Sunday Scripture: Never Alone

Matthew 14:30-31
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

In the May 1991 Ensign Thomas S. Monson spoke of the difficulties in War, not only in battles with guns and tanks but the war that can sometimes be the fight in our lives. Struggles that will inevitably come for all of us, he reminds us that we must comfort each other, reach out, love, and lift one anothers burdens and to also know that the Lord will lift ours.

To you He speaks the heavenly and divine assurance: “I am with you; you are never alone.”

The Following is one of my Favorite songs from Lady Antebellum:

May the angels protect you
Trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you when its time to go home
May you always have plenty
The glass never empty
Know in your belly
You're never alone

May your tears come from laughing
You find friends worth having
As every year passes
They mean more than gold
May you win but stay humble
Smile more than grumble
And know when you stumble
You're never alone

(Chorus)
Never alone
Never alone
I'll be in every beat of your heart
When you face the unknown
Wherever you fly
This isn't goodbye
My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you're never alone

Well I have to be honest
As much as I wanted
I'm not gonna promise that cold winds won't blow
So when hard times have found you
And your fears surround you
Wrap my love around you
You're never alone

(Chorus)
Never alone
Never alone
I'll be in every beat of your heart
When you face the unknown
Wherever you fly
This isn't goodbye
My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you're never alone

My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you're never alone

May the angels protect you
Trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you when its time to go home
And when hard times have found you
And your fears surround you
Wrap my love around you
You're never alone

(Chorus)
Never alone
Never alone
I'll be in every beat of your heart
When you face the unknown
Wherever you fly
This isn't goodbye
My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you're never alone

My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you're never alone

I must say that in my life I feel and see the waves of struggle, sadness and trials roll, as well as in the lives of those I love. In many respects it is much harder for me to watch others in their difficulties when it seems so unfair and there is very little I can do. I know that those things are out of my control and that the Lord is the one in charge and yet there are still moments when I wish it wasn't His plan for them to suffer. I want to yell at Him and say "Give it to me!, give me their pain!" and then I remember it is Him who will take it and relieve them in His time and way!

I know that my part is to love, to listen, to pray and live my life being grateful for my friends and family and support them in any way that I can. Over the weekend I was blessed to spend several hours with my extended family and my heart was filled with gratitude that these people are related to me! That I, was placed into the midst of such amazing strength, kindness, love and wisdom.

I was speaking with a cousin about how amazing my mother and her 4 siblings are, that there couldn't be 5 more compassionate, loving, funny and generous people all in the same family, anywhere else! Of course we are biased, but it makes me realize how important living righteously is, that for generations after me there will be those looking up to my example. Will I make mistakes, have I made mistakes, yes, but it will be how I recover from those mistakes and how I overcome my trials that will be my mark.

Tonight I am grateful to know that I am not alone and neither are my friends and family who are dealing with their own private struggles!

Love to You,

Happy Sunday

Marylin

Sunday Scripture: Forgiveness

D&C 64:9,10

9 Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.

10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.

I have often thought of myself as a forgiving person, I try not to take offense too easily and let things go.  Though recently I have discovered there is a great deal of pain that is still unresolved from a long time ago.  In my previous "legal obligation" I was repressed and suppressed, and I think that in some ways in order to punish myself and him I take it out on others, namely my husband and kids.  I realized that forgiveness isn't something you just say or do in one swift motion but that you have to work towards it, and that sometimes long after the offense, there is still a required effort to forgive and then, let go.  It is hard when the one that has hurt you is not there to see the pain they have caused, they aren't there for you to tell them, and most likely they are living their lives without ever thinking about it.  The responsibilty falls on me to pray and seek the ability to forgive.  I am the one being damaged by the lingering anger and pain, and I must make a decision to forgive him, to forgive myself, and replace it with the love of my Savior.  I am not there yet, but I will keep working on it.

All my Love,

Sunday Scripture: Faithful Friends

Mosiah 18:8-9

8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

In life there are tremendous trials, burdens, struggles and pain. These difficulties can overtake us and discourage us, and in His magnificent wisdom, the Lord will use those around us to build us up, to keep us afloat while the storm rages. There has been more than one instance in my life where the Lord has placed just the right people on either side to sustain me in my weakness. Perhaps that is the reason in which I feel the deep need to love, protect, keep up on, encourage and befriend those around me. One never knows when the Lord will need you to step in and be His arms, His help, His love, so I try to keep myself open to those promptings of when to be that listening ear or shoulder to cry on. I try to be the friend that has often been given me.

Today I give thanks for all those that have stood as my friend, my support during the storms of my life, who will continue to be so and I pray for the opportunity to be the same for you.

All My Love

Happy Sunday

Sunday Scripture: Miracle Sunday

Alma 7:23

"And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive. "

Today was what I will call a miracle Sunday, it came in 4 stages, first, my husband and I were both able to sit during the entire Sacrament meeting with our children sitting quietly and reverently. You see, James fell asleep just moments before church began and stayed that way, in my arms the entire time, a miracle in the lives of parents with small children.

The next part came in the speakers and music in Sacrament, the spirit was so strong and enabled me a long needed lift from my Father in Heaven. Thirdly, as I sat in Sunday school (the second hour of church) I was pulled from class in order to speak with a member of the Bishopric and be set apart for my new calling as "Ward Photography Specialist", the blessing that was given was as if I had placed an order and all the desires of my heart were answered. I felt the Saviors love for me, His desire for me to do good, to be good and to live righteously.

The fourth stage was during Relief Society (when all the women meet) as my sweet friend Melissa gave a beautiful lesson on 'Patience'. I again was filled with the spirit, and the words seemed tailor made for me. These kind of Sundays are rare, where every moment seems to be perfectly scripted and placed just so, in order for me to feel the spirit for 3 straight hours!! In fact I don't know when the last time I had a Sunday like today.




Ok I lied, there was actually a fifth stage when our Home Teachers came for a visit after church and then we sat as a family and had a wonderful meal. It feels kind of perfect really, I almost don't want today to end because I know that this mini glimpse of peace on earth will not last.

I believe that the Lord gives us these kinds of days to keep us going, knowing that there will be another down the road, days, weeks or years down the road, but so worth the wait. It felt a little like I was the lamb that He came to find and carried me back to the fold.

There is gratitude in my heart for all those that participated, added to, and supplied me with a Miracle Sunday.

Happy Sunday

All my Love,

Sunday Scripture: Father's Day

“Fatherhood is leadership, the most important kind of leadership. It has always been so; it always will be so. Father, with the assistance and counsel and encouragement of your eternal companion, you preside in the home. It is not a matter of whether you are most worthy or best qualified, but it is a matter of [divine] appointment.”

(Taken from a talk by Elder L. Tom Perry "Fatherhood, an Eternal Calling" in the Liahona May 2004)

Today is Sunday and Father's day and I have been dearly blessed in my life in having an amazing Father and an amazing Father to my children. I am not quite sure how I was seen as fit to have both in a single lifetime but I am eternally grateful!! I hope that today you celebrated, appreciated, called, hugged, any man in your life that has been a "father" to you or your children. It is a role that can be walked away from, turned down, neglected, or abused, and has been by many, so for today I pray that we all acknowledged those that have embraced, cherished, reveled, and exemplified this calling. Here is the two most important Fathers in my life, Love you and could never replace you!

All my Love

Happy Sunday

Marylin

Sunday Scripture: Forgiveness

D&C 64:10-11

10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.

11 And ye ought to say in your hearts—let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds.

“Is there someone in your life who perhaps needs forgiveness? Is there someone in your home, someone in your family, someone in your neighborhood who has done an unjust or an unkind or an unchristian thing? All of us are guilty of such transgressions, so there surely must be someone who yet needs your forgiveness.”

Jeffery R. Holland



The lesson of forgiveness is perhaps one of the most important lessons we receive has people. I know that I have been faced with this, at times challenging commandment from the Lord more than a few times in my life. Sometimes it seems less difficult to forgive and other times I struggle to let go of frustration, anger and heartache which comes at the hands, words or actions of others. I know that if I allow the Lord to handle "it" then my burdens will be lifted and in some instances it has taken a long time for me to truly forgive. I remember hearing once that if "Just leave room in your heart, and when the times comes that you can forgive, forgive."

Tonight I am working on this one.

Happy Sunday

All My Love

Sunday Scripture: He Lives

John 11:24-25

24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

I am grateful for the Spring, for Easter, for this time in which we have to remember the sacrifice that was made for us, for all of us, by our older brother Jesus Christ. I know He lives and loves me, and I pray that I might live up to His example. I know that I am not perfect, but with Him the road is mapped out and if I trust in Him and have faith, He will walk with me, guide me and strengthen me.

Happy Easter

Happy Sunday

All My LOVE,

Sunday Scripture An Example of the Believers

1 Timothy 4:12

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

I recently received this in an email from a friend and then passed it along to a few of my friends and family. Perhaps I was deeply touched because I have daughters of my own, or maybe because I work with teenaged girls in church, or possibly because some of my very best friends now and in High School were cheerleaders but most likely for all of those reasons this moved me to a few tears. I love the example that these young women set for not only their peers but for everyone. I pray that I can raise my children to have the same love and compassion for their fellow man as these ladies do. I also pray that I will have this amount of love, courage and kindness in my life as well. Happy Sunday





All my Love,

Sunday Scripture! "Shall thy Confidence Wax Strong"

D&C 121:45

"Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of

faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence

wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil

upon thy soul as the dews from heaven."

In a talk given by Bishop Richard C. Edgley in the Nov. 1994 Ensign he speaks on this very verse and the importance of it.

Today in church this verse was mentioned 3 times and it made me really think about my own life and how the choices I am making will either allow me to have confidence before the Lord or they will leave me ashamed in His presence. I do not want to be ashamed when I stand before my Father in Heaven and so I must make the correct choices in my life.

I think that as human beings we all have a desire to have our parents be proud of us, that we will not be ashamed in their presence, that we will only see approval and love in their eyes. Now while we aren't able to see our Lord and Saviors face just yet, He is aware of us none the less, He knows of our doings in our lives, so we must be cognoscente of this detail, that He knows us and loves us and only wants good for us. We must strive everyday to serve Him and to work towards seeing Him again and all those that wait on the other side of the vale.

I pray to continue on the straight and narrow path, that I might stand before Him one day and have only my confidence with me.

Happy Sunday

All my love,

Sunday Scripture! Righteous Fathers....Speaking of which Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today in our R.S. (Relief Society) lesson we spoke about Eternal Families, it made me think about how blessed I am to have been born to great parents and to have been sealed to them for time and all eternity. The discussion was a reminder of how we must work to keep our relationships with our families as a top priority. It also deepened my gratitude for my own family, my husband, children and our temple sealing. Since today is my Dad's birthday I thought of how having a righteous father helped me in my decision to find a righteous man to marry.

Latter-Day Prophets Speak:
The Sacred Role of Fathers

Be Kind

“Let us deal in kindness and with appreciation with those for whom the Lord will hold us accountable. I never get over the depth of meaning of the words President McKay often quoted: ‘The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother’ ” [see Richard Evans’ Quote Book (1971), 11] (“Reach Out in Love and Kindness,” Ensign, Nov. 1982, 77).
Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–), Fifteenth President of the Church

Express Your Love

“We encourage you, brethren, to remember that priesthood is a righteous authority only. Earn the respect and confidence of your children through your loving relationship with them. A righteous father protects his children with his time and presence in their social, educational, and spiritual activities and responsibilities. Tender expressions of love and affection toward children are as much the responsibility of the father as the mother. Tell your children you love them” (“Being a Righteous Husband and Father,” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 51).
Howard W. Hunter (1907–95), Fourteenth President of the Church

My father is a wonderful example to me and to my husband, he is an amazing Grandfather and we miss being close to him very much! The other day I was looking through some pictures of my Dad on my computer and James came and sat on my lap, when he saw a picture of himself with my Dad on the lawn mower he began to pout his lip and then cry. I asked him if he missed his Grandpa, he nodded and hugged me, his tears brought the attention of Lexi whom joined us in looking at the pictures, the next thing I know they are both crying and wanting their Grandpa. I must admit that it also created mist in my eyes, I am so grateful for the man that raised me, for his love for my mother and the Lord. My Father is the most honest man I know, he is hard working and extremely generous of his time, talents and all that he has. I will never forget how he treated and loved his own mother, especially in the last few years of her life. My Dad has been a faithful servant while serving in any and every calling he has had over the years, never complaining about the meetings or work that has been required of him. I love you Dad and feel it an honor to be your daughter!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Sunday Scripture! Just and True Friends

Today our lesson in R.S (Relief Society) was entitled

"How Glorious Are Faithful, Just, and True Friends"

From the teachings of Joseph Smith

True friends ease one another’s sorrows and remain faithful even in times of adversity.

Joseph Smith wrote the following about the family members and friends who visited him on August 11, 1842, while he was in hiding: “How good and glorious it has seemed unto me, to find pure and holy friends, who are faithful, just, and true, and whose hearts fail not; and whose knees are confirmed and do not falter, while they wait upon the Lord, in administering to my necessities, in the day when the wrath of mine enemies was poured out upon me. …



I bawled through most of the lesson as I had already been feeling the effects of Home sickness today and so when the discussion was about friends who have stood by you through even your darkest hour my mind was flooded with the friends who have helped me in my darkest hours.
I will never forget the friend that came to visit me when I was pregnant with Alexis and just 19 years old, she just came to visit with me and to be my friend. No judgment in her eyes or disappointed tone in her voice, she just sat and talked with me as a friend.
Or the friend, who after my second miscarriage came when I called and just sat on the bed and wept with me, brought lunch for my other children and my favorite ice cream. Her compassion was exactly what I needed in that moment.
And the time that a friend who brought my family dinner for no reason other than she could tell by an earlier conversation that I was not at my best. Her love and service taught me so much.
I really could go on and on about the times in my life where my friends have stood beside me and at times pulled me up from the deepest depths of pain and just held me until I was stronger. I pray that each of you know how much your friendship means to me, and know that I would go to the ends of the universe to help each and every one of you in your time of need. Your support and love have taught me and strengthened me many times and there truly are no words to thank you enough!



Love to you

Sunday Scripture! A Ruby!

Proverbs 31:10,11 & 12


10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Our lesson today in R.S (Relief Society) was on Unselfish Service. It touched me because lately I have struggled with where I belong and I really felt like this lesson was just for me! The scriptures we used were in Proverbs where it talks about how Virtuous Women are needed! It made me realize that there is no amount of notoriety from the world that could equal the feeling we can receive from serving each other, our families and our communities! No amount of money can be paid for the talent that women have to inherently serve those around them. It might go unnoticed by some but not by those being served. The small things do matter and can change the lives of those being blessed by our service, our time and our talents, as well as, change us, change me!

I know that I have become closer to the women whom I have served and I love them more. I also know the deep affection and gratitude I feel for the women who have served me in my times of need. There have been numerous times that I have been blessed by others who were in tune to the spirit and I pray everyday that I might also here the promptings to know those in need of the gifts that I have to offer!

Happy Sunday to you

Sunday Scripture! Missionary Work

So first off I must acknowledge the fact that Jimmy and I were given our new callings!! Jimmy was called to the nursery (we have 4 in our ward) he will be in there with James and the snacks so who can complain???!!! I think it will be good for him! I was called as one of the Girls Activity Days leaders and I am with Lexi's age group, that should be good for us to have some special time twice a month where she won't have to compete with her siblings! She is excited and I am too!

In our Gospel Doctrine class today the lesson was given by a couple that just returned from their mission in Warsaw, Poland and they did a marvelous job sharing a few of their experiences from the mission and then also some suggestions on how to be better at sharing the gospel in our own lives. They included some roll playing, my favorite part, on how we can bring it up in just about any situation. For myself, I spent much of the class thinking back on times that I have shared the gospel or had discussions about my beliefs with friends, family or strangers that might believe different than I. My Dad, being a convert to the church, has given me a true appreciation of how the lives of many are changed by just one coming to understand the truths of the gospel and acting upon them. I realized that I really need to work on putting my self out there more, not being afraid to share!! Let me start by jumping two feet in and sharing the things I believe and know to be true

I know that my Heavenly Father Loves me and knows me
I know that the true gospel of Jesus Christ is here on the earth and that modern revelation is real.
I know that President Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet called by God to lead His church
I know that Christ lives and that he sacrificed so much for my sake and without Him there would be no grace!
I know the Book of Mormon to be the word of God and I am grateful for the tool it has been in my life
I know that I can be with my family again someday and that we will be together forever

I know all these things to be true for I have prayed and studied the scriptures and been humbled one too many times to ever deny it.

In D&C 4:4 it Reads For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

If for no other reason being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has brought peace to my life and strength to get through all the hard things that I have and will go through.

Happy Sunday! Love to You

Sunday Scripture! Faith and Hope

Ether 12:4

"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."

Today was a GREAT Sunday at church! Yes, we were a bit late, and yes, I sent Jimmy ahead with the kids because after 20 interruptions I was the last one ready, and yes, I was feeling a little ADD while sitting Sunday school so I played a small game of solitaire on my ipod. Then Relief Society came and there is something about my new ward, the new ladies I have met just somehow make every Sunday great! I love chatting with them as we wait for R.S to begin and then in the hallways after, OK so sometimes a little laughing during, but I really try hard to pay attention! I have realized today how there is something about just being with all these women that believe, and try, and work, and cry about many of the same things I do, that just lifts me! I get a boost knowing that no matter where I am, if I am strong in my faith that the Lord will bless me. He will send people to teach me and walk beside me as he would.

I was beyond blessed in Las Vegas with friends who could read my mind, with an unexpected phone call or cookies at my door just when I was on the verge of whatever or wherever we mothers go to at times. It was very difficult to leave them, to leave the support system that I had for 25 years, I wasn't sure I would find people to belong with, which shows my lack of faith I guess. Yet here I am just 6 weeks in our new home and I feel it bubbling, you know, that feeling of excitement when you know a whole new chapter is ahead and each page is more amazing as you go! Well, that's what I felt today as I was walking to our car to go home and my kids are happily telling me about their classes, as my sweet Grace said "Mom, this is my favorite place in the whole world, today I learned EVERYTHING!"

So today I give thanks to my Heavenly Father who knows me, who knows all the right elements to add to my life to give me piece and provide strength and substance to my story. I also give thanks to the women who have touched my life through their service and love!



Oh and I didn't see this video until after I wrote the post, crazy huh?!?

Love to you

Sunday Scripture! Forgive Me

I know it has been too long since I last my Sunday post but let me start fresh instead of playing catch up K.

1 Nephi 3:7

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which theLord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

Today as we attended our new Ward for the 2nd time I must say that it was a reminder that we are where we are "supposed" to be. The Lord has brought our family here, yes with some pushing, OK, dragging a bit at times, but we are in the place we are meant to be, and I think that's what has made this an easier transition. This time in my life reminds me of Nephi and how he was told to do things that were not easy and yet he was willing to obey the Lord, no matter what. I feel that I have made every attempt to be open to what the Lord has planned for me and for our family. I am grateful for the lessons we have been taught and are being taught, it has been very trying and I have had low points but when I am able to remember that the Lord has His hand in All things it makes it easier to go through the hard things. I work everyday to do as the Lord would have me, I know he loves me and he has a plan for me, if I were to fight His will then I would be missing out on blessings that He has in store. I feel blessed to be in a fantastic new ward, to be in a great neighborhood, in a nice home, with my family around me. What else could a girl ask for? OK, well I asked for chocolate chip cookies and I even got that!! Did I say that I LOVE my new ward!!??