He doesn't love me the way I want him to

Today is my husband's birthday, so I would be remiss if I didn't express my gratitude for him today. I have been struggling with how much I miss my mom lately, and how alone I have felt since her passing . . .  combine this struggle with crazy unpredictable pregnancy hormones and I feel like I have been a little hard on him, as a result. Sometimes I get frustrated because I don't think he appreciates me, or loves me the way I think I deserve to be loved, and I allow these misconceptions to fester inside and create a bitterness that perpetuates contention and a lack of charity.

Now, we all know that's a bunch of malarky . . . that my husband does, in fact love me and appreciates me, and I was recently reminded (again) of such as I came across one of my favorite quotes:

"I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have." -Unknown

I've been praying a lot lately for revelation on how I can be a better wife - how I can better communicate my needs, while still being compassionate toward my husband and finding ways to foster acceptance and forgiveness in our relationship; to be more loving and supportive toward him, that I might gain a better understanding of how I can strengthen our relationship and perpetuate love instead of resentment . . . and as I came across this quote again, I was reminded to reflect on all the ways he does show his love for me. It's just amazing how in the course of a few short days, my attitude has changed to one of gratitude, and I actually find myself at a loss for words at how lucky I am to have him in my life.

So, here is a list of 10 reasons why I am grateful for my husband:

1. He recently revealed to me that he has a playlist that he listens to regularly, which he titled, "Love My Wife Better," and it is filled with songs that encourage appreciating what you have, and loving the ones in your life more fully. This may sound silly, but I thought it was one of the greatest romantic gestures he has ever shown me;

2. When I express my frustrations with him, he rarely ever lashes out at me, or gets angry. He just takes it all in, as if to process what the problem is and how to fix it. I often mistake this for failing to communicate with me, or shutting down emotionally, but I've come to realize that just because he isn't outwardly giving me the validation I seek in the moment, it doesn't mean he isn't internalizing the problem, trying to think of ways to improve, and make my life easier. I love him;

3. He is not too prideful to admit when he is wrong;

4. He honors me and our commitment to each other with his integrity, and by being loyal in thought and action;

5. He values my happiness;

6. He loves our children unconditionally, and though he often comes across as being the tough disciplinarian (especially with our teenager, and our son), he is usually the first one to show them an increase of love.

7. He is always telling our children to respect and obey me, and to act when they are told (by me) to do something. This may seem like a simple thing, yet to me it is huge. I have seen first-hand how some parents undermine each other in front of their children, but I feel like I have his support and respect 100% in this area.

8. He values physical intimacy. Let's get real for a minute . . . when you've been married almost ten years and you've got four kids (with one on the way), This. Is. Huge.

9. He makes me laugh; and

10. He is genuinely good, and he seeks after righteous things for me and for our family.

I truly am grateful to have this man in my life, and I am committed to focusing on his goodness as I thank my Heavenly Father for blessing me with such a devout eternal companion.

I love you, Babe. Happy Birthday.

Photo Credit: The Purple Lady

Playing Catch-up

I have been a little bit of a slacker the last few days, and have been remiss in posting for the 30-days-of-Gratitude Challenge, so here is my attempt to reconcile this shortcoming:

Day 3: I am thankful for date night. Because of our fun, little birthday perk email from Fogo de Chao in Downtown Summerlin, my hubby took me to a nice dinner on Wednesday night to celebrate our birthdays. This place is absolutely amazing. Their food is delicious, the service is incredible, and they made the night super special by writing, "Happy Birthday" on my dessert plate (and on Hubby's to-go box that he ordered his dessert in). They even lit a candle for me, and comped both of our desserts. We went there for our anniversary back in April, and they comped our dessert then too. And did I mention their food is insanely delicious?

Anyway, with my husband's crazy schedule, we aren't always able to spend a lot of time together, so date night is one of my favorite things. Date night isn't always as fancy as dinner at Fogo de Chao; sometimes, we escape for a quick meet-up between Philharmonic rehearsals. Sometimes, it's not even on a weekend (like our Wednesday night birthday dinner celebration). Sometimes, date night is something as simple as a quick trip through the drive-thru, and a night of playing Pokemon Go - but it gives us an opportunity to unwind, and to spend one-on-one time together. I truly love my husband, and I am grateful that he has always placed value on something as important as date night.

