Christmas Flash Mob by Journey of Faith at South Bay Galleria - official...

How wonderful that things like this happen!  The purpose of Christmas is usually so overshadowed these days, it is refreshing to see that so many do know and love the true meaning of Christmas.  This video touched me so much at the end.  Especially when they sing O Holy Night.  At the end a young boys reaction at seeing Baby Jesus captivated me.  I hope this lifts your soul as it did mine.  "Every Knee Shall Bow, and every Tongue shall confess, that Jesus isThe Christ."

Until We Meet Again

This may seem strange to share this video the day before Thanksgiving.  But, at this time of year I find myself missing those that have passed away a little more.  I can feel the sting and sadness that the loss has left.  But I am reminded, that death is not the end.  We will see them again, we will ALL live again.  And that brings me comfort and peace.

As we gather together tomorrow with family and friends, I believe that those who have passed will gather with us in spirit.  I believe they are with us throughout so much of our lives.  I know that this life is not the end.  Though those of us left behind feel sadness that sometimes is indescribable! We can take comfort in knowing that we will be with them again.  We will feel their embrace again.  But also know that they are with us.  I know this.

I know that our Father in Heaven loves us, and he understands our pain.  Our Savior died for us and made it possible for us to live with him again.  What a great gift!  I am thankful for this knowledge.  Without it, life would be a much harder life to live.  I love my Heavenly Father and Savior so much.  And I know that they love me.  And I know that those that I love that have passed on, love me, and they are with me.

If you are feeling the sting this season, I hope this brings you comfort.  I hope you feel peace and can find joy in knowing that you will see your loved ones again.  And that they are near you.

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the week.  And many of you have been writing the daily "I Am Thankful For" facebook status'.  It is refreshing to see so many positive posts.  It also helps us look for the good in each day.  I love that.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.  Not just for the delicious food, but seeing my family and being together with the ones I love most.  Also reflecting on the many blessings I have in my life.  I am thankful for so many things, it would take a long time to list them all, so I will just list a few.  I am thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, without him I would be in a dark place.  I am thankful for my 2 children, they are my world and bring more joy, love and happiness than I knew existed.  I am thankful for my Husband, who works so hard to provide for us, I love him very much.  I am thankful for my Mother, who has taught me so much and continues to do so.  I am thankful for my Father, who has always been there.  I am thankful for my siblings for being simply, awesome.  I could go on and on and on.  But I will spare you all.  But now I ask you,  What are you thankful for?

Touching the Hearts of Our Youth

This tugged at my heartstrings today.  I admit I have moments where I am not paying attention like I should.  I get so occupied with other things, and I later regret not putting down the computer, the laundry, a book, the dishes, or the many other things that I do in the day, so I can stop and listen or play with my children.  Why do I do that?  I don't know sometimes.   So I ask you, are you there?  Do your children and grandchildren know how important they are to you?  Do they know how much they are loved?  Do you tell them?

So when you are done reading this, hug them, kiss them and tell them.  They need to know.  And if you are not a parent yet, tell your parents that you love them.  We all need to know we are important to someone.  And if you do not feel that way.  Remember YOU ARE.  You are of so much worth and love.  And you are loved and you are important to Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ.

Voice of the Spirit

I got down on my knees this morning, and I asked my Father in Heaven to help me know how I can help uplift others today.  As I thought and searched for something that would be good for a post today, I came across this video.  I have seen it a few times, but the words spoken in it, never get old.  President James E. Faust is the speaker.  He is a man I miss hearing from, but though he is no longer with us on this earth, his messages are still loud and clear. 

Some of my favorite quotes from this video are, "The voice you must learn to heed, is the voice of the Spirit.",

"Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge, where is the knowledge we have lost in information?" ~T.S. Elliott,

"Listen to, and follow the voice of the spirit."

"Walk by faith, in a world governed by sight."

"Hearkening to the voice of the living God will give you,  peace in this world, and eternal life in the life in the world to come.  These are the greatest of all the gifts of God." 

