Staying STRONG in the STORMS of Life

Sorry this post is a few days late. I am going to be sharing my thoughts I felt during the First Presidency Christmas Devotional this last Sunday. I needed to take some time to digest all my thoughts and feelings, so I would be able to convey my uplifting and loving message to you all.

I love watching the Christmas Devotional every year. It gets me to really think about the meaning of Christmas and how to incorporate the true meaning in our home. I am going to share my feelings I had during each talk and hopefully they will inspire you to find out for yourself the true meaning of Christmas. I believe once you truly understand the meaning of Christmas, your season will be great and your STORMS will fade away.

President Uchtdorf:

• When I learn to open my hear and mind to the meaning of Christmas, I will witness a sincere expression of love for others.
• Don't expect a perfect Christmas!
• Christmas is a time to focus on Jesus Christ and my family.
• The best gift I can give my Savior is a contrite spirit and a broken heart, going out doing good, loving Him, and following Him.
• The Savior's gifts to me: immortality, forgiveness, and eternal life (and so much more).
• He gives me and extends His mercies and gifts to me in my life every single day, but am I ready to see them and allowing Him to show/give them to me?
• Christmas is a time to recommit to remembering and following the Savior in my life daily.

Presiden Eyring:

• Read and ponder what John 3:16 really means.
• Having true faith means keeping the commandments. Keeping the commandments means having eternal life.
• I must learn to choose the right and walk in the light.
• Light is an important gift the Savior has and has given me. It is through this light of Christ that I can conqueor my STORMS and overcome Satan's temptations.
• There is no end in God's kingdom. He will continue on forever and so we will I, if I choose to follow in His steps and keep ALL my covenants and promises I made to Him at baptism, and in the temple.
• When I recognize and remember the gifts that God has given me in life and I hsare those gifts with others, I am understand and applying the true spirit of Christmas.

President Monson:

• He thanked me (and you) for watching this devotional and doing the right thing.
• Learn why Christ is the center of this Christmas Holiday season.
• I need to establish a tradition this Christmas Season that invites the spirit of Christ into my home and life.
• I need to learn to recognize my errors.
• Don't spend Christmas, keep it in my heart always. Keeping Christmas in my heart means keeping Christ in my life.
• I shouldn't keep the spirit of Christmas in my life just at Christmas time, I should continue to keep the spirit of Christmas in my life throughout the entire year and in return I will feel and find more peace in my life. I will be able to stand STRONG in my STORMS of life.

Those are some of my thoughts I felt during the Devotional. Now you may not have heard or felt any of things, which is perfectly fine. The spirit speaks to you in a way you can understand and tells you what you need to hear.

 One other thingI felt and really don't know how to express to you perfectly, is how amazing the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ really is. When I came to deeply understand and learn of the Savior's birth I came to better understand the importance of life and why I am here, living in this dispensation. A few thoughts I ponder about, that I strongly encourage you to do the same. First, baby Jesus was born in a manager, not in a hospital or place that was fancied up. Second, baby Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes, not the most expensive, cutest outfit you can find. Third, I learned so much about parenting from Mary and Jospeh. Being a mom, I have so much respect for Mary, and she has given me so much courage and adivce. Fourth, baby Jesus was so pure and innocent just like all babies born today.

I know Jesus Christ is the Christ and it is because of Him I am here today. It is because of Him, I found an amazing husband, who supports and loves me. It is because of Him, I have a beautiful daughter and love dearly. It is because of Him I know how to love. It is because of Him, I want to share my love for His gospel with all. Enjoy this Christmas Season and remember to feel of His love and invite His into your home and all those you meet. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Believe in Yourself

I know some of you may have finals coming up or big events that need to have all these things done before you start the next phase of life. I have this story that I would like to share and hopefully as you apply it into your life,  you will be happier and feel very accomplished.

Believe in Yourself

"Harvey MacKay tells the story of a professor who stood before his class of 30 senior molecular biology students.

Before passing out the final exam he siad, 'I have been privileged to be your instructor this semester, and I know how hard you have worked to prepare for this test. I also know most of you are off to medical school or graduate school next Fall. I am well aware of how much pressure you are under to keep your grade point averages up. Because I am confident that you know this material, I am prepared to offer an automatic B to anyone who opts to skip taking the final exam.'

The relief was audible. A number of students jumped up from their desks, thanking the professor for the lifeline he had thrown them. 'Any other takers?' he asked. 'This is your last opportunity.' One more student decided to go.

The instructor then handed out the final exam, which consisted of two sentences. It read: 'Congratulations you have just received an A in this class. Keep believing in yourself.'"

