Secret Combination

With another election coming upon us, we all need to be warned against upholding communism.  This book written by Verlan Anderson, has a simple and plain explanation of Communism and the Constitution.  A must read!  Study what Communism is and see if you support it.  Or if you uphold our Constitution.

Quoting the book: 

Constitution vs. Communism

President David O. McKay has identified Communism as this secret combination of Satan which threatens our very existence today. (Statements on Communism and the Constitution of the United States, p. 5) 
He has also said:   The position of this Church on the subject of Communism has never changed. We consider it 
the greatest satanical threat to peace, prosperity, and the spread of God’s work among men that exists on the face of the earth.…We therefore commend and encourage every person and every group who is sincerely seeking to study Constitutional principles and awaken a sleeping and apathetic people to the alarming conditions that are rapidly advancing about us. (Improvement Era, June 1966, p. 477) 



Back in 1940, the First Presidency of the Church issued a statement on Communism in which
they said:
We again warn our people in America of the constantly increasing threat against our inspired Constitution…These revolutionists are using a technique that is as old as the human race—a fervid but false solicitude for the unfortunate over whom they thus gain mastery, and then enslave them…Latter-day Saints cannot be true to their faith and lend aid, encouragement, or sympathy to any of these false philosophies. They will prove snares to their feet. (David O. McKay, Statements on Communism and the Constitution of the United States, pp. 7-8)

A few days after he was made President of the Church, David O. McKay said:   A third World War is inevitable unless Communism is soon subdued. Communism yields to nothing but force. (Statements on Communism and the Constitution of the United States, p. 13)


PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON
Of all the individuals I know, who would like to be here today, it would be Ezra Taft Benson, the Prophet of the Lord, and the President of the Church. For, he loved Verlan Andersen, and he loves all of us....As I describe my friend Verlan, I would like to say that he was a man of integrity. When he knew he was right, he followed it. There was no discussion. There was no temptation.... Verlan Andersen never endorsed that with which he did not agree, for he wanted to be able to defend his position, and his position was always on the side of the Lord. He truly was a man of integrity....(President Thomas S. Monson, speaking at the funeral of Elder H. Verlan Andersen, July 20, 1992)

Google Chrome and Warts

Google Chrome.  Can I just say how much time Google Chrome is saving me.  Check it out if you have slow browsing times.

It's Friday!  This week has flown by.  Wow!

I have had a wart on my left hand for several years.  Strangely, and suddenly, I have 5 more warts which have shown up on both hands.  So I got on Amazon.com, found a product, ordered it, and I'll be seeing if it can get rid of these warts.  They are tiny.  And they don't resemble the 'normal' cauliflower looking warts we are all used to seeing.  I hope I don't have too much trouble getting rid of them.

In other news, I have found an amazing resource for learning more about the Constitution and the great evils going on in our government today.  Look up Scott Bradley from Logan, UT.  He has a webpage with short video clips to listen to.  We owe it to our children and grandchildren to keep the knowledge of freedom alive and thriving.

Who Is Behind It?

Have you been reading the Presidential debate discussion boards?  Did you watch the Presidential debate the other night?  The criticisms that are flying around out there right now about both candidates are many.

We can disagree with both candidates and their ideas for our future.  We can spar back and forth about their failed promises.  We can argue that both sides of the aisle are right or wrong.  We can challenge the idea that the mainstream of the American people are turned around, facing the wrong direction, if you will, from true principles of freedom and the proper role of government. 

If you haven't read the books out there that are written by Ezra Taft Benson as well as one of the books he recommended written by Gary Allen, None Dare Call It Conspiracy, you are arguing, challenging, and sparring back and forth about the wrong things.  You must read these books in order to understand what is going on behind the scenes and who it is that runs our government.  You will be deceived if you don't educate yourself about what is going on behind the scenes.

I love America.  I love and cherish my freedom.  If I could be any more persuasive in telling all freedom loving people to read these books, I would be. 

My father retired from the Army Reserves a number of years ago, in fact I want to say about 12ish years ago.  He last rank was Lieutenant Colonel.  You would think that I would know a lot about governments with how highly ranked my father was.  You might imagine that we had late night chats with my father around the kitchen table, or in the front room gathered around his knee being taught about how dangerous governments can be.  You would think I might be taught about what the qualities are that make a man a true and honest character, who loves freedom and what the principles are of freedom.

I was not taught one word of it.

What I was taught is that my Father went in to the Army for the benefits of working for the government.  Although we didn't sit around the kitchen table and discuss it, I heard my Father on several occasions speak about how the government had a great pension, lifetime healthcare priviledges, and absolute security if you retire from service to it.  Absolute security.  I felt encouraged to work for the government myself in order to obtain that security.

Think of it.  Government jobs being Absolute security. 

I was't told stories of people who were innovative.  I wasn't told stories of brave men and women who came out into the frontier to find piece from evil governments. 

If you aren't teaching your children or learning yourself about how wicked people can become, then I exhort you to become a little more sober, a little more concerned, a little less worried about money and the daily grind, and pull yourself to the table of learning.  I have been learning about governments and the proper role of government and I have learned that the idea that the government is who will grant you Absolute security is false.  Security comes from you knowing the true principles of freedom.  Your security is in God and following his laws.

I mean no harm to my Father.  I love him.  But I feel ashamed about the many, many missed opportunities that came my way because of the sense he had that he needed to look to someone else to provide him Absolute security.  In his case, he looked to our Federal Government.  I wish he would have talked to me about thrift and self reliance.  I wish he would have spoken of trusting in yourself to work hard, save money, and the true principles that govern a free society.

Alas, I am left with learning these lessons late in life.  I would say that I am late to the game.  But, I am learning as much as I can and hoping to instill in my own children the love for these principles everyday, and even their friends get a little now and then. 

And onward I go. 

More On Roles....

I have spent a great deal of time over the last 10 years pondering my purpose in life.  It has been an intense struggle, as you know from reading my previous blog posts.  An amazing thing is happening as I have become more and more grounded in this knowledge, and that is my testimony and sharing it with others.  I find special satisfaction and joy in telling the youth who they are.  Vanessa, who is now 13, is turning into a beautiful young woman.  She has caught the attention of the neighborhood boys.  They come around frequently, supposedly to see Eric, and they do enjoy his friendship for sure.  But, I see their eyes light up when they see Vanessa come around.  Anyway, these young men invariably search me out.  I love to talk with them and I take every chance I can get to open my mouth and bare testimony to them.  My favorite thing to tell them is who they are.  The joy that has come into my life because of this one thing has been immense.

It just goes to show me that weak things can become strong.  The Lord gives to those who come hungry and thirsty.  I have been fed and now I hope to give back as much as I can and for as long as I can.

Sharing A Recipe

If you've ever been to Olive Garden and ordered their Capellini Pomodoro, I have found a copycat recipe from the allrecipes.com website.  This is so yummy and super simple to make.  I substituted the roma tomatoes with my garden tomatoes, big boy variety.  I would not suggest making these without fresh garden tomatoes.  You really need the sweetness from the garden tomato to make this taste the way it should.  I have read that a brand named Campari sells yummy canned tomatoes, and supposedly you can find them at either Sams Club or Costco if you don't have access to fresh garden tomatoes.  I have yet to look for them though because we have had plenty of fresh tomatoes from our own garden.  Enjoy!

 

Capellini Pomodoro

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package angel hair pasta
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can low-sodium chicken broth
• crushed red pepper to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 minutes or until al dente; drain.
2. Pour olive oil in a large deep skillet over high-heat. Saute onions and garlic until lightly browned. Reduce heat to medium-high and add tomatoes, vinegar and chicken broth; simmer for about 8 minutes.
3. Stir in red pepper, black pepper, basil and cooked pasta, tossing thoroughly with sauce. Simmer for about 5 more minutes and serve topped with grated cheese.

