The 4 day challenge to a Merry Christmas

Hello everyone,
I am blown away by the schedule of this month.  It has been so crazy!!
It has been wonderful when I've taken the time to feel my Savior's love for me and recognize it for others also.  Sometimes when I need to feel his love I sing a Primary song titled, " Heavenly Father, Now I Pray" on page 19 of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Primary songbook.  It's short but it seems to be my little direct avenue to Him.  My way of letting Him know I need Him and His tender comfort.  He sends it every time.
The words are:

Heavenly Father, now I pray

guide and guard me everyday.

Help me feel thy love for me.

This I humbly ask of thee.

My family was recently challenged by our Home Teachers to only show our gratitude during our personal prayers and see the difference it would make in our ourselves.  It was only for a period of 4 days until Christmas and right away I was struck by the amount of times I reach out for my Father in Heaven for strength or knowledge.   I needed to find shoes (a continuous battle at our house), I wanted help to restore peace to our home, the list is huge.  So, in order to try to only show gratitude, I found myself stopping the silent requests, sometimes in the middle of it, and sharing my gratitude for at least the fact that we have shoes for 13 people, and grateful that we have all the people in our home to love.  I'll admit, there were times that I had to be very creative in the way I spoke my gratitude.  I also admit, that there were many times that I wanted to ignore my Home Teachers' challenge.
My understanding of the great love My Savior and Father in Heaven has for me increased tremendously for I was reminded constantly during this exercise.  I lost track of how many times I stopped myself mid request.
Even though, I recognize I need to humbly show more gratitude I am pleased that I feel comfortable enough to share my concerns and plead for help in my every day endeavors and recognize the greatness of His love for little 'ol me.
I love my Heavenly Father and Brother.  I am so grateful that Father sent His Son willingly.  I am grateful that Christ gave His life and gives His love.
I pray that my children and loved ones will gain the understanding and gratitude that came my way through what has become my 4 day challenge to a Merry Christmas.
        I love you and wish you a very Merry Christmas!!!

Personal Progress Faith Value Project Update

I decided that I need more supplies and money in order to do a winter garden.  My goal is to receive my Personal Progress about the same time that my daughter Cordelia does so I need to do something different.  I decided that I would do a family website.  This is a scary and new venture for me.  I am going to fill the pages with faith type experiences.  I am also going to establish a system  and use it to teach my children responsibility!  Wish me luck!!!

Divine Nature Journal Entry Value #6

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Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God. I've always wanted to be a peacemaker. It's typically a pretty easy thing for me but there are times and situations that I am really bad at it. In fact, I'm at the point that makes me believe that I have no talent in it at all. 
I have lost all patience for a dirty home. It drives me crazy that I can't seem to get kids to put things away. I have learned that there are several habits that I could have established differently in order to help. 1. Prioritizing and making time for the kids to put their shoes or clothes away before the next task instead of leaving them on the floor. 
I used to think that if we had a bigger house then they would be able to do it easier. The simple truth is; the habit is not there. It makes me feel sad. I feel that a simple task like this should have been learned years ago. I feel like a failure in this and so when I walk around and see that yet again, the shoes and clothes are not put away, my confidence and determination goes to the wayside. This is when I start barking orders or demanding results without the kindness that should go along with it. 
I'm trying to help the kids establish a routine. I know some of my kids are catching on and they are the organized type. They are the ones that love order. The others are simply not disciplined or responsible enough yet. I'll keep on keeping on. Hopefully, by the time they go on their missions or go to college they'll be ready to not be a nuisance to their roommates.
I hope that I'll continue to improve in my responsibility to teach my children and be patient as they learn basic habits. This will help me be the peacemaker I need to be for my family.

