Homemade Pumpkin Pancakes & Buttermilk Syrup

I decided to get a little creative in the kitchen this morning. My kids really wanted pancakes, so I pulled out my moms homemade pancake recipe, then I noticed a can of pumpkin in the cupboard and thought... "ummm, that could be YUMMY in the pancakes." Now I'm sure that there are TONS of pumpkin pancake recipes out there and I am probably not being all that original, but hey they were still good!

So here is what I came up with, they were a HUGE hit with the kids!

(speaking of KIDS, I sure love these little cuties)

PUMPKIN PANCAKES

(moms original recipe)

1 1/4 Cup flour

1/4 Cup sugar

2 Tbs Baking Powder

1 Tbs Baking soda

2 Tbs Cooking oil

1 Egg

1 Cup milk (or buttermilk)

---------------------------

(here is what I added to it)

1/4 Cup pumpkin

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp ginger

1 tsp Cinnamon

1 tsp Molasses

1 Tbs Brown sugar

**************************************************

HOMEMADE BUTTERMILK SYRUP

(This is my Aunt Wendy's recipe and it is TO DIE FOR)

1/2 Cube butter

1/2 Cup butter milk

1 Cup Sugar

1 Tbs Karo

Bring to boil. Remove from heat and add 1 tsp baking soda and 1 tsp vanilla.

Blog Envy (do you know what I'm talking about?)

Someone made a comment to me the other day that really got me thinking! She mentioned how she had been struggling in her marriage, she was trying to stay close to her friends and not alienate herself during this difficult time, but she mentioned how it was really hard because all of her friends lives "seem" so perfect. In this crazy world of blogging, facebook, etc... we often times think, "WOW, look how great THEIR life looks". We see friends blogs and pictures of their families and at times start to feel less adequate, like they have it better than us. I think that most of us at some point have thought, "gee, the grass sure looks greener on the other side."


I found this quote today and loved it...

"When the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, I start watering my own lawn."

~Unknown

How great is that quote! I completely agree with it. When the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, is it going to do 'our grass' any good to sit there and stare at our neighbors? We've got to focus on nurturing our own lives, accepting our shortcomings, work on improving them, and acknowledge our strengths, accomplishments, and blessings!

So here are some confessions about my life (one's generally not shared on my blogs;)

1. My brown hair in the picture above is now my natural color, I was blonde as a kid, but the older I get and the more babies I have the darker my hair gets (currently my hair is blonde, hehe:)

2. I am far from having it "all together", FAR!!!

3. I am not rich, but I am rich in the things that matter most

4. I don't have a perfect marriage and I am not the perfect wife or mother

5. I often struggle with daily reading my scriptures and praying (but I am making big improvements in this area)

6. I swear, yep, I try not to do it too often or in front of my kids, but I have been known to throw down some not so lady like language when I am mad or frustrated (p.s. I HATE the "f" word, but sadly will admit that I have said it once or twice)

7. It is 11am, I am still in my pj's (although that isn't usually the case), my sink is full of dirty dishes, and my kitchen floor really needs to be swept

8. I have loads of laundry calling my name!!! Laundry to wash, laundry wet needing to be dried, laundry that needs to be folded, and laundry that needs to be put away (usually my husband does the laundry but he is so busy with work lately that he just doesn't have time, so it is my chore for now, YAY me)

9. I weigh 10 pounds more than I would like to, I don't love to work out, but I do love how great working out makes me feel, my biggest problem is my SERIOUS SWEET TOOTH!!!

10. There are times that I think the grass looks greener on the other side while looking at others lives, but I am learning that we ALL have our struggles and trials, no one is perfect no matter how perfect things might appear

{Just some of my thoughts from today!}

Brittany

Another Family In Need!!!!!

I'm sure many of you that are from Utah or have family here have heard about the accident in the Nutty Putty Caves on Thanksgiving. A young man, John Jones was exploring the caves and got stuck in a very small spot upside down and was unable to free him self. For I believe over 24 hours emergency response teams from all over the Salt Lake and Utah County areas tried to free this man, sadly it was much too difficult and dangerous to free him and he passed away. John leaves behind his wife Emily, a baby girl, and a baby on the way.

Stephanie from the blog, http://www.adailyscoop.blogspot.com/ is holding an online auction to raise money for this young window, make sure to check it out! You can also helping by going to Wells Fargo and donating to the Emily Jones Memorial Fund.

You can read more about John Jones and his family HERE!

