April 2014 – Nurture Mama

Priorities in participating in the restoration (Highlights from President Uchtdorf-April 2014)

April 29, 2014April 29, 2014 Nurture Mama Leave a comment

“Those who wholeheartedly turn their lives over to our Savior and serve God and fellowman discover a richness and fulness to life that the selfish or egotistic will never experience. The unselfish give of themselves. These may be small gifts of charity that have a grand impact for good: a smile, a handshake, a hug, time spent in listening, a soft word of encouragement, or a gesture of caring. All these acts of kindness can change hearts and lives. When we take advantage of the unlimited opportunities to love and serve our fellowmen, including our spouse and family, our capacity to love God and to serve others will greatly increase.”

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Everything else in life should be secondary to these two great priorities.”

“Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is not an effort of once a week or once a day. It is an effort of once and for all.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Are You Sleeping Through the Restoration?”. April 2014 General Conference.

Family Read Aloud Books

April 27, 2014April 27, 2014 Nurture Mama Leave a comment

One of my favorite things to do as a mother is to read aloud books to my children. I love to read myself, so of course it brings me joy to share great books with my children. As my children are getting older we have been enjoying more chapter books, so I realized I better make a reading list of the books we have enjoyed! I am going to go back and do my best to remember for the last few years.

Our best read aloud time is before bed. My husband and I take turns reading with the children; one of us reads a chapter book with the Ant Bug, while the other reads picture books with Zach and Lily (or a chapter in Magic Tree House).

So here is our list. I have added it as a page at the top of my blog and will continue to update it. Be sure to check back for some reading inspiration.

I have pinned a number of book lists which you can view here, but I would love to hear your recommendations for your favorite family read aloud books!

2014

(The Ant Bug is 9 years old, Lily Bee is 6 years old, Zach is 4 years old)

Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry (mom and Ant Bug and Lily)

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (mom and Ant Bug)

Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls (dad and Ant Bug)

A Little Princess by Francess Hodgson Burnett (mom and Ant Bug)

Mrs. Noodlekugel and Four Blind Mice by Daniel Pinkwater (mom and children)

Mrs. Noodlekugel by Daniel Pinkwater (mom and children)

My Father’s Dragon series by Ruth Stiles Gannett (3 books) (mom and children)

Magic Tree House series #30-40

2013

(The Ant Bug is 8 years old, Lily Bee is 5 years old)

Magic Tree House series #1-29(mom and children: Lily is really interested in this series, the Ant Bug often reads the books aloud when mom isn’t available, and Zach usually listens in)

A Little House Christmas by Laura Ingalls Wilder (mom and Ant Bug)

From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg (mom and Ant Bug)

Bunnicula by James Howe (dad and Ant Bug)

The First Four Years, These Happy Golden Years, Little Town on the Prarie, The Long Winter, By the Shores of Silver Lake, On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder (mom and Ant Bug)

Harry Potter #1-4 by J. K. Rowling (dad and Ant Bug)

The Horse and His Boy, The Last Battle, The Silver Chair, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis (dad and Ant Bug)

A Room with a Zoo by Jules Feiffer (mom and Ant Bug)

2012

(The Ant Bug is 7 years old)

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson (mom and Ant Bug)

The Bad Beginning, The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket (dad and Ant Bug)

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo (mom and Ant Bug)

Justin Morgan had a Horse (dad and Ant Bug)

Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary (mom and Ant Bug)

The Hobbitt by J.R.R. Tolkien (dad and Ant Bug)

Betsy-Tacy, Betsy-Tacy and Tib by Maude Hart Lovelace (mom and Ant Bug)

2011

(The Ant Bug is 6 years old)

Little House on the Prarie, Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder (mom and Ant Bug)

Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater (mom and Ant Bug)

A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond (mom and Ant Bug)

The Tale of Desperaux by Kate DiCamillo (mom and Ant Bug)

Stuart Little (mom and Ant Bug)

Be grateful in any circumstance (Highlights from President Uchtdorf-April 2014)

April 27, 2014April 29, 2014 Nurture Mama Leave a comment

“But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding.

Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be.”

Great examples of people who showed gratitude in difficult circumstances: Nephi, Job, Mormon pioneers, Joseph Smith.

“We can choose to be like the Prophet Joseph Smith, who, while a prisoner in miserable conditions in Liberty Jail, penned these inspired words: “Dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.”^7“

“We sometimes think that being grateful is what we do after our problems are solved, but how terribly shortsighted that is. How much of life do we miss by waiting to see the rainbow before thanking God that there is rain?”

“Endings are not our destiny. The more we learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ, the more we realize that endings here in mortality are not endings at all. They are merely interruptions—temporary pauses that one day will seem small compared to the eternal joy awaiting the faithful.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Grateful in Any Circumstances”. April 2014 General Conference.