Day 4: Today, I am thankful for power. We had an outage on the 4th, and it quickly became evident how often we take something as simple as electricity for granted. We had no access to the internet, the tv, and couldn't even turn the light on to use the restroom. It was a "fun" few hours with all the kids home (and no power), to say the least.

Day 5: A competent, teenage-daughter. This girl saves my life some days. She is usually the one that helps me out around the house, and often steps in to help with the kids when she can see that I am feeling overwhelmed. There were a few nights this last week when the hubby was working late and she offered to take the kids while I went out for some alone time. I didn't take advantage of her offer at the time (kids needed baths and had homework to do), but she did watch the kids a few times last week while the hubby and I went on our birthday date, and ran some errands another day. I don't know what I am going to do in a few years when she leaves the nest and starts on her own adventure into adulthood. I am truly blessed to have her in my life, especially with a new baby due in January.

Day 6: The sacrament. I read recently in the Book of Mormon about the time when Christ visited the American continent after he was resurrected, and how the multitudes of His disciples waited in reverence as he touched and blessed each one of them. I've read this story plenty of times before, but this time, I found myself reflecting on my own relationship with the Savior, and how I treat the time that I have to partake of His Atonement every Sunday when I take the sacrament.

With three small kids to keep our hour in sacrament ever-so-interesting (along with a few other primary aged children that usually sit with us during sacrament because they live with their less-active aunt, and come to church alone with their 13-year-old sister), I often find it difficult to maintain reverence while the sacrament is being passed, and usually feel like it is nearly impossible to feel the spirit. This scripture story has helped me to truly reflect on the importance of that time honoring our Savior, though, and I have actively started looking for ways to keep the kids engaged in activities that remind them of the Savior, allowing me to think of Him during that time as well.

It's a work in progress, but I am truly so grateful for the opportunity that I have each week to partake of the sacrament, and renew my covenants with Him.

Day 7: Tomorrow is Election Day - so today, I am thankful for the ability that I have as an American (and as a woman) to vote. I think of all the men and women who sacrificed so that I could have this freedom, and I feel it is truly my duty to let my voice be heard. It probably sounds cliche, but it's something I take very seriously.

My husband and I voted early this election, and there were a few issues on the ballot that are very important to us. So, even though I was not 100% satisfied with the candidates we have to choose from this election, I still have a great sense of pride knowing that I participated in such a meaningful event, and that I did my part to honor our forefathers in their mission to make this country great.

Photo Credit: The Purple Lady

Focusing on Gratitude to Get Through the Day

So, these last few weeks, I have been feeling pretty lame due to illness and some other stress factors that I have been facing - And as I usually tend to do when life gets chaotic, I have been neglecting the blog as a result. 

I have been a bit too scatter-brained lately to produce anything halfway worth reading. I think about my blog every few days - heck, I even think I might have something worth talking about, but then the dust starts to settle, life and stress start to surface, and my brain is toast again. I start to think that maybe I will feel much better after this week is over when we'll (hopefully) have some more answers where my health is concerned. I even think I will try to sit down and focus on positivity more, and who knows - maybe a miracle will happen, and something somewhat legit or even halfway interesting will emerge. 

In the meantime, however, I am trying to recall the wise advice I received recently, which inspired my last blog post: Every single day you make a choice. I know that I am so blessed to have such an amazing support system, and I thank Heavenly Father daily for the strength I am able to receive through the Atonement and through the joy my family brings to me. I was reminded of these blessings again today during my personal scripture study, wherein I read about the pre-existence and how we were foreordained to do certain things. I have a firm testimony of this principle, and I know that I was foreordained to be a mother. I receive a tremendous amount of comfort knowing that I am taking on such an important role in our Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness by striving to be a faithful wife and mother, and raising my children unto the Lord.

So to get through today, I choose to focus on these blessings, and will lean on the comfort of the Savior to bring me out of this funk. In an attempt to do so, I decided to write a list of the things I love about each of my children. Obviously, this list could go on for miles, so for all intents and purposes, I will focus on a few, simple things I love about each of them - some of the things that make them uniquely special in my heart.

