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Tag: faith

Angels Above Cherished by Shannon Clark

I received an Angels Above product for review. All opinions are 100% my honest thoughts.

Our children are my world. Our faith is the basis of everything else we do. If I can teach my children that they are loved, more infinitely than just by me, as well as teach them to love others with all their hearts, that’s what I want to do.

We received the Angels Above Cherished Book, which is meant for the young and old. They also have Angels Above Blessed Baby for babies first book and angel. I wasn’t entirely sure my kids would be into the whole angel thing. We don’t believe angels have wings, but we do believe in heaven and our ancestors watching over us. The cotton angel was a great way to introduce this belief once again.

The book, however, quickly became dear to my heart. As it reinforces the notion to my kids that they are loved, and also that others are watching them. Are they making good choices? Are they being kind to friends in need? Angels Above is a cute story that takes the lessons I’ve been striving to instill in my children and brings them to life with the cotton plush angel that accompanies each book.

Lincoln attached himself to the angel more than I thought he would. With 3 older sisters, we have a lot of girl dolls and toys. He’s always trying to join in their play, but isn’t always fond of playing with the girl dolls. Having a little boy angel with removable wings has meant he can play with sisters without any fights from them on which doll he gets to be. It’s also allowed him a “friend” to play with when everyone else is at school and I’m working.

When you purchase an Angels Above book, 10 meals are provided to children around in need through the Children’s Hunger Fund and Story Changers. To me, this makes the Angels Above books worth so much more. I can give my child a book full of values while also giving to those less fortunate than myself.

November 15, 2016
When you feel like you are Drowning

I was drowning this week. I felt like nothing I could do was ever going to get me out of the mess of home, the unorganized meals, the crazy try and get everyone where they need to be, the blog work that I love doing but has been difficult to find time for lately, and then my school work. It all piled up.

Are you drowning?

When you’re drowning, you don’t want to keep going down. You struggle and push and fight your way to breach the surface and take a breath. It’s difficult, it’s hard, it’s not easy as the pressure keeps pushing all around you.

You must know which way is up and which way is down. Find the path of least resistance. Do not panic!

I thought to myself, maybe I need to let go of something. Maybe I need to quit blogging. It’s tough, it takes a lot of time, and I’m just not as good as those other awesome bloggers out there (comparison…another pressure that will drown you quickly!)

In the midst of my “I’m drowning, and I don’t think I’ll ever make it to air” feeling this week, two friends posted on Facebook within seconds of each other, exactly what I needed.

And then there was this. And you know, I’m not going to quit blogging. Because I actually love it. I love coming here and writing. And maybe I haven’t been as true to myself lately in my writing. I have a lot of readers, and I want to write about things you care about. In the end though, I blog for me. It’s my grounding point of feeling like there is more to me than cook and maid. Blogging helps remind me of that. So I’m going to keep on being me. Here. Real life. My thoughts.

I took a breath. I felt the top of the water. I could succeed at this. I don’t need to quit. I can do it. And then seconds later there was this.

If that didn’t just completely sum up how I was feeling! I was drowning, but there was a hand reaching down to pull me up. One who knows I can do this; who wants me to breathe freely.

It made me cry. Because in my time of emotional drowning, quite literally a hand was offered to me to pull me out of the sea. And I feel better. It’s not even lunch and half my house is clean again. I chatted with my sister through text. I reminisced about going to elementary school again – how I miss being an innocent child. And now. Now I am breathing again. I am loving life, because I know it really doesn’t matter what happens, as long as I grab onto that hand and never let go.

Are you drowning? Will you let me help you up? Feel free to send me an email, or leave a comment, and I’ll do what I can to help.

October 30, 2014
LDS General Conference Sunday Morning Recap #LDSconf

President Henry B. Eyring spoke of unconditional love, and the choices that will lead us to happiness, and choices that will lead to unhappiness. What I took to heart personally was near the end of his talk when he said

“We cannot force God’s children to choose the way to happiness….but we can let them see it in our lives”

Isn’t that powerful? Many people struggle with finding happiness in their lives, some have depression that makes that choice even harder – so let’s try to show more happiness in our lives, and share it with those who struggle.

Dallin H. Oaks gave a powerful talk on the 10 Commandments, and specifically the first commandment to love God. He questioned what we might be putting priority on in our lives above serving God. Perhaps it’s a career, education, recreations, political correctness, or material possessions. I came away with ways I put God first, and ways that I can and should do better –sharing my religion here for example will become more a priority.

