Julie B. Beck

Julie B. Beck came to our stake today and spoke. Madison and I were able to go and listen. I loved listening to her speak. Sister Beck started off talking about the relief society not being a program but a way of life. Here are a few of the things that Sister Beck said that stuck with me.


1.We all know the Mary and Martha story. Some seem to say Mary was better than Martha. (Luke 10:38 "Martha received Him into her home"-She did welcome Him into her home which was good. Luke 10:40" but Martha was cumbered about much serving,"- Martha served Him which was good But in Luke 10:42, "But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."-That one part that was missing from Martha was -study my gospel with me and be my disciple. I took from this that we can choose good things but it is better to choose the best things like studying the gospel, increasing faith, making covenants, having personal scriptures, praying, and being a disciple of Christ. Lifting and building up His kingdom.


2.We need to be Intentional and have Precision in those things above not perfect. I love that. Intentional/Precision with prayer, fhe, scriptures, etc..


3. There was a moment where Sister Beck took questions-One sister asked about how we can help Sisters be willing to have and be Visiting Teachers. Sister Beck asks the whole of us back why are we not doing our visiting teaching and why are we not allowing those to visit. (answers included-No time, house not clean, didn't need help, etc..)Sister Beck paused for a minute and then said "The Savior doesn't care about our issues, He cares about His sheep." She said she was sorry if that was blunt but that that was the truth. We ought to be on our knees everyday asking what our Sisters need and how we can help. The Savior can help us also with what is stopping us either way.

4. One Sister asked Sister Beck what was her biggest concern with the Sisters of the church today. Sister Beck said that we are not always aligned with the Lord. We needed to align ourselves with the Lord, check where our priorities were, simplify our lives, rid ourselves with less important things (She did say blogging was good if used in the right way:))fun should not take precedence over essential.

5. She talked about anger, apathy, and entitlement-the lord owes us nothing. We owe Him everything.

6. She talked about how some don't feel like they ever feel the Spirit speak to them. She read D&C 11:12-13 put your trust in the Spirit which leadeth to do good (if you have a feeling of helping someone-act upon it....that's the Spirit) yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; this is my Spirit. 13)which shall enlighten your mind (do you ever have an idea /aha moment sometimes that's the Spirit)which shall fill your soul with joy( do you feel happy and are joyful.... sometimes that's the Spirit. Sometimes we may feel guilt and that may be the Spirit helping you to make a change.)

7.Sister Beck talked about a place where the sisters didn't want to send out there sons on missions anymore. They wanted their sons to go to school, have careers, etc... Sister Beck said she had to go and talk with these sisters. Through visiting teaching they shared her message and the sisters started sending their sons on missions again. She said "do you see the influence you sisters have. She encouraged us to teach our children (boys/daughters/future missionaries) the gospel truths-One sister asked how we which are so blessed with so much could help those sisters around the world with so little. Sister Beck said again "teach your sons/daughters/future missionaries the gospel so when they go out on their missions that they can teach these families.-(I have a work to do.)She also said to pay a generous fast offering and our tithing so we could help some of these sisters/families go to the temple more than once if even just once.(We have temples so close we should be going more. I want to go more often than I do.)

I was so grateful for the opportunity to listen to Sister Beck speak (Next Saturday we get to go to Salt Lake and listen to the young women's presidency speak). I was so impressed with her knowledge of the scriptures. In one of her messages in a recent Ensign article she asks us women to become scriptorians and know the scriptures. I think that the better we know of the scriptures the better we can help others by sharing the scripture stories and bearing our testimonies of them.----I had an experience this last week where I had just finished reading my scriptures (Exodus-about Moses and the burning bush and how Moses felt inadequate in doing what the Lord had asked him.) I gathered the boys and went outside to go visit one of my friends down the street. When we went out there was a somewhat inactive sister from my ward walking in front of our house. We talked for a little bit and at one point due to the conversation I was able to share the same scriptures that I had just read that morning. She said she knew she needed to get out and was thankful our paths had crossed. I don't share this to say how awesome I am, I tell you because I'm thankful that I read my scriptures that morning and every morning. I'm thankful for the things I learn from them and hope I can become a scriptorian, like Sister Beck, and can share them and my testimony with others.

Madison got glasses

Madison was having a hard time seeing the board and got glasses.

Landon is working hard and prepareing for college searching out scholarships.

