Traditions

At the end of Daniel’s graduation, I was a little envious of the Polynesian culture that was adorning their graduate with leis. I was envious of the traditions and strong sense of family that they had.

I have been thinking over the past several months what are my traditions and my heritage and what legacy will I leave behind?

And one day it hit me.  I was reading Alma 9:8 …have ye forgotten the traditions of your fathers;” What traditions had I forgotten, what legacy was I missing; then I remembered.

Family “traditions” come and go. Think of the ones that we have or had, 21^st party, Halloween donuts, Valentine’s Day dinner, Fun Friday nights, pizza Friday. But there is one tradition that has never changed and it has been carried down through many generations even before the church was around.  The tradition that we have that has been passed down from generation to generation, and I will pass on as my legacy to all of you is love for God love for family and love for our fellow men. 

As we love and serve each other and those around us we will learn gratitude. We will positive and supportive of each other as we share eternal experiences. Bring a little light into the world.

I hope that this motto is written on your hearts.  This is our family tradition; this is who the Little’s are.

Sister Bateman shared this quote in class a couple of months ago

“Be true to who you are and the family name you bare”.

As you all grow up and move out will you carry on the tradition; will you love and serve, will you be positive and supportive to each other as you share eternal experiences, will you bring a little light into the world?

Love mom

Friends

Sorry that I have not shared a mom moment in quite some time, but I needed to take some time.

I have been trying to think of something that would pertain to all of you since each one of you are on a different journey and struggling with different things.

Thru out our lives we come into contact with a lot of people and we make friends with a lot of people.  Looking back on my life I have been blessed with friends that have helped me become the person I am today.  I have friends that have showed me how to have courage, to be a leader, to show kindness, how to show support to others.  I have had friends that have encouraged me, strengthen me, helped my faith grow, and supported me in difficult times.

We need to be aware of the people we surround ourselves with. Do those that you associate with help you achieve the person you want to be, will they help you achieve your potential. Will they help you achieve the goals you have set for yourself, will their friendship make you a better person in the end, when you leave their presence do you feel buoyed up and strengthened.

Take some time and reflect on these questions and answer them truthfully to yourself, if the answer is no or not really may I suggest that you find some additional friends.  Notice I said additional we don’t need to leave our current friends unless they are have a negative effect on our lives, but we should have some friends that we can say yes to all of these questions. 

Friends play an important role in our lives and help feel in the gaps where family cannot.  I urge to find good friends and good associations that will bless your life for the better and help you become a better person.

If you are a quote person here are some quotes about friends:

Many people walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints on your heart-Eleanor  Roosevelt

Good friends help you find the important things when you have lost them… your smile, your hope and your courage

True friend are those rare people who come find you in dark places and lead you back to the light.

If you are song person here is a great song on friends- Gift of a Friend https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0ahUKEwjssbLtq-zUAhXp6YMKHQYuBbMQyCkIKTAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D8Xevi6KRvGc&usg=AFQjCNHfR-Sqde09zxewnSzRf05yVGRWdw

I hope that you all know that dad and I are happy and willing to be your friend. We will help you with your dreams, be there for your highs and your lows, when you are feeling alone, you’re not alone for we are here for you.

Know that we care and love each of you.

Love mom

Remeber

Remember is one of the most important words.

This week I went to spend some time with my family in St. George.  Grandma Blake and I were walking to our car after swimming and in the grassy field there was a family flying a kite and I had a flash back to when I was a kid. I remembered that my mom would buy us a kite every to spring to fly.  This year our kite was a black triangle with a white triangle flap where the string clung too. This is the year I learned to fly a kite.  I am amazed at the simple-ness of flying a kite but it’s a difficult thing to do. And with that memory also came my mom’s life lessons. Grandma is an amazing woman and has a life analogy for every experience.

With the word remember we can remember where we came from, we can remember why we are here, we can remember our end goal.

We can remember our family legacy. I talked to Grandpa Blake this week and we were talking about family history.  The family history library has produced a family geneology chart and from one ancestor there are 3 descendants, 1 line of descendants are most of the church leaders, on the 2 line there are most of the American leadership, and on the third line which is our line are average people that are anchors in the community and Church.  Remember that is your legacy to be an anchor.  Anchors are used in storms to help the boat from moving. The anchor sits at the bottom of the ocean alone but knows that the captain is in charge and knows that the captain will not forget him.

Remember I WILL ALWAYS BE YOUR ANCHOR to your boat and the calm in your storm.

You can remember your moms’ great love for you.  You can remember all the sacrifices that she has made for you.  You can remember that she know who each of you are meant to be.

