Haass Family Adventures

Ether and the Brothers of Jared

2016-03-27T21:08:00.001-06:00

I wanted to point out something that I read in the Book of Mormon that I found interesting.
We all spend a lot of time studying prophets, and we have our favorites. Or any scripture hero. But I wanted to point out something I found amazing.

Just to refresh, first read Ether 3:1-15

"Chapter 3
The brother of Jared sees the finger of the Lord as He touches sixteen stones—Christ shows His spirit body to the brother of Jared—Those who have a perfect knowledge cannot be kept from within the veil—Interpreters are provided to bring the Jaredite record to light.
1 And it came to pass that the brother of Jared, (now the number of the vessels which had been prepared was eight) went forth unto the mount, which they called the mount Shelem, because of its exceeding height, and did molten out of a rock sixteen small stones; and they were white and clear, even as transparent glass; and he did carry them in his hands upon the top of the mount, and cried again unto the Lord, saying:
2 O Lord, thou hast said that we must be encompassed about by the floods. Now behold, O Lord, and do not be angry with thy servant because of his weakness before thee; for we know that thou art holy and dwellest in the heavens, and that we are unworthy before thee; because of the fall our natures have become evil continually; nevertheless, O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires.
3 Behold, O Lord, thou hast smitten us because of our iniquity, and hast driven us forth, and for these many years we have been in the wilderness; nevertheless, thou hast been merciful unto us. O Lord, look upon me in pity, and turn away thine anger from this thy people, and suffer not that they shall go forth across this raging deep in darkness; but behold these things which I have molten out of the rock.
4 And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea.
5 Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men.
6 And it came to pass that when the brother of Jared had said these words, behold, the Lord stretched forth his hand and touched the stones one by one with his finger. And the veil was taken from off the eyes of the brother of Jared, and he saw the finger of the Lord; and it was as the finger of a man, like unto flesh and blood; and the brother of Jared fell down before the Lord, for he was struck with fear.
7 And the Lord saw that the brother of Jared had fallen to the earth; and the Lord said unto him: Arise, why hast thou fallen?
8 And he saith unto the Lord: I saw the finger of the Lord, and I feared lest he should smite me; for I knew not that the Lord had flesh and blood.
9 And the Lord said unto him: Because of thy faith thou hast seen that I shall take upon me flesh and blood; and never has man come before me with such exceeding faith as thou hast; for were it not so ye could not have seen my finger. Sawest thou more than this?
10 And he answered: Nay; Lord, show thyself unto me.
11 And the Lord said unto him: Believest thou the words which I shall speak?
12 And he answered: Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and canst not lie.
13 And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord showed himself unto him, and said: Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you.
14 Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters.
15 And never have I showed myself unto man whom I have created, for never has man believed in me as thou hast. Seest thou that ye are created after mine own image? Yea, even all men were created in the beginning after mine own image."

So what I found so amazing, and for some reason I never caught this before. How? I don't know. But the Lord says to The Brother of Jared, that never has there been any one as righteous as The brother of Jared was. And he even says that out of all of his children on the earth, he has shown the most faith. Isn't that amazing? I was talking to my family a little about that and we went through all the amazing and inspiring prophets that The Brother of Jared beat out. Haha Sounds funny to say, who did he beat out? But I really wanted to know who. So go through your scriptures and find all the amazing and famous stories that happened prior to 2200 B.C. You can do it as a family and be amazed!

I think, after reading this that maybe we should do a little more to align ourselves with the Brother of Jared. He truly is someone to try and emulate. What praise he receives and recognition from the Lord. We're going to study his life more closely as a family. Starting with how he prayed for help. What an example of faith.

Keep this quote in mind as you study how The Brother of Jared solves problems in his mind and then goes to the Lord.

Tithing

2016-03-12T20:21:00.001-07:00

Cute story on Tithing!

click the above link for a story on tithing.

Paying your tithing is something the Savior taught us.
In 3 Nephi chapter 24:8-12 he said

"8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say: Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

9 Ye are cursed with a curse, for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house; and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

11 And I will rebuke the devourer foryour sakes, and he shall not destroy thefruits of your ground; neither shallyour vine cast her fruit before the timein the fields, saith the Lord of Hosts.

12 And all nations shall call youblessed, for ye shall be a delightsomeland, saith the Lord of Hosts."

I dot know about you but, I love having so many blessings that I can't hold them all! Bring on the blessings!

I've heard so many absolutely incredible experience of people having nothing, but they paid their tithing and we're almost immediately rescued.

I testify that paying your tithing truly brings blessings that will bring you peace and even temporal abundance.

Have faith. Pay your tithing and put Heavenly Father to the test.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

The First Vision

2016-02-27T23:27:00.001-07:00

One of the most amazing events on this earth is that of Joseph Smith's First Vision. It was when God the Father and his Son appeared to him and it is referred to as the First Vision. The story is miraculous and so spiritual.

If you have studied it, you will love this video. If you have never heard of it, you'll be amazed at the faith of this young boy.

Joseph Smith History Chapter 1:15-20

After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.

But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction — not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being — just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.

It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other — This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!

My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong) — and which I should join.

I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: "they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof."

