Two Babes in a Manger

In 1994, two Americans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics (based on biblical principles) in the public schools. They were invited to teach at prisons, businesses, the fire and police departments and a large orphanage. About 100 boys and girls who had been abandoned, abused, and left in the care of a government-run program were in the orphanage. They relate the following story in their own words:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was nearing the holiday season, 1994, time for our orphans to hear, for the first time, the traditional story of Christmas. We told them about Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem. Finding no room in the inn, the couple went to a stable, where the baby Jesus was born and placed in a manger.

Throughout the story, the children and orphanage staff sat in amazement as they listened. Some sat on the edges of their stools, trying to grasp every word. Completing the story, we gave the children three small pieces of cardboard to make a crude manger. Each child was given a small paper square, cut from yellow napkins I had brought with me. No colored paper was available in the city.

Following instructions, the children tore the paper and carefully laid strips in the manger for straw. Small squares of flannel, cut from a worn-out nightgown an American lady was throwing away as she left Russia, were used for the baby's blanket. A doll-like baby was cut from tan felt we had brought from the United States. The orphans were busy assembling their manger as I walked among them to see if they needed any help.

All went well until I got to one table where little Misha sat. He looked to be about 6 years old and had finished his project. As I looked at the little boy's manger, I was startled to see not one, but two babies in the manger. Quickly, I called for the translator to ask the lad why there were two babies in the manger. Crossing his arms in front of him and looking at this completed manger scene, the child began to repeat the story very seriously. For such a young boy, who had only heard the Christmas story once, he related the happenings accurately-until he came to the part where Mary put the baby Jesus in the manger.


Then Misha started to ad-lib. He made up his own ending to the story as he said, "And when Maria laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me and asked me if I had a place to stay. I told him I have no mamma and I have no papa, so I don't have any place to stay. Then Jesus told me I could stay with him. But I told him I couldn't, because I didn't have a gift to give him like everybody else did.

But I wanted to stay with Jesus so much, so I thought about what I had that maybe I could use for a gift. I thought maybe if I kept him warm, that would be a good gift. So I asked Jesus, "If I keep you warm, will that be a good enough gift?" And Jesus told me, "If you keep me warm, that will be the best gift anybody ever gave me." "So I got into the manger, and then Jesus looked at me and he told me I could stay with him---for always."


As little Misha finished his story, his eyes brimmed full of tears that splashed down his little cheeks. Putting his hand over his face, his head dropped to the table and his shoulders shook as he sobbed and sobbed. The little orphan had found someone who would never abandon nor abuse him, someone who would stay with him-FOR ALWAYS. I've learned that it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts.

I Am Still the Light

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38 when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.

Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there

They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse. "this is heaven." declared a small boy. "We're spending Christmas at God's house."

When what to their wondering eyes did appear, but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same. Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring those children all flew into the arms of their King

And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace, one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

And as if He could read all the questions she had He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of Mom and Dad."

Then He looked down on earth, the world far below He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe

Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand, "Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"

"May this country be delivered from the hands of fools" "I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"

Then He and the children stood up without a sound. "Come now my children, let me show you around."

Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran. all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight, "in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

~Author unknown

Remember to Give Thanks

Thanksgiving scripture --------------- My brothers and sisters, do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love. My beloved friend President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives.” 2010 October General Conference, The Divine Gift of Gratitude, Sun. Morning Session - Thomas S. Monson I thought this quote went along perfectly with gratitude and Thanksgiving. I want to let each of you know how grateful I am to be a part of this family. I am truly blessed with a wonderful life and I am surrounded by amazing people to share it with. I love all of you!! Love, Cassi

Every Day Blessings

Morning all!!! Today I wanted to elaborate a little on the message my beautiful wife sent yesterday. And tell you of a blessing that has helped me get rid of all the negative around me. That blessing is my wife!!!

Everyday this month of November I have got a message from her telling me how greatful she is for me or for something I do. As I have read each message each day it has brought joy to my day and uplifted my spirit, but more than that it has reminded me of the biggest blessing in my life and that is my wife and my family.

I have the constant reminders each day if I will just look for them. they are right next to me everyday. (And some I see from afar) I am greatful for my beautiful wife and the example she is and the blessing she is in my life. hope you all have a wonderful day and can find one of these blessings in your life today. 

Love you all very much!!!!

Love, 

Kenton

Consider the Blessings

Our family is in charge of messages this week. We are excited and hope everyone enjoys them.

Today I wanted to share something from President Monson's talk called "Consider the Blessings" from last months general conference. He said-

"We live in a unique time in the worlds history. We are blessed with so very much. And yet it is sometimes difficult to view the problems and permissiveness around us and not become discouraged. I have found that, rather than dwelling on the negative, if we will take a step back and consider the blessings in our lives, including seemingly small, sometimes overlooked blessings, we can find greater happiness."

I love this and I know I am going to try to look for the little things each and every day that I have to be thankful for and I hope all of you will do the same. We are grateful for each of you!

Love Cassi and family

Two Traveling Angels

Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family.
The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room.
Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement.

As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied,

"Things aren't always what they seem."

The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest.

When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.

The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him, she accused. The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die.

"Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied.

"When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it.”

"Then last night as we slept in the farmer’s bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead.

Things aren't always what they seem."

Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things don't turn out the way we think they should. If you have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You just might not know it until some time later.

Have a great day! Love Vaughn and Mom

Refining Silver

Some time ago, a few ladies met in a certain city to study the scriptures. While reading the third chapter of Malachi, they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse:

"And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver (Malachi 3:3)"

One lady proposed to visit a silversmith, and report to them on what he said about the subject. She went accordingly, and without telling the object of her errand, begged the silversmith to tell her about the process of refining silver.

After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "But Sir, do you sit while the work of refining is going on?"

"Oh, yes madam," replied the silversmith; "I must sit with my eyes steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."

The lady at once saw the beauty, and comfort too, of the expression,
"He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” God sees it needful to put His children into a furnace; His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us. Our trials do not come at random, and He will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.

Before she left, the lady asked one final question, "When do you know the process is complete?"

"Why, that is quite simple," replied the silversmith. "When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is finished."

So let each of us ask ourselves, can I see a reflection of the Savior in my life, no matter the circumstances?

You are growing up in enemy territory. When you become mature spiritually, you will understand how the adversary has infiltrated the world around you. He is in homes, entertainment, the media, language—everything around you. In most cases, his presence is undetected.