Some Pictures

Bruce's Birthday

We celebrated Bruce's birthday on Sunday.  He turned 3.  Wow, how time flies!  We had our sweet neighbors down to share cake and ice cream with.  They have become like family to us and we treasure their friendships.  Dare I say that they are the first family that Jared and I have become friends with that we both are equal in our friendships.  Just to explain.  Jared knew the husband from work.  I met his wife soon after we moved 3 lots away from them and we became friends.  In the past, we would double date with couples where Jared was a long time friend of the husbands and I would 'try' to become friends with their wife.  It has just never seemed to work out very well.  There always has seemed to be a wall between me and the wife and as soon as I am done asking all of the questions I can think of, the conversations die. 

Bruce is a sweetheart, who gives us as much trouble as his other siblings.  He is better tempered these days and more reasonable.  His vocabulary and sentence structure are amazing.  He is strong and coordinated.  He loves to ride his bike with training wheels.  He has captured the hearts of many of the adults in the neighborhood and they love him.  He has also effectively captured their sympathy for me in raising this fire ball. 

Greek Yogurt

I tried Chobani Greek yogurt the other day.  Then, I tried Brown Cow Greek yogurt.  It was yummy!  The kids love it too.  I am going to see about introducing the plain flavor greek yogurt into my cheesecake recipe and my Texas sheet cake recipe.  There is no fat in it and it's loaded with protein.

Blood Pressure, Football and Birthdays

The boys have started football.

Jared had his 37th birthday. 

Jared is fighting high blood pressure.  He has had if for several years, but recently at the doctors office the doctor said he needed to be on medication.  So, he is taking a blood pressure medicine and hoping to see if his blood pressure can come down.  The doctor also suggested getting a test to check his renal arterial something, haha.  We are worried about him because he is really young to be starting on medications.

Lightening Strikes Twice?

I am not sure what the odds are for me to get another infection in my arm in almost the exact same spot, BUT ON THE OTHER arm.  So, I have to take back that my arms will not be balanced.  I now have the same sized arms again.  I am trying something different to heal it though.  I have smothered my arm with Triple Antibiotic cream and then wrapped my arm with Saran Wrap.  I am hoping the antibiotic cream will kill the infection, which hasn't spread anymore since I've started doing this.  If in the morning I don't see improvement, I'll make the call to the doctor.

One Arm bigger than the Other

So the infection in my arm is gone, but my left arm is still swollen a little.  I am probably the only one who would notice the difference in the size of my arms.

We have been super busy.  The boys started football and Jared helping coach Joseph's team.

Vanessa started private violin lessons.

Eric is playing football.

Rex and Bruce are little kids who keep us busy.

Jared still works at Malt O-Meal, now called Mom Brands.  He enjoys his work and works with some remarkable people.

Recovery

My arm is continuing to recover from the cellulitis.  I'm still taking the antibiotics and benedryl but only have one day left.

We celebrated Eric's birthday and he got a cool camera that he loves.  Uncle Paul and his beautiful fiance Ashley came to Eric's ordination and came to our house for Sunday dinner and hanging out.  We had a really nice day and it is fun to get to know Ashley better.  We are excited for their upcoming marriage in October.  They look happy.

Football is getting ready to start.  Eric and Joseph are both playing again this year.  Vanessa just started private violin lessons with a lady in our neighborhood here.  She starts 8th grade at the school just a couple of houses down the street.  There are a lot of kids in our neighborhood here that are close in age to her and she has a lot of friends.

Update on Spider Bite and more...

Thanks Kimi for the get well wishes!

My arm is healing, although very slowly.  The antibiotics are doing their job nicely.  I am steadily seeing improvement.  The morning time is when my arm looks and feels the best.  As the hours go by throughout the day my arm swells more and it gets more painful.  I am still just hoping and hoping to avoid the surgery.  The doctor also told me that if the antibiotics don't clear out the infection, I'll have to go to the hospital for an IV drip of antibiotics.  But, since the swelling is going down more and more each day, I think I won't have to do that.

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about belief.  I went visiting teaching last month and while visiting with a woman in our church, the subject of dreams got brought up.  I made the comment that whether you believe the Lord is trying to send you a message in a dream or not depends upon your belief.  The woman said in a sarcastic tone, 'are you saying I don't believe?'  I was a little shocked by her statement, but took the opportunity to explain myself a little better.  I told her how I believe the Lord can speak to us or send us messages in dreams and that if you wonder if he is trying to send you a message in a dream, you can simply ask him.

For example, if you've had a dream where you were in a store staring at strawberries when it is the Sabbath day and you should be at church, you can ask Heavenly Father if he is trying to tell you that you are worshipping strawberries instead of Him.  You may laugh at this simple illustration, but this dream actually came to me.  And if you knew what my day was like the day before I had this dream you'd understand better.  That day I had bought some strawberries at the grocery store.  I was so stingy with my strawberries that I chased my 5 little ones out of the kitchen so I didn't have to share them.  So, do I think the Lord was telling me that my behavior was inappropriate?  Absolutely.

Now, I buy plenty of strawberries and I don't feel stingy with them!

Spider Bites

So, on Sunday sometime during the day, I was bitten by a spider.  4 times.  Two of the times I was bitten, it was on the back of my left arm in the fatty tissue there.  Well, by Tuesday night my arm was swollen pretty badly.  So, I called the doctors office first thing Wednesday morning and I was in the doctors office by 5pm.  Well, the swelling had gotten worse by then and the doctor was very concerned.  I, however, was shocked.  I didn't think it would be that big of a deal.  But I had to have a shot of antibiotics in my hip and then off to get a prescription of oral antibiotics and benedryl.  The doctor is really worried because if the infection gets into my elbow joint I'll have to have a surgery to clean out the infection.  If the swelling hasn't gone down significantly by Friday morning, I have to go back into the doctors office for another shot of antibiotics.  Wow, what an ordeal!  I was not prepared to have to go through this.  I thought the doctor was going to roll his eyes at me and tell me to go take some benedryl.  I almost didn't even make the appointment to go see him.

In other news, we are getting ready to celebrate Eric's 12 year old birthday this Saturday.

How Many Times...

I have a good feeling when I read this description of one man's feelings on forgiveness. What are the Savior’s guidelines in how many times we should allow a person to unforgivingly do something before we take action?

Question:  Gramps, I realize that when the Savior said that we are to forgive seventy times seven, the number is not as much realistic as it is symbolic, meaning a limitless amount of times. However, I have heard that the Lord has placed a limit to the number of times we should allow a person to unforgivingly do something to us before we take action against them. What are His guidelines in a situation like this, and where can I read to learn more about them? Stephen, from Arizona Dear Stephen,

Answer:  I think that you will find the answer to all your questions in the Doctrine and Covenants. The scripture that you refer to that could suggest some limitation to forgiveness is found in (D&C 98:38-48). Behold, this is an ensample unto all people, saith the Lord your God, for justification before me. Again, verily I say unto you, if after thine enemy has come upon thee the first time, he repent and come unto thee praying thy forgiveness, thou shalt forgive him, and shalt hold it no more as a testimony against thine enemy– And so on unto the second and third time; and as oft as thine enemy repenteth of the trespass wherewith he has trespassed against thee, thou shalt forgive him, until seventy times seven. And if he trespass against thee and repent not the first time, nevertheless thou shalt forgive him. And if he trespass against thee the second time, and repent not, nevertheless thou shalt forgive him. And if he trespass against thee the third time, and repent not, thou shalt also forgive him. But if he trespass against thee the fourth time thou shalt not forgive him, but shalt bring these testimonies before the Lord; and they shall not be blotted out until he repent and reward thee four-fold in all things wherewith he has trespassed against thee. And if he do this, thou shalt forgive him with all thine heart; and if he do not this, I, the Lord, will avenge thee of thine enemy an hundred- fold; And upon his children, and upon his children’s children of all them that hate me, unto the third and fourth generation. But if the children shall repent, or the children’s children, and turn to the Lord their God, with all their hearts and with all their might, mind, and strength, and restore four-fold for all their trespasses wherewith they have trespassed, or wherewith their fathers have trespassed, or their father’s fathers, then thine indignation shall be turned away; And vengeance shall no more come upon them, saith the Lord thy God, and their trespasses shall never be brought any more as a testimony before the Lord against them. Amen. This may sound at first like a contradiction. We have in the same passage the statement, thou shalt forgive him, until seventy times seven, and following that the statement, But if he trespass against thee the fourth time thou shalt not forgive him. The second use of the term “repent” means we should in that circumstance hold him accountable, and bring him before the tribunals of the Church, not out of vengance or for retribution, but so that he may be held accountable before the Lord for his actions. In such a circumstance we are to retain the attitude of a forgiving heart, in that we would be free of animosity and judgement. Because the Lord further says, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men. And ye ought to say in your hearts–let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds. And him that repenteth not of his sins, and confesseth them not, ye shall bring before the church, and do with him as the scripture saith unto you, either by commandment or by revelation. And this ye shall do that God may be glorified–not because ye forgive not, having not compassion, but that ye may be justified in the eyes of the law, that ye may not offend him who is your lawgiver–Verily I say, for this cause ye shall do these things (D&C 64:9-14). So, as clarified in the second reference, a forgiving attitude is always required. Since we are incapable of seeing into the heart of another, we are blind to all but the outward appearance, and through our lack of knowledge of what is in a man’s heart we would be prone to error in any judgemnt that we might attempt. God is the judge, not man. How arrogant of any man to assume the prerogative of God by attempting to execute judgement against another! Forgiveness is a sweet and noble quality of the godly soul. Someone has said that forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heal that has crushed it. Gramps

