Too Long 9/3

I've not written here in so long!  I am almost finished with the BofM.  I hope to take some time and write recent thoughts as I finished Mormon.

Yesterday Eliza gave us a new challenge, method of study.  One scripture for a whole week, each Christ centered.  I'm excited to give this a try, to dig in and pull each verse apart.

I thought I'd print the scripture out and post it in the kitchen as well, that way I can think about it while I'm busy during the day.  I made this quick and will share it with others so they can do the same.  Our scripture for this week is Helaman 5:12.

I'll be back to write impressions, thoughts and new lessons regarding this message.

I did it... (5/9)

Well thank heavens for a new day and a new start!
The end of March and beginning of April were full of many activities, visitors and such.
Apparently it's taken me until May to get back on here!

I am thankful for...
A brand new day.  No matter how rough the day or night before was, things always look different in the morning, and I'm thankful for that.  Sometimes we just need to close our eyes and stop, sleep provides that!
Today I'm thankful to be feeling better, felt yuck last night, even threw up, today I feel shaky, but better.  I'm thankful for my health.

Study time...
I finished Alma!  Hooray!  I read the first three chapters of Helaman today.
Let me go back a little because after all of the wars and killing, at the end of Alma in ch. 62:27, 28.  The Nephites took the city Nephihah w/o any bloodshed.  And, the Lamanites that wanted to, the prisoners, were allowed to join the people of Ammon to become free people.  Mercy is what we talked about for FHE last week.  It makes you wonder where the hearts of the Lamanites were at.  Did they want to fight?  Were they just being loyal?  Were they afraid to die, so said they wanted to join? 
In v. 29 they now begin to toil the ground, learn to work and become productive, making a change in their lives. 
Struck, by the mercy to offer freedom to someone so intent on killing you.
Wonder about the hearts of the Lamanites.
See the pattern today of those who are willing to change.  Give them tools, help them take care of themselves, maybe they haven't had a knowledge to work with.

POTD
Starting new challenge w/ prompts.
5/7 - Love... can't tell you how much I love my gel nails, best thing EVer!

5/8 - No socks
Inspired to shoot my feet, running feet and dancer feet. I do wear socks running, totally converted to the minimalist shoe too.

5/9 - Work
Oh the housework that never ends! Making my bed...

Wednesday 3/28

Wednesday
Thankful for...
Progress, being able to cross things off the list, accomplishing things.  Don't always do that, but did today and felt good.  Felt good to vacuum my craft room.  I've not been able to see the floor for a couple of weeks!

Study time...  Oh war chapters, what are you trying to teach me?  I'm almost finished w/ Alma and the inspiration has seemed to dry up just a little!  I'm looking for something new, want to see differently.  Ch 54 and 55.  Do you think Moroni acts rationally?  I think it is fair to ask for women and children in trade for a man.  Even though Ammoron rants and raves about his beliefs, in the end he agrees to Moroni's terms.  Why does Moroni re-nig and now want him to restate his cause?  Was that really necessary?  In the end they do get their women and children and a city back, so no harm.  I just wonder if he let his anger get the best of him, if things would've been easier, or how they'd have been different if he'd just traded.

Photo... It's been a while since I've taken a photo of Matt.  He needed a head shot for work, glad to get an updated one for us.  I like to record the steps he's taking in his career.

Tuesday & Wednesday 3/20 & 21

Wednesday 3/21
Thankful for...
That reminder call from the Sister missionaries!  I forgot I signed up to feed them!  I had it written, but hadn't looked at the calendar. 

Study time...
Alma 50:12 - Moroni's armies did increase because ...the assurance of protection which his works did bring forth unto them.
He was a man of action and his righteous actions, his integrity is what people trusted.
First in v 26 there is a warm contention.  That warmth grows and now there is fighting and killing.  It amazes me that these people lived in such a way that you could go to battle and kill each other, then get captured or defeated and you could be restored to your land if you promised to keep peace.  That is pretty trusting right, because today people surely wouldn't be able to let it go!  I think it's forgiving to give these dissenters their land back.

Photo...
Bulbs are starting to bloom here.

Tuesday 3/20
Thankful for...
My good friend who just brings me a diet coke.  I had Tyce for a bit today.  Molly brought us drinks and we sat in the sun visiting.  Loooove the sun right now!

Study time...
Nothing!  Ah!  I can usually even get a verse in, but nothing today.

Photo...
Such a sweet thing to have O say, I want to 'nuggle' Garrision.

Monday 3/19

I am recommitting this week to this journal.  For all of it.  We had a RS activity Saturday morning and keeping a grateful journal is a good tool for me.  I have been continuous w/ my scripture study.  I'm down to a chapter a day although Friday I fit a few more in.  I haven't taken the time to write so I need to recommit.  I enjoy the writing, it makes my thoughts more in depth, plus I have a journal.  For the photos, I have slacked there, to only a few/ week.  Recommit!

Monday 3/19
Thankful for...
that run is over!  I pushed the boys in the stroller today and it was hard, always is a challenge getting used to it again!
Study time...
Alma 49 - Amalackiah seeks first take over the 'weakest' city Ammonihah.  He attacks in the weakest area.  Satan operates the same.  Knows our area of weakness.  Interestingly enough the city has been rebuilt... and fortified.  It not only has been restored, but has been strengthened enough that the Lamanites won't attack.  When we are restoring an area of weakness it is necessary to not only restore and rebuild, but fortify and increase strength so that area of life is no longer a weakness.

Photo...
This past weekend Matt put up the trampoline, or bumpline as E calls it.  They are all in heaven!

monday 3/12

Monday 3/12
Thankful for...
Such beautiful weather!  It feels so good to be outside.  The kids were in heaven today.

