What a wonderful weekend I had!! It was exhausting, but at the same time so fulfilling. Our stake participated in a day of service as many; many stakes nationwide did as well. Our ward worked with the Red Cross and we distributed emergency preparedness information to one of the poorest sections of our town. We were split up in to pairs and assigned a 6-block area that would have approximately 40 – 60 homes. I was blessed to be partnered with my daughter, Victoria.

When we first were dropped off on our corner my daughter expressed to me that she was frightened. I asked her if she would like to take a moment to pray. We stood together in this poor and crime-ridden area and asked the lord for protection and guidance. See we were being asked to do more than just drop literature. The Red Cross had asked us to knock on each house’s door and ask if there were working smoke detectors in the home and if there was anyone in the home that had special needs that someone might need to come out and assist with in the case of a weather emergency.

After our prayer we both signed, I thought it funny at the time, but she and I both knew why we signed. We both at that moment knew that we were okay, we would be safe, and the lord was on our side.

Together my daughter and I left 62 packages at home and were able to speak with 36 families about their needs. It was so sad to see the conditions that the houses were in and the people themselves. Hard to believe in the USA there are people who live in homes with broke out windows, door hanging on rusted and useless hinges. Their homes were filthy, overrun with cats, dogs and unwanted belongings. Many of the people we saw and talked too had teeth rotting from lack of care, clothes that were dirty, torn and misfitting. Many looked ill or in need of health care, food, a warm meal.

I mention this not because I want you to judge these people, our government or even myself for noticing but to tell you that even though we were in the middle of an area and people who we would not normally associate with we felt nothing but the pure love and compassion that the savior has for each and everyone of us.

Although their homes were filled with pain and sadness, we smiled and laughed with them and for a small moment made them feel that someone cared. I know that for my daughter and I this was the best kind of service we could have done. Being a single mother and having to struggle for money to keep a roof over my children’s heads and food in their stomachs has at times left me feeling like I had no hope. That there was no one out there that cared. I was so, so wrong. I am greatly blessed and thankful for all that I have!!

Even if I cannot afford to own a home, or a new car, or put name brand clothing on my children and myself, I am greatly blessed. Blessed with the knowledge that the lord and Heavenly Father love me, that they are mindful of my needs and wants; that they see my loneliness, my hopes, and my dreams. I am so greatly thankful to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for giving me what I have and for keeping me safe. I may not have a house that I can call mine, but I have an apartment with no broken glass, with a solid sturdy door to keep those who might hurt or steel from me out. I might not have a new car, but I have a car all the same and it is safe and it gets me to and from where I need to go. I may not have name brand clothing, but I have clothing that is clean and fit me. But most of all, I have a home that has no pain. Not the pain that I saw in the eyes of the people I served. My home has love, acceptance, faith, peace and joy. It is not a home of abuse, neglect, sickness or hopelessness.

What a weekend I had!! And how thankful I am that I had it.

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One of my most closest friends had to deal with the terrible loss of a child. She was just over 5-months pregnant when the doctor's told her that the babies heart had stopped beating. We were of course shocked and in so much pain. She went into the hospital on Monday and delivered the baby boy within a few hours. Her husband, mother, mother-in-law and a friend were with her when the baby was brought into this world. Only 6 ounces and only 7 inches long, he was the second little boy they had prayed to have. On Thursday we had the funeral, just a grave side event with family and closest friends. We sang families can be together forever, her father talked on the plan of salvation and how the baby had achieved what he needed and was too pure and precious to be on this earth. It was a very loving and moving talk. Then her husband surrounded by her brother's and father consicrated the grave and gave the baby his office name. We closed with prayer and many tears. It was sad, but so moving at the same time. A time to remember that we have all been given a plan, this life has a purpose and there is salvation through the Atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Most importantly it was a time to remember the gift of the resurrection and the sure knowledge that we will be all united again in Celestial Glory and that this precious little boy will be there waiting for them. I am so thankful for the gospel and the peace it brings in times of loss and heartache...