He again forbade me to join with any of them; and many other things did he say unto me, which I cannot write at this time. When I came to myself again, I found myself lying on my back, looking up into heaven. When the light had departed, I had no strength; but soon recovering in some degree, I went home. And as I leaned up to the fireplace, mother inquired what the matter was. I replied, "Never mind, all is well — I am well enough off." I then said to my mother, "I have learned for myself that Presbyterianism is not true." It seems as though the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom; else why should the powers of darkness combine against me? Why the opposition and persecution that arose against me, almost in my infancy?

During his life, Joseph Smith Jr Never once denied what he had seen. There are so many amazing stories that surround the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith, but this is my far the most amazing and sacred. My family and I have been to the Sacred Grove in Palmyra NY. It was one of the most spiritual places and experiences of our lives.

Meet the Mormons

2016-02-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

Meet The Mormons

I loved this movie!

I'm excited that it's available to everyone now!

Have a look!

You might have some questions answered and you will love it!

Samuel the Lamenite

2016-02-13T23:07:00.000-07:00

This part of the Book of Mormon is so exciting! It's getting close to the time that Christ is born. At this time the usually good Nephites, are not so good. It happens. It's all because things were going so well that they became prideful and then forgot their God. This happens over and over in the Book of Mormon. Now usually the Lamenites are the unrighteous jerks. They murder and steal. But every time I read this part of the Book of Mormon I'm struck by the fact that they won't swear an oath to not attack. Even when the alternative is to be killed if they don't. And they still won't. Based on the fact that they know they won't keep that oath. Amazing right?

So, the times, they are a changing. The Nephites are bad and the Lamenites are good. Twist! One of the coolest stories is the story of Samuel the Lamenite. He risks it all and goes over into Nephite territory to spread the word, that its' time to repent because Jesus Christ is about to be born!

Ever tried to point out that someone needs to change their lifestyle? It's probably not met with hugs and laughter. Good times, I'm sure. I don't know. I haven't ever told someone they need to repent. Cuz, that's kinda my thing. To not get people angry with me.
Anyway, I am assuming it takes a lot of faith in God to travel to another city, climb their wall and prophesy (yell it out) that it's time to repent.

Not so surprising is that the Nephites are not liking this message. In fact they try to kill him for pointing out that their lifestyle is wicked and needs to stop. They shoot arrows at him. And not one hits him. Not even one. He just keeps pleading with them to repent. And he gives them the signs of the Saviors birth. All while on top of the wall that encircles their city.

It's such an exciting part of the scriptures!
I found this video on YouTube of two missionaries singing a song about Samuel the Lamenite. I'm assuming that they wrote it? I have no idea. I've never heard it before but I love it. It's actually a great song!

If you'd like to read something a little more fun than the presidental election. Click on the link below.
Helaman 13

Share your testimony

2016-02-02T13:40:00.002-07:00

Virtue

2016-01-30T23:33:00.000-07:00

I love this song so much. My daughter Abby told a story the other day about an Eagle who was raised with a flock of chickens. And the man that took care of him told everyone that he thought he was a chicken so he doesn't know how to fly.

The daughter of the man was worried about the eagle not flying so she asked her Dad to try to teach him. So, the Dad tried to help him fly off the edge of a trampoline and nothing happened. The eagle just fell. So the Dad took him up on the roof and told the eagle, "you are an eagle this is what you're meant to do." And he threw him into the air, but the eagle just fell.

So, the man and his daughter decided to take the eagle up even higher to try and fly. So, they took the eagle to the mountains where there was a cliff. Standing on the edge of the cliff, the Dad threw the bird up into the air and said "you are an eagle this is what you're meant to do". The eagle started to fall again and then slowly he started to spread his wings.

Some people don't realize that they are eagles among chickens. They have no idea of their real potential. Tapping into it doesn't always take being thrown off a cliff. It's literally as easy as finding your virtue. If it's lost, you may be pecking at the ground. Only you know if you've been pecking at the ground or not. And only you know if you've been soaring through the clouds or not. The difference between the two parallels is virtue.

One of the best examples of virtue is Captain Moroni. He was passionate about serving others and protecting the Nephites freedom. He helped them become stronger and he did it without becoming blood thirsty, controlling or without seeking for power.

Mormon said in Alma 48:17 “Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken FOREVER; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.”

The reason he was so amazing is because of his virtue! Amazing things can happen in your life when you find your virtue. And amazing things can be lost when you lose it.
Moroni led them to victory in battle, but he didn't thirst after blood. He didn't seek it, but he sure wasn't going to allow anyone to take their freedom. There is a right and a wrong way to defend yourself, your land, your religion.

The defination of virtue is this: behavior showing high moral standards.

So what are your moral standards? If you were attacked what would you do? Would you defend yourself? Would you defend your family? Would you defend your land? Would you do it in hatred? Or would you do it in prayer?

If you can find your virtue, you can find your wings. Maybe you've been eating with chickens for so long that you didn't realize, YOU'RE AN EAGLE!
Read the scriptures and live by standards. In fact, live by high moral standards.
You have the ability to fly. So leave the coop, live with virtue and soar!

Motherhood

2016-01-24T18:15:00.001-07:00

I can't tell you the number of times I've felt looked after and protected simply because I'm a pleading Mother in prayer! Gigantic miracles have taken place!
Angels have been present and my little family has escaped Satan's grasp so many many times.

When we feel small and powerless, We need to remember that our Heavenly Father is there giving aid in gigantic proportions if we are just obedient to his commandments.

When you struggle to keep your temple covenants, remember you're not just keeping them for you, you're blessing the lives of your whole family!