We do live in a world with many distractions.  It is easy to lose sight of what is important.  It is easy to make mistakes with great consequence.  I could walk down any street and find the adversary waiting and wanting to shift the righteous path I choose and desire to be on.  Walking by faith is not the easier choice.  But it is the better choice. 

I have allowed myself to take the road more traveled, and it is not all it is cracked up to be.  It is dark and lonely.  Although you do not always see that when you are on that road.  But when I chose to take the better path, the path of repentance and righteousness, it became apparent to me, that I was not as happy as I thought I had been, I was the one missing out.  People of this world today may feel like those on the path of righteousness are the ones missing out, but I tell you that is not true.  NOTHING is better than the road less traveled.  The road to eternal happiness and everlasting life.  That is the road that will bring you most happiness and joy.  I promise you this.  It is the harder path,  it does not come without burdens and trials.  We all must face those in different degrees.  Some will test our faith, some will shake us to the very core.  But if we trust in the Lord, and walk by Faith.  Our journey will be worth it.

 Which road will you take?  Which path do you long for?  Are you already on the road more traveled?  Are you on the path of personal destruction?  If you are, all is not lost.  Because of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we are given the tools that will lead us back to the path of righteousness.  Don't be afraid of the journey.  Heed the still small voice of the spirit.  Let it become familiar to you.  The voice of the spirit will bring peace to your life.  Allow your ears and heart to hear and feel the still small voice.

My Reason

This blog has been apart of my thoughts for a little over a year now.  I am continually searching for things I should write about that will help others around the world.  I honestly have no idea how many people read my posts, but that is not the point as I once thought it was.  Because this has helped me grow so much.  And I am so thankful for it.

I have a calling in the Nursery in my ward.  It was something I was honestly not thrilled about when I was given the calling, since I have only been in the primary and nursery going on 6 years now.  And though I love children and feel like they need to good teachers, I would like to do other things.  Sometimes I feel like I lack the spiritual upliftment I used to get while attending Relief Society and Sunday School, and I long for those moments to learn.  That is why I started this.  Because I needed to find a way to have those moments personally.  And this is something that has helped me.

I know many people who choose not to use Facebook and all the other social networks because it does take up much of the day sometimes.  I'll admit that I have spent way to many hours online when I shouldn't have.  But I do my best to make sure I put it down.  But I also feel that these Social Networks are ways for me to be a missionary.  I did not take the opportunity to serve when I was 21.  And I feel like it was a real missed opportunity.  So this is my way of trying to make up for that as well.

I desire to bring the Light of Jesus Christ to as many as I can.  I know that he is our Redeemer.  I long for others to feel the joy that I feel, and to have the fullness of the Gospel.  In no way do I desire to change what people believe, I just want to add to what they already know.  The Bible is a true Testament of Jesus Christ.  And I know that The Book of Mormon is also another true Testament of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I know this because I have read it, I have gotten on my knees and I have asked with true and righteous intent.  And my prayers have been answered.

 I urge you, if you have not yet done these things, to do so.  It will enrich your life, give you greater understanding and a deeper love and appreciation for The Savior.

And I ask you to help me in my mission.  Spread the word.  Live your religion.  Trust in the Lord.  Love thy neighbor.  And know that you are not alone. And if you can find a spare moment, share my blog with others.  Thank you for your love and support.  It means more to me than you may ever know.

"I Want Jesus to Walk With Me"

I love this song.  It is inspiring, touching and so full of emotion.

Seasons

I love Fall, it is beautiful and somehow feels so forgiving.  It reminds me of peace and joy.  It is as if nature is shedding the things that it doesn't need anymore and preparing for a new beginning, it prepares to be cleansed by the white snow of winter, then to come back clean and refreshed in the Spring. 