Study time...
Going into the war chapters, things aren't necessarily in chronological order.  Ch 43.  Possible Moroni gained his new war tactics through benefit of translating the plates of Ether, reading about the brother of Jared and their wars.

Photo...
Today I'll put up the invite I did for G's party...

Sunday
Thankful for...
Accomplishing something.  Sometimes it just takes crossing something off the list to feel better in life.  Today I took photos of the kids to post for the spring mini shoot and that felt good... the sunshine did too.

Study time...

Photo...
kids

Saturday
Thankful for...
Coming home to a clean house.  I went to the temple w/ Molly of course thankful for that, coming home to a clean house was a great transition back into life.

Study time...
Didn't study, but learned so much at the temple.

Friday 3/9
Thankful for...
I'm so glad to feel better today!  I was thankful to lunch with my friends.  I'm thankful to get my blogging accomplished.

Study time...

Photo...
G wanted me to take some pix of him playing hockey.  He got some pucks at the ticket exchange today.  Cute kid really wants to learn hockey.

Thursday 3/8
Thankful for...
It's hard to feel thankful when you feel sick.  I was home sick today.  It's so interesting how when you are limited or feel vulnerable physically, it affects your spirit.  I just wanted to cry many times today at things non-related to being sick.  I'm thankful to have made it through the day.  Oh, and I'm thankful my Q forgave me after a rough morning.  I love her so much, but she can sure try me at times.  My best does not always come out when we converse!  This is probably the day I could've used a good study.  I read a little from my Ludlow study companion, but not much, didn't have it in me.

Wednesday 3/7
Thankful for...
The opportunity to donate for the VanRy fundraiser.  I hope to gain exposure for sure!  So thankful to Matt for watching all 7 kids so Molly and I could go together. 

Study time...
Alma 39 - Read and learned today the difference in an unforgivable and unpardonable sin.

Tuesday 3/6
Thankful for...
An increase of girls.  Sometimes it is overwhelming being in charge of activity days.  I need to get myself organized.  It went well.  The girls had fun tonight.  I had 4 extra girls, so happy to have visitors.  We had 16.  It felt good to have it done!

Study time...
Alma 38:10 love the words be diligent and temperate in all things.
Origin: 1350–1400; Middle English temperat < Latin temperātus, past participle of temperāre to exercise restraint, control. See temper, -ate¹
1. ^{moderate or self-restrained; not extreme in opinion, statement,}

^{2. moderate as regards indulgence of appetite or passion, especially in the use of alcoholic liquors.}

^{3. not excessive in degree, as things, qualities, etc.}

Is this not what life is about?  Self mastery, temperance?  I need so much work in this area, in so many ways in my life.  I was telling Molly that this is her word.  She is temperate in my eyes.
Monday 3/5
Thankful for...
Progress.  Want to get Liza's hair pieces done.  Did the giraffe today.

Study time...
Alma 37:9 Corrects himself, first says the scriptures or these words bring the Lamanites unto repentance.  I like the correction.  The scriptures actually bring us to a knowledge of our Savior and our faith in him brings us to repentance.

Photo...

Thursday 3/1 - Sunday 3/4

Sunday 3/4
Thankful for...
Good meetings at church.  They were all good.  Love coming home feeling uplifted.

Study time...
SS talked about the Isaiah chapters.  Appreciated hearing other's thoughts on those.  My own thoughts were from 2N 22:2 - Isaiah realizes that God is our salvation and Jehovah, our savior and redeemer is his strength, to get us to our salvation.

Photo...

Saturday 3/3
Thankful for...
A double date w/ the C's!  Yea, we always see each other on date night because we are watching each other's kids.  We never go out.  We did tonight, loved it!  Ate at La Tolteca, then came home and watched the latest vampire movie, might be Breaking Dawn?  Our boys were good sports, crackin' jokes all of the way, but it was good fun!

Study time...
Reading the words Alma has to his sons.  Re-read this verse and it spoke to me.  Alma 37:41 - particularly the words at the end... and they did not progress in their journey.  He is referring to Lehi's family w/ the liahona.  Small means brought about marvelous works, but when they forgot to exercise their faith, they ceased... and they did not progress in their journey.  I've been thinking a lot about faith these past few weeks, it is important to keep working it out, exercise it, practice the principle.  Our journey is hindered when we don't.  In particular I thought of our eternal progress.  This life is but a small measure of our complete existence, yet it it the proving ground.  If we want to progress in our eternal journey, we must practice faith.  We must develop faith. 

Photo...
Little E is really good at the computer!  I think of my big kids and how they were in grade school before they really got onto the computer.  Things are so different for these little ones because they see the big ones.  They can already maneuver the mouse and find games etc.  They still need help occasionally, but I'm most in awe w/ this little 2 year old.  He loves playing computer games!


Friday 3/2
Thankful for...
Lunching with the ladies.  Shannon hosted Molly, Melissa, Penny and myself for a VTing lunch.  It was great to break up my long day!  Lunch was delicious too.
AND, so thankful to have my purse back!

Study time...
I appreciate the intimate moment between father and son in CH 36.  Alma doesn't go into detail about his sins, but goes into detail about his change.  Focusing on what made him who he is now, not what he was. 
Going back to Alma's conversion of which he speaks... I think you get to a 'past feeling' place where you don't even realize what you are doing anymore.  It is what you have become.  God needed to take Alma out of his own realm so he could see how awful his behavior was.  In the presence of good and God we realize how imperfect and wrong we are.  We can try to justify it, or take the path of change.  Alma really SAW, he saw truth, he saw good and he saw that he was wrong.  This is Godly sorrow.  He couldn't stand to BE in the presence of God because of how guilty he felt, how unclean he was.  This was his hell and torment, and this is how he paid for his sins... until (v18) he caught onto the fleeting thought of his Savior.  When he sought him out, he found relief. 
We do pay for our own sins way too much, suffering.  Why not give that to Christ?

