There is a song that the children sing in Primary, this is our youth church group that meets on Sunday for two hours, the words are:
I lived in Heaven a long time ago it is true
Lived there and loved there with people I know so did you
Then Heavenly Father presented a beautiful plan
All about earth and eternal salvation for man.
Father said he needed someone who had enough love
To give his life so we all could return there above
There was another who sought for the honor divine
Jesus said “Father send me and the glory be thine”.
Jesus was chosen and as the Messiah he came,
Conquering evil and death through his glorious name
Giving us hope of a wonderful life yet to be
Home in that Heaven where Father is waiting for me.
I love this song, I love the message of hope that it gives to each of us for a happier more glorious life after our mortal existence. It also teaches us that there was a war in heaven and that war with Satin is still raging here on the earth and will be until the Savior comes again. My daughter in law shared an experience with me that really touched my heart. She is a teacher for autistic children and has some amazing experiences because of this. She was talking to one of the mothers of one of her highly autistic students, the mother related a remarkable story. When her 8 year old daughter was younger she had a dream about her autistic brother. In her dream, her brother was in a war in Heaven. He was on the front line of the war and he was injured in the war. He was sent to earth with his injury and with angels to protect him while he was here.
She also told me that she has a nephew with hydrocephalus and is mentally disabled. He will tell his mom he wants to go home and she will say, "we are home." and he will look up into the sky and say, "I am not home yet, there is my home." He also talks about playing with the boy in my class who is his cousin, even though they have only met a couple of times. He talks about playing with him as though they have tons of memories together and he also says, "me and (boy in my class) are the princes of the family"
This is just a story to this mother but it is truth to me. These wonderful children are sent here on earth with a protection from the tempting of Satin, they proved themselves worthy in heaven to receive eternal life. They will return to Heavenly Father clean and pure, they only had to come to the earth to receive their body. How blessed we are to have these choice spirits in our lives, to love them and to protect them. We gain so much more from them because of the great love that they have within.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Don't Ask, Just Do
We had another wonderful discussion with our evening study group. What a wonderful way to get to know each other and share thoughts and feelings with sisters in the gospel. One of the sisters talked about the importance of bearing one another’s burdens. Often we ask what we can do but do we ever give that person a chance to do for us. We are a prideful people we think we can do it without help. Receiving graciously is just as important as giving. We need to allow our friends the opportunity of the blessings they receive when given the chance to serve. Sister A said, “one of the things I learned was DON’T ASK, JUST DO! If someone called me and asked me if there was anything they could do for me, I would usually say no. But, if they just went ahead and did something…that was the greatest feeling! One thing I learned from my cancer experience is I can at least send a card or email.
So dear friends unity will happen as we serve one another ----- DON’T JUST ASK, JUST DO!
So dear friends unity will happen as we serve one another ----- DON’T JUST ASK, JUST DO!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Our Hearts Knit as One
I had a wonderful afternoon with our Study Group. We learned from each other and had such a wonderful uplifting experience. We cried a little and laughed a lot!
We talked about the conference talk “Our hearts Knit As One”, given by President Henry B. Eyring. (click)
I love that we are doing ok with our unity but also know as President Eyring stated, “but that the great day of unity is coming. The need for that gift to be granted to us and the challenge to maintain it will grow greater in the days ahead. We must seek it and qualify for it with others.” Unity is something that we need to work on with others it cannot be done alone. Especially in our homes with our spouses, children and those that we hold dear to our hearts so that love for each other and for our Savior will grow, that we will become one in heart. “We must seek it, pray and work for the unity that will bring us joy and multiply our power to serve.” We talked about our hearts becoming soft and pliable willing to humble ourselves and accepting and praying for the Atonement in our lives as we make the changes necessary to become united. The knowledge that we need to become as one comes to us because of the atonement and our willingness to become like our Savior and loving each other as Christ loves us.
President Eyring talks about the importance of being a “skillful peacemaker who calm troubled waters before harm is done.” This is a spiritual gift that is given to some people, for all of us we need to work at becoming a peacemaker. A peacemaker “is the restorer of unity, is the one who finds a way to help people see the truth they share.” We must pray for the ability to become a peacemaker.
We talked about the importance of receiving personal revelation, through revelation we are taught truth in all things and guided by the Spirit to overcome weakness. With revelation we gain the strength and power to be united. The Spirit will magnify our knowledge and that knowledge becomes pure truth.
We also shared experiences and thoughts about speaking well of each other. President Eyring said,” As we get better and better at forging unity, we will think of a scripture when we hear that question: “And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully: for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall be judged.”
