Ready or Not, General Conference!

It's been a wild ride of a year for me.  How about you? With my kids and my husband home with me most of the time, and now homeschooling Honor, with the kids mostly home, there's been little time for myself or to get my regular stuff done.  I'm sure you know what I mean!

And today, I'm up at the crack of dawn getting ready for General Conference weekend.  Today will be filled with cooking and cleaning, but I believe that I have everything else all ready.

I was feeling cranky yesterday, which happens when I'm sleep deprived, have a lot of work to do, and when I feel like the burden falls all to me. 

So, today I'll be working on calming down, taking rests, slowing myself, fasting, praying, considering what it is that I want to learn and how I can tune myself back in to that still small voice that has the answers I am seeking.

I thought I'd share one happy upcoming event.  Recently, my daughter Scarlett decided to seek a Patriarchal Blessing.  She was very mature about it for one so young and received her own answer about whether or not she was ready.  I'm looking forward to accompanying her next Sunday for her blessing.  It will be special, I am sure, as she is such a special daughter of our Heavenly Father ( and a strength and good example to me. )  Thank goodness for good daughters!!

All right, I hope you all enjoy Conference weekend and find inspiration to continue on in whatever challenges you face!  The Gospel is true!

PS:  If you're looking to freshen up your GenConf routine, have a look here at my General Conference Ideas Page

Have fun!

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Eye of Faith by Elder Andersen

So, life has been rough for me the last two years with my oldest son being diagnosed with oppositional defiance disorder.  We're trying to work with him and love him, and keep him safe while simultaneously still creating a loving home for all of our other children to enjoy.

It's been rough.  I'm not going to sugar-coat it.  And I'm only sharing, because I think maybe it would help other people to know even in seemingly "perfect homes" there are trials, very difficult, depressing, overwhelming trials that we just don't see coming and can't always prepare for.

But I have faith, and I have realized more and more recently that the Lord is giving me a gift through my son, allowing him his agency and ME my agency to choose to grow through the process and to develop spiritual gifts that I have not previously focused on.

We pray for Guy every day.  It is a roller coaster ride, every day.

But just know that I continue to do my best over here in my personal life, and if you don't hear lots of joyous updates from me, that's because, I'm just in the thick of it.  Just doing my best, just like all of you!

One thing that sometimes happens when your world is rocked is you start to fall out of routines.  The changes that Come Follow Me brought were good HOWEVER, for me, they knocked me out of other good routines that I have previously loved and relied up0n.  So I'm working on bringing those routines back....such as actively studying General Conference with my children.

Studying General Conference has always brought me such strength, and I feel we're in a good place whenever the words of the prophet are taught in my home.

So this morning, we started by discussing Elder Neil L. Andersen's talk "The Eye of Faith".

I had studied it the night before and knew my children would enjoy the imagery of eyes & seeing with spiritual eyes to understand the words of the prophets.

They also love any reason to wear glasses, so I printed off these free glasses coloring pages and we colored and assembled them together this morning while we discussed how spiritual things are understood...with an eye of faith.

I used a slightly scary example that if I asked my older daughter to run out and get my youngest son Coy out of the road...if she delayed action and instead demanded to know why instead of just trusting me that I needed her to act immediately, there could be dire consequences for our family.  

However, if we act with an eye of faith, we obey quickly, and trust that even if we don't understand right now, answers and understanding will come in due time, we will enjoy a much happier outcome.

The same is true for us as we follow the prophet (or as Elder Andersen uses as an example in his talk...as we uphold and live the truths of the Family Proclamation), we can really only do so successfully through an eye of faith.

I loved this quote/promise from his talk:

"Prior to being the President of the Church, President Russell M. Nelson said: "Prophets see ahead.  They see the harrowing dangers the adversary has placed or will yet place in our path. Prophets also foresee the grand possibilities and privileges awaiting those who listen with the intent to obey." (I love that!)  Let's teach our children to listen to General Conference "with the intent to obey"!  Happiness will follow!

I also like this one:

"Should we really be surprised when the Lord's prophets declare His will and, for some, questions remain?  Of course, some reject the voice of the prophets immediately, but others prayerfully ponder their honest questions--questions that will be settled with patience and an eye of faith...One purpose of prophets is to help us in resolving sincere questions."