So without further ado:

1. MNM (my 13-year-old daughter) - I love how:
a. she still likes to lie with her head in my lap and cuddle every once in a while, as if she were still a small child;
b. she loves to read and always has a book in her hand; and 
c. she likes to show her gratitude in simple, thoughtful ways, like a homemade card or a song that she sings and dedicates to me. She has such a big heart, and I am so lucky to be her mom.

2. L-Bear (my 3-year-old son) - I love how:
a. he is constantly telling me that he loves me and cares about me "so much";
b. he climbs into bed with me each night and tells me all the things he is sorry for doing that day - bless his little heart; and
c. he wants to go with me everywhere I go, and always wants to be a helper in the kitchen. He is my right-hand little guy, has such a thoughtful, loving spirit, and I am so lucky to be his mom; and 

3. Baby Boo (my 21-month-old daughter) - I love how:
a. she wraps my arm around herself every night to fall asleep;
b. her eyes light up and she gets so excited every time she hears the song, "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" from "Frozen." She even clicks her tongue at the appropriate time, and has started repeating a word or two of the song, which is absolutely adorable; and
c. every time L-Bear hits her or does something to her out of impatience, I tell him to say he's sorry - yet without missing a beat, SHE will go over to him and wrap her arms around him - almost as if to say, "It's okay, brother. I love you." She truly has such a sweet spirit. Her smile lights up my heart, and I am so lucky to be her mom. 

It's amazing how having an attitude of gratitude can instantly change your mood. I am thankful for each of my children. They are the shining beacon in my life that reminds me of how truly blessed I am. They are my saving grace, and it is they who are constantly teaching me how to be the best version of myself, how to be a better daughter of our Heavenly Father, and how to truly love. I am so thankful for the blessing of their presence in my life, and I am thankful that Heavenly Father entrusted me to be their mom. :) 

Singing Praises of Thanksgiving (3)

Photo by The Purple Lady.

Yesterday, we had an early Thanksgiving dinner with my family since some of us will be out of town when the real feast day arrives, so I didn't get around to posting this list. However, I didn't want to miss this last opportunity to participate in the Thanksgiving challenge, so here is my weekly gratitude list.

This week, I am thankful for:

1. Forgiveness, and the ability we have as humans to overlook the faults and mistakes of those we love, allowing our experiences to strengthen our relationships with each other;
2. Patience - the one thing that keeps me from killing my kids (and even my husband. haha) some days (come on, I know you can relate. lol);
3. Relief Society meetings that uplift us when our spirits are in desperate need of uplifting;
4. Sippy cups - because let's face it, without them, I would hate carpet even more than I already do;
5. Prayer - because some days it's the only way I am able to survive this parenting thing. Just when I think I am getting the hang of it, life throws me a curveball and I find myself on my knees asking the Lord for guidance. It is only through prayer that I am able to find the strength and the answers to continue enduring;
6. Space heaters, warm socks, and cozy pajamas - we live in an old house that doesn't have central heating;
7. Hot chocolate - please refer to #6. ;)
8. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and dental insurance - after all, dental hygiene is important. :)
9. My awesome visiting teaching companion who makes visiting teaching an experience to look forward to. She is dedicated and reliable, and always makes sure we are diligent in visiting our sisters; and
10. Eternal Families - my family is my world and I am grateful that families can be together forever. :)

Seeing as how this is my last post for the 2013 gratitude challenge, I just want to thank The Purple Lady for inviting me to participate, again inspiring me to maintain an attitude of gratitude, rejuvenating my soul with appreciation for all that I have. The real challenge now is to strive toward keeping this attitude alive throughout the entire year - and not just at Thanksgiving time, when these expressions of gratitude are so prominent.

Again, I will invite you all to participate in this challenge by writing your own list. Feel free to do so in the comments below, or leave a link to your own blog where we may go to view it. Thank you for taking the time to read this post today - and if you are a returning viewer, thank you for your loyalty. I appreciate you and am thankful to have an outlet to express my love of life and gratitude to the Lord for all I have.

