tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32274052800752016002024-02-06T20:46:10.981-07:00I Have a TestimonyA place to share and read insights and testimonies of followers of Christ.Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-7306898096488985312016-07-31T13:12:00.000-07:002016-07-31T13:12:08.313-07:00Of Hearing What You Need to HearEvery once in a while, church speakers say <u>exactly</u> what I need to hear. I'm sure they do every single week, but trying to keep four kids quiet makes it slightly impossible to truly focus every week.<br />
<br />
But today, I NEEDED to hear. Not just listen, but to HEAR what he was saying. We had a returned missionary speak. I'm sure half of my notes are more my thoughts than what he actually said, but he gave an amazing talk. Here are a few of my notes:<br />
<br />
- David & Goliath<br />
- this church is true. What am I going to give up for it? (He talked about a couple converts giving things up simply because the Church is true, and they knew that.)<br />
- we need to impress the Lord and no one else<br />
- it's easy to lose focus when people aren't watching<br />
- do what's hard<br />
- integrity<br />
- look to the future - make every day the highlight of my life<br />
- we can all move mountains, with the Lord's help and with the faith to do it. But we have to "take our pick and shovel and start moving that mountain."<br />
- family is the most important thing -- family is everything<br />
- love is the essence of the Gospel<br />
- if we lose that love, WE need to take a step back and make a change<br />
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It was the perfect talk for me. Exactly what I needed to hear. :)Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-16204624917300944682016-04-17T11:52:00.001-07:002016-04-17T11:52:20.337-07:00Of the Sabbath<p dir="ltr">I know I've neglected this blog, but I DID have a baby, so hopefully you'll forgive me for that. :)</p>
<p dir="ltr">I have a strong testimony of the Sabbath day. I didn't appreciate it as much as I should have before this focus we've had in the past year. But now I understand more. I also have a part-time job now, so I appreciate the Sabbath even more!! My mind is constantly thinking about the business, so it's nice to have that weight lifted off each Sunday and really focus on other things. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I know that as we focus on Christ and truly make the Sabbath a delight, we will be blessed! </p>
Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-55076970969428082072015-11-23T17:52:00.001-07:002015-11-23T17:52:17.169-07:00Of BalanceLast week's scripture was one of my favorites - Mosiah 4:27:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">And see that all these things are done in wisdom and </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">order</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">; for it is not requisite that a man should run </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">faster </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.</span><br />
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I love the wisdom of this scripture. Everything we do has a purpose. But we need to be careful to not "run faster than [we have] strength." It reminds me of that "perfect" Molly Mormon. You know the one. She bakes homemade rolls, sews a quilt for every new baby in the ward, gives a perfect Relief Society lesson (with a beautiful table display), and does it all while homeschooling her 11 children.<br />
<br />
That person doesn't exist, just so you know!<br />
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If we try to be that person, we'll get burned out pretty quickly! However, there's a second part to this scripture: "it is expedient that he should be diligent." Just because we can't be that perfect person (and don't really want to be!) doesn't mean we can just give up and say, "Oh well, this is who I am." We have to be diligent in becoming better. Every day is a new chance to be a little better. And if it doesn't work out, we always have tomorrow to start again. "... that thereby [we] might win the prize." When we do all things "in order" - the way Heavenly Father will guide us to do them - we'll be able to create a balance in our lives that will lead us to Him.<br />
<br />Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-31151410548697324742015-11-07T13:39:00.001-07:002015-11-07T13:39:35.046-07:00Of Jesus ChristThe scriptures my family chose for the last two weeks went really well together.<br />
<div>
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<div>
Last week was Helaman 5:12:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">rock</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">foundation</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">storm </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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This week is Job 19:25:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">For I </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">know</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> </span><span class="clarityWord" style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: italic; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">that</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> my </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">redeemer</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> liveth, and </span><span class="clarityWord" style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: italic; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">that</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">he</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> shall</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">stand</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> at the latter </span><span class="clarityWord" style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: italic; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">day</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> upon the earth:</span><br />