Near the end of his talk, Elder Oaks quoted the following from President Monson –

Bonnie L Oscarson serves as the General Young Women President. This is a program for young girls in our church age 12-18. I’ll just quote a portion of her talk here, because I really liked it.

True Conversion is more than merely having a knowledge of gospel principles and implies even more than just having a testimony of those principles…Being truly converted means we are acting upon what we believe and allowing it to create a “mighty change in us, or in our hearts.”

This can be applicable to many different areas of your life. It is one thing to have knowledge of something, it is completely different to act upon it.

Richard J. Maynes followed Sister Oscarson beautifully as he spoke of enduring to the end, and the relation our testimony and conversion have with our ability to endure trials along the way. When we have a strong testimony and are converted, we will be able to more fully reach the end of our trials.

Richard G Scott bore a beautiful testimony when he told us about the personal strength we can receive through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He spoke to all of us and warned us to be on guard at all times, because Satan will be looking to lure us back into past sins.

“We must be ever vigilant to avoid his enticements. Such was the case of the the faithful Ammonite fathers. Even after their years of faithful living, it was imperative for them to protect themselves spiritually from any attraction to the memory of past sins.”

I encourage you to read the story of the Ammonites in the Book Of Mormon: Alma chapters 23-56.

President Thomas S. Monson said “Only the Master knows the depths of our trials, our pain, and our suffering. He alone offers us eternal peace in times of adversity. He alone touches our tortured souls with His comforting words.

You can watch Sunday morning’s session of conference at this link.

November 6, 2013
LDS General Conference Saturday Afternoon Recap #LDSconf

Where did the time go? I can’t believe October is almost already over. I love that every October starts with the General Conference of the LDS church. To learn more about it, you can visit the LDS website. Get my take on Saturday Morning’s session here.

There was so much good in Conference. My hope as I share these bits of wisdom and love with you, is that something will speak to you, to life your soul and help you through trials you may be having.

Saturday Afternoon session started with an opportunity to raise our hands and sustain the leaders of our church. Different from other faiths our leaders are not paid, so being able to show our support for them can really be a comfort to them, and a show of faith on our part.

The first talk was given by President Boyd K Packer. He spoke of the perilous times we live in, that the apostle Paul foretold – but he left us with inspiration and hope, that as we turn to the Lord and read our scriptures we will be OK.

Elder D Todd Christofferson spoke on the moral force of women. As a mother I felt especially touched by his faith in, and expectation of women as teachers in the home. I felt especially inspired by this quote, and want to become this woman.

Elder S. Gifford Nielsen reiterated much of what the Prophet spoke on, and called us to all do missionary work. Currently my baby brother is serving a full time (2 year) mission in Boston Massachusetts. He has devoted these years to serving the Lord and spreading His love to all who want to hear it. I may not be doing the same exact thing, but I can be an example and share God’s love to my friends, and here on Home Maid Simple.

Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela also spoke on missionary work, but encouraged us to reach out through small and simple things. Some people just need a hug, or a smile, or a true friend – someone who really cares about them.

Elder Timothy J. Dyches reminded us that we must have faith before the miracle. Sharing many stories from Christ’s life, and those He healed, we learn this lesson. Will we be made whole?

Image source

Elder Jeffrey R Holland made me cry. As someone who has suffered depression, and watched family members battle with mental disease, his cry of love and compassion for the people struggling with these diseases spoke to my heart.

There was so much from his talk that I’d love to share with you, but that would make this post much too long, so please, I encourage you to go and listen/read/watch his full talk.

Elder M. Russell Ballard brought the theme of this session back to missionary work, and again encouraged us to share the gospel. In an effort to support my leaders, and really share my faith and believe with everyone I come in contact with – That is why I share these posts. I hope that you all can feel our Savior’s love. He is not just my Savior, but the world’s. I know this to be true as I have felt His hand in my life.

Watch the whole Saturday afternoon session of the LDS General Conference online.

October 23, 2013
LDS General Conference Saturday morning Recap #LDSconf

I just love the beginning of October, because it means I get to listen to my church leaders in a General Conference broadcast to throughout the world. It is always an uplifting and humbling experience as I write notes on the bits that really stuck out to me, and had meaning for my exact situation in life.

