How We Should Love Our Fellow Man

A lot of people remark that I seem to be a "happy" person--and I believe that I fundamentally am. This happiness doesn't come from money, fame, or even the precious people in my life. There are many people throughout the world who have at least some of these things--and yet find themselves feeling empty and sorrowful. I believe that my personal happiness comes from a firm belief in my Savior. The following is a beautiful example of putting that belief into action. I think we could all take a lesson:




**Sorry, I had to delete this video because it would start playing automatically whenever I opened my blog. You can search for it on youtube: "Dayton's Legs". It is very inspirational!

Aprons! Aprons! Aprons!

I like collecting things: Christmas ornaments, jewelry, dishes, vases, nightgowns, books, and APRONS!!! My mother wore aprons when I was growing up. She wore them while cleaning and cooking, and especially when baking. So many of my childhood memories involve the wonderful aromas of baking bread, homemade chocolate chip cookies, or a turkey roasting in the oven. My mother would be in the kitchen, preparing something lovely for us to enjoy. I recall in particular a long half-apron. It was white and trimmed with a thick eyelet lace. A cheerful yellow ribbon was threaded around it. I LOVED that apron! I remember a burgundy apron--sturdy and serviceable. I remember a holiday apron that added a real sense of "home" to our celebrations.

I think the value of aprons today lies not only in the protection of our clothes, but in tying us gratefully to the past. When I put an apron on, I feel a connection with the millions of homemakers before me who put on this soft armor every morning. I think of tired hands using the apron to dry them; I think of a fine dusting of flour from the preparation of a loaf of bread that would later be enjoyed with hand-churned butter and honey; I imagine the countless children whose tears were dried on an apron as their mothers comforted them. I also think of the loads of washing that were saved by this simple article of clothing.

Aprons are precious to me. I love the fabrics, the designs, the colors, the craftsmanship. I love the histories that aprons represent. My collection is currently rather small (I only have 40-50 presently). But, I get great enjoyment from them and from anticipating my next addition.

Aprons are a sentimental tie to our past. I am so glad that when my children are grown they will remember their mother wearing an apron. Perhaps one day, when I am gone, an apron I wore will bring a pleasant memory of home and love.

On the Easter Menu

Every Easter Sunday we have a traditional meal of Baked Ham (with a yummy brown sugar glaze), Butterhorns (these are FABULOUS homemade rolls), Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Corn, Peas, Jello Salad, and Coconut Cake for dessert. It is a meal that I look forward to every year. The morning is usually spent with a nice breakfast of pastries or cinnamon rolls, bacon or sausage, eggs, and orange juice. There are also the beautiful Easter baskets to raid--filled with colored eggs, chocolate bunnies, jelly beans, m&ms, malted milk balls, various wrapped chocolates, creme eggs, marshmallow peeps--the list seems to go on and on.

It is easy to get wrapped up in the trimmings of the Holiday. We celebrate with many harmless and fun pursuits; dyeing eggs vibrant blues and purples or pastel yellows and pinks, hiding and hunting those lovely eggs, watching fun Easter movies, thinking about bunnies and colored eggs and baby chicks. All of these things are good. However, me must not lose sight of the Reason we celebrate.

In our family, we try very hard to stress the reason we celebrate Easter. Christ lived. He led a perfect life. He suffered for our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane so that we can repent and live with our Father in Heaven. He died on the cross--after he had completely finished the Atonement. And, the great miracle of the world, He overcame death and Resurrected. I don't know all that was involved in this. But, I have a testimony that he alone could accomplish this first. He overcame death so that we could, too. My heart is overfilled with gratitude for my Savior, who loved me enough to suffer for my sins. At times I feel so unworthy of this sacrifice, but I am SO grateful for it. One day, when I stand before the Savior (we all will!), I hope that I will have lived my life in such a way that I caused as little suffering for Him as possible.

I think that this Hymn conveys the true spirit of Easter:

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

I know that my Redeemer lives;
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever living Head.

He lives to bless me with His love,
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed,
He lives to help in time of need.

He lives to grant me rich supply,
He lives to guide me with His eye,
He lives to comfort me when faint,
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears,
He lives to wipe away my tears
He lives to calm my troubled heart,
He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly Friend,
He lives and loves me to the end;
He lives, and while He lives, I’ll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

He lives and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death:
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives, all glory to His Name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives,
I know that my Redeemer lives!

Happy Easter and many blessings!

An Important Talk on Agency

This is the talk I am teaching from tomorrow. Always good to study these reminders of what is truly important in life.

Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life


By Elder Robert D. Hales

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles



Whenever we choose to come unto Christ, take His name upon us, and follow His servants, we progress along the path to eternal life.