Trenton is running track.

Brooklon went to 7th grade night at the Jr. High for sixth graders. She tried out for the musical theatre but didn't make it this time. I'm proud of her for trying. There were only about 100 girls trying out and maybe 5 boys.

Maron got her hair cut and is looking cute.

Jenson loves school and his friends. He's been having a few play dates lately.

Jordon counts the days for the next holiday. He doesn't sleep well though counting and waiting. We are not talking about Easter around here.:)

Gavon, Gavon, Gavon...... He is busy and we love him so.

That's what's happening with us. Thanks for reading.

St. Patricks day-meant to be fun not scary

(These are backwards-sorry)

Leprechauns can be sneaky. We decided to give it a try. We served this for our drink (?or was it?) for dinner.:) Actually lime jello in a cup with a straw. We're so sneaky. It looks like juice though. -I do this on April fools day:) My kids love it.

Green lunches for school. Pb and j sandwich with a shamrock cookie cutter cut into the top, chips, juice, green jello, and shamrock cookie.
Usually I get a box of Lucky Charms for breakfast but this year I found this idea. I loved it, and so did the family.- Christian and I got up at 5 a.m. (for seminary goers) and made rainbow waffles with whip cream clouds. I can't take credit for these but they were a hit. Aren't they cute?

That sneaky little leprechaun tied a string on the side of the trap and climbed out. He did leave us a note and sent us on a treasure hunt.

The note read:

Hello, my friends ! Jenson, Jordon, and Gavon

Now, what do you think?

I was here and gone

As quick as a wink!

I danced in your room

and lost a shoe.

I don't remember where,

but you may have a clue.

I'm a little leprechaun

All dressed in green,

The tiniest man

That you have ever seen.

If you catch me, so it's told,

I'll give you my pot of gold.

The leprechaun

The treasure hunt said:

Red You found Red!

Way to go!

Orange is next

In every rainbow.

So look for the

color of yummy

fruit,

and keep your

eyes "peeled"

to find my loot!

Orange Orange you found!

But keep looking

Around!

Yellow is next in

the colorful line,

If you keep going,

You'll find the

treasure that's

mine!

Yellow You found yellow!

Just like the sun!

Now look for a

green shamrock,

isn't this fun?

Green You found green-

you are so

bright!

Now look for the

blue shamrock-

It's almost in

sight!

Blue Blue, blue like the

sky-

now go for the

gold and don't be

shy!

Find "purple"

The last on our

trail-

The treasure

awaits!

I know your won't

fail!

Purple You found my treasure

and the purple

shamrock!

You followed the

colors on the rainbow

walk!

You can't find me,

I decided to hide-

but left you a

treasure-

you can now look inside!

xoxo Mr. leprechaun

Note to self:Don't tell Jordon when the next holiday is. He doesn't sleep!

Jordon was excited/nervous about this leprechaun thing. He came in the living room excited this morning to see if the leprechaun came. He started the treasure hunt and wanted to change into his clothes before he finished. He went into his room and came out scared to death. He wasn't completely changed yet. He was shaking and almost in tears. I asked him what was the matter. He said "He's in my room and he's breathing."Me "Who? Oh Joe there isn't any leprechauns here. He's gone by now, besides he was a nice leprechaun." Maron and I almost started laughing but realized that he was really scared. Maron ran in to check things out and told Jordon that it was just Gavon breathing really loud not "The Leprechaun". (I wish I had a video)

Cabinet

Christian made me a great shelf to store my spices on.
Maron and I painted it together.
Stay tuned for the finished product. I love it! Thank you love!

Snow day activities

Monday March 14th-Snow day

Maron had a few friends over to play and the 3 musketeers decided it was time to make a leprachaun trap.

We painted.

We glued.

Ta da! The leprachaun climbs the steps, trys to walk across the napkin and grab the gold candy we left for him. The leprachaun falls through the napkin and we catch ourselves a leprachaun.---Stay tuned to see what happens :)

Sometimes I make to do lists-Sometimes my kids make to do lists for me.

Sometimes I make to do lists-Sometimes my kids make to do lists for me.

Maron has been dying to get her hair cut. I think she would ask me everyday last week sometimes 3x a day. -----Darling hair cut for Maron... Check

Brotherly Love

I heard some snickering coming from over in the corner.

I went to take a peek and I found two little boys playing/laughing together. I love seeing this.