Happy Thanksgiving, with love.

Photo source: Mormon.org

Singing Praises of Thanksgiving (2)

Photo by Photo by The Purple Lady.

So, it's week two of our 2013 Thanksgiving gratitude challenge. For more information on this year's challenge, or if you missed last week's list, check it out here. 

Now, on to my list. This week, I am thankful for:

1. Book club - being a stay-at-home mom while we only have one car is sometimes difficult because I don't get out of the house much - nor do I have the opportunity to visit with other adults regularly, and the isolation can really pull on my sanity strings a bit. I can't tell you how many times I have left book club after an awesome discussion with my fellow LDS book club gal pals, and have felt truly edified and uplifted. It's an awesome group, and I am grateful to be a part of it;

2. Uplifting music - music is such a beautiful gift from our Heavenly Father. I have been feeling a little overwhelmed lately with the stresses of life and parenthood, and as I sat down with my family in sacrament today, the two babies started fussing and being irreverent. Almost immediately, I felt myself thinking, "Why am I even here?" And I started feeling frustrated and discouraged, as I knew I would have to take them out of the chapel. But then two wonderfully talented sisters in my ward performed an instrumental rendition of "Come Thou Fount" (a piano and flute duet), and as I sat there listening to the music, my soul was uplifted and I felt the spirit whisper to me that I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father - that I am loved, and that I matter. I then felt a reassuring confirmation that I was in the right place, and that I was pleasing the Lord through my obedience, despite the challenges of having young kids who can't seem to sit through an entire sacrament meeting - ever. Naturally, the tears began streaming, and I said a silent prayer of gratitude to the Lord for knowing what I needed, and for blessing me in that moment with encouragement, comfort and peace. It's amazing what you can get from a beautiful hymn, even when there are no words being sung;

3. Chocolate - enough said. ;)

4. School buses - despite all the drama that we have experienced over the last two years with the school buses here in Clark County,  I am truly grateful for the bus system. As mentioned previously, we only have one car right now, and I can't imagine how much more stressful my life would be if I didn't have a "reliable" form of transportation provided for my two children who are in the school system. L's bus comes right to the house and takes him to preschool; too, so that makes my life tremendously easier;

5. Visiting teachers - mine are AWESOME! ;)

6. Resources that allow us to put our 3-year-old in preschool. His speech has been improving by leaps and bounds, and it warms my heart to see him making new connections on a daily basis;

7. Clean water for bathing, cleaning, and drinking;

8. Airplanes, because I really want to make it back to Hawaii again some day. ;)

9. Education; and

10. My laptop :)

Please feel free to comment below on what you are thankful for this week. If you are participating in this challenge on your own blog, be sure to post a link below so that we can all share in the spirit of Thanksgiving. :)


Related link:

Singing Praises of Thanksgiving (1)

Singing Praises of Thanksgiving (1)

Photo by The Purple Lady.

It is that time of year again where we all try to turn our hearts to the things we are thankful for, and donning an attitude of gratitude as Thanksgiving approaches.

Last year at this time, I decided to join The Purple Lady in a 30 days of Gratitude Challenge, wherein we wrote a blog post about something for which we were grateful for every day in the month of November. That experience was awesome because it kept me in a constant state of gratitude, and I felt I was always looking around for new things to be thankful for - or rather, to recognize the blessings in my life and focus on being more grateful for all of it.

This year, we kind of started talking about doing something a little different as the month of November was approaching, but we hadn't come to any final decisions. So, for the last nine days, I have simply been posting something that I am grateful for every day on my personal Facebook page. Then, the Purple Lady approached me tonight with an awesome idea. Instead of doing a blog post every day about one thing we are thankful for (as we did last year), or just posting a simple message of gratitude every day on Facebook, we would take three Sundays and write ten things we are thankful for instead. This way, we still get to focus on 30 things we are thankful for, but it kind of adds a little twist to the challenge. What can I say? She is a purple genius. ;)

So, without further ado:

I am thankful for...