Our family, like lots of other families are having to be cautious this Christmas season due to the economy, but every little bit does help, and the little bit of extra I can come up with will go to help both this family and the family I posted about earlier today:). Giving is TRULY what Christmas is ALL about, I have been blessed with a home, a good job for my husband, food to eat, the Gospel, a healthy family, and my list could go on and on. I know that there are a few things I can scratch off my Christmas lists so that I can give to these families in need instead!

Liver For Lulu (please check this out)

I recieved an email today from a friend asking for help for her best friends daughter. This friends baby girl has a liver disease and this family is in need of help!!! You can check out her blog at...

http://www.liverforlulu.blogspot.com/

Being the Christmas season what a perfect time for us to GIVE!!! THIS Thursday December 3rd friends and family are having a boutique in honor of this precious little girl and her family to raise money for her medical expenses. So COME, SHOP, find some great Christmas gifts and support this darling family!!!

Cranberry Farms Club House
2400 West 2400 North
Lehi, Utah
Thursday December 3rd, 2009
3-9pm

There will be over 20 different vendors at the event...
Chic Boutique Jeans
Close to my heart scrapbooking
Glitter toes
Layers
It's sew cute (girls clothing)
Usborne Books
Pampered chef
Swanky hats
Scentcy
Cookie Lee Jewlery
Feel beautiful hair products
Watches
Photography
Bows & Hats
Vinyl
Baby Bedding & MORE!!!

LoVe this BLOG....

I foung this very fun blog tonight and thought I would share, this women is BURSTING with creative ideas! Check it out, you won't be disapointed :)

www.meandmyinsanity.blogspot.com

I have a feeling I will be visiting her blog often for fun, creative ideas!!!

{Nienie, you are my hero}

Since my blog is focused around "inspiration", I wanted to do a post specifically about one very incredible women who has inspired me in ways I don't even know how to adequately express. I'm SURE many (or most) of you have heard of Stephanie Nielson and her blog the nienie dialogues. If you HAVEN'T heard of her (or of her family) this is one story YOU MUST READ! It is the most beautiful story of love, peace, and hope.

I started reading Nienie's blog over a year ago. My cute friend Tara had been reading her blog and shared it with me. My oldest daughter was about to start Kindergarten and like most mothers I was having some very mixed emotions about my little princess being old enough to go to school! Tara had told me about a post that Nienie had recently done about a 'Back to School Feast' in honor of her daughters starting the new school year. No detail was left out in Nienie's dinner honoring her daughters. The table was decorated to a "T" with her most beautiful dishes, home made crowns were made for the girls to wear, they toasted to the new year, and even had a fashion show. As I read this post about this fabulous feast, I thought, "this is my kind of women". I was immediately intrigued by Nienie. As I continued to read more and more of Nienie's blog I soon discovered that she is not only an incredible mother, but she has an incredible testimony of the Gospel, she is madly in love with her husband, she's got spunk & sas (which I love), and she has her priorities right where they NEED to be. WHO wouldn't want to be like her?

Shortly after I started reading her blog, Nienie and her husband were in a plane crash and were both seriously injured. I was in total shock. It is so unbelievable how in a blink of an eye life can change so quickly. I continued to follow Nienie's story of recovery through her sisters blog, cjane (who is equally as delightful). I didn't realize last year when I just happened upon Nienie's blog, that her story, her families story, would change my life. I have prayed for this family, I have fasted for this family, and I have shed many, many tears while following their story. I have been deeply touched by their powerful messages of strength, courage, and faith. I don't even know how to put into words the impact this beautiful story has had on my life. I know that Heavenly Father lead me to this story to help me through my own trials, to help me re-focus my life on WHAT REALLY MATTERS, to put my life into better perspective and to strengthen my testimony. What an incredible GIFT!

Last year was our first year doing OUR back to school FEAST for our children. We made yummy food, invited great friends to join us, set goals for the year, had a rockin' fashion show, and then finished our evening with Priesthood Blessings given by the Fathers. It was so much fun and a tradition that we will carry on throughout our children's school years. Sadly school started today and we have not yet had our 2009 'Back To School Feast'. Our family has just moved and my husband is still working out of state, but AS SOON as he is HOME with us we will have our feast, I can hardly wait, the plans are already being made, and they kids are so excited!

With Love,

Brittany

*** To Nienie, you may never read this, but I wanted to Thank You for the amazing women that you are. You are truly a treasure, an instrument in Gods hands. Congratulations on climbing the "Y", WHAT an accomplishment! You are such a beautiful daughter of our Heavenly Father, both INSIDE AND OUT!