Twice in the talk, Elder Andersen gives us five keys to obtaining spiritual/absolute truth:

"The scriptures, our prayers, our own experiences, modern prophets, and the gift of the Holy Ghost bring us the spiritual perspective of truth necessary for our journey here on earth."

I am seeking that spiritual perspective to make it through my current challenges as a mother, and I wish it for all of you as well.

May we all find it as we seek with an eye of faith!

Thank you, Kate at Picklebums!  I've used this printable before and my kids have really enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing your talents.  

And anyone looking to start General Conference prep, check out my General Conference Ideas Page for some inspiration.

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The Path Foward: Repent Every Day

After that wonderful General Conference, in which we've been asked to "Do Better & Be Better," to "Repent every day," and to do the spiritual work necessary to know God lives and that this is His church, it's the perfect time to turn our minds to the Savior and really reflect on what He has done for us and on what role we want His sacrifice to play in our lives.

Will the Atonement of Jesus Christ be an afterthought?  Something that we think of once a week as we take the Sacrament?  Or will we start today to make a goal to repent of something EVERY DAY?

I realized as I was talking about President Nelson's admonishment to repent every day, that if we aren't doing this (which up until now, I really have not) then perhaps this is one major way that we are taking the Sacrament in vain...taking His name in vain.  It will take great humility and personal committment, but I'm willing to try.  And I believe that doing this one thing, at least in my life, will make a big difference.

It's interesting how at peace I feel after this General Conference.  It all seems doable.  I mean, I understand I have my own personal work to do and that it will be work, however, the gentleness and charity that I believe our leaders displayed in their tone and delivery of their talks, just distills so peacefully on my soul.  I think in many ways we were rebuked, but it was done with such love, that I definitely see a clear path forward...and it's now up to me to take it, and to try my best every day...and repent and use the Atonement to help myself improve when I do mess up.

It seems so simple.  It seems so right.

+++

Ok, as you know, we've done a lot of fun Easter Activies in our family over the years...(most of them linked here.)

This year, we're trying out a simple, new one, thanks to long-time blog friend Dana Cockrum, who is the creative mind behind an online shop called Home Centered.

Now, as you know, I very rarely promote anything that's a business, like almost never, however Dana has been around a long time supporting my blog, and I really do love the sign (pictured above) which will lead our family through the events of Christ's life during the week leading up to the Atonement and serve as a constant reminder of WHY we are doing what we do each day!

Here are a few things to know:

1. The Easter Countdown sign comes in black or white background.  As you can see it's a really nice size and very well-made.  Like, I was surprised at how pleased I was with the size, and my husband, who usually doesn't love me getting "decor" really loves the simple design and the icons.  And he actually thanked me for getting this for our family. Ha!

2. It comes with a few scripture readings to do as a family each day which will help you focus on Christ during this special week (and the scriptures are on the back of the sign so you won't lose them!)  In addition to the readings, I anticipate that my children will enjoy moving the small wreath each day.

I'm so excited to use this because a) it's beautiful and b) it's just SO simple, and simple is what I need in my life right now.  

3. So, if you're interested, order yours today, and use the online code "HEISRISEN" when you order to receive 20% off.  

4.  Please, order by Tuesday, April 9 to receive it in time for Easter week!  

You can view all of her stuff at Home Centered and follow her on Facebook by clicking here.

Thanks for reading, and have a great week!  I'm going to be taking a look at my General Conference questions and sharing what I learned in an upcoming post...

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She's Growing Up Unto the Lord

With the recent policy changes, my oldest daughter was able to enter the Young Women's program about five months early.  She was also able to enter the temple.

I was so excited for her when I heard the news, and I was also excited to share the news with her.  Since she was home sick from school that day, it was fun to bring home lunch and talk about it.

She is so ready.

She has been growing her testimony and been growing in all the different ways. And it has been a beautiful time for us together as mother and daughter to share the exciting and wonderful experiences of growing together.

The picture at the top of this post was taken on the Wednesday night when she came home with her new temple recommend.  She was so pleased and wanted to talk all about it.

