New Year's Eve

Can they make it to midnight?
Morning Glory is determined to and still going strong.
Lady Slipper was determined to and an hour ago we found her hidden behind a couch pillow fast asleep.
And our new little Starflower didn't even try to make it; in fact she slept most of the day.

Thankful Thinking: Carousel Horses

Lady Slipper,

The carousel was closed today. We had the time to slowly walk around it several times and for you to  choose two of your favorite horses.  I loved hearing you describe the details which drew you to each horse:

"There arent any pink horses, but I like the roses on those reins"
"Beautiful purple color"
"lots of sparkly jewels."

Thanks for suggesting this special mother/daughter date. I love the time with you.

I am Inspired,

Love,
Mother

PS  you love to call me "mother" lately instead of mommy and you use the prettiest voice when you say it.  I have never loved the word mother so much as I do now.

November 2014 Mini Mission: "Be not afraid

"Be not afraid, only believe"  Mark 5:36

The title to one if my favorite art prints is "Be Not Afraid" by Greg Olson. It is a beautiful  depiction of the Savior helping two children through  a river and onto sturdy rocks.  I have loved that picture since I first saw it as a teenager and was given a beautiful framed version for a wedding gift from my grandparents. It is  always on the wall in mt kitchen where I can see it daily.

As I woke up early this morning, filled with concerns, I noticed that favorite picture was also the calendar picture for this month. I was instantly filled with peace. I knew my goal for this month.

I am grateful  for inspired art.

Be Inspired,
Janelle Joy

September and October Mini Mission: Cacoon my Mistakes

While catching up on hand washing 2 days of dishes because of a broken dishwasher and listening  to my Hilary Weeks Station on Pandora, Julie Yardley's song "You Can Change"  really brought a message unto my heart. I knew how to summarize  the goal I have been working on in order to help me hold onto hope (my 2014 yearly goal). In the chorus Yardley sings:

"wrap your mistakes in a Cacoon and emerge a butterfly."

This year I was diagnosed with ADHD and began to constantly question my past and present actions and things I have said to people.  I have been asking myself "if there is something so wrong with my brain, how many things have I done wrong that I didn't  even know about, especially  how many other people have I inadvertently hurt or offended in some way?"  The last few weeks I have finally started  to come to terms with this ADHD challenge, accept it as part of my life, and move on from the worries about my past. 

I am learning that I cannot be one the beautiful butterfly I am meant to be without first living in  Cacoon of many mistakes and weaknesses, but someday  I really will be  able to emerge from that Cacoon and emerge a butterfly.

What mistakes can we wrap in a Cacoon today?

Be Inspired,
Janelle Joy

Family Home Evening

Dad's Opening Song: Family History
(Children’s Songbook p 94)

Prayer

Morning Glory's scripture:
"Thou shalt thank the Lord the God in all things." D&C 59:7

Lady  Slipper's  Lesson: Jesus Christ is a good example   (see Primary 4, lesson 36)

Mom's Activity: Phase 10 Masters Edition Cooperation  (Lady Slipper learned the numbers on her cards and the rest of us  helped each other complete as many phases as we can in 4 rounds and--definitely  a different  strategy).

Prayer

Treat: choose between apple cider, a cookie, or apple slices with peanut butter.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy 

Truly Tender: Big Sister

Morning Glory,

Thanks for helping her get all ready for church!   I really appreciate you!!

Love,
Mom

The Beach in a Bin

After a "trip to the beach" at Kindermusik class, she carefully saved her pink paper cup to take home so we could use it at the beach (dirt in the backyard) at home too.

It is so fun that such little things make her so happy.

Be Inspired,
Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: Canning

For Family Home Evening a couple of weeks ago,  we canned pears.  Everyone helped and we at least tripled the number of jars we finished together as I had completed on my own a few days before. Yum! 

Lady Slipper thought the whole thing was amazing fun:  juicing lemons, cutting peeled pear halves into small pieces with a butter knife, and especially drawing smiley faces on the lids after they cooled.

Thanks for helping, family! (Including the dolls)

Be Inspired,
Janelle Joy

My Own Moroni Man: "Can I work Outside with you, Daddy?"

Family Friendly: Feather Pillow Snow Angels

Lady Slipper:
"Mom!  Come see the snow!!"

