Beckie's Stories and Stuff

Great Thoughts by George Albert Smith

2012-01-13T01:04:00.001-07:00

From the Life of George Albert Smith

When he was 34 years old, George Albert Smith made a list of resolutions that he called his “personal creed”—11 ideals that he committed to live by:

“I would be a friend to the friendless and find joy in ministering to the needs of the poor.

“I would visit the sick and afflicted and inspire in them a desire for faith to be healed.

“I would teach the truth to the understanding and blessing of all mankind.

“I would seek out the erring one and try to win him back to a righteous and a happy life.

“I would not seek to force people to live up to my ideals but rather love them into doing the thing that is right.

“I would live with the masses and help to solve their problems that their earth life may be happy.

“I would avoid the publicity of high positions and discourage the flattery of thoughtless friends.

“I would not knowingly wound the feelings of any, not even one who may have wronged me, but would seek to do him good and make him my friend.

“I would overcome the tendency to selfishness and jealousy and rejoice in the successes of all the children of my Heavenly Father.

“I would not be an enemy to any living soul.

“Knowing that the Redeemer of mankind has offered to the world the only plan that will fully develop us and make us really happy here and hereafter, I feel it not only a duty but also a blessed privilege to disseminate this truth.”

xmas dance

2011-12-31T01:43:00.001-07:00

Can't help it when the music plays

2011-12-31T01:41:00.000-07:00

Jingle Bells

2011-12-31T00:22:00.001-07:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HaPpY NeW YeAr!!!!!!

2011-12-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

SOME PHOTOGRaphy BY LOra

2011-12-09T22:29:00.000-07:00

BZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz.........

2011-10-06T03:17:00.003-06:00

Latest and greatest

2011-09-30T20:39:00.002-06:00

Twitpic - Share photos and videos on Twitter

2011-09-15T01:53:00.000-06:00

Twitpic - Share photos and videos on Twitter

2011-09-15T01:52:00.000-06:00

Twitpic - Share photos and videos on Twitter

Her new best friend

2011-09-04T22:55:00.001-06:00

Angel Love and Aunt Rachel. Holding her new Birthday Bear

2011-08-16T22:30:00.001-06:00

Angel Lover turns One!

2011-08-14T23:03:00.002-06:00

Treat the world the way you want to be treated

2011-07-27T23:42:00.001-06:00

“What goes around comes around” – is the Universal law of life that works without exceptions. Your attitude in approaching people, situations and circumstances in your life can either help you to become successful or backfire right in your face. This is why before acting on an impulse take a fraction of the second to think, “What would I like to attract in my life?” Because if your actions are guided by negative emotions, you are doing yourself the biggest disfavor. On the other hand, if you act out of compassion, forgiveness, passion and kindness, you are creating a good karma that might last you a lifetime.

She love her Elephant

2011-07-14T22:34:00.000-06:00

Elizabeth eating watermelon

2011-07-10T23:08:00.000-06:00

My heart

2011-06-17T21:57:00.001-06:00

MY LOVE

2011-06-06T00:37:00.001-06:00

Some recents

2011-04-24T00:41:00.002-06:00

Birthday Photoshoot

2011-03-22T00:18:00.006-06:00

This girl is meant to be in front of the camera!!

2011-03-10T22:13:00.000-07:00

Bonobo - Eyesdown feat. Andreya Triana

2011-03-07T21:39:00.000-07:00

Working on sitting up and stuff

2011-03-06T22:00:00.003-07:00

My Cookie Monster

2011-03-02T22:02:00.000-07:00

Ewisabet

2011-03-01T22:28:00.000-07:00

Sunday

2011-02-20T22:06:00.001-07:00

Johnny Fedora & Alice Bluebonnet (true love can't be fought)

2011-02-15T22:00:00.001-07:00

Can't take enough pictures of this doll

2011-02-12T23:36:00.004-07:00

Elizabeth and Daddy

2011-02-01T23:40:00.005-07:00

I love her laugh

2011-02-01T23:28:00.002-07:00

BEAUTIFUL ANGEL

2011-01-27T06:50:00.000-07:00

Some 5 month pics

2011-01-13T00:26:00.005-07:00

FAMILY

2010-12-20T23:50:00.002-07:00

THE FAMILY: A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan.

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Elizabeth Renee Watson

2010-12-17T12:26:00.006-07:00

MOMMY LOVES ELIZABETH!!! :)

August 11, 2010..... Best day of my life!!

2010-10-02T10:04:00.002-06:00

Introducing Elizabeth Renee

2010-09-03T01:18:00.003-06:00

I'm calling her "Ellie" for short.