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I know that Jesus Christ lives and that He's my Savior and Redeemer. Nothing else in this world matters if you know those truths. I try to base my life on Him and on His teachings, because I know that's where real joy is found. Nothing else really matters. Either things will align with those beliefs or they're water under the bridge.<br />
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If you base your life on Jesus Christ, everything else will work out. He's waiting for us to turn to Him so that He can bless us. And He does bless us, with more than we can ever imagine!<br />
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Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-48683635424757536032015-10-23T12:38:00.000-07:002015-10-23T12:38:00.588-07:00Of ServiceThis week, my daughter chose Mosiah 2:17 for us to focus on. It says:<br />
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<span class="verse" style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">17 </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">wisdom</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">; that ye may learn that when ye are in the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">service </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">of your </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">fellow</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> beings ye are only in the service of your God.</span><br />
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I love service. I'm 8 months pregnant right now, and it has been so hard to not be able to serve others like I want to. It really does make me happy. And I know that's why the scriptures tell us it's important - not only for those that we serve, but for US.<br />
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So many people in the world are focused only on themselves, it seems. What would the world look like if every single person focused on someone else? Even if for just one day?<br />
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I know as we serve, we will find joy. As we look beyond our own lives and our own shortcomings, we can all find something that we can do for someone else, no matter how small. Because a lot of times, something that seems so small to us can have a great effect on the person receiving the service.<br />
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Here's a <a href="https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-02-020-seven-days-of-service?lang=eng">great little video</a> we watched for Family Home Evening to go along with my thoughts. :)<br />
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<br />Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-13121555571385869922015-10-21T12:28:00.001-07:002015-10-21T12:28:17.932-07:00Of Self-ReflectionI have a testimony of self-reflection. To me, that means stopping "life" for a short amount of time and really thinking about my life. It means focusing on things that I could improve in my life, just by changing little things.<br />
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I noticed a lot of self-evaluation-type questions in Conference this time. I thought it would be interesting to collect them all into one spot. Maybe I can focus on one or two each time I write in my journal.<br />
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Wixom:<br />
I am a child of God ... Therefore, what?<br />
What will I do to live my life as a child of God?<br />
How can I develop the divine nature that is within me?<br />
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Reeves:
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What helps or tools have we been given to help us stay clean and virtuous?<br />
What does Heavenly Father want me to do?<br />
What will it matter what we suffered here if, in the end, those trials are the very things which qualify us for eternal life and exaltation in the kingdom of God with our Father and Savior?<br />
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Uchtdorf:<br />
Is the Gospel Working for You?<br />
Does my life have meaning?<br />
Do I believe in God?<br />
Do I believe that God knows and loves me?<br />
Do I believe that God hears and answers my prayers?<br />
Am I truly happy?<br />
Are my efforts leading me to the highest spiritual goals and values in life?<br />
Is my experience in the Church working for me? Is it bringing me closer to Christ? Is it blessing me and my family with peace and joy as promised in the gospel?<br />
Are we making our discipleship too complicated?
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How is being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints working for you?
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Ballard:<br />
What will you become through the Atonement of Christ?
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Marriott:
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How do we, a modern, busy, competitive people, become yielded and still?
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How do we make the Lord’s ways our ways?
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I have found that after I pray for forgiveness of sins, it is instructive for me to ask Heavenly Father, “Father, is there more?”
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True worship begins when our hearts are right before the Father and the Son. What is our heart condition today?
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Can we love Jesus Christ and His way more than we love ourselves and our own agenda?