It was a just reward for the students who had worked hard and believed in themselves. The Apostle Paul experienced more headaches and heartaches in a month than most of us will see in a lifetime. Yet he wrote, 'I cand do everything through Him who gives me strength.'
Come on; start believing in yourself, in the Christ who lives within you, in the gifts He's placed at your disposal, and the destiny to which He's called you.
Refuse to settle for a B when God has promised and called you to an A.

Staying STRONG in the STORMS of Life

There are a few days a week in my life where I need some encouragement. Something or someone to say things will be okay and don't worry so much. When I do hear these things or see these things, it is hard for me to accept and really be at peace with the situation sometimes. Have you ever felt that way before?
President Henry B. Erying stated that his general conference talk given this past October was a message of encouragement. His talked was titled "A Witness." Now how can this talk be a message of encouragement for all difficult STORMS we face in our life? Well, I am here to tell you it has everything to do with our STORMS in life. In my own words, being a witness means to bear one's own testimony in word, and/or action of what one believes to have felt or seen to be true.  We can be a witness by the way we act towards others and sometimes those actions can help us forget about our STORMS or figure a way to get through them.

Every situation we face in our life, we can be a witness of Christ, not only that but, we can be a witness of who we are and what we really represent. Let people see you for who you are. Don't try to change, or become something you're not. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you the way you are and only want you to change for the better. Read of Their words, read of the Prophets and General Authorities words and come to find who you truly are and then proudly take a stand and represent the true you. One of the main things this gospel helps us come to understand and know is "WHO WE ARE." Take that challenge and discover who you are.

If you take the time to read President Erying's talk and feel of the spirit and allow the spirit to expand your knowledge of the Lord's gospel in your life, you will have the encouragement and strength to conquer anything that crosses your path.

Here are my impressions I had while reading his talk:

• President Erying is encouraging me to get through my challenging times and the only way to do so is by reading the Book of Mormon.
• Promises I made at Baptism: (that bring constant encouragement into my life)
• to become charitable
• to become a witness of God
• to endure to the end
• The Book of Mormon is a guide to let me know and learn how well I am doing and how to do better in this life.
• Serving others is the best way to become charitable, and eventually if I continue to serve others then the feelings of charity become part of my nature.
• It's hard to be a witness of Christ, but reading the Book of Mormon, I learn how to be a wintess in all different types of situations.
• Enduring to the end means to follow the Savior's command with love and service to the end.
• Steps that lead to a full conversion:
• faith
• prayerful study of the Book of Mormon
• The Book of Mormon is the only way home to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. So I must immerse myself in Their words daily and drink of the living waters so I may know how I can return home and live with my family forever.

The Beginning and the End

Last week I thoguht I would make some alphabet magnets for Zoie out of some magnets we already had. So I mod podge the colors of the rainbow onto all 26 magnets. I let the dry over night on the fridge and then I was going to make diy cuts of all the letters of the alphabet and mod podge them onto the magnets. Well... Zoie loved playing with them so much that I never was able to put the letters on, because she had taken the paper apart from the magnet by accident. So I need to figure out a new way to make them. This is how much fun Zoie has had with the colorful magnets.

"How did I get all this goodness in me"

Ryan tells me that he has always had an angel food cake with chocolate frosting for his birthdays. So we got one and I frosted it. Zoie kept hovering around me, grabbing my pants, and looking at me with the look, that I want some chocolate frosting. So when I was done frosting the cake, gave teh spatula to Ryan who in turned gave it to Zoie. Oh my goodness, Zoie went to town and absolutely loved every minute of it. She had a smile on as she was moving from room to room. It was very cute, take a look.

Happy 25th Birthday!!

Sunday, November 20th, was Ryan's 25th Birthday. Sunday was a busy day for him and we knew it was going to be so we opened his presents Saturday night when he got home from work. He got a lot of presents and was super excited!! Zoie couldn't just sit and watch dad open all his presents, so she joined him and helped him out. He got a the new Eragon book called Inheritance, a nice button up shirt, a sweater, and whole new church outfit -- white shirt, khaki pants, socks, and a belt. He loved all his and can't wait til his birthday next year. He is such a kid. Zoie helped him open his presents, enjoy these pictures.