Each of you chose your name and whispered it to me before you were born.  Each of you chose your name because you wanted to remember something in this mortal life.  And I know why each of you chose your name.  And if ever you’re interested in finding out what you wanted to remember; you can it in my red journal on page 562. You don’t need to ask permission to read it just do it.  All of my journals are for you all to read.

Remember I love you and God loves you.

Leave your heart open to remembering.

The Dash

by Linda Ellis copyright 1996

​I read of a man who stood to speak

at the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on the tombstone

from the beginning…to the end.

He noted that first came the date of birth

and spoke the following date with tears,

but he said what mattered most of all

was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time

that they spent alive on earth.

And now only those who loved them

know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,

the cars…the house…the cash.

What matters is how we live and love

and how we spend our dash.

So, think about this long and hard.

Are there things you’d like to change?

For you never know how much time is left

that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough

to consider what’s true and real

and always try to understand

​the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger

and show appreciation more

and love the people in our lives

like we’ve never loved before. 

If we treat each other with respect

and more often wear a smile,

remembering that this special dash

might only last a little while.

​So, when your eulogy is being read,

with your life’s actions to rehash…

would you be proud of the things they say

about how you spent YOUR dash?

​​Copyright 1996 Linda Ellis

This poem was read at the beginning of my grandma Pendletons funeral in 2001. As you know my grandma’s funeral was a turning point in my life.  I really pondered “what do I want people to say about me when I die.” What do I want my kids to say about me when I die” And I changed my life, I stopped focusing on the material things that I thought were important and went to work on the real important things, relationships with people and Heavenly Father.

Be aware that people are always watching you, and your dash is always being defined.

  

   Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love.

   What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

  When such a friend from us departs,
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.

   For worthy friends whose lives proclaim

I also like this song I really have been pondering the first line” Each life that touches ours for Good.  Think of the lives that have touched your life; family, friends, leaders, teachers, the news, song artists, the prophet that wrote scripture, ancestors that came to America…etc.  We are not lone islands and it is silly for us to think that our actions have no consequences and that our actions don’t affect anyone else, because they do.

 Take time to ponder if you were to die in one year from now, which is possible we don’t know when we will leave this world, Ponder what do you want people to say about you, what will your dash mean to others. 

How can you touch others life for good?

Scatter Sunshine

 

In a world where sorrow

Ever will be known,

Where are found the needy

And the sad and lone,

How much joy and comfort

You can all bestow,

If you scatter sunshine

Ev’rywhere you go.

(Chorus)

Scatter sunshine all along your way.

Cheer and bless and brighten

Ev’ry passing day.

Scatter sunshine all along your way.

Cheer and bless and brighten

Ev’ry passing day.

 Slightest actions often

Meet the sorest needs,

For the world wants daily

Little kindly deeds.

Oh, what care and sorrow

You may help remove,

With your songs and courage,

Sympathy and love.

 When the days are gloomy,

Sing some happy song;

Meet the world’s repining

With a courage strong.

Go with faith undaunted

Thru the ills of life;

Scatter smiles and sunshine

O’er its toil and strife

I have been thinking a lot lately about the gospel and its principles.  I think that we get caught up in things and forget the true gospel.  The Savior spent his ministery serving as many people as he possible could.

We should be doing the same thing.  Yes we do have homework, chores, jobs, church callings and family and friend responsibilities.  But throughout the day you could be "scattering sunshine" as you do all of these things.

Hold the door open for the people behind you, smile, speak kinder, wish everyone a good day. When I think i remember to pray that I can see those around be that could use help, I see tons a people that I can help: Help the elderly find their cars, and loading their groceries, helping them get the higher stuff off the shelves.  Letting the mom with sad kids in front of me in line, Saying hi to the neighbors.  The list could go on and on. But when I take the few minutes to help it makes my day brighter as well.

I would council all of you to take 20 - 30 min out of your "busy" schedules and serve.  Your day will go better.

Matt 5:16- Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.

If you want some ideas on what you can do to scatter sunshine here is a link of some ideas

1. Scatter Sun Shine
2. 
   

Am I Being a Bully

What is a bully?

 A bully is a person who uses strength or power to harm or intimidate those who are weaker. 

 Are you unintentionally bullying someone?  

Be aware of the things that you say to others, are they things would harm them emotionally, spiritually, weaken their confidence, or their inner strength.

What about your tone of voice it can be a weapon as well.  Is your tone of voice demeaning, full of irritation, is your tone of voice making someone else uncomfortable?

If so you may be a bully without if recognizing it.

Are you bullying yourself?

Do you put yourself down saying I am not good at......, Do you focus on your weakness instead of your strengths. Do you compare your weakness to others strengths, Do you compare your situation to others situations and think you'll never measure up.  Are with holding from yourself.  Is your inner conversation  condemning; I wish I was skinnier, taller, stronger, smarter,  I hate this about me, I hate the way I look.