Scarlett is a girl who by and large makes good choices...and because she makes good choices, she feels good about herself, and this is a cycle that has really been quite an advantage for her.  She is confident in the Lord, He blesses her, she acts in faith, and she just grows and GLOWS!

It was really a special and happy day in the temple last Saturday when I took her for the first time to do baptisms.  Guy was there too and so were my parents. 

Scarlett was asked to be baptized for one of my friend's close relatives, so that was neat to see the connection that we all had in the temple.

But the thing I will remember most is the feeling of total JOY I felt as soon as Scarlett entered the font.

And it actually taught me something I had not previously considered.

Scarlett is joy personified.  Before she was even born, I got a glimpse into her personality and she is just a spritely, happy, playful, energetic spirit.  And those were the feelings I felt from the Holy Ghost while I watched her do baptisms in the temple.  It was a different type of spiritual joy than I felt when I watched Guy do baptisms in the temple for the first time exactly a year ago.  This spirit really matched Scarlett's spirit.  And I thought that was so very interesting!  I will definitely be thinking more about that.

Anyway, I am happy about and excited for all of these changes that the Lord through President Nelson is instituting...and I'm grateful for the many ways that they will surely bless our children!

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A Transition Time

Families are so important.  And I'm so grateful for the one that I came from. 

I love that I can pick up the phone, or more accurately, my sisters always call me, to see how I am doing and to give me good, clear, consistent advice.

Yesterday, one of my sisters was talking me through a particularly difficult Monday morning, and she asked me, "What are your 'high priorities?' You know you can only really have 1-2 High Priorities to accomplish at one time."

I started to answer her when another call came in.  It was my daughter's school.   Because of my hectic morning with unforeseen events, I was thinking the time was an hour earlier than it actually was and I was now 20 minutes late for Kindergarten half-day pick-up!  Oh, joy!

I've been crying my eyeballs out to my sister the last two days as I've struggled with how to piece together our home so that peace can dwell here, truth can be taught here, and all can thrive here.

I've written and rewritten our daily schedule, and things have gotten more and more stressful for me as I have done so.

I like things to be calm and orderly, which is a must, I feel, for opening up time for Gospel Learning.  It's also a tall, tall order in a family of eight!

I've been poring over Conference talks, reading my scriptures, and trying to think the right thoughts to find the answers I need to feel peace again moving forward.  So if underlining counsel in talks were the magic bullet, I'd have found my answers by now.

I have found that talking with friends and especially with my sister, I've found some good advice.

She reassured me, "When things get confusing, that is Satan.  Do not let him confuse you or trick you into making things harder than they should be.  You have already received revelation, You will continue to receive revelation.  As you act on those things, the path will become clearer.  This is just a transition time...a time of a little bit of tweaking.  We have to be gentle with ourselves as we make these changes."  

After talking to her, I felt calmer about everything.

I know that our family has been putting these principles into action in our home for a long time now.  So, the transition into a slightly newer way of doing things will actually be easier for us than I am making it on myself.  It is the adversary who wishes to make me feel like this is hard or like I can't find my way.

I know my way.  Our home and family IS already gospel-centered.  We have arranged our lives in such a way that learning of the Savior in our home happens often and is exciting to our children and to us.  We have already reaped the blessings that Elder Nelson promised in his final words of General Conference, that over time your Sabbath Days will become a delight, that "your children will be excited to learn and to live the Savior's teaching" and that "the influence of the adversary in your life and in your home will decrease. And that "Changes in your life will be dramatice and sustaining." (See his talk "Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints.)

I copied this whole quote onto a big piece of paper and have it hanging in our eating area where we can look at it often and go after those blessings with even more resolve and joy.  I hope that you will too and I wish us all luck as we do so!

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I Still Want My Monday Nights!

Hi there.  I'm excited for the church changes.  Everyone, please don't get me wrong, but every time I pour over what needs to be done/changed, I feel like I now have to take apart a puzzle that has fit together nicely for so long and there's now a new right answer.  And that's confusing for me.

