedience. We can suffer from physical pain, which in itself can hamper our quality of life and mood. We can suffer from psychological and emotional difficulties. I have suffered from both and for me, personally, the mind has been the hardest to overcome. Thoughts slip in and out. Irritability, anger, guilt, depression. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Our Spirits are made up of our Heavenly Father and Mother. We are sons and daughters of God! We all stumble and get discouraged. Our biggest lessons are from our biggest mistakes. We have the most growth when we push through the hard times with our head up and doing those things that are pleasing to Heavenly Father. When we keep our faith and obedience during hard times He is pleased. He is pleased when we mess up and repent and try harder next time. He didn't send us here to be perfect, but to become perfected (maybe that should be another post). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Sometimes I get so warped and wrapped up in a mistake I become consumed. As President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "But there is an important difference between the sorrow for sin that leads to repentance and the sorrow that leads to despair." The Apostle Paul taught that "godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation...but the sorrow of the world worketh to death." </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">True repentance will be transforming. The broken heart and contrite spirit (Godly sorrow) that is felt when you have sinned brings you to repentance. When the guilt brings us to self-loathing and prevents us from rising up (I have been there) then it is impeding our repentance. Bad things happen, we make bad choices sometimes, but the atonement is a light. It is a beautiful thing. When I start with the self-loathing and I am stuck in chains I know it is Satan. There is no light there. I am too stubborn to let him win. I do my best to recognize it for what it is, pray to my Heavenly Father and get a blessing if I feel I need one. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">There is light even in darkness. I have to say, do not let Satan win. Satan wants us to believe we are no good and we can't do it. Satan can hit the hardest when you are doing the most good. When you are doing the Lord's work and building His kingdom Satan wants nothing more than to get you to stop or to rip your family apart.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This life is hard, but we can find joy. It is our choice. You can't go wrong with the Lord on your side. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">We all have our own battles we are fighting, so let's be gentle with one another.</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965870537468806830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908279837594623344.post-62399414857075513122014-06-11T06:00:00.000-07:002014-06-11T06:28:58.230-07:00Dads Are Capable<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> There is a difference between a Father and a Father who has become a Dad. Those, naturally or with effort, who are Dads are capable. They are much more capable than t.v., media, and bad jokes give them. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> They sacrifice, serve and pray for their children just like Moms do. They also have the duty of providing and protecting. Some Dad's protect this country so we can keep our freedoms. Some Dad's are businessmen and have to deal with headaches all day. Some Dad's are business owners and have to deal with even more headaches all day. Some Dad's work construction and work their body to death. Some Dad's are able to work at home and have to balance work and family life at the same time. There are a million different jobs that Dad's do, but when they walk in those doors and enter their homes they take on their role as Dad.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Dad's help out with the housework, cooking, dishes and bedtime. They brush hair, help make lunches and have teaching moments. They change dirty diapers and clean up vomit (thank goodness). They watch the kids so we can get some time away. They seem to do all this with a special flare. As I watch my husband there is something remarkable, something sacred about what he is doing. He is fulfilling his calling, he is progressing and becoming more like our loving Heavenly Father. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Dad's aren't just capable. They are much more than that. They have problem solving, innovative minds. They think of things that we never would. They make our lives easier. They are brilliant with their ideas. They are creative. They play with the kids in ways that we don't. That is what is so fun. They are strong and courageous; ready to protect. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Dad's love their families. They are honest, loyal and faithful men. To all you men out there that are Dad's: You blow my mind! You are awesome! You are exactly what we need and you help pick up our slack when we are overwhelmed. You encourage us and wipe our tears. You are our yang and complete our circle. Our kids are lucky to have a real man as their Dad. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965870537468806830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908279837594623344.post-5163711627402996162014-06-10T06:30:00.000-07:002014-06-10T07:07:18.173-07:00Pivotal Moments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Me with Michael Wilcox</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I saw Michael Wilcox speak a few years ago at a Time Out For Women (for more info on the conference click <a href="http://www.tofw.com/">here</a>). I have read some of his books and enjoyed his presentation. I really wanted to meet him, but was too shy to walk up to him. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This past TOFW he was a presenter again. Oh, how I have grown the last few years. I flagged him down and ran to him when I saw he was leaving on Friday night. He was in a hurry and said he would look for me the next day to talk to me more. When I saw him on Saturday he remembered me and we spoke. He autographed his book and gave some friendly advice to an aspiring writer and speaker. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What really stuck with me (besides his height :) was his presentation. He re-told the story of Christ showing himself to Mary Magdalene in the sepulcher. When Mary, Peter and John went to Christ's sepulcher they saw it was empty. Peter and John turned around and went home, but Mary stayed and cried outside. Then she stooped down and looked inside to find two angels sitting. They asked her why she was crying and she said because she did not know where they had taken her Lord. She then turned around to leave and saw Jesus standing there. She did not know Him to be Jesus. She thought He was a gardener. He asked why she was weeping and she told him that she wanted to know where Jesus was taken. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Jesus saith unto her, Mary." (John 20:16) And this is the part that I love how Michael Wilcox explained; she turned herself. The instant Mary heard Jesus say her name she knew who He was. The tone, the love in Him saying her name. She recognized, she knew it. I love how the scriptures do not say "she turned" but "she turned herself". That is the pivotal moment. Literally. She must have been casually speaking with the "gardener", but once she knew it was her Redeemer she turned herself to see Him. It was a conscious, physical act of turning oneself. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I love this part too; she said unto him "Rabboni; which is to say, Master." (John 20:17) It must have been such a beautiful moment. In one moment and in one word her worry and distraught was over. In one moment she felt peace and love. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I truly believe we all have these pivotal moments in our lives. The first question I ask myself is: Do I recognize them when they come? If Mary did not have such a strong testimony,faith and love for the Savior would she have recognized Him when he spoke her name? I think not. It was because of her faith that she knew who He was. The second question I ask myself is: If I do recognize the pivotal moment how do I respond? Mary understood down to her spirit the role of Christ. She knew and therefore called him Master. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">These beautiful moments in life. Life changing, pivotal times take action. A turning towards the Savior, a response of respect, a willing heart. I love that I have the gospel. I love that I have the Holy Ghost to guide me. I know I can not go go wrong as long as I remember Him. Even in the face of temptation, even in heartache, even with the pain in this mortal body I can make it through. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965870537468806830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908279837594623344.post-52373081387738733862014-06-07T04:15:00.000-07:002014-06-07T04:15:22.185-07:00Am I Failing as a Mother?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I read books on parenting. I research parenting and the effects of different discipline models. I read and research on personal growth. I know and understand that in order to be the best parent I can be I need to work on myself. I need self-control. I need self-actualization. I read the scriptures, pray and fast that I would become who He wants me to become. I use essential oils, mediation, yoga and breathing techniques which I teach the kids as well. I am "doing" all the right things to learn.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">But yet I have times when I yell. I have times when I loose it like my 2 year old and I have to go lock myself in my room. There were times when I was too tired from getting 20 minute naps between infant feedings that I would throw down another mattress protector for the baby instead of changing the wet sheets. There are times I have had it with the bickering and I tell them to go fight it out. There are times I hear bad talk but I don't do anything because I am exhausted from talking. There are times my mouth spews out nasty stuff I wish I could take back instantly. I have sent a hurt child away with a cold shoulder because I have already kissed 5 other "boo boos". I have taken my children out with no shoes because we couldn't find them and I didn't have time. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Obviously, there have been times when I have done the exact opposite of what I "should" have done. I could get caught up in the times that I have failed, but what I have realized is that those moments (as awful as some of them have been) do not make up the whole. They are just that...moments. We are not expected to go through life perfect. We learn our biggest lessons from our mistakes. It is good for our children to see us mess up, to see us human. It is good for them to see us humble ourselves and apologize when we have done wrong. Those are teaching moments. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Sure, I could get depressed and cry for days. I have done that. If I really screw up I go take a moment, cry my eyes out if I need to, hit my knees to the ground and beg and plead for forgiveness. I beg and plead that I can do better. Then I re-emerge from my bedroom and say I'm sorry. Then I move on. Being a mother is hard. We are pushed beyond our limits physically, emotionally and psychologically. We have sacrificed (especially our bodies). We tend to think of others before our own needs (How many times have you fed your kids but forgot to eat?)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The point is I try my hardest. I have the intent of being the best mother and the truth is I <i>am </i>the best mother...for my children. Shortcomings and all. There is a reason we are all together and I need to trust Heavenly Father. I have failing moments, but as long as I keep trying my best and keep actually caring about how my children are being raised I would say I am succeeding. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965870537468806830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908279837594623344.post-27162764821062351872014-06-06T14:04:00.000-07:002014-06-06T14:04:57.655-07:00LDS Temple Names<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsW2KLEYHZwZ4vnF6wLDBloAHz4YEvdS8O-mRTHWH2yoarSYkb6lVKku-YccBa7Zch3qJNuQcxVm3koKW9MvvZNyFEzRedy_NhK5oSM4xe_F4-6mc80Z4u4DGqKzfERbc9RygqNpVddde/s1600/CIMG4903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsW2KLEYHZwZ4vnF6wLDBloAHz4YEvdS8O-mRTHWH2yoarSYkb6lVKku-YccBa7Zch3qJNuQcxVm3koKW9MvvZNyFEzRedy_NhK5oSM4xe_F4-6mc80Z4u4DGqKzfERbc9RygqNpVddde/s1600/CIMG4903.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">(Albuquerque, NM Temple)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">At 23 years of age I was detoxing from my previous lifestyle, living with my boyfriend and working a $7.00 an hour job. I was totally elated to finally, after years of searching (since I was 8), to find the Truth. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">One of my questions to the missionaries while I was investigating was about how heaven worked. I did not believe in a split down the middle heaven and hell. At 8 years old I went through my communion in the Catholic church, I knew in my Spirit that what was taught was wrong. I got so daring to say that if this is how our God worked then I would rather not believe in Him. The thought of someone being "good" enough for heaven or "bad" enough for hell and that there was one line to separate the two seemed absurd. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">One of the gospel principles I fell in love with instantly was the three degrees of glory. W</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">hen I heard the Plan of Salvation i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">t resonated inside me and I thought my insides were going to bust out and make a mess all over the missionaries' suits.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When I heard the Plan of Salvation everything that I had always known deep down on a spiritual level was put into words. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>This is it!</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Fast forward almost 11 years and I have been sealed in the temple, have had 5 children, stayed active the Church and have been going to the temple and doing temple work. (Learn more about temple work </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.mormon.org/faq/church-and-temple">here</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/temples/frequently-asked-questions">here</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">)I have been doing other people's names. Which is wonderful and all, but I am the only member in my family and NONE of our family's work has been done. That has been hanging over my head. I have tried before but with obstacle after obstacle- even going to the temple with names ready and having issues. Anyways, I have decided that I allowed Satan to steal enough of my time away from doing my family's genealogy and temple work. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I have 5 names printed and ready to take to the temple!!! I feel they have been waiting a while and I need to get a plan together as to how I will get there and be able to do this thing! I want my husband and I to personally do the names I have ready and then the rest can be done by others. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">There is a hastening of the work and it includes temple work for those waiting on the other side. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I really enjoyed some of <a href="https://rootstech.org/videos?lang=eng">these</a> videos over at Roots Tech from this year's conference. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965870537468806830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908279837594623344.post-81760060575631646062014-06-04T11:12:00.000-07:002014-06-06T13:09:35.731-07:00The Truth About Temper Tantrums<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>The Truth About Us</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Why is it that we, as adults, do not always exhibit self control, but we expect our little children to 100% of the time? We get irritated, frustrated and perhaps angry when our children loose control. The truth is that most of us struggle with self-control and we loose it when things don't go our way.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>The Truth About Children</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The same concept applies to smaller humans. When things don't go their way they can loose it too. I think it becomes frustrating to us adults because their problems consist of a little brother taking a toy, wanting a cookie they can't have, or wanting to put on a bathing suit not clothes. Our adult problems are so much more important, right? The truth is that is their whole world. They are learning and physically growing everyday. They are gaining a sense of self. That is why children say "no". They are learning that they are someone separate from you. They are learning that they are their own person. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Children typically do what they have seen. When I see a child of mine break down I wonder what he has seen in me. Did I teach him that? Most likely. On the flip side when I see a child of mine react to an adversity with calm and control I wonder what he has seen in me. Did I teach them that? Most likely. All parenting starts with the parent. You can't teach someone something you do not yet possess. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>The Tantrum</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">A child starts a tantrum because things are not going his way. Have you ever noticed that once a child is in a tantrum you can not talk sense to him? That is because once a person is angry the brain is functioning in the limbic system, which is not the thinking part (the cortex). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1. You first need to allow the child to calm down. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2. Once he is calm then you can talk to him about what happened. The teaching moment can not happen during the tantrum. (The same goes for adults.) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">3. After he is calm and you find out what caused it you can teach him what to say. For example, if someone took his toy, you teach him to say "I don't like it when you take my toys. I would like it back." </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">You get the idea. They need to learn to be assertive and express their feelings in a healthy way.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Empathy</b> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I think the bottom line is that we need to be empathetic to children who are upset. There needs to be a disconnection between their emotions and yours. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I like an analogy I read. It said something like this: You filled out a form for work. When you went to your boss with the form he said, "You filled it out wrong! Go back and fix it!" The problem is you don't what is wrong and therefore, you don't know how to fix it. It would be helpful if your boss said, "Section A is wrong you need to fill it out this way." And then he shows you how so you can do it correctly next time. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Children need some lovin when they are upset and then they need to be taught, not just shoved off. Remember the tantrum is because life is not going their way. Calm them down, find out what it is, then have a wonderful teaching moment!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965870537468806830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908279837594623344.post-10011428268194907592014-06-03T12:34:00.000-07:002014-06-06T13:09:54.995-07:00I'm Back!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">After a 2 year? hiatus, I'm back!! What have I done the last 2 years?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1. Moved to Florida</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2. Had 2 more babies (that adds up to 5 now)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">3. Focused on my health (I am doing sooooo much better- more about that later)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">4. Started writing 2 books (a YA novel and an LDS self-help book)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">5. My original blog was porn hacked- so badly that I had to shut it down and start fresh. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Which leads me to now. Ready to blog, finish my books, switch my kids from private school to public (to eventually homeschool when they hit middle school) and start my pre-requisites for nursing school. Woo, when I write it all out it sounds like a lot to take on. I'd rather be busy than bored. And now we are about to get our summer on!!!!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965870537468806830noreply@blogger.com0