Breathe IN Sunshine, Breathe OUT Stress

More Than Conquerors through Him That Loved Us

2011-08-10T23:47:00.000-06:00

"Earth life includes tests, trials, and tribulations, and some of the trials we face in life can be excruciating. Whether it be illness, betrayal, temptations, loss of a loved one, natural disasters, or some other ordeal, affliction is part of our mortal experience. Many have wondered why we must face difficult challenges. We know that one reason is to provide a trial of our faith to see if we will do all the Lord has commanded. Fortunately this earth life is the perfect setting to face—and pass—these tests."

--Paul V. Johnson, "More Than Conquerors through Him That Loved Us", April 2011 General Conference

1 Peter 2:20

Does the Journey Seem Long?, Hymn #127

Meridian Magazine - Teaching our Children to be Strong in Adversity - Meridian Magazine - LDS, Mormon and Latter-day Saint News and Views

2011-08-02T10:09:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine - Teaching our Children to be Strong in Adversity - Meridian Magazine - LDS, Mormon and Latter-day Saint News and Views

This is definitely a must in any day and age, but as time goes on Adversity does become stronger. We need to, as parents teach our children the goodness of the gospel, set standards and values before they venture into this world that does have amazing and wonderful opportunities, but for any of our children to be "armed" with righteous desires and decision making we need to teach and instill in them in hopes that they make those better decisions within their free agency.

Saving Marriage - One Day At A Time

2011-07-25T00:56:00.000-06:00

I wanted to share another blog of mine, just recently started. Share it with all your friends and follow it! Thank you so much for your support! I'll be updating this blog here as well.

Saving Marriage - One Day At A Time

The most beautiful people...

2011-05-03T22:22:00.000-06:00

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." — Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

A Living Testimony

2011-04-27T12:30:00.000-06:00

"Testimony requires the nurturing by the prayer of faith, the hungering for the word of God in the scriptures, and the obedience to the truth we have received. There is danger in neglecting prayer. There is danger to our testimony in only casual study and reading of the scriptures. They are necessary nutrients for our testimony."

--President Henry B. Eyring, "A Living Testimony", April 2011 Young Womens Conference

At Parting

2011-04-27T12:29:00.000-06:00

"We face many challenges in the world today, but I assure you that our Heavenly Father is mindful of us. He loves each of us and will bless us as we seek Him through prayer and strive to keep His commandments."

--Thomas S. Monson, "At Parting", April 2011 General Conference

Meridian Magazine - Taking Care of Souls-The Mission of Motherhood

2011-04-27T12:28:00.001-06:00

Meridian Magazine - Taking Care of Souls-The Mission of Motherhood

Just for today...

2011-04-14T21:03:00.002-06:00

The past 2 weeks have been a trialing time on my side of the family. I won't get into details of this trial, because that isn't particularly necessary. But it has been a time of heart wrenching heartache, of emotions that go deep within the very part of our soul that question where we might be standing within our own lives spiritually and emotionally and where our relationships are with others. It has also been a time for healing, for a time of connecting with family, a time of fervent prayer. I have always had a testimony of the power of prayer, but through this experience I can feel and see the miracles that are brought about when people come together in prayer for behalf of someone they love dearly, to someone that they don't know or have seen at all, but pray because they care about you as a friend who is going through a trialing time.

My 2 boys and I made some "forever flowers" for our loved one that is going through recovery. And with those "forever flowers" I threw in some quotes and lyrics to a song that a friend sent to me for this very purpose. I think whatever the trial is, these are some great quotes to keep pushing you forward:

"God doesn't give us what we can handle. God helps us handle what we are given."

-----

The Climb lyrics
Songwriters: Alexander, J; Mabe, J;

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

-----

ENDURING TO THE END

Just for today I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do something for twelve hours that would appall me if I felt I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

Just for today I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, "that most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be."

Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, though, and concentration.

Just for today I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my 'luck' as it comes, and fit myself to it.

Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good turn, and not get found out; I will do at least two things that I don't want to ... just for exercise; I will nto show anyone that my feelings are hurt, they may be hurt, but today I will not show it.

Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, talk low, act courteously, criticize not one bit, not find fault with anything and not try to improve or regulate anybody except myself.

