Stake Meeting

Today we had a special Stake Meeting (Conference). Elder D. Todd Chistofferson, one of the twelve apostles was in the area for leadership meetings and stayed to have a special meeting in our stake. It was so wonderful. It was just what I needed and I feel like I have been spiritually fed and uplifted in a major way. My testimony hasn't weakened at all by any means, but since I've been called to nursery and I now miss Sunday School and Relief Society, I feel like I have to work "extra" hard to keep it strong. I know that I can do the reading and study the lesson materials at home, but its just not the same and cant replace sitting in the peaceful church and being taught by another member who has prayed, studied, and been inspired on the lesson topic.

So yes, today was amazing. I loved being in the presence of an apostle. Aside from going to General Conference one time, about 10 years ago, I hadn't heard an apostle speak in person since I was about 9 years old. I was so glad I was able to take my children to see him speak. At the end of his talk, Elder Christofferson commented on the large number of youth and small children our stake had. He then asked the parents to stay behind so that he could meet and shake hands with each one of them. I was really touched by this. Aubrey was so proud to have met him. Afterwards she told me with much excitement: "I shook hands with one of Jesus' best friends mom!!" Ryan said: "Me love the 'postle, mamma." My heart melted. I feel so blessed to be the parent of two children with such sweet spirits and strong testimonies at such an early age.

I think one of the major highlights of Elder Christofferson's talk was when he bore his testimony. I can honestly say that I felt the truth of those words with every fiber of my being!! I am so ready to take on this next week. I feel so motivated, so moved, so strong and just so-- everything positive you could possibly think of!

Together Forever

January 8th, 2011 our family became a forever family.

The entire day was an emotional one (in a positive way, of course!) and honestly, one of the best days of my life. Before heading to the temple, we met some friends, family, and the missionaries at the church for a word of prayer before making the near two hour journey to the Sacramento Temple. We got there with enough time to take pictures outside, and boy was it cold!

We were so blessed to have so much love and support. Most of our ward was there. I had family make a long trip from northern Oregon. My best friend flew down from Washington. One of the missionaries that helped bring the gospel back into our lives came all the way from Utah. Their attendance meant so much to us and I am so grateful for their love.

I remember looking over at my husband and seeing him dressed in white. I literally fell in love with him all over again (He said the same thing too, bless his heart). We have been together since high school and that day was the day we celebrated 10 years of being together, and only a few months earlier we celebrated 5 years of marriage. My heart is still so full when I think back to that tender moment.

One thing that I will never forget is seeing my daughter and son come into the sealing room dressed in white. It was one of the most precious things I have ever seen. So innocent. So pure. I am so glad that at 4 years old my daughter was able to understand that she was going to be able to be with mommy and daddy forever and that she is old enough to be able to remember it. My son was a doll. When he came in, carried by one of the temple attendants, he looked up at the chandelier and said "Lights!" followed by "no no's.... no no's" (while still looking up at them)... it was cute and made everyone in the room smile. Although I have been married for several years already, those new vows we spoke were the ones that mattered.

I am so grateful for the temple. I am so grateful that we were able to set that example for our children... that families can be together forever... and that we did what it took to take them there.

Our lives have been so enriched from that experience. We have a deeper love for each other. I have a deeper love and appreciation for the gospel... for family history... for everything, really. I know that I speak for both my husband and myself when I say that we can't wait to go back. There is truly no place on earth that can compare to the peace felt within those walls.

It's been a while!

I haven't updated in a few months, but that in no way means that I have been suffering a spiritual drought. Quite the opposite in fact. I have been blessed in more ways than I can count :)

Something To Ponder On..

From time to time, I can slip up and well, say some less than flattering things--things unbecoming of a lady and things unbecoming of a daughter of God. Taking the Lord's name in vain I am guilty of slipping from time to time. I instantly feel bad. I hate myself momentarily for it, etc. It just sounds so ugly. I was reading in Gordon B. Hinckley's book "Standing for Something" this evening--in the chapter on Civility. One thing he said really struck me to the core and really gave me something to think about... How can we utter the Lords name in vain (which is a derogatory thing to do) and then kneel to him and pray to him with the same mouth. It made me sad to think of how hypocritical it is... and how hurtful it is to HF... and how he must feel. Needless to say, I am going to work EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA hard on my language and my CIVILITY!

The Parable of the Pickle

In a conference talk from 2007 given by David A. Bednar called "Ye must be born again", he tells of the parable of the pickle. It sounds silly but it's really quite deep. This was a huge part of what our relief society lesson was on yesterday. Its a great analogy! Here's the short version:

"A cucumber becomes a pickle as it is prepared and cleaned, immersed in and saturated with salt brine, and sealed in a sterilized container. This procedure requires time and cannot be hurried and none of the essential steps can be ignored or avoided...

Through faith in Christ we can be:
1. Spiritually prepared and cleansed from sin,
2. Immersed in and saturated with His gosepel, and
3. Purified and sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise--even born again."

The mother's version of Psalm 23

Lord be my guide, my priorities, my needs and my wants are not first in my life.

Help me find the quiet time each day

So that I may be restored and refreshed

that you lead me through my day

so that I many live a God- paced life

Tho life as a mom is hard

Tho I may feel like I am in this all alone

I will not fear, I will not be weary, I will not grow tired

For you are my provider, for you are my strength, for you are my rock

This comforts me, Tho I may not be well with my circumstances I am well within my soul.

You have prepared this day and my future before me.

You have given me all that I need to live the way you want me to.

As a mom, as a wife you have given me more that enough so that I can give back to you, to my husband and my children and still have enough for me.

Thank you Jesus for your love and grace that is given to me each day of my life

I will abide in you simply and purely forever.

Amen

New Tradition

My friend's mother passed away in June of this year. Each and ever Sunday leading up to her death she would read a certain printed quote/prayer during the passing of the sacrament that she kept safely tucked inside her scriptures. It is simple but so powerful. I am excited to have a copy of it--placed in my scriptures--ready to read each week myself :)

"I wasn't perfect again this week. But I repent of my sins, and reaffirm my commitment to keep all the commandments. I promise to go back and try again, with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. I still want and need the cleansing that comes through faith, repentance, and baptism. Please apply the atoning blood of Christ to my sins. Please extend my contract (covenant of baptism) for another week and grant me the continued blessings of the atonement and the companionship of the holy ghost."