I Am His Daughter

Good Evening Beautiful Sisters,

I haven't posted in a few days. First my kiddos caught a stomach bug, then I caught the genealogy bug. :) It's seriously addicting!

I saw this video on YouTube today called, "I Am His Daughter", that absolutely and completely blew me away. I don't know if anyone can watch and have dry eyes afterwards.

Along with this video, I just want to tell you that I know that Heavenly Father is a loving Father who loves you and cherishes you with all the tenderness that a loving father could possibly possess.

Yes, we have faults, imperfections, and shortcomings. He loves us anyway and is always there to help us in our journey back to Him, should we choose His path.

He is proud of you!  He knows the amazing woman you are, can, and will become. And I do too!

Now, here's the video:

Please tell me how you felt as you watched this!

Enjoy! :)

Funeral Potatoes!

In my opening post a few days ago, I mentioned that I'd answer some questions you may have. One of which, may be what about jello salad and funeral potatoes. Well, my mom made this most delicious jello salad for my son's baptism last month. It tasted like a dream-cicle. It was amazing. I need to get that recipe from her. I'll make sure I do that.

As for the funeral potatoes:

(and let me interject here that I almost NEVER follow a recipe. I always cook by taste and sight...so keep that in mind and taste your food along the way.) :)

1 bag of potaotes o'brian from the freezer case. (cubed, with onions, green and red bell peppers).

1/2 tub of sour cream...approximately (get the 16 oz tub so you have extra just in case).

1 can cream of mushroom or chicken (I have a recipe to  make your own cream of this or that that Ill share another day) or you can used condensed milk.

1/2 stick of butter...melted. Got to be butter...but you can leave it out. But don't use margarine or you'll ruin the flavor.

A bunch of cheese. I don't measure. I just use what I think is good. Maybe you're on a diet and you want to omit it...that's ok. Maybe you really like cheese...just choose your favorite and shred a good pile of it.

Oh, if you have some herbs in your garden, chop some up add that. I love to put  in freshly chopped chives.

Now throw all that stuff in a big glass baking dish...the big one not the brownie making one. LOL I can't remember the size of it. (NOTE: you can also double this recipe and still fit it in this pan...OR don't and put it in a smaller baking dish) You may also choose to use a disposable baking dish if it's for a funeral or if you are taking dinner to someone.

Next: Salt and pepper to taste. Or use Tony's, like I do.

 

You can't live with out it, really! I use it on everything!

 

Bake in the oven at about 400 degrees. When it starts looking hot and bubbly...about 20 to 25 minutes, then add more cheese on top and then sprinkle some bread crumbs or corn flakes on the top.

 

Now keep an eye on it until it gets a little golden brown on the top. I'm not going to tell you a time, because I always burn the top of mine with out fail. Then I have to scrape it off and put a new topping on it. Just turn the light on and watch it. Or if you have a child who really really really wants to be with you in the kitchen...have them sit on a stool and watch it and report every 30 seconds or so. That's what I did the last time and it worked.

 

Now if you want to make this as a whole meal, add some chopped ham, crumbled bacon, or other yummy yummy thing in their with it. Throw in a salad and there you have it... a whole meal.

 

I don't know why they call it funeral potatoes...but in case you're asked to bring some to a funeral luncheon, you'll know what they are talking about....or in case you need a really good dinner idea...now you have it. :)

 

Stay tuned for that jello salad recipe...

The Proclamation on the Family

Today I feel the need to share with you my thoughts on The Family Proclamation as many people in our Church call it. In September 1995, this Proclamation was given at the General Relief Society Meeting. It clarifies many doctrines regarding family, gender, our purpose in life, our roles, the importance of family.

You may wonder, "Hey this was supposed to be a discussion about Relief Society. You are off topic and only three days into your blog!"

Actually, the Family Proclamation has everything to do with Relief Society because living Prophets are clearly telling us what the Lord has already told us through the scriptures regarding our roles as women.

"The family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His Children. Living Prophets Tell us why."  Here is a copy of the Proclamation. I encourage you to read it...either for the first time or 200th time. The Holy Ghost will bear witness to you the truthfulness of the doctrines contained.

And please stay tuned for my commentary below.

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A Proclamation to the World

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

 

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

 

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

 

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

 

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

 

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

 

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

 

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

 

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

 

        

The family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

The living prophets tell us why.

Continue to the Proclamation

http://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation

Regardless of each of our statuses in life (single, married, divorced, widowed) or sexual  orientation, or age: we each have a vital role to play in our Heavenly Father's plan. We each have a responsibility to help keep and teach family values, as defined by GOD our creator (not society or governments, which change their minds over time), to each other and most importantly to the young people of today.
 
I would love to reference you to a post from yet another blog by Daniel Greenfield, which has been circulating on Facebook. It was reposted by someone that I admire, Kathryn Skaggs, author of the blog, "A Well-Behaved Mormon Woman".

http://wellbehavedmormonwoman.blogspot.com/2013/04/daniel-greenfield-deconstruction-of.html


I don't think it could be said any better!

Little Drops of Awesome

So about four months ago I came across another blog post, which I will reference in a little while called, "Drops Of  Awesome". 

I feel like the mom in that blog is me. I think we can all relate.

This past Sunday, our lesson in Relief Society touched on this concept. We were talking about the commandment to become perfect like our Savior and the teacher (who was awesome) asked in what way can we be perfect now. Someone suggest tithing. Ok, that's one. But seriously, I can't think of any other ways in which we could even hope to be perfect. Yet even in tithing...do you know how many times I forget the check or cash at home?? I seem to always have a zillion things on my plate at once. Sometimes I can steal away to go home and retrieve it. Sometimes I can't. So...I'm not really perfect even in paying tithing, all though we do end up full tithe payers at the end of the year...but I'm not perfect in getting it in there exactly after pay day...see not perfect. Geez I wish the Church took automatic payment and I could schedule it. LOL! Even then, I would probably forget to schedule it every now and again. That's just me.

And then someone in the class brought up this blog post again. The Drops of Awesome. Yes, we can be perfect, even if its only little drops at a time. Right now I'm perfect being kind and patient. But if my kids get out of bed one more time tonight....well I was perfect for a little while there. :)

I think it important to remember that it is through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that we are made perfect. I think this sister's analogy perfectly describes how the Atonement makes up the difference.

I hope you will take a moment to read this post. It is beautiful!

http://www.daringyoungmom.com/2012/12/19/drops-of-awesome/

There are little moments every day where we are perfect. It's important to recognize those moments and give ourselves credit for trying our best.

I love what was said in Priesthood Session of Conference by Elder Uchtdorf:

It can be discouraging at times to know what it means to be a son (or daughter) of God and yet come up short. The adversary likes to take advantage of these feelings. Satan would rather that you define yourself by your sins instead of your divine potential. Brethren, don’t listen to him.

 

We have all seen a toddler learn to walk. He takes a small step and totters. He falls. Do we scold such an attempt? Of course not. What father would punish a toddler for stumbling? We encourage, we applaud, and we praise because with every small step, the child is becoming more like his parents.

Now, brethren, compared to the perfection of God, we mortals are scarcely more than awkward, faltering toddlers. But our loving Heavenly Father wants us to become more like Him, and, dear brethren, that should be our eternal goal too. God understands that we get there not in an instant but by taking one step at a time.

 

I do not believe in a God who would set up rules and commandments only to wait for us to fail so He could punish us. I believe in a Heavenly Father who is loving and caring and who rejoices in our every effort to stand tall and walk toward Him. Even when we stumble, He urges us not to be discouraged—never to give up or flee our allotted field of service—but to take courage, find our faith, and keep trying.

 

Our Father in Heaven mentors His children and often sends unseen heavenly help to those who desire to follow the Savior.

 

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/four-titles?lang=eng  (the full version of his talk)

 

I think this last sentence is just amazing...He often sends unseen heavenly help to those that desire to follow the Savior...

 

I know this to be true.

 

I also know that as children...yes literal children of God, we should ask for help from our Father. He wants us to make and keep our covenants with Him, so that He can bless us. If this is the sincere desire of our hearts, and we pray for it, then He will send us help!

 

I know this to be true and I bear this witness in His name.

 

Good night, beautiful Relief Society Sisters! (and brothers, if you're out there) :)

Relief Society: The Work of Salvation

 
I've never done a blog before. I've never kept a diary or journal. I've never done much of any kind of writing before. But here goes. This is my blog about Relief Society. How I discovered the true meaning of it, learned to love it, and how it has become my life. And how it has turned me into a better wife, mother, woman, and disciple of Jesus Christ.
 
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the Mormons). A great place to learn about my faith is here: www.mormon.org
 
Female members of our Church, who are 18 years and older, are members of the Relief Society.

Have you ever wondered what the Relief Society is? Maybe you of a different faith and are curious about our beliefs. Maybe you are new to the Church and are not sure about this Relief Society thing. You may be wondering what in the world we are talking about. Maybe you've just turned 18 and are attending Relief Society for the first time, and not sure if you fit in. Maybe you've been a member your whole life, but still not sure what Relief Society is.

You may have been thinking:

What is the big deal about Visiting Teaching after all? Do I have to do it? WHY!

Do I really have to make jello salad, funeral potatoes, wear heels and panty hose?

What do I have in common with these old ladies in here any way?

OR I've served in the Church all my life, I'm in my golden years...can't I let the young gals do this Relief Society stuff?

OR What does Relief Society have to do with the Savior, Christian Teachings, or anything Church related...shouldn't you ladies be doing this Relief stuff outside of Sunday?
 
Well I would love to answer this and a lot of other questions...and have fun along the way, I hope. For now: here are some quotes about Relief Society, and links where you can read more, if you'd like to.
 
The Purposes of Relief Society are:
1. Increase Faith and Personal Righteousness
2. Strengthen Homes and Family
3. Provide Relief
 
www.reliefsociety.lds.org
 
The Relief Society is the Lord’s organization for women. It complements the priesthood training given to the brethren. There is a power in this organization that has not yet been fully exercised to strengthen the homes of Zion and build the Kingdom of God—nor will it until both the sisters and the priesthood catch the vision of Relief Society. -Spencer W. Kimball, March, 1976
http://www.lds.org/ensign/1976/03/relief-society-its-promise-and-potential
 
Relief Society is not just a class on Sunday. Relief Society is an everyday work of salvation and we are all blessed to partake in its work. We have the ability to bless people's lives as we testify of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which makes all things that are unfair in this life right.-Linda K Burton, Relief Society General President
https://www.lds.org/church/news/sister-burton-relief-society-leaders-need-to-prepare-spiritually?lang=eng
 
This is pretty great stuff, isn't it? Well, there is a whole lot more to come! Stay tuned!