Just for today I will have a quiet half hour all by myself and relax. During this half hour, some time, I will try to get a better perspective on my life.

Just for today I will be unafraid. Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful, and to believe that as I give to the 'world, so the world will give to me.'

--Sign at Tops Restaurant
Grand Junction Colorado

The Atonement and Faith

2011-04-14T20:09:00.000-06:00

"Faith in the Lord is trust in the Lord. We cannot have true faith in the Lord without also having complete trust in the Lord’s will and in the Lord’s timing. As a result, no matter how strong our faith is, it cannot produce a result contrary to the will of Him in whom we have faith. Remember that when your prayers do not seem to be answered in the way or at the time you desire. The exercise of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is always subject to the order of heaven, to the goodness and will and wisdom and timing of the Lord. When we have that kind of faith and trust in the Lord, we have true security and serenity in our lives."

--Dallin H. Oaks, "The Atonement and Faith", Ensign, Apr. 2010, 30–34

Deodorant

2011-04-12T14:41:00.000-06:00

My cousin sent this to me via email and it made me laugh. Sometimes we all need a good laugh in life right? I know I needed one and this just kind of was a pick-me-upper.

This is your laugh for today.

I got a new stick deodorant today.
The instructions said: Remove cap and push up bottom.
I can barely walk, but whenever I fart the room smells lovely.

Have I done any good?

2011-03-28T10:03:00.002-06:00

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 weary been helped on their way? When they needed my help was I there? Then wake up and do something more than dream of your mansions above. Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure, a blessing of duty and love. -- Will L. Thompson

Proverbs

2011-03-21T16:05:00.002-06:00

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct they paths. -- Proverbs 3:5-6

Service

2011-02-24T12:32:00.002-07:00

"I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives."
--Thomas S. Monson, "What Have I Done for Someone Today?", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 84–87

Faith - the Choice Is Yours

2011-02-12T12:29:00.002-07:00

"Because of the conflicts and challenges we face in today’s world, I wish to suggest a single choice—a choice of peace and protection and a choice that is appropriate for all. That choice is faith. Be aware that faith is not a free gift given without thought, desire, or effort. It does not come as the dew falls from heaven. The Savior said, “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28) and “Knock, and it shall be [given] you” (Matthew 7:7). These are action verbs—come, knock. They are choices. So I say, choose faith."
--Richard C. Edgley, "Faith—the Choice Is Yours", Ensign, Nov. 2010, 31–33

God's Angels

2011-01-18T23:57:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen God's angel?
Have you ever felt her touch?
Have you listened when she whispered,
"You are loved so very much."

Have you noticed how she overs,
When others walk away.
How she stops to lift your burden,
And turns your heart to pray.

Yes, I have seen God's angel,
And I have felt her touch.
I have hard her kindly whisper,
"You are loved so very much."

I have noticed her beside me,
When others walked away.
I felt her lift my burden,
As she turned my heart to pray.

Have you ever been God's angel?
Who with a loving touch
Kindly whispered to another
"You are loved so very much."

Did you stay beside a friend
When others walked away?
Did you help to lift her burden,
And turn her heart to pray?

In truth we're all God's angels,
With heavenly work to do.
For God's errands of love and mercy,
He trusts to me and you.

And as one of God's angels,
Each day I fervently pray.
May my hands be His hands,
Helping others along their way.

--Lonni Thorpe

Never Leave Him

2010-12-09T22:27:00.002-07:00

"Perfection does not come in this life, but we exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and keep our covenants. President Monson has promised, “Your testimony, when constantly nourished, will keep you safe.” We push our spiritual roots deep, feasting daily on the words of Christ in the scriptures. We trust in the words of living prophets, placed before us to show us the way. We pray and pray and listen to the quiet voice of the Holy Ghost that leads us along and speaks peace to our soul. Whatever challenges arise, we never, never leave Him." --Neil L. Andersen, "Never Leave Him", General Conference October 2010

Meridian Magazine - A Remarkable Journey to Mormonism

2010-11-19T12:20:00.000-07:00

A member of a church that considers Mormonism a cult, all she wanted to do was save a Mormon friend from going to hell.