Staying STRONG in the STORMS of Life

Getting through this life is a hard challenge, but it can be an easy challenge, if you allow yourself to let it be easy. We don't ever have to get through our STORMS alone! Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are always there to helps us, if we are ready and worthy of their help. We know we are going to make mistakes. It is through those mistakes we make that we can learn from them and grow. It will be difficult at times to keep all the commandments. I am one who knows how difficult it is, but thankfully, Heavenly Father knew that would be hard for me, and for us, and so he provided a way for us to be forgiven, through the Saviors atoning sacrifice. The big key to being forgiven and not getting through our STORMS alone, is to ask forgiveness from our Heavenly Father through prayer. President Thomas S. Monson, our beloved Prophet, has shared his thoughts and feelings on this subject, in his talk Stand in Holy Places, in this past October General Conference. He helps understand that communicating with our Father in Heaven through prayer can help us "Stand in Holy Places," be worthy of divine inspiration, be forgiven, and that we can get through the challenging obstacles of life.

Once again, I will share my thoughts that I felt while watching his talk. I challenge you to read his talk and develop a meaningful realtaionship with your Father in Heaven, so you will be able to Stay STRONG in your STORMS of Life and then help others to do the same.

• The Lord's commandments and laws will always remain constant.
• Heavenly Father is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
• Heavenly Father's consistancy is something I can depend on, and it is an anchor for my strength, faith, and testimony of Him and His gospel.
• Being worthy of the spirit will bring more joy and happiness into my life, especially as I draw close to the Savior and follow Him.
• I must be diligent in my spiritual matters, i.e. prayer, scripture study, family home evening, etc. so as to escape the world and Satan's temptations.
• I am a being of the world, not in the world, thus it is necessary for me to communicate with Heavenly Father through prayer.
• I must not EVER let a day go by without praying to Heavenly Father. He is my strength in this life and helps me keep on, keepin' on.
• I must have goal to strive for daily prayer and then I will see the blessings of being entitled to divine inspiration from Heavenly Father.
• It is important to be worthy to receive inspiration, to feel it, to recognize it, and to follow it.
• Applying all these things to my life, I will be standing in Holy Places and no one will be able to move me. I will be able to resist all the temptations of Satan, because I will have the strength of the Lord behind me, helping me to Stay STRONG in my STORMS of Life.

I know that communication is the key to get through this life. It is through my prayers, questions, and answers, that I know I am not going through this life alone. I know I don't have to figure everything out on my own. I have the Lord, my husband, my children, my family, and my friends to lift me up so I can endure to the end and live with my family FOREVER and live in the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

 I would like to echo President Monson's statement, "Communicating with our Father in Heaven-- including our prayers to Him and His inspiration to us-- is necessary in order for us to weather the storms and trials of life." You don't have to get through this life alone and you can be forgiven for all your sins, if you would only turn to your Father in Heaven in prayer. He loves you and wants to help you. Open your hearts and let him in and you will never stop communicating once  you come to feel of his love and constantly see His hand in your life. I know this to be true, I have seen it in my life, my husbands life, and in the lives of my friends. This principle is real and do whatever you can to apply it into your lives. I know the Savior and Heavenly Father are on my side and are helping me in this life. This gospel is true and is a forever blessing in my life. I leave these things with you in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

The Most Wonderful Thing about Tigger!

Zoie has a best friend. It's weird to think that she can have one, cause she loves kids in general and will play anyone. Altough when it comes to Ivy, she gets super excited to play with her. I will mention "Do you want to play with Ivy" and she gets a smile on her face and starts stomping her feet up and down with excitement. Its so cute.  A couple weeks ago we were over at Ivy's playing. She has this tigger toy that bounces up and down and Zoie loves it and wants to bounce with tigger all the time. So the most wonderful thing about tigger is he keeps Zoie happy and in a good mood! Here is a video I took of her "bouncing." Enjoy.

Awww... Moment for Ryan

A few weeks ago, Zoie was sick with a stuffy nose and so she couldn't breath well when she went to bed. She has been sleeping through the night for some time now, but not since she got sick (she does now again, thank goodness!). But when she wasn't I would go get her and cuddle with her in her room in the rocking chair until she fell asleep again. Once she was asleep I would put her down in her bed and she would wake up crying, so I decided that the only way for me to get to sleep was to bring her into bed with us (I usually don't do this, but under the circumstance, I did).When I did that she was out and I was able to get some sleep. Ryan got up early the next morning to get ready for work and while he was getting ready he saw us and thought that it was sweet how we were asleep together in bed. So, he took a picture with his phone, not the best quality picture but you can see us and get the idea. It was one of the many "Awww... moments for Ryan!"

