The 3 Bears of Baptism

Hi, friends!  Yes, I'm back.  I know.  It hasn't been MONTHS! ;)  I'm back because I was searching for a good little gift to give at a baptism when I came across THIS printable.  I love it.  It's darling.  But I needed a more boyish version, so I made one!  Take a look...

Here it is~

Feel free to use this for PERSONAL USE ONLY.

To make this sweet printable, I used the Happy Trails Camper set from Doodle Pantry.  The PNG files work perfectly to create this darling scene!  Laurie's sets are all super cute and very affordable and versatile! 

Here's the set~

This prints out as 4" x 4" but can be resized if you need it to be bigger. I wouldn't go smaller or else you won't really be able to read the text. :)  Want to see it in action?  Okay, here is the treat I made with this darling print!

Isn't this fun?!

That's it for today!  I hope you can use this print--feel free to as long as it is for PERSONAL USE ONLY!  HUGS and happy printing!

Truly Seeing Others

We live in a world with a lot of misjudgment.  

A lot of unkindness.

A lot of fake.

A lot of us vs. them mentality.

A lot of rude.

Feel free to use this print for PERSONAL use only.

I want to live in a world of understanding.

Of kindness.

Of genuine.

Of teamwork.

Of mercy.

Who wants to join me?

Love When Least Deserved

Wow.  It has been far too long since I posted here!  I was browsing Pinterest (yeah...you know what I REALLY mean) and I saw a beautiful clay tag someone had posted with an AMAZING quote on it.

Fate.  

I had to create a printable for my home.  

I need this reminder.  

We all need this reminder.

Here's my print~

We ALL have good days and bad days.  Some of us seem to have more of one or the other based on our brain's chemistry and our choices.  BUT, we all need love.  And as someone who has been having more bad than good days lately, I know it has impacted relationships.  So, my plea is in the print above.  Try to be a little kinder to those around you today--you never know what they are going through.

Thanks for stopping by today!  If you'd like a copy of this print without a watermark, please email me!  Feel free to print this FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.  For more disclaimers and policies, see the tab up top!  HUGS to you all!

Forgiveness: The World vs. The Lord

"And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace 

of them that make peace."

~James 3:18

This past week in Sunday School we were having a discussion about Joseph in Egypt (one of my all time favorite stories) in the book of Genesis and an interesting thing happened to me.  This question was raised: How does the worlds belief about forgiveness differ from the Lord's belief about forgiveness?

I raised my hand.  I thought I knew what to say.  Instead, I said something completely different.  It was like I was just saying things that were there and I hadn't realized it.  I'd like to share it with you and then, at the end, I've included the information as a table for study. :)

I had three points from each side that contrast each other come spilling out of my mouth.  I didn't go in depth, I just stated, "The world says that someone has to ask forgiveness.  The Lord tells us they do not need to in order for you to forgive.  The world tells you that someone has to make things perfectly whole and right again.  The Lords invites us to see that He already has.  The world tells you if the offense is committed again, you don't have to forgive them a second time.  The Lord tells us seventy times seven."  I'd like to delve a bit deeper into these points.

1)  The world says that someone has to ask forgiveness before you can forgive.  The Lord does not agree.  He says you can forgive even without an apology.  Let's take a look at some examples of this in the scriptures.  In Doctrine & Covenants 64:10, the Lord tell us, "I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." (emphasis added)  There is not qualifier in that statement from the Lord.  All literally means all, whether they have apologized or not.  Another example of this can be found at the end of our Savior's life.  As Jesus was hanging on the cross, suffering for each one of us and the sins that we so frequently commit, He spoke these words to His Father (who is our Father as well), "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do..." (Luke 23:24).  If you read prior to this statement, you will find no apology, either sincere or snide, from those who harmed Him.  The Savior expects us to live by His example.  This means that we are held to a higher standard.  We must forgive all men, as He did, no matter what they do and whether or not there is an apology.

2)  The world says that the person has to make things right.  It tells us that if things aren't made right, we will never be whole and will be unable to find peace.  The Lord tells us He already has made things right and that we can find complete peace in a world that rarely feels a moment of it.  Some scriptural back up for my point--in Doctrine & Covenants 50:41-42 reads, "Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost."  A powerful promise. Christ teaches in Matthew 11:29-30, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."  And in John 14:27 we learn this from the Savior, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  When we follow Christ's example of ready forgiveness, all is right.  Our burdens are lifted. We find peace.

3)  The world would tell us that if we forgive once, and the offense is committed against us again, it is unforgivable.  The Lord has very different math.  Peter asked this of the Lord in Matthew 18:21, "Then came Peter unto him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?"  I think we all know the response.  Matthew 18:22, "Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven."  I will put a short disclaimer in here and say that we are agents to act and not be acted upon (see HERE, especially under Component Number Three: Inviting Children to Act for more on that subject).  Whenever we are in a situation where we are being continually hurt, we must shoulder some of the blame and work to not put ourselves in that situation.  This may be radical thinking, but even those who are in serious abusive situations have the power to leave.  Christ will bolster you.  He will carry you.  Take action.  The only instance I feel this does not apply to is when a child or some other frail person who is unable to care for themselves and is completely dependent upon another for life is being abused.

I'm not here to say that I am the perfect example of forgiveness or the perfect example of righteous living.  I am just here to share with you a little knowledge that I learned in Sunday School this past Sabbath.  I personally have had experiences with each of these three items of concern.  I also have come to know that the Savior's Atonement will make up for all that I lack and for all that is done to me in error.  

I also believe what we are taught about judgement and forgiveness (see HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.)  When we forgive freely and without malice, frankly as Nephi did, we are becoming more like our Savior and more fit for the Kingdom of God.  I know that forgiveness is part of Christ like charity.

May we ever forgive those around us so that our lives may be filled with peace is my humble desire and wish.  God bless you all!

You can find the chart I told you about HERE.  Feel free to download it and use it for your personal use.  If you find any other wonderful scriptures, I would LOVE to have you share them here in the comments!

Musings on Motherhood

This is one way I love to be a mother--by baking with my youngest sister.  Notice the mess?  Yep...moms don't have to have perfect homes to be perfect mothers.  And moms don't even have to have their own children...shocked?  Keep reading.

I recently read an article on how Satan can steal your motherhood.  It was FABULOUS.  I LOVED it.  But I think it didn't fully address where the problem starts when it comes to us as women questioning and giving away our motherhood.  After thinking about this, I decided to write a supplemental post about this subject.  Please note that I am not offering this as a rebuttal or as something "better" than the other article.  I'm just adding some insight as someone who does not have children of my own and still considers herself a mother.

Let me start by telling you what I believe motherhood truly is.  I believe that every single female born into this world is innately a mother.  Motherhood is an eternal calling and that this calling can be fulfilled whether or not you ever bear children in this world.  I believe that it is the duty of each woman born into the world to magnify this calling no matter what your circumstances may be.  Is this easy?  No.  Is this worth it?  Yes.  And it is vitally and eternally important.  Motherhood is the only job that will leave us completely fulfilled, if we let it.

There will be many out there who disagree with me.  That is because Satan has already stolen their motherhood.  It happens far before you ever even think about having children.  The root of the problem is not in the feelings of being overwhelmed and under appreciated.  The root of the problem happens way before this.

Just when does Satan start to steal our motherhood?  As soon as we are born as a female.  As soon as we start going to school and learn that women "don't need children" and "can have any job they want."  It starts with the first television show you watch that shows a stay at home mother as someone to be pitied and as "stupid".  It starts when Satan whispers or yells at you through another person's voice that being a mother isn't what it's cracked up to be, that some people aren't suited to be mothers, that you can do something BETTER.

So, what am I saying?  Am I saying that if you have a job/career and kids that you're wrong?  No.  Am I saying that women should only ever have kids and never do anything else?  No.  Am I saying that if you don't have kids you are worth less than someone who does have kids?  No.

I am saying that whether or not you have children of your own (which I do not), you have a sacred obligation to act as a mother in all that you do.  What does this mean?  It means that you are kind and nurturing.  It means that you are gentle and thoughtful.  It means that at times, you HAVE to reject what society thinks will help you become a self fulfilled person to realize that surrounding yourself with children will be what will bring the most happiness.  You can do this an have a job as well, if this is God's plan for you personally.

And now, a word to those of us who do not have children.  You are a mother!  Don't buy into the lie that you have to actually give birth to be a mother!  There ARE children that need YOU.  They are at church with you, they are in the schools that are in your community, they are living in a house next door to you.  You CAN be a mother!  You ARE a mother.  Look for opportunities to let this role be fulfilled instead of pining away waiting for it to be immediately in your home.  Take the time to learn the names of the children at church.  Volunteer at a local school.  Serve as a sponsor for an after school program.  Go read to the kids at the homeless shelter.  Help children see that you are another adult that loves them and wants them to succeed and then you are one of their mothers.

I have lots of moms.  And I have needed and appreciated each of them.  They are moms of friends, teachers from school, and women I worked with.  I still meet my moms.  They are the friends who are willing to cry with me, the women that smile at me in the grocery store, the women that take time to allow me to mother their children.  This never has and never will diminish the importance of my personal mother, but I feel grateful for ALL of the mothers I have in my life.

Here is my plea to all the women out there--BE a mother.  Be willing to hold motherhood in the high esteem it deserves.  Don't allow Satan to make you think that you can't be a mother or that motherhood is something that isn't for everybody.  Allow God to change your heart and allow Him to show you how you can be the mother you were meant to be.  You will not regret it.

BIG Post: Veggies!

Well, all, it is that time of the week again!  Time to share our positive thoughts from this week!  You'll notice that the link is gone this week.  I've also decided that next week we will not be having a BIG (BUTs in Gear) post, but that we will start again on the first Friday of March and the link will be gone--I just want to see your comments and I'll keep the March post at the top of the blog all month long for you to add comments to! :)  This just makes things easier on me as I've got some other things in the works that need to be taken care of first and foremost. I hope you understand!

Okay, so this is what I did a little bit differently this week.  I ate better!  It was something that wasn't too hard for me, but I had noticed that I was slipping into some of my old bad eating habits and so I tried to nip those in the bud.  And do you know what?  I felt SO MUCH BETTER.  SO much better...and I was able to be more productive and happy.  I was able to let things slide instead of dwelling on things I can't change--which is the biggest issue I have at times.  It was marvelous! :)  Getting your daily fruit and veg and nutrients really makes a difference!  I bet I'm preachin' to the choir here...

So, what do you have for me this week?  Comment below--I love hearing what you've been doing to be a little bit happier and more positive each day!  HUGS to you all!

I'm offended!

I'm not really, I just wanted a catchy title.  Plus, I really want to have this discussion.  So I hope you will comment--constructively!

I've been thinking A LOT lately about different choice that can be made.  I do that sometimes...ok, all the time.  I analyze things and try to become better.  I really do.  I pray each day to know what Heavenly Father would like me to change and do differently and better.  It works.  I LOVE it.  I highly recommend it.

I feel like I'm digressing, let me get back to my point.  I find it interesting to observe how people react to each other.  I know that everyone is different but have you noticed that there are a few major personality types that emerge when people become offended? This has lead me to analyze myself when I become offended.

These are the four main reactions I see when someone is offended (for whatever reason):

1. The easy goer: This person just lets it roll off their back and continues to do the best they can.  They wonder if maybe there is truth in what was said.  If not, they just take it with a grain of salt for later use if needed.  They like to give people the benefit of the doubt and they are confident in their abilities as a child of God.  Sometimes they ask advice about situations from others, but people aren't mentioned, just situations and ideas.

2. The ignorer: This person ignores everything that offends them, but it bugs them in the back of their brain.  They try to come up with a solution, but when nothing comes, they shove their feelings down deep and ignore those, too.  Ignoring it usually ends in a huge blow up at some point.  Sometimes at someone who has nothing to do with the situation.

3. The whiner: This person just has to tell everyone and their dog about what happened.  The goal isn't to find a constructive solution, just to get everyone as miserable as they are.  While it is necessary to sometimes talk things out, to do so without a goal of finding a constructive fix is painfully pointless.  And sad.  And eventually lonely.

4. The destroyer: This person not only whines about what they feel is offensive, they actively seek to destroy other people.  Usually the person that offended them at first, but then they slowly section themselves off and do not see a need for change in themselves.  They want everyone to hate the offender--and if someone doesn't, everyone needs to hate that person, too.  This is the most vicious cycle.  And the destroyer is never happy and will never succeed because having that type of negative influence around is too much for anyone to handle all the time.

Ok, so after I had defined these ways of handling "offenses", I took a good hard look at myself.  I decided that any time I think I'm offended, I need to ask myself a few questions and then come to conclusions that logically follow the questions.  It turned into a flow chart thingy...

What do you think?  The one thing I didn't add was "difference of opinion" but I think that kinda goes along with "The person didn't mean it..." one because most people don't mean to have their opinions be offensive, and each is entitled to their own! Differences make us stronger, not weaker!

I also put the "I am doing something wrong" one at the top because I usually am not offended by a ton of stuff so if it's because I'm in the wrong, I need to change ASAP!

So, what are your thoughts on the subject?  How do you deal with being offended?  I really want to know--I want to learn more strategies to become better at handling it and becoming a happier person! :)  Comment below--I can't wait to read your ideas!

What a week! It's BIG (BUTs in Gear) time!

Whew.  It has been a week!  This week I decided to send some love notes out to my family because I realized that I don't use my talents to serve them as much as I should.  It was so fun designing cards specifically for each person in my family and I hope they like them!

I think sometimes we focus so much on serving those "around" us that we forget to serve those literally around us on a daily basis.  We all have talents that can benefit God's children and I think we should make sure that the main focus of that sharing is with those closest to us.  Strong families build a strong church family which builds a strong kingdom of God.

Instead of a print this week, 

I've got a photo of some of the love notes I made for my family.~

So now it's up to you to share with us!  What have you done this week that made the world a little more positive?  Share below!  I will stop by and leave you a little love.  I can't wait to hear your ideas!  HUGS and Happy Valentine's Day!

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An InLinkz Link-up

Leaven: Good, Bad, Indifferent?

My husband and I had a discussion the other day about leaven.  Galatians 5:9 reads, "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump."  So, what does this mean?  After reading in the Bible dictionary about leaven, I had two thoughts.

I feel that most scriptures can be applied two ways--personally and for the world as a whole.  It is up to each of us to decide how to take each scripture into our hearts and utilize them in our lives.

For me as an individual, this scripture tells me that if I want to make changes in my life, even small changes for the better will make my life as a whole better.

What I learned about the world in this scripture verse is that it takes just a small amount of people striving to do the right thing to make a huge impact on the world.  I think of Abraham pleading with the Lord to save Sodom & Gomorrah for the righteous' sake.  God was willing to save the city if there were even just 10 righteous people found.  A righteous soul must be an incredibly strong force for good!

So, what do you think?  What are your feelings on this verse? I hope that you've found mine to be a little uplifting--then it will leaven your whole soul!

Please feel free to take this print as a reminder that small things can bring about big changes for good.  Make sure to use it for PERSONAL USE ONLY, though please!  HUGS and happy Wednesday to you all!

Monday, Monday

Nope.  Nothing really good today.  It's a Monday! ;)  I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel like certain days have moods associated with them and it is up to ME to make those moods true or false.  Does that make sense?  I think Mondays are usually equated with stress and being tired.  So, am I up to today's challenge?  I hope so!  I've got work to do!

Okay, I'm gonna share an old print here today because I'm currently doing so many projects that I *think* I might have over stretched myself. ;)   This is one of my faves, though!  I hope it reaches someone new today!

Feel free to use this print FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.  HUGS and HAPPY Monday to you all!

Weekly BIG Post!

Hi, all!  Welcome to another weekly BIG (BUTs in Gear) post for me!  How was your week?  What did YOU do to be more positive?  It could be for you personally, in your relationship with your spouse, with your kids, with friends, with non-friends...let's share and inspire one another with our fabulous ideas!!!  I'll share mine and then you can link up your in the linky below--I cannot wait to read what you've done this week! :)

So, this week I didn't do terribly much except try to inspire myself.  I know this sounds a bit selfish, but I have noticed that by taking care of ME (going to bed early, getting up early, reading my scriptures and other uplifting articles, viewing inspirational and motivational media), I can better help those around me!  So, I've made a print with a quote I found this weekend that I LOVE.  And it's free for your PERSONAL USE! :)

I've also got a little story to share with you about a tender mercy that I think happened because I've been trying to take care of myself more.  I decided that I needed to find time to use my talents to spread love to others.  I have loads more time now that I'm better rested and so I joined a card swap.  I'm SO excited to get to send my card out and it will benefit not only me, but the person receiving it!  Something so small can lead to such BIG results, you know?! 

Okay, now it's your turn!  What did you do differently this week?  I can't wait to hear from you!  HUGS and happy weekend to you all!

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Punny Valentines

Okay, is it just me or are punny Valentine's the absolute best?!  I LOVE them!  And I wanted to make a Valentine for each child at church but didn't want to spend money on the card and the candy, so I made my own puns!  And I'm gonna share them with you!  You can find the document of ALL of them HERE.

Here's one of my faves~

And another sample~

And just one more~

That's right, these are all in a document for you, along with other ones!  There's a total of 24 Valentines.  Oh my word, I LOVE them!  You'll have to download the document to see them all, but here's a list of all the puns I came up with...

1. You are the apple of my eye, Valentine!
2. Please bee mine, Valentine!
3. I think you're tweet, Valentine!
4. Fluttering by with a Valentine hi!
5. You take the cake, Valentine!
6. A very cherry Valentine's!
7. I think you are grape, Valentine!
8. You are so sweet, Valentine!
9. You are one in a melon, Valentine!
10. I mustache you to be my Valentine!
11. I'm nuts about you, Valentine!
12. You're a peach, Valentine!
13. We make a great pear, Valentine!
14. We are two peas in a pod, Valentine!
15. You stole a pizza my heart, Valentine!
16. You're so cool, Valentine!
17. You're a star, Valentine!
18. You are so berry sweet, Valentine!
19. You are my sunshine, Valentine!
20. Please donut break my heart, Valentine!
21. You're just write, Valentine!
22. You make me go bananas, Valentine!
23. You can't be beet, Valentine!
24. I soda like you, Valentine!

Yep.  That's all.  So very punny!  I LOVE IT!  I'm debating on whether to print them on white, cream, or kraft paper...so many choice!

I hope you like my offering today!  Please feel free to use these Valentines FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY!  HUGS and happy printing to you all! :)

Sweetie Pie Tags

Hi, friends!  A quick post with a freebie for you! :)  I'm currently making a bunch of little tags for some Valentine's Day goodies and I thought I'd share the document with you in case you'd like to make them, too!

Here's what the first layer circle looks like~

And a completed tag~

(Sorry about the poor Instagram photo...)

And click HERE to download a sheet of these!  I printed mine off on cardstock.  I then punched out the first layer circles with a 1.25" circle punch and layered that on a red 1 3/8" circle punch then a scallop circle punch.  They'll be tied on with some baker's twine!  These will be used around pies on a stick, but you could use them for many things! :)

That's all for me today!  Feel free to grab this free file FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY!  HUGS and happy printing, friends!

First Weekly BIG Link Up!

Hi, friends!  It's time for our first BIG (BUTs In Gear) linky party!  The guidelines are totally simple--just link up something from your blog or other online presence that shares how you've tried to be a little more positive this week and how you were successful!  It can be something as small as smiling more!  I just want to hear the good news about how it all went down--and so does everyone else!  If we join each other in being more positive, we can support and lift each other to higher levels! :)

Here's my BIG news this week--I decided it was high time that I acted like a friend to all those Facebook friends I have out there.  My intention was to just post a "thinking of you, have a great day" note on a few walls, but I ended up putting it on about 50 friends' walls.  Did I hear back from all of them?  Nope...but one conversation really made my day!  A friend that hasn't been to church in a while asked what time it was and then said she'd missed me!  WHAT?!  This is fabulous news!  And we decided to go to lunch sometime soon--you know I'll jump on that soon!  It was so fun to catch up with a few others who commented and it made me realize how easy it is to drift away from friendships.  I'm going to try harder to make sure everyone on my FB friends list know that they are my friend for a reason! :)  It also taught me that the smallest acts of kindness and service can lead to BIG results!  Hence today's free printable. :)

So, now it's your turn!  What did you do differently this week--with yourself, your family, your friends, your "enemies"?  How has it helped you be more positive?  Link it up below and I'll come and leave you some love!  You've got until next Thursday and then next Friday another new link up will be ready for you!  And feel free to grab my free printable and the badge up top, too!  Please make sure you use the print FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY and not for retail purposes!  HUGS to you all!

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Getting Our BUTs in Gear 2014

Hi, friends!  I'm back and I'm hoping the share this post so much and get so many people on board with this idea that I've had that there will be no print, just words and an invitation today. :)

This year has started less than stellar.  My goal has been to focus more on the positive in 2014 and I think God is trying me mightily--He wants to see if I am serious.  And since I am, I've had an idea growing inside of me.  I hope that it is something that each of you will consider doing along with me so that we can strengthen one another as women.  And I guess men are more than welcome to join as well. ;)

So, as I've struggled the last week through the second illness of the year, I had a thought come to my mind.  I had been watching this video about girls who were participants, along with their mothers, in a study of what beauty is.  I was incredibly saddened as I listened to girls talk about things that had been said to them and women talk about issues they didn't want to perpetuate in their daughters.  The end up having this amazing photo gallery where people come and write nice things on their undoctored "selfie" shots. It was nice.  Why can't we be like that all the time?  Genuinely kind in our comments?

Then I watched this video about women who have overcome different life trials and want to seek the good.  Could I be the same as woman #2 who really couldn't brag about myself for a minute?  Hmmm...

Lastly, I watched the video below.  I love the message and I knew I needed to be reclaimed...



I started thinking about how I self talk.  You know, what you say about yourself.  I am really proud of some of the things I accomplish, but I don't always admit it to myself and I rarely share good news with anyone beside my husband.  Sometimes my family and a few close friends, but now very many people.  Isn't that a shame?!  What an opportunity to share with others how good God is to me and how He has blessed my life!  What a selfish way to thank Him.  I also thought about all the unkind things I internalize on a daily, hourly, sometimes minute by minute basis and realized that it was the same selfishness.  I am a daughter of God.  He made me.  He loves me.  And I am enough as I try daily to better myself.  I need to share that more, too!

After that, I started thinking about how my attitude towards myself is reflected in how I view others.  I realized that I will grudgingly allow certain people their "one good quality" and then list in my mind all the things I dislike about them at times.  I'm sure you've done it, too.  If not, good for you!  PLEASE JOIN THIS--I need your help!  It's time for me to get my BUTs in gear.

Here's an example of what I'm talking about.  I don't particularly like everything that everyone around me does all the time.  But guess what, we're human, right?  Well, I've gotten into this habit of saying things like, "Well I know she helps in such and such a way, BUT ALL THESE BAD THINGS SHE DID (to me or others) DON'T BALANCE THAT 'one good quality' OUT."

Hmmm...judging.  Yep.  THAT IS JUDGING.  And it is NOT ok.  What if, instead, when someone did something HUMAN (like I do, right), I said, "She did this bad thing that I don't like, BUT she does all these good things!"  That sounds so much nicer.  And so much more positive!

My goal is to eventually get rid of BUTs and only see the good.  It will be hard.  If this month has proven anything to me, IT WILL BE HARD.  BUT (this is a good one of those), I think it will be worth it.  I've learned that the hardest things I've done have been the most rewarding.

So, here's my invitation to you.  Join me!  Each Friday, I'll add a linky to my BUTs post where you can add a story or short post, or whatever you like from anywhere you can link from that will encourage us to get our BUTs in gear.  It could be a story on how you learned to love yourself that week.  Or you child(ren), or someone around you.  Husband love!  Neighbor love!  EVERYONE love!  Let's get our lives reclaimed by God so that His love can shine through us and we can be a power for GOOD in a world that so desperately needs it!

I hope you join me!  If you'd like to, please add a link to your blog or other online presence below so that I can leave you some love!  I want to make this HUGE, so please grab the blog badge up top and add it to your blog--it should be linked back to here, but if not, let me know  Let's get our BUTs in gear in 2014, all!

I'll be back on Friday with by first BIG (BUTs in Gear) post!  Hope you join me again then! :)

I'm linking this up with: Time Warp Wife, Growing Home: Teach Me Tuesday, Titus 2 Tuesday, Wise Woman Link Up.

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Create Something Today!

Haaaaappy Monday!  Yep, it's the beginning of the week!  So, what will you create this week?  A fabulous meal?  A cleaner house?  A happy child?  A fabulous outfit?  A beautiful craft?

Did you ever consider all of those creations?  I didn't always, but after hearing this talk by President Dieter F. Uctdorf, I came to find a much deeper meaning in the word create!

Pres. Uctdorf said, "You may think you don’t have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us.  The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter.

What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. So what if the eggs are greasy or the toast is burned? Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside.

If you still feel incapable of creating, start small. Try to see how many smiles you can create, write a letter of appreciation, learn a new skill, identify a space and beautify it."

I just love this talk...so much wisdom!  Just before stating the above, he made a statement that really resonated with my crafty soul.  I've made a print with the quote because I love it so much.  You may have seen it circulate around the internet--it's showed up on many a crafty place!

Here it is~

Isn't that amazing!  We all yearn to create things!  And it doesn't have to be some HUMONGOUS gesture! 

Here's a list of a few simple things we can create each day:

1. A smile.  We can help create a better day for a brother or sister that crosses our path.
2. A healthy snack.  Creations can be just for us!  Sharing is nice, but even with nobody to share it, a healthy snack is helping to create a healthier you!
3. A loving text message.  Who knows if that person needed it or not?  10 to 1, they did.  See the reasoning behind #1.
4. A clean room.  Who doesn't love a clean space to think in?  I know that cleaning something not only gives me a sense of accomplishment.  Choose your least messy room, clean it, and you will feel a bajillion times better!
5. A feeling of God's Spirit.  We do this daily by speaking a kind word and forgiving those closest to us--including ourselves!  This is the most profound creation we can make each and every day.

Here's today's query--what would you add to the list?  What is something simple that you create each day that you are willing to share with us?  Add it in the comments below!  I love to learn and share with you!

Don't forget to grab the print above!  Please make sure to use it FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY!  HUGS to you all--let me know what else you'd like to talk about here in My Uni-Verse!  Happy week to you all!

Key to My Heart

Well, this is the third and final Valentine post for me this week!  I hope you've been enjoying the prints I've created for you!

I've got just this last one, so I want to know--WHAT TO MAKE NEXT?!  I've got a print that I've made for the beginning of next week that is all artsy and about creating, but I would like to know what things you'd like to have around for your inspiration!  Leave me a comment below and I'll try to make your wishes come true! :)

And now...let's take a peek at the print!  This one is smaller than the other's I've made--they've all been 8" x 10" and this is a 4" x 6" print.

Here it is~

I went for a bit more shabby chic and used some different colors on this one.  I think it's so pretty!  I hope you agree!

Today I'd like to just talk about how much I love my hubby.  He hates it when I sing his praises, but I honestly couldn't ask for a better man.  He serves me daily, spoils me, and puts my needs first.  I don't know what I did to deserve him, but I will be ever grateful to my Heavenly Father for allowing me to be his eternal companion!

I'm striving to strengthen my marriage by doing a few things.  I'd like to share them with you because I've seen such a positive effect on my relationship with my sweetheart.  Some of these may be no-brainers for some of you, but I think they're good reminders!

1. Lessen time spent on electronic devices and in front of the TV when with your husband.  We had gotten into a bad habit of just sitting down to watch the telly each night and not really talking to each other.  I also had let my blogging and other electronic fun stuff get in the way.  I'm still working on this, but I'm trying to make sure that I spend less time involved with the internet than my eternal companion.  I dare say the internet won't matter too terribly much in the hereafter...
2. Eat meals together.  Yes.  I said mealS.  Plural.  I know when kids are involved that it is hard to eat breakfast together, but try to.  I've been trying to make sure I breakfast and dinner with my husband every day and it makes a huge difference!  Instead of leaving a cold and silent house, I can let my hubby know his day is important to me and that I want it to go well.  This has been especially important when he has stressful things going on at work.  I want him to look forward to coming home!
3. Encourage your husband to share his feelings.  Yep.  Men don't like to do this.  I've been working my entire marriage on this, and I feel like FINALLY, after 9 1/2 years of marriage, I know more about how my husband is feeling than I ever have before.  I have made sure that my husband knows that what we talk about will always be kept confidential if he wants it to be.  He can trust me and I can trust him. It's wonderful to have that kind of relationship!

Yes, we pray together and read scriptures together, so that isn't something NEW I'm working on.  But that is literally what has kept our marriage together through all the difficulties we've encountered.  Serving God together also strengthens our relationship.

So, second question of the post.  How do you strengthen your marriage?  Let's share and help each other out by encouraging positive practices! :)  AND--don't forget to grab the print above and use it for PERSONAL USE ONLY. HUGS to you all!

Love, Love, Love

Love is all you need!  Literally.  If you have the love of God, you have everything you need!  And, yes, it is a catchy song, too. ;)  So, I've made 2 prints--that's right, TWO-- for your home decorating pleasure!

Here they are~

I think that it is SO important to remember that no matter what, you have the love of God.  He is a perfect person who loves His children perfectly.  I really appreciated this talk by President Thomas S. Monson in last October's General Relief Society meeting.

Pres. Monson stated, "...your Heavenly Father loves you—each of you. That love never changes. It is not influenced by your appearance, by your possessions, or by the amount of money you have in your bank account. It is not changed by your talents and abilities. It is simply there. It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there."

Isn't that beautiful?  God's love is just THERE.  Always!  But why is it that we can't always feel it?  I think I know the answer.  Because I've lived it.  It was a problem with ME.  I wasn't striving to feel God's love for me!  I was pushing Him away!

Each time we sin, we are telling God that we know better than He does.  We are like a teenager shutting the door on a concerned parent.  

Sometimes God cannot be with us because we let our lives follow paths He cannot enter because they are less than perfect. He has to withdraw His Spirit.  Luckily for us, that same Spirit and His love are waiting for us when we enter back into the straight way.

So here's my question for you.  What do you do to feel God's love more fully in your life?  I know the common answers--prayer, scripture reading, etc.  I'd love to hear a specific story from you or another way that you've felt God's love in your life!  I am hoping to create a community where we can share and strengthen each other here, so please make sure to keep all comment respectful.

Also, grab these prints FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY!  You know that other disclaimers and policies are up top if you need to refer to them! ;)

HUGS to you all--be back a bit later with one last Valentine print for you this week!

Love

Hi, friends, and happy Monday! ;)  I'm going to be calling this my LOVE week!  I've got some fabulous free prints that I'd love for you to grab--and they all have the theme of LOVE!  Perfect for you Valentine's decorating needs! :)

The first print I have for you features my newest favorite quote.  It is just so wonderful.  It's incredibly simple and incredibly profound.

Here's the print~

Perfect, isn't it?  Just beautiful in its simplicity.  And yet SO HARD to accomplish at times!

It is so easy to love those who love us, isn't it?  But what about people that don't love us?  Are we justified in ignoring them or being unkind to them?

I'm afraid to say, or perhaps not, that we are never justified in this type of behavior.  This is part of my New Year's resolution.  I want to be more positive and more loving.  I hope you join me in the journey!

I wish I had something more deep and profound to say to you, but I think sometimes it's the simple things that are hardest to accomplish and so keeping it simple helps. :)

Feel free to grab this print FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.  For all other disclaimers and policies, see the tab up top.

HUGS for now!  Will be posting again later this week! ;)

An apology...and some FREEBIES!

Well, I totally dropped the ball on the voting and posting.  So, I've decided to give away BOTH of the previously posted printables for FREE!  That's right--take one, the other, or both and use them FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY, please!  And, yes, personal use includes gift giving.  Please just don't sell them!  So, now all you need to do is right click and save! :)

Here's the chalkboard~

Here's the cross stitch~

I hope you can forgive me and I am going to try and post at least a few times per month here.  Thanks for your support! :)  Happy belated New Year and HUGS to you all! :)