tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832376956496709212024-03-05T00:49:22.625-07:00Family By Divine Design:The Foundation of a Great WorkRaree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.comBlogger221125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-29455497767155923222016-07-01T08:00:00.000-06:002016-08-05T10:11:14.323-06:00Chocolate Chocolate Caramel Mousse Cream PieMy parents were in town for a few days, and my dad's birthday happened while they were here. Because my mom's kitchen isn't fully equipped with ingredients, and because his traditional birthday dessert (chocolate death cake - maybe a post for another time) was a bit much for the amount of family that was here in terms of quantity, Mom asked me to make a little something and I jumped at the opportunity. Food is not officially a love language in terms of the "Five Love Languages" book, but it really is to me. I appreciate really good food, but even more I love to make really good food for people I love. Which is why I'm not terribly interested in selling what I make as one relative often suggests that I do (although a cupcake bakery could be super fun). Making it a money thing or a job would just ruin the experience for me, you know?<br />
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Anyway, I have all kinds of decadent things pinned on pinterest, and when I looked at what I had available for no-bake pies (it's hot and I'm very pregnant, k?) lots of things appealed to <i>me</i> but didn't seem quite right for my dad. I'm not sure he shares my fetish for chocolate/peanut butter things (my pinterest food boards are <i>littered</i> with recipes of that variety). He's very much a chocolate man, but a plain chocolate cream pie, even with an oreo crust didn't seem like quite enough for a birthday to me. So I combined a couple of ideas and decided it was probably post-worthy. :) I used the chocolate pudding from <a href="http://www.raininghotcoupons.com/chocolate-cream-pie/">this recipe</a> and the chocolate caramel mousse and crust (slightly modified) from <a href="http://www.handletheheat.com/chocolate-peanut-butter-caramel-mousse-pie/">this recipe</a>. Also opted to top with the whipped cream and chocolate shavings from the chocolate cream pie recipe. The result was <i>wonderful</i>! And so I'm sharing with you.<br />
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It was <i>every</i> bit as good as it looks (probably better because I'm not a very skilled food photographer at this time). Very decadent, but the whipped cream lightened it up just enough to make it possible to consume a larger piece without feeling ill. Unless you have a much lower tolerance for rich foods than I do. Then proceed with a generous slice at your own risk. hahaha</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Chocolate Chocolate Caramel Mousse Cream Pie</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients</span></span></b></div>
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<b>Oreo crust:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>24 oreo cookies</li>
<li>3 T. melted butter</li>
</ul>
<b>Chocolate pudding base:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>2/3 cup Sugar</li>
<li>1/4 cup Cocoa Powder</li>
<li>3 Tbsp Cornstarch</li>
<li>1/4 tsp Salt</li>
<li>2 1/4 cup Milk</li>
<li>1 tsp Vanilla</li>
</ul>
<b>Chocolate caramel mousse:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="ingredient">8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped</span></li>
<li><span class="ingredient">1 cup heavy cream</span></li>
<li><span class="ingredient">1/2 cup salted caramel sauce, store-bought or <a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/homemade-salted-caramel-sauce-recipe/">homemade</a> </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="ingredient">Directions</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Make the crust:</b><br />
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<span class="ingredient"></span><span class="ingredient"></span><span class="instructions">
</span>
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch pie dish with cooking spray.<br />
Place the Oreo cookies in the bowl of a food processor and pulse
until finely ground. Add in the melted butter and pulse until moistened.
Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie
dish. Bake for 10 minutes, or until fragrant and set. Let cool
completely on a wire rack.<br />
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<b>Make the pudding:</b><br />
<br />
Combine sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, and salt in a medium pan.<br />
While stirring constantly, slowly add in milk and bring to a boil over medium heat.<br />
Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla.<br />
Pour into pie crust, cover with plastic wrap directly on the pudding and chill until firm. (2-3 hrs)*<br />
<h4>
Make the mousse:</h4>
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate on high in 30 second
intervals, stirring between each interval, until melted and smooth. Let
cool.<br />
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer fitted with the whisk
attachment to beat the cream until soft peaks form. On medium speed,
gradually add the caramel and continue whipping until medium-stiff peaks
form. Gently fold in the cooled melted chocolate until combined. Pour
into cookie crust and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 6
hours.* Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings (optional).<br />
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*I found a hurry-up method for chilling these kinds of recipes in the freezer. The rule of thumb I found was specifically referring to cookie dough, but I took a risk and tried it with my layers and it worked great! Just be sure to use a timer so you won't overdo it. The rule of thumb is to chill in the freezer for a quarter of the amount of time you would in the refrigerator. For the pudding layer that was between 30-40 minutes, and for the mousse layer it was about one and a half hours. As I said, it worked great for me! <br />
<br />Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-5775338442117479602014-12-19T17:20:00.000-07:002014-12-20T08:45:05.568-07:00"Thou art not yet as Job..."That is what the Lord had to say to <a href="http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/joseph-smith" target="_blank">Joseph Smith</a> when he was unjustly and unlawfully incarcerated in Liberty Jail. I'm going to assume that you know a bit about what <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/job?lang=eng" target="_blank">Job</a> went through. Unless you're a "<a href="http://www.mormon.org/" target="_blank">Mormon</a>" you may be less familiar with what Joseph Smith was going through at the time the Lord said this to him (among other things) in a revelation. Not only was Joseph Smith in terrible conditions in Liberty Jail - completely inhumane by today's standards - but members of the church <a href="http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/early-church-history" target="_blank">were being driven from their homes</a> and even massacred by other citizens of the state intent on driving the saints out. This included many of Joseph's own family. So not only was Joseph in a terrible state himself, but he also had to endure not being in a position to help people that he loved through a most terrible and dark time in the history of the church. And the Lord said, "<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/121.10?lang=eng#9" target="_blank">Thou art not yet as Job</a>."<br />
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Out of context that may seem a little insensitive. But the Lord also said, "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;<span class="verse"> </span>And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes." Eternal perspective is everything when hard times come in life. This is what I have been reflecting on quite a bit in the last 36 hours or so.</div>
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Recently, I had announced that I was finally expecting a child again to friends and family. Not everyone knew how long I had been waiting for that. The short version: I had a miscarriage last June, and had been trying to conceive the minute it was considered safe for me to do so; by March I began to think that something was wrong, and in July of this year we found out what it was. <a href="http://www.webmd.com/women/tc/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-topic-overview" target="_blank">PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)</a>. I received treatment for the condition and it was effective, for which I was very thankful.</div>
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And then yesterday, I went for my regularly scheduled appointment with my OB. I was 17 weeks along. She proceeded to check on baby's heartbeat. Found nothing. So she checked with a different machine. Nothing, and on this device I could see that there was also no movement. So I was sent over to the hospital next door for an ultrasound. It was confirmed that there was no heartbeat. And the baby measured around 15 weeks, 3 days; this pregnancy was not going to go full term. I was heartbroken. I cried, but I didn't allow myself to cry hard until I got home to my husband. And I continued crying off and on for the rest of today.</div>
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I allowed myself to be sad, but I also tried to remind myself of the eternal perspective. I thought about the fact that I already have three beautiful children, all of which I had after healthy and relatively easy pregnancies. I have family and friends who love me and whom I love. I have a husband that I love and adore who is supportive and is a very involved father. Not that there could have been any doubt, but I had to reflect that neither was I as Job. This isn't what I wanted, but I know that my Heavenly Father has a plan for me and for my little family.</div>
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There's a hymn that is part of the LDS hymnal that I love, and it also came to mind yesterday. It's called "<a href="https://www.lds.org/music/text/hymns/lean-on-my-ample-arm?lang=eng" target="_blank">Lean On My Ample Arm</a>" and is actually not sung often in our church. I suspect that's partially because the tune goes rather high. But the lyrics are wonderful. As all our hymns are, it's based on scripture and it's written as if the Savior is speaking. The second verse says:</div>
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<div class="">
Lift up thy tearful eyes,<br />
Sad heart, to me;<br />
I am the sacrifice<br />
Offered for thee.<br />
In me thy pain shall cease,<br />
In me is thy release,<br />
In me thou shalt have peace<br />
Eternally.<br />
In me thou shalt have peace<br />
Eternally.</div>
</blockquote>
This past Sunday a member of my congregation spoke a little about how the <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/atonement-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng" target="_blank">Atonement of Jesus Christ</a> not only cleanses us from sin, but also heals us from all wounds we receive while on this earth because He suffered those things vicariously for us as well so that He might succor us in all times of sorrow and grief. I believe that with all of my heart. In fact, I know that's a part of the atonement as I have certainly felt its healing power in my life multiple times. This loss of pregnancy will be no exception. So don't worry about me because ultimately I will be fine. My family and I are in the Lord's hands, and I trust Him with all of my heart.<br />
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<i>Note: Just FYI, to resolve this pregnancy (actually a <a href="http://miscarriage.about.com/od/amimiscarrying/f/missedmisc.htm" target="_blank">missed miscarriage</a>) I will be undergoing an operation called a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dilation_and_evacuation" target="_blank">D&E</a> during the first half of next week. We've made necessary arrangements for childcare, etc., but prayers are always appreciated if you feel so inclined. :) </i>Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-4013809775960961552014-10-16T21:16:00.001-06:002014-10-16T21:16:37.657-06:00Because you're awesome, and need to remind yourself of itOur home has recently been in a state of disarray. It usually is a little bit (I have a three year-old, and two other kids besides), but it's been extra bad for the past week because we've been rearranging rooms and furniture. Today I made some good progress in restoring order, and my husband commented, "You did a good job today." My response? "I know!" with a big smile. Followed by a sheepish chuckle and, "I mean, thanks."<br />
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This isn't the first time I've responded this way when I've been commended for something. Sometimes I feel pretty silly about that response. But this evening I was reflecting on it. I'm pretty sure I got this tendency from my mom, and she is pretty great. Why shouldn't I give myself a pat on the back for a job well done? I've certainly spent enough time of my life practically loathing myself for all the things I'm not doing right (terrible dark stages of my life that I almost never return to now). It's okay to give myself a break and acknowledge things I <i>do </i>get done, the things I <i>am</i> doing right.<br />
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And that is what I want you to reflect on, my friends. I have enough personal experience with this, and have talked with enough female friends to know that there are so many of us just beating ourselves to death for what we're <i>not</i> doing the way we think we should, the way we think others expect us to do it. Ugh! No wonder we have a tendency to feel unfulfilled, under-appreciated, depressed, and empty! If you want to feel awesome, then start noticing <i>and acknowledging</i> the times you just rock it!<br />
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Be your own cheerleader. You're not being conceited when you acknowledge your own awesomeness. Many parents go to great lengths to acknowledge all of the great things their kids do, and fail to acknowledge their own greatness. My own mom modeled great positive thinking about herself in every aspect. You can't have any idea how much your own self-talk influences your children. As long as you keep it clear that you're celebrating your own personal growth, and it's not about comparing yourself to other people, it's not conceited and it's such a great thing for your kids to learn! If you are your own cheerleader, then those times that your efforts go unacknowledged by other people will matter less. You just worry about pleasing Heavenly Father and yourself, and loving and serving others. You'll pretty much rock it every day to some extent or another.<br />
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I know you've been rocking it a whole lot already, but now you just need to give yourself some recognition. Every day. You deserve it. And besides, positivity yields even more positive results. Negative thoughts about ourselves are not from the Lord. So send Satan and his serious load of negativity packing. The Lord <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/12.27?lang=eng#26" target="_blank">gives us weaknesses that we may be humble</a>, <i>not that we may be hateful toward ourselves</i>. So love yourself, and remember that those weaknesses are future strengths.<br />
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<i>Note: Men may very well struggle with this, too, but as women are the ones that I talk to the most and feel the most confident in them relating with the topic I addressed them. However, if you're a man and totally know what I'm talking about, then this is for you, too!</i>Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-15698518880206698392014-02-19T19:29:00.003-07:002014-02-19T19:38:55.931-07:00Shoofly Pie . . . I love jazz music. Kind of a lot. The lyrics of one of my favorite vocal jazz pieces begins with, "Shoofly pie and apple pandowdy." I am neither very good at or interested in clearly identifying lyrics in songs. I'm more interested in the tune and the beat. So for years I have heard this song and just kind of assumed that 'shoofly pie' and 'apple pandowdy' were nonsense words (they sounded Dr. Seuss-ish to me). Right up until a couple of months ago I was under this false assumption. And then shoofly pie showed up in a children's book that was being read to my youngest child in a music class. My mind was blown.<br />
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I decided that day that I must search for a recipe for apple pandowdy, and that I would soon be making and blogging about shoofly pie (the recipe for that was provided in the class). I subsequently found an apple pandowdy recipe (even Martha Stewart has deigned to create a version) and 'pinned' it. And now I have made shoofly pie - pictures to prove it, and I'll share the recipe with you.<br />
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First, you will need a pie crust - you can buy one ready made, or make it from scratch. I chose to make mine from scratch. Let me assure you that although pastry crusts have a rep for being tricky to make, it's much less true if you are using a food processor. But rather than give you specific directions here, I'll refer you to <a href="http://pastrieslikeapro.com/2013/06/no-fail-pie-crust/#" target="_blank">this tutorial</a> and give you the recipe I used:<br />
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<u><b>Buttery Pie Crust</b></u><br />
1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour<br />
1/4 t. salt<br />
1/2 c. butter, chilled and grated<br />
1/4 c. ice water <br />
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This quantity of this recipe will only be good for a pie without a top crust. Shoofly pie does not have a top crust - at least the recipe I have doesn't. It has a crumb topping!<br />
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Just had my children try it this evening. While it wouldn't be completely honest to say they hated it, 'like' would also be too strong of a word. :) I liked it, but I didn't love it. It's worth trying I'd say. And now, I have another mini goal I can check off. Win!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I suggest serving this with a generous helping of whipping cream. Molasses is intensely sweet, and the whipped cream makes it less intense. Also, I first put my pie crust in a deep-dish pie pan, then switched it to a shallower pan because I didn't think the filling would fill it up. It turns out that the molasses mixture expands quite a bit while baking, so a deep-dish pan would probably work even though the 'filling' is originally only a scant two cups. I started getting nervous that it would make a mess in my oven, but it had only overflowed a little bit before I checked on it again, so I didn't have to put out an oven fire today (and yes, I have before - at least twice). The evidence of the overflow was trimmed away so the edge of the pastry crust could still be seen. In case you're wondering.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Shoofly Pie</span></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Ingredients:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">9-in pie shell</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 c. molasses</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">¾ c. hot water</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">¾ t. baking soda</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 egg, beaten</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 ½ c. all-purpose flour</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 c. packed brown sugar</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">¼ c. shortening</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine molasses, hot water, and baking soda. Stir well. Whisk in beaten egg. Pour mixture into pie shell.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Crumb topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Mix well. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over molasses layer. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Lower temperature to 350 and bake for 30 more minutes. Allow to cool completely.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love a good culinary adventure. Especially when it ends up being edible. :) Actually, <i>only</i> when it ends up being edible do I love a culinary adventure. If it doesn't, then I'm terribly put out. Just ask my husband. hahaha Anyway, you might consider giving this a try for Pi Day! Unless you don't like molasses. Then you may not want to try it ever.</span></span> </span></span></div>
Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-79569268776467252892014-02-05T21:22:00.000-07:002014-02-05T21:22:36.626-07:00What? I have a blog?Okay, so it hasn't been <i>that</i> long since I posted, but for someone who was dreaming of being a Mormon blogger with regular postings it kinda has. I'm just going to share some candid thoughts about that.<br />
<ul>
<li>Remember that goal I made to <a href="http://familybydivinedesign.blogspot.com/2013/11/monday-musings-time.html" target="_blank">spend less time on the computer</a>? Well, I've been mostly sticking to it. Partly why I haven't been posting.</li>
<li>New year meant I was itching to try some new things. Informal resolutions if you will. I have a new cleaning schedule I've been trying out, and I decided I wanted to learn to play the guitar. Also, I've wanted to do more reading of books. Less computer time means more time for other stuff that's more worthwhile to me.</li>
<li>I have three kids. Two of them are in school, so a lot of my day isn't that hectic. But between reasons one and two, my day gets filled with other worthwhile things. And after things one and two get home from school, my day is shot. SO much to do after they get home.</li>
</ul>
What I'm saying is, I'm thinking that this is probably not the season to pursue my desire to be a Mormon blogger. Still, I will try to post more often. But there will not be much regularity, and definitely no schedule. <br />
<br />
Also, I haven't felt like saying much. Recently I've been getting bogged down with discouragement. Brief periods of borderline bitterness really. Which is ridiculous because I know the Lord has a plan for me, and there are other people with much (SO much) harder lives than mine. But sometimes I see new babies and think about how I would have a very young baby right now if I hadn't miscarried. It would probably hurt less, maybe even not at all if I were pregnant again right now, but I'm not. And then I think how wrong it is that my father-in-law won't be here for the upcoming baptism and confirmation of my oldest child. I miss having him around. Things are just off, you know? Not at all according to my plan. But as I said, it could definitely be worse. And previously in my life when things didn't go according to my plan, the Lord's plan unfolded so beautifully and was so much better than mine. I guess that means I can possibly expect some awesomeness to go on in my future. Here's hoping. :)Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-9936320933429028062013-12-09T15:39:00.000-07:002013-12-09T15:39:08.466-07:00Monday Musings: Every Good Gift . . . Yesterday I overheard a brief exchange talking about the proceedings of the Christmas family gift exchange. These lovely ladies talked about letting their kids open gifts all at the same time, or having the children take turns. Most of them it seemed had their children take turns. One explained her choice, "Well, otherwise everyone doesn't get to see what they got!" That made me think.<br />
<br />
I too, have my children take turns. But why? I think it's for many reasons; I want the gift opening to last longer so it can be enjoyed longer; I want to focus on one child at a time to see/gauge their reaction to the gifts. One other reason that occurred to me as I thought about it was I want my children to rejoice in their siblings' gifts, too. They're never given the exact same thing, and it's fun to watch and listen to them enjoy each others' gifts.<br />
<br />
This ends up being a teaching moment, without me having to say anything. They can be happy for their siblings in the gifts they received, and they can do the same when seeing others outside of their family receive gifts - both in terms of actual tangible gifts, and in intangible blessings. We all have friends/acquaintances receive gifts/blessings that we don't. And it's a blessing to be able to be thankful for those gifts for their sakes, even when it's something we ourselves don't have. Covetousness and envy are horrible ugly feelings, and we are commanded not to indulge in such feelings.<br />
<br />
We're all blessed with gifts of many different kinds, and always the giver is the same.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="entry">"Every perfect gift is from God</span>." <a class="scriptureRef" href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/james/1.17?lang=eng#16">James 1:17</a></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="entry">"Every good gift comes from Christ</span>."<a class="scriptureRef" href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/10.8-18?lang=eng#7">Moro. 10:8–18</a> </blockquote>
</blockquote>
The Lord gives us the gifts that will bless us the most, or that we will be the most able to bless others' lives with. The gift that he's given to every one of us, and the only one that we all <i>really</i> need is the gift of His son. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"For God so <sup class="studyNoteMarker"></sup>loved the <sup class="studyNoteMarker"></sup>world, that he <sup class="studyNoteMarker"></sup>gave his <sup class="studyNoteMarker"></sup>only begotten <sup class="studyNoteMarker"></sup>Son, that whosoever <sup class="studyNoteMarker"></sup>believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting <sup class="studyNoteMarker"></sup>life." John 3:16</blockquote>
I'm so thankful for the birth and life of our Savior Jesus Christ. His example and His giving the ultimate gift of the Atonement makes the hard times in life bearable, and the sweet times so much sweeter. And through His gift, we are empowered to become better every day, and ultimately have the opportunity to be with Him again. The best gift ever has been given to every one of us. And I am thankful to receive it, and to share it with all of my brothers and sisters. Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-16443869318196844172013-11-25T13:24:00.001-07:002013-11-25T13:24:12.622-07:00Monday Musings: The Real Culprit?I read <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2012/10/17/why-almost-all-school-reform-efforts-have-failed/" target="_blank">an article</a> recently about why school reform efforts in the United States have mostly failed. The reason cited there was that the root of educational success was related to economic status; those from impoverished homes would be less successful, and the rates of poverty continue to climb. A vicious cycle would continue and spread. In terms of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs" target="_blank">Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs</a>, those conclusions certainly stand to reason. If basic needs are not being met (such as food, water, security), then the interest in meeting the needs of esteem and self-actualization are low. BUT . . . I think there may be a bit of a flaw in Maslow's theory. I believe that children whose basic needs may not be met, but whose needs for love and belonging <i>are</i>, then perhaps that's enough for them to go on in order to have a desire to learn, create, and excel. If this were not true, how else could people ever break the chains of poverty?<br />
<br />
My point is, I believe that children coming from poor, but loving homes and families will still be very capable of being successful in terms of their education. The real culprit for educational failure is the breakdown of the family. Stable, loving families are increasingly hard to come by. Our society encourages, "Do what's right for <i>you</i>." Many people are looking for their own self-fulfillment, and increasingly they're choosing to look for it outside of raising families. I'm not at all saying that parents shouldn't continue to seek growth as individuals. I <i>am</i> saying that there has to be a balance of people being parents to their children (versus friends/roommates), being a good spouse, and seeking personal growth. If anything, go heavy with your focus on being a spouse and a parent because there is <i>nothing</i> in life that will challenge an individual the way building a family based on <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1999/04/strengthening-families-our-sacred-duty?lang=eng&query=families" target="_blank">gospel principles</a> will. <i>Absolutely nothing</i>. There are growth pains involved, but it's growth! And I'm thankful that I get to participate in <a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/1993/11/the-great-plan-of-happiness" target="_blank">the Lord's plan</a> this way.Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-30442696947957924822013-11-23T10:29:00.002-07:002013-11-23T10:29:56.479-07:00Fun Friday: I've Just Had an Apostrophe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gratitude statuses for the week:</div>
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<ul>
<li><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm
thankful for people with special skills in crafting. In general, I do
not so the Super Saturdays that happen enable me to have things I like
in my home for a reasonable price. Thanks to my ward relief society
today!</span></li>
<li><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> </span><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm
thankful for the blessings of the temple. I don't get to go nearly as
often as I'd like, but I have claimed the blessings available only at
the temple for myself . . . SO thankful for that. Some things would be
too hard to bear without the promise of eternal family.</span></li>
<li>I<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">'m
thankful that snow hasn't begun falling in earnest around here. I don't
love running, but I do it b/c I love being fit and I strongly prefer
running outside. The snow doesn't make that impossible, but much less
likely. :)</span></li>
<li><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm thankful for my warm home.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm thankful that my mom taught me how to bake whole wheat bread. It makes your house smell awesome, AND it tastes good!</span> :)</span></span></li>
<li><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm thankful to know that I'm a daughter of God, and that I have a specific and glorious divine role in His plan.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> </span></span></span><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><u><b>IN OTHER NEWS:</b></u></span></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyekELuMWD6PtcYqdmnJr8K8Q0XG0-vp9IgQHy0EZeCRAe8uxWg63By_vbCAJ1ID1GAQ-ENRGY3Q_Z2dpqiU7zUvRdTMMz2Mt3ooR_h13vg-5itGmWeS9IVWML9jbaIlOnXvW-7nmETA8/s1600/I've+just+had+an+apostrophe+I+think+you+mean+an+epiphany.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyekELuMWD6PtcYqdmnJr8K8Q0XG0-vp9IgQHy0EZeCRAe8uxWg63By_vbCAJ1ID1GAQ-ENRGY3Q_Z2dpqiU7zUvRdTMMz2Mt3ooR_h13vg-5itGmWeS9IVWML9jbaIlOnXvW-7nmETA8/s1600/I've+just+had+an+apostrophe+I+think+you+mean+an+epiphany.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from <a href="http://moviequotesonline.blogspot.com/2013/04/ive-just-had-apostrophe-i-think-you.html">http://moviequotesonline.blogspot.com/2013/04/ive-just-had-apostrophe-i-think-you.html</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I had an idea the other day that I thought was rather brilliant, but I want some feedback before I put it into action. Once upon a time I saw this handmade bag shared on facebook that I loved and wanted to have made as a gift for my younger sister, but felt that my beginner's level sewing skills weren't up to the task. The friend that had made the bag knew that I had crocheting skills she lacked and she suggested a craft exchange: I'd crochet her a scarf with materials she provided, and she'd make me the bag with the materials I provided. It went swimmingly and we were both satisfied with the exchange.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">The world of pinterest has introduced me to many things that I'd like to make and/or have in my home, but for which I have neither the skill nor the appropriate equipment (think Silhouette Portrait/Cameo Projects), and low motivation to purchase the equipment because of the low number of things I would actually personally use it for. What if I were to set up a crafting exchange? Create a group on facebook perhaps, and have a file listed for people to share their names, their locations (for the purpose of determining shipment or personal delivery), their skill sets (including level). Then people could share projects they'd like to have made and share what skills they have to exchange, people could volunteer based on what they want, they'd privately communicate and work out some kind of deal. What do you think? Could it work? Suggestions? Does it even make sense how I've explained it? Feedback welcome. :)</span></span></span></div>
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Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-34305980490772998502013-11-18T15:23:00.001-07:002015-04-30T12:27:10.351-06:00Monday Musings: Me, Dressing My Truth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently read that 'selfies' are some kind of internet faux pas. Well, too bad because they're almost the only kind of pictures I have of me dressing my truth, which I have basically promised to discuss more than once. Today is the day. Hang on to your hats. hahaha<br />
<br />
Let's start off with the basics: what is "<a href="https://dyt.liveyourtruth.com/freecourse/?aff=rareeallred&name=Rachael" target="_blank">Dressing Your Truth</a>"? It's an offspring program of an <a href="http://myenergyprofile.com/" target="_blank">energy profiling system</a> (similar to personality profiling, but different) which can be found in the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Just-Nature-Guide-Knowing-Living-ebook/dp/B005V9R0WG/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384810931&sr=1-1&keywords=it%27s+just+my+nature" target="_blank">It's Just My Nature</a>, by author and originator Carol Tuttle. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Whisperer-Ultimate-Handbook-Successful-Cooperative/dp/0984402136/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384811090&sr=1-1&keywords=the+child+whisperer" target="_blank">The Child Whisperer</a> is also about energy profiling, but with application to parenting and children (which I wrote about <a href="http://familybydivinedesign.blogspot.com/2013/10/fun-friday-only-parenting-book-youll.html" target="_blank">here</a>). This energy profiling system has similar aims to personality profiling, namely greater self-understanding and acceptance as well as greater understanding of your own personal gifts.<br />
<br />
What's fascinating about this system is that you may discover that what you and others have understood to be your weaknesses may also be your greatest gifts - they just need careful management so that they can be a blessing to yourself and others around you. As an example, I have typed myself (and had it confirmed) as a type 2 in this system, which among other things describes me as soft and subtle. One of the tendencies of this type is that they are generally quite sensitive; sensitive to products that go on their skin, sensitive to the feel of fabrics, sensitive emotionally so they tend to cry frequently, and possibly sensitive to the extent that they may get offended easily. The flip side of this is that they're also sensitive to how others are feeling and they seek to not only be comfortable themselves but also to make others comfortable in every way. If you had a peacemaker in your family, they might be a type 2.<br />
<br />
Anyway, my aim is not to educate you about all of the energies, but to share with you my experience. You can do a free version of the course and read the book(s) that have the information at a relatively low cost (or for free - check your library). I chose to purchase the course and become fully invested.<span class="null"> </span><span class="null"><span class="null">I have long avoided being 'trendy' because I could
see how quickly trends come and go, and I just wanted to look 'classic'
- whatever I thought that meant. But with what I know now I can always
put together a look that works for me and I can look and feel good
without wearing the 'latest look'. My own kind of classic. <span class="emoticon emoticon_smile" title=":)"></span>
Highly individualized without looking like I'm trying hard to be
different. The idea of it is that who you are on the inside, can be seen on the outside by what you're wearing. Even people who have no knowledge of the program will get an accurate 'vibe' about who you are.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="null"><span class="null"><span class="null">To me it was completely worth it, and honestly (weird as
it sounds) an answer to a silent prayer. I think Heavenly Father cares
about what we care about (that's worthwhile anyway) and I have had a
desire and vision of myself being a classy dresser for a long time. I
could recognize it in other people, but for various reasons could see
that what was on someone else was not going to work for me. So now I
know why, and I know how to make a good look for me. Does it matter a
bunch what we wear? Not exactly, but it does send a message to people,
and I just wanted it to be accurate. So the Lord led me to it I think. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="null"><span class="null"><span class="null">Many people have experienced a lot of emotional healing as a result of their experience with energy profiling; to me, it just depends on your level of self-acceptance prior to your journey. I </span></span>personally had a high level of self-acceptance
before I did the course so in that particular way it didn't have a huge impact on me (though there has been some emotional healing), but I gained a greater understanding (and
acceptance) of other people, too. I've really loved the understanding I've gained of fashion and of what
is fashionable to me. I firmly believe that the Lord validated,
approved of, and helped me fulfill the quiet desire of my heart. Because
He's awesome like that.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="null">For my type (most of them, actually) I am no longer to wear black, but I can wear a version of black - charcoal. So, even though some of these pictures look like I may be wearing black don't be fooled - the lighting may make it look black, but it's really not. These are some of my fancier outfits of the day. Enjoy! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmkKFmx5rahBs9XPlgZenFDP6YkEOCBl-g6kaCH4VnaadBSvDR-zDVIAfFgCKqWcjP-MIXB7ySadHcsSdSYdYmJ5UxwHcwBrVIDrOrYlw7pIQlEvFcrmXCyI1_Fxfs8_YHtj62W0ErLA/s1600/740352_10153402139030486_1631493725_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmkKFmx5rahBs9XPlgZenFDP6YkEOCBl-g6kaCH4VnaadBSvDR-zDVIAfFgCKqWcjP-MIXB7ySadHcsSdSYdYmJ5UxwHcwBrVIDrOrYlw7pIQlEvFcrmXCyI1_Fxfs8_YHtj62W0ErLA/s320/740352_10153402139030486_1631493725_o.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This awesome necklace was my husband's Grandmother Allred's. I love it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloASKIBIEH7OKRz0BYL3USRm4UF9607gfTcTGvtQHnp8D6SmtQ5x_-aLuTltWpD_zo7a6Ju0otxNeN76B2o-P86wc59VfUVIN7JNkGDCu4F25WRCeg6GpzH8HYwuH0gAN2HsxG4aFtEE/s1600/1401467_10153359225695486_1840174029_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloASKIBIEH7OKRz0BYL3USRm4UF9607gfTcTGvtQHnp8D6SmtQ5x_-aLuTltWpD_zo7a6Ju0otxNeN76B2o-P86wc59VfUVIN7JNkGDCu4F25WRCeg6GpzH8HYwuH0gAN2HsxG4aFtEE/s320/1401467_10153359225695486_1840174029_o.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE this shawl. It can also be worn as a scarf and it is SO soft and elegant.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyZCn8Ok5ItsXS8QQMceVwDjETbqwDone6rXuBBu8ammQV6yLE1OE6LaL_oWWoTuIDC7P-C5KBSAcETnb27OFDcPJHgjuCYQKBAHIJ_hbvHElEDCDS0bvXCqN6wJGfkkIgGiumLn90g0/s1600/1402314_10153475749785486_1089182447_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyZCn8Ok5ItsXS8QQMceVwDjETbqwDone6rXuBBu8ammQV6yLE1OE6LaL_oWWoTuIDC7P-C5KBSAcETnb27OFDcPJHgjuCYQKBAHIJ_hbvHElEDCDS0bvXCqN6wJGfkkIgGiumLn90g0/s320/1402314_10153475749785486_1089182447_o.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same shawl as in previous picture - awesome, right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-81887005354751892422013-11-17T08:38:00.002-07:002013-11-18T08:11:06.026-07:00The Good News Is . . .I am doing really well at keeping my resolution of spending less time on the internet. This has also meant that I'm blogging less for now because the time I do spend on the computer I need to be doing stuff for my class. I'm taking an online class about creating <a href="https://www.coursera.org/course/sitedance" target="_blank">site-specific dance</a>. I really like it, but with weekly assignments and several video lectures weekly, it's becoming abundantly clear that it would have been <i>extremely</i> difficult for me to complete a bachelors' degree after I started having children. It's difficult for anyone, but I think I particularly would have struggled; just doing this one class is a struggle for me. So major props to all women who manage to complete a degree while raising children!<br />
<br />
I still wanted to share my gratitude statuses from facebook, so for this post I'm pretending it's still Friday. :) <br />
<ul>
<li><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm
thankful for my home. I often wish it were a little bigger, or had more
storage space, but I am really glad for a safe and warm place that my
family can live in.</span></li>
<li><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm thankful that it's Sunday. Best day of the week in my opinion. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm
thankful that I can read and for all of the wonderful books that I've
been exposed to. (shout out to the Veterans! I'm thankful for them, too)</span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm
thankful that my cupboards and refrigerator are full of food. I keep
hearing about different food drives, and we do our bit to try to help
others in need and I am just so grateful that we can!</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm thankful for the technology that allows me to keep better tabs on friends and family.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm
thankful for my husband. We balance each other really well, he keeps me
stable in more ways than one, and his confidence has rubbed off on me.
Also, I just really enjoy looking at him. ;)</span></span></span></span> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">My aunt commented on last one on facebook, "He is nice eye candy." lol</span></span>Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-17639984302472530362013-11-08T17:26:00.001-07:002013-11-08T17:26:45.418-07:00Fun Friday: Grateful I Can Move ItLast week I decided that for the month of November I'd be sharing my gratitude statuses from facebook here. So, here we go again. :)<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm
thankful that my husband has a job, and that overall he enjoys it. What a
blessing that he doesn't go to work every day feeling basically like
he's a slave doing something he doesn't enjoy or care about!</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm
thankful for family. I am super fortunate to have been raised in a
wonderful family, and just as fortunate to have married into another
wonderful family.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm thankful for the freedom to make my own choices.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm thankful for my body. I can learn a lot with it, and I can do a lot with it!</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm
thankful that my parents gave me the gift of music. I had piano lessons,
voice lessons, and some violin lessons growing up; the piano especially
has been a soul soother for me. </span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm
thankful for indoor plumbing. I keep coming up with something that's
relevant to the day's activities; today I get to clean the bathrooms. I'd rather have to clean them weekly than have to run outside to an outhouse to do my business. hahaha</span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm
thankful for my degree in modern dance. It may seem useless, but it was
dance education for most of my time at BYU, and I use my skills to
volunteer in my kids' classes teaching creative dance. That makes me a
rock star to them, so it was totally worth it if only for that. But you can bet that's not the only benefit I personally derived from it.</span> </span> </span> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5ViOyUjnrdYCH4BUe7YJN_PID7fcPOZz97MIPm2kSld3szJW_g9Z5tI1P-gWBq0n0NjeBlSzO9_oN0iNadNr-DtU28_Dxng1bPXiGezev-3svYpIIFe_AO5kUC5lydr5uTbMPqC7uuI/s1600/IMG_2260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5ViOyUjnrdYCH4BUe7YJN_PID7fcPOZz97MIPm2kSld3szJW_g9Z5tI1P-gWBq0n0NjeBlSzO9_oN0iNadNr-DtU28_Dxng1bPXiGezev-3svYpIIFe_AO5kUC5lydr5uTbMPqC7uuI/s320/IMG_2260.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Locomotor motion: crawling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaMmEnYklQ3LlRJXsZxKVj8qC58ptwh1XeskxGzZ4Wwri7kwKdQl9eNukFANL_CWc1W_X0yVjkRuBYNGGJsxn3ajMg1e-4B66ADy_4ifiXJZOUNFI65MW_3uoh_WVA6ghjYFokDbOvRw/s1600/IMG_2263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaMmEnYklQ3LlRJXsZxKVj8qC58ptwh1XeskxGzZ4Wwri7kwKdQl9eNukFANL_CWc1W_X0yVjkRuBYNGGJsxn3ajMg1e-4B66ADy_4ifiXJZOUNFI65MW_3uoh_WVA6ghjYFokDbOvRw/s320/IMG_2263.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thing 2's class :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-25865203217490000102013-11-06T14:04:00.002-07:002013-11-06T14:05:13.999-07:00Wonderful Wednesday: MusicSunday is my favorite day of the week, folks. True story. Members of the LDS church spend <i>three hours</i> of their Sundays in meetings meant to uplift, edify, and rejuvenate. As a kid I didn't have as much of an appreciation for the lengthy Sunday meetings, but gained a greater appreciation for them as I grew older. One of the meetings is called <a href="http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/sacrament-meeting" target="_blank">Sacrament Meeting</a>. There are
many components to our Sacrament Meeting, but much of it is music; prelude,
opening hymn, sacramental hymn, special musical number or congregational hymn,
closing hymn, and finally postlude. These things are all included as has been
directed by the Lord. Why? What is so great about music? Let me share with you
a few quotes from latter-day prophets and apostles about this:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="margin-left: 6.75pt; margin-right: 6.75pt; mso-cellspacing: 1.5pt; mso-table-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-table-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-table-left: left; mso-table-lspace: 9.0pt; mso-table-rspace: 9.0pt; mso-table-top: 10.6pt; width: 683px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 10.3pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="height: 10.3pt; padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 10.6pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">"Music can set an atmosphere of worship which
invites [the] spirit of revelation, of testimony."</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 37.65pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="height: 37.65pt; padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 1.5pt;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 10.6pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">-- President Boyd K. Packer, <i>Ensign, Nov.</i>
1991, 22 </span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 1.5pt; width: 674px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 13.85pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="height: 13.85pt; padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 10.6pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">"The singing of the songs of Zion, though imperfectly, with the
inspiration of God, will touch the hearts of the honest more effectively
than if sung well without the Spirit of God."</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 7.35pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="height: 7.35pt; padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 10.6pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">-- President Heber J. Grant, <i>Improvement Era,</i>
July 1901, 686</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 6.9pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="height: 6.9pt; padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 1.5pt; width: 677px;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 27.2pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"><td style="height: 27.2pt; padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 10.6pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">"I wonder sometimes if we realize the
importance of music. I wonder if we know that the Lord himself is concerned
about it. He has given us the information that the song of praise is a
prayer unto him. . . . It [is] our privilege, yea, our blessing, to sing
and . . . our songs should be sung in righteousness."</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 8.9pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="height: 8.9pt; padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 10.6pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">-- President George Albert Smith, <i>Church News,</i>
Feb. 16, 1946, 6</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 10.6pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 9.45pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="height: 9.45pt; padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="margin-left: 6.75pt; margin-right: 6.75pt; mso-cellspacing: 1.5pt; mso-table-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-table-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-table-left: left; mso-table-lspace: 9.0pt; mso-table-rspace: 9.0pt; mso-table-top: 8.35pt;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 10.6pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 10.6pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">"Music can act upon our
senses to produce or induce feelings of reverence, humility, fervor,
assurance, or other feelings attuned to the spirit of worship." </span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 10.6pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">-- President Spencer W. Kimball, <i>Teachings
of Spencer W. Kimball</i> (1982), 519</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 10.6pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="margin-left: 6.75pt; margin-right: 6.75pt; mso-cellspacing: 1.5pt; mso-table-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-table-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-table-left: left; mso-table-lspace: 9.0pt; mso-table-rspace: 9.0pt; mso-table-top: 61.95pt; width: 569px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 1.55pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="height: 1.55pt; padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 10.6pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">"We get nearer to the Lord
through music than perhaps through any other thing except prayer." </span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 1.65pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="height: 1.65pt; padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 10.6pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">-- President J. Reuben Clark Jr.,
in Conference Report, Oct. 1936, 111</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 11.9pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="height: 11.9pt; padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 10.6pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 10.6pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Music plays a pivotal role in our Sabbath worship. Let
me share with you part of what the First Presidency published in their
<a href="http://www.lds.org/music/guidelines/first-presidency-preface-to-the-hymns?lang=eng" target="_blank">Preface to the Hymns</a>:<span style="background: yellow; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-highlight: yellow;"></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Three months after the Church was organized,
the Lord, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, instructed Joseph's wife, Emma, to
make a selection of sacred hymns for the Church: "For my soul delighteth
in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me,
and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads" (<span style="color: windowtext;">D&C 25:12)</span>. </span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
<b>Music in Our Church Meetings</b><i> </i></span></i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Inspirational music is an essential part of
our church meetings. The hymns invite the Spirit of the Lord, create a feeling
of reverence, unify us as members, and provide a way for us to offer praises to
the Lord. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Some of the greatest sermons are preached by
the singing of hymns. Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build
testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to
endure to the end. </span></blockquote>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Graham W. Doxey counseled:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 1.5pt;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"><td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;"><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">"When you sing the
hymns, . . .ponder the meaning of the words, enjoy the spirit of the music.
