I Believe in Miracles

I believe in miracles.

Life is busy.  As we go through life we can often get so caught up in all we have to do.  The days seem to blur together, one day often seeming no different than the next.  But when we slow down, and stop and really look at life- I think we will see miracles.

As our family decided to move, we knew it was the right thing for our family to do, the timing was just awful.

Lucas was in the middle of his 7th grade year.  He was finally getting a great group of loyal friends, he adored one of his teacher's who equally appreciated him back.

But we knew it was what we were supposed to do.

The timing of our move, and the timing of the quarters at school, led us to not start school until the 17th.  My kids loved the long break, but by the end I could tell they would all be doing better with a good routine.

We had a few weeks to attend church before we began school, and the kids had all begun to make friends.  Lucas was becoming friends with two boys from church Aiden and Henry.

The first day of school finally came.

That morning was awful.  Lucas' anxiety kicked into overdrive and I was truly wondering how we were going to get him to school.   After much pleadings, promptings, bribes and probably threats, he was finally able to get moving and we made it to school on time.

As I said goodbye as he left the car, I felt sick.  Sick with worry.  Please let the kids be nice, sick with fear, would he be able to find all his classes?

I just had to trust that all would be okay.

That afternoon when I picked him up, he was happy and had had a wonderful first day, and then I learned of a miracle that had occurred.

Lucas' very first class was art, a class he really did not want to take.  When he arrived at class, the teacher handed out letters.  These letters had been written by the class from the previous semester; they wrote letters to the incoming class with tips on how to succeed.  The letters were handed out randomly.  Lucas opened his letter and began reading, when he came to the end he saw who it was signed by-- by Aiden, one of the handful of kids Lucas knew in the school.

Some might just call this is a coincidence, but I see it as a miracle, a tender blessing on a day when he needed it most.  Of all of the letters for Lucas to get, he got one from a friend.

Miracles do happen.  The might be small, some might think of them as coincidence, but I will see them for what they are.

Light The World- Helping Kids Learn to Serve

As a parent I want my kids to have the world, but I never want them to expect to have it.  I want them to understand the importance of hard work, of showing appreciation and especially of giving back and contributing to the world.

One of the best ways I have found to do this is by finding opportunities for our family to serve.  When we work together to help others, not only are we spending time together as a family but we are leading by example for giving back and showing kindness.

It starts in the home with small simple things like helping your sibling with a chore, or taking the time to truly compliment or say something nice about someone.  For me, it all comes down to trying to live as the Savior Jesus Christ did.

Before Thanksgiving, my family put together a Thanksgiving Basket to donate to a local shelter.  We used the opportunity to talk with our kids about being grateful and that many would not be able to have a nice dinner without help.   I put together a video documenting our experience.

We loved the experience and are so excited to look for more ways to serve.

This December there is an amazing opportunity to get into the true spirit of Christmas by remembering how the Savior Jesus Christ lived and trying to live as He did as part of the Light The World initiative.

This December join me, in 25 Ways over 25 Days.   This is a month of ideas with ways to serve each day, helping you get in the true Christmas spirit.   By trying to live as Jesus Christ did, by serving, by giving, by living as He did, we will not only help others but can transform our own lives.

Download your own FREE copy of the calendar here

If you head to Mormon.org, not only will you see this calendar, but every day there will be a new video and ideas of how you can serve that day.  Even if you just choose one or two things to do, I truly believe it will help your holiday season be a little less stressful, a little more peaceful and will definitely help you remember the real meaning for this time of year.

As a gift to you, I would love to give you something that means everything to me, something that has brought me peace, hope, and a true understanding of who I am and what this life is all about.   It is the Book of Mormon.  If you would like one,  I would be happy to send you a free copy, just leave a comment saying you would like one and with an e-mail address that I can reach you at.  

I truly hope you join me in this wonderful way to help bring some peace and joy at this time of year and really make the world a better place.

