Little things...

I have several websites and blogs that I pull ideas from. I'm SO thankful for these blogs...I think the people that come up with stuff to help with Sharing Times, Primary ideas, etc...are just angels! I seriously would be lacking inspiration (and probably bored without a project) without these lovely ladies....it's one of the reasons, too, that I love the blog-o-sphere. I don't know any of these crafty chicks personally and without their blogs I would probably never come across them in my lifetime. They make their wonderful ideas so readily available, I wish I DID know them so I could give them a hug and thank them!

So, over on Beehive Messages....she posted about an idea for a Relief Society "Getting to Know You" activity (which sounds way cool, by the way). They played a bunch of getting to know you games...and then at the end, the RS President gave them each a notebook and challenged them to "Get to Know" the Savior. I love this challenge! I feel like all the different auxillaries are giving us such a chance this year to step up and REALLY get to know our Savior. And to get to know Him through the power of the scriptures. President Monson said:

“I know from personal experience, the spiritual power that can flow into your life if you follow this practice (scripture study). You will feel the love of God and a cleansing, purifying regeneration of your spirit. You will experience moments of revelation, when the Spirit whispers to your spirit to be a better father, a better mother, a better son or daughter, a better disciple of Jesus Christ.”

So, here is my version of the notebook. The scripture reading schedule started the week of January 17th...and ends the week of Easter (perfect, no?). Which also happens to be the week of Jaxson's birth... couldn't think of a better way to bring a new spirit into the world than to do everything I can to become a better mother.

On the inside of the notebook, I pasted the scripture schedule and a list of questions to ponder.

You take the scripture and read it the whole week...then switch to a new one each Sunday. Ponder what the scriptures means to you.

12 Week Scripture Reading Schedule…

January 17-23 Helaman 5:12

January 24-30 St. John 14:23-27

Jan 31-Feb 6 3 Nephi 13:14-21

February 7-13 Alma 5:14-16

Feb 14-20 Proverbs 31:30-31

Feb 21-27 D & C 8:2-3 & 9:7-9

Feb 28-Mar 6 Moroni 10:18-23

March 7-13 Matthew 7:7-8

March 14-20 D & C 6:14-16

March 21-27 D & C 88:118-119

Mar 28-Apr 3 Revelations 7:15-17

April 4-8 Mosiah 4:9-12

Onto another idea....I came across this one on Sugardoodle.net. Usually we give out pencils and stickers in Primary for birthdays...but I wanted to do something else this year. And this picture block was just perfect! It's like a 2x4 or maybe a 3x4 with a passalong picture of Christ on it. The kids seems to love them so far.

I added the Articles of Faith to the back....just as a little nudge and reminder. Ü

See? All these little projects I have to do. Like I really HAVE to do them....but they clog up my mind until I get them done!

Musing on small miracles.

I did the oddest thing today....I got the kids (all 3, since I'm babysitting this week) down for naps and it was silent for the first time all day.....so I pondered what to do in such silence! And since my thoughts have still been on a talk given on Sunday, I brought out my scriptures and "Scripture Study for LDS Families" and sat down and started to STUDY (my minor miracle of the day). I always make a plan to start to read my scriptures more...on a daily basis....I never get to it, there is always something else to do, something else to read, something else to clean...excuse after excuse. And the guilt builds knowing I've, unfortunately, never completely read the Book of Mormon all the way thru.

But today, I felt a yearning for learning...I contribute that to Sacrament meeting on Sunday....
Two things happened. Part of the sacrament prayer stuck so clearly in my mind: "that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them" and I have to admit, I thought it odd that this part was so strongly impressed upon me. Especially thru the dramatics of my children, they make it quite hard to pay complete attention.
Then, one of our speakers, a sweet chick new to our ward... her topic was Scripture Study. She quoted several sources and spoke very eloquently, the entire talk was very enjoyable. The part that stuck with me was about how she and her husband had decided to watch one less show at night and read their scriptures together instead. I thought OH! this couple is after our own heart.... how many shows or books do I bog myself down with! I can't take time to read something as important as my scriptures because of a SHOW! Seriously! How utterly pathetic.
She spoke about choosing....and I don't know why...I've heard this HOW many times in the course of my life...but it just SUNK IN right then.
Choosing to keep the commandments...by choosing to opt to watch the Office another night so I can spend some time immersing myself in the gospel. By choosing not to get on the computer as soon as the girls go down for a nap....but taking just a bit of time each day, a FRACTION of the entire day and study the scriptures...something that has been asked of me time and time again.

I do have to admit, though, that I don't find reading the scriptures an easy task...I have a hard time concentrating on it, and really grasping everything I'm reading. And also...I don't want to just read to read and get it done. I want to study it....STUDY...as in learn about the people and the places and become knowledgable about them and the lessons taught.

I can't guarantee that I'll pick up the scriptures and continue on tomorrow...but I hope I will. I hope I can choose to take some time, give up something meaningless for something meaningful. And how nice will it be to have that Sacrament promise of having "His Spirit to be with them" ...cause I know a bit more Spirit in this household wouldn't be unappreciated. Ü

Firsts...

Today we had a couple of "firsts" for Miss Bella.
She read the scripture and say the prayer
for the first time in Primary!
We have been practicing 1 John 4:14 all week!
This is us last night:

I tried to get a video of it, but it was too big
and wouldn't post....which is ok anyways, b/c she
was hopped up on a Grape Sonic Slushee and
only repeating a few words here and there....
Which is kinda how Primary went today,
she was quite she, totally expected....
but she said the closing prayer quite nicely!

Her scripture:
And we have seen and do testify
that the Father sent the Son
to be the Saviour of the world.

Another first!
I have finally gotten over it,
and Bella is pull-up free!
A first for her and me!