FaMiLy Emergency Binder

So I have to admit, I have only made it to week 8, but my family emergency binder has already come in handy a number of times. We recently moved, but had put majority of our belongings in storage for a few months. Having my Emergency Binder has been so nice for finding copies of birth certificates, the kids shot records, etc... I know that this is a big project, but I think that everyone needs one of these. You just never know when disaster is going to strike and in a moments notice you could loose everything. Last summer a tornado ripped through our old neighborhood and completely destroyed several homes. I remember thinking OVER & OVER again, "that could have been US". The tornado did in fact effect us personally because we still owned our home and had it rented out at the time. The tornado ripped a huge portion of the roof right off the house. Luckily the tenants were safely in the basement at the time. That experience was proof to me that no one is exempt from a disaster effecting their family!!

As soon as we get all moved into our new house and I FIND all of my documents etc... I am going to GET TO WORK on finishing my Emergency Binder, I wouldn't want to be caught with out it if another disaster comes our way!!


Brittany


FAMILY EMERGENCY BINDER INSTRUCTIONS-

(All of this info is from a very dedicated "Emergency Preparedness Coordinator" in my ward(church) back in Kansas City)

If you had to suddenly leave your home due to impending natural disaster, and had only a few minutes to gather everything you would need, including important papers, family history, and treasured pictures, how long would it take you?

Vital financial records should be kept in a safe place. Copies of these documents should be available for taking with you if you have to leave your home in an emergency. As an alternative, you could scan these documents into your computer and take a disc or flash drive instead of paper copies.

This year, we are going to assemble a Vital Records Binder that will contain the important information you would need and want to take with you. We will do it week by week through a small task each week—“…by small and simple things are great things brought to pass.”

Week 1-Locate or purchase a 2” binder with 50 - 100 plastic page protectors. Purchase tabbed dividers, if desired, to divide the book into sections. Store the Ward Emergency Plan in the binder.

Week 2-Locate birth certificates for all family members. Make copies and put in binder.

Week 3-Locate Social Security cards for all family members. Make copies and put in binder.

Week 4-Make copies of driver’s licenses and put in binder.

Week 5-Make copies of passports and put in binder.

Week 6-Make copies of important phone numbers and addresses and put in binder. Include family, friends, doctors, dentist, business and other important numbers.

Week 7-Scan non-digital photos and burn all digital photos to a CD or flash drive. Put in one of the sheet protectors in the binder.

Week 8-Copy family history records to a cd or flash drive and put in binder.

Week 9- Locate voter cards, make copies, and put in binder.

Week 10-: Locate three years of tax returns, make copies, and put in binder, or copy tax files to a CD and store the tax software with the tax files in the binder.

Week 11-Locate recent investment statements, one for each account including 401K, make copies, and put in binder.

Week 12-If you use electronic money management programs such as Quicken or Microsoft Money, copy data files to CD and put cd for software program in binder.

Week 13-Locate your most recent bank statements, make copies, and put in binder

Week 14-Locate credit card statements, make copies, and put in binder—or alternatively, make copies of front and back of all credit cards.

Week 15- Locate loan payoff papers, make copies, and put in binder.
Locate recent Social Security Statement, make copies, and put in binder.

Week 16-
1. Locate all car titles and registrations, make copies, and put in binder.
2. Locate auto loan papers, make copies, and put in binder.
3. Make copy of recent auto insurance statement and put in binder.
4. Locate copy of any extended warranties, make a copy, and put in binder.

Week 17-Locate all Life insurance policies, make copies, and put in binder. Make a copy of your wills and put in binder. If you have a trust, make a copy and put in binder.

Week 18-
Make copies of:
Marriage License (Divorce/custody papers)
Citizenship Papers
Military Records
Prepaid Burial contracts
Adoption Papers

Week 19-
Prepare list of medications for each family member.
Make copies of any important medical or dental records and put in binder.
Make copies of all health and dental insurance cards, both sides, and put in binder
Make copy of living will and put in binder.
Locate all Immunization Records, make copies, and put in binder.

Week 20-
Make copies of any professional licenses and put in binder.
Make copies of any important business papers and put in binder.
Make copy of updated resume and put in binder (includes job and education dates that may be difficult to remember.
Make copies of company benefits statements and put in binder.
Make copies of degrees and professional licenses and put in binder.

