To think in such a place...

It's been a little quiet around here, but not quiet at all in my real life.  Just to catch you up, we had a baby in April (a sweet, sweet boy named Val!) then we pretty promptly found ourselves without a job, we went on a super amazing family road trip that took us all the way to California and back with lots of stops at points in between (this was in the works before the job loss!)  Then we waited a lot and worked a lot to find a job.  And I was sad a lot about the thought of having to move for a potential job and leave this little town I've come to love, and then my husband was blessed to find a great job, which is taking us to the much bigger city of Pittsburgh (which is 1. still in Pennsylvania 2. lots closer to my family, and 3. going to be an amazing place to live!)

So, just to back up, if you've been around my blog here for a while, you might have noticed that I love living here in rural, central Pennsylvania.  I will say, it has not been without it's ups and downs.  But at some point over the last decade of living here, I made a decision...not just to tolerate this smalltown life, but to love it.  Not just to give a passing glance at my neighbors, but to get to know, love, and serve them. Not just to complain about the way things were going down at school and the community, but to make positive change.  

I have mentioned almost none of those life-changing episodes here on my blog, mainly because some of it is sensitive in nature, but these are the experiences that have shaped who I have become over the last 10 years. And the friendships.  Oh, the wonderful friendships I've experienced with Moms of all walks.  Words can't express how much those friendships have nurtured and taught me.

So yes, I have given my heart and soul to my life here, to the neighborhoods and communities I've been a part of.  Where too many transplants come here and complain (a lot) about the lack of stores, lack of "cultural experiences", the very small stakes and wards, the lack of...fill in the blank, I decided not to do that.  And because I decided to deliberately fall in love with this place and to see its beauty, it hurts all the harder to leave. 

But even the hurt feels good and right to me.  If I wasn't sad to leave, then I'd wonder if I'd managed to do what I came here to do.  

I'm sure Heavenly Father, knowing my heart, made sure to give me PLENTY of time to start to let go of my life here, and to say my good-byes.  He knew I'd need time to accept this change.  As soon as the job went away, I knew we would most likely move.  So starting in August, I focused on saying good-bye.  I focused on not just good-bye but on taking my friends aside one by one and telling them just how much I loved them, what it was that they did for me, what I see in and respect about them.  And just giving nice long, real hugs.

In addition to good friends, I found myself saying good-bye to helpers who care for our family: our dental hygenist, my favorite Walmart cashier, my lady at the Post Office, and on and on all who I know by name.

(Knowing most people by name, I'm going to miss that.  Seeing the same people day in and day out, I'm going to miss that too.)

The more I thanked people and expressed my love for people, the more aware of my blessings I became.  Every time I think maybe I've come to the end of my list of friends to say good-bye to, there seem to be more.  This is both humbling and soul-filling.

So, here I am at the end of 10 messy years, really my first decade of Motherhood, looking back with deep, deep, deep gratitude.  

At the school where I attended college there was a saying, "To think in such a place, I led such a life."  Those words come to mind now when I think about life in Lewisburg.

Do other people feel this way about the places they live?  They must. I can't be the only romantic out there.

The saving grace about moving for me is knowing that the Lord is leading us, He is blessing us. He has NEVER let us down before.  And I know that He is leading us to the next phase of our lives, to a place where we can learn and grow and continue to become the people he wants us to become.

I am reading a book that I randomly heard about. It's called, "This is Where You Belong: the Art and Science of Loving the Place You Live." I don't anticipate not being able to love where we will be living next. In fact, I probably could have written this book, however I'm open to suggestions, and my heart is open and ready for new friendships, new challenges, new opportunities to stand as a witness.

I'll admit, I've only read part of the very first chapter, but the quote on the first page is one I'm pondering in my mind, and maybe you'll think long and hard about it as well. It goes like this, "A place belongs forever to whoever claimes it hardest, remembers it most obsessively, wrenches it from itself, shapes it, renders it, loves it so radically that he remakes it in his own image." - Joan Didion.

I claim Lewisburg, Pennsylvania from June 2007 to December 2016, and I hope when the earth is rolled up like a scroll, it will claim me too.

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General Conference Keywords

After each General Conference, I immediately begin analyzing the talks, searching for unique ways I can teach the principles to my children.  I like to identify simple phrases that will help them to easily remember specific teachings, as well as who taught them.  As I was listening this time, I kept hearing really strong one or two-word imperative statements.  I noted them in my notes, and I compiled them in this little "haiku" of keywords to help me remember the teachings of General Conference.  

