Christmas stories and music

My family knows the month of December means Mom has to read a Christmas story or two! This year, I am a bit busy with school, work and life. For the last two weeks I have been sick with atypical pneumonia and just got on the right antibiotics for it, this weekend I am focus on class and bed to rest! So, I have rediscover my love for Audible books!  This past week I was able to listen to The 13th Day of Christmas by Jason F. Wright. 

Great story of how a friendship is formed, serving others and showing Christ like love. Martha in the book has a great tradition the day after Christmas that she shares with her new friend.  I enjoyed this book more and found myself wanting to listen every chance I got! 

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
“The choices we make in media can be symbolic of the choices we make in life. Choosing the trendy, the titillating, the tawdry in the TV programs or movies we watch can cause us to end up, if we're not careful, choosing the same things in the lives we live." 

I like to add books to that list as well as music.  As I had shared in my last post about the Church web site for Christmas, this song had to be put on my I-tunes last night and I like to share it with you.  Christmas is a powerful season, I hope you come to know the Savior, as he is the reason for the season.

A Savior is Born

Our Church this year has a wonderful message as to why we need a Savior. A Savior is Born is a wonderful site to share with your family this season.

Within the site the #ASaviorIsBorn is being used for 12 inspiring videos.  We are on day 7 today and I like to share that video with you. I just love Lindsey Stirling and she shows a side of a LDS person (aka Mormon) that you may not always see.
Also one other one that was shared last week is of young Lexi Walker.  She is all of 14 and a voice of an angel!



As we go about this month, please take a moment to know the true meaning of Christmas.  

The 5 Love Languages

In my class this week for FDREL 200 we were introduce to the test for "The 5 Love Languages" You can do the test here if you like to!

“Love is a choice you make everyday.”
― Gary Chapman

I like to share the video I found on the site.  I have enjoyed the test, learning more about how I love and like to be loved.   This holiday season, is a time to accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.



The 5 Love Languages Trailer from Dr. Gary Chapman on Vimeo.

How can we become more diligent and concerned at home?

Elder David A. Bednar Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave a talk in October 2009.  The title was More Diligent and Concerned at Home.

He gave us suggestions on how we can be more diligent and concerned at home and the first suggestion is LOVE.
Express Love-and Show it.  Tell the ones that mean the most to you that you love them and tell them frequently. We know we need to do this, but is not always reflected in what we do.  Learn to know what you need to do to show love to your family.

The next suggestion is Bear Testimony-and Live it.  Bear our testimony of the things we know to be true. It does not need to be long, but allow your family to know you have a testimony of our Savior. What is a testimony?  It is what we know to be true in our minds and in our hearts by the witness of the Holy Ghost.

Be Consistent is the third suggestion. Have regular meals together, prayer together scripture study and family home evening.  Now this may not always go as you in-vision or plan, but keep at it.  Children and kids will remember.

The love we show for our family will last forever.  We need to raise up our children in Christ or the world will do otherwise.

"Rear your children in love, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Take care of your little ones. Welcome them into your homes, and nurture and love them with all of your hearts. They may do, in the years that come, some things you would not want them to do, but be patient, be patient. You have not failed as long as you have tried. Never forget that.” Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley

Not my normal post, but I want to share that Family can be together forever.

This past Friday the 13th the world was turned upside down for many in France.  People of the world are coming together in many ways.  Prayer, turning Facebook profile pictures with an over lay of the French flag and flags in the State of Florida will be flown at half staff.  Like many, I too changed my photo and in prayer, pray for the lives that have been lost and their families.

Closer to home, in our Stake we lost a great man and his granddaughters on Friday, our dear friend Jimmy Hiatt. We did not to loose him to any diseases, or an accident, but at the hand of someone that was listening to Satan. We lost him in a murder/suicide.  Jimmy was dedicated to his family.  Loving father to his daughter and son and grandfather to two beautiful 5 month old twin girls which he got to take home to our Father in Heaven and play with them in the eternities. His beautiful daughter Megan is in the hospital in stable but serious condition. She needs our help and prayers.  A gofundme account has been set up to help her with medical and funeral expenses.

Jimmy was a member of our Church.  We believe that family can be together forever. 

"Just as Jesus used a child in His mortal ministry as an example for the people of the pure love they must and could have to be like Him, He has offered us the family as an example of an ideal setting in which we can learn how to love as He loves. That is because the greatest joys and the greatest sorrows we experience are in family relationships. The joys come from putting the welfare of others above our own." -Henry B. Eyring  
That is what love is.  Jimmy did just that!

 

 

Happy November!

Happy November!  And my the holidays always be in your favor!  Sounds familiar?  Let me give you the correct line.  "Happy Hunger Games and may the odds be in your favor!"  From the move Hunger Games. 

For the Carroll family, the month of November and December brings Birthdays, Holidays, time with family and MOVIES! We love movies in our family.  Family time is so important.  We have found that even if we are watching a movie together, we have fun.  The fall brings such great movies, we find ourselves heading to watch them when we can. 

How do you spend your time?  

 

Often, one should check to see what they are spending their time on.  We all get busy with work, school, church callings.  What time does it leave for spending time with our love one? When you are together is the glow of a computer screen or phone screen impedes the time you can sit and share about your day or have fun together with interruptions?

This holiday time frame, look to spend it with family.  Those that are far from you, use technology wisely but during a Facetime call or Skype call with love ones.  If you can, move the phone, tablet or laptop around and show your family that is not near your home and such.  I promise, much joy will come from time spent with family and with those that are not near with the technology we have today. Find the ways to use technology for the good!

Winning the Argument or Solving the Problem

The movie Inside Out shows us a great view I feel of what may go on inside ones head at times.  A enjoyable movie and since watching it I find myself often thinking of these characters.  I have a dog that often times have the emotion of anger.  We even joke about this and bought her a stuff little Anger character for her cage.

This morning, this little 'hot head" Anger, arose in my husband and I.  Sad to say that.  The best couples at time have disagreement or an argument I feel at times.  It is mortal life and the adversary tries to get to the best of us at times.

Phil and I have a lot on our plates at the moment.  Callings in the church.  We both work full time.  We both are in school to further our education.  All are demanding our time.  The time that is demanded is long hours too. To be mindful of time, we really have to watch what we are doing at all times.

"Winning the Argument Or Solving the Problem, which do you want?" is an article I found today that I wanted to share.  It is from one of ours Church magazines.  In this told about a couple where he was quick to to say cutting words, and his wife at times would just let him "win" but often left crying.  I found myself in this article you could say.  My husband is very intelligent but also very quick with words. I find myself letting him just win. you could say.  Today, I got angry.  Not good came from that except ill feelings.

So at this time, I like to say in public I am sorry Phil!  You are a good man with a lot on your plate!  I know this and I should say it more often to you!

In the article at the end asked a few questions.  I like to leave you with three to ponder on.

1. Why is it important to understand your partner’s feelings during a conversation? How can you let him or her know that you’re trying to understand?
   
   
2. Why is listening—really listening—more important than always agreeing on everything? Why is it often more important than giving advice?
   
   
3. Why is it true that “in most arguments, both people are at fault”?
   I love my husband and so thankful we can have our testimonies and have the gospel.  We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.   I see some time together will be needed in the next few days I feel. 
   
   Love  you my best friend!  Always and forever!
   
   

Two essays by our Church

This week two essays was put out by the Church this week.  First in Mother in Heaven.  We have a mother and father here on earth, so why not have a Mother in Heaven?  We do not pray to her and President Gordon B. Hinckley said this does not belittle her or denigrates her.
"As with many other truths of the gospel, our present knowledge about a Mother in Heaven is limited. Nevertheless, we have been given sufficient knowledge to appreciate the sacredness of this doctrine and to comprehend the divine pattern established for us as children of heavenly parents. Latter-day Saints believe that this pattern is reflected in Paul’s statement that “neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.”Men and women cannot be exalted without each other. Just as we have a Father in Heaven, we have a Mother in Heaven. As Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said, “Our theology begins with heavenly parents. Our highest aspiration is to be like them.”
In doing so we should study always.

A second essay this week was Joseph Smith's Teachings About Priesthood, Temple and Women. 
This is focus on women and the early understanding of the priesthood.  "Two aspects of Joseph Smith’s teachings to the women of the Relief Society may be unfamiliar to members of the Church today. First is his use of language associated with priesthood. In organizing the Relief Society, Joseph spoke of “ordain[ing]” women and said that Relief Society officers would “preside over the Society.”He also declared, “I now turn the key to you in the name of God."

Many may feel this is going to open the doors to women hold the priesthood.  I only like to say to this is that it will come from down from our Lord if this is to be.  Lets let women continue in the many important rolls that we do have in the church today.