Finding Peace: My Thoughts on The Vegas Shooting

It was a roller coaster, a roller coaster of emotions.  The day began with my daughter's soccer team losing to a team we were sure we were going to beat.  You just don't always know what to expect.

Then the day was filled with bliss- pure amazing bliss, pure peace, pure hope, pure desire to be a good kind person.

You see I was listening, along with my family, to the 187th annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

There were messages about families, about marriages, about studying and reading the scriptures, about learning to trust God the path he has for you.

There were messages about kindness and charity and calling out prejudice and racism.

"We need to embrace God’s children compassionately and eliminate any prejudice, including racism, sexism, and nationalism," Elder Ballard said. "Let it be said that we truly believe — and truly live — the words of the Book of Mormon prophet Nephi: '(The Lord) inviteth ... all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female ... and all are alike unto God.'"

"Anyone who claims superiority under the Father’s plan because of characteristics like race, sex, nationality, language, or economic circumstances," said Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve, "is morally wrong and does not understand the Lord’s true purpose for all of our Father’s children."

Then Vegas happened.

I woke up Monday morning, with my husband asking if I had heard what happened in Vegas.  I quickly pulled up twitter and was heart broken by what I saw.  I truly cannot comprehend what can drive a person to such acts.  I don't understand how someone's heart can be so hard, so cold, so deranged, so evil to do such a thing.

That morning I kept the radio off, not wanting my kids to hear the news, wishing I could somehow preserve their innocence a little longer.

But we can't run from this, we can't pretend it didn't happen. Real conversations need to happen, conversations not filled with blame or excuses, but conversations that can get to the heart, find common grounds and try desperately to find a real solution.

Calling names, saying people deserved this, and even downplaying it will never fix anything.  The world is in turmoil, something needs to change.  I truly believe it begins with you and I, with those who think differently than I do, those who were raised differently than I was and those who are so similar to me, finding that common ground, openly and kindly exchanging ideas and thoughts and doing what we can to help ensure this never happens again.

I wish I knew the exact formula for this to happen.  I wish I had the answer.  I do not, but I know I will try, to be a little more kind, to be a little more willing to listen, to be a little more willing to have the hard conversations and that discuss the hard topics.  As something needs to change.

But I have peace, I have hope.  I know there is a way for good to win.

Don't give up.

When It is Hard to Forgive

--This post contains affiliate links--

Have you ever had someone wrong you?  Someone hurt you either intentionally or not?  What about those times so extreme it seems impossible to forgive?

This weekend I had the privilege of going to Time Out For Women.  One of the speakers was Alissa Parker, mother of Emilie Parker one of the victims of the Sandy Hook shooting.  Let's just say there were a lot of tears listening to Alissa speak.

Me and Alissa Parker after her presentation 

Alissa told how she went over to the school, waiting to hear, then learning Emilie would not be going home with them that day.  I remember the Sandy Hook shooting so vividly, I remember watching the news feed live, unable to stop watching.  I remember texting my husband while bawling, telling him what had happened.  To think of all of those little children.  It broke my heart.

Alissa told how empty she felt almost unable to function.

Then she began talking about the angels; the angels in her life in the forms of her friends and family and those around her.  How they cared for her, how they reached out for her, how they did what they could to somehow try and help.

She talked with a counselor asking how can I help my kids through this and the counselor wisely told her, first you need to work on you.

*******

As mothers I think our instinct often is to take care of those around us, make sure their needs are met; but as a mother you are a person too!  If you are broken and empty, it will be impossible to truly take care of others.

She said as time went on, she felt like she needed to choose.  To choose to let the light in, to choose to see the tender mercies, the help from the angels in her life.

Then she said something I will never forget-- 

"There is a correlation between healing and forgiveness."

She said at first she almost felt guilty, like taking away the pain felt like a disservice to what happened to her daughter.  She wanted to think of the shooter as a monster, it was easier, it felt right.  Ultimately, this is not how she could live her life.

She said that after meeting with the shooter's father, it began to humanize the shooter, and almost gave her a closure.  She realized that it was not her burden to judge and know how the shooter would be held accountable with God, she didn't need to carry that burden with her, she could turn that over to God.