If you said yes to any of these then you are bullying yourself.

It is time to put an end to the bullying in whatever form you are struggling with.

 When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:

Stop it!


It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others (And ourselves) and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love.(Towards yourself and towards others) Pres. Utchdorf. and inserts for mom.

Be kinder to yourself and to others

Learn to love yourself.  Focus on those things that you like about yourself.  Focus on those talents that you have been given. And continue to develop new talents, but don't compare your progress towards others. Change your inner dialog from I wish, I hate, I am not- to  I love, I enjoy, I am.  Each of you are awesome in your own ways.  I have helped all of you develop many qualities and talents. So if you can't see the good in yourself here are a few things I notice. 

Chris-Compassionate, considerate,  is good at studying out in his mind, can fix most things and make most things. Stands up for good and others agency.  Loves music, is good composing sings well. Loyal, natural leader  

Daniel- is good at music, dancing,sings well, reading,draws, has great study skills.  Loves unconditionally, sees the good in others at all times, loyal, natural leader. is Steadfast, peacemaker (hates conflict)

Kaitlyn- is my right arm at the moment, she is great at organizing, and organizing others, a natural leader, is a friend to all. is growing in your piano skills quite rapidly, loves singing, dancing, has compassion, 

Samantha- Quietly observes the world around her before she acts, she draws, great at decorating, reminds her parents to have fun, developing her piano skills quickly, is learning to be a leader.

Please remember for the most part people are just doing the best that they can with what they have been taught, give them the benefit of doubt before you put them down or demean them. Never speak negative about someone.  I have taught you all better than that.  There is good in most all people, look for it! And then focus on that.

Love mom

Joy!

What is Joy?  

Peter Kreeft a Christian philosopher said, " Joy is more than Happiness, just as happiness is more than pleasure.  Pleasure is in the body.  Happiness is in the mind and feelings. Joy is deep in the heart of the spirit, the center of the self.

I came across this song as I was studying joy and what it means.

I found it on a day when I was feeling rather hopeless.  As I was looking around at the world wondering if my children and my grandchildren will have a chance to find joy and peace in a world that is in chaos and commotion.

As I watched this video and listened to this song a few phrases stood out to me.

"Make peace with yourself-

Let's stick together

Nothing really matters, we have everything that we need

Take a big leap and jump right over 

I think joy can be found by remembering these key phrases.

Do what you need to do to truly find peace with in yourself. Do you need to forgive someone, do you need to apologies to someone, do you need to change a habit, do you need to be kinder to yourself.

Nothing really matters, we have everything we need

This is so true. We do have everything that we need to have joy.  We have a great family and we like each other and we like to be with each other.  We have the knowledge that we are an eternal family. We have beautiful surrounds. We have beautiful mountains and rivers,  beautiful sunrises and sunsets, we have beautiful clouds, and some days we have the bluest skies.  We have our talents that we can share with others, we have a gospel that brings us hope and peace. 

Also the phrase "stick together"  There is joy in relationships.  You can't find true joy when you are focused on yourself. Joy comes from looking through out the day to help others.  I have a better day when I ask the Lord to bless my eyes to be open that I may see those that can use a little help.  

The last phrase that stood out to me is "take a big leap and jump right over". Joy is a choice, it doesn't just happen.  

My life changed when Pres. Monson gave the talk Finding Joy in the Journey. One phrase stood out to me and it has shaped my life:

 "This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now.

I learned from this one phrase that this my one shot at mortality and I don't know how long my mortality will be. I could be gone tomorrow for all I know.  But when I die I want to be able to look back on my mortal life and say I lived life to the fullest and found joy in each day and in each moment. 

2 Nephi 2:25-Men are, that they might have joy

Choose Joy!

Love mom

My Love for Each of You

Since it is that time in life when you my children are starting to leave the safety of my home; you are headed out to discover who you are, what you believe, and what you will stand for.

I no longer have the opportunity to share a mom moment with each of you at family home evening so I thought that I would start a weekly "mom moment".

I recently went to the temple to figure out the my roll as a mom as each of you are getting older. I discovered that my new role as a mom is to be your calm in your storm and your anchor when you yourselves are not feeling anchored.

