Hey guys!!
So this blog hasn't been updated in...... 3 years. Sorry about that!
To check out my new and improved, MUCH-better-than-this-old-one blog, head over to
happilytoday.blogspot.com
Pretty pretty pretty please give me a follow over there! The blog has a new theme, much prettier design, new posts, and it's just dying to have some viewers :)
xoxo
Natalie
"Chasten my soul til I shall be in perfect harmony with thee"
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Monday, September 2, 2013
No Greater Protection
I want to start off with saying I am so so sorry for not posting on
this blog in literally FOREVER. (Translation: 3 months). With Girl's
Camp, 2 Family Reunions across the country, marching band camp and the
start of school I have been so very busy. I promise I'll try to do
better now :)
At last October's general conference, Richard G. Scott said:
"Do you young people want a sure way to eliminate the influence of the adversary in your life? Immerse yourself in searching for your ancestors, prepare their names for the sacred vicarious ordinances available in the temple, and then go to the temple to stand as proxy for them to receive the ordinances of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. As you grow older, you will be able to participate in receiving the other ordinances as well. I can think of no greater protection from the influence of the adversary in your life."
Let's think about that again:
At last October's general conference, Richard G. Scott said:
"Do you young people want a sure way to eliminate the influence of the adversary in your life? Immerse yourself in searching for your ancestors, prepare their names for the sacred vicarious ordinances available in the temple, and then go to the temple to stand as proxy for them to receive the ordinances of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. As you grow older, you will be able to participate in receiving the other ordinances as well. I can think of no greater protection from the influence of the adversary in your life."
Let's think about that again:
no greater protection from the influence of the adversary in your life
Doesn't that coincide with what we all desire in life? Wouldn't we all love to be protected from sin and temptation? Is this not an essential step in our eternal progression?
Family history work is so empowering that there is no greater protection.
Last night I decided to read from a binder containing some journals and family history records from my mom's side of the family. It was so much fun taking a step back into the past and learning about what life was life for my ancestors. They didn't care about some of the insignificant things that concern us today. They were truly concerned with their families. If they had food to eat and roof over their head, they were happy.
Some of the stories made me laugh. Others were so heartbreaking that I wanted to cry. But each one made me feel a greater connection to those who came before me.
My challenge to you is to start. Start somewhere. Start anywhere. Read a family journal. Index names. Go on family search.org. Prepare family names to go to the temple. Go to the temple. Whatever it is, I have a testimony that it will give you protection in this life. It doesn't have to be a dreaded experience. It can be an amazing, empowering, exciting experience if that's what you make it to be.
To end I want to share one last quote from Elder Scott:
"This work is a spiritual work, a monumental effort of cooperation on both sides of the veil, where help is given in both directions. Anywhere you are in the world, with prayer, faith, determination, diligence, and some sacrifice, you can make a powerful contribution. Begin now. I promise you that the Lord will help you find a way. And it will make you feel wonderful."
Family history work is so empowering that there is no greater protection.
Last night I decided to read from a binder containing some journals and family history records from my mom's side of the family. It was so much fun taking a step back into the past and learning about what life was life for my ancestors. They didn't care about some of the insignificant things that concern us today. They were truly concerned with their families. If they had food to eat and roof over their head, they were happy.
Some of the stories made me laugh. Others were so heartbreaking that I wanted to cry. But each one made me feel a greater connection to those who came before me.
My challenge to you is to start. Start somewhere. Start anywhere. Read a family journal. Index names. Go on family search.org. Prepare family names to go to the temple. Go to the temple. Whatever it is, I have a testimony that it will give you protection in this life. It doesn't have to be a dreaded experience. It can be an amazing, empowering, exciting experience if that's what you make it to be.
To end I want to share one last quote from Elder Scott:
"This work is a spiritual work, a monumental effort of cooperation on both sides of the veil, where help is given in both directions. Anywhere you are in the world, with prayer, faith, determination, diligence, and some sacrifice, you can make a powerful contribution. Begin now. I promise you that the Lord will help you find a way. And it will make you feel wonderful."
Sunday, June 2, 2013
"Cause Girl You're Amazing, Just the Way You Are!"
I want to make my post today be a shout-out to some of the most amazing 12 year olds I know from my ward, since I know you love to read this blog. :) I won't put your names on here (I like to be safe) but if you're a beehive in my ward...
