tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34417903502866164392024-03-04T20:10:18.055-08:00I'm still figuring it outlissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-34464086288740709212012-05-12T22:56:00.000-07:002012-05-12T23:01:56.855-07:00Long service leave has ended...<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Long service leave has ended...</h2>
<br />
It's been over a year... pity really. I used to really enjoy writing, I'd even go as far to say I thought I was pretty good at it. I was really some old blogs a couple of weeks ago and found myself chuckling. I liked what I read and commented to Lincoln how it was "such a shame" I didn't write anymore. I was even asked to contribute to a couple of blogs but have a real lack of inspiration. I'll put it down to writers block. <br />
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I hope to make a go of it again. A fair effort. Well the big news item is that Lincoln and I are expecting baby number 3 in early November! We're completely thrilled (albeit a little nervous). I'll be a month shy off turning 30! YIKES. I'm extremely nervous about getting some sort of routine happening and squeezing in feeds while picking up and dropping off Spencer to school and Brooklyn to kindy. Argh. <br />
<br />
I think for the most part I'm enjoying Motherhood more than I ever have. Spencer recently turned 5 and Brooklyn 3. I completely love watching their unique personalities emerge and develop. Lets hope some of the mimicked behaviour is just a "phase." There's nothing more irritatingly hilarious than hearing your children tell you off, using the exact same phrasing and tone as you do. Spencer has told me a few times after being told no to something that he is "extremely disappointed in me." He was pretty cut when I laughed and told him he was cute. Brooklyn just shakes her pointer finger and says "never ever." <br />
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When I wake at 3am every morning (because apparently my body has had enough sleep) I lay awake thinking of what this new little soul is going to look and sound like. After having quite a number of dreams that the baby is born with a huge hole in his face the appearance doesn't matter all that much. I'll be the first to admit that our children are completely adorable ( I really do think they are good looking kids) but It's their personalities that make my heart expand with adoration. Brooklyn's willingness to pray, her gentle nurturing ways with her dolls, the way she says hello to complete strangers and they walk away with a big smile on their faces..... oh how I love that little girl! Spencer's excited anticipation for receiving the "Priesthood Power" when he's 12, the way he makes the most amazing contraptions and inventions from lego, how he still wants to cuddle and nuzzle noses, the way he tells a story or asks the most interesting questions.... oh how I love that little boy!<br />
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I feel like having this baby is the absolute right thing to do. I'm nervous about a few things but have enough faith and confidence that the Lord will help me. After all, they are His. I really looking forward to the "moment" when the baby arrives and Lincoln and I will behold for the first time this precious new child. I can't wait to watch Lincoln be the quiet loving Father of a newborn again. Watching my husband with our children does wonderful thing to my heart. Life is good. We have challenges. We can do better, but for now.... all is well. Happy Mother's Day to me, you lucky lucky girl!<br />
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<br />lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-72845619904145891082011-06-04T16:46:00.001-07:002011-06-05T03:45:28.365-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Untouchable</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sometimes we're all a little untouchable, especially emotionally. Hardened by sin, heavy with grief, blinded by selfishness or just not ourselves with versions of pms, pmt or "that time of the month." Music has the capacity to reach and commune with me. Even when i'm spiritually lacking because of laziness, the spirit touches my soul as people sing their songs of praise. This song has left an indelible impression on me. Proud people don't pray for guidance, or to know the will of the Father. Those types of prayers are rare for me, and that saddens me. I'm constantly under the assumption that I know better. The stupidity in that line of thinking is just an epic understatement. Daily making the same bad choices, weekly concreting those same bad habits, monthly reflecting on the frustrations, yearly lamenting on what could of been. Torture really. The lack of faith has left me relying on theory instead of sure knowledge and divine foreordination. <br /><p></p><br /><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8oL6HlzQZLo?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Better than I (lyrics)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman';font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I thought I did what’s right<br />I thought I had the answers<br />I thought I chose the surest road<br />But that road brought me here<br /><br />So I put up a fight<br />And told you how to help me<br />Now just when I have given up<br />The truth is coming clear<br /><br />You know better than I<br />You know the way<br />I’ve let go the need to know why<br />For you know better than I<br /><br />If this has been a test<br />I cannot see the reason<br />But maybe knowing I don’t know<br />Is part of getting through<br /><br />I try to do what’s best<br />And faith has made it easy<br />To see the best thing I can do<br />Is put my trust in you<br /><br />For You know better than I<br />You know the way<br />I’ve let go the need to know why<br />For you know better than I<br /><br />I saw one cloud and thought it was a sky<br />I saw a bird and thought that I could follow<br />But it was you who taught that bird to fly<br />If I let you reach me will you teach me<br /><br />For You know better than I<br />You know the way<br />I’ve let go the need to know why<br />I’ll take what answers you supply<br />You know better than I</span><br /></span></span></div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-72529463719973271542011-05-15T04:50:00.000-07:002011-05-22T05:33:37.375-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">NOT</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> gleefully going gaga</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I've come to a decision. Or rather a ban. This is a "as for me and my house" decision. My reasons for posting this decision is a "every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbour" type decision. Remaining passive and ignorant are just not my style...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#2F393A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#2F393A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;color:#000000;">Music is so integral to our society. Its significance becomes paramount to our youth. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ahhhhhh</span> youth (I'm picturing Frank <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Barone</span> from Everybody loves Raymond breathing in his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">grandchildren's</span> youth with every breath) ...... the period of life where self discovery is sought after on a consistent basis. So many decisions are made during these turbulent years that will shape and mould their characters, and answer the question "What will I become?"</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#2F393A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;"> Proverbs answers that question...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-size:13px;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(47, 57, 58); line-height: 22px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">For as he <sup class="studyNoteMarker" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 10px; vertical-align: super; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">a</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/prov/23?lang=eng#" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=ot&bookUri=prov&chapterUri=23&noteID=7a&lang=eng" id="footnote4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(72, 111, 174); text-decoration: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">thinketh</span></a> in his <sup class="studyNoteMarker" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 10px; vertical-align: super; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">b</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/prov/23?lang=eng#" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=ot&bookUri=prov&chapterUri=23&noteID=7b&lang=eng" id="footnote5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(72, 111, 174); text-decoration: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">heart</a>, so is he. If our thoughts are a manifestation of our hearts, what consequences do the echoing beats of our music choice present in our lives, and ultimately in our characters? In essence what do our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">playlists</span> really say about us? Does our DVD collection although diverse in genre, also contain sameness with common themes in perversity? Has quality control been made redundant on our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">tv</span> networks? Are we far to trusting in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">tv</span> series, relying on past seasons to formulate opinions on watching current and subsequent episodes? Granted the world is going to pot, but have we let some of the stink in too? And do we actually look forward to when the smut is going to be on.... even downloading on the net before its actually broadcasted on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">tv</span>? Personally, I can answer all of these questions, and their answers put me to shame. Hence the decision/ ban. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(47, 57, 58); line-height: 22px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#2F393A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Last Saturday I had 1/2hr to myself while Linc took the kids out to run an errand. I was super excited, I flopped down on the couch in my bathrobe had the laptop out and decided to check out rage ( a music video <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">tv</span> show) for some background music. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ahhhh</span> feel the serenity, it was so nice to be listening to some "new" music, beats and lyrics that in no way resembled any of my children's music. Then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">screeeeeeeeeeeeech</span>. I looked up at the screen and what I saw and heard just shocked me. What I was witnessing was offensive in every possible way. I'm referring to lady <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">gaga's</span> new song, I'm in love with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">judas</span>. (I know grammatically Nouns should start with a capital letter but I don't feel gaga or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">judas</span> deserve the Capital letter right now). What I saw in that 30 seconds made me physically ill. If I dissected what I saw and broke it down, the individual elements might seem not so bad. Apparently the lyrics are not overly offensive, their was no nudity or sex scenes in the clip, and as a music video clip it would be deemed as entertaining. If I wanted to, I could of ignored it. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#2F393A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#2F393A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">I just couldn't stand that filth for one more second. It felt like a measured and deliberate attack on all that I hold sacredly dear. Attempting to degrade Deity in the name of art and entertainment felt wrong wrong wrong. Look I won't blah blah blah about it. Many of my girls that I teach LOVE this artist. How many other songs or lyrics are being sung to a catchy tune, being danced to in her alluring individual interpretation of what she deems an accurate portrayal of "who she is?"</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#2F393A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#2F393A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">I suspect the lure isn't just the music itself. She's created a character, a brand, a concept. I myself bought her initial <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">flattery's</span>. I found myself admiring her prolific artistic abilities. She certainly brought something different to the music industry. Perhaps the other ploy in the younger years is the perfervid attempts to become different/individual (within the normal range of course, the concept of being weird is an abhorrent concept to a teenager). I know I've battled with this concept myself. I avoided the whole Twilight saga just because everyone else was doing it... Thats how I started watching Glee, there were just too much good feedback to not watch the show. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#2F393A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#2F393A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#2F393A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; ">Are we chasing an illusion? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(47, 57, 58); line-height: 22px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">By telling the world that I like coconut icecream, enjoy a bit of John Farnham and watch q&a really encapsulate who I am?