Divine Nature Journal Entry Value #5

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I have taken great care to do the things that my Father in Heaven wants of me. It has been a very difficult thing for me to do at times. I have had good ideas of what I should do with myself and at times I have received a "no" answer, not knowing why. I have been obedient even when I wanted to do the exact opposite. I had faith in my Father and I will say, however, that it made it easier because I had already decided that I would be obedient. I will not allow myself to think that I know better than God. I remember a time before my husband and I were married that we were going to be obedient and remain chaste. We knew that the prophets counsel was wise. We followed it. We made decisions that protected us from failure. We were able to be sealed in the temple together forever. It was not always easy but it was worth it.
As a parent I am doing my best to teach my children the importance of obedience. I believe that if they can decide to be obedient to me then they will be obedient to our Father in Heaven. It's tough to do things that you don't want to but if you have enough faith it is possible.
We have been using the trigger word ,"please" to remind the kids to be obedient. Some of my children are responding to the trigger word with obedience by immediately responding, "Yes, Mom" and doing it. Sometimes, crying as they leave. Obedience, it is though. Others of my children still argue with me. Thinking that their way is better. I worry for them and have hope that they will improve.

Divine Nature Journal Entry Value #1

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I read “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” (see page 101); 2 Peter 1; Alma 7:23–24; and Doctrine and Covenants 121:45 for my assignment. There are many divine characteristics that available to us. Many seem to be a natural way for some people. Other characteristics are those that seem to take much effort to develop.
I'm going to pick one word out of each set of scripture that touched me as I read them.
Proclamation:
I liked the last statement that reads, "WE CALL UPON responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.". I felt that as a woman whom the proclamation already stated is divine, I need to promote families.
In the Merriam-Webster dictionary promote means to contribute to or help launch or to present. It makes me sad to think that it is not just a given that families are important. We apparently have to promote because the world doesn't see the God given plan and gift we have by having families. The proclamation declares that, "God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife." I helped in the grass roots effort for California's Proposition 8 a few years ago so I feel like that has been something I've helped promote for the benefit of families. I feel like there is so much more I can do. One way I hope to do this is by building up mothers. I feel that mothers are not held in high enough regard. I don't feel like motherhood is promoted enough nor is enough opportunity for education available on mothering. I have a blog titled mommycacher. It's a gift that I hope to give to my children and other mothers. I intend to put interviews of women on their as well. I have chosen to be a part of the Power of Moms Organization. Their subtitle is "A Gathering Place For Deliberate Mothers." I love it. There are excellent articles, resources, and videos on how to improve our lives. We can learn to be more organized. We can create "learning circles" which is a group of women gathering to learn monthly. They have helped organize workshops and retreats in order to train mothers. It's going to be great for me to be a part of this and I think that I'll be able to help. I plan on attending the retreat in So. California at the end of Jan. 2012. I intend on becoming a trainer for the Power of Moms. I'm so excited and believe that this is the route that I am to take right now and the best way I can promote families.
2 Peter Chpt. 1:
This chapter is full of characteristics of divine nature and I loved the word diligence. Again in the Webster-Merriam Dictionary, diligence means, persevering application or assiduity. Boy do I need to be more assiduous. There are times that I give up on a plan of action because it is so difficult. After a time of gathering more determination I try again. I need to figure out a way to fill my determination bucket at the same time that I'm being diligent. Sometimes my persevering application comes out as nagging or anger. I need to also remember that I am to be patient, long suffering and kind. Even to myself and my efforts. Whew! There are so many things to remember but maybe understanding what it takes for me to be diligent will help me be more so.
Alma 7:23-24:
Temperate in all things. Hmmm. I like the definition from Merriam-Webster: "moderate in indulgence of appetite or desire. Mild" There are times that I get so focused on something that I want that I can not see clearly to doing anything else. Whether it has to do with the amount or type of food I eat to the type or amount of clothing I buy my children it is a characteristic I wish to develop more.
Doctrine & Covenants 121:45:
Confidence. In the dictionary confidence means, "faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way.". The footnote for confidence says it's Trust in God. I took out the word confidence in the scripture and replaced it with the footnote. The scripture now says, "Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy "trust in God" wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven." If I do what this scripture says then I will have confidence in God that he will grant me the blessings and sweetest desires of my heart. I don't know about you but I'd rather trust in God more than myself anyway; It means so much more to me now.
I hope to be a promoter of families, more diligent, temperate, and confident in God. I hope to be a lot more than that but this is a great start.