Make and keep your covenants (Highlights from President Eyring-April 2014)

April 21, 2014April 27, 2014 Nurture Mama Leave a comment

A common theme in the remarks of President Eyring during the April 2014 session of conference was that of covenants. It came up in all three of his addresses. I especially appreciated the reminder to let God be the leader of my family. Things will work out!

“You hold in your hands the happiness of more people than you can now imagine. Every day and every hour you can choose to make or keep a covenant with God.” (leave a heritage of hope and faith for those who come after you)“Keeping our second estate depends on our making covenants with God and faithfully performing the duties they require of us. It takes faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior to keep sacred covenants for a lifetime.”

“Heavenly Father and the Savior are our perfect examples of what we can and must do. They never force righteousness because righteousness must be chosen. They make righteousness discernible to us, and They let us see that its fruits are delicious.” (how to be a parent)

“There are things you can do early, when those you love are young. Remember that daily family prayer, family scripture study, and sharing our testimony in sacrament meeting are easier and more effective when children are young. Young children are often more sensitive to the Spirit than we realize.”

President Hinckley and President Monson are optimists. They say “Oh, things will work out”.

“If you let Him be the leader of your family, things will work out.”

President Henry B. Eyring, “A Priceless Heritage of Hope”. April 2014 General Conference.

“It is our free choice whether we make and keep those covenants. Only a few of His daughters have the opportunity in this life to even learn of those covenants. You are one of the favored few. You dear sisters, each of you is a daughter in the covenant.”

“He sees that glorious potential in all of His daughters, wherever they are. Now, that puts a great responsibility on each of you. He expects you to treat every person you meet as a child of God. That is the reason He commands us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves and to forgive them. Your feelings of kindness and forgiveness toward others come as your divine inheritance from Him as His daughter. Each person you meet is His loved spiritual child.”

“While Satan may be attacking sisters at earlier ages, the Lord is lifting sisters to higher and higher levels of spirituality.”

President Henry B. Eyring, “Daughters in the Covenant”. April 2014 General Conference.

“You can be a great model, an average one, or a bad model. You may think it doesn’t matter to you, but it does to the Lord.”

“I have observed three common characteristics of the priesthood holders who are my heroes. One is a pattern of prayer, the second is a habit of service, and the third is a rock-hard decision to be honest.

(Great instruction on how to pray sincerely and with real intent. Describe to Heavenly Father the blessings you received that day, pray for forgiveness, thank God for his kindness…)

President Henry B. Eyring “The Priesthood Man”. April 2014 General Conference.

Love is the essence of the gospel (Highlights from President Monson-April 2014)

April 18, 2014May 4, 2014 Nurture Mama Leave a comment

“Love is the very essence of the gospel, and Jesus Christ is our Exemplar.”

“There are many attributes which are manifestations of love, such as kindness, patience, selflessness, understanding, and forgiveness. In all our associations, these and other such attributes will help make evident the love in our hearts.”

“To my mind come the words of the scripture: “Charity is the pure love of Christ, … and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.”

“Brothers and sisters, some of our greatest opportunities to demonstrate our love will be within the walls of our own homes. Love should be the very heart of family life, and yet sometimes it is not. There can be too much impatience, too much arguing, too many fights, too many tears. Lamented President Gordon B. Hinckley: “Why is it that the [ones] we love [most] become so frequently the targets of our harsh words? Why is it that [we] sometimes speak as if with daggers that cut to the quick?”⁹ The answers to these questions may be different for each of us, and yet the bottom line is that the reasons do not matter. If we would keep the commandment to love one another, we must treat each other with kindness and respect.”

“Love is expressed in many recognizable ways: a smile, a wave, a kind comment, a compliment. Other expressions may be more subtle, such as showing interest in another’s activities, teaching a principle with kindness and patience, visiting one who is ill or homebound. These words and actions and many others can communicate love.”

“May we begin now, this very day, to express love to all of God’s children, whether they be our family members, our friends, mere acquaintances, or total strangers. As we arise each morning, let us determine to respond with love and kindness to whatever might come our way.”

President Thomas S. Monson, “Love-the Essence of the Gospel”. April 2014 General Conference.

Welcoming and Closing words from President Monson (April 2014)

April 16, 2014July 27, 2014 Nurture Mama Leave a comment

Image via 24saltlake.com

“We are a temple-building and a temple-attending people.”

President Thomas S. Monson, “Welcome to Conference.” April 2014 General Conference.

“May heaven’s blessings be with each of us. May our homes be filled with love and courtesy and with the Spirit of the Lord. May we constantly nourish our testimonies of the gospel, that they will be a protection for us against the buffetings of the adversary. May the Spirit we have felt during these past two days be and abide with us as we go about those things which occupy us each day, and may we ever be found doing the work of the Lord.”