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#2F393A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(47, 57, 58); line-height: 22px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">Should our lives fit neatly into the text feilds of a face book profile, or are we defined by something more devine and eternal? I came across a talk whilst researching my repentance talk given by Elder Nelson. He made this point..."There is more individuality in those who are more holy. <b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Sin</span></b>, on the other hand, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">brings sameness</span></b>; it shrinks us to the addictive appetites and insubordinate impulses. For a brief surging, selfish moment, sin may create the illusion of individuality, but only as in the grunting, galloping Gadarene swine!" (The pigs whom the Saviour cast the evil spirits into)</span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(47, 57, 58); line-height: 22px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#2F393A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">I'm a little bit cooky. A bit strange. A little intense, ok maybe alot. There are some qualities in my personality that I detest, others that I'm so eternally grateful for. The more righteous and Christlike I become, the more I feel like a daughter of God. I feel like I stand out for all the right reasons. And that over this life time I will become the best version God intended me to be. It means making choices. Who am I? This daughter of God is on high alert. Satan has entered this home via my tv, computer and other devices for long enough. Not only will gaga not be featured on my playlists, but glee is not my weekly "can't wait till wednesday night" program. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#2F393A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#2F393A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Why am i so long winded? Imagine the sound effect of a rider dismounting a rather tall horse... got that sound figured out in your head........ Thats just me getting down off my moral high horse. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(47, 57, 58); line-height: 22px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(47, 57, 58); line-height: 22px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><br /></span></div></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#2F393A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-9295825603093124942011-04-02T06:51:00.000-07:002011-04-02T07:11:47.641-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Holy Cow he's 4 !!!!!!!!!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(and mummy isn't institutionalised)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So I've never hid the fact that the kid is hard work. Many tears have been shed for and because of this kid. He's also been our resident comedian and is extremely intelligent. He can be spiritual and has excellent comprehension skills. His memory ability surpasses many adults (including his mummy). When he's kind it melts my heart. I was always love you Spencer James Kilworth. Happy 4th Birthday kiddo. Love mummy and daddy xxoo</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQMBe5LHPNeF1dMRJHNYIK_PVzbF_wJwfkVnMLZNDnhHxeNWlxj09yp41nE7GQn7deLdYNGaVfPwaYs-tYDiy1Jb07gURFfgHcM07WTYc3zhPVRiuv7kJECqz7Fx1ZvknZGddg2NWO8I/s1600/IMG_2567.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQMBe5LHPNeF1dMRJHNYIK_PVzbF_wJwfkVnMLZNDnhHxeNWlxj09yp41nE7GQn7deLdYNGaVfPwaYs-tYDiy1Jb07gURFfgHcM07WTYc3zhPVRiuv7kJECqz7Fx1ZvknZGddg2NWO8I/s320/IMG_2567.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590985324339403634" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3QMw7rDFcqLp3WQf4Y-9n2_MEjlZAlRDyN5gqBC4Dg6u3_NBx-r5AY2NhiZOTy1_RaoNUAuKyoSpRJhOL-3u32OO9qdFNvOxByc2JuWcVIN1HZFaUqkm-SeviAe6wyE9O4M_lnuwbZA/s1600/IMG_2601.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3QMw7rDFcqLp3WQf4Y-9n2_MEjlZAlRDyN5gqBC4Dg6u3_NBx-r5AY2NhiZOTy1_RaoNUAuKyoSpRJhOL-3u32OO9qdFNvOxByc2JuWcVIN1HZFaUqkm-SeviAe6wyE9O4M_lnuwbZA/s320/IMG_2601.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590985313859262674" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">he's been begging me for a "real Woody" doll for ages. Love that kid's smile...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2W76bC5LJL9YpI_K_naSamhHDJHhivuidwlrJbQZ6213tNq7hbXiPNYzXLzwcnOw-8Wv-RSP24l5I1GP-jWDOgNuP-lNnCOO6tGCn5ynI5KOlgeriSdaECG3hsyHlc9LIUmKTNn85K0/s1600/IMG_2644.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2W76bC5LJL9YpI_K_naSamhHDJHhivuidwlrJbQZ6213tNq7hbXiPNYzXLzwcnOw-8Wv-RSP24l5I1GP-jWDOgNuP-lNnCOO6tGCn5ynI5KOlgeriSdaECG3hsyHlc9LIUmKTNn85K0/s320/IMG_2644.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590983862681688690" /></a><br /><div>I think I met the brief! One "woody" cake to go! Cake decorating is so not my forte but I think I did pretty good this time. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We've still got a long way to go with the kid, but today I'm just grateful for his unique little spirit that has blessed our family in countless ways. </div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-24527488615435288932011-03-26T19:34:00.000-07:002011-03-26T20:34:57.446-07:00<!--StartFragment--> <p class="Header2" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>REPENTANCE TALK</b></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="Header2" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">.... WARNING it a long one!</span></o:p></p><p class="Header2" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. I approach this topic today with reverence and awe. I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me. I’ve agonized over what to share, pleaded for the Lord’s inspiration and prayed for the Holy Ghost to be present during this talk. I’ve felt apprehension as to how the message will be received. The sense of urgency and importance has intensified as recent world events have unfolded. I fret that the message will fall on deaf ears because of the person delivering the talk. I plead with you to open your hearts, to be receptive. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Repentance… is widely misunderstood and often feared. Some feel that it is to be employed only by those in serious transgression, while the Lord intended that it be consistently used by every one of His children…. When understood and used, it is a dear and precious friend. The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to “re-turn” toward God. It is the beckoning of a loving Father and His Only Begotten Son to be more than we are, to reach up to a higher way of life, to change, and to feel the happiness of keeping the commandments.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We are not saved by our good intentions and some listening today may need “a mighty change of heart” to confront serious sins. I myself fall into this category. I’ve fallen into the trap of believing the message is for someone else and that it does not apply to me. I have had to repent of fault findings in others. I guess when we spend too much time condemning anyone we have wasted time at working out our own salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When all is said and done, we then are allowed to choose; will we repent, or will we pull the shades down over our open window into heaven? Neil L Anderson<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText"><!--StartFragment--> </p><p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">WHAT IS REPENTANCE / SIN?</span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Sin is the wilful transgression of divine law, it estranges us from God. Sin limits our progress and curtails our development. We all sin. Its something we all have in common. The Lord himself knew this and devised a Plan of Happiness or Salvation. Part of that plan was to have a Saviour, who would atone for the sins of mankind and make it possible for man to return to live in his presence. Jesus Christ came and did all that the Father asked him to do. He is the only way and means by which man can be saved. We can access the power of the atonement through the saving doctrine of Repentance.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Repentance is the Lord’s law of growth, his principle of development and his plan for happiness. Repentance is not optional for salvation. It is a commandment of God. Repentance is a rescuing, not a dour (severe, stern, stubborn) doctrine. It is available to the gross sinner as well as to the already good individual striving for incremental improvement. Repentance is one of the most vital and MERCIFUL doctrines of the kingdom. It is too little understood and too little applied by us all. Should it not be a regular means of personal progression? Neal A Maxwell<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Sometimes it is easier to define what something is by telling what it is not. Spencer W Kimball taught: Repentance is not repetition of sin. It is not laughing at sin. It is not justification for sin. Repentance is not the hardening of the spiritual arteries. It is not the minimizing of the seriousness of the error. Repentance is not retirement from activity. It is not the closeting of sin to corrode and overburden the sinner.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></o:p></p><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Now more than ever, the world and the saints of the church need to repent. Paul was spot on when he spoke of our time…This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts. Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></o:p></p><!--StartFragment--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">REALITY OF SATAN<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matt 6:24) When we disobey God’s commandments we inadvertently choose by default our master. We choose the master of deception, the devil himself, Lucifer. He teaches slavery to the flesh, not the mastery of it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Nephi explains how he operates: For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good. And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell. And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance. (2 Nephi 28:20-22)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">President Uchtdorf elaborates…Satan tries to counterfeit the work of God, and by doing this he may deceive many. To make us lose hope, feel miserable like himself, and believe that we are beyond forgiveness, Satan might even misuse words from the scriptures that emphasize the justice of God, in order to imply that there is no mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We need to be aware of his influence. I love telling Satan how it is. Sometimes i love saying things out aloud to him. I can literally picture him shrinking, with the affirmation of truth, and that he has been discovered in his lies! He only has power and influence over us if we allow it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">SIGNS – NEED FOR REPENTANCE<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Are you taking full advantage of the redeeming power of repentance in your life so that you can have greater peace and joy? Feelings of turmoil and despondency often signal a need for repentance. Also the lack of the spiritual direction you seek in your life could result from broken laws. If needed, full repentance will put your life together. It will solve all of the complex spiritual pains that come from transgression.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I'm certain little few are aware of my struggles with depression in the past. I'm not ashamed or embarrassed about my battle. In fact I want people to know, especially now as I'm finding answers to years of desperate prayers for help. My self pity was rife. It was during this state of mind that the sludge in which sin sprouts so easily was left to run rampant. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="Header2"><!--StartFragment--> </p><p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I had been quite angry toward Heavenly Father for some years... I found that I started to mellow and seeing things AS THEY REALLY ARE. Its no accident that particular people, articles, talks and promptings are not only teaching me but preparing me for change, alas repentance also. Its amazing how the combination of imbalance and Satan's angels can tear one soul apart and destroy all that is beautiful and divine<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">RECOGNITION</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "> </span></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There can be no Repentance without recognition of wrong. We need to examine our lives. If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us (John 1:18) Whether by provocation, introspection, or wrenching remembrance, denial must be dissolved. As with the prodigal son who finally “came to himself”, the first rays of recognition help us begin to see “things as they really are. We must admit to ourselves that we have sinned, without the slightest minimilization of the offense or rationalizing of its seriousness, or without soft-pedaling its gravity. Recognition is a sacred moment, often accompanied by the hot blush of shame.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">After recognition, real remorse floods the soul. This is a “godly sorrow,” not merely the “sorrow of the world” nor the “sorrowing of the damned,” when we can no longer “take happiness in sin.” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><!--StartFragment--></o:p></p><p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">False remorse instead is like “fondling our failing.” In ritual regret, we mourn our mistakes but without mending them. Have we become too preoccupied with pleasing the carnal mind (Alma 30:53) which always insistently asks, “What have you done for me lately?” Do we pander to our favourite sins, indulging in their tranquilizing effects. We settle for “fun” and trade it for in for its superior… “joy.” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We become numb. Rationalizing is the enemy to repentance. Someone has said, “Rationalizing is the bringing of ideals down to the level of one’s conduct while repentance is the bringing of one’s conduct up to the level of his ideals.” Do we rationalize sin nearly out of existence?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The aim is to re-ignite the conscience. Let your sins trouble you. Let the tears flow, let your heart be chastened. There should be an element of shame. Do not endeavour to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sin. Instead of suppression, remove the hurt altogether. Let the justice of God and his mercy and his long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust in humility (Alma 42:30) Allow the Saviour to make you whole again, to heal you. At this point we will become like King Lamoni’s father when he said” I will give away all my sins to know thee, (Alma 22:18)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Russel M Nelson taught: The Lord insists on our repentance, most people don’t feel such a compelling need. They include themselves among those who try to be good. They have no evil intent. The Lord is clear in His message that all need to repent., not only from sins of commission but from sins of omission as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="Header2"><!