Testimony

Yep...my Man

My Sweet Family

look at the Anabella...the best face ever!

Today I reflected...alot.

Today I watched Allisandria dressup in her flower head band, accessories from head to toe, dress-up shoes, purse, and her "car keys". Walking around saying, "K, bye...see you later!..I go work...and golfin." So much she has learned by watching us. She is such a little sponge. Dave was telling her as she was prancing around moving her hips, "Stay away from the boys."

"NO!" was her response...

I laughed...Already he is in cold sweats seeing his baby girl all dolled up ready to win the hearts of many...I don't even want to think about it. I am trying to enjoy her in the "now".

So as I reflected on her...listened to the talks of General Conference...things stuck out to me. Simple things I have always known, but today gave me a new meaning. A new Testimony of them.

Being a True Minister of Jesus Christ. Men and Women partaking of the blessings of the Preisthood. It is just as much a woman's obligation and responsability as it is a mans. We have to be worthy to recieve those blessings...have faith. The men have to be worthy to administer it...to recieve the blessings from it.

Never really realized how huge that is. In everything we do...we have to be worthy of the Priesthood to be a true Minister of Jesus Christ...to give that service.

Next...the Holy Ghost. Something I think we all take for granted or think lightly of at times. We, as members of the Church differ from other churches because we have the Gift of the HOly Ghost. He is the 3rd member of the God Head. He serves as a witness of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

The Holy Ghost has the power to influence anyone...anyone who seeks Him. The Holy Ghost can testify to someone of the truth of the Gospel...can testify to your neighbor that there is something special and different about you.

Having the GIFT of the HOly Ghost, is something bestowed upon those who are baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by the laying on of hands. We Recieve the Holy Ghost as a constant companion as long as we do the following:

BAPTISM- Baptism is an Holy ordinance preporatory to recieving the Holy Ghost. It has to be recieved upon the principle of Righteousness.

DESIRE- You must want to SEEK the constant companionship by...

INVITEing- the Spirit in daily prayer, inviting and asking for comfort and guidance from the HOly Ghost.

OBEY- Listen to the promptings and warnings. Keep your mind and heart quiet so you can be aware of the still small voice...surround yourself with goodness...The Spirit cannot dwell in unholy places...Don't be distracted by the cares of the world...let the ways and the teachings of Jesus be your first concern.

In the sacrament prayers we are promised that we will have His spirit to be with us...as long as we keep the commandments. What a great promise...easy yet hard...

Isn't it true that the Church involves itself in so much service...nothing is paid. Christ served His whole life.

In the temple, we serve the dead by doing their work that is neccessary to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven

In Church on Sundays and any other day it requires, we serve the members of our wards and stakes.

In our Homes, we serve our family. The Family....Where we shape our children. where we are responsible for teaching them the principles of the Gospel. Those are things that invite the Holy Ghost to be our constant companion. I feel pretty lucky to have that gift. I need to listen to it more. I need to seek It's guidance more.

Do not turn the Spirit away, It will advise us of what we need to do, will give warning, peace and joy, and bring forth Righteousness. Cool right? We get that...Lets use it...Every day.

Everyday when I wake up...I anticipate the arguing, the disobedience, the naughty mouth, the craziness that fills my day...that is so negative. I need to embrace the good things, the dancing, the cleaning up, the playing, the sweet things. That will help me to listen to the promptings of how to deal with the other stuff. I know my days are better when i pray in the morning for the strength to not yell...as loud...then maybe eventually it will be to not yell at all. I pray to be effective in my discipline istead of reacting. I have a great responsibility that happens to be a pretty cool one. I get to raise 2 beautiful little girls...I don't want to screw it up. I know I am doing something right when she asks to read The Book of Mormon, and when she sings, "Jesus Wants me for a Sunbeam". They can learn at any age...I just need to listen to the promptings of how to teach her.

I love that I belong to a Church that wants me to focus on my family and wants me to better myself before I can better other people. What a great gift it is to be able to teach those who want to learn more. I may not be a smart one, and words may not come as fast...but I know what I know in my heart...it just doesn't come out right all the time.

I am who I am because of the choices I make...The things I decide to do...Luckily those choices for the most part are good ones...cause I seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost, he prompts me when a friends needs to talk, or when it is time to have a princess dance party so my daughter knows what she can become. I like being me. Imperfect, but trying.