Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Deseret Books Mormon Night at Dodger's Stadium
A couple days ago I got my letter that states that I will not be one of the finalists for the National Anthem in LA for the Deseret Book's Mormon Night at Dodger's Stadium in August. I was thrilled that I made it through the qualifying round, but I will not be going any further then that.
I know that many people would expect me to be disappointed, and I know others that are disappointed that I am not one of the finalists, but I wanted to point something out to you guys.
As you all know, the economy is a bit difficult right now, and this competition is set up differently then I thought it was from the application and other materials that I had read on it before I entered it.
From the letter that I was sent, I learned that there will be 6 chosen to go to Dodger's Stadium, and then the winner will be announced there, and they will get to sing. I know what my personal situation is. I just started a new job and it would have only been worth going to LA if I knew that I was 'the one'. The reason being that the winner gets prize money that would have off set the cost of going. I know that there are other cash prizes as well, but it just would not have been worth it to me personally to have taken that financial risk, plus the date the performance is on is also the same day that I would have been in teacher training for my other job that will start this fall.
I do love to sing, and I am glad that there are so many that do appreciate it, but for some time, it has not been the center of my life. My family has been, and I have sung for church and political events. I like it that way. I like my freedom. I entered because I was encouraged to do so, and would have gone through with it, but only if it was clear to me that it was what God wanted me to do.
There was a time when I knew singing was exactly that, and then later it was clear to me that working with grassroots politics was what He wanted me to do. Educating my children at home for 3 years was also one of those things that was clear to me. Now it is having them attend the private school that they love, and sacrificing so that they can. I feel a strong desire at this time to provide for and to protect my children, to make sure that even though I am in school and now working, that they are safe, feel loved, and are able to still have their testimonies develop. With the world we live in, that is essential for them.
I look forward to the day when I am able to have saved enough and have rebuilt all that I have lost in storage, that I can go back home and be there for them. And the job that I have now, that is the way that can happen, and although it is difficult to work full time and go to school full time, I know that there are blessings in this.
So, those of you who are feeling bummed out that I did not go on further, it is ok, really it is. I really do not need the praise of the world to be happy. :)
I know that many people would expect me to be disappointed, and I know others that are disappointed that I am not one of the finalists, but I wanted to point something out to you guys.
As you all know, the economy is a bit difficult right now, and this competition is set up differently then I thought it was from the application and other materials that I had read on it before I entered it.
From the letter that I was sent, I learned that there will be 6 chosen to go to Dodger's Stadium, and then the winner will be announced there, and they will get to sing. I know what my personal situation is. I just started a new job and it would have only been worth going to LA if I knew that I was 'the one'. The reason being that the winner gets prize money that would have off set the cost of going. I know that there are other cash prizes as well, but it just would not have been worth it to me personally to have taken that financial risk, plus the date the performance is on is also the same day that I would have been in teacher training for my other job that will start this fall.
I do love to sing, and I am glad that there are so many that do appreciate it, but for some time, it has not been the center of my life. My family has been, and I have sung for church and political events. I like it that way. I like my freedom. I entered because I was encouraged to do so, and would have gone through with it, but only if it was clear to me that it was what God wanted me to do.
There was a time when I knew singing was exactly that, and then later it was clear to me that working with grassroots politics was what He wanted me to do. Educating my children at home for 3 years was also one of those things that was clear to me. Now it is having them attend the private school that they love, and sacrificing so that they can. I feel a strong desire at this time to provide for and to protect my children, to make sure that even though I am in school and now working, that they are safe, feel loved, and are able to still have their testimonies develop. With the world we live in, that is essential for them.
I look forward to the day when I am able to have saved enough and have rebuilt all that I have lost in storage, that I can go back home and be there for them. And the job that I have now, that is the way that can happen, and although it is difficult to work full time and go to school full time, I know that there are blessings in this.
So, those of you who are feeling bummed out that I did not go on further, it is ok, really it is. I really do not need the praise of the world to be happy. :)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Healing Your Marriage
If it is possible to heal your marriage, then you should do so. Sometimes it is not. But here is to hoping.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Family Matters
This morning as I am preparing to take my children to school, I have been pondering the wonderful blessing that family is as well as today being the National Day of Prayer.
Knowing that our greatest blessings come from the close family relationships that we have has influenced the choices that I have made in my life. Protecting those relationships and nurturing them seems to be our greatest call.
Our time together does go by very fast, especially if we are distracted by the things of the world, and are pursuing them rather then those things that will make us truly happy, like an eternal family.
As a child, there was nothing that I wanted more then my own little family, that would last forever. And today, there are so many possible distractions, that we must consciously choose to build each other, spend time together, and let those things that are of less value go, fall by the wayside.
If it is not praiseworthy, uplifting, inspiring, I have to ask myself why I do it at all. It all goes back to the phrases good, better and best, and always seeking to choose the best.
What we choose to spend our time on today, will determine our future. That is a phrase that President Thomas S. Monson said at a recent address given to graduates at Utah Valley University that I attended. And that struck me as profound and true in that moment, and answered some personal prayers of mine. How I spend my time and who I spend it with determines future possibilities in my life. So, I have determined that I will cherish my time, and spend it with those that I want to see in my future.
President Monson also gave a three point suggestion on what to do with our lives,
1. Glance back 2. Reach out and 3. Look forward.
May we only glance back to the past long enough to learn from it, reach out to those around us and share our knowledge and talents, and look forward to our future goals, and make decisions today that will lead us to that destination.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Come What May and Love It
Charity Angel's Thoughts
Charity Angel's blog about anything.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Come What May and Love It
1. Learn to Laugh
2. Seek for the Eternal
3. Understand the Principle of Compensation
4. Put our trust in Our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ
I have found this talk given by Elder Wirthlin to be very touching and absolutely the truth. As I have faced the many difficulties that I have the last several years, and even more specifically, the ones that I am currently facing now, I must acknowledge the truth of these words.
