Me gusta... part II

I love how, without fail, what I learn from reading my scriptures or the institute lesson, or from church/institute class, totally relates to something I've been thinking about or learned in a school class. For example, I am an ECE (Early Childhood Education) major, and we've been talking about effective discipline in one of my classes. An adult needs to correct a child by showing that they really care for them and that is why they are offering this advice. We've also learned about not labeling or name-calling children when they exhibit less than desirable behaviors, such as "Stop being a biter!" or "You're a brat!"

Anywho, most of the lessons in our Thursday 6:00 class, Teachings of the Living Prophets, have all had advice about parenting for the past few weeks. Most of them have been in the Priesthood session talks, but the principles are still applicable to those of us who will be mothers. One is to REALLY listen to kiddos when they talk to you. In my school class, we call this reflective listening, where you repeat back what you've heard the other person say. This works well in any kind of relationship. Also, take the time to really get to know your children. Be interested in what they are doing with their lives.

Take the time to build a trusting relationship when they are young. In school, we talk about attachment, and how important it is for young children to have at least one secure attachment. Young children need to learn that there is someone they can trust. As they trust in their parents, they are more likely to listen to their advice in later years.

In the Book of Mormon class, we shared some of our favorite scriptures from the readings. My sister, Denali, shared hers : " Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal; But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (3 Ne 13:19-21).

The lesson manual had an awesome quote by Dallin H. Oaks:" The Savior taught that we should not lay up treasures on Earth but should lay up treasures in Heaven. In light of the ultimate purpose of the great plan of happiness, I believe that the ultimate treasures on Earth and in Heaven are our children and our posterity."

I love, love, love this! I can't wait for the day when I will be married and begin my own family. There is nothing more exciting than knowing that I will someday be a mother and commence in this great work! Sure, it may seem daunting, but it is such a great privilege as well. I am indeed grateful for this opportunity.

:D More awesomeness to follow :D

Me gusta....

I love institute. It seriously makes my week so much better. I always look forward to the good times I have with people in the branch, and also I look forward to the lessons taught and the spirit that is felt. I always learn soo much at institute and come away feeling edified and uplifted. It is great.

I love scripture study. There is just so much I learn when I crack open my scriptures and really try to understand it. Scriptures make my day go so much better because they remind me of Christ and how He acts. The scriptures are a guide for my life. In institute, we went over Christ's visit to the Americas and it was just awesome the love that He has for everyone on Earth. It got me thinking of how similar the teachings in America were to those Christ taught to the Jews, and how the gospel of Christ is the same wherever you go. You could be in a ward in Salt Lake City or a branch in rural Russia. The gospel is the same everywhere. I love that.

Anywho, it is the wee hours of the morning, so I'll share more awesomeness later :D

This Summer....

So, as the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, my thoughts turn to summer. This year, many of my uncles and their sons will be visiting this great state. It will be super fun to have all of that testosterone around the house. I really miss all of my cousins, so it will be fun to see them and get to know them better.

Also, with summer comes new people to the branch. I wonder who all I'll meet this summer. Anyone lifechanging? Any cute guys? Anyone unique? And then there will likely be tons of people leaving or getting married or both. Like Jack n Cat and Adam n Dabric. Hopefully soon I'll be one of those folks :D

And then comes the question of summer jobs and whether to move into town. Especially with all the relatives coming this summer, there won't be very much room at the house. So maybe Denali n I will move into town. So much to think and pray about these days. But whatever God wants me to do will be awesome.

March!!!

So, it is almost SPRING BREAK !!!!!

What to do, what to do?

I need to:

Study scriptures.

Get ahead on homework.

Sleep in.

Exercise.

Move into my new room.

Earn Some money.

Spend time with crazy friends.

Plan for the summer.

Plan for next school year.

Go on dates.

Just have fun.

Happy Spring Break everyone!!!