Thursday 3/1
Thankful for...
There is much to be thankful for despite the fact that my purse is gone!  I left it at the event we were at last night.  Such a bummer... but, I am thankful no charges have been made on my card, I'm thankful I still could go to institute, thankful Molly took O to play... it was so nice to have a day w/o fighting!  Thankful for my husband loving my hurts better.

Study time...
Alma 34 left notes for myself.  Good to go back and read what I've felt before.  V17 exercise your faith unto repentance... practice this principle, use it!  Repent!  We all need to all of the time.  Practice using the atonement, look at watch my life, where can I use this?  Always realize my need for Him and His redeeming power.  Will change me, even as I master myself, can always find purpose for this principle.
V36 - He dwells in the hearts of the righteous.

Tuesday 2/28

Tuesday
Thankful for...
Those leather couches!  E was vomiting today and I was so thankful to just wipe that off my couch!  I'm also VERY thankful he didn't barf on my rug!

Study time...
As I sat down to read this evening I said a quick prayer, my only one for this rushed day of mine.  It was quick, so I could 'prepare' for study.  Then I started reading this chapter about prayer!!!
Alma 33 - These people want to know how they start acquiring faith, then Alma gives this lengthy explanation on prayer.  How do we start acquiring faith?  Pray.  There is no need for a building to worship in, there is no need for fancy words, just sincerity, a genuine reaching to Him.
V11 says "thou didst hear me because of mine afflictions and my sincerity... I will cry unto thee in all mine afflictions, for in the is my joy...". 
Are afflictions nessesary for sincerity?  I think sometimes yes, they are.  Plus through affliction and prayer we see a literal lifting and change, evidence of our faith, it is literal, which makes a mark on our hearts.
Should we pray when we aren't afflicted?  Of course, but then we face humbling ourselves, which is not human nature, so our prayers can become stale.
So, the beauty of affliction and trial is they are another means by which we call to our Father for refuge through our Savior.  They give us opportunity to seek and find.

Photo...

Sunday 2/26, Monday 2/27

Monday 2/27
Thankful for...
I didn't have to take the kids to the studio.  So thankful M has been getting out of work!  It is so nice not having to load up all the kids and try to teach with them there!

Study time...
Alma 32 is all about faith and it's development.  Faith is different than belief, different than knowledge, although the three are certainly linked.  It takes time for faith to grow into a knowledge, and even after there is a knowledge, there still must be faith, otherwise the knowledge is useless, having no force in our lives.
v27 talks about having a desire.  If you have no faith to start with you can start with a desire to believe.  We all can start somewhere, but the heart must be willing.

Photo...
We came down this morning to have breakfast and G noticed these bird tracks.  We have bird feeders, thus many birds, but not many clear markings like this.  Trying to shoot more w/ my wide angle lately.

Sunday 2/26
Thankful for...
DQ turtle sunday.  Sometimes you just have to go for it!
Study time...
Alma 31 - difference between vain repetion in the people's prayers and that of Alma's sincere, heartfelt pleading with the Lord in his prayer.
Photo...
Working on head pieces for a dance number.  Did the Zebra today.

Sunday 2/19 to Thurs 2/23

Thursday 2/23
Thankful for...
The phone call from my mom this morning. I'm glad she calls. I've been thinking about her, but sometimes I just can't find the time to pick up my phone. I'm also glad she didn't ask if we could do family photos when we go out there again this year!!!


Study time...
Alma 31 teaches us the difference in repetitive prayer of the Zoramites vs the heartfelt specific prayer of Alma.
V35 - asks for power and wisdom to bring these souls to God. I'm sure they must have had an 'eyes wide open' moment walking into these places of worship. Surely you need wisdom from God, and he showed them the people who were actually ready to hear His word. The humble ones.


Photo...

Wednesday 2/22
Thankful for...
Little kids vacuuming. I am teaching Q & G to vacuum their rooms. It's nice to have some helpers.


Study time...
Alma 30 - Really Korihor? If there was no God would there BE angels to fool you into thinking there were no God? Really? I think v 53 says it all. Saying there is no bad, no good really bodes well for all things carnal and he admits that he liked that, and other people did too, which justified his belief. So, he found an excuse, or his own belief to justify his behavior.
Also, we don't get to choose our signs. I'm sure the sign he was looking for was more angelic than being dummed.

Photo...
O loves to help whenever I cook anything. He'll pull a chair over and wants to stir or watch. Because he does little E is never far behind. Today it was just me and O, stirring muffin mix.
Tuesday 2/21
Thankful for...
A new helper for activity days!  Yea!

Study time...
Reading Alma 29.  Thinking about his strong desire to preach the gospel and how that comes from being truly repentant and changed.  He has been on both sides of light and dark.  Seeing how much he wants for others shows of his conversion.  He is truly changed, not only in conviction of what he believes, but his very nature.  The atonement changes us.  His desire to love and give is Christlike, he is changed.

Photo...
Took the kids to McD's today and let them actually go in!  AND we got ice cream!

Monday 2/20
Thankful for...
A beautiful day!  I ran 8 miles today (still under 8/mi).  It has been a LONG time!  Glad my time wasn't too far off.

