Question: How can I better feel, and be open to, God's love?
Answer: Ether 5: chapter heading and verse 1
My interpretation: Heavenly Father has already told me what I should do (as this topic has been on my mind and in my prayers generally for several days) through:
1. Inspiration I received the other day through my reading of the talk "Be Not Afraid, Only Believe."
2. Tia's inspiration that she needed to remove her pride and acknowledge her weaknesses and her need for Christ's mercy and grace.
3. The inspiration I received yesterday to read "A Heart Like His".
In addition, both Travis (in his husband's blessing) and Elder Nelson (in his CES fireside) this last week have blessed me to be able to feel God's love (and to see manifestations of it in my life), so now I just need to do my part.
So I need to 1. Have faith (in His love), 2. Be humble (acknowledging the blessings and help I receive from God), 3. Have an open heart and mind (humbly be open and willing to receive it and share it), 4. Seek it, 5. Wait upon the Lord, 6. Follow Christ (follow His example and keep His commandments), and 7. Repent.
As thought about this topic more throughout the day, and discussed it with Travis, I received further insights:
1. To see myself as Heavenly Father and Jesus see me (They love me perfectly and they know me intimately. They know my potential. I am a being of light to them, and a beloved daughter and sister.)
2. When I have a thought about myself, ask "Is this coming from God or Satan?" "Is it what I think about myself, what I think others might think about me, or what God truly thinks about me?"
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
30 Day Challenge: Day 2
Question: How can I have a deeper love for my family and a greater desire to serve them (so I can further nurture them in kindness and empathy and help them to be responsible and happy)?
Answer: Alma 31:37-38
My interpretation: I need to put the needs of my family first before my wants, trusting that Heavenly Father will provide for my needs (through my family members and others) and give me strength.
Answer: Alma 31:37-38
My interpretation: I need to put the needs of my family first before my wants, trusting that Heavenly Father will provide for my needs (through my family members and others) and give me strength.
Monday, January 11, 2016
Sister Nelson's 30 Day Challenge: Day 1
Last Sunday, Travis and I had the pleasure of watching a CES Fireside with Elder and Sister Nelson. In her address, Sister Nelson gave this challenge: To daily kneel in prayer and thank Heavenly Father for the scriptures. Ask Heavenly Father the question that weights heaviest on your mind that day. Then pray to be guided to the answer in the scriptures, and search (as guided). Do this for 30 days and see what happens. President Nelson taught that only God has the answer to our most important questions.
Intrigued by the challenge, and hopeful to receive answers, I began my 30 day challenge the following day.
Day 1:
Question: How do I overcome my current depression?
Answer: Before I give my answer, I'd like to briefly explain how I have sought for answers through the scriptures in the past (which I have done from time to time, but had never considered doing daily). It is a method that was given to me by my grandma Lorraine, who received it from her mother, who had received it from an early general authority of the Church. The process is that I kneel in prayer, telling Heavenly Father the question or issue that I would like His answer to or help with. I then tell Him the things that I have already pondered about it, and the answer that I subsequently feel is correct. I then ask for him to confirm or discount my answer (with my heart open and willing to do His will) based on feelings I receive in my heart and the scriptures I am led to read (either a direct answer or one that is generally positive or negative in feeling). I then hold my scriptures in front of me with my thumbs on the pages, and am still for several moments, picturing the closed scriptures in front of me and waiting to see a section of it appear "highlighted" in my minds eye or have a place that feels "right" to open to with my fingers. I then, with my eyes still closed, open the scriptures and again wait a few moments until I "see" a highlighted section or have a feeling about a particular place on the page to read. Then I open my eyes and begin reading that section, usually to a passage that clearly answers my question. If, however, it is not especially clear on the first opening, I repeat the process 1-2 more times until it becomes clear. (I know everyone has a particular method that works for them, but this process has been helpful to me and the women in my family before me.)
The scripture I opened to on this day was Mosiah 5:13-15.
My interpretation:
1. Serve God (including magnifying my callings).
2. Come to know Him and His voice (inc. thinking about, praising Him, and speaking to Him often; asking for His help, reading the scriptures, and heeding promptings).
3. Be steadfast and immovable (in my testimony and faith.) (Inc. trusting in God to help and heal me).
4. Always abound in good works (serve others and God, as He would have me do--follow promptings).
*As I reflected later in the day about the answer I had received from the scriptures, it all made sense: When we know we are doing God's will (#1), our self confidence and feelings of self-worth increases. When we come to know God (#2), we better feel His love and our love for Him grows. When we trust in God (#3), our hope and faith increases. And when we serve (#4), our focus is taken off of ourselves and our own problems.
I received further insight as I read the teachings of Howard W. Hunter later that day:
*"How often do we think of the Savior? How deeply, gratefully, and adoringly do we reflect on His life? How central o our lives do we know Him to be?
*"Jesus is our only true source of hope and lasting joy."
*I need to turn my heart to Him and humbly obey His commandments.
I had been simply recording my experiences in my scripture journal until yesterday, when I felt prompted to (like my sister-in-law Tia), record them here as well. I hope sharing my experiences will be of some benefit to those of you who read them.