"G.C."

115970ijgcvryb4  www.freedigitalphotos.net

Personal Progress Journal Entry Divine Nature #7 Value

Our family has been reconstructing the atmosphere within our home. We have established laws to help us, one being edification.  We have seen a distinct change in our relationships.  We no longer have drawings of our children with "Dork"  written across it.  We can have fun without making a slap in the face to our divinity.

The difficulty is when we’re angry and feeling that the person truly is a dork; thereby sharing that sentiment, quite loudly. It’s a peace crusher.

We established consequences for following this law. The people involved are to hold hands until calm has returned, recognize our fault, apologize and make restitution. Finally, we’re to commit to not doing it again. The good consequence is continued peace or kind words given in response. The children might even get a surprise for their efforts.

Thanks to a book I received titled, "Teaching Your Children Responsibility" by Linda and Richard Eyre, we’re using a trigger word to remind us of our goal.  The word is "G.C.", representing, General Contractor. We are the General Contractors to building edification in our home.

What Are Mommies Made Of?

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2140 by chrisroll

Divine Nature Journal Entry Value #2

My mother is the first woman I have looked at for attributes on being a mother. She has many wonderful qualities but the one that has stood out to me the clearest is how tender she is with others.

She has always encouraged us children to look at the other person's point of view. I remember being shocked when the one time she said anything negative about someone was to say that that person was being judgmental towards her and that it bothered her.

An example of her kindness was when she took care of a stray coyote shepherd mix who had just had pups. She would water and hand feed the puppies. It was not convenient or even publicly accepted. She even brought home a pup giving him a good home naming it Wylee Coyote. It's a perfect example of what my mother is made of.

I think of this nursery rhyme that hung on my mom's bedroom wall while I grew up!!

I added a verse for mothers

What are little boys made of?

Snips and snails, and puppy dogs tails

That's what little boys are made of !"

What are little girls made of?

"Sugar and spice and all things nice

That's what little girls are made of!"

What are mommies made of?

Charity Untold and everything Gold

That's what mommies are made of!!

How are you teaching your children to love?

I challenge you to do what most mothers have said to their children; if you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all :)

Acceptance, Courage, and Pretending

Acceptance, Courage, and Pretending

used by permission of Master isolated images

Life has it’s ups and downs.  The heart wrenching ride has taught me about acceptance, courage, and that it’s o.k. to pretend.

One day I gathered myself and my four youngest to go exercise. I was meeting a couple of  ladies, so there was some social benefit as well.  I was very anxious about taking my kids with me and I didn’t know if it would be worth all the effort.  I told myself, “take courage” and off we went.  
My 4 month old began to wail.  I gathered more courage ‘cause I really wanted to go home right then.  I picked up my cranky baby, modified my movements and kept on going.  I thought it was funny when my 5 year old asked, “Mom, why are you pretending?”  I explained that I was doing my best and because I was taking care of the baby I had to exercise a little differently.  
About 8 years ago, courage left me.  I couldn’t find it.  I couldn’t even wish for it.  I didn’t even want to.  I was dealing with a depression that was brought on by having hypothyroid.  
Courage has slowly returned.  There are times when I ask myself, “Christine, why are you pretending?”  I take courage, modify my movements, and then lovingly respond, “You’re doing your best and because you’re doing God’s will you have to do things a little different.” and keep on going.

Personal Progress Faith Value#7 How Tithing and Lilies Relate

Personal Progress Faith Value #7
How Tithing and Lilies Relate

When I struggle I often think of the scripture Mathew 6:28. "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:"   I am reminded that I am being taken care of.
When I hope for miracles I often sing the beautiful song written by Roger Hoffman.  It's comforting and inspiring. The story that inspired his writing is magnificent. If you go to hoffmanhouse.com you can read the story and get copies of the music.

