Sunday Thoughts: President Nelson's Invitation to Read the Book of Mormon

When Alexis and I drove home after listening to an awesome Women's Conference in October, one of the first things we talk about was the four invitations President Nelson gave to the sisters.

"Mom, when President Nelson invited sisters to read the Book of Mormon between now and the end of the year, do you think he just meant grown ups?"

I saw the question in her mind - the spark of light had been ignited. And I knew she was capable. So we made a decision in the car that night. We'd both do it. Start to finish by the end of the year.

And today, on December 30th, we both finished.

I'd like to write a few things I learned personally from this journey since October:

1. Having been asked to not only read the Book of Mormon but to mark each mention of Christ, I was reminded time and time again of His words, His light and His truth. Beautiful.

2. Ministering is inspired. For me, this was the first time the word MINISTER has jumped out of the pages to me. I loved reading the stories and learning from the examples of true ministering. All centered in LOVE and centered in Christ. Most often, ministering happened 1:1. Loved pondering not only those who ministered one another, but the angels who ministered was a tender reminder to me that the Lord's Holy work is unchanging and these things are happening all around us today. I found a greater awareness of seeing people in all settings ministering to one another in small ways in every day life. Seeing this was so inspiring and I strive to continually deepen this awareness and seek opportunities to minster in small and simple ways.

3. I felt greater feelings of peace, joy and love in my every day life. Circumstances haven't changed, but I absolutely feel, trust and know that the Lord knows and will continue to direct us and give us strength in ALL THINGS.

4. I have a greater appreciation and gratitude for Joseph Smith and his wife Emma. At the same time I read the Book of Mormon, I also read the book Saints. What a reminder of the constant turmoil they were in as they encountered so much resistance and what faith and courage they had to keep moving forward. I am so grateful for their sacrifice. I am so grateful for the sacrifice and resilience of the pioneers, some of whom are my ancestors. Their stories help me remember that to be deeply rooted in something takes effort, resilience and the courage to keep moving forward. I strive to honor them.

5. I've noticed a deeper love and connection to nature these last couple of months. And while I've always felt that connection, it has definitely deepened in conjunction with this invitation. I believe that God can speak to us through His creation, and nature seems to share so much wisdom in being still, looking upward, trusting, working, continually changing and growing with intention. There have been many moments that have opened my mind and heart to receive specific inspiration.

6. Another word that really spoke to me was SERVE. There are so many inspired words in the Book of Mormon centered on service. I can't think of a better way to magnify oneself, to get outside of one's own worries, or to feel more abundant joy than through serving others. Each time we have moved, our greatest connection - to ourselves, as a family, and in our neighborhood and church congregation has happened as we've stepped outside of ourselves and stepped into service. Reading SERVE in the Book of Mormon was yet another reminder that service is love in action. In any way. I need those continual reminders to step outside of "me" and into others.

7. REMEMBER was another word that really jumped out to me. With constant noise and distraction, I feel remembering who we are, where we came from and who we are meant to become is essential and gives peace, hope and light.

8. I was reminded (again and again) that I don't need to have all the answers. I don't need to know the "how." I don't need to have everything planned and mapped out and that's totally okay. What I do need (and I need this in things big and small) is to trust the Lord, and trust that He knows, He's already figured out the "how" and it's my job to just keep acting on the good thoughts, showing my love to him through keeping his covenants, and using his grace each and every day. Because things will work out.

I asked Alexis to share some of her thoughts with what she learned from the Book of Mormon and here's what she said:

I liked that you really can read the Book of Mormon as many times as you like. I like having the invitation. This gave me a challenge to really read it every day, and spend time on something that is important to me. I learned that it doesn't matter what age you are, you can just pick it up and read it. I felt the spirit every time I read it and I had better days. I noticed that I was happier each day. I noticed some really good scriptures in there that I want to memorize! I really liked waking up early in the mornings to read it. I liked that time that it wasn't noisy because I could read and think about what I was reading. I think my mom is an amazing example of how she reads every morning because it made me want to read the book of mormon too. She's always so happy and I wanted to be happy like her. Now that I've finished, I feel SO GOOD that I did it. In the beginning, it was SO HARD because I thought it was so much, but then, after awhile, I realized I made it half way and that I could keep going. I loved the idea when President Nelson said to mark any mention of Christ. In the beginning I forgot about it, but then my mom told me how she had been marking it, and I remembered I wanted to do it too. There was so much in there about Christ. I love reading about him and every time I read about him I feel warm and happy. I know God answers my prayers.

