Lots of Stuff!

By lots of stuff, I mean just that. Lots of stuff, things, items that surround us daily in our homes.

Each year as Thanksgiving and Christmas season approach, I find myself counting my blessings. Blessings of health, family, temple covenants, my LDS faith, and yes, stuff.

However, as much I as a grateful for the material blessings in my life, I am also very aware that there are many who are less fortunate. Many who have so many fewer things than I do.

I am determined to help teach my children that material things are not as important as they may think, and really try to hit this idea home during the holiday season.

One way we try to teach our children this is by how we give presents. When my oldest daughter was 3 years old and the only grandchild on my side of the family, she was handed gifts from every direction. While I knew everyone, including my husband and I were well-meaning in these efforts, I realized that I wanted my children to cherish what they had and not be given everything they desire.

For the last 7 years, we have given each child 3 gifts at Christmas:

1- A Want
2-A Need
3-A Treasure

Although the wrapped gifts under our Christmas tree may look a little sparse compared to that of friends, my children have come to expect and support this tradition.

It's fabulous to see them writing out a "wish list" and thinking very carefully about what they want and need, instead of all the cool things they want that they saw in the local store ads.

Christmas morning is then spent unwrapping gifts for a short amount of time and then spending the rest of the time focusing of family and the true meaning of Christmas.

Yes, we still give them stuff, just in smaller, more meaningful doses.

Happy Fall and Thanksgiving!

Grace. 
This topic has been on my mind for some time and I had a conversation today with a friend that led me to sharing this story with her. We all need His Grace and we can all be beneficiaries of this gift. Why is this important? Because as Latter-day Saints who are striving for perfection, it is quite clear that none of us are, or ever will be (in this life) perfect. That’s where the need for Grace comes in.
As a mother who was looking for a way to teach my 2 oldest daughters how important it is to have a good attitude, make good choices and be kind, I decided to use an object lesson to allow them to see how the combined efforts of their actions add up to be either positive or negative. I created a “Sparkle Eyes Jar” and my children started filling up their mason jars with colorful craft pom poms as they made good choices. Since I also wanted them to see the effects of making poor choices, I also had them take pom poms out of their jar when these types of decisions and choices were made. When the jars were filled, the kids usually earned an added privilege such as staying up late on the weekend or ice cream for dinner.
One day my two daughters asked me to buy something for them. I decided instead, they could earn it by filling their jars. My third child, a son, had seen his sister’s work on filling their jars in the past and decided that this time, he also wanted to be a part of the action. He wanted to earn some cowboy boots.
So, I got a jar ready for him to begin filling. As a 4 year-old boy, this was no easy task for him. One minute he would be helping me clear the table with a good attitude, and the next minute he was fighting with his sisters over a toy. Long story short, he got very good at adding pom poms, and then having to take them out a few minutes later. After a few days of diligent effort, I started to see his discouragement and noticed that he only had a few pom poms in his jar. I tried to encourage him, but wondered if as a parent, I had asked too much of him. After about a week, and only 8 pom poms in his jar, he came to me and said. “Mom, I will never be able to earn my boots. I am trying so hard, but will never be able to fill my jar.”
My heart broke and I really wanted to find a way to help him earn them. I knew that as it stood, he may never earn them by himself. Easter was approaching, and I found myself pondering on the Atonement and Grace of the Savior. Then I sat down and wrote my 4 year-old son a note that I don’t think he will ever forget. I then filled the remainder of his jar, not with colored pom poms, but with very large, snow-white cotton balls, and placed it on the kitchen table on Easter morning right next to his new boots.
He now calls these his “Grace Boots.”
What does this have to do with all of us? I don’t know about you, but on a daily basis, I find myself adding AND removing pom poms from my figurative “Sparkle Eyes Jar.” I make a really great decision, and then one that’s not so good. Sometimes I feel like I am giving my all and that it just isn’t good enough. One particular Sunday I found myself alone in our Sacrament meeting with my 4 children (my husband was sitting on the stand) and after a long morning of me getting the kids up and ready for church alone, I was tired. The kids started fighting and I wondered why I always tried to make it there on time and ready to go each week. That’s when my 2 boys started fighting over a hard bound Book of Mormon (seriously?!?) and in their tug-of-war to be the end keeper of the book, it hit the bridge of my nose and broke the skin. Drops of blood trickled down my face. Then the losing son threw a punch that hit my face by mistake instead of his older brothers. As I sat in the pew that day , I wondered if my efforts were really good enough, even though the end results were far from perfect.

