tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4605910643209146462024-02-21T04:51:16.404-08:00Musings, Miracles, & MayhemThoughts, faith, motherhood, and the pursuit to do it all better. © Wendy 2012-2015Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-23578587529713893812016-07-12T14:50:00.001-07:002016-07-12T14:50:14.305-07:00New Website, New Author PageHello!<br />
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I'm in the midst of dissolving this blog and taking on some new projects. Please come check them out. :)<br />
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Website: <a href="https://survivorshopeandhealing.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Finding Hope and Healing</a> - this is a site to help survivors of sexual abuse.<br />
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Author page: <a href="https://wendyejessen.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Wendy Jessen</a> - this is still in development, but I'm super happy with it thus far.<br />
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Thanks for visiting and I hope you'll enjoy my new locations! Have a fabulous day. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-39305629282420616312016-06-19T16:39:00.004-07:002016-06-19T16:39:51.523-07:00When Father's Day Isn't Always a Big Happy DayToday is Father's Day and it brings up tons of conflicting emotions for me. On one hand, I am married to a truly great man who is not only the better than the best husband I could have asked for, but he is also a gentle and caring father who does actually worry about whether he's doing enough. He takes one-on-one time with our kids, he teaches them, he loves them.<br />
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On the other hand, my dad wasn't really any of those things. I was (am) scared of him. Teaching was delivered via yelling at me because I didn't already know the answer. We didn't bond. He avoided vacations with us. I think he worked extra hours under the guise of supporting our family, but I think he just didn't want to be with us. Though I know he loves me on some level, I don't feel it. His actions taught me I was an annoyance, he didn't like me, and that I had to earn his love and acceptance. I'm working through the pain of these realizations as an adult.<br />
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This leads to a bigger issue: my relationship with God, my Heavenly Father.<br />
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How can I understand, relate to, believe in, and desire a relationship with a Heavenly Father when I have no earthly model for it? I was reading a <a href="http://tofw.com/blogs/what-dads-can-teach-in-twenty-minutes" target="_blank">Time Out For Women blog post by Laurel C. Day</a> where she said, <b><i>"Fathers: Don’t underestimate the impact you have on your child’s life. For better or for worse, your relationship with your children sets a foundation for their concept of Heavenly Father. God trusts you to demonstrate what it means to be loved by Him. You have impact. You have eternal impact..."</i></b><br />
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Because of my lack of a relationship with my earthly dad, the relationship with my Father in Heaven is that much more complicated. I have to work extra hard to know the God loves me and cares about me. I have to work extra hard to really feel and believe it. It's something I struggle with and I'm not sure what to do about that other than keep trying, keep praying, keep striving. <br />
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I admire men who work to be great dads to their kids. I admire men who pray for their children and help cultivate a relationship conducive to eternity. As I see other people who have great relationships with their dads, I can't relate, which hurts on some levels and feels numb on others.<br />
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If you have a great dad who taught you, loved you, and did you best, I am so grateful that is the case. For others who, like me, don't feel that special connection with your father, I'm so sorry. Don't doubt that your Heavenly Father understands. He cares. He loves you. He's patiently helping you slowly through this trial. He is there, working through your prayers, your studies, your heart, reaching out for a relationship with you--one of love, admiration, protection, and understanding. Keep working for a relationship with Him. It will come.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-43476235055024002832016-06-15T13:55:00.001-07:002016-06-15T13:55:02.485-07:00Thinking Through Our Fingers: 5 Tips for Writing Tough TopicsI'm on the TTOF blog today writing about some important keys to writing about tough topics. This is something I'm passionate about; I've had many books help me through aspects of my life, as well as adding my voice on difficult subjects through writing. You can read the rest at the link below:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thinkingthroughourfingers.com/2016/06/5-tips-for-writing-tough-topics.html?spref=bl">Thinking Through Our Fingers: 5 Tips for Writing Tough Topics</a>: Many books deal with some pretty heavy topics. Some handle it very well, while others might not. When I say heavy topics, I’m referring to t...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-20814461493553812322016-05-22T21:27:00.000-07:002016-05-22T21:27:07.562-07:00When the Darkness LingersLast week, I read an article that hasn't left my mind. It was about <a href="http://themighty.com/2016/03/when-youre-suicidal-but-you-dont-want-to-die/" target="_blank">suicide</a>. The author talked about how suicide is a constant thought, but not necessarily tied to any action. Being suicidal isn't always as black and white as people would like to categorize it.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Nu2HhyxKBo-k2Krb0vJ5R9frQVPwLMXTaVBCRuDqQTLgKcTpTdJwk6JsJz_Ycu3g8NkLiihyphenhyphenr8cuwqmqBfKKA74rqN6AsuA7Rkskhs5q36YCH6w-FplGArj_Tp6wBuBjKaf_kv4TOXU/s1600/Living+in+the+Gray+Area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Nu2HhyxKBo-k2Krb0vJ5R9frQVPwLMXTaVBCRuDqQTLgKcTpTdJwk6JsJz_Ycu3g8NkLiihyphenhyphenr8cuwqmqBfKKA74rqN6AsuA7Rkskhs5q36YCH6w-FplGArj_Tp6wBuBjKaf_kv4TOXU/s320/Living+in+the+Gray+Area.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
As I read this, I completely understood what this author was saying, because I'm totally there with her.<br />
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From the time I was really little, I can remember, having thoughts that everyone would be better off if I wasn't here. I was making people's lives worse. No one would really miss me. Such thoughts hit hard, especially when I'm more emotionally unwell. When I'm down for whatever reason.<br />
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For the most part, I can talk myself out of actually attempting anything... I can distract myself with my kids, my job, friends, exercise or whatever. I just have to make myself do something. Sometimes it helps my mental well-being improve; but other times, the darkness lingers, holding me in a vice. I can't shake it for weeks at a time. Life has no luster. I'm numb. It doesn't feel like I belong here or anywhere.<br />
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I don't know exactly what causes these thoughts that scare even me. Depression? Anxiety? Events from my past (which caused Complex-PTSD)? All of the above plus more?<br />
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I used to think maybe it had to do with my spirituality. Maybe I wasn't doing enough of what I should to get rid of these thoughts and feelings. So, I diligently read my scriptures, wrote in my journal, attended church and seminary/institute, and tried to do all the things I'm *supposed* to do for me to be happy. But, that doesn't always work like normal people insist it should.<br />