She testified that God can take the hardest and most broken hearts and can heal them, but we have to choose to let Him do that, we have to choose the light above the darkness.

********

Alissa has written a book about her experience-
I went an immediately purchased it after hearing her speak

***********

I have read many survivors stories, and one commonality is their hope of something more; something more than just this life, also their ability to forgive.  Once they forgive, that person or those people who harmed them- the people and the crimes lose power over them.  They no longer need to be victimized by the horrendous crimes that were committed against them; they are able to find peace and purpose in life.  That is true power.  That is how you forgive when forgiving seems impossible.

**Please note-forgiving is not the same as forgetting.  In some situations, actions need to be taken to protect yourself and others.  At times, seeking professional help is necessary**

**********

Now just this week, there was another shooting in a school, a domestic dispute- played out in the classroom, taking the lives of the teacher and a student, another student hanging on for their life.  As I saw the news of this, my heart broke once again.  Men's hearts are failing them.  This world needs peace, this world needs the ability to find light, hope and peace.

This true peace, this true light, comes from one source, our Savior Jesus Christ; he truly is the Prince of Peace.

What I Hope For My Daughter

This has been a very violate week in the political world and social media.  With Trump now officially our new President, the Women's marches and once again so much political banter back and forth, it has made me stop and reflect what do I want for my daughter?  What do I want my daughter to know, to believe and to fight for? 

I asked on Facebook, genuinely wanting to know, what those participating in the marches thought would change?   Thankfully the Woman's March didn't seem to lead to the same destruction and chaos that came along with the protests on Inauguration Day.

But I wonder, what are they wanting the world, women, their daughters to learn and know?

I saw a picture of a young girl at the march holding a sign stating "Girls rule, Trump Drools".  What is this mother teaching her daughter?  That using childish insults and rhetoric will get results?  This isn't nearly as bad as the grown adults who on Twitter this last week took to insulting Donald Trump's 10-year-old son, asking what was wrong with him and even saying he was going to be the next home-schooled shooter.  When has it ever been okay to attack a child?

When my oldest recently came home stating that there were funny memes about Donald Trump and showed me one making fun of his hair, I did not laugh (though if I am totally honest I might have wanted to).  I told him while I did not vote for Trump and definitely have a lot of things I do not like about him, that it is never okay to make fun of someone for how they look or who they are.  I told him, I am praying for Trump, praying that he might feel the weight and responsibility of the position he now holds, feel some humility, surround himself by good people who can help him guide the country.

 This world has so much hate, so much negativity-- that is just needs to stop.

We need to stop looking for the wrong, the differences, the things we hate-- but instead find common ground we can unite on and stand up for what is right.  Tearing others down, making fun of people and calling people names-- it immediately ends any chance of having a real conversation that could bring some change and good into the world.

So what do I hope for my daughter?

I recently saw this quote and I love it:

"Our generation is becoming so busy trying to prove that women can do what men can do, that women are losing their uniqueness. Women weren't created to do everything a man can do. Women were created to do everything a man can't do." ~Author unknown

What are my hopes for her, what do I as a woman, as her mother want to teach her?

What I Hope For My Daughter 

I want her to know she is unique and special and is exactly who she is supposed to be. 

That she is here on this earth as a Daughter of God destined for so much greatness. But that greatness doesn't come from fame and fortune, but from humility, from kindness, from working hard every day never feeling like you are owed something just because. 

I want her to know there will be people in life who inspire, encourage and will help you grow, and there are those who will do just the opposite. There will be people and issues in life that you do not agree with-- but fighting and belittling won't change a thing. Boldly and bravely standing up with kindness, goodness and as a light of beacon and hope-- showing others by your kindness and goodness that there is a better way-- that is the strongest message you can share. 

Remember you are destined for greatness with a Father in Heaven who has so much in store for you - just let Him guide your life. 