Anyway, I love you guys to pieces!! You are an amazing example to me of girls that try to follow the Savior in everything they do. I love how you always are so optimistic and happy about everything. Going on your first temple trip was one of the best temple trips I've ever been on because I got to relive how excited I was the first time! You girls are doing so great on Personal Progress, I can't believe it! If any of you ever need help with anything or need some ideas, I'd be happy to help. I am so excited for all of the adventures you girls have in store for you in the future - middle school, youth activities, dances, pioneer trek, girls camp, high school, (you get the point). I know you will love them all! Camp this year is going to be a blast and I am so super excited for you to finally get to go!
To you and anyone else reading this, always remember that you are a Daughter of God and he loves you perfectly! If you ever need anything, always ask Him because He will do anything He can to bring you back home to Him. Anytime you feel alone or scared, remember the love that He and all those around you have for you. You are BEAUTIFUL. Don't let anyone ever tell you different!
Anyway, I love you guys to pieces!! You are an amazing example to me of girls that try to follow the Savior in everything they do. I love how you always are so optimistic and happy about everything. Going on your first temple trip was one of the best temple trips I've ever been on because I got to relive how excited I was the first time! You girls are doing so great on Personal Progress, I can't believe it! If any of you ever need help with anything or need some ideas, I'd be happy to help. I am so excited for all of the adventures you girls have in store for you in the future - middle school, youth activities, dances, pioneer trek, girls camp, high school, (you get the point). I know you will love them all! Camp this year is going to be a blast and I am so super excited for you to finally get to go!
To you and anyone else reading this, always remember that you are a Daughter of God and he loves you perfectly! If you ever need anything, always ask Him because He will do anything He can to bring you back home to Him. Anytime you feel alone or scared, remember the love that He and all those around you have for you. You are BEAUTIFUL. Don't let anyone ever tell you different!
Monday, May 27, 2013
Happy Memorial Day!
I know that these brave men and women along with our loving Heavenly Father have made the freedoms we enjoy today possible and real. I love this country so much and I am definitely "proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free!" :)
May God bless you and protect you today wherever you may be. Whether you live in the USA or not, I know you can express your gratitude for the many blessings you have been given.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Humble Seekers of Happiness
This post is based off of an entry in my scripture journal. I really love this scripture and thought I would share some thoughts I have on it with you.
In Alma 27:18, we read,
2) Be humble : We can't search for happiness out of pride or selfishness. We have to be humble and always grateful unto the Lord. In the Doctrine and Covenants 1:28 we read, "And inasmuch as they were humble, they might be made strong."
3) Seek to find it : In Matthew 7:7-8,Christ says, "Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." True happiness won't just come to us. We have to strive to find it in it's fullness and it will be granted unto us.
In Alma 27:18, we read,
"Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness"
So in order to have exceeding joy, the scripture says we must:
1) Be truly penitent : Penitence as defined in the dictionary is "Feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentance" One step in being truly happy, then, is to repent. In a 2006 general conference address, Marcus B Nash said, "Each of us needs to repent to some degree or another. To repent means to
make the real changes in your life the Savior desires you to make for
your happiness. Repentance is the great enabling principle of the
gospel: when your faith in the Lord causes personal change, such action
on your part, as Helaman states, “bringeth [you] unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of [your] souls” (Helaman 5:11)."
2) Be humble : We can't search for happiness out of pride or selfishness. We have to be humble and always grateful unto the Lord. In the Doctrine and Covenants 1:28 we read, "And inasmuch as they were humble, they might be made strong."
3) Seek to find it : In Matthew 7:7-8,Christ says, "Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." True happiness won't just come to us. We have to strive to find it in it's fullness and it will be granted unto us.
So now that we know what it takes, what is this true happiness really like?
In Alma 27: 17, he writes, "Now the joy of Ammon was so great even that he was full; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength; and he fell again to the earth."
We may not all fall to the earth, but I know that it is possible to be swallowed up in joy. I have found that when I do those things that I need to I have so much happiness in my life! The Lord really can bless you with more joy than I can even imagine. Isn't that such a great blessing? :)
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Our Angels on Earth
Today is mother's day and I want to briefly share my appreciation for my mom and all of you mother's out there.
First I have to say:
There is a quote from the First Presidency of the Church that says, "Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels."
