Another Scripture Journal

It's been quite awhile, and I'm still studying Lehi's dream and Nephi's vision from the Book of Mormon. There is so much in those five chapters alone, it's so amazing to read and ponder these holy words, my words​ are inadequate for describing the power I feel as I read! (1 Nephi 8 and 1 Nephi 11-14)

I feel again to share a simple thought I've received in this morning's study:

Scripture Journal

I have felt over the past few months that my personal study of scripture is lacking. I've also been inspired by 'sketch notes' I've seen on Instagram and Pinterest. A few weeks ago I chose to combine these two impressions and have been benefitting so much from my dive into the scriptures.

This morning I studied in 1 Nephi 11. I was looking forward to learning more about Nephi's vision of the tree of life, but before even getting there, the scriptures taught me again, through Nephi's example, the pattern of seeking revelation from God. 

A whispering in my mind tells me to share and to do. So here it is...

Big Weekend for Carter

Carter's had a weekend of firsts:

Saturday was his FIRST soccer game where he scored his FIRST goal!  It was so fun to watch him play. And he wore his soccer uniform for the next three days. Literally.  The look on his face after he scored his goal was sooo adorable.  A moment of time I hope to always remember. I was so grateful to be there, normally I work on Saturday mornings, but-my morning clients canceled their sessions, giving me just enough time to be there for his first game and goal.  I feel like I was given a tender mercy.

On Sunday, Carter gave his FIRST talk in church. He was awesome and not shy at all.  He was asked to talk on how Heavenly Father answers our prayers, and I think he learned a thing or two.  The next day, Carter spontaneously prayed 3-4 different times.  In one of those prayers, he prayed for the rain to stop and was very happy when it did an hour later....I think he's a believer. =)  (We recorded his talk after church that day but I am having a really hard time uploading videos to my blog or You Tube...grrr)

August 24th & 25th, 2013

Thank you for the awesomeness

Carter one night prayed "thank you for the awesomeness." Nate and I smiled at each other but said nothing. Carter said it again a few days later and I commented about it to a friend that was with us. Now Carter says it in most prayers, and while it's not as cute as it was the first few times, I still love it. And then I found this picture on pinterest and figured out Carter is really saying thank you for my mom, so it's back to being super cute that he thanks Heavenly Father for the awesomeness.

Thoughtful

A quote from sacrament meeting today:

"If you want to know that God lives, do your genealogy."

May 19, 2013

Notes from Sunday School and Carter's Art

Question posed in Sunday school:
"What do you lose by holding back from the Lord?"

Answer: Personal growth

"If you are on the right path it's always up hill."

And some original art by Carter

April 21, 2013

April 21, 2013

Easter

Here are pictures of our cute kids on Easter morning.

In Sunday school today our bishop taught the lesson and posed the question: what would it mean, what would be different in your life, if you knew the resurrection and the atonement were real? 

Silly question, I thought. I already believe those things to be real. But, there is a difference to "believing" and "believing in." And that was his point. Do I simply believe in Christ, or do I believe Christ? 

I believe Him. I kniw his promises will be kept. That knowledge should have a powerful influence on how I act and how I respond to the number of challenges I face daily. And because this is so personal to me, I'll just leave it at that.

March 31, 2013

Preparing him for the Priesthood

Today's sunday school lesson was on the priesthood, and one question particularly 'pricked' my heart:

How can boys and young men prepare to receive the Aaronic Priesthood?

Great question, and one I have wondered so many times before, what do Nate and I need to be doing in our home to prepare Carter for this important opportunity that waits for him?

Here are some answers given by other members in the class:

Teach them to serve others
Take your 9, 10, &11 year old boys to help serve others-moving, cleaning, yard work, etc. as needed.
Take him to priesthood sessions before he is 12.
Be an example at home of what a priesthood holder is (for Nate)

Some answers are common sense but I was glad to be taught today that I should be teaching Carter to serve and that this is a main responsibility of a priesthood holder.

February 24, 2013

Revelatory Experiences

The lesson in Relief Society today was so good I have to post about it so I can remember it always.

I loved the organization and format of her lesson (am I the only one who thinks about the format of lesson?). It is the perfect way to teach by the spirit for many topics because it is so flexible.  She based her lesson on two questions. She 1st took a few minutes to share her thoughts and feelings on the topic and by so doing, brought the spirit into the room.  She then turned it over to the sisters in the room, allowing them to bare testimony of the gospel in a less intimidating way. I'll bet many of them didn't even know they were bareing testimony, they simply thought they were answering her questions or sharing a story.  I love lessons like this...I love them!

Here are the questions, which I am still trying to answer...

• What spiritual truths have you learned or learned better in the past year? (see 2 Ne.26:13)
•  speaking of Jesus, Nephi teaches that: "he manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith."
• Now that you have learned these truths, what are you doing to act on this knowledge?

And, in the fast and testimony meeting today, a woman mentioned she had begun calling church meetings a "revelatory experience," as instructed by a church leader.  She found as she did so, she was doing more to prepare to receive revelation, and she was receiving more revelation.  She felt she was led and inspired by the Lord more often.  Such a simple change of perspective opens up doors and windows of blessings and opportunity. Even that simple change shows faith.


I could really use guidance in my life right now.  So many changes, so many decisions, so many wishes to be balanced with reality...I could use a few more revelatory experiences just like our Relief Society lesson today. See how it's working already?