The payment of tithing is a common law in some religions and I have come to understand that the miracles that have occurred in my life can be attributed to the payment of such.   
Tithing has always been a fairly easy commandment for us. There have been times in my life, however, when we were rushing out the door and forgot the check. Or I didn't do the bills so the check wasn't written and then forgot the checkbook. You might say it's silly but it has happened so much that I have noticed a difference when we haven't turned it in. Paying our tithing forces us to pay attention to our budget. Again, you may say, that this is silly but It's easy to overspend if we are not paying attention. This is an obvious blessing in my life for I hate paying overdraft fees.
There are many ways I have learned as my schedule has become so full to make paying tithing easier.

Here are a few of them:
-Get in the habit of paying tithing first.
-Write the check and put it in envelopes that you have brought home and put in your scriptures or church bag. (I don't know how many times I have brought the check to church but was so busy during that I forgot to fill out the envelope. My husband is now Bishop so I fill the check and envelope out and put it in the Bishop's file that we have set aside for him at home giving me no reason for that excuse anymore.)
-You can mail them. (I'm surprised how many people do that.)
-You can have the money come out of your check automatically each paycheck. You don't hardly notice the 10 percent gone.
We have been blessed when we needed things:
-Coats were dropped off by the "coat fairy".
-A large collection of barely warn Vans that fit my two daughters and myself. (This blessing came 30 mins. after I prayed to Heavenly Father asking him to help me find a way to buy school shoes for my girls)
-Hand me Downs.
-A new bed mattress. (Our old one was scratching us because the wires were poking through.)
-$1,000 (the giver felt like he needed to give this to us without a return of it expected. I did not know until a few days later that I had made a big mistake in our budget and the money covered it.)
-ironing board.
-A box of socks and undies for the little ones.
-Food brought by when it seemed so desperate.
The list would be longer if I would only take the time.
I know that these things have been little and large blessings that have come because we have paid our tithing.
I realize that people struggle with paying tithing for various reasons. I don't know much about other peoples challenges in it but I do know that we have been blessed tremendously over the years for paying. Not every prayer or yearning financially has been granted but I can tell you that the majority of them have. To some these experiences might seem trite but to me they have shouted loudly the love that Heavenly Father has for me.

Faith Vaulue #5 My feelings for a perfect and all loving Savior

Personal Progress Faith Value #5
My feelings for a perfect and all loving Savior
Friday, 4 November 2011 8:43 AM

                     Picture by Juan R. Lascorz permission from Wikipedia-yoke

There is truly no way to fully express what I feel the Savior has done for me.

There have been moments when as a young child, and unsure of what to do, my siblings and I would pray vocally and silently for guidance or comfort. There was one experience where we were alone and walking in the summer desert heat to our grandparents home. We had about 3-4 miles of walking left ahead of us. We were very frightened and had several people offer rides to us. We didn't accept because we didn't know them. We were counseled from them to stay by the road and watch out for snakes. Our little sister was crying and being carried by children no older than 5 years her elder. We were afraid we wouldn't arrive before dark.  When you’re young you think of the boogy man and coyotes and any other crazy possible (or impossible) thing. Thank goodness our parents taught us to pray because we did, and asked for protection and peace. Then we had a car stop and they told us they were missionaries from our very own church. Oh, the relief we felt. I remember talking to my brother about feeling peace with accepting their ride. I recognize that the possibility of such a miracle might seem too grand to some but I view that as one of my first experiences where I knew we were being watched and cared for.

I remember asking Heavenly Father to help my brain to enlarge and take in the things I was learning in school.

I've asked for forgiveness in the way I treated roommates or friends.

I've had moments of despair where I wondered if I was a lost cause.

As an adult I have many examples of calling on my Father in Heaven for comfort from worries and concerns. I've prayed and hoped for my family members to make the needed changes. I pray continually that Heavenly Father will make up for my lack as a mother. I plead for relief from the frustration and turmoil I sometimes feel from uncaring family members or adults. I plead that I will see people the way God sees them. I pray that I can be more than I am. I now mostly pray that my desires for my life will be the same as my Father in Heaven's will.

I am struggling right now with understanding what it means to "take his yoke upon him....and my burden will be light...". So when I pray, I tell our Father that I'm trying to exercise this principle but I'm not sure exactly how. I ask Him to help me figure it out and to have success in it.