Life is like that.  Our life is full of different seasons, and we are given the opportunity through the Atonement to shed the bad and be healed through the journey of repentance and forgiveness and become clean and renewed in our heart, mind and spirit.  Sometimes the journey may be hard, like a hard winter.  But the journey is worth it, if we are righteously engaged in it. 

Remember that we are never alone.  We are loved and known by a loving Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Serve

Today after I dropped my daughter off to school I decided I was going to go get myself something at McDonalds.  It was pretty busy and taking some time, so I could tell that the woman behind me was very annoyed.  So I decided I wanted to help brighten her day.  When it was finally my turn to pay for my order I instructed the cashier that I also wanted to pay for the person behind me. So, I did.  I love doing things like that, it is always so fun.  I do not know if it brightened her day, from what it looked like she was confused and argued with the cashier for a minute.  But none the less her meal was paid for.  And it is little things like that, that I think help people have a better attitude, not only the one serving, but the one being served.

I wish this was something I could do all the time, but I can't always pay for others food or other things.  But there are so many other ways to give service.  Such as rake your neighbors leaves, offer to watch your friends kids if they are having a rough day.  And the list goes on and on.  So today I ask you to please, find someone to serve.  Even giving someone a hug, smile or a hello can change someones day for the better.

Do unto others, as you would have done unto yourself.

Made Whole by Faith

After this woman suffered for years, she had faith that if she even just touched The Master's clothes that she would be whole.

Brothers and Sisters, though we cannot physically touch The Master's clothes, we can be touched by his love, light, compassion and forgiveness. All we need do, is ask.

Prayer

This is one of my favorite videos.  I refer to it often, as I sometimes feel like my prayers are repetitive.  I feel as if I need to make my prayers more personal.  I sometimes try to hurry through it because I am tired, or am in a hurry.  But even my short prayers can be more personal if I just think more from my heart, rather than about just getting through it quickly.  Do you remember that it is our Father we are speaking to in our prayers?  He is listening, and when are pray sincerely, our prayers are answered.  Though sometimes the answers do not come when, or how we want them, they do come.  This I know for certain.  And I will tell you a little of why I know this.

When I was a lot younger, and in a much darker time in my life, I often forgot to pray.  I sometimes felt unworthy to pray.  Though I know that is when I needed to pray the hardest and most deeply.  One day as I was driving home from work, I started praying.  Of course since I was driving I could not kneel and close my eyes.  But I sincerely spoke to my Heavenly Father, I asked him to help me.  I prayed to him in such a way, that I left it all to him.  I was in a place that I needed so much strength to leave from and I knew that I could not just leave on my own.  I said to my Father, "If this choice that I have made is the wrong choice, then Father PLEASE make something big happen that makes me leave, because I cannot just leave on my own.  I need help."  As I closed my prayer and went home, nothing happened immediately, but a couple weeks later........something big did happen.  And with help from my Heavenly Father and my loving Mother, I left the dark place I was in.  Now maybe that seems to you like I got what I wanted.....but at the time it was not.  I did not want to leave, I wanted to be better and more worthy, but there was someone I did not want to leave.  But the darkness was not just the place, but it was the person.  Leaving was one of the hardest things I have ever done.  And it also left me more broken than I had ever been.  But as I followed the guidance of my Heavenly Father, his promises of joy and happiness followed.  It was hard....but oh has it ever been worth it.

When I look back and think about the choice I made to leave, I am so thankful for that moment I prayed in my car.  I am so thankful I was taught how to truly speak to my Father in Heaven.  He lead me out of the darkness and into the light.  I was not alone at any moment.  He was with me.

I know that life is not always easy, but if we pray with true intent and love, we can find joy, love, peace and happiness.  This I truly know.  

Does the Journey Seem Long?

I love this song.  Because at times I do feel like the journey is very long.  And I have had to learn patience, and continue to do so.  This song is just so beautiful.  And for me music is comforting and uplifting.  I pray that for those who are struggling today that you know that you can turn your troubles over to the Lord, he will lead you and comfort you.  Though you may still feel pain you can find comfort in knowing you are NEVER alone.  You are loved and wonderful.  Find peace today.