Study time...
Alma 27:8 - The people of Ammon offer to be slaves to the Nephites to repair the damage they've done.  Part of repentance is restoration.  You can't give life back, which is why it is such a tremendous sin, second only to denying the Holy Ghost.  Still, they are repentant and want to give back, say sorry, restore.  They continue to live their lives in such a manner that we can see they truly repented, were changed through the atonement.  They will receive a glory in the life hereafter, although not celestial.

Photo...

Sunday 2/19
Thankful for...
Social time.  Went to the Hulse's to visit w/ the Gruwell's and other good friends.  It was wonderful.

Study time...
Took time to read more of my book, and catch up on some scriptures. 
Photo...

Tues 2/14 - Sat 2/18

Saturday 2/18
Thankful for...
This funny little tool (potd). We have had it all of our marriage. I feel it is the best too to strip wallpaper with! Went to help friends today, that wallpaper came off pretty easy!


Study...
Preparing for lesson. Putting together thoughts on 'our testimony of Jesus Christ'. Our testimony is really our declaration of something we know to be true or of our faith. Lesson is largely then, our faith in Jesus Christ. Really enjoying the book "Our Living Gospel".


Photo...

Friday 2/17
Thankful for...
The end of the day! These days feel long! It's the end of the week so you anticipate relief, but M gets home late on Friday's because he goes to workout. They just feel particularly long!


Study...
Alma 24:18 - rather than shedding blood they'd give their own lives. We read this and think of the conviction and faith of the Anti-Lehi-Nephi's, the martyrdom, giving your own life for truth. The rest of this verse also shows active faith and the change that was wrot. Instead of taking they would give and instead of being idle they would work hard. Interesting bits to go with giving of your life.
Wednesday 2/15
Thankful for...
A day at home. I needed to stay home today. It felt good to get vacuuming done, things taken to the basement, crafts made, photos updated. Good.


Study time...
Alma 23 - Thousands were brought to the knowledge of the Lord after Lamoni's father converted. It is an interesting thought. Were these hearts ready and waiting to hear the gospel, because they converted quickly. Was it their king or leader holding them back (China)? OR was he the influence? Did they see him change, or hear of it, and from there prepared to receive?


Photo...
Flowers

Tuesday 2/14
Thankful for...
Feelings of love today.  Felt them from my sis, from heaven, and from my sweet family.

Study time...
Alma 22 - So I just wrote about the women a couple of chapters ago. 
Here Aaron is teaching Lamoni's father, the king, and he is SO interested and takes everything on faith... if you say it is so I will believe you.  Then he bows to the earth and tells God he wants to know him, he is willing to give up all of his sins to know him. 
Isn't that an interesting thought.  All our Heavenly Father wants is for us to use the plan, partake of the atonement.  It seems silly that we insist on paying for our sins ourselves, never truly becoming clean.  And of course we are the ones that benefit from the atonement. 
It is a God of love who just wants us to 'give' him our sin.  He just wants us to know Him and use the Saviors atonement.
Anyway, the king has this amazing experience and his wife comes along and she is NOT like the other ladies.  She goes to a place of fear immediately, even though her servants tell her Aaron is mightier than all of them, she just wants him dead!  Who raises up the king?  Not the wife!  It is Aaron! 
She comes around, surely as she hears her husband minister and testify of his experience.
Just goes to show that we all have different circumstance, different personality, different experience that leads us to our present state, but the Lord knows that, and can still speak to us and reach  us if we are willing to hear.

Photo:
Valentines day!

Monday 2/13

Monday
Thankful for...
M was able to come home before I had to leave for dance, which means I didn't have to load up the kids and try to teach with the four of them running around.  It was super nice!

Study time...
Alma 20 - Alma is very consistent in giving credit to the Lord, maintaining humility. 
Admittedly I sort of read lightly this chapter.  I know the story, what is there for me to find?
I've seen the devotion of both Alma and Lamoni.  I think Lamoni is a great example to his father.
What am I looking for? 
There it is, the quote from President Hinckley regarding anger...
"Anger is not an expression of strength.  It is an indication of one's inability to control his thoughts, words, his emotions... When the weakness of anger takes over, the strength of reason leaves."
Um, I've had a short fuse these last couple of days, my poor kids!  When things aren't 100% with me it seems to affect how quickly my temperature/emotions can rise.  By no means do I feel it is strong to be angry, quite the contrary.  It is a good indicator for me though, take care of what is going on, I'm unable to reason and live harmoniously, and it affects those around me.

Photo...

Friday - Sunday 2/10-2/12

Sunday
Thankful for...
Family time.  Made valentines together, watched ET together, very good!

Study time...
We don't read about many specific women in the Book of Mormon, quite few, but in Alma 19 we read about two, Lamoni's wife, and Abish.  V 10 tells us that Lamoni's wife is faithful, even more than many of the Nephite women.  She trusts Ammon, she watches over her husband faithfully, then comes to know what he did, that Jesus is the Christ. 
Apparenlty Abish already knew this.  She must have been very excited, the thoughts of others having her same knowledge, maybe she could worship openly?  She went and got some people to witness this.
In v 28 she is sensitive to the growing contention.  Being the only one with faith awake at that time (via my interpretation!) she reaches for the queen.  The queen is raised.  Now she wasn't dead, but there is some significance of the queen being out like a light and being raised by a faithful woman.  Abish didn't have the priesthood, but certainly used the influence of it, with her faith, as she raised the queen.  Then, the queen raised her husband.  I found this story one I want to ponder more.  I found significance in the husband raising up her husband.

Photo...
Valentine airplanes for G's class.

Saturday
Thankful for...
Time off.  M was awesome today.  Took the kids for the day!  When I was home he was the parent on duty!  I needed that!

Study time..
Reading 'Our Living Gospel' by Wendell O Rich.  I really enjoy it, find myself re-reading things, so they sink in!  A couple of thoughts that stood out...