1. Missionaries of the world who sacrifice their time (whether it be for 18 months or 2 years) to preach the gospel and share the wonderful, joyous message of our Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness;
2. Men and women of the armed forces who give up so much - often their lives - to defend our country so that I can have the freedoms that I enjoy;
3. A living Prophet of the Lord to guide and direct us toward righteousness in a world that is clouded by disorder and sin;
4. Temples;
5. My talents - though I know I need to improve my level of obedience in increasing them, I am grateful for the passions in which I delight, and the things that have always come naturally to me: reading, writing, cooking, language, grammar, etc;
6. Children who challenge my abilities as a parent, but love me unconditionally. They are each such a blessing in my life, and each has special qualities that contribute to my eternal happiness. I am so grateful for the fact that Heavenly father found me worthy enough to entrust their little spirits to me, and I know that being their mother causes me to become a better person daily;
7. A home that provides shelter from the elements and many comforts for my family and me;
8. My calling - as a nursery teacher, I have gained such an enormous amount of patience, along with a new appreciation for how the gospel can influence our lives from such a young age. I have also come to love each of the children in our class individually. They each have such a sweet spirit, and it is so amazing to watch their little testimonies blossom and grow. I am truly going to be sad to lose the few that are moving up to Sunbeams in January;
9. Netflix and baby gates . I know it sounds silly, but without these two amazing inventions, there would be many days when I would not even get a shower. Haha; and
10. Delicious, nourishing food to eat - especially considering the fact that there are so many in this world (and in this very country) who go without food every day. I sincerely count my blessings in the fact that I have always been able to provide this necessity for my children as well. That they have never known what it is to go hungry is something for which I am eternally grateful.

I pray that each of us will take the time to have an attitude of gratitude, praising the Lord for the blessings we are so fortunate to receive - during this Thanksgiving season, and always. After all, as President Monson has said, "We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude." ("An Attitude of Gratitude," First Presidency Message - February, 2000).

The Return of Thankful Thursday.

Because today is Thursday, and because it has been SO long since I have written a Thankful Thursday post, I wanted to take a moment today to show my gratitude for some of the things I have been feeling especially grateful for lately. First off, today is the anniversary of the death of Joseph Smith (he died June 27, 1844), so I would feel extremely ungrateful if I did not express my gratitude to him for restoring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Earth.

Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it (D&C 135:3).

Joseph Smith: Photo by Lds.org

On a different note, it is summer time, and since M is leaving to visit her dad for five weeks on Saturday (frowny face), I have been trying to think of fun activities to do with her all week. In that regard, I am grateful for gift certificates to get manis/pedis, accidentally discovering new places for amazingly good grub, cute (yet inexpensive) sunglasses, See's candy, cheap entertainment (drive-in movies and community swimming pools), new nail polish (a girl has got to have her little guilty pleasures), and movie nights. I am seriously going to miss that girl!

A Thousand More

I was reflecting today on all of the collapsing marriages in this world, and how so many couples have problems in their relationships because of disloyalty, dishonesty, infidelity, etc. Satan seems to be on a mission to destroy the family unit these days, and I recognize how lucky I am to have found someone who has integrity, has a deep level of commitment, who honors his covenants, genuinely loves his family, and not only wants us to be happy, but sacrifices so much to make us so. I look at him playing with our children and my heart swells, for I know that he is such an incredible, loving man, and we are so lucky to have him.

Now, I don't know what it is about this song, but from the first time I heard it, I was in love. When I hear it now, it gives me chills, for it reminds me of my own journey to love. I think back on all the experiences in my life that have shaped me into the person I am today, and I recall a time when I didn't feel worthy of happiness - thought I'd never find my eternal companion. Heavenly Father had a different plan for me, though; and I can honestly say that I have never been happier in all my life than I am now.

So today, I am dedicating this song to the love of MY life. Though our relationship isn't perfect, I sincerely feel like we complement each other in so many ways. He makes me want to be a better woman, wife, mother, and friend - and I hope that I inspire him in that same way. I know that I have so much to look forward to in our future together - so, here is to a thousand (years) more. <3

Source: twowritingteachers.wordpress.com via The Purple on Pinterest

A Grateful Heart

President Thomas S. Monson's The Divine Gift of Gratitude

Almost three weeks ago, Z was driving the car home from work when the engine seized. He had it towed into the mechanic, wherein it was determined that an engine rebuild would be necessary. The mechanic sent the engine into the machine shop and discovered that there was actually a large hole in the wall of the engine. 

