A Message of Hope

Lately I've been allowing myself to get down about the state of the world we live in. I'm scared for my children. It's been hard not to dwell on the negative of where we're headed. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we believe that Jesus will return to earth. No one knows the day or the hour of His coming, but we do know that the world will be in an extreme state of wickedness. I'm not sure how much more wicked our world can become, but obviously we aren't there yet. The Savior's coming should be a day we look forward to, but sometimes I find it hard not to be terrorized by the in-between stuff.

I'm going to try and do better at focusing on the good that's in the world and to work harder at teaching my children so they are better prepared for the world they'll have to live in.

A friend of mine sent an email with the following message attached. It helped me feel a little more empowered and gave me a greater resolve to hold fast to the prophets words and to never let go. I have a testimony that what our prophets and other leaders have taught us is TRUE! Some of the things they ask of us may not follow the plan we have set for ourselves, or the things we do, but they will NEVER lead us astray. I hope this message from Elder Neal A. Maxwell can bring you some comfort as it did me.

“Follow the First Presidency”
(Elder Neal A. Maxwell)

"Make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters, in the months and years ahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not he will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions. President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had 'never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional or political life.'

This is hard doctrine, but it is particularly vital doctrine in a society which is becoming more wicked. In short, brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ. . . . Your discipleship may see the time when such religious convictions are discounted. . . . This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions.

Resistance to abortion will be seen as primitive. Concern over the institution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened.... Before the ultimate victory of the forces of righteousness, some skirmishes will be lost. Even in these, however, let us leave a record so that the choices are clear, letting others do as they will in the face of prophetic counsel.

There will also be times, happily, when a minor defeat seems probable, but others will step forward, having been rallied to rightness by what we do. We will know the joy, on occasion, of having awakened a slumbering majority of the decent people of all races and creeds which was, till then, unconscious of itself.

Jesus said that when the fig trees put forth their leaves, 'summer is nigh.' Thus warned that summer is upon us, let us not then complain of the heat."

("Meeting the Challenges of Today," BYU Devotional, October 10, 1978)

Happy Birthday Shaylynn!

Today is Shaylynn's 3rd birthday! My baby is growing up so fast. I know this is bad, but a small part of me is glad that she isn't talking very much--it makes her still a baby in my mind.

We picked Shaylynn's birth date because I was being induced. Can you believe how selfish I was because I didn't want to be in the hospital over Thanksgiving? I have to say, it was a nice change to have my suitcase packed and ready to go instead of having to hurry and pack it while I was having contractions. Anyway, it was a long day but once it was over I was so happy.

Shaylynn was the BEST baby! She was so content and happy for the majority of time. She adored her big sister from the moment they met. Her favorite game as a baby was to watch every move Miriam made as she moved around the room. Shaylynn was the cuddliest baby ever! Her body would just melt into your body like it was meant to be there. She never liked strangers, but instead of screaming she would just melt into their arms and not look them in the face. Everyone always commented on what a cuddly baby she was. She could melt anyone's heart.

I wanted to share some things I love most about Shaylynn!

I LOVE how she wants to be with mommy all the time. Sometimes it's hard to get things done because she's always wanting to be held and cuddled. I know these moments can't last forever so I try not to get too annoyed.

I LOVE/Hate how she causes so much trouble, but when she gets caught she just smiles a smile that melts your heart. She knows she's in trouble and that she should be scared, but somehow she's able to manipulate my attitude so I want to laugh instead of yell. This can be very frustrating when I'm trying to teach her how to behave.

I LOVE how she takes care of herself. This is not a little girl that is going to allow herself to be picked on. If you hit her, she will hit you back. Don't even think about taking her toy, she will come after you and make you pay for your rudeness. I think she'll always be the one who looks out for Miriam. Who needs a big brother when you've got a sister that can beat up the boys?

I LOVE how her whole face lights up when she sees me or Doug after a short time apart. She just radiates happiness.

Toodle Bug, I love you so much! You were and continue to be a blessing from our Heavenly Father.

Here are some pictures of my baby through the years. Enjoy!

Happy BIRTHday!


Happy 1st Birthday!


Happy 2nd Birthday!


Happy 3rd Birthday!

Twilight

I've seen this quiz on of few of my friend's blogs. I thought I'd try it out. I had heard so many good things about the books that I decided to wait before I started reading them because I was sure I'd get addicted. Sure enough, I started Twilight the day of Doug's surgery and within a week I was done with all four. That's WITH company staying at our house. Yes, I know. My name is Mallena Ricks and I'm a Bookaholic!

What do you think? Did the quiz give me the right character?

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!