Because of Him

There are many people in the world who believe that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (mormons) are NOT Christians.  People can choose to believe whatever they want about me or my religion.  I pray that as I serve and love and teach, my actions will speak louder than the words that are spoken out against me or what I believe.  I only have to answer to One...my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.  Everything I am is because of Him.

I will be sharing messages each day this week as Easter approaches.  May God bless you!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath-Easter 2013

I am so grateful for my Savior and the sacrifice he made for me.  It is his grace that saves me, for I cannot do it for myself, but to show my love and appreciation, I will work every day to be a little bit more like Him.  He is "the way, the truth and the life" and the literal son of God, our Father in Heaven.  I know my life would be empty without Him.

Peace be with you on this Easter Sunday!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

Today was a wonderful day of fasting and testimonies.  There were many testimonies borne of the Savior and His divinity.  How grateful I am for His atoning sacrifice for me, even though I don't deserve it.  I feel like Peter--one moment I am professing my love for my Savior and then I choose to say something I know I should not, or ignore a prompting.  I'm so glad that He allows me to repent, start anew and do better.

Here is a printable I made for this Easter season, I love to have reminders in my home of what this holiday is really about--not just eggs and bunnies and chocolate.

Download

I wish you a very wonderful "holy week" and a beautiful Easter holiday!

Julie

Shared on Tatertots and Jello, WhipperBerry

Sweet Sabbath

Many of you know that I am a singer.  In fact, I started singing before I could talk!  One day, it is my dream to try out for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  I don't know that I could ever be in the choir (it is a lot of work) but I would love to audition.  When I saw this video, I was so tickled for this guy, I couldn't help but smile!  He certainly knows a little bit about conducting a large choir/orchestra, so I'm sure it was pure heaven for him to be up there conducting the most famous choir in the world!  I hope your Sabbath has been beautiful.

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

I'm up visiting my dad for the weekend and going through some of my step-mom's things.  It's good to be able to spend time with him.  Hope you enjoy your Sabbath day.

Julie

Love One Another...One Person at a Time

Valentine's day is this week and although I love to show my love to those around me, sometimes I think that "Valentine's day" is just a ploy made up by the candy and flower companies to bring in more money.  I think it's more important to show people all around us that we love them all the time and not just give them flowers or gifts or things that will not last.  If we truly love others we will serve them like the Savior did, not because we want something in return.  Show your family how much you love them by doing something nice for them, that will mean more to them than any rose or piece of chocolate ever would.  I loved this story about serving others around us--we don't have to do it all, but we can make a difference...one person at a time!

Have a beautiful Sabbath!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

I am especially grateful for this Sabbath Day!  It's been a very long, sad/happy week and I am looking forward to the love and warmth I feel when I am with my ward family.  The prayers offered on my family's behalf have comforted me, calmed me, and strengthened me.
I spent 4 days this week in St. George, in the farthest Southwest corner of Utah.  Every time I drive into Utah and see the beautiful red rocks and mesas I am still amazed.  All over Utah there is spectacular scenery, but in Southern Utah, you just can't deny that God created all this loveliness.  It really earns the nickname "Color Country"!  I hope you enjoy the music and scenery in this video.

Have a beautiful Sabbath!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

I learned many things at a wonderful women's conference yesterday.  I learned that life is never like a balanced scale.  We are always chasing the "balanced life", but it isn't that simple.  Life is more like juggling several balls all at once.  We may have a few balls in our hands and several more up in the air, but they are all still in play.  If we do these few things well at a time, then many of the little things will fall into place.

1. Stay centered on the Savior--"Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" Matt. 6:33

2. Focus on the most important things--faith, family

3. Simplify your life--let the trivial things go

4. Love yourself--find something that you enjoy and that makes you happy

I also was reminded not to compare myself to others.  That is something that I struggle with.  I have to remind myself everyday that I can't be someone else, I can only be myself, and that I am good enough! I'm getting better at it, the older I get, so I hope that one day I won't really care what other people think of me, only what my Savior thinks of me.  My life is a daily juggling act, but I hope that I can focus on the right things so that I can be blessed and in turn, bless my family.