Week 21-
Locate recent house payment statement, make copy, and put in binder.
Locate homeowner’s insurance policy, make copy, and put in binder.
Locate all recent utility bills including cell phone, make copies, and put in binder
Conduct a home inventory, print and put in binder.
Take a video or pictures of all items in your home, burn to CD and put in binder. binder

Our Homes, Sanctuaries from the World

I recieved this "family gems" email in my inbox today. It actually happened to be just what I needed to hear at that exact moment. Life has been a bit stressful lately, I know most people know what that is like :), I really need to work on staying calmer and working hard to always have our home be a place where the Spirit can dwell! I am grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who always ever so gently puts me in my place, I have some apologizing to do, to my husband that is, poor guy seems to always get the wrong end of the stick when I am in a bad mood. I'm sorry babe, I love you so much, I especially love that you love me even when I am grumpy!!

I came across this lovely blog a few days ago that I wanted to share. It is called

JOYS OF HOME. I really love this blog because the woman who the blog belongs to is so creative, she spends very little money making her home a beautiful place, and she inspires me to try harder to make my home a Sanctuary from the World for my family.

Enjoy!

~Brittany

Does Your Home Have a Place for Gospel Priorities?

“Imagine that you are opening your front door and walking inside your home. What do you see, and how do you feel? Is it a place of love, peace, and refuge from the world, as is the temple? Is it clean and orderly? As you walk through the rooms of your home, do you see uplifting images which include appropriate pictures of the temple and the Savior? Is your bedroom or sleeping area a place for personal prayer? Is your gathering area or kitchen a place where food is prepared and enjoyed together, allowing uplifting conversation and family time? Are scriptures found in a room where the family can study, pray, and learn together? Can you find your personal gospel study space? Does the music you hear or the entertainment you see, online or otherwise, offend the Spirit? Is the conversation uplifting and without contention? That concludes our tour. Perhaps you, as I, found a few spots that need some ‘home improvement’—hopefully not an ‘extreme home makeover.’ ”

“Whether our living space is large or small, humble or extravagant, there is a place for each of these gospel priorities in each of our homes."

65th Anniversary of D-day

Tonight as I was flipping the channels, I unintentionally made my way to C-Span, not a usual for me. When my children watch tv it is almost always on the Disney channel, and I am more of an hgtv kind of girl. Well as I saw what was on, I was immediately drawn in, it was a memorial for the 65th Anniversary of D-day. Something that most of my friends and family don't know about me is my fascination with history, it was by far my favorite subject in school. Someday when I go back to finish my degree I would love the opportunity to take many history classes. D-day holds a special place in my heart because both of my grandfathers are veterans and served in World War II. My dads father, Verdon, served in the Navy, as far as I know he was not near by when they stormed the beaches of Normandy, but non the less he left his home and his family as a 20 (something) year old man to serve his country. What a honor to know that my grandfather selflessly served the United States and the world in the effort to bring world peace and to stop the inhumanity that was taking place in Europe. My mom's father, Vernon served in the Army, he was there the day they stormed the beaches, he took place in that amazing sacrifice, and selflessly risked his life in the name of freedom. Once as a child I had to write a paper on D-day, so I called my grandfather (who has now passed away) to ask him questions about his experience there. My grandfather (who had a very tender heart, no doubt some of his emotions came from the events witnessed in World War II) wept into the phone as he described some of the things he had the unfortunate opportunity of experiencing. There were certain things that were to painful for him to even talk about. Ever since that experience with my grandfather I have a very special place in my heart for those that have served bravely in the armed forces. I can't even begin to understand the sacrifice! My grandfather was married when he served in World War II, in June of 1944 his oldest daughter was one year old, imagine what my grandmother endured while he was away. The not-knowing if you husband was going to live or die must have been excruciating for her. Having to raise and provide for a child as a young mother alone must have been such a trial. I am so grateful for the blessing of Freedom. I think often times it is easy to take our Freedoms here in the U.S.A. for granted. I salute all those that have served and defended our Country, you are truly hero's!!

Vital Records Binder (We all need one of these:)!!

The 'Emergency Preparedness Coordinator' in my ward(CHURCH) is absolutely AMAZING. Every week she comes to church with a new recipe to hand out that you can make from items in your food storage. NOT only does she bring a copy of the recipe for EVERYONE, she makes it and brings it for everyone to try. Like I said, she is AMAZING!! A few years ago I had the opportunity to work with her in Activity Days (a fun group for girls ages 8-11), I have never met someone so dedicated to MAGNIFYING her calling. ('Callings' in our church are various jobs that we do on a volunteer basis, we are not paid to do these jobs- including our Bishops, Stake Presidents, etc... we do these to help do our part to make the church run smoothly and through our service we grow closer to our Savior).

