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: Hope

Moroni 7:40

And again, my beloved brethren, I would speak unto you concerning hope. How is it that ye can attain unto faith, save ye shall have hope?

"Hope is the anchor of our souls. I know of no one who is not in need of hope—young or old, strong or weak, rich or poor. As the prophet Ether exhorted, “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.”

James E. Faust (November 1999 Ensign)

Today I was fortunate to attend Stake Conference (a twice a year special meeting for about 6-8 wards) with my parents. My Dad was in the choir so just my mom and I sat together (children stayed home today), it was a wonderful meeting, filled with all the things I was needing to hear! All of the Bishop's wives were asked to speak and each of their talks were part of this masterful quilt, none of them assigned, all spoken from the spirit and it was amazing how they all blended together perfectly. My sweet friend Michelle spoke and the things she said touched me, she recalled the pain of losing her son shortly after he was born some years ago, and then the Hope that she was able to live on, knowing she would see him again. The reminder to hold on, even when life deals us a nasty blow, a difficult test or a road block, was very much needed in my life at this time.

I have had several things that have been weighing heavily on my mind recently. A close family member received some scary news related to their health and for me it felt like a stone to the head. It was difficult to be so far away so that is why I jumped in my car and came to Vegas, I wanted to feel some what useful and supportive. There was a minor surgery and things are looking hopeful.

Another heart ache I have is watching my parents, who have done nothing but help everyone around them for years, including but not limited to their children, extended family members, friends, strangers, neighbors, and anyone that stood in need. They are now feeling the EXTREME downturn of the economy, my father works in the Commercial Real Estate industry and has for 25 years, and has never seen it this bad before. I worry for them, I know that the Lord watches over them, yet the thought of them struggling is more painful than when we were out of a job. I truly know and understand that trials don't only come to those that are doing wrong, but it sure stinks when good people, trying to do the right things are handed a whopper and gosh darn I can't prevent it.

My mother tells me that everything will be OK, that "some how things will work out", and I wonder why she is comforting me. Where is that magic wand when I need it? Then today I was encouraged to have hope and to lean on the Lord, He has his eye on them and that there is a reason for this trial. Maybe He wants them to move closer to their amazing daughter that lives in Colorado, maybe!!?? :)

I want to bear my testimony that I know that through Christ there is Hope, there is reason to hold on and keep going. I know there are so many people in the same predicament as my parents but I know that through faith, prayer and doing what is right He will bless us beyond our comprehension. I know He loves me and watches over me and my family. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a true Prophet, that he is guided and directed by our Heavenly Father. I know the Book of Mormon to be a testament of Jesus Christ and by reading it I am able to feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost and that I grow closer to the Lord. I know these things to be true, there is NO DOUBT about it, it has been witnessed to me too many times in my life to think other wise. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Happy Sunday

All my love

Sundays Scripture: Mothers

John 19:26,27
26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the adisciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, bWoman, behold thy son!
27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy amother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.





Today is Mother's Day, I am the very blessed Mother of 3 wonderful children. I know that my most important responsibility in this life is to cherish and love these little ones that have been trusted in my care.

I am so grateful for my own Mother, for her example and love. I know of Christs love for me because he sent me to such an amazing Mother, He showed me His love through her and I pray that I might teach my children in the same way. Love you Mom!!!

How many Moms in there more advanced years do this in a skirt??!!

In the time I have spent being a Mom, I have found my greatest joys and also my greatest weaknesses and sorrows. I must admit that I reject my physical body on a daily basis as I scrutinize it in the mirror, but when my "natural" tendencies subside and I am able to see through my spiritual glasses, I recognize each stretch mark as space for my babies to grow, and widened hips to bring them here. I am blessed to be healthy enough to carry them for 40 weeks (or 43 as Grace found out), my body is always strong while pregnant and I need to appreciate it more.

My Heavenly Father sent me the children that are perfect for me, I have learned so many lessons from each one of them;

Lexi has taught me loyalty and strength, loyalty because she stands by me no matter how bad I might mess up as a parent, and strength because I realized how strong I was in being a single parent in her early years. Of course there are many other things that she has contributed to my education but those two stand out.

Grace gives me the lesson in patience and unconditional love every single day. No matter the nervous break down, I feel peace and calm much of the time I am working with her. I know that it comes from my Heavenly Father, for patience does not come easy for me. Grace has so many struggles and for whatever the reason, the Lord has provided me with the love and ability to walk with her through them. I am so blessed.

James has given me the gift of learning to be more relaxed and affectionate. I have always loved to hug and kiss on them, but Buddy will come running up to me after just moments of separation (as in me going into the other room) and wrap his arms around my leg. He loves me to just sit and hold him and watch Go Diego Go, and somehow in my old age I am able to relax and just enjoy these sweet times. I feel more capable as a parent now, than I ever have, and I look forward to every day that I am able to stay home with my children.




Happy Mother's Day to all of the Women who have spent anytime nurturing, loving, holding, cuddling, teaching or serving a child. You don't have to have children of your own to be a Mother and I am so grateful for all the family and friends who have "Mothered" my children along the way.

Happy Sunday

All my Love,

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: In the Lords Time

(I chose this picture because it reminds me of the Lords timing in all things)

Doctrine and Covenants 64: 31-31

31 And behold, I, the Lord, declare unto you, and my words are sure and shall not fail, that they shall obtain it.

32 But all things must come to pass in their time.

I have had a lot on my mind lately, most of it related to what the Lord has in store for our family. If someone had asked me 3 years ago if I ever saw us living in Colorado, I would have answered with a resounding, NO. I had absolutely no desire to live in the snow or near the snow, in fact living in Colorado was the farthest thing from my mind. However I was EXTREMELY interested in living in Texas (still wouldn't mind it), I had actually been somewhat fixated on going there for some time. Spending hours, weeks, ok years, searching for jobs for Jimmy, before he was without one, looking at homes online, researching the schools, weather, neighborhoods, everything. So when Jimmy lost his job, naturally I thought "Well, that's settled, we are to move to Texas." The Lord had other plans for us and after time on my knees and in the temple I knew that my assignment was to follow my husband. I was a little annoyed because, you see, I was hoping that my "wanting" to go to Texas would be enough for the Lord to provide the way there, but as I learned I was receiving a lesson in not only the Lords plan for us, but also to rely on my husbands inspirations and promptings like I never had before.


I am beyond grateful to my Heavenly Father for allowing me the opportunity to see a side of Jimmy that I had yet to see. Jimmy is my hero, he is one of the strongest people I know, he has been through so many things in his life, I know that the plan for him is great and being chosen to stand at his side is the greatest blessing in my life. I lean on him when my burdens seem too heavy and because he leans on the Lord, our foundation is firm.

(picture courtesy Candice Simpson of Elegant Images)

(picture courtesy of Conrad Clayton Photography)

We are yet again faced with the possibility of Jimmy not having a job. For the last month we have been praying that the contract in which we thought was secure (then found out it wasn't), will be renewed, we pray that the Lords plan is for us to stay where we are. What we are hearing is promising, but we won't know for sure until the contracted is signed, which who knows when that will be. Our only constant is knowing that the Lord will lead and guide us, He has his eye upon us and we are open to His will and journey for us.

(picture courtesy of my tripod)

Sunday Scripture! Faith, brothers and sisters, Faith

John 16:33

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."


In recent weeks I have faced, what I will call "mini trials" the kind that are mostly dealt with on a personal level or with a spouse. There have been moments of sadness and discouragement and then after much prayer and scripture reading, the overwhelming peace that everything would be ok. Throughout my life there have been "big" faith building experiences, the ones that are undeniably set right in front of your face, but the majority of the time it is through the small "mini trials" where faith is drawn from.


Today in Sacrament meeting for some odd reason my children were sitting still for longer lengths of time and I was able to really take in and listen to those that were speaking. This was truly a blessing for me because as the words came from the pulpit it was as if I was the only one in the room and that they were speaking right to me. The spirit was so strong and then it was as if someone tapped me on the shoulder and said "Marylin, I know. Don't worry everything will be alright." Shortly after, the children began to rustle a bit and I had to take James out into the foyer, but it was like I had heard what I needed to hear.

I am truly grateful for these kinds of moments, that are small and when one is in tune with the spirit, they are Faith building. It is a wonderful feeling to know that my Heavenly Father knows me and really truly knew exactly what I needed to hear today, He worked through others to teach me and to let me know He knows. He sees me and loves me. I was the lamb today that
my Savior sought out to find.

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 ; Needed a Boost, and a Boost I Got!!

Yesterday was a very roller coaster day of emotions! It started off with a fun family photo shoot and then, I came home to an empty house because my sweet husband had taken the kids with him to get the oil changed in my car and a trip to the park. It was wonderful because I was able to get my house all clean, well then they arrived home sooner than I had thought and Jimmy says "Can you come clean up the throw-up in the car?" Turns out that Grace had gone on the tire swing (that she has already had "issues" with) and then got in the car and well you know what happened then. So needless to say I spent a little time cleaning that up and then a trip to Costco and Wal-Mart to get things for my "Girls Night".

I returned home and cleaned some more, prepared food and changed out of my nasty clothes. As I was getting ready, I received a phone call from a very good friend, but she had some slightly depressing/discouraging information and once we got of the phone I had a slight meltdown. Jimmy was kind and tried to encourage me to finish getting ready for the night. I did, and man, by 6:05 I was feeling no pain, my friends were arriving and suddenly laughter was abundant, we talked about EVERYTHING under the moon and then some!

The night had really given me a boost when I was in need, and I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father that knows what to do and when to do it. Today I received another boost when I was officially called as the 2nd Counselor in the Young Women's Presidency! I have served in this calling once before and had been sooo sad when I was released, so it is just very EXCITING to be working with the youth again!

Then tonight I was reading on LDS.org and I replayed a video on the home page entitled "Create", it hit me like a boulder this time and once again I was reminded of how close an eye the Lord has on me. I am grateful for the blessings which I have received, for the strength that is added in my life and the ability to ask for guidance and encouragement on a daily basis. This video is such a great reminder of why we must remember who we are and who loves us.

Sunday Scripture : Personal Revelation

Alma 17:3

"But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.

There have been many opportunities for me to receive personal revelation in my life, and through the Holy Ghost, have done so, through callings in which I have served, for my children, for myself, and for those whom I have served. I believe that much of the time it comes to me in thoughts or ideas that have led me to help someone who was in need, to handle a particularly difficult moment with a child, or occasions where the promptings have kept me safe. I strive to keep my direct line to the Holy Ghost open, that I might be available at a moments notice to hear and then act upon that which I have been instructed to do. At times I will have a feeling and I will not know the exact reason or purpose but I try to to rely on the knowledge that my Heavenly Father possesses, knowing that His picture is much broader and that if I will listen, He will lead me to do what is right.

When Jimmy received the job offer here in Colorado, we both prayed to know if this was where we should be, and for me the feeling was one of comfort but also the instruction to "Follow my husband" I knew that I would not be led astray if I were willing to stand beside my best friend in his decision. When Jimmy accepted the position, I knew that this was where the Lord wanted us, it was not "Our" first choice of cities we wanted to be in, but the Lord knew we needed to be in this city. Coming here with that knowledge, made it much easier and we have truly been blessed in our new surroundings, it has been such a testament to me of the power that we are able to tap into to receive answers to prayers, promptings from the Spirit, and a greater knowledge of our Heavenly Father. I know that when I allow Him to guide and direct me I am blessed and strengthened.

In the September 1999 Ensign, Elder L. Lionel Kendrick gave instructions on how to prepare ourselves for personal revalation.

Fasting

“Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me” (Alma 5:46).

The sons of Mosiah prepared themselves by the same means: “They had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the … spirit of revelation” (Alma 17:3).

Think pure thoughts. If we are to have the channels of communication open, we must clear our minds of worldly and impure thoughts. We must follow this counsel of the Savior: “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” (D&C 121:45).

Develop a spirit of reverence. To receive revelation, we must develop a spirit of reverence. Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles counseled, “Inspiration comes more easily in peaceful settings.” 2 He added, “Irreverence suits the purposes of the adversary by obstructing the delicate channels of revelation in both mind and spirit,” and “Reverence invites revelation.” 3

Irreverence not only shows disrespect to Deity but also makes it hard for the Spirit to teach us the things we need to know. The Savior said, “And your minds in times past have been darkened because … you have treated lightly the things you have received” (D&C 84:54). He counseled, “Trifle not with sacred things” (D&C 6:12). The process of receiving revelation is sacred. It is a divine discussion with Deity and must be reverenced if it is to work.

Happy Sunday and Love 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! You're Never Alone

Being in a new City, hundreds of miles from my "comfort zone" there have been moments where I have had the creeping feeling of being alone. Especially during the day when Jimmy is at work and the kids are off to school or taking naps, while the quiet is nice, there has also been a longing for the familiar, a street, a grocery store or a face I would recognize. When I lived in Vegas I would often make sure I was somewhat presentable in public because I knew the moment I wasn't, I would run into someone I knew, but here as I walk up and down the isles of Wal-Mart there has yet to be a single face I recognize. In fact my run ins were so prolific in Vegas that my husband would make comments about how I knew everyone in the city, here not so much. I digress, I guess the point is that there have been great valleys of loneliness in the recent weeks and so I find myself on my knees in prayer more often, knowing that there is One who will be there at anytime, day or night. He can comfort me, and has comforted me not just during this time in my life but through difficult miscarriages, loss of jobs and loved ones and many other occasions. We have a saying that hangs by our front door, it reads

"I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction I had nowhere else to go."

Abraham Lincoln

This statement has been a common theme in my life and I am sure it will continue to be as I do not expect a vacation from trials or difficulties anytime soon. The Lord has seen fit to place these challenges in my path and while the navigation can tricky and terrain rough, He is with me and that brings me peace.


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Love to you,