"Is the gospel of Jesus Christ simply to be possessed or is it to be lived?  This is to ask whether you believe the gospel or have faith in it.  Since faith is belief in action, it follows that those who have faith in the gospel must live it.  To possess the gospel w/o using it is the expression of belief alone, not the active principle of faith."

"The principles of the gospel are timeless and eternal.  The plan of the gospel is a free gift to man, given by the grace of God through his son, Jesus Christ.  But man's full salvation in the light of the gospel demands his own active participation."

Photo...
Last night I snuggled my little E at bedtime. M wasn't home yet and I was tired so we lay in my bed together. I closed my eyes and when I opened them E's little eyes were right up to mine. We giggled and laughed. He kept smacking his lips, which we do when we want kisses, then he'd say thanks mom after I kissed him. Oh these precious moments with my little guy. It reminded me of when he was a baby and would grab my face, I loved it. So I wanted to capture it today.

Friday
Thankful for...
Today was a day!  Crying boys, fighting boys, headaches, M home late... ugh!
BUT, I am thankful it is Friday!

Study time...
Alma 17 - v2- Scriptures contain the word of God, studying them = knowledge.
I need to build testimony of fasting.  Don't know why I haven't tapped into that power yet.  Maybe I ought to try it out?  There is much talk of fasting in these verses.  Certainly that is an area I am weak.

Photo...
Little boys pushing each other around in the laundry basket.  Using the WII remote for their steering wheel!

Thursday 2/9

Thursday
Thankful for...
Institute, my sister who will listen to me, scriptures, study time, unexpected reminders, friendship, a good cry, laundry complete, almond joy, leftover chipotle...

Study time...
Alma 13:28 - Always read this verse and focus on the 'not be tempted above that which ye can bear' part. In order to receive that blessing from God, caveat right before, we need to watch and pray (footnote for watch is again prayer). So what keeps us from being tempted? Prayer. Being diligent in seeking God keeps us from unbearable temptation.
14:11 - The consequence for taking a life is no hope for exaltation. These people may repent and be forgiven, but they have sealed the deal for themselves, no hope for the highest degree of glory.
This quote by President Kimball fits perfectly...

"If pain and sorrow and total punishment immediately followed the doing of evil, no soul would repeat a misdeed. If joy and peace and rewards were instantaneously given the doer of good, there could be no evil—all would do good and not because of the rightness of doing good. There would be no test of strength, no development of character, no growth of powers, no free agency. . . . There would also be an absence of joy, success, resurrection, eternal life, and godhood."

Spencer W. Kimball - Oct. Gen. Conf 2004 Interesting thought from institute today. Talked about Solomon taking over as king. Interesting because he was the son of Bathsheba, who was part of a very significant sin of David. Nathan the prophet supported it, who was the mouthpiece of God, so God supported it. Photo... O brought up a bin with the turtle costume, shell, mask, hulk fists and a gun. I asked him why he brought up the whole bin and not just the costume, not realizing he'd put his ensemble together in the basement, very specifically! We put it on, I took a photo and he took it off! Now it is all over my floor. The story of my life right now!

Wednesday 2/8
Thankful for...
Socializing.  I hosted playgroup today.  I'm glad I did.  I love having people in my home!

Study time...
Alma 13:10 - Have been thinking of the LDS faith and how sometimes people leave the church because they choose or don't feel they can live the standards fully.  Because we don't live things with perfection doesn't mean the religion is false.  It doesn't even mean one shouldn't be part of it.  It means that we are all human, living, making mistakes.  It means we continually partake of the atonement, which is not a bad thing.
The end of this verse says '... choosing to repent and work righteousness rather than to perish.'  It may seem easier to walk away because you somehow think you have to live perfectly, but can't.  Does that really bring peace? 

Photo...
Snacks put out for playgroup

Tuesday
Thankful for...
My couch.  It sure is nice to sit there when my day is done.  I didn't even want to converse about my day w/ M, it was busy, and tomorrow will be too.  I just want to sit!

Study time...
Got just a few verses in today.  Ahhhhhhhhhhh, that is the sound of me falling off the wagon!  Nooooo.  Must settle down and get my time back!

Photo...
I have put this puzzle away 5 times!!!  Why is it out AGAIN!

Monday 2/7
Thankful for...
Opportunities to go to the kids classroom.  I read today in Q's class, brought the boys.  It is fun to see her at school.

Study time...
I was running all day, painted when home, dance... didn't study :(  It's the first day in a long time, I felt it!

Photo...
Finished painting!  This is my tree with hanging hearts for Valentines Day.

Sunday 2/5
Thankful for...
Quiet time.  Some days the kids just play well together, they play quietly and it sure is nice!  I sat and studied in a quiet house and all the kids were home!

Study time...
Went back to 1 Nephi.  We talked about murmuring vs. faith in the atonement today.  Really enjoyed the discussion.

Photo...
Yum left over Thai food from date night... yellow curry

Saturday
Thankful for...
Carmel corn.  I treated myself today and I loved it!

Study time...
Alma 12: 30.  Again, makes things known according to faith, repentance, and holy works.  Can't know things by only having faith.  Having faith means we believe in the Atonement of Christ and we utilize it!  The only way we can truly come to know Him is by partaking of that atonement.  Making ourselves better, clean through Him.  Those things by themselves still don't work, remember the word diligent?  Have to continue on, be consistent, holy works... doing.

Photo...
Pudding/chip face...

Friday
Thankful for...
Undisturbed night of rest... big sigh... it's been a while!