Read through and see if any of them ring a bell for you...Each one has a link provided that will take you to the talk that I took the phrase from.  

Stand out.

Stand up.

Step forward.

Simplify.

Be clean.

Be there.

Be different.

Ponderize.

Do it!

Do what matters.

Hang on.

Live the gospel.

Ask “what lack I?”

It will all work out.

Faith grows by choice, not chance.

There is nothing noble about being cynical.

Revere Mothers.

Be righteous & modest (shipshape & Bristol fashion!)

It’s never too early, never too late.

Smile & go the 2^nd mile.

Trust God.

Pray with intent.

Trust Christ.

He experienced it all.

Do your part. 

Endure it well.

Doubt your doubts, not the barriers.

The Church is God's way.

Remember the stories of Jesus.

Have ears to hear Him.

Step toward Him.

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The Key to Spiritual Protection by President Packer

This morning, right after family scripture (and sort of during), we touched on "The Key to Spiritual Protection" by President Boyd K. Packer.

We remembered that during the previous General Conference, President Packer told a harrowing tale about snakes who had invaded his back yard and were terrorizing the baby birds living in the nests in his trees.

This time around, President Packer answered the question and calmed the fears that probably many parents had after hearing that talk.  The question on our minds was "...Is there a safe place to raise children?"

His answer was a resounding yes.  "There is a safe place," he said, "It is in a gospel-centered home."  President Packer taught that our children's happiness, "and the happiness of future generations, depends upon living those standards established by the Savior and set forth in His scriptures."

Therefore, "The scriptures hold the keys to spiritual protection.  They contain the doctrine and the laws and ordinances that will bring each child of God to a testimony of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer."

He went on to counsel us, "Make scripture reading a part of your regular routine, and blessings will follow...If the language of the scriptures at first seems strange to you, keep reading.  Soon you will come to recognize the beauty and power found on those pages."

"Paul said, 'All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.  You can test this promise for yourself."

To help us remember President Packer's teachings on this topic, we used the key printable found in Malina's FHE Lesson Unlock the Scriptures (posted previously on this blog) to make bookmarks (just like she did!)

Now I was just wondering about that last line, "You can test this promise for yourself," but I know that we are already seeing results of this "experiment."  One case in point: I was cleaning this morning and found a folded up piece of paper on the floor.  It was a note from Scarlett to Guy and it said, "Guy - I am sorry.  I did not know you would be sad. - Scarlett."

I have no idea what that note was about, but I do know that whatever transpired was influenced by the spirit brought into our home by family scripture study.

I love the words of the prophets more every day as we study them together.  I hope you do too!

Here are our General Conference Review Lessons for the October 2013 Conference so far:

The Stronger the Wind, The Stronger the Trees - President Monson

Angels to Watch over Us - President Eyring

Come, Join With Us - President Uchtdorf

The Key to Spiritual Protection - President Packer

The Articles of Faith - Elder Perry

Like a Broken Vessel - Elder Holland

Trust in the Lord - Elder Ballard

No Other Gods - Elder Oaks

Beware of Bondage - Elder Cook

Decisions for Eternity  - Elder Nelson

Repentance: The Hope-filled Path - Elder Scott

The Moral Force of Women - Elder Christofferson

Windows, Priesthood & Tithing - Elder Bednar & Elder Andersen

"Oh, How We Need General Conference!" - Elder Hales

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Being Excellent.

Dear Guy of the Future:

What more magic words could a kid receive from his kindergarten teacher?

I ask you.

You have received "Dragon Stars" for making good decisions, saying thank you, having a great day, being quiet in the hall, being helpful, and doing a great job cleaning up.

But on 12/5/11, Guy, you received a Dragon Star for "being excellent!"  :)

I am proud of you...today and every day.

Party on, oh, excellent one!!

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a Life Lived for Others

Ever since my first experience in service boot camp, the fortune cookie has become my personal symbol of service to others.

I am always secretly on the lookout for fortune cookies to use as special reminders to myself of what I want to do with my life.  

Our family received these fortunes recently while eating at a local Chinese restaurant.  I liked the fourth fortune so much (which is generally attributed to Albert Einstein) that I asked Erin at Insane Jellyfish Designs to make my own version of it into a bracelet.

