I have many friends who aren't Mormon like me. It seems that more and more often I am being asked questions related to my faith. A very dear friend of mine said to me last night, "I often wonder how it is that my friend who I consider so smart and respect so much can believe these outrageous things that I hear about the Mormon church?" My response to her was simple, "then just ask me." At work every time a student, or family, or community member turns out to be Mormon I am looked to as the expert. Everything I do and the other Mormons around are doing is being watched very closely and often being seen as the Mormon way.
So, while I never take offense to being asked questions about my faith, I am very concerned that as the token Mormon person in so many people's lives- am I being a good representative of my faith? Would Heavenly Father choose me as His representative?
It is very similar to the conversation I had with my often all too single minded husband earlier this week. I was sharing that as American's we have a tendency to over generalize our thoughts of a whole group of people based on a small singular experience with only one or two people who can be connected with that group. I try very hard to understand that while collectively people may share a basic set of beliefs, each person is still very much an individual and shouldn't be judged based upon the actions of others. For example, let's look at me as a Mormon. I believe very strongly in the existence of my Heavenly Father and in the teachings of my church, but I also can appear very contrary to the teachings of my church. For one, I have six tattoo's. While I don't actively encourage anyone to get tattoo's, I also don't mind them. I am a convert and would not have gotten a tattoo after joining the church, but I also don't mind that I have them.
So my thoughts are these:
1. I will do my best to represent my Heavenly Father in the best way I can and hope that I make Him proud.
2. I will do my best to remember that everyone is an individual and will try to restrict judgement
3. I will encourage others to try to remember that same idea.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Life Is Worth Living!
I often ponder my life and choices as I travel alone in my car. It is interesting how a simple task such as traveling to and from work can lead me to ponder deep thoughts. I usually begin by trying to set my mood for the day by listening to church music. There is one particular piece that is performed with bag pipes that is especially inspirational. Even if the song isn't over when I arrive at my destination I sit in my car and just take in every note. It is guaranteed to put me in a good mood for the day. While I am listening I start thinking about my Heavenly Father and all of the many decisions I have made recently and those that are weighing heavy on my heart because I am not sure what to do. Almost always I find myself sitting in my car in the driveway deep in prayer, seeking guidance. I feel the comfort of my savior and know that God is listening to me and ready to support me in any way He can.
Recently, I was just in that same situation, sitting in my car in the driveway wondering how I am going to make it through the day. I am just feeling exhausted and overwhelmed with all of the things I must complete. I start feeling like a terrible mother because my boys aren't doing great in school and they always seem to be fighting with each other. My daughter is angry and wants nothing to do with church or anything to do with faith for that matter. I feel like a terrible wife because I can't seem to make my husband happy, and the list can go on and on. I know that when I walk through that door I can't show any of this weakness because I have to be happy and be strong no matter what. I share love with everyone I meet and on this day I was feeling so alone and like I had nothing left to give. I began to wonder if it was all worth it, how easy it would be to just walk away and not deal with anything, but immediately I had this warm feeling come over me and I began to cry. I knew that I want nothing more than to be with my family and that I have a promise from my Heavenly Father that though I will have trials and tribulations in my life, that If I pray and reflect on them I will learn from each trial and will never be given more than I can handle.
At that very moment my son happened to walk outside and gave me a giant smile. He came to the car and offered to carry my bags for me, saying " do you need help mom?" I know that it isn't a coincidence that he happened outside right at my moment of weakness, I know that the feeling of comfort that came over me was my Heavenly Father sending the Holy Spirit to comfort me and to remind me that I am not alone. I don't have to do it all by myself and though I do have obligations to my family and need to care for them, that they also care for me. Then to top it all off, I received a letter in the mail from my relief society president and dear friend that absolutely brightened my day. I don't know how she knew that I would need that pick me up, and she may never know just how much her kind words mean in my life, but they really did remind me that i am loved by my Father in heaven, family and my ward family. I know that life is great, even when it seems to suck. I know that my Heavenly Father will always care for me and provide me with a way to make it through those tough days.life is worth living because it is all part of the plan of happiness and I am on the path to my heavenly home.