Meridian Magazine - A Remarkable Journey to Mormonism

Of Things That Matter Most

2010-11-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

"Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship—the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace."
--President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Of Things That Matter Most", Media Name

Repent That I May Heal You

2010-11-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

"The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to “re-turn” toward God. It is the beckoning of a loving Father and His Only Begotten Son to be more than we are, to reach up to a higher way of life, to change, and to feel the happiness of keeping the commandments. Being disciples of Christ, we rejoice in the blessing of repenting and the joy of being forgiven. They become part of us, shaping the way we think and feel."
--Neil L. Andersen, "Repent That I May Heal You’", Ensign, Nov 2009, 40–43

Meridian Magazine - To Change the World Forever: The Power of Prayer

2010-11-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

Meridian Magazine - To Change the World Forever: The Power of Prayer

Meridian Magazine - Learning to Let it Go

2010-11-05T22:56:00.000-06:00

This is a great article by Michael McLean. This made me laugh, but also was very heart warming. I must read!

Meridian Magazine - Learning to Let it Go

Meridian Magazine - A Case of Mistaken Identity

2010-11-05T22:49:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine - A Case of Mistaken Identity

Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ

2010-10-28T10:51:00.000-06:00

"Without God, life would end at the grave and our mortal experiences would have no purpose. Growth and progress would be temporary, accomplishment without value, challenges without meaning. There would be no ultimate right and wrong and no moral responsibility to care for one another as fellow children of God. Indeed, without God, there would be no mortal or eternal life."
--Robert D. Hales, "“Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ", Ensign, Nov 2009, 29–32

Quote by Rev. David King on Children

2010-10-25T12:10:00.002-06:00

"How can a child do better if their environment stays the same?"
Rev. David King, pastor of Community Baptist Church

Reflections on a Consecrated Life

2010-10-25T11:51:00.002-06:00

"Every day, every hour, every minute of your span of mortal years must sometime be accounted for. And it is in this life that you walk by faith and prove yourself able to choose good over evil, right over wrong, enduring happiness over mere amusement. And your eternal reward will be according to your choosing."
--D. Todd Christofferson, "Reflections on a Consecrated Life", Media Name

Meridian Magazine - The Parenting Problem Called Entitlement

2010-10-25T10:25:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine - The Parenting Problem Called Entitlement

Opportunity for Change in Marriage

2010-10-23T08:21:00.000-06:00

Being married creates the opportunity for change. When you're married, you find out how much you need to improve yourself. It is prideful & selfish for anyone to get married & think they don't need to change in any way. Each of us needs to change in many ways, some more than others, but God will start with the one who is willing. And the good news is, this is where His blessings will be directed first. -S Omartian

Meridian Magazine - Talking to Connect with Others

2010-10-18T21:32:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine - Talking to Connect with Others

Meridian Magazine - The Common Longing for Spiritual Solutions to Worldly Parenting Challenges

2010-10-18T20:52:00.001-06:00

Meridian Magazine - The Common Longing for Spiritual Solutions to Worldly Parenting Challenges

Meridian Magazine - “The Healing Power of Jesus Christ”Sculpture Exhibit at the D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center

2010-10-18T20:52:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine - “The Healing Power of Jesus Christ”Sculpture Exhibit at the D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center

Meridian Magazine - Waiting for Rescue

2010-09-14T11:51:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine - Waiting for Rescue

This is a great article and I would highly recommend it to anyone that may be struggling with a trial that they may feel that God has left them hanging.

Meridian Magazine - Latter-day Saint Concept of Messiah

2010-09-03T13:15:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine - Latter-day Saint Concept of Messiah

Voice of the Spirit

2010-09-01T12:21:00.000-06:00

In a world full of noise and many voices, President James E. Faust invites us to listen to and follow the voice of the Spirit, which is calm and quiet and leads to eternal life.

