American thanksgiving

I used to try to celebrate American thanksgiving but due to the fact that in Canada every works and goes to school on that day, it has been difficult. Sometimes I've invited missionaries so I'd have an excuse to celebrate. But this year I had no plans. Until... My sis in law invited us because she loves to celebrate and she had invited the missionaries!  We were excited to enjoy in their delicious meal, celebrating thanksgiving in November. The food was excellent, as always, and the company even better. I sure love living close to family. 

New beginnings-posted two weeks late

I just received new callings at church. Compassionate service leader AND the Young Women Music specialist. I'm very excited for both. The weekend was a spiritual boost with an awesome trip to the cardston temple with our ward by bus, new callings, and then visiting teaching today. 

The Lord inspired the visiting teaching program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! I've had countless spiritual experiences and friendships made from this great program. Everyone needs to love and be loved, family, friends, ward members, neighbours, etc. 

I spoke in Church yesterday, this is my talk

Wilt Thou Be Made Whole- Talk 2013

Introduce our family....

·         Names and ages of children

·         Met at BYU and moved to Canada after graduating

·         Lived in the Edmonton area for the past 10 years

The talk I'm speaking about today was given by Elder Timothy Dyches(Dikes) of the 70 in October General Conference.

He begins with a story from the Bible about a man who has been stricken with his infirmity for 38 years.  He hides in the shadows near the pool at Bethesda, helpless to get himself into it, so he can be healed. The Savior finds the man and asks "Wilt Thou be made whole?" The man explains that he has no one to help him into the troubled water, so that he might be healed.  Jesus replies in John 5: 8-9 "Rise, Take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked."

Elder Dyches shares another story from the Bible, about the 10 lepers.  He says, "Because of their infirmity, they 'stood afar off' .  They were outcasts--unclean and unwanted.  'Jesus, Master, have mercy on us,' they cried--in other words, importuning, 'Isn't there something You can do for us?' The Great Physician, full of compassion, still knew that faith must precede the miracle and therefore told them, 'Go, shew thyselves unto the priests...'  Can you imagine the overwhelming joy with each step as they witnessed in real time their bodies being cleansed, healed, and restored right before their eyes?"

Have you ever experienced this?

I have, but in a spiritual and emotional way.  A little over 4 years ago, the Holy Ghost let me know it was time to have another baby.  We had 3 children at the time, ages 6, 5, and 2.  We were planning to move into a larger home.  Stan was busy with church callings and full time work and was about to return to school to receive an MBA.  I was feeling content with life and very busy, and not ready to add another child to the mix.  But we followed the prompting and began a new spiritual journey for our family.  I was sicker than I had ever been in a pregnancy, but had the assurance that the Lord knew what He was doing and I just had to trust. We did move.  Our townhouse sold in just over a week, while we were away on vacation.  It was a huge blessing.  For anyone who has ever sold a property with small children, it can be a real challenge to keep it clean for showings.  We moved into a newer house, much bigger than the one we moved from.  We were in a new ward, and a new stake.  I was excited about the change, even though we thought we wouldn't have many friends.

The transition was going smoothly, I was feeling better physically and felt more connected to the little spirit that was developing inside me.  At church we discovered that we knew a handful of people and instantly felt at home.  I was able to make friends that I was comfortable with, within weeks. 

Then came the shocking news.  At my 20 week routine ultrasound, we learned that the baby didn't have a heart beat and the doctors assumed it had died weeks earlier, based on its size and maturation.  I was confused and sad, when everything seemed to be going well.  Within a day, I delivered a perfectly formed little boy complete with distinct facial features very similar to his living siblings .

I will share a brief journal entry that captures the feelings I had....

I've wondered over the past couple of days why I'm not suffering and mourning more than I am. I have almost felt guilty that I'm being insensitive or something. Then it hit me today, and Stan and I have also talked about this... Numerous people have been praying and fasting on our behalf. We went to the Temple on Friday and I realized while I was there that our names were on the prayer roll. The reality of that wonderful process set in as I felt the peace and love and faith of those faithful people attending the Temple. They were praying for US! Then today during testimony meeting, I realized more powerfully than ever, that the Savior's Atonement was exactly for that reason! He suffered so we don't have to and so he can feel what we feel. That burden has definitely been lifted from my shoulders. In fact I only carried it for a very short time....  I've received so much strength, peace, and comfort. It is all too amazing to me how the Lord works.

This event caused us to increase the sincerity of our prayers, and to study the scriptures and conference talks more intently.  As we exercised our faith, our souls 'were healed right before our eyes,  just as Elder Dykes shared.

The Lord continued to bless us in so many ways following this trial, some of which include:

·         my spiritual senses felt tuned, I was and still am able to recognize better when the Spirit is speaking to me.

·         our marriage was strengthened and keeps getting better and better.

·         we began cherishing every moment together with our children. This one event drastically changed my outlook on life as a mother.  Never before had I been able to see and appreciate the special spirits that were sent to my home..

·         new gratitude for our amazing network of family and friends near to us and far away

·         my love and appreciation for the Book of Mormon increased

·         I had a greater desire to be close to the Spirit to receive comfort and direction for my daily life

·         I could more easily recognize my blessings

·         I felt God's love for me more and have a greater appreciation for His timing of trials and experiences in my life

I know that I was miraculously healed, spiritually and emotionally, through the savior's love and the power of the Atonement!

Elder Dyches continues: "Do you remember when your faith and joy were full to the brim? Remember the moment you found your testimony or when God confirmed to you that you were His son or daughter and that He loved you very much--and you felt whole?  If that time seems lost, it can be found again."

How can we experience that joy?  How can we be made whole?

The scriptures are full of invitations and examples.  A few of them are:

From Matthew 11 "Come unto me-take my yoke upon you,"  Matthew 11:28-30

From Luke 18 "Come follow me"-Luke 18:22

From  Doctrine and Covenants section 88"Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you" -D&C 88:63

One example from the Book of Mormon is found In Alma chapter 5.  Alma the Younger is speaking to the people about the captivity and bondage of their fathers and then their deliverance. 

In verses 7-9 it says: "Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God.  Behold, they were in the midst of darkness; nevertheless, their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word; yea, they were encircled about by the bands of death, and the chains of hell, and an everlasting destruction did await them.  8. And now I ask of you, my brethren, were they destroyed? behold, I say unto you, nay, they were not.  9. And again I ask, were the bands of death broken, and the chains of hell which encircled them about, were they loosed?  I say unto you, Yea, they were loosed, and their souls did expand, and they did  sing redeeming love.  And I say unto you that they are saved."

In verse 12, it reminds us again that it is "according to (our) faith, that" a mighty change can happen in our hearts.

Elder Dyches states :As we draw near unto Him, we realize that mortality is meant to be difficult and that opposition in all things is not a flaw in the plan of salvation. Opposition, rather, is the indispensable element of mortality and strengthens our will and refines our choices.  The vicissitudes of life help us fashion an eternal relationship with God--and engrave His image upon our countenance as we yield our hearts to Him."

I experience this opposition in my life frequently.  In our family life, there can be a lot of conflict as we strive to raise our children to be faithful, obedient, and kind.  I often become frustrated that my children aren't listening, learning, or doing what they are asked to do.  With reminders from those in my life who love me and from the Holy Ghost who teaches me, I can become strengthened and grow closer to my Heavenly Father.  I can forgive my children and family for being mortal, for making mistakes.  I can forgive myself for losing patience and expecting  unrealistic behaviors from my family.  All this is made possible when I choose to accept the Savior's Atonement, when I have faith to be healed.  I know that healing can come daily, as we repent and ask for the help we need to accomplish tasks that are too hard for us to do alone. 

Elder Dyches shared a powerful example of forgiveness in his talk. 

Corrie Ten Boom was in a concentration camp during World War II and was the only survivor in her family.   After the war, she spent the majority of her life, sharing healing and forgiveness.  During one such time, a man approached her whom she recognized as a guard from the concentration camp in which she was imprisoned(word).  He was grateful and happy to hear that he too could be forgiven of his sins.  He approached her and asked for her forgiveness.  She remembered the suffering this guard had caused her and prayed for strength to forgive this man.  And now I quote from his talk, her words:

“His hand was thrust out to shake mine,” Corrie recalled. “And I, who had preached so often … the need to forgive, kept my hand at my side.

“Even as the angry, vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them. … Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive him.

“I tried to smile, [and] I struggled to raise my hand. I could not. I felt nothing, not the slightest spark of warmth or charity. And so again I breathed a silent prayer. Jesus, I cannot forgive him. Give me Your forgiveness.

“As I took his hand the most incredible thing happened. From my shoulder along my arm and through my hand a current seemed to pass from me to him, while into my heart sprang a love for this stranger that almost overwhelmed me.

"And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world's healing hinges, but on His.  When He tells us to love our enemies, He gives, along with the command, the love itself."

Some of you may wonder, "how is this possible?" or I've done too many things wrong, or I make the same mistake over and over again.  I remind you of the question that the Savior asked the impotent man at the pool of Bethesda, "Wilt thou be made whole?"  There is no doubt in this question, of the Savior's ability or willingness to heal.  I testify that He can and does heal every man, women, and child who turns to Him, seeking to be made whole.  The choice to be whole is in our hands.  This is a question that each of us must ask ourselves.  Will you and I allow the Savior and His Atonement to heal us from our emotional, spiritual, and physical infirmities?

Testimony

I know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live and that they love me.  I know that keeping the covenants I've made bless me and my family.  I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that Joseph Smith translated it and that it brings me closer to the Savior when I read it.  In the name

Inspired by real people

I love to read, but I especially love to read about real events and real people. 

I recently read a book about a doctor who died during World War II and came back to life. It was a short book but well written. It was so neat to read how his experience changed him. His outlook on life changed and he spent the rest of his life trying to help others and bring them hope. 

The book I'm currently reading is also short. It's about the first woman doctor, Elizabeth Blackwell. She was courageous and determined. She showed others that you can accomplish things that seem impossible. I am inspired by her determination to do all it took to realize her dreams, and to accomplish great things.

Why is this normal? Maybe it isn't

I loathe fighting and arguing. It is the major thing as a parent I really struggle with. Kids had a break from school which meant they and I were home 3 days in a row. Disaster. Why can't it be fun? What is wrong with me that they have spent the last 3 days fighting?

I had parent teacher interviews on Friday morning and I was feeling so proud of them. Great behaviour, good academics, good friend shipping, fitting in to the new school, etc. then there are the same kids who act completely different at home...

 I guess that is the beginning of my payback for being an awful teenager. 

One more thing. I often ask my children in a loving way to do their chores or whatever. They only begin to listen after I raise my voice!  Have I trained them to be that way. As toddlers I expected them to listen the first time and they were pretty good. I'm not sure where it's gone wrong. I guess I need a good cry and be grateful that there are 5 school days this week!

Canada!

As long as I've lived in Canada, I've wanted to know how the country came to be. American history is full of passion, excitement, and hope for a better life. After asking many Canadians in the last 10 years and not receiving a satisfying answer, I think I've found a website that I can explore and read. I am excited. 

http://www.canadiana.ca

Final day in Victoria

This 2nd bed and breakfast is also awesome. Very clean, nicely taken care of but still heritage looking. Breakfast was great, hosts are very friendly and welcoming. 

It feels like a last day. We are both tired, of different things and for different reasons but alas, I trudged on and brought brynn along. First stop, royal bc museum. Fun place, love to come back with Stan so we can learn a little more. Great IMAX movie, Hidden universe. It really made me understand Heavenly Father's love for us more and made me wonder how astronomers can learn so much about space and not believe in God. It seems impossible. 

This picture(above) was in the museum. 

Empress hotel. I want to go inside sometime. I also want to tour the government building which is nearby. I bet these look spectacular in the spring and summer. 

Craigdarroch Castle. So cool. We really enjoyed our self guided tour here. 

Brynn's favorite bedroom in the castle. 

View from the tower(taken through the glass)

We rode the city bus today. So fun. We were really hoping to ride a double decker and we got to!! It's a much better view riding on the top. 

We ate at a wonderful place called Paggliaci's. Bottomless soup and bread, plus a salad. I love Italian food. Tonight we are hanging out at the bnb, packing, watching a movie. 

Courtenay

Here we are at Goose Spit near Courtenay. Beautiful mountains in the background. 

I received acupuncture for the first time by the talented Nicole, pictured above. She is amazing giving massages too. My body is in good hurting mode now, soon to feel better. I can walk taller and my hips feel so flexible. I want new running shoes to exercise my new free legs!

Today I'm again reminded of the importance of good friends. Nicole and I haven't seen each other for years and we didn't know each other too well but have always felt a connection. I feel so blessed to have a handful of amazing friends that I truly connect with, friends who build me up and help me to be a better person, and that I make a contribution to their well being as well. My bucket has been filled this weekend; great conversation, awesome discoveries of so many similarities, laughter, joy, happiness, a person who enjoys somewhat strange, healthy food too. 

I purchased real herbal tea today, yummy stuff, and dark chocolate, for the times I need a little. This will be hidden and I hope my kids don't find it. I'm going to drink tea this winter to keep me warm. 

Brynn really enjoyed the time spent with our friends this weekend. She got to swim today and play in a sawdust pile. Unfortunately no pictures of the jumping into the sawdust pile. 

And now we have returned to Victoria for our final day tomorrow. Bed and breakfasts are so fun. 

Love the old homes here!

Oh and I'll be happy to pay the cell phone bill. Brynn and Joel were texting each other today for quite a well. Joel even said he really missed Brynn. I always knew they were friends. 

Bits of inspiration

As I prepared for a wonderful massage today, these thoughts entered my brain: 

🏡Having children is NOT just about providing bodies for Heavenly Father's spirit children.

🏡There is a huge element in the nurturing of the children.

For me, having few children seems easier in being able to nurture them, even though any nurturing takes lots of time and effort. But, I believe that Heavenly Father can and will increase your ability to handle all that is required of you, if you are doing what's right, and you really desire his help.

I also believe that Heavenly Father knows and cares about our individual needs, strengths, abilities, and especially the challenges that we need to help us grow. 

I want more than anything to be a good mom, to be a positive influence in my kids' lives, to be a leader to them. That's all. 

Brynn's treasure

Sundays are always good. We got to attend the primary presentation in our friends' ward. So cute. 

While Brynn went to the beach with all the kids and the dad, the mom and I enjoyed some quiet time at the house with only a sleeping baby. Good quality bonding is great for the soul. 

Day 3

Friends😀

A 2.5 hour trip by car from Victoria to Courtenay took us 7 hours. We did stop once for 15 minutes and then again in Coombs at the goats on the roof. We ate delicious lunch there and bought some little trinkets. We saw some seals and heard them barking. 

 

And... Roasting marshmallows in the wood stove. 

Hug monster

 

I love you!!!!!!!

Elmo!!! : )

Rarrrrggghhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: Brynn 😀

Day 2

We walked Brynn's legs off today. A walk down to the ocean. The most delicious breakfast at the bed and breakfast we stayed at, a hike up Mount Douglas, breakwater, fisherman's wharf, making bead necklaces, and we made it to our friend's house for the night. 

This is down by the ocean.  We can see the mountains in Washington from here!

This is our hike on Mt. Doug.  Brynn found a huge leaf that looks like a maple leaf.

This is Brynn at the top Mt. Doug

Mom at the top of Mt. Doug

Little Lighthouse on the Breakwater.

We walked on the side of the Breakwater.    It was fun.

This is at fisherman's wharf and we have a story. I decided we should walk the 10-15 minutes to fisherman's wharf from the breakwater. Brynn was very tired by this point and hungry. We got almost there and I realized I didn't have my money. We were going there for famous fish and chips. We had to walk all the way back, get the car and drive there. After arriving, we realized that the place where we wanted to eat was closed for the season! We were so disappointed. 

Victoria!

We surprised Brynn with a mother/daughter trip to Vancouver Island. Today is day one. 

First airplane ride that she remembers. She loved the take-off and was giddy. 

After living on the prairies for the past 10 years, we were stunned with the scenery!

Butchart Gardens!

We caught the very tail end of fall colours. This place is serene, peaceful, beautiful, and heavenly. We loved it here. 

These were all from the sunken garden. That was our favourite. But, there was this really cool path and amazing trees in the Japanese garden. 

Then we wandered around Victoria by car. It's hard to be navigator and driver. We eventually found the spaghetti factory, Brynn's dinner request, and all the activities for tomorrow. 😀

Now we are safe in our cozy bed and breakfast, excited to chill for the evening and enjoy great fresh food in the morning. 

Children

I love this video on lds.org.  The Savior always had time for the children.  This really struck me today.

http://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/suffer-the-little-children-to-come-unto-me?cid=HPFR110113137&lang=eng

Family fun

Making memories can be simple and cheap. Waterton is nearly closed at this time of year. No shops or bathrooms are open. Hotels are closed. But we were headed to the temple in Cardston and the weather was lovely. We took the kids along so we could do some hiking. I have to admit that in the past I've shrugged off little trips for fun because it takes so much work from me and the kids often complain until the end when they finally realized they had fun. I'm just now seeing that it's worth it. Plan ahead, do the work, ignore kids' complaints and have fun!  I finally did. (Not sure I'll change my mind about camping in a tent though... )

Beautiful red rock canyon. Next year when it's warm we'd like to hike up the stream. 

Bear's Hump for the first time ever!  Steep but quick and a rewarding view at the top. 

A prayer answered

It snowed for the first time this season. Over the summer I bought me some new boots to wear to church. Yesterday, I was desperately searching for them. I had prayed to know where they were. In church, someone mentioned that they love it when Heavenly Father answers the little prayers and I immediately thought of my boots. The kids didn't have school today. Previous days off have been anything but fun. I told Stan that this time I would tell the kids that I would be available to them all afternoon, to play games or do what they want to do. We were searching for our packed up games and in the game box were my new boots!! I was so excited. It never ceases to amaze me how The Lord helps and guides us, each step of the way. 

A near perfect evening

Last night we played, we read and discussed a children's short story, we ate dinner, we practiced piano, we practiced singing. All very ordinary events around here. But Happiness was everywhere, children were cooperating and enjoying each other. The difference... I did all these things with them. That's all it ever takes. One day they might not want me around but they do now and it was worth my whole evening. The only thing missing was Dad. However, I find it hard to loosen up and let myself go when he is here. Not sure why but I'll have to work on it. 

Discovery

My kids progress much faster in piano when I help them. They were hesitant at first to let me help. Their teacher said I was smart and pretty cool. That did it. I'm finding satisfaction in helping them and love to see their progress. 

I also have thoughts of completing the royal conservatory music program in Canada to buff up theory and playing skills and help me feel confidant to teach. Piano teachers are in demand, most places. It would be nice to have, for self reliance purposes. A job, without leaving my home. We will ponder it and pray about it...

A first favourite

Spencer loves music!  His first song that he could sing was kumbaya. No joke. Joel learned it on the piano last spring and played it a thousand times. Spencer quickly learned the tune, then the words. His other first favourite is from a church cd I got for a dollar at the LDS bookstore. It's called "hold your light up" by Conlon Bonner. It's a good one. Up beat, great message, makes you want to dance. Look it up. 

A trip to America for Canadian thanksgiving

I've lived in Canada over ten years and have spent most thanksgivings in the U.S. Now that we are three hours closer to my parents, weekend trips are feasible and Stan had a day off. The drive home was beautiful! I love the fall colors and the mountains, something I see less of in southern Alberta. I have no pictures. I would love to have a nice camera and skills to capture what I see. It's not a hobby for me though. iPhones just don't do well with scenery pictures or far away objects. It was a great time and we celebrated thanksgiving there and got to eat thanksgiving dinner here when we got home. What luck!

Green grass

Contentment in life is important and something I'm striving to have. Living is expensive. Often we think the grass is greener elsewhere. We sat down to do our budget while living mortgage free for over a year. We were hoping to save a pile of money. But we spend more than twice as much on gas here because we have to drive so far to get places. The cost of moving and finishing house projects in beaumont was more than expected, as usual. I'm trying to be better at meal planning so the shopping can be done in lethbridge by Stan where the groceries are cheaper. 

We pay an honest tithe and The Lord promises that we will be blessed and we always are. It works out. Elder Bednar's talk from the recent general conference about tithing was awesome. 

Potty training

I had high hopes that I could potty train spencer this fall. I even bought him a potty chair and underwear for his 2nd birthday. He used to tell me when to change his diaper. I think I missed my window of opportunity. I'm not forcing him now but with the oldest two I did force them to learn so they didn't go to sunbeams in diapers. I think when you wait longer, they get more stubborn and they are lazy. I can't get him to even sit on his potty with his clothes on. Too scary, he says. This is one parenting job I want to pass off to dad or aunt Tonya!  I was hoping to save money on diapers but alas, we shall wait... Until who knows when. I'm not sure what to wait for. A first step would be not screaming if I try to get him to sit on the potty. 

School

I think this is such a funny picture of the donkeys. They must be best friends. Brynn and Joel were so excited. This was their first sighting of the donkeys since we've been here. 

Here's to a great new school year in grades 1, 4, and 6!

All three had a great day, new friends and nice teachers. I love that they all go to the same school. What a treat.