I want to tell you that which will be of most worth and most desirable. The scriptures say, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom,” and I would add, “with all [your] getting get [going!]” (Proverbs 4:7). I do not have time to waste and neither do you. So listen up!
--Boyd K. Packer “How to Survive in Enemy Territory” Oct 2012 Ensign

You young people will need to become stronger spiritually and morally in order to withstand the temptations and snares of the world. Perhaps this is why such special spirits have been reserved for this time.
--James E. Faust – “The Devils Throat” April 2003 General Conference

“How do we, amidst the challenges of our lives, gain the vision necessary to do those things that will bring us closer to the Savior? Speaking of vision, the book of Proverbs teaches this truth: ‘Where there is no vision, the people perish’ (Proverbs 29:18). If we are to prosper rather than perish, we must gain a vision of ourselves as the Savior sees us.”
--Elder O. Vincent Haleck, “Having the Vision to Do”, General Conference Apr 2012

“The attributes by which we shall be judged one day are all spiritual. These include love, virtue, integrity, compassion, and service to others. Your spirit, coupled with and housed in your body, is able to develop and manifest these attributes in ways that are vital to your eternal progression. Spiritual progress is attained through the steps of faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, including the endowment and sealing ordinances of the holy temple.”
--Elder Russell M. Nelson “Thanks Be to God”, General Conference Apr 2012

Our dear family, all but one of the quotes listed here came from Church leaders this year. There is urgency in their council! We all need to be listening and heeding. We cannot afford to procrastinate!

We love each of you VERY Much. Hope you have a ‘reflective’ day! Love Vaughn and Mom

Destiny of the Nation

The following words were spoken by the late Red Skelton on his television program as he related the story of his teacher, Mr. Laswell, who felt his students had come to think of the Pledge of Allegiance as merely something to recite in class each day.
Now, more than ever, listen to the meaning of these words.

"I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester

and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you.

If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?"

I

me, an individual, a committee of one.

Pledge

dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self pity.

Allegiance

my love and my devotion.

To the flag

our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!

United

that means that we have all come together.

States

individual communities that have united into 48 great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose,

and that's love for country.

And to the republic

a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the

people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from

the leaders to the people.

For which it stands, one nation

one nation, meaning "so blessed by God"

Indivisible

incapable of being divided.

With liberty

which is freedom -- the right of power to live one's own life without threats, fear or some sort of retaliation.

And Justice

the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.

For all

which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

***~~**~~***

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country and two words have been

added to the pledge of Allegiance...

UNDER GOD

Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer and that would be eliminated from schools too?

God Bless America!

"The time will come when the destiny of the nation will hang upon a single thread. At that critical juncture, this people will step forth and save it from the threatened destruction. It will be so." - Joseph Smith Chapter 29, Progress of Man, by Joseph Fielding Smith

D & C 109: 54 “Have mercy, O Lord, upon all the nations of the earth; have mercy upon the rulers of our land; may those principles, which were so honorably and nobly defended, namely, the Constitution of our land, by our fathers, be established forever.” (Prayer offered at the dedication of the temple at Kirtland, Ohio, 27 March 1836 (History of the Church, 2:420–26). According to the Prophet’s written statement, this prayer was given to him by revelation.)

Why Eagles Fly....and Chickens Flutter

Once upon a time, long, long ago, the Eagle and Chicken were very good friends. Everywhere they went these friends went together. It was not uncommon for people to look up and see the Eagle and Chicken flying side by side through the air.

One day, while flying, the Chicken said to the Eagle, "Let's drop down and get a bite to eat. My stomach is growling." "Sounds like a good idea to me," replied the Eagle. So the two birds glided down to earth, saw several animals eating, and decided to join them. They landed next to the Cow. The Cow was busy eating corn, but noticed that the Eagle and the Chicken were soon sitting on the ground next to her. "Welcome," said the Cow. "Help yourself to the corn."

This took the two birds by surprise. They were not accustomed to having other animals share their food quite so readily. "Why are you willing to share your corn with us?" asked the Eagle. "Oh, we have plenty to eat here. Mr. Farmer gives us all we want," replied the Cow. Well, the Eagle and the Chicken jumped in and ate their fill. When they finished, the Chicken asked more about Mr. Farmer. "Well," said the Cow, "he grows all our food. We don't have to work for the food at all.

"You mean," said the Chicken, "that Mr. Farmer simply gives you all you want to eat?" "That's right," said the Cow. "Not only that, but he gives us shelter over our heads." The Chicken and the Eagle were shocked! They had never heard of such a thing. They had always had to search for their food and work for shelter.

When it came time to leave, the Chicken and the Eagle began to discuss the situation. "Maybe we should just stay here," said the Chicken. "We can have all the food we want without working. And that barn over there sure beats those nests we have been building. Besides, I'm getting tired of always having to work for a living."

"I don't know about all this," said the Eagle. "It sounds too good to be true. I find it hard to believe that one can get something for nothing. Besides, I kinda like flying high and free through the air. And providing for food and shelter isn't so bad. In fact, I find it quite challenging."

Well, the Chicken thought it over and decided to stay where there was free food and shelter. But the Eagle decided that he loved his freedom too much to give it up, and enjoyed the consistent challenge of making his own living. So, after saying goodbye to his old friend the Chicken, the Eagle set sail for the wild blue yonder.

Everything went fine for the Chicken. He ate all he wanted. He never worked. He grew fat and lazy. But then one day he heard the farmer say to his wife that he was yearning for fried chicken. Hearing that, the Chicken decided it was time to check out and rejoin his good friend Mr. Eagle. But when he attempted to fly he found that he had grown too fat and lazy. Instead of being able to fly, he could only flutter.

So the next day the farmer's family sat down to chicken dinner

When you give up the challenges life has in pursuit of security, your ability to fly turn into a flutter.

And that’s the reason Eagles fly and Chickens flutter.

Don’t be a chicken…get out and vote!

We love you all! Have a great day! Vaughn and Mom

The Mango Tree

There is a very ancient legend about a Persian ruler who had four sons. His sons were often critical of others. This was a habit which the father detested very much. So he decided to teach his sons a lesson about being critical.

One winter he sent one of the sons on a journey to look at a mango tree. During the following spring he sent another of the sons to visit the very same tree. When summer came he sent the third son to see the tree. And finally, that fall, he sent the fourth son to see the tree.

Then the wise old king called all the sons together and asked them about the mango tree. The one who went in the winter described the tree and an old stump. The son who went in the spring said that the tree didn't look like an old stump, but that it was a very beautiful green. The third son said that both of the reports were wrong. He was the son who had visited the tree in the summer and he said that the tree was covered over with beautiful blossoms. Finally the fourth son spoke up, the one who had visited the tree during the autumn. He said the tree had fruit which tasted like the finest of all fruits.

After each son had made his report, the father spoke."Each of you has told what you saw. And each of you is right. The difference is that each of you saw the tree at a different season. People are like that mango tree. They are bad and good, and they are ugly and beautiful. You can see them in different seasons. Try to see each person as the last of you saw the mango tree, at its best."