Through my heartache and pain, it is through my many great friends that have helped me continue to laugh that I have been lifted out of feelings of sorrow very rapidly. Although the pain can come back over and over through disappointment and other grief, laughing does remove it once again.
Seeking for the eternal does help us keep the right perspective about what we are going through, it is but a small moment of our eternal life. There is much more left to accomplish and to develop, and if we can focus on looking forward, then we can accomplish many things, and the painful past becomes less and less painful.
I can testify that the Lord literally does compensate us for our losses. It has been my personal experience that not only am I compensated, but I am blessed beyond measure. As I have lost almost all my earthly possessions, my marriage, political goals and opportunities, completely uprooted my life, and have had to face starting over as the sole provider of my family, I must acknowledge the many that have helped the Lord compensate those losses. The blessings are increasing, and each loss I have had is being compensated for one thing at a time, in the Lord's timing. Not all things are compensated for, but I know that the Lord will provide it. For example, one day I will again be married, and I will be blessed to have that joy in my life. This is going to happen in the Lord's time, but I know that it will happen.
The final one is the most important one. We must trust in Heavenly Father and in His Son Jesus Christ. If we do not do this, the other blessings do not come as rapidly. It is by trusting in them, rather then the arm of flesh, that we are inspired to make choices and take actions that bring these blessings to us. For when we obey they Lord's commandments, those blessings must be given that are connected to them.
To all those who have touched my life for good, I thank you. You have been an instrument in the hands of God to reach the soul of one of His daughters. I appreciate you being willing to serve, and to do His work through service to others. I admit that I prefer to be the one giving to others, but I am amazed by all that everyone has done. Everything from just being a listening ear when I need it, to sharing with me of your things so that I can have a home once again. I am thankful for my family and friends, and ward members, both those I have left behind, and those I am with now. Without all of you, I am not sure that I would have been able to work through things as much as I have so far, or as fast as I have. There is still a lot more to go through, but thank you so much for aiding me on that
journey.
Charity Angel's blog about anything.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Come What May and Love It
1. Learn to Laugh
2. Seek for the Eternal
3. Understand the Principle of Compensation
4. Put our trust in Our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ
I have found this talk given by Elder Wirthlin to be very touching and absolutely the truth. As I have faced the many difficulties that I have the last several years, and even more specifically, the ones that I am currently facing now, I must acknowledge the truth of these words.
Through my heartache and pain, it is through my many great friends that have helped me continue to laugh that I have been lifted out of feelings of sorrow very rapidly. Although the pain can come back over and over through disappointment and other grief, laughing does remove it once again.
Seeking for the eternal does help us keep the right perspective about what we are going through, it is but a small moment of our eternal life. There is much more left to accomplish and to develop, and if we can focus on looking forward, then we can accomplish many things, and the painful past becomes less and less painful.
I can testify that the Lord literally does compensate us for our losses. It has been my personal experience that not only am I compensated, but I am blessed beyond measure. As I have lost almost all my earthly possessions, my marriage, political goals and opportunities, completely uprooted my life, and have had to face starting over as the sole provider of my family, I must acknowledge the many that have helped the Lord compensate those losses. The blessings are increasing, and each loss I have had is being compensated for one thing at a time, in the Lord's timing. Not all things are compensated for, but I know that the Lord will provide it. For example, one day I will again be married, and I will be blessed to have that joy in my life. This is going to happen in the Lord's time, but I know that it will happen.
The final one is the most important one. We must trust in Heavenly Father and in His Son Jesus Christ. If we do not do this, the other blessings do not come as rapidly. It is by trusting in them, rather then the arm of flesh, that we are inspired to make choices and take actions that bring these blessings to us. For when we obey they Lord's commandments, those blessings must be given that are connected to them.
To all those who have touched my life for good, I thank you. You have been an instrument in the hands of God to reach the soul of one of His daughters. I appreciate you being willing to serve, and to do His work through service to others. I admit that I prefer to be the one giving to others, but I am amazed by all that everyone has done. Everything from just being a listening ear when I need it, to sharing with me of your things so that I can have a home once again. I am thankful for my family and friends, and ward members, both those I have left behind, and those I am with now. Without all of you, I am not sure that I would have been able to work through things as much as I have so far, or as fast as I have. There is still a lot more to go through, but thank you so much for aiding me on that
journey.
The Family: A Proclamation to the World
The family is the central unit of society. Without it, our society dies. Not only is the family needed for our culture and people to flourish, but it is also where the next generation is cultivated. I believe that it was Abraham Lincoln that said that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the nation. As we become more involved and distracted by the things of the world, or are pursuing more things rather then spending more time with our families, the side effects are becoming ever evident. The most precious of relationships are neglected, and our children are left to find their own way following new teachers, like the media and other avenues in which the philosophies of men rather then God become central to their lives.
It is my experience that when we make God the center of our home, we are better able to weather the storms that will come to us in this life. Below I have included the proclamation to the world that was given back in 1995 to all.
It is my hope that it will reach those who may not have seen it nor read it yet, that they may change the focus of their lives to more of an eternal perspective.
We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.
The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.
Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.
This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
It is my experience that when we make God the center of our home, we are better able to weather the storms that will come to us in this life. Below I have included the proclamation to the world that was given back in 1995 to all.
It is my hope that it will reach those who may not have seen it nor read it yet, that they may change the focus of their lives to more of an eternal perspective.
We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.
The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.
Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.
This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)