Mormon Moms Who Blog

Join Our Site

2012-01-27T09:20:00.001-07:00

If you'd like to be added to our list please grab our button and follow us first - and...then let us know your blog name. We love newcomers - and are striving to build a wonderful community that will help strengthen home and family. Thank you for keeping your content appropriate for this venue. If you come across blogs that are inappropriate will you please let us know?
Thanks so much!
Heidi G.
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True Beauty - Sis. Elaine Dalton

2012-01-25T08:20:00.001-07:00

Sister Dalton tells of how she learned as a young woman what True Beauty means.

LDS Resouces -- Link List from Katie

2012-01-24T12:05:00.002-07:00

From Katie G. in Utah - we get a compiled list of links to LDS resources. I thought it was worth sharing. Perhaps you will post some of those links on your blogs! The more we're linked to each other and to great resources - the better we are at sharing uplifting and positive messages online!
Thanks to you all!!!
Heid

Join the Conversation - LDS Church and Social Media

2012-01-24T10:40:00.001-07:00

Thank YOU all for doing this! Here's a reminder of what Elder Ballard asked us to do.

"The emergence of New Media is facilitating a world-wide conversation on almost every subject including religion...may I ask that you join the conversation by participating on the Internet, particularly the New Media, to share the gospel and to explain in simple and clear terms the message of the Restoration."

"Most of you already know that if you have access to the Internet you can start a blog in minutes and begin sharing what you know to be true."

M. Elder M. Russell Ballard, "Using New Media to Support the Work of the Church." Speech was given at Brigham Young University-Hawaii’s graduation ceremony on December 15, 2007.

Gifts of the Spirit

2012-01-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I spent a long time pondering on 'gifts of the Spirit' and why they are so essential for our safety and protection. We are to 'seek them diligently' and do all we can to be worthy of them so that we will not 'be deceived' in the last days.

What does that actually mean? How do the gifts of the Spirit protect us from harm and danger. For what reasons were they really given?

As I pondered and meditated on these questions - I was taught a few things that I can share on here.
1. Gifts of the Spirit are for our protection and safety; both spiritual and temporal.
2. They are to be given 'severally' and for our sake.
3. We are to seek them diligently.
4. They are given to the humble seekers of truth and righteousness - not for a 'sign'.
5. We are to receive them line-upon-line - and to bless others' around us.
6. All are given at least one gift. Gifts are to be used to bless the 'whole' and to strengthen and uplift.
7. The more we become like "Him" - the more gifts we are given.
8. Charity is the greatest gift of all and....is 'bestowed' upon all who are 'True Followers' of His son, Jesus Christ.

Networked Blogs - for Mormons

2012-01-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

On the lower right hand side of this page you'll see our NEW addition as of today! It's Networked Blogs. We invite all of you to join with us on that site. It's one more way to help you interact with others' and ....for people to FIND YOU!!!

We know that you all blog because you feel to do so! Our goal is to help make that your connections as convenient as possible. The power of social media - is in the connections. Each group you join - gives you the opportunity to be seen and to connect with other like-minded individuals.

Technologies change and update on a regular basis. Most of you don't have the time nor resources to keep up with it all. We'll do what we can to help and...appreciate the connections that you provide to us as well as your willingness to link, comment, and help others'.

Blessings,
Heidi
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What Would You LIKE For This Site?

2012-01-12T13:00:00.001-07:00

Dear Favorite People :)
The mission of this site is to provide a safe place to connect, intermingle and share with one another. We feel so blessed to have all of you on here. You touch our lives daily and make us laugh, cry, and feel compassion.

Thank you for keeping your sites wholesome and uplifting. We know that all have challenges, heartaches, griefs and sorrows. You can certainly share those things if you feel to do so. But, we also want to make sure that things are appropriate and not irreverant. You have done that. Thank you!

So...we're asking you....What would you like to see on this site? What would be most helpful to you? Do you want to connect with others? Do you want more comments on your own sites? Are you willing to comment on others' sites? How would you like things to be different/better?

Since we do this as volunteers -- we publish and fix when we can. Thanks for your patience in that area.

We want to make this site the best place for you. Thank you for all that you have done to bless lives around the world. Since we're an 'aggregate' list -- we get more hits than some of you do. Because of this - you have a better chance of being seen. We do this service for you because we have felt to do so and because we are grateful to be able to share the goodness in all of you.

