Friday's How Pinteresting!

SCRIPTURE POWER

 keeps me safe from sin. . . everyday I need the power that I get each time I read!

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I have been keeping a scripture journal for over a year now.  My favorite go-to resource is

theredheadedhostess.com

she's fabulous!!!

another scripture journal example from one of a kind gifts

post-it note printables for your scriptures or scripture journals from My 3 Monsters

print GAK pictures on her specialty paper and place in your scriptures.  Great idea to familiarize your children with where these familiar stories and accounts are in their scriptures.  This idea is from Meck Mom.

Did you know. . .

there is a NEW For the Strength of Youth (FSOY)Booklet? 

My Young Men and Young Woman brought theirs home a few weeks ago.  It is awsome!!!  A lot of material in the updated version of FSOY is the same as before, but some additions have been added, including a new cover (of course). Nearly every section has been expanded by a paragraph or more, for example:

In the “Music and Dancing” section, for instance, youth receive this counsel: “Keep your music at a reasonable volume, and remove your earphones when others are talking to you or want you to be part of their activities.”

Another comes from the section “Sexual Purity.” It counsels youth to “avoid situations that invite increased temptation, such as late-night or overnight activities away from home or activities where there is a lack of adult supervision.”  Such as Playing Co-Ed Night Games in a dark, unlit park (just a "random" example)!

There’s even a brand new section—“Work and Self-Reliance.”

LDS Living had an article spotlighting some of the old FSOY booklets. It was fun to see some of the counsels given back in the 60's when the First Edition came out.

1965

(1965-1972)Seven editions of the pamphlet were published.  A lot of the guidance in these editions was geared towards propriety and acceptable behaviors. There was even a “Good Grooming,” section that counsled youth, “Not only should clothes be clean, but nails, skin, and hair should have the glow of health that bespeaks meticulous care in grooming.”  (Would our youth of today even understand what bespeaks and meticulous mean?)  Youth were also reminded that “it is not polite to run in and out of motel or hotel rooms late at night, making a disturbance which keeps other guests awake.” (PHEW!!! I'm glad that was covered!!!)

There was also a section titled “‘Grubbies,’ Curlers, Hair Fashions,” girls were counseled not to leave the house in their “grubbies.” The next sentence states: “A ‘real lady’ does not go out in public, to the market, or to shops with her hair curlers.”  (Maybe they could bring this section back but change it to say, "A 'real lady' or a 'real man' does not go out in public, to school, to Walmart, or to the mall in their Pajamas!" . . . . .just a thought.)

1972

1990

This is the FSOY I had as a youth.

 

Even though there's a new FSOY, the principles have remained consistent. “The standards have not changed, but times have changed,” said Elaine S. Dalton, current Young Women general president. “For the Strength of Youth has been revised to address the issues youth face today—to teach them the doctrine behind the standards and the promised blessings of obedience.” 

Wordless Wednesday. . . My Nephew, BABY DC

Yep, I took all these :)

POSITIVE Parenting

Being a Parent is hard (especially when your sweet little baby grows up and becomes a hormone-raging Teenager--YIKES)!!!  I've been a parent to preteens or teenagers for over 5 years now. Over the years I've done a lot of research on parenting, specifically, parenting teenagers. Here are a few things that have really helped me over the last few years.

1.

Several blogs I stumbled across mentioned an awesome parenting class given by Carleen Tanner.  Unfortunately, her Positive Parenting Class is in Idaho, which is just a  little too far for me to drive each week.  Luckily a lady, Andrea, started this blog and shares notes from Sister Tanner's weekly class with us.  (THANK YOU Andrea!!!)   
About Sister Tanner: She had 10 children in 12 years, they were 14 months apart, her 3^rd child was a vibrant red and very opinionated. She had to study how to become a better parent. Her favorite text book is the current Ensign. She wants to help us get from generals to specifics. She has taught at BYU-I Education Week for 9 years.

Head RUN on over to Carleen Tanner's Positive Parenting right now.  She has some AWESOME ideas (all scriptural or Ensign based).

2.

Let me introduce you to a book that has saved my relationship with my oldest Teen (who is a lot like Carleen Tanner's 3rd child).

WHAT'S A PARENT TO DO?  SOLVING FAMILY PROBLEMS IN A CHRISTLIKE WAY. 

by Glenn I. Latham

In this book Brother Latham teaches how to parent in a way similar to how Christ would.