Brooklon's Science Fair Project-Comas

6 th grade sciece fair

One of the boys in Brooklons class brought enough ties to share with all of the girls.

Brooklon and a few of her good friends.

March 2011

Family Happenings:
On Saturday we went as a family to the dollar movie to see Tangled.( We
don't usually go to the movies unless it goes to the dollar theatre.) It was a full house. I don't think there was a single empty seat. I was glad we got there early, some families had to split up a seat here and a seat there. We all thought it was a cute/clean movie :).
Madison is thinking of going to CNA school over the summer and working after school next year. We are so proud of her and her choices.
Landon set a goal with his quorum to bear his testimony every fast and testimony meeting to help strengthen his testimony for his mission. He did an awesome job. What a great testimony. I'm proud of Landon for the choices he is making. I think he will be a great missionary!
Trenton continues to volunteer at Courage Reins. He is drawn to animals and has that special touch with them. We went to his seops the other day and they asked him what he wanted to go to college to be, without any hesitation,he said a Vet! - He is also preparing to go over the summer and volunteer at a scout camp in Idaho. - He is trying out for the track team today. We are proud of Trenton and the things he is involved in.
Brooklon is practicing 1. a report on comas for her class and 2. to try out for musical theatre at the junior high next year. (I still can't believe that she will be in junior high- people always use to tell me that the time flies so make the best of every moment. I believe them now. I 'm going to relish every single second, minute, etc...)
Maron is dieing to get a hair cut. *Note to self - make Maron and the rest of us girls a hair appointment.
Jenson was given a paper a couple of Sundays ago asking parents if Jenson had had a blessing at some point and to visit about it. I had tape recorded Jenson's "before school starts" blessing and we pulled it out to listen to it. One part mentioned that he would become a great reader. I believe this is coming true. I am so pleased with Jenson's love for books and reading. He truly is a great reader.
Jordon went and got his immunizations yesterday. He hasn't felt too good today. I hope he feels better soon. We have one more set of shots and we (He-I will never be ready for him to leave) are ready for kindergarten.
Gavon is my little helper. He is so smart. I'm amazed at what he picks up and learns so easily. I love when he wants to lead the song for Family Home Evenings. He takes his job very seriously. I love Family Home Evening at our house!
We are thankful to be parents to such a wonderful bunch of kids. We couldn't be prouder parents.-- We have been reading several articles in the Ensigns lately on how important it is to teach your children the scriptures/gospel so they can defend the gospel in the latter days.- We read this month how important it is to teach on The Family, The Proclamation to The World. We have been breaking down each paragraph and studying them for family night.
I'm thankful that we are able to teach our children these things. I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a Mother. I think this is a wonderful gift and I will always be grateful. I'm thankful for my Heavenly Father and my relationship with Him. It takes work. We are His sons and daughters. If we want a relationship with Him we have to anxiously/sincerely seek Him. I know that He loves us and knows each of us personally. I know He answers sincere prayer. I'm thankful that He teaches me the way I need teaching. I have faith and trust that He knows what is best. I'm thankful for the Savior, His atonement, and His love. I'm thankful for Joseph Smith and the sacrifice He made for me. I'm thankful for our Prophet today, Thomas S. Monson. I love to hear what He has to say and I want to follow. I'm thankful that conference is coming that we can hear what Heavenly Father wants us to know and do. I'm grateful for the scriptures. I love personal and family study. I know that as we study the scriptures all of the questions we have can be answered. The scriptures I can truly say are my favorite books. I'm grateful for family, my sweet husband, the temple,
and prayer. I'm thankful for blessings that the Lord has given to us. I'm thankful that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.----- Thanks for letting me share my testimony with you. I hope that was o.k.. I wanted to share it on Sunday when Landon got up but there were too many also wanting to share.

If it's Madison and it hurts it's probally broken

If it's Madison and it hurts it's probably broken. Madison hurt her foot in lacrosse. We took her to one Dr. and he said it was o.k. but they would have a radiologist look at the xray. The xray came back o.k. but it was still hurting. We asked to see a specialist and this Dr. enlarged the xray and showed where it was broken. We hope for a speedy recovery.
(- Madison can't take the driving test until it's better. -We were really sad that she wouldn't be able to play lacrosse and then they ended up canceling the whole team for this year. Maybe next year.:( )