I Will Never Be One of Them

Why does contention happen so often in our relationships?
3 Nephi 11:29 says, "For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another."

Scripture mastery in Seminary taught me to remember this scripture as "Contention is of the devil."

My husband and I have a wonderful marriage full of love, joy, and forgiveness. However, there are times when the spirit of contention creeps into our home. It happens when we get stressed or prideful, when we bicker, argue, fight, or criticize. Even though our goal is to have peace and love in all of our conversations, we are weak. We think we are right and the other person is wrong, or we take out our stress on our spouses or family members.

Lately I have found that I tend to be the initiator of the negative conversations that lead to contention in my home, and the Spirit of the Lord gently reminded me today of the talk given in this past General Conference by Elder Enrique R. Falabella.

The quote I remembered most from his amazing talk was the motto his wife lives by: "In order to contend, you need two people, and I will never be one of them.”

This motto seems so simple and so powerful. As I have been pondering about it, I realize that it is a motto we all should live by. If we each choose to not be a contributor to contention, then contention would never be a part of our relationships. Satan uses contention as a tool to break down families, hearts, and friendships, and he will do everything he can to stir up our hearts in anger. We must stand against his vicious attempts to destroy our peace.

I am committing today to live by this motto and be a peacemaker in my home and in my family.

Will you commit with me to avoid contention and make this your motto? How will this bless your life?

 Download here.

Check out more of Sunday's General Conference quotes here!

Spring is Finally Here! (And Summer is Coming!)

I think God set up the seasons of the year so well. He created the winter so that we could appreciate hot chocolate, sitting by the fire, playing in the snow, and snuggling up with our loved ones. Then He purposefully made winter feel wayyyy too long so that we would be ready for spring. He must have known that we would better appreciate the flowers blooming, the sun shining, and the "April showers." :)

Then, He made spring so warm and cheery that we look forward to the summer. We get anxious for the beach, for swimming pools, and for late evening BBQs. This is where I have found myself the last few days--I finally feel like spring has truly arrived, and I am already getting excited for the increasing warmth as we prepare for summer.

My husband and I recently moved out-of-state for an internship, and we are spending the majority of our spring and summer seasons away from our family and friends. I have reflected lately on how important it is that we have seasons in our lives. This "season" of life is already proving to be a blessing for us, even though it is different than what we have experienced before. This is our time to be our own family unit, our time to start living our dreams, our time to grow in the gospel.

I enjoy these verses in Ecclesiastes 3 that remind us that it is God's plan to have seasons that we experience, not only in weather changes during the year, but in life experiences:

 1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

I love the spring, I love the summer, and I love the scriptures. I love my "season" of life, and look forward to the others that God has in store for me. These printables are just fun reminders that it is finally warm outside! I hope you enjoy displaying them in your homes, or using them to brighten someone's day.

What is going on in your season of life?
 

Download "I Love Spring" here.

Download "I Love Summer" here.

Dear Mother

I love the Primary hymn "I Often Go Walking" and I have sung it to my daughter many times. As I have been getting ready for Mother's Day, I have heard quite a few people say that they don't know what to do for their mom yet. Seeing how Mother's Day is only 3 days away, I thought I would put up a few more printable options for those of you (us...cough cough) who are still working on the perfect gift to celebrate those special women in your life.

Over the last few days, I have been reflecting on the things my mother has taught me, and how grateful I am for those things. In the song it says, "For if I love blossoms and meadows and walking,
I learn how to love them, dear mother, from you." I really feel like my mother has taught me to love all things good and beautiful, and I couldn't be more grateful. My mom is my best friend and I am so blessed to have been raised by her. I also lucked out and got an amazing mother-in-law too! Dear Mother(s), thank you for raising your children in a gospel-centered home.

These printables would go great along with a bouquet of flowers from a florist, or freshly picked flowers from a garden. They're also wonderful as a framed gift for your mom to display. There are four different styles, with 4x5 versions available for download if you want to use them as a card, or 8x10 versions to use as framed printables. Happy Mother's Day!

What things has your mother taught you that you are grateful for?

Download purple 4x5 here.

Download purple 8x10 here.

Download pink 5x4 here.

Download pink 8x10 here.

Download blue 4x5 here.

Download blue 8x10 here.

Download white 5x4 here.

Download white 8x10 here.

The Power of the Priesthood in the Boy

Tonight I watched Elder Tad R. Callister's talk from the priesthood session of General Conference. (Watch it here.) I was inspired as I listened for counsel that I could share with my husband and son.

Even though my son is only 7 weeks old, he will someday hold the priesthood of God. Elder Callister said something I felt was profound to teach my boys as they grow older: "...the priesthood in the boy is just as powerful as the priesthood in the man when exercised in righteousness." If my sons learn to be righteous and honorable, they can use their priesthood power to do great good, just as much good as a grown man with the priesthood.

If the young men of the Church can realize the miraculous power that they hold, perhaps it would be easier for them to avoid temptation, to stand for truth and righteousness, and to righteously exercise their power for the good of others and for the glory of God. I hope that I can help to share this truth that the priesthood is real, that it blesses our world, and that it is God's manifestation of power within His Church.