Have a happy Sabbath!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

Today we had an excellent special Stake conference!  A stake is a congregational unit made up of 8-10 smaller congregations. There had been a valley wide training which meant that there were general authorities here in Vegas to instruct the leaders.  We were able to hear from Elder Ronald A. Rasband, President of the Quorums of the Seventy.  He shared so many wonderful thoughts and touching stories.  He focused on families and the truth about families being eternal. I was so glad to be there and feel the spirit.  It is a blessing to hear from servants of the Lord and be instructed by them.  I know that families are eternal.  I know that what is bound on earth is bound in heaven.  I am grateful for the knowledge that my Savior lives and loves me and that he suffered for my sins and died and was resurrected so that I can have that same opportunity.  He is my elder brother and my perfect example.  What a blessing his gospel is to me and my family!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

After spending time with some great friends yesterday, I decided today was a great day to post a wonderful video!  Women, many times, have some difficult things to do!  We are caregivers, but because of that wonderful talent and calling, we sometimes over-do!  It happens!  We ignore our own discomfort, sleeplessness, hurt, sadness, and do for others first!  We always need to remember that we need to go to him who lightens our burdens!  He will help us carry all those things that cause us to be heavy laden. We need to remember to "fill the fountain in ourselves" so that we can help others.  We need to add to that fountain, drop by drop, cup by cup, of living water!  It isn't a one time thing!  It is the daily offering of scripture study, prayer, and service to others that fills us with the living water that the Savior offered the woman at the well, and to us!  "Drink deep and get your fill"!

Have a sweet Sabbath!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

As I have been preparing for the new Primary year, I have been spending time thinking about how we all serve in different capacities.  We love and care for our family, help a neighbor, volunteer at church or school, smile at a stranger, encourage a friend.  There are numerous ways in which we can serve.  I know I don't do everything I'm supposed to do, but I do try to help others when I can.  Friday, I was able to read to the young women from church during their read-a-thon.  I loved reading the scriptures with them and I truly felt the spirit sitting with those beautiful young girls who were working towards their Young Womanhood medallion.  They were learning about their Savior and I was glad I was able to help, even if it was just for an hour!

I enjoyed watching my primary children as they giggled and laughed while they wrapped the teachers up in toilet paper to make a sunday outfit!  It was so much fun!

I hope that one day, the service I have rendered in my life will be accepted by my Savior!  He is my example, and I want so much to be like him. I know that the only way I can be like him is to become like a little child; loving, humble, meek, innocent--my darling primary children teach me how to be more Christ-like every day.  We are his hands here on earth, and I hope that as I serve each day, "I will make my hands like those of Galilee."

"His Hands" by Jenny Jordan Frogley

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

It's been a beautiful day today.  The holidays are winding down, but not quite over.  The new year is just about to begin.  This is the time of year when we look back to the past and see where we need some improvement.  As we set our new years resolutions, let's remember not to just select the typical "lose weight", or "exercise more", or "quit _________".  Let's put some thought into it.  And be realistic about it!  Remember, we want to improve ourselves not give ourselves some unreachable goal that may look noble and grand, but makes us feel like a complete failure later!  One of my favorite quotes is by a wonderfully brilliant woman, Barbara B. Smith, who just so happens to be my grandmother!  It says, "Goal are stars to steer by, not sticks to beat ourselves with"!  She was always very wise!  I think that when we choose what we will do to improve ourselves this year, we need to remember not to be so hard on ourselves if we fail to reach our goal that we never want to try again.  Just be good to yourself!  Have a very happy new year!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

Today was our Christmas program and I think it went rather well!  Our first narrator started out by sharing the poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day and how he used the phrase from the bible "Peace on earth, good will to men".  We had a few small groups and soloists (including me) along with our choir and I really felt the spirit as we sang the beautiful songs and hymns.  I was able to sing "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear".  I was a bit nervous since I hadn't sung a solo in church for a while, but it all came back to me!  I love singing!  I would rather sing than give a talk! I was so glad to have my friend Jeanna and her family come to hear me sing (and everyone else!) It's wonderful to have that kind of friend to support you!
I'm so glad that it's almost Christmas!  I love the electricity in the air!  The children are extra good, hopefully to make up for the times when they were on the "naughty list",  and parents love to see the excitement in their children's eyes on Christmas morning!  I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas!  I hope that you find what you want under the tree and that you have peace in your home and in your lives!  If everyone had just a little bit of peace in their home, the world would be a happier place!