In today's world, some people believe that our status should be dictated by our wealth or other worldly accomplishments. However, I know that being a mother is the highest position we can ever hold as daughters of God. I love this story that was shared in an LDS Ensign magazine a few years ago:
"Kristen was finishing a graduate degree and had recently given birth to her second child. She felt the other graduates had accomplished so much more and was reluctant to attend the graduation dinner. Her fears were confirmed when, at the dinner, the students were asked to list their professional accomplishments. Kristen recalled: “I suddenly felt embarrassed and ashamed. I had nothing to call myself, no lofty position, no impressive job title.” To make matters worse, the professor read the lists as he presented a diploma to each student. The woman ahead of Kristen had many accomplishments: she already had a PhD, was receiving a second master’s degree, and she’d even been a mayor! The woman received grand applause.
I feel that mothers really are our angels to watch over us on earth, and I look up to them and am ever amazed of the loving sacrifices they make. I love my mom so very much and I am also grateful for all the mothers that have inspired, taught, and encouraged me.
And to those future mothers, don't let the world tell you how to be successful. Elder Russell M. Nelson said, "Prepare yourselves to ennoble, to enrich, and even to become the heart and soul of the home. You may bless others either as mothers or as legislators; as leaders in the schoolroom or in the laboratory of truth; at the hearth or at the crib side."
First I have to say:
I don't say it enough, but I love my mom soooo much. She means everything to me and I am so grateful for everything that she has done for me. My mom will always hold a special place in my heart, even and especially when I move on to be a mother myself.
There is a quote from the First Presidency of the Church that says, "Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels."
In today's world, some people believe that our status should be dictated by our wealth or other worldly accomplishments. However, I know that being a mother is the highest position we can ever hold as daughters of God. I love this story that was shared in an LDS Ensign magazine a few years ago:
"Kristen was finishing a graduate degree and had recently given birth to her second child. She felt the other graduates had accomplished so much more and was reluctant to attend the graduation dinner. Her fears were confirmed when, at the dinner, the students were asked to list their professional accomplishments. Kristen recalled: “I suddenly felt embarrassed and ashamed. I had nothing to call myself, no lofty position, no impressive job title.” To make matters worse, the professor read the lists as he presented a diploma to each student. The woman ahead of Kristen had many accomplishments: she already had a PhD, was receiving a second master’s degree, and she’d even been a mayor! The woman received grand applause.
Then it was
Kristen’s turn. She handed the professor her blank sheet, trying to hold
back the tears. The professor had been one of her teachers and had
praised her performance. He looked at her blank paper. Without missing a
beat he announced, “Kristen holds the most critical role in all of
society.” He was quiet for a few seconds, then declared in a powerful
voice, “She is the mother of her children.” Instead of a few courteous
claps, people rose to their feet. There was just one standing ovation
that night; it was for the mother in the room."
I feel that mothers really are our angels to watch over us on earth, and I look up to them and am ever amazed of the loving sacrifices they make. I love my mom so very much and I am also grateful for all the mothers that have inspired, taught, and encouraged me.
And to those future mothers, don't let the world tell you how to be successful. Elder Russell M. Nelson said, "Prepare yourselves to ennoble, to enrich, and even to become the heart and soul of the home. You may bless others either as mothers or as legislators; as leaders in the schoolroom or in the laboratory of truth; at the hearth or at the crib side."
Sunday, May 5, 2013
We Seek After These Things
Unfortunately, in the world we live in now, it is so hard to find things that fit this criteria! I have always loved to read, but as I have grown older it has become progressively harder to find books that are clean and good reads! Thankfully, one author in particular has come to the rescue.
If any of you aren't familiar with Jenni James, I encourage you to read her books. They are great for teens and adults: my mom and I both love them. She has started a series (The Jane Austen Diaries), which are great modern romance books based on the storyline of Jane Austen books. Whether you are Jane Austen fan or not, you will love them! They are all definitely virtuous, praiseworthy, and of good report. And, may I add, that some of the male roles are quite lovely <3.
I have to say that the book Persuaded in the series is my favorite, but they are all so good!
She also has a Faerie Tale Collection that is in the process. I haven't had the chance to read any of these yet, but I know they are clean and have heard they are amazing!
It is always a relief any time I can find books, movies, or TV shows that are uplifting. Thank you Jenni!
Here is a link to her website and Facebook page. You should really check her out!
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