For instance, I'm still unclear about how the curriculum changes will reshape our family's traditions.  We have for a long, long time always reserved Monday nights for Family Home Evening.  We have safe-guarded this night, always wondering when the year will come when our little ones will start to have things that will take them away from this sacred time that we have together. 

So far, it hasn't happened, because we've chosen over and over again not to let it happen...so far.  At least from what I've been able to understand, Monday Night for FHE activities are  still fair game...or whenever you want to have it for that matter.  I think for now, in our family, we'll keep enjoying our Monday nights together.  Sunday will continue to be our big Family Council day, personal interviews will be instituted, and we will explore the new curriculum too, of course.

For now, just know that I am really pondering this and praying for answers to my questions.  I really want to get to that sweet spot where I feel the Spirit's comfort again telling me that I'm going in the right direction with what we do as a family.  I really truly want that.  And I give so much of my time to those thoughts these days.

I do completely trust that these changes are preparing us for major changes that will happen soon in our world.  Changes that I certainly can't foresee.

As I wrestle with these questions, there is also something I am enjoying in particular during this phase of Mothering.  I am loving watching my children's testimony's blossom...beyond memorizing and first discovery of God in their life, and now to actually fearlessly proclaiming their beliefs to friends.

I was pretty happy for Scarlett (my 11.5 year old) who recently fielded a lot of questions from friends about why she won't wear ripped jeans or "crop tops".  Her friend said, "But you'd look amazing in a crop top!" To which Scarlett responded, "I already look amazing!!"  Haha!  As her group of friends continued to discuss clothing, they said, "those clothes are actually against school dress code, but  no one actually follows the dress code...no one, that is, but you, Scarlett."

Another time they wanted to make plans to attend a haunted attraction which Scarlett wasn't comfortable attending.  Her friends were pressuring her.  They said, "Scarlett, don't be such a Scaredy-Cat".  Scarlett said, "You're just going to have to accept that I don't like that stuff."

Soon after that, Scarlett asked me for a copy of For the Strength of Youth, which she shared with her friend.  Boy, those girls are so lucky to have such a fearless Daughter of God in their lives, and so am I.

Scarlett (and my other girls) did a wonderful job during the Primary Program this Sunday.  They bore such sincere and powerful testimonies...all of the children did.  I was blown away by more than a few of them, including Scarlett.  Her smile and confidence as she bore testimony of Joseph Smith and his experience with the restoration of the priesthood and her personal testimony of receiving priesthood blessings was priceless.

She is ready to move up to the youth program, whatever shape that will take.  I guess we'll keep figuring it all out together.

Whatever new programs await and whatever changes are still to be announced, I do know one thing:  the Lord knows His children, and he knows what they need way better than I do.  Jesus Christ and His teachings as expressed through His prophets have not failed us yet (in fact they have completely enriched and brought joy to our lives on a daily basis), and I know they will lead us toward higher, safer, holier ground in the years to come.  

For now, though, I'm still holding on tight to my Monday (and my Sunday) nights with this crazy, wonderful crew!

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Freedom

This is the face of someone who just took a two-week fast from social media and other media that brings negative and impure thoughts, as directed by a prophet of God in the most recent General Conference (Read Pres. Nelson's talk here).

Not sure what to say about that, except that I. feel. amazing.

I feel:

Confident.

Calm.

Happy.

Content.

Relaxed.

Whole.

Focused.

More loving.

More curious.

More open-minded.

More capable of learning of and from Him.

I have been using social media to try to share the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ for a long time now, ten years actually.

Doing so has blessed my life and the life of my family.

So it's a little strange to realize that maybe Heavenly Father has new directions for us and new ways for us to grow and serve him that might take us away from these platforms. Or to at least for a time, cut way back on our usage.

I'm still fasting actually.

I have not put my social media apps back on my phone.

I have not even checked Facebook to see my birthday messages!  And yet I still managed to joyfully turn 41 during my fast! :)

I will say that at first I really missed talking with my friends, but truthfully, I don't feel ready to go back yet.  

During the time I was away, my eyes were opened to just how many things I want to know and explore, to how many things I want to improve about myself as a Mother and in my relationships with my children, and many questions have come to my mind that I want to find answers to (especially about implementing the new Home-centered New Testament curriculum).  