There is so much good in the worst of us,
And so much bad in the best of us,
That it hardly becomes any of us
To talk about the rest of us.
--E.W. Hoch

3 Nephi 14: 2-3

2. For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measure to you again.

3. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thin own eye?

How to Be Whole Again- Repentance

The song I chose for my daily message this week is "Castle of Glass" by Linkin Park on their new album Living Things. The lyrics are pasted below.

If you read the lyrics it talks about going down and getting help almost and how some being is helping. I think of that person as being God. It states in the last two lines of the first stanza, "wash the poison from off my skin, Show me how to be whole again" I believe the poison to be sin, sin in our lives, and he is asking god to help him get it off through repentance, so he can be whole again.

In Heleman 5:11 it reads "And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance; therefore he hath sent his angels to declare the tidings of the conditions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of their souls." I really think this goes with my testimony, because I really believe in the process of repentance and have grown to love it. I know that repentance is the only way back to our Heavenly Father. Without it we would all be lost in the world.

I love Jesus Christ because and know without him we wouldn't be able to repent. I love my family and all the support they give me, and I love the church. It brings a great light into my life. I love everybody and hope you enjoy the message today. I miss you all.

Love, Seth

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRGSHvlu9Ss

Take me down to the river bend,
Take me down to the fighting end,
Wash the poison from off my skin
Show me how to be whole again

Fly me up on a silver wing
Past the black where the sirens sing
Warm me up in a nova's glow
And drop me down to the dream below

(Chorus)
Cause I'm only a crack in this castle of glass
Hardly anything there for you to see.
For you to see
Bring me home in a blinding dream
Through the secrets that I have seen
Wash the sorrow from off my skin
And show me how to be whole again

(Chorus)
Cause I'm only a crack in this castle of glass
Hardly anything there for you to see.
For you to see

(Bridge)
Cause I'm only a crack in this castle of glass
Hardly anything else I need to be

(Chorus)
Cause I'm only a crack in this castle of glass
Hardly anything there for you to see.
For you to see
For you to see

Bless Every Breath

My message today comes from the song, "Every Breath" by Jenny Phillips

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1-ED4zNM4M

I think this song is telling us that Christ is always there for us and will bless our every breath. This song also says that we should be thankful for every breath we take. We should also should be thankful for the gospel.

I would like to bear my testimony that I know this is the true curch of Jesus Christ and I know if we are more grateful that we will have many blessings. Also, if we do not show our gratitude we may not get as many blessings. I know families are forever, I know this is one of the most loving caring families in the world! I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I love y'all and can't wait to see you

Love,
Ambrielle Rheanne Gulley

Sin-Soaked Heart

Good morning family. My message today is focused on a song by Jars of Clay called"Worlds Apart". I have posted the lyrics below as well as a link to an acoustic version on YouTube:

I am the only one to blame for this 

Somehow it all adds up the same 

Soaring on the wings of selfish pride 

I flew too high and like Icarus I collide 

With a world I try so hard to leave behind 

To rid myself of all but love 

to give and die 

To turn away and not become 

Another nail to pierce the skin of one who loves 

more deeply than the oceans, 

more abundant than the tear 

Of a world embracing every heartache 

Can I be the one to sacrifice 

Or grip the spear and watch the blood and water flow 

To love you - take my world apart 

To need you - I am on my knees 

To love you - take my world apart 

To need you - broken on my knees 

All said and done I stand alone 

Amongst remains of a life I should not own 

It takes all I am to believe 

In the mercy that covers me 

Did you really have to die for me? 

All I am for all you are 

Because what I need and what I believe are worlds apart 

I look beyond the empty cross 

forgetting what my life has cost 

and wipe away the crimson stains 

and dull the nails that still remain 

More and more I need you now, 

I owe you more each passing hour 

the battle between grace and pride 

I gave up not so long ago 

So steal my heart and take the pain 

and wash the feet and cleanse my pride 

take the selfish, take the weak, 

and all the things I cannot hide 

take the beauty, take my tears 

the sin-soaked heart and make it yours 

take my world all apart 

take it now, take it now 

and serve the ones that I despise 

speak the words I can't deny 

watch the world I used to love 

fall to dust and thrown away 

I look beyond the empty cross 

forgetting what my life has cost 

so wipe away the crimson stains 

and dull the nails that still remain 

so steal my heart and take the pain 

take the selfish, take the weak 

and all the things I cannot hide 

take the beauty, take my tears 

take my world apart, take my world apart 

I pray, I pray, I pray 

take my world apart 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zpo7KJ1q1o&list=FLPungx4WGUlKv3Nhi9xQqFQ&index=5&feature=plpp_video

This is by far one of my favorite songs that is not a hymn or church song. It is touching and moving and reminds me of the sacrifice of our Savior and my role in taking advantage of that sacrifice. Like Jenn's message yesterday is a reminder of the atonement. I hope you all take some time to read the lyrics and listen to the song and the emotions it evokes. This is one that makes me cry when I hear it and I have heard it hundreds and hundreds of times. The breakdown at the end of the song is very powerful to me. When he says: 

So steal my heart and take the pain 

and wash the feet and cleanse my pride 

take the selfish, take the weak, 

and all the things I cannot hide 

take the beauty, take my tears 

the sin-soaked heart and make it yours 

take my world all apart 

take it now, take it now 

There are similar lyrics in a song by Afterglow called "The Touch of the Master's Hand" that state the following:

For many a life scarred and battered with sin

can find a great change, like the old violin,

When our eyes are opened, our hearts touched from within

by the touch of the Master’s hand.

Each of us has our own demons we deal with, but each of us also has the Atonement and sacrifice of our Savior to help us battle those demons and cleanse our "sin-soaked hearts". We have our Heavenly Father to lean on through the power of prayer. We have been given families as well to help us through our difficult times and lean on for support. I encourage us all to take full advantage of the different avenues we have to help in our times of struggle so we can all be together forever.

I love you all!

Love, Ryan

In Pieces

My message today correlates to the song "Pieces" by Red. I have posted the lyrics and a link to the song below:

I'm here again

A thousand miles away from you 

A broken mess, just scattered pieces of who I am

I tried so hard

Thought I could do this on my own 

I've lost so much along the way 

Then I'll see your face

I know I'm finally yours 

I find everything I thought I lost before 

You call my name 

I come to you in pieces 

So you can make me whole

I've come undone 

But you make sense of who I am 

Like puzzle pieces in your eye

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxIlR0TmOlg

While this song is not a hymn or a church song  it has much meaning to me. As the song states, I come to you in pieces and you can make me whole, I relate this to our Heavenly Father and the Atonement. I know that we can rely on our Heavenly Father for anything and He is always there for us even when we feel we are in pieces. He can truly make us whole again and we have been promised that through the Atonement and when we are all resurrected. I am grateful for this knowledge and have a testimony of it.