Study time...
Alma 12:9 - I've been thinking lately about people thinking they understand God and His ways.  People who wonder and question.  Isn't it proud of any person to think they ought to know as much as his creator?  We are so limited in our knowledge.  That doesn't mean we can't know truth, it just means that we are limited. 
God WILL give knowledge and uncover the mysteries of himself, and this scripture tells us that he gives it and expects those who receive it to be careful with it.  AND, 'he gives it according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.'  He gives according to heed and diligence.  I looked up heed: to give careful attention to.  Diligence means: constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind. 
He reveals to those who are paying careful attention to Him and his word.  He reveals to those who are being consistent and making great effort to understand him. 
If I don't know God and his ways, this may be why...

Photo...
Damita came over to craft today.  Good times.  Made me some wreaths!

Thursday
Thankful for...
My sander.  Molly came over today to use it, she is repainting her entry table.  It really makes the job so much faster.  I do enjoy a good makeover on a piece of furniture!

Study time...
Alma 10:6 - Amulek is speaking... he was called many times but wouldn't hear.  He knew concerning these things, yet he would not know.  Cross reference not being able to hear to D&C 39:9 ... "Nevertheless, thou hast seen great ^asorrow, for thou hast ^brejected me many times because of pride and the cares of the ^cworld."
It is hard to hear when we are distracted by cares of the world, it doesn't even say the evil of the world, just cares of the world.  I think even those of us who seek righteousness don't hear sometimes because we are distracted by other cares of the world. 
Today at institute we talked about that.  Brother Simmons takes time out of work to come teach us.  While at work he is of course thinking of more worldly matters.  Not in a bad way... it's his job!  But to then come and guide a course of study by the spirit, takes him out of that for a while. 
We can take a step out whenever we choose to, to seek the spirit, to seek the things of God.
I think the very nature of life and all it consists of distracts us enough that we really to have to use choice/agency.  Not even to choose good/evil, but to choose to step out of the cares of life to seek our Savior, whenever/whatever is going on.
There is a difference of knowing of something and knowing something.  Knowing of  needs no real investment.  Knowing requires work and finding, commitment.

Photo...
Molly sanding down her table... wearing my man coat!  I keep that in hiding and bust it out when I need some serious warmth.  It's been a while since my shoulders have dawned that beaut!

Wednesday 2/1
Thankful for...
ONE night this week we ate dinner as a family... meaning Matt made it home to be with us.  It was really nice!

Study time...
Alma 9 - All I could think about while reading this verse was how important it is to have the record.   It is amazing that each of us have access to the records of our fathers, at our finger tips.  If each of these cities had access to the records of their fathers would they be so quick to forget?  These people all over the place were relying on what their parents taught them, paired with the occasional visit from the priest or prophet.  Some cities had the church established, working and going, but after a while they each go through a period of forgetting and having to be brought back. 

Left to the devices of just being human, w/o God and some sort of tool to remember him with... man will forget.  That isn't even taking into account the works of Satan. 

It is prophesied there will not be another apostasy.  This is the last dispensation for one, but God's word is available for all that want it.  We can all hear the prophet speak, the apostles fly all over the world to preach and build the kingdom.  We all have so many ways to access the word of God.  There would be NO EXCUSE for us to forget!  It is all here at our finger tips. 

The scriptures and a living prophet are critical in a time when the world questions God. 

Photo...
Q makeup'd freckles on her today.  She left them on all evening.  She thought they were cute!  Doesn't matter what she does, she's cute!

Tuesday 1/31
Thankful for...
Seeing new things!  Molly and I went out to see Bonnie Lux's fine art gallery.  It was very cool!  I'm proud of her, I think she is an amazing artist.  I want to get some jewelry made and sell it there.  It is such a fun space!  I love that Molly gets me, that she said 'I can see the wheels spinning in your head'.  It's so nice to have someone that gets you!  So I guess I'm thankful for experiencing something new AND having such a great friend!

Study time...
Alma 7:11-13 - talking about the Savior here upon the earth, suffering affliction, temptation of every kind, death, ...suffering according to the flesh. 
So that he could succor his people according to their infirmities.

Succor /ˈsʌkər/ Show Spelled

1. help; relief; aid; assistance.

2. a person or thing that gives help, relief, aid, etc.

Origin:
1250–1300; (v.) Middle English sucuren < Old French suc ( c ) urre, socorre < Latin succurrere to go beneath, run to help, equivalent to suc- suc- + currere to run ( see current); (noun) Middle English soc ( o ) ur, back formation from sucurs (taken as plural) < Old French < Medieval Latin succursus, equivalent to Latin succur ( rere ) + -sus, var of -tus suffix of v. action

v14 - Interesting that normally the word faith is then followed by repentance, baptism, holy ghost etc.  In this verse baptism and repentance come first... that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God.

It definitely goes both ways.  You need to start with faith, but some of us don't have much, some of us are sort of going through the motions afraid to take that leap and believe, or have doubts, or have little inclings of faith.  As you take baby steps as a witnessthat ye may have faith on the Lamb of God.

Alma 8 - In verse 10 Alma is wrestling w/ the Lord in mighty prayer, he is feeling the spirit.  He wants so much to go and preach to these people.  Perhaps as he prayed he had faith that the Lord would hear him and that he'd have some success with his missionary work.  What happens?  He goes to Ammonihah and the people yell at him, spit on him and tell him no way!  We don't believe in your traditions, get lost!  So he leaves.  Maybe he was confused, thinking it would go so differently, after all the Lord was on his side right?  He'd prayed, not casually, but wrestling!  AND, he was a man of incredible faith.  Why didn't it happen?  Surely he felt the doubt and heartache we all feel when we pray for something and it doesn't happen.  Angels don't appear to us, but the same angel that initially appeared to him did again and told him to go back.  And he did speedily! 