The miracle of unity lies in the hearts of the people, as our hearts knit together in unity with our Savior we will become magnified in power to overcome the world. When testimony about the Savior is borne, the Holy Ghost verifies it. When the Spirit is felt hearts are knit together. The miracle of unity lies in the hearts of the people, as our hearts knit together in unity with our Savior we will become magnified in power to overcome the world and become one with our Savior, Jesus Christ.
We talked about the conference talk “Our hearts Knit As One”, given by President Henry B. Eyring. (click)
I love that we are doing ok with our unity but also know as President Eyring stated, “but that the great day of unity is coming. The need for that gift to be granted to us and the challenge to maintain it will grow greater in the days ahead. We must seek it and qualify for it with others.” Unity is something that we need to work on with others it cannot be done alone. Especially in our homes with our spouses, children and those that we hold dear to our hearts so that love for each other and for our Savior will grow, that we will become one in heart. “We must seek it, pray and work for the unity that will bring us joy and multiply our power to serve.” We talked about our hearts becoming soft and pliable willing to humble ourselves and accepting and praying for the Atonement in our lives as we make the changes necessary to become united. The knowledge that we need to become as one comes to us because of the atonement and our willingness to become like our Savior and loving each other as Christ loves us.
President Eyring talks about the importance of being a “skillful peacemaker who calm troubled waters before harm is done.” This is a spiritual gift that is given to some people, for all of us we need to work at becoming a peacemaker. A peacemaker “is the restorer of unity, is the one who finds a way to help people see the truth they share.” We must pray for the ability to become a peacemaker.
We talked about the importance of receiving personal revelation, through revelation we are taught truth in all things and guided by the Spirit to overcome weakness. With revelation we gain the strength and power to be united. The Spirit will magnify our knowledge and that knowledge becomes pure truth.
We also shared experiences and thoughts about speaking well of each other. President Eyring said,” As we get better and better at forging unity, we will think of a scripture when we hear that question: “And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully: for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall be judged.”
The miracle of unity lies in the hearts of the people, as our hearts knit together in unity with our Savior we will become magnified in power to overcome the world. When testimony about the Savior is borne, the Holy Ghost verifies it. When the Spirit is felt hearts are knit together. The miracle of unity lies in the hearts of the people, as our hearts knit together in unity with our Savior we will become magnified in power to overcome the world and become one with our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Gratitude tree
I love this time of year as the holidays begin. November always starts me thinking of all that I have to be grateful for. It is a time for me to share this gratitude with those I love.
I am putting this post in early because I want to share with you one of my sisters traditions. On the first Monday night of November they have a lesson on gratitude. For the activity they make a huge tree on one of the walls in their family room. They twist brown paper to look like a tree trunk and put it up on their wall. Then they add the twisted limbs. It is close to 6 feet tall. She has a basket filled to the brim with paper leaves. That first Monday night her family adds the first gratitude leaves to the tree. They continue to add to it all month long. Everyone that comes to her home can add leaves to the Gratitude tree. What a wonderful visual this would be for your children to see and add to. It would definitely be a constant reminder of the importance of gratitude in their life. If you make this tree to share with your family you can make it as simple or as elaborate as you like. It could take a lot of time or just a little time depending on what you want to do. As simple as it may be the impact will be huge on your family and friends. Share with us your expressions of gratitude to those you love.
I am putting this post in early because I want to share with you one of my sisters traditions. On the first Monday night of November they have a lesson on gratitude. For the activity they make a huge tree on one of the walls in their family room. They twist brown paper to look like a tree trunk and put it up on their wall. Then they add the twisted limbs. It is close to 6 feet tall. She has a basket filled to the brim with paper leaves. That first Monday night her family adds the first gratitude leaves to the tree. They continue to add to it all month long. Everyone that comes to her home can add leaves to the Gratitude tree. What a wonderful visual this would be for your children to see and add to. It would definitely be a constant reminder of the importance of gratitude in their life. If you make this tree to share with your family you can make it as simple or as elaborate as you like. It could take a lot of time or just a little time depending on what you want to do. As simple as it may be the impact will be huge on your family and friends. Share with us your expressions of gratitude to those you love.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Vote YES on Proposition 8
In the beginning there was Adam and Eve. It started out with husband and wife and that is the way it should be today. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. “The spirit and influence of wives and mothers make our homes places where we are surrounded by peace and love and protected from the contention, temptation, and opposition of the world.” (Daughters of God, by S. Michael Wilcox, P. 7) As mothers we bring children into the world through birth and from that point on our lives are centered on our children. As a woman we all have the characteristic and attributes that come from being a mother. Mothers play a very important part in the lives of the children in their homes.