We are not meant to go through this life alone, first with God by our side and someday a spouse who you should work side by side, be a helpmeet to each other. Not the same-- just together and united, each of you trying to put the others needs first. This will lead to a loving, successful and happy marriage. 

Mostly remember that I love you. I will always love you. I will push you, encourage you and as hard as it may be will let you fail when necessary so that you learn how life truly works, learn while you are young and the consequences aren't so harsh and lasting; helping to set you up for real success in life. 

This is what I want for my daughter. 

--See the post I wrote for What I Hope for my Son

My Word of the Year

In the past I have picked out a word for the year, I really had no intention to this year.  A couple of years ago my word was present- that seemed perfect and like something that I still need to work on today.

Sunday night, as we were sitting around eating our ice-cream after our family night, there was just this moment of contentment and happiness and it hit me that I need to BE.

To BE more present

To BE real in life with who I am and who I show myself to be

To BE there-- really there, in those little moments with my kids

To BE actively engaged in doing good, doing more

To BE more physically active, getting back to working out and eating right

To BE who God wants me to BE.

I just need to BE.

The best part, I don't have to do it all at once.  The New Year isn't the only time I can set goals and try again; but every week.... every week when I partake of the Sacrament at church, it is like starting fresh again.  Being washed clean again and trying again.. and again and again, as I am so far from who I can be.

So this year-- I am going to BE.

Do you have a word for this year?

A Christmas Day Poem

A Christmas Day Poem

Christmas Eve night the kids went to bed,
Mom and Dad began wrapping, something they dread.
Counting the presents and wrapping with care,
When to their dismay, they realized there wasn't enough there!

One child's presents were missing, just not quiet enough
So off to the store, they drove with a huff.
The store was a mess, toys and presents on the floor,
But they found what they wanted and were soon out the door.

Back to wrapping, this time with all the presents in tow.
Would they ever get done? They just didn't know.
Finally it was finished, and time to hit the sack,
when it seemed only minutes and they were attacked!

Two happy children saying, 'wake up it's morning',
One child was still sleeping, happily snoring.
Soon all three children climbed onto our bed,
begging us to get up and move our sleepy heads.

We walked down the stairs, got everything ready,
Lights and cameras- make sure to hold it steady.
Then the children came down, carefully taking each stair,
their squeals and the laughter filling the air.


Presents were opened, thanks and hugs all around,
Wrapping paper and boxes all on the ground.
While the parents sat there with a happy grin,
This was a moment that felt like a win.


As we sat there and watched the kids having fun,
We couldn't help but remember the most important One.
For Christmas is much more than presents and bags,
Christmas means Christ, who was born wrapped in rags.

That Christmas morning as we celebrate His birth,
the life of the only perfect one to live on the earth.
The one who suffered and died for each of us,
This is why we celebrate Christmas, please remember, we must.

Praying Like a Child

We are in the final stretch, less than a week now until Christmas.  The presents are all bought, or mostly, the stockings are hung ready to be filled, ingredients for cookies are waiting for little hands to help make them....

It truly is a magical, wonderful time of year.  Today my parents fly in and we will begin a fun and very busy week of chorus concerts, BYU's bowl game, and of course our Christmas Eve traditions.

Yesterday my family gathered for morning prayer before Eric had to leave for his early morning church meetings, we asked Ryder to say the prayer.

Ryder says his own nighttime prayers every day, he also takes his occasional turn at meal time prayers, but the morning prayer- well this must have felt like something new to him.

"I don't know what to say." he stated.

"Of course you do." we reassured him, not totally unfamiliar with this routine, as this is what he would once say before his bedtime prayers.

He began, "Dear Heavenly Father", then with a slight pause, "See I told you I didn't know what to say."

After we finished laughing, Eric prompted him on things he could first thank Heavenly Father for and then ask him for.  His prayer was short and simple and I couldn't help but picture Heavenly Father having a little laugh himself about Ryder's prayer.

Later that day in Sunday school we were discussing our intent in our actions and why we do things,  if we do things sincerely or for the praise of man, or without even really thinking at all.

