Recovery from Addictions - Principles of Healing

We Welcome, Nannette, our new, dear friend from LDS 12 Step Reflections and share this with you in hopes that it will really bless and help someone.  All of us have life challenges to overcome.  It's nice to know we're not alone in some of the struggles.  Here is her story:

"Personal Introduction: I grew up in the Church. I am part of a large, very active family, the oldest of seven kids. I graduated from seminary and Young Women’s and BYU. I’ve got a green bandelo and a blue one too, filled with jewels and charms and a rosebud and cells that represent a real commitment to do what is required. I’ve got the Young Women medallion I earned while serving in stake and ward Young Women leadership. I’m a wife, a mother of five, grandmother of 10; I taught home school for 25 years. I only tell you this to help you see that I am not a woman you might immediately peg as an addict. I’ve been a goal setter extraordinaire and a Personal Progress activist. You get the picture.

The struggle that brought me to the principles of recovery was a life-long battle with compulsive addictive eating. I had always believed that God could tell me what to do. I never had any idea that He would help me do it! Well, I knew He would help me with “good girl” problems like finding my keys, a job, or my way home. But I never knew that He stood ready to help me with the areas of my life that were imperfect or impure.

Celestial Education

This is the most incredible presentation about Education that I've ever seen.  A friend sent it to me recently and I knew I didn't have time to watch it.  But...I couldn't 'not' watch it after I started it yesterday.  Through the years of raising my children I've attended many seminars and conferences and read many books concerning ways to better help my children and better options for education.  Michelle Stone seems to encapsulate all the best information into this one presentation.  I highly recommend it to any who desire the best for their families.  She gives much 'food for thought' as she shares true principles of learning and scriptural passages about the Lord's way.
Celestial Education - Michelle Stone from Gospel of Liberty on Vimeo.

25 Days of Christmas

Visit our newest member Kendra from The Things I Love Most, and learn about new ways to celebrate and honor the 25 Days of Christmas.  In order to help her children really understand the true spirit of Christmas she compiled a wonderful list of activities and events to do so!

Then....leave a comment below about some ways that YOUR family has honored Christmas and focused on the real meaning!

Bless This Mess: The Hiatus

Bless This Mess: The Hiatus: I know, I know, this is turning out to be like how I used to write in my diary every so often, "Dear Diary, sorry I haven't written in a w...

The Sacred Responsibility of Mothers

From an article on Forever Families we get the following reminder/confirmation of what many of us already know; the important role of mothers.  In a day when Motherhood is devalued by many we know that it hasn't changed in the Lord's eyes or in His plan.  In fact, it may be even more important than ever; why else would the adversary be doing all he can to thwart it?

"Motherhood often is seen as a submissive role with few rewards. In a world that values material possessions so highly, the intangible and unpaid work of mothers can seem unimportant. A paycheck may become attractive because it may help Mom feel more valued and allows kids to have a higher standard of living. Women who buy into these ideas might start to think they're not needed at home. Maybe their children can take care of themselves or someone else can care for them just as well as they can. A mother might decide her children need the material advantages of life more than they need her presence. But children need their mothers. No material possession can replace a mother who is present and available to her children. They thrive when Mom is home when they are, when she's loving and accepting, and when she listens to them and tries to understand. While children might complain if they don't have name-brand clothes or the latest technical gadget, as they mature they come to understand and deeply appreciate the gift of a mother who was present for them." The Sacred Responsibility of Mothers

Bless all you (mothers, fathers, future's) who are doing the best that you can.  It's not easy but...we can ask for much help from above as we 'assist' in the rearing of the next generation.  Thank you for all you do!  You're a blessing to me and to many others' around you!

My New Favorite Person - She's FUNNY and Wonderful!!!

Dear Followers -

I just had to spotlight my new-found-friend DeNae today!  She'll make you laugh because she is just really, really funny.  And...the wonderful thing is that she is very, very kind and tender-hearted too!

We met recently at a gathering of 'blogger moms' who were asked to help with an outreach program for single-moms in need.  You may have read a few of my postings about it.  Well, read what DeNae wrote too.  She's got a fresh perspective and....a way to help us all realize that we all affect each other; for good or for ill.  If we lend a hand to those in need it blesses all of us!  And, I think, that is what building Zion is all about!

Nie Nie Dialogues - Stephanie Nielson

Last night Stephanie Nielson of Nie Nie Dialogues spoke at our Stake Youth Fireside.  It was BEAUTIFUL!  - In 2008 she and her husband were involved in a small-plane crash (filled with fuel) and she was trapped in her seat.  She was burned over 80% of her body and then, with 4 small children at home, was in a coma for 3 months.  Her story is one of faith, courage, prayer, and....the hope that comes only through Jesus Christ and his teachings.

Since the crash she's had many surgeries and told us that she'll have many more.  The pain is still there.  The emotional trauma and grief still come and go.  People in the grocery store still stare.  Yet, through it all, her spirit shines though; with light and faith.  She says "I am not my body" and... that is what helps her see beyond mortality and thank the Lord for the blessings which have come from her trials.

There is Eternal Significance in Everyday Life

This morning as I was praying and pondering I was led to a passage in the Bible Dictionary under the topic of "Ezra".  ( I LOVE the Bible Dictionary.) It was such an inspiration to me that I wanted to share.  The teachings are applicable to us all and...I hope that you will be blessed and strengthened too.

"Religious values in the book of Ezra are found in the teaching that (1) the promises of the Lord through his prophets shall all be fulfilled....(2) discipline are patience are borne of disappointment, as one expectation after another was frustrated.....(3) there is eternal significance in everyday life.....(4) preparation is needed for the rule of Messiah...to bring men to Christ."

Isn't that powerful and beautiful?  I particularly appreciated #2 as I've seen the fulfillment of that prophecy in my own life and am pretty sure that many of you have as well.

Blessings for a good day today.....
Heidi

Modern Molly Mormon

From our friend, Marie, at Modern Molly Mormon: She writes "I just finished redesigning and moving my blog (Modern Molly Mormon) to a new home and I would love to have some additional guest posters and contributors.  Just about every subject is welcome, and with the holidays I would love some cooking or craft posts.  I am seriously craft-impaired so any of you talented ladies out there who have something to share, please stop by the site or send me an email to marie at marieleslie.com".

Join Our Forum on The Blog Frog

Okay, so....I'm finally getting on to the Blog Frog.  It seems to be a community of like-minded people who want to share information about their blogs.  What would you like to see happen there?  What information would be most helpful to you?  Have you used BlogFrog and do you like it?  Would you like to be part of our community?

Here is our NEWEST member of this blog list.  She's a beautiful soul and I wanted the rest of you to get to know her. Lois - Mommy Musings

Here's an excerpt from her latest blog entry.  It's inspiring and faith-filled!    "My calling is with my family. We (my husband and I) are raising God's children and He entrusted us to meet their needs physically, emotionally, and spiritually (with His help). It is indeed a divine calling. My family is what God gave me time for. I have to remember that."  Lois - Mommy Musings