PLEASE make sure you GRAB our BUTTON for your site. That is the win-win in this. We can keep up our mission and ....you can be seen.

Thanks so much,
Heidi - MMWB
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New Year's Ideas and...DeNae's Epiphany

2012-01-07T07:02:00.001-07:00

Darn. I had a great post about one of my favorite new people, DeNae from "My Real Life was Backordered" and.....somehow I deleted it. I'm sorry. So.....here is the info. from my Facebook post and...I hope you'll enjoy this video. It's worth watching. She has some great ideas about blogging in 2012 and how to best develop and share our gifts and talents. Hope you enjoy

You have to watch the full video to really know what she's all about! It's inspiring, funny, and....motivating. Together - we can all do good things and make a difference! Thank you DeNae!

The Power of Empathy

2012-01-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

A few years back, my dear friend Janet S., taught me about 'understanding emotions' and...the Power of Empathy. It changed my life. And...I feel to blog about it today.

Yesterday I came across a gal on twitter whose 'about me' was something like "detester of unsolicited advice'. I think I knew what she was trying to say.

In this day of plentiful information, oftimes, well-meaning friends, neighbors, co-workers, family members etc. feel the need to 'help' when someone shares a concern or challenge they are having. You probably know just what I'm talking about. Comments beginning with 'you should' or....'you need to' or....'just do such-and-such' are more frequent than we may realize. Are they helpful? Or - is there a higher principal? I tend to believe the latter.

Years ago, after serving a mission in Mexico, I was hired to teach at the M.T.C. in Provo, Utah. I'll tell you now that it was, by far, the favorite job I've ever had. I LOVED these missionaries. And, over the 3 1/2 yrs. there, was blessed to be the 'teacher' of hundreds of them. Part of our responsibilities (3 teachers per group of 8-12 missionaries) was to 'interview' each missionary once-a-week for the 8 weeks they were there. We were to visit with them one-on-one, evaluate their progress and listen to any concerns or challenges they might be having. Since I was only a few years older than these young elders and sisters I didn't always know what to say when they were struggling. But, I listened and cared and....prayed mightily in my heart for things to come to mind if the Spirit had something that I could share with them. Sometimes that was the case. But, more often than not, they just need to be listened to and cared about. They needed 'empathy'.

This lesson came most powerfully to me thanks to a sincere and humble Elder. He was really struggling. He was homesick, having challenges with his assigned companion, not understanding the language very well even though he was working hard and, basically, feeling a bit discouraged. As I truly listened and sincerely asked a few questions - he started to work things out - outloud. As I empathized (not knowing what else to do or say) he came to his own conclusions/answers as he talked. By the end of the interview he was a new person (as was I). He was happier, less-stressed, hopeful and...grateful. His comment to me "you are the best teacher' helped me learn a beautiful principle that I needed to learn. It wasn't that I was the best teacher - it was that I sincerely cared and listened - which provided HIM an opening to figure out the answers which were already IN HIM.

I've thought of this principle often over the years; that most of us have the answers within ourselves if we'll take the time to really ponder, listen and pray. If we can be 'still' enough to feel what we already know deep inside and also to what the Spirit can teach us - we'll find most of the answers that we are seeking.

The Lord, himself, is perfect Empathy and...the Healer of All wounds. It's not our role to 'fix' others' or to 'tell' them what we think they should do. We are imperfect, broken too, and lack the complete story. We are to learn to love, serve, care about and empathize with those that mourn. HIS Perfect and Complete Role is as Healer and Mender of All Broken Things. We would do well to TURN TO HIM (help others' do the same) and doubt not, fear not.

See Also: Elder Packer "The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior."

Picture: The Gentle Healer

Donny Osmond's Christmas Miracle

2012-01-03T08:55:00.002-07:00

A few months back we moved from one part of the city to another - into a small cul-de-sac with sweet widowed neighbors and a safer environment than before. We felt 'led' here and were very grateful to have been given the chance to have a new start in a good area. But...it came packaged with our 10th move in 12 yrs., movers-exhaustion and...some trepidation as to new people, places and things.