The lesson of my son’s Grace Boots filled my mind and I realized that even though I would never be able to fill my jar myself, because I was doing my best, Jesus could and would fill my jar with whatever I was lacking. The spirit then testified to me that His individual and collective efforts are more than mine will ever be, and THAT is and will be enough for me to earn my reward. Not boots, but Eternal Life.
I just wanted to share today that our best efforts are enough and that He will make up the difference.
He will fill our jars when we can’t. That is His gift.

2 Nephi 25:23
"For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."

"I Am A Child of God" Ring a Bell Love Challenge!

I posted about the Ring a Bell Challenge a few months ago and have had so many positive emails, texts and messages about it.

This love challenge is based on a personal experience I had while running a marathon, where I was struggling a needed a little bit of support to get me to the finish line. With the help of a supportive spectator who cheered me on while wildly ringing a cowbell, I was able to finish my race.

When I heard Elder Hallstrom's latest LDS General Conference talk, "I Am A Child of God","  I realized that I wanted to incorporate his talk into this challenge and add another challenge to the first: to ring a bell for ourselves.

As literal children of God, we are worth cheering on, and there is nothing wrong with us being the first person to cheer us on and remind us of our inner worth. Once we have that down, we are in a position to then ring the bell for others in need.

I am our ward girls camp leader this year, and am planning to hand out these bells along with the "Ring a Bell Challenge" cards after our hike tonight. We are going to first discuss Elder Hallstrom's talk about our divine nature and heritage and then discuss ways we can help ourselves and others through the tough times.

Please feel free to download, print or distribute these images.

What a better world we would live in if we all rang the bell for others. Words and criticism hurts and destroys. Unconditional love and inclusion heals hearts.

Happy Summer!

Seeing ourselves and others as a Child of God

If you follow @abundantlife30 on Instagram, and have been following our April 2016 General Conference Talk challenge, you know that we recently studied Elder Hallstrom's talk,

I Am a child of God


As I studied Elder Hallstrom's talk, my thoughts reflected back to one of the races I completed some years ago. Due to just having given birth to a baby and many church and family commitments that seemed to drain most of my energy, I was tired. To add to this,  I  also had 50 pounds of baby weight to lose this time around, and added chronic pain, which made training for this particular race was so very very hard. 

I plugged along every day and had to talk myself into continuing the training plan, wondering if I really was the runner that I told myself I was.  When I went to pick up my race packet and race shirt, I noticed that the official race shirt that was handed to me simply said  "Runner."

(Very) bright and early the next morning, I loaded a bus and drove what seemed like too long of a distance to be our race course. As I got off the bus and looked around at my racing partners, I was overcome with the feelings I had as I looked at everyone around me wearing the word, "Runner." 

Even though I didn't know most of these people, or anything about their struggles, I sensed a great respect for them in this race, because I knew what I had been through to get to the race. I imagined that while their stories where different from mine, that they, too, had had many challenges and pitfalls during their training. 

In the moments that followed, In my mind's eye, I saw each of those people wearing shirts that simply said. "Child of God." I realized that each and everyone one of these people were indeed a Child of God, and I had immense and almost overwhelming  respect for them because of not only WHO they were (a runner) but more importantly WHOSE they were.

This was a life-changer for me. It helped me to see others as God sees them. Now as I get frustrated with or hurt by someone, It helps me if I imagine them wearing a "Child of God." shirt. I am then able to see them for who they really, have insight about their inherent worth, and serve them an added measure of love.

#abundantlife30 #generalconferencechallenge #ldschurch #ldsconf

Mothers Day Challenge Day 5

Quality 5: Mothers Have FAITH

Alma 56:47-48

 47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

 48 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.

The story of the 2,000 stripling warriors led by Helaman is one of my favorite scriptures stories. These young men had never fought, yet they had total trust in Heavenly Father because their mothers, in total faith had taught them, not just by word, but by example.

What a testament to influence of righteous mothers. 

We are so blessed to have so many faithful women in our Church!

#abundantlife30 #ldschurch #mormon #mothers #motherhood

Link to this story of the 2,000 stripling warriors is in my profile.

Happy Mother's Day from my family to yours!

Mothers Day Challenge Day 4

Quality 4: Mothers develop CHARITY

Talk: Daughters of God

By, Elder M. Russell Ballard

"There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood."                           - Elder Ballard

It is important to note that Elder Ballard titles this talk to include all women of the Church-ALL of the daughters of God. 

Mothers, and all who mother, have the unique opportunity to work towards developing the Christ-like trait of charity. Working with young children who rely on mothers for almost everything can definitely try one's patience and energy reserves.