Anyone listening to conference with an open heart ready to be taught something inspiring, will not be disappointed. And great news, the whole thing (along with past conferences) can be found online at www.lds.org

This is just what I came away with, along with some meme’s that were made from many of the talks. I hope something here resonates with you, and you will leave Home Maid Simple feeling a little bit better than you did when you stopped by.

From Elder Hales, I was left with this bit of inspiration – I need to make a mental list of things in my life I can perfect, and then I need to GO TO WORK to better my life.

Sister Carole M Stephens really had my thoughts turning back on the different roles of men and women. I’ve touched on this topic and what it means in my life before with my Why I Wear A Dress to Church post. I know this is a hot topic in the world, but what I got out of her talk was that if we begin to mix our genders divine roles, we will soon eliminate the need for families, an eternal aspect of our Heavenly Fathers plan. Being equal does not mean we are exactly the same, it means we respect each other equally and take on the needs individually for our families.

Alright, have you all seen Kid President? Someone posted on twitter that Kid President is Elder Dube in 20 years, and it just made me laugh. Elder Dube was so enthusiastic and just full of life and hope! He said so so many good things, but one that really stuck out was that we should:

“Look ahead and believe. Stand close together and lift where you stand”

It reminded me of the part in Finding Nemo where the fish all have to work together in a close environment to get out of the fisher men’s nets. Together we can do amazing things, and having hope in the future is key!

Elder Bednar spoke directly to me when he spoke about being grateful for the things we have. It is something I am working hard on teaching my kids, and I realize I need to work on myself a bit more.

Just how content are you? I know I could be a little bit more content. I do have quite a bit to be thankful for. I think we’ll be pulling this back out as Thanksgiving comes closer.

Elder Uchtdorf is a favorite among many LDS members to listen to at conference. His accent and fun stories pull you into everything he has to say. I even drew a little picture in my notes during his talk, when he spoke of an acorn growing into an oak tree.

You all know I have a thirst for learning. I wish there was a way I could go back to school that wouldn’t put us into more debt, or take time away from me being with the kids. So I ask questions. I do my own reading and research so I can continue to learn.

Reader Camille sent me this image she created Saturday during Conference, and I felt it just spread the sunshine I felt, and the reason we have conference. It’s to gather together to hear messages from a Loving Father and His Son.

OH dear I haven’t even touched on so much of conference! So I’m going to split this into a 4 part series. I hope you’ll join me back next week for part 2, Saturday Afternoon talks. Until then, I hope you can remember who you are, honestly seek truths so that you can become an oak of understanding, and look around at all you have to be grateful for.

What talks were your favorites?

October 9, 2013
An Invitation to Learn more about the LDS Church

This weekend I would like to invite you to come listen, and learn more about my religion and who I am the core. Twice a year we gather as a church to listen to our leaders – people we believe have been ordained with the holy Priesthood from God. I personally have a strong testimony of their calling as a prophet, seer and revelator.

For 8 hours I will sit with my kids, parents and sisters as we tune into the televised broadcast of General Conference. It seems like a lot I know, but I invite all of you, if you have a moment during your days this Saturday or Sunday to visit lds.org where you can watch the conference live. Even if you only watch a single talk, or listen to one of the hymns sung, I promise if you come with a desire to really understand who Mormon’s are, I promise you’ll feel something.

To prepare myself spiritually to listen to our leaders, I have been re-listening to past conferences online as well. This particular quote stuck out to me this week as I was listening again to the amazing talks. I don’t recall hearing it last April, so I was glad I took the time to listen again.

I hope we may all seek acceptance from those who encourage us, motivate us, and see the best in us. This is just a small sampling of some of the wonderful things I will be listening to this weekend.

We are a worldwide church, so this broadcast is available in many different forms to reach everyone. There is a list here of all the different ways you can view this conference.

October 4, 2013
Do you have Faith? #Compassionbloggers

*This post is written as part of Compassion Bloggers blog Month. Compassion is a Christian ministry that works to sponsor children in poverty across the world. Through people like you and I willing to give up a little luxury in our life, for the necessity in the life of someone else.

FAITH

Faith in Self.