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Regardless, I still strive to do most of those things. I listen to good music to bring up my mood as well as other approaches to keep myself together. I hate feeling down, so I try whatever I can to pull out of it. Sometimes it's just a day. Sometimes it's weeks.<br />
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Logically, I know suicide isn't the answer. Those thoughts and feelings aren't reality. But emotionally? Emotionally the feelings are heavy, crushing weights, threatening to snap me in half. I have a deep fear of "what-if?" What if I just snap one day and the part of me that talks me down isn't there to stop me? What if the heaviness of my thoughts and feelings finally succeeds?<br />
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I don't know why I'm putting all this out there. I guess it's maybe because it wouldn't leave my mind until I wrote it all out. Maybe it's because I share too much. Or maybe because someone else needs to know they're not alone in this.<br />
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Every day I fight the battle to push through. I'm working on myself to try to "fix" any parts of me that are broken. Little by little. Piece by piece. It's a slow and painful process, but I think I'm getting there.<br />
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If you are in this gray area with me, hang in there. Confide in someone. Shove away the lies that come to your mind. You are worth it. You are needed and loved. You make the world a better place. Please don't give up.<br />
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© Wendy 2016<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-82826210603852057762016-04-21T10:34:00.001-07:002016-04-21T10:34:29.739-07:00Thinking Through Our Fingers: Does your writing always comes after?It was my turn to blog about writing....I chose this topic because I struggle to put my writing first in the midst of my busy life.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thinkingthroughourfingers.com/2016/04/does-your-writing-always-comes-after.html?spref=bl">Thinking Through Our Fingers: Does your writing always comes after?</a>: I'm a mom of six energetic kids ages 4-14. While they're at school, I write 2-3 articles per week for my part-part-time job. I also ...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-74350426522545358182016-03-14T14:02:00.001-07:002016-03-14T14:02:54.705-07:00You Haven't Walked a Mile in My ShoesDo you ever look at the struggles and trials someone else is going through and think how awful their lot in life is? Or conversely, how it's not as bad as so-and-so's? Or not as bad as the person may be making it out to be?<br />
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Here's the thing: You don't and can't ever really know what another person is going through--even if you've experienced the same or similar trial.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLS1t5TMLitS0g6xlqny3PzkB_OZP7tRVfR0yOKqEfqnzw_l0NOxf0QoVnmweHiU-AFG8MH8_xpg266HJjRj4b2kjl8LrSWOFW3CWLOnYYF7McZRBBlWyj8Z9yy97Lxytfyq2LZ0ktBc/s1600/The+ocean+stirsthe+heart%252C+inspiresthe+imagination%2526+brings+eternaljoy+to+the+soul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLS1t5TMLitS0g6xlqny3PzkB_OZP7tRVfR0yOKqEfqnzw_l0NOxf0QoVnmweHiU-AFG8MH8_xpg266HJjRj4b2kjl8LrSWOFW3CWLOnYYF7McZRBBlWyj8Z9yy97Lxytfyq2LZ0ktBc/s320/The+ocean+stirsthe+heart%252C+inspiresthe+imagination%2526+brings+eternaljoy+to+the+soul.jpg" width="320" /></a>Why? Because every person is different. We all have had a different life experience, unique feelings and emotions, and varying perspectives on situations. We are individuals who think, feel, and act in our own way, in our own time.<br />
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Recently, I had an experience with this, where someone was minimizing something I've been struggling with my whole life. I was told that my experience wasn't "as bad" as the similar situation of another person. While what I had gone through was hard, this other person's was worse because of XYZ and ABC and 123. Basically, my sorrow, pain, and healing process were somehow less significant. Less difficult. Not as big of a deal.<br />
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This left me feeling hurt. Mentally and emotionally weak compared to others since I was still struggling. And, as much as I would like to be done dealing with this problem, it's not that simple. No amount of mental fortitude can heal some things overnight, or even over years.<br />
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I guess my point is, since you truly don't really know what's going on with someone or what their different experiences in life are, you can't judge them and decide their life is far better/worse than another person's. Everyone's journey is unique. We all handle adversity and successes differently. We shouldn't judge someone's experience based on our own life.<br />
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You haven't walked a mile in my shoes, and not even close to the whole road. I may walk my miles differently than you do (or how you think I should), but at least I'm still walking.<br />
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The best route to take is to have more compassion and empathy for those around you. Try to understand how people feel in their individual circumstances. Don't make them feel worse by downplaying their situation or comparing it to someone else's. We all have strengths and weaknesses and some of us are better equipped to handle certain situations.<br />
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Lift others, don't push them down. Love more, judge less.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-72969714045714509662016-02-17T17:36:00.001-08:002016-02-17T17:36:38.681-08:00Thinking Through Our Fingers: What ingredients do you need for a great first cha...On the Thinking Through Our Fingers blog talking about great first chapters.<br />
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Read about it here: <a href="http://www.thinkingthroughourfingers.com/2016/02/what-ingredients-do-you-need-for-great.html?spref=bl">Thinking Through Our Fingers: What ingredients do you need for a great first cha...</a>: Recently, I was in the midst of prepping for a first chapter contest for an upcoming writing conference I'm attending. Not only is this ...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-73194318660547076122016-01-17T16:27:00.000-08:002016-01-17T16:27:13.275-08:00Book review: "Rhino Trouble" by Grant Olsen<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos-5.dropbox.com/t/2/AAC3MZMDCx5Rbut-TIDpUX3ecZ8OMfMVLMC7Wbq6Dly8zg/12/35965787/jpeg/32x32/1/1453093200/0/2/Rhino_Trouble_Cover.jpg/EMyJqxsYmBAgBygH/hoBwwAYI_CH8628TMZ8jPqSdJ94D2dKxOzrnMAdbiRE%2CfNxJAcqy5s0xGlh9tzJAkr329tlsGoTwvnNZLeMqw5w?size_mode=3&size=1280x960" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://photos-5.dropbox.com/t/2/AAC3MZMDCx5Rbut-TIDpUX3ecZ8OMfMVLMC7Wbq6Dly8zg/12/35965787/jpeg/32x32/1/1453093200/0/2/Rhino_Trouble_Cover.jpg/EMyJqxsYmBAgBygH/hoBwwAYI_CH8628TMZ8jPqSdJ94D2dKxOzrnMAdbiRE%2CfNxJAcqy5s0xGlh9tzJAkr329tlsGoTwvnNZLeMqw5w?size_mode=3&size=1280x960" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Rhino Trouble" published by Cedar Fort, Inc.</td></tr>
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Author <a href="http://www.grant-olsen.com/" target="_blank">Grant Olsen</a> has written a children's book titled, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rhino-Trouble-Grant-Olsen/dp/1462116655" target="_blank">Rhino Trouble</a>."<br />
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Olsen tells the story of two brothers who live in Nepal. The boys are given the task to protect their village's crops from the rhinos.<br />
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The rhinos are tricky and manage to get past the boys, until, on the third night, the boys come up with a plan to save their crops.<br />
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This is a great book that not only teaches young children that they can solve problems, but it's also a look at the lives of the children in Nepal.<br />
