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.

Multi-tasking Already

The weather this past week has been rain, rain, and so more rain. All this rain has brought all the ants into our house. I DESPISE ANTS!!!! So I had to clean up the living room and spray all around the base boards. Now Ryan was at work when I had to do this, which made things a little difficult, because Zoie can walk everywhere, whenever she wants too now. However, I did find something to keep her occupied for about and hour or more, so I can pick up, vacuum, sweep, and organize the living room. This "something" was a movie called Hoodwinked. I put it in, sat Zoie on the couch with all her toys and she sat and watched that movie and laughed a lot. It was so cute.

I learned something about Zoie that day. She is a multi-tasker!! Not only did she watched the movie, she also played with Ryan's gameboy (no game is in it though, imagination is what she used :). It was the most preicous, exciting, and upsetting moment for me. Precious because she just looked so dang cute and was laughing at everything and talking so much. Upsetting, because she is growing up and understanding things and can let us know what she wants or needs at times. Exciting, because she is learning so many new things and it' fun.

We love that little girl so much and can't believe in a couple weeks she will be a year old. One big thing I discovered that day, was we need to get Hoodwinked, because she absolutely loves that movie. It is the only movie I have ever seen Zoie (a baby/almost toddler) sit still the whole time through. 

Staying STRONG in the STORMS of Life

The first Sunday of every month, the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints gather together for a "Fast and Testimony Meeting." We come together having not eaten anything for at least 24 hours and bear our testimonies on what we know to be true. With that being said, I would like to share and bear my testimony with you all today.

I know that this is the true church of Jesus Christ. I know that He lives and died for me. I know the atonement is real and does work in my life. I know this to be true, because I have read the Book of Mormon, which I also know to be true. The Lord has manifested his truthfulness and power through the scriptures. I know the blessings that come from daily prayer are indeed answered from a Father in Heaven who loves me and wants to help me overcome any trials and challenges I face in this life.

I know that we have living Prophet today, President Thomas S. Monson. I know he is called and ordained of God to help me know how to continue to live righteously that I may return home to my Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ, and live with my family for eternity.

I say these things in the name of our beloved Savior, even Jesus Christ, Amen.