You can do it. You believe in yourself right? I can see you. Your friends and neighbors see you. You are real. Having faith in yourself goes beyond just believing you exist though. It’s believing in your potential. Don’t you know that the world is open to possibilities for you? With the right amount of effort, and pure faith, you can accomplish anything. It might be faith to get yourself through a job interview. Or it may be faith to climb a mountain blind. Stop the excuses, you’re nervous that’s all. Step up and have a little faith in yourself.

Faith in Humanity

We live in perilous times. With wars raging around us, and political unrest through many countries. Now is the time to have faith in humanity. Believe that we are a compassionate people: not a selfish one. There are opportunities to show compassion and love to those right outside your door. We pass people daily that need our help – it might just be a smile, an acknowledgement that they exist. There are so many charities we can give to, that prove humanity is still alive, and compassion for others above ourselves is key to a better world. Would you consider sponsoring a child in poverty? These kids need you and I to help them, and boost them. We can forget about politics for just a little bit, every time we send a letter to a child that needs a friend, or give a little money to buy them a dinner.

Faith in God

I believe in God. To be honest I don’t know how some people can’t believe. I see Him in everything around me. This earth and the variety of beauty it holds. From desert sunsets to the myriad of ocean animals. I believe we were created after God’s own image, and He is the Father of our Spirits. That makes us all brothers and sisters. I have faith that as our Father, He wants us to be kind to one another; to help our fellow men and women to live. To have Faith gives us hope. Hope that this life is just temporary, but crucial to who we are on an eternal level. Be who you are today. Kind, compassionate and full of hope, because it will be who you are forever. You’ll mess up though. But it’s OK. Because our Father in Heaven is kind and compassionate back to us. He’ll lift us back up, and help us when it’s tough. But we have to hold onto that faith. Because when we stop believing, that’s when it starts to fall apart.

Will you have faith in yourself, humanity and God? Faith to use your full potential, to show compassion to those less fortunate, and a hope for God’s eternal love?

Compassion has a goal this month of sponsoring 3,160 children. That’s a big goal. But I have faith that they can do it, because I have faith in you and I, in humanity and in a loving God.

September 18, 2013
When a joke isn’t funny – Think About It!

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Your hosts for this weekly meme are

Home Maid Simple

Mumfection

Tim and Angi’s Blog

This weeks topic
What, if anything, is too serious to be joked about?

Next week’s topic
Has education become more about temporary results and grades than long term success and knowledge?

So what is too serious to be joked about? Can a sense of humor go too far? I do believe it can. I love a good joke like the next person. Laughing is a great release of chemicals especially for anyone suffering depression.

For me personally a joke has gone too far when it brings others down. Race, Religion, and Disability are my big no’s. They just shouldn’t happen. I remember my brother saying some racist jokes when we were kids. At the time, it was funny. I have since learned better. It is rude and tears others down. When one of my other brothers was in middle school he was often taken advantage of. Kids could get him to do just about anything if he thought they would be his friends for doing it. Because of this, he highly offended someones religion and lifestyle by saying something someone else told him to. I won’t repeat it, because it’s in the past, and it was just wrong. These kids took advantage of my brothers need for friends to belittle someone else. Mark was accused at one point of making fun of a kid with a disability. We don’t know why this accusation was thrown out there, but it wasn’t true. Mark’s dad has Parkinsons, so he knows especially how hard those who have physical limitations fight to do the best they can.

Right now, however the biggest issue I am personally facing is my religion. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Commonly referred to as a Mormon. With the upcoming elections here in the USA, and Mitt Romney running, my faith has been brought quite center stage. If you didn’t know it yet, Mitt Romney is a member of my faith as well. Sadly, I have seen my church drug through the mud. We get attacked on all sides almost constantly. Actually ever since our church was established we’ve been persecuted. There have been quite a few shows with little references to Mormon culture. Some are horribly inaccurate and insensitive. But, some are extremely funny. Take this clip from the show Cheers. I find it quite hilarious.

Where do I draw the line? When something I hold very sacred is made fun of, is called names, and thrown around like a piece of meat. You hurt me when you do that. Please respect me. Respect that I have a faith in something I believe is the truth. I will respect you. You can worship as you please, and I will not make fun of you. I just ask the same in return.

I find it intriguing that Catholics wear a cross to remind them of the Crucifixion. I think the little hats those of the Jewish faith wear are a wonderful outward symbol of their faith.

You don’t have to agree with what I believe. Just please respect me. Respect my faith, and please don’t make fun of something that someone else holds very sacred.

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July 26, 2012