Staying STRONG in the STORMS of Life

Each New Year, everyone set new goals. Sometimes our goals we set, are set with high expectations, and in the end, become to stressful to achieve and/or continue to achieve. We live in a world where we are constantly doing stuff; work, housework, school, church callings, hobbies, activities, and others things that tend to occupy our time. Thus, making our life very stressful.

I am here to offer some insight that I've learned to helping me find a balance in my life. There is no one formula that can bring peace and no stress in our lives, but following these four suggestions, is a start.

1. Increase Energy

• communicate with Heavenly Father through prayer. Ask for help.
• participate in activities that renew the body-- service, physical exercise, napping, etc.

2. Simplify Your Life

• "And see that all these things are one in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength." (Mosiah 4:27)

3. Focus on the Most Important Things

• "We have been counseled that our families should take priority over other commitments. We strengthen our families when we set aside undisturbed time to be together."

4. Center on the Savior

• "I am aware that life presents many challenges, but with the help of the Lord, we need not fear. If our lives and our faith are centered on Jesus Christ and his restored gospel, nothing can ever go permanently wrong." (President Howard W. Hunter)
• "Coming unto Christ means walking away from the world. It means placing Christ and Christ only at the center of our lives." (Sheri L. Dew)

These four suggestions are a great to start prioritizing one's life. I didn't explain specifically how to do each one, because I believe that if you study each one carefully and personally you will know how to better help you and your life. Everyone has a different STORMS in their life. Only you can find a way to stay STRONG and figure out how to overcome those challenges. This isn't going to be easy, but it will draw you closer to your Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ. I know that as these suggestions are applied in your life, you will see a difference and a happier, new you. Don't give up, life will get easier. Trust in the Lord and in yourself. You're not alone and in Him, you can do all things.

Staying STRONG in the STROMS of Life

The Monument

God,

Before He sent His children to earth

Gave each of them

A very carefully selected package

of problems.

These,

He promised, smiling,

Are yours alone. No one

else may have the blessings

These problems will bring you.

And only you

Have the special talents and abilities

That will be needed

To make these problems

Your servants.

Now go down to your birth

And to your forgetfulness. Know that

I love you beyond measure.

These problems that I give you

Are a symbol of that love.

The monument you make of your life

With the help of your problems

Will be a symbol of your

Love for me,

Your Father.

--Blaine M. Yorgason

This poem says it all. Once we come to understand our problems, we realize they are not merely problems, but blessings. They make us stronger. They make us better individuals. I challenge you to ponder your trials and challenges that you've had and think of the blessings that came with them. Then write them down, and you'll see how much you have to be grateful for. In the end, you will know how to stay STRONG  in the STORMS of Life.

Her Own Little World

I've been on a cleaning and organizing fix lately and it's taking me forever to accomplish one simple little task.
The other day I was organizing all of our cabinets. I took everything out, cleaned out the drawers, etc. The floor at one point was covered with all of our kitchen appliances. As I was practicially inside one of the cupboards wiping everything down, I come back out and look at what has been kicking my legs and come to find out it was Zoie. She was lying on her stomach talking and playing with the crockpot buttons. It was so cute and funny. She was in her own little world playing all by herself. I love that little girl and the imagination she has.

Staying STRONG in the STORMS of Life

It's been a while since I've posted on this particular theme. I apologize. Things are starting to slow down and we are getting back onto our normal schedule and rhythm. Entering into a new year I wanted to do a post about just that, New Year, New Life. I suppose you could say. I didn't know how I would do so, until I sat down one evening and opened the January  2012 issue of the Ensign and started reading t he First Presidency Message.

President Monson wrote about how we can be "Living the Abundant Life." I encourage you all to read this message and continually apply his teachings into your New  Year, New Goals, New Memories, and even yes, a New Life.

President Monson states, "At the advent of a new year, I challenge [you] to undertake a personal, diligent, significant quest for what I call the abundant life--a life filled with an abundance of success, goodness, and blessings. Just as we learned the ABCs in school, I offer my own ABCs to help us all gain the abundant life."

A refers to ATTITUDE:

• keep in mind that so much in life depends on our attitude.
• how I choose to see things and respond to others makes a difference.
• continuing to keep/have a positive attitude will bring peace, contentment and strength in my life.

B refers to BELIEF:

• IN YOURSELF, OTHERS, & ETERNAL PRINCIPLES
• I must not limit myself or let others limit myself to what I can do.
• When I believe in myself I can then live and reach my highest dreams.
• I CAN achieve what I believe I can.
• Belief takes a lot of faith and trust.

C refers to COURAGE:

• President Monson's definition-- "courage is required to make an initial thrust toward one's coveted goal, but even greater courage is called for when one stumbles and must make a second effort to achieve."
• Keep the determination to make the effort to Try again!

 To end our ABCs I will quote President Monson again. "May we remember these ABCs as we begin our journey into the new year, cultivating a positive attitude, a belief that we can achieve our goals and resolutions, and the courage to face whatever challenges may come our way. Then the abundant life will be ours."

I believe that if we choose to follow these ABCs, the STORMS we face in our life will be easier for us to overcome them. Stay STRONG and don't give up. Trust in the Lord and He will make up the difference for what we cannot do. May you all reach high, dream far, and accomplish the impossible this new year.

Santa Clause Is Coming To Town

A little late on Christmas updates, but it's here now.

We spent Christmas with my side of the family. Everyone was home and it was a blast. Zoie loved being around everyone and being the center of attention. Christmas Eve, we all hung out at home, played card games, charades (a must christmas tradition), ate yummy food, watched "A Christmas Story", and frosted cookies.

Right before we were getting ready to put Zoie down for the night, Santa Clause shows up. It was exciting. Zoie didn't like him to much. She was okay while I was with her, but alone not so much, as you can tell.

Round 2

We are two of a kind workin' on a full house. In case you haven't already heard, Ryan and I are adding to our family in July 2012 (July 3 to be exact).

We are both very excited and couldn't be happier. Zoie isn't sure what is going on yet, but she does kiss the baby in my tummy when we ask her too. We do know that she will be excited to meet this little baby in several months.

Baby # 2 (until we think of a nickname) at 10 1/2 weeks

11 Weeks

Zoie felt left out so I got a picture of her stomach :)

On my sidebar of my blog, I have posted a poll. A poll to ask you all what you think the gender of this baby is going to be. You have about 5 weeks to make your guess. I'm excited to see what everyone thinks. Hehehe... 

Ring out the Old. Ring in the New.

So it's been a while and I apologize for that. Many things have happened and many things are going to  happen.I'll do my best to catch you all up on Christmas, New Years, and our wonderful, exciting LIFE.

This post is a time for me to briefly reflect on this past year. The 2011 year has brought great memories to our life. To name just a few big ones: I started coaching High School Volleyball. Ryan got a fun and better job, working at the library in town. Zoie turned 1, among many other things she has accomplished. This girl is amazing and discovered and learned so much in such a short time. We were so blessed this past year and feel very grateful.

We are so excited for this new year... 2012 baby! We're anxiously waiting for the new opportunities that cross our path. It's time for us to "ring out the old" and to "ring in the new." There is so much to look forward too and it is up to us to make the best of each opportunity and this new year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!