The mothers of the Stippling Warriors have always have been my hero's.  Because like them I want my children to be able to say " we do not doubt our mothers knew it" Alma 56:48

 “How is it that a human being can love a child so deeply that you willingly give up a major portion of your freedom for it? How can mortal love be so strong that you voluntarily subject yourself to responsibility, vulnerability, anxiety, and heartache and just keep coming back for more of the same? What kind of mortal love can make you feel, once you have a child, that your life is never, ever your own again? Maternal love has to be divine. There is no other explanation for it. What mothers do is an essential element of Christ’s work. Knowing that should be enough to tell us the impact of such love will range between unbearable and transcendent, over and over again, until with the safety and salvation of the very last child on earth, we can [then] say with Jesus, ‘[Father!] I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.Elder Holland, Oct. 2015

I want each of you to know that I will love you no matter what choices you make and the pathways you may take.  I will always be the calm in the storm and your anchor.

Here is a song that I like, and if at the end of each day you don't feel this way then let me know because I need to change.  Mother's Love

All my love, mom

Are your Burdens Heavy Part 2

 I took my own advice and the for the past couple of weeks I have been focusing on asking the Lord to help ease my burden.  I had a lot on my plate and I wanted help to deal with the stress that comes with being pulled in so many directions.  

So every morning I have been praying to the Lord to help my burdens to be lighter.  Which the Lord did, I have had very little stress with all that I had going and was able to clearly think through everything that I needed to do.  

However I was not prepared to have all my burdens eased, even burdens that I didn't realize that I had been carrying.  Twenty plus years ago someone I loved really hurt me emotionally.  I thought that I was over this experience, I held no grudges towards this person and I now have a great relationship with this person. So it shocked me when my husband pointed out that I truly had not dealt with the emotions and the scars that were left from this experience. 

I spent 24 hours crying and confronting the scars that were still in my heart. But when I asked the Lord to once again to ease y burden of the pain and hurt that I felt, it was gone in an instant.  But not until the burden had been lifted from my heart, did I realized how heavy laden I was because of the hurt I had been carrying. 

Richard G Scott said, “Complete healing will come through your faith in Jesus Christ and His power and capacity, through His Atonement, to heal the scars of that which is unjust and undeserved. You may find that hard to believe with your current feelings. I have witnessed how the Savior has healed aggravated cases of abuse in that way. Ponder the power of the Atonement.  Pray to understand how it can heal you.”   

I testify to you that if you will humbly go to the Lord and ask for your burdens to be eased he will ease them, even the burdens you didn't realized you had.

It had been a week since I had this experience.  The joy that I feel is amazing.  And my relationship with the person that hurt me; is even better that it was before.

I hope that you will take a leap of faith and ask the Lord to ease your burden on a regular base for a while.   See if the Lord reveals unto you any hidden burdens that you have been carrying, or maybe you are right in the middle of your burden.  Just keep praying with faith and humility and your prayers will be answered. 

Be Your Own Kind Of Wonderful

For some reason about this time every year I take inventory of my life and look at all the things that I fall short at; and have a pity party that I’m not good enough.

 I was whining to my husband about all the things that I am not good enough at and telling him all the things that I fall short at.  When he asked, “Why is it that women spend energy worrying about the things that they fall short at, why can’t you focus on the things that you are good at?”  Basically he told me, “ Charissa be your own kind of wonderful.  You have your own talents that God gave you and you use them for good.  Don’t focus on the talents that you don’t have.”

My wise husband shared the story of the painter Vincent Van Gough, how he never thought that he was a great painter.  The paintings that he thought were of value he gave away, and those paintings that he thought he failed at he hung in his house.  That’s probably why he went crazy; he chose to keep the paintings that he thought were failures close to him instead of focusing on his master pieces.

My husband pointed out that I have great talents and I love sharing them with others.  So what if I am not the best house keeper, or the most organized person, or can’t give eloquent lessons, or  my house isn’t  cutely decorated, and of course I don’t write well. My husband reminded me to look at my “masterpieces “ and find joy in the talents that I do have, and be patient with myself  with the talents I’m developing.

James E. Faust Said, The Lord entrusts all of His servants, with talents. The Lord, who endows us with these talents, tells us: “I believe you can. I believe you can.” While we are not all equal in experience, aptitude, and strength, we have different opportunities to employ these gifts, and we will all be accountable for the use of the gifts and opportunities given to us. ( OCTOBER 2002 I BELIEVE I CAN, I KNEWI COULD)

I hope as you go about your week that you will focus on your "masterpieces" and find joy in them, and be patient with yourself and find joy in the journey as you strengthen your other talents.

Are you Burdened Down?

Life has been weighing me down this week.  Every day I had a lot that I needed to accomplish and I have a lot to accomplish in the near future, and I might be at my breaking point.  Because of this I have had a heavy heart, a distracted mind and I have not been mentally with my family because I am worrying about the hundred things that are going to be coming at me.  Does anyone else feel this way? And honestly I didn't know that this was how I felt until yesterday, I was in a Relief Society* Presidency meeting when my dear friend said our opening prayer and it went something like this, “Father we come to thee burdened downed”.  Not until then did I realize that this is how I was feeling, and the tears flowed freely.  I finally recognized that I was feeling a heavy burden.