I've asked Him to take away an emotional and physical ailment in which I had no understanding. He did. It returned but I was strong enough to take the steps in finding the problem and the patience to work with the doctors in correcting it.

He has helped me deal with the mental and physical fatigue and frustration from being on bed rest for 11 pregnancies.

I'm continually finding things in my life in need of the atonement. I'm often overwhelmed at all the embarrassment, pain, anguish, worry, anger, and fear that I personally have handed over to my Savior.
I am grateful beyond words for our perfect and all loving Savior. I hope that I can be of some assistance to Him in our Heavenly Father's Plan.

Personal Progress Faith Value #3
Sabbath Day Observance and Tithing

picture from lostseed.com

I read in the Bible Dictionary under Faith. There were a couple of things that stood out to me that I'm not sure I understood before; 1. Miracles do not produce Faith yet they confirm ones faith. 2. True Faith must be based upon correct knowledge or it cannot produce the desired results. 3. An actual knowledge that the course of life one is pursuing is acceptable to the Lord.

I have used faith in all the principles listed above (prayer, tithing, fasting, repentance, and keeping the Sabbath day holy.) but I want to share one that I learned on a personal level years ago. I just turned 18 in my last semester in my High School career.  I was accepted to college and I needed money. I live in a tiny community and there is not a lot of opportunity for work. I asked for an application to a privately owned fast food place.  My mom had worked for the owners years ago as a waitress and I thought that I might have an advantage because of it. I was filling out the application and I came to the part that said what hours I would accept. I was told by a very close relation in my life that if I wanted a position I would need to put down that I would work anytime including Sunday. I remember that being a struggle for me.

I needed the job but I knew the commandment of keeping the Sabbath holy. My future father in law, who also happened to be my home teacher came to me and knew that I was looking for work and counseled me not to work on Sunday. This was a tough one for me but I was obedient to my home teacher because I knew him to be a righteous man with a great family. I remember being prayerful for what I believed would be a miracle.

I got the job even though the owner was hesitant because of the no Sunday rule. I was pretty excited and shared it with everyone that knew of the situation. I thought that was a blessing for my faith.
Then the first schedule was posted and I was listed as working on Sunday. Wow! I was frustrated. It was very clear that the no Sunday rule bothered my boss and I was even told that the only reason I got the job was because my mom was such a good worker for her. (Thanks Mom!) Anyway, I didn't know how to handle this. One solution was to tell her that I would not work on Sunday and another would be to just work on that Sunday and tell her that there would be no more. I finally came to the conclusion that I had to find someone else to work for me and remind my boss of our conversation.

Now, I was not as bold or as confident as I am now and suffice it to say, I was very anxious about confronting her. It was not pleasant and I'm pretty sure that she must have thought I was some pompous twit. Faithfully, I stood my ground and I think she scheduled me one more time, in which I found someone else to work, but it never happened after that.

I have looked back at that turning point in my life. I can even recall the pleased or proud look that came over my home teachers face. That look has meant so much to me over the years. It was clear to me that my Heavenly Father was pleased with me.
Indeed, the miracle happened to confirm my faith. It also gave me the courage and conviction to let that be my standard.

When I married my home teachers first son it was a building block upon which we have based our life. He purposely avoided the jobs that would cause him to work on Sunday which meant he missed out on promotions. We have never regretted it and have always been blessed.

I have another close relation who has struggled with paying tithing. It involves overcoming a deep fear of not having enough food in the fridge for her children. She experienced this as a young teenager and vowed she would never allow this to happen to her children.
She has finally made the choice that wasn't even a consideration for her for many years and yet after a large decrees in money she has dug up enough faith to pay her tithing.
I can't express the joy I have for her. I know she has more faith than me in this regard; I've just always paid my tithing.

I also wanted to share something I learned this weekend at a Time Out For Women: Faith is power.
Faith is wanting what God wants for me. The Optimist Experiment is the same as the Faith Experiment. Pray, Think, and Live with Faith. If I make sure that the thing I'm asking for is right then the Faith comes in and takes over. Our family decided for FHE to keep track of our Positive thoughts and what a difference it has made in me already.

I've had a secret wish that I've held since I was in college. My husband came home and told me of a private conversation he had with our Stake President telling my husband to prepare for something. He is to prepare for my secret wish. The S.P. knew nothing of my wish and so I know God was telling me he heard my prayers and was willing to bless my faith. Knowing the course in life in which I'm pursuing is acceptable to God; I can live more zealously in Faith. Sweet! Sweet!!

I finished the Personal Progress Faith Value Experiences.

WAHOO!!
It wasn't too difficult; I only needed to be persistent!!
I now need to do the Value Project.  I am going to build a small winter garden!  It will be a learning experience for me.
Wish me more persistence.  :)

Ephesians 4:29 and the blindfolded mommy

"Let no corrupt communication  proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Ephesians 4:29

My husband is the bishop in our ward and spoke with the ward counsel about gossip being a problem and he wanted help from them to figure out what they should do.  One of the solutions was for the priesthood to go home and speak with their individual families.  That included us of course. My husband found this scripture and printed out several copies; placing them on doors, mirrors, etc.  He then gave a lesson on gossiping and gave a challenge for everyone in our family over the age of 8 to memorize the scripture.  When everyone did we would have a malt party.  My kids were thrilled!! It's funny because throughout the week while I was working on projects around the house my kids who had already memorized it would review with me so that I would get it memorized.  That was fun for me to watch them work so hard on a family goal.   I was the last to learn it but we did it in about a week.  For a while, we would remind each other not to use "mean talk" to each other.  It seemed to make a big difference. 

All but one of the posted scriptures have fallen and been thrown away except one that is left on our refrigerator.  We could slowly see  the "mean talk" coming back.  Even the joking mean talk.  

My husband was inspired because for family home evening we played a game to which I didn't know the rules to.  He had me hiding in my room while discussing the game to our kids.  He then blindfolded me and brought me out to the living room.  He gave me a bucket of pencils and pens and told me to throw them into the basket even though I had no idea of its location.  I began and the kids immediately shouted mean things to me.  I dropped them, I tossed them, never knowing if I hit the basket.  It was kinda frustrating to me because it seemed futile. Then the kids changed their words to positive ones, like good job, you're awesome, etc.  I felt  better about the game but still had no idea if I was even close.  Then the kids started shouting positive words and encouraged me to toss a little to the left or a little farther...and even though I never made one into the basket I was very close and had more interest and determination to make it happen.  I enjoyed myself much more and had I had more pens or pencils I could have made it.    He blindfolded our 3rd oldest and let her try.  He asked her how it felt when the kids were yelling negative words at her.  She said, "It hurt."  We discussed this for a while.  We then  recited the Ephesians 4:29 scripture again after all these months and my husband explained that the scripture doesn't just say to avoid corrupt or negative communication.  It's not even just saying positive words.  He explained that it wasn't until I received positive direction or words that were used "to the use of edifying" did I begin to come close to the basket.  He explained that there is a lot of negative joking spoken and, like our daughter said earlier, "it hurts."   My husband then explained to the kids that he had me go first because he wanted the kids to understand that their mom needs to hear good positive words and feedback also.  At that point I became emotional.  It's so true.  Sometimes, it almost feels pointless because my efforts aren't appreciated as much as I need.  It was an excellent visual for our family. 

This was good for our family. 

We know that we'll need to revisit this subject many times but it will be worth it.  

Personal Progress and Stripling Warriors. Faith Value #2 Journal Entry

Alma 57:21 "Yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; yea and even according to their faith it was done unto them; And I did remember the words which they said unto me that their mothers had taught them." 
As a child I didn't always follow with exactness the things that were taught to me.  When I did it was sometimes a struggle, but it was also a blessing.

Picture by Corryn my daughter

When I was a sophomore in High School I played on the Varsity basketball team (small school).  We were in a very close game.  Excitement was everywhere.  I was to do a very simple pass to our leading scorer, a senior, but instead panicked and passed to someone else.  We lost and my coach was infuriated. For a while, afterwards, he would bring up that story.  I pray that I can follow the commandments with exactness like the Stripling Warriors.  I don't want to be embarrassed or ashamed.  
As a mother I have a sacred duty to rear my children in love and righteousness.  I am to provide for needs spiritual and temporal, teach them to love, observe the commandments of God and of the land.  There is so much I need to do to prepare my children and I have been working hard to prepare myself so that I can help them.  A sister once told me, "Sometimes, even though you do all you can, they still have their agency."  While that is true, I hope to never give reason for them to not be prepared.  I am going to follow my M.I.L. 's example.  She refuses to feel guilty and wonder if she did enough.  She did enough and did it without any doubt of her purpose.  I'm going to refuse to feel guilty also.  I will be passionate in my role so I can meet my Maker with a peaceful conscious.  I'll have to have Faith in my children and Heavenly Father that they'll do their part.  
I hope that I'll follow the example of the stripling Warriors’ mothers and teach my children to follow with exactness and have faith.  I need to make it clear what the directions are, unlike that of my coach; prayerfully, my children won't panic and do something else and lose the game.  Fortunately, in life, not like in the game, we can repent and come back and feel the peace of obedience.  
Miracles happen.  The Stripling Warriors were great men.  Miracles happened for them and their mothers.  I am certain miracles will happen for you and me.  Have Hope.  
I remember feeling confused and unsure during that basketball game moment.  I was given direction at the last moment.  It was out of the norm for me.  I hope that I am clear as my job as coach to my children.  Fortunately, the things I'll require from my children will not be out of the norm. It will be consistent and clear with the help from and with thanks for Heavenly Father.  

Personal Progress and Forget Me Nots- Faith Value #1 Journal Entry

picture from flicker.com

My daughter had just come home with two of her siblings and her dad from doing temple work and had enjoyed her time. 
After unwinding from the hot ride home she was eager to accomplish her school work. She went to grab her binder that held all of her notes and papers from school and was distraught to find that it wasn't where she left it. She was frustrated because she has worked diligently to stay organized. 
She had left the house earlier that day in a rush grabbing a bag and leaving the contents behind. Little did she know that about 4 hours later her younger siblings would awake and clean up. 

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She looked all over the place. I helped because I knew how much she has tried. I even looked in the trash that was already taken out to the trash trailer; thinking that maybe it was the two year old who had cleaned up and possibly thrown it out.  




GROSS!!


It was very frustrating for the whole household. The day went on and she worked on projects that she could do without the notebook. When my husband and I left for the R.S. Broadcast she made dinner for the family without being asked; fulfilling every mothers dream. 
After the meeting, my husband (who happens to be Bishop) and I talked and decided that the church had not been cleaned by the people assigned to the task. 
We knew and felt like we needed to get the Lords house ready for His people. 
So, we decided that the best thing for us to do was to go home, grab our children and clean it. Mind you, this is 9 p.m. Ugh! (We considered calling other people to help but figured with 11 kids we could get it done quick.)
After picking up the kids and working for nearly 45 mins. I asked my previous mentioned daughter to help me re vacuum the hallways because I wasn't satisfied with my 9 year old's zealous attempt. She looked at me and half said, "but that will take us even longer; I still have homework." She quickly turned and went to work. I don't know if she was cursing my name in her mind but I was grateful for her willingness to do what needed to be done. We finished at 10 p.m. and arrived home tired and eager for our now over excited kids to be asleep. I asked my daughter if she was able to find her folder and you could see the despair, frustration, and sadness written all over her. She said, "Mom, it's useless. I've given up." 
"Did you pray?", I asked.
"Yes."
The family all chimed in with different thoughts of encouragement, "Have faith, maybe you'll dream about it tonight,(which was a reminder to her that she had received an answer to a previous prayer that way), keep looking.""No, It's pointless and I've given up." 
My husband asked the family for about the fourth time that day if anyone had seen the green binder.
I had determined I would go out and look in the other trash that had gone out to the trailer but was saved by my 5 year old little girl. 
She had the folder in hand having found it under her pillow. 
You can imagine the joy and excitement this caused in our household. Not to mention my daughter who needed it. 
My 11 year old couldn't resist saying, "the tooth fairy must have left something extra tonight!" 
The kids recognized that God answers prayers and we need to just hold on to faith. 
After settling down with my husband, with both of us now eating dinner at 10:30p.m., I told my husband how my daughter had felt a very similar thing that I had just 6 hours previous. 
I had showered and dressed getting ready for my meeting but was overwhelmed with my household responsibilities. I had knelt on my bed spilling my frustrations in thought to my Heavenly Father. My husband came and held me as I vocalized them to him. I had wanted to give up, thinking there was no use in trying. My efforts were in vain. Why should I have such expectations? He said that I would carry on because I was strong. 