--StartFragment--> </p><p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">CONFESSION<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Very frequently people think they have repented and are worthy of forgiveness when all they have done is to express sorrow or regret at the unfortunate happening, but their repentance is barely started. Until they have begun to make changes in their lives, transformation in their habits, and to add new thoughts to their minds, to be sorry is only a bare beginning. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Do we justify ourselves in our perversions? Do we feel powerless in the matter, not responsible for the tendency. Do we blame God, thinking that “God made us this way.” This is untrue as any other of the diabolical lies San has concocted. It is blasphemy. Man is made in the image of God. Does the pervert think God to be “that way.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Our ills are usually of our own begetting. They must be corrected by ourselves. Man is the master of his destiny, be it good or bad. Man has the inherent capacity to heal himself physically. Likewise, a healing process in the spirit and mind must come from within – from self will. Others may help to cauterize the wound, suture it, and provide a clean and proper environment for the healing, but the body, with the aid of the Spirit, but heal itself…. Subject to continued vigilance. We must work out our own Salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The next step is to confess. It starts with confessing to the Lord. And if the matter is of a serious nature it is appropriate one goes to the bishop, a “judge in Israel”…in these matters the bishop is our best earthly friend. He is one who works with the Spirit of the Lord in blessing our lives and keeping all matters completely confidential. Those who hold back some of their sins will be held back. So will those who refuse to work humbly and honestly with the Lord’s appointed. Partial disclosure to appointed leaders brings full accountability. The Prophet Joseph said, “We ought to … keep nothing back.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="Header2"><!--StartFragment--> </p><p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Neal A Maxwell warned: We cannot expect to sin publicly and extensively and then expect to be rescued privately and quickly, being beaten “with only a few stripes.” One with a broken heart will not hold back. A confession lets the sickening sin out, the spirit that withdrew, returns to renew. Confession then aids in forsaking.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Still other things stubbornly impede repentance, such as our not being reproved early on, when we might have been less proud and more able to recognize our need to change. (See </span><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/121.43?lang=eng#42"><span style="color:windowtext;text-decoration:none;text-underline:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">D&C 121:43</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">.) In such situations, truly “no man cared for my soul.” (</span><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/ps/142.4?lang=eng#3"><span style="color: windowtext;text-decoration:none;text-underline:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ps. 142:4</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">.) Parents do their children a disservice in failing to instruct their children, and further impede their progress by failing to hold children responsible for wrong doings. We dessert their souls and leave them at Satan’s mercy by trying to gloss over transgressions to avoid publicity and scandal. Learning from your mistakes instead of obedience to God’s commandments is not wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">During some of my darkest moments, family members, associates, dear friends and our wonderful bishop extended an olive branch and offered counsel and concern. For the most part their words fell on deaf ears. But the impression left with me was “they cared.” Two dear friends visited one day with a piece of paper containing a list. I sensed they were nervous. Polite chit chat exhausted itself and the conversation turned to the reason for their visit. Their list was a loving but direct call to repentance. Pride came into play. Funny how one who was suffering so severely with feelings of self worth could </span></span><!--EndFragment--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">stand so obstinate and proud. They expressed their sadness, that they loved me dearly and left with a invitiation to come unto Christ. At the time the invitiation was rejected but like Enos, I began to ponder on the welfare of my soul. I began to hope. Time passed, and the seed of hope was beginning to grow. The wheels of change we set in motion.</span><p></p><!--StartFragment--> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">FORSAKING SIN<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In real repentance, there is the actual forsaking of sin. “Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.” (</span><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/ezek/18.30?lang=eng#29"><span style="color:windowtext;text-decoration:none;text-underline:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ezek. 18:30</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">.)And again in the D&C (58:43) By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Repentance is like soap. It is the soap of life. Like soap, it washes away the sins of life. It is to be used as frequently as necessary. One must keep in mind, however, that misuse – lack of thorough cleansing and half-hearted effort – may result in “tattletale grey.” Properly used, however, the soap of life cleanses thoroughly, completely, and permanently.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Saviour plead with his disciples whilst in the garden of Gethsemane: Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.(Matt 26:41) Haven’t we’ll all felt that? The desire was there, but alas failure. We can find comfort in knowing that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. (2 Nephi 25:23) It requires effort to have a desire and not loose heart, especially with Satan constantly trying to bombard us with his half truths and discouragement.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="Header2"><!--StartFragment--> </p><p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">One must not be surprised that effort is required, and not merely desire. After all, it is work which develops our spiritual and physical muscles. Strength and struggle go together. The supreme reward of struggle is strength. The pursuit of easy things makes men weak. Do not equip yourself with superior power and hope to escape the responsibility and work. It cannot be done. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">To do evil is usually easier than to do right. The exercise of all your will and powers of the body and mind are demanded, to complete the glorious work of repentance. The mind needs just as much self control and discipline (if not more) than the body. Gandhi expressed : “A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes. “<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="Header2"><!--StartFragment--> </p><p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Whilst blogging about some of my insights in weightloss, I recorded the following. “I must learn to master my body and not let it make decisions for me. How can I expect to have further eternal and exalted responsibilities if I cannot learn to master my thoughts and appetites. The longer we indulge in sin the weaker we become. Satan incites the carnal man to ever-deepening degeneracy in his search for excitement until in many instance he is lost to any former considerations of deceny… we become as animals. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Paul taught: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. The forsaking of sins implies never returning. Forsaking requires time. To help us, the Lord at times allows the residue of our mistakes to rest in our memory. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">TIME<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Repentance is timeless. Its evidence lies in transformation. Repentance does not work to deadlines. It is not hastened by upcoming nuptials, or have an “Advance to go” clause. Time is needed for sufficient cleansing and turning. For habits to be broken and new ones formed. Relationships with the entire Godhead are in repair and a softening of the sinner’s heart is being obtained. Have patience with yourself, do not loose courage in your own imperfections but continue in setting about remedying them. Every day begin the task anew. Whilst unpleasant, misery has its special uses. Repentance is the Lord’s law of growth and his principle of development. It is a vital part of our mortal learning .</span></p><p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><!--StartFragment--> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">PRAYER<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In the anguishing process of repentance, we may sometimes feel God has deserted us. In the past, I’ve felt of this desertion. I felt wrongly abandoned. In reality it was my behaviour that had isolated me from Him. While we are turning away from evil but have not yet turned fully to God, we are especially vulnerable. Yet we must not give up, but, instead, reach out to God’s awaiting arm of mercy, which is outstretched “all the day long. Unlike us, God has no restrictive office hours.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Enos began the task of repentance by going to the Lord in mighty prayer. But what about during? It is ever so imperative throughout the entire process. In the exercise of abandoning sin, it is often necessary to abandon persons, places, things and situations that are associated with transgression. How else can we awake from the deep sleep, and shake off the awful chains by which we are bound ? We often feel it is “too hard.” I remember saying this to myself. In reflection I can safely say that I was absolutely right. I couldn’t do this… not on my own. Let prayer, the passport to spiritual power lead you through the cleansing process. And as repentance is more a journey than a one time event, it will become a conduit between you and the Father.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="Header2"><!--StartFragment--> </p><p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">LIVING THE COMMANDMENTS<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Living the commandments, for some, is the hardest part of repentance. It puts one on guard for the remainder of their life. One should seek to bring their life into full conformity with our Heavenly Father’s teachings for “by their fruits ye shall know them.” Perhaps few realize this as an important element. Though one may have abandoned a particular sin and even confessed it to his bishop, he is not yet repentant if he has not developed a life of action through service and righteousness. He that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven.” (D&C132-33)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When necessary, we seek a total transformation in thoughts, ideals, standards, and actions in order that we may fulfil the assignment given us by the Saviour: “I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.” (</span><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/12.48?lang=eng#47"><span style="color:windowtext;text-decoration:none;text-underline:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3 Ne. 12:48</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">.) This step requires no holding back. If one neglects his tithing, misses his meetings, breaks the Sabbath, or fails in his prayers and other responsibilities, he is not completely repentant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">President Harold B Lee taught: “The most important of all the commandments of God is the one that you’re having the most difficulty keeping today. If it’s one of dishonesty, if it’s one of un-chastity, if it’s one of falsifying or not telling the truth, today is the day for you to work on that, until you’ve been able to conquer that weakness. Then you start on the next one that’s most difficult for you to keep.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="Header2"><!--StartFragment--> </p><p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">RESTITUTION<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Along with living the commandments and pledging our lives in service we must make restitution, completely where possible, otherwise to the maximum degree possible. Leviticus states: Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Scriptures make mention of, 4 even 5 fold restitution. The children of Israel were issued with secular laws, devised to control the large population. For example, Moses taught the people that… If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore 5 oxen for a ox, and 4 sheep for a sheep. We might find this “a little steep.” The Lord explains in later verses, that when dealing with their fellow neighbour un-righteously they are also trespassing against the Lord. Restitution is about making things right in a physical and spiritual manner. It has nothing to do with the cost. If we truly understood the gravity of our sins and the part th<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Approaching restitution with a “broken heart and a contrite spirit” will enhance our capacity, to find opportunities to restore to some extent. Like Godly sorrow, it‘s an attitude. By doing everything in our power to right the wrong. Forgoing personal embarrassment or reputation, a gossip may make restitution by strenuously trying to restore the good name of the victim they so carelessly slandered. Or perhaps destroying all illegal and forged media, pledging to pay a full and proper price on all future purchases. Ideas will flow as we endeavour to “put ourselves in some one else’s shoes.” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">FORGIVENESS</span></p><!--StartFragment--> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We start to give people the “benefit of the doubt.” We are more inclined to extend forgiveness, for we now understand its pre-condition to our own sought after forgiveness from the Father. Isaiah teaches that the Lord has mercy on us, and that he will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55:7) The Lord is eager to forgive his children. He wants to extend his arms of mercy toward you. To encircle you with his arms of safety and love, lengthened out all the day long. A parent instinctively stretches out their arms to comfort a hurt or distressed child. This is in like manner to the Father. Remember that we are his work and glory, to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life. “Of two things I remember quite clearly, I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Saviour!” (Amazing Grace)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">President Kimball explained that the essence of the miracle of forgiveness is that it brings peace to the previously anxious, restless, frustrated, perhaps tormented soul… God will wipe away… the tears of anguish, remorse, fear and guilt.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It is not repentance per se that saves man. It is the blood of Jesus Christ that saves us. It is not by our sincere and honest change of behaviour alone that we are saved, but “by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” True repentance, however, is the condition required so that God’s forgiveness can come into our lives. True repentance makes “a brilliant day out of the darkest night.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Satan will try to make us believe that our sins are not forgiven because we can remember them. Satan is a liar; he tries to blur our vision and lead us away from the path of repentance and forgiveness. God did not promise that we would not remember our sins. Remembering will help us avoid making the same mistakes again,. But if we</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">stay true and faithful, the memory of our sins will be softened over time, This will be part of the needed healing and sanctification process. Alma testified that after he cried out to Jesus for mercy, he could still remember his sins, but the memory of his sins no longer distressed and tortured him, because he knew he had been forgiven.</span><p></p><!--StartFragment--> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">FRUITS / BLESSINGS OF REPENTANCE</span></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Once attained, we begin to recognise the fruits of repentance. We become conscious of blessings and new spiritual muscles that have developed over the course of time. The repentant convert finds that the truths of the restored gospel govern their thoughts and deeds, shape their habits and forge their character. They are more resilient and able to deny themselves of all ungodliness. Virtue garnishes their thoughts, and self-confidence grows. Tithing is seen as a joyful and protective blessing, not as a duty or sacrifice. Truth becomes more attractive, and things more praise worthy become more engaging. (Russel M Nelson) True conversion gives power. It turns “have to” into “want to.” Peace enters in, and the influence of the Spirit is enjoyed in greater abundance. In short we are better prepared to live with our Father in Heaven. (Pres. Uchtdorf)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">How difficult it must be for Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, to see so many needlessly suffer, because His gift of repentance is ignored. It must pain Him deeply to see the pointless agony both in this life and beyond the veil that accompany the unrepentant sinner after all He did so that we need not suffer. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">Richard G Scott</span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "> </span></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">PROCRASTINATION / WARNINGS</span></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We are not saved by our good intentions. The temptation to delay comes from our enemy, Lucifer. One of the most serious human defects in all ages is procrastination.” Defined as “an unwillingness to accept personal responsibility now.” (Spencer W Kimball) Now” can seem so difficult, and “later” appear so much easier. The truth is that today is always a better day to repent than any tomorrow. First, sin has its debilitating effects on us. The very faith we need to repent is weakened by delay. The choice to continue in sin diminishes our faith and lessens our right to claim the Holy Ghost as our companion and comforter. (Neal A Maxwell)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We have been warned…“For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labours. (Alma 34:32)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Amulek testifies in Alma34:33-36<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labour performed. Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world. For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance even until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he doth seal you his; therefore, the Spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and hath no place in you, and the devil hath all power over you; and this is the final state of the wicked.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Header2"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There is another temptation to be resisted. It is to yield to the despairing thought that it is too hard and too late to repent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="Header2"><!--StartFragment--> </p><p class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Have you wandered from the path of joy and now find yourself where you do not want to be, with feelings you do not want to have? Is there a yearning to return to the peace and joy of a worthy life? I invite you with all the love of my heart to repent and come back. Decide to do it now. That journey is not as difficult as it seems. You can cast out guilt, overcome depression, receive the blessing of peace of mind, and find enduring joy. Pray for help and guidance, and you will be led to find it. Go to where you know the light of truth shines—to a worthy friend, a loving bishop or stake president, an understanding parent. Follow the path to peace and joy through complete repentance. The Savior will help you obtain forgiveness as you sincerely follow all of the steps to repentance. He is the Redeemer. He loves you. He wants you to have peace and joy in your life.</span></p><p class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Gill Sans'; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen</span></p><p class="MsoBodyText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Gill Sans'; font-size: medium; "> </span></p><p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p class="Header2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-22174375260690527032011-03-18T05:45:00.000-07:002011-03-18T05:46:02.944-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: 18px; "><p>“ Choose Faith! Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism.”</p><p align="right">Richard C. Edgley</p><p align="right">October 2010 General Conference</p></span>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-68090939229057202732011-03-06T20:58:00.000-08:002011-03-18T03:05:23.671-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Food for thought</span></b></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Alicia..... note to self..... food is just food. You need it to live, and thats about it. Put the good stuff in and you will feel better. Put the bad stuff in and you'll feel bad. I tell this to myself ALL the time. The mantra is failing big time. Why, because most of the world views it completely differently!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Food is celebratory. Food is comforting and a healing balm. Food is a drug. Food is a tradition. Food is historical and features in stories. Food has become complicated. I don't think (infact I know) the Lord did not intend it to be this way. We made it complex. We open packets instead of plucking from the vine to eat.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If I want to change my eating habits it literally means that I must get a chopping board out FOR EVERY MEAL. As soon as a open a packet then I'm stuffed. Put simply, health means effort.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I've had a few instances where I've gone without a "treat" and watched everyone around me indulge. It sucked. Removed from the situation and thinking clearly, I feel to chastise myself for being so petty about food. Alicia.... where there cheques being handed out for $1 million dollars and you were the only one not to receive one? No? Then boo hoo! Get over yourself..... ITS JUST FOOD! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Better said then done. I must learn to master my body and not let it make decisions for me. How can I expect to have further eternal and exalted responsibilities if I cannot learn to master my thoughts and appetites. Cravings are optional, they are not a automatic disruption of my eating plan. Hunger is just a reminder that in times past I have made a habit of eating far too much. My stomach will shrink and the budget will thank me for it. I feel like I've made sense of all my complaints. I have an answer that is accurate and my body can accept that with minimal disappointment.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The struggle lies with the feeling of missing out. That I'm missing out on the treat or reward, or the celebration. Food can be inclusive. Why else do so many of drink alcohol? We want to feel a part of the group. We feel rude when we decline birthday cake, and bashful when we sit watching others eat whilst not eating ourselves. Can we not celebrate without consuming thousands of calories. Can we not Celebrate without food? It seems preposterous doesn't it? How do we go about changing that? Should it be more about the program and less about the menu?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Food for thought...not that food has anything to do with it.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"> </span></span></div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-16427883756110534592011-02-03T04:56:00.000-08:002011-02-03T06:04:14.187-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9jko-KnjGvINYFbPHPdB16ICiYHbvr4LeF1q4ipgq6r8a5qtC07rhzHItUG2wAk1b8WLhRFchvsjV6TmY2gfupO7oJDuYmBPx1nxrexRoaCZvynX6XW4m3vsi-lPHXffzsssCQ7vE8Y/s1600/IMG_2379.JPG"></a><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">STOP PRESS.... Alicia actually finished a project</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Its February... what the heck. I haven't felt like blogging. Still don't, but one of my besties just wrote a witty and entertaining blog and it reminded me that I used to write. I don't necessarily need an audience.... I'm </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">haughty enough to laugh at my own jokes and feel gratified at my supposed witticisms. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Incognito, I play the housewife pretending to be educated and clever when really I want to use ordinary and dull words that are used in the thesaurus' search engine not in the actual text itself. Farcical really. See what I mean, ridiculous would of sufficed but I can't help myself. What a doofus (no dictionary or thesaurus needed there).</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I digress. Just wanted to show you the skirts I made at Christmas for the girls. The previous post mentioned I'd started and would you believe they actually made it under the Christmas tree. I was really chuffed at the end result. What a great word...chuffed, not to be confused with chaffed.</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNU2WOmHQbw4dILmLug424gu-d-TqDrpUcA_rQvuMV1Wumf8cnZdoPoW2jgzp_deY7CAWA9vLpaCTPfos2Gl6ml7TBIkrRHVQrxKPKuNUgntQ542UAmXunFIstGVLrGm51wWDYeeC0ss/s1600/IMG_2382.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNU2WOmHQbw4dILmLug424gu-d-TqDrpUcA_rQvuMV1Wumf8cnZdoPoW2jgzp_deY7CAWA9vLpaCTPfos2Gl6ml7TBIkrRHVQrxKPKuNUgntQ542UAmXunFIstGVLrGm51wWDYeeC0ss/s320/IMG_2382.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569455660850120018" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">J<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">azzy and Bella</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I took the girls skirts from a pattern over at this <a href="http://www.polkadotchair.com/p/my-tutorials.html">blog</a>.... Fantastic. Search under her tutorials under girls patchwork skirt, its a fair way down the page.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnQI2nlobhsgJfKk6DYHyTfgn3ag71Pvh-q1RMgUfP0oWn_cZa5Uo9Zrh_UhgjqHp-LJsKDwv2lNP_KAKnbSZ6Gkri30yUiCvi8JeCPaKpGi897b-aOhFWKrlutOAfjzHHIkp8nGZ_ao/s1600/IMG_2387.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnQI2nlobhsgJfKk6DYHyTfgn3ag71Pvh-q1RMgUfP0oWn_cZa5Uo9Zrh_UhgjqHp-LJsKDwv2lNP_KAKnbSZ6Gkri30yUiCvi8JeCPaKpGi897b-aOhFWKrlutOAfjzHHIkp8nGZ_ao/s320/IMG_2387.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569455651843132930" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Micky</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Micky's skirt took </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">HOURS</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">HOURS</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">HOURS</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. Cutting and sewing on the bias is unforgiving and frustrating to say the least. This idea was from No Big Dill and I think I put her link on the last post.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I made an outfit for Brooklyn as well... here she is looking less than impressed. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9jko-KnjGvINYFbPHPdB16ICiYHbvr4LeF1q4ipgq6r8a5qtC07rhzHItUG2wAk1b8WLhRFchvsjV6TmY2gfupO7oJDuYmBPx1nxrexRoaCZvynX6XW4m3vsi-lPHXffzsssCQ7vE8Y/s320/IMG_2379.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569457794688519122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I added a little cupcake applique to her little shirt and just made a easy rah rah skirt, using her measurements multiplying by 2 for the top layer and 3 for the bottom. Elastic waist band with a frill and cha ching DONE! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I managed to squeeze sewing up some softies for Christy to help out with some of the flood victims. Details are on her blog </span><a href="http://achristyproduction.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. Just the same Elephant ones I did a while back. Pretty sure i had pictures up on a previous post.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And thats all I have to say about that. Coming up. I hope to publish my Repentence talk, which isn't until march but I've started doing my research early especially because I wanted to read the Miracle of Forgiveness. I am no longer the same person. More on that later. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-65774189502742866712010-11-25T23:12:00.000-08:002010-11-25T23:45:24.523-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Report and Re-emphasize </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So it been quite a while. A long time, and things are going well, i just haven't been in the writing mood. The report is as follows.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I've lost 12kgs. I feel great. I'm fitting size 16's and am now flying solo. So i stopped doing lite n easy about 3 weeks ago now and have lost 2kgs on my own now. These are all nice accomplishments to report, they are the measurable accomplishments. I'm more proud of the progress i've made that people can't see. The changes inside my mind are the changes I'm most proud of.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The first 2 weeks were HELL. It was literally like going on a detox. The withdrawal was monstrous. I was craving sugar SO bad. I was really hungry. I felt terrible. I wanted to quit so many times. I stuck it out. Yeah good on me. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I bought Zumba and started doing that as well. Been super slack in the last month though. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I no longer have cravings. Infact my body cannot tolerate bad fatty food. Without going into details, it literally rejects it. On several occasions I've taken one mouthful of lets say a burger and spat it right out. YUCK. I actually don't like the flavor of bad foods anymore. My taste buds have completely changed. Once upon a time I could eat the sweetest things, now, fruit is as about as sweet as it can get. Infact in most cases I substitute vanilla essence for sugar. I enjoy a bit of 80% dark chocolate and 2 squares is plenty. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">WOW isn't that huge! Who would of thought... i've kind of blown myself away. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I'm happy</span></b>. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In those dark moments not so long ago, I never dreamed this would be possible. Not much about my life has changed. Well sort of. First, I had to fix my hormones. Second, I had to fix my testimony and repent. Third, time to start serving again (at home and at church). Fourth, time to tackle the weight and lifestyle changes. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I firmly believed that loosing this weight was (for me at least) was about obeying a commandment. I was infact breaking a commandment.... ie. the Word of Wisdom. The healthier I become the more I am appreciating and understanding my role as a beloved daughter of a Father in Heaven. And as his daughter I'm pretty special. The only sadness is that its taken me so long to realize this. I've wasted so much time!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This weightloss is NOT about being a size 8 or looking "hot" or "sexy." Remember that rant? This is about being healthy. Its interesting to note that the begining of healthy is HEAL. And that is exactly what had to happen and is continuing to happen. By doing this, I'm teaching my children correct eating habbits. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The last thing I wanted to share is a bit about women and hormones. I see alot of the old depressed me in alot of women I come into contact with. I firmly believe that alot of depression stems directly as a result of hormone inbalances. Within 3 days of taking some natural medications I felt NORMAL. I felt the heavy cloke of despair lift and my body respond is a positive manner. I was able to think straight and felt in control of my emotions and thought processes. I went to see a Holistic Doctor who i HIGHLY RECOMMEND.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Here are the details.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Medical Sanctuary</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dr Paul Payton</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(Holistic Medical Practitioner)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Office C2</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ashmore City Shopping Centre</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">206 Currumburra Road</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ashmore</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">PH 5564 5013</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">FAX 5564 5080</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.themedicalsanctuary.com.au">www.themedicalsanctuary.com.au</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thankyou everyone for you kind comments and support. Its been most encouraging to receive your kind words. </div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-12972079239883239852010-10-09T20:46:00.000-07:002010-10-09T21:21:22.306-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMec6vZe48Xa5bpDLQgOuTa8qfFTouhlkBIe_glK4YJ_OEwjTuTFBZ0biUvjMxkKpQr8IOMw0jYihyyaR8eRmvP78eT_lSRpyze_faQ6zqH3SCVw_RsPaSgRe3j8qlHXSg01b31gRXqFo/s1600/IMG_2320.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Christmas made with my own hands</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I love making as many gifts as possible at Christmas time. This means you have to start early or just resist giving aways crafts for birthdays and other special occasions throughout the year. This year we have my sister in law and her husband and 3 kids to buy for (in the Kilworth family). I've racked my brains! I think i've made up my mind what to do for all the girls. Here are my ideas.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">My sister in law, Nikki, loves a funky pant. I saw this pattern Issey Miyake designed for Vogue. Love the top and pants combo. What do you think?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Pattern number 1052</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I've tried to upload the picture but the file keeps getting corrupted somewhere along the line. Google it if you can be bothered.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So idea number 2. For the 2 girls i wanted to make some church and casual skirts for my neices.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I was planning to use the new pattern </span><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.tonicoward.blogspot.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Make it Perfect</span></a></b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.tonicoward.blogspot.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">just released, and incorporate this concept on </span><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.thedillspiel.blogspot.com/2010/09/you-asked-for-it.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">no big dill.</span></a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaym7ZqWGuth-1k4AKRaIjGWxL-0QFV7ybUcX-HEjEnrQCoxlVEKtYfJBJagDT_tXOzxvSp6f9XpeH_N9mTAUkjbH5mZqGNqfBY9RUUp_tzLzYzvMDNyX93p71MIvfUSYgscumEknyxnI/s320/a++skirts+cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526264293320614722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YY39jI50QokPPhNvhShXi8QaLI6nASDyqijS8OzYPrBgc7gf_QP7XcuEYRKM5RCRzqMYgDM_MNzQaQkKfPMNL_ctlaXl7aABqsad9TB2a6xpAeivHaiumWqk6VjgjpgbbVwI1YPsjJY/s320/DSC_0066.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526265872307259330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">As it happens </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Make it Perfect</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> have a give away currently running to win the new pattern. If your interested check it out </span><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.tonicoward.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-make-it-perfect-patterna-skirts.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">here</span></a></b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.tonicoward.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-make-it-perfect-patterna-skirts.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">.</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Now idea number 3.... is for me. I'm finding as i loose weight its really hard on the clothes front. Clothes aren't fitting or are looking baggy and making me look bigger than I really am. I don't want have to buy a whole wardrobe at every size on my way down. So what to do!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">My solution... a wrap skirt! I'll use another pattern from </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Make it Perfect </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">to achieve this. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMec6vZe48Xa5bpDLQgOuTa8qfFTouhlkBIe_glK4YJ_OEwjTuTFBZ0biUvjMxkKpQr8IOMw0jYihyyaR8eRmvP78eT_lSRpyze_faQ6zqH3SCVw_RsPaSgRe3j8qlHXSg01b31gRXqFo/s320/IMG_2320.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526266660768009746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Plus some home baked goods like last year. I just made an apple cordial, so depending on how that goes down tonight with my friends who are coming for dinner then that may make it into some gift baskets as well. The feedback was the relish was yummo. Better start cooking soon. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And while I'm at it, I'm needing some ideas for my stall. I'm just wanting to sell some food items. So far I thought I'd do my tomato relish, lemon butter, melting moments, apricot balls, anzac biscuits. Would love some ideas. And the only proviso is that the ingredients are relatively cheap to buy and easy to make.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Thanks!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-56443648341291314242010-09-28T00:08:00.000-07:002010-09-28T00:13:29.214-07:00Day One... should be un-eventful right?! I'm hungry. I had my first lite n easy meal at lunch just after it arrived. I was nice, but i could of eaten 3 times that amount to feel satisfied. I had porridge for breakfast made with skim milk and an apple for morning tea. ARGH i didn't think it would be so hard STRAIGHT AWAY. And to make matters worse, its raining, so my walk down to the park will have to wait for clearer weather. I guess this really is day one of re-hab. Massively addicted to food! <div><br /></div><div>Goal 1</div><div><br /></div><div>Fit my wedding and engagement ring</div><div><br /></div><div>Goal 2</div><div><br /></div><div>Fit a size 14 for the eventual nuptuals of the Beffamy and Bennitch. (No pressure guys, I need a while to reach that target).</div><div><br /></div><div>Goal 3</div><div><br /></div><div>Cut back on lite n easy and suppliment meals with my own cooking</div><div><br /></div><div>Goal 4</div><div><br /></div><div>Exercise. DOn't know how i feel about this one. hmmmmm</div><div><br /></div><div>Right. The ranting is over. Back to work ALicia</div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-7888422923922207792010-09-23T18:22:00.000-07:002010-09-23T18:53:27.308-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Monotony... education for the eternities </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Those who believe in the Plan of Salvation have a desire and want to return to live with our Father in Heaven. Further still we believe in progression and the eventuality of becoming like our Heavenly Parents in the roles of Gods (with the conditions of righteousness of course). So this is my opening paragraph. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Paragraph two. We're mortals and daily life is full of routines that are essential for our health and happiness. Most days are exactly alike. These certainly seems to be the case myself, a stay at home mum. The routines revolve around cooking and cleaning. OH MY GOODNESS THE CLEANING! Its not unusual to clean something up to 10 times a day. I average sweeping 4 times a day, washing up anywhere from 2-6 times a day, i make several meals, clean up toys fiddy million times and every now and again i spot dust in a place i haven't paid attention to in years and decide that the filth is to be eliminated this instant! I've often think while i'm ironing one of my husband business shirts..... didn't i just iron this! I wonder how many times I've ironed this shirt. So you get the drift, I clean alot and still the house is no where near the standard i'd like to keep.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In the days where i get really down its usually to do with how board i am from doing the same things over and over and over again. There is no excitement in monotony. Some days i try to give tasks little or no thought and just "get it over with." Other days it really gets to me and on those days the dishes sit in the sink, the toys are resembling a war zone and food is found smeared into the cream rug. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">My question in all of this... What is the Lord trying to teach me? There is a lesson to be learnt in monotony. There is an attitude to be learnt in monotony. There is a eternal reality yet to come in monotony. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">How long has God the Father been a God the Father? And how long is God the Father going to be God the Father? Eternity. I expect he knows alot about monotony. Has he not been doing the same things for eons of time and will continue to do so forever more. So where does the desire and enthusiasm in saving another one of his children come from. I mean he's done this a billion times already, we get board from ironing a shirt a hundred times!