A few weeks ago Sister McDavitt (the emergency preparedness coordinator) started a 'Vital Records Binder' challenge. Each week she sends out a reminder of what we are to be putting in our binder. I wanted to share this because I think it is such a good idea and it is something we would all need in an emergency. I have purchased my binders and will hopefully be getting all caught up on each of the weeks goals today. I decided to do 2 binders, one for our family, and one to give to my sister & Brother-in-law that will be responsible for caring for our kids in the event something were to happen to both my husband and I.

*If you have any other ideas of things that could be put in the binder please share those with us!

(I copied this information from an email that she sent out, we haven't completed this project yet, so remember to check back next week to see what you should be adding to your binder next)

If you had to suddenly leave your home due to impending natural disaster, and had only a few minutes to gather everything you would need, including important papers, family history, and treasured pictures, how long would it take you?
Vital financial records should be kept in a safe place. Copies of these documents should be available for taking with you if you have to leave your home in an emergency. As an alternative, you could scan these documents into your computer and take a disc or flash drive instead of paper copies. This year, we are going to assemble a Vital Records Binder that will contain the important information you would need and want to take with you. We will do it week by week through a small task each week—“…by small and simple things are great things brought to pass.”

*WEEK ONE- Locate or purchase a 2” binder with 50 - 100 plastic page protectors. Purchase tabbed dividers, if desired, to divide the book into sections. Store the Ward Emergency Plan in the binder. (Note: we will be distributing the 2009 plan soon. For now, put in the 2007 plan if you have a copy)

*WEEK TWO- Locate birth certificates for all family members. Make copies and put in binder.

*WEEK THREE- Locate Social Security cards for all family members. Make copies and put in binder.

*WEEK FOUR- Make copies of driver’s licenses and put in binder

*WEEK FIVE- Make copies of passports and put in binder.

*WEEK SIX- Make copies of important phone numbers and addresses and put in binder. Include family, friends, doctors, dentist, business and other important numbers.

Recently my husband and I have felt very strongly that it is time we take getting our families year supply of food storage very seriously. We have been building up our food storage over the years, but as you rotate food out it is sometimes hard to remember to replace it. I would say that we have about 2-3 months worth of food storage right now. Our goal is to have our entire years supply of food storage by December 31st, 2009. I can only imagine the peace of mind that will come from KNOWING that no matter what may happen we can feed our family for an entire year. With all that is going on in the world you just never know when disaster might strike. I am looking forward to fulfilling the council from our Prophets to 'prepare every needful thing'.

Love,

Brittany

Family Home Storage

"Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit and use. His purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to “prepare every needful thing” (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we can care for ourselves and our neighbors and support bishops as they care for others.
"We encourage members world-wide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings.
"We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings. Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve."—The First Presidency, All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage, Feb. 2007, 1

Visit www.providentliving.org to find out more information about Family Preparedness, also if you would like to learn more about our faith, you can visit, www.mormon.org (The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints 'Mormons')

HBO "Big Love" controversy...

I have received TONS of emails in regards to HBO's upcoming episode that is going to depict Temple ceremonies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I wanted to share the article written by the leaders of our Church in regards to this situation. I believe that our Church leaders are handling this in the most Christ like and appropriate way possible.

This is so upsetting to members of the LDS Church because our Temples are so sacred to us. Temples are places we go to to feel closer to our Father in Heaven and to make sacred covenants with him. We believe that Temples are some of the holiest places on earth. It is very upsetting to think that a TV station is going to air on national television ceremonies that we consider to be so special and personal. I think what is equally upsetting is that HBO does not have their facts straight. HBO's show 'Big Love', is NOT a show about the LDS(Mormon) Faith and the ceremonies that they are wanting to show will not be accurate. I encourage everyone, LDS or not to please send a response to HBO asking them to NOT air this show. It is incredibly disrespectful to our Faith. I am so sad that HBO is planning to air this episode, I feel that it is so inappropriate and unprofessional on their part. I hope that through our responses we can help them to change their minds.

Please click HERE to contact HBO and share your opinion with them on why this episode should not be aired!

With Love,
Brittany

Response From The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...
SALT LAKE CITY 9 March 2009

Like other large faith groups, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sometimes finds itself on the receiving end of attention from Hollywood or Broadway, television series or books, and the news media. Sometimes depictions of the Church and its people are quite accurate. Sometimes the images are false or play to stereotypes. Occasionally, they are in appallingly bad taste.