I know this is true! I KNOW that as Mothers, our prayers for our family have high priority and the Savior is quick to comfort us when we need him!

I testify that I have felt the power of heaven several times in my life because of my role as Mother.

Once upon a time.....

2016-01-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time...
It became too hard to go to a church that talked about families being forever. In fact, I remember one Sunday our Bishop stating at the pulpit that all he had to do was keep the commandments and he'd have his eternal marriage forever. OH REALLY?! You can't keep your spouses commandments though. I was struggling not to cry each week anyway, but that really hurt to hear. So, I told him I couldn't come for a while. I didn't need to explain. And he didn't ask for much of an explanation. He knew what I'd been through. I was released from being the organist and I said goodbye to my adorable nursery kids and tried not to look back.

I tried really hard to convince myself that it couldn't be true. How could it be? I had done everything right. I went to the temple often, I never turned down a calling, I read the scriptures, watched conference talks daily, did family home evening, I loved everything about the gospel! I put my heart and soul into my marriage and family. All of it.

But, I had been so broken so many times that I don't think I could even see clearly anymore. But I wasn't going to admit that to myself.

When I met Bob, we were going to a non denominational church. I didn't love it, but it was better than being reminded that you can do everything right and something that's holy and of God (your family), something you put your heart into can still be ripped from you and destroyed before your very eyes.

Anyway, I thought it was strange that no one dressed up. I always did. Even then. I dressed my girls up to go to church where everyone else wore jeans.

A few months after this picture was taken my sweet friends Mindy and Emily came to my house to check on me. We started talking and she said boldly, "Meredith, you're living the gospel why not just come back? "
I had a million reasons! ... but I couldn't think of any at that moment so... I agreed to go back that Sunday.

I had been gone for 18 months.
I lived with Bob and we weren't married yet. Crazy to think "oh I'll take my family to the LDS church. " I don't know why I wasn't more afraid! But we did it.

Mindy, saved our family seats and we walked in. I'll never forget that day. Once we walked in I was so embarrassed. I knew each person there. I had served with some. They were my friends, all while I was trying not to show what was really going on in a marriage some of them told me they'd envied. (Remember that! What you wish you had, probably isn't worth envying at all! If you look at someone and think they probably have no problems.... think again. They may be in tears pleading in prayer just to get through the day, maybe more than you. Might be nothing to envy at all.)

I'm glad it all happened now. It's humbling to think of the amount of pain I went through. For years! And years! Oh the choices I'd make differently now! Oh the warnings I see so clearly in hindsight! But it was worth it, to have my amazing Bob by my side!

I thought I'd have to have tough skin to go back to church. I thought there'd be comments and remarks that would hurt, but my ward literally and physically encircled us with prayer, love and support! No one has been more fellowshiped than Bob Haass! He was loved and befriended from the moment he walked in. And how strong a man is he to take us back and support us in a ward where another lesser man once sat next to us. He knew he'd be compared. And called the wrong name from time to time. But he wasn't. Not ever! He was just loved!

I don't know why this picture of my girls made me remember so much, but it did. I have so much to be thankful for. I know my Heavenly Father loves me. And he surely loves and cares about my family. And he hears us!

He hears us when we cry, plead and beg. He knows us. It's never ever too late to come back home. I'd wrap a Mindy up for each wayward soul and leave her on your doorstop if I could. Each person who's convinced themselves that "it can't be true".

I'm not as cool as her, but I'll say the same things... You're not that far from where you should be. Why don't you just come back?

Try it. No one is too broken that the Savior can't heal. I am living proof of that very fact! Make a promise to yourself to go this Sunday! You'll be amazed at how much love your Heavenly Father can provide through the Spirit and through everyone around who who is listening to the spirit!

You're not alone being broken. Welcome to the club! We'll get through life together! And by the way, it's the coolest club around! We're still alive!

The Plan of Salvation

2016-01-14T14:50:00.000-07:00

Monday our FHE was on the plan of salvation. Thanks to my sister Jan, it was a tear jerker! We all cried about death and loss ... but it makes the fact that we have eachother forever even sweeter! Thank you Jan for all your help! Your prayers and following the promptings of the spirit made it a FHE to remember! I think my kids understood more than they ever could have before. I really wanted them to understand life and the rocky roads we face in life each day and how important it is to surround yourself with good friends and family to help steer you through life. I wanted them to understand death and the pain that it can bring and how sweet it is to escape it! I'm so thankful to have my big brother Dean! When I think of how close we came to not having him around it makes me so thankful that we DO!

Take care of yourselves! Help others along the way! Choose good friends! Start the day and end the day with prayer! Get yourself through this life the best you can with the ones you love the most by your side!

Proverbs 3 5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Night tag

2015-12-09T14:07:00.001-07:00

We played night tag amid the Christmas lights! So much fun! I love my family. These guys are so much fun. They make me laugh till I cry.
My son is the king of sarcasm. He couldn't be serious if he tried. Sounds like his Mommy!

Modern Day vs Ancient People

2015-12-04T18:04:00.001-07:00

In the Book of Mormon, there is a terrible man who serves a terrible leader. He is an evil priest who is wicked and lives a life of stealing from the poor to live a lavish lifestyle. (Among other things.)

But one day he decides to listen and change because of the words of a great prophet. This prophet is Abinanidi. And the wicked priest is Alma.

Alma not only leaves his sins behind but he gathers followers to leave his wicked city behind and he baptize's hundreds of people and teaches them to come into Christ.