Father’s presides over the home with his wife by his side. President Gordon B. Hinckley has taught: “In this Church the man neither walks ahead of his wife nor behind his wife but at her side. They are coequals.” (Conference Report, Oct. 1996, 68; or Ensign, Nov. 1996, 49). Husband and wife are united in all things as they lead, guide and direct their families
All children should have the opportunity of being a part of a family unit where there is a mother and a father. Each brings something different and unique to the marriage and family unit. We need the strength and the power that comes from the husband and the nurturing that comes from the mother. We need to do all that we can to protect this family unit by voting no for Proposition 8.
Take a minute and check out this video
Father’s presides over the home with his wife by his side. President Gordon B. Hinckley has taught: “In this Church the man neither walks ahead of his wife nor behind his wife but at her side. They are coequals.” (Conference Report, Oct. 1996, 68; or Ensign, Nov. 1996, 49). Husband and wife are united in all things as they lead, guide and direct their families
All children should have the opportunity of being a part of a family unit where there is a mother and a father. Each brings something different and unique to the marriage and family unit. We need the strength and the power that comes from the husband and the nurturing that comes from the mother. We need to do all that we can to protect this family unit by voting no for Proposition 8.
Take a minute and check out this video
Friday, October 17, 2008
Colors of Fall
I wanted to share with you some of the beautiful fall colors of the mid west. Although it is not possible to completely capture the beautiful colors of nature on film but I hope you enjoy what I was able to get.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Study Group
I am really excited, we are starting up a study group in our ward and we will be using the conference talks as our main focus. We will also search the scriptures for whatever the topic is that we will be studying that month. I can't wait to really search and ponder the messages that were given in conference. They were so full of hope and that is what we need today with all of the frustrations and trials that we are facing. It is amazing to me that the Lord always knows what we need to hear. I will be sharing my thoughts and feelings as I get started on this new adventure with the sisters in my ward.
I am also getting ready for our first Leadership training meeting for Relief Society. It is quite scary coming up with things to share with those amazing sisters that serve in the ward Relief Society Presidency. I am the counselor over Home Family and Personal Preparedness so I am going to be sharing ideas on Strengthening Home and Family. If you have any ideas or suggestions that have work for you please share them with me. Our meeting is the end of November so I have a little time to prepare.
I am also getting ready for our first Leadership training meeting for Relief Society. It is quite scary coming up with things to share with those amazing sisters that serve in the ward Relief Society Presidency. I am the counselor over Home Family and Personal Preparedness so I am going to be sharing ideas on Strengthening Home and Family. If you have any ideas or suggestions that have work for you please share them with me. Our meeting is the end of November so I have a little time to prepare.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
New Calling
I was recently called to serve in the Stake Relief Society Presidency as the Home, Family, Personal Preparedness Councilor. Our Stake boundaries are huge. The first Ward Conference I went to was 85 miles west of where I live. The second Ward conference is 125 miles east. We have another branch that is 135 miles away, so you can see I will be traveling a lot of miles for my calling. It gives me such a wonderful opportunity to visit with and get to know the sisters that I serve with in this calling.
We had a dinner for our sisters before the Woman’s Conference on Saturday evening. It was amazing to serve and visit with those dear sisters. Then to hear those amazing talks given in the woman’s conference, what a wonderful uplifting evening it was.
Sister Beck counseled us to increase our faith and personal righteousness, to strengthen unity in our homes. Our homes must be a refuge from the evils of the world. We need to be valiant in speaking out about the things that we know are true. We need to serve one another. We need to dedicate ourselves to temple worship and attendance, making it a priority in our lives and attending as often as possible.
Relief Society is the Lords organization for his daughters here on the earth. We must teach one another the gospel. As we all work together in this great organization we will accomplish extraordinary things in our homes, and communities as we prepare ourselves for the second coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.
We had a dinner for our sisters before the Woman’s Conference on Saturday evening. It was amazing to serve and visit with those dear sisters. Then to hear those amazing talks given in the woman’s conference, what a wonderful uplifting evening it was.
Sister Beck counseled us to increase our faith and personal righteousness, to strengthen unity in our homes. Our homes must be a refuge from the evils of the world. We need to be valiant in speaking out about the things that we know are true. We need to serve one another. We need to dedicate ourselves to temple worship and attendance, making it a priority in our lives and attending as often as possible.
Relief Society is the Lords organization for his daughters here on the earth. We must teach one another the gospel. As we all work together in this great organization we will accomplish extraordinary things in our homes, and communities as we prepare ourselves for the second coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
I love Being A Mother
Being a mother as we all know is a 24 hour a day job for 365 days of the year. That never changes even after your children leave home and start families of their own.