The first day at church, and thanks to my son who was a bit nervous anyway, we came in a few minutes late and found a row closer to the back where there were some empty spaces. After church this wonderful woman at the end of our row - welcomed us and introduced herself as Debbie Osmond (Donny's sweet wife). I loved her immediately. She was truly genuine, warm and welcoming. That day she made an honest difference for us - in feeling 'at home' and in a place where we could belong. (One of these times I need to tell her how much it meant to us!)

Anyway, fast forward 5 months to last Sunday; Christmas Day. I woke, grateful that Christmas was on a Sunday so that we could really focus on the true meaning. We arrived early to the church - and to a vision of beautiful sprigs of greenery hung at the front of the chapel, large red bows throughout and several grand poinsettia plants. Christmas hymns were softly played on the organ as the peace and serenity of the day were apparent to those of us who desired to worship the Lord on His special day.

After partaking of the Sacrament (which, in itself was perhaps even more meaningful on a Christmas day) it was announced that Donny Osmond would be our first Christmas speaker. He began by tenderly telling of his Christmas miracle - the night before. It was inspirational and heart-warming and a dear reminder of what Christmas is all about. I will share it with you because it's truly in keeping with the meaning of the season and with the miraculous hand of the Lord in our lives. I hope you'll receive it in that same spirit.

Their son, Chris, has been serving for the past 2 yrs. in the Netherlands as an LDS missionary. Due to be released on Jan. 4th - all were awaiting his arrival at that time. But, because of travel and performance conflicts, it was 'miraculously' allowed/arranged between Donny and several church leaders - to allow Chris (and the other missionaries of his group) to return on Dec. 20th in order to be with his family for the holidays. So, unbeknownst to most, Donny worked for 8 months to make all the appropriate accommodations and... to surprise his wife and family.

After Thanksgiving, Donny purchased a large furniture box and, apparently, weighted it down with enough stuff to keep his wife guessing what it was. He wrapped it and placed it near the tree awaiting Christmas Eve when, according to family tradition, it would be the one present to open that evening.

Dec. 24th, Donny (and Chris) flew home from Chicago where he and Marie had been performing. Donny and his wife went upstairs to watch a 25 min. video - while their other son, Don, secretly got his missionary brother into the large box. When the time came and the box was opened the greatest shock and surprise was Debbie's as she 'freaked out' - Donny said. :)

As mothers, we can only imagine the myriad of emotions that would come with that incredible reunion. The greatest gift of all is to know that 'our children walk in truth' - including....that a son served the Lord on an honorable mission and with all his heart and soul.

Donny teared up at this point - which made the rest of us weep as well. It was a poignant message at Christmas time about a son returning home to his father and mother after having served well and fully. That's why I call it his 'Christmas Miracle'.

It reminded me of several other scripture stories of significant reunions after years of being apart. This can only be indicative of another reunion that we all long for someday; that of being reunited with loved ones on the 'other side' and...with our beloved Father whom we will then know that we know so well.

Donny's talk has caused me deep reflection this week. Part of that is with my own earthly family. Will my son serve an honorable mission someday? Will he love and serve and care for others as I have so earnestly tried to teach him? Will he be the kind of missionary that I can be pleased for him to be? And... additionally, and perhaps even more important, - will "I" be able to return home from my earthly mission honorably? Will I know that I have done all that the Lord has asked of me and with a full amount of gratitude for life-lessons, trials, growth, joys?

I'm thankful for one particular thing this year and...that is that Christmas was on a Sunday. It was the best way I could think of to start this new year of 2012 - and ponder on all the things that many of us know are ahead. We're eternally blessed to have the Savior as our exemplar, friend and advocate. It is our privilege and joy to do His will and Keep His commandments - with all our hearts and with all our souls.

Heidi

Egg Nog French Toast

2011-12-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

What do you do with left-over Egg Nog in your home? Make Egg Nog French Toast!

Simply soak both sides of any bread you like - in a bowl of Egg Nog for a few minutes. (Dried bread works best. Leave it out the night before on a tray - so that it will soak up the egg nog better in the morning.)

Fry both sides in a lightly buttered frying pan. Top with your favorite syrup or fruit.

Enjoy!