Yet, as we mother our children, and children in the realm of our influence, we can, with the help of the Lord, develop charity for them.

Young mothers, please take time to listen to this inspired talk. Elder Ballard gives some powerful and heartfelt insight that applies to you. And I love how he cheers us on in this journey!

#abundantlife30 #ldschurch #mormon #mothers #motherhood

Mothers Day Challenge Day 3

Remember our April General Conference talk challenge begins again Monday.

Quality 3: Mothers are DIVERSE and appreciate the DIVERSITY of all covenant-keeping women

Talk: Are We Not All Mothers?

By, Sister Sheri L. Dew

"Motherhood is more than bearing children. … It is the essence of who we are as women.

As mothers in Israel, we are the Lord’s secret weapon. Our influence comes from a divine endowment that has been in place from the beginning." -Sister Sheri Dew

I love this talk about motherhood because it is so tender and heartfelt, but also because it comes from a wonderful and talented Church leader, who has not yet had a chance to marry or bear children-yet look at the many people she has mothered!

Righteous women are diverse! Some are single, and some are married. Some have no children, some have adopted, and others have given birth to their children.  We come from different family situations, levels of education, languages spoken, and financial opportunities. We have diverse  strengths and weaknesses,  experience various trials and have unique talents.

Despite these differences, we all have the same unified goal-to do our best to live righteous lives and to return to live with our Heavenly Father again.

The key is to appreciate our differences. We can either choose to envy those with situations and talents we want, and criticize those with situations different from our own, or we can look for the commonality among us.  We are all daughters of God.  Unified women are play a critical role in the Church as we help set the example for our own children, children in our extended families, and all children in the realm of our daily influence.

I envision righteous women collectively as being flowers and trees in the beautiful garden of our Heavenly Father. We are daisies, tulips, violets, forget-me-nots, and strawberry blossoms. Each offering our own unique beauty, fragrance and contribution. None is more important or beautiful than other, and collectively, we better the world.

#abundantlife30 #ldschurch #mormon #mothers #motherhood

Attachments area

Mothers Day Challenge Day 2

Quality 2: Mothers NURTURE with Unconditional Love

Talk: Mothers Who Know

By, Sister Julie B. Beck

"To nurture means to cultivate, care for, and make grow...Nurturing requires organization, patience, love, and work. Helping growth occur through nurturing is truly a powerful and influential role bestowed on women." -Sister Beck

As one who loves a clean and orderly home, it took me a few years of mothering to learn that my first priority shouldn't be following my little children around all day and cleaning up after them. Dirt happens, milk spills and dust collects daily. Cleaning will always be part of what we do as mothers, but it's not the most important of tasks.  Instead, I have realized that it is my calling as a mother to place priority on spending time playing games, reading to, laughing with and listening to my children-nurturing them one-on-one and collectively.

Yes, I still love a clean home, but with 4 young children, it seems impossible most days. I have learned to focus more on memories made and love expressed, instead of getting frustrated that I can't seem to stay organized or keep my bathrooms spotless. 

I love Sister Beck's perspective that "Helping growth occur through nurturing is truly a powerful and influential role bestowed on women."

How does it benefit children when mother's place priority on nurturing the special spirits in their care?

#abundantlife30 #ldschurch #mormon #mothers #motherhood

Mothers Day Challenge Day 1

Quality 1: Mothers are STEADFAST

Talk: Behold Thy Mother

By: Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

I took this picture while on a vacation to Hawaii, at a tourist lookout, popular for it's views of the crashing waves against the rocky shoreline.

While most of the tourists were excitedly taking photos of the surfers and boats IN the ocean, I was fixated on something ON the little hill that was receiving little, if any attention from the other tourists-this Lighthouse.

I couldn't help but think of how important this little lighthouse was to all who were adventuring in the waves, both day and night. This lighthouse, while seemingly insignificant to most, was of the utmost importance, to those it was leading back home to safety.

My thoughts turned to the many righteous mothers, who steadfastly and determinedly plant themselves on a sure foundation and guide their children back to safety amidst the perils of the world. Thesemothers make many personal sacrifices, many times docking their own boats for a season so they can remain stalwart, watchful of, and focused on their little boats.

We are so blessed to have such mothers, and while they might not receive the praise and social status that the world has to offer on social media, Heavenly Father "likes" their efforts a million times over.

How does it benefit children when mother's remain steadfast on the solid ground of gospel principles and shine the Light of Christ to those in their care?

