Simply Mormon

Whew....

2011-11-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

In my quest to simplify I'm actually adding to my list of things-to-do. How does that happen? I've been trying to let-go of non-essentials (which has included really down-sizing my bookshelves amongst other things) in order to have room for the basics. Since we've moved a lot we've also de-junked or 'simplified' every time. We're now in a very small place (2 bedroom for 4 of us) with very little room for anything but necessities. It's a blessing in many ways as we've learned to be much more frugal than we thought we ever could and have let go of a lot of material wants in order to focus our attentions on the spiritual and emotional.

I don't think I'll list all the things on my platter right now since that will probably come back to haunt me. But, I will say that my computer broke, car is having problems, finances aren't sufficient for all the needs coming in, and there is much service needing to be done for others.

My mom reminds me that I don't look like I'm in need- so most people have no idea how challenging my life as a single-mom is. But, I'm not so sure that message is comforting to me. How many of us 'look' like we're in need? We keep pressing on, praying much, seeking guidance and help from above and...hoping we'll make it through the challenges we all face.

I'm very grateful for the tender mercies that have lightened my load from time-to-time and hope that I'll be more sensitive, aware and compassionate to others' who struggle. I've offered many prayers of thanks in my life to those who have shown kindness and concern. They may never know how much their small act blessed my life. I hope we'll all be that for others' who need it - and when we are able. Sometimes all it takes is a listening ear or a pat on the back with words of encouragement.

Changing Education Paradigms

2011-11-07T15:27:00.000-07:00

I think this is a great presentation and food for thought!

Happy Father's Day???

2011-06-19T09:26:00.003-06:00

What does 'Happy Father's Day' really even mean? We say it just as we say "Happy Birthday" or "Merry Christmas" and.....we know what the intent is when we express it but....what does our vocalization really do and does it make a difference for those we wish it to?

I have friends (single and married) who feel more alone on holidays such as Mother's and Father's Day. They recognize that they don't have those longed-for blessings in their lives either by the death of their own parents or the lack of their own chance to parent ....or both.

We honor special occasions for those who have those blessings in their lives. We honor the role of father and mother even if our own situations have been less than ideal. We place the 'calling' of mother or father on a pedestal of sorts and....perhaps rightly so. In our church we know that it's the greatest and highest calling one could have in this life. And, many of us have longed for those righteous blessings in our lives.

I hope (and request) that we'll be more aware and mindful of those around us who do not have those same kinds of blessings that they've desired. Perhaps we could be more sensitive about the things we say on a day like today.

My own daughter has come home from church on more than one occasion in tears. She's not had some of the things she's longed-for most in life including an 'in tact' family with a father at the head. Well-meaning friends and teachers have expressed their love for their fathers and have said such things as 'I have the best Dad in the world' or 'My Dad is #1'. Or....'let's write 'Father's Day Cards' and "you can write one to the Bishop if you want".

Other friends opt out of church today instead of putting themselves in the middle of feeling worse than they already do. I understand their feelings as I've had some of those myself on particular occasions when I felt more alone in a crowd of married couples than I would have liked to be.

So, in an attempt to soften-the-blow for those who don't have a Father in their lives either as a Dad or a companion - or who have experienced abuse and neglect by the one in that role - may I suggest we consider them and offer up prayers in their behalf? And, may we also include in those prayers the men who would be Dad's but haven't had that blessing either. We may never know the depth of their longings or sorrows if we haven't experienced it ourselves.

Mormon Moms Who Blog and....All About Preparedness

2011-04-19T13:03:00.004-06:00

It's been a while since I've blogged on here as my other blogs have been taking my time and attention. As the ward Preparedness Specialist I've put in many hours on a ward blog trying to share Prophetic Statements and help those who haven't caught the vision. SlateCanyon13Preparedness

The other main blog I've been working on is called All About Preparedness. Several months back I wondered how I could share the things I've studied for so many years and felt so strongly about -- regarding Signs of the Times, the Millenium, Building Zion, Food Storage and Preparedness, Obedience to Prophetic Counsel etc. The blog is an answer to that question and those prayers.

The first blog I ever did was on home management and organization. It was a good first attempt and interesting beginning. And, in trying to find a way to share it with others' I realized the need for an online place to list and share ideas. So, the blog LIST was born; Mormon Moms Who Blog. It has provide a place for LDS women to find each other and to intermingle. Many have good things to share but few had a place to build their readership worldwide.

It's been a fun venture and I continue to learn and figure out how to do things. (That is the hardest part for me as I'm not extremely technically savvy.) It's an adventure and an outlet for all of us to be able to connect with each other. For that, I'm grateful!

Thanks for Following Me

2011-04-18T13:06:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure how to express how rewarding it is for me to have anyone following me. It's 'cool' (if that is still accepted as part of current vernacular.) Last night my 13 yr. old daughter informed me that "LOL" is "way last decade, Mom". So, hopefully my readers will understand.

Anyway, I wanted to do this "Simply Mormon" blog awhile back to share my personal views of life and the testimony I've gained from hard years of personal experience and study.

Most of our lives don't quite turn out as expected, planned, or hoped-for. Some may. But, for those of us who have been privileged to learn from hard-knocks, lessons that have humbled and dropped us to our knees, others' choices (good or poor), and our own personal prayers - I say we're blessed. Life lessons can be wonderful and amazing if we learn from them and grow closer to our Father who desires for us to do that. He is my closest friend - and I say that in all humility and sincerity. I wouldn't have made it through excruciating pain without His help. For that, I am eternally grateful.

The Holy Temple

2011-01-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

I love the Holy Temple. It's a place of peace and instruction for me. There is no where else on earth where I feel closer to Heaven and my Heavenly Father than when I am in the Temple. I am so extremely grateful that he desires to teach and bless and strengthen us. His Spirit is with us when we are striving to keep his commandments and remain close to Him.

All About Preparedness

2011-01-13T17:09:00.000-07:00

A group of us are doing a new blog on preparedness. We'd LOVE to have you visit us and leave your comments. http://www.allaboutpreparedness.blogspot.com/

Thanks for your support.
We're all here to try to lift and strengthen one another!

Heidi

No pain or trial is wasted...

2011-01-08T01:03:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite quotes of all time. It's helped me through a lot of hard times. One of my brothers reminded me of it recently so I decided to post it so that all may benefit thereby.

“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God… and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulations, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven.”

Orson F. Whitney, in Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1972), 98.

Sensible Food Storage - Wendy DeWitt

2010-12-29T20:33:00.001-07:00

I just watched a new DVD entitled "Sensible Food Storage" by Wendy DeWitt and sold by http://www.covenant-lds.com/. I purchased the DVD at Deseret Book or Seagull Book (I can't recall which) and it was definitely worth watching and learning from. Her blog http://www.everythingunderthesunblog.blogspot.com/ has additional helpful resources and information.

I've been into preparedness and food storage for many years. This is an excellent DVD that I would highly recommend to any who are trying to be prepared for any eventualities that may come. We never know what is ahead and being prepared gives us peace of mind that comes no other way.

Wendy gives great insights and simple solutions. She is numbered among many leaders who have encouraged all of us to 'be prepared' and to get our homes in order. Food Storage is part of that preparedness.

Jim Phillips, also an expert on preparedness, says to 'prepare for the worst and hope for the best'. Because, "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear".

Savior of the World

2010-12-29T14:00:00.002-07:00

Last night my children and I went to Salt Lake to see a musical/theatrical production entitled "Savior of the World". It was marvelous and deeply moving to me. I wept at the Savior's appearance to his beloved disciples after his death and resurrection. I felt as they might have; in awe and extreme gratitude.
http://lds.org/?lang=eng

Though we saw the production after Christmas Day; it was very meaningful to me as I have sincerely been pondering on the life of the Savior and how we can come to know him better.

In a recent talk in church I was very moved by a speaker and his timely message about the Savior, His life and mission, and what Christmas really was all about. I pondered much on what he said and why we often are so mistakenly materialistic in our society. There is no peace in that nor long-term satisfaction. Afterwards remains emptiness and unfilfilled real needs and longings.

I had a very peaceful Christmas this year and felt much contentment at the end of the day. Our limited resources helped us to focus more on what we could do to help others' in need. We were blessed with several of those experiences through school and church programs. I think my children realized that though they might have felt they had little -- they were really truly blessed to have a warm home, food to eat, and a mother who loves them very dearly.

Provo Tabernacle Fire

2010-12-24T14:02:00.000-07:00

Many of us have been deeply affected by a fire which destroyed a beloved icon in our community; the Provo Tabernacle last week. It was a sacred and spiritual building for many of us who have lived in this area for much of our lives and been deeply affected by it's goodness and spirit and historical meaning.

My first reaction was shock, disbelief and tears. But shortly followed a strong sense of peace which immediately calmed me. I knew that the Lord was at the helm and that His purposes would be fulfilled.

The shock is still present as I pass the building nearly every day. But, I have to hope and trust that it can be rebuilt to withstand whatever elements and future events that may occur. I hope for this as I believe that many others' do as well.

The loss of a spiritual friend leaves a large empty space in our souls. But, we hope that that space will be filled with God's grace and comfort.

As for me, I am eternally grateful for the impact that it has had on my life and for the feeling of community which many of us now feel as we pull-together in sorrow, mourning and in hope for the future.

http://beta-newsroom.lds.org/article/fire-damages-historic-provo-tabernacle

http://www.keepapitchinin.org/2010/12/18/last-week-provo-tabernacle-interior/

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705363161/Provo-Tabernacle-burns-in-four-alarm-fire.html

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=13693318

http://provomayor.blogspot.com/2010/12/provo-tabernacle-inside.html

Heaven in our Homes

2010-11-07T12:00:00.002-07:00

On my fridge I have a favorite quote from Daryl Hoole; author, teacher, speaker etc. I share it because it means a lot to me:

"If we want to have our homes in heaven, hereafter, we must have heaven in our homes here."

Healing Properties in Nature

2010-10-20T11:59:00.000-06:00

A dear friend recently told me the story of a man who went to see a herbalist in her valley for his stress and high blood pressure. The man was tested of many things and came out clean. The specialist then proceeded to instruct the man to go out and spend some time in nature. He left her office upset and without paying for the 'advice'.

A few weeks later he called her and asked 'Can I come and pay you now?'
He had taken her counsel as he was out of other options and didn't know what else to do.
He had found peace again and his life had been changed for the better.

My friend, who related this story to me, was at the seminar where this specialist spoke. As she shared this with me it struck a chord in my own soul and I have been trying to heed that. My recent stresses have included another move, getting reestablished and helping my children through the challenges of changes.

We're right up against a mountain now and only a few minutes from some walking trails. I went out with my friend and her husband last weekend for a short hike. It truly was renewing. I was reminded of the importance of taking time in our routine to breathe in fresh air, to absorb the beauties of nature and to appreciate what we have been blessed with.

Life can be filled with change. Nature and Seasons may be too. We can do well to learn from that symbolism.

Being Grateful

2010-10-10T12:00:00.002-06:00

One of the greatest blessing of the day in which we live is learning to rely upon the Lord for all that we are and all that we have. When we're too 'independent' or self-absorbed we forget from whence all our resources come.

As a family we've strived to live more by the old pioneer adage; "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without". We've realized that we can live on much less that we thought that we could and also that we have 'sufficient for our needs' when we put the Lord first and then rely on Him to deliver us from our troubles and afflictions.

If we keep His commandments and seek to do His will, we can trust in Him to keep His part of the commitment; "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise."

I recall a statement of a wonderful religious leader who said: "A Happy Person is a Grateful Person". I've not forgotten that - for as we recognize the Giver of all good gifts we are more prone to acknowledge grateful receiving rather than what we lack.

I'm grateful for the many trials that we've faced as a family in single-parent home. We've learned things that we wouldn't otherwise have learned and have grown in ways that we didn't know we needed to grow in. Perhaps the greatest blessing for me has come in having to rely on the Lord and His promises. Because of that I have grown to love and appreciate Him more than I otherwise might have. And...I've recognized His hand in many miracles in our behalf. I should, of all, be most grateful .....and.....happy! :)

Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy

2010-09-19T16:55:00.000-06:00

I know that I could find a lot of scriptures and articles to support my beliefs about keeping the Sabbath Day Holy but...I will only here share my personal testimony about it's importance.

In addition to actually needing a time of rest each week both physically and emotionally, I believe that it is a time to renew ourselves spiritually by attending uplifting meetings, studying and pondering upon teachings of Christ, and receiving nourishment that we would not otherwise attain.

We greatly benefit from studying the scriptures daily and praying always for help and guidance - and there is an additional reason for doing these things also on the Sabbath.
#1 We are commanded to do so.
#2 The Lord promises specific blessings as we do.
#3 We are able to partake of the emblems of the Sacrament on His Holy Day and renew our commitment to Him as well as being made partakers of His Spirit through that sacred experience.

It seems to me that The Sabbath Day has become more of a holiday than a holy day for many in the world. The sad thing about that is that many perhaps don't know of it's significance and those who do are neglecting it at their own peril. That saddens me. But, the only person I have control over is me and I am very grateful for my personal committment to keeping the day holy because that committment has blessed me greatly over the years. I'm very thankful that the Lord instructed a time set-aside for us to be renewed, worship Him in holy places, receive instruction and edification, and mingle and fellowship with each other. I am extremely grateful for the Sabbath Day and the blessings that have come to me by striving to keep it a holy day.

We moved ---

2010-09-19T16:40:00.000-06:00

Sorry about not keeping up with my blogging. We had several months of packing and preparing to move along with helping my parents move, getting us moved (twice in fact) and now trying to settle. The kids are in school and/or doing on-line classes and I am trying to rectify some problems with the home in which we now live. So, it's been a busy time and I've been pondering about how to manage my blogs along with raising a family. They (the family) have taken top priority but now may be the time that I can get started again.

I suppose (no...I know) that life is filled with changes. Some items are out of our control so we do the best that we can when changes come. That's a lesson that I have hopefully learned over the past few months.

Upcoming Seminar "Living in the Last Days"

2010-04-22T16:49:00.001-06:00

A group of 'like-minded' individuals have gotten together to provide a wonderful seminar for the residents of Cache Valley, Utah. We will be holding the afternoon event on Saturday, May 22, 2010 at the Logan Tabernacle. Our focus is on 'Spiritual Preparedness' in the Last Days. We've entitled the day "...to prepare my people" which are the Savior's own words.

I am reminded of a statement from a friend after a recent 'temporal preparedness' seminar. She said "He just wants to feed us".

Our goal is to provide that same spiritual nourishment for those who come to participate with us. Many of us, seeing the 'Signs of the Times' feel compelled to pull-together in righteous causes. We have much Good to look forward to in the future.

Our excellent speakers; Scott Bradley, Janet Summit, Farley Anderson and Arlene K. Butler, have given their life's work to this cause. Their messages are timely and fulfilling.

For more information and/or to register visit http://www.topreparemypeople.blogspot.com/

Here is what I have, it is the Lord's

2010-04-14T12:47:00.004-06:00

One of my all-time favorite messages is from Brigham Young. I've printed it out in large letters and kept it on my wall. It's blessed my life time and again.
"Here is what I have, it is the Lord's. He has given me all that I possess, it is only committed to my charge to see what I will do with it."

Bloggin' Women ---

2010-04-12T11:12:00.001-06:00

You know the favorite song from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers called "Sobbin' Women" (Sabine Women)? It reminds me of my new entrance on Mormon Mom's Who Blog called "Bloggin' Women. I've realized that all my blogs have served purposes and have been sort of therapeutic. It's nice to be able to share our thoughts and feelings in cyberspace. I've received some great comments and have made some new 'friends' in the blogosphere. That has been rewarding.

At this time I'm trying to decide where to go with my blogs. Do I focus only on one of them? or...do I contribute to all of them at different times?

Favorite Quotes about The Constitution and LIBERTY:

2010-02-04T11:22:00.000-07:00

"The Constitution is not an instrument for government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government --- lest it come to dominate our lives and interests." Patrick Henry

"Democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well-armed sheep contesting the vote". - Ben Franklin

On....thinking and education....and....school......

2010-01-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

"Let me remind each of us...that education doesn't simply mean that we attend school. Education means that we learn to think. Henry Ford put it in words when he said, "An educated man is not one who has trained his mind to remember a few dates in history. he is one who can accomplish things. If a man cannot think, he is not an educated man, regardless of how many college degrees he may have attained. Thinking is the hardest work a man can do, which is probably the reason we have so few thinkers." Thomas S. Monson "Be Your Best Self, p. 84

Love at the CENTER of all and everything we do - Pres. Uchtdorf

2009-12-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

"How Do We Become True Disciples of Jesus Christ?

The Savior Himself provided the answer with this profound declaration: 'If ye love me, keep my commandments.' This is the essence of what it means to be a true disciple: those who receive Christ Jesus walk with Him.

But this may present a problem for some because there are so many 'shoulds' and 'should nots' that merely keeping track of them can be a challenge. Sometimes, well-meaning amplifications of divine principles -- many coming from uninspired sources -- complicate matters further, diluting the purity of divine truth with man-made addenda. One person's good idea - something that may work for him or her -- takes root and becomes an expectation. And, gradually, eternal principles can get lost within the labyinth of 'good ideas.'

This was one of the Savior's criticisms of the religious 'experts' of His day, whom He chastised for attending to the hundreds of minor details of the law while neglecting the weightier matters.

So how we we stay aligned with these weightier matters? Is there a constant compass that can help us prioritize our lives, thoughts and actions?

Once again the Savior revealed the way. When asked to name the greatest commandment, He did not hesitate. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind," He said. "This is the first and great commandment." Coupled with the second great commandment --- to love our neighbor as ourselves -- we have a compass that provides direction not only for our lives but also for the Lord's Church on both sides of the veil.

Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk.

When we truly understand what it means to love as Jesus Christ loves us, the confusion clears and our priorities align. Our walk as disciples of Christ becomes more joyful. Our lives take on new meaning. Our relationship with our Heavenly Father becomes more profound. Obedience becomes a joy rather than a burden."

Excerpts from Oct. 2009 General Conference 'The Love of God" by Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Waste Not, Want Not

2009-09-14T13:43:00.000-06:00

Do you remember the old pioneer adage; "Waste Not, Want Not"?

It's been on my mind as of late. As I have been preparing some fruits and vegetables for winter storage there was preparation involved. Each time I cut a bit too much of the peel off -- the thought would come to mind 'waste not, want not'. It's been a reminder to me that it's the wasting of small things that add up to larger things.

During time of war --- even small potato peelings can be savory and coveted dishes. Oftimes people are lucky to have any small meal at all.

With economic uncertainty --- this old adage takes on new meaning. We'd all do well to heed it's message and take note of what we may waste.

I remember an elderly couple who had served as missionaries in a third world country. They talked of the waste that saw when back in the U.S. They talked of so much good food being thrown into garbages.

I know that sometimes I've had food in the fridge that went uneaten --- and then, thrown out. I'm trying to do better at that and use up our resources more wisely.

On my mission to Mexico my companions were all very frugal. One sewed her nylons with a needle and thread so they would last longer. All were native Mexicans and used to living on very little. I learned some lessons in frugality that have blessed my life.

Another powerful pioneer adage would be well for us to note instead of always purchasing new items: 'use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without'.

Lulled into Carnal Security

2009-08-23T11:09:00.000-06:00

This article is a must read.
We're living in perilous times and haven't the luxury of putting out heads in the sand if we want to survive the storms ahead. We cannot afford to be lulled into carnal security.

I hope you'll read this article that was published today in LDSMagazine.

http://www.ldsmag.com/ideas/090820truth.html

National Education Association backs same-sex 'marriage'

2009-07-18T20:38:00.001-06:00

If this doesn't wake people up I don't know what will.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Education/Default.aspx?id=603580