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Illustrations are by Mike Carpenter, a digital artist.<br />
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<a href="https://photos-5.dropbox.com/t/2/AABHVc-rW5jmckg5pFAbxiqt7HVIMpUh9LUIDxZyo1AT1g/12/35965787/jpeg/32x32/1/1453093200/0/2/Grant_Nepal.jpeg/EMyJqxsYmBAgBygH/iM71tPAn_HDBVr5PepgaVI9NNs_ipQKxCsl6aY_ChWY%2CiviycW45xeWf_Rq7jUI80YlJEzR-ACvbj0zZNTxBe2Y?size_mode=3&size=1280x960" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://photos-5.dropbox.com/t/2/AABHVc-rW5jmckg5pFAbxiqt7HVIMpUh9LUIDxZyo1AT1g/12/35965787/jpeg/32x32/1/1453093200/0/2/Grant_Nepal.jpeg/EMyJqxsYmBAgBygH/iM71tPAn_HDBVr5PepgaVI9NNs_ipQKxCsl6aY_ChWY%2CiviycW45xeWf_Rq7jUI80YlJEzR-ACvbj0zZNTxBe2Y?size_mode=3&size=1280x960" width="320" /></a><br />
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Olsen wrote "Rhino Trouble" to honor the children in Nepal who really do protect their villages from rhinos during the night. Additionally, he is donating 100% of the proceeds of his book to the earthquake-ravaged Nepal, via <a href="http://umbrellanepal.org/" target="_blank">The Umbrella Foundation</a>, a charity that works to help and protect children and families of Nepal who have been displaced or trafficked.<br />
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You can find Olsen's book on Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-61910999180195410512015-12-16T14:46:00.000-08:002015-12-16T14:47:08.050-08:00Book review: 'Asleep on the Hay: A Dust Bowl Christmas'<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<a href="https://d2jc79253juilm.cloudfront.net/product-images/000/713/887/detail/Asleep_on_the_Hay.jpg?1438110710" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Asleep on the Hay" border="0" height="400" src="https://d2jc79253juilm.cloudfront.net/product-images/000/713/887/detail/Asleep_on_the_Hay.jpg?1438110710" style="background-color: transparent;" width="322" /></a>Author and illustrator, <a href="http://www.bensowards.com/profile/">Ben Sowards</a>, has written his first book, "<a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/asleep-on-the-hay-a-dust-bowl-christmas?variant_id=124238-hardcover">Asleep on the Hay: A Dust Bowl Christmas</a>." Sowards uses a story to help teach children and adults alike the true meaning of Christmas.<br /><br />Paul lives on a farm in the midwest—the Dust Bowl. Because recent dust storms destroyed his family's crops, his parents are seeking employment out west. It'll just be his grandfather and his beloved calf, Ellie, together for Christmas.<br /><br />When a couple with a baby show up on their doorstep in need of help, Paul's grandfather not only shares with them their small amount of food and gives them a place to stay, he also decides to sell Ellie to help them get their truck fixed so they can get their sick infant to the doctor.<br /><br />Paul is upset at the prospect of selling his calf. The woman gives him a small box with an engraving of a scripture Paul has heard many times before, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."<br /><br />Paul runs to the barn to be with his calf and angrily throws the box on the ground, breaking it. He discovers puzzle pieces inside, begins to put it together, but then decides to shut his eyes for a bit and snuggles up next to Ellie.<br /><br />He falls asleep and has a dream where he finds himself in Bethlehem and overhears King Herod's plot to kill the baby Jesus. He runs off to find and warn Mary and Joseph.<br /><br />What happens gives him a personal experience of the true meaning of Christmas and changes his heart.<br /><br />With beautiful illustrations by Sowards, "Asleep on the Hay" is an enjoyable story for all ages that can bring the spirit of Christmas into readers' homes.<br /><br />This is Sowards' first book he has authored, but has illustrated other books such as "A Christmas Dress for Ellen," "Seven Miracles that Saved America" and "Christmas Oranges." </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-44923833427945652852015-12-15T06:13:00.001-08:002015-12-15T06:13:55.545-08:00Thinking Through Our Fingers: When the negative feedback comes...and it willI'm on the Thinking Through Our Fingers blog today talking about how we can "shake it off" when it comes to negative feedback (and knowing the difference between negative and constructive!).<br />
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<a href="http://www.thinkingthroughourfingers.com/2015/12/when-negative-feedback-comesand-it-will.html?spref=bl">Thinking Through Our Fingers: When the negative feedback comes...and it will</a>: As writers, we love to hear all the awesome things people think about our writing. And while there is a lot of positive feedback (probably m...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-7211126078541281102015-11-11T11:39:00.004-08:002015-11-11T11:39:54.028-08:00Uplifting Weekend<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiEg13Mc-YkMWF2yy0m-y7x1sq4ldSmSDUxmduu-uWsD9lvilTnjY7jPwyHJiTJBcH4EI6uQw8wRfiaWBOvNKASszphu0wR9PBtAOlTxmhFMSY-6u6aPL6ztLDtiBtnrJYnqkobyIqF8/s1600/SOMETIMES+OUR+ANSWERS+COME+WHEN+WE+WRESTLE%252C+BUT+SOMETIMES+THEY+COME+WHEN+WE+REST.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiEg13Mc-YkMWF2yy0m-y7x1sq4ldSmSDUxmduu-uWsD9lvilTnjY7jPwyHJiTJBcH4EI6uQw8wRfiaWBOvNKASszphu0wR9PBtAOlTxmhFMSY-6u6aPL6ztLDtiBtnrJYnqkobyIqF8/s320/SOMETIMES+OUR+ANSWERS+COME+WHEN+WE+WRESTLE%252C+BUT+SOMETIMES+THEY+COME+WHEN+WE+REST.jpg" width="320" /></a>This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend Time Out for Women. It's put on by Deseret Book and includes speakers (many or all of whom are authors) and musical groups.<br />
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Each year, they have a theme that each of the speakers put an emphasis on. "Living Proof" was this year's theme, so we were invited to focus on how we are "living proof" of God's love.<br />
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I try to jot down notes so I can remember some of what was said, though I'm not super successful all the time. Here's some of my notables (some are quotes, though they might not be exactly accurate):<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OmmhyphenhyphenAXsiiLX3ZuobsYz1BYxsZ_B3j6M1pIhVU4RBhZTQWq5blNjuHr_XA64OKhrAmjBHYcMdKBSbDvtcSzFbabYvS6GLqGeCk4Wla4Knc3D30CGLr6OUHWMCRFk_UxQwCQ07j41Bxs/s1600/2015-11-06+20.03.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OmmhyphenhyphenAXsiiLX3ZuobsYz1BYxsZ_B3j6M1pIhVU4RBhZTQWq5blNjuHr_XA64OKhrAmjBHYcMdKBSbDvtcSzFbabYvS6GLqGeCk4Wla4Knc3D30CGLr6OUHWMCRFk_UxQwCQ07j41Bxs/s200/2015-11-06+20.03.50.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Me, Jenny Oaks Baker--super talented <br />musician with crazy-talented children</span></td></tr>
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"True faith is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, not that something specific will happen." ~ Jenny Oaks Baker</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTyaZNZR6KT0iWt2BEuPgSXrZ0-cOx8NFGWeY49hGQRRd56AVoh88GoCUJ_WOcmxte8Ifs_Z0a7AFjQh8DTOR63nGZ-wwhF7ckGxe-u-WzufVVB-k_tx1g96xHBFdWW5CfBZUr1m8uZk/s1600/2015-11-06+20.12.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTyaZNZR6KT0iWt2BEuPgSXrZ0-cOx8NFGWeY49hGQRRd56AVoh88GoCUJ_WOcmxte8Ifs_Z0a7AFjQh8DTOR63nGZ-wwhF7ckGxe-u-WzufVVB-k_tx1g96xHBFdWW5CfBZUr1m8uZk/s200/2015-11-06+20.12.18.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim Ballard, <br />Operation Underground Railroad, <br />OUR Rescue</td></tr>
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Allow Heavenly Father to put you in circumstances to grow. ~ Mary Ellen Edmunds<br /><br /><br />
God will compensate for everything that happens in this life. (something awesome like that.) ~ Soni Muller, Mercy River<br /><br />
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"Look at Christlike lives and find inspiration, not competition." ~ Lisa Valentine Clark<br /><br />