Meridian Magazine - A Little Known Principle in Scripture

2010-09-01T12:17:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine - A Little Known Principle in Scripture

Meridian Magazine - At the End of Your Rope

2010-08-31T20:18:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine - At the End of Your Rope

Meridian Magazine - Learning How to Forgive - Meridian Magazine

2010-08-30T08:24:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine - Learning How to Forgive - Meridian Magazine

Meridian Magazine - Growing out of your Fears - Meridian Magazine

2010-08-26T12:47:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine - Growing out of your Fears - Meridian Magazine

Meridian Magazine - Realizing Life - Meridian Magazine

2010-08-25T08:13:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine - Realizing Life - Meridian Magazine

Never Ever Give Up - Meridian Magazine

2010-08-23T08:06:00.000-06:00

This is a video on the beautiful painting on the Second Coming by Jon McNaugton

Never Ever Give Up - Meridian Magazine

Meridian Magazine - Letter from the Highlands- The Courage to Be Alive - Meridian Magazine

2010-08-23T08:05:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine - Letter from the Highlands- The Courage to Be Alive - Meridian Magazine

Meridian Magazine - Overwhelmed, Over Anxious, or Overly Bothered? - Meridian Magazine

2010-08-19T09:08:00.001-06:00

Meridian Magazine - Overwhelmed, Over Anxious, or Overly Bothered? - Meridian Magazine

Meridian Magazine - Irritation is an Invitation - Meridian Magazine

2010-08-19T09:08:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine - Irritation is an Invitation - Meridian Magazine

Meridian Magazine - The Lord is Not the Accuser - Meridian Magazine

2010-08-17T11:46:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine - The Lord is Not the Accuser - Meridian Magazine

Reverence

2010-08-17T11:08:00.000-06:00

"Reverence is the soul of true religion. It’s seedbed is sincerity. Its quality is determined by the esteem in which one holds the object of his reverence as evidenced by his behavior toward that object. When that object is God, the genuinely reverent person has a worshipful adoration coupled with a respectful behavior toward him and all that pertains to him. The want of such appreciation or behavior smacks of irreverence. Order is a part of reverence. So is cleanliness of person, of apparel, of speech, of action, and of thought and impulse. So also are courtesy, respect for one another, and kindred virtues. Reverence is a sign of spiritual maturity, strength, and nobility."
--Marion G. Romney, "Reverence", Ensign, Oct. 1976, 2

Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light

2010-08-16T09:51:00.000-06:00

I remember this. This was in our neighborhood where we lived at the time. It was really a touching experience of forgiveness for me, and I had hoped that if I was ever presented the trial of forgiving someone in such a circumstance or any circumstance for that matter, that I ...would have worked daily to have the spirit in my life to be in the right frame of mind and to be able to have the spirit that I would be able to do forgive right then and there.

Forgiveness is such a huge key in anyone's life, something that heals and mends not only your heart, but those around you, and that also strengthens beyond anything you can imagine unless you've really applied forgiveness in your life. Just my 2 cents, because I have encountered many things that forgiveness has been in the forefront of my mind to mend the hurt.

What an amazing and wonderful opportunity for everyone to practice such forgiveness in their lives and those around them. Just as this short video says "there is Jesus' way.... or there is some other way..." We are to better ourselves as Jesus has taught us, so taking the opportunity to follow in the example of Jesus helps us to be in a better world, in our own lives and again, the lives of others. What a better place this world would be if everyone practiced this in their life!

DO YOU ACT -- OR REACT?

2010-08-16T08:05:00.003-06:00

Condensed from the Chicago Daily News by Sydney J. Harris

"I walked with my friend, a Quaker, to a newsstand the other night, and he bought a paper, thanking the newsie politely. The newsie didn't even acknowledge it.

'A sullen fellow, isn't he?' I commented.

'Oh, he's that way every night,' shrugged my friend.

'Then why do you continue to be so polite to him?' I asked.

'Why not?' inquired my friend. 'Why should I let him decide how I am going to act?'

As I thought about this incident later, it occurred to me that the important word was 'act'. My friend acts toward people; most of us react toward them. He has a sense of inner balance which is lacking in most of us, he knows who he is, what he stands for, how he should behave. He refuses to return to incivility for incivility, because then he would no longer be in command of his own conduct."

--------------

We always have room for improvement. I think for me, this is a work in progress. I have accomplished a lot with this frame of mind, this attitude. But the "natural man" in all of us tends to react. Teaching ourselves to act is hard sometimes, but so much better for our inner well-being and for those around us.