President Thomas S. Monson, “Until We Meet Again”. April 2014 General Conference.

Highlights from the 2014 General Priesthood Session

April 13, 2014April 24, 2014 Nurture Mama Leave a comment

I don’t always study the talks from the General Priesthood Session immediately. But my husband encouraged me by praising the session, so I made it a priority. I especially appreciated the teachings of Elder Oaks on the priesthood, given all the recent hoopla by the Ordain Women movement.

Elder Oaks: There is no up or down in the service of the Lord, only forward or backward. Prieshood power blesses all of us. Priesthood keys direct women and men. Priesthood ordinances pertain to women and men. Ultimately, all keys of the priesthood are held by Jesus Christ–he directs how the keys are passed to mortals and how they will be used. The work of Relief Society is done by divine authority. Whoever holds priesthood authority should forget about their rights and concentrate on responsibility. “It is time to defend not so much human rights as human obligation”. Women are builders and organizers of the priesthood peers, and partakers of its blessings. Women and men are equal, with some different responsibilities.

Elder Hallstrom: What manner of men (or women) ought ye to be? The purpose of General Conference is only fulfilled if we are willing to act, if we are willing to change. Saying “That’s just the way I am” gives up our ability to change. Who we are is not who we can become. The gospel can change people permanently. 1) We need to be priesthood men (or women). 2) We need to be worthy. 3)We need to be worthy. Be as Jesus Christ. Come unto him and be perfected in him.

Brother Ridd (Young Men Presidency): This is the “choice generation”. More choices means more opportunities to do good or evil. The internet is one of the greatest tools of mean. What does your heart desire? With the click of a button you can access it. The internet records your cyber book of life. Agency is you power to become. Ask “Where will this choice lead?” Develop the ability to see beyond the moment. 1) Knowing who you are makes decisions easier. 2) Plug into the source of power (be fully charged spiritually). 3) Owning a smart phone does not make you smart. Don’t do dumb things with your smart phone. Be where you are when you are there. 4) The divine purpose of technology is to hasten the work.

President Uchtdorf: Rip Van Wrinkle story. Are you sleeping through the restoration? 3 Obstacles: 1) Selfishness-the remedy is to follow Christ and serve. 2) Addictions-are much easier to prevent then cure. But there is hope-seek help. 3) Competing priorities. Ye are sons (or daughters) of light. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is not an effort of once a day. It is an effort of once and for all.

President Eyring: HEROES. We try to be like, or copy, our heroes. You are a model to others: you can be good, or average, or bad. “Let your light so shine before men…” Characteristics of good priesthood models: 1) pattern of prayer 2) habit of service 3) decision to be honest.

President Monson: decisions determine our destiny. We need courage to say no, courage to say yes, and courage to do the right thing because it is right. If you ever find yourself where you shouldn’t be-GET OUT! Jabari Parker’s dad said “Just be the same person you are in the dark as you are in the light.” Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval. “… Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:5, 9)

Highlights from the March 2014 General Women’s Meeting

April 8, 2014April 8, 2014 Nurture Mama Leave a comment

The invitation for all women age 8 and up to view the General Women’s Meeting is an exciting change. My oldest daughter is now 9 years old and it was wonderful to watch that session together. I hope that she will remember what she feels as she hears the inspired messages, and be grateful to be a woman in the latter-days. The theme of making and keeping our covenants, and finding strength in our covenants, was the prevailing message I took home from the meeting. Here are my notes from the speakers.

Sister Wixom (Primary): *COVENANTS. Review the YW theme “We are daughters of a Heavenly Father who loves us, and we love him.” We make covenants. Baptism and the sacrament lead us to the temple. Hold fast to the covenants on the path. “Lift up your heart and rejoice, and cleave to your covenants” (D&C 25:13, revelation given to Emma Smith).

Sister Oscarson (Young Women): We are sisters who are united. Sisters take care of each other. When we compare ourselves to others we will always feel inadequate–so don’t do it! Women really need each other. *Be a Primary leader who loves children. Testify to others of the great blessings of RS.*As we look beyond our differences in age and circumstance to nurture and serve one another, we will be filled with the LOVE of Christ. I invite you to not only LOVE each other more, but LOVE each other better.

Sister Burton (Relief Society): our work is to be a disciple–come and follow him. Mormon declared “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ” (find scripture reference?) Being a disciple is a gift. The best way to strengthen a home is to keep covenants. *What does it mean to me to be a disciple of Christ? Help Wanted–step forward in righteousness and be a disciple.

“We are cov’nant [daughters] with a gift to give. We will teach the gospel by the way we live.With each word and action, we will testify: We believe, and we serve Jesus Christ.”