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Monotony is teaching me to be patient. It teaches me to serve those i love, whilst forgetting myself. It teaches me to use quiet moments and go on auto drive whilst performing a task, but use the time to ponder and evaluate. It teaches me to master my temper. It teaches me that the process is more important than the end result. It teaches me to rely on the Lord. It teaches my mind to entertain itself. It teaches me to plan better. It teaches me to teach my kids to become more independent and clean up after themselves. It is continuing to teach me to become like Him. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> And can one find Joy in monotony? I think we'd better, because i suspect we're all going to have a mortal and spiritual lifetime full of it. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-67393138154603475342010-09-20T22:37:00.000-07:002010-09-20T22:58:09.476-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Starting something without the passion to back it up...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I had a temple recommend interview a few months back. One of the questions relates to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I answered in the affirmative. Yet how strong is this faith?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The goal is to be healthy. I'm currently obese, and this is not acceptable. I'm breaking commandments by not looking after this body and thats not good enough. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Put simply, i know i have to loose weight and gain control of a healthy lifestyle, the fact of the matter is I really have no interest what so ever. I don't believe I can do it. I don't believe any changes or efforts will last. This is and will be my hike to some unattainable summit. The goal in all its enormity, completely TERRIFIES me. Its like the first time you give birth. Your pushing and it hurts, but you can't ignore the fact that YOU HAVE TO DO IT. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">Faith is not fear. Its time to live my testimony. For years I have let self doubt hinder and justify past behaviors and habits. I am absolutely right in saying that i can't do this..... on my own.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">I know all the information in my head. Even whilst I'm typing this i lack the conviction i feel i need to start and see this through. So step 1 is this... Start</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">As of next week i start Lite n Easy. I will start taking zinc again. Did I tell you I'm scared. I think this is going to dredge up some stuff. I call it stuff because i really don't know what's going to happen. Heaven help this home, and all who live in it!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">I don't care how much i weigh. This is about changing the physical Alicia so the spiritual Alicia can soar to new heights. I believe that they are connected. We'll see. </span></div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-1943595723050785522010-08-22T22:45:00.000-07:002010-08-22T23:19:26.956-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Why </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"bringing sexy back"</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">is not</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> important to me...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I have 2 men in my life who detest the words, hot and sexy, when it comes to describing how a woman looks. Infact one of them actually rouses at me and asks me to use a more "appropriate" word. I thought they were going a little over board, but I think there is some just reasoning to their strong objections. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Whilst talking to another fellow mum at church yesterday I shared my insight with her. I explained that this (picture me pointing up and down my body) <b>DOESN'T MATTER</b>. I can feel good about myself and not be a supermodel. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Now let me quickly add that it does matter. I believe strongly that our bodies are a temple and that we should take care of our bodies. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There is no requirement waistline measurement to gain exaltation. As long as i'm healthy then it doesn't matter how I look. I've been able to develop enormous amount of self worth by becoming closer to Heavenly Father. I have come to respect my mind through meditation. I think part of me still and always will reserve some of my self esteem in my appearance (and rightly so), but it will no longer be the cause for feeling ugly, unworthy of love or demoralized.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I would imagine people take pride in the hard work they put into their appearance. I hand it to them, it must take immense amounts of motivation and determination to maintain those types of physics. I've noticed they all say how wonderful they feel, being full of energy. I must admit i envy that part (the energy). In saying that I've come to learn that living the gospel more fully gives me energy. Living my life more in harmony with gospel teachings gives me energy.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I guess the title of the post it not entirely true. For me it just doesn't matter anywhere near as much as it used to. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Going back to my first paragraph. I asked why the boys hated the terms. They answered that the terms are overtly sexual and demeaning. Now these are their opinions bloggers, so don't get your nickers in a knot. We all think people are attractive for different reasons. Sometimes that starts out with their appearance and opinions can quickly change when they open their mouths. Why do we need to be sexy? Why do we need to be hot? For me it means looking a certain way to get attention. And probably the wrong type of attention (unless its someone we're married to). </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So here it is. I want to be <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">BEAUTIFUL</span></b>. Not sexy or hot. <b>Beautiful</b> implies a whole host of qualities. Sexy and Hot imply sexual attractiveness. We don't use the word sexy to describe someone's intellect or personality yet we do use the word <b>beautiful</b>. Its really only a small thing, changing my choice of words, but for me it has a deeper meaning. Changing the word means changing my goal. My husband already finds me sexually attractive (which used to amaze me when i'm currently a size 20) so I'm going to change some other qualities that can make me even more <b>Beautiful</b>. Do you get my line of thinking here?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-36027941229376901092010-08-05T16:40:00.000-07:002010-08-05T16:59:25.294-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">SNAPPY TOM</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Its a little sad that the post that follows "i can do hard things" is a blog about how crappy i feel atm. The last 2 days i've just been dying for a holiday. I miss my husband. I miss it being just him and I. I miss having fun on a regular basis. Whilst things have been improving on the most part, the last 2 days my hormones have come back to reek havoc on me.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So linc's birthday is on monday. I have one crappy gift and feel like its become a non-event, jsut like it it every year. I feel like i don't really know him, and its being reflected in the gift and celebrations. lame. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The ball is on tonight. They don't make pretty ball dresses for big girls and if they do i certainly can't afford them. So after taking everyone's advice i went and bought some fabric and started to sew. EWWWWWWWWWW. Not good, not good at all.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The kids are clingy and whiney and i'm miss snappy tom and cranky pants. The rego, rates, kindy fees, electricity all turned up at the same time and the lawn mower went in to get fixed. So when the poor man collecting money for the epilepsy foundation turned up at my door (I remained calm and polite) i felt like ripping his head off! I'm sorry but NO.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Its all getting to me. I'm craving alone time, I need to think, I need to re-energize, I need time to fall in love with my children again (whilst apart from them), I need to re-connect with lincoln, i need some time when i can read the scriptures, the house needs a scrub (oh it makes me sick, actually its getting embarrassing), I need PEACE.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Finding it hard to be chipper about doing the dishes for the 6th time that day or pulling the vaccume cleaner out for the 3rd time that day, or picking up the lego for the 5th time that day. The bin needs taking out again, crap its 5pm i have no idea what to make for dinner, and no Brooklyn i can't hold you and chop carrots at the same time. I want to murder Bob the Builder and mute all whingey noises that come from my kids. I need a couple of days to sit down and work out a budget, we need to do some major work around the house, MAJOR, argh but all the plans are going to pot and life centers around the precious children. And they are precious but Mummy needs are re-charge! ... I need some time in the temple. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I just wanted to whinge.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Feel free to stop reading now.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-8619631648813798172010-07-29T17:38:00.000-07:002010-08-01T16:52:00.157-07:00<div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b>I CAN DO "HARD" THINGS!</b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So i've had this title in mind for over a week now, however the content of the blog has remained a little lacking. In that i don't have much more to say than the tittle itself. I think i've mentioned in previous post/s that when your depressed you're constantly self talking, and most, if not all is negative and poisonous.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So in my healing i've stopped this altogether. I've been pretty good with this. I did discover that i stopped having a voice altogether. There was no mantra. The inner voice was silent. Inspiration came and i have my new voice.... I<b> CAN DO HARD THINGS</b>! I must say it over 20 times a day.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Spencer hits Brooklyn (<b>I CAN DO HARD THINGS</b>).... I approach him, take a deep breathe (because this is the 12th time he's done it today) and i try and deal with him as Christ would.</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1o0gxUFLXET-9MtZlN1drIXknL3PAH9-kgefFO8u4xzc7sb6kwHROwaEyg5yeKKxJYMszxxMc3A7HnTZijqHZ2Zcw2Fiz_BIOxGedNxOF6EO1x4OtY_nW82Gvuwmx4pVh3_sAnKdW_M/s1600/IMG_2059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1o0gxUFLXET-9MtZlN1drIXknL3PAH9-kgefFO8u4xzc7sb6kwHROwaEyg5yeKKxJYMszxxMc3A7HnTZijqHZ2Zcw2Fiz_BIOxGedNxOF6EO1x4OtY_nW82Gvuwmx4pVh3_sAnKdW_M/s320/IMG_2059.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499495618093129666" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Brooklyn the Carnivore... Lamb Shanks)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Its 5pm, the crankiest part of the day for mums and kids. We're all dying for Daddy to get home, dinner has to be made. Not ideal circumstances (<b>I CAN DO HARD THINGS</b>). Better still, I can do hard things day in day out. My goal this week was to cook dinner for 7days <b>in a row. </b>I don't think i've ever done this our entire marriage. I married a saint! Today is day 7. Not only have i cooked every day but i've also made sweets and have huge amounts of leftovers. We've sat at the table every night together as a family and we've been spot on with family scripture reading and prayer. The routine has stuck this week! you see <b>I CAN</b> do hard things!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size:medium;">So there Satan... pfft</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-25793248967854374722010-07-03T22:57:00.000-07:002010-08-01T16:53:08.170-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b>The fruits of my Craftyness</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nG2RedTnKVuNqhJov9GGhJ7WUDhR9STo_HPiSYs0CmZKOkLDNCqDB12Fd9ca-ccBPRYBE_P-nEstkTjUZuSdK8gRMacJCSWehwjPnlUMigkJJ-jAEUw3kJlNzusm1zrFCeFTO9IKBmY/s1600/IMG_2055.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nG2RedTnKVuNqhJov9GGhJ7WUDhR9STo_HPiSYs0CmZKOkLDNCqDB12Fd9ca-ccBPRYBE_P-nEstkTjUZuSdK8gRMacJCSWehwjPnlUMigkJJ-jAEUw3kJlNzusm1zrFCeFTO9IKBmY/s320/IMG_2055.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489929891721234626" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">This is "Horton," simple stuffed animal pattern given to me by my good friend Annette Comber. Pretty cute hey. I used a flanelette cot sheet pillowcase and cut it up. The big buttons and colourful DMC floss jazz it up a bit.</span><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_li1oCJX-mhDu_m08TywZveLb-fzoSpY5oeVtJ20C-JnvOvVvhT0IT4JvaMzQ03llGxAtWdVS46mFAO2_eraJR8Vn74fLMgpP6kWHCkmnRzhL9BYkzqsTwBug-KddMzg8qd9REDEDeM/s1600/IMG_2053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_li1oCJX-mhDu_m08TywZveLb-fzoSpY5oeVtJ20C-JnvOvVvhT0IT4JvaMzQ03llGxAtWdVS46mFAO2_eraJR8Vn74fLMgpP6kWHCkmnRzhL9BYkzqsTwBug-KddMzg8qd9REDEDeM/s320/IMG_2053.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489929470961711970" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Spencer's plain t-shirt that i jazzed up with simple applique and stitching. $4 t-shirt from Best n Less came in handy. I must try and find the blog i stole the idea from. I really want to give this girl all the credit for an awesome idea. NEWSFLASH... just found it! <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/">www.makeit-loveit.com</a>. Its under the re-purposing section.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">To come...</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When linc shows me how to convert camera raw files into jpeg's...