 In Mathew 11:28-30 we read,

 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

This scripture is me. I am laboring with all my might, and I am very heavy laden.  But did I come unto Christ as the scripture said?  No, I haven’t.  Not once this week did I say in my prayers, “I am feeling burdened with all that I have going on in my life, can you help me with my burden?”  No, all I prayed for was that I would make it through the day.  But He promised something better than just making it through the day.

               

                In verse 29 and 30 it reads:  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

A yoke is a harness that goes between two oxen.  It is usually made of wood so that it cannot flex, so that one ox cannot get ahead of the other.  The yoke makes it so that they must be side by side so that they can pull the burden equally.

                If Christ is saying take my yoke upon you, is He not saying keep me right next to you so that I can help you carry your burden.

                How do we yoke Christ next us?  It tells us in the very next sentence. I have never noticed until just now.  LEARN OF ME. What? I am burdened down with all that I have to do and Christ wants me to take time to learn of Him. He wants me to take time to read my scriptures, pray, and do things in my life that will bring me closer to Him. I am too busy; why should I? 

Why should I take the time in my busy life to learn about Christ?  Because I want the promise that follows, “and ye shall find rest unto your soul.” Isn’t that what I want, to feel peace; I don’t want to feel burdened by all that I need to do.  I want to feel peace.

But aren’t reading my scriptures and praying just more things to add to my burden?  Christ answers that question in verse 30:

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

He just told us that His burden is light. His burden – doing those things in our lives that will bring us closer to Him – does not add to our load.

Mosiah 24:15  And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

So this week I am planning on praying that the Lord will help me bare my burden, and Learn more of Christ, so that I can feel peace. 

If you find yourself feeling burdened I would urge you to join me in Coming unto Christ, and then share with me your experience.

*Relief Society is an organization of women from ages 18 and up in the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter Day Saints. This organization has a president, two counselors, and a secretary.

Happy Birthday Grandma

Happy Birthday Grandma!!!Today is my grandma’s birthday, and in honor of her memory I made Caramel Corn Pops. My grandma would make this for picnics and lazy summer evening.  I really miss her.  Grandma loved to cook, we went to her house every Sunday and she would have dessert for us.  She also always had homemade cookies waiting for us whenever we would pop in for a visit during the week.  My grandma was amazing.  I have so many great memories of her.

Grandma passed away back in January of 2001.

Grandma Delores was the perfect grandma.  The most important thing to her was our grandpa, and the next important thing to her was her family.  Grandma was a woman of service.  She was always cooking for someone, always crocheting something for someone, or doing something for someone. Grandma always made everyone feel that they were special to her.

Grandma took really good care of me when I was in elementary school.  My parents struggled finacially while I was growing up.  Grandma made sure I had a new dress for special occasions, new clothes for school and every summer she would let me come stay at her house for a week.

Grandma left us with many family traditions that we still celebrate with our families today.  Pizza for Christmas Eve, Christmas parties with hors d' oeuvres, homemade spudnuts for Halloween, and sugar cookies for every holiday.

Because of Grandma Delores’s example I am the person I am today. At grandmas funeral one of her children spoke about how she loved others and that she emulated the Savior.  That’s what I want others to be able to say about me.  I often find myself wondering  “what would grandma do?”

The last ten year of grandma’s life she was bedridden , I know that it was very frustrating for her, but she bore her trail with grace, patients and never wondering why me.

In proverbs 31 talks about the kind of woman Grandma Delores was.

10 ¶Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

When grandma Delores passed away in 2001 she left a hole in everyone’s heart that knew her. But because I knew her I am better person today, and even in death she makes a difference in my life.  I look forward to seeing her again.  Love you Grandma, Happy Birthday.

For the recipe for corn pops you can find it on my other blog Little Delights Cafe

What have I done today?

I certainly can relate to this message, I don’t know about you, but I have had some of those days. There are those days when my list seems to get longer and longer, and the people around me are in  need  of my help and I just feel frustrated and want to yell “what about me, when is it my turn?”

 What I love most about this message is that we get to see what effect that her influence and service had on others.  Most of the times we never get to see the outcome of our influence and service to others. And most of the time we don’t take the time to stop and realize what we have done, we just look at what we didn't accomplish, or we are just focused on what we want to do most.

This is one of my favorite hymns, I do find myself singing this hymn when I have had days like is illustrated in this clip.  It sometimes helps me have perspective.

Have I done any good in the world today?

Have I helped anyone in need?

Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?

If not, I have failed indeed.

Has anyone’s burden been lighter today

Because I was willing to share?

Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?