President Eyring (First Presidency): “Inasmuch as parents teach children in Zion…” (D&C 68:25-27). You are one of the favored few, a daughter in the covenant. Keep the commitment to comfort and serve. Heavenly Father sees not only what you are, but what you may become. Satan is attacking sisters earlier, while the Lord is lifting sisters to higher levels of spirituality. Follow the examples of great women–study Eve. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

To access full text and video of the General Women’s Meeting, click here.

April 2014 General Conference: Sunday Highlights

April 6, 2014May 6, 2014 Nurture Mama Leave a comment

General Conference was wonderful. I have much to think upon and am inspired to improve upon in my life. Here is my quick run-down of the talks from today. Note–my children were a little more antsy today (as to be expected for their age of course), so my notes are not as complete as I would have liked. But thankfully modern technology makes all of the talks readily accessible to study again in my own quiet time!

President Uchtdorf: GRATITUDE. Being grateful makes life sweeter. As disciples of Christ we are commanded to thank the Lord in all things. We should be grateful in times of trial, not just when things are going our way. Recognize God’s handiwork in the tapestry of life. *Study gratitude/thankfulness as an attribute of Christ.

Elder Ballard: Preach My Gospel teaches how to invite and follow-up–study this manual. Invite someone to hear the missionaries 4 times a year.

Sister Stevens: Heavenly Father accomplishes his miracles one prayer at a time, one person at a time. The gospel is not a checklist of things to do. It lives in our hearts. “Fear not, I am with thee, be not dismayed” (Hymn, and Isaiah 41:10)

Bishop Stevenson: stories of 3 LDS Olympians. This life is our “4minutes”-our day to perform our labors. “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). Make an action plan for family members and their next essential ordinance (ie. baptism, endowment…)

Elder Bednar: story of the man, the truck, and the load. Bearing a load is part of the Father’s plan. “Come unto me all ye that labor”. Making covenants yokes us with Jesus Christ, he will share our load. Alma and his people-burdens are made light through the load. *INCREASED CAPACITY-pray for this in my roles and responsibility. The atonement is for those who are trying to become better.

President Monson: LOVE is the very essence of the gospel, and Jesus Christ is our exemplar. Other attributes of love. Recognize someone’s need and respond. Everyday we are given opportunities to show love and kindness. “Charity is the pure love of Christ”. *Love should be the very heart of family life. Be compassionate and encouraging. *Rise in the morning determined to respond with love and kindness to whatever may come that day.

President Packer: gaining a testimony.

Elder Walker: every member should know the conversion stories of their ancestors. *Research these stories and compile them for my children-this would be the greatest gift. Stay true to the faith.

Elder Perry: obedience is a choice.

Elder Corbridge: story of Joseph Smith. The truth will always be opposed.

Elder Teh: we need to recognize when enough is enough (in temporal things). “For where your treasure is, there will your hearts be also”. *Where do I devote my time and treasure? *Study and understand the doctrine of Christ.

Elder Aidakaitus: one should not roam through garbage. Revelation is knowledge.

Elder Christofferson: account of Christ’s resurrection. The grace of Christ is real. It is only through him that we are saved.

President Monson: nourish our testimonies constantly that they may be a strength to us. *May we ever be found doing the work of the Lord.

April 2014 General Conference: Saturday Highlights

April 5, 2014April 5, 2014 Nurture Mama Leave a comment

General Conference so far has been wonderful. I was more conscientious about note taking this time around, so I just wanted to recap a few of my favorites. Note that some of these might not be actual quotes, but what my head and heart heard as I listened today.

Elder Holland: Christlike love is the greatest need on our planet. How do I love as Christ does? Pure christlike love flowing from pure righteousness can change the world.

Elder Rasband: Love, prayers, appreciation

Sister Reeves: how do we lead children to deep conversion? By “we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ…(2 Nephi 25:26). Daily scripture study and prayer and weekly FHE should be the priority-it doesn’t matter in the long run whether the dishes or laundry are done. The Book of Mormon carries power to protect families-how can I study it more and better?

Elder Anderson: challenges will come, but the Lord can strengthen you. The Book of Mormon protects from the world’s whirlwinds. Stand in holy places.

President Eyring: everyday you can choose to make or keep a covenant with God. If you let the Lord be the leader of your family, things will work out.

Elder Nelson: faith is the antidote of fear. Even if everyone is doing it, wrong is never right.

Elder Scott: loving them is a powerful motivation for influencing those you want to help. The greatest example who ever walked the earth is our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Elder Hales: obedience is motivated by true love.

Elder Cook: our doctrinal obligation is to to our own ancestors. Do the work for my family, both the roots and the branches. Our family history centers are now in our homes.