Pearls & Perfection Pending

Yesterday was the annual General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  When General Conference comes around, I usually set a hundred goals for what I need to do better and how I can apply every little thing they speak about.  This time however, I tried to just get a general picture of what I need in my life.  What will affect me the most right now and have the biggest impact on my family if I apply it?  I noticed that a lot of the talks were geared toward the family and recent political debates about it.  Nothing specific was addressed regarding any particular group, or the supreme court finding the need to step into matters they probably shouldn't, but there seemed to be a few overarching ideas that I found helpful when I don't know how to respond to things going on in the world. I took away these main ideas:  -The family is sacred, eternal, and created by God with His specific purposes in mind.  It is something that mu...

I read an article today that's been floating around the internet.  It made me think.  It was written by an LDS bishop about the lessons he has learned by simply listening to the people who seek his guidance as their local spiritual leader.  I was humbled by the many significant statements he made about his lessons learned, and found these especially insightful: I have learned that we believe it is a strength to conceal weakness. I am a major culprit of this one.  Not just weakness, but every undesirable attribute.  Why is it so natural to pretend all the time and put up such a fake front? I have learned that it is easy to want others to overlook our flaws as we expect perfection in them. Sorry, Honey. I have learned that it is hardest to show compassion and grant forgiveness to those closest to us. True. I have learned that to deal with life’s pain most of us choose one of the following: alcohol, drugs, pornography, or spirituality. This, I think, was...

" We get nearer to the Lord through music than perhaps through any other thing except prayer." -J. Reuben Clark, 1936 I believe that is true.  The majority of my most significant life events, especially those that have increased my testimony, have had something to do with music.  Take a peek at some of my favorites. Perfect Love I Know That My Redeemer Lives O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Nearer My God to Thee Nessun Dorma Don't Give Up Hourglass Come Thou Fount As I Am My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee He (II) Rob Gardner A Little More Like Thee

Another year?  Really?  Wow!  I am amazed how fast life is flying by.  I feel like I just blinked by eyes and here we are again, reflecting on another year come and gone.  2011 did not bring quite as much change and adjustment as 2010, but it showed up with its own packages of joy and adventure.   Delights of 2011 included: 1. Our first full calendar year of marriage David is wonderful.  He is the best friend I've ever had and makes everyday a joyous occasion. 2. The great Dominican Republic adventure This not-so-little excursion was quite the learning experience for us.  We had so much fun planning and preparing for it.  We adored working together and fundraising and getting all ready to go.  The actual time spent there was not exactly what we had planned on, but we learned a lot and grew closer together.  We had to depend on one another more than usual and we came to greatly appreciate things like family close...