Why?  Was it a test of his faith?  Was it a waste of time to leave and come back? Should he have pressed on and tried to get back into the city after he was thrown out?  Would he have gone back later on his own?  I think so, didn't seem like the type to give up.  Maybe it had something to do with the preparations on the other side.  Did Amulek need a little prep time to receive Alma?  Did the people need time to think about what had just happened?  We don't know, but the Lord does.  He can see all sides, knows all hearts, has his own timeline, that is why it is imperative that we seek him and listen to his call.  Never doubting the reason it didn't go as we thought it would, only ready to do his work when we are called.

Photo...
I made this mushu pork for the Chinese New Year party, super easy and now a keep for us!

Monday 1/30
Thankful for...
Today I was thankful that I could run and comfort O this morning when he woke up screaming 'MOM'!  He is my snuggle bug.  I love that boy and I love that he loves my affection.  I snuggled into bed next to him and held him.  Love that.

Study time...
Alma 5- Alma asks several times in this one verse if the people have retained in remembrance how the Lord freed their fathers, showed mercy to them, changed their hearts, and delivered them.
A couple of thoughts on this... I read yesterday a quote from David H Yarn about being born again.  The part that caught my attention was "...from the beginning of man's mortal existence the wicked on, the devil, has engaged in taking away 'light and truth."  He has done this through men, individually and collectively - individually through disobedience and collectively through the tradition of their fathers." 

It only takes one generation to completely change another, for good or bad.  Just a generation later Alma is trying to help these people remember that their fathers were changed, he had to do that because the whole people had collectively taken on the old traditions.

My other thought is the word remembrance.  President Kimball said, "When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is? It could be 'remember.' Because all of (us) have made covenants ... our greatest need is to remember. That is why everyone goes to sacrament meeting every Sabbath day — to take the sacrament and listen to the priests pray that
(we) 'may always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given (us).' ... 'Remember' is the word."

16-18- He keeps asking if the people can imagine themselves.  He is asking them to think, to ponder, to remember, possibly even to have a goal!  He is asking them to imagine themselves hearing the voice of the Lord, standing in front of Him on judgement day. 

When I was in gymnastics our coach would have us lay on the ground and imagine... imagine a perfect routine.  "See yourself do it perfectly".  She would say.  The mind is a powerful tool right?

Just two nights ago I felt my own spirit change.  I have been in a lull with running.  I've only been running a few times a week.  I've lost my motivation, my drive, my push to increase time and speed, to run well.  Gone!  It's now back!  Why?  A goal, a race!  Something I can imagine myself doing!  How does that change my spirit?  That goal, that race, wanting to finish it well motivates what I will do, the choices I will make for the next several months!  Having a goal, imagining the end, motivates the present and what we will do now, to affect the end result.  Imagine yourself...

21- Washed white.  Purified and clean, not perfect, clean.  No unclean thing can enter into His kingdom.  I will still forget about my pot of boiling water.  I will still need spell check!  I will still say the wrong thing at the wrong time.  It is impossible to be perfect, without mistake.  It isn't impossible to be clean, without blemish.  The Savior's atonement is the way we get that time and again as we seek it.

Photo...
Tonight went outside to take a photo... hadn't thought about it all day!  Need to get my tripod out, but had no intention of doing it tonight!

Sunday 1/29
Thankful for...
Snow!  I know it seems silly, but we've been waiting.  It looks so pretty outside!  And, it's nice to be cuddled inside with my family safe and warm.
AND, I'm thankful for some motivation!  Finally!

Study time...
Finished reading Alma 3&4. 
Studied a bit today about the sons of perdition, my interest piqued by our GD lesson today. 
Also our talk of the two separate entities that are present in this life sent me back to Sherri Dew's book for this quote.  She says "There is one thing the power of God and the power of Satan have in common: Neither can influence us unless we allow them to... the kind of power operating in our lives is entirely up to us."
Also talked/thought about the quote in back of my scriptures by Oaks.  Our lives aren't a sum of the things we've done, rather what we've become, and the gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become...  Thinking about how our doing determines what we are becoming.  Life isn't a sum of good and evil acts, but surely those acts have shaped the end result.  How do we get the results we want?  Change our actions so they support, reflect and shape in the better way.

Photo...
My desk really looks like this!  How many study items does one girl need?

Saturday 1/28
Thankful for...
Incentive to try a new recipe.  We went to the Shumway's annual Chinese New Year party.  There was a menu of things to choose from.  I complained at first, I don't cook Chinese, can't I just bring cupcakes?!!  BUT, I found an easy MuShu Pork recipe, tried it, and really like it!  It's a keeper.  So, it's good to stretch!

Study time...
Alma 1 uses the term 'costly apparrel' a number of times.  We see it throughout the BofM, and it is usually linked with pride, wealth and a fall of people who at some point had put God before the world.  The righteous who remained faithful were ...'neat and comely.'  They didn't wear the costly apparel. 
I've thought about this.  Why do we care what they were wearing?  We don't even know what the costly apparel consisted of, surely some version of Vera Wang right? 
Simply put the scriptures record people that start investing more energy and put higher priority on the things that decorate the outside of their bodies.
Do I think it is wrong to be fashionable... hello, it's me!  No way!  BUT, is there a line to watch for in the sand?  Of course.  As we put more emphasis on what the world is thinking of us it can become harmful.  What started as clothing now turns to other areas of physicality.  As we watch other women of the world receiving any type of recognition for their 'costly apparell', or tiny/no bits of apparel, it can affect us, if that is where our focus has mistakenly taken us.
For the righteous neat and comely suggest nice, well cared for, but not emphasized.  Clothing is just clothing, not something used to gain the attention of the world, something used to determine status, something used that creates huge debts for those with crazy habits or little self control!  Clothes are just that... clothes.  Focus remains intact.  Watch the line!  Make sure you can always see it in front of you.