Weekly Happenings

Vanessa just got back from Young Women's camp and reported that she had a good time. Jared got a steroid shot in his foot for his plantar facitis and jumped in the doctors chair from the pain. I have never seen Jared jump from pain. It scared me and my stomach dropped when he did that. Eric, Rex, Bruce, and I went to a fun splash pad with our sweet neighbor Amy and her son Matt two days ago. We had a blast! Bruce was shocked that I got in the water. In the car before we got to the pool, I asked him if he was excited to go swimming and he looked me in the eye with shock in his voice and said, "Are you excited?" I told him I was excited and then I committed in my mind to do it more because it broke my heart that my 2 year old son was shocked I wanted to go swimming with him. Rex is independent in the water and knows how to entertain himself. Eric was tentative to go down the waterslide, but after about 2 hours, he went down it. Then he went down the waterslide again. Joseph went to cub scout day camp up Ogden Canyon. He had a great time and loved the canoeing and buying things at the camp store the most.

Demise Part 3

So as I am walking out of the building in my dream and watching others running around in their own frenzy, I walk down some stairs away from the people running and toward a room filled with people who were hiding under their blankets. It looked like a graveyard of people side by side and hiding underneath their blankets. But, I wanted out of the building so I could go home so I walked right out the front door and onto the front lawn. It was dark outside and I found others there. They were each waiting for a car to come and get them to take them home. I went over to where they stood and began to wait for my ride to come get me and take me home. Standing there waiting was a fruitless thing for how was one to know when their ride would come to get them? So I determined to go back into the building and tell as many people as I could that they didn't need to be afraid of the demise or darkness or destroyer or whatever it was in their lives that had them afraid. So, the first person I went up to was a person who was rustling underneath their blanket. I lifted up the blanket and was excited to tell the person the good news and what did I find? I found that it was one of my favorite sisters underneath that blanket. (I have 5 sisters) And then I woke up. Ever since that dream, I have been on a mission to tell others about the lessons I have learned over the last few years of my life. I have wanted to tell as many people as I can that they can face the scary things in their lives with boldness and without fear. It has brought me great satisfaction to find many people eager to hear how to make their lives better.

Demise Part 2

In my dreams, I was running, running, running away from the destroyer. Whoever, or whatever it was that was coming to destroy me had me paralyzed. One night in my dream, I was running, running. For the first time the evil spoke directly to me. It said, 'you are next.' I ran into an office where there was a table in the center of the room. I climbed under the table, as if I could hide there. I found a blanket under the table and buried my face in the blanket. I could hear others running around still in the hallways of the building. There I sat under that table and waited to see if the darkness could find me. I hoped and hoped it wouldn't find me. But lo, within a few seconds the dark evil came right up to me. I was terrified and in disbelief that it had found me. As I sat there under my blanket, I began to remember that God is the one in charge and that if He wanted me destroyed at this moment in my life then this evil was given power from Him to destroy me. I decided to face the darkness. If I died, I died and was going home to my Father's home. I took the blanket off my face and saw the darkness right in front of me. It was dark, really, really dark. I looked at it right in the face. But it didn't harm me. It had no power to destroy me. So, I stood up and began making my way out of the building. On my way out, I saw many others frantically running around trying to get away from the darkness, their own pending doom, demise. I was determined to get out of this building and go home. The rest of the dream I'll save for another day. And the rest of the story is equally important. Demise is a powerful thing. None of us wants to lose anything we love and treasure. Are you running, running, running away from something in your life that you need to face? If so, let's talk about it. Let's face the fear so you can stop running. And this is coming from a woman who loves to run, although my bodily circumstances have changed, I still dearly, dearly love to run.

Demise

In my last post I briefly talked about the demise I felt in my parents home while growing up. Demise. Have you ever felt demise? Demise in my definition, or the way I am using it here, is that I felt a darkness inside me that led me to think some impending doom was coming to me. It came out in my dreams. I would have reoccurring dreams of someone or something bad chasing me. I would spend the entire dream running away from this evil something that was coming to destroy me. In the end, I would awaken from those dreams frenzied because I wondered if they got me. That came from the demise I felt everyday. Tell me your experiences with demise. What affect has demise played on you in your life?

Roles And Knowing Who You Are

It is 10:00am on Saturday morning and the older kids are still asleep. I remember when I was a child my parents didn't pay attention to when I went to bed, or when I got out of bed the next morning. My parents had 12 children and I am number 6. My mother went to work full time as a nurse when I was around 8 years old. When she did that my life changed dramatically. It wasn't long after that that my father separated from my mother. He moved out into an apartment about a mile away from our house. I went there only 1 time that I remember. I remember the night that my parents sat us kids down and told us about their separation or pending divorce, I can't remember which. I don't remember anything they said, only that my father wasn't going to be living with us anymore. I remember feeling really yucky inside. It was the second time in my life that I remember hurting really bad inside my heart. The first time was when I was 4 years old and I was punished for something I didn't do to my sibling. I was very angry that I wasn't allowed to tell my side of the story and that I was innocent of the charges for which I was accused and now paying the penalty for. But back to when my mother went to work full time and my father moved back in our house without telling us why or what was going on between them. I was glad my father was back, but still had the dark, unsettled feeling in my stomach that there was demise in our home. It was during this time in my life that I needed a lot of instruction and correction, as all 8-16 year olds need. The affect this had on me was that I grew extremely insecure about my role in our family and about my ability to be successful at school. I knew how to get good grades, but I was confused about what to become in life. When my parents decided to send my mother to work full time, grave shifts no less, they must have neglected to define how my mothers new role as a provider was going to affect her mothering. She nearly fell off the face of the earth as to mothering. It was like a death to me. My mother died in my life. So as my children are still asleep on Saturday morning, and I know they went to bed before 11:00pm last night, I am going to go downstairs and awake them from their slumber. I know my role as their mother. And after much struggle, I know my role as my Father in Heaven's daughter.

The Avengers

If you haven't seen this movie, you're not missing much. At least not missing much that is good from this movie. It was violent. We saw it in 3D. I was not impressed at all. That being said, the violence in today's movies is alarming to me. Violence is made to look cool. How many violent movies do we go to and make entertainment out of it. I had to remind my kids that it is never cool to see one human be violent with another. It has come to me numerous times to be so selective in our entertainment that we don't have to be surprised when the movie that we choose to see happens to be offensive.

I am making plans for the summer. Jared is carefully planning the camping and Bear Lake trips. I am equally matched in planning successful day to day activities. We will be doing 'stations' every day. There will be a WII station, art station, puzzle station, reading station, and then individual stations suited to the interests of each of our kids. Vanessa will have a violin station. Eric, Joseph and Rex will have a Lego station. All this with the hope that it will keep us on a schedule and make it so I don't get hounded all day about WII time. In other news, Disneyland California park tickets have gone up. It looks like we'll need a few extra months of saving money in order to make it on that vacation.