When they needed my help was I there?

This is posted as the tag line for this clip; I think it will be going on my bathroom mirror for a while.

“How many things did you get checked off your “to- do” list today? Sometimes, the most important things you do each day were never even on your list. As we help a neighbor or family member, we often overlook the results. You might worry about the things you never get done, but President Gordon B. Hinckley reminds us, “You never know how much good you do.”

Let us remember the words which King Benjamin taught us “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” Mosiah 2:17.  (in the Book of Mormon)

Have a fabulous day and go and do something good today!!

Forgivng is a Beautiful Thing

Every day we are faced with the challenge of forgiving those around us.  Throughout the day small incidental things occur and we forgive without even thinking about it, and sometimes we have real hurtful things that happen to us, and we have to dig deep to  forgive.

Forgiving others can be challenging thing to do sometimes.  In the New Testament, Matt. 18:21-22 it reads:  Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Jesus isn’t really giving us a number on how many times we should forgive someone, but he his telling us that we must always forgive, because he has forgiven everyone that asked for forgiveness.

In Doctrine and Covenants 64:9-10 it reads:

 Wherefore, 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.

Pres. Uchtdorf in April 2012 conference said “Forgiving ourselves and others is not easy. In fact, for most of us it requires a major change in our attitude and way of thinking—even a change of heart. But there is good news. This “mighty change” of heart is exactly what the gospel of Jesus Christ is designed to bring into our lives. How is it done? Through the love of God.

When our hearts are filled with the love of God, something good and pure happens to us. We “keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world.”

The more we allow the love of God to govern our minds and emotions—the more we allow our love for our Heavenly Father to swell within our hearts—the easier it is to love others with the pure love of Christ. As we open our hearts to the glowing dawn of the love of God, the darkness and cold of animosity and envy will eventually fade.

As always, Christ is our exemplar. In His teachings as in His life, He showed us the way. He forgave the wicked, the vulgar, and those who sought to hurt and to do Him harm.

Jesus said it is easy to love those who love us; even the wicked can do that. But Jesus Christ taught a higher law. His words echo through the centuries and are meant for us today. They are meant for all who desire to be His disciples. They are meant for you and me: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”

When our hearts are filled with the love of God, we become “kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving [each other], even as God for Christ’s sake [forgave us].”  end quote.

I have had my own opportunities to learn to forgive, when I was in my teens I was molested.  I have had to learn to forgive this person for the hurt that he had caused me.  And has I have forgiven this person the pain has gone away.  It’s been almost 20 years and I hardly think of it.

I have many more examples of forgiving other, but this one incident affected my life in many ways.

I am grateful for my Savior and His infinite atonement that can allow me to forgive others and at the same time heal my pain.

You probably want to know how I could forgive someone of an awful thing, I did as President Uchtdorf said, “This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:

Stop it!

It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children. God is our Father. We are His children. We are all brothers and sisters. I don’t know exactly how to articulate this point of not judging others with sufficient eloquence, passion, and persuasion to make it stick. I can quote scripture, I can try to expound doctrine, and I will even quote a bumper sticker I recently saw. It was attached to the back of a car whose driver appeared to be a little rough around the edges, but the words on the sticker taught an insightful lesson. It read, “Don’t judge me because I sin differently than you.”

We must recognize that we are all imperfect—that we are beggars before God. Haven’t we all, at one time or another, meekly approached the mercy seat and pleaded for grace? Haven’t we wished with all the energy of our souls for mercy—to be forgiven for the mistakes we have made and the sins we have committed?

Because we all depend on the mercy of God, how can we deny to others any measure of the grace we so desperately desire for ourselves? My beloved brothers and sisters, should we not forgive as we wish to be forgiven?

Yes I had to do what Pres. Uchtdorf said and stop it.  I had to make the choice to stop thinking about being molested and I had to stop letting it affect my life.  I had a choice, to be unhappy or happy, I choose to be happy and forgive.

I hope that you will make the choice, choose to be happy and forgive.  It is hard but through the atonement of the Savior all things are possible.

Happy Mother's Day

This is my mom, she has taught me so much. Love you mom.

I love being a mom.  I remember growing up and all my friends saying when I grow up I want to be…a teacher, a nurse, a doctor, a vet…etc.  But all I ever wanted to be was a mom; I never wanted to be anything else.  I am grateful every day to be able to stay at home and be a mom.

It not always easy to be a mom, I remember the days when my kids were young and the days just seemed to blend together.  It was the same tasks day after day and the same phrases day after day.  Wipe noses, change diapers, feed kids, plan an activity, and fix meals, clean house, and grocery shop.   And somewhere in between teach: be nice, say thank you, say please, help mommy clean up, be mommies super helper, use your words not your hands.