Intrigued by the challenge, and hopeful to receive answers, I began my 30 day challenge the following day.
Day 1:
Question: How do I overcome my current depression?
Answer: Before I give my answer, I'd like to briefly explain how I have sought for answers through the scriptures in the past (which I have done from time to time, but had never considered doing daily). It is a method that was given to me by my grandma Lorraine, who received it from her mother, who had received it from an early general authority of the Church. The process is that I kneel in prayer, telling Heavenly Father the question or issue that I would like His answer to or help with. I then tell Him the things that I have already pondered about it, and the answer that I subsequently feel is correct. I then ask for him to confirm or discount my answer (with my heart open and willing to do His will) based on feelings I receive in my heart and the scriptures I am led to read (either a direct answer or one that is generally positive or negative in feeling). I then hold my scriptures in front of me with my thumbs on the pages, and am still for several moments, picturing the closed scriptures in front of me and waiting to see a section of it appear "highlighted" in my minds eye or have a place that feels "right" to open to with my fingers. I then, with my eyes still closed, open the scriptures and again wait a few moments until I "see" a highlighted section or have a feeling about a particular place on the page to read. Then I open my eyes and begin reading that section, usually to a passage that clearly answers my question. If, however, it is not especially clear on the first opening, I repeat the process 1-2 more times until it becomes clear. (I know everyone has a particular method that works for them, but this process has been helpful to me and the women in my family before me.)
The scripture I opened to on this day was Mosiah 5:13-15.
My interpretation:
1. Serve God (including magnifying my callings).
2. Come to know Him and His voice (inc. thinking about, praising Him, and speaking to Him often; asking for His help, reading the scriptures, and heeding promptings).
3. Be steadfast and immovable (in my testimony and faith.) (Inc. trusting in God to help and heal me).
4. Always abound in good works (serve others and God, as He would have me do--follow promptings).
*As I reflected later in the day about the answer I had received from the scriptures, it all made sense: When we know we are doing God's will (#1), our self confidence and feelings of self-worth increases. When we come to know God (#2), we better feel His love and our love for Him grows. When we trust in God (#3), our hope and faith increases. And when we serve (#4), our focus is taken off of ourselves and our own problems.
I received further insight as I read the teachings of Howard W. Hunter later that day:
*"How often do we think of the Savior? How deeply, gratefully, and adoringly do we reflect on His life? How central o our lives do we know Him to be?
*"Jesus is our only true source of hope and lasting joy."
*I need to turn my heart to Him and humbly obey His commandments.
I had been simply recording my experiences in my scripture journal until yesterday, when I felt prompted to (like my sister-in-law Tia), record them here as well. I hope sharing my experiences will be of some benefit to those of you who read them.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Thanksgiving Week Fun
We've had a wonderful Thanksgiving week! Grace and Bethany's vacation started Wednesday, and Travis was off of work Thursday and Friday, which meant lots of fun family time.
Bethany had a "Thankful Celebration" at preschool on Tuesday, where the class read the story of the Little Red Hen and made corn muffins together. They also got these adorable headbands, which I thought looked SO cute on her! I'm so grateful for the wonderful teachers my girls have at both school and Church. We truly are blessed by their loving care!
Since my parents were in Texas earlier this week, we decided to postpone our Thanksgiving dinner until Saturday so we could celebrate with them. So on Thanksgiving day, we took it easy, played at Fair Park, and had a family pizza party, then joined some friends (the Tippets and James') for a dessert buffet. We had a great day, and loved spending a lazy day together with family and friends.
On Friday, we took the girls to Chuck E Cheese to redeem the tokens they had earned during the summer reading program, then out to lunch at Burger King (their favorite). When we got home, we decorated the Christmas tree while Kaylee and Cambree took a nap. Grace and Bethany loved helping decorate! When I asked Grace a couple weeks ago what she was most excited about for Christmas (traditions wise), she had said "Putting up decorations." ;) And while we were decorating, she exclaimed "It's so fun to decorate with my family!" It truly was so nice to be doing it together, and brought a sweet spirit in to our home.
Bethany really got into it this year for the first time:
Hanging up many of her homemade ornaments from the last few years:
Travis and Grace listening to our Charlie Brown Christmas ornament:
We had more of our yummy pizza for dinner, then drove to Kirtland to see the tree lighting for the opening of the historic nativity display. They began the night with a message from a member of the Stake Presidency about how Christ is the light of the world, then we all gathered around the Newell K Whitney store to count down to the lighting. It was fun to count down together, and magical to see the trees light up one by one.
I was blessed to get this shot--I loved how the lights danced so brightly on the wet ground, like a neon Jackson Pollock painting.
Then we headed inside for hot cocoa and candy canes, and let the kids play in the kids room while we took turns admiring the nativities.
My beautiful Grace angel:
Another beautiful nativity. There were almost 1,000 on display this year!
This one was my favorite. I just love the way Mary is tenderly holding Jesus' hand and foot, and the reverent way that Joseph is gazing and acting towards Jesus. So tender and loving.