"Are your prayers deliberate 100% of the time?" the teacher asked, "How about 75%, or 50% or even 25%?"

It made me stop and reflect, how often are my prayers sincere?

Do I rush through the meal prayers, knowing everyone is hungry and ready to eat?  Do I say the same things in my bedtime prayers not really stopping to reflect but just saying the same things I do most nights?

Do I know what to say?

It was a bit of a wakeup call, one I am sure I will need again and again as I try and navigate my way through life.  It is my goal to stop and really think and ponder before I begin to pray, what do I really need to pray for, what am I thankful for that day.

If you aren't a praying type, do you have a time that you mediate or contemplate life?  It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle of life and get into our routines and go through life on auto pilot.

It is those times when I stop and reflect, when I truly feel and know that I need my Maker's help that I feel most at home, most at peace, most like things will be okay if I just continue to take it One Day At a Time.

The Reason For The Season

Every Christmas season I get this list of ideas of things I want to do or think I will do.  Then as it often does, life gets really busy and before we know it Christmas has come and gone.

I am so grateful for the Light The World campaign my church is doing, with 25 days of things you can do to try and live and be like the Savior was.

I love seeing how excited my kids are to find out what each new day is, wanting to try and live like Jesus did.

That is the meaning of the season.

Last night I watched and photographed the Living Nativity that my church has done for the last six years.  It truly is am amazing production, and that moment when the wisemen come and bow down worshiping the baby Jesus, it gives me chills and hope and so much happiness.

There is true meaning to the season, all of the other stuff is just for fun.  Many often comments how this time of year people seem to be a little kinder,  give back a little more, and generally just a bit happier.  I believe it is because of the spirit of Christmas- or the spirit of Christ.    Even for those who don't believe in Christ- no one can argue that people trying to give back a little more, trying to be a little kinder can ever be a bad thing.

My kids have a week and a half of school left and then our Christmas break will start, a break in which I hope and plan to really be there for them and with them.  A break where I will try to be the 'fun mom'.  It isn't always easy, as it is easy to get busy and caught up in your own self- but that will never bring real happiness.

This Christmas season, join me by bringing a little more happiness, a little more kindness and charity- help me Light the World.

A Special Week for a Mother

This has truly been an incredible week.  There have definitely been some ups and downs, including some crazy stressful situations for both Eric and I with work and soccer, but overall the good of this week greatly out-weighs the bad.

On Saturday, Lucas turned 12.  Not only is he now a pre-teen, but in my faith, 12 is a huge milestone birthday.  When a boy turns 12 he is able to receive the Aaronic Priesthood.

On Saturday we celebrated his birthday with cinnamon rolls for breakfast and then he had to open his presents.  He got the one present he really wanted, a cell phone.  Eric and I had debated for a while as to when it would be the right time for him to have a phone, and after a lot of thought and consideration, he got one for his 12th birthday. (Next week I will share the contract we made him sign in order to have a phone).

Then we watched BYU beat Michigan State and went out for dinner that night at Mimi's Cafe,

followed by his birthday cake-- an Awesome Face Emjoi cake.

He loved his cake!

Sunday was a very special Sunday, Ryder gave a talk in Primary and Lucas received the Aaronic Priesthood.  At the beginning of sharing time, the young men from the ward came into Primary and sang a song and then took Lucas away to his new class.  He was beyond ready to leave Primary and start Young Mens.   We then went with Lucas where Eric ordained him to be a Deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood.  I could feel the spirit so strongly and have so much hope for the boy Lucas is and who he will become.  They asked Lucas to share his testimony and he said that he felt the spirit so strongly and it reminded him of how he felt when he was baptized.  They then asked me to share a few thoughts.  It truly was a wonderful a special day.


This day was even more special as it was also my Mother-in-laws birthday.  Lucas is their oldest grandchild so they had come to town for this special weekend, and so on Sunday we also celebrated her birthday.