Genius Lora's artistry

2010-08-10T22:40:00.000-06:00

The last week before my angel is born documented by Lora Garlitz

2010-08-05T00:20:00.007-06:00

Maternity photo shoot

2010-07-28T23:33:00.003-06:00

This is one of the pics from my maternity photo shoot. Still editing the others

37 weeks

2010-07-22T00:21:00.003-06:00

There's a baby in there

2010-07-16T09:53:00.001-06:00

5 more weeks till the cookin is done

2010-07-11T02:07:00.000-06:00

My growing belly

2010-07-04T23:35:00.001-06:00

America, The Beautiful : Ray Charles '91

2010-07-01T23:57:00.000-06:00

Inspiring Story to help us appreciate what's most important

2010-05-05T00:14:00.001-06:00

My Precious Baby at 20 weeks 3d image

2010-03-30T23:09:00.001-06:00

Neither Trust in the Arm of Flesh

2010-03-13T12:46:00.003-07:00

This is a cool article that I just read in the March Ensign. Elder Nelson tells a story of one of his experiences as a physician and at the end of the article he sums it up by saying,

"The end for which each of you should strive is to be the person that you can become-the person who God wants you to be. The day will come when your professional career will end. The career that you will have labored so hard to achieve-the work that will have supported you and your family-will one day be behind you.

Then you will have learned this great lesson: much more important than what you do for a living is what kind of a person you become. When you leave this frail existence, what you have become will matter most. Attributes such as "faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, (and) diligence" (D&C 4:6) will all be weighed in the Lord's Balance.

From time to time, ask yourself these questions: "Am I ready to meet my maker?" Am I worthy for all the blessings he has in store for his faithful children?" "Have I received my endowment and sealing ordinances of the temple?" "Have I remained faithful to my covenants?" "Have I qualified for the greatest of all God's blessings-the blessings of eternal life?" (D&C 14:7)

Those who cherish their faith in God-those who trust in him-have been given this scriptural promise: "Let no man glory in man, but rather let him glory in God.......These shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever" (D&C 76:61-62). May that be the ultimate destiny for each of us."

It's a GIRL!! yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-05T23:30:00.002-07:00

gorgeously golden

2010-02-03T21:28:00.001-07:00

1955 Good Housewife's Guide

2010-02-02T16:55:00.002-07:00

1955 Good Housewife’s Guide

This is kinda funny, I think that some of these things are true, how traditional my mom and dad's mindset was. The times have surely changed. Maybe we should embrace some of these ideas again, but some of them are horrible. It is true that pleasing your man brings it's rewards, but doing nothing about bad behavior and acting like a mindless robot??? no way!!!!

Rule 1 – Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time, for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him, and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home, and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favourite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.

Rule 2 – Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you’ll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair, and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.

Rule 3 — Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip though the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.

Rule 4 — Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper etc. and then run a dust cloth over the tables.

Rule 5 — Over the cooler months of the year, you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

Rule 6 — Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children’s hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair and, if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures, and he would like to see them playing the part. Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer, and vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.

Rule 7 — Be happy to see him.

Rule 8 — Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.

Rule 9 — Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first- remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

Rule 10 — Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late, or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.

Rule 11 — Your goal: Try to make your home is a place of peace, order, and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.

Rule 12 — Don’t complain if he comes home late to dinner, or even if he stays out all night. Compare this as minor compared to what he may have gone through that day.

Rule 13 — Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.

Rule 14 — Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.

Rule 15 — Don’t ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house, and as such, will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.

Rule 16 — A good wife always knows her place.

Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?

2010-01-31T12:44:00.000-07:00

Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?

Prayer

2010-01-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

Prayer

The ones who walk besides us

2010-01-19T10:06:00.001-07:00

I got a family letter from my Aunt today and there was a part of it that touched my heart, I will share it with you.

"Brother Ditchburn, a stake high councilor about our age, spoke in Sacrament meeting this morning, and he recited a poem I hadn’t heard before. Called “The Ones Who Walk beside Us,” it reminded the listeners of the need to be patient and more understanding of those who are around us. Minutes before the meeting began, we had walked in supporting Grandma on both sides. Before leaving the apartment, in an effort to hurry us along, I had predicted we would be late for church. But Grandma needed her eyebrows, her coat, her two tissues, her pen and paper, her glasses, her hearing aides and then a new battery, a piece of toast and banana because she was suddenly hungry, and finally wanted an explanation for why we were leaving “so early” when we were down to twenty minutes and we hadn’t left the apartment yet! I confess to some impatience as we moved to the car. I doubt that the poem was directed specifically at us but it might just as well have been. "

