Last week I attended BYU education week with my mom and just prior to that, we had a stake conference where Elder Roney from the area 70, was visiting. During the youth session (Elisabeth was the pianist and Elder Roney walked up to her while she was playing prelude music before the meeting and told her he wants one of his sons to marry her). Elder Roney said he'd ran into a friend recently who'd left the church(along with his family) after reading some information on the internet about the mormon church's history and Joseph Smith. Elder Roney then shared with us 'The parable of the Hawaiin Vacation' which was basically this: There was a family that went on a vacation to Hawaii and they were having a wonderful time, enjoying the beautiful beaches, hiking etc. Then one day, dad decided to jump on the internet and research Hawaii's history and he finds out that King Kamehameha wasn't a very good king and made some big mistakes so the dad decides to leave the vacation early and takes his family with him where they finish out their vacation in North Dakota. In essence, dad ignored the blessings, 'the fruit of the tree' of Hawaii because of a founders mistakes, and takes his family away to something much lesser. Elder Roney went on to say that he later saw the friend again while at the play Hamilton. The play shows weaknesses of our founding fathers and after the play he texts his friend and says, "Well, I guess now you have to move out of the United States."
Scott and I have read many biographies, several of which were founding fathers, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin and through reading them, we were both very aware that yes, they made some BIG mistakes and had some incorrect thinking, but at the same time they were definitely and without question, led by the hand of God. Imperfect people are all God's ever had to work with, so work with them he does!
At BYU education week this same thing came up a couple of times (I guess there's quite a few people out there struggling with the Mormon churchs imperfections, especially when it comes to previous prophets and our beginnings...failed bank, polygamy etc which we do NOT practice! You cannot if you're mormon). But when I read the scriptures, in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, I see the same thing. Imperfect people, including prophets, trying to do their best, not always sure what that is, sometimes trying one thing, it doesn't work, we try again, and again (I'm sure Laman and Lemuel were really doubting their father who was a prophet, and Nephi when they kept trying and failing, and losing all worldly possessions and money in the process, to get the plates) doing their best to follow God, but making mistakes. That's why we're here on this earth. We're here to gain experiences, both good and bad, so we can learn from them and hopefully progress and become more like our Savior. All I know is that EVERYTHING that is good, all joy and blessings are because of Jesus Christ and my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and I would not trade that for anything. Ever.
BYU education week was uplifting and inspiring and I came away wanting to be an even better person! 6-year-old Nora, on the other hand, asked if I could 'please, never do that again, because I just missed you so much and I was at school and then I came home and you were not there and I really missed you and we need to spend time together." She is a doll. I promised her I wouldn't do it again...until next year :). I love her and miss the family as well during those 4 days, but this is 4 days of education and inspiration that helps me to improve and grow, to be a better mother, wife, human and so as long as Scott is good to have me go and is supportive at home for those days(like he was this year...so amazing! love him more than words can express!), then I'll keep showing up. Loved, loved having mom with me, even though we only went to a few of the same classes! It was fun to drive back and forth together and share with one another what we learned and what blessed us and will continue to bless us.
I went to classes on marriage, parenting, health, wealth and wisdom, church history, teaching, getting out of comfort zones, creating healthy daily habits, communication, personal revealation, discerning thoughts from the spirit and so much more! I have new uplifting and educational podcasts to listen to, recommendations for books to read, tons of scriptures and church magazine references for prophets and apostles that I will be reading over the next while! The learning just keeps on going! Love it! Here are some favorite gems of knowledge from my classes:
Parenting/Home and Family Life:
-Teens are a part of creating kindness in the home. Let them know their position on the team in creating a Christ-centered home. We should all be cheerful, helpful, considerate peacemakers who share our testimonies.
-Partcipation leads to conversion.
-Eliminate criticism in the home.
-Don't do for your children what they can do for themselves(and I would add, 'on a regular basis' because I think its good to observe and feel and offer service sometimes, but they do need to learn independence and responsiblity so for the most part, they should be taking care of themselves when possible).
-Success is not dependent on a child's choices. Was Heavenly Father a successful parent? 1/3 of His children didn't follow Him.
"There is no development of character without resistance, there is no growth of spirituality without overcoming." David O Mckay 1945
-people respond to challenges. they don't respond to begging.
Marriage: (taught by tamara fackrell, phd in marriage and is a divorce attorney)
-Positive self talk. Savor the little moments. Get over addictions, they're selfish.
-When hubs walks in door from work, drop everything and hug and kiss! (I do this already, but I like that her hubs says, "Honey, I'm home!" I suggested to Scott that he start doing that, just in case I ever don't hear him come in...he's started :))
-Expand the way you connect with your spouse: intellectually, athletically, spiritually, aritciscally, academically, shared purpose (house projects etc)
-Increase the emotional bank account...5:1 positive to negative (comes from John Gottman; marriage researcher)
-Marriage killers: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling
- ask yourself, "do I want to be right, or do I want to be married?"
-read Stephen Coveys, Marriage and Family: gospel insights
-ALWAYS go to bed together. Kneel adn pray together each night.
-marriage is like a testimony, or like going up the escalator the wrong way...as soon as you stop, it begins to go back/down. It is continual work
-Be an amabassador for marriage
Personal Improvement (notes from Lynn Wilson and doctor Matt Morgan, Robert Millet and Randal Wright)
-You are as close to God as you choose to be (Moroni 7:48)
-What did you pray for yesterday? If the Lord grants your eternal station by what you prayed for yesterday, would you pray differently?
-During personal prayer, think of three specific things each day I'm grateful for. Also, ask what I can do to serve others and how I can show up as my best self, with my best attitude, especially in family relationships
-measure your progress based on the distance you've travelled
-God and Christ are in the business of people.
-Beware not to get caught up in the thick of thin things
-Turn off all noticfications except from people. At night (an hour or 2 before bed time), change phone to airplane mode and don't turn that off in the morning until you're ready (after read scriptures, pray, exercise etc)
-"If we encounter a man with rare intellect, I ask what books they're reading." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
-Lynda.com log in with library. Learn to do anything (photography videos etc). Edx, udacity, coursera, the great courses plus (this is also on dvd's at library)
-Podcasts: ted talks, dave ramsey, hardcore history, byu speeches, wow in the world (learning for kids)
Take notes at church
-"you never change your life until you step outside your comfort zone." Roy T Bennett
-Lord pushes us out of our comfort zone...1 Nephi 4:10 (I shrunk)
-Running coach to laura Toscani, "we didn't recruit you to be comfortable. Get uncomfortable."
Health: This class was taught by an MD, radiologist
-You can't outrun a bad diet.
-Food is fuel. A calorie is not a calorie
-Minimize sugar intake; and know that white flour is like sugar in the body. Sugar calories promote fat storage.
-Intermintent fasting is good. Try not to snack, just three meals. Give your body a rest in between.
-Reduce carbs
-Eat whole foods.
-Reduce frequency
-When exercising, it's okay to feel uncomfortable, probably good. We should feel pain and resistance...opposition in all things (2 Nephi 2:10). Our bones weaken and disintegrate and our muscles atrophy if not used and worked.
-Be physically fit, spiritually fed and emotionally stable
Finances:
-budget every Sunday, even if for 10 minutes. Review Mint.com or wherever you keep track
-learn to live on less. Reduce your need.
-read personal finance for dummies, Millionaire next door, and The Bogleheads guide to investing
-10% tithing and at least 10% to yourself in savings (better to do 15-20%)
Church History and Joseph Smith:
-"I know Jospeh Smith didn't write the Book of Mormon, no one in teh year 1830 could have because they didnt' have enough knowledge of Ancient Israel." Hugh Nibley
-Joseph Smith proclaimed ancient sea travel was possible long before anyone else thought it was possible.
-1 Nephi 1:1 born of goodly parents...goodly meaning 'wealthy', or many goods (robert millet). and then he explains that he was taught somewhat in all the learning of his father, which is common in the Jewish world. (he's letting you know why he can read and write because most didn't at that time; just like when a speaker is introduced they state they have a phd or masters or whatever).
Teaching:
-Paint a vision for your students of what they can become
-Tell stories, ask questions
-Picture the learner; what can they do to show me (and them) they've mastered it?
-Give feedback. Provide affirmation, clarification and guidance on using resources
-arrive early and greet them. Know their names.
Nutty almond butter bowl
Peachy Green Goodness Bowl
BYU education week was uplifting and inspiring and I came away wanting to be an even better person! 6-year-old Nora, on the other hand, asked if I could 'please, never do that again, because I just missed you so much and I was at school and then I came home and you were not there and I really missed you and we need to spend time together." She is a doll. I promised her I wouldn't do it again...until next year :). I love her and miss the family as well during those 4 days, but this is 4 days of education and inspiration that helps me to improve and grow, to be a better mother, wife, human and so as long as Scott is good to have me go and is supportive at home for those days(like he was this year...so amazing! love him more than words can express!), then I'll keep showing up. Loved, loved having mom with me, even though we only went to a few of the same classes! It was fun to drive back and forth together and share with one another what we learned and what blessed us and will continue to bless us.
Parenting/Home and Family Life:
-Teens are a part of creating kindness in the home. Let them know their position on the team in creating a Christ-centered home. We should all be cheerful, helpful, considerate peacemakers who share our testimonies.
-Partcipation leads to conversion.
-Eliminate criticism in the home.
-Don't do for your children what they can do for themselves(and I would add, 'on a regular basis' because I think its good to observe and feel and offer service sometimes, but they do need to learn independence and responsiblity so for the most part, they should be taking care of themselves when possible).
-Success is not dependent on a child's choices. Was Heavenly Father a successful parent? 1/3 of His children didn't follow Him.
"There is no development of character without resistance, there is no growth of spirituality without overcoming." David O Mckay 1945
-people respond to challenges. they don't respond to begging.
Marriage: (taught by tamara fackrell, phd in marriage and is a divorce attorney)
-Positive self talk. Savor the little moments. Get over addictions, they're selfish.
-When hubs walks in door from work, drop everything and hug and kiss! (I do this already, but I like that her hubs says, "Honey, I'm home!" I suggested to Scott that he start doing that, just in case I ever don't hear him come in...he's started :))
-Expand the way you connect with your spouse: intellectually, athletically, spiritually, aritciscally, academically, shared purpose (house projects etc)
-Increase the emotional bank account...5:1 positive to negative (comes from John Gottman; marriage researcher)
-Marriage killers: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling
- ask yourself, "do I want to be right, or do I want to be married?"
-read Stephen Coveys, Marriage and Family: gospel insights
-ALWAYS go to bed together. Kneel adn pray together each night.
-marriage is like a testimony, or like going up the escalator the wrong way...as soon as you stop, it begins to go back/down. It is continual work
-Be an amabassador for marriage
Personal Improvement (notes from Lynn Wilson and doctor Matt Morgan, Robert Millet and Randal Wright)
-You are as close to God as you choose to be (Moroni 7:48)
-What did you pray for yesterday? If the Lord grants your eternal station by what you prayed for yesterday, would you pray differently?
-During personal prayer, think of three specific things each day I'm grateful for. Also, ask what I can do to serve others and how I can show up as my best self, with my best attitude, especially in family relationships
-measure your progress based on the distance you've travelled
-God and Christ are in the business of people.
-Beware not to get caught up in the thick of thin things
-Turn off all noticfications except from people. At night (an hour or 2 before bed time), change phone to airplane mode and don't turn that off in the morning until you're ready (after read scriptures, pray, exercise etc)
-"If we encounter a man with rare intellect, I ask what books they're reading." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
-Lynda.com log in with library. Learn to do anything (photography videos etc). Edx, udacity, coursera, the great courses plus (this is also on dvd's at library)
-Podcasts: ted talks, dave ramsey, hardcore history, byu speeches, wow in the world (learning for kids)
Take notes at church
-"you never change your life until you step outside your comfort zone." Roy T Bennett
-Lord pushes us out of our comfort zone...1 Nephi 4:10 (I shrunk)
-Running coach to laura Toscani, "we didn't recruit you to be comfortable. Get uncomfortable."
Health: This class was taught by an MD, radiologist
-You can't outrun a bad diet.
-Food is fuel. A calorie is not a calorie
-Minimize sugar intake; and know that white flour is like sugar in the body. Sugar calories promote fat storage.
-Intermintent fasting is good. Try not to snack, just three meals. Give your body a rest in between.
-Reduce carbs
-Eat whole foods.
-Reduce frequency
-When exercising, it's okay to feel uncomfortable, probably good. We should feel pain and resistance...opposition in all things (2 Nephi 2:10). Our bones weaken and disintegrate and our muscles atrophy if not used and worked.
-Be physically fit, spiritually fed and emotionally stable
Finances:
-budget every Sunday, even if for 10 minutes. Review Mint.com or wherever you keep track
-learn to live on less. Reduce your need.
-read personal finance for dummies, Millionaire next door, and The Bogleheads guide to investing
-10% tithing and at least 10% to yourself in savings (better to do 15-20%)
Church History and Joseph Smith:
-"I know Jospeh Smith didn't write the Book of Mormon, no one in teh year 1830 could have because they didnt' have enough knowledge of Ancient Israel." Hugh Nibley
-Joseph Smith proclaimed ancient sea travel was possible long before anyone else thought it was possible.
-1 Nephi 1:1 born of goodly parents...goodly meaning 'wealthy', or many goods (robert millet). and then he explains that he was taught somewhat in all the learning of his father, which is common in the Jewish world. (he's letting you know why he can read and write because most didn't at that time; just like when a speaker is introduced they state they have a phd or masters or whatever).
Teaching:
-Paint a vision for your students of what they can become
-Tell stories, ask questions
-Picture the learner; what can they do to show me (and them) they've mastered it?
-Give feedback. Provide affirmation, clarification and guidance on using resources
-arrive early and greet them. Know their names.
A couple of my favorite lunches while at BYU ed week: Jamba Juice Bowls
Not sure who snapped this photo, but here we are, after coming home one night from BYU ed week, putting dishes away and tidying up the kitchen; I love this, husband and wife working together and little Jane near by helping dry dishes from the dish rack. And what you can't see are Elisabeth and Charles, our oldest, clearing the table and counter. Famiy and home life is the labrotary of love.
