Last week I was in an institute class and we were talking about how the last days would get to the point where people would be begging for Jesus to come again. I thought then about the Middle East and how they are without a doubt already begging and pleading for him to come and for all of this to end.
I watched something that changed me today. ISIS has put a video out there of them killing numerous Christians. This video is almost a half hour long. This video has been edited and published for all to see. Have any of you watched it? They want you to see it. They don't care about what they are doing. They are trying to bring on Armageddon because that is what they believe their purpose is. I will admit I watched about 1 second of this graphic horrific video. That was all I needed to see. It made me stop in my tracks. It changed me. These people all are being slaughtered because they believe in Jesus Christ. These men love their Savior so much that they are willing to be marched to their torturous death because they love Him so much. They are not denying their God when they know their life is about to end.
We all have said we would die for certain things. Would we really? Do you dare to even watch a second of the awful, evil people...monsters these creatures are? This is the same thing Hitler did. Americans sat back and did nothing or turned a blind eye then. We are doing the same thing! Stalin starved his own people to death and we did nothing. I know these men have wives and children who are screaming to their Lord to come and save them from this horror. Do all of us in the whole world have to feel this pain and beg for Him to return for it to happen? He will come as a thief in the night. Is anyone in America ready? Is anyone paying attention? Does it matter?
Do we need to wait for this to happen on our own soil to care? Then again what can we do? We are a half a world away. What could non-Europeans have done during the holocaust? I guess what we can do is be aware of it and be willing to hide people if they need to be hidden. We need to pray for them and pray to help us to know what to do and how to help. We need to let the world know what is happening so no one is blind-sighted by what may very well come to our own soils. We need to know who we stand with and what we stand for before it all comes to a climax.
What would we do if our feet were put to the fire ourselves? What if our children were going to be taken from us because we wouldn't deny our God. We need to be prepared both spiritually and temporally so we know what we will do if it comes to that. Put yourself in the shoes of the Coptic Christians in the Middle East and feel what you think it would feel like. We need to have compassion for these people and pray that this will stop. God wins in the end, we know that but we also know there will be suffering before he wins. How are you going to react? Whose side are you on?
Will you dare to prepare for the times ahead? Heavenly Father will let you know in your personal lives what you can do to help, what you can do to be ready for whatever may come. Ask Him.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Humility
I am the first to admit I struggle with humility. I struggle with the definition of humility and what it really means to be humble. The google dictionary defines it as "a modest or low view of one's own importance; humbleness. I actually have a problem with that definition. "A low view of one’s own importance. This is where my questions and confusion come in. I have never understood how the scriptures say, "Ye cannot say that ye are even as much as the dust of the earth; yet ye were created of the dust of the earth; but behold, it belongeth to him who created you." All the while saying, "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. How and where does Humility come into play. I don't think humility is saying I'm ugly I'm stupid I'm no better than dirt but then again sometimes I think it is. But is it humble to say I am of great worth because I am created by God. I am beautiful.
I believe maybe the answer lies in the fact that our bodies are flawed and worth nothing and like the dust of the earth, but our soul is what is worth everything to the Lord. Matt Walsh, a well known blogger and writer for "The Blaze" recorded a podcast about beauty. The type of beauty the "Dove" campaign talks about. This led him to the subject of self esteem. He made a good point in the fact that in biblical times when people were mostly pretty religious the idea of "self love" or "self-esteem" didn't even exist. It wasn't until we became secular that this concept came up. Jesus said "Love thy neighbor as thy self." Why was that the message then and now we hear so much about building yourself up? Is it the fact that back then somehow we all thought of ourselves as the greatest of them all? There was much more pride then as opposed to now? Is it also pride that Satan now has started telling us that we aren't worth anything that we are ugly. Women especially fall into that pit more than men I think. That dumb "One Direction" song "you don't know you're beautiful and that's what makes you beautiful." We have told ourselves as a society that it is cool to think we are ugly?
My husband and I talked about this and the subject of worth. He said, "There really isn't anything tangible that has true value for all things are temporal and will not continue indefinitely unless refined by the spirit to an eternal state. Therefore temporal things only have the value that we (temporal people) place on them. So if I measure my value by any of these temporal things (be it how pretty I look, how well I do my calling, how many times I went to the temple last month, etc.) then I will be building my foundation of worth upon sandy soil. It is only through a correct understanding and proper application of who I truly am that I can build my personal worth upon an eternal bedrock that will never change or decay.