"As I read the scriptures, study the teachings of the prophets, and consider what research in human behavior has taught us, I have concluded that within the gospel perspective, the measure of a "good parent" is eight-fold."  Here is a summary of his 8:

GOOD PARENTS. . . ..

1.  teach their children the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which include, honesty, decency, kindness, love of God and fellowman, etc

2.   are living examples to their children of the principles and teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ

3.  create within their homes a safe, positive, happy, nocoercive, nonabusive environment that is under parental control

4.  allow their children to exercise their moral agency, then calmly and patiently let consequences do the teaching (this one is hard)

5.  never give up; they pray for their children continually

6.  are continually learning and applying better, more effective parenting skills

7.  rise above the misbehavior of their children and happily get on with life

8.  put parenting above all other earthly endeavors

He also reminds us not to use our children's behavior to judge our success as a parent.  Remember Heavenly Father lost 1/3 of his children too. (So Important!)

He pleads with parents to "create a home that is safe for children of all ages.  Safe from criticism, sarcasm, preaching, screaming, hitting, abuse (in any form), pleadings, and other kinds of coercive measures.  Say and do to your children only what you want done and said to your grandchildren."  (I love that!)

Let your children use their agency, Christ would NEVER coerce (force) his children to behave.

My favorite theme that runs throughout the book is to always look for the good things your children do and praise them for it.  Don't ever ignore the good things about your kids no matter how "bad" they get.  There will always be something good about them.

The thing I love most, is that this book, What's A Parent To Do, is full of case scenarios showing the wrong way to handle a situation with your child (teen) and the right way (these are super helpful)!

He also has a REALLY GOOD book called The Power of Positive Parenting, most of this book can be accessed online here.

3.

Some might think I'm crazy, but I actually am inspired by the 2 Duggar Family books

The Duggars: 20 and Counting!

and  A Love That Multiplies

Michelle is the mother in this large (19 kid) family.  She is one of my Hero's.  She shares some great insights and ideas on being a patient, loving, organized, Godly Mother.  If you haven't read these, I really recommend it.  You will be inspired!

The Duggar's have a set of Family Rules that I love.  A while ago, I made a printable of them for my house. Thought I'd share it.

click on picture, rt click, save image as, print

Organization in 20 MInutes- PART 2

(Re)Organzie your Refrigerator

source

* empty everything out of the refrigerator and clean it (wipe the bottom of everything you plan to put back in)

*  Throw away expried items and anything open you aren't using

*  group categories and place them together inside (condiments, juices, produce, etc)

* corral small containers (yogurts) in a clear bin so they stay together and don't get lost

* label drawers, shelves, and bins to stay organized after your next shopping trip

 Fill a bin with snacks or other items and place on a lower shelf so they can access them without making a mess.

View Part 1 Here.

Friday's: HOW PINTERESTING!

This week I've been working on making one of these. . .

source

a Family Home Evening box full of lessons, games, etc ready for those who might need some last minute help preparing for FHE.

Here are some more fun FHE related things I've pinned. . .

Popcorn FHE from here

FHE on Tithing from here

Story Paddle Board from here  she also has a ton of fhe's to be printed.

Awesome Tangled FHE from here (love this lady, and her blog!)

Used Sit a Spell Kit by Summer Time Designs

I recently made a new FHE chart for my family.  Thought I'd share it, with the hopes that someone else can use it too.  Left click on chart, right click, save image as, then print. 

LIFE IS A WARZONE!

image source

Last August, Merrilee Boyack (one of my favorite Authors), gave a  talk to the Youth during Education Week.  Here are a few excerpts from it.:

"Life is a war zone and the youth of the Church are the valiant warriors sent to fight the adversary.  You didn’t realize that you are in the spiritual military,” Boyack said. “You were in boot camp in the pre-mortal life and you were sent here for the big battle.”

This life is our battle (and there will be many)!  And that would make Satan and his followers the enemy we are fighting against.

"The enemy is strong", she cautioned. She told the youth Satan wasn’t just anybody in Heaven — he was a leader.
“This guy was close to the Savior … he was an unbelievably developed spirit,” she said. “When he wanted his own way, he rebelled … and now he’s out to get you.”

"Satan’s plan", she continued, "is to attack the saints of God."

“[Satan] chose us to fight against,” Boyack said. “You are the target enemy, you are the crown jewels.”

What is Satan's Plan of Attack?  How will he try to get us?

"Generally", Boyack said, "there are two positions members can choose apart from accepting the counsel of the prophets and Church leaders."
“One is apostasy in saying that our leaders don’t know what they’re doing. The other is apathy,” she said. “Both are dangerous.”

"Often in APOSTASY, good members of the Church justify their differing opinions by saying Church leaders are out of date, out of touch or simply stating their opinion", Boyack said.

"In APATHY, they just decide it will never happen, that the issues the world faces will disappear if only the members ignore them. This is Satan’s plan", Boyack said.

Boyack warned the youth about the bitterness of Satan, how he lost everything, and now he wants revenge.

“Can you imagine how miserable he is?” Boyack asked. “He could have had everything and he risked it all on one bet and with that he now he has nothing.”

His target, of course, has shifted to those who have found the truth and are on the path to getting back to their Heavenly Father.

“You are on the track of salvation and happiness,” she said, “and he’s not too happy about it.”

So he created his Plan of Misery, Boyack said. He created this plan to put all the two-thirds of heaven who did not follow him into an enslavement of sin.

“Here’s what he wants to do with his misery,” Boyack said. “His plan is for you to be miserable; his plan is for you to be in darkness.”

Boyack listed the several ways in which Satan would achieve his goal: through digesting damage, discouragement, distraction and darkening.

DIGESTING DAMAGE:
“There is a direct connection between your body and your spirit,” Boyack said.

Because of this connection, it is important the youth do not fall into gluttony, obesity and addiction. Boyack asked the youth if they were consuming food with drug-like attributes.

This is more than just caffeine, she said, this is sugar, chocolate, energy drinks and fat.

“You want to supersize everything,” Boyack said. “You’re going to supersize your body and your heart and your liver all at the same time.”

DISCOURAGEMENT & DISTRACTION:
She warned the youth about feeling too down on themselves or becoming so busy with other activities they don’t have time for the spiritual.

Boyack quoted a general conference talk by Elder Kevin W. Pearson, saying, “Discouragement and distraction are two of Satan’s most effective tools, but they are also bad habits.”

DARKENING:
Finally, Boyack commented on how the world is continually getting darker.

A few decades ago, the movie “Gone with the Wind” shocked the audience with i’s undignified grammar. Now it’s considered tame.

“Satan has turned the dimmer switch darker and darker,” Boyack said. “We must fight for our freedom.”

Boyack then provided four easy ways to combat Satan’s plan.
1. Instead of digesting damage, we should nourish.
2. We should avoid discouragement and learn to love others and ourselves.
3. We can halt distractions by listening to the still small voice.
4.  Cast out the darkness by emitting light.

“You were sent here because you stepped forward, you were here because you were battle ready, you are here because you’re the brightest and best hope of all God’s children,” she said.

talk source

CHECK IT OUT. . .

Today I'm being featured over at Jocelyn's fabulous blog, We Talk of Christ.. .  Head on over there and see all the fabulous and uplifting things she has to offer.

Happy Birthday #4!

Today our #4 turns 10! WOW. I know I say it all the time, but that happened fast! In honor of his 10th birthday here are 10 things about #4:

1. He loves to laugh, and make others laugh.

2. He likes sports and is currently playing basketball.

3. He loves spending time with his family.

  4. He is in 4th Grade, and is a very smart student.

5. He's a GREAT big and little brother. And his siblings are his best friends

 6. He can still cook a mean Quesadilla.

 7. He was just awarded his BEAR badge in cub scouts.

8. He always wears this Sponge-Bob-Square-Pants hat, even though he doesn't watch the show. ? 

9. He likes fun.  For example, waiting in a rainstorm for passing-by cars to splash him. . .

10.  He is currently into Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, and Club Penguin.

Happy Birthday!  We love you #4.

CHARITY

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

I hope you're having a great day so far, full of lots of love .

These last 14 days I've focused my Scripture Study on Charity (thanks to Catania over at That Good Part).  Let me share with you what I've learned. . .

CHARITY:

Suffereth Long- In order to have or develop Charity we must have trials and afflictions and use those trials to develop patience.

Is Kind- and compassionate, just like the Good Samaritan. 

Envieth Not- when we have charity we are glad for the fortunes of others, and not jealous of what they have or status they hold.

Seeketh Not Her Own-

Is Not Puffed Up- which is a fancy way of saying proud.  Charity does not let the natural man get in the way.

Is Not Easily Provoked-

Thinketh No Evil- our thoughts are clean and pure

Rejoiceth Not in Iniquity but Rejoiceth in the Truth- “And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come;” – Doctrine and Covenants 93:24

Beareth All Things-

Believeth All Things- faith

Hopeth All Things- remain hopeful even in times of trial

Endureth All Things-

CHARITY IS THE PURE LOVE OF CHRIST!- To me Charity is basically everything, all the qualities of Christ.  Everything he is. Now, that is how I'd really like to be.

I think this quote by Elder Marvin J. Ashton sums Charity up perfectly. . . . .

To print this 5X7, click on it, then right click and 'save picture as'.  Hope you enjoy it.

XOXO- Rachael

Organization in 20 Minutes??

A week or so ago there was an article in my local paper titled, "20-minute projects to get your home organized and make your life easier".  This week I thought I'd share some of their quick 20-minute projects.  Set your timer and let's GO!

source

1. CREATE A SYSTEM FOR INCOMING MAIL AND PAPERS
    SET UP:
     -Get 5 file folders.
     -Find something, such as a box, cabinet, accordian file, to hold the folders that will allow you to see the tabs at the top. 
     -Create labels for each folder: 
           * ACTION -papers that need immediate attention (bills, parking tickets, invitations that require an RSVP)
            *TO DO -papers that require action, but not immediately(getting tickets for a show, contractor's proposal for reviewing)
            *TO READ -magazine clippings, catalogues you want to save
            *TO FILE- anything you need to hold onto (tax donations, reciepts, paid bills)
            *ANOTHER CATEGORY you have a lot of papers for (child's school)
    
PICK UP A PILE OF PAPER AND START SORTING UNTIL YOUR 20 MINUTES IS UP.
(If setting up the system and filing takes less than 20 minutes, use the remaining minutes to tackle something in your ACTION file)

TIP-Make it a rule to touch a piece of paper no more than two times.  Opening the mail counts as 1.  Next, act on it, file it or throw it away. 

The Return of The APRON!

I love cute aprons (even though I don't own one), and are so glad they've made a come back.  I've been wanting to make a bunch of cute ones to wear while cleaning or cooking, but haven't done it yet.  Hopefully that's all about to change. "Cocoa' from Chocolate on my Cranium will be sharing apron tutorials with everyone starting this Tuesday!!!  WHOOT WHOOT!  Can't wait.  Check it out here.

Friday's How Pinteresting!

Today I thought I'd feature some Valentine's Day Food items:

from CRAFT (creating really awesome free things)

link here

from eighteen25

from Poppies at Play

also from CRAFT

"Hogs" & Kisses





from Rachael's Favorite Recipes

SUPER-DUPER GIVEAWAY!

from Simply the Sweet Life

Want a chance to win prizes from:

Sweet Tooth Fairy

Amano Artisian Chocolate

Gygi

Dawn Stark Design

Zipfizz and Zagg

Downeast Outfitters

City Deals

and MORE

head over the Simply the Sweet Life's Facebook page and like them.  Then go to the SWEET VALENTINE GIVEAWAY tab on the left and like all the sponsoring companies.  Leave your email and name, and you're entered. 

HERO

I think deep down there is a desire in each of us to be a hero.

-Jamie Lawson

What does it mean to be a HERO? 

I think Arhur Ashe said it best . . . 

 "True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic.
 It is not the urge to surpass all others 
at whatever cost,
 but the urge to serve others at whatever cost."

link
The hero within all of us is a lot closer than we think. 
There are plenty of ways we can be heroes to family members, neighbors, and strangers on the street. Aside from rescuing someone from a burning building or freeing them from an evil villain, you can help a new neighbor move in, make dinner for a sick friend, open the door for someone as they enter the same store as you.  Even a smile can "Save the Day'. Opportunities to serve are all around us, if we will just take a moment to look for them.

ps- If I could choose my Super Hero name, I'd be SUPERMOM!  What would you be?

based on an Article published in LDS Living