Staying STRONG in the STORMS of Life

We live in a world and time that makes us question whether we matter or not and whether we belong or not. This feeling makes living life difficult. This feeling also makes the challenges and hardships we face unbearable. Then we come to wonder and question if the Lord knows us, loves us, and wants us to be happy. Having thought, pondered, and questioned all of these things at some point in my life, I am here to tell you, "YOU MATTER TO HIM!" I have developed a stronger testimony and belief of that saying, thanks to President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. President Uchtdorf is a member of the First Presdiency and spoke on this topic this past October General Conference. I am going to share my thoughts and feelings that I had while listening to his talk. I challenge you to read, listen, or watch  his talk and write the impressions you feel and come to know and understand that the Lord loves you and that YOU MATTER TO HIM!!!

• The more I learn about the universe the more I learn about God.
• King Benjamin tells me to, “always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and [my] own nothingness.” (Mosiah 4:11, with emphasis added)
• I am the reason God created the universe. He created the universe so there was a way I could be saved and exalted.
• Everything created in the world is for my benefit and to help me reach my full potential.
• I am EVERYTHING to God.
• God's greatest desire is to help me reach my full potential. I must allow Him to help me when I need it.
• My true value and purpose has little to do with the what the world is thinking of me. I matter to God.
• I need to learn to become as a child and in-turn will feel the Lords love for me, personally.
• When I serve others, I am serving God and showing my love for Him.
• What matters to God is when I do the best I can, my heart is towards Him, and I am willing to serve Him.
• My actions are a living witness of my strong faith in God.
• I must ALWAYS remember I matter to Him.
• If I ever doubt that I matter, I need to consider these 4 divine principles:
• God loves the humble and meek.
• The Lord entrusts the fullness of his gospel to be proclaimed by the weak and simple to the ends of the earth.
• No matter the situation or circumstance, I am not invisible to Heavenly Father. He loves and knows me.
• What I see and experience now is not what forever will be.
• I must have hope and faith in Him.
• I need to learn to LOVE.
• I need to come to understand my true eternal worth and potential.

Those are all my thoughts I felt throughout President Uchtdorf's talk. I know that when I am struggling with so many difficult STORMS in my life, and that if I stay STRONG the Lord will help me get through them. When I let Him help me out, I come to know, feel, and understand that I really do MATTER TO HIM and He loves me. I know if you will come to do the same you will know you matter to Him. I know that God is real and is always ready with a stretched out arm to lift me up when I am down. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Halloween Costume

Zoie was a ladybug for Halloween. She absolutely loved this costume. She would get upset when I would take it off of her. That is how much she loves this costume. We now use it for her pajamas, one because its soft and warm, two because she won't let us take it off. hehehe.... :) Funny girl. Zoie loved trick or treating and being able to have a few pieces of candy. I think mostly loved seeing other kids run around with her.

Carving Pumpkins

Its been a while and I am so sorry. Time to catch you all up on our family life. Sunday, October 30th we carved our pumpkins. It was a lot fun. Zoie enjoyed it a lot. Took a while to stick her hand in the pumpkin, but after she did, she couldn't stop. Here are our pumpkins. Happy Halloween! :)

Sneak Peak

Sunday we had our family pictures taken for the fall. I love to take family pictures and look back and see the changes over the months. Zoie was a grump pretty much the entire time, but inspite all that we had lots of fun and got some good shots. Here is one of our favorites. More to come as soon as we get them.

Dance...Dance...Dance

When Zoie hears music, people singing and such she gets a big smile on her face. Following that smile is a bunch of dancing. She dances so cute and its so much fun. Enjoy this video of Zoie showing off her mad dancing skills! {sorry I don't know how to rotate the video right side up.}

Staying STRONG in the STORMS of Life

It's very difficult to stay positive, STRONG, and hopeful through the STORMS in life. Well... at least for me it's hard. I tend to worry a lot about EVERYTHING, sometimes a little too much. This month, (October), especially, has made me worried -- every single day, all day long. If you don't know me, its important to keep in mind, my all time concern and worry is money. Do we have enough for our family? Do we have enough to make payments on time. Do we have enough for the necessities of life? In the end, we ALWAYS have sufficient for our needs. This month we had more than our normal amount of bills to pay. I was extremely worried. This is one of our big STORMS in our life as a young married couple with a 13 month old daughter. However, I really have no need to worry, because the Lord has promised to take care of me and my family. Only if we are faithful and do what is right, then we will be blessed by the hands of the Lord, or the instruments in the Lord's hands. This is a great blessing to know that we will have what we need to provide for our family and build up the Lord's Kingdom.

3 Nephi:30-34, is one of the many scripture references to the Lord taking care of His faithful and diligent servants.

"Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, even so will he clothe you, if ye are not of little faith.
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? of, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient is the day unto the evil thereof."