#abundantlife30 #ldschurch #mormon #mothers #motherhood

Mothers Day Reading Challenge

I have felt so impressed to take a small break from our daily LDS General Conference Talk Challenge to focus on and celebrate the magnificent role of mothers and women everywhere. Starting today, we will study what our Church leaders say about each of these divine traits every day until Mother's Day.

Unifying Mothers Everywhere

One of the biggest topics of debate I hear among young mothers today is that of which type of mothering is best:

Moms who work from home
Moms who work outside the home
-or-
Moms who stay at home

There are so many personal situations and private matters that may be associated with what type of mother one chooses to be. Every mom loves their child and is doing the best they can.

Wouldn't it be amazing if all mothers could become unified on working towards being a "Teach-at-Home Mom," and choose to create an atmosphere of spiritual learning when our children are at home with us-whenever that may be? Teach-at-Home Mom's look for and take advantage of opportunities when prompted to help their children feel the influence of the Spirit and develop stronger testimonies. We can all do this!

These were my thoughts as I studied today's talk "A Child's Guiding Gift," by Sister Durham.

**If you aren't following the discussion on Intagram, please do so at @abundantlife30** I would love your insight and ideas!

Will you accept the April General Conference Talk Challenge? Join me on Instagram!

Follow @abundantlife30 on Instagram as we begin our April General Conference Talk Challenge.

The purpose of this is progress and not perfection as we study and implement the talks into our lives. More than anything, I hope that you will find abundance and peace in your day as we study together and feel the Spirit. 

I know for me, these talks also help me prioritize on what really matters, and allows me to get rid of the things in my life that don't.

We are all  busy and have many things to accomplish daily. This may seem like "just one more thing" you need to do, but try it for 30 days and you will be hooked!

Didn't you just love this picture that Elder Holland used for his talk?

Tag a friend you to join you in this challenge so you have a running partner as you run from the dinosaur and so you can cheer each other on in studying and implementing these talks.

"As good as our intentions may be, we may slip into old habits. We will make mistakes.

But don’t give up! The great thing about the gospel is we get credit for trying, even if we don’t always succeed. With the gift of the Atonement and the strength of heaven to help us, we can improve.

So keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven will be cheering you on today, tomorrow, forever. I will be cheering for you too."  -Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

What's a Servie?

I was going to post this a few months ago, and felt that I needed to wait to share it. Now I know why. It goes along perfectly with LDS General Women's Conference tonight. Wasn't it AMAZING?!  If you didn't get a change to watch it, make sure you make time to do so.

So you have never heard the word "Servie?" Yep, I made it up!

Here's the story behind it:

Last fall, my husband and I took a trip that we had been anxiously anticipating for years. We discussed, researched, and finally planned what we were going to do and experience on this tropical vacation. Oh, the sights we would see and the people we would meet. I couldn't have been more excited!

Once we arrived, we began pulling out our cameras to take pictures of the beautiful people we encountered, and the gorgeous scenery and views. As the trip went on, we were shocked by how many people weren't taking pictures of what they saw and experienced. Instead, they were more focused on taking self-portraits of themselves-many using a selfie-stick so they didn't even have to go outside of their own realm to ask someone to take the photo for them.

As we watched throughout the course of this vacation, we noticed how most of these people were more focused on their own hair, clothes, facial expressions and how THEY looked, instead of enjoying the beauty around them, or seeing the potential needs of those in their midst. They missed the opportunity of meeting new people, learning about new cultures, and small service opportunities. 

This made we realize how much as a society we can get sucked into ourselves. By focusing only on what we are and have, we tend to become self-absorbed, and tend to end up unhappy and wanting more. If we instead look outward through the lens of charity, we will be able to see needs of those around us, help them, and also realize the many blessings we have been given. This allows us to feel peace and happiness that can't be attained through selfishness.

Easter Traditions

Have you seen this video? What a tender reminder of what Easter is really about.

One way we help our children remember this sacred holiday is to have the Easter bunny come on Saturday morning instead of on Easter Sunday. This allows us to enjoy the fun part of the holiday with treats, baskets and egg hunts, but then focus on the Savior, the Atonement and the Resurrection on Sunday.

Happy Easter, friends!

Our 2016 Family Theme

I am late in posting this, but am excited to share with you our 2016 family theme.:

I Know It. I Live It. I Love It.

It's from the 2012 General Conference talk by Sister Ann M. Dibb's talk by the same name, "I Know It. I Live It.  I Love It."

I loved her insight, "We are followers of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Such conversion and confidence is the result of diligent and deliberate effort. It is individual. It is the process of a lifetime."

If you remember my post from December about the creating a family theme and setting goals each year, you will know that we like to focus on our theme each year for most of our Family Home Evening lessons and activities.