"Then pealed the bells more loud and deep

God is not dead nor doth he sleep 

The wrong shall fail the right prevail

With peace on earth, good will to men!"

I will be taking off some time for the holidays, I hope you enjoy your time with your family!

Merry Christmas!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

Friday was such a sad day for not only our country, but the world.  We live in a world where even innocent little children are not safe from evil and violence.  I cried for the little children that survived and what they witnessed.  How do you explain to little ones something that even adults have a hard time understanding?  I cried for the family and friends who have lost loves ones.  Loss is never easy, but it's even harder to lose someone who seemingly has a whole lifetime ahead of them.  I cried for the teachers who, in complete selflessness, protected their children--some with their own lives.  There really are people like that out there!  Today we have a choice.  We can spend our time being angry about how it happened, wondering why something like this would happen and try to figure out who is going to pay for what happened, or we can pray for or offer help to those who may be suffering and forgive what was done.  I once read a quote "Revenge (or anger, in this case) is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die!"
I know many of my friends have heard the story of my friend, Chris.  He is my earthly example of forgiveness and letting go of the anger and bitterness that can come from tragedy.  His wife, my dear friend Michelle, two of their children and their unborn baby were killed in a drunk driving accident.  Although, Chris had every right to be angry with the young man who caused this accident, he chose instead to forgive him!  I can't imagine the pain he went through, but as he turned it all over to the Lord, his burden was made lighter.  Any little problem that I may encounter (or even big problem) will never compare to what this family has been through and if they can forgive, I certainly can.  Is it easy?  Absolutely not!  But it is what we have been commanded to do!  "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." 1 Nephi 3:7  If the Lord gives a commandments, he also give us a way to follow that commandment.
I hope and pray that this story will touch the lives of others.  Even if one person can learn to forgive from this story, the deaths of Michelle, Ben, Anna and William and all those who have died from senseless violence will not have been in vain!

God bless!  Have a wonderful sabbath day!

Julie

Chris Williams has written a book called "Let it Go".  It is a great read!

Sweet Sabbath

It's Sunday again!  This week seemed to go by very fast!  We had a wonderful time at my husband's office Christmas party at a great restaurant called Hachi at the Red Rock Station casino, it is basically a sushi place and I'm not really a sushi fan, but I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried many different dishes and other than the really spicy dishes, I liked all of them!  I even tried the salmon sashimi!  I think my favorite was the tempura lobster--oh, that was so yummy!  Dinner was great and the company was even better!  I really like the people David works with, and their spouses, we always have fun when we get together!  Friday night David and I had date night at the live production of the Nativity, which always brings tears to my eyes.  If it was closer, I think I would go to every showing, it was that good!  Saturday was a fun ward (congregation) breakfast with more yummy food and fun for the whole family.  I did have to leave early to attend the funeral of the mother of my good friend.  It was a lovely tribute for a lovely woman.  I know she will be missed.  Funerals always remind you of those you love and that life is not guaranteed for anyone.  You want to hug your family just a little longer and tell those friends you haven't seen in a while how much you cherish them.  Today we had a great meeting at church and my daughter spoke about being an example and having faith and one of the quotes she shared was "Israel thought Goliath was so big, he couldn't be killed, David thought Goliath was so big, he couldn't miss!"  David had such great faith, even as a young man!  Another quote she shared was "live your life so that people who know you but don't know Christ, will want to know Christ because they know you."  People notice something different about someone who follows Christ!  They are not perfect, but they try their best to act the way Christ would want them to act.  I hope that we can do a little bit better at this time of year to act the way Christ would want us to act.  People will want to know Christ because they know you!

Hope you have a beautiful Sabbath!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

The countdown is on and I'm already tired!  I want to change my focus so that I can enjoy this season instead of feeling like I'm not measuring up!  My daughter's birthday is less than a week before Christmas and despite all my best intentions, I'm never ready for Christmas until after her birthday is over.  I need to have a daily reminder why I am celebrating and what that really means!  Because He was born, my life has purpose; because He was born, I can be saved; because He was born, I will ALWAYS have one person who knows my pain and suffering!  That needs to be my focus, not all the distractions that cause me to overlook the reason for the season.
I love reading the Christmas story in  the KJV of Luke, the wording is like poetry and I've heard it and read it so many times, I practically have it memorized!  I love the fact that the shepherd were "abiding in the field" not just sitting around and that they found "the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes" and not just wrapped in strips of cloth.  He was born in the humblest of circumstances to become the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!  "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a saviour, which is Christ the Lord".  Who would've thought that this little child could change the world and save mankind?  I must make room for him in all the busyness of this holiday, in all the hustle and bustle of daily activities, in all the wretchedness of my ordinary life.  Let him in.

Have a beautiful Sabbath!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

It just seemed like yesterday when I was putting my Christmas decorations away from last year (seriously, I think it was at least a week into the new year before I put everything away)!  I can't believe it's the Christmas holiday already!  I am excited for Christmas and I am looking forward to the wonderful celebrations that this special season brings.  One month from today we will celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, and I will do my best to share his love with those around me.  I know he lives and that he loves all of his children.  He is my example, my elder brother, and my personal savior.  I will stand as a witness "at all times and in all things and in all places" even and especially when it's not popular with the world.  I know I am far from perfect, but I can be forgiven of my sins if I repent.  I am grateful for his atoning sacrifice so that I have the opportunity to return to my Heavenly Father one day. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  This is a gift I can never repay, but I will spend my life showing him how grateful I am for it!

I hope you have a beautiful Sabbath and enjoy this Christmas season!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

My cup was filled today as I was reminded about selfless service and what it means to be more like the Savior.  I know I can be a better visiting teacher (listen more, talk less), and Primary leader (hug more, "shush" less), and mother (love more, yell less) and wife (kiss more, nag less)!  I have a long way to go, but I'm headed in the right direction--that should count for something, right?  This song always seems to lift my spirit and remind me who I am and where I'm going.
"Come thou fount of ev'ry blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace; Streams of mercy never ceasing call for songs of loudest praise.  Teach me some melodious sonnets, sung by flaming tongues above.  Praise the mount!  I'm fixed upon it, mount of thy redeeming love."

"prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; Here's my heart, O take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above."

Happy Sabbath!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

Today is Stake Conference.  A stake is a congregational unit made up of 8-10 wards--I've heard a stake compared to a diocese.  Stake conference is held twice a year and we are taught gospel principles by our Stake Presidency (a president and two counselors) and usually a few other speakers selected from stake members.  I am participating in the stake choir today and we are singing two beautiful hymns,  Pilgrim Song and Amazing Grace!  It is very hard for me to sing these songs without crying my eyes out, so hopefully I can be strong and sing through it!  Now, I would never think to compare our stake choir to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, but I do think we sound beautiful!  I know that there will be unseen concourses singing with us, I've actually experienced it and felt them there!  Please enjoy these beautiful hymns performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir!  One day, you really should see them sing in person--it will literally take your breath away!

Have a beautiful Sabbath!
Julie

Sweet Sabbath

Today is "Fast Sunday".  No, it's not very quick, in fact at times it seems to stand still!  Today and usually each first Sunday of the month we fast, or go without food or water for 24 hours (2 full meals).  We believe that fasting brings our spirits closer to our Savior by weakening the body, we also use the money we would've used for those meals and donate it for the needy in our ward boundaries.  100% of that money is used for those in need!  We also have the opportunity to donate to humanitarian aid and 100% of that money goes to help others in need all over the world!  How? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers ALL the overhead, meaning, there is NO administrative costs on the money donated to the church at all!  NONE! Not one penny!  The LDS Church sends millions of dollars and millions of pounds of aid to people all over the world! Not just food and supplies for disasters, but also for impoverished areas where they need wheelchairs or immunizations or maybe just a warm coat. So next time you want your donations to go to those in need and not just the executives, you can donate here.  

My heart breaks for all of those who have suffered this last week during the storm.  It's always hard to see anything good coming out of a disaster, but sometimes I think that it's just so that we can appreciate the things that are truly important to us!  I hope that you have a beautiful Sabbath!

Beautiful Heartbreak by Hilary Weeks

Julie