He becomes their prophet and ruler. And he was an amazing ruler with so much faith in Christ! Even the very wicked can repent. Repentance isn't just for the kinda bad. It's for everyone!

"Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they be red like crimson they shall be wool." Isiah 1:18

We don't just repent to only expect to be a little better in Gods eyes.

We repent and are FULLY forgiven! Sometimes we wonder if we'll just be so-so in Gods eyes, but the answer lies in the fact that Alma wasn't just so-so after repentance, God saw fit to make him the prophet!

Alma's son (who is also named Alma. So, they call him Alma the younger) became rebellious after the new righteous land had been flourishing for years. He not only rebelled but he tried to corrupt everyone that would listen. His goal was to take down the church.
He also repented and became a great ruler.

The next time you want to "dig up your old trash" remember God only sees the beauty that you've become. Not the old sins. Not even a little.

Service

2015-11-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

I love this video! How inspiring is his story? I love it! And how many don't serve a mission with much less on the line if they did?
The first line of this video is so perfect. I want it on my wall! "There will always be something you leave behind when you respond to the prophets call to serve."
That is so true, but what about the blessings you gain and that others around you gain from your example and service?

No matter how you are asked to serve, you almost always have to leave something behind, but you do it anyway. We all have times when we have to push up our sleeves and get to work. The best and easiest time is when we are serving someone we love. But what about serving people we don't love? Or don't even know? That's not as easy is it?

But, I have good news for us all. You do know who you are serving, each and every time you serve someone!
Mosiah 2:17 "And behold I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

I think we've all heard of Him right? When you serve anyone, you are serving God. That's an easy way to look at service for me. Even when it's hard, if I think of it being God that I'm serving then it isn't so hard. In fact, I owe him a few favors... or like everything that I am, I owe to my creator.

I love to hear stories of someone in need and the whole neighborhood jumped in to help! It makes me feel good to know that there are such inspired people in the world that are willing to do good!

Years ago in my first marriage I was really struggling. I had to live on my knees in prayer just to get through the day. And I did it all alone. I was so lonely, I don't know how I survived. Each day Heavenly Father gave me the strength to put my "Mom hat" on and take care of my children. I wasn't just an ok Mom, I somehow had the strength to really be there for them and instruct them and teach them. I planned fun activities for them and held my family together as best as I could, but I was still so alone.

One day a friend of mine came up to me and apologized for not coming to visit me and reach out to me. She said she felt the spirit tell her to reach out to me. I was really taken back by this. I had chosen not to tell anyone what was going on in my marriage. No one knew. I wanted to try and keep my family together and I knew if I told anyone their advice would be to "get out now", so I chose not to say a word. It was shocking that she would be prompted to reach out to me. However, she didn't come when I was really suffering and all alone. Those days were really dark. The darkest I've ever known. I had only Heavenly Father to rely on.

Could I just make a suggestion? When you feel that prompting to reach out to someone... please do! Things may look great on the outside, but there may be a reason the spirit has asked you to check on someone for reasons that you are unaware of. Not all needs are publicized. We all need to pray for inspiration to know when people around us need our help and then be willing to push up our sleeves, not just for our friends and family, but for God.

Enemy Territory

2015-11-07T13:31:00.001-07:00

This short video is so powerful. I really appreciate how accurate it is for our day and age. The war we face each day is real.

We need to follow the commandments. All 10 of them and listen to the Spirit and we will be shielded and protected from the adversary. What a great promise that is!
Here is a list of the 10 commandments just in case you're a little rusty on them.

Ten Commandments

1. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me”. We should do “all things with an eye single to the glory of God”. We should love and serve the Lord with all our heart, might, mind, and strength

2. “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image”. In this commandment, the Lord condemns the worship of idols. Idolatry may take many forms. Some people do not bow before graven images or statues but instead replace the living God with other idols, such as money, material possessions, ideas, or prestige.

3. “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain”.

4. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy”.Our beloved prophet Gordon B. Hinckley has promised: “If you have any doubt about the wisdom, the divinity of observing the Sabbath Day, … stay home and gather your family about you, teach them the gospel, enjoy yourselves together on the Sabbath Day, come to your meetings, participate. You will know that the principle of the Sabbath is a true principle which brings with it great blessings.”

5. “Honour thy father and thy mother”. This commandment remains binding throughout our lives and can be understood in several ways: We should honor our ancestors; we should be grateful to the father and mother who provided our earthly bodies; we should honor those who raised us in the knowledge of the truth.

6. “Thou shalt not kill”.

7. “Thou shalt not commit adultery”. In a latter-day revelation, the Lord condemned not only adultery, but “anything like unto it”.

8. “Thou shalt not steal”.

9. “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor”.

10. “Thou shalt not covet”. Coveting, or envying something that belongs to another, is damaging to the soul. It can consume our thoughts and plague us with constant unhappiness and dissatisfaction. It often leads to other sins and to financial indebtedness.

The Savior summarized the 10 Commandments in 2 principles—love for the Lord and love for our fellow men:

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

“This is the first and great commandment.

“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself”

This week while reading the Book of Mormon I've learned a little more about keeping the commandments and the important role they play in our lives each day. I truly believe these commandments keep us safe. Not safe from sickness or tripping and falling when we step on a banana peel, but safe from the adversary. That's the kind of safety we should all be striving for.