Mom: "Wow!  All that came out of one pillow?!"

Did you have any surprising mishaps today that could become a fun memory if you choose to laugh?

Be Inspired, 

Janelle Joy

Thankful Thinking: Mending Time

I was able to mend some clothes with Lady Slipper. I prepared the needle and thread and started each stitch and then she pulled the needle through to complete it.   It was a fun and relaxing few moments as we listened to music and mended together. I remember doing the same thing with Morning Glory too.

Many other moments came back to enter my memories as we stitched.  I loved it when Grandma Mattie came to visit and she let me sit and mend socks and other clothing items with her.  I loved it so much,  that I searched extra hard for any tiny holes in my favorite play dresses (which often got caught in the wheels of my Powder Puff bike) just so we could have more mending time together.

Grandma's legacy of mending time also reminded me of my mom's favorite memory of home as she was growing up.  She loved the special quiet time each evening when she could sit quietly with her mom on the green sofa (which is still the one I always sat on at Grandma's house too) and watch TV while Grandma knitted.

Do you have any meaningful mending memories?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: Keep Crocheting, Mom

The most excited cheerleader for my crocheting hobby is definitely Morning Glory.  She spent quite a bit of time searching online for the perfect blessing dress pattern and gets so happy when she sees me sit down to crochet a row or two.  Often she sits next to me and helps with a few chain stitches and even learned to make a shell (two double crochets, two chains, two more double crochet in the same space). She rushes up to take care of little jobs she can tell I am about to get up and do saying "
I'll do it; you just keep crocheting."

Thanks for the break, Morning Glory. And thanks for choosing the pattern for me.

What tender moments have you had today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Mommy Moments: Knitting a Vest.

I recently found out we are expecting a baby girl.  What does that have to do with the tiny white vest I just finished not long ago?  Well, I have a tradition to make my own special outfit for the blessing day of each of my babies. Even though this is my 14th pregnancy, I have made only three of these: two blessing dresses and this little white vest I just made for our son.

Hmmm. What to think now that I realize my strong feelings that I am expecting a son are incorrect?  At first I became scared.  "If I am not really having a son, does that mean I am going to lose this little girl too?" Picturing our little son in my mind is one thing that has given me hope for the possibility  of actually meeting this little life within me. "Does this mean I don't know how to listen to the Spirit? Was I wrong to trust so completely in my feelings this time?"
These and many other questions have battled within my heart and mind. 

However, peace continues to overcome the fears.  I have decided not to feel scared  or doubt my inspiration.   It is OK even if any of those fears really are true.  I know it took great faith and increased my hope when I decided to knit that vest and not wait until closer to my due date. Isn't that experience worth it no matter what the outcome is?  Yes!! I know it is.

Now I can follow my Morning Glory' s lead and get all excited about blessing dress patterns.   I can decide now to be happy and trust in God no matter what his plan is for me.

Did something surprise you today? Did your life take an unexpected turn?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

What a Miracle!

  We are living a  moment to moment miracle and have made it almost 6 months, Little One (23 weeks and 2 days)!

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

My Own Moroni Man: "What Can I do for you today?"

My hubby often asks me what he can do for me that day.  Since moving to a new home, those queries have centered on asking what yard projects I most care about, or am most excited about, accomplishing.  I have realized I need to be very selective in what I reply, even in passing, since he literally takes every reply to heart.

I mentioned I would really like the old fence torn down in the back yard.  That same evening I heard a sound: My Own Moroni Man had already started knocking down a whole side of the old wooden fence himself. He wanted to surprise me.

The next day, when I woke up from a nap, I heard sounds from the back yard again.  As I looked out our bedroom window, I saw him and several of our neighbor boys knocking down the rest of the fence. 

Only one day later, and he had already found a way to do that just for me.

I definitely know he loves me.

What other ways has he shown me he loves me today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

The Sustaining Gift of My Husband's Love

Even with my monrhly goal to guide and comfort me, several times I have failed to be still and act with the influence of the Spirit and have instead reacted with fear, doubt, or confusion. I want to become so much better and trust in God more, especially for the sake of my family.

One of those who bears the most burden when I have those less than ideal moments (and, let's face it, days), is my wonderful husband.  I want to learn to love others the way he loves me.