As Catholics, Jews and Muslims have known for centuries, such attention is inevitable once an institution or faith group reaches a size or prominence sufficient to attract notice. Yet Latter-day Saints – sometimes known as Mormons - still wonder whether and how they should respond when news or entertainment media insensitively trivialize or misrepresent sacred beliefs or practices.

Church members are about to face that question again. Before the first season of the HBO series Big Love aired more than two years ago, the show’s creators and HBO executives assured the Church that the series wouldn’t be about Mormons. However, Internet references to Big Love indicate that more and more Mormon themes are now being woven into the show and that the characters are often unsympathetic figures who come across as narrow and self-righteous. And according to TV Guide, it now seems the show’s writers are to depict what they understand to be sacred temple ceremonies.

Certainly Church members are offended when their most sacred practices are misrepresented or presented without context or understanding. Last week some Church members began e-mail chains calling for cancellations of subscriptions to AOL, which, like HBO, is owned by Time Warner. Certainly such a boycott by hundreds of thousands of computer-savvy Latter-day Saints could have an economic impact on the company. Individual Latter-day Saints have the right to take such actions if they choose.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an institution does not call for boycotts. Such a step would simply generate the kind of controversy that the media loves and in the end would increase audiences for the series. As Elder M. Russell Ballard and Elder Robert D. Hales of the Council of the Twelve Apostles have both said recently, when expressing themselves in the public arena, Latter-day Saints should conduct themselves with dignity and thoughtfulness.
Not only is this the model that Jesus Christ taught and demonstrated in his own life, but it also reflects the reality of the strength and maturity of Church members today. As someone recently said, “This isn’t 1830, and there aren’t just six of us anymore.” In other words, with a global membership of thirteen and a half million there is no need to feel defensive when the Church is moving forward so rapidly. The Church’s strength is in its faithful members in 170-plus countries, and there is no evidence that extreme misrepresentations in the media that appeal only to a narrow audience have any long-term negative effect on the Church.

Examples:
During the Mitt Romney election campaign for the presidency of the United States, commentator Lawrence O’Donnell hurled abuse at the Church in a television moment that became known among many Church members as “the O’Donnell rant.” Today, his statements are remembered only as a testament to intolerance and ignorance. They had no effect on the Church that can be measured.
When the comedy writers for South Park produced a gross portrayal of Church history, individual Church members no doubt felt uncomfortable. But once again it inflicted no perceptible or lasting damage to a church that is growing by at least a quarter of a million new members every year.

When an independent film company produced a grossly distorted version of the Mountain Meadows Massacre two years ago, the Church ignored it. Perhaps partly as a result of that refusal to engender the controversy that the producers hoped for, the movie flopped at the box office and lost millions.

In recent months, some gay activists have barraged the media with accusations about “hateful” attitudes of Latter-day Saints in supporting Proposition 8 in California, which maintained the traditional definition of marriage. They even organized a protest march around the Salt Lake Temple. Again, the Church has refused to be goaded into a Mormons versus gays battle and has simply stated its position in tones that are reasonable and respectful. Meanwhile, missionary work and Church members in California remain as robust and vibrant as ever, and support for the Church has come from many unexpected quarters — including some former critics and other churches.

Now comes another series of Big Love, and despite earlier assurances from HBO it once again blurs the distinctions between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the show’s fictional non-Mormon characters and their practices. Such things say much more about the insensitivities of writers, producers and TV executives than they say about Latter-day Saints.
If the Church allowed critics and opponents to choose the ground on which its battles are fought, it would risk being distracted from the focus and mission it has pursued successfully for nearly 180 years. Instead, the Church itself will determine its own course as it continues to preach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

Please Pray for Gracie - she needs a miracle!!

*** You can find the link to Gracie's blog on the side bar, Gracie and her family are in desperate need of our prayers tonight, baby Gracie had heart transplant surgery today, in the beginning things were looking very good, but tonight things have taken a turn for the worst and they are now unsure of her future.***

Please keep Baby Gracie and her family in your PRAYERS, if we all come together in PRAYER I know that MIRACLES can happen!!

Lift Where You Stand

Today at Church it was as if each talk and lesson was specifically for me. We have had some things happen the past week that have been really difficult to deal with and this morning I was struggling with even wanting to be at Church. I really can't ever remember a time other than today that I seriously DID NOT want to be at Church. It was such an awful feeling. I KNOW that is where I was suppose to be and I am so glad that I went despite of the feelings that I was having.

In Sacrament meeting today the subject was, 'Controlling Your Thoughts'. It is so easy for each of us to have thoughts of all different kinds pop into our head with out even really meaning for them to be there. Until today I guess I had never really thought about WHY different thoughts pop in our head. One of the speakers mentioned that often times it isn't us putting those thoughts there at all, it is Satan. He wants us to be unhappy, so it would make since that he would try to place thoughts in our minds that would cause us to feel sadness. She gave some great examples of what some of these thoughts might be. Honestly how many of us have ever had a thought like, 'Wow (so in so) is such a good mom, I am not as good of a mom as she is' or 'She is so pretty, why am I not that pretty'. I know that I have had similar thoughts to those and really I always just thought those types of thoughts were coming from my own insecurities when in actuality Satan is placing those types of thoughts in our minds. The speakers also touched on how important it is that we control our thoughts because ultimately our thoughts control our actions. When we have a bad thought we need to immediately replace it with a good thought. One speaker suggested singing your favorite hymn to your self whenever a bad thought comes to your mind. I am very grateful that this was the subject in Sacrament today, I really need to work on controlling some of my thoughts that are causing me to feel unhappy, I may not be able to control the trials I will face in my life, but I can control how I let them effect me.

Normally I don't get the opportunity to go to Relief Society, but I was able to go today and we had such a great lesson. The lesson was 'Lift Where You Stand'. I was actually on my way to my car right before Relief Society started, my little man was so tired so I was going to drive him around the parking lot a few times until he fell asleep, well as I was headed to my car I realized that it was a friend of mine giving the lesson so I thought, 'ok well I will just go in for a few minutes and see how he does.' The sweet little guy must of some how known how much his mama needed to hear that lesson because he made it through 3/4 of the lesson before we had to leave. It is so important that we work hard to 'Lift Wear We Stand' in whatever it is, wither it be our marriages, motherhood/parenthood, magnifying our callings, etc... We need to ALWAYS try to do our very best in all that we do in life. I know for my self that it is very easy for me to get discouraged and think that I can't do certain things, but if we put our trust in the Lord ALL things are possible. The Lord will help us to fulfill the challenges he has given us, he will help strengthen us, and we can 'Lift Where We Stand' when we have him as a companion in all that we do.

I am so grateful that I made the choice to go to Church today, it wasn't easy for me and it truly made me so sad that I was feeling the way I did. I know that my Father in Heaven wanted me to be there today, there were messages given that I NEEDED to hear. I feel so incredibly blessed to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, my faith in the gospel is the foundation of who I am and without it I would be so lost.

With love-
Brittany

Please Pray for Gracie

My husbands cousin has a BEAUTIFUL baby girl, Gracie that NEEDS our prayers. If you go to the side bar and click on "Gracie" it will take you to her blog where you can read all about this amazing baby girl and the trials her and her family have been facing. Gracie was born with a sever heart defect and has over come ALL odds, she is absolutely a MIRACLE.

Gracie and her family NEED our prayers at this time!! I have a very strong testimony of the power of prayer and I know that if WE pray with FAITH, that our prayers can help this family to cope during this difficult time.

Humbled

{Two posts in one day, look at me go!!}


Recently my husband signed up to receive a daily inspirational email from our Church. I thought that I would share a few that I have read recently and have really left an impression on me. Our family is going through a difficult time right now, as I know MANY other families are. The economy has taken a toll on so many and it is easy to get discouraged when things don't seem to be going your way. We live in scary times, not only are people loosing their jobs, but all throughout the world there is turmoil of all kinds. I truly believe that we are living in the last days. With all that is going on I can't help but think about what the future will be like for my children. What kind of world will they live in? What trials will they face? Will I be able to protect them? The more I have thought about what is to come I have realized that this is all part of our Heavenly Fathers plan and that gives me peace in these troubled times. Of course he does not want these terrible things to be happening all over the world to HIS CHILDREN, but these things that are happening are SIGNS that the SECOND COMING of our SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST is NEAR. When will the Savior return, I don't know. But what I DO KNOW is that I AM GOING TO BE READY! I want to be worthy to kneel at the Saviors feet and show my love and gratitude to him for the precious gift of the ATONEMENT that he freely gave the world. I believe that Satan is DOUBLING his efforts, we wants us to fail. He is doing all he can to tear apart families because families are the core of our existence. If he can tear apart families, he can tear apart Nations. Satan has declared war on ALL that is good in this world. He does not want us to be happy, he does not want us to follow our Heavenly Fathers plan so that we can return to our Father in Heavens presence. He wants us to fail. I will NOT let him win. I am willing to do all that I possibly can to do what is RIGHT and live a Christ-like life because I WANT more than ANYTHING to be with my FAMILY FOREVER. I KNOW that families are ETERNAL, that this life is but a moment in our existence, but that it is in this life that we make the choices that will determine our future in the next life!

If you are going through a difficult time in your life I hope that you can find peace in knowing that if you do all that you are capable of to live a life that is pleasing unto the Lord and are willing to completely put your Faith in him that the Lord WILL provide a way. Often times we don't recieve blessings until after the TRIAL of our FAITH. The road may not always be easy, but when we turn our lives over to the Lord, He WILL BLESS US!

I am HUMBLED by the things I do not know, I don't know exactly what the Lord has in store for me, but I know that I am willing to do all that he asks of me because I have FAITH in HIM!

May these stories touch you as they have touched me...


Rich in Things That Matter

"Like so many young people do, when I was young I occasionally dreamed of being rich and famous. I am now grateful that that dream was not realized. My understanding of what success really is has changed over the years of my life. It began to change on my first mission to Brazil over 45 years ago."One day, my companion and I went out to visit a poor sister who was widowed. In those days there were no stakes or wards in Brazil, only mission districts and branches. Sometimes missionaries looked after the members."Finally, we arrived at a humble home in a very isolated area. This home had a dirt floor and open windows without any glass. The wind and the flies could come right through. Never before in my life had I been in a home where people live with open windows and a dirt floor. Despite this, the house was clean and neat, curtains were hung, and the boards on the inside of the house were whitewashed. Despite being primitive, the home had a cozy feeling about it. We asked after this poor widow's health and well-being. She seemed quite happy and contented. We then began to have something of a gospel lesson. She participated freely. We thought that we were the teachers, but it soon became apparent that she knew more than we did. Her faith was deep, and her knowledge of the great eternal truths of where we came from, who we are, and where we are going was very profound."I had my eyes opened. It was astonishing to hear this sister in these humble circumstances explain the great purposes of God in the grand scheme of the earth and its creation. I was reminded about what James said in his great epistle: 'Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?' (James 2:5). . . ."This poor widow on the outskirts of São Paulo made the most of her straitened circumstances—circumstances that could not easily be changed. She realized that she should not make her life miserable by wishing it were otherwise. We ought always to try to improve on the things that can be improved, but there are some circumstances that cannot be changed. This impoverished woman enjoyed her independence, and she owed no one any money. She was industrious and thrifty. She crocheted beautiful cloths which were sold in the city to satisfy her simple wants, but she was not poor in spirit. She was rich in the things that really matter."From that experience many years ago, I learned much. I am persuaded that this humble widow who lived in a house with a dirt floor and no panes in the window is an heir to the exaltation of God."


Understanding the Character and Designs of God

"In a discourse given before thousands in Nauvoo in April 1844, the Prophet Joseph Smith spoke about the importance of starting out with a correct understanding of the character and designs of God. He stated, 'If we start right, it is easy to go right all the time; but if we start wrong we may go wrong, and it will be a hard matter to get right' (History of the Church, 6:303). As we consider what is ahead for ourselves, our families, and for the kingdom of God, do we fully comprehend the designs of God for our lives?"In 1920, Brother Marion G. Romney attended a Fremont Stake conference in the Rexburg Tabernacle. My grandfather, Elder Melvin J. Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was the presiding authority. Because Brother Romney was twenty-three years of age and the financial circumstances of his family were very difficult, he had not contemplated serving a full-time mission. Years later, on 15 October 1963, Elder Romney explained his experience:" 'At the time I graduated, I planned to go in the fall to the University of Idaho. It was my intention to play basketball and football and prepare to be a coach. In late August, I attended a stake conference [and] sat on the front row at the east end of the choir seats directly north of the pulpit. As I listened intently with my eyes fixed on [Elder Melvin J. Ballard's] profile, there came to me by the power of the Spirit an irresistible urgency to go on a mission. There and then I abandoned my plans for a coaching career. In November I left for a mission to Australia' (address given at a Ricks College devotional, 15 Oct. 1963)."Elder Romney, en route to Australia, came to Salt Lake City, where my grandfather set him apart as a missionary. Grandfather gave Elder Romney counsel and said, among other things, 'One never gives a crust to the Lord without receiving a loaf in return' (quoted in F. Burton Howard, Marion G. Romney: His Life and Faith, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988, p. 66). Marion G. Romney never forgot that phrase."
M. Russell Ballard, "Anchored by Faith and Commitment," Ensign, July 1995, 12, 14

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