Saturday, January 30, 2010

Spirit teaching

I enrolled in another semester of postive parenting, taught by the amazing Carlene Tanner. I love this class and I love the teacher. Her spirit teaches my spirit concepts that I am unable to learn anywhere else. Since I have been a parent (10 1/2 years) I have read a lot, and I mean a lot, of parenting books. I have taken other parenting classes. I have even paid for professional counseling. NOT because I have abnormal children BUT because I am just anal like that. I assumed that if I did a "perfect" job parenting than the process would yield "perfect" children. And just in case you are wondering....my definition of "perfect" is just that....MY definition. In my world "perfect" children don't waste their time playing video games or watching television- rather they immerse themselves in service to others and reading out of great books. Perfect children use manners at all times and in all places....get my drift? What planet am I from?????Geesh! Here are just a few tidbits my spirit has learned from Sis. Tanner-thanks to my companion, the Holy Ghost.
1. I am far from perfect- and my children are still good inspite of that.
2. The atonment accounts for imperfections- accept that gift and quit trying to fly solo.
3. Heavenly Father loves me BUT not everything is about me. quinn and kiddos will make mistakes for their own growth NOT to make my life miserable.
4. If I want to reside in the Celestial Kingdom I need to act like a Celestial being. The Celestial Kingdom probably doesn't have room for some one who nags, critisizes, demands, etc.
5. TEACH(spend the time and make the effort) correct principles and let children govern themselves.
6. Encourage instead of Praise- that's a biggy
and last but not least............remember.........."this too shall pass". Although I can't imagine my life in any other future stage I need to remember time will pass and enjoy the moment.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Note to Self......

1. Don't leave the full bottle of laundry detergent on the washing machine ANYMORE!
2. When you hear a loud bang, investigate EVERY ROOM- you never know what you might find.
3. Take the full bottle of bleach off the washing machine- thank goodness that didn't fall.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Happy New Year!

I just finished a DVR of Glenn Beck. WOW!!! John Huntsman was his guest. Do you know who John Huntsman is? His company invented the egg carton, McDonalds Big-Mac container, the plastic bowl, fork, spoon, etc. He is a self made BILLIONAIRE. He founded the Huntsman Cancer center in Utah. He was one member of President Nixon's cabinent that refused to participate in any questionable dealings. He is the only person who wasn't summonds for questioning once the water gate scandal broke. His character spoke that loudly. He will die BROKE because he plans on giving ALL his money to fund charities once he has passed. I couldn't help but feel his spirit as he spoke. I felt his humility, his goodness. His words inspired me to ACT! The final thought he left the viewers with was, "When you are in the service of your fellow beings you are only in the service of your God". Did I mention he is a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints?
On a scale of 1-10 (1 being totally self absorbed, never thinking of others and doing anything to "get ahead" in the world and 10 being Mother Teresa-imperfect but yet a saint) I consider myself at a 5. I was taught by my parents to serve others, share my abundance (how little or large that may be),work hard, better the community i reside in and be honest regardless of the consequences. BUT i find myself bogged down by the natural tendencies of man. I do want to have nice things, I spend ALOT of time doing things for myself (this goes above and beyond maintaining my physical, spiritual and emotional well being. it's plain ol' selfishness), I am quick to judge others and the list goes on. So here is my challenge to myself and to you, if you want to jump on board- Lose myself in the service of others. Every day for the next year I will complete an act of service for someone. I'm sure on some days the act will be as little as a smile but i sure hope on other days i will have enough courage to serve big. I don't think the question is, WILL a year of daily service change my life rather HOW will my life be changed from this adventure. I can't wait to find out.