When we learn to put Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ first in life, especailly through our STORMY situations, all things in our life will eventually fall into it's place. Learn to TRUST and ACT in faith. Then we will have sufficient for our needs-- all the necessities of life.

I am gratefull for the knowledge I have that my family will never have to go without. That's a great comfort and blessing, especially to a mother and father. It's a great blessing the church , Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ offer to those faithful followers. I know this to be true and testify of the miraculous power Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have in blessing our families. My hope and prayer is that you will stay positive, STRONG, and hopeful in your STORMS of life.  May you learn and feel of this wondeful blessing. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Stillness...Timeless...Priceless...

One Year Ago...

One year ago, Ryan and I were blessed with a beautiful little girl, weighing 6 pounds 6 ounces and measuring 19 1/4 inches long. She was so small, so adorable, and so perfect! Now she weighs 21 pounds and measures 30 3/4 inches long. Our little bug, Zoie, turned a year old on 26 September 2011. We can't believe it's been a year. Man time sure does fly by. Zoie has grown so much, learned many things, and absolutely loves life. Zoie brings so much happiness and joy to our lives. Zoie has such a happy and friendly personality and because of that our family has a great journey ahead.

Zoie went from this . . . .

Then to this . . . .



And then to this . . . .

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY LITTLE GIRL!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!



Advanced Reader

Zoie has been walking around the house with one of Ryan's books. Its the only book she will grab from the shelf and "read". We don't know why its always this one, there are no pictures, just plain simple words on every single page. the book is called " Tangents". She has become quite the advanced reader lately.

Birthday Dinner

We had Zoie's Birthday Party during dinner time, becasue we thought it would be best to give her some good food before she chows down on chocolate cake. So we made some easy and simple, Spaghetti! Zoie and all her friends enjoyed their food.

Here are some photos of Zoie eating spaghetti:

love how she is slurping this one :)

Ladybug Cake

Zoie's birthday party theme was Ladybugs. I enjoyed decorating and making the cake. The cake is nothing fancy but it turned out cute and just right for a one year olds birthday party. Pictures of her eating her cake and dinner to come next post.

I hung red ballons from the ceiling all around house for decorations.

Zoie's ladybug cake!!

Peanut Butter Messiness

I am back!! YAY!!!! I am so glad we finally got internet again and I can update the blog. I have been going crazy. With that said, I am going to start from where I left off and continue on until I am up-to-date. So, please bare with me and have patience. To begin, we are going to share the love that Zoie has for peanut butter. Let me tell you, she LOVES peanut butter and has a peanut butter sandwhich for lunch, just about every single day. Boy, does she know how to make a mess with a peanut butter sandwhich. It's so funny and priceless.

Staying STRONG in the STORMS of Life

Sorry I didn't get this posted yesterday. Sundays have been busy. We start chruch at 1pm and Ryan is in a bishopric and has meetings before and after church, so we don't get home til around five. Then I make dinner and put Zoie to bed. I'll try to do better this week.

Anyway, Saturday, our Stake had a Temple day and Ryan and I were able to go. We left Zoie with a babysitter and took a 3 hour drive up to the Washington D.C. Temple. It was so nice to go and not have to worry about anything. I love going to the temple for that reason. I can go and not have to worry about Zoie, our finances, work, chores, and other things that take up my time. It is there that I know I'm not alone and the Lord loves me.

Washington D.C Temple at Christmas Time

I felt the spirit so stongly and had many of my questions answered. Being in the temple gives me a better desire to follow the Lords commandments and seek after Him. Our life the last few weeks have been crazy busy. Ryan and I haven't seen much of each other. Ryan goes from one job to the next and when he is home, I'm a volleyball practice or away at a game. It's been rough and I miss him, but I know because of our love and our temple sealing we will be just fine.

I'm so grateful for temples and the blessings and covenats we make and receive their. The Temple has strengthened my marriage and has drawn me closer to my Father in Heaven and my Savior. Going to the temple is the only place where I can feel at peace and really not worry about anything. I know when I put the things of the Lord first, all my worries, concerns, and responsiblities will be taken care of. I know the Lord is real and speaks to his sons and daugthers in the temple. I know that going to the temple often really does a make difference in ones life. Not only can it make a difference it can help you stay STRONG in the STORMS of life. I challenge you to go to the temple and feel of the Lords love for you and your family.

Capturing Moments

Just wanted to share with you all some fun, happy, cute moments that I captured this last week. We LOVE Zoie so much and she always puts a smile on our faces, despite the situation.