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Lawrence:
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What do I need to change?<br />
How can I improve?<br />
What weakness needs strengthening?<br />
What lack I yet?<br />
What is keeping me from progressing?<br />
What do I need to change?<br />
What can I do to improve my life?<br />
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Hales:<br />
If I make this choice, what is the worst thing that could happen?<br />
Will we let ourselves be led? Will we hear His voice and the voice of His servants?<br />
What areas of my life do I want to strengthen so that I can strengthen others? <br />
Where do I want to be a year from now? two years from now? What choices do I need to make to get there?<br />
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Foster:<br />
As we look at our children and our grandchildren today, what does the Savior want us to see in them?<br />
Do we recognize that our children are the largest group of investigators of the Church?<br />
What must we do to bring about their lasting conversion?<br />
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Stanfill:<br />
Is it wise to place our eternal well-being in the hands of strangers?<br />
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Martino:<br />
“Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?"<br />
"What greater witness can you have than from God?"<br />
Am I as close to living like Christ now as I was before?<br />
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Andersen:<br />
How does the Savior see my faith?<br />
When was the last time that you read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover? <br />
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Uchtdorf:<br />
Are we like Daniel?<br />
Do we stand loyal to God?<br />
Do we practice what we preach, or are we Sunday Christians only?<br />
Do our daily actions reflect clearly what we claim to believe?<br />
Do we help “the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted”?<br />
Do we just talk the talk, or do we enthusiastically walk the walk?<br />
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Nelson:<br />
Do you realize the breadth and scope of your influence when you speak those things that come to your heart and mind as directed by the Spirit?<br />
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Durrant:<br />
How might your family benefit as you continually strive to fill your mind with God’s words?<br />
Will you ponderize a verse of scripture each week for the rest of this month? this year? longer?<br />
Is there something you need to be doing today to prepare yourself spiritually for future opportunities to teach and bless your family and others?<br />
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<br />Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-78047129631980781052015-10-12T12:08:00.002-07:002015-10-12T12:08:23.969-07:00Of ProphetsThis week, my 11 year old chose our scripture to focus on. Here's what she chose:<br />
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<span class="verse" style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">D&C 1:38 </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">word</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> shall not pass away, but shall all be </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">fulfilled</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">, whether by mine own </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">voice</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> or by the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">voice</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> of my </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">servants</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">, it is the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">same</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">.</span><br />
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I'm glad she chose this scripture. It's one of my favorites. I've always had a testimony of prophets - especially our living prophets. I've always looked forward to Conference and to hearing their words. The older I get, the more I realize that I need to DEPEND on their words.<br />
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This world is a scary place. I can't begin to imagine going through life without some sort of direction. The scriptures are marvelous, but I love that the prophets' words work hand-in-hand with the scriptures. They provide modern guidance for modern issues.<br />
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I'm excited for my kids to be getting older so I can share this love with them. We're studying all the Conference talks together over the next several weeks. I know that as we study the words of the prophets, the Spirit will enter our homes. Our homes will then become a refuge from the storms of this world.<br />
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<br />Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-25173574060547335222015-10-07T11:52:00.003-07:002015-10-07T11:52:44.701-07:00Of the ScripturesGeneral Conference made me realize that there's so much I can share with the world, simply by sharing my testimony. So it's time to resurrect this blog!<br />
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I do have a testimony of the scriptures. All of the scriptures - the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and the words of our modern prophets. After a wonderful weekend, I'm especially grateful for modern revelation that continues to guide us.<br />
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This week, I've chosen 2 Nephi 25:26 to ponder.<br />
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<span class="verse" style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">26 </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">And we </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">talk</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">prophesy</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">children</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> may know to what source they may look for a </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">remission</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> of their sins.</span><br />
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"We write according to our prophecies." That's the part I've been missing. Not that I get prophecies like the prophet, of course. But I need to write my testimony down so my kids know without a doubt that I believe. And also so they know where they can turn when life gets hard.<br />
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I KNOW that we can find answers when we search the scriptures. I also know that when you spend some time in the scriptures each and every day, there is a special spirit that comes into your home. Your days go more smoothly. Your kids don't fight as much...<br />
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The scriptures just make life better!Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-75071880491487773592014-08-19T21:40:00.001-07:002014-08-19T22:00:32.368-07:00Of Inspired LeadersToday, Elder Bednar spoke at Education Week (<a href="https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/to-sweep-the-earth-as-with-a-flood?lang=eng">you can watch or read it here</a>). We truly have inspired leaders! His entire message was on how we can utilize social media in spreading the Gospel. I highly recommend watching it!<br />
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One of my favorite lines in his devotional was something like, "Social media needs to be our servant - not our master." That's definitely not a direct quote, but that's the message I heard. And I must admit that it has been my master way too many times! I'm ready to take over and show it who's boss! :)<br />
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I'm so grateful for the leaders of our Church. They truly are inspired to share with us what we need to hear on that very day!Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-78474355980111625182014-05-27T22:02:00.002-07:002014-05-27T22:02:19.680-07:00Of CalmnessIn this digital age that we're living in, it's easy to be distracted ALL the time. I see so many (including me) get sucked in to their smart phone while life happens around them. I have a testimony of calmness. That means that I believe we ALL need more CALM in our lives. More pondering. Even more meditating. I know that the Spirit can't speak to us when we're always distracted. He wants to speak to us and teach us, but He's not going to be pushy. We have to do our part. We have to put all those screens down. Put them away. Shut them off. Silence them. Because we're missing some precious truths every time we get sucked into them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQF4KBxJprStVOVJHtqSYPbVcG0Hl6D34fHbJwpSweDgzwyWSMa5SVaRuDnERGBBHg8rHnnpr-LTa3YWHJO3KNFwtn6ttpSR5Yi2htsCTUPYTV6zJNd22GZDKX_3-VrAR67-oRw5kq2CE/s1600/calm_water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQF4KBxJprStVOVJHtqSYPbVcG0Hl6D34fHbJwpSweDgzwyWSMa5SVaRuDnERGBBHg8rHnnpr-LTa3YWHJO3KNFwtn6ttpSR5Yi2htsCTUPYTV6zJNd22GZDKX_3-VrAR67-oRw5kq2CE/s1600/calm_water.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Be still, and know that I am God..."</span></div>
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Psalm 46:10</div>
Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-46486071215421237882014-01-23T23:21:00.000-07:002014-01-23T23:24:03.509-07:00Of the First Article of Faith<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.</span></div>
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As my family studies the Articles of Faith this year, I wanted to reflect that study in my blog. I absolutely love this Gospel and I love the simplicity of it. If we had nothing but the <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/pgp/a-of-f/1?lang=eng">13 Articles of Faith</a>, we would have enough!<br />
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Latter-day Saints believe that the three members of the Godhead are three separate beings. We believe God is our literal Father in Heaven. His eldest son, Jesus Christ, is also our eldest brother. He volunteered to be the Savior of this world, so that we could return to live with Heavenly Father. The Holy Ghost is also an important member of the Godhead. If we are striving to be obedient, He can be our constant companion - showing us the way we should go.<br />
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We believe they are three separate beings, united in their purpose - to bring all of God's children back to Him after this life.Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-47323711689740250572013-11-29T01:30:00.000-07:002013-11-29T01:30:04.475-07:00Enjoy the True Meaning of ChristmasOn this Black Friday, I just want to remind you (myself, mostly) of what Christmas is truly about. Have a wonderful holiday season.<br />
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Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-8771225988560710172013-10-23T09:47:00.002-07:002013-10-23T09:47:37.002-07:00Visiting Teaching Message - October 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know it's late in the month, but better late than never, right?? One of my newest hobbies is making these simple quote pages, so I thought I'd start doing this with the Visiting Teaching message each month. I'll try to get it up sooner, in the coming months! But I hope some of you can use this. I made it as a 4x6, so you can get it printed anywhere and stick it on a plate of cookies when you realize it's already Halloween and you haven't done your visiting teaching yet! Visiting teachers are welcome as trick-or-treaters, right?? ;)</div>
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Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-89970020494904047282013-09-19T19:02:00.001-07:002013-09-19T19:04:00.531-07:00Of TemplesThis video is amazing. I love the exactness of our Church. Nothing is arbitrary.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/44APAr51B9k" width="480"></iframe>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-33181645364231874332013-09-08T17:09:00.001-07:002013-09-08T17:11:30.112-07:00Of ForgivenessWhenever I start thinking about past experiences and people in my past that I know I need to continuously forgive, I turn to the Gospel. The Church has wonderful videos that can help us through those tough times, if we let them. This video is one of my favorites on forgiveness. If he can forgive this young man, I can surely forgive people in my past.<br />
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When we don't forgive, we are essentially telling Christ that His Atonement isn't good enough for that person. We have to forgive. It's as simple as that. And I know that when we do, our lives are filled with peace.Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-23773869609767849312013-08-07T22:53:00.000-07:002013-08-07T22:53:27.283-07:00Of Personal ProgressTonight I noticed that there's still a steady stream of page views for this blog, so I'm going to try to get it back up and running. :)<br />
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Tonight, I'd like to share my testimony of Personal Progress. I was called to Young Women's in February. It's the first time I've ever taught anyone over the age of 11! So I was overwhelmed at first, but now I can't imagine life without these girls in my life!<br />
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Part of the neat experience of Young Women is Personal Progress. I earned my medallion as a teenager, but now that I'm working on it again, I have a renewed love for it! As I go through the scriptures and the experiences set forth, I can feel the Spirit more easily in our home. And I can feel a deeper testimony within myself.<br />
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If you're not sure what you want to study, I suggest working through some of the <a href="https://www.lds.org/young-women/personal-progress?lang=eng">Personal Progress</a> goals. The combination of scriptures that they present are amazing. You'll learn lots about yourself and about the Savior!Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-3087730062525270242011-10-30T21:35:00.000-07:002011-10-30T21:35:21.979-07:00GC Notes - Elder Alonso, October 2011<a href="http://diapersanddivinity.com/2011/10/30/gcbc-week-5-doing-the-right-thing-by-elder-jose-l-alonso/">GCBC, Week 5</a><br />
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- He is the perfect example. Whenever we’re wondering what to do, all we have to do is study His life and His example.<br />
- Service is our way to rescue others.<br />
- I need to serve others as quickly as I would look for a lost child. Because maybe they ARE lost, waiting for me to find them.<br />
- Simply ACT.<br />
- He blessed them one by one. We’re asked to do the same.<br />
- Do the right thing at the right time WITHOUT DELAY.<br />
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I LOVE to serve others. I'm not happy if I can't help someone! I'm so grateful for all the opportunities I have to serve others. And I hope that I'm humble enough to allow others to serve me, as well. That's a little harder for me, but others need to experience the joy of service, too! :)Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-47528272876994857512011-10-30T21:00:00.000-07:002011-10-30T21:00:58.724-07:00GC Notes - Elder Clayton, October 2011<a href="http://diapersanddivinity.com/2011/10/23/gcbc-week-4-the-time-shall-come-by-elder-l-whitney-clayton/">http://diapersanddivinity.com/2011/10/23/gcbc-week-4-the-time-shall-come-by-elder-l-whitney-clayton/</a><br />
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- God has a work for ME (and you!) to do - what is it? how can we figure that out? (patriarchal blessing...)<br />
- We have scarcely scratched the surface, even with 14 million members. We EACH have a work to do!<br />
- Our most important message is that there IS a Savior.<br />
- I need to bear my testimony more, in every day activities.<br />
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I do know that Christ IS our Savior!!Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-23697017281692616682011-10-17T12:08:00.001-07:002011-10-17T12:09:54.697-07:00GC Notes - Sister Thompson, October 2011<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">NOTES FOR <a href="http://diapersanddivinity.com/2011/10/16/gcbc-week-3-personal-revelation-and-testimony-by-sister-barbara-thompson/" style="color: #399fac; text-decoration: none;">GCBC</a> - Barbara Thompson, "<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/personal-revelation-and-testimony?lang=eng">Personal Revelation and Testimony</a>"<br />
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- personal revelation is how we gain our testimony<br />
- personal revelation guides us (how do we know what to do in life without it?)<br />
- "have ye inquired of the Lord?" - have I?<br />
- to receive - desire to receive, not harden our hearts, ask in faith, diligently keep the commandments<br />
- study D&C 6<br />
- most often, it will come as we study the scriptures, listen to prophets, seek to live a righteous life - I need to do these things if I want revelation<br />
- be humble and faithful<br />
- seek for wisdom instead of power<br />
- seek guidance from the Holy Ghost<br />
- your soul is satisfied when you are filled with the Spirit (formula for contentment)<br />
- "It is our testimony, combined with our faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, and our knowledge of the Plan of Salvation which helps get us through these times of trial and hardship."<br />
- "The testimony kept me."<br />
- we must nourish and strengthen our testimony to keep it strong<br />
- sometimes the Spirit is so delicate that we may not be conscious of it - to me, that means I need to be more aware of everything around me and in me - the Spirit isn't going to yell messages to me</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">I know the Lord can and WILL guide each of us as we seek His guidance and try to do what He asks us to do.</span>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-59373324631790779692011-10-15T07:48:00.000-07:002011-10-15T07:48:09.059-07:00Are 'Mormons' Christians? YES!<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GzE6QFj6maQ?rel=0" width="420"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I believe in Jesus Christ and all that He did for us. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm a Mormon AND a Christian.</div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-40847519202181391992011-10-09T21:07:00.002-07:002011-10-17T12:09:23.298-07:00GC Notes - Elder Scott, October 2011<div style="text-align: justify;">I've neglected this blog for way too long! As I listened to Conference last week, I made a goal that I would try to use the Internet as a tool to bring myself and others closer to Christ.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm grateful to others that do the same. Steph at <a href="http://diapersanddivinity.com/">Diapers and Divinity</a> is one of those. She's been doing a General Conference Book Club for several Conferences now, and I've decided to join in the discussion this time around. So every week, I'm going to copy and paste the notes I make as I re-read/listen to each talk.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://diapersanddivinity.com/2011/10/09/gcbc-week-2-the-power-of-scripture-by-elder-richard-g-scott/">This week</a> is Elder Scott's talk, "<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-power-of-scripture?lang=eng">The Power of Scripture</a>." What an amazing man!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My notes:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">- the scriptures are a handbook for us - guidance for us</div><div style="text-align: justify;">- the scriptures are pure truth</div><div style="text-align: justify;">- "Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high."</div><div style="text-align: justify;">- they're how we communicate with God and Christ</div><div style="text-align: justify;">- learning, pondering, searching, memorizing - like filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths</div><div style="text-align: justify;">- "Great power can come from memorizing scriptures."</div><div style="text-align: justify;">- pondering scriptures gives a great deal of direction to life</div><div style="text-align: justify;">- the scriptures can heal emotional challenges</div><div style="text-align: justify;">- we need to read them over and over again because they take on new meanings, as we're going through new trials/experiences</div><div style="text-align: justify;">- all the scriptures are important, not just the Book of Mormon</div><div style="text-align: justify;">** - I love that he shows by example - he quoted by memory a scripture from each part of the standard works</div><div style="text-align: justify;">- "Those who consistently read the Book of Mormon are blessed with an added measure of the spirit of the Lord."</div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-10530575118647295792011-05-05T11:25:00.001-07:002011-05-05T11:25:44.780-07:00Of the Atonement<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm so grateful for my knowledge of Christ's Atonement for me. It gives me peace to know that I can turn to Him and Heavenly Father after I've done everything I can. I know that They know how I feel, and They can help. I know I can feel peace, no matter what life throws at me. I'm so grateful for this knowledge.</div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-33766455782607674232011-03-05T23:55:00.002-07:002011-03-05T23:55:04.502-07:00I am a Mother<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="246" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/utAkktkAvwM" title="YouTube video player" width="384"></iframe></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-15055634548582815232011-01-01T01:11:00.001-07:002011-01-01T01:11:00.289-07:00Look Not Behind Thee<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="241" width="384"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lrZij9MSTRI?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lrZij9MSTRI?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="384" height="241"></embed></object></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3227405280075201600.post-26251888066891467572010-12-17T21:18:00.002-07:002010-12-17T21:18:42.902-07:00Look to the LightThis is a beautiful video!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="241" width="384"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Aup9M5HZawI?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Aup9M5HZawI?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="384" height="241"></embed></object></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01522246792771832214noreply@blogger.com0