Today is Thankful Thursday, and words cannot express the enormous amount of gratitude I feel for everyone who has helped me in any capacity with carting kids around (among other things) these last few weeks. I know that certain people would like to maintain their anonymity in a public venue such as this; and therefore, I won't name any specific names, but I hope that everyone I mention will recognize my gratitude for their willingness to help my family and me in this unfortunate time.

First of all, I'd like to express my gratitude for the wonderful members of my ward with whom we carpool to and from school. I usually drive the kids to school in the mornings, but I have been extremely fortunate in the fact that since my car has been out of commission, one sister offered to drive in the mornings (until our car is out of the shop) AND continue to alternate in the afternoons with our other friend from the ward as well. I am grateful for both of these sisters, and I hope that each of them realizes how much I appreciate their service to my family and me. I am also grateful for the sisters in our ward that have made sure that M was able to get to and from mutual these last three weeks. I am grateful to my visiting teaching companion, as well, for the rides she has given M to mutual and choir, as well as for her willingness to drive me around to visit with our sisters. I am grateful for the sister with whom I taught nursery (who I have come to know and love dearly). She has been so understanding and willing to help as well. She has driven M several times to and from Civil Air Patrol. I am also grateful for the fact that she has a son in the same program, and I hope that it made the process less of an inconvenience. Hehe. Seriously though, I have such an amazing, loving ward, and I am so grateful for its members' willingness to serve us and enrich our lives these past few weeks.

I am grateful for my sister, who has lent me her car on several occasions. It's amazing how inconvenient something as simple as a trip to the grocery store can be when you don't have a vehicle. She even offered to stay at my house with the kids one day while I drove her car to the store by myself. Only a mother who has or ever had small children can understand and appreciate the value of getting out of the house for an hour or two on your own every once in a while - even if it's just for a quick trip to the grocery store. She lent me her car again yesterday too so that I could run the kids to their doctor appointments, and I don't know what I would have done without her generosity. ;)

I am also grateful to my mom for lending me her car this past weekend, AND for watching my kids so that I could attend my book club meeting. It was a luxury that was desperately needed, one that could not have been afforded without her. Also, the opportunity to actually participate in some intellectual, thought-provoking conversation was invaluable. As a stay-at-home-mom, these last few weeks have been challenging in the fact that the babies and I were pretty much stuck at the house. I, personally, was getting a bit stir crazy, and the book club meeting was serious food for my soul. I left feeling thoroughly refreshed and edified. I was also able to FINALLY get a double stroller while I had her car, so now, I can take the babies for walks during the day to get out of the hosue and get some exercise. So, thank you, Mom. 

Thank you, as well, to my awesome husband who stayed up to watch the babies for me this morning (after working a graveyard shift) so that I could take the Tubabus to an appointment that I had scheduled before the car broke down. I would have had to leave exorbitantly early and walk in the cold - with them in the stroller (the bus doesn't have any seat belts for car seats) - had he not been willing to stay up for a few extra hours to help me out.

Last, but not least, I am grateful to the Lord for blessing me with such amazing people in my life that continue to uplift and inspire me when I am faced with adversity. I feel truly blessed, and I know that this recent experience could have been a LOT more painful - not to mention ridiculously hopeless - had so many people not been willing to sacrifice of themselves to provide for my family and me. So, thank you - from the bottom of my heart. I love you all and appreciate you sincerely. <3


Related link:

The Blessing of Scripture

The Blessing of Scripture

Week 4: What is your favorite scripture? Why?

Trying to find an answer to this week's Gem of Reflection was like trying to pick my favorite child. There are seriously so many amazing, uplifting messages in the scriptures. How do you pick just one? Instead, I decided to pick one of my favorites from each of the four gospels; because after all, this is my blog and I can change the rules if I want. Hehe. ;)

So, without further ado...