Now my kids are older and my oldest son is about to leave on a mission for two years for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and I am so grateful for those days that I got to share with him and the rest of my kids.  They are growing up so quickly. I love being a mom!

You can recognize women who are grateful to be a daughter of God by their reverence for motherhood, even when that blessing has been withheld from them for a time. In those circumstances, their righteous influence can be a blessing in the lives of children they love. Their exemplary teachings can echo the voice of a faithful home and resonate truth in the hearts of children who need another witness.

Grateful daughters of God love Him and teach their children to love Him without reservation and without resentment. They are like the mothers of Helaman’s youthful army, who had such great faith and “had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them” (Alma 56:47).

When you observe kind and gentle mothers in action, you see women of great strength. Their families can feel a spirit of love and respect and safety when they are near her as she seeks the companionship of the Holy Ghost and the guidance of His Spirit. They are blessed by her wisdom and good judgment. The husbands and children, whose lives they bless, will contribute to the stability of societies all over this world. Grateful daughters of God learn truths from their mothers and grandmothers and aunts. They teach their daughters the joyful art of creating a home. They seek fine educations for their children and have a thirst for knowledge themselves. They help their children develop skills that they can use in serving others. They know that the way they have chosen is not the easy way, but they know it is absolutely worth their finest efforts.

They understand what Elder Neal A. Maxwell meant when he said: “When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses?”

Daughters of God know that it is the nurturing nature of women that can bring everlasting blessings, and they live to cultivate this divine attribute. Surely when a woman reverences motherhood, her children will arise up and call her blessed (see Prov. 31:28) Margaret D. Nadauld, Oct. 2000 General Conference

Happy Mother’s Day!

Families are Forever

I have always had a love for family history, but I have never produced a family file name. However, I have participated in family history in other ways.

When I was young I lived close to both sets of my grandparents and to 3 sets of my great grandparents, and got many opportunities to visit with them on regular basis. I loved to hear them tell stories of when they were younger.

Growing up every summer my family would go to one of two family reunions, there I also loved to listen to my great aunts and uncles and older cousins tell family stories.  You can learn a lot when you sit and listen to others tell their stories.  Also through these family reunions I got to know my second and third cousins and we became good friends.  

Elder Nielson said “We have a natural yearning to connect with our ancestors. When our hearts turn to our ancestors, something changes inside us.  We feel a part of something greater than ourselves.  Our inborn yearnings for family connections are fulfilled when we are linked to our ancestors…” end quote

When I turned twelve I had a great aunt who was very involved in researching family names and getting them ready for the temple.  I would go to the St. George temple with my dad, siblings, and cousins every other Saturday for four years to do baptisms for our ancestors.  We did thousands of names.  I gained several things from this experience.

First – I learned that my dad had a testimony of temple work and that he believed that families are forever.

Second- As I would stand in the font and be baptized for hundreds of ancestors over the years I could feel the excitement of those I was being baptized for.   I gained my own testimony of temple work and that families are forever. 

Third- It got me in the habit of regularly attending the temple and that has carried with me into my adult life.

Another way that I have been able to participate in family history is by reading stories of my ancestors. I’m lucky enough that when I google the name of one of my ancestors I can usually find a brief history and a picture of them. By reading their stories of conversion and the sacrifices that they made so that I can have the gospel it causes me to have the desire to keep my covenants and to continue to press forward with faith.  I do not want to be the weak link in my family chain.

 Elder Haight said “I would hope and pray that in our own families, all of us, that we would have a desire to be a strong link in our own family chain, in our posterity, so that the eternal blessings that are part of the gospel, the blessings of the temple and the eternities, will be taught to our families in such a way that they will go on and on forever to affect many, many people. Be sure that those links are strong in your chain and that you pass the testimony that you have, the devotion that you have to future generations.” End quote.

Then, last October with the push to do temple work, my son Christopher was able to find close to 200 names for our family to do.  I am grateful for the opportunity to once again to do family names.  I love performing the scared temple work for my ancestors. I am grateful for the peace I feel to that comes with the knowledge that I am linking my family together through the eternities. Elder Christofferson said “The vicarious ordinances we perform in temples, beginning with baptism, make possible an eternal welding link between generations that fulfills the purpose of the earth’s creation. Without this, “the whole earth would be utterly wasted at [Christ’s] coming.” Close quote.

On lds.org it list nine ways that we can participate in Family history and I added a few extra.

Interview family members, write and share their stories

Take and share photos                 

Prepare names to take to the temple

Indexing

Start a family blog

Create a digital scrap book of your ancestors

Create a scrap book for yourself and for your family

Plan and attend Family reunions

Learn the stories of your ancestors

Print your family fan chart

Help others with their family history whether it’s by teaching them to search names or helping them with temple work

Journaling.

