Morning Messages

I love morning messages. I don't care which way I get them; text, phone, or email (honestly I've only gotten 2 emails from handsome man which were the start of this whole thing). Usually I'm at the gym, with a patient, or my ringer is off and I miss the voice on the other end of the call. Morning messages or better yet morning phone calls from handsome man, just make my day and are great ways to start the day. But this morning he was my wake up call. My groggy voice tried to be not so groggy as I said hello. And of course he caught on, "Are you still in bed." Yes I was. Sometimes a girl just needs to sleep past 9. What a fantastic way to start my day. I wouldn't mind that voice as my alarm every morning!

Love Me Surprises!

I'm not quite sure where April went but it's almost over, which is just fine with me because it just means that May is right around the corner which means fun surprises, as you never know what fun we will have when mom, dad and the single kids come to visit. And if I'm lucky maybe handsome man will come too.

Did I mention that I love surprises? Always have, always will. Last week was handsome mans birthday and I surprised him with a birthday package. It was so fun to put together. Given the fact that it seems that we some how skipped over our favorite things, I decided to gift him a collection of my favorite things, at least what I could fit in a box. Of course I had to make it cute and all and should have taken pictures but didn't. I know shame on me. The package included: A picture of Bronco Stadium because you all know how I love Boise State Football. My favorite movie New In Town. A cupcake picture frame with of course my ugly picture in it. This was to represent the fact that I would have made homemade cupcakes if we hadn't have been over 2,300 miles away from each other. My favorite church CD, "Come Sing To The Lord." One of my favorite books even though he doesn't like to read, Big Russ and Me by Tim Russert. The game Quiddler which he can't play by himself, but when I go to visit we can see who is the best speller. A picture of the Sweet Water Rescue that I had purchased when I was in Utah. I absolutely loved the picture. It reminds me that when I think my life is hard that it could be harder. And of course I had to include a tie. There is something about me and ties, ask my brothers they get ties for almost every occasion. I think he was a bit or rather a lot surprised. I mean really, who doesn't love to get a package in the mail, whether it is your birthday or not? And for him it was right in the middle of his busy work day!

So I was telling my grandmother about this and she thought it was a fantastic idea. She thought it was such a great idea that she was going to think about her favorite things and what she would put in a box and write them down for her meditation hour the next day. I wonder what she wrote down.

Black Cars and Strange Men

Today is a cloudy, but 67 degrees with a hint of wind. It felt wonderful on my hour long run. I was waiting for it to start pouring rain the entire time, but it has looked like rain all day and I haven't seen a drop yet. I've taken a shower and am still sweating. I must have worked out harder than I thought. My friend and mother like figure Sister Middlebrook lectured me the other day that because I didn't carry my cell phone when I ran, that I needed to call someone and let them know when I went running in case I never returned. I kind of felt funny calling my mom before and after my run today. But I get the safety issue, especially when I got down to the park that I jogged to and there was a strange man, well he was just a man, but he was sitting in a black car. You know what black cars and strange men mean, strangers...or at least they did when we were kids. When I was a kid and my parents were gone someone came to our door in a white sports car. We were scared out of our minds and I had all of the kids in my parents room with knives. Come to find out it was the Avon lady who had just gotten a new car. Back to the story...However I felt that I better not go jogging back in the woods. I mean what if I had run into the woods and someone was there and wanted to kidnap me? I wouldn't have been able to do anything but use my kick boxing moves on him to get away. Even though I really wanted to enjoy the beauty of the woods and the paths, I just ended up running around this small trail and then headed back into my neighborhood streets. But when I came out from the trail the car and the man were gone. For reals he probably just had a few minutes before he had a very important business meeting where he was going to donate millions to a children's charity for all I know and I totally judged him for sitting in his car enjoying the beauty of the park on this cloudy spring afternoon. I was kind of disappointed that I didn't get my run through the woods, but I'd rather go with my instincts than be one of those missing people pictures on the 6-o-clock news. There is something refreshing about an outside spring run that gets my adrenaline running!

I know you are thinking is that all she has to write about...well sorry to burst your bubble, but there are just things that need not be written right now for the entire world to read. Maybe for future posts and actually there isn't really anything too exciting anyway. It's kind of hard to find excitement when he is over 2, 300 miles away, except of course when he sends me a text here and there throughout the day or when he calls most evenings, however I love it when he calls on his way to work and I'm at the gym and I get this sweet message. I will admit I did freak out a few days ago regarding the fact that I was skeptical of having a long distance relationship. He was rather positive as he reminded me that we are only a plane ride away. He has a good point, but seriously this does stink just a bit...okay a lot.

