Finding Joy in the Journey

My friend Tiffani has this really neat thing she is doing on her blog, called "Finding Joy in the Journey". It's about doing things for yourself to become spiritually prepared... we always hear about "be prepared" and we think monetarily. This is something I need, and I'm grateful to her that she is doing it! I met her in a weight training class at BSU my freshman year. We were then reacquainted in the young married ward. She watched my baby Aaron for me so I could go to an institute class. She is one of the most kind people I know, and is such an example to me.

Go check it out and get signed up! You'll also want to be sure and read this.

The journey begins on Sunday February 22nd (what a great birthday gift for me!).

Thanks Tiff!

The Book of Mormon Challenge - COMPLETED!

I just wanted to report that I finished reading The Book of Mormon on Thursday, August 21, 2008. I started reading it on Sunday, July 13, 2008. So it did take me a little longer than 31 days. But I'm so grateful that I DID IT!

What a blessing The Book of Mormon can be to any who choose to partake. I love it. I love the joy and peace that I receive when I read it. I know it is a true book. It is another testament of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It testifies of him. It teaches us how to return to him. It teaches of the beautiful atonement and His love for us. It's words fill me with comfort and peace. I am so grateful for the promptings of The Holy Ghost, which led me to begin this challenge.

I am truly blessed to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know that it is the true gospel on the earth today. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to young Joseph Smith after he prayed for direction as to which church he should join. This is what led to the restoration of Christ's church. I am grateful for the knowledge of The Plan of Salvation, and that I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father, and He loves me, He knows me and my greatest strengths and weaknesses. I know that being a wife and mother is a divine calling, and it is a calling that I treasure with all my heart. I know that families can be together for eternity. And although I am so very far from perfect, I know that through Jesus Christ and the atonement, and my own actions in striving to do my best and endure to the end, I can return to live with Him. This gospel brings me joy in it's purest form. And I am so blessed to have it in my life. I say these things in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Wizard Weekly

Hi and welcome to my part of the blog Wizard Weekly. Now I chose this because in Harry Potter there is a magazine called the Witch Weekly. So I'm doing the Wizard Weekly. This is about what's been going on in my week. Here we go, first off on Monday I was sick and I have been sick this whole week, but that did not stop me from going to the Twin Falls, Idaho Temple Open House. That was cool and my favourite part was the Celestial Room because it was so bright. Now next i just finished the Harry Potter series. It was so good I wanted to watch all the movies over and over!! Also on Thursday was my grandmas birthday and so we went to my cousins house to swim and have a BBQ that was so fun. That is it and I'll be writing next week. Bye!

Our Summer Vacation

With the price of gas, a newborn, and lack of funds, we took our only summer vacation today. That is right, I said TODAY - it was a day trip to Twin Falls.

We went to the Twin Falls Idaho Temple Open House! We left at about 10 this morning, stopped at IHOP for some lunch (or breakfast... if you're like me and will eat pancakes/french toast any time of day). Then we went over to the Open House. We left Seth with my sister for the day, so we were really able to enjoy the whole experience. It was fun to see the temple with my kids. They were floored when we told them they'd be able to go inside the temple and see what it looks like. And it was BEAUTIFUL of course! My favorite part of the whole tour was walking into the celestial room with my husband, children, and parents. I couldn't believe how bright and white it was. We only had about a minute to enjoy it - I wished I could have stayed longer. It was sweet to sit on the couch and enjoy the peace and beauty with my husband and five of my children.

After the tour (and refreshments of course - it is an LDS function!), we took a few pictures outside of the temple. The sad thing was that the kids were worn out and hot. So the shots I got of them aren't that great, and we didn't get one of our family - just the kids. Aaron was going to die because he needed to blow his nose, and I could barely talk Zack into getting into the picture. Oh well, I'm still happy that my Family is Forever!

After the Temple, we drove over to Shoshone Falls. Another beautiful site to see! Once again, everyone starting to get too tired and crabby (must have been the heat - it was about 95), to pose for a picture. So I just got some great shots of the falls all by themselves.
Lastly, we stopped at an understaffed DQ for ice cream and 20 minutes later (with our to go order) we headed home. We arrived back home at about 7:45. All said and done, it was a pretty cheap and easy vacation!

A Switch in *MY* Road

I've wanted to share this with everyone all week, but haven't really had the opportunity to put my thoughts into words. I'm not an "eloquent writer", so I'll blab out some of my thoughts now. For me, this was the small switch in my road that got me back on track, DOING all that I needed to be doing...

Early last Sunday morning, I was feeding Logan. As I was "blog jogging", someone referenced this blog written by a mother(Stephanie) whose 14 month old daughter drowned in their hot tub. I couldn't imagine how a mother could blog about her feelings while she goes through such an ordeal. For the next hour I read, wept and became inspired. I was truly changed.

I'm sure we all know of someone who has tragically lost a loved one. This is the first time that I (and most) have seen life through the eyes of one as she experiences this, and beautifully overcomes this, on a day to day basis. I have to tell you that it is one of the most faith promoting and inspiring things to witness. I now read this blog daily. I am uplifted daily. I am reminded to not take for granted the life that I have with my six beautiful children and husband - daily.

Take some time to read this (with a box of tissues near by). Know it is not a depressing kind of sorrow you'll feel when reading. Here is the first post after the accident (by Stephanie's sister):

Camille

Book of Mormon Challenge to Myself and Anyone That Wants To Join Me!

" Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your heart?"
Alma 5:14

coun·te·nance Origin: 1250–1300; ME cuntenaunce behavior, bearing, self-control

Does my behavior reflect that I have experienced this mighty change of heart? No, I don't break the 10 Commandments, but I don't consistently do what I know I should be doing. (Does this sound familiar: "It's too hard to do all of that stuff." - see 1 Nephi 16:1)

That being said, it is time to submerge myself in the Book of Mormon. What better way to do this than to read it in 31 days! I decided I have a lot of time to *read* right now... There is no reason I can't add the Book of Mormon to my current reading selection. As I've mentioned before, I have the laptop set up next to the rocking chair so I am reading it on my computer (and surprisingly, it seems less overwhelming this way!). You can also download the audio as well. Here is the link.

I've challenged Aaron to join me (heck, if he can read a Harry Pooper book in 2 days, he could read the B of M in 31!). It comes to approximately 20 pages a day to read. Aaron timed himself reading just 5 pages last night. It only took 12 minutes for him. He is going to split that up through out the day and try to keep up with me. Here is the schedule!

1. Title page – “A Brief Explanation about The Book of Mormon”
2. 1 Nephi 1 - 11
3. 1 Nephi 12 - 17
4. 1 Nephi 18 - 2 Nephi 2
5. 2 Nephi 3 - 9
6. 2 Nephi 10 - 23
7. 2 Nephi 24 - 29
8. 2 Nephi 30 - Jacob 5
9. Jacob 6 - Mosiah 1
10. Mosiah 2 - 8
11. Mosiah 9 - 17
12. Mosiah 18 - 26
13. Mosiah 27 - Alma 3
14. Alma 4 - 9
15. Alma 10 - 15
16. Alma 16 - 22
17. Alma 23 - 30
18. Alma 31 - 36
19. Alma 37 - 43
20. Alma 44 - 50
21. Alma 51 - 57
22. Alma 58 - 63
23. Helaman 1 - 7
24. Helaman 8 - 14
25. Helaman 15 - 3 Nephi 6
26. 3 Nephi 7 - 14
27. 3 Nephi 15 - 22
28. 3 Nephi 23 - Mormon 2
29. Mormon 3 - Ether 2
30. Ether 3 - 12
31. Ether 13 - Moroni 10

Are you in??? Post a comment, and/or complete the poll! Be honest - if you can't handle it right now (heavens knows that's how I've been up until now), then just say it! I decided now is the time... things will start to get much busier in the coming months (football, preschool, school, OYF bookkeeping...). There is no time like the present!

Invite your friends and family to join you! Feel free to link to my blog...

I'm doing this publicly because I think I will be held more accountable if everyone knows I'm doing it. Don't want to fail on this one!

THE BEHAVIOR CHANGE BEGINS JULY 15TH!!!!