BEST Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids

2011-12-23T08:39:00.002-07:00

Sorry this is a little bit late. But...it's been a busy season. I posted this on our Latter-dayLearning blog and thought that I ought to share it here as well. These are the BEST Christmas gift ideas for kids from actual moms who know. This is a compiled list of favorite, long-lasting and enduring activities that their children have truly enjoyed. Hope it helps if you're looking for last-minute items.

Bouncers with handles
Large Safety Pins and material scraps for doll outfits etc.
Dress-Ups from D.I. -- or Savers
Mini Balls (put in kiddie pool)
Indoor Slide
Science Experiments (including making crystals)
Craft Supplies (Glue, glitter, good paper, markers and coffee filters, pipe cleaners, etc.)
Shrinky-Dinks (before Christmas- to make Christmas ornaments)
Good Books
Melissa and Doug coloring books
Dot to Dot books (the crazy cool kinds that go up to 300+)
Razor Scooters
Wooden Blocks
Lincoln Logs
Tinker Toys
Legos
Erector Sets
Calico Critters (not their furniture - which breaks) w/Playmobil Furniture
Littlest Pet Shop
Thomas the Tank Engine Train Set (fun w/Brio Network as it is all supposed to be the inside of a computer. Cute!)
National Geographic KIDS Magazine
Cricket Magazine (10-12 different kinds- all ages)
Duplos (legos' medium size)
Hot Wheels
Kitchen Play Set
Storyboards made out of Flannel or Felt
Tangrams

Are You Ever Burdened?

2011-12-17T08:33:00.001-07:00

This morning, in prayer, the words came to me; "Are you ever burdened with a load of care....Count your many blessings ....money cannot buy your reward in Heaven nor your home on high." That hymn, and varying verses of it, has come to mind several times over the past few months. The Spirit is reminding me that during all my difficult times (which, currently, seem to be many) - I am to put my trust in God and count and NAME all the blessings that He has given me. His blessings are real. They are many. And they are of more worth than any temporal thing that we experience.

Yesterday I spent most of my day at the hospital with a dear friend. She's spent the past 18 years of her life in a wheelchair and this is the first major surgery she's had without the support of her parents who have both passed on. Her family is her ward and her friends. I moved from her ward last year but...she remains a beloved friend and I was honored that she'd ask me to be there with her.

After she was wheeled into her room and spent most of the day sleeping and/or trying to get comfortable - I was reminded of how blessed I was to be able to have legs that I could move. She didn't. She can't move her legs on their own or turn over in her own bed. The nurses adjusted things for her and...I was able to move her bed up and down to relieve the pressure of being in the same position for too long.

She'll tell you how blessed she is. She's grateful for what she's been given and the opportunities that she's had in this life. Among other things her physical challenges have helped her to be aware of and reach out to others' in need. Recently she completed a Master's Degree in Social Work and an internship with many struggling with drug addictions. She'll be the first to tell you how grateful she is for her challenges and not those of others'.

As I pondered on the hymn this morning "Count Your Many Blessings" I knew that it was a personal message for me from above today. He always knows exactly what I need to hear to comfort and teach me. Personal revelation is deeply-cherished gift.

This is a wonderful season of the year. All of us are blessed with the knowledge of our Savior and Redeemer. His is the life and example we ponder and give thanks for at this time of year. He had no place to lay his head. His example to us is that if we put our trust in God - He will deliver us out of all our troubles and afflictions. The temporal blessings are just that; temporal and temporary. But, we are to seek eternal life and eternal blessings. This comes from our obedience, faith, repentance, forgiveness and...trust in God - who leadeth to do good!

Thank you for all you do to bless the world. Each blog posting has the ability to help someone else. Thank you for keeping your messages of the nature that will lift, encourage, and bless others' to do good.

Heidi

Do You Have Room? FREE Copy from Shawna Edwards

2011-12-07T11:24:00.001-07:00

Get a FREE copy (MP3 or Sheet Music) of this BEAUTIFUL song by Shawna Edwards entitled "Do You Have Room? Fill the internet with wholesome music like this by sharing with your friends on twitter, facebook, email etc. Click on 'share buttons' below and forward this to all you can. This is a particular request at this time because another gal by the same name is higher in google rankings and that person is involved in the darkness of very inappropriate materials. Thank you, in advance, for making a difference. And...enjoy this beautiful message!