Opinions

As of late, I have been attracted to blogs where people speak their minds and give their opinions, seemingly unafraid. Having grown up in a family where my opinion was not respected, I realize I'm a little sensitive and maybe hyper sensitive to the fact that my opinions mean nothing. I admire a person who can give their opinion without that fear. It is more admirable to me to realize that families can stay intact when everyone doesn't agree. A goal worth fighting for in my own family.

Obama supports Gay Marriage, Romney too?

This article comes from the website: http://www.worldaffairsbrief.com/ OBAMA RISKS ALL ON GAY MARRIAGE SUPPORT Obama went public with his stance in favor of same-sex marriage and recommended it be recognized throughout the nation. It’s a risky move because this issue, like abortion, tends to polarize people throughout the nation. Bloomberg writes that “Even as opinion polls show growing approval of same-sex marriage nationally, opposition remains strong in some battleground states, as North Carolina voted to ban gay marriage and Colorado Republicans killed a measure to approve civil unions.” “I don’t think it could cost him the election, but I think they’re scared it might, and they don’t want to take the chance,” said Jim Williams, issue polling specialist for Public Policy Polling, a Raleigh, North Carolina-based Democratic research firm. “Politicians are cautious people. Public opinion on gay marriage is shifting very quickly.” Meanwhile Republican candidate Mitt Romney is mum on the issue (so far), after seeing the hiring of a neocon gay spokesman blow up in his face. He and his campaign made a serious tactical error by taking on a homosexual activist (Richard Grinnell as foreign policy spokesperson) to placate the homosexual lobby and assumed that Grinnell would confine his activism to Romney’s foreign policy (which was bad enough in itself). But Grinnell is also a persistent campaigner for same-sex marriage which is in opposition to Romney’s position. Grinnell either resigned or was let go (depending on the source) because he would not discontinue his public support for gay marriage. It was extremely naive of Romney to think a gay activist would self-censor, especially a neocon who came from globalist John Bolton’s staff at the UN. This move to bring Grinnell into his campaign sent yet another negative signal about Romney to evangelical conservatives who, sensing that Romney’s nomination is inevitable, wanted to believe that he wasn’t “that bad” after all. All the emerging goodwill that was starting to accrue to his candidacy eroded once again as Romney continues to show himself to be an unreliable conservative who can’t be trusted not to pander to both sides. [END]

Cold Sores

I took Bruce to the Doctor today. It was our first time at this particular doctor, Douglas Walker, and we really liked him. Logan is only 25 minutes away, but that is far enough that I decided to change doctors so that we can stay in our own city when we need to be seen. So, Bruce has cold sores instead of hand/foot/mouth disease. The doctor told us Bruce's case is as bad as it gets. So he gave us some strong pain medication, lortab, and an antiviral medicine to help it from getting worse. Hopefully little Bruce can get some relief now. He's asleep now.

Hand/Foot/Mouth Disease

There's nothing quite like a good dose of hand/foot/mouth disease for your 2 year old to make you realize how good you have it when said 2 year old is healthy. Bruce has been so uncomfortable for the last 4 days. He can't eat comfortably and he wakes up often wimpering in pain. It is so pitiful. Not to mention Joseph, our 9 year old, hasn't been feeling well either. I hope he isn't coming down with a flu bug. He never wants to sleep and lay around on the couch when he gets home from school and yet here it is 7:10pm and he is sound asleep on the couch.

Bruce, The Two Year Old

Aaah little Bruce. You are two years old and full of life and energy. You are learning your boundaries, but loving to explore outside those boundaries. You are keeping me on my toes and the rest of the family too. Trying to keep you safe every day has become quite the chore. You are innocent and adorable. Your church teachers adore you. So do the neighbors. You are a joy to the 38 year old paraplegic who lives next door. His life was forever altered 20 months ago when he was involved in an accident at his work. A big piece of machinery fell and landed on him, crushing him and leaving him without the ability to walk anymore. He has rebuilt his life and redefined himself. He frequently sees you outside playing with your trucks and toys and he comes out to say hello to you. You are afraid of him. You don't trust him. But you make him smile as he tries to gain that trust of yours. His name is Ron. Today, as I spend my energy keeping little Bruce safe, I will be grateful that the dog, Baxter, doesn't have hands to be able to reach and open the doors to let himself out. One two year old is enough.

Hokey Pokey

On Sunday Jared and I will teach the Family Relations class together at church. I hope that we will be able to share some of our experiences and that the class will be edified by it. It is always a bit intimidating and frightening to share with others personal experiences. The thing that gets to me the most though is that the class members end up knowing a lot more about us than we do about them. Nevertheless, I want to share because I believe it will do some good. And that's what it's all about. So they say. Before I go into the Hokey Pokey song and dance, I'll end this post saying, have a great day! It's good to be alive.

Vacations...

Hubby and I are beginning the process of planning a Southern California vacation. We'd like to go to Disneyland a couple of days and the beach for a day. Vacationsmadeeasy.com and getawaytoday.com have some good deals. I wouldn't call them great deals, and I'm continuing to look for a great deal. If you have any suggestions, send them my way. I'd grately appreciate it! If not, I'll update you if I find any.

Home Remedy

I found a fabulous cure for bladder infections. Braggs makes a vinegar that has not been purified. Take 2-3 teaspoons and drink it straight, preferably not on an empty stomach. Within a half an hour you will feel a difference. Do it again a few hours later. Twice a day worked for me. Do this for a day after all of your symptoms go away.

Drinking lots of water throughout the day is essential.

If you start to feel a bladder infection coming on, start with the vinegar to ward off the infection.

Works awesome! And no doctors and no antibiotics!

Mitt Romney can beat Obama... Not

With the dropping out of Rick Santorum from the presidential race, we are hearing more and more about the republican party uniting around Mitt Romney as the one who can beat Barack Obama. I totally and respectfully disagree with them.

I tried to respond to a post on another board my feelings on this matter. Apparently I can't post on that board for whatever reason, but I wanted to share what I wrote anyway.

"Mr. Peterson, I respectfully disagree with you. I believe that Dr. Paul could win against Barack Obama. Like you said regarding getting Mitt elected, people would have to get out and support Ron Paul too. In the recent past, I prayed for the Lord to support Mitt's campaign. My answer from the Lord has led me against supporting Mitt Romney. Among other things, he makes a mockery of the idea that people have the right to take care of themselves the way they deem, no matter how pitiful is may seem to you and others. And no matter how much of a fit some of the American people throw a fit for the government to take care of them. Struggling to take care of one's self is part of this earthly existence. It is where personal growth takes place. Rob that, and you rob growth. I cannot support that idea. And I'll try to convince anyone and everyone I know against supporting Mitt. Whether he is the one who can beat Obama is secondary. I have to support the candidate who I believe is right for the country. That is Dr. Ron Paul."


The American people put Barack Obama in the Oval Office! Way too many of the American people have lost the principles of freedom and don't understand the proper role of government. Once freedom is lost here, where will the world turn to run from the tyranny that is coming our way if we continue on the path we are currently on? Mitt Romney is way too close to Barack Obama on too many of the issues!

I found an awesome website where the webpage owner has collected talks concerning freedon and the proper role of government. Check it out. www.latterdayconservative.com

What killed England?

Would any of us consider ourselves Communist supporters? I know I wouldn't. However, I know I have bought into this idea. In fact, I was taught it in my youth that the government would support our family; both of my parents worked for the government and I was taught that the government would always be there to take care of us as though we were too weak to take care of ourselves. *edit* Both my parents were taxpayers. But to clarify, they lived in the attitude that they couldn't take care of themselves or our family. Ugh! *end edit* Sorry Mom and Dad, but you have it all backwards.


'The Proper Role of Government', by Ezra Taft Benson:

“England was killed by an idea: the idea that the weak, indolent and profligate must be supported by the strong, industrious, and frugal – to the degree that tax-consumers will have a living standard comparable to that of taxpayers; the idea that government exists for the purpose of plundering those who work to give the product of their labor to those who do not work. The economic and social cannibalism produced by this communist-socialist idea will destroy any society which adopts it and clings to it as a basic principle – ANY society.”