I love you all, have a great day.

Love, Jenn

The Labyrinth

Are you all familiar with the Jim Henson/George Lucas film, The Labyrinth? We love this movie!

The plot revolves around teenager Sarah's quest to reach the center of an enormous otherworldly maze to find her brother. The evil and cunning Jareth the Goblin King continually tries to confuse her, lead her off path & get her to give up. There are tons of stumbling blocks along her way to include the Knights & knaves logic puzzle, goblins, fire gang, dead ends, trap doors, dungeons & the Bog of Eternal Stench. 

Sarah does find some friends along the way in Ludo and Sir Didymus. A little troll named Hoggle appears to befriend her at first but then betrays her trust.

Despite all the enemies and challenges Sarah faces, she is determined to find her brother. Sarah endures to the end!

In the end she conquers the Labyrinth & the Goblin King by saying "You have no power over me!"
Sometimes, this life feels like a bit of a Labyrinth too! We have tests & trials, the Goblin King (Satan) tries to confuse & deceive us. We are human & sometimes fall into the stenchy bog of sin & rationalization. We have those that will try to lead us in the wrong direction, take shortcuts or trap doors. We also have those that pretend to be our friend but then sabotage us. We thankfully also have loyal family and friends that try to cheer us on and help us in our journey.

We too can know that Satan "has no power over us" unless we give him that power.
It's also vital, that in order to get through the maze, we remember our goal is to seek for and be reunited with our Brother (Jesus Christ).

Almost every talk (if not every)mentioned the importance of our testimony in the Savior, His teachings and atonement. Also the importance that we evaluate our relationship with Him. All testified in some way of Our Savior.

Jeffrey R Holland gave a very emotional & amazing talk asking us to "put ourselves in Peters place when the Savior asked the apostle Peter "Do Ye love me?" Do we really show Him through our actions and by the way we seek Him that we truly do love Him? Can we honestly say without hesitation or feelings of unworthiness that "Yea Lord, we do love thee"?" If we were to be on trial, would there be enough evidence to convict us of being disciples of Christ?

I hope that as we all go through our own Labyrinths that we can keep focus on our elder Brother Jesus Christ & never stop seeking for Him that we may live close to Him daily. Also,realize that the world and Satan have no power over us unless we relinquish it to them! If we do fall into the Bog of Eternal Stench (sin), the Savior has the power to cleanse us from all. Isaiah 1:18 "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

We love you all!
Love, Deidi

I'll Strengthen Thee

The opening hymn for Saturday morning session was How Firm A Foundation.

1. How firm a foundation ye saints of the Lord,

Is laid for your faith in his excellent word;

What more can he say than to you he hath said?

You, who unto Jesus, for refuge have fled.

2. In ev'ry condition - in sickness in health,

In poverty's vale, or abounding in wealth,

At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,

As thy days may demand, so thy succor shall be.

3. “Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed!

For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;

I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

4. “When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o'erflow;

For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,

And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

5. “When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace all-sufficient shall be thy supply;

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design,

Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

6. “E'en down to old age, all my people shall prove

My sov'reign eternal, unchangeable love;

And then, when grey hairs shall their temples adorn,

Like lambs they shall still in my bosom be borne.

7. “The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,

I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes:

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

I'll never - no, never, no, never forsake!”

I was very touched when hearing this hymn & read through all of the verses again today (even though they didn't sing all 7). My favorite verse is verse 3. 

The message I would like to share is "I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand". I was so impressed and inspired by hearing President Monson say he was 85 years old & called as an apostle 49 or 50 years ago. L. Tom Perry is 90 years old! It is amazing to me that they are so strong & young at heart. I know that they have diligently served & that The Lord has "strengthen them, help them, and cause them to stand" in their many years of service. This also strengthened my testimony of the Word of Wisdom & the blessings they have received from obedience to this also. I know it is because of their obedience! Heavenly Father will strengthen us and cause us to stand as well... If we try to be obedient and do what is right too.

Love, Deidi

Choose to Be Happy

One of the other recurring themes seemed to be on having more gratitude and feeling joy in our lives as opposed to feeling negative and having regrets.

Dieter F Uchtdorf shared these thoughts-
"The more we devote ourselves to the pursuit of holiness & happiness, the less likely we will be on the path to regrets. The more we rely on our Savior's grace, the more we will feel we are on the track our Father in Heaven has intended for us.

WE determine our happiness! It's not a race! It's a journey! Enjoy the moment! Life is not meant to only be appreciated in retrospect. This is the day which The Lord hath made, Rejoice and be glad in it! There is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it. Look less with our eyes and more with our hearts. Don't magnify the negative! Resolve to be happy! I pray that we will not wait until we are ready to die until we are ready to truly live!"

Sometimes we fall into a pattern of "I will be happy when (I have more money or less stress) ....or after. (I retire or kids are grown or)..." There are always going to be challenges or busyness in our lives. It is up to us to decide now to see the good in each day and resolve to be happy! Let us not live life in retrospect but decide to feel joy, gratitude and fulfillment now!

Love, Deidi

Be Still

This week, our family has been invited to share some of our favorite messages from General Conference. There were so many great things to choose from, that it will be hard to narrow down, so we encourage you to take time to read or listen in the coming days ahead. It was a wonderful weekend, with truly inspired messages, that are meant just for us during this time. I know that I didn't always appreciate the opportunity to sit through conference, when I was younger, but now I greatly look forward to it. Life is a struggle and I desperately need the strength and guidance to navigate through. I testify that Thomas S. Monson is our prophet, called of God! He is the prophet for all people on earth. I love him and sustain him (as well as the apostles & other general leaders) ! I was so touched to hear President Monson say (in his closing remarks) that he prays for us!

One of the recurring themes, throughout the messages, was the great importance of having the Spirit with us and being in tune with our Heavenly Father's will. Brother Gonzales shared a message of "Come unto me that you may see and feel" (seeing with our hearts) and also "Take the time to be still".

My challenge to each of you is to take the time (even 1 talk a day) to be still and read or listen to the talks. It is the perfect way to invite the Spirit into your homes and lives. It can be a challenge to feel the Spirit with all of the noise and demands that we have. We all have many responsibilities, pressures, deadlines, work, family etc but If we take the time to Be Still, we can know His will for us and call on Him to help us to get through this life. "Christ will not fail you! He knows how to succor His people."

"Be still and know that I am God" Psalms 46:10


Have you walked with me today?

I love you all and want you to know that I have a strong testimony of the gospel! The Spirit has testified of it's truthfulness to me many times. The world would have me show clear proof or a logical way of explaining this testimony but I can only share the personal witness that has been born to my soul. I know that if we take the time to "see and feel" with our hearts that we can all have this same witness! Spiritual truths are only learned by spiritual means. We need to have a desire to know and then ask God!

Though I am very imperfect, I am so grateful for the knowledge of a Heavenly Father who knows me (even every hair on my head) and loves each one of us. I know Jesus Christ is our Savior and is our advocate with the Father. He has atoned for our sins. We are here to overcome the things of the world and make weak things become strong! We can do all things through them.

I love you all!

Love, Deidi and Family

Who's On the Lord's Side?

This is a quote that Toby found last night before bed and really wanted to share with all. 

Abraham Lincoln was asked which side God was on in the Civil War. He responded: "I am not at all concerned about that, for I know that the Lord is always on the side of right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord’s side." (Abraham Lincoln’s Stories and Speeches, J.B. McClure, ed. [Chicago: Rhodes and McClure Publishing Co., 1896], pp. 185-86) 

We all need to make sure that even though the world does not look at the world this same way we need to make sure we do. We need to obey the laws of the land but also make sure that it still follows the Gospel and its teachings. 

We love you all 

Toby, Cate and Eme

A Child's Prayer

1. Heavenly Father, are you really there? And do you hear and answer ev’ry child’s prayer? Some say that heaven is far away, But I feel it close around me as I pray. Heavenly Father, I remember now Something that Jesus told disciples long ago: “Suffer the children to come to me.” Father, in prayer I’m coming now to thee. 2. Pray, he is there; Speak, he is list’ning. You are his child; His love now surrounds you. He hears your prayer; He loves the children. Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of heav’n. Hey all sorry its so late we've struggle on a topic. As I was sitting her watching the debate for some reason it just makes me anxious watching them go back and forth. This primary song is actually a song and the first song that comes to mind when i'm in a situation or mind set when i'm uncomfortable, nervous, scared, anxious etc. I love the simple message of just talking to him and asking him if he's there. And the way i interpret the song in the second verse is the Holy ghost answering back letting us know He is there and that He loves us. There is also a scripture that goes with this in D&C 112:10 it says Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers. I love you all and just want those to share there favorite song they sing or hum to themselves in anytime where you need comfort, strength or guidance. Love you all so much Love, Cate

Being Honest

I Believe in Being Honest

I believe in being honest;

I believe in being true,

That honesty should start with me

In all I say, in all I do.

I’ll form good habits in my youth,

To keep my word, to tell the truth,

To speak up in defending right

And keep my name and honor bright.

I believe in being honest;

I believe in being true,

That honesty should start with me

In all I say, in all I do.

Words: Ruth Muir Gardner, 1927–1999. © 1986 IRI

This song is pretty straight forward but its something that we can all do. It sounds so simple and easy but is probably one of the hardest things we learn how to do at a young age. Being honest can get us in trouble or make us not fit in with others. We need to teach our children these good habits when they are young and always make sure to encourage it. And as adults we need to set this example not only for our family's but for those all around us. We can all make an impact in others life's by just being honest and speaking up for the truth when times are tough. We encourage everyone to try to stand tall this week and to always be truthful to others and also to ourselves.

We love you all!
Love, Toby, Cate, and Eme

Temptations

Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. and story arise and shine forth

Arise and Shine Forth

by Ann M,. Dibb, Second Counselor in the Young Woman General Presidency

http://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/05/arise-and-shine-forth?lang=eng

One of the greatest ways we can arise and shine forth is to confidently obey the commandments of God.

The scriptures provide many great examples to illustrate this idea. In the book of Judges in the Old Testament, we learn about Samson. Samson was born with great potential. His mother was promised, “He shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.”9 But as Samson grew, he looked more to the world’s temptations than to God’s direction. He made choices because they “pleaseth [him] well”10 rather than because those choices were right. Repeatedly, the scriptures use the phrase “and he went down”11 as they tell of Samson’s journeys, actions, and choices. Instead of arising and shining forth to fulfill his great potential, Samson was overcome by the world, lost his God-given power, and died a tragic, early death.

I chose to do the daily message on temptations because i have had many lately, im sure we all deal with our different kinds of temptaions each day. it could be as simple as eating a slice of chocolate cake on your diet, or more severe like immorality. i love the scripture especially, to me it lets us recognize that we are human and are of the world and are weak, why our spirit and internalness strives to be righteous and good and clean! its not easy. especially since there is so much things that are pleasing to our body, whether its food, drink, drugs alcohol, etc. etc. but those things are not pleasing to our spirit. our body is a temple temptations are our battle and test in life. i love you all and wish everbody the strngth to overcome their personal battles have a great day Toby, Cate, and Eme

Don't Lose Character

I'm barely stayin awake at work. Had a long night last night. But the message has been on my mind since I woke up. The message is simple yet profound, Brandon Flowers (the lead singer for the killers) is LDS and active he grew up in Utah and through all the fame and fortune and pressure of being a celeb he has stayed faithful to what he believes and is proud to be a member of our church. They just released a new album on the 18th and Aspen has been talking about it for months so I bought it for her that day. One song on that album I'm not sure but I bet it's called "Don't lose character" is talking to and about being LDS. It's not a LDS song but there is a spirit to it and it has a lotta messages in it. It talks a lot about struggles and trials and says be still, close your eyes. And we're in the belly of the beast. The main chorus says: Don't lose character, you've got a lotta heart. And at the end it says: Rise up like the sun, Labor til the work is done. That Is the message. Don't lose character, you've got a lotta heart. Rise up like the sun, Labor til the work is done. Here is a link to the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkONIRecrw4&feature=youtube_gdata_player Love you all, have an awesome day! Trent, Aspen and Felix

Reminder to Remember, Remember....

I love this scripture and the promise it holds. We have been promised so much. We know what we are promised if we choose god and eternal life and we also know the flip side and what consequences come from choosing satans plan. Endless misery and torment.

Make the choice and endure to the end. That's all we have to do. "A foundation whereon if men build they cannot fail." I like knowing that I'm going to succeed at something. I hate failing at anything. So let's all build our foundations on Christ and this gospel. And if we do we cannot fail.

Happy Friday. Love you all

Trent, Aspen and Felix

Christlike Attributes

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation. 2 Nephi 22:2

As Aspen and I have studied christlike attributes we have found how the all intertwine and are essential for us to reach exaltation and truly become sons and daughters of God. Aside from Charity some very important Christlike attributes include faith, hope, knowledge, virtue, diligence, patience. I could go into depth with each of these categories and reference scripture after scripture. They are so important and things we need to be aware of constantly.

I love in the verse where it says "I will trust, and not be afraid;" This is what we need to do, put complete trust in the Lord and not be afraid, have a little more faith in every aspect of our lives and the Lord will take care of us in our needs. I love you all very much and also would encourage you to study these attributes, it has helped Aspen and I be more aware and conscious about a lot of things, they are an amazing eye opener and help us reflect on ourselves and what we can improve on personally to become more like our elder brother.

As long as we are improving and striving to be better everyday then i know we will be crowned with exaltation in the mansions of our father.

Love you all so much and hope you have a wonderful day!

Love- Trent, Aspen and Felix

Routine Prayer

"Will prayers that do not demand much of your thought merit much attention from our Heavenly Father? When you find yourself getting into a routine with your prayers, step back and think. Meditate for a while on the things for which you really are grateful. Look for them. They don't have to be grand or glorious. Sometimes we should express our gratitude for the small and simple things like the scent of the rain, the taste of your favorite food, or the sound of a loved one's voice. Thinking of things we are grateful for is a healing balm. It helps us get outside ourselves. It changes our focus from our pains and our trials to the abundance of this beautiful world we live in."
--Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Improving Our Prayers," Liahona, Aug. 2004, 18

Sorry its late, but better late than never :)

I love this quote often i think we get into a routine with prayers, (i know i do) but with our prayers we need to make them sincere and not always just asking for what we need or want. We need to step back and thank our heavenly father for all we have and put all our energy of heart into that prayer. The more of our mind, body, spirit, and soul we put into that the better off we are and the more humble and grateful we become. I want us all to try our best tonight to have a very heartfelt and sincere prayer or conversation with our heavenly father and thank him dearly for all our blessings. I love you all and promise that i will be thanking him for my amazing family. With love.

-Trent, Aspen and Felix

Organize Yourselves

D&C 88:119

Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;
This scripture is talking about keeping the sabbath day holy but deeper than that it is talking about making our homes a place where God can be found. There are very few places in the world today that we can be safe from the world. It is flooded with filth, we need to be in the world but not of the world. We can truly make our homes houses of God by removing anything in it that doesn't invite the spirit. Aspen and i have sold our R-rated films on eBay and also my video games that had an "M" rating. We are truly trying to make our home a place where the spirit can dwell and a place of security and love. We want the best for Felix and want him to know that the spirit can be found in our home and that it is always a safe place and thanks to the gospel we know exactly how to do that.

I challenge us all to make our homes safe, and a place where we can always find the spirit. Love you all!

Trent, Aspen and Felix

Charity- The Pure Love of Christ

Aspen and I have been studying from preach my gospel and have been spending a lot of time learning about Chrstlike Attributes. The very most important one that we all need to have is Charity. Charity is a gift from God. Mormon said that we should "pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that (we) may be filled with this love" (Moroni 7:48).

Some Scriptures and references that go with charity

Alma 7:24-

And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.

2 Nephi 26:30-

Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing; wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they were nothing. Wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish.

D&C 88:125-

And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.

1 Peter 4:8-

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

We have looked up sooooo many scriptures on charity, and there are so many because of how truly important it is. Its a commandment and essential to exaltation.
"except men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place which thou hast prepared in the mansions of thy Father."

Its something we all need to strive for and work on. And it is something we will always have to be conscious of and working towards. Charity is easy to have for those we love and care about, but we need to have it for ALL, as Chirst did. I want to challenge everyone to think of at least one person that they can work on having charity towards and work on charity in general. Pray and ask Heavenly father to be filled with this love. It will change our whole outlook on ourselves, those we come in contact with and make us more fit for the kingdom. Its one step closer to becoming perfect on our quest for perfection, in our quest to become like our older brother Jesus Christ. We love you all! have an awesome day!

With Love, Trent, Aspen and Felix.

Spiritual Leadership to Children

With love in my heart for the fathers [mothers] in Israel, may I suggest ten specific ways that fathers [mothers] can give spiritual Leadership to their children:

1. Give father’s blessings to your children. Baptize and confirm your children. Ordain your sons to the priesthood. These will become spiritual highlights in the lives of your children.

2. Personally direct family prayers, daily scripture reading, and weekly family home evenings. Your personal involvement will show your children how important these activities really are.

3. Whenever possible, attend Church meetings together as a family. Family worship under your leadership is vital to your children’s spiritual welfare.

4. Go on daddy-daughter dates and father-and-sons’ outings with your children. As a family, go on campouts and picnics, to ball games and recitals, to school programs, and so forth. Having Dad there makes all the difference.

5. Build traditions of family vacations and trips and outings. These memories will never be forgotten by your children.

6. Have regular one-on-one visits with your children. Let them talk about what they would like to. Teach them gospel principles. Teach them true values. Tell them you love them. Personal time with your children tells them where Dad puts his priorities.

7. Teach your children to work, and show them the value of working toward a worthy goal. Establishing mission funds and education funds for your children shows them what Dad considers to be important.

8. Encourage good music and art and literature in your homes. Homes that have a spirit of refinement and beauty will bless the lives of your children forever.

9. As distances allow, regularly attend the temple with your wife. Your children will then better understand the importance of temple marriage and temple vows and the eternal family unit.

10. Have your children see your joy and satisfaction in service to the Church. This can become contagious to them, so they, too, will want to serve in the Church and will love the kingdom.

President Ezra Taft Benson

Personal Revelation

Good morning family.

The blessing of personal revelation keeps coming up often for me. I had the thought today as I watched this video, that this is something each of us needs every minute of every day to guide us through this life. It is especially important at this period in time when so much of the world has forgotten the things of God. I pray that as a family, we can each tune in our "spiritual radios" so that we can clearly hear/feel/see the guidance the Lord is sending us.

Patterns of Light: Spirit of Revelation

"The more closely you follow divine guidance, the greater will be your happiness here and for eternity..."Richard G. Scott

I love you! Have a wonderful day!- Mom

Dad, I Need to Say My Prayer First....

Alma 37:37

Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good: yea, when though liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let the heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

After a long day at work and life sometimes the last thing we want to do is one more thing. Crawling in bed is all that sounds of interest. I know for me that if I take two minutes out of my day to thank the Lord for everything that he has given me, my next day is so much better. This last little while we have been teaching Teec to say his nightly prayers. Sunday night as Kyle was tucking Teec into bed I heard this conversation:

Kyle: "Pick out a book and we can read it before bed"

Teec: "Dad, I need to say my prayer first"

Kyle: "That is right, you do"

To hear those eight simple words just melted my heart. If a little boy can remember that each night before bed a prayer needs to be said than surely we can remember. I challenge each of you to remember to say your prayers each night before you go to bed.

Love, Brittany

It Is That Easy!

It is that easy!

Mosiah 2:22
And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you.

I was sitting in the Bountiful temple with my Papa at the beginning of the month and as we were waiting for my cousin's sealing to beginning my papa and I was having a heart-to-heart discussion. I had made it my new years resolution to read the Book of Mormon from beginning to end. I had finished the week before we went to the temple and my Papa was going over all of his favorite scriptures with me, since now I was familiar with them. He looked me in the eye and said to me it is just that easy (referring to Mosiah 2:22).

I have been on both sides of the way of life; having the gospel in your life and living without it. A co-worker said to me last week "it can be hard living as a Mormon". Which at times it may, however I know for a fact that it is harder living without the gospel in your life. All that he required of us is to keep his commandments; It is just that easy!

Love, Brittany

Counsel for Life

Every time we read the scriptures with our kids they ask if there were important verses read that they need to highlight. In the last week we started reading some of the later chapters in Alma (36-40), which contains Alma's direction to his sons, more specifically Helaman and Corianton.

There are so many valuable verses in these chapters I have actually encouraged them to highlight a whole chapter with notes in the margin indicating what is being discussed. I wanted to share a portion of Alma Chapter 38 with all of you this morning that contains some excellent direction for all of us in our lives:

9 And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness.

10 And now, as ye have begun to teach the word even so I would that ye should continue to teach; and I would that ye would be diligent and temperate in all things.

11 See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength.

12 Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness.

13 Do not pray as the Zoramites do, for ye have seen that they pray to be heard of men, and to be praised for their wisdom.

14 Do not say: O God, I thank thee that we are better than our brethren; but rather say: O Lord, forgive my unworthiness, and remember my brethren in mercy—yea, acknowledge your unworthiness before God at all times.

15 And may the Lord bless your soul, and receive you at the last day into his kingdom, to sit down in peace. Now go, my son, and teach the word unto this people. Be sober. My son, farewell.

Setting a Good Example

Hi this is Patty again. In my message yesterday I spoke briefly about "teaching our children" and "setting good example's". Today I would like to share with you a memory I have of our family and of a time that stands out in my mind that we truly set a good example. As all of you know whenever you came to be with your dad and I for the summer it was ( and still is ) common practice to pray before every meal whether we were at home or dining out. I recall a specific time when we were dining out at one of your dad's favorite fast food restaurant 's. . . KFC . As your dad stood at the head of our table to say the prayer Kenton, Kyle, Toby and Trent automatically removed their caps as we all bowed our heads in prayer. At the end of our meal a man came to our table and said "I have never been blessed with children but if I had of been I would of liked to of had sons just like these boys". He stated it is very uncommon now days to see families pray together in public and he was very touched to see our families display of reverence. This made a everlasting memory for me. It made me realize how a simple act of prayer could truly touch someone's heart. How wonderful it would be if more people would take it upon themselves to set good examples by reaching out to others.

I just wanted to express again my love and appreciation for all of you ! I am very proud to be your stepmother. I know Heavenly Father brought me and your dad together for a reason....so I too could learn from your good examples. Each and everyone of you have touched my heart in a very special way and have made me into the person that I am today. I look forward to seeing you again soon. And I say this to you thru Jesus Christ. Amen.

An Announcement....

I am very excited for today's message! As some of you know kenton and I have been trying to have another baby and we found out last night that
I'M PREGNANT!!!!!

We are so happy and excited and Ryan you couldn't have picked a better week for me to do messages because I love being able to tell you all like this!

Being a mother is amazing! I feel so blessed to have the three beautiful children we have and I am grateful for everything they teach me each day. I know that teaching them the gospel and being a great example to them is one of the most important things I will do in this life. My patriarchal blessing says- Recognize that your role as wife and mother is the most sacred role you will ever play both here in mortality and in the eternal life to come.

I am so grateful that I can be a mommy. There are definitely hard days but the joys and rewards are so worth it. And we can't wait to meet this new little Gulley in April! Love you all!

Family Shout Out

For today's message (sorry it's so late BTW) I wanted to tell all of you how much I love being a part of this family. I am so grateful for each and every one of you in my life. I have loved group me because it makes me feel closer to each of you even though a lot of us live far away from each other.

Sometimes when I tell people how many siblings are in Kenton's family and how many of us there are when we get together they say "wow isn't that crazy?" and I say "yes it is crazy a lot of the time but I wouldn't have it any other way." I love having so many brothers and sisters to look up to and when we get together it's like we've never been apart.

I appreciate every one of you for always accepting me and loving me. I have known a lot of you since I was sixteen and I have always felt like one of the family. Thank you for that. This is a very special family and I am so blessed to be a part of it. I love each of you very much and I am always looking forward to when we get to be together again and make more crazy memories! :) love you Cass

Ask, and Ye Shall Receive....

Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.
D&C 4:7

I love this scripture. It has always been one of my favorites. It is so simple yet so profound. It reminds me that our Father in Heaven is always there and it is up to us to reach out to Him. He wants us to knock on His door and invite Him into our lives. I know if we do we will be blessed. He is always there for us.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day and I love you all!

❤ Cassi

Charity

“You can have everything in life that you want if you just give enough other people what they want.”
― Zig Ziglar

My theme is about truly being grateful and charitable.

It is human to complain and wonder why you can’t have this or that in life, but all of us have been truly blessed in our lives. I need to remind myself to be truly grateful for what I have, and not be bummed that I don’t have more in general or when times are tight. We have ALWAYS been provided for despite some hard times. I also believe the above statement – and think that blessings beyond measure will come by helping others. These may not be temporal blessings – but instead the peace and feelings that come from sacrifice and helping others in need. I know that I am willing to help others when asked – but I have been thinking lately that I should seek out opportunities to help others. I know we touched on this early on in the GroupMe chats, but it would be good to revisit it again.

This may seem like a silly example but it was something that came to mind as I was thinking of all of this; recently we had been talking about my neighbors little sinkhole and subsequent dead patch of grass (about 7 foot full circle) in their yard and how we should see if he needs help. Next thing I know he has paid a crew to go do it. It really made me feel bad. We have the skill and know-how to have helped him with this and other things in the yard and we did not act in time and then he had to pay for help. I know the family is struggling a little as many are. He has always been a successful real estate agent – but the last few years as with many has been slower than usual. His wife has had to go to work to help with the bills. This little gesture may have gone a long way for them – and I am sure they would have not asked, nor known we would be willing to help. It is a reminder too that you do not have to be wealthy to be philanthropic! We do not have much money to spare but we have plenty of time and skill to offer others J

I want to challenge myself to put my busy life aside and seek out ways to help others – even with the smallest things such as this! I think this may be a way to show true gratefulness too. I think we may say we are grateful many times – but do we show it? I am not sure that I do – and would like to work on this more!

“Because I have been given much, I too must give…”

Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words

Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words

"Let us oft speak kind words to each other
At home or where’er we may be;
Like the warblings of birds on the heather,
The tones will be welcome and free.
They’ll gladden the heart that’s repining,
Give courage and hope from above,
And where the dark clouds hide the shining,
Let in the bright sunlight of love.

Oh, the kind words we give shall in memory live
And sunshine forever impart.
Let us oft speak kind words to each other;
Kind words are sweet tones of the heart. "

The kind words (& deeds) we give shall in memory live..... Let us make them happy moments worth remembering! Let us lift each other up instead if tearing down. "If you want to share light with others.... You have to glow yourself!"

Love, Deidi

Facing the Future with Hope

"One of today’s great challenges is learning to conquer fear and despair in order to overcome trials and temptations. It takes only a few moments for us to open a newspaper, scroll the web, or hear a news broadcast on radio or television to be confronted with distressing accounts of crime and natural calamities that happen every day.

Understanding the promises in scripture concerning how the Lord will conquer evil and how truth will conquer error can help us face the future with hope and optimism. In today’s world we see war, natural calamities, and economic crises. At times these events are not just things we observe from a distance but are things that affect us personally.

There is no need for us to mourn lost worldly possessions or to fixate on the temporal, for those things can rob us of the joy of the simple, sublime things of life.


We should all face the future with hope because we know that the forces of evil will be overcome. We should all maintain a positive outlook as we face challenges because today we have the scriptures, the teachings of living prophets, priesthood authority, temples, and the support of each other as members of the Church. We should all “come off conqueror” because of prayer And most important, we should have hope in eternal life because of the Lord’s perfect atoning sacrifice.

When our priorities are right, we will live a richer and more abundant life. Putting the Lord, His kingdom, and our families first will give us the hope we need to face present and future challenges."

It really helped me to read this article in the Ensign this week. I have struggled with all of the devastation from the recent wild fires and also from the Colorado shootings. It is easy to live in fear and despair with all that is going on around us. This has helped remind me how blessed we are to have the knowledge that we have and the support that we each have in our circles and especially in our family. We have lots of reasons to be positive. We need to have hope and faith.

It also is no surprise that I am a bit of a perfectionist and (ever so slightly) OCD. Haha! I really struggle with being patient with others that are breaking my stride or putting out minimal effort. I get frustrated when things get overly complicated and I have to put out extra effort because others are slacking. This article also helped to remind me that I need to focus on doing for the right reasons and in the right order..also to be more patient with others that are in different places and different commitment levels.

I hope that we can all have more hope, faith and patience with ourselves and with others this week. If we do the basics...the small and simple things...we will be blessed! If we focus on the eternal things(the things that truly matter) and not focus on the temporal...we will have a richer and more abundant life!

Happy Monday! Love you all!

-Deidi

We All Have a Purpose

Each person comes into this world with a specific destiny--he or she has something to fulfill, some message has to be delivered, some work has to be completed. You are not here accidentally--you are here meaningfully. There is a purpose behind you. Our Heavenly Father intends to do something through you.

As I pondered what I was gonna do for the message this week, I thought about singing, or bearing testimony and then 10 minutes ago I decided to look up spiritual quotes. This one has some power behind it. I changed a few words to it to make it better but I've always found this a truth, and I've thought about it for years. 

Heavenly Father has a purpose or many purposes for us on this earth and it is our job to find out and seek out those purposes and then fulfill them. 

We have all fulfilled many of his purposes already but there are more and will always be more. 

I know that as we strive to fulfill his purposes and act in his name and as a disciple of him we will be blessed beyond measure.

I love you all and am so grateful for this gospel and the knowledge that I can be with each of you for eternity if we fulfill our purpose on this earth. 

Eternity wouldn't be eternity with Aspen or Felix or without each and every one of you. Love you all so much. Have a great sabbath!

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

I know most of you have read this or seen this but encourage you to read it again! it is amazing. families are the most important thing! it is the very reason we are here on this earth life would be nothing without family, Eternally, that includes all our brothers and sisters in the world and our Heavenly family, father and Mother

The Family

A Proclamation to the World

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets. 

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

The family! what more can i say i am so grateful for mine you truly are the best fit for me, i think it was meant to be this way! we were all born into a family and chosen to be a part of this one! Catelynn and I would like to add another challenge with the upcoming reunion! YAY!! we would like everyone to share there favorite moments together as a family. it can be a reunion we ve had or a time when we were all growing up together:) I will start it off...

I actually have two times if thats legal.. the first time im sure many of you remember is when mom left the house in denver and we all got together all the mattresses in the whole house and piled them out back and were jumping off the roof and doing tricks and just having a good time as a family. we were all breaking the rules but at least we were doing it together, it was good times! the second one was a trip we made to gillette. i think i was fourteen. We decide to go but a bunch of fireworks ( roman candles etc..) we went out to the gravel pits and were shootin them off, i went out to check on a defective one and all the sudden i caught fire!! i didnt know what was goin on but pretty sure i used some fowl language, ran into a brick wall and diving into the bushes i do not recall this but thats what the brotheys tell me:) come to find out i was bein shot by the P with flaming balls no pun intended:) anyways even tho it was scary and crazy that was one of the funnest weeks ive had and most memorable love you all please share!

Quality of Love

In our society today marriage doesn't seem like a big deal.

Marriage, n. The state or condition of a community consisting of a master, a mistress and two slaves, making in all, two. AMBROSE BIERCE

Look at all the couples who get married and divorced in the matter of months. Its made to look and be ok. If it doesn't work just get a new one. But this is not how it should be,

The quality of love and the duration of a relationship are in direct proportion to the depth of the commitment by both people to making the relationship successful. Commit yourself wholeheartedly and unconditionally to the most important people in your life.
~Brian Tracy..

Marriage takes time, effort, sacrifice, patience, selflessness and lots and lots of love! You have to commit yourself wholeheartedly! We're all familiar with the quote, "the grass is greener on the other side"; We recently found one that is much better. "The grass is greener when its watered" We need to nurture and take care of our relationships so that it can be green and we can be happy.
I know life gets busy sometimes with kids, jobs, chores etc. Sometimes we can lose track of each other as a couple and we may not put as much effort into one another. Let us make the time daily to continue to get to know our spouses. With that said we have another challenge :) Take at least 15 minutes a day as a couple, either playing a game, or just really talking about your day or even just making a dessert or doing a chore together. As long as its a focus on one another it doesn't matter what you do. Just take the time to do it.
We Love you all and hope you take this challenge to heart. Have a great day!

Love Toby, Cate and Eme