Arguing in Relief society

I had an interesting experience today in Relief Society that made me really sad and frustrated. I was sharing something I had learned from my personal study of the lesson. There were several people who disagreed and raised their voice and told me differently. I tried to defend myself and follow through with my thought, but I couldn't talk over them so I just finally said that I would shut up and not saying anything else. I was so turned off by the experience that I totally shut down and tuned out the rest of the lesson and just read my scriptures. Scott said I should have just gotten up and walked out, but that would have made a huge scene and I didn't feel comfortable doing that.

I'm frustrated because this isn't the first time this has happened either. Over the last few months, this same situation has occurred several times. A sister has a comment, someone disagrees and then jumps down their throat about it. It is so awkward, uncomfortable and frankly uncalled for! We shouldn't ever put someone down or make them feel stupid for a thought or opinion they may have.

What do you do in these types of situations? I think that disagreeing with someone is totally normal, but the way it is handled can be tricky. I am hoping that we can resolve this little problem we have in our ward.

JACK

I decided that I needed to document my son's life and not let it pass by without any record of it. I got a few cute pictures of Jack I thought I'd share.

He is trying to eat our dessert we had after dinner. I don't think it will be too long until he is on real foods...

Duncan put these earmuffs on him and I couldn't pass up the chance for a cute picture.

This is my new favorite picture of Jack. He is so cute and cuddly and I am so glad he is mine!

I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful baby. The only time he cries is when he is hungry or tired. He is all smiles, all day. We just need to get him rolling over more and then maybe he'll start crawling soon. I think that him being 4 1/2 weeks early is starting to show- he is a little slow at some milestones, but I'm sure he'll be fine. Patience is a virtue, right?

Gospel Art

I was looking through the new catalog that came from Deseret Book. I normally see things in there that are nice or that I might consider getting for my home, but never get because I am not in love with it. When I read through this one, I was immediately struck by the beauty of this one picture. I seriously want it SO bad.

It is a stained glass work that has been reproduced on a canvas. I love the simplicity of it and how beautiful it is! I sometimes struggle finding art for my home that is gospel related I don't normally care of the work of Greg Olsen, Liz Lemon Swindle, etc... Don't get me wrong. They are SO talented, but their style is not what I care for. I have this picture of Christ hanging in my home. It is called "Rescue of the Lost Lamb" by Minerva Teichert. All of her work is amazing. I would have all of it if I could!

I remember the first time I saw it, I about burst into tears. I felt like there was a connection to this painting and I had to have it. I bought a print and then had it framed. It is one of my favorite things I have in my home...

So- what are your favorite pieces of Gospel art? Don't worry, I'll still like you even if you have Greg Olsen stuff hanging in your home! :)

Sweet is the Peace the Gospel Brings...

This week has been somewhat of a whirlwind for my family. First, my mom was recovering from some more surgery relating to her struggle with breast cancer. We received an email from my brother serving a mission that he feels as if the adversary has taken a hold of him and that there is a dark force around him all the day. He is really struggling with this and is trying to get through each day. Then, my sister was admitted to the hospital with blood clots in her leg and lungs. The next day, my dad had an angiogram and found out that 2 of his previous bypasses are now closed and he needs his aortic valve replaced.

I felt impressed that I really needed to go to the temple, so on Friday I went with a friend of mine from my ward. It was such a good trip and I am glad that I went. I was brought a lot of peace that was much needed. I then woke up early to a phone call from my mom on Saturday that there was a huge earthquake in Chile- where my brother is serving. I was heartbroken and a little numb about everything that had been happening but I said a quick prayer to help me get through this. I was obviously concerned about my brother (and the rest of my family) and did cry a little at one point. Other than that one time crying, I was filled with so much peace and comfort the whole weekend. Every time someone asked me how things were going, I was OK. Yes, our family was experiencing a huge amount of adversity and trials, but I was calm. I was not an emotional wreck. I was able to move about the day and understand that things were going to be ok.

I KNOW that the only reason I was able to have this experience this weekend was because of going to the temple. I am convinced that the Lord knew I needed it, which is why I felt so prompted to go. I am so glad that I listened the the Spirit and went. The comfort I have felt all weekend has been amazing.

The Gospel is incredible in what it can do for you and I. To have so many family members going through such a hard time and to also feel helpless, it is wonderful to know what the Lord can do for me. He can lift my spirits, calm my troubled heart and give me perspective. I know that some things are out of my hands and that we still may experience more heartache. With an eternal perspective, it will be easier to handle and understand that we have the opportunity to live with each other forever.

I love the message of this hymn, and want to share it with you.

SWEET IS THE PEACE THE GOSPEL BRINGS

Sweet is the peace the gospel brings

To seeking minds and true

With love refulgent on its wings,

It clears the human view.

Its laws and precepts are divine

And show a Father's care.

Transcendent love and mercy shine

In each injunction there.

Faithless tradition flees its pow'r,

And unbelief gives way.

The gloomy clouds, which used to low'r,

Submit to reason's sway.

May we who know the sacred Name

From every sin depart.

Then will the Spirit's constant flame

Preserve us pure in heart.

Ere long the tempter's power will cease,

And sin no more annoy,

No wrangling sects disturb our peace,

Or mar our heartfelt joy.

That which we have in part received

Will be in part no more,

For he in whom we all believe

To us will all restore.

In patience, then, let us possess

Our souls till he appear.

On to our mark of calling press;

Redemption draweth near.