If You Could Look Into Each Others Hearts...

It always amazes me not only how hard we are on ourselves, but on others. When I saw this quote, I really liked it. I'm not sure at what point we allowed the media to cloud our vision. Video games and movies tell us Killing is ok. TV shows tell us that being disrespectful is just sticking up for ourselves and our rights. Movie stars tell us that being crude, unfaithful, and flippant is ok. The thing is, how much of any of that is real? I'm not even sure that movie stars are able to tell the difference anymore.

The question is..if we could look into each others hearts, do you think you might behave differently toward those you encounter day to day? My change to you and myself is to treat others with a little more love, patience, tolerance, and care.

If We Don't Teach Our Children...

I came across a quote that I whole heartedly agree with and loved.

"If we don't teach our children to follow Christ, the world will teach them not to." I'm not sure who to credit for this quote because it didn't say, but whoever you are.. thank you!

If there is an actual human being out there that does not agree with this, then I'd really like to have a discussion with you.

Already, media would have you think that men are clueless and will do whatever their woman wants. That children are spoiled and manipulative and can get whatever they want. That it's ok to shoot people. That's its acceptable to hit and fight people. That being disrespectful is definitely acceptable. That it's fine to have sex with as many people as you want and it's not that big of a deal to do so. That wearing revealing clothing will get you the kind of guys you want. That if there is a God, he isn't very loving to allow horrible things to happen. Honestly, I could go on and on. Please, take a good look over this list. If our world were made up 100% of this list, we'd have a world of seriously unhappy people. Mean people. People who only cared about themselves. That, my friends, is not the purpose of this life. And I truly believe that life is meant to be joyful and a life of good lessons.

I want my children to know that men are smart, so are women. That they will also do special things for their women, but they will do them out of respect and love. Not out of deceit and manipulation. I want my children to know that they will not be spoiled and cannot manipulate a result out of the adults in their lives. That things will be given them out of necessity and/or if there is a means to give. But only as long as they will be safe. I want my children to know that it is not ok to kill, not ok to hurt, or mistreat others. I want them to know that being disrespectful is unacceptable. I want them to understand my views on sex and that it is a sacred act between husband and wife. I want them to know what modesty is. I want them to know all of these things because I taught them, not because I relied on outside sources to do it for me.

I realize that in the grand scheme of things, we are looking at many religions, many beliefs, many life missions. Whatever you want to call it or whatever you specifically believe, there is an inherent tendency to do good, be good. So the question lies, what has happened to our society to go against what is inherently in us? Why do we allow such negative things to help teach and mold our children? We are saddened when horrible things happen in the world (ie Bombings, shootings, lies, cheats, wars, etc), but yet we allow the media to teach our children. Some may say, it's just entertainment. I would like to know when it is 'just' anything?

When someone is exposed to a heated argument for the first time (or fill in the blank), why is it that that person cringes and hides? When someone is exposed to a heated argument for the tenth time, why is it that that person no longer cringes and hides? But rather knows that behavior to be 'normal'. Does it not make sense that that person will then seek out what is 'normal' to them for future?

The sad thing is, whether you as a parent or friend is demonstrating this negative behavior or not, our children are witnessing it every day through media or other children who have been exposed to negative things. Who decides if our children understand what is acceptable or not? If they are exposed to the negative on a daily bases, how can they not be absorbing this information? If we allow the world to dictate Gods presence, then we are sorely mistaken that our children will be educated properly.

Please do not misunderstand me. I know there are good things out there. But to rely on outside sources to teach our children the most important lessons, is simply unwise. So if we do not teach our children about God, Love, Respect, Service, Morality, and all the good things out there, then in a negative world, we are relying on other sources to teach our children these things.

I would hope that if you are parenting children, then you are taking it serious. That you actually parent them and teach them to be successful, happy individuals.

Mother's Day Contribution

As you know, Mother's Day has just passed. I personally, am not much of smaller holiday person. What I mean to say is that growing up, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentine's Day, Birthdays, etc were not that big of a deal. Not that NOTHING gets done on these days to celebrate, but just that not much is expected. Now Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter.. those are a completely different story. But looking at the meaning of these 'smaller holidays', I realize the importance of just celebrating each other. Showing gratitude for each other. Showing appreciation for those who have done wonderful things for us.

As I contemplate Mother's Day, I can't help but just thinking of women in general. Women who are full time mom's. Women who juggle a career and being a mom. Women who cannot have children, but choose to be an example to those little one's they have contact with. Women who would love to be a mom but have not had the opportunity yet in life but also choose to be an example. Mother's Day means something different to every one of these types of women, but the one thing in common is the children in our lives and choosing to be the type of woman that helps, nurtures, and is a safety zone for these little ones in our lives. What a great thing to celebrate on a day like Mother's Day.

As an individual who has not had the opportunity to be a Mother yet, I have to say that focusing on being the best Auntie has been such a delight in my life. I lovingly call all the children in my life 'my kidlets'. If I cannot be a mother yet, I will be a safe haven for those who look to me for guidance, love, nurturing, and an example of what is good, strong, and caring. My kidlets know they can turn to me for ANYTHING and I will guide them through safely and teach them the things they need in order to be good human beings. I also know that my family members know absolutely that I can be trusted with this sacred job when they are not around in moments of need. I am grateful for these opportunities in my life when they occur and cannot wait for the opportunity to be a Mother myself someday.

In looking at my own mother, this Mother's Day. I have to say that Heavenly Father has given me the greatest gift by having my mother be my mother. She is the most amazing women I know. Not only would she do anything for her children, but she has shown me the epitome of love, nurturing, caring, wisdom, self sacrifice, hard work, dependability, and constance. I could go on and on, but I'm pretty sure you get the idea. I, like most.. if not all of you, feel I have THE BEST MOM. Isn't it amazing that we all feel that way about our mothers? Wouldn't it be amazing if we all expressed that love, appreciation, and sentiment frequently to our Mothers? Not just on designated days to celebrate her.

My wish to you is the same wish I expressed to my Facebook Connections. Whether you are currently a mother, a soon to be mother, or a want to be mother, my wish is the same.. That you have a very Happy Mother's Day! I hope you know that your purpose is great. That your example is noted. That your love is felt. You are amazing women. Thank you to all who take this right and privilege seriously. :)