My heart is so full of peace and joy over this whole experience. I know she's going to look back and always remember that she finished something that felt hard. She wrote the part above about me being an example for her, but the real truth is, she's the example for me.

Sunday Thoughts: Mother

Earlier this week, Abigail and I were driving home and just before we turned into our neighborhood, we had to stop and wait for two raccoons to make their way across the street!

The larger raccoon was clearly the mother, and she was attempting to guide the baby raccoon across the street through follow the leader. But no matter what guidance she offered, this little baby darted a different way and got distracted. Instead of simply crossing the road, these two spent time running in circles. The mom was clearly trying to guide her baby to safety and simple direction. The baby was clearly embracing the curiosity and wonder of the moment. Upon reaching the middle of the road, the mom raccoon tried to correct the baby raccoon (in my mind she was probably lecturing on the dangers of roads and giant cars), and then swept this baby up by the back of its neck and carried it across as quickly as she could go to the other side of the road.

I was elated to witness this tiny moment in nature.

And can relate on so many levels.

Like the bazillion times I've been in a parking lot - simply focusing on safety while a little one, filled with wonder and curiosity - endlessly tries to run and discover while I'm simply trying to keep them alive! Corralling is a serious sport!

But today, I reflected on this beautiful experience in a different light. It made me think of each of us as that baby raccoon. Our intentions are good - but sometimes we get a bit distracted, or consumed by something other than what is needed most. We might be unable to accomplish the task all alone. We need the help of a "mother" to guide us, continually be with and love us, and "lift" us where we stand to help us on our individual journeys. Beautiful wisdom in so many ways.

And of course, I didn't document any of the real experience on camera. It was too fun to just enjoy with Abigail. But, later that day, I took a photo of the road to help me remember.

A beautiful sky

We're in the chapter of life where some days are pretty filled up with commitments across the family. And while we are striving to let go of things where we can, some days are long. Mike was traveling, and I had taken Max to a church activity, and needed to pick up something for some school thing the next day (I've already forgotten what it was). As we were walking out of the parking lot, the sky was full of the most beautiful colors! We all stopped and simply soaked in the masterpiece. It was a beautiful, natural conversation full of gratitude for the Creation and how awesome it is that we get to enjoy it.

I write this because I want to keep remembering within the "every day" to embrace those simple moments. To stop and soak in the beauty that surrounds us. So much wisdom in nature.

 Max caught this photo on the car ride home. He's getting good at humoring my excitement for nature and the sky when driving by being the front seat photographer!

Saturday Adventure & Wisdom From the Trees

The rainy season is on full swing and there have been some beautiful storms this past week. I love the sound of the thunder, the rolling and life within the clouds, and the rain. The sound of rain feels majestic. We've had to be creative with our bike rides to and from school - being safe if there are thunderstorms and adventurous if there is a drizzle of rain. We all have ponchos and have really enjoyed it!

Our Saturday adventures this week were at a County Park not too far from our home. Mike scouted it out and we headed, not really knowing what to expect.

As soon as we pulled into the park, I knew we were going to love it.

This "tree house" is unseen from the cars and roads, so once you take the trail back to it, you really do feel like you're entering an enchanted forest. 

 Once the kids saw the stairs, they ran as fast as they could to get to the top!

 The view from up top is tough to capture. But the growth on the trees, the trees growing from trees, the lush vegetation - I found myself staring with wonder at the beauty of it!!

 Sometimes I love to hang back and soak in this crew in as they are surrounded by beauty created so Divinely.

 Another section was a boardwalk throughout a marsh. We saw loads of turtles, fish and spiders, but didn't see any gators (this time around!).

 I love to stop and soak in the trees. To think about the storms, the winds and all the things that have tried to break them. Yet, they stand. Tall. Always looking upward. Finding true strength from their roots. I can't help but think of the "storms" and "winds" I've felt, and how my strength comes from looking upward and learning from my "roots" - for me that not only includes learning from our ancestors - those who have walked before us, who have sacrificed so that we can stand where we do today, but in studying the "roots" centered in Jesus Christ. So grateful for the scriptures and the daily wisdom and light they bring into every day life. And so grateful for a prophet and apostles in our day who truly keep us "rooted" through their loving guidance.

