Sweetness of the Everyday: Everything

Thank you all for my little rant yesterday.

While I do try to be positive and hopeful- some days it is not as easy to do so.

So thank you :)

Today- we have some exciting news!

I'm guest posting over at Newlyweds on a Budget as a part of her Financial Series.

I am posting about "10 Things My Family Does to Save Money."

So hop on over there to check that post out.

{There are some pretty awesome pictures- you've got to go see them!}

And Welcome to all you newcomers!

Thanks for stopping by.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This past weekend was General Conference.

BOY was it good.

really good.

I love being a member of a church with a living Prophet and 12 Apostles.

We are so blessed to hear their inspired words- TWICE a year!

Each Conference I am amazed at how specific talks seem like they were written

with Aubrey Maye Lucas Alvey in mind.

Here are a few of my favorites.

President Monson:

"Some of you may be seeking answers to questions and challenges you are experiencing in your life. Some are struggling with disappointments or losses. Each can be enlightened and uplifted and comforted as the Spirit of the Lord is felt.

"Should there be changes which need to be made in your life, may you find the incentive and the courage to do so as you listen to the inspired words which will be spoken. May each of us resolve anew to live so that we are worthy sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. May we continue to oppose evil wherever it is found."

Boyd K. Packer:

"Family time is sacred time and should be protected and respected. We urge our members to show devotion to their families.

"Fathers and mothers, next time you cradle a newborn child in your arms, you can have an inner vision of the mysteries and purpose of life. You will better understand why the Church is as it is and why the family is the basic organization in time and in eternity.

Cheryl A. Esplin

"Sometimes the most powerful way to teach our children to understand a doctrine is to teach in the context of what they are experiencing right at that moment. These moments are spontaneous and unplanned and happen in the normal flow of family life. They come and go quickly, so we need to be alert and recognize a teaching moment when our children come to us with a question or worry, when they have problems getting along with siblings or friends, when they need to control their anger, when they make a mistake, or when they need to make a decision."

Donald L. Hallstrom:

"Some have come to think of activity in the Church as the ultimate goal. Therein lies a danger. It is possible to be active in the Church and less active in the gospel. Let me stress: activity in the Church is a highly desirable goal; however, it is insufficient. Activity in the Church is an outward indication of our spiritual desire. If we attend our meetings, hold and fulfill Church responsibilities, and serve others, it is publicly observed.

"By contrast, the things of the gospel are usually less visible and more difficult to measure, but they are of greater eternal importance. For example, how much faith do we really have? How repentant are we? How meaningful are the ordinances in our lives? How focused are we on our covenants?

"I repeat: we need the gospel and the Church. In fact, the purpose of the Church is to help us live the gospel. We often wonder: How can someone be fully active in the Church as a youth and then not be when they are older? How can an adult who has regularly attended and served stop coming? How can a person who was disappointed by a leader or another member allow that to end their Church participation? Perhaps the reason is they were not sufficiently converted to the gospel—the things of eternity."

My brother and his family were able to share this awesome weekend with us! Here are some pictures of our fun activities: