Monthly Archives: April 2011

While I’m not sleeping

Posted in Divinity by

This is a middle-of-the-night brain bleed of sorts.

I went to bed with a migraine and woke up with the remnants of a tension headache.  I’m guessing I must be a little stressed out, but I’m not really sure about what.

I have now deleted and restarted this point of my post at least a half a dozen times because I don’t want it to turn in to a list of my frustrations and challenges right now, especially because when I line them all up in my head, they pale in comparison to the “real” struggles I see other people going through.  Then I just feel wimpy, so that doesn’t help.  Plus, I don’t want my mom and others who know me well to read this and think, “Oh dear, Stephanie’s losing it,” because that would be embarrassing.  And it’s not true.  I think.  See?  I already want to delete this paragraph and start over again, but it’s 2:30 in the morning and I should really finish and get back to bed. (There’s definitely going to be a debate about whether or not to hit the publish button when I’m done with this one.)

So.

I’m going to be intentionally vague here.  Sometimes God tells you that you should do something that you’re not super comfortable with, but you do it anyway because you have faith that He will not lead you astray even if He will lead you away from what you think you want.  And if you’re naive (like me), you think that once you take that leap of faith, things will probably fall into place and God will bless you and it will all be just fine.  And it probably all will, still.  But in the meantime, it’s a lot harder than you thought it would be, and there are challenges you didn’t really expect at all, so you have to try hard to keep the same trust you had in the beginning when you closed your eyes and jumped.  And that’s not easy.  And maybe it makes you wake up in the night with a headache.

I’m totally going to change the subject now, because I think that will be helpful.

Last night, Clark taught our Family Home Evening lesson.  He’s six, by the way.  He used some leftover props/handouts from his last Primary class and did it all completely on his own.  It was about covenants.  At one point he said, “This is the third time I’m going to say this, but promises are really, really important.  You should really keep your promises, especially if they are with Heavenly Father.  You should never break them, but if you do break them, make sure you repent.”  My favorite part was when he said, “Heavenly Father never breaks a promise.   Sometimes people break promises, but that’s because they’re not perfect like Heavenly Father.”  I love that kid.

You know what?  I love my children a lot.  I have a fantastic husband.  We have a lot of really great blessings.  I wish I did a better job of showing love and gratitude where it’s due.  I just sat here and reread this post, and these are the thoughts that came to me:  humility and prayer, priesthood blessing, grace (I’m reading a book about this, and I’ll tell you more about it soon), and relax.  Go back to the trust.  And go back to bed.

Good night.

GCBC Week 3: “The Holy Temple—a Beacon to the World” by President Thomas S. Monson

Posted in General Conference Book Club by

Welcome back, and thanks for your great participation so far.  This week we will look at the talk by our prophet, Thomas S. Monson.  In last week’s talk, Elder Holland testified of President Monson’s calling and divine leadership, and specifically of the prophetic love and warning in his messages.  As we study our talk this week, let’s try to pay attention to his expressions of both love and warning, and try to determine what our prophet is asking us to do.

“The Holy Temple—a Beacon to the World”

by President Thomas S. Monson

What are your thoughts, impressions and insights as you read this talk?  Feel free to join in the discussion in the comments, even if you’re new to General Conference Book Club.

Find-A-Friend Friday: Meet Montserrat

Posted in Find-A-Friend Friday by

Okay, people, you really need to know Montserrat, also known as “Cocoa” in the blogosphere.  She fascinates me because she is so many things that I love (faithful, Spanish and Hispanic heritage, from Georgia like me, chocoholic…), and also so many things that scare me to death (homeschool, 8 children, farm …).  She pulls it all off with an amazing grace and a remarkable attitude. She is truly inspiring, and any visit you make to her blog makes you want to do more and be better (but not in a guilty way).  I honestly believe that what she does with her family out on a remote farm is just as magnificent as any woman in history has ever done.  She rocks.  Here’s Montserrat:

Hola! My name is Montserrat (moan-say-raht) but most people just take the “rat” off and call me Montse (moan-see). My name comes from the monastery outside of Barcelona, Spain. I am 33 years old and have had a ‘heap o living’ in my life already. My wonderful husband and I live on a 4,200 acre alfalfa farm with our seven daughters and one son (soon to be two sons!) in Northern Nevada. We farm with my husband’s brothers and their families. We also homeschool our children.

I am a “mixed” breed. My mother is Mexican and my father is half Spanish, with his other half being descended from good old Mormon pioneer stock. The oldest of five children, I was born in Salt Lake City and grew up in Miami, FL and Byron, GA. My husband served his mission to Georgia, our branch being his first area. That is were we first met, but since I had just turned thirteen you can bet there wasn’t anything inappropriate going on. J I went to Ricks College (BYU-I) at the ripe old age of fifteen. My parents tried to find someone who could keep an eye on me and remembered that Elder ‘W’ was also going to Ricks. He’s been keeping an eye on me every since! We were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple by President Hinckley in December 1994, one month after I turned seventeen.

What’s your favorite part of motherhood?

I love the hugs and slobbery goodnight kisses I get from my children. I enjoy just being with them, watching them, learning who they are. They are each so unique! I enjoyed hearing this quote given by Sister Jean A. Stevens this past General Conference:

“Elder M. Russell Ballard has taught us the importance of the Savior’s admonition to “behold your little ones” when he said: “Notice that He didn’t say ‘glance at them’ or ‘casually observe them’ or ‘occasionally take a look in their general direction.’ He said to behold them. To me that means that we should embrace them with our eyes and with our hearts; we should see and appreciate them for who they really are: spirit children of our Heavenly Father, with divine attributes” (“Behold Your Little Ones,” Tambuli, Oct. 1994, 40; emphasis added; “Great Shall Be the Peace of Thy Children,” Ensign, Apr. 1994, 59).

“There is not a more perfect place to behold our little ones than in our families. Home is a place where we can all learn and grow together.”

Name 2 or 3 items on your “bucket list.”  (Some things you’d like to do before you die.)

My husband and I really want to serve a mission together when our kids are grown and gone. Someday I WILL write a children’s book. And I want to learn how to play “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” on my violin before I die.

Brag for a minute.  Do it.  What are a few things that you’re pretty good at?

Playing the piano has always been a favorite talent. I’m glad my parents instilled that love of music in me and my siblings. Being able to play practically anything when called on at the last minute has been a tremendous way to serve.

I am good at staying cheerful. It’s just a natural thing that can drive others (especially those that like to be pessimistic) nuts, but that’s part of my disposition – to be truly happy and cheerful.

I can also make really good wheat bread.

What are you loving lately?

Hot chocolate on a stick, my quiet study times in the mornings before everyone else wakes up, feeling my son move and kick in my womb, hearing my children laugh as they play together, and listening to all the great programs at the Mormon Channel on my iPod when I go walking or clean the house.

6. Do you have a favorite scripture or quote?  Why?

One of my favorite scriptures has always been Philippians 4:11 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

It goes along well with my favorite quote from Sis. Marjorie Pay Hinckley, “The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache.”

Though our lives may be hard and full of trials we can still choose to be happy and content with whatever situation we find ourselves. We are commanded to “be of good cheer!”

What do you gravitate toward during your unscheduled time?

It depends on the time of year. In the winter I enjoy sewing and quilting. Spring and summer you’ll find me working in my garden. And in the autumn it’s baking and canning with all the harvest. You can bet no matter what the season though, I will always have a good book in hand.

Tell us some of your best mom-tricks  (things you’ve figured out that work well for you).

Keeping a good routine! Kids thrive on routines. We don’t really stick to a certain time schedule but rather the same flow throughout the day. When it’s time to work, we ALL work. When it’s time to eat, we ALL eat. And when it’s time to play, we ALL play. It makes our days runs so much smoother.

What’s something you don’t usually want people to know about you, but that they need to know if they’re going to be your friend?

Sometimes I can have a really sarcastic sense of humor. It can throw people off when we first meet. Also I am a total nerd (actually I prefer dweeb) and love to talk about odd facts. And if we ever play Scrabble be prepared for a knockout, hard fought game!

Friends are great for venting.  What’s been frustrating you lately?

Politics. Enough said on that one! Another is feeling alienated sometimes because my husband is the bishop of our ward. Some people assume that he tells me everything that is going on, who he’s meeting with, and what everyone’s problems are (which he doesn’t!) so when they are mad at him for various reasons they show it towards me or my kids as well. Of course, this doesn’t happen all the time, but enough that it hurts.

What parts of your testimony are you the most sure of?

I know that Jesus is the Christ! I Stand All Amazed is my favorite hymn as it was the starting point of my testimony. At thirteen I began memorizing that hymn – the words as well as playing it on the piano. A little fire was started that couldn’t be stopped. I studied the words and the accompanying scriptures which led me to other scriptures and hymns. Studying the atonement and what it means in my life has truly helped me through trials. Jesus Christ is my Savior and redeemer! I’m not one for writing poetry but the following just came out one day. It is my testimony of Jesus Christ.

The wondrous works thy hands have wrought,
The majesty of thy being,
Doth cause within my humble heart,
A peaceful quiet knowing.

Thou art my Savior, my Master, my Healer,
My soul from sin redeem.
Oh, beautiful Lord, my Rock, my Pillar,
Thou King of all supreme!

Thy suffering pains no man could share,
In agony that night spent!
And still, next day, the cross to bear,
That all mankind might repent.

Three days thy body lay in tomb,
My Lord, the Anointed One.
What joy is found, the empty tomb!
Victory over death is won!

Thou art my Savior, my Master, my Healer,
My soul from sin redeem.
Oh beautiful Lord, my Rock, my Pillar,
Thou King of all supreme!

My sins are great, my soul doth grieve,
“O wretched man that I am!”
Yet, in thy bosom, sweet reprieve,
Cleansed by the blood of the Lamb!

What homemaking job/task gives you the most satisfaction?

I love, love, love to do laundry! A good thing as we have loads of it around here – especially in the summertime. I love the whole process of washing it and hanging it on the line, then folding and smelling, and smelling and folding it when it’s crisp and dry.

What’s something unexpected in your life, and how have you dealt with it?

2008 was a hard year for me. I had two miscarriages, one at the beginning and one towards the end of the year. Right in the middle of that my husband was called to be the bishop. Talk about lots of changes and highs and lows! My husband is the one that helped me the most, keeping steady and strong, and lending a listening ear. He is the rock of our family. Boy, do I love him!

Tell us about your blog:

Chocolate on my Cranium was started a little over three years ago. If it’s not obvious from the title I am a die hard chocoholic. I talk about everything from mothering, home making, and homeschooling, to sharing crafts and tutorials, and also what life is like on the farm. I hope that those that stop by feel welcome and at home there. I gave everyone in our family chocolate aliases – but am running out of ideas so if you have any for the new baby boy due in July please let me know!

See?  I told you she was amazing.  Go spend some time in the archives of her blog and you won’t regret it.  Thanks, Montserrat, for sharing your awesomeness with us.

Snippets

Posted in Diapers, Divinity by

Today’s post is a random mish-mash of thoughts and announcements and such.

Most importantly, we found out on Saturday that Matt passed the Bar exam.  I can’t begin to express what a hallelujah moment that was for us.  I was dreading gearing up for single parenting again if he didn’t pass, and I did. not. want to.   I mean, it’s been a looong road.  Here’s what our boys looked like when we started the law school journey.

Then, once we’d moved, started school, and Matt was in his first semester of law school taking finals, Natalie was born.

And now, we’re finally done.  Look how our family has grown up (and grown old) since then.  Can’t believe how the days and weeks can be so long, but the months and years just fly past.

Anyway, congrats to Matt and hooray for me.  🙂

—–

Natalie’s been taking medications for a long time.  Prescriptions are part of our daily routine.  She hates medicine, and every day it’s a bit of a battle.  She actually has a sinus infection this week, so there are even more prescriptions.  She cries and doesn’t want to take her medicine because she’s too cold or feels yucky, and I try to tell her that’s why she needs the medicine.  It will help her fever and help her feel better.  She still hates it.  Today I pulled the medicines out of the cupboard and I saw her sneak from the room out of the corner of my eye.  I called her again and again.  No answer.  Finally I found her in the office hiding behind the couch.  I thought how funny it is that she tries to hide from what’s going to help her get better.  That made me think of this quote from general conference and realize that we’re all as silly as Natalie in some ways.

“Sometimes we want to have growth without challenges and to develop strength without any struggle. But growth cannot come by taking the easy way. . . .  We must be careful that we don’t resent the very things that help us put on the divine nature.”  –Elder Paul V. Johnson

—–

I can’t really explain this, but lately I’ve had an increased sensitivity to the elderly.  Maybe it’s because Matt’s grandma stayed with us for a little over a month while her husband was in the hospital.  I don’t know, but I’ve just noticed them more around me, and my heart has been drawn out to them.  I imagine that they have great wisdom from life’s experiences and probably many family members and happy memories.  But I wonder how much they struggle with loneliness or sickness, mourn the loss of spouse or loved ones, as well as the loss of their own strength, health and maybe independence.  Yesterday as I left the pharmacy, I saw a man who used to be my Stake president 18 years ago at BYU.  He set me apart for my mission.  One time he called me up out of the audience to bear my testimony at Stake Conference.  He also taught a mission prep class that I attended.  I greeted him, introduced myself and said hello, but as I got back into my van, I had a surge of those memories and I felt a wave of emotion and gratitude.  I wished I’d told him he was an important part of a really developmental stage of my life and my testimony.  I saw him as an 80 year old man now, much thinner and more frail, carrying away a prescription that was probably for him or maybe his ailing wife, and I thought, “maybe he doesn’t know what a great life he has lived and shared.”  I went home and looked him up on whitepages.com and found an address for him.  So I wrote him a letter, and it felt so great, and I hope it will somehow give him a little bit of joy.  Anyway, I’m not telling that story because I want you to think that I did some great thing; I just had a strong feeling and the thought that I should share it, so I did.  But maybe you know someone older whose day could be brightened by a note, a phone call or a visit.  Your kids can help too.  I don’t really know my point, but it’s just been on my mind lately.

—-

I have a cousin who suffers from chronic migraines.  Matt asked about her the other night at the dinner table, so then my children were curious about her.  We explained that she’s had a really bad headache for literally years.  Grant was shocked and cried out, “Why?!!  Are her kids really annoying?”  I thought that was so funny.  I told her about it and we had a good laugh.  She assured me that if that were the real problem, they would have been gone long ago.  🙂  It also reveals a lot about what Grant understands about their behavior and my well-being.  Smart little whipper-snapper.

GCBC Week 2: “An Ensign to the Nations” by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Posted in General Conference Book Club by

Well, here we go folks.  Let’s get this book club rolling!  I thought it would be timely to start off with Elder Holland’s testimony about general conference itself and the Lord’s hand in its messages.

“An Ensign to the Nations” by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

As our conference comes to a close, I ask you to reflect in the days ahead not only on the messages you have heard but also on the unique phenomenon that general conference itself is—what we as Latter-day Saints believe such conferences to be and what we invite the world to hear and observe about them. We testify to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people that God not only lives but also that He speaks, that for our time and in our day the counsel you have heard is, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, “the will of the Lord, … the word of the Lord, … the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.”

All of the talks from general conference are now available to watch, listen to, or read at this link. The Church also puts out a fantastic highlights video that is a montage of main points from the talks of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles. So, until the Ensign conference edition arrives in the mail, we can still get a jump on studying these great talks.

To any of you who are new to the General Conference book club, we welcome you and love your insights, comments, and participation.  Here’s a link to help newcomers understand how it all “works.”  We look forward to a fine discussion in the comment thread below.

Thanks to those of you who participated in the General Conference Trivia Contest, and congratulations to the winner, “An Ordinary Mom.” Here are all the questions, reposted with the correct answers.  I tried to link the answers to the talks that they came from.

  1. Name two of the three new temples that were announced. Fort Collins, CO; Winnipeg, Canada; Meridian Idaho
  2. Elder Cook told a story about a young woman who misplaced her purse at an activity.  Name one of the items that her leaders found in her purse. For the strength of Youth pamphlet, notebook of scriptures, recipe, breath mints, soap, lotion, and a brush.
  3. Who was Elder Holland referring to when he said “Bedlamites”? children
  4. Whose grandson blew kisses at the TV when he watched general conference?  Russell M. Nelson
  5. What did the prospector teach the young gold-digger that he was missing while he was looking for gold nuggets?  the small flecks of gold
  6. This conference marked the 75th anniversary of what? Welfare program
  7. What did the church donate in Japan to help people search for loved ones despite the difficult-to-travel roadways? Scooters
  8. Finish this phrase from a quoted poem (in general words is fine/main idea).  “When sheep go wrong, it won’t take long  . . . __________.” It won’t take long till the lambs are as wrong as they.
  9. Name Elder Richard G. Scott’s belated wife. Jeanene
  10. President Eyring announced an upcoming, church-wide day of what? Humanitarian service
  11. Fill in the blank:  Desires –> Priorities –> __________ –> Actions Choices
  12. What was Pres. Uctdorf afraid people might be texting during his talk? that he hasn’t made a reference to aviation yet
  13. What specific item did Elder Pratt’s Mexican ancestor receive from a wealthy traveler just one week after paying his own tithing? a bag of 100 pesos in silver
  14. Finish this quote by St. Francis de Asissi:  “Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use ____.” Words
  15. What hymn did Elder Bednar take as a “hint” about his own talk? Have I done any good in the world today
  16. Only one of the twelve apostles did not speak during general conference.  Who was it?  (And does anyone know why?)  Robert D. Hales, I saw him there on Saturday with a leg brace or something, but I’m still not sure why he didn’t speak.
  17. What powerful hymn did the tabernacle choir sing right after President Monson’s talk about temples? The Spirit of God
  18. Elder Grow spoke about a family member who had just passed away after turning around his/her life.  Who was it? His younger brother
  19. Elder Maynes quoted his grandson’s primary talk where he said, “My family is like a ____ (what?).” Rope
  20. Elder Bednar compared revelation to which two sources of light? Light switch and the sunrise

Matching.  Topic —> Speaker
21.  Accept and Seek Correction   B.  Elder D. Todd Christofferson
22. The Church has an obligation to help poor and needy   D. Bishop H. David Burton
23.  Keep Sabbath Day Holy    E. Elder L. Tom Perry
24.  Forgive and Let Offenses Go    C.  President Boyd K. Packer
25.  Combat Fears by Strengthening Faith   A.  Elder Russell M. Nelson