We decided to break down each of the three statements by Sister Dibb and focus on one each month, and then start over again on the 4th month.

In January, we focused on "I Know It," and taught lessons about the basic doctrine of the gospel. We learned more about the Atonement, the Sacrament, and making covenants. We also did some heated scripture chases, and played some fun games on the subject.

In February, we focused on "I Live it." We did some impromptu service projects about how we can live in such a way as to help others who are in need, taught about bearing testimony of what we believe, and challenged the older children to bear their testimony in fast and testimony meeting. They both did it!

In March we are studying the "I Love It" portion of the theme, and are going to learn about being a missionary, having a good attitude, smiling, and being a good example as we try to find joy in this journey of life.

A special note that I want to add here is that we DON'T spend a lot of time planning or prepping our FHE lessons or activities. The lessons are simple, prepared quickly and contain few bells and whistles. We also keep the total event short and sweet. The collective attention spans of 4 children ages 9 and under isn't long!

Instead, we have determined that consistency and simplicity have served us better in this effort and will continue to strive to teach in small but precise steps.

Join the Challenge! Less than 10 minutes a day!

If you haven't yet joined our 2016 General Conference Talk Abundance Challenge, check it out on Instagram @abundantlife30.

Trust in the Messenger = Faith in the Message

Today's GC talk ("Chosen to Bear Testimony of My Name", by Elder Bednar) impresses me to share with you all the reason I started this 2016 General Conference Challenge.

You see, I have learned that by
taking the time to listen to, study and then implement the talks given by our beloved Church leaders, I have developed a greater love for and trust in these humble, wise men who are messengers for Heavenly Father.

By having a stronger relationship with and trust in these messengers, I have a deeper and truer faith in the messages they teach.

My hope is that you will share this journey and deepen your trust
in and love for our LDS prophet and apostles.

Who will you invite to share this journey with you?

Service Challenge!

Hey Friends! I wanted to issue a "Ring a Bell Challenge."

I've modified the famous "It's a Wonderful Life" quote a bit since many times the angels who serve others are on the earth-US!

This challenge comes from a personal experience and then a challenge I issued to myself after to be a cheerleader to those who are struggling.

I deal with chronic foot pain and decided to train for a marathon. Hardest challenge of my life!!! As I began the race, my foot seared with pain during the first half mile and I knew I was in trouble. I fought the entire length of the 26.2 miles, but as I neared the last mile or so, I was so exhausted and in so much pain that I thought I would just stop there, and go home. I felt like I was going to pass out and couldn't take another step.

At that moment, a woman on the side of the race course, a spectator, saw me struggling. She wildly rang a cow bell and cheered me on very loudly. Even though it was MY race, and she couldn't run it for me, her support and bell ringing gave me the confidence and strength I needed to endure to the end of my race.

Soon after this experience, a dear friend of mine was diagnosed with cancer. I struggled with knowing how to best help her. This was her trial, her race to run, and I felt helpless in how to best support her. I thought back to my race and the support of my cheerleader. So, I bought her a cowbell and gave her a message telling her that when she felt lost, alone and tired, to ring the bell loudly so she could remember how many people were cheering her on in this race.

Since that time, I have given away a dozen or so cowbells with similar messages to friends who are being challenged in their race of life.

We often wonder how to help someone who is struggling. May I suggest that it doesn't take money, skills or even a lot of time. It just takes a bit of love. We can all be a cheerleader.

Please take a moment and cheer someone on this week. You just may change a life.

2016 General Conference Talk Read Along Challenge

**For a  new 2016 General Conference Talk Challenge that features the most recent talks, follow me on Instagram at #abundantlife30

Here, you will be able to access links to the talks, see abundant bite quotes from apostles, and gain insight and inspiration from others.

Here's how it works:

We will spend time reading, reflecting on and implementing the talks given in the most recent (Oct. 2015) General Conference. 

We will spend  2 days on each talk to give you time to listen to/read the talk and then to reflect on it.

1st Day - Read or Listen to the featured talk and think about the reflection question.

2nd Day- Answer the Abundance Challenge questions and think about how you can personally implement the teachings of the talk into your own life.

I realize that we are all busy, but if you devote a specific time each day for this, it becomes a habit and is so much easier to "make time" to do. 

For example, I find that dirty laundry at my house is in more abundance than I would prefer! Instead of watching television while I fold, I now listen to these General Conference talks. My husband listens to them in the car during his morning commute.  it's not easy, but it's so worth it, and I find that somehow, I end of listening to talks I really need to hear on certain days.

Enjoy!

Example: