Inspiring Words From an Author

While I was at the LDStormakers 2013 conference, we had the opportunity to listen to keynote speaker, Anne Perry. I am not very familiar with her, so I was not sure what to expect. But, I was very impressed. Not only was her accent beautiful and the cadence of her voice so soothing and enthralling to listen to, but her words were also inspiring and beautiful and brought peace to my soul. It was like a breath of fresh air.

I jotted down a few things that hit me really hard from her address:

~A good story is the finest way yo motivate people ("Good Samaritan"-motivates us to do likewise-we desire to be that person who helps).

~Good writing is communication.

~Learn to empathize with other people.

~Do you have a faith or hope others can be enriched by? Of course you do. Share your love, your faith, your doubt.

~Put down your heart in a page.

~Read other people who inspire you; see what to do and what NOT to do.

~Don't forget WHO would like to see you fail.

I don't know when or if I will ever be a published author (of books). I don't know fully where my path is meant to lead. What I do know, is that I love the Lord and His gospel. I love writing and reading. I love to share the gospel with others and bring them to the same happiness that I have in my life. That is my goal. 

So, whether I become published, or if I just continue to blog and write articles, I hope that somewhere in there, something that I have to say touches another person for good. I feel like I do most of the aforementioned things--I'm open and honest and pour out my soul in my writing. I empathize with others. I feel that I am doing (or at least trying to do) God's work. I know fully who it is that would like to see me (and you) fail. But I cannot and I will not fail because I am on the Lord's side. Additionally, we were not put on this earth to fail; we are here to learn, grow and gain experience that only this life can provide. 

I think failure comes only when we stop trying. Whatever goal you are aiming for--keep going, keep trying and it will all work out. As for me, I am going to keep working on writing my book and see where that leads me.

© Wendy 2013

Why 8 years old is so Great at our House

My third child, Ty, is 8-years-old today. In our house 8 is a special age because it is the age that our kids get to decide whether or not they want to get baptized. It's their choice.

We believe that 8 is the age of accountability--when we can know right from wrong and act upon this knowledge. We get baptized to not only follow in Jesus' footsteps (Matt 3:13-17), but also to make special promises, or covenants, with God.

Here is a really good summary of baptismal covenants:

My Baptismal Covenants

(Renewed Each Time I Partake of the Sacrament)

At Baptism I Covenant with the Lord to:

1. Come into the fold of God (become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ).
2. Be called his son or daughter (take upon me the name of Christ).
3. Bear others’ burdens, that they may be light; mourn with those that mourn; and comfort those in need of comfort (help others).
4. Stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things and in all places (testify of Christ and set a good example at all times).
5. Serve God and keep his commandments.

When I Keep My Baptismal Covenants the Lord Covenants to:

1. Forgive my sins.
2. Pour his Spirit more abundantly upon me (give me the companionship of the Holy Ghost).
3. Redeem me that I might be numbered with those of the first resurrection and have eternal life (permit me to enter the celestial kingdom to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ)

This is a big step. I am so excited for my son to be making this choice. Because of it, he will have the Holy Ghost to lead and guide him and help to choose the right. We also believe that baptism is by immersion--symbolic of death and Resurrection (buried in the ground--death and then coming up out of the ground--Resurrection) and being fully committed to God and His cause, which is to "...bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39.)

If you would like to know more, just ask. :)

© Wendy 2013

LDStorymakers Writing Conference 2013

I spent this past Friday and Saturday at a writing conference, LDStorymakers. I went alone without knowing anyone and being a fairly new writer. I mean, so many of these people had not only already started writing a book, but many were already published authors. I felt a little bit intimidated, but not too bad. Everyone was so nice and open to talking and answering questions. I met a bunch of really great people.

I learned information about pitching your book to editors or agents. I learned about writing a good query letter. There were classes on blogging and on using Twitter. I also really enjoyed talking to actual publishers from a couple of the places I am considering sending manuscripts. So much useful information.

I feel like I have grown from this experience not just as a writer, but as a person. And, as a future author. I have gotten a small start on a book. I am hopeful that things will work out. I would love if anyone wanted to be a beta reader or had any great ideas that are more geared toward a religious audience (non-fiction for now).

Where is Virtue?

I've been on a bit of hiatus while we went on a family vacation, spent the next week dealing with sick kids and have been working on other various projects. I apologize, but life and family happen!

Recently, I taught a Relief Society (LDS women's organization) lesson and have written an article pertaining to virtue. I don't think this is talked about as much as it should be, in fact, virtue seems to not even be desirable among the masses.

Virtue is moral excellence, goodness and chastity. Lack of virtuous living is evident in movies, television, music, media and the behaviors of people all over the world (think sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy outside of marriage, co-habitation, etc.).

Why? Why is society becoming desensitized to sex? Why are we degrading women, and why are women willing to be degraded? Carmen Rasmusen Herbert--former American Idol hopeful--recently shared her opinion in an article talking about this very thing. She talked about how there are restaurants where scantily clad women attract male customers who in turn ogle these women. Both are being degraded.

There is a major lack of respect for oneself and for others. Women don't respect themselves enough to dress modestly, which is also a lack of respect for men. Men disrespect themselves and women by looking/enjoying inappropriately dressed women. Does that make sense? And modesty is only the beginning...the same goes for sex and other immorality pitfalls.

I have thought before, and have now had it reaffirmed, that if we truly understood WHO we are, then our behaviors would change drastically for the better. Who are we? We are children of God. This divine heritage is often hidden by the world. So many are confused and lost and don't know who they really are. It breaks my heart to think about it.

Elaine S. Dalton, who was previously the Young Women's General President, recently addressed the world not only affirming that we are children of God, but the need for us to return to virtue. She beautifully states:

"Again I renew the call for a return to virtue. Virtue is the strength and power of daughters of God. What would the world be like if virtue—a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards, including chastity—were reinstated in our society as a most highly prized value? If immorality, pornography, and abuse decreased, would there be fewer broken marriages, broken lives, and broken hearts? Would media ennoble and enable rather than objectify and degrade God’s precious daughters? If all humanity really understood the importance of the statement “We are daughters of our Heavenly Father,” how would women be regarded and treated?"

I don't think it can be said any better than that. We need virtue, more people to choose virtue over the ways of the world. It would not only improve our lives, but also society as a whole.

As for my home, we start teaching these principles and high moral standards while our children are young. We know there is a chance that some may falter, but you can always come back and return to virtue. There is always a second chance to recommit to and realign your moral excellence.

© Wendy 2013

Liebster Award Nomination

A fellow blogger friend of mine recently nominated me for a Liebster Award, which is basically an award given to bloggers, from bloggers. There are some stipulations, but it seems that they vary from blogger to blogger.

In short I need to:

• List 11 random facts about myself
• Answer 11 questions that the nominating blogger asked
• Nominate somewhere between 3 and 11 bloggers who have no more than somewhere between 200-3000 followers (I found all sorts of variances).
• Write an acceptance post (that's what I'm doing!) and link back to the blogger that nominated me... so, here it goes!

11 Random Facts: 

1. I was very shy growing up, not so much now, but I do get really nervous in front of people sometimes.
2. I can play the violin (I played from 3rd to 12th grade) and am taking piano lessons--as an adult, which is no easy feat!
3. I did not get my driver's license until I was 19-years-old (long story).
4. I once received 3rd place in the high jump in elementary school, and 5th place in hula hoop for field day.
5. I played on my high school badminton team.
6. I LOVE theater and singing and all of that. I'm not saying I am great at it, but I was in three musicals and worked behind the scenes on 8 shows in my high school career. And, I was also in a massive jr. high production as well.
7. In 7th grade, I ran for student council treasurer. I got so nervous that I forgot my name during my speech. After that, I joined the speech team to gain more confidence. From there, I participated with the speech team in high school and continued for awhile in college. 
8. I admire women who are successful, driven and have strong testimonies of the gospel. Not only do I admire them, I find that I make friends with them and learn everything I can from them. Is this weird? 
9. I had my appendix taken out when I was 7. I was upset that I couldn't go to school because it was a Friday and that's when we had spelling tests--which I loved.
10. I guess I've always loved writing, but didn't really realize it until recently--within the last 5 or 6 months.
11. I really love the art of healing, whether nutritionally or spiritually. We all need both.

Markell's questions: 

1. What is your biggest fear in life? Failing as a mother, or having one of my children or my husband die.
2. What is your biggest goal? Besides returning to be with God with my family, I want to write several books.
3. Who has inspired you to be more awesome? Many teachers and extraordinary women. Also, my children and my husband.
4. Would you rather read a book or climb a mountain? Read a book. But, I wouldn't mind climbing a mountain.
5. What mountain would you climb? Or what book would you read? Too many to choose! I have a pinterest page for that!
6. What has been your biggest challenge blogging? Thinking of topics to blog about/being afraid to put my thoughts out there for everyone to see.
7. If you could tell the whole world one thing, what would it be? It will all work out, so trust in the Lord!!
8. If you could have any animal as a pet, what would you have? Why? Not really a huge animal person, but I discovered I really don't mind cats.
9. Who is your favorite blogger? I'm new to this, so I can't say I have a fave yet.
10. What's your favorite joke? What do you call a sleeping male cow? A bull-dozer! (Okay, I don't know if that's my favorite, but it's the first one that came to mind.)
11. What would be your ideal date? Anywhere with my husband is ideal. :)

My 11 questions to bloggers:

1. Why did you start blogging?
2. What or who inspires you? 
3. Do you have a favorite quote? If so, what is it?
4. What is one thing you have never done, but would like to do?
5. What helps you to overcome a bad day?
6. What is your dream vacation?
7. Do are some of your special talents or skills?
8. What do you most desire from this life?
9. What is your favorite food?
10. What is your biggest goal for this year?
11. Would you rather go to a theme park with your family or on a cruise?

And...for the nominees...some people that I really think you'll enjoy getting to know!

Kami Inside Out: A Cervical Cancer Fighting Superstar

Mommy Musings: Notes From the Trenches

My Sister's Suitcase

Lyrical Sparrow

Nicole Christiansen Photography

Prophets and Apostles

Two times a year, every 6 months, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds a conference where we are able to listen to our Prophet, Apostles, and other leaders of this worldwide church. Just as in ancient times recorded in the Bible, there is a Prophet today who speaks for God. This is a wonderful time where we can listen, learn, receive instruction and guidance, be inspired and receive answers to prayers.

I invite everyone to join and listen. I love this quote that I saw last night:



I think this is a great opportunity to personalize conference for yourself. Learn and grow and change your life. You can watch it live online or find it on your local channel on television.


http://www.lds.org/general-conference/invite-others?lang=eng

Want to know more about General Conference? Find it here and here.

Not JUST a Mom

I was inspired today by a blog post I read today. . .which has led to a similar blog post of my own.

I recently read an article about a woman who had given up reading "mommy blogs" because she found she was comparing herself and her family to the authors of these blogs she would read. I totally "get" where she is coming from. Moms comparing themselves to other moms and then becoming discouraged because they are not the seemingly perfect moms that they are reading (half-truth) stories about. However, I think if we are looking for some help or information, other moms can assist us in finding the answer we're seeking.

4 of my kids playing together.

Have no fear! I am not that "perfect mom" you're afraid of reading about. I don't craft, I'm not super organized, my kids are not perfect little cherubs parading around nude wearing halos (though sometimes there is a streaking toddler who inevitably ends up peeing on the floor!), and really...I am just a mom, just like YOU. I have fears, hopes, dirty dishes sitting in my sink right now, worries, stress, happy times, crying moments, and times where I just want to pull out my hair and sell all my kids on e-bay and move to an island. I'm not the only one, right?

But we are NOT "just" moms (I know, I barely said "I am just a mom"...but, you know what I mean.).

In the aforementioned blog, she talks about basically realigning our perspective of our seemingly mundane tasks and realizing how important they are. For starters, let's just say that no mother is perfect, and that there are MANY great ways to do the same thing! We are all focused on the same goal though, I believe: Running our home in such a way that our children are happy, healthy, and loved and can then pass that on to their own kids one day (or something along those lines).

We are mothers, and that includes, but is not limited to such traits/jobs as:

Inspiring Young Minds
Creators of Love
Chef Extraordinaire
The Head Honcho of Operations
Household Financial Whiz
Fashion Designer
Doctor
Diaper Diva (like, I'm so good at this, I think I can do it blindfolded--I've definitely done it half asleep!)
Dream Weaver (I've got you singing now)
Family Counselor
Driver to the Demanding and Adorable
Circus Juggler (for real--I think we can keep more balls in the air than any juggler dressed as a clown)
Stage Performer (who hasn't entertained screaming wee ones on a car trip?)
Professor of Family Relations
Scientist
Teachers of Everything
Specialized Toxicity Expert (vomit, diapers, bathrooms and kitchens! Oh My!)

You get the idea, but just think about the things you do every day. They seem mundane, but what if they didn't happen? What we do as mothers, as caretakers for others is the most important work we could do. Our kids look up to us, and even when we don't think we're doing a good job, guess what? Our kids do. I know because my own kids have told me so in moments of self-doubt. And, it's okay if we don't do-it-all. In fact, it's probably better if we only do our best at what we can. We don't need to be June Cleaver or Donna Reed (yes, I used to watch all of these shows when I was a kid!) or Martha Stewart. Besides, they're not really perfect either.

At the St. George LDS Temple having a fun outing

If it makes you feel better, or more glamorous or fancy, then maybe slip on a superhero costume or a tiara or  a cape or whatever it is that helps you realize how what you do every day is truly amazing. So, go be your own kind of amazing! Don't try to copy someone else--just be you and LOVE what you're doing.

We were not put on this earth to fail, but to learn, grow and gain experiences. Being a mother, to me, is one of the most glorious experiences I can have. I wouldn't trade it for the world--and I try to not listen to the world when it tells me that I am not enough. My most important work is in the home--teaching, loving, nurturing, and providing for my family.

© Wendy 2013