Questions and Answered Prayers

Febuary 27 1998,  I had been a member of the church for about 7 months at the time when this had occurred. I was visiting some friends in Ont. Canada for the week, where I was baptized, at the time I was living with my Grandmother in Michigan. I had got very close to the Elder who had baptized me, his name is Alan Stanford. I had written letters to his family and became Pen-pals with his little sister Becca. I was very curious about how he was doing because at the time I wasn't able to get a letter from him or his family. (There was a mix-up at the post office and they were sending my mail back to the senders.) So in prayer I asked if he was doing well and how his family was. 

I had the opportunity to go to visit my good friends the MacDonald's in Sarnia Ont. While I was there Br. MacDonald was looking for a job. He was going on a lot of interviews. One in particular was in Stratford Ont. So his wife and I accompanied him on the trip it was somewhere between 2-3 hrs on the road each way. As we were driving we sang church hymns all the way there. Br. MacDonald was in the interview for 2hrs everything went very smoothly. On the way home we were blessed with a beautiful sunset, I couldn't help but marvel at Heavenly Fathers work, it was spectacular. 
As I was admiring the sunset we noticed that there were people alongside the road taking pictures. Br. MacDonald (being Ward Mission Leader at the time) recognized them right away as missionaries and shouted "that's Elder Stanford!" We pulled over to the side of the road.

(This is not the picture they took but one very similar to it.)

By this time they had already gotten back in their car and were driving away as they rode past us Br. MacDonald beeped the horn several times to get their attention. They then parked in front of us and got out of the car. As the Elder and Sisters walked up, I was so floored to see my answer right in front of me. He came to the window of the old station wagon that we were in and was amazed to see the MacDonald's I sat up to the front seat from the back and quietly said "Hi Elder Stanford" and he was overjoyed to see me. We made plans to meet up at a diner we saw along the side of the road so that we could catch up on what was going on in our lives. I seriously could have done cartwheels I was so excited. (Now mind you I have never been able to do a cartwheel in my life I just knew though that if I tried that day I may have been able to. So much adrenaline and excitement at the same time. Thank goodness I didn't have a heart condition, that could have been bad.)
At the diner the Elder explained about what was going on with the letters and that he too had often prayed to know how I was doing. He had also told me that he was supposed to be somewhere else that day but the plans did not work out.  We then knew it was divine intervention that we happened to meet up in such a manner. He told us that he was an assistant to the Mission President and that he had been doing very well on his mission and how much he loved it. I told him of my callings in the church and how much I loved it. (At the time I was a part of a small ward and at the most I held 3 callings.)
After our dinner we exchanged addresses again to make sure that we had the right ones. I was on a spiritual high for days after this meeting, even after the years since it warms my heart to think of it. Even though Br. MacDonald did not get the job we found that the reason that we had such positive spirits about going to this interview had been the answer to not only my prayer, but, Elder Stanford's as well. Had I made the choice not to go I would have missed out on seeing my friend. I am thankful that the choice I made was the right one. I have been a member for almost 16 years and since that night I have made many right choices because of the things that Elder and his companion have taught me. I married my sweetheart in the Temple I have a wonderful family and children that I adore. Before I had met the missionaries I had often prayed to find the true Church Of God. They brought me that gift and I am thankful for it every day, even though I didn't want to let them in at first. I know that Heavenly Father answers our prayers we just have to listen to get the answer, although it doesn't hurt when you are with the right people too. I know that when we pray that Heavenly Father really hears what we say although we don't always see the outcome He knows what is best. I have learned that to trust in Him and he will never lead you to disaster.

JS Matthew 1:1 "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, in the clouds of heaven, and all the Holy Angels with him. Then understood his disciples that he should come again on the earth, after that he was glorified and crowned on the right hand of God." 

New Beginnings Hollywood Premier

I saw this picture and thought "Hollywood Premier" You see we are Presenting the girls with a Plaque of Women who have completed their Personal Progress for inspiration. Our "Stars" will be Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability,  Good Works, Integrity, and Virtue which all will be a star on the Walk of Fame. Then at the end of the "Walk of Fame" will be a picture of the Temple.

Each of the girls will have a "role" to play. Telling how a Personal Progress value has helped improve their lives. The girls that are planning on talking about the values are going to be the paparazzi and dress like such and make handouts explaining what the value is, having pictures and articles set up that represent the value (like in a tabloid.)

I was thinking of clear plastic shoes the ones you get for a wedding or shower keepsakes and a printable that says "Step out from the crowd and Stand Ye in Holy Places and Be Not Moved." like the ones here. At the end of the girls talking have the YW president present the Plaque to them with a brief explanation of what it is and why we now have it. "After Party" themed refreshments will be served at the end.

The invitations for parents (we have some girls that don't have a mom in our ward) will be in the form of movie tickets.

Our agenda:

We have a smaller ward but I am very glad to be a part of it. It is an amazing growth experience. I am hoping all goes smoothly. We shall see and I will update after we are done.

UPDATE!!!!

I am so proud of our girls they all came prepared and did there parts. It was an amazing night. The spirit was there and I think people actually learned a thing or two. I loved how the girls got into their roles as paparazzi it was great!!

Etiquette

History of etiquette. The word Etiquette came from an old French word meaning ticket or label. From the 1500's through the early 1900's, children learned about etiquette at school. Nevertheless etiquette has changed and evolved over the years. In French, the word "etiquette" has been described as the one word that aptly describes life during the reign of Queen Victoria.

In ( 2414-2375 BC) Ptahhotep, (ptāħ ħwtp, sometimes known as Ptahhotpe or Ptah-Hotep, was an ancient Egyptian official during the late 25th century BC and early 24th century BC) wrote The Maxims of Ptahhotep. The Maxims are conformist precepts extolling such civil virtues as truthfulness, self-control and kindness towards one's fellow beings. Learning by listening to everybody and knowing that human knowledge is never perfect are a leitmotif. Avoiding open conflict wherever possible should not be considered weakness. Justice should be pursued and in the end it will be a god's command that prevails. Some of the maxims refer to one's behavior when in the presence of the great, how to choose the right master and how to serve him. Others teach the correct way to lead through openness and kindness. Greed is the base of all evil and should be guarded against, while generosity towards family and friends is praiseworthy. From: Ancient Egypt encyclopedia.
The philosophy of Confucius (Chinese teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher) emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity.


King Louis XIV (1638-1718), transformed a royal hunting lodge in Versailles, a village 25 miles southwest of the capital, into one of the largest palaces in the world, officially moving his court and government there in 1682. It was against this awe-inspiring backdrop that Louis tamed the nobility and impressed foreign dignitaries, using entertainment, ceremony and a highly codified system of etiquette to assert his supremacy.


Rules of etiquette encompass most aspects of social interaction in any society, though the term itself is not commonly used. A rule of etiquette may reflect an underlying ethical code, or it may reflect a person's fashion or status. Rules of etiquette are usually unwritten, but aspects of etiquette have been codified from time to time.


Modern etiquette provides the smallest numbers and types of utensils necessary for dining. Only utensils which are to be used for the planned meal should be set. Even if needed, hosts should not have more than three utensils on either side of the plate before a meal. If extra utensils are needed, they may be brought to the table along with later courses.


A table cloth extending 10–15 inches past the edge of the table should be used for formal dinners, while placemats may be used for breakfast, luncheon, and informal suppers. Candlesticks, even if not lit, should not be on the table while dining during daylight hours.



If food must be removed from the mouth for some reason, a diner should subtly bring the napkin to his/her mouth (as if to wipe his/her mouth) and quietly spit out the food into the napkin, which is then returned to the lap (while still concealing the partially chewed inedibles). The diner thus avoids insulting the cook/host since the process is nearly indistinguishable from merely wiping one's mouth. An exception is that fish bones may be removed from the mouth between the fingers.


The fork may be used in the American style (in the left hand while cutting and in the right hand to pick up food) or the European Continental style (fork always in the left hand). The napkin should be left on the seat of a chair only when leaving temporarily. Upon leaving the table at the end of a meal, the napkin is placed loosely on the table to the left of the plate. 

Basic Table Setting

For a basic table setting, here are two great tips to help you -- or your kids -- remember the order of plates and utensils:

1. The order, left to right, is: Fork,  Plate, Knives and Spoons.
2. Bread and butter go to the left of the place setting and drinks go on the right.
3. Knife blades always face the plate.
4. The napkin goes to the left of the fork, or on the plate.
5. The bread and butter knife are optional.

Below is an example of a formal place setting which is similar but slightly different and has more utensils.




Basic Etiquette for everyday situations.

1. Wait for everyone to be served
If you're seated at a table with eight or fewer guests, wait for everyone to be served and for the hostess to begin eating before you dig in. At a long banquet table, it's OK to start when several people are seated and served.

2. Keep your things off the table
All things not having to do with food (and decoration) should remain off the table: keys, clutch bags, i-pods, tablets, sunglasses, phones.


3. Don't text at the table
If you're in a situation where you'd excuse yourself to go to the bathroom, you should also excuse yourself before reaching for your phone.

4. If you prefer not to have wine while dining out, don't turn your glass upside down
Don't make a big deal of saying you don't drink. Simply place your fingertips on the rim of the glass and say "No thank-you." This implies no judgment of those who wish to imbibe (drink alcohol).


5. Practice good speakerphone manners

Don't use a speakerphone unless you're alone or holding a meeting that's being attended by someone relevant . Alert the person you're speaking with that others are present, and close the door. FYI: Using a speakerphone at full volume to go through your voice mailbox is the definition of annoying if others are present.


6. Whoever arrives at a door first holds it for the next person
It doesn't matter the gender of either.


7. Keep your cell phone out of the conversation

When talking to someone in person, don't glance down at your cell phone to see who's trying to reach you. This includes when ordering something from a restaurant, paying for something in a check out line (any check out line) or anytime that you are desiring service from another person.

New Year, New Me????

I was looking at all the posts on facebook about Happy New years and the Resolutions that people are making, when I came across this picture with the question of, "What spiritual resolutions are you making for 2013?" which really made me think. In the 15 years I have been a member of the LDS Church I have never really given this any thought. It was like BOOM. I really should do something like that. Sure I have always had goals for church but not something to work on all year long.

My goals resolutions for this year: 

#1. Get Healthy. This is my big one. I have already started on this one talking to my Doctor and working on getting out of pain so I can do stuff without hurting myself more then I already have (I fell on a wet floor in 2000 and hurt my back and my pregnancies and weight have made it worse.) Then loose weight and get fit not just for me but my family too.

#2. Work with my daughter Carolyn to be ready for her baptism in October. (She will be 8 this year.) I already have part of that going on.

#3. Work on a new project. (business venture) I am super excited about.

#4. Get very involved with my calling and doing it to my maximum capacity.

#5. Read more.

#6. Spend more time with my family doing family things and teaching my kids.

My Spiritual Resolutions:

Try to be more consistent in everything. Reading scriptures, prayers, tithing, going to the Temple going to church, FHE and so on.


So it looks like I have a lot to do and get going on I hope I can have the strength and courage to make the changes that I need to make. I have a lot on my healthy list to do and I want to make that change it is so important for me and my family because they rely on me so much. I don't want to disappoint them.
So what will you do in 2013? Talk instead of text? Finish your degree? Go back to church? Start a journal? Spend more time with your kids? Just remember that time is short, goals and resolutions are great, so make the most out of what you have, and don't loose sight of the biggest goal you should have in this life, heading back to Him.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

With everything that has gone on since Friday December 14th, it is hard to ignore that we live in scary times. I had a conversation with my daughter Carolyn that I never wanted to have. I had to tell her before she saw the mess that was on the news. Almost every channel had what happened at Sandy Hook. I told her the facts which are 20 children, who were her age, and 6 adults were killed by a man who was very sick and needed help but hasn't gotten it. It is okay to be scared and sad. I am too. Then I told her that most likely it won't happen at your school but in case it does your teachers are trained to know what to do so stay calm and listen to them.

I thank God that I have my children everyday!! I hold them closer to me now knowing that this is a possibility anywhere. Carolyn just turned 7 so she is the same age as most of those kids and it breaks my heart to know that.

In the heart above there are 27 candles one for each of the children and staff and one for the mother of the young man who needed help, because she was a victim too. I saw the poem below on someone's facebook page and thought it was perfect in how to describe how I feel and how I know those children now feel, welcomed into the light safely home in Heavenly Fathers arms.

twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.

they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

My hope is that through all this tragic mess that conversations will take place that things will get fixed so that this won't happen again. There needs to be an open dialogue about the problem of mental illness not being treated with the respect it deserves. My hope it that this comes about there is such a need for it.

It is hard to see this as light but I say it is because it has opened the eyes of people who don't know to learn and start to care. Social media is great but communication and love for one another is what is needed to help our nation heal and learn to care for those who have issues like this one.

DIY Tea-Light Lanterns

Well my friend got married to the man of her dreams April 28th of this year and I  could not afford to but her something for her wedding. So I asked her if she had center pieces for her wedding and she said no. So I said I had an idea and I would do them for her for her gift to her and her new hubby. I had most of the material already being the crafty hoarder that I am.
 

These were not hard to make the hardest part was figuring out a way to make the lace stay on. I fixed that with safety pins. I pinned a hem vertically which created a very minimal seam, but I am getting ahead of myself.
First you need canning jars I really like the wide-mouth ones for this because you can fit your hand in the jar much easier. Then you need lace and safety pins. The lace provides the pattern on the jar. Stray paint (I used a flat paint but when I taught a class on this found that I liked the gloss look better and it didn't scrape off as easily) and a plastic grocery bag. Then you have your embellishing items and glue gun. I pinned the lace on as tight as I could so that there was no running when I painted them. I used the plastic bag to cover my hand when I sprayed the jars apply as evenly as you can and remember less is more so don't over spray. If you use a flat paint you can take the lace off right away if you use a gloss let the paint dry some before removing the lace or it will smudge. (Found that out the hard way.) Wait until the paint is totally dry before you decorate. I used rhinestones ribbon flowers and charms to decorate the jars and placed a tea light candle in each. These were really pretty when lit.
I made 12 of each size. They cost me about 15-20 dollars to make (I already had the jars and some other stuff). My friend and her hubby were so happy they kept saying thank-you and people couldn't believe that I made them. I gotta say I get inspired by pinterest that is where I got this idea (click the word idea and it will take you there.) Anyway that is what I did if you have any questions just comment below and I will answer for you.

Christmas Theme

So the Church has decided to do a big thing this year and everyone is excited about it. It is a beautiful message and with Thanksgiving in two days I am going to write about it now. If I don't it will get lost in the work I have to do. I love the message that is portrayed. You can see it here.

Now I will add my own. John 3:16,17

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Christmas is about eternity and family. Heavenly Father loved us so much that he sent Jesus to be our Savior. He sacrificed the most precious of his children, His own flesh and blood Son Jesus Christ, so that the rest of us can return to be with Him too. That is His gift to us. When I think of what it took for that to happen the magnitude of it astounds me. Jesus is Heavenly Fathers gift to us whether we are grateful or not. It is our choice on how we choose to receive it. As a spoiled brat who has everything you could want and just throw it away or someone who really loves what has been given to them and is thankful everyday for such a momentous gift. Are you willing to accept it? I did.

Things I did for Activity days that can be adapted for Young Womens

When I was activity days leader the girls got to go to a Valiant Miss Conference, they have one every year and the theme that year was "Modesty Matters." I loved it and thought that we should do something like it for our ward. It was a really cute thing for them to do and they agreed.

So I wrote a skit. We asked moms and older sisters if they had modest dresses that we could use to display. Then the girls (mind you these girls are ages 8-11) acted out the skit while I directed. It was a lot of fun. There were invitations made that went home with parents, we even invited the ward to come and see our skit. I was really impressed with the turnout we had at least 30 people (I really think there were more) for our small ward tat is a big feat for a Wednesday night. The young women were there and their leaders the bishopric and the primary presidency. As well as many parents who were not all members either I might add. :) We had lots of laughs and a huge applause at the end and I was very proud of them for doing such a great job!! At the end we all signed a pledge poster stating that Modesty Mattered and that we would be modest and invited all who were there to sign it as well. Then we served M&M's.

The girls not only did a great job they all had fun too!! Below is the skit I wrote if you wish to use it go right ahead if there is something you don't understand leave a comment and with your e-mail and I will address it.

 Finding Something to Wear for My Cousin's Wedding

People needed 6

Righteous Girl: Modestly dressed

Godmother:Sunday dress (I would recommend an older adult)

Worldly Girl #1: Over a modest t-shirt has spaghetti noodles taped to her shoulders to represent spaghetti strap tank top

Worldly Girl #2: Over a modest shirt has stuffed bears attached to her shoulders to represent bare shoulders.


Worldly Girl #3: Over a modest shirt has a stuffed bear attached to her belly and below that over pants has saran wrap with mini chocolate bars (like snickers, butterfinger, ect) in it to represent a bare belly and mini skirt.

Worldly Girl #4: Over a modest shirt has a plunger tied around her neck and on her backside a pipe wrench in representation of a plunging neckline and plumbers crack.


*This represents actions that the person is doing these this are not said*



Righteous Girl: *sigh* oh I wish I could figure out what to wear to my cousin's wedding, I need help!! *sigh's again then places her hand on the side of her head thinking*


Godmother:*comes in to aid the girl* Oh sweetheart, you know I can help you with that.

Righteous Girl: *surprised* who are you?


Godmother:*answers* I m your Godmother and I have been sent to help you. Now *points to the door* let's see what some girls think is fashionable shall we.

Worldly Girl #1:*comes in wearing "spaghetti" straps tank top*

Righteous Girl:Are tose supposed to be sleeves? It looks like I could eat them.


Godmother:That is why they are called spaghetti straps. Do you think you could make this modest?

Righteous Girl:Yeah all you would have to do is put a t-shirt under it or a sweater or light jacket over it.


Godmother: Good that is exactly what you could do. Lets see the next one and tell me wat you think.

Worldly Girl #2:*comes in with bare shoulders*

Righteous Girl:That is pretty but.....................


Godmother:*finishes righteous girls sentence* she is showing way to much skin and our Heavenly Father wouldn't like that would he?

Righteous Girl: No! He wouldn't maybe the next one will be better.

Worldly Girl #3: *comes in with a "bare belly and saran wrap skirt with candy attached*


Righteous Girl:I really like that skirt but it is too miniature and that top............


Godmother: Yes that top shows way too much bear belly. You shouldn't be able to see your belly button when wearing a proper shirt. I wonder what they are going to bring out next?

Worldly Girl #4:*comes in with a mini sink plunger around her neck and a pipe wrench on her backside*

Righteous Girl: Oh wow!! She is defiantly showing too much of everything!!

Godmother:Yes that plunging neckline and plumbers crack is out of line. You can't wear that to a wedding *goes over to the curtain and moves it * These are some examples of appropriate attire right here.

Righteous Girl: If this was right here then why did we see all that?

Godmother:because I wanted you to know what was appropriate and to know what was not so that you knew what you could wear to the wedding Just remember it is as easy as a song.

""All the worldly girls enter the stage and sing "Head shoulders Knees and Toes"

Godmother: Here let them explain.......................

Worldly Girl #1: Head-Lift your arms up to make sure your shirts and dresses are long enough to cover what they are supposed to.

Worldly Girl #2: Shoulders-Make sure they are covered.


Worldly Girl #3: Knees-Make sure skirts and shorts are to here.

Worldly Girl #4:Toes-When you bend over to touch your toes make sure that you shirt skirt pants or dress don't expose your bottom or bare back.


Godmother: Now that you know all you have to do is remember the song and it will help you pick out the perfect outfit for not just the wedding but everyday without question.

Righteous Girl:Thank-you Godmother *gives her a hug* you sure made it easy.

Plans for Carolyn's Baptism

No this is not her but this is what she will be doing in a year or so.

I was thinking of making a plan for a year (or so) FHE lessons that center around this topic so that she can be ready I am starting with the missionary lessons. I don't want to overwhelm my kids all at once so I may through in some fun.  My kids being 7 almost 4 and almost 2 so this is going to be a challenge to begin with. I am going to use some ideas from sugardoodle.

 

This is Carolyn (excuse the blue glare.)  Second grade picture. (See how pretty she is?)

I can't wait to see this happen. I am so excited for her. I can't wait to do this journey for her and her siblings. I hope that I can learn what works and what doesn't so I can improve on them for the other 2 when it comes to their time for Baptism. When the time is right I also plan to have the missionaries come and teach her too, because yeah I don't want her to say "mom I never had a choice", like a few of my friends have had said to them then those children went inactive. I know that isn't true btw. That just isn't the way that this church works. It is all about choices how you use them and how you choose them. I want that for my kids to know for themselves not just because I say so. I hope that they will feel the spirit and know what we have been teaching them is true. That is the objective anyway.

I am not weird I am Mormon go figure.

First I am going to share what I believe and my faith. I am a member of the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS or Mormon for those who know it as that.) I am proud that I am. I believe in it's teachings and I know that they are true. I know the book of Mormon is true. I believe there is a profit on this earth and he communicates with God. His name is Thomas S Monson.I know people have their own ideas about religion and all that go with it. This however is not me trying to convince you that my church is true I just want to share it with the world.

I went inactive for awhile after my last child was born, but my truth has never changed. I have had blessings presented to me by priesthood holders that have not only helped the situation but healed. I have seen the power of fervent prayer, I have seen the power and blessings of the temple.

 

See how pretty the Detroit Temple is? Inside is way better so beautiful and peaceful.

The reason I came back to church, simple I had things and people and all manner of signs telling me to go back that I was needed there. Then along came the Elders and the Bishop. Well I credit the Elders most because they never gave up on us. (I know it is part of their job to reactivate people to come back to church but they became a part of our family I really don't even think they know that yet.) Wacky young men that leave their home and family for 2 years to serve the church and God. (Women to if they want to that is.) I know the reason that I was supposed to go back. I was needed to teach and be a leader in Young Womens. Plain and simple and I was needed to help out some people with their calling. I am very excited about what I am doing. It will be a challenge but I love it. Also another reason is that it is helping my family. My children (the older 2 anyway) love to go to their classes and they are learning about God. Ashley cries when she goes into the nursery but after about 5 minutes she is fine and even if she sees me she is still okay. At first with her I had to sneak by and hope she didn't see, but now all is well.