Now that my head it so clear and my time is my own, I want to find the answers that I seek. I am determined to do this.

President Nelson said, "The effect of your 10-day fast may surprise you." (Check!) 

He asked, "What do you notice after taking a break from perspectives of the world that have been wounding your spirit?" (Ouch!)

"Is there a change in where you now want to spend your time and energy?  Have any of your priorities shifted--even just a little?  I urge you to record and follow through with each impression."

This post will be an incomplete assessment on my social media fast, because like I said, I feel I am still in the middle of it.  There is just so much more I need to understand about the changes and what they mean for my family and other questions that I personally have for my life.

But this post is over because my kids need me: My baby just busted open a ripe avocado and spread crayons across my floor and needs a diaper change while my two year old is asking me to light a birthday candle so he can blow it out.  So I've gotta go.

I hope the social media fast is having all of the intended effects in your life as well...And I look forward to hearing your observations...

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A Happier, Less Complicated Life

We made signs to post along our General Conference 5k for FHE last night.  I was in a hurry to find quotes from last Conference so I took them from a site that had compiled a quick list of them.  However, as I was looking more closely at the talks today, I realized the quotes posted weren't exact quotes, so I decided to go back and look at the talks again.  And I was reminded of this one:

"Brothers and sisters, from the bottom of my heart, I testify that the prophets speak by the power of the Holy Spirit. They testify of Christ and His divine mission on earth. They represent the mind and heart of the Lord and are called to represent Him and teach us what we must do to return to live in the presence of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. We are blessed as we exercise our faith and follow their teachings. By following them, our lives are happier and less complicated, our difficulties and problems are easier to bear, and we create a spiritual armor around us that will protect us from the attacks of the enemy in our day." - Ulisses Soares

I just love that holy promise, made to us by an Apostle of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Do I want a happier, less complicated life?  Do I want to become better able to bear my problems?  Do I want spiritual armor around myself and especially protecting my children?  You bet I do!

And this is exactly what I have experienced over the last 12 going on 13 years of watching and learning from General Conference with my children.

My life is better.

My family is happier.

We're stronger, more resilient.

We are better able to pass up on opportunities that might not be right for our family.

We're wiser.

We've grown in our faith and our understanding of who we are who God is.

As Elder Hales once proclaimed, "Oh, how we need General Conference!!"

Now, it's Tuesday of General Conference week. I have a list a mile long of things to accomplish, regular housework-type of things, in addition to General Conference Weekend things.  And my challenge right now is to slow down, focus on what is most important, and find time to think about what I need most going in to Conference.  

During our family council on Sunday, we took five minutes and each wrote down questions that we would like to find answers to during General Conference.  We will also look for our own answers this week in preparation.  Some of our questions are:

Mine:
1. What do I need to be teaching my children now in order to prepare them for life ahead?
2. How can I make more time for personal scripture study?
3. How can I better manage my time and household?
4. How can we improve the way we talk to one another at home?
5. How would the Lord like me to address a certain situation that is troubling me?

My children asked:
1. How can I learn to love fasting?
2. How can I do a better job of sharing the gospel?
3. How can we repent of things that we don't even know we need to repent of?

4. How can I calm myself when I am feeling afraid?
5. How do I make my enemy my friend?
6. How do I share the gospel?
7. How do I help someone that needs a lot of help?
8. Will I go on a mission?
9. How will I make other happy?
10. Will I go to heaven?

11. Why can't I play with friends on Sunday? Why is that part of the Sabbath Day rules in our house?
12. If a bad person dies, will they still be "bad" when they are resurrected?
13. Will Heavenly Father forgive anything we repent of?

With that I have to resume my regular duties!

Good luck, everyone, with your General Conference prep!

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General Conference 5k

Our family loves General Conference, and rightly so.  Over the last 13 years, we've always set aside Conference weekend, protected it from distractions, celebrated it with food, games and fun.  And after Conference is over, we've spent a lot of time studying the talks together in creative ways as a family (You can see some of our adventures in GC Lessons here.)