"Priesthood blesses the lives of God’s children in innumerable ways. Priesthood defines, empowers, ennobles, and creates order. In ecclesiastical callings, temple ordinances, family relationships, and quiet, individual ministry, Latter-day Saint women and men go forward with priesthood power and authority. This interdependence of men and women in accomplishing God’s work through His power is central to the gospel of Jesus Christ restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith."

All will be well

In families you have your moments.  You stand by your family, no matter what.  Elder Richard G. Scott said, ).  “To accelerate your growth and attainment in his plan for you, sometimes he employs a pattern described on the label of some medicines: “shake well before using.” Such shaking comes through stirring challenges and stretching tests.”  This is the shaking and testing for our family in the next few days.  Our missionary is coming home.  All will be well. We will help her get well too! 

This mamma wants to give her the biggest hug, and I will tomorrow.  With ward family to welcome her too.  This is our Church here that I call our ward family.  Her mission President has said she is a TRUE RM!  With that said, we are going to treat her just like that and have posters and such when she arrives.  She is to hold her head up high!  HIGH!

 

Celebrating 20 Years of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World"

Little over a week ago, I talked about "The Family: A Proclamation to the World". Today, I like to share with you this video that I came across and wanted to share it with you.  Please take a moment and watch the Gibson family that produced this video.  This is a beautiful testimony of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" by this family.  I hope you enjoy!

 

Families and Mothers

This has been a very busy week!  Got news of our daughter being very sick and she is on a mission for our church.  School for both my husband and I and last weekend was General Conference for our church.  I know I can do all things that I need to do.

It is because of my class at BYU-I online and conference last weekend, I have come to know that it is never to late to show our children love and example.  While our children may choose a different path, we can be forever together.  I also learned that I have done my very best. 

Elder Jeffery R. Holland gave a wonderful talk about a Mothers love.  "No love in mortality comes closer to approximating the pure love of Jesus Christ than the selfless love a devoted mother has for her child." This is something all mothers need to hear and I like to invite you to read or watch his talk from Conference. You can view the video, download the talk or listen to Elder Holland here.

Know you are a very important to your Heavenly Father too.  You were his child before you were your parents child.  To you mothers and fathers the same goes.  Your children were his children before they were yours.  He knows your feeling and he know you best.  Turn to him in need.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

This past Wednesday marked 20 years the anniversary of the release of an important document. It is called The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

You can view the full script of the Proclamation at this link: The Family: A Proclamation to the World

 

His was a message filled with gratitude and tender emotion. He counseled, “Regardless of your circumstances, walk with faith”;“reach out in love to those in distress and need.

There is a line in the Proclamation that says  “Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”

In a world that is ever changing, we need to know that if we walk by faith, with our family all can and will be well.  Forgive others and respect too.  Please take the time to listen, to pray and to study what family means to you.

Family is wonderful and sometimes your family is others

This week has been a busy one.  I was feeling a bit down, missing my children and I texted one of my sons a simple "I Love You!" He quickly replied back and said the same, and asked if I was ok.  I told him I was missing my kids today.  Later in the afternoon, I got this deliver at my office!

They arrived on Wednesday afternoon, and I kept them in my office until Friday.  The card simply said, "I love you Mom".  What a great feeling to have your son send you flowers "Just because".   These are the little things in families that brings you closer together, even when you are far away. Hoping to see my son Justin, and my other two sons at Christmas this year.  Only one that will be away would be my daughter that is on her mission.

Now yesterday, I got to spend time with a different family.  This was my "ward family" on our youth temple trip.  Our ward had the largest turn out yet, 21 youth and adults in a long time!  Taking the youth to the temple is a wonderful time to spend and for them to understand the why we go to the temple.

    For me, this was a great way to spend time with my ward family.  Since I can't be with my own kids right now, I get to share in the joys of others.  We can be family to those that don't have family or to those that need support.

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone! 

ASK, SEEK, KNOCK

Today, has been a day of prayer for me. To ask how can I help my daughter who is on a mission. To seek what I need to learn and know in my classes and last to knock and allow my Father in Heaven to come in and set my mind at ease.

Call it "worried mom", but I am so concern about my daughter.  I pray she finds her happiness again.

This is what it like to be a family, a mom never stops worrying even when they "grown up".

As we attend the Temple, we can grow closer to hour Heavenly Father.  I look forward to taking our Youth to the Temple this week.  My daughter was able to attend the Denver Temple last week and this is a picture of her and her companion Sister Tu'itavake.

So much to do, so pray always!

Family is a commitment.  It is our divine destiny.

This is a commitment to update this blog with uplifting and inspiring quotes and thoughts of family.