The Ones Who Walk Beside Us
We need a little patience with the ones who walk beside us,
For sometimes they are tiresome and sometimes they are slow,
And we let our speech grow hasty and quick temper override us.
But maybe we’d be different if only we could know
Just the things that they are feeling, and their need of help and healing,
For how long they’ll be beside us is a thing we do not know.
But we’re all so prone to blindness and we waste so much of kindness,
Hiding all our better feelings that we ought to try and show.
Oh, we need to be more patient, and more gentle, and more tender
To the ones who walk beside us, when they’re faltering and slow.
For from many a happy starting comes a swift and sudden parting,
And how long we’ll walk together is something none can know.
Author Unknown

wowsies

2010-01-17T18:29:00.000-07:00

cow girl mommi

2010-01-17T18:19:00.001-07:00

ruffles

2010-01-08T23:58:00.000-07:00

2010-01-06T00:35:00.003-07:00

Beauteous

2010-01-04T00:14:00.003-07:00

simple

2009-12-30T11:13:00.001-07:00

sexy

2009-12-27T02:30:00.002-07:00

i like

2009-12-23T17:40:00.000-07:00

sexy tat

2009-12-20T13:04:00.002-07:00

sweet bikini's

2009-12-18T00:23:00.001-07:00

love one and love two

2009-12-15T23:57:00.004-07:00

RED, RED, RED

2009-12-15T04:51:00.003-07:00

RED

2009-12-14T05:10:00.006-07:00

Red is on my mind. So many meanings for this word..........passion, aggression, courage, energy, guilt, love, anger, hatred, pain, socialism, fire, heat, sacrifice, violence, emergency, danger, sin, negativity, blood, lust, communism, stop, exit, honor, leadership, Valentine's Day, blushing, Christmas, purity, attraction, beauty, error, wrong way,conservatism.........http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red

2009-12-06T06:39:00.001-07:00

This is my goal for hair..........and ok, FINE her body too!!

2009-12-03T03:29:00.004-07:00

FU SQUARES CAP FOR SALE PERFECT FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS. HOLIDAY SPECIALS GOING ON NOW

2009-12-01T03:02:00.004-07:00

Selling for $15 each or 2 for $25

These are brand new hats directly from the designer. LA style statement . Perfect for casual or photo opportunity. Also a great gift. These are pre-release and will be sold for 2-3 times more after the holidays.

contact getitatrockersmc.com
or 801-691-6107

FU clothing line photo shoot. Shot in Beverly Hills by Elle Gamboa

2009-11-27T10:55:00.004-07:00

2009-09-30T00:49:00.003-06:00

RED HAIR

2009-07-13T23:09:00.003-06:00

Powell Bliss

2009-07-07T02:33:00.005-06:00

Happenings of me

2009-07-07T01:44:00.002-06:00

Cleansing Time

2009-01-28T19:35:00.003-07:00

It's cleansing time. Just like spring cleaning, I need to clean out my body. I have been eating way too much chocolate, sugar and carbohydrates and if I don't do this I am afraid that it will all be catching up to me faster than I know. I love cleansing, cause it helps me to get rid of cravings for sugar and bad foods and It helps to cleanse all the toxins out of my body and to jump start weight loss. Yes, I have plenty of fat that I would like to get rid of and this will just be the trick that I need to jump start that process. Last time I was serious about the cleanse, I lost 10 pounds in 2 days! SAWEEEEEEEEET!

It is hard, but worth it, what in life that takes work is easy? The first day is the hardest and I think that I am going to do it for 3 days, instead of 10, since I have not done it for a long time. I usually have celery and apples to take the edge off. Woops! I am kinda a cheater, but it still works, so yeah!

LEMON DRINK for your Master Cleanse
you need:

2 tablespoons FRESH squeezed lemon or lime juice (approx. 1/2 lemon)
2 tablespoons genuine organic maple syrup, Grade B (the darker the better)*
1/10 teaspoon (a small pinch!) cayenne pepper, gradually increase (the more BTUs the better)
300 - 500 ccm (10-14 oz) pure water

The Master Cleanse claims to be a way to cleanse the body of toxins and remove the cravings associated with drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and eating junk food. "Coffee, tea, and various cola drinks, as habit-forming beverages, also lose their appeal through the marvels of the lemonade diet." The cleanse involves drinking only lemonade made from fresh lemon or lime juice, Grade B maple syrup, water and Cayenne pepper. No solid food is eaten for the entire cleanse. The master cleanse is technically not a "fast" and proponents say it is more gentle on the body because it does contain some essential vitamins and minerals. According to proponents it is recommended to be on the cleanse for a minimum of ten days, but some people stay on the cleanse for longer periods of time, even as long as 45 days.

Since there is no intake of solid food, special precautions are taken to avoid constipation. Senna tea is taken every night, and in the morning warm saline is required. This passes through the digestive system extremely quickly, usually causing defecation in 30-60 minutes. It is essential to go off of the cleanse slowly. The lack of solid foods for such long periods requires careful breaking, as gut flora need to re-develop and mucus linings re-build. This usually involves drinking "full strength" juices for a day or two, while slowly adding in soups, then fruit, vegetables and nuts before resuming a regular diet. Some individuals have returned to their healthy diet the following day after stopping the program without any problems, but this is rare and not recommended, especially for first timers.

Health claims

Stanley Burroughs and other authors say that The Master Cleanse will eliminate toxins (pesticides, hormones, prescription drugs, chemical fertilizers, heavy metals) and congestion that have built up in the body. For people in perfect health, the body is designed to eliminate normal everyday toxins from itself through the lungs, kidneys, liver, and other eliminator organs. As with other detox diets, there is no peer-reviewed scientific evidence of any positive effect. Supporters of the Master Cleanse have credited it with helping them lose weight, increase energy, and even alleviate some chronic diseases and increase sexual stamina, but there is no empirical peer-reviewed evidence that it achieves anything other than weight loss. Some people who sell the products for the diet are also doctors, and say that they've seen positive health effects such as the disappearance of acne, clearer vision, increased energy, the disappearance of dark circles around eyes.

Bucket List

2009-01-28T18:48:00.004-07:00

I feel so blessed for all that has come into my life as of lately. I have always known that anything good that I accomplish is a blessing from God and I can acknowledge that and realize that without God on my side I am nothing.

I have all these deep thoughts that run through my head, but never put them down in writing, and since I never really Blog, I only post pictures, articles or quotes, I want to try to make time to do this.

I always appreciate reading other people's blogs that have taken time to write or share personal, spiritual experience's. I know that I don't always have a huge spiritual experience every single day, but I have little things that happen that help me learn or grow.

It seems that I have been so busy working and involved in life that I haven't really done anything that I actually like or want to do for so long, so I am trying to make more time for things in my life that bring me happiness and joy.

I was at the gym the other day and I was watching people walk in and was studying there faces as they walked in the gym. One guy that I was watching walked into the gym with a look on his face of anxiety. He looked like he was so not happy to be at the gym and just fulfilling a duty. I can definitely relate to that feeling, I have not wanted to workout on many occasion, but have done it anyway, since I knew that for me it is one of those things that I have to do, almost like food or water. I just feel better when I work out. But it still made me think about how often do we spend our time in life doing things that truly bring us joy? How often do we spend our time doing things that we really don't want to do, but do because we feel pressure from society to be a certain way, or do a certain activity?

I know that there are definitely certain things that I do, where I find true bliss and joy. I love the outdoors, anytime I can be outside either running, hiking, on the water, in the sun, I am truly happy. Spending time with a loved one that lifts me up or has the kind of energy that I hope that I have is always worth my time. I love my dog, animals in general. I love to come home and sing to my dog and hang out with her. She follows me around the house until I hold her, she really loves me and appreciates having me around. I love to bake, cook, anything that has to do with food, eating it or preparing it, serving my creations to others. I love to make people beautiful, whether it be hair, makeup, toenails, fingernails. I love to touch and be affectionate. I believe touch can be so healing if it comes from the right person. I know how good it feels to have my muscles massaged, I love to help put someone else at ease by touch or massage. Learning new things about our Universe and God's creations. Educating myself on all different levels.

I think that our society we are so busy and stressed out that our minds are so preoccupied with things that don't really matter, or that waste our energy. Whether it be an insecurity that we have about assuming how another feels about us, or a negative feeling that we have about another person. Not being able to forgive or let go of certain negative emotions. Life is just too short to not enjoy every second of it. I watched the Bucket List the other night and it was really inspiring. I want to write a bucket list for myself and work on making those things come to pass :)

Ice Capades

2009-01-15T01:18:00.001-07:00

Maya Angelou awesome quote

2009-01-14T17:30:00.001-07:00

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

Fellow Redheads our lovers are lucky men are they not?

2009-01-11T16:18:00.002-07:00

Redheads 'have more sex than blondes or brunettes'

Blondes may have more fun but redheads have more sex, according to new research in Germany.

The study by Hamburg Sex Researcher Professor Dr Werner Habermehl looked at the sex lives of hundreds of German women and compared them with their hair colour.

He said: "The sex lives of women with red hair were clearly more active than those with other hair colour, with more partners and having sex more often than the average. The research shows that the fiery redhead certainly lives up to her reputation."

He added that women who dyed their hair red from another colour were signalling they were looking for a partner, and added: "Even women in a fixed relationship are letting their partners know they are unhappy if they dye their hair red. They are saying that they are looking for something better."

Psychologist Christine Baumanns said however that it may not be the women who were to blame for the better sex lives of redheads.

She said: "Red stands for passion and when a man sees a redhead he will think he is dealing with a woman who won't mess around, and gets straight to the point when it comes to sex."

5 Principles that are vital to the happiness of our families

2009-01-06T13:59:00.003-07:00

Laboratory of our own homes

Everything we need to be able to return to our Heavenly Father can be found in the laboratory of our own homes.

5 principles that are vital to the happiness of our families:

1. Speak softly (we seldom get into trouble if we speak softly)
2. Council with the Lord. Seek His help and advice. Take our problems to the Lord. (There are over 700 scriptures, where the Lord asks us to come to Him in our needs.
3. Don't embarrass the members of your family (knowingly)
4. Don't criticize members of your family. Learn to still a critical tongue. (Look for and a
acknowledge the good).
5. Don't be controlling. Heavenly Father is not a controlling Father. All must have agency.

Live your Dreams

2009-01-05T22:45:00.000-07:00

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Mark Twain

carpe diem

2008-12-29T17:20:00.001-07:00

"Do not stop thinking of life as an adventure. You have no security unless you live bravely, excitingly, imaginatively."

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Be Believing

2008-12-29T16:58:00.001-07:00

I ask everyone within the sound of my voice to take heart, be filled with faith, and remember the Lord has said He “would fight [our] battles, [our] children’s battles, and [the battles of our] children’s children.”¹⁰ And what do we do to merit such a defense? We are to “search diligently, pray always, and be believing[. Then] all things shall work together for [our] good, if [we] walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted.”¹¹ The latter days are not a time to fear and tremble. They are a time to be believing and remember our covenant.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

What we link pain to and what we link pleasure to is what shapes our destiny

2008-12-10T20:03:00.004-07:00

I watched this and it is so touching. It is motivation to work on my personal integrity.

video from Tony Robbins

http://tonyrobbinstraining.com/2/?ec=136686

The grass is greener wherever we go

2008-12-06T12:42:00.003-07:00

The grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side of the fence. Fences have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be.

Robert Fulghum

Christian Courage: Discipleship of Christ

2008-12-06T10:12:00.003-07:00

Elder Robert D. Hales gave this amazing inspired conference talk and as I was reading it this morning, I was truly inspired to reevaluate the way I live in my quest to be a disciple of Christ. I also felt that I could liken this talk to recent events that have happened with the church's stand on marriage and how we respond to those that oppose it.

This talk is written to respond to a question. Recently a group of bright, faithful young Latter-day Saints wrote down some of the most pressing questions on their minds. One sister asked, “Why doesn’t the Church defend itself more actively when accusations are made against it?”

To respond in a Christlike way cannot be scripted or based on a formula. The Savior responded differently in every situation. When He was confronted by wicked King Herod, He remained silent. When He stood before Pilate, He bore a simple and powerful testimony of His divinity and purpose. Facing the moneychangers who were defiling the temple, He exercised His divine responsibility to preserve and protect that which was sacred. Lifted up upon a cross, He uttered the incomparable Christian response: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Some people mistakenly think responses such as silence, meekness, forgiveness, and bearing humble testimony are passive or weak. But, to “love [our] enemies, bless them that curse [us], do good to them that hate [us], and pray for them which despitefully use [us], and persecute [us]” (Matthew 5:44) takes faith, strength, and, most of all, Christian courage.

The Prophet Joseph Smith demonstrated this courage throughout his life. Though he “suffer[ed] severe persecution at the hands of all classes of men, both religious and irreligious” (Joseph Smith—History 1:27), he did not retaliate or give in to hatred. Like all true disciples of Christ, he stood with the Savior by loving others in a tolerant and compassionate way. That is Christian courage.

When we do not retaliate—when we turn the other cheek and resist feelings of anger—we too stand with the Savior. We show forth His love, which is the only power that can subdue the adversary and answer our accusers without accusing them in return. That is not weakness. That is Christian courage.

Through the years we learn that challenges to our faith are not new, and they aren’t likely to disappear soon. But true disciples of Christ see opportunity in the midst of opposition.

As we respond to others, each circumstance will be different. Fortunately, the Lord knows the hearts of our accusers and how we can most effectively respond to them. As true disciples seek guidance from the Spirit, they receive inspiration tailored to each encounter. And in every encounter, true disciples respond in ways that invite the Spirit of the Lord. Paul reminded the Corinthians that his preaching was “not with the enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Corinthians 2:4). Because that power resides in the Spirit of the Lord, we must never become contentious when we are discussing our faith. As almost every missionary learns, Bible bashing always drives the Spirit away. The Savior has said, “He that hath the spirit of contention is not of me” (3 Nephi 11:29). More regrettable than the Church being accused of not being Christian is when Church members react to such accusations in an un-Christlike way! May our conversations with others always be marked by the fruits of the Spirit—”love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, [and] temperance” (Galatians 5:22–23). To be meek, as defined in Webster’s Dictionary, is “manifesting patience and longsuffering: enduring injury without resentment.”² Meekness is not weakness. It is a badge of Christian courage.

Surely our Heavenly Father is saddened—and the devil laughs—when we contentiously debate doctrinal differences with our Christian neighbors.

Yet even as we feel to speak the word of God with boldness, we must pray to be filled with the Holy Ghost (see Acts 4:29, 31). We should never confuse boldness with Satan’s counterfeit: overbearance (see Alma 38:12). True disciples speak with quiet confidence, not boastful pride.

As true disciples, our primary concern must be others’ welfare, not personal vindication. Questions and criticisms give us an opportunity to reach out to others and demonstrate that they matter to our Heavenly Father and to us. Our aim should be to help them understand the truth, not defend our egos or score points in a theological debate. Our heartfelt testimonies are the most powerful answer we can give our accusers. And such testimonies can only be born in love and meekness. We should be like Edward Partridge, of whom the Lord said, “His heart is pure before me, for he is like unto Nathanael of old, in whom there is no guile” (D&C 41:11). To be guileless is to have a childlike innocence, to be slow to take offense and quick to forgive.

As President Thomas S. Monson has taught, “Let us learn respect for others. . . . None of us lives alone—in our city, our nation, or our world.”³By arguments and accusations, some people bait us to leave the high ground. The high ground is where the light is. It’s where we see the first light of morning and the last light in the evening. It is the safe ground. It is true and where knowledge is. Sometimes others want us to come down off the high ground and join them in a theological scrum in the mud. These few contentious individuals are set on picking religious fights, online or in person. We are always better staying on the higher ground of mutual respect and love.

To my inquiring sister and all who seek to know how we should respond to our accusers, I reply, we love them. Whatever their race, creed, religion, or political persuasion, if we follow Christ and show forth His courage, we must love them. We do not feel we are better than they are. Rather, we desire with our love to show them a better way—the way of Jesus Christ.

Only through Him can we and all our brothers and sisters inherit the greatest gift we can receive—eternal life and eternal happiness. To help them, to be an example for them, is not for the weak. It is for the strong. It is for you and me, Latter-day Saints who pay the price of discipleship by answering our accusers with Christian courage.

“Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life” (3 Nephi 5:13).

Home for Thanksgiving!

2008-11-30T16:55:00.008-07:00

I spent Thanksgiving in Show Low, Arizona with my mom and little sister. We saw Twilight twice, went out to eat at Pizza Factory, drove up to the ski resort (sunrise) for a scenic drive. I got to meet her awesome Hair dresser, enjoyed just staying home in her beautiful new home, watched August Rush. Went shopping at her Eyebrow salon that had silver jeans on sale for 75 percent off! Show Low is a pretty Town, but I could never live here, it is nice to visit, but i think that I would go mad with no shopping around except Walmart :( Glad to see my family and I will surely miss them, when I go!

Quotes that I like

2008-11-30T12:17:00.004-07:00

"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile."

"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."

"Try not to become a man of success, but rather a man of value."

Albert Einstein

Sunny San Diego

2008-11-27T03:49:00.039-07:00

I was fortunate enough to be able to take some time off work for the Thanksgiving Holiday. I decided to add some time on to my vacation by taking a trip to San Diego. I was able to visit quite a few beaches while there, saw some very gorgeous sunsets, shop, and breath in the ocean air. I would love to move there one day!

Sunset Cliffs

Cardiff Beach

Encinitas Beach

Balboa Park

Coronado Island/ Hotel Del Coronado/ Bridge to Coronado/ Ferry to Coronado

Ocean Beach

Big Star Sweet Stretch Jean

2008-11-22T08:38:00.002-07:00

I am obsessed with posting all my new purchases lately, lol! Here is a pair of Jeans that I just bought.

Friends and Family savings at the Gap

2008-11-20T19:35:00.001-07:00

I bought this skirt the boots and the top. I am getting back in to 80's mode. I was wearing these styles in 5th grade :) sad but true

Friends and Family savings at the Gap

2008-11-20T19:32:00.008-07:00

This dress is too short for garments, but I bought tights so when they come in the mail, i'll wear it! :)

Gotta love new jeans!

2008-11-20T17:52:00.003-07:00

I went down a size in jeans! Yeah! I can't wait to wear my new Big Star Maddies !!!!!! :)

Eggnog Cream Pie (my contribution to Thanksgiving Dinner this year!!!!!!!!!)

2008-11-19T19:18:00.004-07:00

Eggnog cream pie

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into cubes, chilled, divided
1 tablespoon cold water
1 cup whole milk
1 cup eggnog
1/2 cup sugar
6 egg yolks
1 teaspoon cinnamon, plus additional for garnish
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, plus additional for garnish
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons rum, brandy or whiskey (optional)

In a large bowl, stir together 1 cup of the flour and the salt. Add the chilled cubed butter. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until the butter pieces are slightly smaller than a pea and the mixture resembles cornmeal. Add the water and gently stir the mixture together with your hands or a fork just until the mixture is moist but not sticky. If the mixture is too dry, add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Alternatively, in a food processor combine 1 cup of the flour and the salt. Pulse to mix. Add the chilled cubed butter and pulse until the butter pieces are slightly smaller than a pea and the mixture resembles cornmeal. Add the water and pulse until the mixture is moist but not sticky. If the mixture is too dry, add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on the counter and turn the dough onto it. Push the dough together to form a ball and wrap well in the plastic. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 minutes and up to 2 days.
Heat the oven to 400 F.
Lightly dust the counter with flour. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out to about 1/8 -inch thickness. Transfer dough to a 9-inch pie plate and press it gently into the plate.
Trim the overhanging dough to about 1 inch all around the edge. Fold the overhang under itself so that it rests on the lip of the pie plate and decorate the edges as desired.
Use a fork to prick the bottom of the pie crust several times. Line the crust with a piece of foil large enough to hang over the edges. Fill the shell with enough baking weights or dried beans to cover the bottom and go halfway up the sides.
Bake the crust until pale golden brown, about 15 minutes, then remove the foil and baking weights and continue baking until deep golden brown, about 10 minutes more. Transfer the pie shell to a cooling rack and cool to room temperature.
To make the filling
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the milk, eggnog and 1/4 cup of the sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl whisk together the egg yolks, remaining 1/4 cup of flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. When the milk and eggnog mixture is at a simmer, remove the pan from the heat.
While whisking, slowly pour about 1 cup of the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture. Then pour the egg mixture into the pan with the remaining milk and eggnog.
Return the pan to a medium heat. Stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, cook the mixture until it thickens to consistency of a heavy pudding, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the cooled pie shell and place a sheet of plastic wrap over the top, gently pressing so it touches the surface of the cream. Refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.
Before serving the pie, whip the cream and liquor (if using) together until the cream holds stiff peaks. Remove the plastic wrap from the surface of the pie and evenly spread the whipped cream over the surface. If desired, lightly dust the top of the pie with cinnamon and nutmeg. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Makes 8 servings.

I love my Doggie Woggies!

2008-11-15T10:01:00.004-07:00

I started Christmas shopping last night, you know when you find that perfect gift, when you are not even looking for one and there it is, you have to buy it! I decided to model my precious dogs in my find. They were not happy about it, but I thought it was so cute to see them as they frustratingly waited for the torture to be over. :)

The influence of the Holy Ghost is spirit speaking to spirit, and the indelible impression in one that brings conversion and conviction to the soul

2008-11-10T07:34:00.004-07:00

When one has received the Holy Ghost he has a companion who will constantly warn and teach and inspire him. (Moroni 10:5) If not driven away through uncleanness or other persistent wickedness the Holy Ghost will always bear increasing witness to gospel truth. The potency of his influence is emphasized in this explanation by President Joseph Fielding Smith:

The reason blasphemy against the Son of God may be forgiven, even if the Son be made manifest in a vision or a dream, is that such manifestation does not impress the soul as deeply as does the testimony of the Holy Ghost. The influence of the Holy Ghost is spirit speaking to spirit, and the indelible impression in one that brings conversion and conviction to the soul as no other influence can. The Holy Spirit reveals the truth with a positiveness wherein there is no doubt and therefore is far more impressive than a vision given to the eye.