On Tuesday, thanks to some last minute plan changes and great friends who were able to help with my youngest two, my in-laws, Eric, Lucas and I all went to the Temple, where Lucas performed baptisms for the dead.

Redlands, CA Temple

  It was awesome to be there in the temple with him for his first time.  Family's truly are meant to be forever and there is a plan of happiness which can bring you so much comfort and peace in life.

The rest of my in-laws visit was spent sewing with the kids

Alex made this skirt with the help of Mimi

going to soccer practices
and just enjoying our time together.

This truly was a wonderful week and one I will never forget.

It's Good Life Isn't Fair

Every once in a while you hear something that truly reaches you, changes your thinking.

Sunday in church, during Relief Society, a meeting for women 18 and over, the teacher made a comment that made me really pause and ponder.

"It is good life isn't fair."

Now as a mother, I hear "it's not fair" way more often than I would like to admit.  "Life isn't fair" I will often come retort.

But on Sunday, the teacher said, "It is good life isn't fair".

She went on to explain, that none of us are perfect, or ever will be.  We all make mistakes, we all have faults and try our best to make our ways through life, but we will always fall short.  There was one who was perfect.  There was one who came to earth and lived a perfect life only to suffer and die for each and everyone of us.  If life was "fair", then He wouldn't have to suffer for crimes and sins He did not commit.  If life was fair, He would have been rewarded and punished for His actions alone.  But He did die for us. He did suffer and feel every single pain, sickness, infliction and injustice each of us have and will go through.  It wasn't fair, but He did it because of love.

So it is good life isn't fair, good that He took upon him everything even though He didn't have to in order for us to be saved.

The other day I watched a video a friend posted.  This friend is a high school science teacher at a really rough school.  He gave his students a marble tower toy, yes a toy- one my own kids have had since they were preschoolers and they could not quite figure out how to put it together.  It broke my heart watching this.

Life isn't fair and sometimes the discrepancies in life are just astounding and unexplainable.  Why was I born into the life I was, why have I been given the privileges and opportunities I have?

The older I get the more I realize this life does not have all the answers.  But someday, someday there will be answers, there will be pure light and hope and everything will seem fair.

As I drove home from church this last Sunday, I told my kids what I had learned.  'Wow!' they all proclaimed.  Later that night when Alex resorted to "that's not fair"- I reminded her what I had taught them earlier. She quickly changed her attitude and said, "You are right, it is good it is not fair."

Life is not fair, and it is good.  That does not mean I am not going to do all I can to try and take away some of the pain, injustices and problems in the world today right now.  I am going to teach my kids to look for those who are sad, look for those who are alone. I am going to do the same myself.  I am going to teach my kids the importance of hard work, a good education and never giving up- so that they can be successful, contribute to society and be able to help give back.   I am going to try my best to be a beacon of hope and light to those around me.

Life isn't fair- but this is good.

I cannot do this on my own, I need my Heavenly Father and Savior everyday and with and only because of their help can I be saved.

It's good life isn't fair.

Inspirational Quotes for Every Day

Have you ever heard a quote or saying that just really resonates with you, gives you hope and direction?  LDS General Conference is a fountain of quotes and hope; as I listened and watched the talks at times I couldn't write fast enough, as there was so much I was learning and wanted to remember.   Here are a few of my favorite quotes that I know share an eternal and real truth.

All of these cute images (and a whole lot more) are courtesy of the Desert News and can be found here.

Parenting

Find the Talk Here

In an effort to build up and empower women, sadly far too often fatherhood and men and belittled or made to look like the fools, think of how fathers are often portrayed on sitcoms.  This talk about Father's and their importance was wonderful! 

Find This Talk Here

This quote I could have put under daily motivation, as I need to remember this every single day, need to really be there for my kids, really listen to them so that they know they can always come to me.  This whole talk is a great formula for family success. 

Trials

Find This Talk Here

It is easy to feel that we have messed up too much, gone too far, but with God and His grace we can always return, always do better.