Glory of God

2010-08-14T22:11:00.001-06:00

The heavens declare the glory of a God, and the firmament showeth His handiwork; and a moment's reflection is sufficient to teach every man of common intelligence, that all these are not the mere productions of chance, nor could they be supported by any power less than an Almighty hand; and He that can mark the power of Omnipotence, inscribed upon the heavens, can also see God's own handwriting in the sacred volume. -- Joseph Smith, The Prophet

Obeying “the Whisperings of the Holy Ghost

2010-08-12T11:35:00.001-06:00

"We do not know the future, but our Father in Heaven does, and He will lead and guide us if we let Him. When we are in tune with the Spirit, we will see many small miracles happen in our lives. I have found that having the ability to see and recognize these small miracles is based upon my spiritual worthiness, my willingness to be obedient, and my desire to not allow myself to become complacent and caught up in worldly and personal pursuits."
--Ronald T. Halverson, "Obeying “the Whisperings of the Holy Ghost", Ensign, Aug 2007, 56–58

Meridian Magazine - Happy Birthday, Primary!

2010-08-12T09:56:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine - Happy Birthday, Primary!

"This week marks the 132nd birthday of the Primary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On August 11, 1878, the Farmington (Utah) Primary Association was formally organized with Aurelia Spencer Rogers sustained as president. Two weeks later on August 25, 215 children attended the first Primary meeting at the rock chapel in Farmington."

Fabulous! We love the Primary! We love serving in the Primary (my husband and I teach the Valiant 10 kids.) The spirit from the children is always a breath of fresh air!

Meridian Magazine - Latter-day Saint Concept of Messiah

2010-08-07T14:28:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine - Latter-day Saint Concept of Messiah

Meridian Magazine - We are What We Think

2010-08-05T14:57:00.001-06:00

Meridian Magazine - We are What We Think

Meridian Magazine - At War against a Common Enemy

2010-08-05T14:57:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine - At War against a Common Enemy

Meridian Magazine - The Critic on Your Shoulder

2010-08-04T17:04:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine - The Critic on Your Shoulder

Circumstances

2010-08-02T10:17:00.000-06:00

People are always blaming
their circumstances
for what they are.
I don't believe in circumstances.
The people who get on in this world
are the people who get up and look
for the circumstances they want,
and if they can't find them,
make them.
--George Bernard Shaw

Choices

2010-08-01T00:05:00.002-06:00

"We are either the masters or the victims of our 'paradigms'. It is a matter of personal choice. Who we are today is the result of choices made yesterday. Tomorrow we will become what we choose today. To change means to choose to change."
-John C. Maxwell

Meridian Magazine:: Line Upon Line: The Critic on Your Shoulder

2010-07-13T12:43:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine:: Line Upon Line: The Critic on Your Shoulder

Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

2010-07-12T13:12:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine :: Family Connections: Seek To Understand: Successful Parenting Tips

2010-07-09T21:49:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine :: Family Connections: Seek To Understand: Successful Parenting Tips

This is excellent! In not only seeing different eyes with our children, but I think it can relate to other people around us, including our spouses, friends, and other family members. Great read! Loved it!

LDS Living Magazine

2010-07-03T22:59:00.000-06:00

This is from:

Young Women Lesson 26: The Sacrament

Manual 2; Supplement from ''Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament''
by Dallin H. Oaks

The ordinance of the sacrament makes the sacrament meeting the most sacred and important meeting in the Church.

To see more, go here: LDS Living Magazine

I personally LOVE the sacrament, renewing my covenants - almost a breath of fresh air to start a new week. I have gained more testimony each year for my own personal experience, and for the sacrament itself. I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have to partake of the sacrament, it is such a strength to me, something that is sacred to me as well.

LDS Living Magazine

2010-07-03T22:56:00.001-06:00

This is from:

Young Men Lesson 26: Worthy Thoughts

Manual 2; Supplement from ''Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts Unceasingly''
by Gordon B. Hinckley

There is no limit to your potential. If you will take control of your lives, the future is filled with opportunity and gladness.

To see more of this lesson, go here: LDS Living Magazine

Wow, this is a great subject... for anyone - our thoughts are so important in keeping us morally clean, which in turn helps us to keep closer to God, to have a relationship with him. It is truly a powerful thing. Those that take on pornography in their lives destroy so much of themselves and those that love them, something to definitely stay away from. I have seen marriages destroyed from this, amongst other aspects that tie into the same spectrum. Not even that, but I know that when we delve into things that desensitizes us from the spirit, we become more captive into Satan's world and not the wonderful world that God has given us. Life is much more simple, more happy, more peaceful, more wonderful when we do those things that keep the spirit in our hearts, in our homes, in our relationships with those around us.

2010-07-03T16:24:00.001-06:00

I came across this today while on my email updates with Meridian Magazine, and I wanted to share it because I have such a passion with strengthening marriage, even when aspects have made the marriage get to the end of the thread. This is just one of MANY wonderful links I can share with you. I believe some of them I have right on the home page of this site... I'll have to think about sharing a whole bunch of great links that I have helped strengthen myself and my marriage as well.

I do have to note in this as I have had many friends who have been in toxic marriage relationships that they've tried to work through, but they cannot obviously do it on their own. I think if both parties worked towards the goal at hand it could work - but the common phrase of "it takes two to tango" really does apply. One cannot put all the blame on the other, one cannot say they are exempt from mistakes and their spouse is the problem, one cannot simply push the responsibility of oneself away from issues at hand and pretend that they aren't there amongst so many other things that can be toxic, such as abuse (in all its forms) - controlling abuse, emotional, spiritual, physical and so on. I'm going to have to touch more on this subject since it is such a passion on both sides of the spectrum.

Anyway, here is the link that I found very enlightening:

STRENGTHENING MARRIAGE.COM

They Marked the Path to Follow

2010-07-01T19:43:00.000-06:00

"Noah had the unwavering faith to follow God’s commandments. May we ever do likewise. May we remember that the wisdom of God ofttimes appears as foolishness to men; but the greatest lesson we can learn in mortality is that when God speaks and we obey, we will always be right."

--Thomas S. Monson, "They Marked the Path to Follow", Ensign, Oct 2007, 4–9

Mosiah 2:22

Keep the Commandments, Hymn #303

This is and has always been one of my favorite quotes... esp the part where it says: "when God speaks and we obey, we will always be right." I can't tell you how many times this has given me comfort in my life - no matter the trial, if we obey his laws, if we obey his answers that he gives to us, we will always be right. Wonderful!

The Faith of Abraham Lincoln

2010-06-29T16:03:00.000-06:00

Enjoy Life

2010-06-28T16:28:00.000-06:00

Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.

- Gordon B. Hinckley

The Family is Eternal

2010-06-23T18:04:00.000-06:00

"The family is eternal. Love must be nurtured. It must be spoken. We must put away our pride, our haughtiness, our shyness, our misunderstandings, and with humility say, "I love you. Is there something I can do to help you?" You can never be completely happy under any other circumstances."
Marjorie Pay Hinckley

The War in Heaven: Continues on Earth Today (Messages from LDS/Mormon Pr...

2010-06-21T22:25:00.000-06:00

No matter what religion you may belong to, this is a powerful message.

Email : What Would Jesus Do?

2010-06-16T16:13:00.002-06:00

The light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, topping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.

The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration, as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.

As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up.

He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell.

After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.

He said, ''I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'Follow Me to Sunday-School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, so naturally....I assumed you had stolen the car.''

Priceless.

Meridian Magazine :: Spiritual Journeys: Standing on Holy Ground

2010-06-16T15:52:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine :: Spiritual Journeys: Standing on Holy Ground

Love this article, because I simply love the temple - it is such a beautiful & holy place to be. And I love going to the temple, I love the spiritual refuge that it gives from the worldly storm that is very abundantly around us each day. I love the spiritual strength I gain each time I go... So this article was just something that I loved because of what I love and because it also makes me more aware or even just give me a reminder of what I need to do to make my visit to the temple that more holy.

Sorting a Box of Quotes & Stories

2010-06-16T11:37:00.000-06:00

In trying to clean out the office closet today, I have come to realize that I really need to do the goal I set out to accomplish several months ago that hasn't remotely been touched. I have a box of quotes, stories, thoughts etc. that I have collected over the years. Things that are uplifting to me and things that just make me smile. I have wanted to get them all on a disc, for which that means I need to just start typing them out, and getting them into subject folders. So, while I am endeavoring to do just that, I will also share with you (hopefully daily) if I am to get this done in the near future, my box of quotes, stories, and thoughts. So... ENJOY while I sort this all out!

Becoming Self-Reliant

2010-06-16T11:33:00.000-06:00

"We become self-reliant through obtaining sufficient knowledge, education, and literacy; by managing money and resources wisely, being spiritually strong, preparing for emergencies and eventualities; and by having physical health and social and emotional well-being." Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.

"Self-reliance is taking responsibility for our own spiritual and temporal welfare and for those whom Heavenly Father has entrusted to our care... Our ultimate goal is to become like the Savior, and that goal is enhanced by our unselfish service to others. Our ability to serve is increased or diminished by the level of our self-reliance." Elder Robert D. Hales

"The responsibility for each person's social, emotional, spiritual, physical, or economic well-being rests first upon himself, second upon his family, and third upon the Church if he is a faithful member thereof." President Spencer W. Kimball

Meridian Magazine : : Church Update: Children of Promise: Cultural Celebration in the Philippines

2010-06-14T08:38:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine : : Church Update: Children of Promise: Cultural Celebration in the Philippines

Quotes

2010-06-14T08:26:00.000-06:00

Last week's thought:

"Problems give us the ability to hang on and that ability changes who we are. When our character is permanently molded by the trials we are stronger and the end result is hope."
Dave Ramsey

This week's thought:

We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails.

Children & Voice of the Lord

2010-05-31T09:22:00.000-06:00

"In the soft and gentle arms of a mother's love, children can come to know the voice of the Lord."
Dwan J. Young

Fire on the Farm by Scot Facer Proctor

2010-05-30T10:51:00.001-06:00

My Journey: Fire on the Farm: By Scot Facer Proctor

What an amazing journey of faith. This just a great reminder to me that in ALL of our trials, even ones that we might just fled from before thinking to pray, we must pray. Great testimony builder!

Meridian Magazine :: Myth of the Month: Will I Ever Receive His Image in My Countenance?

2010-05-26T21:16:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine :: Myth of the Month: Will I Ever Receive His Image in My Countenance?

Meridian Magazine :: Articles : Jehovah, the Loving God of the Old Testament

2010-05-24T10:13:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine :: Articles : Jehovah, the Loving God of the Old Testament

Mother An Example

2010-05-24T09:08:00.002-06:00

"When a mother provides an example of joy, the children's world is one of happiness."
Barbara B. Smith

A Mother's Influence

2010-05-17T09:14:00.003-06:00

"Nothing a woman can ever do will have anywhere near as much importance as
the influence she has as a mother." --George D. Durrant

Be a Mother who is Committed...

2010-05-10T08:27:00.000-06:00

"Be a Mother who is committed to loving her children into standing on higher ground than the enviroment surrounding them. Mother's are endowed with a love that is unlike any other love on the face of the earth."
— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Young Women Lesson 18: A Heritage of Righteous Traditions

2010-05-07T10:46:00.000-06:00

LDS Living Magazine

Young Men Lesson 18: Duties of a Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood

2010-05-07T10:45:00.002-06:00

LDS Living Magazine

Gospel Principles Lesson 11: The Life of Christ

2010-05-07T10:45:00.001-06:00

LDS Living Magazine

Old Testament Lesson 18: ''Be Strong and of a Good Courage''

2010-05-07T10:45:00.000-06:00

LDS Living Magazine

Meridian Magazine:: Line Upon Line: "Unto Such Is Known the Mysteries of God"

2010-05-05T21:44:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine:: Line Upon Line: "Unto Such Is Known the Mysteries of God"

Meridian Magazine:: Line Upon Line: When Yesterday’s Burden Isn’t Lighter Today

2010-05-04T12:46:00.001-06:00

Meridian Magazine:: Line Upon Line: When Yesterday’s Burden Isn’t Lighter Today

More than Melody by Jamie Cline

2010-05-04T12:46:00.000-06:00

Everyone knows that music influences people—that it holds a special power all its own. But what are its "magical properties?" --See the full article here: LDS Living Magazine

Are We Not All Mothers?

2010-05-04T10:52:00.000-06:00

"As mothers in Israel, we are the Lord’s secret weapon. Our influence comes from a divine endowment that has been in place from the beginning. In the premortal world, when our Father described our role, I wonder if we didn’t stand in wide-eyed wonder that He would bless us with a sacred trust so central to His plan and that He would endow us with gifts so vital to the loving and leading of His children. I wonder if we shouted for joy at least in part because of the ennobling stature He gave us in His kingdom. The world won’t tell you that, but the Spirit will."

--Sheri L. Dew, "Are We Not All Mothers?", Ensign, Nov 2001, 96

Isaiah 2:5

Teach Me to Walk in the Light, Hymn #304

Mothers

2010-05-03T10:00:00.001-06:00

"Mother, you ought to cultivate in your hearts the spirit of peace; you ought to be like angels of God, full of every virtue."
John Taylor

Meridian Magazine:: Line Upon Line: How Can God Say “Fear Not”?

2010-04-29T22:05:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine:: Line Upon Line: How Can God Say “Fear Not”?

The Atonement & Faith

2010-04-29T10:59:00.002-06:00

--Dallin H. Oaks, "The Atonement and Faith", Ensign, Apr 2010, 30–34

2 Nephi 2:7

I Believe in Christ, Hymn #134

Principles

2010-04-26T07:47:00.001-06:00

"The good thing about principles is that they make life easy."
Dave Ramsey

Meridian Magazine:: Line Upon Line: Redefining Our Self

2010-04-23T10:49:00.001-06:00

Meridian Magazine:: Line Upon Line: Redefining Our Self

Meridian Magazine:: Line Upon Line: The Spiritual Stress Cycle

2010-04-23T10:49:00.000-06:00

Meridian Magazine:: Line Upon Line: The Spiritual Stress Cycle

Meridian Magazine :: Arts: Watching Movies on the Sabbath?

2010-04-23T10:48:00.000-06:00

I love this, because we do the same in our family. We do our best to keep the Sabbath day Holy, and part of that is that we don't do things we would normally do during the week. If the kids want to watch a movie, that is fine, but it has to be something that is spiritually uplifting, something that turns our hearts to our Savior. There are several movies that you can get at the LDS Distribution Center, Seagull Book & Tape, or even Deseret Book to name a few that have some great spiritually uplifting movies for the whole family. We also love the movie Facing the Giants - which is absolutely spiritually moving!

Meridian Magazine :: Arts: Watching Movies on the Sabbath?

Seek the Higher Ground

2010-04-23T10:40:00.000-06:00

How I learned to mind my own business

2010-04-22T23:23:00.000-06:00

I got this in an email, and it just made me smile. I thought I would share it with you.

I was walking past the mental hospital the other day, I could hear a lot of the patients shouting, '13....13....13.'

The fence was too high to see over, but I saw a little gap in the planks, so I looked through to see what was going on.....

Some idiot poked me in the eye with a stick!

Then they all started shouting, '14....14....14'...

Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?

2010-04-22T12:04:00.002-06:00

"Enduring to the end, or remaining faithful to the laws and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout our life, is a fundamental requirement for salvation in the kingdom of God...Therefore, enduring to the end is not just a matter of passively tolerating life’s difficult circumstances or “hanging in there.” Ours is an active religion, helping God’s children along the strait and narrow path to develop their full potential during this life and return to Him one day... Enduring to the end is a process filling every minute of our life, every hour, every day, from sunrise to sunrise. It is accomplished through personal discipline following the commandments of God."

--Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?", Ensign, Nov 2007, 18–21

D&C 14:7

Does the Journey Seem Long, Hymn #127

Meridian Magazine:: Line Upon Line: When God Lets Us Be Cast into a Pit

2010-04-21T10:52:00.000-06:00

One more example of putting our trials, no matter what they may be in perspective and needing the faith to get through, choosing improvement in your life, choosing to better yourself....

Meridian Magazine:: Line Upon Line: When God Lets Us Be Cast into a Pit

Meridian Magazine : : Church Update: Healing America, One Family and One Individual At a Time

2010-04-21T10:48:00.000-06:00

This is absolutely inspirational...

Meridian Magazine : : Church Update: Healing America, One Family and One Individual At a Time

Mothers

2010-04-20T12:33:00.000-06:00

--Sheri L. Dew, "Are We Not All Mothers?", Ensign, Nov 2001, 96

Moses 4:26

I Often Go Walking, The Children's Songbook #202