Elder David A Bednar gave a General Conference address on Prayer. It was quite the talked about talk. Yet, as I was going over it, I was most impressed by the lovely simplicity, the back to the basics, and 'old things made new' in his words.
Principle #1; Prayer becomes more meaninful as we counsel with the Lord in all our doings.
"Consider this... There may be things in our character, in our behavior, or concerning our spiritual growth about which we need to counsel with Heavenly Faith."
Principle #2: Prayer becomes more meaningful as we express heartfelt gratitude.
"As we strive to make our prayers more meaningful, we should remember that 'in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments' (D&C 59:21). Let me recommend that periodically you and I offer a prayer in which we only give thanks and express gratitude. Ask for nothing; simply let our souls rejoice and strive to communicate appreciation with all the energy of our hearts."
Principle #3: Prayer becomes more meaningful as we pray for others with real intent and a sincere heart.
"Just as expressing gratitude more often in our prayers enlarges the conduit for revelation, so praying for others with all of the energy of our souls increases our capacity to hear and to heed the voice of the Lord."
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Another Birthday!
Faith has been celebrating her birthday like the Danish celebrate Chistmas; three days and going! She got to make a trip with me to ToysRus on Tuesday to spend the monies from grandparents and enjoyed her toys while in the cart. They gave her a birthday crown which she wore proudly the rest of the day until Danny got a hold of it and ate the straps.
Then on Wednesday night, the official birthday day, we celebrated with cupcake cones at the Ricks home and she got to open all her presents again, plus some others that Josh and I had secreted away including a princess set with tiara.
During her enthusiasm to blow out her 2 candle, Faith moved her face right into the flame and felt a little heat. She was not deterred however (even after Josh blew the candle out the first time when he thought she couldn't do it and then cousin Aidan blew it out again) and finally made her wish come true on the third good blow.
This morning, she got to open the cards that we had forgotten the day before, including a crown in the card from Aunt Annmarie and Uncle Ted! Talk about princess! She has been enthralled all day with her doll house (thanks Grammy and Grandpa H) and her my little (big type) ponies (thanks Grandma Shell and Grandpa Dan).
Then on Wednesday night, the official birthday day, we celebrated with cupcake cones at the Ricks home and she got to open all her presents again, plus some others that Josh and I had secreted away including a princess set with tiara.
During her enthusiasm to blow out her 2 candle, Faith moved her face right into the flame and felt a little heat. She was not deterred however (even after Josh blew the candle out the first time when he thought she couldn't do it and then cousin Aidan blew it out again) and finally made her wish come true on the third good blow.
This morning, she got to open the cards that we had forgotten the day before, including a crown in the card from Aunt Annmarie and Uncle Ted! Talk about princess! She has been enthralled all day with her doll house (thanks Grammy and Grandpa H) and her my little (big type) ponies (thanks Grandma Shell and Grandpa Dan).
A grateful pioneer
As I took yet another frigid shower this morning, I contemplated how the pioneers/early settlers would count it as a blessing to have running water in their home, whatever the temperature.
Our water heater has been on the fritz since Saturday. The pilot light won't stay lit. They have tried fixing it twice since then, with no success, leaving me waiting for a part to come today so they can try and fix it yet again. I have not had a hot shower in 5 days. I am still alive, and rather invigorated. We bathed the kids in luke warm water on Monday night, but after having to place Faith in front of the heater for 10 minutes to stop the shivers we decided to just let them stink for a few days. Last night, one of the best parts of Faith's birthday party at the Ricks home was being able to take a warm bath! She was just as excited when I said 'bath' as she was when I put the cupcake in front of her.
As the pioneers would say, in all things we are blessed. We still have water in our house. We have strong bodies to withstand the shock of cold water. And, we have family close by who do have hot water for when we really do need it.
Our water heater has been on the fritz since Saturday. The pilot light won't stay lit. They have tried fixing it twice since then, with no success, leaving me waiting for a part to come today so they can try and fix it yet again. I have not had a hot shower in 5 days. I am still alive, and rather invigorated. We bathed the kids in luke warm water on Monday night, but after having to place Faith in front of the heater for 10 minutes to stop the shivers we decided to just let them stink for a few days. Last night, one of the best parts of Faith's birthday party at the Ricks home was being able to take a warm bath! She was just as excited when I said 'bath' as she was when I put the cupcake in front of her.
As the pioneers would say, in all things we are blessed. We still have water in our house. We have strong bodies to withstand the shock of cold water. And, we have family close by who do have hot water for when we really do need it.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Family Fun Night
Josh and I decided that part of resolutions 2009 we would institute a weekly Family Fun Night. We tried it out, and we LOVE IT! This week's fun started out with dancing in tutus, until the Mission Impossible theme song came on the music mix and it was a stick up in the house. Faith has a really good shot, albiet she probably doesn't know that she is even shooting, or mimicking it; she just knows if she puts her hands together and makes a 'pshwwwweh' noise daddy falls over. Effective wrestling.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Too much Little Mermaid
Sunday hairdos are pretty fickle, but they can be subject to the movie we are watching to keep Faith still. I hadn't realized until I was done that I had created a sea shell on my daughter's head. Oh well.
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