D&C 112:10 says, "Be though humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers." This is a great scripture not only because it shows the Lord's promise to answer our prayers if we are humble, but because it also testifies of the Lord's direct interest in our salvation. It does not simply say that he will answer our prayers, but rather that he will "lead thee by the hand, and give thee answers." What an amazing thought, huh? To know that the Lord will not only answer our prayers, but will lead us by the hand and give us answers? Oh, how many times this has come true in my life! At times when I feel the burden of worldly sorrow or doubt - when I've struggled with trial and afflictions of the body and mind. Only after humbling myself to the will of the Lord did I feel his comforting arms around me, guiding me to the answers. I have a firm testimony in the power of prayer. I know that the Lord hears and answers our prayers, and that he will answer them according to our faith.

Mosiah 5:15 says, "Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation, and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen." I love this scripture because it comes with an amazing promise that if we remain "steadfast and immovable" in the face of adversity, the Lord, who has power above all things, will seal us his, that we will have "everlasting salvation and eternal life." What an amazing promise - and an amazing blessing to look forward to. It definitely gives me hope in my moments of trial, to know that the Lord will bless me if I stand firm in my faith and endure to the end. :)

In Luke 17:15, it says, "And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a  loud voice glorified God." This verse references the story of the ten lepers that were healed by the Savior. I love this scripture because it reminds us of the importance of showing gratitude. It always amazes me when I read this scripture - to know that out of ten lepers that were healed, only one of them came back to give thanks to the Lord. In the October, 2010 General Conference, President Thomas S. Monson gave a talk called "The Divine Gift of Gratitude" wherein he stated, "My brothers and sisters, do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love." I am so grateful for a living prophet, as am I grateful for his wonderful words of wisdom, and for the divine gift of gratitude.

And finally, Moses 1:13 says, "And it came to pass that Moses looked upon Satan and said: Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten; and where is thy glory, that I should worship thee?" I saved this scripture for last because it is probably my most favorite of all. I love this scripture because it not only testifies of our divine nature, but it also affirms that as children of our Heavenly Father, we have the power to overcome the temptation of the adversary. Like Moses said, who is Satan that we should follow him? For we are children of our Heavenly Father. We were created in His image, and we possess the potential to do amazing things. Moses's words empower me, and give me the strength necessary to stand firm in the face of temptation.

I love the scriptures and I am so grateful for the knowledge and wisdom they impart. In his April, 2010 General Conference talk, The Blessing of Scripture, D. Todd Christofferson of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, "Through the scriptures, God does indeed 'show forth his power' to save and exalt His children. By His word, he enlarges our memory, sheds light on falsehood and error, and brings us to repentance and to rejoice in Jesus Christ, our Redeemer." It is so comforting to know that through the pages of the scriptures, we have the ability to access the word of God on a daily basis. The scriptures guide us through our trials and strengthen our faith. They are like a sort of road map back to our Heavenly Father's presence. They are such a treasure, and I thank Heavenly Father for the blessing of the scriptures in my life. <3

Related link:

52 Gems of Reflection

Thankful Thursday - Text Messaging

Excuse the typo on "messaged" above.
Gotta love auto-correct, ;)

Today is the first Thankful Thursday of the new year, and because {M} has been visiting her dad in Oklahoma for the past week, I have to express my gratitude for text messaging. She took her phone with her to Oklahoma, and though we have been able to chat on the phone a few times, there have been several other times that we've missed each other's phone calls, and text messaging has been my saving grace - the one thing that has allowed me to close the gap in the distance between us. 

This morning, I woke up to a text message from her saying that she'd had a nightmare, and it made her miss me because she needed a comforting hug. Unfortunately, she had sent the text at 1:11 a.m. my time, so I didn't read it until several hours later, and it broke my heart a little to know that I wasn't there to console her. I somehow still felt comfort; though, in knowing that she felt connected to me through that text message.

I texted her back immediately, and only hope that she was able to calm down enough after her bad dream to fall back asleep. I know she has had trouble sleeping as it is since she's been away from home. She is 12 now, and tries to play the whole "I'm a big kid now and I'm so tough" card, but I know that deep down, she is still her mama's girl. ;)



related link:

Thirty Days of Gratitude - Day 17: My Daughter