I'm so happy with the way that it turned out, and it couldn't have arrived at a better time.  I am not feeling well today (flu-like symptoms), and feeling crummy doesn't really inspire me to be extra pleasant to my children.  As I was trying to photograph the bracelet, Guy hurt his hand when an expandable flashlight he was playing with snapped back and whacked him.

Instead of being annoyed that he wanted my attention--yet again--I just held him and let him cry it out.  See...the bracelet is working already!  :)

Have some magic words that you'd like to have made into a personal reminder?

Erin at Insane Jellyfish Designs is your gal!!!

Thank you, Erin!

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Words I Live By

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The Dangerous Book for Moms: Chapter 2

I was at Walmart last night with my kids and husband.  Steve took Guy to get his hair cut so he would look nice for his preschool Easter program the next day.  I took the two girls (ages 2 and 3) with me to look for a baby shower gift for my friend.


As soon as I walked into the baby/children's department, I suddenly became aware of some "upset words" coming from the diaper aisle.  The man was speaking in Spanish, but I could tell that he was not using kid-friendly words, mostly from his extremely harsh tone.  Then he started spewing forth such phrases as "f-ing S!" in English, and showed no sign of stopping.  And that was it for me.


I left my girls in the cart looking at some hair bows where I could see them, and walked back to investigate.  I wondered if this man was yelling at a woman, and if she was perhaps in trouble or if he was on the phone or what.  He caught a glimpse of me, and I of him, as soon as I rounded the corner.  He was on the phone.  And he was irate.  


In that split second, I had a choice to make.  Walk away or follow through with my plan to ask him to pipe down.  He paused his conversation, keeping his cell phone glued to his ear and glared at me.  I planted my feet, squared my shoulders, and looked straight back into his eyes.  I knew that he had a cart with a child in it, but I didn't dare look away.


I said as respectfully as possible, "Can you keep it down?" as I motioned with my hands to clarify my message.  He was livid when I happened upon him.  Now he was just plain ready to go ballistic.  I could tell that he was not a person accustomed to acting rationally.  I could also guess from his reaction that he is probably not a person who can tolerate a woman "telling him what to do."


With about as much venom as I have ever heard, he sneered back at me, "And YOU are????"  There were definitely violent undertones in his reply.  He was trying to intimidate me.


I responded, again, as evenly as possible, "My girls are right over there.  We can hear every word you are saying.  My little girls don't need to hear the F-word."  His face, at this point of the conversation, was contorting at a rapid pace and starting to turn colors.  So I wrapped things up.  Pleading, I said, "You are standing in a children's department!  Just, please...keep it down."  From the gaping position that his mouth took, I am guessing that this was certainly an audacious display, the likes of which he had never been exposed to.


I turned around and walked back to my children who were blissfully unaware that Mommy almost became a victim of "domestic-violence" in the children's section of Walmart...all to protect their little ears from excessive obscenities.


A couple, who I found standing by my cart when I returned to my children, gave me a "yeah, that's right," nod of approval, but that man's question still echoed in my ears:  


"And YOU are?"


"And YOU are?"


"And YOU ARE???"


The answer that came was:  A Mother.


Plain and simple.


I AM A MOTHER.  


What makes otherwise logical, believers in free-speech, and appreciators-of-the-use-of-all-of my-limbs-type women walk into the jaws of danger to protect the delicate minds and hearts of our young ones?  It is MOTHERHOOD...that calling that never sleeps.  That job that is so common, yet so unique.  So valuable, yet to pay us to perform our duties would be an insult.    It is the shift-work that is always on-call and never takes a vacation.  It is my chosen profession.


I might not have been wearing a blue Walmart vest that day, but my authority to protect the virtue of my children comes from a much higher power.  I only hope that my instincts to shield my children from exposure to inappropriate and harmful influences will ALWAYS remain this sharp and undeniable.

Coincidentally...or not...This is the song that my son and daughter sang in their Easter Program today.  Sung roughly to the tune of "If You're Happy and You Know It."
Here are the lyrics:

Be careful little eyes what you see.

Be careful little eyes what you see.

For the Father up above,

He is looking down in love,

So be careful little eyes what you see.

(The other verses are the same, but referencing a different body part.)

Be careful little ears what you hear.

Be careful little mouth what you say.