Sing with enthusiasm without regard to your tones. You will have a good
feeling, and your spirit will be enlivened."</span> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><i>Ensign,</i> Oct. 1991, 26 </span></div>
</blockquote>
</td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal">
If good music is so essential for enriching our Sunday worship, then it is equally essential for welcoming the spirit to our homes and our hearts all during the week. In <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/136.28-33?lang=eng#27" target="_blank">D&C section 136</a> the Lord commanded his people to
“praise the Lord with singing, [and] with music.” The hymns are a key component to our church meetings, and
they should be sung in our homes with our families regardless of our musical abilities (or lack thereof). Make good music a part of your daily lives and you'll have a bit of heaven in your heart every day. There's a lot of good music out there. Choose the best, and <a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth/music-and-dancing?lang=eng" target="_blank">teach your children how to choose the best</a> and you'll enjoy a greater measure of the spirit in your life. Who doesn't want that?</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-41429984554335600872013-11-04T21:09:00.000-07:002013-11-04T21:09:53.695-07:00Monday Musings: TimeDue to a blessing of a new nephew yesterday I was visiting a different ward. In the relief society meeting the lesson was derived from two messages from the most recent general conference. The teacher began the lesson by having us draw a pie chart, and divide it up by how we spent our time (including sleeping). I'm not a very skilled artist or mathematician, but though my pie chart may not have been completely accurate, it did accurately portray one thing: there is too much of my waking hours that could be called 'fluff' time. I didn't even know how to label some of it because I just didn't really know, which I knew in my heart meant that there was a lot of time being wasted. And you can bet that a lot of time was wasted on the internet.<br />
<br />
No, I'm not saying that I'm addicted to internet time, but I may be obsessed. I check facebook and email almost compulsively. I get bored sometimes during the day, and while the internet isn't my favorite way to bust boredom, it does seem to be the easiest to pull away from (versus a good book). Or so I keep telling myself. With the vast sources of information/entertainment available on the internet, the time I give myself to 'check something really quick' often turns into an absurd amount of time. Usually because I'll think to myself, "Well as long as I'm on here I may as well check this and this, too." Ugh. The amount of time that is wasted every day is ridiculous.<br />
<br />
Why am I telling you this? Partly because it's something I'm thinking about, and in case it's something that you're struggling with as well. Also, there's more accountability when you announce your intentions to the world. I have resolved (again) that I will only check briefly in the morning and briefly in the evening. If I have other legitimate reasons to get on during the day then I won't do anything that doesn't fulfill that purpose, so no more, 'well, as long as I'm on here . . . ' There are many better uses for my time. And that's really one of the greatest gifts in this life; the gift of time and the agency to use it as we see fit.<br />
<br />
<i>Note: I did well today at following my resolution. That's partly why this post wasn't completed until tonight. Go me. :)</i>Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-11088904570594101542013-11-01T11:31:00.000-06:002013-11-01T13:30:49.355-06:00Fun Friday: GratitudeLike many people, during the month of November I'll post daily statuses of gratitude on facebook. During this month I'll copy and paste those statuses and share them here on Fridays along with other fun and/or joyful things. First day of November - here is my 'gratitude status' for today: <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm
thankful for the generously expressed love of my children. This morning
my little toddler ran into my bedroom, crawled quickly from the foot of
the bed to come and snuggle with me for a minute (maybe less) before he
just as quickly exited my bed and room. hahaha</span></blockquote>
Also, here are our Halloween pics:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YRNSJFFOTGYlDGuI08jVzLcj5qESanC6usLx4sBEATtiY_VxnCbVR-4XY2zAKbWBzpCCtLdFlMQUKVe-AviwwJx8Ev1V81oCv4h4kkPI5cHg41l3tx5zoMX_TgO9Gyw22Z4JGtU5Mtg/s1600/Top.BMP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YRNSJFFOTGYlDGuI08jVzLcj5qESanC6usLx4sBEATtiY_VxnCbVR-4XY2zAKbWBzpCCtLdFlMQUKVe-AviwwJx8Ev1V81oCv4h4kkPI5cHg41l3tx5zoMX_TgO9Gyw22Z4JGtU5Mtg/s320/Top.BMP.jpg" width="189" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In costume at a church Halloween party.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsK4N-AyUYzsVqBEi1BxxiPbQ6bNmeA3FsMonMrdu0NHwImWPzbW7ifJEwzNjh02tT6qWs1KTCzs_rKlrUPzn7KgaASW9GbAA0kLEb2It7X5CYoqqurA_aYgDfelHuKujmhDvdyFB7Sq4/s1600/Top-001.BMP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsK4N-AyUYzsVqBEi1BxxiPbQ6bNmeA3FsMonMrdu0NHwImWPzbW7ifJEwzNjh02tT6qWs1KTCzs_rKlrUPzn7KgaASW9GbAA0kLEb2It7X5CYoqqurA_aYgDfelHuKujmhDvdyFB7Sq4/s320/Top-001.BMP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With props!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And a neat story shared on facebook:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAEsUqg-pmtGMKEHvPmZCGjspifvoxvwnzelFMpjkKHkO9zeFQHbCJSXgtYDvV_D4avsF26LVYDZ7aPsGdy0UlbfD7ZodcRC01LOTHSxzNTXMPuyzEJ80r9P7IC7hp7tQeGqIPNSPXnI/s1600/IMG_2212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAEsUqg-pmtGMKEHvPmZCGjspifvoxvwnzelFMpjkKHkO9zeFQHbCJSXgtYDvV_D4avsF26LVYDZ7aPsGdy0UlbfD7ZodcRC01LOTHSxzNTXMPuyzEJ80r9P7IC7hp7tQeGqIPNSPXnI/s320/IMG_2212.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our carved pumpkins - the top two were designed by my two oldest. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Pumpkin Story</b><br />
(source unknown to me)<b> </b><br /> <br /> A lady had recently been baptized. One of
her co-workers asked her about what it was like being a Christian. She
was caught off guard and didn't know how to answer, but when she looked
over she saw a jack-o-lantern on the des<span class="text_exposed_show">k and answered, "It's like being a pumpkin”.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"><br />
The worker asked her to explain that one. “Well, God picks you from the
patch and brings you in and washes off all the dirt on the outside that
you got from being around all the other pumpkins. Then he cuts off the
top and takes out all the yucky stuff from the inside. He removes all
those seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc... Then he carves you a new smiling face and he puts His light inside of you to shine for all to see”.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"> </span><br />
"Let your light so shine . . . " Happy Friday! And Happy November!<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"> </span>Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-68713243384487001062013-10-30T13:36:00.001-06:002013-10-30T13:45:32.697-06:00Wonderful Wednesdays: Faith Dispels Fear and Doubt<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">There is much in this world that causes fear and anxiety. We are often faced with new and challenging situations in the course of life. We have choices to make every day. And when those choices have been made, it's easy for us to second-guess ourselves. Here is something to remember and consider when we begin to be overwhelmed with doubt and fear:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear,
but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>The Lord has promised us many times that if <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>we had faith anything was possible . . .</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
"According to your faith be it unto you." Matthew 9:29</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
"If ye have faith and doubt not . . . if ye
shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea;
it shall be done." Matthew 21:21</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If we truly
exercise our faith and do our part to further the work of God we are promised:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
"The desire of the righteous shall be granted." Proverbs 10:24</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are some of the things the <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd" target="_blank">bible dictionary</a> says about faith:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"To have faith is to have confidence in something or someone
. . . Faith is a principle of action and of power . . . Faith is kindled by
hearing the testimony of those who have faith . . . A lack of faith leads one
to despair, which comes because of iniquity . . . Faith is developed by
obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ . . . miracles can confirm faith."</blockquote>
One of my favorite general conference addresses <i>ever</i>, addressed this topic. I highly recommend you read <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/faith-in-the-lord-jesus-christ?lang=eng" target="_blank">the message in full</a>, but here are some of the highlights of that address given by Elder Kevin W. Pearson:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Faith as a principle of power comes from a consistent
pattern of obedient behavior and attitudes . . . the 'eye of faith' is the ability to
focus and be steadfast, continually holding fast to true principles, nothing
wavering, even when the mist of darkness confronting us is exceedingly great. .
. Faith and fear cannot coexist . . . it can be enticing to choose doubt and
disbelief over faith . . ." </div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He also listed what he called the "Six Destructive D’s":</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Doubt . . . it comes from a lack of confidence
in one’s self or abilities</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Discouragement . . . leads to lower
expectations, decreased effort, weakened desire, and difficulty feeling and
following the Spirit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Distraction . . . lack of focus (or focusing on
less-worthy goals)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Lack of diligence . . . reduced commitment to
remain true and faithful</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Disobedience . . . undermines the basis of faith</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Disbelief . . . hard hearted, past feeling</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of the poorest decisions I’ve made in my life were made
while I was at college; some of the best things that have ever happened to me
happened while I was at college as well. Life often happens that way. We get a
mixed bag. I can tell you about a couple of times that illustrate my level of
faith and where I was in the spectrum of D’s. When I went to college, my expectations of myself were
lowered. It was a device I created to prevent disappointing myself. But I
created a cycle. I doubted my best would be good enough, so I lowered my
expectations and I can think of more than one time that I had difficulty
feeling and following the Spirit. This led to poor choices and I focused on the
wrong things. I repented when I did wrong, but I didn’t really raise my
expectations of myself, so some things I had to learn twice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think I really started pulling
out of the cycle after David (now my husband) returned home from his LDS mission. We started dating and I received the
best dating advice I ever received: stay busy doing good things. I got it from
my Dad. That’s good advice for life really; it’s a lot like what we’re told to
do in the scriptures – to be “anxiously engaged in a good cause” D&C 58:27. Anyway, I was dating David and I observed that it seemed he’d never really doubted himself or his
abilities. He’s been good for
me in many ways, but this is probably the biggest area of my life that he’s
helped me with; re-learning to believe in my abilities and to accept only my
best from myself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/come-join-with-us?lang=eng" target="_blank">Elder Uchtdorf stated</a> in the most recent general conference, "Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith." So go forth with faith in God and yourself, and you'll find yourself being a mighty tool in forwarding the Lord's plan. And there is no greater joy than that.</div>
Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-46710503161282145082013-10-28T18:00:00.000-06:002013-11-01T12:57:13.548-06:00Monday Musings: Too Many Blessings To Enumerate!Yesterday in <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/relief-society" target="_blank">relief society</a> the teacher asked what blessings we had received from being obedient. (insert cricket sound here) Eventually we got answers flowing, but the difficulty wasn't coming up with blessings (at least for me), but where to start? Which blessings <i>didn't</i> come from obedience?<br />
<br />
I have good health because of following the <a href="http://www.lds.org/topics/word-of-wisdom" target="_blank">Word of Wisdom</a> and the<a href="http://mormon.org/faq/law-of-chastity" target="_blank"> law of chastity</a>.<br />
<br />
I have financial security because of adhering to the <a href="http://www.lds.org/manual/tithing-and-fast-offerings/tithing-and-fast-offerings?lang=eng" target="_blank">law of tithes and fast offerings</a> and following the counsel of church leaders to be <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/finances" target="_blank">prudent with our income</a>.<br />
<br />
I have a bachelor's degree because I followed the counsel of church leaders to <a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth/education?lang=eng" target="_blank">get a good education</a>.<br />
<br />
I have joy in family life because I try to follow the principles outlined in <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation" target="_blank">the family proclamation</a>.<br />
<br />
I have hope that my family (the one I'm raising, the one I married into, the one I grew up in, etc.) will be mine and I will enjoy relationships with them forever because I have made and strive to keep sacred <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/04/temple-covenants" target="_blank">temple covenants</a>.<br />
<br />
I have love in my heart because I do my best to serve the people I am called to serve in <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2002/10/rise-to-your-call" target="_blank">various callings</a>.<br />
<br />
I have peace as I strive to love my neighbor as myself, <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/22.36-40" target="_blank">as Jesus taught</a>. Holding onto anger and hate leaves no room for peace in a person's heart, so I'm blessed as I allow <a href="http://mormon.org/faq/atonement-of-christ" target="_blank">the atonement</a> to heal my heart of any and all hurts.<br />
<br />
I could list a lot more, but this will do for now. There is an <a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/praise-to-the-man?lang=eng" target="_blank">LDS hymn</a> that says, "Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven." Some would view obedience to the laws of the gospel as a large sacrifice, and as a loss of choice. But I'm <i>choosing</i> to be obedient, and the truth is that gives me more freedom. I'm not enslaved to any addictive substances. My health is not being jeopardized by any sexually transmitted diseases. I'm not suffering from ignorance because I have an education. I don't feel tied down by my family because I know the blessings of doing it the Lord's way and of having the right perspective about the precious stewardship I've been given as a mother. I'm not obsessed with my needs and my wants because I am aware of and try to help others. So I'll keep on doing what I'm told to do because the ensuing blessings are too many to enumerate and too wonderful to miss.Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-31472427559635558962013-10-25T15:54:00.000-06:002013-10-25T15:57:56.093-06:00Fun Friday: The Only Parenting Book You'll Ever Need (pretty much)From the beginning of my parenting adventures I have felt strongly that no parenting book was going to be able to adequately tell me how to parent different children. No one approach was going to be successful for all children. The only parenting advice that I've been interested is that found in the scriptures, from Latter-day prophets and apostles, or the whisperings of the <a href="http://www.lds.org/topics/holy-ghost" target="_blank">spirit</a>. Those have served me quite well, and will continue to do so.<br />
<br />
I have in the last year come across a tool for better understanding of self and others called <a href="http://myenergyprofile.com/" target="_blank">energy profiling</a>. I was introduced to it in a blog that I followed. The program I first learned about applied the principles of energy profiling to how a woman can dress; it's called "<a href="http://dressingyourtruth.com/rareeallred" target="_blank">Dressing Your Truth</a>," and I've really enjoyed it (there's now a similar <a href="http://dytmen.liveyourtruth.com/" target="_blank">program for men</a>). I'll talk about that in another post sometime, but today I wanted to talk about a different application of the energy profiling system that I think is very worthwhile.<br />
<br />
Recall that I feel that no one parenting approach is right for all children, and that's why I generally don't read parenting books. I've now found a book that I feel gives legitimate and helpful tools for parenting different children - and aren't they all? It's called, "<a href="http://thechildwhisperer.com/" target="_blank">The Child Whisperer</a>," by Carol Tuttle. I don't yet own it, but I am definitely going to. Because it applies the principles of energy profiling, you can learn to parent each individual child in your home in a way that honors you <i>and each of your children</i>. <br />
<br />
I think from the beginning of my parenting I've been kind of afraid of crushing my children's spirits. I have felt for some time that the way we came to the earth as children is the most authentic and most genuine version of ourselves, and I didn't want to change my children or make them feel as if they were somehow fundamentally wrong. I'm not saying that I think that we can't or shouldn't change from how we were as children . . . mostly I guess I just feel that we should be able to just improve upon it rather than fundamentally change it. The parenting approach in this book helps the parents recognize their children's gifts and help them manage their child's challenges. The approach is highly adaptable for individual children, and that's why it appeals to me. So, I recommend it to everyone! As it says in the book, it's never to late to be a better parent.Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-34247813408293634612013-10-23T16:25:00.000-06:002013-10-23T16:25:00.103-06:00Wonderful Wednesdays: TrialsThere is a lot of joy in life. Finding it and living joyfully is a talent that some people have. But it is one that all can learn. On the other hand, life is hard; cripplingly hard for some. I marvel at the horrible circumstances that many children in this life are born to. And yet there are some who find it in themselves to rise above their circumstances and become more than many would have believed possible. The fact is, I believe that everyone has the potential to overcome their circumstances or at the very least improve upon them. The doctrine of the LDS church teaches that we are all of us '<a href="http://www.lds.org/manual/print/teachings-john-taylor/chapter-1?lang=eng" target="_blank">gods in embryo</a>' - children of a divine Heavenly Father, with the potential to become as He is. And <a href="http://mormon.org/faq/nature-of-god" target="_blank">what is He</a>? He is love, He is perfection, He is the creator of the heavens and the earth . . . and much, much more. And we could potentially be like Him.<br />
<br />
Trials are given to us as a means to facilitate our becoming more like God. When we have experienced hard things, we develop more love and empathy for others who experience similarly hard things. We can also develop a greater relationship with Jesus Christ since He has already suffered everything that we'll ever suffer in this life. And without a relationship and reliance on the Savior we cannot become like God, since we cannot be perfect without Him and we will not live with God (and therefore, continue to become as God is) without perfection.<br />
<br />
So when I hear of people claiming that life shouldn't be 'hard' or that we somehow need to make life 'fair' for everyone I generally will reject their ideas because that doesn't align with what I believe to be true at all. 2 Nephi 2:11 states, "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things." It is true that a negative outlook can make life harder than the Lord actually intends for us, but that is something that is in our control. The Lord allows hard things that are beyond our control to happen in our lives <i>for our benefit</i>. <br />
<br />
Joseph Smith, the prophet of the restoration of God's church on earth was allowed to endure awful things even though he was doing as the Lord asked him to. So did most of the early members of the church. In Doctrine and Covenants 128:24 it says, "For he (referring to the lord) is like a <span class="highlight">refiner</span>’<span class="highlight">s</span> <span class="highlight">fire</span>, and like fuller’<span class="highlight">s</span> soap; and he shall sit as a <span class="highlight">refiner</span>
and purifier of silver . . . Let us, therefore, as a church and a people, and as
Latter-day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness . . ."<br />
<br />
One of the times that Joseph Smith was falsely accused and subsequently imprisoned the Lord told him, ". . . peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high . . . " D&C 121:7-8. Those words are meant for us as well. As we do our best to remain faithful under difficult circumstances, we allow the Lord to purify and refine us in order to make us fit for His kingdom. Trials that come to us are beyond our control, but we are not without help; the Lord will help us <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/58.2-4?lang=eng#1" target="_blank">as long as we remain true to Him</a>. Trials are really just blessings in disguise . . . think of them as 'blessings of the trial variety'. :) Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-70389127602346693612013-10-21T15:09:00.001-06:002013-10-21T15:09:52.365-06:00Monday Musings: Foggy brainYou know how sometimes when you're sick you just feel like your mind is in a fog? That's me today. Can't think or write with any continuity, sense, or feeling. Don't worry about me. This definitely isn't the worst I've ever felt. :) For today, I'll just share with you a few pictures I took of my family with a self-timer this past weekend. And one landscape picture. :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't we live in a beautiful place?</td></tr>
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<br />Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-65705614775851944532013-10-18T13:30:00.000-06:002013-10-18T13:30:02.248-06:00Fun Friday: Developing TalentsMy husband and I have a fancy DSLR camera. We purchased it a few years ago, and we love it. Shooting in auto mode it's almost impossible to take a bad picture. But it's such an amazing camera, and I love good photography - I've wanted to get out of auto mode and become a skilled photographer. I've also wanted to take classes, but haven't had the money/time, or the classes were no longer available. I've had free instruction pinned on pinterest but haven't had the time/motivation/subjects to bother with them. Until last Saturday. I've shared these desires of mine with a good friend, and she decided recently that she needed a current family picture. So she asked me to do it. I crammed a little bit on some of the shorter tutorials on pinterest and headed out to meet her family in a location that I knew someone else had taken some lovely family photos at last year. I think I did rather well (not to toot my own horn or anything). Here are some of my favorites:<br />
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My paternal grandfather used to own his own photography studio and I've seen some of his stuff - it was pretty darn good. Maybe I've inherited some of his talent? A girl can hope. :) Also hoping to do my own family photos this Saturday with a tripod and a self-timer. Hope that works out with three littles, one of whom is a toddler. hahahaRaree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-43456159765265783242013-10-16T14:16:00.000-06:002013-10-16T14:22:38.715-06:00Wonderful Wednesdays: Big DreamsWhat is the greatest hope that you have for yourself? Something that you deeply desire and seems nearly impossible? Mine is and always has been to keep and be with my family forever and live with them in God's kingdom. I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints my entire life, and have been taught my entire life that this desire of mine was good and was possible. But right up until around the time I turned eighteen I didn't really understand <i>how</i> this was possible.<br />
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My family read scriptures together as I was growing up. I began reading them on my own in high school. Up until that point I had felt that the church was true, and had even prayed to receive my own witness from Heavenly Father when I was twelve. I received an answer (in the affirmative) and continued on in faith believing that everything I was being taught was true, but not at all understanding <i>how</i> the gospel would help me attain my biggest dreams. I spent a lot of time examining my life and my choices, which while not terrible did not match <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/27.19?lang=eng" target="_blank">the standard</a> ('no unclean thing can enter the kingdom of god') that I knew from my scripture study was required. At least not as I understood it. Here are some examples of scriptures that added to my confusion (because I misunderstood them):<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
" . . . for we know that it is by grace that we are saved,<i> after</i> all we can do." 2 Nephi 25:23</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
" . . . <i>work out your own salvation</i>, with fear and trembling." Phillippians 2:12</blockquote>
I added emphasis to these excerpts to try to illustrate my incorrect interpretation. The way I understood these verses made it appear that I was going to have to do everything perfectly all the time, and <i>then</i> I would be saved by my belief in Christ. Whenever I spent any time thinking about it I would get incredibly discouraged because I believed what I had been taught, but I wasn't sure that it was going to work <i>for me</i>. I knew beyond a doubt that even if I was able to do everything perfectly from the moment I started reflecting on these things, that it wouldn't change any mistakes I had made prior to that. They would still be on the record.<br />
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The summer after I graduated from high school I participated in The Hill Cumorah Pageant, a show put on by the Church to teach about the Book of Mormon, in New York. As I participated in the performances, we got to re-enact the account of Christ visiting the people in the ancient Americas. It was poignant and powerful. During that scene there was a line spoken that made me weep:<br />
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"And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, <i>the same shall be <span class="highlight">saved</span> at the last day</i>."</blockquote>
I wept because I knew that this was exactly what I wanted, but I still didn't know <i>how</i> it was going to be done! On my flight back home an acquaintance from the pageant offered to let me borrow a book for reading since I had nothing with me. It was the book, "Believing Christ," by Stephen Robinson. Finally it made clear to me how it could be done. The very scriptures that had confused me were addressed in his book, and the correct interpretation clarified. I wasn't expected to become perfect on my own. I was expected to do my best to follow Christ, and live on <i>borrowed</i> perfection until the time when I really will be able to do everything perfect all the time (it won't be in this life).<br />
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Since his perfection is infinite, it swallows up my imperfection as long as I stay teamed up with him. Any mistakes I'll ever make will be stricken from the record as long as I am doing what he asks of me; have faith in him, repent (as often as necessary), keep my baptismal covenants, and endure to the end. That's a sweet deal. One that I can handle and will one day make my greatest desire a blessed reality.<br />
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" . . . for we know that it is by grace that we are saved,<i> </i>after all we <i>can</i> do" 2 Nephi 25:23. There is a limit to what <i>we</i> can do, but there <i>isn't</i> a limit to what Christ can do. Our capacity to do will grow in this life, but we'll still need his help to get the rest of the way.</blockquote>
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" . . . work out <i>your own</i> salvation, with fear and trembling" Phillippians 2:12. This just means that we can't save anyone else. The concept is similar to doing your own school work. You can get help from the teacher, but<i> you</i> should be doing the work, and you shouldn't be trying to do the work for someone else or let someone else do it for you. </blockquote>
God is good, and He wants us to return to Him. <a href="http://www.lds.org/topics/atonement-of-jesus-christ" target="_blank">The Atonement</a> has made it possible. So live the dream. Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-6777753275457443062013-10-14T12:00:00.000-06:002013-10-14T12:00:00.523-06:00Monday Musings: Stay-at-home Mom vs. Working MomIt's with a little trepidation that I broach this topic. I only dare to do so because I felt compelled to comment on <a href="http://themattwalshblog.com/2013/10/09/youre-a-stay-at-home-mom-what-do-you-do-all-day/" target="_blank">this article</a>. I'm a little afraid to comment because I don't want to risk offending anyone. I don't make it my business to judge people and that's usually what gets people going - assuming that they're being judged. Let me begin by assuring you that whatever your circumstances or choices may be <i>I am not judging you. </i>The most I do is judge another person's choice as being one that I might not make, but I am not following that up by deciding that person is somehow less than me. Nope. I just don't do that. Moving on.<br />
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The article (written by a dad) addressed and defended the importance of the 'stay-at-home-mom' - and it's gone viral! Comments ranged anywhere from, "Amen, brotha - SAHMs do <i>a lot </i>all day everyday, and get no respect!" to, "Whaaaaat? Working Moms do <i>everything</i> that SAHMs do, and more <i>in less time</i>!" Someone commented that working moms out-sourced childcare in order to work other jobs, and working mom said, "My kids are in school all day! I still get them after school! 'Out-sourcing' childcare - the nerve!" I'm paraphrasing a lot of these quotes, by the way.<br />
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Okay, so let's take a step back from immediate, gut-instinct emotions and acknowledge something right off; we women tend to wear ourselves out with guilt all. the. time. I don't think it's exactly part of our natures, but it certainly does seem to be a highly prevalent tendency. We feel guilty that by staying home we don't have enough money to give our kids everything they could want. We feel guilty if we're working because we wonder if we're neglecting our children by not staying at home. Basically, we feel guilty because we're not sure if we're doing <i>enough</i> for our families! It's definitely in our nature to nurture, and we have a deep-seated desire to do it, and do enough of it. So when we're reacting to these kinds of articles a lot of us are operating from a place of guilt and feel the need to defend our choices.<br />
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Briefly, I'll address what <a href="http://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/what-are-prophets?lang=eng" target="_blank">Prophets and apostles</a> of God have stated regarding SAHMs and Working Moms:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
President Gordon B. Hinckley taught: “I recognize … that there are some
women (it has become very many, in fact) who have to work to provide for
the needs of their families. To you I say, do the very best you can. I
hope that if you are employed full-time you are doing it to ensure that
basic needs are met and not simply to indulge a taste for an elaborate
home, fancy cars, and other luxuries.”</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “You in
these unusual circumstances qualify for additional inspiration and
strength from the Lord. Those who leave the home for lesser reasons will
not.”</blockquote>
For us LDS folks, counsel from our leadership has pretty clearly been that if at all possible, the mothers should be staying at home with their children. But it's also clearly recognized that circumstances don't always allow it, and <i>we are not to stand in judgement of those who do not stay at home with their children</i>. For me that's pretty easy to avoid. There are a lot of people whose individual circumstances I am not intimately familiar with - most people, in fact - and I'm very aware of that. But something that I feel pretty safe in assuming about almost everyone is that we're all doing the best that we can, the best that we know how. And it is for that reason that I choose to support my sisters (we're all <a href="http://www.lds.org/topics/god-the-father?lang=eng" target="_blank">children of God</a>, therefore all of the women are my sisters) in whatever they're choosing.<br />
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Whatever you're choosing, just make sure you're doing it for the right reasons. President Gordon B. Hinckley counseled, “In terms of your happiness, in
terms of the matters that make you proud or sad, nothing—I repeat,
nothing—will have so profound an effect on you as the way your children
turn out.” If you're confident in the choices you've made for you and your family, then you'll have no reason to defend - or possibly later regret - your choices. Heavenly Father will help you. You are mothering <i>His</i> children, too after all. You can count on His help. And on no judgement from <i>this</i> stay-at-home-mom. <br />
Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-45101638595580454972013-10-11T09:45:00.002-06:002013-10-11T17:08:20.165-06:00Fun Friday: Move Your Body!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Saturday I did my first 5K Color Run. I still don't really love running, but I do love to be healthy and fit, so I do it. I've wanted to do a Color Run for quite some time now, and I kept just barely missing opportunities. But I finally made it happen last weekend.Yea for my husband and kids supporting me in these things!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearing the end</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3o5NNUGwly6vMf-PfrVg4pyjDBpL8CJ4Oyzq-mKinDQfXewfIWlUckkPwDZxT9DhkQp41QQ1D5TiFC1kjHUGz4AdUDvblbTZxc6UibBUwujQwAR91iqvW9Ms4zenYj7f4Rgx7C7EDFQ/s1600/IMG_2058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3o5NNUGwly6vMf-PfrVg4pyjDBpL8CJ4Oyzq-mKinDQfXewfIWlUckkPwDZxT9DhkQp41QQ1D5TiFC1kjHUGz4AdUDvblbTZxc6UibBUwujQwAR91iqvW9Ms4zenYj7f4Rgx7C7EDFQ/s320/IMG_2058.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end!</td></tr>
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Our bodies are amazing gifts. Celebrate your body! Don't worry about what your body's not - celebrate what it<i> is </i>and what you can do with it! Move today! You'll be glad you did.<br />
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Check this guy out! Isn't he awesome?<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/aUf72dLf22c?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-40853885255269197862013-10-09T12:00:00.000-06:002013-10-09T12:00:03.911-06:00Wonderful Wednesdays: What's in a Name, Part 2<i>Part 1 of this post explains the first part of my blog title, "Family By Divine Design," and can be found <a href="http://familybydivinedesign.blogspot.com/2013/10/wonderful-wednesdays-whats-in-name-part.html">here</a></i>. <br />
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I have been a mother for over seven years now. It is my choice and my blessing to stay home. I say 'blessing' and mean it. However, it doesn't always feel like a blessing. Some days I wish I were doing just about <i>anything</i> else. The longer I'm at it, the more rare those days are.<br />
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I have three children. Most people I know have their opinion on what number of children is the hardest to adjust to. For some parents it's when they get to the point when they have more than one child per parent. For me personally, it was the first. I had graduated from college four months before I had my first child. I had a full-time job at a daycare/preschool during the remainder of my pregnancy. After I had my first child and was suddenly a full-time mother, my social interaction plummeted (super hard for me because I really enjoy connecting with people and socializing). And my husband was really busy with school and a job, so even when he was home he usually had to be doing homework. I was also really frustrated with how much I couldn't seem to accomplish. David would come home, ask me what I had been doing during the day and I really couldn't think of anything that I had done. The transitions for babies two and three were much easier. It took me much less time to find a groove where I could keep my home in a reasonable state of order <i>and </i>give my children a decent amount of attention and care. It didn't hurt that they were very good at entertaining each other, a benefit which the first obviously wouldn't have had.<br />
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Without the proper perspective being a 'stay-at-home mom' can be very mundane. You cook, you clean, you do laundry, you keep children clean, you deal with moody/needy children <i>all day</i>. Every day can feel like you just <i>can't wait</i> until bedtime so you can get a break (which depending on how your littles sleep, may not be much of a break). I had a pretty clear idea of what kind of wife and mother I'd be prior to actually experiencing it, and I found myself falling way more short than I could have imagined. It's a lot harder than some people make it look. But the proper perspective smacked me in the face one day as I was looking at a plaque I made years ago that hangs in my laundry room with this scripture on it.<br />
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"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying <i>the foundation of a great work</i>. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great." D&C 64:33, emphasis added.</blockquote>
That, in tandem with another scripture that I had been pondering about the same time gave me a better perspective on what I was doing:<br />
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"Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a <sup class="studyNoteMarker"></sup>house,
even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house
of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God..." D&C 88:119</blockquote>
My 'great work' is raising my children in the gospel of Jesus Christ. And the small things I do in my home all contribute to achieving one great purpose: allowing the spirit of God to be present in my home. Raising my children in a home filled with the spirit of God is the best thing I can do for them. Keeping my home in order for the sake of order is <i>good</i>, but keeping it in order so that the Spirit can dwell there, well, that's the <i>best</i>. So when all of my potentially mind-numbing and mundane tasks stare me in the face, I can take them on with a heart full of love for my little family because my purpose is to create an environment that enables them to learn to pray and fast, to build faith, to learn by the spirit, and to learn to create order in their own lives. And most especially to feel love and show it. Because if the gospel of Jesus Christ is about anything, it's about love.<br />
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<i>Note: I just feel I need to be clear that my home is certainly not always in order. So don't get any crazy visions in your head that I somehow manage to keep it in order all of the time. Think, "Aim for the stars. You might reach the moon," kind of thing. hahaha </i>Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783237695649670921.post-81774388040077595772013-10-07T12:00:00.000-06:002013-10-07T12:00:02.219-06:00Monday Musings: What our expectations should be<i>This is a companion post to <a href="http://familybydivinedesign.blogspot.com/2013/09/monday-musings-trouble-with-cultural.html">this post</a></i>. <i>I discussed cultural expectations for gender</i>.<br />
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When I said previously that I believe that our culture has incorrect expectations for gender, there were a myriad of things that I thought about discussing and didn't. A comment on that post helped me decide that I really should discuss some of those things. <br />
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I have an understanding of the expectations that God has for us, His children in our respective genders. <a href="http://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation">The Family Proclamation</a> (inspired by God) states, "Gender is an essential
characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and
purpose."<br />
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There are several implications in this statement for our society. One is that individuals who have decided that they were born in the 'wrong body,' are incorrect. They have clearly rejected one or several aspects of what they understand to be masculinity/femininity, but that doesn't mean that they were born in the wrong body or that they should alter it to be another gender. It really only means that they are unclear on what their gender identity means and what their purpose is. (Note: there are instances of females genetically being males, but their development in the womb didn't happen properly. There are ways to remedy that.)<br />
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Another implication from the previous quote is that each gender has a purpose <i>unique to their gender</i>! For more information on that, there were several <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2013/10?lang=eng&vid=2722266089001&cid=5">messages</a> in our <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2013/10?lang=eng&vid=2724154478001&cid=5">most recent</a> General Conference that addressed it, but I touched on it a little bit in my previous post. Both genders are meant to be in a family situation, and in that situation men are to provide for and protect their families, the women are the nurturers, and mother and father are to help one another with their respective roles. A myriad of different personalities/energies can be successful in these roles, and whether or not an individual fits the prevailing cultural expectations for their genders has no bearing on their ability to fulfill their divinely appointed roles.<br />
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As stated in The Family A Proclamation to the World, "Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan." It also states that "Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be
reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete
fidelity." It's been pretty well publicized that LDS leadership (and at least most of its membership) is opposed to 'same-sex marriage'. I'm not going to get into that topic right now - the first statement pretty clearly states why we're opposed.<br />
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The second statement has some pretty interesting implications that I want to talk about. If marriage should be between a man and a woman, and children are <i>entitled</i> to birth within the bonds of matrimony, it follows then that not only should children <i>not</i> be placed (adoption) in a situation with two fathers or two mothers, they also shouldn't be placed in a situation with only one parent. I'm thinking specifically of Hollywood people (the only example I'm aware of) who are single and adopt by themselves. Those children, however well meaning and wonderful their adoptive parent is, are being short-changed.<br />
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The proclamation is an inspired document and it describes what is ideal, what we should be aiming for, and what we should support (in terms of public policy). Life happens, and as individuals we only have control over our own choices. We may not have an opportunity to get married. We may not be eligible for marriage in this life because we have same-sex attraction and shouldn't act on it. We may not be successful in creating children if we do get married. We may not be able to keep our marriage together. No matter how active we are in helping to shape public policy, we may not be able to keep our laws aligned with God's laws and His plan for us. But we should always aim and fight for the ideal. We are also to love and treat kindly those who choose something other than the ideal. Regardless of whether or not we can achieve the ideal, there is a place in God's kingdom for all those who abide by God's laws and make and keep covenants with Him. And that is done on an individual basis. Raree (RAH-ree)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15369660765312878949noreply@blogger.com0