It was a beautiful reminder of our Savior--who He is and ALL He has done for us.
It was a fun day and a great way to kick off the Christmas season.
Saturday morning, we went to one of our favorite holiday events--Christmas at the Mill.
A highlight of the event is always a visit with Santa Clause.
Kaylee and Cambree were a little unsure.
We love to listen to the local musicians play each year as well.
It was so fun to play the bells and sing along to the music with them--definitely a holiday moment.
And of course, admiring the crafts made by local artists and eating a freshly roasted chesnut--yum!
Saturday night, we ate our long-awaited Thanksgiving dinner with my parents and the missionaries, Sister Pound and Sister Blackner.
New and old favorites: Texas Roadhouse rolls, Boston Market sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and Holloway fruit salad, plus mashed potatoes, stuffing, and homemade pumpkin pie and cookies.
It was wonderful to enjoy yummy food with our family and friends and recognize how very much we have to be grateful for. We truly are SO blessed by our loving Heavenly Father with everything we enjoy, especially the gospel, family, and friends. We feel very lucky this holiday season, and hope that this spirit of gratitude can live in our hearts all year round.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Bethany's 4th Birthday
Since Bethany's birthday fell on a Sunday this year, we decided to spread out the festivities and make it a birthday weekend!
On Friday, I got to take her on a special birthday date.
Bethany wanted to have her birthday lunch at Burger King, where she picked chicken nuggets, apple slices, and apple juice for her kid's meal.
A big ice cream lover, she then chose to trade her toy in for an ice cream cone, and happily savored each delicious little lick and bite. ;)
On Friday, I got to take her on a special birthday date.
Bethany wanted to have her birthday lunch at Burger King, where she picked chicken nuggets, apple slices, and apple juice for her kid's meal.
A big ice cream lover, she then chose to trade her toy in for an ice cream cone, and happily savored each delicious little lick and bite. ;)
We had a lot of fun talking, wearing crowns, dancing to the music, and playing in the play place.
These curls. Perfection. I hope she always loves her beautiful hair as much as everyone else does.
After lunch, we headed to Target where we cruised the isles and picked out some party favors for her to share with her preschool friends the following Tuesday.
Then we went to the mall, where she got to choose her first birthday present--an outfit for her build a bear. It was a tough call between a super girl outfit and Elsa, but Elsa won out. ;) She had fun picking out her dress, crown, and sparkly purple shoes.
Matching Bethany and bear Elsas. Sooo cute!
Saturday morning, we made her long-anticipated birthday breakfast of cinnamon rolls, bacon, and banana. (For months now, she's been so excited for her birthday cinnamon rolls and cinnamon roll cake. ;) )
While Kaylee and Cambree took their nap, Travis got his turn for a date with the birthday girl, and took Grace and Bethany to the dollar theatre to watch Inside Out (a movie that all of us have been eager to see.) Wearing her new birthday outfit (a Princess Sophia shirt and her favorite jeggings):
While they were gone, I decorated the house...
(the girls all had fun with the balloons)
...and prepped Bethany's birthday dinner. Travis decorated the kids pizza with a B for Bethany:
We all enjoyed her yummy dinner of pizza (alfredo, BBQ, veggie, and cheese), fruit salad, broccoli, Doritos, and gold fish.
Then she opened up a couple presents. Bethany's favorite toys right now are Little People princesses, so we got her Aurora and the good fairies to add to her collection. :)
Sunday morning poor Bethany woke up sick, which made me very grateful that we did most of the celebrating early! She tried to eat some breakfast, but ended up spending most of the morning and afternoon lying on the couch watching movies with Travis while I took the rest of the kids to church. We all felt so bad that she was sick for her birthday. Sweet Cambree even tried to comfort her before we left for church. :)
Feeling some better after we got home, we all had yummy leftovers for dinner with my parents, then had cake and ice cream. It was a princess themed party, so I Grace and I made a cinnamon roll cake (as requested), then decorated the cake with Frozen decals.
Enjoying her "birthday cake" ice cream. :)
Grace happily did "heavy heavy hangs" for Bethany with her presents.
Grammy and Poppy got Bethany her own set of Little People princesses which she has loved playing with since.
She also got a few other presents, including some new dress up clothes for our dress-up loving girl:
And then we just enjoyed playing before bed. Kaylee and Cambree loving on Poppy:
Poppy and Cambree:
Kaylee and Grammy:
Bethany, at 4 you like to eat Honey Bunches of Oats, chocolate chip pancakes, cinnamon toast, strawberries, Club crackers, pizza, chicken nuggets, broccoli, pears, cookies, and m'n'ms. You love to play with Little People, Lego people and dogs, dress up, write letters, and play pretend. You love the color purple, dogs and other animals, colorful leaves, and watching Wishenpoof, Wonderpets, and Blues Clues. You're a good singer, love to read books with mom and dad, like to help cook, and love to snuggle. You're getting better and better at expressing yourself and seem a little older every day. But most of all, you are such a sweet girl and we love you with all our hearts. Happy birthday big girl!
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