"When we take the sacrament, are we thinking about what He did in the Garden?" ~ Eric Huntsman<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LkK6lC6LH5_vUflIGyp1ErYlQicuMT5U-Z_YSIHgNcZFCnpweF9eWkzUScFoSuemcW0S0hUhPJ6Vg-kJaNKikJthefDatXV2_ZE5g_o4E9H6BJL7Ih2_9SO_4vpc-W_2nArMkYNnJXU/s1600/2015-11-09+11.01.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LkK6lC6LH5_vUflIGyp1ErYlQicuMT5U-Z_YSIHgNcZFCnpweF9eWkzUScFoSuemcW0S0hUhPJ6Vg-kJaNKikJthefDatXV2_ZE5g_o4E9H6BJL7Ih2_9SO_4vpc-W_2nArMkYNnJXU/s200/2015-11-09+11.01.31.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mercy River's Christmas album that has <br />the song "Real." </td></tr>
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Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a REAL person, not just a story, memory, or myth. Mercy River sang this beautiful song called "Real" that makes you think differently about the Nativity story. (Get their <a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/cd-all-is-bright-a-mercy-river-christmas?variant_id=117775-cd" target="_blank">newest album</a>...really...it's SOOO GOOD.)<br /><br />
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"Jesus Christ knows who you are, what has happened to you, and what will happen to you." ~ Meg Johnson<br />
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Those are just a few of the highlights. I really love having these opportunities to be spiritually fed. There is so much going on in the world, so taking time to slow down and feed my spirit is vital. We each need to take time to refocus and spend time working on ourselves and our testimonies.<br />
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© Wendy 2015</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-58930019325066991412015-10-21T07:39:00.001-07:002015-10-21T07:39:35.746-07:00Thinking Through Our Fingers: 10 Things to Do During that Horrible Space Between...Read my thoughts on the waiting game writers endure after they finish their book....and wait for publication.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thinkingthroughourfingers.com/2015/10/10-things-to-do-during-that-horrible.html?spref=bl">Thinking Through Our Fingers: 10 Things to Do During that Horrible Space Between...</a>: There's this awful period of time between finally having your book finished (YAY!) and waiting to get it published (AAAHHHH!!)... ...Q...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-3795885239279150852015-10-05T11:17:00.001-07:002015-10-05T11:17:30.797-07:00Talk to Your Kids About PornographyPornography has many dangers that are not limited to adults. And, unfortunately, it seems that kids are being targeted at younger ages by the media.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0aMSVLLgAWd9hFq16-CYoDBdHqPz9Owj97hutWbThVhOHK-C92HTfiLUaSuB5qEqkkyQxPn2uf8A86857gZ2pov7-3WhFXsv5AYPjnBT-7XCmXoeQqQVW6GdESDdRPxpFW4ZCX2Oa3k/s1600/Untitled+design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0aMSVLLgAWd9hFq16-CYoDBdHqPz9Owj97hutWbThVhOHK-C92HTfiLUaSuB5qEqkkyQxPn2uf8A86857gZ2pov7-3WhFXsv5AYPjnBT-7XCmXoeQqQVW6GdESDdRPxpFW4ZCX2Oa3k/s320/Untitled+design.jpg" width="320" /></a>Look at shows geared toward children, tweens, and teenagers. Pornography isn't always full nudity; it is immodesty or revealing clothing that is intended to awaken and tamper with sexual desire. If it's not in the shows, it's in commercials, music, and some literature.<br />
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Our children become desensitized to what is appropriate and what is not. The lines become blurred. Sadly, some children view more intense versions of pornography and, what starts out perhaps as innocent curiosity, becomes an addiction to pornography.<br />
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Pornography is highly addicting, ruins relationships, destroys love, and can alter lives negatively. Some may argue that it's OK for adults and that it improves their sex lives, but it will end up destroying it by leading to sexual dysfunction at the very least. Pornography is not "just sex." It is degrading. It is taking something sacred--our bodies and procreation--and making it casual, common place, or insignificant. Personally, I also believe it can lead to child pornography, sexual abuse, rape, affairs and divorce. Not to mention, as with other addictions, a loss of self-control or the ability to stop without professional help.<br />
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<a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/protection-from-pornography-a-christ-focused-home?lang=eng" target="_blank">Linda S. Reeves</a>, 2nd counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, recently said, <br />
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<i>"Many children, youth, and adults are innocently exposed to pornography, but a growing number of both men and women are choosing to view it and are drawn back repeatedly until it becomes an addiction. These individuals may desire with all of their hearts to get out of this trap but often cannot overcome it on their own. How grateful we are when these loved ones choose to confide in us as parents or a Church leader. We would be wise not to react with shock, anger, or rejection, which may cause them to be silent again.</i></blockquote>
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<i>"We as parents and leaders need to counsel with our children and youth on an ongoing basis, listening with love and understanding. They need to know the dangers of pornography and how it overtakes lives, causing loss of the Spirit, distorted feelings, deceit, damaged relationships, loss of self-control, and nearly total consumption of time, thought, and energy.</i></blockquote>
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<i>"Pornography is more vile, evil, and graphic than ever before. As we counsel with our children, together we can create a family plan with standards and boundaries, being proactive to protect our homes with filters on electronic devices. Parents, are we aware that mobile devices with Internet capacity, not computers, are the biggest culprit?"</i></blockquote>
It is vital to teach your children about pornography and the dangers of it at a young age. Children need to know what to do if they see it (come tell you!) and how to be safe on the Internet, smart phones, and even with text/picture messages.<br />
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As we told our children during a recent Family Home Evening, it's not a matter of "if" they'll see pornography, but "when." We also expressed that whether they've seen it once or a hundred times, we still want them to talk to us and we won't get mad. We are their parents and are here to help them avoid and/or overcome hardships in their lives.<br />
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This is a fantastic video to get your discussion started:<br />
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Vitally important is the need for your children, no matter their age, to understand the power and necessity of the Atonement. No matter what they have done, they can be forgiven and made clean through the Atonement. Sin and mistakes are not the end of hope. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ loves each of us and the Atonement is evidence of that pure love. If you or one of your children are caught in the snares of pornography or any other sin, use the help of a loving bishop to know which necessary steps are needed to overcome and heal from it. </div>
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Do not allow your family to be deceived by the adversary. Talk about these important topics often and openly. Use the Spirit to help guide your discussions, as the Spirit will testify to your hearts the truthfulness of the teachings and help us each know what we need to do as individuals. </div>
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© Wendy 2015 </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-55234518349958401482015-09-23T13:31:00.001-07:002015-09-23T13:31:08.681-07:00The Family ProclamationTwenty years ago today, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" during the General Relief Society meeting.<br />
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At the time, it seemed pretty rudimentary, simple, and obvious. And yet, twenty years later,we can see why this prophetic message was released, how contradictory the world's view of the family is from the Lord's design for the family.<br />
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This proclamation is meant for us to use as a pattern, as direction in this ever-changing world.<br />
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Some of you reading this might feel disheartened because circumstances of life may have prevented you from living this to the full extent. Take heart in what was said during the March 2015 General Women's Meeting:<br />
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<i>"May I point out something obvious? Life rarely goes exactly according to plan for anyone, and we are very aware that not all women are experiencing what the proclamation describes. It is still important to understand and teach the Lord’s pattern and strive for the realization of that pattern the best we can.</i></blockquote>
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<i>"Each of us has a part to play in the plan, and each of us is equally valued in the eyes of the Lord. We should remember that a loving Heavenly Father is aware of our righteous desires and will honor His promises that nothing will be withheld from those who faithfully keep their covenants. Heavenly Father has a mission and plan for each of us, but He also has His own timetable. One of the hardest challenges in this life is to have faith in the Lord’s timing. It’s a good idea to have an alternative plan in mind, which helps us to be covenant-keeping, charitable, and righteous women who build the kingdom of God no matter which way our lives go. We need to teach our daughters to aim for the ideal but plan for contingencies."</i></blockquote>
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~Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women General President</div>
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On this twenty-year anniversary, I hope we can each resolve to live this as well as our circumstances allow and to teach our children the same. There is always hope, safety, and peace when we follow the Lord.</div>
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© Wendy 2015</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-10597187588499536962015-09-11T15:29:00.002-07:002015-09-11T15:29:19.674-07:00When you want to give up...I hesitate to write about this topic because it's scary. But, it's Suicide Prevention week and it's something that needs to be talked about.<br />
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I know people who have attempted suicide as well as those who have succeeded in taking their own life. Though I have not attempted to end my own life, I've had thoughts about it more than I would like to admit including as recently as this week.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting by Greg Olsen, "Lost and Found"</td></tr>
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I'm not always sure what triggers the thoughts and feelings that send me down that path, but it never feels good. It doesn't make sense and it's hard to get your heart and mind back to "normal." It starts with some sort of hurt and turns into...<br />
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<li>I'm not good enough.</li>
<li>I'm failing at being a wife and mother.</li>
<li>Everyone would be better off without me. </li>
<li>I don't deserve the life I have. </li>
<li>No one would really notice if I was gone anyway. </li>
<li>I'm ugly, stupid, fat, undesirable...etc.... </li>
<li>My family deserves better.</li>
<li>I can't do anything right. </li>
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Ugh... I hate that list. It hurts. It's painful. It's embarrassing. Even though I knowledgeably "know" none of that is true, sometimes feelings are stronger than any other force. I'm sure there are many factors that lead me to this spot--damaging life experiences, heredity, hormones....but the biggest contributor to these thoughts, the one who adds and digs up more negative things to heap on top, is Satan.<br />
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This all sounds so depressing...probably because it is. But, I keep fighting and trying to overcome. It's not easy and it always helps to talk to someone. For me, it's my husband who I somehow got to marry me. Figure out what helps you pull out of and put it in you "emotional first aid kit." For me, I:<br />
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<ul><a href="http://www.ldssmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dont-you-give-up-Jeffrey-R.-Holland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.ldssmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dont-you-give-up-Jeffrey-R.-Holland.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<li>Write.</li>
<li>Listen to good music.</li>
<li>Talk to someone.</li>
<li>Drink Dr. Pepper.</li>
<li>Eat chocolate.</li>
<li>Read.</li>
<li>Cry it out. </li>
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What helps you?<br />
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Don't give up. Talk to a friend or loved one who can help. Seek professional help when necessary. Trust in God's mission for you and do not allow Satan to permeate your thoughts and actions. Satan wants you to believe you're alone and you are worthless. He's crafty in making you believe it, but, it is all LIES. You are not Satan's puppet.<br />
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You are a child of God. He loves you and knows you better than you know yourself. You are an eternal being with eternal potential. Your are so valuable that Jesus Christ gave His life for you. You are strong and with His help and guidance, you can make it through the storms of life. Choose to fight the battle and rise victorious!<br />
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I love this video from the Mormon Channel on suicide prevention.<br />
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© Wendy 2015</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-74886434239166251142015-08-19T16:58:00.001-07:002015-08-19T16:58:40.238-07:00Thinking Through Our Fingers: Perseverance + hard work = SUCCESS!Read my post about persevering when you want to quit.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thinkingthroughourfingers.com/2015/08/perseverance-hard-work-success.html?spref=bl">Thinking Through Our Fingers: Perseverance + hard work = SUCCESS!</a>: The writing process can be super difficult. It can make us feel inadequate or like we're better off pursuing something else. Even if we ...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-49089488930994806962015-08-16T16:06:00.000-07:002015-08-16T16:06:03.934-07:00Cedar City, UT LDS Temple GroundbreakingLast weekend was a special time for my community. Ground was broken for the Cedar City, UT LDS Temple. I was able to watch the ceremony from our stake center with my family. We have been so excited for this beautiful event to take place and to have a temple so close where we can go often to feel the peace, love, and blessings of heaven.<br />
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The temple was announced during the April 2013 LDS General Conference by President Thomas S. Monson--at which point I shrieked in excitement!<br />
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During the ceremony, speakers including Elder Dane Leavitt, Elder Kent F. Richards, Elder L. Whitney Clayton, and their respective wives addressed those within the Cedar City, UT Temple district. There were a few things that stuck out to me in particular:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21sWXJNRsjbi3Pt4vBQvYsaUhCBrmeJUrcKeuGOt9TSxz4zL1j3-WhnaUsmW6Kp_d3_5G9niLUcgZjZ1OIOCuzJ9BxVR-u3Xm5I_TPB3smopj_98ITwPBIE2YZ-1afeXdox8_gtSaJzk/s1600/-This+building+of+the+temple+is+a+reverent.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21sWXJNRsjbi3Pt4vBQvYsaUhCBrmeJUrcKeuGOt9TSxz4zL1j3-WhnaUsmW6Kp_d3_5G9niLUcgZjZ1OIOCuzJ9BxVR-u3Xm5I_TPB3smopj_98ITwPBIE2YZ-1afeXdox8_gtSaJzk/s400/-This+building+of+the+temple+is+a+reverent.png" width="400" /></a>Sister Ruth Leavitt spoke about the youth who will be able to go to the temple early in the mornings before school. I can't think of a better way for my children and their friends to start the day.<br />
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Elder Dane Leavitt talked about the wintry times in our lives and how we seek places of warmth from the cold. The temple is a place of warmth. This quote really struck me, and I love it: <i><b><span style="font-size: large;">"This building of the temple is a reverent act of rebellion against evil."</span></b></i><br />
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Sister Marsha Richards - <i>"We come to the temple to receive Heavenly Father's greatest blessings."</i><br />
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Elder L. Whitney Clayton talked about the stillness present at the temple grounds even though the temple has not yet been built. He said that temples are a "symbol of the Atonement of Jesus Christ." Interestingly, he likened the construction of a temple to us. Before building a temple, you have to clear away what needs to be (such as shrubs, rocks, and weeds) and then prepare the ground by leveling it and making it a strong foundation. For us, that means we need to clear away our sins and become humble. We build ourselves on that sure foundation and become who Heavenly Father knows we can.<br />
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You can listen for yourself and see the groundbreaking here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jv3E-gO1zD0&feature=youtu.be">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jv3E-gO1zD0&feature=youtu.be</a><br />
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I am so excited for the opportunity we will have as a family to attend the temple together or visit the holy grounds often. It will be a great blessing to us and everyone in our community. I am so grateful for the blessings of the temple.<br />
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© Wendy 2015</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-67992844387688561492015-08-10T07:17:00.001-07:002015-08-10T07:17:53.751-07:00Thinking Through Our Fingers: So, you want to write articlesHere's a blog post I wrote about how to start writing articles. Go check it out!<br />
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<a href="http://www.thinkingthroughourfingers.com/2015/08/so-you-want-to-write-articles.html?spref=bl">Thinking Through Our Fingers: So, you want to write articles</a>: I'm not sure I am adequate to tell anyone how to write an article, but I'll take a stab at it anyway. Writing articles is for every ...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-3379234433035518792015-07-12T15:27:00.003-07:002015-07-12T15:27:45.617-07:00God is Not a GenieI recently had someone comment on one of my older blog posts that God doesn't answer our prayers. His reasoning for this was that we would pray as young children for ponies or to bring a pet back to life, but those things didn't happen.<br />
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He went further to state that we only pray for small things like safety and to have a nice day. And then, he said that Jesus doesn't answer prayers because he can't hear us because he is dead.<br />
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I feel sad that this man hasn't yet learned to recognize answers to prayers or to feel the Spirit testifying to him that God does live, as does his son Jesus Christ.<br />
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God and Jesus Christ do live! Joseph Smith, after reading James 1:5, <i>"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." </i>he knelt in prayer to seek which of the churches to join. At that time, he not only received an answer to his earnest prayer, but he also saw both Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. From his vision, we also know that God and Jesus are not only alive, but they have bodies.<br />
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Furthermore, <b>God does answer our prayers.</b> I don't think praying for safety is a "small" thing. It's huge! I know that those prayers have been answered multiple times within my own family. One such occurrence I detail in this blog post called "<a href="http://mormonmomofsix.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-miracle.html" target="_blank">A Miracle.</a>" My three youngest children as well as some of my nieces and nephews narrowly avoided severe injury or death. I know it was because of our own pleas for safety prior to our activity that they were protected.<br />
<br />
My in-laws were recently in a car <br />
wreck that could have ended much worse when the trailer they were towing fishtailed and flipped. Yet, they were unscathed.<br />
<br />
It's not just safety that is a big thing I pray for. I have asked for and received peace on numerous occasions. I have received answers when I have prayed for a specific child. In the quiet moments, a thought is put in my mind of something I ought to do, a person I should call, or an answer to something I have been pondering. I think those of us who have earnestly sought answers from our Father have received answers.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0rzQXU9z3ByV6zlJdYG6a9gJ0jEIhp3iKGhC4v6pXkVNs2Bm_i2hLl4WBfTPWpoGTepssDr8YWmyLZk7AMOzsxjAFIifE-7hZI8y-K_aplny2z2cLFjCVhZBEH7yUwS26MQR94NYqEA/s1600/G.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0rzQXU9z3ByV6zlJdYG6a9gJ0jEIhp3iKGhC4v6pXkVNs2Bm_i2hLl4WBfTPWpoGTepssDr8YWmyLZk7AMOzsxjAFIifE-7hZI8y-K_aplny2z2cLFjCVhZBEH7yUwS26MQR94NYqEA/s320/G.png" width="320" /></a><b>God is not a genie in a lamp that is there to grant your every wish and desire.</b> He is an all-knowing Father who loves us and is aware of our every need. He wants us to come to him for help and to seek to do His will and help others draw closer to Him through prayer and by living His word. He wants us to become like Him.<br />
<br />
Just as our earthly parents, or us as parents do not give everything to our children that they want, so it is with God. He knows clearly what is best and is striving to help us become who He knows we can be. He doesn't give us everything just because we ask for it; He wants us to seek after it, work toward it, study for answers. We are on earth to learn and grow as individuals.<br />
<br />
If you're not used to praying, start with this simple exercise. Pray to God ask Him if you are His child and if He loves you. Stay on your knees praying until you get an answer. It will come.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
© Wendy 2015</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-65859728387135361752015-06-17T16:59:00.002-07:002015-06-17T16:59:48.380-07:00Thinking Through Our Fingers: Non-Fiction Is Not BoringI've joined a group of talented writers on the blog "Thinking Through Our Fingers." I'm pretty excited about it. I'm not gonna say much here about it, but you should probably follow this link and see what I had to say for my first post.<br />
<br />
Go.<br />
<br />
Read it.<br />
<br />
Enjoy.<br />
<br />
Write.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thinkingthroughourfingers.blogspot.com/2015/06/non-fiction-is-not-boring.html?spref=bl">Thinking Through Our Fingers: Non-Fiction Is Not Boring</a>: When most of us hear “non-fiction” we probably think “booo-rrriinngg!!” ...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-64255248002700619602015-06-09T16:57:00.001-07:002015-06-09T16:57:35.034-07:00If God Gave Me a Report Card...This past Sunday, we had our stake conference. For those who don't know, each stake--made up of somewhere around 8 wards--meets together as one body for a special meeting twice a year in lieu of our regular Sunday meetings.<br />
<br />
This Sunday, a member of the stake presidency was talking about looking over his kids' report cards from school. And then he said, <i>"Wouldn't it be nice if Heavenly Father gave us a report card each quarter?" </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
This caused me to reflect and wonder how such a report would look for me, especially since I always sought after earning straight 'A's while in school. Even though God loves me regardless of my "grades" and sees me through infinite and understanding eyes, I know he'd like me to improve my life.<br />
<br />
Consider this: As parents, we love our children despite poor behaviors and mistakes they may make. We see their goodness as well, but we know they can do better. Parents have to correct their children and help them stay on the right path. We teach them to share, care for others, be considerate, and to pray and seek out answers while studying scriptures prayerfully. Our kids are not perfect, but we know they have potential to improve themselves.<br />
<br />
I think it is the same with our Heavenly Parents. They love us and care for us more thoroughly than any earthly parent could, yet, they know we can do better. They want us to live up to our potential--even our divine potential. Sometimes, it would be nice to receive a spiritual pat on the back and know we are doing well. Other times, a gentle and loving correction would be welcomed.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniWfpST85zgc0L5y4njp_bU57r52ys8kJ8z-dI_jKcgDsAuStoepF0wSS8BwY7svl7qnAkAQgy6wlHIzUwXtVc-XWt8qGQBCwokkFEeTNk00XiKgCpDmEZ4pfjNUrJMqhsYQo53QwOJQ/s1600/Carole+M+Stephens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniWfpST85zgc0L5y4njp_bU57r52ys8kJ8z-dI_jKcgDsAuStoepF0wSS8BwY7svl7qnAkAQgy6wlHIzUwXtVc-XWt8qGQBCwokkFEeTNk00XiKgCpDmEZ4pfjNUrJMqhsYQo53QwOJQ/s320/Carole+M+Stephens.jpg" width="320" /></a>Knowing we would fall short again and again, God made it possible for us to repent, to correct, to fix our shortcomings through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Because of His grace, we are saved. There <br />
is no other way. The Atonement is available to everyone--no matter who you are, where you live, what you've done or any other factor. Every person who ever has been, is, or ever will be on the earth is a child of God.<br />
<br />
As we use His Atonement, we are to change our hearts and actions. A truly repentant and changed person will not make the same mistakes again, yet so many of us probably do. Just start again.<br />
<br />
I know I'm trying to be a good person, mother, wife, and friend, but I also know I could always improve. God isn't going to give us a quarterly report card, but perhaps, as we prepare to take the sacrament on Sundays, we can evaluate ourselves and see where we have succeeded and where we need some improvement.<br />
<br />
How did you treat your family members this week?<br />
Did you pray often?<br />
Did you study His words?<br />
Did you serve others? Cheer up the sad? Lift the weary?<br />
Did you exercise compassion and love?<br />
Are you trying to see others through non-judging eyes?<br />
<br />
We can all do a little better. Don't get discouraged. Just start again tomorrow.<br />
<br />
<br />
Other news:<br />
I was featured as a guest blogger by one of my writer friends. <a href="http://lucindawhitney.com/2015/06/author-spotlight/to-blog-or-not-to-blog-blogger-wendy-jessen/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LucindaWhitneyLdsAuthor+%28Lucinda+Whitney+%7C+LDS+Author%29" target="_blank">Check it out!</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
© Wendy 2015 </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-66227078111946842062015-04-15T09:43:00.003-07:002015-04-15T09:43:52.316-07:00That moment when I realized....I AM a WRITEROK, so the title may sound like I'm a crazy person or pretty dense to reality, but I literally just "realized" that I am a <i>WRITER</i> about a month ago. (<i>I'm also going to go ahead and blame the amount of neglect that my blog has received based on my busy writing schedule.</i>)<br />
<br />
I was walking through the store when this realization hit me. I can't remember if I was alone, or if I had one of my kids with me, but my mind was wandering as usual. And then the words formulated inside my head: <i>I am a writer</i>. I stopped my thought whirlwind and let that settle. <i>I am a writer</i>. Why had I not thought this before? I would always say that <i>I write</i>, but never that <i>I am</i>.<br />
<br />
I mean, I've been blogging for 2 1/2 years as of today and writing articles--and getting them published--since shortly after that. I guess I felt like an impostor, a fake, like a little girl playing dress-up and pretending to be a writer. But, I do get <i>paid... </i>so that means something, right?<br />
<br />
I haven't been taking myself seriously. I guess I believed that maybe you have to have a published book to be a writer? That brings me to my next identity hurtle--calling myself an author.<br />
<br />
I'm near completion of my first book (details later...patience!) and looking forward to all sorts of new knowledge, feedback, and friends at <a href="http://ldstorymakers.com/" target="_blank">LDStorymakers Conference</a> next month. I think now is a good time to take myself seriously and call myself a writer.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, hello, I'm Wendy and I'm a writer. *Mind. Blown.*</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONPGMSCMsacAv2oHT5OZsD7CUXjtUmRRDLyUkR-F8D1xFzoAYYAATe22wiIwzbmVrB2YtfTCrGQDKs7VRbKDf2ZheSChRNFOFsjG1tPxdKgo5woK2KkOjBGzrRHcEEAN9j6tSg9RvgEE/s1600/bomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONPGMSCMsacAv2oHT5OZsD7CUXjtUmRRDLyUkR-F8D1xFzoAYYAATe22wiIwzbmVrB2YtfTCrGQDKs7VRbKDf2ZheSChRNFOFsjG1tPxdKgo5woK2KkOjBGzrRHcEEAN9j6tSg9RvgEE/s1600/bomb.jpg" height="160" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So, I submit, who are you? What are you reluctant to admit that you are? What's holding you back? Let go and embrace it.<br />
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© Wendy 2015 </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-46750802120404316212015-01-31T13:57:00.001-08:002015-02-01T09:23:34.559-08:00Baptism and BeliefsI haven't blogged for way too long, and for that I apologize. I have been super busy with other writing projects and my family.<br />
<br />
But, today was a special day for our family, and especially for my 8-year-old daughter.<br />
<br />
In our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, when a child reaches the age of 8, they can choose to be baptized, just as our Savior Jesus Christ was baptized in the New Testament. This is done by immersion, by proper priesthood authority. Afterward, the are confirmed and given the Gift of the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. The Holy Ghost helps teach us and confirm to us truth, helps us know right from wrong, comforts us and can be a warning voice to keep us safe.<br />
<br />
Today, my daughter was baptized. We had a white dress for her to wear that was made by one of our close friends. She looked like an angel. For the baptism, she and my husband, who holds the priesthood, dress in a white suit that they change out of afterward.<br />
<br />
As I was helping her get re-dressed in her dry clothes after she was baptized, I asked her how she felt. "So clean," she said.<br />
<br />
Baptism is for the remission of our sins. Obviously, it doesn't stop there as we will inevitably make many mistakes in our life, but through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can repent and be clean again. Equally important, being baptized means that we make covenants, or 2-way promises, with God.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/manual/34594/34594_000_014_02-covenants.pdf" target="_blank">My Baptismal Covenants</a> (as found on www.lds.org)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Renewed Each Time I Partake of the Sacrament) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At Baptism I Covenant with the Lord to: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
1. Come into the fold of God (become a member of the Church
of Jesus Christ).<br />
2. Be called his son or daughter (take upon me the name of Christ).<br />
3. Bear others’ burdens, that they may be light; mourn with those that
mourn; and comfort those in need of comfort (help others).<br />
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).<br />
5. Serve God and keep his commandments.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I Keep My Baptismal Covenants the Lord Covenants to: </div>
<br />
1. Forgive my sins.<br />
2. Pour his Spirit more abundantly upon me (give me the companionship
of the Holy Ghost).<br />
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)<br />
<br />
This video doesn't really have to do specifically with baptism, but I loved the overview of what members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe.<br />
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Here's another inspirational post from <a href="http://www.aubreyzaruba.com/2015/01/churchykindness.html" target="_blank">Dreaming About Someday</a>.</div>
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© Wendy 2015</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-51923133697431611552014-11-16T01:00:00.000-08:002014-11-16T01:00:01.971-08:00Book review: "Amazing Hairstyles: From Easy to Elegant"A fellow blogger, Becky Porter, at <a href="http://babesinhairland.com/" target="_blank">Babes in Hairland</a> recently released a book all about hair. "<a href="http://cedarfort.com/amazing-hairstyles-from-easy-to-elegant-paperback.html#.VGYRvjTF_To" target="_blank">Amazing Hairstyles: From Easy to Elegant</a>" is a great addition for families with girls or for people who like to do hair. (Ahem...Christmas is coming!)<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cedarfort.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/m/amazing-hairstyles-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Amazing Hairstyles - From Easy to Elegant - Paperback" border="0" src="http://cedarfort.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/m/amazing-hairstyles-web.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Cedar Fort Publishing and Media</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As a mom of three girls who never willingly let me do their hair, I feel like an amateur. But, with Becky's step-by-step instruction--including pictures--I was able to try out several of these styles. It looked like I totally knew what I was doing! I was pleasantly surprised.<br />
<br />
Whether you are an expert or an amateur, you can do these styles. Becky demonstrates the basics of braids, twists and buns--which are also stand alone styles. Then, we can combine those techniques to create a more elaborate hairstyles.<br />
<br />
French braids, fishbone braids, waterfall twists, hair chains and messy buns are just a few of the basics. Some of the more elegant styles include dutch braid and curls updo, cascading curls, double waterfall twist and 4-strand braid updo.<br />
<br />
These are really adorable, and doable, styles!<br />
<br />
These hairdos are appropriate for all ages. Some are great for everyday styles, while others would be perfect for prom, weddings or when professionalism is required.<br />
<br />
I also found her description of hair products and styling tools extremely helpful (because I am pretty clueless when we get much beyond a brush and curling iron!).<br />
<br />
You can find her book online and in several stores--on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Hairstyles-From-Easy-Elegant/dp/1462115039">amazon.com</a>, <a href="http://deseretbook.com/Amazing-Hairstyles-Rebecca-Porter/i/5128133">Deseret Book</a> and other places. <br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460591064320914646.post-12219759455316741692014-11-09T14:14:00.001-08:002014-11-09T14:21:29.546-08:00Book Review: "Family Talk" teaches families to communicate and grow closer together<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd53I3axjLyjf8zbD7rAhnGyQoDGTbqAJZEvHEenVCDKCciPWIfWaJ7qPhP0RgWqZzfPvVp8WzXtAcYsV5llNdFvJ-CRSF8Ow2jUeDEWRQVyZaTejT-7QUfySdKDaqPeKctcVTlINPAVg/s1600/family+talk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd53I3axjLyjf8zbD7rAhnGyQoDGTbqAJZEvHEenVCDKCciPWIfWaJ7qPhP0RgWqZzfPvVp8WzXtAcYsV5llNdFvJ-CRSF8Ow2jUeDEWRQVyZaTejT-7QUfySdKDaqPeKctcVTlINPAVg/s1600/family+talk.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewe4fuTgImPCTmY41V8s3xaywOO4DqXgMXrNeT1tXsHkBpcs9L6inyQmjj8T-KAEOOx65qnQbU6HZmdUrkI7v1W2OaPHXEpwPyk0Zs4oXko5GFmfvztqSMrzEtFLuifW2LVssSyIuEg4/s1600/Christy+Monson.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewe4fuTgImPCTmY41V8s3xaywOO4DqXgMXrNeT1tXsHkBpcs9L6inyQmjj8T-KAEOOx65qnQbU6HZmdUrkI7v1W2OaPHXEpwPyk0Zs4oXko5GFmfvztqSMrzEtFLuifW2LVssSyIuEg4/s1600/Christy+Monson.JPG" height="200" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christy Monson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the challenges of raising families today is cultivating a home of love, respect and good communication.<br />
<br />
Author <a href="http://christymonson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Christy Monson</a> has written a guide for families to help achieve the family atmosphere they desire. "<a href="http://www.familius.com/family-talk" target="_blank">Family Talk</a>" is full of useful suggestions on how to hold family councils and the benefits of them. She gives many examples from real people on how family councils have worked in their families to illustrate the points she makes. This gives readers an understanding of how family councils can work in their own homes.<br />
<br />
Monson shares:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>What family councils are.</li>
<li>How to structure these family meetings.</li>
<li>How to solve problems as a family.</li>
<li>Learning how to respect each other.</li>
<li>How to use family councils as a teaching tool.</li>
</ul>
<br />
There are many benefits of family councils, including:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Learning respect.</li>
<li>Learning cooperation and how to work together.</li>
<li>Children gain self-confidence.</li>
<li>Sort through family problems together.</li>
<li>A more organized family.</li>
<li>Discussions about sharing the workload of a family.</li>
<li>Planning family vacations or other activities together. </li>
<li>Setting family goals.</li>
<li>Working to overcome struggles.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Holding family councils enables families to grow closer together and to resolve any issues that may occur. This allows each family member to express his/herself. Other family members can share insights to problems and offer solutions. Families can make decisions together.<br />
<br />
Monson also gives suggestions on how to work around special circumstances, such as blended families, children with special needs or single-parent homes.<br />
<br />
The wonderful thing about family councils is that there is no wrong way to do it! You can begin today to hold weekly or bi-weekly meetings and structure it however it works best for your family. Monson encourages families to start their meetings with saying nice things about each other to bring a positive atmosphere.<br />
<br />
Families will learn to work together, trust each other, rely on each other and love each other more fully. I think this is something that all families hope for.<br />
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For more from the author, visit:<br />
<a href="http://www.christymonson.com/index.html" target="_blank">Christy Monson Books</a> or visit her <a href="http://www.facebook.com/christymonsonauthor?v=wall" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page.<br />
<br />
For more family oriented materials from Familius, visit <a href="http://www.familius.com/">www.familius.com</a>.<br />
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© Wendy 2014</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1