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I had the opportunity to go to the Orlando Temple with the youth of my ward. It was so awesome. I had a wonderful time and I can’t wait until I can go down with them again. We had a great session, did a lot of baptisms and had a wonderful testimony meeting after wards.

This trip was so special because it was the first time I got to be at the temple with my daughter, Victoria. It was the first time that my nieces got to attend the temple. It was the second time that I got to go to the temple and it was the first time I got to be with the youth.

Before I became the seminary teacher at my ward, I was in the Primary presidency, so not only did I have the opportunity to be at the temple with my seminary students but I also, I got to be there with the newest Young Men/Young Women from Primary.

When we did confirmations, I got to be in the sessions with my daughter. She was surprised and excited when she was confirmed for a lady named Emma Smith. She of course knows that it was not “the” Emma Smith, but it was still special to her. Afterwards, she told several of the Young Women and they all were so excited, as if Victoria had achieved something wonderful. It was funny and cute to see their reactions. Then when she did the baptisms she was baptized for a Linda Smith, which she thought was neat that she got to be baptized and confirmed for two Smith women.

One of my nieces, who we call JJ, was baptized for an Ethel Elise. I didn’t notice it, but one of the mother’s did and she said she thought it was so neat that JJ got baptized for EE. She said she will remember that the rest of her life.

Its funny to me the little things that we find so special when doing this precious work at the temple. I was surprised at the reverence the youth showed while doing the baptisms and confirmations. I was grateful that I got to be part of it all.

I know my thoughts are scattered and bouncing all over, but I have so much I want to write, but can’t find the words worthy of them. I have so many tender moments and experiences that I would love to list, but lack the words to do it. So I will end with my testimony.

I am so blessed to be a part of this church and this great work. I want you to know that I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon; I know that it is a divine book that through inspiration from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ was brought forth in these latter-days.

I have a testimony of Prophet Joseph Smith. He was and is a prophet of our Heavenly Father and was lead and directed by our Lord, Jesus Christ in restoring the gospel to its fullness in these latter-days.

I know that our Lord, Jesus Christ established the church, while he was here in his mortal ministry and it still being run as he directed in these latter-days.

I know that President Thomas S. Monson is a prophet, seer, and revelator who work under the direction of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I have a strong, strong testimony of the house of the Lord, namely the temple. I know that the precious work that is being done there is the work that Paul spoke of in the New Testament and is done everyday by loving and faithful saint of the Lord.

I have much faith and strong beliefs that all I have written is true and correct. I am blessed to be a latter-day saint and would never want to not have this precious truth in my life. I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Tags: Temple Service Baptism

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Yesterday was the Pinewood Derby for the Shawnee District and my son Christian competed in the Webelos division...It was a good thing they had an electronic reader because the cars were so tightly racing it was difficult to tell by the eye who was 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc...Christian came in 6th out of 27 boys...I was amazed at the final averages of the cars...they fell out like this: 1st - 2.262; 2nd - 2.263; 3rd - 2.264; 4th - 2.265; 5th - 2.266; and 6th - 2.266!!...it was amazing!!...

Tags: Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby Districts

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Last week I had the pleasure of being at one of my Seminary student’s Young Women's medallion ceremony. At the celebration she had asked her Mia Maid advisor to speak. This sister said something that I had thought about, but never in the way she had put it.

She said that Conference was only a couple of weeks away and a lot of people don’t watch using the excuse that the same 4 – 5 topics are presented every time. But that this is no reason to not watch. She also said that these same topics are presented time after time because they are the things that we need, the simple “Primary” things that will help us to receive Celestial Glory.

Although I am not one of those who do NOT watch Conference, I am one of those who says, “they talked about the same thing they always talk about.” I have always looked at it in a negative way. Always thinking that we keep getting told the same things because we are not doing what is right.

But after she said this I started to think about my friends, my family, and my leaders. I realized that they are doing the things that they need to do. My family is doing what they need to do. Granted no one is perfect, but that is why Jesus Christ died so that we might have grace.

So this year when I sit down to hear the same topics I will be looking at it with a greater appreciation and realizing that the things that are being said to me are for my salvation, my exaltation, for my Celestial progression and not because I fall so short no matter what I do...

Tags: Conference Salvation Tithing Unity Prayer Scripture

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Tags: Tithing Blessings Growth Faith

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Does it not say in the scriptures something about not lying?

Isn’t part of our temple interview??

Isn’t it a commandment???

Oh wait, that’s right…it is…Exodus 20:16, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

I know I am being a smarty,  but I cannot stand when people lie about me, exaggerate or whatever else people want to call it to justify their actions.

There was a time in my life when you could call me a liar and it would have been true. There was a time in my life when you could say that I was not trustworthy and it would have been true. But that hasn’t been true of me on twelve years. So maybe it’s a little hypocritical of me to be irritated or offended and yes, even hurt when someone lies on me, but it does.

I guess what bothers me is the reasons behind the lie. When I was a liar and a thief I was (not that it makes it right) a drug addict, and a single mother just trying to get through life. So for someone like that to lie, it’s understandable and sadly acceptable.

However, for me it is much, much harder to tolerate, understand or excuse lies when they come from someone who is supposed to be a Christian.

I know I need to be patient, to just let things unfold and the truth will rule out. It’s so hard though. I am an upfront person. If I have a problem or a concern, I go to the source. I don’t talk behind peoples back and I don’t lie about them. I know you are waiting on my to unfold something profound that ends this blog with you saying, “wow, that was amazing.” But I don’t have anything.

I am sad, offended, frustrated and deeply-deeply hurt!!  I want Heavenly Father to take this trial from me, but I know that I must go through this trial. I also know that I will learn something from this trial, so I need to just pray and allow Heavenly Father to work in my life.

Tags: Lying Betrayal Dishonesty

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I got an email from my Aunt Janice (my Mum's sister) telling me that my Great-Aunt Tressa passed away.

She made it to her 100th birthday last year. She had a long and happy life.

Her daughter, Judy, who she was living with, said that Aunt Tressa told her that she was tired of living.

She also asked her not to put her in a home and to let her die in her bed.

So Aunt Tressa put on her night gown, got into bed, stopped eatting, and stopped taking her medication.

Aunt Janice didn't say how many days this went on, just that she passed at 10 am today.

So thats how it went, she passed on her terms, when she wanted to go.

Very like Aunt Tressa. She always did things her way and got her own way. I think that was what I loved the most about her.

I know that she is happy because she is with Uncle Mike again, several of her children, her sisters and brothers, and her parents.

Now I know what I will be doing when I got to the temple next weekend. I will be doing the temple work for my Great-Grandparents last child.

Tags: Death Morning Loss

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In our church building we have two wards that meet. Years ago it was decided by our two Bishop's to combine our seminary class as it did not make sense to have two seperate classes meeting at the same building at the same time.

I was called to be the seminary teacher of these two wards and this August was my first year. I have 14 - 16 active students from our different wards. I am taking the long way to get to my point so that you understand how amazing my day was today.

One of my student has a hard home life, he often gives me a hard time and frustrates me to the point that I sometimes feel that I am going to snap. If I ask him to read some scriptures he laughs, changes words, make comments, etc. If I ask him to say the prayer he carries on. He has for months now tried to push me, but I am staying strong!!

Well, today I broke the students into four groups and gave them an assignment to read a block of scriptures and answer six questions about that block of scriptures.

To my amazement he opened his scriptures (1st time this year without me making him), he read them, he answered the questions and when it was time for the groups to share their answers, he was the spokesman for his group. He was nice to me, he laughed and seemed to really enjoy class today.

The strange thing about it...I didn't do anything today that I have not done all year thus far. So long story short...it took five months...but I think I broke him...lol

Seriously, though I was so proud of this student and I let him know it. What brought on this amazing change? I have been praying hard for him!! I have also been letting him know little by little that I get it. I grew up in an explosive and violent home too. I was angry and pissed at the world, but I found peace and joy in the gospel.

So where do we go from here? I am going to continue to pray for him, love him and accept him!!

Tags: Seminary Stubborn Student Scriptures

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