A Day as a Missionary

Our Ward had a pretty cool activity for the 16, 17, and 18 year old young men and young women.  They met at our house at 7:30 am and were instructed about being missionaries.  We had 18 youth show up.  I wasn't planning on attending since I'm not in the Young Women Program anymore but I knew that Braxton was coming to talk to the youth at 9:30 and decided that I wanted to hear him. So I got ready and headed out to the kitchen.  When I reached the bar the "spirit" hit me.  The kids were studying and so it was quiet.  I hadn't heard anything that had previously been said but I knew it was good and true because of how I "felt".  It was awesome and because of that I stayed for the rest of the day listening and watching.

The Bishop and the YW & YM Presidents did a wonderful job in planning this activity.  Actually from the mouth of Bishop Ropelato, the spirit had it all planned out and the leaders just made it happen.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints really is HIS (Jesus's) Church.  He is the one that guides and instructs each ward.  The leaders need to be in tune and prepared for His instruction and when they are....wow....miracles happen!  It's fun to witness and I will say that for me that is the coolest part of Larry's calling for me.

To start things off the kids had breakfast, there was lots of fruit, bagels and cereal.  At the beginning the kids watched a video of being called on a mission.  It's not by chance they get sent where they do.  Bro & Sister Simpson came and talked to the "missionaries" since they were Mission Presidents.  (that's they part I missed)  The kids had a little time to study.  Then Braxton came and taught them how to teach about the plan of salvation.  I was one proud momma as I listened to my son teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I felt the spirit again.  I love feeling the spirit and try to feel it throughout each and every day.

President Malone came and talked about being worth to go to the House of the Lord.  If you are worthy to go to the Temple then you are worthy to go on a mission.  He let the youth know that it is really important to take care of any misdeed before leaving because it's harder taking care of such things after. (on them and their families)  Ronnie spoke about his experiences and some the the things that he learned. He spoke how missionaries will make your life different forever.  As he was saying those things I thought how each of my sons missions helped me to even be better.  I'm sure they have no idea by them serving it also strengthens their families but it does.  I have grown from each of my sons missions.  I felt I needed to step up my life to feel comfortable around them.  It was a good thing.

We all went to Sacrament Meeting and "miraculously" the speakers talks went right along with today's message at our house.  Funny how often that works out.....must be inspiration. (of course it is!)  It happens all the time.  The Speakers in Sacrament Mtg so often talk about the things in the others classes for the day...this Church is lead by inspiration....it's true!

The youth prepared lunch when we got back and were filled and ready for more.  Our friend Wayne Willey who is investigating the church came with his sweet wife to let the youth teach and question him.  It was a great experience.  I loved watching the youth turn to their scriptures and tell scenarios that helped Wayne's questions be answered. We learned later that some of the things said were also answers to some of the others prayers. (so cool)  After Wayne talked with the youth, each youth was assigned a companion and together they went out to teach a family about the restoration.  I know it was kind of scary for the youth but I think it also helped them realize what a mission will really be like.

They met back at our home and then they had a Testimony Meeting.  It was a great day and I am really glad that I decided to come in and listen and observe.  It was the Bishops best day.  He spent a few less hours working today and during that time was edified and helped edify everyone else.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is True!  I'm thankful that I know that.....I thankful that I "feel" that!

Let it go or hit it away!

Sometimes in life we have things thrown at us that we really don't need to catch.  I always thought that I had to catch the things being thrown at me, even the negative, cruel things so I did.  The problem with catching them is that I saved them and I let them hold me down and hurt me.  It's taken me this long to realize I don't have to catch them anymore.  I can even pick up the things that I have held and thrown them away.....I don't need to keep them just because I caught them.

The other day I had someone say some mean things to me and that's when I realized that I didn't have to believe those things.  You know...we all have negative things about us but we all have a lot more positive.  It's best to be around people that focus on the positive and build us up.  (we all know our faults & weaknesses best & don't need others pointing them out...those that do aren't friends)  I realize that my closest friends know my faults but they also know my strengths and I love that they see me for my strengths instead of my weaknesses.  I am a daughter of God and it's what He thinks that matters.  God knows us best and loves us all in spite of our weaknesses and mistakes.  Thank goodness for that.

I am Me and finally that is Enough!

I never get tired of these!

Knock Knock.......

I love going to the door and seeing flowers being delivered to me.  It never gets old and it always makes me smile.  Larry knows it and I guess that is why he keeps sending them to me.  I love how cheerful these flowers are and the vase is even cute!  I hate to say it but I set them down for a second  and they fell off the table and a few stems broke a little. :(  oops!  My hubby is a thoughtful guy more days than not and I need to be reminded every now and then.....flowers are good reminders! Booyah!

sometimes you receive the answer, sometimes you are the answer

I went bowling yesterday and had a great time. (I usually do) The ladies that have me sub for them are always so kind to me and compliment and encourage me.  They are all old enough to be my mom and so it makes me feel good when they say nice things. (they're experienced & know what's important & good)  Being kind is such a simple thing and also so meaningful.

After bowling I went up to Weber High to visit my sister/friend, Tonya.  I could tell as soon as I saw her that her life was being challenged. (I know the Lord sent me) She shared her concerns with me and then I told her about the things going on in my life.  We all have stuff and Tonya and I have stuff at the same time.  Life isn't easy but if we watch and listen we will see the hand of the Lord in our lives.  He is always giving us tender mercies.  Today I received more answers to my stuff but I also know that I was the answer, or had the answer to some of Tonya's stuff.  There were a few things that I said that I know were not my thoughts.  I know God was using my voice to talk to my sweet Tonya.  I love when that happens. It just feels good.

We get knocked down and we get back up......that's life!  When we are up we need to look for opportunities to be Kind to someone else.  Kindness is a two way blessing.  You will not ever go wrong by choosing kindness.  Kindness Matters!

It's a Miracle!!!

Miracles still happen and we have received a few in the last couple days.  Since the other day when I talked to my friends and felt like the "spirit" was guiding them and me I have seen the hand of the Lord making things happen in our behalf.

Yesterday I called LDS Social Services about 11:00 am and talked to the gal about getting Jared in for some counseling.  She knew exactly who she thought Jared should see and said that they had a cancellation and that if it were at all possible Jared could meet with him at 12:00 pm.  We needed to be there about 11:30 to fill out paper work and that was exactly the amount of time I needed to pick Jared up from school and get him there.  It was perfect in every way.  Todd (the counselor) was great.  Todd is a Bishop and has kids Jared's age.  He also has a child that has required special testing for educational needs. (the testing we need to get Jared help in school)  Anyway I know that this didn't happen by coincident, I know it was a miracle and God made it happen.

Earlier in the day I had also made some calls about the testing that Jared needs to get a 504 in school.  I had to leave a message at U of U where students do the testing for a lot lower price.  However, Todd had told me of some other guys that are really good and well known.  I called one of them because I had his number which was given to me by a nurse that has been a huge help to me.  The price is $150 an hour and it would be at least 6 hours total when it was all said and done.  Oh, and we don't have any kind of insurance that will help out because our rates are ridiculous and we can't afford better coverage.  We also have a $5,000 deductible on each person....yeah I love paying for insurance that really doesn't help us out. (boo!)  So we figured it would be around $1,000 to get the tests we need so that the Principal  will even look at giving Jared a 504 to help him succeed. (I'm bugged about that too....I thought there was a "No Child Left Behind" policy but my child is being left behind. (stinks)  Anyway today my call from the U of U was returned and the sweet gal started off by telling me she had some good news and some bad news.  The good news was that they do the testing (by students) for only $175 (Yeah) but the bad news was that they have a list already and Jared wouldn't be able to be seen until January. (we need it before school starts)  After chatting for a bit and telling her what we have done so far and a little about Jared and his situation right now a Miracle Happened.  Instead of giving me others places to call for testing she decided that Jared was in a position to be seen sooner than January.  In fact they start testing in May and she is certain he will be seen in May or at least by June.  MIRACLE!!!!  Did you to the math?  That is at least a savings of $700 and 7 months sooner!!!