Not only does the Book of Mormon remind us to keep the commandments but it also testifies of Christ. He is the center focus throughout the entire book. It testifies of his divinity and his attonment and love for all man kind and of his love for all mankind on every continent. He knows each of us. By name. Our Struggles. Our sorrows. Our joys. How much we strive to be closer to him. I pray that we keep striving to draw nearer to him.

I also thought is was interesting to read in the Book of Mormon how it was prophesied that there would be 3 witnesses. There are lots of cool things like that in the Book of Mormon!

Joy!

2015-10-23T13:27:00.000-06:00

In my Book of Mormon class, we are studying 2 Nephi 9-16 and WOW is it full of meaningful stuff!

(If you've never read of the Book of Mormon you can read it by clicking this link.) https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng

First of all, I should mention that I've been trying to work on making the Savior my primary source for Joy in my life. I'm not going to take away the love I have for my children and husband or the time I spend as a Mother and wife. Those things give me joy too, I'm just referring to my thoughts of the Savior as Joy, another emotion other than just admiration and gratitude. But real, pure joy like I can't find anywhere else.

It's hard to think that I could learn something new about the Savior that I don't already know. Or to think that I could feel more grateful for him and his atoning sacrifice. But, I'm going to try and draw even closer to him. And in just under one weeks time since I made that goal.... I ALREADY HAVE! That kinda blows me away. "Ask and ye shall receive!" God hears your prayers and if it's a righteous desire, he will help you. Especially if your prayer is to come to know the Savior more.

On this subject, I was hit with some profound teaching in my class last night. How did the class instructor know? I could have been put in any group of classmates to study. And in fact a few of us had already decided to clump together and make a group and so did the rest of the class, but right before she handed out each groups study assignment, she decided to give us a number and switch things around a little more and because of that I ended up with what the other side of the room would have been asked to study. (make sense?) The Lord works in mysterious ways. And he has a hand in every little thing that we're involved in.

So, we were given what was considered lesson #1. (I would have ended up with lesson #5 had she not split us up. A great lesson but not nearly as profound for my new goal of learning more and finding more Joy in the Savior.) The lesson was finding cause and effect in 2 Nephi 9:4-27

-vs 4-9 Is summarized by saying- Because of the atonement we shall overcome the grave. Because of transgression there is spiritual dearth but Atonement overcomes both. And here's the cool part that I hadn't ever even KNOWN or thought of before..... If there was no atonement we would be angels to Satan! Did you know or ever think about that before? See what I mean about asking Heavenly Father to draw nearer to the Savior? If you want knowledge about his only begotten... lesson learned, ye shall receive it! And within just a few days too!

-vs 10 paraphrased: Because of the Savior we can escape the grasp of that awful monster.... What a way to phrase it! That really gives me... just off the top of my head... JOY! Jesus Christ's mission on earth was successful! He did it! It's not like I never thought about how hard it was for him before, but I definitely didn't think about 'what if it wasn't successful'. Then what? I usually just thank him for his life and atonement and perfect example and teachings. I am a Christian. I think of his perfect life all the time. But, wow to think of what would have happened if he decided, "this is too hard." But, he didn't, he really saved me from Satan's grasp! What an image!!!
I kinda came at this, my whole life, from the view point of, he did what he was asked and it was the most precious gift he could have given. To atone for my sins and then give his life for me. Do you see what I'm getting at? Anyone else feel like this is another view point that they hadn't thought of before? This is Another reason to have Joy in the Savior.... He didn't just save me from my sins, he saved me from Satan.

-vs 13- 20 If we follow the plan we will be restored spirit and body with a perfect knowledge as our reward! (nice. I'll take it!) His plan had to be fulfilled! Obviously or we'd be lost, not just in sin but His mercy delivers us from Hell. He knows all! He is great!

So, we already knew that Jesus Christ was Jehovah in the Old Testament and was the God of Abraham. He was Heavenly Father's greatest gift to mankind. (John 3:16). And while learning about Lehi's dream Nephi asked to have the same dream and was shown more detail, in fact was guided by the Holy Ghost himself. I found it particularly sweet and poignant when Nephi asked what the tree of life represented and the spirit showed him Mary holding the baby Jesus. Now that is a gift! That image was very powerful in terms of what Heavenly Father really gave to us... his literal son to be sacrificed so that we could all come back to live with him again. And tying both those examples together of Jehovah from the Old Testament and God's gift to us, it's important to point out that Jesus Christ is the Mediator and only link to Heavenly Father. We would not be able to pray to him or have any communication with him if the Savior hadn't fulfilled his mission. More blessings than we can comprehend... but we're getting there guys. slowly but surely.... "line upon line, precept upon precept".
We also understood that Christ had to "buy" us with His life so that we would be in complete debt to Him, in order to be able to offer us the law of mercy and have a chance that we would accept it. (Anyone else thinking about the war in heaven right now? And how we chose to follow the plan of salvation? The more I study, the more in awe I become of how perfect this plan really is.)

So now we can add to our knowledge that because of Jesus Christ's mortal ministry we are literally saved from Satan's grasp! I feel Joy in that! Pure Joy! "O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way (The plan of Salvation) for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, that monster, death and hell, which I call the death of the body, and also the death of the spirit." 2 Nephi 9:10

For a simple version of the Plan of Salvation click here.

Or - For a more in depth talk on the Plan of Salvation click here.

