Mmmm....ice cream! A special treat.
Make sure SUNDAY is just as special (or more) to you than your SUNDAE :)
Keep It Clean
So with all the Olympic talk going around on the internet I'm a little sad that I couldn't watch Michael Phelps swim his final race or see a man with two prosthetic legs run faster than I could ever imagine to get this body to move. But I have a focus right now. I have a purpose. And thanks to technology I can always catch up with those things later. And in fact in a few short months when I go home those things will be old news. Something else will be the talk of the town. Right now I'm involved in something I could never miss. A chance that will never come again. In four years there will be a new American hero diving into pools. There will always be more talent to be seen. But I will never again have time to devote my full attention to the Lord's work. I only get 18 months for that.
This video depicting Elder Holland's talk from last October's General Conference has some similarities. It talks about lines that I had to stay within to get here, much like those incredible athletes have to abide by to get where they are today.
Although this talk is directed for young men preparing to serve full time missions like I am right now, the principles taught in it are applicable to everyone. Literally EVERYONE. God's commandments will make us free and happy. Sometimes it can be awkward to talk about sexual sins and boundaries and I know a lot of parents probably worry how they will approach the subject with their children. How grateful I am to know that God's standards never change. And when I eventually have children I will teach them how following His commandments has been a blessing in my life and will be everthing they need to succeed in this life and the next. I hope you enjoy this video. I absolutely love it.
This post is linked to the Time Warp Wife blog.
It's a great resource to join in with other women who are dedicated to live following Christ's example and exemplify our roles as women.
Pack Intelligently
You get to bring to heaven whatever you can pack in that brain!
Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.
Disney Worship
A clever way to invite people to church!
Find the meetinghouse for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints closest to you right here
Visitors are ALWAYS welcome!
We Talk Like Ke$ha
There's a pew for you!
And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls. And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.
I'll Take the Nonsmoking
Well when you put it like that isn't it a tough choice??
Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they 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; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
Be At Peace
This sign was up for over 3 months. A true test of my patience.
And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.
Better Than A Fairytale
Excuse this interruption of regularly scheduled marquee posts for some thoughts that have to do with dragons, thrones, and once upon a times:
Moments that I've treasured most on my mission have been times when my companion and I teach families with children. There is something so precious and sacred about a child's understanding of God and their relationship with Him. Earlier this year when we were teaching the Sanchez family in Mayfield sweet little Anthony had a very concerned look on his face. He had been going to church semi-regularly with his grandma and he didn't feel welcome there. I asked him why and his response was that the teachers of the classes don't believe in things like princes and princesses. My heart just broke for a minute as this little boy was so sincere.
To testify to him that he is right, that being a son of God makes him a prince was the crowning (yes, cheesy pun intended) moment of my day. Anthony knew the truth and he was searching for someone to validate it, to help him recognize HOW to be a prince in God's kingdom.
He sure asked the right person because I am #1 obsessed with fairy tales, happily ever afters, and anything that has to do with a sparkly tiara on top of perfectly curled hair. I think that all of us have a desire to believe in something mystical and "make believe" because like Anthony we know that some part of it just has to be true.
Here are some elements of stories that I've found gospel comparisons to:
Dragons, Unicorns, and Giants* Um hello, they're all over in the Old Testament! Sadly unicorn is a misinterpretation and dragons were really just poisonous snakes. But the giants were real! We know all about Goliath and there are also mentions of Emims, Anakims, and Zamzummims. Great names. Weird enough to be in a fantasy book.
Happily Ever After* Eternal life with our family and closest friends in the presence of our Heavenly Father is the happiest ending I could ever imagine! And it comes true! We work long and hard in this part of the story and the ending is greater than the climax of all our struggles.
Royalty* We are daughters and sons of the most high God. That makes us divine Princesses and Princes with the ability to one day become queens and kings. Man that is some awesome potential we each have!
Hero's Journey* In high school I took a global mythology class and we learned about the pattern found in most myths, legends, and fantasy stories called the hero's journey. It is a cyclical pattern that takes the protagonist through a trial where he faces many trials and obstacles yet he cannot succeed without the help of a mentor. Our time on Earth is just like that. We are given load upon load of opposition and we can only overcome it with the support of our Savior Jesus Christ. The ultimate Mentor! Luckily we get some tools along the way like scriptures written by prophets, prayer, and the blessing of an organized church.
you may refer to me as princess elle if you like. i will make no objections
Moments that I've treasured most on my mission have been times when my companion and I teach families with children. There is something so precious and sacred about a child's understanding of God and their relationship with Him. Earlier this year when we were teaching the Sanchez family in Mayfield sweet little Anthony had a very concerned look on his face. He had been going to church semi-regularly with his grandma and he didn't feel welcome there. I asked him why and his response was that the teachers of the classes don't believe in things like princes and princesses. My heart just broke for a minute as this little boy was so sincere.
To testify to him that he is right, that being a son of God makes him a prince was the crowning (yes, cheesy pun intended) moment of my day. Anthony knew the truth and he was searching for someone to validate it, to help him recognize HOW to be a prince in God's kingdom.
He sure asked the right person because I am #1 obsessed with fairy tales, happily ever afters, and anything that has to do with a sparkly tiara on top of perfectly curled hair. I think that all of us have a desire to believe in something mystical and "make believe" because like Anthony we know that some part of it just has to be true.
the salt lake temple is just one of the beautiful castles that we have built to be in the presence of our King
Here are some elements of stories that I've found gospel comparisons to:
Dragons, Unicorns, and Giants* Um hello, they're all over in the Old Testament! Sadly unicorn is a misinterpretation and dragons were really just poisonous snakes. But the giants were real! We know all about Goliath and there are also mentions of Emims, Anakims, and Zamzummims. Great names. Weird enough to be in a fantasy book.
Happily Ever After* Eternal life with our family and closest friends in the presence of our Heavenly Father is the happiest ending I could ever imagine! And it comes true! We work long and hard in this part of the story and the ending is greater than the climax of all our struggles.
Royalty* We are daughters and sons of the most high God. That makes us divine Princesses and Princes with the ability to one day become queens and kings. Man that is some awesome potential we each have!
Hero's Journey* In high school I took a global mythology class and we learned about the pattern found in most myths, legends, and fantasy stories called the hero's journey. It is a cyclical pattern that takes the protagonist through a trial where he faces many trials and obstacles yet he cannot succeed without the help of a mentor. Our time on Earth is just like that. We are given load upon load of opposition and we can only overcome it with the support of our Savior Jesus Christ. The ultimate Mentor! Luckily we get some tools along the way like scriptures written by prophets, prayer, and the blessing of an organized church.
My brain could probably babble on for days about wonderland and magic dust but I'm going to spare you the time and leave you with what's written so far. I know that I personally am so enthralled by all things mystical and magical because I know the truth. I know that God's grace and our Savior's Atonement is better than any fairytale or story out there. And I am preparing myself for the day that I'll get to inherit my Father's kingdom. Also I'm so happy that you're all along for the ride! See you there!
If you want to read more you can check out this talk by Elder Uchtdorf (quoted in the picture above)
Embrace the camera and see yourself as God sees you!
Real Christmas
Ok, so I kind of may have stolen this picture. The credit needs to go to Sister Tamara Nalder. Lets hope she forgives me :)
Good Advice
These are some secrets to living a happy life that aren't so secret anymore thanks to this Church of Christ!
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