Find This Talk Here

No matter what we can be whole!  Even in the death of a loved one, we can find peace. Another quote from this same talk that I loved "Each of us has physical, mental, and emotional limitations and weaknesses. These challenges, some of which seem so intractable now, will eventually be resolved"

Find This Talk Here

This quote I put under trials, as it really and often is through our trials and challenges that we learn, grow and become better more compassionate people. 

Daily Motivation

Find This Talk Here

What am I going to choose every day, it is my choice, will I choose to believe? 

Find This Talk Here

It is so easy in today's world to get caught in an endless loop hole of distractions, the days I do are the days I feel the worst, lose my temper the fastest, and don't really enjoy life.  I need to focus. 

Find This Talk Here

Another quote from this same talk made my list down below under Hope, seriously this talk is amazing. 

Find This Talk Here

Do we make the easy decisions every day, or do we make the choices that might be hard but will help us grow and who we should really be? We need to not just choose the good but the best.  

Hope

Find the Talk Here

We don't have to be perfect, we just need to strive to do our best.  We will be loved and rewarded and saved even in our imperfections. This talk is one of those powerful ones you always remember, I definitely recommend listening to it. 

Find This Talk Here

Do we see ourselves as who we truly are? Do we understand what the purpose of this life is?  Do we realize that God truly loves us? 

Find This Talk Here

I want to be who God wants me to be, I want to be a beacon of hope and light to those around me in this world of chaos and confusion.  I know there is hope, there is truth, there is a way for us to truly be happy and return to Him. 

There were so many more amazing quotes I could have shared.  I encourage you to listen to these talks, I use the Mormon Channel App, which is free, I listen to them while I do laundry.  There is good and light in the world!  Do we live our lives to share that light and good or do we smother it?  It is our choice everyday what we reflect, what we give, who we are.  

What Does Easter Mean to Me

As a child, I loved Easter.  I remember the city Easter Egg hunts where they always had those few special eggs hidden that had a ticket for a big prize.  I never found one of the special eggs, but I still loved going to the hunts.

I remember Easter morning waking up ready to hunt for our baskets.   We had to follow a group of clues, which began as simple drawings that led you from one spot to the another.  As you got older the clues became much more difficult, little riddles; they become especially difficult when my Dad began writing our clues.

I remember pretty dresses, and dying Easter Eggs.  I remember the Easter Egg tree my mom had which was decorate with very fancy eggs that she had painted.

Now as an adult, for me Easter means hope.

Easter means celebrating that someone loved all of us enough to suffer and die for each of us.  Easter means celebrating that not only did He suffer and die for us, but after three days He came back to life, opening the door for all us to live again.  I believe it and know it to be true.  He lives. Hallelujah!

Wish Me Merry Christmas

If someone came up to me in the store and said "Happy Hanukkah" I will admit I would be shocked and then do you know how I would reply, "Thank you!"

That's it, it would be simple.

Would it offend me as a Christian if someone wished me a Happy Hanukkah?  Not at all, in fact it would be nice just to have someone talk to me in a store as most people are so caught up in their own little worlds they don't even acknowledge those around them.

Image Source Here 

The other day my kids were looking at a school calendar and my son asked me why it said "Happy Holidays" instead of Merry Christmas.  I could have spouted off about how by saying Happy Holiday is inclusive and includes all people, which yes while it might be true is also a bunch of crap.  Instead I told him the truth.

Don't get me wrong, I want my kids to love all and I love that my kids are colorblind- I even wrote about it once, but I am getting so tired of having to hide one's beliefs, or feelings or opinions as it might hurt someone's feelings.  Oh and I probably should have begun this post with a warning about "Trigger words".  The fact that that is even a thing, just begins to show what is wrong with society.

It is our differences in beliefs, our differences in traditions that help us learn who we are.   When I got a knock on my door from a certain religion that loves to knock doors (other than my own of course) I stand there nicely and talk with them. In fact, as I have read some of their literature, it has made me appreciate my own faith and beliefs even more.  It does not offend me that they teach something different, believe something different; it doesn't hurt me in anyway, it strengthens me.