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What i've been up to crafting wise</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Brooklyn's T-Shirt Dress</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Brooklyn's Sunday outfit</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Eye Spy church game</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Some flowers as headpeices and broche's... fabric and crochet </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I've forgotten some... i'll come back if thats the case</span></span></div></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">PLUS</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I need some help coming up with a business name. Especially if i'm going to be doing more of this and trying to sell some of it off. The only stipulations is that i like to use my name or nicknames as part of the business name. So fire away people... suggestions not only welcomed but needed!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></b></span></div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-11607584622533658862010-06-30T22:47:00.000-07:002010-08-01T16:54:01.442-07:00<div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Tis not right to hate the hormones...</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Oh curse thee, ye retched hormones. How thou hast taunted and twisted my paths. Augmented and sentsationalized my negativity. Stolen my energy, dulled my creativity, filched my wit and tarnished all that was good. I have often cursed them and questioned Gods reasonings for even using them. So the above mentioned is a negative outlook on hormones.</span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">BUT</span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When your positive, hormones make you feel <b>ALIVE. </b>And that is why God uses hormones as part of our chemical make up. That is why women are so spectacular and magical when righteous and happy.... women are full of hormones.</span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They play their part. However when they're not in balance they can wreck your life... so see to that if you think its affecting your life. I don't think we need to be a victim to our hormones and the rollercoaster ride they sometimes force upon us.</span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee. How great thou art, how great thou art!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQTlumhgdtwXueVdhXG9zedUj0tHzlcz8YOWawYzrq1NwUudJH9nrZuzXE5eXpZk6E1NoLks4KDk51iiDCKv0pzOH6XmEVSyjep5scUUdP15mf5_aurqWxijVUA4859wm4HAYwZT-J0k/s1600/hormones.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQTlumhgdtwXueVdhXG9zedUj0tHzlcz8YOWawYzrq1NwUudJH9nrZuzXE5eXpZk6E1NoLks4KDk51iiDCKv0pzOH6XmEVSyjep5scUUdP15mf5_aurqWxijVUA4859wm4HAYwZT-J0k/s320/hormones.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488814797931833938" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-5731115620361290592010-06-24T23:50:00.000-07:002010-08-01T16:56:01.176-07:00<div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Epiphany</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What a truly wonderful blessing friends can be. They serve a different purpose to family, in that they bless your lives in such varied ways. I have many friends. One in particular i'm grateful to this week... Miss Anne Shirley would describe this friend and a bosom friend or a kindred spirit. We both agree we must of known each other in the pre-existance. I've had this feeling of familiarity with a few of my friends. Where it seems that the first conversation one has with this stranger is literally picking up where you left off. I love her like a sister and although we're not of the same age bracket it rarely is a consideration. We respect each others differences and strengths. I really cherish her. What i love most about our friendship is how we can talk. Its quite unique. The words are bountiful and easy. Spiritual communication is not verbalized but without a doubt exchanged. Her constancy along with others has helped heal my soul.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now to the moment of enlightenment. We were talking in the car after a "Relief Society Activity" (gosh didn't we all just used to Enrichment). We hadn't spoken in quite some time. So it started out as a general catch up then it turned into some more pressing maters in our lives. I felt like i was able to clearly give voice to thoughts that had been brewing in my mind and soul for some time. And whilst they'd never been heard by ear, my friend sat patiently as I ordered and connected those thoughts.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I'm certain little few are aware of my struggles with depression in the past. I'm not ashamed or embarrassed about my battle. In fact i want people to know, especially now as i'm finding answers to years of desperate prayers for help. Ive been quite angry toward Heavenly Father for some years now... I'm finding that i'm mellowing and seeing things AS THEY REALLY ARE. Its no accident that particular people, articles, talks and promptings are not only teaching me but preparing me for change, alas repentance also. Its amazing how the combination of hormone imbalance and Satan's angels can tear one soul apart and destroy all that is beautiful and divine.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In all my years of depression one of the many thoughts that were constantly being processed was that <i>"its harder to obey God and live his laws, than it is to live life with my own ideas."</i> I placed this in inverted commas because quite literally this is a conversation i would have with myself all the time. When one is depressed they are usually feeling unmotivated and tired, hence living the gospel just seemed to hard. THIS IS A LIE. I love telling Satan how it is. Sometimes i love saying things out aloud to him. I can literally picture him shrinking, with the affirmation of truth, and that he has been discovered in his lie! My body sings and reverberates when exposed to truth. Its like the pleasing echoes of a harp.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pride comes into play here as well. Funny how one who is suffering so severely with feelings of self worth can still stand so obstinate and proud.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I also discovered that if i'm finding it hard to live the gospel then i'm not converted to it. True conversion gives power. It turns "have to" into "want to." This means i need to focus my energies in doing things that will bring about the spirit and in return reap the rewards of the spirit. How foolish to think that i knew better.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And so, i've seen the light. Quite literally. I am more than my lumpy figure, in fact, it bothers me quite substantially less. I think when i start learning to see myself how God see me then the desire to look after this earthly tabernacle will come. I must admit that it seems like some time away as i'm focusing my energies on developing and healing by battered soul. Its time to live the testimony and show forth the faith that i've testified of in the past. Fear is not Faith.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dearest children, God is with you.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Watching o you day and night.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And delights to own and bless you.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If you strive to do whats right.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He will bless you, he will bless you</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If you put your trust in him</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCjYamC7ui_5ksQ8m3gwV0MvvdYpQz-Wa35dQJaGSb3o3WksV-QE4wvBOLOea3uf5fGae52KiixoolwSnf_DLS-RiWMIQVdcMybjaMWxgVC6MTf_0qf_CnD1ccy7r4eno67g6KlVuaek/s1600/laughing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCjYamC7ui_5ksQ8m3gwV0MvvdYpQz-Wa35dQJaGSb3o3WksV-QE4wvBOLOea3uf5fGae52KiixoolwSnf_DLS-RiWMIQVdcMybjaMWxgVC6MTf_0qf_CnD1ccy7r4eno67g6KlVuaek/s320/laughing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486610646956594322" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-6829442348903105192010-06-15T03:30:00.000-07:002010-08-01T16:57:03.673-07:00<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Sharing proud parenting moments with Heavenly Father</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Its time for an update. I guess I'm deciding to update now because things are going great. And for all the whining i do its time i write a post on the good. Lets just say I'm no longer dubious. Progress has been made. Spencer is now a big kindy boy. (brief pause in typing whilst i deflate my chest from the pride i feel inside). He no longer cries on my leaving or picking up. He eats some foods, he's formed attachments, he's no longer hitting other children, he breaks into songs that i haven't taught him, he looks forward to going to kindy. PHEW, what a relief we stuck it out! We've had some troubles with him at rest time and my Mum kindly offered to pat him off at rest time. Today however, he didn't need mummy or mymmy or pat him off to sleep. WOW. Now this might seem kind of ridiculous, but this is huge progress for my boy.</span></span></div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbd50P0oyVoR-vomDwb5JhDXlzDGIZWex4qn-EQkLAjgk4HeEg_nKdMAN3LNHdGe6bIcH-qK8Sjtlu3SZyG8zuzF4uZ9-6wRPNwUkzdyHuf2HRQY2Jwmoqn_wUPF1PoWA-97LwhiJ6DQ/s1600/IMG_1761.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbd50P0oyVoR-vomDwb5JhDXlzDGIZWex4qn-EQkLAjgk4HeEg_nKdMAN3LNHdGe6bIcH-qK8Sjtlu3SZyG8zuzF4uZ9-6wRPNwUkzdyHuf2HRQY2Jwmoqn_wUPF1PoWA-97LwhiJ6DQ/s320/IMG_1761.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482950898272537890" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Spencer is now 3 and as I look back on those 3 years, I can honestly say they've been tough. He's not been an easy child to raise, but oh how i LOVE that little boy. Whilst he's still very 3, he's developing rapidly and loves to learn. He can be so tender at times, and spiritual. It fills me with joy to hear him pray un-aided and to watch his enthusiasm in learnings things of a spiritual nature. His recall amazes me. I could go on and on. Suffice to say, that I'm proud of you Spencer. And Heavenly Father is proud of you too. Thankyou for sending this child to our family. </span></span></div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-29395452216617028262010-05-10T17:46:00.000-07:002010-08-01T16:58:45.257-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b>Dubious</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Spencer has been going to kindy... its been a month now. Out of the 8 days he's booked in he's made it to 5 of those days. Public holidays and sickness kept him out of the game for a bit there. So after a month i feel its time to evaluate. It sucks.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Spencer is 3 now and every facet (except toilet training which he did entirely himself) of his childhood has been hard work on both linc and myself. Eating, sleeping and behavior in particular. Before sending him to kindy we'd made some real headway in the sleeping and eating department. It took weeks and alot of tears from all involved but progress had been made. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">We felt kindy was the answer to help spencer with social interaction, as well as the many other obvious perks. I was looking forward to spending some one on one time with brooklyn and having a cleaning and shopping day as well. This has not happened. I now have to drive up on both days and pat him off to sleep. This sucks because i can't get anything done.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Brooklyn sleeps from 9am - 11am</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Spencer sleeps from 11.30am till whenever</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Brooklyn sleeps from 1pm till whenever</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">This means that NOTHING is getting done. We have an extremely distressed little boy, that cries continually at home, doesn't eat and wakes up to 6 - 12 times a night..... screaming. I'm still battling this cold and last night started vomiting so i feel like crap. Linc is sleep deprived as well. He gets up to him as he insists i sleep so i can get over this cold. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">I was prepared for a few hiccups and a period of settling in. I was prepared for a few tears and then he'd forget mum and go have fun. When you hear your child screaming in the night that he doesn't want to go to kindy, it really makes it hard to force him to go.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">We're prepared to stick it out longer. Granted the last month hasn't had some consistency with holidays etc. In the mean time, I'm over it. Its damn expensive and a real inconvenience. I keep telling myself that we're doing this for his own good. He really needs to socialize and learn appropriate behavior before school. Its either going to suck now, or suck later. Get it over and done with i guess.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">ARGH!</span></span></div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-72259251530252806322010-05-05T16:54:00.000-07:002010-08-01T17:00:35.356-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Make this look good</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So photography is all the rage right now. I know of several friends and associates that are undertaking study and training to work in their field of choice. I dare say its a passion for them. The most equisite wedding photos, breath taking scenery, darling newborns, romantic engagement shots, and heartwarming family portraits are taken and "touched up," then delivered to clients and displayed on blogs and fb. Some of the work is absolutely first class. Perfection comes to mind. I don't know if i want to cover the photoshop part of this discussion yet. What i did want to say is this...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Can you make fat look good? When bride's are stunning, scenery 's phenomenal, newborns cute, family's endearing, fiance's sickly in love then I'm sure that taking a beautiful photo is easier. What if the subject is obese, suffering from low self esteem and shy in </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">front of the camera, not photogenic and just really hard to work with. Do they cover this side of photography is their curriculum's?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I remember having maybe about 3 professional photoshoots in my life. None went well. I was carrying weight in all of these shoots, had no idea how to angle my body, hold my head, where to look, how to "pose." I needed direction. In one instance i had mascara smudged all under my eyes, my lipstick smudged, and a necklace tangled and twisted. It doesn't feel natural in front of a lense for me. Infact i feel bashful and scared. Enough about me.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I'm no photographer. I credit their skills and abilities. Can you make anything, or anyone look their best? Please don't take this as a "i hate photographers" blog, not the case. Just wondering what you can do to the average joe blow, and overweight people out there.... or what can you do for me (in other words?)</span></span></div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-21213234445296937912010-05-04T16:26:00.000-07:002010-08-01T17:03:59.146-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 15px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, Verdana;font-size:small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">When the saints hurt each other</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt 5:10)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I've been a "mormon" all my life. I developed a testimony around the age of 12yrs and went from relying on my parents testimony to relying on my own. The strength of this testimony has fluctuated from time to time in my life. I think conversion plays a role in how we live the gospel in our lives as well. I was also raised in a fairly strict home. There was no mistaking the rules in our home nor the consequences that inevidably would soon follow after knowingly breaking rules. A strong sense of right and wrong has always been present within me. Whether this was taught or a prior ability that has remained with me in the pre-existance i don't know. At times its a curse, and on more than one occasion been a wonderful blessing in my life. Moral quandries are not something i'm familiar with. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So to the topic of this blog. Many a disciple, whether Christian, Muslim or Buddist have been persecuted for their beliefs. Many have died as martyr's or have endured severe trauma in their lives as a result of their beliefs. Today is no different. Saints throughout the world receive criticism or persecution on a daily basis. Its a scary, upsetting experience being verbally or physically abused for your beliefs and convictions. We all have a story or two or three of such experiences. We expect to encounter opposition from the world. I did not expect to encounter is from within the church.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I understand we are all at different levels. And hopefully we're all striving to some degree. I understand that judging and condemning people is a sin. I understand sin, godly sorrow and repentance. I understand how we sometimes justify sin and behavior. I understand that we all have our "favorite sins." I understand we all struggle. I GET IT. We know what the commandments are, we know and are continuing to understand our covenants, we know we should be christlike and compassionate, we know what we should be doing. I GET THIS AS WELL. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What makes me fractious is saints persecuting saints for being righteous. Actually it does more than make me fractious, it makes my blood boil. How dare anyone persecute anyone for their level of righteousness. Remarks are often made in a spirit of joking and being conjevial. <b>THEY ARE NOT FUNNY</b>. On occasion we all need to be brought to repentance and this is often hard to hear and can often make us prickly. I don't profess to be a prophetess or leader of any kind but i do want others to be made aware and to cease this behavior. It has hurt many people i love and respect. Family members and friends have shared humiliating accounts with me and in return i have felt indignation and frustration. It is not necessary!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It would be inappropriate for any individual to opening mock and torment any member for disobedience or sin, how is it then acceptable for any individual to do the complete opposite. Its just plain nasty. Their is no need for it and it needs to stop. Its still gossip when we're talking about someone being too "molly mormon." </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I'm not nieve enough to think that we're all buddy buddy. Sometimes we all can't "just be friends." Its ok that we're all not best friends. Certain personalities clash and that why we all have our own social circles. I do think thats its reasonable enough to be polite and respectful to each other. Many a member of the church has left activity for such reasons. We're adults people. Lets start acting like it. This means that we will have to serve with people we don't necessarily like, or that we don't agree with our leaders decisions, or that Sis Marshall really ticks you off but you smile have a brief conversation and thats that! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bullies are amongst us and it needs to stop. If you have a problem with someone, have the guts to pull that person aside, talk about in a mature manner, apologize if necessary, pull your head in if necessary and in return you may find a mutual respect or even friendship blossom. I speak from experience of having to do this. My mouth has gotten me into trouble on more than one occasion, and whilst i'm trying to learn to bridle my tongue, merely acknowledging i have a problem is not enough. It has meant that i've had to ask for forgiveness, and offer sincere apologies. Sometimes the particular person and i still in the end didn't agree, but agreed to disagree and offered respect and acceptance. We are commanded to love one another, not just the people we like. That would be too easy. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>Kindness begins with me!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div></span>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-3086445421253972672010-05-02T02:55:00.000-07:002010-08-01T17:10:53.172-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">and hope to be able to "gendure" all things</span></span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">So ages ago lincoln did up a articles of faith poster for us and we used it in a fhe lesson. He prettied it up and after the lesson i thought it belonged on the back of the toilet door. And there it has stayed for about 4 years now. In his haste the 13th AOF has 2 spelling errors which has never bothered me but tonight one of the spelling errors lead to a series of thoughts. </span></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">The title shows the spelling mistake. Its meant to be endure. But when i look at the word it says 2 things to me. Obviously the first is endure, but secondly, gender. To endure with the different trials that come with gender. Male and Female share some similar trials, but we also have trials that are uniquely relate to our sex alone. </span></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.(Proclamation of the Family)</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: 15px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Heavenly Father began with man, so thats where i'll start. Men, in general are interesting. I say this because i am female and am still trying to understand them. In times past they have been heroes and villans. They hold a special place in our hearts in their roles as fathers, sons, husbands, friends and so forth. They think very differently to women. So what do men have to "gendure?" </span></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Well in the church, they hold the keys of the priesthood which includes service and from time to time leadership and service responsibilities. I would imagine that its not always easy to do this. It means leading in their own homes which is rewarding but alas we are mortal and the boys get tired. </span></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">In most homes, men are the bread winners. The thought of having to work for several decades would be such a daunting and exhausting task. I know most men take this role VERY seriously. With mounting pressure from the world (and might i add also within the church) the need to be keeping up with the Jones' is rampant! </span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Men live with, marry, and associate with females. That sometimes is no easy task. I sometimes pity my poor husband. I'm no shrinking violet. I'm emotional, opinionated and at times difficult to live with. I have high expectations and big financial dreams. How on earth does he not only deal with me but continue to love me! These trait were probably quite endearing to begin with but i'm sure they grind on his nerves. Where does that patience come from and can i borrow some please?! </span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">I'm no man and so i really don't know in entirety the trials of men experience. Feel free to add some more people.</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Then came woman.</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Well HF certainly out did himself when he created woman. Don't get me wrong, i'm not a huge feminist and don't believe there is a superior sex, but last time i checked i was a female and know more about my own sex. Aren't we </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">complex</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">! At times we boggle our own minds. With all the physical, spiritual, intellectual and emotional beauty women behold we certainly have exceptionally "unique" trials that we have to "gendure."</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">The obvious comes to mind. Pregnancy and childbirth, periods, motherhood etc. I'll spend some brief emphasis on these. Women experience alot of pain. Perhaps thats how women have alot of sympathy? Empathy comes from experience. Periods are inconvenient, messy and for some painfull. We know they're necessary but i'm sure i'm not alone when i say that.... isn't there a easier way! Pregnancy is difficult, uncomfortable, taxing and sometimes dangerous. Childbirth hurts... ALOT. Raising children and being mothers is the hardest job in the world when your trying. WOW, some really hard stuff. I feel its obvious that the rewards and joys are unique too. Many a women can relate to that most sacred, special occasion of the birth of their child. A memory treasured and held dear. </span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">I also think that the female mind creates its own trials. Alot of women think lowly of themselves. Low self esteem is a plague on society. I know in my own case that my thoughts are never static. A busy highway would be more accurate. And so when one believes she is of no worth, then no bully, tyrant or evil doer could ever be as ruthless as the constant voice of thought within a womens mind.</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Women are super busy. A womens work is never, and can i emphasize NEVER, done. Work blesses and curses our lives. Many a women feels overwhelmed by the mammoth list that she carries in her head. A list that never gets shorter but seems to be growing. We feel a need for perfection (another worldwide plague, good job on this one Satan). Wether at church or within our communities and homes we feel a need to achieve perfection. To portray and strive for what we have been promised will come with effort within the eternities. What is required is effort. Not what we're achieving but what we're becoming. All sounds good in theory but i know for myself that i feel this pressure to "appear" to a social standing of perfection.</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">We are daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves us and we love him. Repeated weekly by the young women of the church. Whilst i know this, and for the most part believe this, I feel that myself and many others this is not enough. We want to be superwomen. We want to be.... something or someone that we are currently not. I often scold myself for weaknesses and my lack of Christian qualities. I remember this quote from teaching in yw's. I always feel i fall short but it has always impressed me and stayed with me </span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity.</span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">True doctrine is like electricity through my body. </span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">The following echoes my thoughts ...</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"> President Faust observed that femininity “is the divine adornment of humanity. It finds expression in your … capacity to love, your spirituality, delicacy, radiance, sensitivity, creativity, charm, graciousness, gentleness, dignity, and quiet strength. It is manifest differently in each girl or woman, but each … possesses it. Femininity is part of your inner beauty.”</span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">I miss that in women. I fear we have gone too far. Gentle dignity, quiet strength. </span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">I've gone off topic. Can anyone think of any more gendures?</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3441790350286616439.post-49339545150934699592010-05-01T05:47:00.000-07:002010-05-02T02:54:38.508-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Another post i'm still figuring out in my head:</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">photoshop and faking</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">and no i haven't forgotten the others... i suspect they will be long in length and i like to write these lengthy ones when my creative juices are flowing and i'm feeling passionate about the particular topic... and off i go to think some more. doing washing at 10.47pm gives me ample time to perculate and ponder my topics. at least there's no interruptions this way</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">just though of another one while sitting on the loo</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">and hope to be able to "gendure" all things</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></div>lissyalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18440451612742863687noreply@blogger.com2