Elder Cook in this last conference said “The doctrine of the family in relation to family history and temple work is clear. The Lord in initial revelatory instructions referred to “baptism for your dead.” Our doctrinal obligation is to our own ancestors. This is because the celestial organization of heaven is based on families. The First Presidency has encouraged members, especially youth and young single adults, to emphasize family history work and ordinances for their own family… We need to be connected to both our roots and branches… Don’t underestimate the influence of the deceased in assisting your efforts and the joy of ultimately meeting those you serve. The eternally significant blessing of uniting our own families is almost beyond comprehension.

Elder Bednar and Elder Scott have promised the following blessings you can receive if you will participate in Family History.

Your conversion to the Savior will become deeper

You will receive light and knowledge through the Holy Ghost

Your testimonies will be strengthened

Your patriarchal blessing will become more meaningful

Your Love and gratitude for your ancestors will grow

You will receive greater opportunities to serve

And your Service in the temple will become more sacred.

I can testify that these promises are true, for I have received or have felt each of these blessing in my life as I have participated in family history throughout my life. I would like to bare my testimony that I know that our Savior lives, and I am grateful for my knowledge that families are forever.   In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Finging Joy in the Journey

Last week my husband planned a hike for our whole family to go on including our three small dogs.  The hike had high reviews and said it was great for dogs.

 My husband told us that we would be hiking next to a small river, doing some boulder hoping and seeing a beautiful water fall. We were all excited for this hike.  

 So we loaded up the kids and the dogs and water and a snack for the trail and drove the 45 minutes to our destination.   When we got to our destination we loaded up the back pack with our gear, which I wore, not that my husband didn’t offer to carry the back pack a dozen times, but I wanted to carry the back pack and so I did. We headed off onto our great adventure with enthusiasm and a vision of a great hike. 

We hiked along this dirt road for about a ½ mile, with my kids and me questioning my husband judgment of a great hike.  “Are you sure we are going in the right direction?”  And “are you sure this is going to be a great hike.”, “I don’t see any water”; we teased our dad.  Finally after a ½ mile we came to a small stream, was this river that was supposed to be so great?  Patience was my husband replied   

So we kept on hiking.  During the hike we came to different obstacles along the trail like over a thin pipe near and edge of the river, over logs, and many stepping stones back and forth through the river, climbing steep in embankments, climbing over and through narly tree root.   To maneuver through these obstacles one of use would find the best path and help the others to cross, or we would discuss as a family which was the best path to take.  And at times one would want to take a different path than all of us, sometimes it was better and sometimes it was worse.   As I was hiking with my family and enjoying the banter that goes on in our family it got me thinking about our life’s journey here on earth.  

We are placed into families to help each other through hard things in life.  Sometimes we need to let other lead out and guide us through difficult times.  Even as parents, sometimes we need to let our children lead and rely upon their wisdom. Sometimes we are too close to the problem that we can’t see the best path to take. But if we seek council from our family members and if we can be patient with each other and work as a team our families can do hard things. 

As I mentioned earlier, I chose to carry the back pack, at times it was awkward or even difficult to maneuver through these difficult obstacles that nature placed in our way.  My husband and children offered to carry the back pack for a bit, and they were even willing to just to hold it while I was in the midst of an obstacle, but I was stubborn and wouldn’t let them help.  Like the back pack, sometimes we carry heavy burdens, for example:  poor choices we made, guilt, illnesses, pressures of life and sometimes it’s just life experiences that way us down.   When we are carrying heavy burdens we need to allow others to serve us and help us out, we don’t need to carry burdens alone. The most important thing that we can do is place our burden at our Saviors feet and trust in the atonement.  For our Savior taught: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light, (New Testament Mathew 11: 28-30)

This hike was not what I had envisioned and at times it was difficult and hard to maneuver, but I had fun.  I found joy just being there with my family and enjoying the beauty around me. Just like in life

Sometimes in life we can get caught up with the woe is me … I can’t wait until…., or when…,

President Monson gave a talk in October 2008 General Conference that changed my life, entitled "Finding Joy in the Journey"

I still had young kids at home and was not content with home life as it was then I heard this talk and realized I had to change.

I would like to share a few quotes from his Talk.

“This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now.

Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today, of the here and now, doing all we can to provide pleasant memories for the future.

If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly.

Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of we hat is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love.”  We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us.

Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows.

Our realization of what is most important in life goes hand in hand with gratitude for our blessings.

Despite the changes which come into our lives and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days—as much as we can—with those things which matter most. May we cherish those we hold dear and express our love to them in word and in deed."

I hope that you will take the chance to Find Joy in your Journey Today.