Life is hard.  In life we will not always be treated fairly, always treated right- I wish it wasn't that way.   But in life if we are good decent people, who work hard, who try to serve and help others and who do not expect things to be handed to us, then chances are we will have some success in life, maybe even peace and happiness.

So this Christmas season, or excuse me, 'Holiday Season', when cashiers wish me a Happy Holidays, I am not going to get all huffy or offended, I will simply say, "thank you and a Merry Christmas to you".

Why Sunday Will Always Be My Sabbath

I need a Sabbath Day.  I need the rest and reprieve. 

Life is busy.

My week is filled with school pickups, helping kids with homework, running to four different soccer practices, pick up from chorus, dropping of at Scouts and Activity days not to mention running a household and everything it entails. 

I am not complaining though, I love being able to be home with my kids, what I do miss is being home with my kids.

As my kids have gotten older and involved in more activities it feels like we are very rarely ever home. Currently during the school week Thursday is the only night of the week that we are all home at a normal dinner time.  

Those Thursday's when we finally can have a normal dinner as a family, we cherish those times.  I even actually cook a real meal.

Even our Saturday's are filled with soccer and errands and occasional parties or events, but one day will always be our Sabbath.

One day a week will always be our chance to slow down, reflect and enjoy our time as a family.

Yes, even some Sunday's are busy with three hours of church and meetings in the areas we are serving in, but what my Sabbath will never be filled with is a list of errands to run, kids sporting events or hours of televised football.

Once upon a time things closed down on Sunday, all the shops, all the stores.  Now it is just another day, another day to get things done, run places and get in one more soccer game for the team.  

When will the world realize it is enough?  It is too much.  Even if your aren't religious, we need a break.  A time to reconnect as a family.  Studies after studies have shown the benefit of strong families, yet everything society is pushing for and throwing at is pulling families apart.  Pressure to work longer and longer work hours, pressure to have kids in so many activities, pressure to alway be going, always entertaining, always moving at a fast pace right along with the technology. 

We need a time to just be, a time for rest.  Life is busy, even almost frenzied at time.

The Sabbath day was given to us as a day of rest and let's embrace it.  Talk to your kids coaches, talk to your boss, talk to your friends and neighbors and let's make a push, a societal push to get a day of rest back.  A day that can heal and prepare us for the week ahead.  A day we can strengthen our families.  We can all work to make this change.  We need it.  Let's make it the Best Day! 

Sunday will always be my Sabbath. 

Old School Blogging- I Am

Who am I?  I am answering this question and more as part of Old School Blogging with Elaine and this month's co-host Angela of Jumping With My Fingers Crossed.

This month they gave a list of words (the bold ones) you fill in the rest. 

I am... content. Life isn't perfect, but it really is pretty good right now.
I wonder... who will win American Idol tomorrow tonight. Did you hear next year is the last year of the show?
I hear...my husband putting the kids to bed.  I already said goodnight then came down to write this post.
I see... little messes everywhere, signs of family, signs of life, signs that life is good.
I want... to have a successful shopping trip tomorrow! Going to spend the gift card I got for Mother's Day.
I am... happy.

I pretend... that the mess will just clean itself.
I feel... like I really want a chocolate right now!
I touch.. the keys on the keyboard as I type this post.  I love having a laptop, will forever want one.
I worry...about my youngest and the cough he has right now, he can't be sick for his birthday!
I cry... a little too easily sometimes, especially sweet tender moments.
I am... a mother.

I understand... who I really am, where I came from and what the purpose of this life is.
I say... "well good" way too often.  It is my overly used catch phrase.
I dream... of finishing the book I am writing, getting it published and it maybe even being made into a movie someday!

I try... to be a good person, good mother and good friend.
I hope... that my kids will grow up healthy, happy, and with strong testimonies of Jesus Christ.
I am...a child of God.

Who are you?  Play along with Old School Blogging.  Elaine's post will go live Wednesday evening.