Once that baby is placed in your arms, life changes forever. They demand your time, your energy, and every waking hour.
Soon you are no longer known as you! You become Joey’s mom.
I always wanted to be a mother; I remember one Christmas my older sister and I got beautiful baby dolls for Christmas. We played with them and loved them all year long. A few weeks before Christmas the next year our baby dolls disappeared. We were both so sad. On Christmas morning our dolls were under the Christmas tree, sparkly clean, and beautiful with new clothes, blankets and all we needed to care for our babies. That was one of the best Christmas’s I remember. I loved my baby doll then and I still love holding a baby in my arms today. A few years ago my family gave me a baby doll that feels and looks like a real baby. Every now and again you will find me holding and rocking that precious doll. Only because my grandchildren are far away and when I get lonely for them I will give my doll a big hug and think of them.
Once that baby is placed in your arms, life changes forever. They demand your time, your energy, and every waking hour.
Soon you are no longer known as you! You become Joey’s mom.
I always wanted to be a mother; I remember one Christmas my older sister and I got beautiful baby dolls for Christmas. We played with them and loved them all year long. A few weeks before Christmas the next year our baby dolls disappeared. We were both so sad. On Christmas morning our dolls were under the Christmas tree, sparkly clean, and beautiful with new clothes, blankets and all we needed to care for our babies. That was one of the best Christmas’s I remember. I loved my baby doll then and I still love holding a baby in my arms today. A few years ago my family gave me a baby doll that feels and looks like a real baby. Every now and again you will find me holding and rocking that precious doll. Only because my grandchildren are far away and when I get lonely for them I will give my doll a big hug and think of them.
Getting to know me
I am a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, to name a few, my husband and I have been married for 40 years. We have six wonderful children and 20 grandchildren. My family is one of my most precious gifts. By this introduction you can tell that I have lived several decades. I have had many opportunities to learn parenting skills, although I don’t confess to be anywhere near perfect where motherhood is concerned. I do know that with the knowledge and experiences I have had I would of made some changes. Hopefully I would be a better mother. I am so grateful for all of the Sharing Heart that have taken the time to share with me and teach and help me when I needed help.
If wisdom comes with age I should have a lot. I don’t know how true that statement is but I have been blessed with many experiences and opportunities that have helped me become who I am today. I am no different than you; I just want to share some of the things that I know to be true. I believe in God! I know that everything comes from God! I know that He loves us and cares about us. I have been led by Him; I have gained knowledge from His Spirit as I have taken time to listen to that still small voice. I know that my Savior knows me by name and that He wants me to be happy and find joy in life. Only through Him can I have peace in my heart. I hope that I can help each of you find that peace in your own heart.
If wisdom comes with age I should have a lot. I don’t know how true that statement is but I have been blessed with many experiences and opportunities that have helped me become who I am today. I am no different than you; I just want to share some of the things that I know to be true. I believe in God! I know that everything comes from God! I know that He loves us and cares about us. I have been led by Him; I have gained knowledge from His Spirit as I have taken time to listen to that still small voice. I know that my Savior knows me by name and that He wants me to be happy and find joy in life. Only through Him can I have peace in my heart. I hope that I can help each of you find that peace in your own heart.
Welcome to My Sharing Heart
It is so great to have you here and I hope that you enjoy the time you spend with
A Sharing Heart!
We all know that life is hard. Even at the best of times we have a hard time balancing out our everyday activities and by the end of the day coming out on top.
With A Sharing Heart it is my hope that, sharing together, we will be able to lift the soul, strengthen the weak and learn how to find true joy and happiness in our daily lives, even when the hard times come.
I know through my own life experiences that I can't do it alone; I need my family and friends! They give me strengthen and the courage I need to just keep going. I will share with you my thoughts sometimes my feelings and things I have learned throughout my life and I hope that you will take time to share yours as well.
Together we can learn what brings happiness into our lives. We can share the joys of living and learn how to turn the negative things of life into learning and happy experiences.
A Sharing Heart!
We all know that life is hard. Even at the best of times we have a hard time balancing out our everyday activities and by the end of the day coming out on top.
With A Sharing Heart it is my hope that, sharing together, we will be able to lift the soul, strengthen the weak and learn how to find true joy and happiness in our daily lives, even when the hard times come.
I know through my own life experiences that I can't do it alone; I need my family and friends! They give me strengthen and the courage I need to just keep going. I will share with you my thoughts sometimes my feelings and things I have learned throughout my life and I hope that you will take time to share yours as well.
Together we can learn what brings happiness into our lives. We can share the joys of living and learn how to turn the negative things of life into learning and happy experiences.
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