Photo...
Made this today.

Friday 1/27
Thankful for...
A lunch date with girlfriends.  Don't know that I'd have gotten dressed otherwise!  I'd have stayed home to watch the snow fall.

Study time...
The strength and weakness of democracy.  Having a king is no good if your king is unrighteous, and it takes effort and war to dethrone a king.  But, it isn't a bad thing if your king is the Savior, which the scriptures state is how our government will be run when He comes again.  He will be the King of kings.  Democracy can be good because the majority of the people often seek for that which is good.  The warning given, though, is if the majority of the people then turn to iniquity, watch it!  God will then come with destruction!  Incentive for those of us who continually seek good to keep the check in balance!

Photo...
Little O thinks it's great to have a mohawk. I actually really like it on him!

Thursday 1/26
Thankful for...
Again, a run outside!  M went to work at 9 so I got a run in before he left.  I needed it!

Study time...
We talked about King David today.  Really enjoyed, as usual.
Noted again something Brother Simmons often says.  It isn't a sin to be tempted.  It is a sin to make the choice to give in.  When David walked out on Bathsheba he wasn't at fault, but he made a big leap to the other side by inviting the married woman over.  At that point he'd crossed the line, made the choice to sin, apparent clearly by his actions.
Also, this was a GREAT man.  Often we focus on this part of his life, well, and the part where he has Bathsheba's husband killed!  All prior to and after we see great character in him.  He surely lived a life, after he was called to repentance, suggesting remorse for his actions, which we never hear of him repeating.  I will be interested to see what the Lord has in store for him on the other side.  Meaning he was genuinely repentant, but still sinned two very grievous sins, which won't grant him the highest kingdom of glory.  Only the Lord knows. 
The Old Testament jumps characters and huge time periods.  I was looking through, reading the headings for info on David and there is ALOT recorded of him.  Again, this is an area where my study needs to increase, but I see that there is much to learn from him based on how much is recorded.

Photo:What is this lady bug doing alive right now?

Wednesday
Thankful for...
A good home cooked meal.  I have been crafting and our dining room table has been occupied!  Only 4 can fit around our kitchen table.  That is where the kids have eaten the last few nights.  Tonight I cooked us a good dinner and the kids and I ate at the dining room table.  Dinners together are good.

Study time...
Mosiah 26:3 - '... because of their unbelief they could not understand...'  Faith is the first principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  If you don't believe Him how can you understand Him?
Sherri Dew said, 'Faith is a principle of action. It is our willingness to believe in the Savior that unleashes His power in our lives.'

I appreciate the situation of Alma not knowing how to handle certain church protocol.  Where did he go?  First he went to king Mosiah and tried to get him to deal with it.  But, Mosiah didn't want to, these were church matters, rightfully so.  He received his answers straight from the Lord.  He 'poured out his whole soul' before the Lord told him what to do and how to handle it.  I have total confidence things are handled in the same way today.

ch 27 - King Mosiah finally sends out a decree that basically tells everyone to be nice to each other.  Let people believe what they want w/o persecution.  We have been hearing the same words over the last several years from the Prophet, we are no better than any man.  Be kind to those around us.  We don't want to be persecuted for what we believe and certainly should do the same unto others.

Photo...
Took the kids to playgroup today, shocker!!!  They had a great time at the mall play yard.  We even did lunch and a carousel ride.  We had fun me and my boys.

Tuesday
Thankful for...
A clean kitchen.  It takes time for me to clean everything up after dinner, but I sure appreciate going to bed with a clean kitchen.

Study time...
We figuratively speak about being in bondage and rescued by the Lord, or I guess I should say we speak about spiritually being in bondage, then being rescued by our Savior.  Mosiah 22 and 24 talk about being in the the bondage. 
Limhi's people were in bondage, these were people that lived under King Noah's rule, hadn't heard, or chose not to follow Alma.  After Noah is burned in the wilderness his son takes over.  Limhi, to save the lives of his people agrees to give the L half of everything they possess/make. 
After the little misunderstanding I previously spoke about, things were somewhat peaceful, then the L just get bored and I'm sure figure they aren't utilizing their situation right!?  They start treating Limhi's people more like slaves. 
Apparently just giving half of their all wasn't enough to humble these people.  Now they are really being oppressed and have essentially given up, given into the bondage.
21:14 - And they did ^ahumble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would ^bdeliver them out of their afflictions.

15 And now the Lord was ^aslow to hear their cry because of their iniquities; nevertheless the Lord did hear their ^bcries, and began to soften the hearts of the Lamanites that they began to ease their burdens; yet the Lord did not see fit to deliver them out of bondage.

What does the Lord do next?  Maybe a test to see how much they really mean what they cry to him.  Ammon stumbles upon them.  When they find out who he is they are accepting.  Their hearts are tender and he shares the gospel with them.  They accept!  They want to be baptized, but no one has the authority.  They passed the test!

What happens next?  The Lord delivers them from bondage.  The Lord delivered them physically after they had changed spiritually. We see this time and again. 

They were delivered in spirit as they chose to partake of the atonement.  He took it a step farther and physically freed them from the Lamanites. 

What things am I enslaved to?  What things keep me in bondage?  The Lord doesn't just heal and free us spiritually, it crosses over into the physical realm quite literally.  Our physicality changes after our spirit changes.

Photo...
E loves his puzzles.  We had puzzle time just the two of us while O was at preschool.