Be careful little hands what you do.

Be careful little feet where you go.

I will always remember this song that they sang with their preschool today.  I know that if they are careful with their eyes, ears, mouth, hands, and feet, they will be very happy in life, and Heavenly Father will be happy with them too.

Here is a video of Guy and Scarlett performing "Be Careful Little Eyes"

with their preschool today.

PS - I just had to make this Chapter 2 of my Dangerous Book for Moms, because sometimes standing up for what's right can be risky business!!  But Dangerous Moms know when it's time to take care of business!  Disclaimer:  You don't have to put yourself in danger to be a dangerous Mom...Just by teaching your children this song, you'll be doing something rather dangerous...empowering the future generation to turn away from evil!

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President Thomas S. Monson Quotes

The world would sure be a dreadful, lonely place without thoughtful, considerate friends.

One such friend of mine was kind enough that when she heard me admiring a set of quotes from President Monson that she had given to someone for Christmas, she used her own precious time to secretly make me a set of my own.  And here it is!

There are 30 quotes here, neatly compiled, laminated, and kept together by this ring.  Of course, she used my favorite color to mount the quotes too, and it fits so nicely in my new planner, so I can always have the wisdom of President Monson on-hand.

I know what you're thinking.  You want one for yourself.

Well, here is the list of 30 quotes from President Monson that she used 
for you to print off.

And here is a list of a LOT MORE quotes from President Monson, so you can pick and choose.  Enjoy!  And thank you to my friend Gantrie for being so sweet and thoughtful!

Don't forget to enter for the giveaway from Heaven on Earth Arts...
I will announce the winner on Monday!

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13th Article of Faith Giveaway

   

I've sure received some very sweet and kind comments and emails in the last little while.

THANK YOU!

If you are a regular commenter or if you've just started making yourself known...I really, truly appreciate you.  And I want to be able to reply to your comments and questions.  

So, do me a quick favor and go into your blogger profile and make sure that your email is linked to your screen name, won't you?  That way, it'll be easier for me to converse with you in the future!  Thanks!

In the next while I'm going to be spotlighting some of my favorite new discoveries on Etsy.  Now you know that I am very selective about the giveaways that I do, so if it's on here, you know it's good!

On Monday, I am going to give away one of the prints of the 13th Article of Faith that you see above.  This article is so iconic of what it means to me to be a Latter-day Saint, and it sums up what I try to do with this blog.  It also happens to be the 2011 Young Men/Young Women Theme!

I found this great print at the Etsy shop called Type Type Type.

Michelle at Type Type Type has a delightful selection of LDS products, including Book of Mormon reading chart bookmarks, Personal Progress trackers, and other original prints for the home.  Type Type Type will be sending me a print for my home and one to give away to one lucky reader.

My only dilemma is that I really cannot decide between the blue and multi-color.  

I love them both!

So I'm counting on you, dear readers, to help me pick!

Here's how you can enter to win one for yourself:

1.  Leave a comment telling me which print you think I should choose. 

(I know you know the color-scheme of my house by now!!)

2.  Follow me or become a new follower.

3.  Visit Type Type Type and tell me what you like most in her shop or what you'd like her creative mind to create more of!

4.  Link to this giveaway on Facebook.

Please leave a comment for each entry...

Good Luck! 

I will announce the winner on Monday!

Here is a full description of the prize:  This inspirational poster features the 13th Article of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is also the 2011 Mutual Theme for LDS Young Men and Young Women. The 11x17 poster fits in a standard frame and is available in either blue or multi-color. Shipped with an 11x17 backer board inside a clear sleeve.

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A Note From My 80-Year-Old Self

There was a period of time in early 2010 when I was oddly obsessed with all things old.

I fantasized about what I'd be like in my 80's.  I told a lot of amusing "granny-jokes", although I'm pretty sure I was the only one laughing.  I was constantly noticing, and pointing out, old people in public places and "oohing and ahhing" over them the way that old people typically ooh and ahh over babies.  I'd find myself saying things like, "Aw, look at her!  Isn't she cute?  She's so....old!  Isn't that awesome?"

I can only trace my geriatric infatuation back to the fact that for multiple reasons, both known and unknown, in the early months of last year, I found myself in the middle of a deep depression.

I went back and forth between feeling sad and feeling anxious, but a majority of the time I felt nothing at all.  I mean absolutely nothing.  It was so weird and confusing.

The ironic thing was that I was accomplishing more than ever as a Mother.  I had taught my children some of the most important lessons that a parent can teach a child, and we had embarked on a month of serving others every day that was extremely fulfilling.  My children were showering me with love.  I had many, many reasons to be joyful, and yet, it was as if my "joy receptors" had been clogged by a mist of darkness that surrounded me and that was silently suffocating me.

I had felt deep sadness and emptiness on two other occasions in my life.  The first time, I actually lost the ability to form tears, because of an eye infection.  So although I was in a lot of emotional pain, I couldn't even get the satisfaction of crying it out!  That was a painful experience, but feeling nothing was worse, because I couldn't even give words to what I was feeling.  It was just like The Nothing, in The Never-Ending Story...foreboding, ever-present, and threatening.

The more that I struggled and tried to muscle my way out of it, the more helpless I became against it.

It was during this time that I discovered what was to me a very odd trend online where people write letters to their "18-year-old selves" telling them all of the things that they wish they knew back then.  After reading one, I burst out with a very depression-induced bit of sarcasm and disdain, "What a load of B.S."  I didn't want to talk to my 18-year-old self...What good is that supposed to do me now?  What I wanted more than anything was for my 80-year-old self to come and tell me that everything was going to be all right, that I was going to make it, that I was on the right course in my life, and that there would be brighter days and more adventures to be had for me in my future.

Enter my obsession with the elderly!  I often joked that I was trying to "channel" my 80-year-old self; my way of trying to tap into her wisdom.

I slept a lot during that time.  I prayed a lot too.  I leaned on friends.  I told almost every woman I talked to..."I'm depressed," and I'd laugh about it, and then I'd say, "no, really, I am."  Some people heard my cry for help and some people did not.  Some people who were worse off than me, even kicked me when I was down, but that's all right.  I understand.

However, the Lord did not leave me comfort-less.  In His true, loving fashion, he sent me everything that I would need to climb my way out of the darkness, and to feel love and joy again.  He gave me a calling, surrounded me with wise women who would listen to me and advise me.  He gave me a great husband who supported me and proved that he loved me through sickness and health.  He allowed my children to be my rays of sunshine.  He sent the effects of The Atonement to lighten my load in many ways.  And he gave me an out-pouring of the spirit that had not been matched previously in my life.

I learned many things about myself, about God, about suffering, about life, about humility, about patience, and about what really matters.  I could clearly see the Lord pulling for me, seeing me through it all.

One day, as I was reading scriptures, I decided to pull out my Patriarchal Blessing and give it a once-over.  As I was reading it, I realized that, in essence, I was holding a letter from my 80-year-old-self.  In my blessing, I was able to read about things that I would do in my "later life" which indicated to me that at some time in the future I'd be ok, my children would be grown and doing well enough for me to leave them for exciting and important new adventures of my own.  I could suddenly see her in my mind's eye...that 80-something-year-old Jocelyn, all Grannified and glorious, with flabby arms, and grey hair, and I-don't-care-who-knows-it...ready to take on the world.  And my 30-something Jocelyn suddenly sprang back to life!  It was just the nod and wink that I needed, to say, "I'm going to be ok."

Of course, it took more than a nod and a wink to make it back.  It took chocolate, and medicine, and humility, and long talks with a good friend, and hugs from my kids, and tears with my husband.  And about 15 pounds later, I'm really working my way toward that Granny body, but at least I'm feeling like myself again, on the inside.  And it feels great.

My sister said recently, "Are you getting fitter and fitter?" I replied, "No, I'm just getting happier and happier."

As I round the corner to the anniversary of that very difficult time in my life, I look back at 2010, and I am still completely amazed at all that I was able to accomplish, even in my impaired state. I could not have done it without the Lord's help.  It only goes to prove that God truly works miracles, that he cares about and knows each of us individually, and that,"...if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them” (Ether 12:27)

I'm definitely a different person after going through a depression like that.  In the process, I was able to clean out some cobwebs in my soul.  Among other things, I'm more careful with myself now.  I'm more forgiving of my shortcomings.  I try to make time for myself to enjoy my many blessings...time to sit in the sunshine, time to snuggle with my children, time to breathe them in deeply and enjoy their smiles and let their laughter fill my ears.  I make sure that if they are laughing, I am laughing right along with them.  I don't apologize if my house is a mess.  And I thank God every day for allowing me to go through that excruciating, character-building experience.  And someday, my 80-year-old self will thank him too.

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Our Family On Sabbatical: Making Time For What Matters

It is certainly my great pleasure today to introduce you to my own flesh and blood...

my sister Cara Peace!  My sister has always been so kind to me and a great example of how to love and follow the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I love her.  I respect her.  

And I'm proud to say that "she's my friend to the bitter end!"

Here's Cara...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“The Family.” (Breathe.) “A Proclamation to the World.” (Another breath.)   “We the First Presidency….” 

If you were in our home, anytime since this spring, you might have witnessed a very noble attempt to memorize the Family Proclamation.  At times we have a great unified rhythm going and other moments there might be five different speeds with seven different volumes competing for air time.  


Some days I can only capture one person’s attention and interest and have a most reverent discussion.  On other days our whole family will practice together challenging my group leader skills for a wide range of intellect and attention spans.  Some days, we may only study one word, but we study it until we understand the meaning or significance, and realizing that it might be just a "one word day" and call it good.  We study the words of our prophet and pick apart the Family Proclamation word for word in a desire to understand what truth we can discover. We quiz and prompt each other.  We work hard.  Really hard. We have fun together. 

That is the most satisfying thing to me.  I know that using this proclamation as our family’s spiritual time is fortifying us for whatever may come.  Not only will my children have solid words come to their minds when needed, but also the time together and the effort made to learn together and moments shared learning truths of God will be precious to us in the future.


I have a strong feeling that this proclamation is just the beginning of proclamations to come.  It is “A (meaning one) Proclamation to the World.”  There might be other proclamations about families or about something else in our future. I feel that we need to figure this one out and own it, build a testimony of its truths and love it before another proclamation from the prophet is delivered.   This proclamation to the world is about families.  I love families.   Let me tell you about mine.

                                                

             My name is Cara P. Kennedy.  I grew up with three fun sisters and one great brother.

                                 

                                      My sister Jocelyn has always been my wonderful friend. 

I grew up in a loving home with strong, faithful parents who willingly served the Lord.

                   

                     

Now my husband Jacob and I are raising five strong future parents.

                 

Before all this, I lived in heaven with my Heavenly Parents.  I know they love me.  Why?  Well, the proclamation clearly reminds me that I have an “eternal destiny.”  I’m one of  “His children,”  I am “created in the image of God,” beloved spirit …daughter of Heavenly parents”,  I worshiped Him as my “Eternal Father,”  I have a “divine destiny as heirs of eternal life,” His “divine plan of happiness”  is for me.  My family can “perpetuate(d) beyond the grave,” it is “possible for (me) to return to the presence of God and for (my) family(ies) to be united eternally.”   All this and I haven’t even finished reading the first side yet!   


Don't you feel loved when you read the Family Proclamation?  I do!

This adventure of memorizing the Family Proclamation with my kids came about, because 
I decided to follow the council to not over-schedule our families.  


Now, first let me say, we weren't overloading our schedules on an individual basis, but as you can imagine having seven schedules of very worthwhile activities can be a little too much--even if each person just did one thing.  Even trying to limit things, our seven schedules did overlap and caused us to hurry, hurry, rush, rush.  


So I went on a "sabbatical of busyness."  That means that as a family, we went on hiatus...from everything extra.  


And, lo and behold, we started to have time.  Not scheduled time to do this or be that person, or to attend that thing, but time to not hurry, time to develop a deeper relationship with each other and with God….in a quiet, non-hurrying kind of way. Gone are the days of yelling, “Come eat! Right Now! We have to PRAY so we can EAT so we can GO!"

Go where?  It seemed to always be away from home- away from security, peace, serenity, ease, and comfort and contentment.  We squeezed in God.  We remembered Him a lot.  We talked about His ways a lot.  And we definitely were quick about it.  I think that goes against sincere, pondering, don’t you think?  


Anyway, being on a sabbatical was great!  It was surprising to me how easily and how often I was asked and could have signed someone up for something or committed to doing something that would take us way from the slow, meaningful life that we had chosen.  Rushing to here and there isn't’t really meaningful or purposeful is it?


"Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day.  Hurry can destroy or souls.  Hurry can keep us from living well.....For many of us the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith.  It is that we will become so distracted and rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it. "  --John Ortberg   

So to take advantage of this relaxing time, I decided to fill it with gentle, satisfying things and follow my dear friend Kellie Parker’s example and memorize The Family Proclamation.  I was planning on doing it by myself. Then I realized that if I was going to do it so were my kids.  It is a perfect life lesson plan to follow.  I needed long moments to teach my own children the truths of who they really are. How awesome I think they are.  How awesome our Heavenly Father thinks they are.  I wanted to give the truth to them about marriage, gender, sex, gay issues, the sanctity of life, importance of fathers and mothers and children, of work and play and covenants, of sacred things the world isn't’t going to share with them.   Also, their world of friends and culture WILL get it wrong.  If I don’t prepare them before the issue comes up then the world’s seed would be planted before mine; before God’s. 

I was taught young and often to know the answer to the question before the question was asked.  If asked, “Do you want to smoke, swear, have sex, cheat, lie…etc” I knew what my response would be.  Now I hope my kids will be able to recall sacred words and know their answers before questions or statements are given like, “I can be a great mother without being married. “ Or “What’s wrong with being gay or cross dressing or having sex changes or having abortions?”  These may seem like strong words to be reading while talking about lovely things, but those ideas are out there in full force.  I tell it to my kids straight out.  The older my oldest child gets the more I realize it is never too early to teach peaceful, loving truths that will allow him to be happy.  Happiness in all our lives is most likely achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

The whole proclamation is worded so perfectly. The entire thing expresses love from our Heavenly Father and His loving plan for us. I am continually amazed.  I love that the words which clearly state male and female, husband and wife, his or her, progress towards perfection, sacred powers of procreation, lawfully wedded as husband and wife and individual premortal, mortal and eternal identity and purpose. 

We all have an individual eternal purpose.  When we shut out the world and slow down and allow more time to develop our eternal selves we will have more power, more enlightenment, and more love for God and our families.  I can stand for truth because I know truth.  I can share truth because I love truth.  I can promote truth because it makes me happy.  And I want everyone to be eternally happy too.  

It will be a few more months until we memorize the whole proclamation but it is worth doing.  I know that the words are in the correct order.  I feel that each word was particularly chosen for each phrase and for each sentence.  When I recite a part wrong and leave something out I feel that it changes the clarity of the message.   I am grateful for revelations from the prophets.  I know they are messages from God to me.  I hope all of you will make time--because that is what you must do--to share your love of this proclamation with those you love too, no matter how young or how long you have known them.  Truth is eternal and so are we!

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For further reading on this topic, Cara recommends:

Not So Fast Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families by Ann Kroeker  

That was awesome, thanks Sis!

Now to announce the winners of this week's party favors!

Thanks again to this week's Etsy shop owners for donating to this month's festivities!

Please visit their shops and thank them for participating!!

a custom family tree for children displaying four generations of family names

by The Staker Store

WINNER:

Becka of Made By Bedtime Tales

an 11x14 print of "Para Siempre" using LDS Temple Font

Description:  "Para Siempre", means "Forever". The font is made exclusively of LDS temple parts. This print can be personalized with your family name and established/sealing date." 

by Pseuzyn's Shop

WINNER:

Sea Star Academy!

a quad Scripture Cover from To Jameson With Love

WINNER:

Amy of Naptime Crafters

a customizable Family Proclamation Photo Album

It includes words from the entire Proclamation...You just insert your own family photos!

by Lola Jae's Ink

WINNER:

Special Journeys

"I Belong" hand-stamped baptism necklace

Description:  "I BELONG 2010 stamped on one inch nickle silver disc. Attached to 24 inch silver plated ball chain. Chain may be cut down to shorter size. This item is designed with creativity and is custom hand stamped especially for you! That is what makes each piece unique." by Just Be Jewelry

WINNER:

Sue of Sue's News, Views 'n Muse

Birthday Countdown Blocks

This item helps you countdown 31 days until a birthday.  Lettering is customizable.

by Lollipops and Bows

WINNER:

Samurai Mom

Expandable Temple Tote Pattern in PDF 

(There will be 2 Winners of this pattern!!)

by Terry Ann Heart

WINNER:

Kendra of The Things I Love Most

AND

The Luscher Family of Prince Rupert Relief Society

Congratulations to the winners...and thank you to the Etsy shop owners!!

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