I think he is right. So what are some of your tips to becoming humble? Again I don't like the google definition of thinking "low" of yourself but maybe as long as you just have an awareness that you are dust of the earth and will return to dust but that your soul is loved and created by a perfect being. You are worth loving. You are worth a great deal, more than anything, in the sight of God. You are of great worth. I think that will help me to feel God's love more and to feel of my worth but also put me on the path to being humble before the Lord as well.
I'm learning just like everyone else so help me on my journey as we go through this together and dare to prepare.
Monday, April 20, 2015
Writing Until I Can Write
I know I haven't posted on here very much. I know I'm not a great writer. I know I don't have all the answers or even most of the answers. I know I'm not even close to being very smart. I am maybe average or below even. I know I don't have much time on my hands with six kids under ten, homeschooling some of them, and planning to move within the next two months.
All that being said something I saw changed me today. For the past few days I have been thinking I want to be a better writer. I want to do something to make a difference even if it is to one person as I know we all do. Pres. Uchtdorf said, "We each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before." Other than children I feel compelled to do this or create this blog and develop it into something more.
I do not know if it will turn into anything. What I do know, is that I have things to say. I want to put my thoughts on paper. I don't presume anyone will care what I have to say, not even my posterity, but I feel the desire and need to do this. So join me if you want while we determine if I dare to prepare.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Why We Love Having a Big Family and Want it Even Bigger
I think I have entered into the large family category. I am still
not in what is now known in the blog world as a "mega family" where you
have to have at least 7 kids, but we are getting up there and really
starting to get the big family comments.
Some of the most common are:
"You have your hands full don't ya." (is that a compliment or insult?)
"You guys need a TV." (You'd rather watch TV than make children? And I'm the crazy one!?!)
"Do you guys know how that happens?" (No. And apparently you don't know either cause you'd rather watch TV)
"Oh you have a beautiful family, but you are not going to have any more are you?" (Why? Have you seen my next children? Are they extremely ugly? Do they look more like their dad?)
"Are they all yours?!?" (No I make a habit of picking up neighbor kids on my way to the store.)
"I don't know how you do it." (I may not do it gracefully but The Lord helps you through it somehow. You do it because you have to.)
"Oh wow are you done?" (I don't know are you?)
And of course my favorite which happened out in the "sticks" of texas, "I don't know whether to put you out of your misery or praise you." (............)
Now these comments come from complete strangers. So I have various off the cuff reason I throw out there like:
"It's so fun!"
"I love it!"
"I've always wanted a big family."
(Since living in Texas I'll throw out with a Texas drawl) "The good Lord provides and blesses us." which surprisingly gets all these Texans talking about spiritual things and they instantly are okay with the fact we have so many.
Now, not all the comments I get are negative. There have been many who say things like:
"You have a beautiful family."
"Oh my what a blessing."
"You are a brave woman."
"You must be really patient."
So now that we have gotten to this point of having five children, and I have not given an affirmative "WE ARE DONE" response when asked questions about it. Even our friends and people we know are curious as to why we do it. They all think I must be this patient, brave, calm, easy going person to have all these kids. As my close friends and family know how untrue those statements are.
I think the major difference is how I look at being a mother, having kids and the big question is WHY? I will try to list the many reasons for WHY I am chosing to have a large family.
The #1 reason is we are told we will have "joy and rejoicing in your posterity." I truly believe this. Heavenly Father does not lie. Having more children will never bring you misery. How happy do you want to be in this life? I dare say that the more children you have the happier you are. I could expound on why and how and what true joy is but that would be a whole post in itself. It is safe to say I know I will have more joy if I have 8 kids instead of 4. "Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them. …’ (Ps. 127:3, 5.)
#2 It is so fun and I learn so much from them. I love the joy and fun and silliness kids bring into the home. I love that with each kid I am becoming more patient because you have to be. I love how each new spirit teaches me something new. I love how i get to watch how different they are and see so many different personalities. I love the selflessness it teaches my kids because they have to help and they have to look out for each other. I love watching them learn and grow together and learn to love each other despite their differences. I love the unconditional love they show me and each other. I love the example they are to me. I love thinking how they will always have each other to turn to and to rely on.
#3 Why am I here on the earth? I am here to gain a physical body and be tested to see if I can remain faithful and to be selfless like Jesus was. What better way to force myself to be selfless than having lots of kids. I am not here to have tons of money, have a perfect body, get regular sleep, travel, or get my bucket list checked off before I die. I ask myself, "What are the reasons I would stop having kids?" Besides health reasons of course, most of the reasons are selfish. When I can find a reason that is not one teeny tiny bit selfish I will stop having them. "I have concluded that most of our sins are really sins of selfishness. "If you don’t pay your tithing, selfishness is at the heart of it. If you commit adultery, selfishness is at the heart of it. If you are dishonest, selfishness is at the heart of it. I have noted that many times in the scriptures we observe the Lord chastising people because of their selfishness." (Ensign Aug 1979)
#4 My church like the catholic church used to have the commandment that we didn't believe in birth control. Ask yourself why you think their stance on that changed? Pray about why it changed. Although they don't share the same stance now, they still have an opinion about it. This is what the handbook says, "When husband and wife are physically able, they have the privilege and responsibility to bring children into the world and to nurture them... The first commandment He gave to Adam and Eve was to “be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth” (Genesis 1:28). The scriptures declare, “Children are a heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Those who are physically able have the blessing, joy, and obligation to bear children and to raise a family. This blessing should not be postponed for selfish reasons... Decisions about birth control and the consequences of those decisions rest solely with each married couple..."
# 5 We were given agency. In most cases, Heavenly Father is not going to hit you over the head and tell you to get pregnant. In most cases he is not going to get you pregnant when you have chosen to use contraception. He has given us the council and lets us chose for ourselves. And using my agency and after studying and praying I can not limit my family.
#6 These are some more quotes from prophets that helped me in my decision making.
“The first commandment given to man was to multiply and replenish the earth with children. That commandment has never been altered, modified, or cancelled. The Lord did not say to multiply and replenish the earth if it is convenient, or if you are wealthy, or after you have gotten your schooling, or when there is peace on earth, or until you have four children. The Bible says, ‘Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: … Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them. …’ (Ps. 127:3, 5.) We believe God is glorified by having numerous children and a program of perfection for them. So also will God glorify that husband and wife who have a large posterity and who have tried to raise them up in righteousness” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1969, 12). Ezra Taft Benson
“Motherhood lies at the foundation of happiness in the home, and of prosperity in the nation. God has laid upon men and women very sacred obligations with respect to motherhood, and they are obligations that cannot be disregarded without invoking divine displeasure. In 1 Timothy 2:13–15, we are told that ‘Adam was first formed, then Eve. …’ Can she be saved without child-bearing? She indeed takes an awful risk if she wilfully disregards what is a pronounced requirement of God” (President Joseph F Smith Gospel Doctrine, 288–89).
“The Savior taught that we should not lay up treasures on earth but should lay up treasures in heaven (see Matthew 6:19–21). In light of the ultimate purpose of the great plan of happiness, I believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity” (Dalin H Oaks in Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 97, 100–101; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 72, 75).
"“Supreme happiness in marriage is governed considerably by a primary factor—that of the bearing and rearing of children. Too many young people set their minds, determining they will not marry or have children until they are more secure, until the military service period is over; until the college degree is secured; until the occupation is more well-defined; until the debts are paid; or until it is more convenient. They have forgotten that the first commandment is to ‘be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it.’ (Genesis 1:28.) And so brides continue their employment and husbands encourage it, and contraceptives are used to prevent conception. Relatives and friends and even mothers sometimes encourage birth control for their young newlyweds. But the excuses are many, mostly weak. The wife is not robust; the family budget will not feed extra mouths; or the expense of the doctor, hospital, and other incidentals is too great; it will disturb social life; it would prevent two salaries; and so abnormal living prevents the birth of children. The Church cannot approve nor condone the measures which so greatly limit the family” (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 328–29).
“The Lord has told us that it is the duty of every husband and wife to obey the command given to Adam to multiply and replenish the earth, so that the legions of choice spirits waiting for their tabernacles of flesh may come here and move forward under God’s great design to become perfect souls, for without these fleshly tabernacles they cannot progress to their God-planned destiny. Thus, every husband and wife should become a father and a mother in Israel to children born under the holy, eternal covenant” (David O Mckay in Conference Report, Oct. 1942, 11–12).
I also want to really emphasize that this has not always been our thinking and our opinion. We got married while we were both still in college with the full intent on waiting for two years til we were done and graduated to start our family. After four months we felt very strongly about starting our family. After that slowly over time we have come to these conclusions. We have learned that this is the way we want to live our life and we know Heavenly Father is pleased with our decision.
So in conclusion this is a post to answer all the questions people are asking or thinking about why we are having so many children. This is so when I get that question instead of avoiding the question because it would take too long, I can refer people here to give them the answer. This is what we feel good about and what we are doing. We are so happy with the result and also so excited about the future.
(the guy in my life who helps out with the creation of this big family attributed to this post)
Some of the most common are:
"You have your hands full don't ya." (is that a compliment or insult?)
"You guys need a TV." (You'd rather watch TV than make children? And I'm the crazy one!?!)
"Do you guys know how that happens?" (No. And apparently you don't know either cause you'd rather watch TV)
"Oh you have a beautiful family, but you are not going to have any more are you?" (Why? Have you seen my next children? Are they extremely ugly? Do they look more like their dad?)
"Are they all yours?!?" (No I make a habit of picking up neighbor kids on my way to the store.)
"I don't know how you do it." (I may not do it gracefully but The Lord helps you through it somehow. You do it because you have to.)
"Oh wow are you done?" (I don't know are you?)
And of course my favorite which happened out in the "sticks" of texas, "I don't know whether to put you out of your misery or praise you." (............)
Now these comments come from complete strangers. So I have various off the cuff reason I throw out there like:
"It's so fun!"
"I love it!"
"I've always wanted a big family."
(Since living in Texas I'll throw out with a Texas drawl) "The good Lord provides and blesses us." which surprisingly gets all these Texans talking about spiritual things and they instantly are okay with the fact we have so many.
Now, not all the comments I get are negative. There have been many who say things like:
"You have a beautiful family."
"Oh my what a blessing."
"You are a brave woman."
"You must be really patient."
So now that we have gotten to this point of having five children, and I have not given an affirmative "WE ARE DONE" response when asked questions about it. Even our friends and people we know are curious as to why we do it. They all think I must be this patient, brave, calm, easy going person to have all these kids. As my close friends and family know how untrue those statements are.
I think the major difference is how I look at being a mother, having kids and the big question is WHY? I will try to list the many reasons for WHY I am chosing to have a large family.
The #1 reason is we are told we will have "joy and rejoicing in your posterity." I truly believe this. Heavenly Father does not lie. Having more children will never bring you misery. How happy do you want to be in this life? I dare say that the more children you have the happier you are. I could expound on why and how and what true joy is but that would be a whole post in itself. It is safe to say I know I will have more joy if I have 8 kids instead of 4. "Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them. …’ (Ps. 127:3, 5.)
#2 It is so fun and I learn so much from them. I love the joy and fun and silliness kids bring into the home. I love that with each kid I am becoming more patient because you have to be. I love how each new spirit teaches me something new. I love how i get to watch how different they are and see so many different personalities. I love the selflessness it teaches my kids because they have to help and they have to look out for each other. I love watching them learn and grow together and learn to love each other despite their differences. I love the unconditional love they show me and each other. I love the example they are to me. I love thinking how they will always have each other to turn to and to rely on.
#3 Why am I here on the earth? I am here to gain a physical body and be tested to see if I can remain faithful and to be selfless like Jesus was. What better way to force myself to be selfless than having lots of kids. I am not here to have tons of money, have a perfect body, get regular sleep, travel, or get my bucket list checked off before I die. I ask myself, "What are the reasons I would stop having kids?" Besides health reasons of course, most of the reasons are selfish. When I can find a reason that is not one teeny tiny bit selfish I will stop having them. "I have concluded that most of our sins are really sins of selfishness. "If you don’t pay your tithing, selfishness is at the heart of it. If you commit adultery, selfishness is at the heart of it. If you are dishonest, selfishness is at the heart of it. I have noted that many times in the scriptures we observe the Lord chastising people because of their selfishness." (Ensign Aug 1979)
#4 My church like the catholic church used to have the commandment that we didn't believe in birth control. Ask yourself why you think their stance on that changed? Pray about why it changed. Although they don't share the same stance now, they still have an opinion about it. This is what the handbook says, "When husband and wife are physically able, they have the privilege and responsibility to bring children into the world and to nurture them... The first commandment He gave to Adam and Eve was to “be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth” (Genesis 1:28). The scriptures declare, “Children are a heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Those who are physically able have the blessing, joy, and obligation to bear children and to raise a family. This blessing should not be postponed for selfish reasons... Decisions about birth control and the consequences of those decisions rest solely with each married couple..."
# 5 We were given agency. In most cases, Heavenly Father is not going to hit you over the head and tell you to get pregnant. In most cases he is not going to get you pregnant when you have chosen to use contraception. He has given us the council and lets us chose for ourselves. And using my agency and after studying and praying I can not limit my family.
#6 These are some more quotes from prophets that helped me in my decision making.
“The first commandment given to man was to multiply and replenish the earth with children. That commandment has never been altered, modified, or cancelled. The Lord did not say to multiply and replenish the earth if it is convenient, or if you are wealthy, or after you have gotten your schooling, or when there is peace on earth, or until you have four children. The Bible says, ‘Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: … Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them. …’ (Ps. 127:3, 5.) We believe God is glorified by having numerous children and a program of perfection for them. So also will God glorify that husband and wife who have a large posterity and who have tried to raise them up in righteousness” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1969, 12). Ezra Taft Benson
“Motherhood lies at the foundation of happiness in the home, and of prosperity in the nation. God has laid upon men and women very sacred obligations with respect to motherhood, and they are obligations that cannot be disregarded without invoking divine displeasure. In 1 Timothy 2:13–15, we are told that ‘Adam was first formed, then Eve. …’ Can she be saved without child-bearing? She indeed takes an awful risk if she wilfully disregards what is a pronounced requirement of God” (President Joseph F Smith Gospel Doctrine, 288–89).
“The Savior taught that we should not lay up treasures on earth but should lay up treasures in heaven (see Matthew 6:19–21). In light of the ultimate purpose of the great plan of happiness, I believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity” (Dalin H Oaks in Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 97, 100–101; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 72, 75).
“Love
realizes his sweetest happiness and his most divine consummation in the
home where the coming of children is not restricted, where they are
made most welcome, and where the duties of parenthood are accepted as a
co-partnership with the eternal Creator.
“In all this, however, the mother’s health should be guarded. In the realm of wifehood, the woman should reign supreme” (Gospel Ideals, 469, President David O Mckay)
"“Supreme happiness in marriage is governed considerably by a primary factor—that of the bearing and rearing of children. Too many young people set their minds, determining they will not marry or have children until they are more secure, until the military service period is over; until the college degree is secured; until the occupation is more well-defined; until the debts are paid; or until it is more convenient. They have forgotten that the first commandment is to ‘be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it.’ (Genesis 1:28.) And so brides continue their employment and husbands encourage it, and contraceptives are used to prevent conception. Relatives and friends and even mothers sometimes encourage birth control for their young newlyweds. But the excuses are many, mostly weak. The wife is not robust; the family budget will not feed extra mouths; or the expense of the doctor, hospital, and other incidentals is too great; it will disturb social life; it would prevent two salaries; and so abnormal living prevents the birth of children. The Church cannot approve nor condone the measures which so greatly limit the family” (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 328–29).
“The Lord has told us that it is the duty of every husband and wife to obey the command given to Adam to multiply and replenish the earth, so that the legions of choice spirits waiting for their tabernacles of flesh may come here and move forward under God’s great design to become perfect souls, for without these fleshly tabernacles they cannot progress to their God-planned destiny. Thus, every husband and wife should become a father and a mother in Israel to children born under the holy, eternal covenant” (David O Mckay in Conference Report, Oct. 1942, 11–12).
I also want to really emphasize that this has not always been our thinking and our opinion. We got married while we were both still in college with the full intent on waiting for two years til we were done and graduated to start our family. After four months we felt very strongly about starting our family. After that slowly over time we have come to these conclusions. We have learned that this is the way we want to live our life and we know Heavenly Father is pleased with our decision.
So in conclusion this is a post to answer all the questions people are asking or thinking about why we are having so many children. This is so when I get that question instead of avoiding the question because it would take too long, I can refer people here to give them the answer. This is what we feel good about and what we are doing. We are so happy with the result and also so excited about the future.
(the guy in my life who helps out with the creation of this big family attributed to this post)
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Second Coming
I ran across this blog the other day. I loved this post. It sums up so much of what I am trying to say and do with this blog. One thing I would like to add is Glenn Beck said the other day that the scriptures are a timeline. You can read the scriptures and find where our world is right now, then keep reading to see what is in our future.
Read this post! You will learn so much from it!
Read it Here!
Dr Carson Speech at National Prayer Breakfast
I'm sure most of you have seen this but just in case. It is an amazing speech and entertaining to watch the whole thing. I loved it. I love that he was brave enough to say what he felt without worrying
about who was in the room.
about who was in the room.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Take the Challenge
I heard about this website today and loved it. I think it is an amazing idea with amazing results. I think every school should do this and much more every home. It is a 10 day challenge to turn off all tv, movies, video games, and such. The results are astounding. They found it to help all of the following;
• Reduction in student aggression
• Decrease in obesity and weight gain
• Increase in academic achievement
My husband grew up with no TV. They watched it when their parents were gone every once in a while but for the most part they didn't have media in their home. I have seen the amazing effects of it and want that so badly for my family.
Read more about the website and challenge here.
http://www.takethechallengenow.net/about.html
I'm up for the 10 day challenge and maybe more...Are you?
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