picture by 321coloringpages.com

Sigh!
Have any of you felt such pain?
(Duh! I know that answer!)
Before I left, I said a prayer asking to be given a message that I would know was specifically for me.
Now, if any of you are interested, look it up and see for yourself to know if my prayer was answered that night. R.S. Broadcast Sept. 24th 2011 the address by Pres. Uchtdorf I'm sure titled, "Forget Me Nots"
There were five points he asked the sisters not to forget:
1. Forget not to be patient with yourself
2. Forget not the difference in a good sacrifice and a foolish one
3. Forget not to be happy now
4. Forget not the why in the gospel
5. Forget not that the Lord loves you
The message was sweet. It spoke peace to my soul. It relaxed my furrowed brow.
I asked my husband if he was thinking about me during the talk.
He kindly said, "Every woman that I have spoken to feels the same way and needed to hear that message."

Moments like the two I shared earlier can be so bitter.  I am grateful that my family learned a little more about faith that night.

Personal Progress X7

Personal Progress X7

I became pretty excited when I met with my oldest daughter and her young women leaders.  They had just encouraged the mothers to complete the Personal Progress program with their daughters.  The mothers would receive the medallion also.  Thinking this was pretty cool, I decided I was going to do this with each of my girls.  This should be interesting since I have 7!

I had been doing things here and there but with no real plan.  We went to the Stake Personal Progress Recognition night before summer break to support  two girls in our ward.  Each of the girls in the stake who finished the program that year shared a testimony of the goodness it brought to their life.  It was wonderful to see their display of what they did for their 10 hour projects.  We have some very creative youth and it excited me yet again.  My 14 year old daughter informed me that night she would be finished by this time next year.
Yeah!!!!!!!
and then...
AHHHHH!!!!!!!!

I am behind if I'm going to finish with her.

O.K.  so I pulled out a big calendar and set goals for myself.  I planned out when I would do what and put in my calendar when I would finish.  I thought it was very well planned out.
Summer came and went and I got maybe 5 things passed off.  Ughhh!!
Apparently, you can keep track of your progress on the internet.  It's a rather cool system I think.
All you do is:
1.  go to youth.lds.org https://lds.org/youth?lang=eng
2.  go to the right of the screen and click on personal progress
3. sign in or set up an account if you haven't yet.
I'm excited about keeping track of it online.  I can click when I begin a goal and finish it.  I can write in my journal online and then print it if I want.
I love setting goals and then looking back and realizing my improvements or at least my efforts in such.  This personal progress program gives me a focus to do that.  By the time my youngest girl who is two goes through the program I hope to have made some real progress.  :)
So, here I am yet again.  I am going to finish.  I am going to sit down today with my big calendar and get 'er done.  Well, the planning anyway.  Each time I get a value finished I will post it.  I will also let you know how my 10 hour projects go.  I'll probably share some of my journal entries because they will certainly pertain to the "Mormon Momma's" platform.
Well, I haven't shared this blog with the world yet but when I do please feel free to cheer me on!!  I will need the help.  Plus, I'd love to hear your stories about the blessings of the Personal Progress Program.
Right now, my oldest is a little skeptical about me finishing with her.  I don't blame her!! Haha.
Yet, excitement and hope is blazing and by next spring TWO medallions will be carried home to our house.
Love you all!