I am so glad that I have been guided by the spirit and through others and that I have taken action again and NOT STOPPED!  I am feeling so very blessed.  I can see a  slight change in Jared since we have been addressing his issues.  He is happier and knows that he is not the only one that has challenges.

A bit more about yesterday morning......I took Kimleighel to school because she received a few VERY INAPPROPRIATE texts from one of her guy friends on Sunday.  It is sexual abuse and had her shaking and scared to death to even go to school.  Since he goes to the same school we decided to show the Officer there and also the fact that it is illegal to send that kind of text.  We ended up talking with the Vice Principal and he took down the texts and everything.  I was proud of Kimi for showing us and the rest of the family.  She told the "Bishop" since she had an interview and since it was abuse he had to report it. She also told her Seminary Teacher and so he also reported it.  I am pretty sure Mr. Boy Friend won't be texting Kimleighel any more....and I hope words gets around that she is not someone to mess with! (she tells...Hooray!)

After dealing with Kimi's ordeal I went to the Jr High and was planning on giving the Principal a little piece of my mind.  It ticks me off that she requires a Doctor who doesn't know my kid to give her a note before she will help him.  Who am I?  I am the one that knows my child better than anyone else.  I was also going to ask her opinion about the "No Child Left Behind" policy since the school is failing with my child and likely plenty more.  She had a meeting though and so she left just after I arrived.  It was a good thing and instead I talked to a counselor that has been working with Jared.  I have talked to the counselors a few times and yesterday I spilled my guts.  I told him all the steps I was taking but how I felt about being pressured to do so.  We came up with a game plan and a support team for Jared.  I feel great about it and really do feel like we will be able to help Jared succeed academically and also increase his self esteem.  I want Jared to feel good about himself and consider that much more important than a silly grade.

I feel very blessed in the things that are happening.  I feel stronger for taking the steps that I felt so inadequately taking.  I pushed  past my comfort zone and it feels good as things are falling into place now.  Everything is going to be alright and I will be able to help others that will go through this.  I know this is a common thing and like me others just might not know where to turn for help.  I am so thankful for the help that has been given to me!  This life isn't easy that is for sure!

Braxton's Birthday Dinner

I love taking our kids to dinner for their birthdays.  I always love it when they introduce us to new places.  Tonight Braxton took us to a new Pizza place that has thin pizza's like they make in Italy. (I forgot the name)  It's in Farmington and I know Larry & I will be returning because Larry loved the pizza.....I did too.  I loved visiting with Brax and just admire what a great young man he is.  Braxton is so talented and loves life. Kids grow up so fast.  I have enjoyed the journey with each one of my kids.  I'm so glad that I was the chosen one to be their mommy.

Hey Hey It's Braxton's Birthday

It's Braxton's birthday and I just want to say I love being this kids mommy.  He cracks me up and all the gray hairs that are credited to Braxton are worth it.

I love Braxton's enthusiasm for life.  He is always going, creating, and living.  I am proud of the things he has accomplished this far in his life.  I loved watching him as "Waldo" the Wild Cat the last few years.  It was so fun knowing it was my kid in there making others happy.

I admire that he still plays the piano every once in a while when he is over.  I never thought he would continue on but I'm so glad he has.  I am proud of him for getting help with his finances. (love Natalie for helping him)  I love that he always seems so happy and positive and that he doesn't mind be goofy and not too serious.  He has fun and I like that.  He's always been a spiritual giant and I love and respect him for his wonderful example.  I'm glad he was sent to our family.  He's the perfect middle child!