As I studied Henry B. Eyring's talk tonight, one line really stood out to me as the Spirit changed the pronouns slightly and my Heavenly Father  answered  my inner questioning of why I have been so blessed with my wonderful,  encouraging,  loving, and supportive husband: " “I gave you to him (my husband) because I knew he could and would love you no matter what you did.” The truth of that statement burned into my heart. I know Heavenly Father must love me  so much.

How does Father want me to share that love with others today? I am thankful to have my hubby as an example to help me find that answer.

Who is an example for you?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

August Mini Mission: "Be Still"

I felt like taking a picture of many things simply undone. A sink full of dishes, and waffles left stuck on the waffle iron were just the tip of the iceberg yesterday, since there was so much I did not get completed.

As I thought about my messy house this morning and the endless to-do list would not leave my mind, I got up to study the Relief Society Lesson for this week   ( Teachings of President Joseph Fielding Smith chapter 14: The Gift of the Holy Ghost) and finally felt peace begin to return to my heart. I was reminded to be still. If I sincerely ask my Father in Heaven what His will is for me today,  and stay still enough to listen to the Spirit,  then I can know what really does need to be on the to do list.

Ultimately there is only one thing on that list: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10)

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Thankful Thinking: Waterfall

My hubby has been working on creating a dream come true for me: My own waterfall.  I feel so thankful for him, for his friends who are helping,  and especially for my Heavenly Father. I feel truly loved.

How do you feel loved today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: Making Cupcakes

Just Hold On and then Walk On

I'm  back!! The last three months have gone by in a blur. . .but a wonderful blur.  So many changes happened so fast that I  completely simplified my life, and tried to focus on only basics each day.   To me, the basics are two things: promote healthy spirits and healthy bodies in my family.

My "monthly mini mission" became a 3 month goal to Just Hold On.
As I almost constantly felt overwhelmed,  remembering I only needed to hold on to hope each day really pulled me through.

"What are some of the huge changes," you ask? Here is a small sample: 14th wedding anniversary, 14th pregnancy (I have made it 14 weeks now and so hope to actually make it to meet this little one), new job for hubby, and a new home.

Now I think things have slowed down enough to have a new July Mini Mission to: Walk On.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Thankful Thinking: Did I Really Feel That?

I really do feel that new little one kicking around in there!! That is so much fun! We are about 10 weeks along now, My Little One. Hope you have a few more weeks of practice--can you make it at least until Christmas?  

Every day with this new life inside me is an amazing miracle.

What is a miracle in your life today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: Ice Castle

Lady Slipper just LOVED the Frozen movie.  I was really impressed with her very own version of the ice castle, even using the block basket as a base to build on. 

What truly tender moments have you had today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Mommy Moments: Rubber Band Value Bracelets

Morning Glory is a new Beehive at church and is working on her Personal Progress award.  For her first value experience last month, she chose to learn more about each value by learning the color and what each one stands for.  She had an ingenious way to learn them: use her rubber bands to create bracelets with the value colors in them.  Each of us made a bracelet and both learned a lot about those values and had an easier time remembering the colors for each one.  It was a really fun moment with my girl. . .I love being a mom!!

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: Pencil Playhouse

Lady Slipper asked me to play doll house with her.  I was impressed with the use of her imagination when I saw she was using pencils as the people.  I am so glad she invited me to join in! 
I love being a mom!

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Mommy MTC Moments: March 2014 Plan

I will emphasize these things with my girls whenever possible this month:

Prophet: Joseph Fielding Smith
-"Illustrated Story of President Joseph Fielding Smith"
by Annette C. Hullinger
-"The Lord Needed a Prophet" by Susan Arrington Madsen
Gospel Principles:


Lady Slipper Study:
I Am Thankful for the Day and the Night
I Am Thankful for Water
I Am Thankful for Trees, Plants, and Flowers
I Am Thankful for Fish



Morning Glory Study:
Noah and the Flood
Jehovah Makes Covenants with Abraham
Abraham and Lot
Abraham and Isaac
March: The Atonement of Jesus Christ
Song: I Stand All Amazed

Article of Faith: Three Scripture Mastery: Alma 37:35: "O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God" Primary Scripture: “We have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world” (1 John 4:14). Scripture Stories: Old Testament   5-8

March Mini-Mission: Doubt My Doubts

My goal for this month reflects my strong belief  in the truth of what President Uchtdorf taught that although doubts are normal in my life, and I always seem to have lots of them, if I doubt the doubts before I doubt my faith, I will find the truth;


"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters—my dear friends—please, first doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.⁸ We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner and keep us from the divine love, peace, and gifts that come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ."
"Come, Join with Us," By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf ,  October 2013   





How do you hold onto hope?


Be Inspired,


Janelle Joy

Thankful Thinking: Great Friends for my Girls

Earlier this month, this is the surprise we found on our front door as Morning Glory's friends welcomed her into the Beehive class.  It was accompanied by lots of crepe paper strung around the bushes and trees in the front yard.  I still can't bring myself to remove the bees and hearts from the front door.  I am so thankful for good friends for my girls.

What are you thankful for today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: Conversation Hearts

I got a great idea from a friend at work:  during the month of February, ask fun questions on heart-shaped papers and learn more about your family members who answer them.  I used the idea for lunchtime notes for Morning Glory.  I wasn't sure if she really cared about my little conversation heart notes until she started to make sure I didn't forget to send one with her  to school each day.  On one half of the front of each heart, I told her something I was thankful she had done that morning or the day before.  Then on the other half of the front of the heart, I would ask a fun question to learn more about her like "What is something you would like to learn about?"  and she answered the question on the back side of the heart.

It has been a wonderful way to extend Valentine's Day for the whole month.

I love being a mom!

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

My Own Moroni Man: Pours Out His Heart

I wish I had taken a video of how my handsome hubby dramatized our family scripture reading tonight.  I noticed we weren't having much interest in listening from Lady Slipper and suggested we act the story out.  So he got down on his knees and very loudly used his hands to pour his heart out from his chest onto the floor.  Not how I had ever pictured the Enos story before, but the girls laughed and laughed and I don't think they will ever forget that story.

Thanks my Moroni Man!

What did a Moroni Man do for you today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Mommy MTC Moments: February 2014 Plan

I will emphasize these things with my girls whenever possible this month:

Prophet: Joseph Fielding Smith
-"Illustrated Story of President Joseph Fielding Smith"
by Annette C. Hullinger
-"The Lord Needed a Prophet" by Susan Arrington Madsen
Gospel Principles:


Lady Slipper Study:
Jesus Christ Is the Son of Heavenly Father
Heavenly Father and Jesus Love Me
The Holy Ghost Helps Me



Morning Glory Study:
Adam and Eve and Their Family Offered Sacrifices
 Adam and Eve Lived the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Enoch and a Zion People
February: The Plan of Salvation


Song: I Will Follow God's Plan (#164)
(also  "I am a Child of God" and I Lived in Heaven)
 
Article of Faith: Two
Scripture Mastery: Alma 37:35: "O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God"
Primary Scripture: “O how great the plan of our God!” (2 Nephi 9:13).
Scripture Stories: Old Testament  Daniel in the Lion's Den

February Mini-Mission: Rejoice in Small Victories

I didn't get it posted earlier this month, but I have been focusing on the little victories each day to help me hold onto hope.  I really needed that goal this month as I had my 11th miscarriage on Feb 4th, and on Feb 14th I learned that I have polyps in my uterus which need to be removed as well as the autoimmune antibodies attacking my babies, and a hormone imbalance making it hard to have enough progesterone to sustain a pregnancy (I knew about the last two).  I was scared about the surgery I had on Feb 20th to remove the polyps but it went really well. 


I continue to think of each little daily victory as well as past larger victories that remind me that I have much reason to hope for a bright future.


"Rejoice in life’s small victories. Hope emerges and is sustained when we regularly discover reasons for it. Capitalize on the small victories that unfold daily, such as completing assignments, submitting job applications, reading your scriptures, or exercising for a few minutes each day. These accomplishments provide proof that effort is rewarded, lead to enhanced self-confidence, contribute to effective goal-setting, and instill belief that success can be achieved. Try to notice and celebrate at least two of these victories each day." ("The Healing Balm of Hope," by Vaughn E. Worthen, Ensign September 2013)




What helps you hold onto hope each day?


Be Inspired,


Janelle Joy

"Abish" Poem

Abish

By Donnell Hunter

---

This must be the day …

The Lord has reasons, my father said,

why we see signs

no other Lamanite knows;

if we hold fast believing

someday he’ll show us why.

He clung to his hope

faithful to death:

Abish, the sign must not have been for me

but you.

Remember what I saw.

Be true.

Some day someone will need

to show the way.

Be there believing

and when that day comes,

you’ll know.

  From Alma 19:16

(see Abish, Ensign Aug 1977 )

Simply Undone: Dishes

Dishes, dishes and more dishes. . .are they ever really finished?  Instead of dishes today, I had a tea party outside.  How much more fun is that.  Dishes might be a good thing to do, getting my exercise might be a better choice, I think that today the tea party was the BEST choice.

---

"We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families."  (Elder Dallin H. Oaks "Good, Better, Best" Ensign Nov. 2007)

What good thing did you leave undone so you could do the BEST thing today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: Morning Glory Monkey Bread

I woke up to have a fun surprise.  MG wanted to cook breakfast today.  She looked through one of her favorite cookbooks (Our Best Bites) and made monkey bread. mmmmmmmm.  Her dad even said it was better than donuts and he absolutely loves donuts.  

Thanks for the morning surprise MG!

What truly Tender moments have you had today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle JOy

My Own Moroni Man: Played Ball Outside With His Girls

He had been feeling pretty sick the last couple of days and I know it wasn't what he wanted to do, but when Morning Glory and Lady Slipper begged him to go outside and play ball with them, he did it. 
Thanks for doing that with them my Handsome Hubby!

What did a Moroni Man in your life do for you today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Simply a Supermom: Sherrie Johnson shares Abish's story

"How happy Abish must have been as she watched Lamoni teach the people that she had gathered. And she must have been even happier when many who heard the king believed his words, repented, and joined the Church of Jesus Christ!"

(See the full article here:  "Scriptural Giants: Abish, Lamanite Woman of God" by Sherrie Johnson 
Friend, Feb. 1988)

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Thankful Thinking: Sock Valentine

Since we don't wear any shoes while teaching kindermusik classes, I love to wear fun socks.  This morning, Morning Glory gave me a special valentine: "Want to wear my socks today mom?"  They were fun ones she got from her aunt (my sister) that say "heart breaker" on them.  I felt very loved and really enjoyed that sock valentine all day as I wore them to work.

Thanks, Morning Glory! I love being your mom!

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: Lemon, Marshmallow and Ice Cream Tea

Lady Slipper has really loved playing with big sister's tea sets lately (Thanks for sharing MG!) 
I often look down to see a little hand reaching up for me to have another drink of some special healthy tea.  This time  she brought me a cup of "lemon, marshmallow and ice cream tea."  MMMMMM

I love being a Mom!

What Tender Moments did you have today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Simply Supermoms: "Bringing Abish to Life," Miranda Feldtman, Jade Swartzberg, Shari Whyte and other Silverdale Washington Youth

 

One small Book of Mormon story has made a big difference in the lives of the youth of Silverdale, Washington.

Miranda Feltdman is not a member of the Church; she had never heard of the Book of Mormon before she was invited to audition for the musical. A stake leader knew her and felt prompted to call her. It took courage for Miranda to try out for the play, but she did, and landed a lead role—the part of Abish.

“I was really worried initially—it was my first time playing a lead role in a musical. But everyone was really supportive and had faith in me, and eventually I learned to have that sort of faith in myself,” recalls Miranda.

That faith helped her understand the role she was playing, although at first she was worried she wouldn’t be able to. “I realized that Abish really was almost exactly like me and every other young man or woman out there at some point in their life. She has to learn fairly quickly to stick to her convictions no matter what, even if the entire world—or the court in this case—seems set against her.”

Abish’s story taught the youth that with God, anything is possible. They learned this as they juggled hectic high school schedules and play rehearsals to make the production happen.

(See the full article:  "Bringing Abish to Life,"  Jade Swartzberg and Shari Whyte   June 2007 New Era)

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: "Let's Chow down on Chowder!"

I had been feeling sick and doing even less cooking than usual (Hubby does it usually lately--I am lucky I know)  and we got out some cans of Progresso soups to choose from.  Morning Glory had a fun time with it even though she had had some the day before too.  She said it was alright as long as she could have the clam chowder and not the potato chowder.  Then she cracked herself up: "Let's chow down on chowder!!"

Thanks for cheering me up MG!  I love being your Mom

What tender moments did you have today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

My Own Moroni Man: Building a Fish Tank Canopy with his Girls

He doesn't have any boys to help, but we did our best.  MG and I helped hold things in place during all the sawing and building and provided some muscles to help lift it into place. LS loved helping stain the wood.  I know it took a lot more time to do this project when doing with the whole family.  Thanks for your patience and creating a family memory my Handsome Hubby!!

What did your Moroni Man do today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Simply Undone: My Bedroom

 I got going early in the morning and really hoped to clean up the big pile of stuff left over in my room from displaced Christmas items, returns we needed to make, etc.  I was feeling energetic and actually excited to get the job done and have my room back.  After only a few minutes into my cleaning project, a little voice said "dance with me, mommy."  She was dressed up like Cinderella and had some of her favorite music turned on.  I am ashamed to admit that I kept cleaning for a minute or two. . .I really was limited on time before I needed to leave for work.  But the feeling that little Lady Slipper is much more important than a clean room couldn't escape my heart.  I stopped and danced with my Cinderella.

When I came home after work, the pile was still staring at me and I started in on it again.  Then I heard a little voice behind me:  "Come see my bike Mommy."
 This time I am happy to say I listened to the voice more quickly and went  out to see the bike and ended up playing outside with both my girls for quite a while. I can be taught.

It is two weeks later and that pile is still staring at me in my bedroom every day.  But now it reminds me of two special mommy memories I can never replace in my heart.

What did you leave undone today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Simply a Supermom: Abish

I love the story of Abish in the Book of Mormon (Alma 19:16-17). Abish has several supermom characteristics:

•  She must have trusted her father and supported him when he shared his "remarkable vision," respecting his leadership in receiving guidance from God regarding the leadership of his family. 
• As time passed she must have sought her own knowledge and confirmation of the truths revealed to her father because by the time of this story, her own personal testimony is apparent in her zeal to share the Gospel by running " from house to house making it known unto the people."  
• She must have had the Spirit's influence to know what should be done and great faith and courage and willingness to obey.
•  I am sure she was also a patient woman as she waited and hoped for years openly living the principles she learned from God even as she was surrounded by wickedness. She shared the Gospel only through her example until the time was right to share this miraculous experience she witnessed in the kings house.
• She also exemplifies great faith and diligence by not giving up or running away when she saw that many of the people interpreted the situation very differently from how she did.     
•  
What can we learn from Abish today? 

 Be Inspired,

           Janelle Joy                                                   

P.S. See what other supermoms have to share about what they have learned from the story of Abish

   "In the Book of Mormon, Abish was converted by her father’s sharing with her his remarkable vision. For many... ...testimony and the miracles she had witnessed in the king’s court. The power of Abish's conversion and testimony was instrumental in changing an entire society. ( "Love Her Mother"     Elaine S. Dalton, October 2011 General Conference)

Having hidden her testimony for many years, Abish finally had her moment, and she did not hesitate. The result changed hundreds of lives.We may never know the impact our testimony might have on other people. In fact, we may wonder sometimes if our testimony can make a difference. We might even say to ourselves, “Will it really matter if I say something? I am just one person—one voice.”  ("Abish: A Common Servant, a True Testimony" 
 By Heather B. Moore)

Thankful Thinking: Morning Yoga and Article of Faith Jacks

I was up doing my new pilates video and then started my yoga video.  The girls came into the room and started doing it with me.  Then we started doing jumping jacks and singing all 13 articles of faith.  I was surprised at how much fun they had.  We have a new family goal not to watch any screen device for any more minutes than we do exercize, so they were happy to start out the day already having 45 minutes of screen time.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: "Mapunzel" (Rapunzel) Hair

I want Mapunzel hair mom! (LS says handing me some toilet paper)

"That isn't long enough, Mom, Let's make it longer!"

What Tender Moments did you have today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

My Own Moroni Man: Living Room Fortress

I have always loved the story of Moroni fortifying the cities of the people in miraculous ways  (Alma 49:2) and all the effort and care he put into protecting his people.  When I came home from work today and saw this special fortress built just for my girls by my loving husband, I felt just as protected and loved.

Thanks my Handsome Hubby!

What did your own Moroni Man do for you today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

January 2014 Mini Mission: Picture the Savior

On hard days I have often found myself stopping in front of my favorite picture of the Savior (above) and  trying to feel whatever words of comfort he would say to me if I really were standing in his presence right then.  This time I saw the picture at the church while trying to entertain my littler one during hubby's church ball game (it went into overtime) after my longest day at work and feeling I couldn't keep going much longer.  I pointed out the picture to my Lady Slipper and it gave me just enough strength to finish that night.

As I thought about that experience and many other times I have found strength from this picture, I realised that picturing it in my mind whenever I need to during the day can help me with my goal to Hold onto Hope this year.  I have tried it and it really helps.

What helps you Hold onto Hope?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Mommy MTC Moments: Playdough and Hand Shadows

Lady Slipper was sick for the first two weeks of her new sunbeam class (for 3 and 4-year-olds at church on on Sundays.  I really wanted to find a few moments to teach her about the lessons she had missed:
I am a Child of God and Heavenly Father Has a Body. It has been much harder for me to do since I started working last year. I listened to the lessons online while doing my workout one morning to get ideas and then I just watched for ways I could incorporate those principles into fun little teaching snippets during our normal day.

When she asked me to play with the play dough in her play kitchen, I suggested we use her gingerbread man shape to make "cookies" and helped her put them in her tiny pan.  We talked about how she is a daughter of Heavenly Father and he has two eyes, a head, feet and arms just like she does.  We made a Heavenly Father cookie and a Lady Slipper cookie.

Then one night when she asked me to cuddle with her in her bed, She wanted her dolphin lamp on and I noticed it  cast fun hand shadows on the wall by her bed.  We played with the shadows using our hands and talked about how Heavenly Father has hands too.

I am learning that I can still find short and simple mommy moments even as a working mom.

What is your favorite Mommy Moment today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Craig

Mommy MTC Moments: January 2014 Plan

I will emphasize these things with my girls whenever possible this month:

Prophet: Joseph Fielding Smith
-"Illustrated Story of President Joseph Fielding Smith"
by Annette C. Hullinger
-"The Lord Needed a Prophet" by Susan Arrington Madsen
Gospel Principles:
Lady Slipper Study:
I am a Child of God
 Heavenly Father Has a Body
 Heavenly Father's Plan for Us
I can Pray to Heavenly Father

Morning Glory Study:
Heavenly Father's Plan for Us
Jesus Christ was Chosen to be Our Savior
The Creation
The Fall of Adam and Eve
 
Song: He Sent His Son

(also  "I am a Child of God" and I Lived in Heaven)
 
Article of Faith: One 
Scripture Mastery: Alma 37:35: "O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God"
Primary Scripture: John 3:16 "for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Scripture Stories: Old Testament  1-4

Simply a Supermom: Mary-- Willing to Give Life and then Give it Away

This Christmas season had so much more meaning for me than any I have celebrated before. Each time I heard, read, sang, or watched anything about Mary and baby Jesus, I couldn't push away the ache inside for my own baby boy, Benjamin, miscarried suddenly on November 8, 2013 at 2:30 am, at only just over three months along. He was so tiny, yet so perfectly formed. I especially remember his exquisite little hands and feet with all ten tiny fingers and toes, his little open mouth, and miniature ears.

Almost immediately after returning home from the Dr. ,we began to spontaneously begin our Christmas decorating early as a means of cheering us up. Little did I comprehend how beginning this Christmas season with the birth of my own baby boy, even though so small and fragile and gone so quickly, would change my heart forever.

The heartache I felt each time I thought of Mary's sacrifice to bring little baby Jesus into the world for each of us and then to watch Him as He chose to give His life back to His Father in Heaven so that we all can return to our Heavenly home, was deepened more than I could have ever comprehended before losing my own son.  The joy of knowing that only through the loss and suffering of Mary's son, am I and all others saved.

I can't imagine the experience of cradling and raising the son of God, let alone the anguish of watching him willingly give his life.
Mary was chosen for her special mission because of her unique and special gifts, not the least of which were humility and complete trust in God.
What special mission is given to each of us as individual sons and daughters of God? Are we working to discover and fulfill our own destiny?  Some that only we can touch are waiting for us.

What a wonderful Christmas Season.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy