Things on Thursday: Word Art Wednesday Digi Print

This week the ladies over at Word Art Wednesday have the sweetest freebie WORD art for you to have and use!!!  It really made my day when I read it.  And then I made a digi print with it! :)

Here it is~

This is so true!!!  Each time we greet someone, our attitude is shown by our facial expression.  If you are frowning, the person is automatically on their guard.  If your face is neutral, the person has no clue what to expect!  But if you smile, you are sharing the light that God has given you! :)  So smile more!!!

As always, this one is free for ya--just make sure to check out my Disclaimers & Policies! :)

Linking to: Word Art Wednesday.

Things on Thursday: Canvas and Inspiration

Before we start, I need to tell everyone that follows this blog either via Blogger, another blog reader, or on Facebook that I will be gone for the next week and a half for a family wedding.  SO, if you follow via Facebook, please just check back here as I DO have some post scheduled but cannot promise I'll have it posted to FB!  Things on Thursday may possibly be taking a back seat for a bit--I'm really sad about it, but can't really see a way around it!

With that said, let's start our post!  I've been dabbling in something a little bit different for me--paint.  I've been inspired by Wendy Swenne, one of the sweet girls over at Word Art Wednesday to start doing some more with other types of media! :)  So, I've created a canvas.  Not sure exactly what I'll do with it, but I wanted to show you all!

Here it is~

I think it looks pretty cool!  I used acrylic paints, glitter glue, found objects, and homemade glimmer mist to construct this canvas.  And I have added bits as I go along and look at it each time I pass.  Not sure if that's how to do it, but I see little things I'd like to add here and there!  Maybe a fun quote for it?  We'll see what goes on it after I get back from the wedding!!!

Okay, so now onto my Word Art Wednesday entry!  It's a fabulous verse this week and it really made me thing.  I'll show you my print, first.

Here is it~

This verse really goes along with the purpose of my segment each Friday called "Family, Friends, & Fellowship."  I want to focus on how to truly create unity.  I feel that many people think this means we all agree on everything and it's all good.  This isn't how life it!  I personally feel that unity comes from the principles taught in this verse.  Peace.  Being able to agree that you as adults can disagree about things.  Different perspective on things help ALL learn!  And just because somebody disagrees with you doesn't make you WRONG.  It means that they are right for them.  And you are right for you!  Learn the art of being able to agree to disagree.  Also, gratitude.  When you are grateful for the things that people around you do to serve you, you will find that peace is easier to find.  Stay tuned more tomorrow on more ways to create unity in your home and with others!

Thanks for stopping by!  I appreciate it when you come to visit and I hope that you have found your visit inspiring and uplifting!  I hope you come again--blessings and have a wonderful day!

Linking this post to: Word Art Wednesday, Titus 2sdays, Women Living Well.

Things on Thursday: NEVER Give Up!

So, the past few weeks at Word Art Wednesday, they haven't had scriptures--instead, it's been inspiring quotes!  And this week is one of my absolute favorite quotes!

Here's my printable~

Isn't that an amazing quote?!  It so simple and succinct.  And so needful!  We live in a world where people give up too quickly.  To many children are ending their life because of things that they think are too hard to endure.  Adults are tuning out from family responsibilities because it wasn't the "happily ever after" they were wanting and looking for.  The lonely are tired and weary from having no support and decide not to try anymore.  I think that we forget to have hope at times.  Life will NEVER be prefect, but there is ALWAYS hope.  I truly believe that there is nothing we can do that will make God stop loving us.  And that love can give us hope for a better future.  And hope makes it easier to endure to the end and never give up.  Christ is always there.  Never forget that, and NEVER give up.

"Let Israel hope in the Lord from henceforth and for ever."

Psalm 131:3

Thursday Things: His Eye is On the Sparrow

Well hello there!  Welcome to my first ever Thursday Things post!  In case that phrase is a little lost on you, please check out THIS POST for more information!  So, what to do for the first ever Thursday Things?  I dunno, how about another entry into this week's Word Art Wednesday?!  I used some of my winnings from the challenge--beautiful artwork prints from Eclectic Anthology!  They are such a blessing in my crafting! :)

Here's my printable~

There are many times in each of our lives that we will feel insignificant.  I have these times.  Quite a bit, actually.  You know what?  There is always one person who knows exactly what we are going through.  Because He suffered for me personally and has experienced all my sin, pains, sickness, and sadness.  That is our Savior.

Because of His Atonement, each of us has the ability to feel of God's love and know that He is aware of us always.  Although my church does not sing this song, it is incredibly inspirational and I love the words, especially the refrain.

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

I love music.  I grew up in a very musical family and have been blessed with the talent of musicality.  I find that when I seriously consider the words that are being sung in each hymn and song that speaks of Christ that I can find peace and comfort.  I am so grateful for the gift of music!

I hope that each of you can find peace in the words of Christ and in the words of inspirational music.  God bless and I hope to see you again soon!  

Food For Thought: CAS Printable

So, I've discovered a fabulous new challenge blog called CASology, and as I'm a card maker first and foremost, I've already created some cards for this week's challenge.  But as I was visiting some of the other players' blogs, one of them had an amazing quote in her post.  Her name is Carole and you can find her blog HERE and her darling card HERE.

The quote that inspired me was very simple.  It goes like this, "If you want to be happy, be."  Leo Tolstoy said that.  It is a great reminder that happiness is a choice!  If you're unhappy, do your best to make yourself happy.  Be kinder to those around your, be grateful for what you have, leave the relationship that is not good for you behind even if it's hard, forgive your enemies, love your family, serve God, declutter your life!

Here's the printable that I've made~

I hope you like it!  If you'd like it for your very own to display wherever you'd wish, please click on it, save it, and print it!  For more guidelines and disclaimers, please see the tab up top.  This printable measures 4" x 6". :)  If you click on the picture, you'll be able to see the size a bit better.  Lots of white space going on here!!!

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you are inspired by what you find here and that you resolve to be little better each day!  Happy printing! ;)

Linking this post to: CASology Happy, Word Art Wednesday, Titus 2sdays, Women Living Well.

Teaching Children About God

Well, they've done it again!  Each week, the girls over at Word Art Wednesday somehow manage to KNOW what verse of scripture I need to read and ponder.  This week it's Isaiah 54:13.  Before I tell you WHY I needed this, I'll share my digi print and free word art for this verse!

Here's the print~

Verse~

Okay, so now I will tell you why I needed this verse.  I teach the 4, 5, and 6 year old kids at church with my DH.  This past week was really rough.  I won't go into details, but honestly, I was about to quit.   And if you know me, it really takes a lot for me to quit--I work with children who have special needs as my job!

So, anyway, I was about to quit.  My DH and I discussed things and he gave some good ideas on what could help us in our calling.  I felt a bit better, but I was still just done with things.  And then, this verse.  Yes.  This is my calling.  I do not have kids of my own, but I do have  kids!  And I have been called to teach them about God.  The most important things they will ever learn.  How can I quit?!  I have the responsibility and will be given the ability to teach these children where to find PEACE in a world that is in serious need of it!  And if I really love God, I will do what He asks me to do.

Which leads me to the fact that I didn't post my digi print from last week!  So, I will share it here, too, as it goes along with my story.

Here it is~

Thanks, girls!  Because of the verses that you chose this week and last, I am not going to quit!  I hope that this post helps you to realize that you, too, can do hard things and that they are worth it!  I hope you find comfort and peace as you continue in your search for happiness.

I appreciate all the work that goes on behind the scenes for the WAW team, Hazel, Darlene, andCourtney and all of your willingness to share with the rest of us!  I hope you have a fabulous rest of your week and a restful Sabbath later on! :)

Linking this post to: Word Art Wednesday, Tell Me a Story, Titus 2sdays, Women Living Well.

Thoughts on an expected end...

Hello, friends!  I've got my digital print for this week's Word Art Wednesday for you tonight!  Let's just show that first, shall we?

Here it is~

Please feel free to save it and use it for yourself!  I hope it brings some joy to you! :)  Bible Verse Thursday has used this scripture before and so you can read my thoughts on this scripture here from that post...but I had some other thoughts to share as well!

I love the idea that the Lord will always wish us well if we are striving to live the gospel!  We can always have hope that eternal life will be our reward if we are doing our best to become perfect as our Father in Heaven and our Savior are.  That is our expected end!  Perfect, eternal life!  I for one use this bit of hope to get me through some very tough times! 

It seems that my tough times are actually growing lighter--I know this has only been  made possible by hope--hope in the knowledge of the Atonement of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I am nothing without Him.  I am nothing without hope!  I am nothing with an expected end.  Glory to God and His wisdom in providing us a way to have all of these things possible!  How much we have to be grateful for! :)

If you like the word art, I made it myself and would like to share it with you!  Please feel free to take it and use it for PERSONAL USE! :)

Here it is~

If you'd like to see another use of it--an actual handmade card--then take a peek at my paper crafting blog HERE!  God bless and have a fabulous rest of your week, friends! :)

Knowledge from God

I have been blessed with amazing parents who stressed the importance of education, both in spiritual matters and in earthly matters.  They instilled in me a love of learning from a young age and it has continued to grow as I've gotten older.  I am so incredibly grateful to them and for the desire that I have to continue in knowledge and learning.  As I study gospel principles, I feel the importance of what I am learning and learn more each day.  Sometimes the knowledge alights upon me quickly and suddenly while at other times I have had to take time to understand the principle I am learning about.  Each new day brings more light and knowledge from God, though, and I am eternally thankful that I have the ability to learn and understand.

These thoughts go perfectly with the scripture over at Word Art Wednesday this week.  I've made a printable that you may use for PERSONAL use if you'd like to.  Just left click to enlarge, right click and save!

Here it is~

One of the ways that I have always been helped in learning and understanding the gospel is by having personal and family scripture study and prayer each day.  It is so wonderful to sit down with your family and to discuss the scriptures that you are reading.  Many precious memories have been made in my immediate family and with my DH and I as we study the scriptures together each night before we go to bed.  When I was younger, my wonderful father would call us all in for prayer and scripture study before we would eat our dinner together.  I am so thankful for his righteous perseverance in not listening to our griping and complaining about wanting to eat! ;)  Prayer and scripture study are also a wonderful way to finish up a day!  I don't have any specific stories about scripture study from my childhood, but I do have one from this last week as we've had my two nieces (aged 3 and 1) visiting us from Utah.

Our 3 year old niece likes to participate in scripture study and will "read" a verse for use when it is her turn.  She will repeat exactly what she is told to recite and her sweet little voice sounds so beautiful as she speaks the words of God.  I imagine that this is how our Father in Heaven feels each time we listen and preach His word to those around us and in our families.  We are all God's children and it must make Him incredibly happy to see each of us learning what He has given us each day.  I encourage you (and myself) to do a little better each day at learning and applying the gospel to our daily lives.  God bless! :)

This post linked to: Word Art Wednesday, Tell Me a Story, Titus 2sdays, and Think on These Things.

Thoughts on Marriage: A Tribute to My Fabulous Husband

 I've been quite remiss in my General Conference and Sunday School studies...I need to do better!  And so, I shall.  

I have just read Elder Boyd K. Packers talk from the past Saturday morning session of General Conference and, while I very much enjoy the whole talk, I would like to talk about the opening quote because it really struck me.

Elder Packer says, " Husbands and wives should understand that their first calling—from which they will never be released—is to one another and then to their children."

The part I want to focus on from that quote is the truth that husbands' and wives' first calling is to one another.  I am blessed to be in a very loving marriage.  I know this is largely due to my DH who is constantly willing to sacrifice for me and our family.  I've decided to make a printable using this quote, and I'd like to share it with you.

Here it is~

We have been unable to have children in our 8 years of marriage, we have experienced things that should have torn us apart.  The reason that they didn't?  We believe in the power of the marriage and sealing covenants that we made in the temple.

 Let me tell you a few tales from our precious 8 years that have effected me to my soul.  I am hoping that by writing a few of these experiences that someone else will be helped and not make the same mistakes I've made.  I'm thinking these thoughts have come to mind because one of my younger sisters is getting married at the beginning of August.  I think I'll tell her to read this... ;D

Romance?

When we were first married, my DH didn't ever bring me flowers or chocolates.  I was a bit appalled.  Why wasn't he concerned about showing me how much he loved me?  As you guessed, this was my selfish feelings getting the better of me.  As I prayed to know that my husband, shy by nature and incredibly quiet, really did love me, I came to know him better through the Holy Ghost.  My Father in Heaven is also the Father of my DH.  He taught me things about my husband that I was unable to see with my limited view of romance and love.  I realized that my husband loved me more than I could ever know.  He showed his love not by bringing me flowers and chocolates, but by serving me.

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." Mosiah 2:17

I was too naive to realize at the time that the best husband to have was one that put God first.  As my DH served me each day by helping with housework and listening and talking to me, he was putting God first by serving his wife.  How wonderful I felt when I realized that the love my husband had for me would be truly lasting and would not fade with time!  It wasn't based on looks or the thrill of gift giving.  My DH wanted our marriage to be based on service to one another and ultimately to God.  I am eternally grateful for my DH's willingness to serve.  He serves not only me, but anyone around him that is need of service.  Because of his example, I have come to find even greater joy in serving those around me.  And we are happy serving together!

Lessons learned: Service is the greatest form of love that we can show one towards another--especially in a marriage.  The world's view of romance is not lasting--the only love that lasts is love given from God.  We find this love through service.

I'm free!

 

 I tend to be incredibly strong willed.  That's a nice way of saying stubborn.  I like to make my own choices and to do what I like to do.  Since I am the oldest of 9 children, I did learn from living with 11 people in one home to work with others and to share, etc. for which I am eternally grateful.  I have no idea what I would be like if I didn't have parents who taught me these principles.  Seriously.  It would be B-A-D.

Anyway, I was sooooo excited to get married and leave home because it would mean more time doing what I wanted to do!  Right? WRONG.  I learned very s-l-o-w-l-y the importance of spending quality time with my DH.  I started out our marriage still spending a lot of time with my friends.  I didn't want to be one of "those" people who ignored their lives when they were first married.  I used my personal day off of work to not go on a date with my husband of less than a year, but to go and spend time with my friends.  I felt that since we were the only 2 in our family, we didn't need to have family home evening and I could still go to Single's Ward activities with my single friends on Monday nights.

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." Genesis 2:24

Now, should you have NO friends when you are married?  Of course not!  But I realize now looking back that I spent too much time with friends, leaving my DH at home to do all the housework, because I felt like I was entitled to this since I was working full time and going to school part time while my husband was working only part time...forgetting that he was going to school full time and therefore working just as hard, if not harder, than myself. My DH never complained--he has always supported me in what I want to do and let me come to my own realizations about how to spend my time, even when I know that he really wanted to spend time with me.  This was a commandment from God.  I was making it very hard for him to keep this commandment.  He has taught me so much about compromising and the importance of spending TIME in a marriage together.

Lessons learned: Spending time with family should trump spending time with friends.  Both partners in a marriage should be considered and have a say when one of them would like to do something and a compromise should take place. Quality time is essential in a marriage--if you don't see each other, what is the point of being married?!  This is a commandment from God.

Nagging is NOT helpful...

Yes.  I used to nag my DH at times.  It was never all the time, but when I had asked him to do something once, I felt that nagging was justified.  I had asked him once, right?  He is a grown adult that should KNOW what to do!  This took place quite a bit in the first few months of our marriage.

Side note--I just realized I should ask my DH if I could post this...he asked exactly what I was writing about and I told him.  He wants me to tell you that I am not a nagging wife.  Isn't he precious?! ;)  He really is the best husband...

" A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." Proverbs 15:1

Okay, back to my nagging!  It really bothered me that my husband wasn't doing what I asked him (okay, told him) to do!  What was wrong with him?!  NOT.  What was wrong with ME.  I prayed about what to do about my less than patient attitude towards my DH.  You know what God told me?  I needed to realize that I was the problem.  My DH and I grew up in completely different families and learned how to do things in different ways.  Also, men and women are different.  THEY ARE.  We think differently and react differently to situations.  I decided to lighten up.

You know what happened?  I became A LOT happier!  I saw that if I asked my DH to do something for me, he would.  It might not happen right away, but it got done!  If I didn't watch him clean the bathroom, I didn't have to worry about HOW it got clean.  And it was still clean after he finished--probably cleaner than when I did it!

Lessons learned: Allow people to use their agency!  It's too hard to worry about someone else AND yourself when it comes to daily tasks when all involved are adults.  YES.  Men are adults.  They are not like women and react to things differently.  Allow them to have their differences and embrace them!  They even us out. 

And the last one...

Accepting Help & Staying Positive

As I stated before, I am stubborn.  Along with being stubborn, I tend to feel that when one thing goes wrong, everything is going to be horrendous.  WRONG.

My DH told me that when he asked permission from my parents to marry me (he really did) that my father told him that I needed help in this area.  My DH did not tell me this until just a few years ago.  Good thing!  I think I would've been livid and/or depressed that I couldn't be positive, lol!

I realize now looking back to the beginning of our marriage that I brought a lot of stress into our relationship by being incredibly stressed out by every day situations.  Things happen in life--I don't like it when things don't happen according to my plan.  Luckily, my DH continually has shown me a good example of staying calm and finding the good in the situation.  He also will say things like, "At least {this} didn't happen!  This could've been much worse!"  As I stated before, my husband is by nature very shy and quiet.  He would NEVER force anyone to do anything--even if he felt it was in their best interest.  He is a perfect example of gentleness and meekness when persuading others to do right.

"No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned..." Doctrine & Covenants 121:41

Because my DH doesn't force me to do things he thinks are right for me, I was able to see his example and to eventually soften to counsel that I would seek from him.  This really helped when we went to the doctor and were informed that we may not be able to ever have children.  My first thought after being told this was, "At least we have each other."  A few year prior to this, I would never have thought this.  My life would've been over.  I will always be grateful to my DH for his long suffering attitude towards helping me.  He continues to do this and I cannot express enough gratitude for this.

Lessons learned: Be willing to take righteous counsel from your righteous spouse.  Recognize that LIFE happens and that it's not the end of the world.  You can overcome all obstacles as marriage partners fully converted and dedicated to living the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Hopefully these stories will help other young women to realize their roles in their marriage and encourage them to strengthen their relationships with their husbands.  Nothing can bring as much happiness as a righteous marriage built upon gospel principles.  This is our first and most important calling in life!  Being married ROCKS, y'all! :)

Linking this post to Tell Me A Story, Word Art Wednesday, Titus 2sdays.

Gratitude: Essential for Forgiveness

I'm incredibly scatterbrained this week with my blogging!  I have been trying to keep up with all the stamping challenges I am in charge of or on the DT for and I totally spaced posting on this blog!  I even made it on Wednesday!  Sorry! ;)  Luckily, there's still time to enter my digi artwork and thoughts into this week's Word Art Wednesday and also to Wendy's fabulous Scripture Sunday!

Here it is~

For some reason, as I read this verse and thought about it, it felt white to me.  I know that sounds strange.  I feel like I'm a very creative person, some of you may not agree, and sometimes things feel like colors or tastes or sounds to me.  But this felt white.  I associate the color white with purity and holiness.  I also associate it with repentance--that we can be pure and clean.  I know some of you are wondering where I'm going with this...

Here's where I'm going.  Lately, I've been thinking more about the type of person I truly want to be.  I am trying to be more forgiving so that I can be forgiven of my sins.  There are steps to repentance, I know that, but as I study the gospel more and more, I am coming to realize that true repentance incorporates every single aspect of the gospel.  This includes prayer and thanksgiving.  I believe that God not only wants us to be thankful to Him alone, but to anyone who does us a good turn.  I feel that ingratitude is one of the worst sins that we can commit.  If we are not willing to be thankful for the Christ-like service that is rendered to us by others striving to become like Him, aren't we also being ungrateful to the Being that made those hands and prompted them to serve us?  One of my favorite sermons from our beloved prophet, Thomas S. Monson, is about gratitude. He says:

“We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. Someone has said that ‘gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.’ …

“Do material possessions make us happy and grateful? Perhaps momentarily. However, those things which provide deep and lasting happiness and gratitude are the things which money cannot buy: our families, the gospel, good friends, our health, our abilities, the love we receive from those around us. Unfortunately, these are some of the things we allow ourselves to take for granted. …

“A grateful heart, then, comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives. This requires conscious effort—at least until we have truly learned and cultivated an attitude of gratitude.”

I want to become more conscious of all the blessings that are brought into my lives by those around me.  I do not want to be ungrateful and take things that are treasured blessings for granted.  In order to do this, I will have to forgive some things that have happened to me, ask for forgiveness from others, learn to be more patient and kind, and look for the good in everyone around me.  I know that I am not perfect, but I am grateful to a Father in Heaven who has given me everything.  Nothing that I have is of my own fruition--to Him be the glory!  My goal is to use the cards I make (you can see them here) to say thank you to Him for the talents He has given me and to tell those around me that I am grateful for their service.  I am not telling you this to make you think I'm a good person--I'm doing it so that I can be publicly reminded of my goal.  I hope you take the time to thank someone today, as well as God for all He does for us!  {{{HUGS}}} and blessings!

If you'd like a copy of this print for your very own, just click to enlarge, save, and print FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY!  For more disclaimers about my digital artwork, scroll to the bottom of my blog! :)

A New Heart

I don't know about you, but there are times when I feel incredibly strong in my testimony of the gospel and other times when I question what I believe in.  The scriptures call these times "trials of faith."  I used to wonder WHY God would give us these times in our lives.  I used to be angry during these times.  It's only been recently that I have decided to embrace these "trials of faith" and learn and grow from them.

A few weeks back, a good friend of mine asked me to watch her three little ones this week because her regular babysitter is on vacation.  I told her I would, thinking that the money would be welcome since I'm not working at all this summer.  But then I started to realize exactly what I had agreed to. 

My only experience with motherhood has been either a miscarried pregnancy or else a foster placement.  Foster care was a severe "trial of faith."  I never want to do it again.  It has nothing to do with the children that we took care of--I will ALWAYS love them.  It has to do with other things that I just typed and then deleted.  I'm trying to be more positive about it. 

Anyway, we'll just say that foster care left me a panic filled, paranoid, wreck of a severely distrusting person.  I never wanted to take care of kids or even think about trying to have them again.  I seriously felt that motherhood was NOT for me.  And on Monday night it hit me that I would have children in my home again.  And I seriously FREAKED OUT.  I felt sick to my stomach, couldn't eat or focus, and wanted to call and cancel.  BUT, I remembered my resolve to embrace things that were difficult with me, said a prayer, and went to bed at nine.  It was the right thing to do.

Friends, these past two days have been two of the best days of my life!  I loved the kids I'm watching before I offered to do this, but now I love them even more!  I have seen what motherhood really can be and it is not as scary as I thought it would be.  Granted, I've only done this for 2 days and I KNOW it gets worse after the "honeymoon" period.  But I have proven to myself that I could stay calm and collected.  The kids still love me.  I adore them!  This has by far been the most amazing "trial of faith" that I have ever gone through!  And all because I put my trust in God.  And He took my hardened heart and showed me that I could have a different heart that would do more good for the world.

Doesn't that story go along PERFECTLY with the scripture at Word Art Wednesday?!  I was amazed when I saw this week's challenge--and I am sooooo amazed at the goodness and greatness of God!

Here's my digital print for today~

AND, a recipe that I came up with for the kiddos--they LOVED them!

Homemade Oreo Cakesters

1 Devil's Food cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup oil
1 container marshmallow fluff

Mix the first three ingredients, roll into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and bake for 8-10 minutes at 350*. When they come out of the oven, flatten the cookies slightly with a spatula. After the cookies cool completely, add marshmallow fluff to the bottom of one, and add another cookie on top!

Easy peasy, and OH SO YUMMY!!! :)  Sorry there isn't a photo...they were THAT GOOD. ;D

In addition to Word Art Wednesday, I'm linking up to Scripture Sunday @ Each Card Tells a Story, Think on These Things, Titus 2sdays, and Tell Me a Story.  I hope you all have a fabulous rest of your week--feel free to use my digital print for PERSONAL use!

Sunshine in Your Heart

***WARNING: THIS IS MY FIRST ENTRY IN AN ONLINE GOSPEL STUDY JOURNAL AND IS VERY LONG.  IF YOU ARE HERE SOLELY TO VIEW THE DIGITAL PRINT, PLEASE SCROLL DOWN...DOWN...DOWN...***

(: ***PLEASE KEEP IT POSITIVE!***  :)

***For information regarding religious terms you may not be familiar with, please see the LDS Terms tab at the top of this blog for more information.***

As part of my "structured summer," I decided that I would spend some of my time each day focusing more on spiritual things.  We recently had a General Conference of our church back at the beginning of April.  My goal is to read one talk a week and blog about it as part of my spiritual study.  I also want to study my Sunday School lessons, my Relief Society lessons, a hymn, and be better prepared to teach my Primary lesson each week.  I'll probably create some digital artwork to represent what I studied each day.  Then maybe I'll have it printed...So, now you know everything!  I've decided that I'll start today with a Conference talk.

The talk I chose to read was the first talk given, entitled "As We Gather Once More" and given by our prophet, Thomas S. Monson.  He starts out by giving a very concise explanation of WHY we have general conference by saying, "We meet each six months to strengthen one another, to extend encouragement, to provide comfort, to build faith. We are here to learn. Some of you may be seeking answers to questions and challenges you are experiencing in your life. Some are struggling with disappointments or losses. Each can be enlightened and uplifted and comforted as the Spirit of the Lord is felt."

I LOVE general conference!  Each time I listen to the words of living prophets and apostles, I feel the love of Christ emanating around the globe as words of exhortation, love, peace, and goodwill are spoken from the words of men called by God.  I resolve to do a little bit better.  I learn something new from each talk and gain insight into how my Father in Heaven and Savior want me to conduct my life.  IT IS AMAZING.

President Monson went on to say, "Should there be changes which need to be made in your life, may you find the incentive and the courage to do so as you listen to the inspired words which will be spoken. May each of us resolve anew to live so that we are worthy sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. May we continue to oppose evil wherever it is found." 


I'm not sure about you, but I KNOW that I am far from perfect.  I think that it is amazing that such an exhortation of this magnitude could be given and that millions of people around the world can feel how POSSIBLE it is.  That is the beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ--it is so easy!  You just have to DO IT.

The next portion of Pres. Monson's talk is about the blessings we have been giving in our generation.  How lucky we are to have the modern technology that is available!  He says, "How blessed we are to have come to earth at such a time as this—a marvelous time in the long history of the world. We can’t all be together under one roof, but we now have the ability to partake of the proceedings of this conference through the wonders of television, radio, cable, satellite transmission, and the Internet—even on mobile devices. We come together as one, speaking many languages, living in many lands, but all of one faith and one doctrine and one purpose."

It is amazing to think that just less than 100 years ago, NONE of these modern marvels were available for use to use!  How great is the wisdom and love of God to give the inspiration for this amazing technology to be present here on this earth at this time--I for one am MOST grateful for indoor plumbing and central heating and air conditioning...I think I would die without it...probably not really, but I am SOOOO grateful for them!!!

President Monson continues, "From a small beginning 182 years ago, our presence is now felt throughout the world. This great cause in which we are engaged will continue to go forth, changing and blessing lives as it does so. No cause, no force in the entire world can stop the work of God. Despite what comes, this great cause will go forward. You recall the prophetic words of the Prophet Joseph Smith: 'No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.'"

A story from the Bible comes to mind when reading these statements.  It is found in the book of Daniel.  The prophet Daniel had been called before King Nebuchadnezzar to interpret a dream that he had experienced during the night. The king saw a great statue made of different materials and then a stone cut from the mountain without hands that came and destroyed the image.  That same stone continued to grow until it filled the entire earth.  

Daniel 2:44 states, "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever."

As a Latter-day Saint, I believe that this stone or kingdom is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, the Kingdom of God here on the earth today.  Although it is populated by imperfect people, it will one day be populated by a people made perfect by the Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

As I try to live this gospel more fully each day, I am convinced a little more each day that this gospel is true.  The convictions that I feel come from the DOING of the word, and not the hearing of the word alone.  If I am to become strong and unmoving, I must continue to DO what God wants me to do.  Doubt comes only when I stop the DOING.  Faith is an action word, my friends.

President Monson says that, "There is much that is difficult and challenging in the world today, my brothers and sisters, but there is also much that is good and uplifting. As we declare in our thirteenth article of faith, 'If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.' May we ever continue to do so."

It is so wonderful to be reminded that in a world with so much that is bad, there is also so much good!  There is always so much to be thankful for!  And you know who is in charge of making sure that we are grateful and happy?  WE are!  I LOVE that I am the person in charge of my own personal happiness--I can be happy no matter what happens, because I have Hope in Christ!  This reminds me of a fabulous hymn.

  

You Can Make the Pathway Bright

Helen Silcott Dungan

You can make the pathway bright,
Fill the soul with heaven’s light,
If there’s sunshine in your heart;
Turning darkness into day,
As the shadows fly away,
If there’s sunshine in your heart today.

If there’s sunshine in your heart,
You can send a shining ray
That will turn the night to day;
And your cares will all depart,
If there’s sunshine in your heart today.

You can speak the gentle word
To the heart with anger stirred,
If there’s sunshine in your heart;
Tho it seems a little thing,
It will heaven’s blessings bring,
If there’s sunshine in your heart today.

 If there’s sunshine in your heart,
You can send a shining ray
That will turn the night to day;
And your cares will all depart,
If there’s sunshine in your heart today.

You can do a kindly deed
To your neighbor in his need,
If there’s sunshine in your heart;
And his burden you will share
As you lift his load of care,
If there’s sunshine in your heart today.

 If there’s sunshine in your heart,
You can send a shining ray
That will turn the night to day;
And your cares will all depart,
If there’s sunshine in your heart today.

You can live a happy life
In this world of toil and strife,
If there’s sunshine in your heart;
And your soul will glow with love
From the perfect Light above,
If there’s sunshine in your heart today.

 If there’s sunshine in your heart,
You can send a shining ray
That will turn the night to day;
And your cares will all depart,
If there’s sunshine in your heart today.

Is there sunshine is YOUR heart today?  I hope so!  My sunshine has been getting stronger with each word I've read and written! :)  I am so thankful to be on the earth at this time and to have a loving Father in Heaven who has provided so many wonderful opportunities for me to serve Him!  

Here is my digital print for this post, I'm calling it "Sunshine Soul"~

Gratitude is so very important.  Our prophet is very big on gratitude.  He has stated on more than one occasion that one of the greatest sins that we can commit is the sin of ingratitude.  He is always a wonderful example of gratitude, and towards the end of his talk he expressed his gratitude to us by saying, "I thank you for your faith and devotion to the gospel. I thank you for the love and care you show one to another. I thank you for the service you provide in your wards and branches and in your stakes and districts. It is such service that enables the Lord to accomplish many of His purposes here upon the earth. I express my thanks to you for your kindnesses to me wherever I go. I thank you for your prayers in my behalf. I have felt those prayers and am most grateful for them."

How blessed are we to have such a wonderful example of gratitude and thanksgiving given to us through our prophet dear?  I just love our prophet!  I love him for all of the countless hours he spends serving the Lord by serving US, His children.  I love him for the kindness that he show in each word that he says and for the life that he has led.  I love him for the humor and youth and vitality that he still has, even at a ripe "old" age!  I love him for his willingness to set aside the things he would have done for the things that the Lord needed him to do.  A fabulous example to all of us of Christ-like service and love!

He ends his talk by stating, "Our Heavenly Father is mindful of each of us and our needs. May we be filled with His Spirit as we partake of the proceedings of this conference. This is my sincere prayer in the sacred name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, amen."

Amen to that, indeed!  I need constant reminders that my Heavenly Father is mindful of me.  Why?  Because I am one of the most insecure people you could meet.  Apparently it doesn't show very much, but my DH will attest to the fact that I am not one to have much self confidence.  The things I do the best are the things that I criticize myself about.  It has taken me YEARS to work on this.  I am grateful to a Heavenly Father who has provided a Savior to help me through this struggle.  He has also blessed me with an excellent husband who is a righteous example to me and helps me through the trials of life that I face.  I am also grateful for each person who has touched my life in a positive way.  No matter how "small."  Because in the grand scheme of things, there is no such thing as a "small" act of service and kindness.  God bless you all!  Have a fabulous day!!!

This post linked to Word Art Wednesday,  Think on These Things, Hearts 4 Home, and Scripture Sunday.

WAW: Matthew 5:16 & LBB: Priorities

Hi, friends!  I've been MIA from my blogs for a couple of days due to other obligations.  I was bemoaning the fact earlier today in my head  but realized that I had been doing the BEST of what I needed to do!  I was so happy to see that Abby over at Little Birdie Blessings (Scripture Thursday) was writing about the same subject!

Here's how my week has gone: Monday--time with my brother and  husband and a little blogging (DT obligations); Tuesday--an older sister from our church needed help with a job application that took almost three times as long as I thought it would, some friends needed to talk, I crafted and blogged; Wednesday--time with my DH's family, practiced the piano, making wedding invitations for my BIL and future SIL, dinner and more time with DH's family, NO blogging; Thursday--helped a sister from church with some things for girl's camp, practiced the piano, made dinner and dessert for my brother and DH, now blogging!

So, when I looked at it, I've blogged nearly every day except yesterday.  I was able to help a lot of people with things that I know God needed me to help them with, and I have felt productive EVERY SINGLE DAY.  That is HUGE for me during the summer!!!  I work for the school district here, and so I work full time from mid-August to the end of May.  Last summer my depression was very bad because of my lack of feeling involved.  How awesome is it that my prayers for seeing others' needs and for MY need to feel productive have been answered!  It reminded me of a talk that was given in our church's general conference a little while back about choosing the best part.  You can find the whole talk, intitled "Of Things That Matter Most", here.

Here's my favorite part of the talk~

"If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most." --Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Isn't that a beautiful quote?!  And what is more important that doing what God wants us to do?  I can't think of anything more important than serving God by serving our fellow men daily.  This starts in our homes and then can reach outward to encompass our community, our city, our state, our world.  And the scripture for this week's Word Art Wednesday is a perfect reminder of what God wants for each of us to do with the light He has given us.

Here's my interpretation (click to see it full size)~

This scripture also reminds my of one of my favorite hymns called "Have I Done Any Good?"

Here are the words~

Have I Done Any Good?

Have I done any good in the world today?

Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
Has anyone’s burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?

Then wake up and do something more
Than dream of your mansion above.
Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,
A blessing of duty and love.

There are chances for work all around just now,
Opportunities right in our way.
Do not let them pass by, saying, “Sometime I’ll try,”
But go and do something today.
’Tis noble of man to work and to give;
Love’s labor has merit alone.
Only he who does something helps others to live.
To God each good work will be known.

 Then wake up and do something more
Than dream of your mansion above.
Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,

A blessing of duty and love.

At the request of Wendy at Each Card Tells a Story, I'm linking this up with Scripture Sunday, as well!  Thank you, Wendy, for stopping by and leaving your sweet comment! :)

Thank you for stopping by and reading my musings.  At least, I hope you read them! ;)  Feel free to click on the digital print, save it, and use it FOR PERSONAL USE.  It measures 4"x6".  I hope that you find joy this week in serving those around you!  See you again soon!

It's been a while...

Wow.  I just realized how long it's been since I posted some digital art!  I'm here tonight to change that!!!  I've missed my weekly participation in Word Art Wednesday soooo much, so I've created something just for the challenge for this week!!!

Here it is~

I really love this scripture and feel that it is really important for each of us to remember trust God and pray to Him daily.  I was recently talking to my boss about a situation we've had in our classroom this year, and she expressed to me how grateful she was that God sends us experiences to help us understand His will.  She then told me of something that happened that was direct answer to our prayer about the situation we've been trying to deal with.  I am not at liberty to give details, but I am SO GRATEFUL that prayer works, that God is real, and that He love each of us!

Thanks for stopping by--feel free to print and use this print for personal use, just make sure to click to enlarge first!  Print size is 8"x10". 

Thanks to the ladies at Word Art Wednesday for the challenge and also to Eclectic Anthology for the gorgeous vintage print used on this artwork!  Have a fabulous day, and never forget that you are loved!

Nahum 1:7

Hello!  It's been a few weeks since I posted any digi art, so I decided to use the word art from Word Art Wednesday to create a quick digi print! :)

Here's the print~

And now some thoughts on the scripture.  First of all, I adore the scriptural gems found in the Old Testament.  And I love the lessons learned in this amazing compilation of ancient scripture.  This verse is just a continual reminder of God's love for us, which is perfect.  The Lord IS good!  He can be our strength in times of trouble if we allow Him to help us.  AND, He is remembers the people who trust in Him.  I firmly believe that God is willing and wanting to help us, but that we have to put for the effort to show Him that we are willing to follow where He leads.  I know that God will never do something for us that we can do for ourselves, but instead makes that thing easier for us to accomplish when we put our trust in His perfect knowledge.  He is our loving Father who wants us all to return to Him.  He knows we can do it!

Thanks for the ladies at WAW for the fabulous word art!  Now to go and see everyone else's fabulous creations! :)

Also, if you like stamping and are looking for a fun challenge, please check out my new monthly challenge, Technique Tuesday!  This month, you'll learn how to do Velveteen Stamping! :)  Can't wait to see your creation there!!!

Please feel free to use my digital print for PERSONAL USE.  See the bottom of my blog for more guidelines if necessary.  Have a fabulous rest of your week!!! :)

Psalm 28:7

Hello, friends!  I have a new digital print to share with you all again.  It uses this week's Word Art Wednesday scripture: Psalm 28:7.

Here it is~

A few thoughts on the subject, as per my usual blog routine. :)  I love the words of the Psalms.  The poetry puts the feelings of my heart into words that are perfect.  I come from a family that is very big into music and we all sing and most of us play an instrument.  As I was learning to be a better musician, I heard a statistic that almost 100% of songs are written either about love, or God.  Well, I believe that this is true!  I have always felt closest to God when singing His praises!  Music is such a wonderful gift from our Father in Heaven, and I am grateful that in His mercy, He has allowed me to partake in this gift while I live here on earth!

I hope everyone has a wonderful week--my weekend was a little harrowing as the tornadoes literally missed us by a few miles.  BUT, we are safe.  I know that our prayers were answered!  Oh, and please feel free to print this--just follow the guidelines found at the bottom of my blog. :)  Happy printing!

My Strength Comes From My Savior

This is my submission for this week's Word Art Wednesday: Psalm 18:2 and Scripture Thursday Link Party: Be of Good Cheer.

I don't know of a better reason to be of good cheer--our Savior has paid the price for our sins, and we can all be made free!  I'm so grateful for this Easter season that helps me to remember all that God has given me.  I hope you'll indulge me and let me share a few more thoughts about this scripture in light of Easter.

The Lord is my rock: My Savior brings me comfort through the knowledge that He paid not only for my sins, but also knows my sorrow personally.  He suffered ALL pain and grief for each of us, making Him our sure foundation. {Isaiah 53:4}

The Lord is my fortress, and my deliverer: Jesus Christ brings me divine protection through His Atonement.  Because of His infinite Atonement, I can have protection from sin as I strive each day to live the Gospel and become a better person. {Numbers 14:9}

The Lord is my God...in whom I trust: What does the word God mean to you?  To me, it means a perfect being. A Personage that can be trusted completely.  An unchanging Friend that will never let you down.  This perfectly describes our Savior. {Hebrews 2:13}

The Lord is my strength: I know that through the Atonement of my Savior, my weaknesses can become my strengths.  I can become perfected in Him.  I can have the strength to stand for truth and righteousness each day in any situation I find myself when I put my trust in Him! {Ether 12:27}

The Lord is my buckler: The definition of a buckler is a round shield or protector.  Jesus Christ protects me spiritually from sin and emotionally from sorrow through His Atonement. {Isaiah 54:17}

The Lord is the horn of my salvation: Through Christ's words and actions, I can learn how to be forgiven of my sins.  Through my faith in Jesus Christ, I can gain salvation and eternal life with my Father. {Doctrine & Covenants 14:7}

The Lord is my high tower: My Savior has higher ground than I do here in mortality and can see things I cannot see.  He can send comfort to me when I need it in order to help me through the difficulties that my life brings because He knows what my future brings--and that is HOPE. {Proverbs 3:5-6}

Thank you for indulging me and if you've read this, I hope that you've felt of the Love that our Savior has for each of us.  May we always remember Him, in all that we do and say, that one day we might sit down with Him in the Kingdom of our Father.  He is risen!

Christ Loved Us First!

Hello!  I have to say, I was incredibly pleasantly surprised to see that I won last week at Word Art Wednesday!  And the prize was from the fabulous Eclectic Anthology site by Avalon Rose.  DROOL.  Amazingly gorgeous vintage images, y'all!  So, of COURSE, I HAD to use one for my project this week! 

I've used an image from the Antique Catherine Klein Watercolor Paintings Graphics Collection.  Say that 10 times fast!  I chose to use an image of two love birds for this week's Word Art Wendsday challenge (John 4:19).  It'll make sense once you see it, I think. :)  I've also used other free digital scrapbooking elements that I felt matched the watercolor fabulously! 

Also, one last thing before I show you the print, I would like to submit this into Little Birdie Blessings' Scripture Thursday link party as well. :)

Here is my designed print~

And now, my thoughts on this verse.  I have often found that in order to find love in someone else, I need to first love them.  It is possible to love everyone--I know it is!  I also know it's incredibly hard.  But I have been in situations dealing with people I deem "difficult" and have been able to have a prayer in my heart that God will let me see how HE loves them.  And I have to tell you, it is one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced.

I work with children who have special needs.  It is very hard to be patient with them at times, and so loving them is the key.  Knowing how God loves them, that they are HIS children, and that their limitations will be for this life only, help me each day to be able to treat them with more Christ-like charity and to form bonds and relationships with them that are pleasing in His sight.

I also come in contact with many different personalities in people on a daily basis, as I know you do.  Where there is a difference of opinion, a disagreement on how things should be done, a dispute on what was said/meant, I know that a basis of love helps immensely.  Loving someone first creates a deeper bond with whichever brother or sister we are dealing with and helps us to remember that we literally are spiritual brothers and sisters.  When we do this, we continue to build God's kingdom on earth and become more like Him.  Which is our purpose here in mortality! 

God is our Father.  Because He loved us, He sent His Son.  Because His Son loved us first, we now love Him as our Savior and Redeemer.  I hope that this Easter season we each strive to do a little bit better each day, that we each try to build relationships based on Godly love, that we find greater happiness and joy in doing so.  Happy Easter!

(PS: Please feel free to use this for personal use--see the bottom of this blog for more details on the privacy clause of my creations.  Make sure to click on the image before saving and printing! :D)

Word Art Wednesday: 1 Corinthians 13:13 and Happy Birthday to the Relief Society!

Hello, friends! It's been a few weeks since I've had the chance to participate in a Word Art Wednesday challenge, but I am on spring break this week and have been quite committed to doing all my favorite challenge! :) I've missed my digital art, so I am so excited to share some with you tonight!!!

This week, our scripture for the challenge is 1 Corinthians 13:13. There is a free word art available if you participate, but I chose to make my own and use the KJV wording of this verse. I'll tell you why after I show you my printable.

Here it is~

Okay, so why did I choose the KJV wording? Because that's the version of the Bible I read and ALSO because this month is my church's women's organization's (Relief Society) birthday! Wow. Try saying THAT 10 times fast. Anyway, the Relief Society turned 170 on March 17th this year (2012). Why does this matter, you ask? Because the Relief Society motto is "Charity never faileth." And since the pure love of Christ is charity, I wanted the KJV wording to reflect my appreciation for that amazing love.

I feel so incredibly blessed to be able to be a member of a world wide women's group that is focused on treating other with charity, the pure love of Christ. As I've met other women throughout the world and come to learn their stories, I have been strengthened by their faith and courage. I have met many women who are excellent examples of charity. They work tirelessly to help others to gain higher ground in a life that is so hard and uphill. They work in homes and the community alongside other women with the same values and with or without the same religious views. They love everyone--regardless of whether or not that love is returned. Their examples are inspiring! This is the type of woman I am striving to become.


Recently, our prophet and his counselors along with the quorum of the 12 apostles sent each sister who is a member of Relief Society an amazing book. It's called "Daughters in my Kingdom." As I have read and studied the history of our society as well as looked on the website for this book, I have come to realize how much God loves me personally. The book came at a time that I desperately needed to feel His love. I know he knew that. I know that He has inspired the writers and compilers of this book and website. As I continue to study this book and understand my role as a daughter in God's kingdom, I know that I will be able to become the type of woman that I want to be and that God wants me to be.

Thank you to the Word Art Wednesday design team for another fabulous challenge--you ladies are wonderful! Please feel free to save a copy of my printable and print it for your PERSONAL use. m Thanks for abiding by my guidelines (found at the bottom of this blog)! :) Happy printing!

Light My Paths

This digital print is for this week's Word Art Wednesday challenge. I LOVE this Bible verse--the imagery that is contained in it is inspiring! Christ is not only the Light of the World, He is my personal light to light my way. I know that He lives, He loves me, and He will stand by me through thick and thin. I need not fear or be confused where to turn--I only need to turn to HIM and HE will give me light!

Sorry this is so short--it's very late and I'm getting this in under the wire! Feel free to print this for PERSONAL USE ONLY. :) Just click to enlarge, save, and print! If you have any concerns about use, please see the disclosure policy at the bottom of my blog. Thanks and have a fabulous day!