Some other things I've learned this week that were presented in a way that made things I already knew stand out even more were:

The prophet Isiah really did see some amazing things. Things that he didn't' have the right words to describe. If you read Isiah in the Bible or 2 Nephi you'll understand what I mean. He saw people gathering to a place with mountains to establish the Lords house. It has flooded my mind with the hymn High On the Mountain Top. Read the words and you'll know what I mean. I could go on and on about how my ancestors left everything behind and packed up their children and came to Utah because of their great love of the Savior and his restored gospel. I have several stories just in my family alone of that exact scenario of packing up their kids or sometimes coming alone leaving their parents and family and friends behind to follow their heart to help build up the kingdom of God in Utah. Utah! Of all places. How would you have told your family and friends over 100 years ago why you were going so far away? Only a true and deep testimony of the Savior and his gospel would cause anyone to travel across oceans to a place they new little about in a desert. I'm thankful every day that they did. And that they found Joy in the Savior enough to press forward and establish my home here in Utah!

Here are some words that both Modern day and original Pioneers have sung about Joy in the Savior.

Come Come Ye Saints
"Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear;

But with JOY wend your way.

Though hard to you this journey may appear,

Grace shall be as your day."

There journey was hard. And they still did it because of the Joy they felt in the Savior.

Come, Ye Children of The Lord

"Earth shall then be cleansed from sin.

Ev'ry living thing therein---

Shall in love and beauty dwell;

Then with joy each heart will swell.

Oh, how joyful it will be

When our Savior we shall see!"

I know that My Redeemer Lives

" He lives! All glory to his name!     
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
"I know that my Redeemer lives!"
He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
"I know that my Redeemer lives!"'
On This Day of Joy and Gladness
 "On this day of joy and gladness,   
Lord, we praise thy holy name;
In this sacred place of worship,
We thy glories loud proclaim!"
I love that we are referred to as "His Glories". 
There is Sunshine in My Soul Today  
This whole song is just Joy in the Savior! 
 There is sunshine in my soul today,     More glorious and bright
Than glows in any earthly sky,
For Jesus is my light.
(Chorus)     Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine
When the peaceful happy moments roll.
When Jesus shows his smiling face,
There is sunshine in the soul.
2. There is music in my soul today,     A carol to my King,
And Jesus listening can hear
The songs I cannot sing.
3. There is springtime in my soul today,     For when the Lord is near,
The dove of peace sings in my heart,
The flow'rs of grace appear.
4. There is gladness in my soul today,     And hope and praise and love,
For blessings which he gives me now,
For joys "laid up" above.

President Thomas S. Monson gave a talk on choices that we make each day and he reminded us that the gate to historical change swings on small hinges. Meaning that the small things we do will have a large impact in our lives and in our history as people on earth. Those hinges are small but it swings a large gate! Today and for the rest of my life I chose to find Joy in the Savior! He is my greatest source of Joy! I'm so very thankful for answered prayers and a knowledge that He listens to me every time I pray. He knows who I am, what I struggle with and he gives me tender mercies to help me through this mortal journey.

The whole reason for the Joy is because someone loved us enough to sacrifice them self so we can return to live with our Heavenly Parents again. I love my Savior for what he's sacrificed for me! I know one day I'll live with my Heavenly Father and Mother again if I keep the commandments and endure to the end. "When I leave this frail existence, when I lay this mortal by, Father, Mother, may I meet you In your royal courts on high? Then, at length, when I've completed all you sent me forth to do, with your mutual approbation let me come and dwell with you."

Anxiety attacks

2015-10-21T14:52:00.000-06:00

About 3 years ago, I suffered from overwhelming Anxiety attacks/Panic attacks. Which is which? I don't know. If I had to pick one... I'd go with Panic! Anxiety sounds like a walk in the park compared to the feeling of panicking! And that's what it was... sheer panic!

There was a lot of stress in my life at the time. Thinks that are hard to even believe now, really happened to me and my family. This is one of those things (I've had a few) that you can look back on and ask "how the heck did I survive that time in my life?". But, here I am.

Side Note: It is true what they say, if it doesn't kill you it will make you stronger.

Anyway, I really thought I was dying of something. In my mind, I was either having a sever allergic reaction to something that was killing me, or I was just suffering from some sort of disease that I didn't know about my whole life.

I went to the ER a handful of times. nothing. They all told me I was fine. In fact, they would point out that I'm in tip top shape. awesome. Now what?

I thought these doctors were missing something or maybe dumb?

Through prayer and more prayer and more prayer and more prayer, I finally accepted the fact that this is all in my head. But, it sure seemed real. I KNEW I was dying. I knew something was really wrong. My heart would race and I'd start to pace and I knew once that happened, it was only a matter of time before I was going to go into full on panic! Crying and hyperventilating and shaking. If you aren't aware that it's just a panic attack, you can see why people feel like they're dying of something.

I started taking some herbs that help me to calm down. They were called calm tabs. And they did pretty good, but it wasn't until I saw a women by the name of Sarah Williams in Farmington UT, that I finally started to "fix" myself.

I don't know the best way to describe her other than to say she deals with holistic's and was amazing! A friend of mine, Rachel told me to go see her. She said that this woman had a gift that was undeniable. So, I booked an appointment and went. She asked me about my divorce and she knew so many things that about me that no one knew! It was beyond amazing.

She told me what drops to buy and put in my water and even if it was Dumbo's magic feather, they worked. In a big way.

I don't use them anymore. And I haven't seen her in over a year but, just knowing that someone had answers and could help made all the difference in the world for me.

I always talk about her to people and tell them they need to see her but, what I really need is for my kids and husband to see her! Maybe she can make them clean up after themselves! I need a cure for that for sure!

Things that help during a panic attack:

1-Lots of water! Keep chugging! That has helped almost every time since I figured out what was going on with me mentally.

2- Breathe slowly. In fact hold your breath and count to 10 and then let it slowly out.

3- occupy your mind with something tedious. Most of the time, I was fine if my mind was thinking about something else. If I was busy I was totally fine. Most attacks came when I wasn't busy. So start counting something to "change the subject" in your mind.

4- STAY AWAY FROM CAFFEINE! That might need to happen for the rest of your life! Do it though!

5- If you live in Utah go see Sarah Williams 801-540-1963

http://www.lifechangingservices.org/2014/07/meet-new-bodymind-specialist-sara/

Weather Girl and News Girl

2012-06-27T21:35:00.001-06:00

They think it's gonna kill em' dead, but believe it or not.... they're actually getting better at this!

I think the reason I don't care much about talking in front of people is because my Daddy

did this miraculous thing when I was a kid.

He bought a camcorder!

I'm embarrassed to admit that I have hours of home videos!

But, if I go down, I'm taking Rebecca, Mandi, Josh, Erin (my nieces and nephew) and Jon (my brother) down with me!!!

No worries guys, they're locked up in the vault.

ALL the blood drains from my head just thinking about those things being seen by anyone again.

Funny how I use to think they were the best things to watch! Oh, my!

But, honestly I think every kid should have hours of camera time.

You don't agree?

Well, it's true. Getcha' a camera and watch your kids laugh for hours at them selves!

I laughed the loudest at myself when I was a kid.

And who doesn't need to lighten up a bit? Especially when they're looking at themselves.

Never take yourself too seriously.

We're all dorks.

Well, the cool people are anyway.

So, my fraidy cats are starting slow. Baby steps to being as cool as their Momma!

They have a loooooooong way to go

to reach my treasure trove collection of embarrassing home movies but, it's a start.

No really, a looooooooooooooong loooooooong way to go.

tee hee.

Maybe someday I'll find a clip that's not too terribly embarrassing to share.

Don't hold your breath.

Weather girl and news girl it is for now.

Love it or leave it, but that's all you're gettin'.

Me and my little girls

2012-05-17T15:41:00.002-06:00

Aren't they cute?

I mean... look at those faces!

I miss my cute little squishy babies.

Awwwe my sweet little girls.

Believe it or not, sadly, I still wear this shirt.

Ok... not my best look what with the early morning mascara still under my eyes.

And let's face it.... my girls are ragity but, super cute!

And.... I still wear this hoodie too.

Is that sad or what?

They're still so cute and sweet and perhaps a little less squishy but I still squish em' like they're the same little chunky squishy babies they once were.

You know the phrase "The more things change, the more they stay the same?"

They still don't share a bite with me!

But, that's why they're squishy-er than I am! hee hee

Next year we won't all be hanging out together, just the three of us.

They'll be at school and I'll either be hanging out by myself or off to work.

I'm gonna miss these days.

My son?

2012-05-11T16:02:00.001-06:00

My son? This kid? My blonde golden boy?

Apparently today a kid tried to grab him in anger because of a dispute in foursquare at recess and instead of being like his Momma he grabbed the kids arm twisted it and held it behind his back and said

"Don't ever grab me again!"

How awesome is that?

He clearly doesn't take after his Momma. I'm not super scary or brave.

What an inspiration though... maybe next time someone tries to grab me

(probably never)

I'm gonna do the cop arm twist on em'!

Why not? I work out. I'd like to think that I'd be brave enough to do it.

If someone hurt my kids though...

you'd have about 3 seconds to say a final prayer before you meet your maker!

Everything I do--I do for them.

I live for them and I'd protect them at any cost!

I'm pretty sure my eyes would turn red

and steam would blow from my nostrils and ears if they were ever harmed.

When he got in the car he told me the story and he said... are you mad at me?

I was like, NO! That's flippin' awesome!

I wanna be like you when I grow up!

Blurry pictures

2012-05-10T09:28:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday to me!

P.S. my daughter took these and almost ALL of them are blurry.

So... I never have good pictures taken of me unless my sister Suzy does them.

The crown was made by my 5 year old.... Don't be jealous.
And how cute is Ms. Tessmacher?

Lovely huh?

blur... blur... blur...

Oh look another blurry picture. Amazing.

Despite the bad photography..... here's the best part.

It's the part where I find out that I'm going to the Beach Boys concert.

Yeah me!

I'm so excited to go I can't wait!

My kids are so tired of me telling them to "close your eyes and pretend like you're hearing this song on the radio for the first time!" When ever Good Vibrations comes on.

But, all I hear from them is "yes Mom it's a cool song ok? We get it, you love this song."

To which I reply "You dorks don't understand anything."

But, they do love it and they know every word and sing along.

Almost as loud as me.

almost.

Some like it HOT--- yep duh!

2012-05-09T09:11:00.001-06:00

It felt like a day in July!

The kids were so happy and of course duh I was as snug as a bug in my hot weather.

It's kinda how we roll.

Let's pretend that I put that dolly away and cleaned the porch before I took any pictures. deal?

This is the typical 8 year old picture right?

Those big teeth that they don't grow into for a few years.