This week I'm working 4 night shifts, well actually I worked 4-2 last night but I am on the next 3 nights 9p-7a. Sometimes I just don't look forward to that shift. So when everyone else is getting all of their fixings together for Easter dinner and making cute little Easter baskets for their children, I will be wishing I was else where as I am sewing up little fingers, heads, and whatever else decides to come my way or sleeping during the day since that is what you do when you work at night.

PS. I did get my flowers from the nursery this week. I can't wait to get some soil so I can plant them in my flower pots, buckets and barrels. I might have an ugly yard, but dang I can grow some flowers.

Chicken Fajitas

I think I'm going to have to start posting my favorite recipes that I use because I keep forgetting where I find them and then when I want to use them again I have to spend and hour looking at websites so I can find them again. I really loved these. They were super easy and a nice twist on chicken fajitas. The only thing is I put my chicken breasts in frozen and probably should put the peppers and onions in when the chicken has cooked a little.

Chicken Fajitas (less fat, less salt, less carbs)
This recipe serves 2 generously, double if you are serving more.
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into diagonal strips
3/4 onion, thinly sliced (I used the rest of the onion from my last recipe)
1 bell pepper, cored, seeded, julienned (I used yellow because that's what I had on hand)
1 tsp cumin
1 1/2 tsps chili powder
juice from 2 limes
3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
20 cilantro leaves

Spray slow cooker with cooking spray. Put chicken in first. Then add peppers and onions. Mix the rest of the ingredients in separate bowl then pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for about 5 hours. Serve on low carb wheat tortillas. You can top your fajitas with anything like guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes. In my picture I served them with avocado slices, fat free sour cream, fresh cilantro and a lime wedge.

Over The Shoulder Boulder Holders

I hate bra shopping. Always have, always will. There is just nothing fun in doing it, especially with G's. You are either too small or too big. It just doesn't seem like there is a happy medium. However since taking this picture and seeing that I was totally drooping here, I decided a few weeks ago that I needed to get some perky bras and perky is what I found. I can't believe I'm posting this and Tenielle is going to kill me to because she hates this picture.

I believe you must change out your bras at least every 9 months if not sooner. I have a cousin who's name I will not mention who I swear still wears her sports bra from High School or at least she did up until a few years ago. And she is still wearing my hand me downs from a few years ago. I swear I'm taking you bra shopping when I'm home next or at least for your birthday, yes you know who you are! Anyway, I must say I did come away with some pretty great finds including I think my new favorite brand of bra's "Marilyn Monroe." Yep, no more saggy, baggies here, just perky, perky or at least it feels that way! I can't believe I just blogged about this for the whole world to see, but it was mainly to get a laugh out of my sister friends and I know I did too.

Paint Job in 1 Hour!

The last few days I've been wanting to paint my front hall. Actually, I've been wanting to paint it for nearly 4 years. Well, last night after a crappy day at work my friend and VT Lauren came over and helped me paint the wall. Initially she came to help me tape, since I stink at it. However I really needed to take my stress out and so I took it out with a paint brush and paint. We had this job done in just over an hour. I was impressed with both of our work. It is amazing how fast a job like that can be finished when 2 people are doing it. I love the outcome. I have been wanting to put more pictures and vinyl lettering on this bare wall, but haven't because I had planned on painting first. Needless to say I think I maybe using Lauren's painting skills more often because when taking down the one and only picture I had on the wall, I hit it on the corner of the opposite wall and it now has a lovely small black indention.

I have the picture frames and the pictures, but just not quite sure about positioning. Therefore I have yet to hang the frames or put the pictures in the frames.

So the wall still kind of looks bare, but at least has a little color.

The original color is the same as what you see on the edge here. Boring white. Not that tan is much more exciting but for me it is.
I hate this yellow shelf now. I'd have painted it by now but since it is screwed on for life into the wall I'm going to have to wait until Lauren can come back over to tape the wall so I can paint the shelf.

Super, Sweet, Spring Break

Some how, some way I seemed to have finagled a 12 day vacation. I left after working a day shift last Thursday, but only made it to Atalanta before having to stay over night. We left late and when we got there, there was another plane parked in our spot, so we sat on the run way a little too long. I have flown through Atlanta several times and have never had to stay over night. There were some very irate people. Obviously they don't fly much. Delta was very kind to put me up in a lovely hotel and they even gave me a lovely little bag with toiletries and a night shirt. I never check bags on but this time I did and didn't have anything with me. I also had dinner with a lovely couple who also missed their flight. I was however slightly disappointed that BYU lost in the sweet sixteen that night. Not that I really follow them much, but it has been a great missionary tool at work lately. Friday morning I flew to SLC. When we came down from the clouds I was absolutely shocked to be landing in a blizzard in late March, SERIOUSLY. Tenielle picked me up and I went back to her house while she finished working, we then met up with Tony for dinner. Jonie from one of our very first singles wards in SLC was our waitress. It was so good to see her. It has literally been years since I last saw her. We then went back to Tenielle's and watched a movie.

I almost decided to skip over Saturdays activities, but if I did that then I would be skipping over one of the best parts of my trip. You all know that I don't blog about what I'm just about to blog about because as my aunt told me when I was home, "you never tell people about your dating life for at least 3 or 4 months after you have been dating someone." I'm not going to give you many details except that I met someone pretty incredible, handsome, respectful, successful, funny, and adventurous. I don't really know how to write about this without details, given the fact that I'm a pretty detailed individual especially when it comes to writing. Bottom line, he summed it up this way, we had 7 dates in 1 because my sister came on our first date. I know pretty funny, but it was totally the way to go. Actually we weren't suppose to go out until Saturday evening, but we ended up meeting for a quick lunch. I loved his text beforehand "Oh good didn't want to trade an evening of fun for a hasty lunch:)" and afterwards, "That was a fun lunch.  Can't wait to see what happens at dinner."  After lunch Tenielle and I did a little shopping and then she introduced me to the Orange Leaf. Shame on her but bless her for it. So Saturday night just Him and I went out to dinner and then we watched Secretariat. I love...that we can talk like we have known each other more than a week, that he makes me feel like I'm the most important person in the room, how a simple touch can allow me to see the respect that he has for women, he is oh so handsome and lovely to look at, that he makes me laugh and has already tried to convince me to move to Montana and you know I would in a heartbeat too, well it might take a little convincing but if it's for the right reason I would leave the warmth of the south and my career for an eternity of trying to stay warm with hot tubing and snuggling with a redheaded, blue eyed handsome man! I know you are all dying for details, but we will just have to go to lunch for those. Sunday before he left to go back to Montana he stopped by. Oh my oh my. Bet you didn't know I had a thing for red headed, blue eyed men did you?  That night Tenielle and I had dinner with our Disneyland friends Tyler and Bryant. We also had dinner with their new friend Paul and my friend Kamren joined us for dessert. Dinner was awesome. And our game of UNO attack was super fun, but of course our conversations were lovely with lots of laughter.  

Monday morning I flew home to Boise. We met up with the kids for lunch. I sure love our babies. Then we visited my moms brother Robert, before heading home. The kids came over after work for dessert and FHE.

Tuesday was my day to get done things that people typically don't do on vacation. First stop was the dentist. This really isn't my most favorite place to visit, however Tristen does a fabulous job cleaning my teeth. We then went to lunch at my favorite college hangout The Brick Oven Bistro or otherwise known as the Beanery. My cousin Alisha came with us, which was fun. I then went to my cousins to have my hair done. It's getting to be that time of year in Charlotte when all one wants to do is either cut their hair short or always wear it up. I have been really sick of my hair lately so I decided it was time for a bit of a change and had her give me some layers and style. It feels much lighter, not that I wont be wearing it up often, but at least it is a bit of a style change. Before the kids came over again I spent some time across the street chatting with Grandma Betty. I am so lucky to have grown up across the street from grandparents that I love and appreciate even more as I have become an adult. Getting 5 boys to take a great pictures just doesn't happen these days. But you know we try. It is rather comical!

Wednesday I spent some time playing the piano and the Tristen and Aidree came over before we went to lunch with Grandma Betty, and our friends Paula and Nancy to celebrate moms birthday. It is always a treat to be able to chat with such incredible women.

The kids came over that night for dinner. Danielle brought an amazing dessert that we all loved.

My cousin Alishas boys and husband went to Oregon for the week, so we had a slumber party at her house just like old times.

Thursday morning we had oatmeal at this great old church turned restaurant.

I love the smell of coffee and the atmosphere of friends catching up. We then did a little shopping at our favorite consignment store, where i purchased 2 new sweaters for a total of $10. She bought a coat and a dress. I always love when someone spends more than me. Mom told me that she ran into Sister Ferguson in the temple a few weeks ago and that they were leaving for a mission, I just saw her when I was home for Christmas and she wasn't convinced about going on a mission. Apparently she got convinced.  They will be serving for 1 year in the San Jose CA mission at the Institute.  That will be wonderful.  Since Alisha lives by them we surprised her with a visit, it was so good to see her, I love that lady. Mom and dad then picked me up and we headed to SLC.

Friday morning mom and I went to the Jordan River Temple. They have sessions every 20 minutes and the temple is huge. We then went and had our pedicures at US Nails.

They do an awesome job.  We got a good laugh because Tanner told the girl yes when she asked a question that he didn't understand and ended up getting buffed, which cost him an additional $5. That night my friends from PA school came for dinner. Oh what fabulous friends they are. We had fun catching up since it had been over 2 years since we had seen each other. That will not happen again, two years is too long. Chocolate chip/M&M cookies taste even better when mixed with their company, given the fact that it was a real treat for us when Tenielle would bring them to class when we were in school.

Saturday morning Tenielle, mom, and I went to conference. We had great seats. It was an amazing experience to be in the conference center. 

The talks that morning were wonderful.  I so enjoyed singing with over 20,000 others "I Know That My Redeemer Lives."  It was so powerful and the spirit was so strong.  The weather was perfect that day too.  Between sessions we stopped by my moms cousins where several other cousins had come from various places.  I am so blessed to come from a wonderful, loving family where I've learned to laugh.  The boys went to the conference center for the Priesthood

while Tenielle, mom and I went shopping uptown.  That night we went for the third time in a week to the Orange Leaf.

Good thing it's fat free!  It's so dang good though.

This morning we enjoyed another fabulous session and then this afternoon we all went to the Conference Center.  We had two extra tickets and my friend Steve just happened to be in town so we met him and let him have the awesome opportunity to be at conference.  It is funny that I see him more in SLC than in Charlotte. 

I really enjoyed this last session so much. We of course had to wake up to snow this morning again. Two weeks in a row isn't funny to me. Glad I live in Charlotte where I will go back to spring or maybe summer! I love Sunday dinner with my family. It is one of those things that I miss so bad living away. I however get to enjoy this with families from my ward, but it can never replace dinner with my own family. There is something about the way my dad makes ham and Tenielle's funeral potato's. Mine never taste as good. Of course we played several hands of Five Crowns, over the past weekend. I of course never win, but I still love the game.

All in all I have had a wonderful Spring Break. Just what I needed! It never helps to have a handsome man thrown in the mix of the excitement either...

General Conference

I love General Conference. I can't say I always have, but I don't remember when I didn't love it. I remember as a kid enjoying the singing the most. But as an adult I love the inspiration that I receive as I listen to those the Lord has chosen to lead and guide us in these the last days. I learned many years ago to go to conference with questions. No matter which questions you have, they will be answered. This conference seemed even more amazing as I was able to be in the conference center for 2 sessions. I know that I gained more from this conference than I have in past because of that sweet experience of being there, of seeing what goes on before and after and what is not captured on television or radio. One can not explain the amazement of how over 20,000 people immediately quite as soon as the prophet enters the room. It is so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. At the end of the last conference session a man walked up to Elder Packard. It looked like he was going to wheel him out before the end of the last song. Very gently Elder Packard put his hand on this mans arm and motioned for him to sit down, it was like he was telling him to listen and feel what was being sung and that he wasn't quite ready to go. I loved seeing the comradery among not only the general authorities but also their wives, the YW, Primary, and RS presidencies. My favorite however was seeing a man take his young son up to the very front and seeing President Monson shake the young boys hand.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from this past conference:

President Monson's Opening Message: "We continue to build temples. It is my privilege this morning to announce three additional temples for which sites are being acquired and which, in coming months and years, will be built in the following locations: Fort Collins, Colorado; Meridian, Idaho; and Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. They will certainly be a blessing to our members in those areas." Of course mom and dad knew there was another temple in the works so this wasn't a surprise to them, but was to me. Amazing that they will have 2 temples within 30 minutes of where they live.Each year millions of ordinances are performed in the temples. May we continue to be faithful in performing such ordinances, not only for ourselves but also for our deceased loved ones who are unable to do so for themselves."

Elder Perry: "Sometimes we think of resting from our labors as merely letting the hay baler stand idle in the field or putting a Closed sign on the business door. Yet in today’s world, labor includes the everyday work of our lives. This could mean business activities we may accomplish from home, athletic competitions, and other pursuits that take us away from Sabbath day worship and the opportunity to minister to others.“Trifle not with sacred things,” ¹⁴ the Lord revealed to the Latter-day Saints, as if to remind us of what He told His disciples: “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.” Brothers and sisters, in the latter days the adversary succeeds when we relax our commitment to the Savior, ignore His teachings in the New Testament and other scripture, and cease to follow Him."

Elder Richards: "I have pondered about the purpose of pain. None of us is immune from experiencing pain. I have seen people cope with it very differently. Some turn away from God in anger, and others allow their suffering to bring them closer to God. Pain is a gauge of the healing process. It often teaches us patience. Perhaps that is why we use the term patient in referring to the sick.Elder Orson F. Whitney wrote: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.” As Elder Dallin H. Oaks has taught: “Healing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. Sometimes a ‘healing’ cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are ‘healed’ by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us.” All that will come may be “clasped in the arms of Jesus.” All souls can be healed by His power. All pain can be soothed. In Him, we can “find rest unto [our] souls.” Our mortal circumstances may not immediately change, but our pain, worry, suffering, and fear can be swallowed up in His peace and healing balm."

I would have to say Elder Cooks talk was one of my very favorite. "God placed within women divine qualities of strength, virtue, love, and the willingness to sacrifice to raise future generations of His spirit children. I believe the women of the Church today meet that challenge and are every bit as strong and faithful. The priesthood leadership of this Church at all levels gratefully acknowledges the service, sacrifice, commitment, and contribution of the sisters. Much of what we accomplish in the Church is due to the selfless service of women. Whether in the Church or in the home, it is a beautiful thing to see the priesthood and the Relief Society work in perfect harmony. Such a relationship is like a well-tuned orchestra, and the resulting symphony inspires all of us. Our women are not incredible because they have managed to avoid the difficulties of life—quite the opposite. They are incredible because of the way they face the trials of life. Despite the challenges and tests life has to offer—from marriage or lack of marriage, children’s choices, poor health, lack of opportunities, and many other problems—they remain remarkably strong and immovable and true to the faith. Our sisters throughout the Church consistently “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.” ^...Two principles that we should always keep in mind. First, no woman should ever feel the need to apologize or feel that her contribution is less significant because she is devoting her primary efforts to raising and nurturing children. Nothing could be more significant in our Father in Heaven’s plan. Second, we should all be careful not to be judgmental or assume that sisters are less valiant if the decision is made to work outside the home. We rarely understand or fully appreciate people’s circumstances. Husbands and wives should prayerfully counsel together, understanding they are accountable to God for their decisions."

Elder Maynes: "Understanding the eternal nature of the family is a critical element in understanding Heavenly Father’s plan for His children. The adversary, on the other hand, wants to do everything in his power to destroy Heavenly Father’s plan. In his attempt to defeat God’s plan, he is leading an unprecedented attack on the institution of the family. Some of the more powerful weapons he uses in his attack are selfishness, greed, and pornography. Our eternal happiness is not one of Satan’s objectives. He knows that an essential key to making men and women miserable like himself is to deprive them of family relationships which have eternal potential. Because Satan understands that true happiness in this life and in the eternities is found in the form of family, he does everything in his power to destroy it."

Elder Oaks: "Readjusting our desires to give highest priority to the things of eternity is not easy. We are all tempted to desire that worldly quartet of property, prominence, pride, and power. We might desire these, but we should not fix them as our highest priorities. We should remember that righteous desires cannot be superficial, impulsive, or temporary. They must be heartfelt, unwavering, and permanent. I close with a final example of a desire that should be paramount for all men and women—those who are currently married and those who are single. All should desire and seriously work to secure a marriage for eternity. Those who already have a temple marriage should do all they can to preserve it. Those who are single should desire a temple marriage and exert priority efforts to obtain it. Youth and young singles should resist the politically correct but eternally false concept that discredits the importance of marrying and having children. Single men, please consider the challenge in this letter written by a single sister. She pleaded for “the righteous daughters of God that are sincerely searching for a worthy helpmeet, yet the men seem to be blinded and confused as to whether or not it is their responsibility to seek out these wonderful, choice daughters of our Heavenly Father and court them and be willing to make and keep sacred covenants in the Lord’s house.” She concluded, “There are many single LDS men here that are happy to go out and have fun, and date and hang out, but have absolutely no desire to ever make any kind of commitment to a woman.” I am sure that some anxiously seeking young men would want me to add that there are some young women whose desires for a worthy marriage and children rank far below their desires for a career or other mortal distinctions. Both men and women need righteous desires that will lead them to eternal life."

Elder Uchtdorf: "I testify to you that our Father in Heaven loves His children. He loves us. He loves you. When necessary the Lord will even carry you over obstacles as you seek His peace with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Often He speaks to us in ways that we can hear only with our heart. To better hear His voice, it would be wise to turn down the volume control of the worldly noise in our lives. If we ignore or block out the promptings of the Spirit for whatever reason, they become less noticeable until we cannot hear them at all. Let us learn to hearken to the promptings of the Spirit and then be eager to heed them."

Elder Bednar: "Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation. Such communications from Heavenly Father gradually and gently “distil upon [our souls] as the dews from heaven” (D&C 121:45)" In many of the uncertainties and challenges we encounter in our lives, God requires us to do our best, to act and not be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26), and to trust in Him. We may not see angels, hear heavenly voices, or receive overwhelming spiritual impressions. We frequently may press forward hoping and praying—but without absolute assurance—that we are acting in accordance with God’s will. But as we honor our covenants and keep the commandments, as we strive ever more consistently to do good and to become better, we can walk with the confidence that God will guide our steps. And we can speak with the assurance that God will inspire our utterances."

President Monson "Today most of us do not have to suffer great hardships in order to attend the temple. Eighty-five percent of the membership of the Church now live within 200 miles (320 km) of a temple, and for a great many of us, that distance is much shorter. If you have been to the temple for yourselves and if you live within relatively close proximity to a temple, your sacrifice could be setting aside the time in your busy lives to visit the temple regularly. There is much to be done in our temples in behalf of those who wait beyond the veil. As we do the work for them, we will know that we have accomplished what they cannot do for themselves. President Joseph F. Smith, in a mighty declaration, stated, “Through our efforts in their behalf their chains of bondage will fall from them, and the darkness surrounding them will clear away, that light may shine upon them and they shall hear in the spirit world of the work that has been done for them by their children here, and will rejoice with you in your performance of these duties.” ⁵ My brothers and sisters, the work is ours to do."

I would have to say Elder Scotts talk was one of the most tender, sweetest talks I have ever heard. I loved it. "As I have thought back over our life together, I realize how blessed we’ve been. We have not had arguments in our home or unkind words between us. Now I realize that blessing came because of her. It resulted from her willingness to give, to share, and to never think of herself. In our later life together, I tried to emulate her example. I suggest that as husband and wife you do the same in your home. Pure love is an incomparable, potent power for good. Righteous love is the foundation of a successful marriage. It is the primary cause of contented, well-developed children. Who can justly measure the righteous influence of a mother’s love? What enduring fruits result from the seeds of truth that a mother carefully plants and lovingly cultivates in the fertile soil of a child’s trusting mind and heart? As a mother you have been given divine instincts to help you sense your child’s special talents and unique capacities. With your husband you can nurture, strengthen, and cause those traits to flower...I feel sorry for any man who hasn’t yet made the choice to seek an eternal companion, and my heart weeps for the sisters who haven’t had the opportunity to marry. Some of you may feel lonely and unappreciated and cannot see how it will be possible for you to have the blessings of marriage and children or your own family. All things are possible to the Lord, and He keeps the promises He inspires His prophets to declare. Eternity is a long time. Have faith in those promises and live to be worthy of them so that in His time the Lord can make them come true in your life. With certainty, you will receive every promised blessing for which you are worthy."

Elder Christofferson: "If we sincerely desire and strive to measure up to the high expectations of our Heavenly Father, He will ensure that we receive all the help we need, whether it be comforting, strengthening, or chastening. If we are open to it, needed correction will come in many forms and from many sources. It may come in the course of our prayers as God speaks to our mind and heart through the Holy Ghost (see D&C 8:2). It may come in the form of prayers that are answered no or differently than we had expected. Chastening may come as we study the scriptures and are reminded of deficiencies, disobedience, or simply matters neglected."