 There were some naturally growing lime trees (and we saw some orange trees) that had popped up in a few places - a great opportunity to chat about how trees planted in one place can pop up in others. And we had to document the first time walking on a nature trail with limes on the ground!!

 The roots!!

 Mike took this one before we left (since I'd been behind the camera the whole time). So grateful for the opportunity we have to be parents. And so grateful for the opportunity we have to experience and live in a variety of places together. There is beauty everywhere and truly feel so much love in the creation of nature that surrounds us. God truly is the author of diversity!

Words to Remember: I am enough

I'm a day late in this Mother's Day post, but I'm giving myself permission to share some thoughts on motherhood and womanhood that I know apply no matter what day of the year it is.

And it begins with this video. It's so beautiful.

I wrote my mom a letter for mothers day. It was long, and full of memories and 10 different strengths she taught me that I strive for. And while the letter really was for her, I wanted to share a little snippet that's been on my mind ever since I wrote it. It was number five on the list:

"To love flowers. The smell, the colors. I loved our rose garden and seeing how much time and care you gave to the different roses. How you knew the names of every flower and how you'd let me play with the petals and blossoms that had fallen. You taught me to give myself permission to get my hands dirty (well, you actually taught me to wear gloves to I wouldn't get dirt under my nails). But more than the flowers, I learned that there is always something growing. There is always something to cultivate. And if we choose to nourish it, we can always create something beautiful."

I believe one of the biggest tools the adversary is using right now is to make women believe they are not enough. No matter what role we are filling. I've experienced this first-hand (oodles of times!) and it's taken a lot of learning, pondering and practicing to use tools to reframe my thoughts and center myself on truth. It's an ongoing work in progress, but the journey is beautiful. And while I won't delve into all of the insights right now, there are two truths that I can't help but tie into motherhood and womanhood:

1. You are not your thoughts. Just because you think something does not make it true.

2. You are enough. Really. You are. And so am I. Yes, we can all strive to make improvements, to set goals, to learn and grow, but let's not forget the beauty of now. Breathe in the now and let it fill you.

There are so many lessons from nature that if we allow ourselves to unplug and listen, they are just waiting there to share with us. Like little seeds. For them to become a blossom, they need to be planted, nourished and to grow. It's going to take time and work for that journey to unfold.

But they are enough right now. A little seed is enough. And if a little seed is enough, let's not forget that as women, we are enough too. Sure, there might be growth ahead, but let's not forget how much we are needed and valued right now, as we are. Let's take a moment to catch those thoughts of expectation, judgement and comparison and let them go. Let's commit to practicing true principles. To change and redirect. To let go of what does not serve us.

Let's choose connection.

Choose to simplify.

Choose to practice gratitude.

Choose to love.

Because there is always something growing. There is always something to cultivate. And if we choose to nourish it, we can create something beautiful.

Two Perspectives

The girls and I kicked off spring break (while Mike and Max were on a scout campout to the Florida Keys) and joined up with friends at the beach! It was amazing weather, and we look forward to many more beach days to come.

And as the girls and I were at the beach, two perspectives really spoke to me. We'd spent an awesome time together on the beach and in the sand. I feel like I'm getting better with managing the sand and the beach experience - not overpacking, remembering to reapply sunscreen, and we brought a volleyball along which we attempted to pass back and forth. We spent more time chasing after it, but it was fun. The water was beautiful.

As we were leaving and walking through the parking garage to our car, the view from the parking garage was incredible! I couldn't believe how beautiful the beach looked! The color of the water was so much more brilliant when you were at a higher place to see it. The sand looked majestic, and the view in general was so much broader than what we'd experienced on the beach.

The whole drive home I pondered those two very different perspectives. And really thought about how much I spend my moments in life "on the beach." And while I believe those moments are essential, I cherish the time I take to go to "higher ground" to spend moments pondering a broader perspective. To see the bigger picture and remember how we truly are all connected. I found myself getting a little teary eyed with gratitude, thinking about how much I appreciate those "higher ground" moments in life as they empower and strengthen me far beyond any strengthening I could do if I only stayed "on the beach." 

So much wisdom from nature.