Recently, I was just in that same situation, sitting in my car in the driveway wondering how I am going to make it through the day. I am just feeling exhausted and overwhelmed with all of the things I must complete. I start feeling like a terrible mother because my boys aren't doing great in school and they always seem to be fighting with each other. My daughter is angry and wants nothing to do with church or anything to do with faith for that matter. I feel like a terrible wife because I can't seem to make my husband happy, and the list can go on and on. I know that when I walk through that door I can't show any of this weakness because I have to be happy and be strong no matter what. I share love with everyone I meet and on this day I was feeling so alone and like I had nothing left to give. I began to wonder if it was all worth it, how easy it would be to just walk away and not deal with anything, but immediately I had this warm feeling come over me and I began to cry. I knew that I want nothing more than to be with my family and that I have a promise from my Heavenly Father that though I will have trials and tribulations in my life, that If I pray and reflect on them I will learn from each trial and will never be given more than I can handle.
At that very moment my son happened to walk outside and gave me a giant smile. He came to the car and offered to carry my bags for me, saying " do you need help mom?" I know that it isn't a coincidence that he happened outside right at my moment of weakness, I know that the feeling of comfort that came over me was my Heavenly Father sending the Holy Spirit to comfort me and to remind me that I am not alone. I don't have to do it all by myself and though I do have obligations to my family and need to care for them, that they also care for me. Then to top it all off, I received a letter in the mail from my relief society president and dear friend that absolutely brightened my day. I don't know how she knew that I would need that pick me up, and she may never know just how much her kind words mean in my life, but they really did remind me that i am loved by my Father in heaven, family and my ward family. I know that life is great, even when it seems to suck. I know that my Heavenly Father will always care for me and provide me with a way to make it through those tough days.life is worth living because it is all part of the plan of happiness and I am on the path to my heavenly home.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Lesson Just For Me
Today I gave my first ever lesson in relief society. While I don't mind at all teaching a lesson, this was a nerve racking experience for me. Every Sunday I sit in relief society in awe of the amazing women that share. I feel as though I have so very much to learn from them, so the idea that I can or should teach in relief society just seems so wrong to me. I mean who am I, what could I possibly have to offer?
Regardless of what I feel are my personal shortcomings, I was asked to teach the lesson for today. I spent all week reading and re-reading the conference talk, and reviewing the scriptures that would serve as the basis for my message. Not surprisingly, I immediately realized that the message could have been written just for me. It might as well have said in big bold letters, "Jennifer, this message is for you."
The title of lesson is, " the greatest commandment" and is centered around Jesus' response to the question from the holy men asking which is the most important commandment. Jesus answered them saying,
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Matthew 22:36-40).
I love my Heavenly Father and do live my life in a way that I hope shows my love. One of my favorite things about the church is that we believe very strongly that it is by our own actions and good deeds that we earn our way into the celestial kingdom. I have spoken many times about how important it is to me that my family is together forever, and I know that if I want to be with my family forever, I have to use my time here on earth to make that possible. I need to lead by example, share my faith, and live my life by the commandments and plan of happiness.
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
(John 14: 21)
But it is much more than simply being obedient, the remainder of the talk focused on the following scripture:
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
(John 21:15-17)
I am a terrible member missionary, I am a coward and afraid to share my beliefs because I don't want to offend anyone, or come up short. But as has been shared in this lesson, I can't just say that it makes me uncomfortable and be done, I have to push beyond my fear and do what is right. So, my answer is this blog. I am sharing my life experiences and how my faith is a key component of every aspect of my life. My hope is that in some small way my sharing will help others find their faith and their voice, but most of all I hope that I can feed the spirits of my own children and help them to learn and grow in the gospel.
Just in case you would like more here is the video of the talk that led to my lesson:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P7HcuoTTPIs
Regardless of what I feel are my personal shortcomings, I was asked to teach the lesson for today. I spent all week reading and re-reading the conference talk, and reviewing the scriptures that would serve as the basis for my message. Not surprisingly, I immediately realized that the message could have been written just for me. It might as well have said in big bold letters, "Jennifer, this message is for you."
The title of lesson is, " the greatest commandment" and is centered around Jesus' response to the question from the holy men asking which is the most important commandment. Jesus answered them saying,
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Matthew 22:36-40).
I love my Heavenly Father and do live my life in a way that I hope shows my love. One of my favorite things about the church is that we believe very strongly that it is by our own actions and good deeds that we earn our way into the celestial kingdom. I have spoken many times about how important it is to me that my family is together forever, and I know that if I want to be with my family forever, I have to use my time here on earth to make that possible. I need to lead by example, share my faith, and live my life by the commandments and plan of happiness.