Winner

We have a winner!  I use a website that randomly selects the name from the list I provide.




Kimberly Whatcott Cunningham!!!!!!!! You are the winner today!



Please contact me with your address so I can get it shipped to you!  Congratulations!

Keep your eyes open for more giveaways!  Because I promise that there will be more!

Daughters of God

I am a Daughter of God!  How wonderful it is to know this!  Women today make such a difference in this world.  And with the knowledge we are given through the gospel only gives us more strength and ability to make a difference in the world.  We are strong, we are nurturing, we are intelligent and so many more things.  This video made me feel empowered today.  I hope it does the same for you!

I know that I am a Daughter of God!  I know that my Savior lives and loves me.  I know that I have responsibilities on this earth to serve, love, teach and help others in ways that only women can.  I am a Mormon Woman.  And I love and know who I am.

The Will of God

This video can teach us so much.  I have had moments when I have asked "why!?"  We all have.  We have all had moments of despair, whether great or small.  But we need to remember that God knows what is best, and sometimes the path is hard, but God will not leave us.  We must always remember to get on bended knee, and thank our Heavenly Father for his love and gifts that he gives us daily.  Accept the guidance we are given, even when it means we need to change, and need to be corrected. I love my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.  I know they love me, and all of us.  Let us look up today and be thankful.

GIVEAWAY!

So my initial post was to get at least 50 likes on my page, but I almost have 300 now!  I am so thankful and excited about this!  So I knew that this giveaway had to be special!  I hope you all are just as excited as I am to Lift Souls!  This blog has been wonderful for me.  And it is my prayer that it will be wonderful for so many more.  So are you ready to see what I am giving?!

I have always loved this scripture!  It is so true and should always be remembered!  To enter you must do 2 things.

1- You must follow this blog.  

2- You must leave a comment under the post on www.facebook.com/liftingthesoul telling me that you are now following the blog.  

I will announce the winner on Thursday Oct. 18.

READY, SET........................GO!

Our Children

I have been thinking a lot lately about the kind of example I am setting for my children.  I am on my knees often, praying that I can be a good mother and teach my children to know and love Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ.  I pray that they will be kind and loving.  I pray that they will gain a strong testimony of the Gospel and know it is true.  I fear because this world is an evil place with many things to distract us from truth.  But there is beauty, love and truth in it as well.  It is just harder to see sometimes, so we must be willing and want to see it.  We must have faith that it is there.  We must remember that man makes mistakes, but God does not.  We must remember what Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Prophets have taught us and never give up.

I have recently heard of mother who vocally has given up on her young child, because this child has friends who tell them they are stupid to believe in the church as well as Jesus Christ.  So should this mother just give up now, just because her child has made opinions based on what their friends say?  NO!  You continue to guide them and help them.  Sit them down and talk to them about their feelings and why they feel the way they do.  Offer examples of things that have happened in their life and yours, that could not happen were it not for faith and the love of Jesus Christ.  And continue to teach by example.  NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR CHILDREN!

Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

I only have young children, I do not understand how to raise a teenager, and I know I have many lessons to learn.  But I was a teenager, and I had and still have goodly parents who know and love the Lord.  They taught by example, they taught us to trust and have faith in our Savior Jesus Christ.  They gave us the guidance and expectations for us to learn to follow Jesus Christ and strive to live by his teachings and desire to be like him.

I pray and bear witness that as long as we continue to strive to be like our Savior, and lead by example, our children will follow, maybe not in this life, but in the next.  Of this I know.  I know that Jesus Christ is the living Son of God.  I know that my Father in Heaven knows me and all my circumstances.  Ask for guidance in raising our children, for they and we are ALL CHILDREN OF GOD!

Pre-Conference

It has been to long since I have posted.  And for the few that read, I am sorry for that.  My computer has been out of commission.  But I am back.

As LDS General Conference occurs this weekend, I would like you all to think about a question, write it down, pray before conference, and listen to the speakers intently.  I know that our prayers and questions are answered.  And conference is a great opportunity to seek for those answers.  The words spoken are inspired and come from courageous men of God.

Until next time.  You are loved. 

Change

How do you handle change?  I handle it in 2 different ways.  Sometimes I handle it with dignity and grace, while others I am a blubbering nut job who feels down in the dumps.  For me there is really no in between. As the summer comes to a close and school begins and fall is knocking at the door, that feeling of change is making me anxious....and well, down in the dumps.

 So when this happens what should we do about it?  I of course talk about how I feel with my husband and family.  And that does help.  But the thing that helps the most is turning to my Heavenly Father and my Savior for comfort and guidance.  I get down on my knees and ask. The answers do not always come just how I want them to, and the guidance is not always what I expect.  But I have faith, that if I follow Heavenly Father and my Savior, I will be lead to what is best for me and my family.  Though it may not always make my journey to peace easy, it does make it worth it.

Now let me explain something about myself.  There was a time in my life, when prayer was not in my daily routine.  I just didn't pray.  I don't know why, I just didn't.  So once I did, my life changed.  I of course still made mistakes, and did not always follow the guidance my Heavenly Father was giving me, but it did change my life, for the better.  I began to realize I felt better, and some of the burdens of life felt lifted from my shoulders.  So I ask you all to get on your knees.....and pray.  I assure you all our righteous prayers are heard.

With my husband about to go back to school, and my oldest starting pre-school, my life is changing, my routines are going to change and I worry about a lot of things.  I am a worrier.  So that blubbering nut job I told you about has been around....and very annoying.  But I am trying hard to deal with it.  It may seem like the changes are minimal, and I agree, they really are, so why am I so anxious about it all?  I wish I knew.  But that is where my faith comes in.  This is when I find myself on my knees most often, because I need my Heavenly Father and Savior.  We all need them.

Change is never easy, and we all handle it differently.  But there is something we can all do, Pray.  Our Heavenly Father knows us all by name.  He hears us.  He loves us.  He is there to buoy us up and comfort us.  He like any father wants what is best for us.  He is aware of what we need, and when we need it.  We just need to have faith.  I know that sometimes it is hard, and the despair we feel at times is overwhelming.  But turn to our Heavenly Father and to our Savior.  They are there to guide and lift us up even in our darkest hours.  They love us.

So though change may not be easy, if we turn to prayer, the burdens can be lighter.

Children

I have recently watched a movie called "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas".  It is a very sad movie.  But it made me think.  To the young boy who's father was a Nazi soldier the boy in the "striped pajamas" was just another boy, Bruno, the Nazi's son, was not aware of what the war was really about.  And his innocence is evident in the film.  The parents shielded their children from the evil that was hidden behind fences.  For their safety, yes, but I also believe it was because of guilt, because the parents knew it was wrong and evil.  If only his parents could have seen through Bruno's eyes, they may have been able to save him and themselves from utter grief....but instead the boy, who's heart was filled with kindness, love and mercy, died with the jews trying to help the boy in the striped pajamas.       

It made me think about the world that our children are growing up in today.  It is scary.  I desire for my children to make the right choices, as does every parent.  There is so much evil in the world, and I want to shield them from it all.  But I know I cannot shield them from everything.  I want my children to grow up knowing, that we should love everyone, regardless of what they believe, but to also have a strong conviction in our faith.  I want them to know that Jesus Christ is their Savior, Redeemer, Brother and Friend.  I want them to know of the truthfulness of the Gospel and to love and know it.  But also understand that it is alright that people believe differently than we do, and that they need to respect them, just as they want to be respected.  As the world becomes more corrupt,  we will need to stand up for ourselves more and more.  We will need to be stronger.  I only pray that I can teach them to have the courage and strength they will need in this world.  And I pray I can teach them kindness.  My mother always told us to be kind to those who were not kind to us.  It has not always been easy, but it has been rewarding.  I hope I can help my children see this.  

Mark 10 vs 14: Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

How wonderful are our children, how precious and special they are....each of them.  

Do they know?

I've been gone...from this blog anyway.  There are times where I am laying in bed at night, and I think of things to write about.  But by morning, I never remember.  So I am sorry for my few readers for my absence.

We have all done things in our lives that we regret.  Which leads to having people in our lives we would rather not be around.  Not necessarily because they are bad people, but because they remind us of our regrets.  That happened to me today.  And these people, I seem to run into them all the time.  I wonder to myself why it is that I have to always run into them.  It makes me uncomfortable for many reasons, but one of the biggest reasons is this.  I loved them.  I am not talking about an ex boyfriend....because barf...that  is all I have to say.  I am talking about those who were almost my family.  And I loved them.  They were people I loved to be around, and when I could no longer be around them, I was heartbroken and sad.  And I missed them.  But they never knew that. They know a lot of my mistakes.  And that makes me uncomfortable.  So when I see them I wonder, do they know how much they meant to me?  Do they know I missed them for so long?  Do they know that I still think such great things about them?  Do they know that I have changed?  Do they know that I am better than I was?  Do they know that I have made my wrongs right?  Do they know....I loved them?  I don't think these are things I will ever know.  At least not in this life.  But why let it bother me?  Why do I sit here and think about it for so long?  It has been almost 8 yrs, why do I care anymore?

President James E. Faust said in a talk once, that we women hold onto things to much for to long.  Those are not his exact words, but you get the idea.  It is true, SO true.  And I know I do that.  We need to do our best to leave the past behind, because that is where it belongs, in the past.  We are human, and therefore make mistakes.  And we have to learn to accept that.  Of course always strive to be better, and do our best to make right choices.  We need to have faith in God and Jesus Christ.  And trust that they will lift us up through our trials, if we have faith.  And having faith is not always easy.  Sometimes our faith is tested.  But if we get down on bended knee we will be buoyed up, and at some point in or after the trial we will feel the extra strength we are given through the loving mercy of our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

That my dear friends, is what we need to always try to remember.  And we need not worry about what others may know or think of us.  Because the ones that need to know DO.  And also we need to remember that our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ know.  They KNOW our hearts.  And the love us all.

I bear you my testimony, that I know my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ love me, and all of us.  They know us better than we know ourselves.  I know that through faith and prayer we can stand tall and know we are loved.  And I know that through faith and prayer we can overcome our weaknesses and trials in this life.  I love my Father in Heaven, and I love my Savior, Jesus Christ.  In them I trust, in them I have faith.

So Do They Know I love them?  Yes, they do.

WINNER!!!!

And the winner is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????????????????????



MAKAYLA WILBER!!!!!!!

CONGRATS! I need 2 things from you now! Tell me what kind of Lotion you would like from Bath and Body Works. And your address please!

Thanks to all who entered! Keep your eyes open for my next Gievaway!!!!

G I V E A W A Y!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!

And what am I giving away you ask? A bottle of you favorite lotion from Bath and Body Works! Whoever wins can tell me which kind they would like, and it will be sent to you! Now how to enter you ask!?

YOU MUST FOLLOW MY BLOG

YOU MUST "Like" MY FB PAGE

AND

Post a picture of yourself when you were a child on my Lifting The Soul FB page!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lifting-The-Soul/279517802067240 (Copy and paste if you do not
already "like" my page)

Then get as many people to vote for you picture as possible! The person with the most votes WINS!! YEAH!!!

HAVE FUN!! Contest ends April 5th!

Love and Hate

I am a member if The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know who I am, and I choose to live my religion. It is important to me, and it makes me who I am. That being said, I have many family members and friends who are not of the same faith. And I love them. I respect that they do not believe the same things I do. And I respect how they choose to live their lives. It is not my place to tell them what they can and cannot do. This is something I have been taught from a very young age. To respect and love everyone for who they are. So when I am not given that same respect, it hurts. I have never really been hated for what I believe, until recently. I don't understand why I am disliked so much for what I believe, when I have never done anything disrespectful to them, and I have never pushed my beliefs on them. It has left me stunned, and unsure of how to react. Of course I know I cannot react with anger and hate. But I cannot, and will not stop being who I am to appease anyone. I have many wonderful and close family and friends who are not of my faith...and we love each other and respect one another. That is how it should be. I will continue to love and respect all those around me. You can hate me, but I will not hate you.

So lets all remember who we are. We are wonderful and different. We are all children of God. He loves us all the same. And we should love and respect, because it makes the world a better place.

Missionary

Today in church the Missionaries taught the lesson in Relief Society. They talked about a new focus they have been given by Elder Russell M. Nelson. To not only seek to teach people who are not members of the church, but also to teach those who have lost their way, or just do not feel the desire to go to church. It brought me back to a time when I myself was not an active member of the church, and how there were specific people in my life who helped me come back, so that I could partake of the blessings and keep the covenants I made at baptism. I will forever love and hold those people close to my heart.

It also made me wonder if I do enough? Am I a good example of what a daughter of God should be? Am I helping those around me to feel the spirit? Am I teaching my children to know and love their Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ? I hope, and I know that I should try to do better also.

They say every member a missionary. That rang clearer to me today than ever before. Whether they are not members, or whether they are and do not have a testimony or desire, I need to make sure I reach out to them. You cannot always ask the questions that missionaries can. Sometimes you teach them by example, by showing them love and by following the spirit. Because if you have the desire to teach, the spirit will guide you and help you know how.

I have always regretted not going on a mission. It is something I had always wanted to do, and it is an opportunity my Father in Heaven gave to me, and I did not accept his plea to serve at that time in my life. I do look forward to the time when I can go with my husband to serve where the Lord needs us to. For those of you who are at the age to serve, and you are pondering whether to serve or not to serve? DO IT! It is something that will strengthen you, and teach you things you may not learn otherwise. And just think of all the lives you will touch. It will be worth it.

Listen the promptings of the spirit. Live your religion. Be a missionary.

Little Sister

This week has been an exciting one for my family. My little sister, and my parents youngest child got married. And it was beautiful. As I watched my little sister make covenants with her new husband and the Lord, her life flashed before my eyes. She was a very anticipated baby. One all four of her older siblings were excited for. And when she arrived it was one of the best days ever. She has always been this little girl that I felt a desire to love and protect. And as I still feel this desire, it has shifted a bit. Because now she is a grown and married woman. She is no longer the silly little girl with pig tails. And now my parents are empty nesters.

Watching her get married was..........surreal. Her life as a little girl flew by much to quickly. And I am realizing how fast life goes by, as I watch my own children grow. My mother told me when I had my first child, that you walk in the front door holding them, and watch them walk out the back door. Because it goes by that fast. I try to remember that when my children are driving me crazy. Because someday I will miss the crazy.

So to my little sister who was always everyone's baby.....I love you. And I am so proud of you. And this week....YOU lifted my soul.

Wonder.....

I was shopping with my sisters a couple weeks ago, when a man tried to hand me a religious flier. I rejected it kindly and walked on. He then yelled to me, "Jesus didn't die on the cross so you could be saved!" I was a little baffled, but walked on. I turned to my sister and said, "Then why would he have sacrificed his life? If it was not to save us, then there would have been no point." And that man yelling behind me has stuck with me since. Not because I believe him, but because I wonder why someone would believe something like that? I wonder what they think he did it for? But in all reality, it does not matter as long I know.

I know that Jesus Christ Atoned for the sins of the world. I know that he bled and died for me, so that I might have eternal life, as long as I strive to live righteously, and try to be like him. He is my Savior. I find comfort in this knowledge. I know he is there, and that I am never truly alone. He loves us, and knows us better than we know ourselves.

I wish only one thing, That you all know that too.

Valentines Day.

To all my readers, HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!! If you do not have a significant other, remember that you are loved still! I love you! God and his son Jesus Christ love you! So to all my readers, please remember we are loved everyday. And here is a virtual rose from me to you!

Uplifted Today

You want to know what was lifted my soul today? Watching my daughter watch this and smile. Have a great day. And remember we are never alone. Jesus loves us all!

Jessica

Life is shorter than we would all like it to be. The wind blows the years by too quickly. We laugh we cry, we live, and someday we'll die. When the sun is shining it warms us, just as she has warmed my soul. Like a whisper of an angel, she spoke, and I knew she knew more than I will in my entire existence. Pure and perfect love. Even through agonizing pain, she smiles. A moment in her presence is a moment remembered for a lifetime. As her mother holds her hand, and looks with longing eyes, wishing things could be different, that she could stay. But also wishing she would be free from the anguish and pain. Wanting to let go, but afraid to say goodbye. We wait, hold our breath, not sure how to feel. But she is perfect in an imperfect body, just waiting to fly. We wait, hold our breath, saying goodbye. She touched many in her short time here on earth. She fulfilled her life with love, and knowledge beyond her years. So we will say goodbye, and smile beyond our tears, because we got to know her and love her. We do not have to fear, because though she is gone from our sight, she will always be near. She will soon walk with God, and watch from above. And still live with pure and perfect love.

Jessica Hunt is a real angel on this earth. What a blessing she has been. A real miracle. I am thankful to have gotten to know her, to be near her. She will always have a special place in my heart. She has lifted my soul. Thank you Jessica. And I will love you forever.

WINNER WINNER WINNER!

AND THE WINNER IS? ..............................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................AMITY SMALES!!!

CONGRATS!!! Please send me a message with your mailing address! And you will be receiving

Hope you enjoy it! And thanks to all who entered! And keep your eyes open for future posts! And future Giveaways! YEAH!!!!!

I hope and pray for you all to have uplifting and happy moments today!

Surprise Giveaway!

Ok, so in light of the knowledge that people want me to keep this blog going, I thought I would do a giveaway! YEAH! And what am I giving away you may wonder?! Well that is the fun, it is a SURPRISE! And here is how you enter!

1- You MUST follow my blog.

2-You MUST like the blogs FB page.

3- Leave a comment saying you did those things, along with a guess of what the prize could be!

Ready, Set, GO!!!!! I will pick the winner Friday Jan 27th!

To Continue, or Not Continue.

I have been contemplating on whether or not I should continue this blog. I have wondered is anyone really even reads it. So if you do read it, please make a commment. I received a comment on an older post a few days ago, and it seems to be from someone I do not know, they commented on how a post helped them. And I found comfort in knowing that. So, do they help you? Do they uplift your soul?

And also, I am not asking this because I do not get comments on my posts. I am asking because I have looked up the stats on this blog, and it shows that most times, only 1 or 2 people read it. So I am just wondering if it is serving the purpose I have hoped it would. Lifting the souls of those who read it. If it even lifts one, then it does serve its purpose. I just want to make sure.

He knows.

My break from this blog has been too long. And I hope to be better with this blog in 2012.

As I reflect on what I learned in church today, I find myself humbled and more thankful for the life I have. I know that my Savior loves me. He loves us all unconditionally. He loves us so much that he suffered for our sins, and died so that we can live again. He is my Master and I will follow him. It is through him that I can be saved. It is his love that will carry me through harder times. It is by serving others on this earth that I can become more like him.

I heard a story of someones personal struggle today. And as I listened, I felt the perfect love that Jesus has for all of us. He is aware of our pains and sufferings. And he is there for us in all our times of need. We are never alone. Never.

Remember, He knows your name. He knows who you are, and he loves you.