Recently I received a letter from a friend of over 50 years who is not a member of our church. I had sent him some gospel-related reading, to which he responded: “Initially it was hard for me to follow the meaning of typical Mormon jargon, such as agency. Possibly a short vocabulary page would be helpful.”

I was surprised he did not understand what we mean by the word agency. I went to an online dictionary. Of the 10 definitions and usages of the word agency, none expressed the idea of making choices to act. We teach that agency is the ability and privilege God gives us to choose and “to act for [ourselves] and not to be acted upon.”1 Agency is to act with accountability and responsibility for our actions. Our agency is essential to the plan of salvation. With it we are “free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil.”2

The words of a familiar hymn teach us this principle very clearly:



Know this, that ev’ry soul is free

To choose his life and what he’ll be;

For this eternal truth is giv’n:

That God will force no man to heav’n.3


To answer my friend’s question and the questions of good men and women everywhere, let me share with you more of what we know about this meaning of agency.

Before we came to this earth, Heavenly Father presented His plan of salvation—a plan to come to earth and receive a body, choose to act between good and evil, and progress to become like Him and live with Him forever.

Our agency—our ability to choose and act for ourselves—was an essential element of this plan. Without agency we would be unable to make right choices and progress. Yet with agency we could make wrong choices, commit sin, and lose the opportunity to be with Heavenly Father again. For this reason a Savior would be provided to suffer for our sins and redeem us if we would repent. By His infinite Atonement, He brought about “the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice.”4

After Heavenly Father presented His plan, Lucifer stepped forward, saying, “Send me, … and I will redeem all mankind, that [not even] one soul shall … be lost … ; wherefore give me thine honor.”5 This plan was rejected by our Father, for it would have denied us our agency. Indeed, it was a plan of rebellion.

Then Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father’s “Beloved and Chosen [Son] from the beginning,” exercised His agency to say, “Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.”6 He would be our Savior—the Savior of the world.

Because of Lucifer’s rebellion, a great spiritual conflict ensued. Each of Heavenly Father’s children had the opportunity to exercise the agency Heavenly Father had given him or her. We chose to have faith in the Savior Jesus Christ—to come unto Him, follow Him, and accept the plan Heavenly Father presented for our sakes. But a third of Heavenly Father’s children did not have faith to follow the Savior and chose to follow Lucifer, or Satan, instead.7

And God said, “Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, … I caused that he should be cast down.”8 Those who followed Satan lost the opportunity to receive a mortal body, live on earth, and progress. Because of the way they used their agency, they lost their agency.

Today the only power Satan and his followers have is the power to tempt and try us. Their only joy is to make us “miserable like unto [themselves].”9 Their only happiness comes when we are disobedient to the Lord’s commandments.

But think of it: in our premortal state we chose to follow the Savior Jesus Christ! And because we did, we were allowed to come to earth. I testify that by making the same choice to follow the Savior now, while we are here on earth, we will obtain an even greater blessing in the eternities. But let it be known: we must continue to choose to follow the Savior. Eternity is at stake, and our wise use of agency and our actions are essential that we might have eternal life.

Throughout His life our Savior showed us how to use our agency. As a boy in Jerusalem, He deliberately chose to “be about [His] Father’s business.”10 In His ministry, He obediently chose “to do the will of [His] Father.”11 In Gethsemane, He chose to suffer all things, saying, “Not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.”12 On the cross, He chose to love His enemies, praying, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”13 And then, so that He could finally demonstrate that He was choosing for Himself, He was left alone. “[Father,] why hast thou forsaken me?” He asked.14 At last, He exercised His agency to act, enduring to the end, until He could say, “It is finished.”15

Though He “was in all points tempted like as we are,”16 with every choice and every action He exercised the agency to be our Savior—to break the chains of sin and death for us. And by His perfect life, He taught us that when we choose to do the will of our Heavenly Father, our agency is preserved, our opportunities increase, and we progress.

Evidence of this truth is found throughout the scriptures. Job lost everything he had yet chose to remain faithful, and he gained the eternal blessings of God. Mary and Joseph chose to follow the warning of an angel to flee into Egypt, and the life of the Savior was preserved. Joseph Smith chose to follow the instructions of Moroni, and the Restoration unfolded as prophesied. Whenever we choose to come unto Christ, take His name upon us, and follow His servants, we progress along the path to eternal life.

In our mortal journey, it is helpful to remember that the opposite is also true: when we don’t keep the commandments or follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost, our opportunities are reduced; our abilities to act and progress are diminished. When Cain took his brother’s life because he loved Satan more than God, his spiritual progress was stopped.

In my youth I learned an important lesson about how our actions may limit our freedom. One day my father assigned me to varnish a wooden floor. I made the choice to begin at the door and work my way into the room. When I was almost finished, I realized I had left myself no way to get out. There was no window or door on the other side. I had literally painted myself into a corner. I had no place to go. I was stuck.

Whenever we disobey, we spiritually paint ourselves into a corner and are captive to our choices. Though we are spiritually stuck, there is always a way back. Like repentance, turning around and walking across a newly varnished floor means more work—a lot of resanding and refinishing! Returning to the Lord isn’t easy, but it is worth it.

As we understand the challenge of repenting, we appreciate the blessings of the Holy Ghost to guide our agency and Heavenly Father, who gives us commandments and strengthens and sustains us in keeping them. We also understand how obedience to the commandments ultimately protects our agency.

For example, when we hearken to the Word of Wisdom, we escape the captivity of poor health and addiction to substances that literally rob us of our ability to act for ourselves.

As we obey the counsel to avoid and get out of debt now, we use our agency and obtain the liberty to use our disposable income for helping and blessing others.

When we follow the prophets’ counsel to hold family home evening, family prayer, and family scripture study, our homes become an incubator for our children’s spiritual growth. There we teach them the gospel, bear our testimonies, express our love, and listen as they share their feelings and experiences. By our righteous choices and actions, we liberate them from darkness by increasing their ability to walk in the light.

The world teaches many falsehoods about agency. Many think we should “eat, drink, and be merry; … and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved.”17 Others embrace secularism and deny God. They convince themselves that there is no “opposition in all things”18 and, therefore, “whatsoever a man [does is] no crime.”19 This “destroy[s] the wisdom of God and his eternal purposes.”20

Contrary to the world’s secular teaching, the scriptures teach us that we do have agency, and our righteous exercise of agency always makes a difference in the opportunities we have and our ability to act upon them and progress eternally.

For example, through the prophet Samuel, the Lord gave a clear commandment to King Saul:

“The Lord sent me to anoint thee to be king … : now therefore hearken thou unto the voice … of the Lord. …

“… Go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have.”21

But Saul did not follow the Lord’s commandment. He practiced what I call “selective obedience.” Relying on his own wisdom, he spared the life of King Agag and brought back the best of the sheep, oxen, and other animals.

The Lord revealed this to the prophet Samuel and sent him to remove Saul from being king. When the prophet arrived, Saul said, “I have performed the commandment of the Lord.”22 But the prophet knew otherwise, saying, “What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?”23

Saul excused himself by blaming others, saying the people had kept the animals in order to make sacrifices to the Lord. The prophet’s answer was clear: “Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken [to the commandments of the Lord] than the fat of rams.”24

Finally, Saul confessed, saying, “I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.”25 Because Saul did not hearken with exactness—because he chose to be selectively obedient—he lost the opportunity and the agency to be king.

My brothers and sisters, are we hearkening with exactness to the voice of the Lord and His prophets? Or, like Saul, are we practicing selective obedience and fearing the judgments of men?

I acknowledge that all of us make mistakes. The scriptures teach us, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”26 For those who find themselves captive to past unrighteous choices, stuck in a dark corner, without all the blessings available by the righteous exercise of agency, we love you. Come back! Come out of the dark corner and into the light. Even if you have to walk across a newly varnished floor, it is worth it. Trust that “through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind [including you and me] may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”27

As the hour of the Atonement was upon Him, the Savior offered His great Intercessory Prayer and spoke of each of us, saying: “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me.”28 “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”29

I bear my special witness that They live. When we exercise our agency in righteousness, we come to know Them, become more like Them, and prepare ourselves for that day when “every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess” that Jesus is our Savior.30 May we continue to follow Him and our Eternal Father, as we did in the beginning, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

The Week of the Field Trip (Part One)

One benefit of having children is getting to go on field trips with them. A detriment of having children is having to go on field trips with them. I sit comfortably on the edge of that fence--in part looking forward to experiencing something new with my child, and an equal part of "I don't really want to go there/do that/HOW MANY kids will I need to chaperon?!?"

With two field trips scheduled for this 4 day week, I must admit I wasn't really looking forward to it. I am at heart a homebody. I love a quiet, regular, highly predictable routine. Of course, I love to travel and I must get out of the house and away from the kids at least once a week; but, generally, I really like a quiet, peaceful, simple life. The thought of a busy week really sucks away at my spirit. I am definitely not one that thrives on excitement and grows more energetic with more things to accomplish.

A close friend of mine sent me an article (which I later shared on this blog) about priorities. This was a Godsend. Instead of being selfish, which I was (lamenting MY lost week), I decided to approach this whole situation a little differently. After all, life is life. Most things we can't change and some things we can have little effect on. I could change my attitude, though, and search for the good in this week instead of focusing on what I thought to be the negatives.