Miracle of Forgiveness
Spencer W. Kimball
page 122

Elder Parley P. Pratt also described the effects of the Holy Ghost:

“[His influence] quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being”

Snow Canyon 1/2 Marathon

2008-11-09T03:47:00.011-07:00

Today my sister and I were crazy enough to run a 1/2 marathon in Saint George, down Snow Canyon. The trail route was so beautiful and a fall day, it was really a perfect setting.

I have run 3 of these crazy things in the past, but it has been 5 years since my last 1/2 marathon, so I was really not in shape to run it, but I did it anyway. Rachel has been training for the last 16 weeks, something that I was too lazy to do. It takes a lot of time to train for these things.

She did marvelous and I did terrible, but that is the price that I pay for doing it last minute. I am glad that I was able to do it, cause it was really fun to drive to Saint George and get out of Utah Valley. We went with Danielle and Holly and we had a fun time chatting and hot tubbing and eating at Cracker Barell afterwards. A road trip is always refreshing and mixes things up. Rachel and I got to see Amy Broadbent, our friend from high school, she lives in Saint George now, she brought her darling little 3 year old daughter to lunch and we had a fun time.

Now, I need to get back in shape, so that next time this comes up, I wont be sooooooooo sore. I can hardly walk now :( , but on the way to getting my runner's legs back.!!

That truth they share is always greater and more important to them than their differences. The children of God have more in common than differences.

2008-11-08T21:45:00.005-07:00

We will come from every nation and many ethnic backgrounds into the kingdom of God. And that prophesied gathering will accelerate.

We see increased conflict between peoples in the world around us. Those divisions and differences could infect us. That is why my message of hope today is that a great day of unity is coming. The Lord Jehovah will return to live with those who have become His people and will find them united, of one heart, unified with Him and with our Heavenly Father.

The Lord’s prophets have always called for unity. The need for that gift to be granted to us and the challenge to maintain it will grow greater in the days ahead, in which we will be prepared as a people for our glorious destiny.

You have seen evidence, as I have, that we are moving toward becoming one. The miracle of unity is being granted to us as we pray and work for it in the Lord’s way. Our hearts will be knit together in unity. God has promised that blessing to His faithful Saints whatever their differences in background and whatever conflict rages around them.

We know from experience that joy comes when we are blessed with unity.

The joy of unity He wants so much to give us is not solitary.

We must seek it and qualify for it with others.

It is not surprising then that God urges us to gather so that He can bless us.

He wants us to gather into families. He has established classes, wards, and branches and commanded us to meet together often. In those gatherings, which God has designed for us, lies our great opportunity. We can pray and work for the unity that will bring us joy and multiply our power to serve.

“Yea, even he commanded them that they should preach nothing save it were repentance and faith on the Lord, who had redeemed his people.

“And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.

“And thus he commanded them to preach. And thus they became the children of God.”

Revelation is the only way we can know how to follow the will of the Lord together. It requires light from above. The Holy Ghost will testify to our hearts, and the hearts of those gathered around with us, what He would have us do. And it is by keeping His commandments that we can have our hearts knit together as one.

That truth they share is always greater and more important to them than their differences. You can help yourself and others to see that common ground if you ask for help from God and then act.

That same principle applies as we build unity with people who are from vastly different backgrounds. The children of God have more in common than they have differences. And even the differences can be seen as an opportunity. God will help us see a difference in someone else not as a source of irritation but as a contribution. The Lord can help you see and value what another person brings which you lack. More than once the Lord has helped me see His kindness in giving me association with someone whose difference from me was just the help I needed. That has been the Lord’s way of adding something I lacked to serve Him better.

Our Hearts Knit as One

President Henry B. Eyring
First Counselor in the First Presidency

Two Wolves

2008-11-07T23:45:00.002-07:00

Two Wolves
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside all people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two "wolves" inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?" The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

I once liked clever people. Now I like good people.

2008-11-06T07:41:00.004-07:00

Years ago I preferred clever people. There was a joy in beholding . . . a mind . . . bearing thoughts quickly translated into words, or ideas expressed in a new way. I find now that my taste has changed. Verbal fireworks often bore me. They seem motivated by self-assertion and self-display. I now prefer another type of person; one who is considerate, understanding of others, careful not to break down another person's self-respect. . . . My preferred person today is one who is always aware of the needs of others, or their pain and fear and unhappiness, and their search for self-respect. . . . I once liked clever people. Now I like good people. [Richard Evans' Quote Book (Salt Lake City: Publishers Press, 1971), p. 166]