So adorable.

Should I claim him? No, really should I?

How hard do you think it would be to find someone else to claim him for a day/picture?

She, however is a keeper! Her only wish is to be as funny or as clever as the other kids.

Hey, squirt you win!

Style points for this move.

Every Mom knows this face... the pretend exhaustion face.

He favorite thing in the world, the thing she sings about and begs for all year long.... Watermelon!

Sorry about this picture.... are you feeling queezy yet?

I think that's enough... you'd better look away now.

I'm not cleaning that up!

That's your barf. You clean it!

100% 8 years old

2012-05-08T22:19:00.000-06:00

This is my cute, little red headed, Boo Boo! Sometimes I'm under the impression she thinks it will kill her dead to make eye contact with the camera, but this time she did pretty good! Astonishing.
She was somewhere far beyond freezing while we took these. In between shots she would chatter her teeth and yell at me with her face scrunched up but it went back to happy as soon as the camera was in front of my face.

She's 98% FUN -- 1% "Are you paying attention?" and 1% "Seriously Boo Boo did you hear anything I just said?" I guess that makes her 100% 8 years old.

And what I know for sure is that I NEVER know for sure what she's gonna say next!
Yes, she has a temper - duh red hair.
Yes, she loves to bake.
Yes, she calls my phone 3 seconds after I leave the house. every. single. time.
Yes, she called her little sister a penis head. (And we all busted up laughing)
Yes, she has the most money saved out of all her siblings.
Yes, she flaunts the above in their faces.
Yes, she hates to cuddle. Like photography, it might kill her dead. Unless she's sick (which secretly I kinda love it when she is.)

She is a handful but I wouldn't have her any. other. way.

Documentaries

2012-01-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

Is that lame that I've been in love with watching documentaries?
Ok... fine. I'm lame. But, I was lame before I took up my new habit of late night documentaries so it really doesn't hurt that much.

Two of them were so fascinating... One on a cave in France that had 32,000 year old paintings in it. Yes, Thirty two thousand years old! Isn't that crazy? That's twice as old as any other human evidence that has been found. (think about that next time you think it's a small world... not so much.) And the other was on Buddha. Both were amazing.

You should see these paintings... I can't paint like this. It's all just black chalk type stuff but it is really amazing. And I've had art classes. Where does a man 32,000 years ago learn shading and detail? And motion? That's so incredible.... he tried to draw eight legs on a buffalo to make it look like it's running!

And then the one on Buddha blew my mind too. I don't know what I thought Buddha was but I guess I was under the impression that he would be like a Jesus type. He had great teachings but there was NO humble birth. He was the son of the Queen and his father spoiled him until he was 29. And then he saw the world for the first time. I guess what made the story amazing to me was that he is a person and an interesting one at that.

I don't know exactly what enlightenment is but I'm pretty sure that he did achieve it because he was so far ahead of his time. I love how he treated women as equals in a time when women were so mistreated. That alone, makes him pretty cool. He was worth learning about for sure. I leaned some new things... To be grateful for even the little things..... like that my cup holds water. Never got THAT grateful before. That is extreme gratitude, don't you think?

Paintings of Chauvet cave in France

5 years of Bliss and Joy!

2011-06-08T13:06:00.000-06:00

My baby is 5

She promised me she would stop growing.

Just like her big sister promised me...

and now she's 13 1/2!

What a bunch of liars I'm raising!

hahaha

My baby is the cutest and sweetest little girl in the whole world!

I'm sure of it!

Everybody says so anyway..... and millions of people can't be wrong!

She reminds me everyday that we are best friends forever.

And I'm not about to correct her.

Cuz we sure are!

I have had the MOST fun this year spending each and every day with just her.

The 2 of us had so much fun going to lunch or making crafts.

We did our own preschool classes.

And she is so smart BTW.

This little nut knows more about Dinosaurs than any one else I know.

More than any adult or kid!

She's a genius!

But of course she is.... she's my daughter! :p

Happy Birthday

Peanut!

I love you more and more each day!

Gone With the Wind

2011-03-30T10:54:00.001-06:00

As we were watching Gone With the Wind the other day

I remembered how in love with Rhett Butler I was when I was a little girl.

My Mom told me I was a hopeless romantic.

I had no clue what that even meant.

I learned to play My Own true Love when I was about 8 or 9.

I worked so hard on it and played it every day. hahaha

All because I wanted to be Scarlett O'Hara..... Well I just wanted to look like Vivian Leigh.

Because lets face it, no one wants to be Scarlett O'Hara!

How crazy was she???? Going after Ashley?! Whaaaa?!

Over Rhett Butler?

Really?

So.... I've decided.... I'll take him!

Yes Rhett? Did you need something?

Thank you for the tea.... but where's Rhett?

And who padded the walls in my bedroom?

Do you give a damn now Rhett?

Before you ask..... those really are MY eyebrows.

They kinda matched Vivian's.

How cool is that?

I have nearly the same eyebrows as Vivian Leigh?!

And really that's where the similarities end. Darn.

I mean darn for her!

I'm so much prettier than she is. duh.

I'll let you decide.

If Rhett had to choose one... I mean.... It's obvious!

Bahahaha

I think I had way to much fun with my kids doing this post!

They've been laughing all morning.

The most beautiful women in the world are my Mom and Vivian Leigh.

Why didn't I take after my Mom more?

humph!

It would have made this post a little easier.