A few years ago, I started to imagine that it would be cool to take my older three children to the Conference Center for General Conference just as soon as the youngest of them turned 8 years old.  Then we moved and things got too busy, but this year I remembered that goal.  That child is turning 10 this month, so I entertained the idea that I might take the three oldest and do General Conference in Salt Lake for once...make the "pilgrimage" so to speak.

However, upon the mere mention that we might break with tradition and go on a little/big adventure to the conference center, this same 10 year old child started to cry.  What was she so upset about?  She didn't want to miss watching General Conference at home!

You see, all of the work we've put into making Conference-watching a fun, special, memorable, and meaningful experience has also made it a sacred experience.  And my kid didn't want to miss out on that!

I realized as I was bearing my testimony about this in church today, that she was on to something.  When we watch General Conference all together as a family, when we block out the world for a whole weekend, it's holy time spent together.  Knowing that the home is the most sacred place on earth, second only to the temple, and knowing that most of my children are too young to enter the temple...General Conference is a unique and sacred opportunity for our family to feel the spirit so strongly together in our most sacred place, our home.  So, why would we give that up?

I'm not saying we'll never go to view GC in the Conference Center, we just don't feel the need right now.  As Elder Andersen mentioned last Conference immediately following the Solemn Assembly for President Nelson, the spirit is just as strong in the Conference Center as it can be felt in homes and even huts wherever people are listening around the world.  I knew he was correct before the words even left his mouth.  We felt it too.

And we're looking forward to feeling it again, together, in our home, this weekend.

I am so grateful to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the only true and restored Church of Jesus Christ, the same church that Christ instituted when He was on the earth, and to be lead by a true Prophet of God.

Every good gift, every happy moment we've shared as a family has come to the extent that we have tried to live the teachings we've heard in General Conference, and we will continue to do so.

If you're looking for some good General Conference-viewing ideas, I've kept a list of things we do/have done on this page of my blog: https://www.wetalkofchrist.com/p/general-conference.html

And just a PS - We added a new GC tradition last Spring - a General Conference 5k.  We met friends at a park a few hours before the Saturday AM session, anyone who wanted to come, and did a fun run/walk....a GC5k.  This year we're hoping to make some signs to put along the path for runners to read, quotes from Conference and such.

What special General Conference preparations are you making this week?  I'd love to hear!

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Why Did Christ Tell Joseph Smith to Join No Church?

Just quick thoughts this week, but I wanted to remember something that struck me as I was reading "Saints" this last week after our trip to Palmyra.  ("Saints" is the new history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that you can read right here.)

While we were in Palmyra last weekend, the sister missionaries were telling us stories that I didn't remember or don't often hear.  I thought, 'where are they getting this?'  My answer came upon starting to read Saints.  There are lots of stories in there that aren't the same ones we've heard over and over.  Very enlightening.

Speaking of enlightening, one thing struck me this time around, when we were hearing the story of Joseph Smith's 1st Vision, and also when I read the account in Saints.

It reads:

“Joseph,” the Savior said, “thy sins are forgiven.”

His burden lifted, Joseph repeated his question: “What church shall I join?”

“Join none of them,” the Savior told him. “They teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.”

Of course, I've heard that account many times before, but this time the question entered my mind, "Why did Christ tell Joseph Smith not to join any church?"  And then the answer suddenly  made sense to me.  Not only were the other churches teaching false doctrine, and God wanted Joseph to establish His true church again on the earth, but history would reflect differently on God's true church if Joseph Smith had joined a different church and THEN started a new church.  History would then say that Joseph Smith's church was an off-shoot of some other religion.  By not joining himself officially to a certain religious sect, he was free to establish The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ in the latter days under the direction of the Savior, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, without any ties to other organizations.  

I just thought that was a neat thing to learn through the spirit.

PS - Here was one more passage from Saints that caught my attention, the use of the word "command":
Joseph and his friends were young and lighthearted. Sometimes they made foolish mistakes, and Joseph found that being forgiven once did not mean he would never need to repent again. Nor did his glorious vision answer every question or forever end his confusion.1 So he tried to stay close to God. He read his Bible, trusted in Jesus Christ’s power to save him, and obeyed the Lord’s command not to join any church.

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