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
(John 14: 21)
But it is much more than simply being obedient, the remainder of the talk focused on the following scripture:
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
(John 21:15-17)
I am a terrible member missionary, I am a coward and afraid to share my beliefs because I don't want to offend anyone, or come up short. But as has been shared in this lesson, I can't just say that it makes me uncomfortable and be done, I have to push beyond my fear and do what is right. So, my answer is this blog. I am sharing my life experiences and how my faith is a key component of every aspect of my life. My hope is that in some small way my sharing will help others find their faith and their voice, but most of all I hope that I can feed the spirits of my own children and help them to learn and grow in the gospel.
Just in case you would like more here is the video of the talk that led to my lesson:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P7HcuoTTPIs
Friday, October 12, 2012
Change is Good- Service is Great!
So it has been quite some time since I have blogged, but there is good reason. I had several rounds of interviews with the district and I got the job! I am so excited and overwhelmed all at the same time. I began working immediately after my interviews and haven't stopped since. It has been quite a whirlwind of events. I have a steep learning curve, but I believe that I can do this because I firmly believe this was meant to be. It is just one of those things where you pray and get an answer. I prayed and prayed about this career move because I just wasn't sure if it was the right time and right path. I prayed that Heavenly Father would guide me down the right path and that no matter what I would make my family proud. Recently when I had a moment to look back and reflect on the changes in my life, I was reassured that I am on the right path and my Heavenly Father has helped me get here.
To be honest, life hasn't been easy. My new job is quite difficult and requires much of my time. At the same time, my boys are both at new schools in 7th and 9th grade. It has just been non-stop changes around this house. My brother-in-law and his three kids are still living with us and that is always difficult. My hubby struggles with the many challenges that come with sharing our home with another family.The kids struggle with sharing and getting used to the many nuances and idiosyncrasies of the many people living under one roof. I seem to be the only one really enjoying this, but because I hear from everyone about the many complaints and concerns, it really takes away my joy. In a rather heated discussion my husband and I were arguing about money (a constant battle), and how we are not on the path that we were on before his brother and children moved in. I agree we are not on the path of our plan and we have all but depleted our savings taking on the care of so many people, but when I really look at it, we are not struggling. No we are just making it. While I do wish we were more than just making it, I am also amazed at how we have just managed to get by every month with everything that we need.
I know that this is truly due to two things- first I pay tithing faithfully every month and believe that Heavenly Father blesses me for that. I have a strong testimony of tithing and know that more than a few times I paid my tithing knowing that I didn't have enough money to cover the bills and every time, somehow things work out. The second reason I think things work out is because we are doing what Jesus would do. He taught us to love our neighbors and take care of those in need, and that is exactly what we are doing by having family live with us. Despite that difficulties of merging two families together, it is a great experience to be a family together. It gives us all opportunities to serve each other and to grow in that service. We offer each other stability and help each other develop our patience and compromise skills. Instead of everything being all about us, we must think of others and consider them before we act. It is a great lesson.
So how does this relate to me being on the right path in my career? I think that Heavenly Father is blessing my family with good health and fortune for our choosing to take care of others. So I am not worried about money, I know that Heavenly Father will provide a way for us to get back on track with our savings and protect us from any emergencies while we work to get to where we need to be. He takes care of His children and blesses those who take care of His children as well. So to sum up, I have a new job, my family is much larger now, I am broke and I have never felt so blessed. I only hope that I can be an example for my family so that we can all be as Christ-like as possible.
Here is a great video about serving others as Christ has demonstrated for us:
To be honest, life hasn't been easy. My new job is quite difficult and requires much of my time. At the same time, my boys are both at new schools in 7th and 9th grade. It has just been non-stop changes around this house. My brother-in-law and his three kids are still living with us and that is always difficult. My hubby struggles with the many challenges that come with sharing our home with another family.The kids struggle with sharing and getting used to the many nuances and idiosyncrasies of the many people living under one roof. I seem to be the only one really enjoying this, but because I hear from everyone about the many complaints and concerns, it really takes away my joy. In a rather heated discussion my husband and I were arguing about money (a constant battle), and how we are not on the path that we were on before his brother and children moved in. I agree we are not on the path of our plan and we have all but depleted our savings taking on the care of so many people, but when I really look at it, we are not struggling. No we are just making it. While I do wish we were more than just making it, I am also amazed at how we have just managed to get by every month with everything that we need.
I know that this is truly due to two things- first I pay tithing faithfully every month and believe that Heavenly Father blesses me for that. I have a strong testimony of tithing and know that more than a few times I paid my tithing knowing that I didn't have enough money to cover the bills and every time, somehow things work out. The second reason I think things work out is because we are doing what Jesus would do. He taught us to love our neighbors and take care of those in need, and that is exactly what we are doing by having family live with us. Despite that difficulties of merging two families together, it is a great experience to be a family together. It gives us all opportunities to serve each other and to grow in that service. We offer each other stability and help each other develop our patience and compromise skills. Instead of everything being all about us, we must think of others and consider them before we act. It is a great lesson.
So how does this relate to me being on the right path in my career? I think that Heavenly Father is blessing my family with good health and fortune for our choosing to take care of others. So I am not worried about money, I know that Heavenly Father will provide a way for us to get back on track with our savings and protect us from any emergencies while we work to get to where we need to be. He takes care of His children and blesses those who take care of His children as well. So to sum up, I have a new job, my family is much larger now, I am broke and I have never felt so blessed. I only hope that I can be an example for my family so that we can all be as Christ-like as possible.
Here is a great video about serving others as Christ has demonstrated for us:
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Fun Visit
My husband's friend from, "back in the day" and her sons have been visiting this week. It really has been a great experience, not only is she super nice, but her three boys and my two boys are getting along perfectly. It is working out so well. Just being around her makes me really admire the military wives all around the world. She is a great mother and has to care for her children, run her household, and devote her spare time to church, Relief Society and the scouting organization all while her husband travels bravely into combat. Everytime I hear someone complain about life here in the US of A, I want them to live just a few days in the lives of the brave families making sacrifices everyday so the rest of us can enjoy our freedom. We all need to remember that freedom isn't free!
I love this country and the freedoms we have been afforded by our precious Constitution. When it comes time for us to vote in November we all need to take that opportunity very seriously and research the measures and candidates carefully. We need to think beyond our own needs and cosider the needs of the many citizens of this country. By this I mean that we need to do what is best for the long term, not just what is easiest. It is very admirable to want to take care of everyone and I understand the desire because I am a natural caretaker, but we also need to give people the opportunity to take care of themselves. I don't know about you, but I would much rather have the ability to care for my family than for someone to hand me something. It goes back to the old addage of if you give a man a fish you feed him for one day, but if you teach him to fish, you feed him for life. Let's give everyone their pride and autonomy back by allowing them to care for themselves. We can feed them their fish and then teach them to fish so they don't need our fish anymore, but can gather their own. I trust people to make their own choices and determine their own wants and needs, and it would be great if our government would do the same. It is like I teach the kids in Sunday School- it is only through their own works and deeds that they can achieve celestial glory. Same goes for anything in life, it is only through work that goals can bs achieved.
Thank you again to the military families that sacrifice everyday for my freedom to say these things!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Job Interview- Oh My!
Yesterday I got the call I have been waiting for... an opportunity to interview for the position of Assistant Principal. It is interesting to think about how I made the transition from teaching to wanting to do more. I always thought I might enjoy being an administrator, but because I absolutely love teaching it is hard to imagine really doing anything else, but I think there was a different plan in place for me. Over the last few years, I have naturally been taking on more and more leadership roles and in turn actually teaching less and less. So now that the opportunity has arisen I prayed and decided that it is definitely time to take action. Choosing to take this risk of putting myself out there and possibly being rejected is very scary, but I know that it is the right thing to do. I know because I have been praying and praying for guidance and I have received my answer in no uncertain terms that this is something I should do. It has made me feel even better that so many people around me are praying for the best outcome. Even my mom said to me, I will say a prayer for you. So, if you pray, then please include me in your prayers that I may make my family proud and represent myself well. I know that I may not be chosen and it may not be my time, but I feel good about taking the chance. If you don't pray, well then you should... no I would never tell you what to do, but hey I need all the prayers I can get. :)
Check out this video to learn more about the power of prayer...
Check out this video to learn more about the power of prayer...
Theme Park Mania
My cousins have been visiting from Oregon and it has been crazzyy! I love when they visit but it is definitely like a whirlwind of activity. I admire their ability to just go, go, go- non-stop. I am sure that when they get home, they need a vacation from their vacation. This time we spent two days in the Magic Kingdom, you know the, "happiest place on earth." One day from 7am to midnight at Disneyland and the next from 7am to 11pm at California Adventure. I must say that the my cousins definitely have a system down-from fast passes and strategic line choices to where they want to eat and how to maneuver around the crowds. Having a plan does make the day much more memorable. I can't say that I blame them because the cost of a ticket is outrageous and the lines are soooooo long. If I had to pay that price, I would definitely want to get every penny's worth of rides in. My family and I are season ticket holders so we generally go for short visits and gravitate to our favorite rides or shows. My hubby and I use it for date night because we just enjoy the ambiance especially around the holidays. We can enjoy dinner together and people watch. Sometimes we splurge on an ice-cream or churro even though they aren't on our diet plan. I've convinced myself that all of the walking zero's out my giant calorie splurge. I know that it would take many trips at a high rate of speed around the park to actually make a difference, but I have chosen to live in ignorant bliss. . .
So this time it was even more crazy because Cars Land has only been open for a month or so and the people are just pouring in. I must congratulate Disney on creating such buzz about California Adventure. I have always enjoyed walking around the CA park because they so cleverly created themed streets like old Hollywood and wine country. It is nice to soar over California every once in a while and see just how majestic this state really is, but it has been a bit of a ghost town and not the real draw Disney had hoped for. Now that Cars Land has been added I was truly impressed, it is just like you walk into the movie and down the main street of Radiator Springs. I didn't take the time to wait in the lines for the rides, but simply enjoyed sauntering down the street through the crowds. Yes crowds, there were crowds everywhere in California Adventure, my quiet hangout has become one giant mob of people. Unfortunately, my hubby who loves to go on every ride, had to hang back with me this time because of his back. He is still suffering from back pain and simply can't do the things he loves. I wish the doctors could fix him!
We finished off our family visit at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour in Brea. Talk about an experience!! I have one suggestion for anyone planning their visit- EAR PLUGS. Farrell's was louder than Disneyland and California Adventure and just as crowded, but who can pass up an opportunity to make a pig out of themselves by eating a dessert called the pig troth, or Mount Saint Helen's. Though no one was hungry after Farrell's we returned home to enjoy a classic Disney movie- Mary Poppins in our outdoor theater complete with popcorn machine and all. All in all their visit was super fun and exciting, we are sad to see them go but we know that families are forever so our time together doesn't have to end. Thanks to Heavenly Father's plan families can be sealed together for all time and eternity and not just till death do us part. Check out this video to see more...
Increase your understanding of the Lord's purpose for families and of the blessings He makes available to them. Visit http://mormon.org/family/ to learn more.
So this time it was even more crazy because Cars Land has only been open for a month or so and the people are just pouring in. I must congratulate Disney on creating such buzz about California Adventure. I have always enjoyed walking around the CA park because they so cleverly created themed streets like old Hollywood and wine country. It is nice to soar over California every once in a while and see just how majestic this state really is, but it has been a bit of a ghost town and not the real draw Disney had hoped for. Now that Cars Land has been added I was truly impressed, it is just like you walk into the movie and down the main street of Radiator Springs. I didn't take the time to wait in the lines for the rides, but simply enjoyed sauntering down the street through the crowds. Yes crowds, there were crowds everywhere in California Adventure, my quiet hangout has become one giant mob of people. Unfortunately, my hubby who loves to go on every ride, had to hang back with me this time because of his back. He is still suffering from back pain and simply can't do the things he loves. I wish the doctors could fix him!
We finished off our family visit at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour in Brea. Talk about an experience!! I have one suggestion for anyone planning their visit- EAR PLUGS. Farrell's was louder than Disneyland and California Adventure and just as crowded, but who can pass up an opportunity to make a pig out of themselves by eating a dessert called the pig troth, or Mount Saint Helen's. Though no one was hungry after Farrell's we returned home to enjoy a classic Disney movie- Mary Poppins in our outdoor theater complete with popcorn machine and all. All in all their visit was super fun and exciting, we are sad to see them go but we know that families are forever so our time together doesn't have to end. Thanks to Heavenly Father's plan families can be sealed together for all time and eternity and not just till death do us part. Check out this video to see more...
Increase your understanding of the Lord's purpose for families and of the blessings He makes available to them. Visit http://mormon.org/family/ to learn more.
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