Recovery from Addictions - Principles of Healing

2011-11-30T21:50:00.000-07:00

We Welcome, Nannette, our new, dear friend from LDS 12 Step Reflections and share this with you in hopes that it will really bless and help someone. All of us have life challenges to overcome. It's nice to know we're not alone in some of the struggles. Here is her story:

"Personal Introduction: I grew up in the Church. I am part of a large, very active family, the oldest of seven kids. I graduated from seminary and Young Women’s and BYU. I’ve got a green bandelo and a blue one too, filled with jewels and charms and a rosebud and cells that represent a real commitment to do what is required. I’ve got the Young Women medallion I earned while serving in stake and ward Young Women leadership. I’m a wife, a mother of five, grandmother of 10; I taught home school for 25 years. I only tell you this to help you see that I am not a woman you might immediately peg as an addict. I’ve been a goal setter extraordinaire and a Personal Progress activist. You get the picture.

The struggle that brought me to the principles of recovery was a life-long battle with compulsive addictive eating. I had always believed that God could tell me what to do. I never had any idea that He would help me do it! Well, I knew He would help me with “good girl” problems like finding my keys, a job, or my way home. But I never knew that He stood ready to help me with the areas of my life that were imperfect or impure.

It was hard to admit that I had come to the end of myself in this area of living. I didn’t want to bother Jesus with my weakness. I wanted to clean myself up by myself. I testify that it is not possible. As a result of studying and applying these 12 gospel-centered principles to my life and attending support group meetings, I have received direction and power through the Atonement of Jesus Christ to live in recovery from compulsive addictive eating. I have lost and kept off 97 pounds. The miracle is not so much in the losing but in maintaining day after day. God has done for me what I have never been able to do for myself. “Unhealthy eating patterns” is the name of what brought me to this application of gospel principles, but I testify that every aspect of my life has been blessed by a greater understanding of gospel principles and most particularly the doctrine of Christ and the available blessings of His loving Atonement.

The greatest price I paid in turning to anything that was not God or of God in order to help me forget or get through my problems was in my relationship with the Lord. It was too high a price to pay. Sometimes people ask me if I will always have to live this way. My response is that living in recovery is the gospel in action and a marvelous way to live. I testify that Jesus Christ lives, that this is His Church, and that this is His work. There is no struggle so small that it is outside His interest, and there is nothing you or I have done, no matter how mortifying, that places us somehow outside the reach of the blessings of His Atonement.

Purpose of my blog:

I want to introduce you to this Blog by sharing the following experience:

My head was swimming with thoughts generated during the Recovery support group meeting I had just attended. I pulled into the garage, walked into the house and set my key, scriptures, journal, pen and Guide to Addiction Recovery and Healing on the kitchen counter. What to do next? I dialed my daughters cell number just to check in on a summer afternoon. I could tell by the noise behind the, “Hi Mom, what’s up?” that she and the kids were out and about having a bit of fun in the sun. We visited for a minute and I tried to hear the news of her day over lots of background commotion when suddenly she yelled out, “T.J., don’t drink out of your shoe!”

Now I wasn’t in church or a recovery meeting, but in that very moment God spoke to me about my recovery through a two and a half year old little boy. My grandson, T.J. had apparently gotten a little thirsty at the water park and thought he had no other alternative than to fill his shoe with water and take care of his problem right then and there.

What the Lord said to me was, “Whatever you do next Nannette, don’t drink out of your shoe!” Living in recovery, living clean and sober from my drug of choice (excess food) is about trusting that God will feed my soul and quench my thirst. I don’t have to grab the most accessible, quick acting, “unclean” thing at hand to take care of my immediate need. I don’t have to drink out of my shoe.

Now this message came to me when I was seemingly out of school for the day. My experience is that when I listen and watch, the Lord, through the Holy Spirit, teaches me about the 12 life-changing gospel centered principles that bring recovery to the addict and blessings to all, all day long, and in the most ordinary situations. In appreciation of the uncommon bits of wisdom received during common days, I often record them in my journal.