So on Tuesday morning, I arrived at the school prepared to make the best of it. It's a good thing, too, because one of the drivers of the three chartered buses had a diabetic issue requiring an ambulance. This threw a big wrench in our plans. 13 parents had to drive to New Orleans because the driver wouldn't be able to continue on, obviously. This hiccup in our plans caused us to be 10 minutes late to the scheduled IMAX, and when we got there we found a portion of our tickets had been sold and we were not allowed to go in. This was a great disappointment. I must admit I was looking forward to sitting in a nice, air conditioned room for that hour. A quick rearranging of plans and we were at the Aquarium in the morning instead of the afternoon.

I hadn't been there before, and I must say I really enjoyed it. Seth spent most of the time with my Iphone taking pictures and video of things he found interesting. I followed behind him, marveling at how much he has grown, and what a fine, handsome young man he is becoming! I was definitely a proud mommy!

I was so pleased with how well he behaved. The last two years have shown phenomenal growth in his maturity. This is a most satisfying discovery...

Following the Aquarium we met at a riverside park to eat a picnic lunch. This was my favorite part of the field trip. The weather was pleasant, we had yummy food (you know me, I'm going to tell you what we ate! Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches, Carrot sticks with Ranch Dip, Pineapple slices, Granola Bar, and A Ding Dong. We washed it all down with Grape Capri-Suns and Rootbeers!) We had a wonderful time just visiting and spending special time one on one. This was the best part of the day--and I was able to understand the importance of events like this. Seth is one of six children. He doesn't often get time with just me. I have set a new goal to make sure that I have this one on one time with all of my beautiful children. They are so important to me, and I know we would all benefit from this practice.

I posted on facebook that we had, "A waterside luncheon with riparian entertainments". You can take the girl away from Hyacinth, but you can't take Hyacinth out of the girl!

Because of the IMAX mix-up, they gave us entrance to the Insectarium. At first, this did not sound good to me AT ALL! But, I remembered my commitment to try to see the positive in everything and continued on--a smile on my face. I realized how much Seth was looking to me to see my reactions to the setbacks of the day. This was so humbling! I was TRULY grateful for that reminder from a friend. Because I took the setbacks in stride, not letting them affect my enjoyment of the day, Seth did the same.

The Insectarium turned out to be pretty interesting. I was able to pick up a few books on beekeeping--which is a hobby I plan to pick up when we have our own property. I also LOVED the Butterfly Room. It was such a pleasant exhibit. Now there were certainly things I could have done without--like the spiders and edible bugs--but it turned out to be a very nice tour.

We returned home tired and ready to rest, but I really had a wonderful time and truly appreciated my one on one time with Seth.

Later I will blog about my day with Noah...

A Timely Reminder About the Most Important Things in Life

Of Things That Matter Most
DIETER F. UCHTDORF
SECOND COUNSELOR IN THE FIRST PRESIDENCY

If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most.
It’s remarkable how much we can learn about life by studying nature. For example, scientists can look at the rings of trees and make educated guesses about climate and growing conditions hundreds and even thousands of years ago. One of the things we learn from studying the growth of trees is that during seasons when conditions are ideal, trees grow at a normal rate. However, during seasons when growing conditions are not ideal, trees slow down their growth and devote their energy to the basic elements necessary for survival.

At this point some of you may be thinking, “That’s all very fine and good, but what does it have to do with flying an airplane?” Well, let me tell you.

Have you ever been in an airplane and experienced turbulence? The most common cause of turbulence is a sudden change in air movement causing the aircraft to pitch, yaw, and roll. While planes are built to withstand far greater turbulence than anything you would encounter on a regular flight, it still may be disconcerting to passengers.

What do you suppose pilots do when they encounter turbulence? A student pilot may think that increasing speed is a good strategy because it will get them through the turbulence faster. But that may be the wrong thing to do. Professional pilots understand that there is an optimum turbulence penetration speed that will minimize the negative effects of turbulence. And most of the time that would mean to reduce your speed. The same principle applies also to speed bumps on a road.

Therefore, it is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions.

The Pace of Modern Life
This is a simple but critical lesson to learn. It may seem logical when put in terms of trees or turbulence, but it’s surprising how easy it is to ignore this lesson when it comes to applying these principles in our own daily lives. When stress levels rise, when distress appears, when tragedy strikes, too often we attempt to keep up the same frantic pace or even accelerate, thinking somehow that the more rushed our pace, the better off we will be.

One of the characteristics of modern life seems to be that we are moving at an ever-increasing rate, regardless of turbulence or obstacles.

Let’s be honest; it’s rather easy to be busy. We all can think up a list of tasks that will overwhelm our schedules. Some might even think that their self-worth depends on the length of their to-do list. They flood the open spaces in their time with lists of meetings and minutia—even during times of stress and fatigue. Because they unnecessarily complicate their lives, they often feel increased frustration, diminished joy, and too little sense of meaning in their lives.

It is said that any virtue when taken to an extreme can become a vice. Overscheduling our days would certainly qualify for this. There comes a point where milestones can become millstones and ambitions, albatrosses around our necks.

What Is the Solution?
The wise understand and apply the lessons of tree rings and air turbulence. They resist the temptation to get caught up in the frantic rush of everyday life. They follow the advice “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” 1 In short, they focus on the things that matter most.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, in a recent general conference, taught, “We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.” 2

The search for the best things inevitably leads to the foundational principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ—the simple and beautiful truths revealed to us by a caring, eternal, and all-knowing Father in Heaven. These core doctrines and principles, though simple enough for a child to understand, provide the answers to the most complex questions of life.

There is a beauty and clarity that comes from simplicity that we sometimes do not appreciate in our thirst for intricate solutions.

For example, it wasn’t long after astronauts and cosmonauts orbited the earth that they realized ballpoint pens would not work in space. And so some very smart people went to work solving the problem. It took thousands of hours and millions of dollars, but in the end, they developed a pen that could write anywhere, in any temperature, and on nearly any surface. But how did the astronauts and cosmonauts get along until the problem was solved? They simply used a pencil.

Leonardo da Vinci is quoted as saying that “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” 3 When we look at the foundational principles of the plan of happiness, the plan of salvation, we can recognize and appreciate in its plainness and simplicity the elegance and beauty of our Heavenly Father’s wisdom. Then, turning our ways to His ways is the beginning of our wisdom.

The Power of Basics
The story is told that the legendary football coach Vince Lombardi had a ritual he performed on the first day of training. He would hold up a football, show it to the athletes who had been playing the sport for many years, and say, “Gentlemen, … this is a football!” He talked about its size and shape, how it can be kicked, carried, or passed. He took the team out onto the empty field and said, “This is a football field.” He walked them around, describing the dimensions, the shape, the rules, and how the game is played. 4

This coach knew that even these experienced players, and indeed the team, could become great only by mastering the fundamentals. They could spend their time practicing intricate trick plays, but until they mastered the fundamentals of the game, they would never become a championship team.

I think most of us intuitively understand how important the fundamentals are. It is just that we sometimes get distracted by so many things that seem more enticing.

Printed material, wide-ranging media sources, electronic tools and gadgets—all helpful if used properly—can become hurtful diversions or heartless chambers of isolation.

Yet amidst the multitude of voices and choices, the humble Man of Galilee stands with hands outstretched, waiting. His is a simple message: “Come, follow me.” 5 And He does not speak with a powerful megaphone but with a still, small voice. 6 It is so easy for the basic gospel message to get lost amidst the deluge of information that hits us from all sides.

The holy scriptures and the spoken word of the living prophets give emphasis to the fundamental principles and doctrines of the gospel. The reason we return to these foundational principles, to the pure doctrines, is because they are the gateway to truths of profound meaning. They are the door to experiences of sublime importance that would otherwise be beyond our capacity to comprehend. These simple, basic principles are the key to living in harmony with God and man. They are the keys to opening the windows of heaven. They lead us to the peace, joy, and understanding that Heavenly Father has promised to His children who hear and obey Him.

My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. Let us be mindful of the foundational precepts our Heavenly Father has given to His children that will establish the basis of a rich and fruitful mortal life with promises of eternal happiness. They will teach us to do “all these things … in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that [we] should run faster than [we have] strength. [But] it is expedient that [we] should be diligent, [and] thereby … win the prize.” 7

Brothers and sisters, diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior of the world. That is why “we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, … that [we] may know to what source [we] may look for a remission of [our] sins.” 8 In the complexity, confusion, and rush of modern living, this is the “more excellent way.” 9

So What Are the Basics?
As we turn to our Heavenly Father and seek His wisdom regarding the things that matter most, we learn over and over again the importance of four key relationships: with our God, with our families, with our fellowman, and with ourselves. As we evaluate our own lives with a willing mind, we will see where we have drifted from the more excellent way. The eyes of our understanding will be opened, and we will recognize what needs to be done to purify our heart and refocus our life.

First, our relationship with God is most sacred and vital. We are His spirit children. He is our Father. He desires our happiness. As we seek Him, as we learn of His Son, Jesus Christ, as we open our hearts to the influence of the Holy Spirit, our lives become more stable and secure. We experience greater peace, joy, and fulfillment as we give our best to live according to God’s eternal plan and keep His commandments.

We improve our relationship with our Heavenly Father by learning of Him, by communing with Him, by repenting of our sins, and by actively following Jesus Christ, for “no man cometh unto the Father, but by [Christ].” 10 To strengthen our relationship with God, we need some meaningful time alone with Him. Quietly focusing on daily personal prayer and scripture study, always aiming to be worthy of a current temple recommend—these will be some wise investments of our time and efforts to draw closer to our Heavenly Father. Let us heed the invitation in Psalms: “Be still, and know that I am God.” 11


Our second key relationship is with our families. Since “no other success can compensate for failure” 12 here, we must place high priority on our families. We build deep and loving family relationships by doing simple things together, like family dinner and family home evening and by just having fun together. In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time. Taking time for each other is the key for harmony at home. We talk with, rather than about, each other. We learn from each other, and we appreciate our differences as well as our commonalities. We establish a divine bond with each other as we approach God together through family prayer, gospel study, and Sunday worship.

The third key relationship we have is with our fellowman. We build this relationship one person at a time—by being sensitive to the needs of others, serving them, and giving of our time and talents. I was deeply impressed by one sister who was burdened with the challenges of age and illness but decided that although she couldn’t do much, she could listen. And so each week she watched for people who looked troubled or discouraged, and she spent time with them, listening. What a blessing she was in the lives of so many people.

The fourth key relationship is with ourselves. It may seem odd to think of having a relationship with ourselves, but we do. Some people can’t get along with themselves. They criticize and belittle themselves all day long until they begin to hate themselves. May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better. Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy God’s creations, ponder the truths of the restored gospel, and find out what they mean for you personally. Learn to see yourself as Heavenly Father sees you—as His precious daughter or son with divine potential.

Rejoice in the Pure Gospel
Brothers and sisters, let us be wise. Let us turn to the pure doctrinal waters of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us joyfully partake of them in their simplicity and plainness. The heavens are open again. The gospel of Jesus Christ is on earth once more, and its simple truths are a plentiful source of joy!

Brothers and sisters, indeed we have great reason to rejoice. If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most.

Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from placing our attention and efforts on the basics of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most.

Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship—the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace. For this I pray, as I leave you my blessing, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Crazy Summer Ahead!!

I sat down last week to put my upcoming events on a calendar--I was literally floored at how busy the next few months will be. It started yesterday, with two Easter Egg Hunts. This week, I have a field trip to New Orleans (with Seth), Easter lunch at school with Adam and Seth, and a Field Trip to LSU (with Noah). I teach the Relief Society lesson next Sunday, which also happens to be Easter Sunday. At least I can look forward to a yummy dinner!!

The week following Easter is our Spring Break. I plan on taking the kids with me and heading to Alabama to visit with my parents. Jeff will drive in that Friday evening (probably with the Gomez's) for Becky McCain's temple wedding to Steve Ennis. We are so happy to be able to share this happy occasion with them! We will attend church with my parents, then drive home that evening.

The next day (May 2nd) is John John's 6th birthday. He is growing up so fast! Mom will come to our house that Wednesday so that I can fly out Thursday to Salt Lake City to attend the LDS Story Maker's Writing Conference. I am so excited about this! i have so much to learn and cannot wait to listen to the speakers, etc.

I'm flying in late Saturday night so that I can be here for Mother's Day on Sunday, May 8th. It will be my last Mother's Day with Adam in Primary. I wanted to be sure to be there to hear him sing a song for me. (little sob!) The following Saturday evening is the Celtic Woman concert in Bossier City, LA. I am SO excited to get to go and hear them--as well as get to meet a couple of them afterwards. What an awesome Mother's Day gift!!!

The following week will be our Cousin's Camp. Tara and her family and my parents will try to come together and let the kids PLAY, PLAY, PLAY! It will be so GREAT to get to visit with them!! The week will end with an adults' trip to Bocage. We've rented out the whole house for a leisurely break for the grown-ups. We will tour it and Houmas House that weekend. Sunday is the extra special day as Noah turns eight and gets baptized. We are so proud of him!!

May 29th will mark Seth's 10th birthday. He has become such a responsible young man. I am so proud of him! Then, on June 2, Jeff and I fly out to Switzerland for his conference. We will be visiting Switzerland and Italy for 11 days. I am really anticipating this! It has really been a lifetime's dream of mine to see Europe. This will be phase 1!!

After Europe, we have Father's Day and Lilah's 3rd Birthday. Then, we move to Alabama!!!! In late July/early August we will head for California to visit family and attend my niece's Cami's wedding...What a Summer!!!

Tax Day :(

Up until two years ago, there was very little positive about April 15th. My sister, however, saved the reputation of this day by having her seventh baby on April 15, 2009. We were so happy to have him join our extended family. He is the silver lining to the dark cloud of tax day.

First of all, I want to say that I understand that as citizens we need to pay SOME taxes. We do need roads, bridges, and a military. I would prefer the government get out of education, leaving this important topic to families and communities. Healthcare is also an area that government subsidies and regulations have harmed. So although I agree that limited taxes are necessary, I find the reasoning behind the decision of who pays and calculating how much they pay to be unjust and off the mark. I think the Lord designed the perfect fiscal plan. How much does the Lord require of us? He asks us to pay a "tithe" or 10% of our increase. It matters not if we are rich or poor or somewhere in between. All are required to pay the same percentage. This is certainly a remarkable number. Setting aside 10% of our increase causes us to live within our means, sacrifice, and recognize just where we get our "increase" to begin with. Although it is enough to cause us to pause and evaluate ourselves spiritually and financially, it is not a crippling percentage.

The whole idea of a progressive tax is unjust. Why--you may ask? Shoudn't billionaires like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs have to pay a higher percentage of their income than the anonymous welfare mom down the street? In my opinion, NO! Ten percent of Steve Jobs' increase is a tremendous amount. Why should we--who did not conceive of, or develop--the Iphone or Ipad get to confiscate the fruits of his labors? He will already pay a vast amount more than the anonymous woman in the example.

Now, let's consider Mr. Jobs gets to keep his own money. Does he put it in his mattress and guard it like a miser--preventing other people from "sharing in the wealth"? Most likely not. He would more than likely invest in companies, municipalities, and maybe even real estate. This infusion of capital into the system only strengthens and builds it. Jobs are created and people once on unemployment are able to go back to work. Perhaps his wife--I'm assuming he's married, don't know for sure--frequents luxury businesses. You know the kind, those wealthy Ladies-who-lunch patronize. Perhaps she has a massage and a pedicure. Or maybe she has her hair colored and styled. Selfish, selfish behavior in these economic times, right? Totally unfair that she can obtain such luxuries when so many others can't, right? WRONG!!

Mrs. Jobs is giving business to the massage therapist. She is helping the pedicurist pay her rent. The hair stylist depends on her clients patronage so that she can buy groceries, etc.

The economy is far too big and much too complex to be "managed". It is laughable to even believe it is possible. Vigorous exchange within a free market allows the greatest prosperity for the most people. With more people keeping more of their own money, they are able to act on the economy in various and diverse ways. Businesses that provide meaningful products or services at competitive prices flourish; those that don't are allowed to fail. The free market system is truly the most efficient system known. Let's not cripple our own progress by focusing on equality of outcomes. Let us strengthen ourselves with equality of opportunity. This in addition to wise decision making and hard work will lead to greater and greater prosperity for ourselves and our families.

Summer Travels

I have always wanted to travel. By U.S. standards, I have been a few places. I have visited 37 of the 50 states--lacking only the northeast, Oregon, and Alaska. I have been to Mexico several times, visited Canada, stayed a month in Guatemala, and visited Brasil twice for a total time of two and a half months. I have enjoyed meeting new people, eating exotic (to me) food, and seeing the beauty of the earth. I am so excited, now, to be planning our upcoming trip to Europe.

My husband has a work related conference in Switzerland. We will be spending 4 days in that beautiful country, then traveling south to Italy to spend 4/5 days in lovely Italy. I have been wanting to visit Italy for over 15 years. As a high school student, our school took a week and a half long trip to Italy. The cost was $1400 and I did not have the money to attend. I so longed to go and was very sad when I was unable to participate. Now, my time has come! I believe I will actually really enjoy it more now. My culinary senses have expanded, my appreciation for art and architecture has blossomed, and I have my husband to share it all with!

I cannot wait to see the beautiful snow covered Alps, taste the exquisite chocolate, and see the picturesque villages that inspired Heidi. I am anxiously awaiting to taste the bounty of Tuscany, see the lovely old buildings, and see (in person!) Michelangelo's David. Not in an art book, or on a poster--but in the flesh (or stone--:) ).

So much of the enjoyment of traveling is in the anticipation--and I am truly "flying on the wings of anticipation" in preparing for this experience.

Laundry--And Why I Enjoy Doing It!

A Facebook friend of mine recently lamented that he had laundry to do. A group of women at my church were excited about an activity next month that would include learning how to make our own inexpensive and effective laundry soap. The pile of laundry on my "to-do" list seemed to multiply overnight (actually, with a few children who still wet the bed, that did happen)!!!

Laundry seems to have been on many people's minds this week. I began to evaluate how I felt about laundry. Actually, it is one of my favorite chores. That may be surprising to some, but I really enjoy the feeling I receive when dirty clothes go into the washer and come out clean. I'm sure if we did not have the convenience of a washer--and had to depend on the old fashioned washboard--my feelings toward laundry would probably change. But laundry, the modern way, is an enjoyable responsibility.

A clothesline--to me, that is the laundress's dream! I enjoyed one is Alabama, but they are pretty useless here in humid Louisiana. There is something so relaxing about hanging sweet-smelling, freshly laundered clothes on a line. The methodical process of hanging the clothes gives plenty of time to let thoughts wander. Sometimes I plan my upcoming days; other times I use this time outdoors to say a quiet prayer in my heart. I might think of an interesting book I've read, or hum a favorite song. It really is the kind of required responsibility that leaves the mind open to many possibilities. Then, there is the secret pleasure of seeing those clean clothes swaying in the breeze. Yes, I definitely believe it to be my favorite chore.

Too much of anything, though, can be overwhelming. At this point in my life, with 6 small children contributing to the laundry load (and not yet old enough to significantly help--at age 12 they will take over responsibility for the vast majority of their personal wash), I can sometimes feel defeated. There is so little time when all the laundry is washed, dried, folded, and put away. Last year I was able to help the situation greatly by purchasing two washers and two dryers. This has been a great blessing to my life. Not only does the laundry room stay neater, but the entire process has literally been halved. Definitely one of the better purchases we have made!

I love the scent of Gain Laundry Soap and April Fresh Downy Fabric Softener. They have been my personal standbys for over twelve years. I am excited, though, about learning to make my own. I can imagine a small burst of pride at using my own homemade laundry soap (perhaps scented with a lovely lavender essential oil). I will definitely give it a try and see if cleans as well and smells as good as what I use now. I will post later on this subject once I have more information.

Belly Dance!!!

Yesterday I began to learn the art of belly dance! I am so happy to be learning this beautiful style of dance. Our instructor, Margo, is fantastic. She teaches a fun, feminine, wholesome dance style. As a student of Lebanese Folk Dance, she expressed her dismay at how many Western peoples view belly dance. It was not designed to be an entertainment for men (as many in our culture mistakenly believe); but a celebration of the female form primarily practiced with and for other women.

The biggest difference between the dancing we are accustomed to and Belly Dance is the isolation of body parts. When we dance we often move many parts of our body at once. Not so with belly dance. Margo compared it with wearing a black top and white pants--the contrast allows focus on individual parts as opposed to the whole. So, when the hips are moving the upper body is held still. When the upper body is moving the lower body is held still. And, hardest of all, when the rib cage is in motion the shoulders as well as the hips are held still. This is much harder to do than it sounds!

I have found my ability to isolate leaves a lot to be desired. But, I also know as I practice and continue to devote time and energy to this endeavor I will be able to master it.

What's For DInner?

Part of the reason I started this blog was to use it as a journal. Because it is MY journal, I can write about whatever subject pleases me at the time. Well, the subject that pleases me at this time is WHAT WE HAD FOR DINNER!!!

My husband teases me if I put our culinary experiences on Facebook--so, I am going to use this forum to express this very important part of my day. After all, as the homemaker in the family, planning, preparing, and serving delicious meals falls under my jurisdiction. It is an important part of my "job".

For dinner tonight, we had barbeque chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and Easter cookies (sugar and chocolate chip) for dessert!

It is Monday night, which means it's FHE. This stands for Family Home Evening.

In 1915, Joseph Fielding Smith, then Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, with his counselors, instituted Family Home Evening (FHE). He urged families to get together once a week, and for parents to instruct their children in the word of God. He said that it was a time for families to "spend an hour or more together in a devotional way—in the singing of hymns, songs, prayer, reading of the Scriptures and other good books, instrumental music, family topics, and specific instructions on the principles of the Gospel and on the ethical problems of life, as well as the duties and obligations of children to parents, the home, the Church, society and the nation." Chapter 39: Strengthening Families in Family Home Evenings," Teachings of Presidents of the Church: JosephF. Smith, (1998)

This is a most cherished family tradition. Most FHE's involve a lesson. Some are just "fun nights" like playing games or going to see a movie. I have a testimony that the regular practice of Family Home Evening helps strengthen family bonds, as well as aid in increasing our faith in God. It is a wonderful program that I benefitted from as I was growing up. I am so happy to be able to share this blessing with our children.

Classical Music--My Favorite!

My favorite kind of music is classical (and I include in this Baroque, Romantic, Classical, Etc.). I love the smoothness, the drama, the beauty. Listening to my favorites never fails to uplift my soul and send my spirits soaring. The pieces I love the most are:



Pachebel's Canon in D




Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata



Beethoven's Fur Elise



Beethoven's Ode to Joy




Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring


Bach's Air on a G-String




Debussy's Claire de Lune




Brahm's Lullaby




Vivaldi's Four Seasons (Especially Spring and Winter)






Handel's Messiah





Handel's Water Music



Chopin's Nocturnes (Pick Any! Love them!)