How many of us believe that the government should take from the rich people and give it to the poor people?

The Proper Role

Ezra Taft Benson gives a talk called The Proper Role of Government. Here is an excerpt from that talk:


'I believe we Americans should use extreme care before lending our support to any proposed government program. We should fully recognize that government is no plaything. As George Washington warned, “Government is not reason, it is not eloquence – it is force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master!” (The Red Carpet, p.142) It is an instrument of force and unless our conscience is clear that we would not hesitate to put a man to death, put him in jail or forcibly deprive him of his property for failing to obey a given law, we should oppose it.'


Am I prepared to put someone in jail or have him be put to death for not getting health insurance? Obamacare? No way. Only recently have I learned of the true principles of freedom and the proper role of government. Now I want to warn everyone I know. Sadly, many seem too busy providing for their families, and some are just simply apethetic. My own children are being taught.

Horrible, then Beautiful

What a horrible scene this paints! At first. But then, what a beautiful scene it paints!

Helaman Chapter 3.

33 And in the fifty and first year of the reign of the judges there was peace also, save it were the pride which began to enter into the church—not into the church of God, but into the hearts of the people who professed to belong to the church of God—

34 And they were lifted up in pride, even to the persecution of many of their brethren. Now this was a great evil, which did cause the more humble part of the people to suffer great persecutions, and to wade through much affliction.

35 Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.

Weekend happenings

We have a super busy weekend. It starts off today with going to a play at the school. Joseph was one of the crew in a play about Napoleon Dynamite. Jared and Eric are going camping with the Young Men scouts tonight. I have a baptism to go to tomorrow morning. Rex has a birthday party to go to tomorrow morning. Tomorrow night Vanessa and I are going to Salt Lake to go to the General Young Women conference. And then on Sunday I have the lesson in Primary sharing time.

Justice and Mercy

I hope we are taking notes that as to how we obtain God's mercy. It seems many in the world think that they can sin without fear of a punishment. The prophet Alma does an excellent job of explaining how justice and mercy work in the Book of Mormon, Alma chapters 39-42. Before I confessed by sins, forsook them, and repented, I struggled to understand how I wouldn't obtain Gods' mercy because I told myself I was 'doing the best' I could. Really, I was just protecting my pride and didn't want to confess. I mean, let's face it, it can be quite embarrassing to confess. At least it was for me. Now that I've done it, I have peace. But I was willing to pay the price of all the embarrassment so that I could have that peace. Sadly, there are many who won't pay the price. If that is you, I can testify that any embarrassment you might face is nothing compared to the beauty of the peace you will find.

It's like when you have to use the drought {toilet.} You are miserable as you hold in the fecal matter. But, when you use the toilet, relieving yourself of the toxicity, you feel at peace again. Yes, the bathroom will stink for awhile, and embarrass you, but the smell will dissipate, and any remembrance of the pain and toxicity you were holding in, as well as the residual smell will vanish forever. It is a beautiful thing.


Alma speaking to his son Corianton:

1 And now, my son, I perceive there is somewhat more which doth worry your mind, which ye cannot understand—which is concerning the justice of God in the punishment of the sinner; for ye do try to suppose that it is injustice that the sinner should be consigned to a state of misery.
...

29 And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance.

30 O my son, I desire that ye should deny the justice of God no more. Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins, by denying the justice of God; but do you let the justice of God, and his mercy, and his long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust in humility.

Redemption and Forgiveness

My father has long told me that I have no authority to call anyone to repentance. He says that only the Brethren can do that. I disagree and have always disagreed with him. It has never set well with me every time he has tried to get me to agree with him. Now I have to backing to why I always felt that way. I wish I could convince him.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson says in this latest General Conference:

Repentance is an expansive subject, but today I would like to mention just five aspects of this fundamental gospel principle that I hope will be helpful.

First, the invitation to repent is an expression of love. When the Savior “began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17)it was a message of love, inviting all who would to qualify to join Him “and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life [itself] in the world to come” (Moses 6:59). If we do not invite others to change or if we do not demand repentance of ourselves, we fail in a fundamental duty we owe to one another and to ourselves. A permissive parent, an indulgent friend, a fearful Church leader are in reality more concerned about themselves than the welfare and happiness of those they could help. Yes, the call to repentance is at times regarded as intolerant or offensive and may even be resented, but guided by the Spirit, it is in reality an act of genuine caring (see D&C 121:43–44).



Friendship has eluded me with many of my extended family members for a season. It has been a source of great sorrow to me. Nevertheless, I rejoice in my own repentance and in the forgiveness I have received. I tell everyone who will listen to me of the redemption Christ has given me.

Who is ruining our country?

President of the United States Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act in 1913. The signing of this Act gave a private institution the power to print our money. A private institution, my friends. No longer is it the job of the United States Treasury. Here is what President Woodrow Wilson said years later:


28th President Woodrow Wilson, 1919
“I am a most unhappy man. I have unwittingly ruined my country. A great industrial nation is now controlled by its system of credit… We have come to be one of the worst ruled, one of the most completely controlled and dominated Governments in the world - no longer a Government of free opinion, no longer a Government by conviction and vote of the majority, but a Government by the opinion and duress of small groups of dominant men.”

Charles A. Lindbergh, Sr (father of famous aviator), Congressman - 1913
"This [Federal Reserve Act] establishes the most gigantic trust on earth. When the President Wilson signs this bill, the invisible government of the monetary power will be legalized....the worst legislative crime of the ages is perpetrated by this banking and currency bill. From now on, depressions will be scientifically be created."

Please, please read None Dare Call It Conspiracy. It exposes who this group of small dominant men are and how they are ruining our country. Go to youtube and find out everything you can about the Federal Reserve. Then tell all your friends and family members.

Training

Life is busy, but not too busy. The kids are doing well. Jared is busy with his work. I am busy with keeping up with the house and all that comes with rearing 5 energetic children. I think often of a woman who had a dream that she was feeding the missionaries dinner at her home (which she was famous for doing in real life because she rolled out the red carpet for them.) In her dream, there were missionaries at her table for dinner, her family, and a man who she didn't look closely at because she was busy with getting the meal on the table. After awhile, her husband began speaking with the man. And as she made her way over to the man, she recognized him as Jesus. He told her that she had well-trained children, among other things. But, that is the thing that has been going through my mind over and over again. Well-trained children. Training. I want well-trained children. Children with manners, respect, love, giving, full of truth and faith.

I worry about my children. Not the kind of worry that comes because you don't have confidence in your children, just the kind of worry that comes as a result of my own imperfections. It is my greatest wish that my children be ready to go out into the world and be that force for good that would make our Father in Heaven proud. I have full faith and confidence that my children are being taught from the perfect source. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Research

I hope we are all doing our research on what is going on in our country. I hope we are all reading the books suggested by our prophets. Freedom is at stake.

President Bensons recommendation

Here is the video clip of President Ezra Taft Benson recommending the book which exposes the conspiracy to bring down the United States of America. Here is the link to the FREE online book. I hope everyone will read it.



Here is another great talk by President Benson that is worth watching now that elections are upon us.


Thomas S. Monson said:
“His voice of warning over many years in the cause of freedom can be found in hundreds of his speeches and in his books, including The Red Carpet, The Title of Liberty, This Nation Shall Endure, and An Enemy Hath Done This. On the two-hundredth anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States, President Thomas S. Monson reflected: “I think it is no small coincidence in fact, I think it is the inspiration of the Almighty God that at this particular time we have serving as president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Ezra Taft Benson, one of the greatest advocates of freedom, and one of those who loves most the Constitution.”

( Source: Quoted in Baird, 7 )

England

I have a friend who lived for several months in England. While she was there she learned that the people there consider it rude to lift a bowl of milk to your mouth to drink. Rather, they use their spoon to bring the milk to their mouths. This morning my Rex, who is six right now, decided to finish his cereal with milk this way. I wondered if we were going to make it to school on time there for a minute. We did.

Ron Paul

Ron Paul is my choice for United States President to go against Barack Obama. I hope we are all doing our own research. I am pretty sure my Dad would disagree with me because he doesn't think he is electable. Either way, I am voting who I think is best for our country

Love

Love: Perhaps the reason this talk attracts me so much is because of how long I have spent during my life feeling UNloved, both by the Lord and my fellow-man. After much repentance, I now feel loved. But, the thing I love about this talk is the promise of feeling higher levels of love with greater consecration.


Elder Russell M. Nelson's talk:

Divine Love Is Also Conditional

While divine love can be called perfect, infinite, enduring, and universal, it cannot correctly be characterized as unconditional. The word does not appear in the scriptures. On the other hand, many verses affirm that the higher levels of love the Father and the Son feel for each of us—and certain divine blessings stemming from that love—are conditional. Before citing examples, it is well to recognize various forms of conditional expression in the scriptures.

The Conditional Nature of Divine Love

With scriptural patterns of conditional statements in mind, we note many verses that declare the conditional nature of divine love for us. Examples include:
•
“If ye keep my commandments, [then] ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.”18

•
“If you keep not my commandments, [then] the love of the Father shall not continue with you.”19

•
“If a man love me, [then] he will keep my words: and my Father will love him.”20

•
“I love them that love me; and those that seek me … shall find me.”21

•
“God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”22

•
The Lord “loveth those who will have him to be their God.”23

•
“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”24

Beautiful music

One of our new favorite songs. We are really enjoying Dallyn Bayles.

'Children of God as predatory beasts'

The television drives me crazy most of the time. Really most of the shows are disgusting. I used to be so desensitized by it and not bothered. Those days are gratefully gone. Now it bothers me a lot to see marriage and fidelity mocked, drinking is made to look glamourous, human relationships cruel with one another, etc. Elder Dallin H. Oaks says this:


'The movies and magazines and television that shape our attitudes are filled with stories or images that portray the children of God as predatory beasts or, at best, as trivial creations pursuing little more than personal pleasure. And too many of us accept this as entertainment.

The men and women who made epic sacrifices to combat evil regimes in the past were shaped by values that are disappearing from our public teaching. The good, the true, and the beautiful are being replaced by the no-good, the “whatever,” and the valueless fodder of personal whim. Not surprisingly, many of our youth and adults are caught up in pornography, pagan piercing of body parts, self-serving pleasure pursuits, dishonest behavior, revealing attire, foul language, and degrading sexual indulgence.'



I see many Latter-Day Saints accepting this as entertainment. Truly a shame.

The Piano Guys

Look over at the side of my blog-------------->>>>>>>>>

If this is your introduction to The Piano Guys, you are in for a real treat. My husband grew up in the same ward as Steve, the cellist, and they were in the same orchestra together in highschool. We are in awe at the beauty of their music.

This piece is so gorgeous and calms my soul.

Behind the scenes

I would say I am pretty naive when it comes to governments, politicians, lobbyists, special interest groups and the like. I don't spend my time seeking after power and looking for a handout from anyone. I am strongly opposed to government handouts. Of course, there are times when things happen to people, like hurricane Katrina, and the government steps in to give aid. Of course, even then, the people do a much better job with charitable organizations that a government agency. Nevertheless, I'm talking about people who, for example, go on food stamps while going to college. I'm with the prophets who teach us to save money to attend college, while taking semesters off, if needed, in order to save the money needed to avoid going on any government aid.

It is in this frame of mind that I search out who I will put in my vote for President of the United States in 2012.

A few years ago I read a book written by Gary Allen, which Ezra Taft Benson said all freedom loving people should read. It is called None Dare Call It Conspiracy. I read about secret groups that are organized to bring down freedom in the world. I read about groups like Trilateral commission and the CFR (Council on Foreign Relations.) I had never heard of this group and the others who are working to control what information we obtain through the news, media and entertainment, and newspapers, and truthfully I was only attracted to this topic of freedom because I married into a family who almost totally dissolved my freedom. They controlled nearly every aspect of my life and shamed me, humiliated me, and mocked me every time I 'tried' to use my free will. That is another story and a most sad one. But, this is what caused me to give great demand of my time as I read this book by Allen. Freedom. And who is trying to bring it down. The book talks about the Nelsons, Rockefellers, Rothschilds, Morgans and others. All of their work is done behind the scenes and if you don't know how to see the picture that is drawn behind it, you will be misled.

So, who is a member of the CFR? Well, Newt Gingrich is. Mitt Romney has chosen CFR members as his closest aids. Dick Cheney. Hillary Clinton is a member and more. You have to read this book, like President Benson says, to really get an understanding of what is happening in our world. I have posted several links that will give you a taste of what the book talks about. You can buy a hard copy as well, and I highly recommend it.

God's Hand

I have been thinking quite a bit lately about President Henry B. Eyring's thoughts on recognizing and writing down God's hand in our lives that happen daily. Immediately the thought comes into my mind of the peace I feel in my heart. I suffered so long with an uncomfortable, blech, in my stomach, that I'm reminded first off that I don't have that constant nagging anymore.

As I search my mind for other things that happened throughout the day, I find myself struggling a bit. So, I asked Heavenly Father. I'm still sifting through the events of the day, and I feel the Spirit as I'm thinking.

I am so grateful for this life and the chance to prove myself. It isn't easy fighting off pride, self-pity, covetting, envying, idolatry, etc. But I have my breastplate of righteousness, my shield of faith, my helmet of salvation, my feet shod with the gospel of peace, and of course my only weapon, the sword of truth.

With the temptations all around me, I feel so blessed to have the knowledge of Jesus Christ and that he is my Master, my King, my Counselor, my strength. I know I can get through it all with Him as my guide.

I love you all. May we each feel the love of the Lord in our hearts. May we feel His acceptance of us and our efforts to live as he lived. If you do not feel his love for you or his acceptance of you, may I suggest you search after it. It can be found and no matter how much effort you put into finding it, it will be worth every effort you make. I know that is true.

Two-Year Old Named Bruce

For history purposes, I have to write this post.

Bruce is a true terrible two. Here is the list of what happened the other day.

1. Climbing on the counter, turn on the water, play with the water sprayer. I come running in the kitchen, he turns the water sprayer and starts spraying me.

2. I walk around the house looking for him and I call out his name. No answer. I see that my bedroom door is closed. I try to open the door and it is locked. I retrieve the spare key and unlock the door, but can smell hairspray from the other side of the door. I go in my bedroom and he has my aerosol can of hairspray and he is spraying a piece of paper and the carpet. I move toward him and he turns the can of hairspray on me and sprays me.

3. We have a dog. We have a gas fireplace. The glass gets very hot. Bruce loves to chase the dog and pull on his collar. He pushes the dog against the hot glass and gets a kick out of the dogs reaction when it burns the dog.

4. He has found my bag of rice. He loves to eat it raw.

5. He climbs up on the washing machine.

6. He opens the oven door and uses it as trampoline.

7. He dropped Vanessa's necklace in the toilet and flushed it. When he realized it was gone forever, he cried for Vanessa's loss.

8. He runs down the street, running as fast as he can, with his big Tonka truck. It takes Jared and I running as fast as we can and we have a hard time catching him.

It is a crazy ride right now with this little guy. I don't know how I'll ever say I miss this stage. Older women tell me I will. I think they're crazy. I might eat my words someday, but that's okay.

Feelings

After reading in Ether this morning, my heart is heavy and sad. I don't know how you can read chapters 11-16 and not feel sad. Wait, I take that back, I do know how you can read those last chapters and not feel anything.

And that leads me into the discussion I'd like to have now.

When I was 27 years old I was a very sad woman and had been for 17 years. From the time I was ten year old, I constantly had this feeling in my heart that something wasn't right in my life. I would watch movies and not understand them. I would read and not understand what I was reading. I would watch the news and see stories where violent crimes had taken place, and I would FEEL nothing. Not that I wanted those horrible things to happen to those people, I just didn't have any feeling of horror when I knew I ought to. That disturbed me. A lot.

I would talk to my family members, friends, fellow church members, and ask anyone who I thought would have answers for me as to why I might be so unhappy and I was met with the same types of replies: they didn't know. My family members would get annoyed by my persistence in asking questions.

Several years later and I have found my answers as to why I was so unhappy and why I didn't feel horror when I should, neither did I feel love, nor loved, when I should.

The answer is in repentance. How is that? Because I had been searching for love and happiness in others' acceptance of me, in the malls, in saying the right things. I envied and coveted others' lives. I had a MAJOR 'poor me' outlook on life. I could never measure up to what I thought the world expected of me in order to be an acceptable person. The people around me didn't help me.

Now I feel love and loved. And oh do I feel loved. My joy is as exquisite as was my pain. I know this came from accepting Jesus as Lord and Ruler of my life. I live for Him. Words cannot describe the feelings I have for Him.

So, it wasn't so long ago that I didn't feel anything.

I am grateful today that I do.

I have a constant prayer in my heart that I will never, ever go back to who I was.

Wake Up!

How many times do we ignore the teachings of the Savior and think that we know a better way? It is safe to say that I spent way, way too long being rebellious and proud, and even still struggle to be obedient.

Mormon led the Nephites to war against the Lamanites. The Nephites were rebellious at this time and would boast in their successes. They had stopped giving the glory to God for their successes against their enemies, the Lamanites. Mormon had stopped being their leader once, but then changed his mind and decided to be their leader but says this:

Book of Mormon
Mormon 5:2 But behold, I was without hope, for I knew the judgments of the Lord which should come upon them; for they repented not of their iniquities, but did struggle for their lives without calling upon that Being who created them.


How sad! This story is so sad. May we all give glory to God for each and every day we have here on the earth to repent and learn to live the way He says.

Do we know what God's judgements are? Or do we suppose that God will look down upon our rebellion and be okay with it? He is not okay. I too know of Gods judgements. Looking at the world today, I can see the sense of urgency the Brethern have when they speak of joining the Lord's army and standing for something. How many of us are alseep? We need to wake up and repent of our sins so we can join the fight against Satan.

What's up...

We have been working so hard to finish our yard outside and it has been consuming all of our time and extra money. Eric and Joseph finished up the football season and both of them had an awesome experience. I recently asked the kids if they like living in our new home and neighborhood better than our old one. It was a unanimous response... 'yes!' Jared and I agree as well. It was such a good move.

Bruce is almost completely potty trained and 2 years old as of Sept 9th.

Rex is learning his letters and sounds in kindergarten. He has Mrs. Roberts.

Joseph is in 4th grade. He loves to read.

Eric is in 6th grade and started middle school. He is a good friend. His primary teachers love him

Vanessa is in 7th grade. Her judgement is getting better. She started a tumbling class and hopes to be a professional gymnist and violinist someday.

Jared works hard. He is making new friends here.

I rejoice in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love having Jesus as my guide. I have found where happiness is.

Dedicate my life

Speaking of the horrible tragedy of 9/11 President Thomas S. Monson said this:

'It is constancy that God would have from us. Tragedies are not merely opportunities to give Him a fleeting thought, or for momentary insight to His plan for our happiness. Destruction allows us to rebuild our lives in the way He teaches us, and to become something different than we were. We can make Him the center of our thoughts and His Son, Jesus Christ, the pattern for our behavior. We may not only find faith in God in our sorrow. We may also become faithful to Him in times of calm.'

Thomas S. Monson is president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.


I add my own thoughts and testimony that 'I need thee every hour' to our Savior Jesus Christ. I have begun to start my day with a prayer where I dedicate my day to Him. My kids hear me pray for this and have begun to pray for the same thing. The power of inviting the Lord into my life has been tremendous. I feel His guidance and my mind has had greater clarity to sense that guidance.

New School Year

Hi Everyone!

It is a new school year and the kids are really enjoying school. Vanessa and Eric are at the Intermediate school together, while Joseph and Rex are at the Elementary school together. Rex started kindergarten and has loved the first two days.

I am home with Bruce. I spend my days cleaning and cooking and planning meals and coordinating scout den meetings. Another part of my day is spent talking to friends. I have met two women here in our new neighborhood that seem to be a lot like me too.

Jared and I are also putting in a sprinkling system in our yard. Actually Jared is doing it while I chase after Bruce as he runs down the street. Aww! The joys of having an almost two year old.

Life is busy and sometimes seems like it gets so busy that there isn't time for the Lord. I have to purposefully set time out of my day for personal study and prayer. I get reoccurring dreams that I miss my Institute/Religion class when I don't make the time for what is most important in my day.

The Good Fight

As I was reading my scriptures this morning, I read in Alma Chapter 1. King Mosiah has passed away and appointed Alma the younger to be the chief judge in the judgement seat. In the first year, a man is brought before Alma and here is what it says about this man:

2 And it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of Alma in the judgment-seat, there was a a man brought before him to be judged, a man who was large, and was noted for his much strength.

3 And he had gone about among the people, preaching to them that which he termed to be the word of God, bearing down against the church; declaring unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; and they ought not to labor with their hands, but that they ought to be supported by the people.

4 And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and had also redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life.

The thing that is so disturbing to me is that I see so many people believe this lie. All men will not be redeemed when they have spent their mortal days in rebellion to God.

Then I read in 1 John 2: 4-5

4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

Continuing on with the good fight....
Have a good day! Give glory to God! Keep his commandments!

Saying I'm sorry can be hard, but not impossible

The other day Vanessa was over at a friends house. They were together for the better part of the afternoon. I had told Vanessa to come home at 5pm. She arrived home at 5pm along with her friend. She asked me if they could play until 5:30pm. I told her no. Thirty minutes goes by and I keep calling out for Vanessa to come help me get dinner on the table. There is no response. I go outside in the front and call out her name. No response. Ten more minutes goes by and I go out onto the fron porch to clean up a mud mess. I see Vanessa's friend walking out from behind where I had parked the van.

I call Vanessa over to me and tell her what she did broke my trust in her. She said sorry. I asked her if she had the 'ick' in her stomach. She said yes. I told her that I need her to follow my instructions in order for me to be able to trust her. She understands. I told her to call her friend and apologize to her for not making her go home at 5 and to tell her that she is sorry for not respecting my instructions. I also told her to tell her friend that she doesn't want her to think it is okay to treat her mother that way either. Her friend says, 'Okay, but I've gotta go.'

This friend has not made peace with me yet. She knew I told her to leave. She disrespected me too.

Instead of coming and apologizing to me, she has become sneaky.

I told Vanessa to tell her that if she wants to be friends with her, she needs to apologize to me.

We'll see what happens. I hope this girl apologizes and her sneakiness doesn't have to be brought to her own mothers attention.

These girls are 12 and 13 years old. I find it a priviledge to teach them the doctrine of repentance. I love teaching the children how to have successful, respectful relationships. I love seeing the look in my kids eyes when they understand what I teach them. It brings me great joy!

Camp, football, and spirituality

Today Vanessa left for beehive camp. I was excited and nervous for her as she got out of the car. We are in a new ward and the fact that she has rarely been away from us for the night are the main explanations for my anxiety. I'm sure she'll be fine and come home with fun stories to tell us about.

The boys, Eric and Joseph, start football tonight too.

We also have been called to be the Bears and Webelos Scout leaders in our ward and have our first meeting tonight with the boys. That should be fun. Jared has had this calling before and so it is very familiar to him. As for me? Well, let's just say there will have to be small learning curve.

Spiritually speaking, I am working on being steadfast and immovable in the fight to stand up for virtue and goodness, and stand against apathy and evil. It seems all around me that people allow their standards to follow the ways of the world. Blech! I despise the shame of the world and look forward to the day where I can rest from all the worlds disobedience. I look forward with hope to the day when I can meet my Savior again. But surely I'm glad it isn't today for I still have work to do. Today is the day for men to perform their labors... as the scriputes goes. Tomorrow the Savior comes... we read in the scriptures. So, today I work, always looking forward to tomorrow.

We've moved

Here's a picture of our house in the unfinished view. I don't have a current picture uploaded yet on the computer.

But, we are in our new place, we've already given our talks in our new ward, and been welcomed warmly in our new neighborhood. Vanessa turned 12 and is in Beehives, Eric turned 11, and Joseph is turning 9 on Sunday.

I feel so grateful to be in this new place, and I'm not just talking about our physical address. I am continually working on my relationship with Heavenly Father, and working to change from my old ways.

Busy, busy

Our lives have been crazy busy the last couple of weeks.

In Vanessa's English class she is working in a group to film a scene from The Bridge to Teribithia. It has been a gigantic project. It is due tomorrow, thankfully. She has worked hard on it and I can't wait to see the final work. She's finishing up on it tonight.

Eric is getting his Webelos tonight. I am so proud of him.

And then of course, the selling of our home has been a huge time consumer. As part of the deal the buyers of our home have asked that we put new shingles on our roof over the garage and front door areas only. Jared will be working on that over the next 7 days.

Life just keeps on moving and time flies by.

Sold!!!

So the buyers of our house came back with another counter offer that we are accepting. Yea! Our realtor is so awesome! He is taking $o.oo commission to make this deal happen. Jared will compensate him with an engraved garden rock for his home. We'll also probably do another rock or two for him in the future.

In the past, we have sold 2 other homes to .... divorced, single, middle-aged men. Not that there is anything wrong with divorced, single, middle-aged men. I just really wanted to sell this house to a family.

Happy day today!
-Sarah

An offer

Adorable little Bruce at 1 year old- 6 months ago!

Yesterday our realtor called us to tell us that an offer for our home was coming in and that he would come by to present it to us. He said he didn't know what the offer looked like or if it would be acceptable to us.

So, the offer is considerably under what we would accept. We sent them a counter offer and we'll know tonight after 5pm what they think of our counter.

This process is exciting and stressful and tiring all at the same time. The kids have been working so hard alongside Jared and I to keep the house clean. They have been so great in the process and they amaze me at their understanding of the whole process. Frequently I have to remind myself that they are little adult human beings.

More updates to follow...

Not much to say..

Recently we have been getting ready to move. Over the last 3 months we have spent most of our time either cleaning up the house to get ready for people to come see it, or making plans for the new house.

Parent Teacher Conference

I went to the boys parent teacher conference meetings. Joseph's teacher is a delight. She cares so much about Joseph and his progress.

Eric's teacher was quite a different story. Eric's class is doing a project where they are highlighting a famous person, making a poster with basic details about the person, and then they are going to have a fair where the kids are to dress up like their famous person and have parents/family members try to guess who they are.

I am so disappointed with the book Eric was given to highlight his person: Theodore Roosevelt. The last few years it has been increasingly important to me to learn the truth. The focus on Teddy Roosevelt is about his army service, being president of the United States, his influence on the game of football, and some family information.

Eric isn't being told the truth about who Teddy Roosevelt really is. I brought this to his teacher's attention. Her response was so disappointing. Sad.

New Year

I haven't been on in awhile. I don't have a good excuse.

I do want to update what has been going on in the last little while.

Vanessa has been growing into a beautiful young woman. She would be embarrassed to read that. She loves to go to school and is learning more and more. She performed with her violin in the Christmas concert at her school. Her primary has challenged her to read the scriptures everyday and she takes that challenge with some seriousness. Little 16 month old Bruce loves her and you find him on her hip often. She loves to read and recently won a contest called 'Beat the teach.' She also love fingernail polish, earrings, and her friends. I love you Vanessa.

Eric is coming into his own more and more. He wants to do what is right. He loves his friends and really enjoys playing football with them out in the field. He has found a fun sport which he enjoys, football. He is good at football and he impresses his friends. He loves to watch football with his dad. He enjoys school and he learns easily. He has struggled to find a book he enjoys but recently found a series he is really get in to. I am happy for him. I love you Eric.

Joseph is a fun person to be around. He loves school and learns easily. He has a magnetic personality that draws people to him. He is the leader in the family with creative ideas for fun. If we're bored, we look to Joseph for ways to entertain ourselves. His siblings love his ideas. He loves to play football as much as his brother Eric does. He has a drive that makes him a favorite of his recent football coaches. He loves friends, and he is a good one too. I love you Joseph.

Rex is a spunky kid. He loves to be around his older brothers. He is anxiously waiting to go to school this coming fall. He has an infectious laugh and he loves to let me cuddle with him. He shares his bedroom with his little brother Bruce and is kind to him. I love you Rex.

Bruce is the most adorable 16 month old boy. He is learning a lot. His favorite thing to do is pull his popper around the house. He says words and understands what we are saying. He loves his brothers and sister. He has finally started sleeping through the night. I love you Bruce.

Jared is working a lot and taking good care of our home. He loves to play football with his boys, and take Vanessa for daddy daughter dates to the grocery store every now and then. He loves to try new foods and has me doing the same. I love that about him. He has found a renewed love for the scriptures and I love to hear him read to us. He is a member of the Elders Quorum basketball team and enjoys that. He also enjoys working out to his P90X dvds and keeping himself active. I love you Jared.

I am enjoying taking care of our home. I find the tediousness of the jobs I have to be a joy. The children and husband I have been given are a joy for me to take care of. I love them so much. I enjoy reading. I miss exercise. I love Heavenly Father and Jesus. And I love to learn. My greatest joys come from learning and growing. I love to see the progress our little family has made in being more obedient and faithful. I love to see the little miracles in our lives.

Freedom

Freedom is a most precious gift. We must not forget who our freedom comes from: God. It is to Him we owe our adoration and allegiance.

Unity

'There has been a call for national unity in our land. I believe there needs to be unity. But it must not be a blind, senseless, irresponsible unity. It should not be a unity for the sake of unity. It needs to be a unity based on sound principles.'

This can be said of relationships as well.

Thank you Ezra Taft Benson...I couldn't agree more.

This talk is a must listen to.

A beautiful new blog I stumbled upon...

I stumbled on this blog that I just am loving. To give you a taste of the beauty of this blog, I borrowed this poem:

"Hate"

I used to hate to sweep the floors and mop and scrub and dust.
I used to hate to wash and iron and wonder why I must;
The dishes too, that awful task, that came three times a day.
I sometimes thought I'd call a strike, or maybe run away.

A gray-haired neighbor came one day, when I was all upset
With churning, baking, washing, and dinner yet to get.
I told her how I hated it, my life was but a grind;
She smiled and said perhaps my trials were mostly in my mind.

I doubted her, and yet her hair was white as driven snow.
She'd lived a heap more years than I, and surely ought to know.
"These tasks are not so hard," she said, "I've done them all my life."
It's just because you hate, my dear, that causes all the strife."

I thought perchance she might be right, and so I tried her scheme
And brought about such changes it seems just like a dream;
I ceased to hate and lo, behold! my home became a shrine of love.
And all the hated humble tasks seemed like blessings from above.

~Agnes Just Reid

Friends are hard to come by...

I am starting to get a taste of being the mother to older children. SCARY! I have worked so hard to help my children know who they are. I can't think of any greater fight against the temptations of the devil than this. When they come home from school and open up to me about how their day was, I can immediately see how Satan has been working on them. For example, Vanessa came home talking about a girl who is bullying her. The next conversation out of her was about how she doesn't like the color of her hair. What? Why these two topics together? So, I began to prod into what Vanessa's feelings were. I asked, 'Do you have any good friends at school Vanessa?' 'No, not really.' 'Do you think if you change the color of your hair that people will like you more?' I said. 'I don't know. Maybe.' She says.

So, I see my work in front of me. Just like that. 'Vanessa, what will you have to change next to make sure they like you?' She said, 'I get it Mom.' I said 'Keep looking for someone who you won't have to change who you are in order to be their friend.'

Vanessa has yet to find a good friend that is like her. She feels very alone. So far the girls she has found are the type of girls who find their self worth in worldliness.

Let this be a lesson to us all. Teach our children to find self worth in knowing they are a child of God and they have a special work to do here on this earth. Turn away from worldliness, and turn toward holiness.

Sidenote: After researching why my epidural shot didn't seem to have worked after that first couple of days I found out that the relief I was getting was from the lidocaine they used to numb the area for the actual procedure of getting the shot. The medicine inserted can take 10 days to 2 weeks to kick in.