In keeping with the Lord’s charge to refrain from hiding our witness “under a bushel” (or in my case, in multiple journals, in boxes, in a closet upstairs), I have decided to do some sharing. I am inviting you to visit the Blog site I have dedicated to posting the every day insights that come every day if my eyes and ears open and my pen is in hand. "

Celestial Education

2011-11-30T12:25:00.001-07:00

This is the most incredible presentation about Education that I've ever seen. A friend sent it to me recently and I knew I didn't have time to watch it. But...I couldn't 'not' watch it after I started it yesterday. Through the years of raising my children I've attended many seminars and conferences and read many books concerning ways to better help my children and better options for education. Michelle Stone seems to encapsulate all the best information into this one presentation. I highly recommend it to any who desire the best for their families. She gives much 'food for thought' as she shares true principles of learning and scriptural passages about the Lord's way.
Celestial Education - Michelle Stone from Gospel of Liberty on Vimeo.

25 Days of Christmas

2011-11-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

Visit our newest member Kendra from The Things I Love Most, and learn about new ways to celebrate and honor the 25 Days of Christmas. In order to help her children really understand the true spirit of Christmas she compiled a wonderful list of activities and events to do so!

Then....leave a comment below about some ways that YOUR family has honored Christmas and focused on the real meaning!

Bless This Mess: The Hiatus

2011-11-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

Bless This Mess: The Hiatus: I know, I know, this is turning out to be like how I used to write in my diary every so often, "Dear Diary, sorry I haven't written in a w...

The Sacred Responsibility of Mothers

2011-11-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

From an article on Forever Families we get the following reminder/confirmation of what many of us already know; the important role of mothers. In a day when Motherhood is devalued by many we know that it hasn't changed in the Lord's eyes or in His plan. In fact, it may be even more important than ever; why else would the adversary be doing all he can to thwart it?

"Motherhood often is seen as a submissive role with few rewards. In a world that values material possessions so highly, the intangible and unpaid work of mothers can seem unimportant. A paycheck may become attractive because it may help Mom feel more valued and allows kids to have a higher standard of living. Women who buy into these ideas might start to think they're not needed at home. Maybe their children can take care of themselves or someone else can care for them just as well as they can. A mother might decide her children need the material advantages of life more than they need her presence. But children need their mothers. No material possession can replace a mother who is present and available to her children. They thrive when Mom is home when they are, when she's loving and accepting, and when she listens to them and tries to understand. While children might complain if they don't have name-brand clothes or the latest technical gadget, as they mature they come to understand and deeply appreciate the gift of a mother who was present for them." The Sacred Responsibility of Mothers

Bless all you (mothers, fathers, future's) who are doing the best that you can. It's not easy but...we can ask for much help from above as we 'assist' in the rearing of the next generation. Thank you for all you do! You're a blessing to me and to many others' around you!

My New Favorite Person - She's FUNNY and Wonderful!!!

2011-11-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Followers -

I just had to spotlight my new-found-friend DeNae today! She'll make you laugh because she is just really, really funny. And...the wonderful thing is that she is very, very kind and tender-hearted too!

We met recently at a gathering of 'blogger moms' who were asked to help with an outreach program for single-moms in need. You may have read a few of my postings about it. Well, read what DeNae wrote too. She's got a fresh perspective and....a way to help us all realize that we all affect each other; for good or for ill. If we lend a hand to those in need it blesses all of us! And, I think, that is what building Zion is all about!

Nie Nie Dialogues - Stephanie Nielson

2011-11-21T12:05:00.001-07:00

Last night Stephanie Nielson of Nie Nie Dialogues spoke at our Stake Youth Fireside. It was BEAUTIFUL! - In 2008 she and her husband were involved in a small-plane crash (filled with fuel) and she was trapped in her seat. She was burned over 80% of her body and then, with 4 small children at home, was in a coma for 3 months. Her story is one of faith, courage, prayer, and....the hope that comes only through Jesus Christ and his teachings.

Since the crash she's had many surgeries and told us that she'll have many more. The pain is still there. The emotional trauma and grief still come and go. People in the grocery store still stare. Yet, through it all, her spirit shines though; with light and faith. She says "I am not my body" and... that is what helps her see beyond mortality and thank the Lord for the blessings which have come from her trials.

I understood what she was talking about. Some of you will also be able to relate. Often, our trials are also our greatest blessings. They can be excruciating and more than we think we can bear, but...as we endure (often very prayerfully and with all the energy we can muster) we are 'enlightened' and...often our loads are 'lifted' by increased understanding and....comfort from the Lord.

During the most difficult time of my life as a single mother of 3 young children, living on very little income, homeschooling because it was the right thing for us and for a son with special needs, caring for my mother who had recent back surgery and long-term diabetes, and...feeling emotionally and spiritually and physically more exhausted than I could almost endure, I was reminded of the statement by early pioneers who said "We came to know Him in our extremities. That was true and...I learned it for myself. It came one day as an answer to sincere prayer and as an inspiration that I needed to keep going.

Life didn't get easier. Times were still very tough, and often continue to be, but, as Stephanie Nelson reminded us, they serve a purpose and we wouldn't trade the learning and growth and love we feel from the Lord, for anything. All the suffering is 'worth it' if it brings us closer to our Savior. He endured more than any of us can even begin to fathom. He endured all of Stephanie's pain and suffering and that of her husband and children and all that cared about them. He endured all my pain and suffering, sorrows and heartaches and those of my children and all who love us. He also endured all of your pain, suffering, sorrow, grief, heartache, trauma and abuse. He knows how to 'succor' us because he endured it. In fact, he took it upon himself 'willingly' 'for our sake'. Can we even begin to fathom the LOVE that would have to be there for Him to do that for US?

We are here to learn, grow, overcome and...all that is possible ONLY through the Atonement. There is NO other way. He has borne our griefs, carried our sorrows, and ....with his stripes WE ARE HEALED.

In this same spirit of 'rescuing' us - may we reach out to others' in need. It if often through US that the Lord answers' prayers of our brothers and sisters across the globe.

In their time of need - single-parents are reaching out for help. Each of us can do something - small or large. If you feel to do so - please consider donating funds to help provide education for these moms who are really struggling. Education and skills will help them to be able to provide better for their children and lift them up and strengthen them. This would be a blessing to all involved and a way to live 'true religion'.

Thank you, Stephanie Nielson, for your continued faith and example (and....powerful testimony of motherhood) and the way in which you continue to live your life. You've blessed more lives than you may ever know.

May we all do the best we can in our given circumstances. May we reach across the isles and lend a hand when others' need our help. May we let the light of the Savior shine in our countenances as we strive to do whatever He would have us do in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. "It will all be worth it in the end."

Heidi

There is Eternal Significance in Everyday Life

2011-11-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

This morning as I was praying and pondering I was led to a passage in the Bible Dictionary under the topic of "Ezra". ( I LOVE the Bible Dictionary.) It was such an inspiration to me that I wanted to share. The teachings are applicable to us all and...I hope that you will be blessed and strengthened too.

"Religious values in the book of Ezra are found in the teaching that (1) the promises of the Lord through his prophets shall all be fulfilled....(2) discipline are patience are borne of disappointment, as one expectation after another was frustrated.....(3) there is eternal significance in everyday life.....(4) preparation is needed for the rule of Messiah...to bring men to Christ."

Isn't that powerful and beautiful? I particularly appreciated #2 as I've seen the fulfillment of that prophecy in my own life and am pretty sure that many of you have as well.

Blessings for a good day today.....
Heidi

Modern Molly Mormon

2011-11-16T16:44:00.002-07:00

From our friend, Marie, at Modern Molly Mormon: She writes "I just finished redesigning and moving my blog (Modern Molly Mormon) to a new home and I would love to have some additional guest posters and contributors. Just about every subject is welcome, and with the holidays I would love some cooking or craft posts. I am seriously craft-impaired so any of you talented ladies out there who have something to share, please stop by the site or send me an email to marie at marieleslie.com".

Join Our Forum on The Blog Frog

2011-11-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, so....I'm finally getting on to the Blog Frog. It seems to be a community of like-minded people who want to share information about their blogs. What would you like to see happen there? What information would be most helpful to you? Have you used BlogFrog and do you like it? Would you like to be part of our community?

2011-11-14T16:26:00.002-07:00

Here is our NEWEST member of this blog list. She's a beautiful soul and I wanted the rest of you to get to know her. Lois - Mommy Musings

Here's an excerpt from her latest blog entry. It's inspiring and faith-filled! "My calling is with my family. We (my husband and I) are raising God's children and He entrusted us to meet their needs physically, emotionally, and spiritually (with His help). It is indeed a divine calling. My family is what God gave me time for. I have to remember that." Lois - Mommy Musings