How do you teach your sons about the importance of the priesthood?

 

Download here.

The Influence of a Mother

I have been so consumed with my new baby and preparing for our family's big move out of state that I just barely realized it was almost Mother's Day. My role as a mother has been busy and overwhelming lately, but I have been learning about how incredibly important my influence is on my children.

I noticed that when I am cranky, my children tend to be cranky, which in turn makes me more cranky, and it becomes a vicious cycle. When I am happy and singing and dancing around the house, my little girl dances and sings. I learned that when I say things that are negative, my daughter picks up on them and says them too. If I play and laugh and give kisses and hugs all day, she wants to do the same. I recognized that if I throw things in the house, my daughter thinks it is acceptable to throw anything. My actions completely influence her actions.

When I stop and think about my own mother, I can see that she has influenced me for good in so many ways. My mother is dedicated to the gospel and to serving the Lord; she sacrifices everything so that her children can have everything; she is kind, a good listener, and a loyal friend; and she loves her friends and family unconditionally. I have learned how to be a better person because of my mom, and I strive to be more like her every day.

There are two quotes that I found this week that speak of the significance of a mother's influence:

"...there is no greater good in all the world than motherhood. The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation." (James E. Faust)

and

"When mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children." (Julie B. Beck)

Children need mothers. More importantly, children need righteous, covenant-keeping mothers who are devoted to teaching and rearing their children in the ways of Christ. You moms out there, stop for a moment and think about the ways you are currently influencing your children. If there is anything in your behavior that could be influencing your children negatively, I urge you to change that behavior and replace it with a positive one. I am setting goals right now to be a better influence on my two little ones.

How has your mother influenced your life for good?

Here are two brand-new printables to get ready for Mother's Day! Feel free to use these as framed prints, handouts, or greeting cards.

Download above image here.

Download above image here. 

Descarga ahora.

Family Time is Sacred

My life has felt extra crazy these last few weeks. I had my baby boy a month ago, my toddler got more messy and needy, my husband got extra busy with work and school, and then we found out that his summer internship wanted us to come 7 weeks early. That shocker has changed everything for us. Not only did we have to give up our apartment that we love in a ward that we love, but we have to move out of state to a place where we don't know anyone, as well as find a new place to live when we get back. Between my late-night feedings (and every two hours during the day) with the baby, my husband's all-nighters at the school to get his projects finished and finals studied for, our regular school/work/kids schedules, and packing for our big move, we haven't had much time as a family. In fact, we only have gotten a few precious minutes of time in the same room.

Needless to say, we're all feeling a little stressed and overwhelmed.

However, we have a hope for our near future. As soon as my husband's finals are finished, he gets to be with us 24/7 for a week or so until the internship starts. We'll finish packing, move to our new summer home, and then he will start his internship. Family time will be normalized once again. Every morning we'll be together, and after work we will all be together for dinner and the rest of the evening. I can't tell you how excited I am to have every night with my family together! I love my little family!

When a friend recently requested a quote from the April 2012 General Conference, I jumped on the opportunity. This quote by Boyd K. Packer is one that I love, and one that I hope I can become even better at living.

"Family time is sacred time and should be protected and respected."

We all need family time. Whether or not we notice it each day, the time spent with our families completes us and builds us up. Even if the time we spend together isn't necessarily fun or exciting, we are growing as a unit and strengthening each other.  I need to be much better at being with my family when we are together too--not being on the computer, on the phone, or finishing projects all the time, claiming that we are "together" simply because we are in the same home. I just need to sit, talk, cuddle, and play with my husband and children without other distractions.

I am so grateful to be a member of the true church of Christ and to have prophets and apostles who teach me how to be a better mom and wife. I am grateful for wise counsel to cling to the values that are most important - family and the gospel.

How do you make sure that you are protecting and respecting your family time?

Download vertical version here.

Download horizontal version here.

By the way...did you know that I re-did my "Stop It" printable from the April 2012 General Conference? I had to--I was so embarrassed at my first attempt! Click here to download the newest version right now!

Stand Ye in Holy Places - Permaneced en lugares santos

I have seen so many BEAUTIFUL printables all over the Internet for the 2013 LDS Youth theme "Stand Ye in Holy Places, and Be Not Moved." I wasn't planning on making one for LDS Printables, but I received a request from a follower asking if I could do one in Spanish. I searched the web and didn't find any printables of the theme done in Spanish, so I thought I would create one for my Spanish-speaking friends. And since I was at it, I threw together an English version too.

I am thrilled that I got a chance to ponder on this message for awhile. There is a song by Jenny Jordan Frogley called "Stand in Holy Places" that I have always loved, and instantly thought of the song as I thought of the theme. I listened to this gorgeous song at least 1,000 times on my mission, and it never ceased to give me the chills and fill me with the Spirit. (Listen and see the lyrics on this YouTube video here!) The song inspires me to think about where my feet and heart are--am I standing in holy places at all times? Am I safe from the evils of the world? Do I set an example of holiness and faith to the people around me? Do I place my trust in my Captain, my Savior?

I love that the Church works so much to inspire and teach the youth. (Check out the Church's youth site here to see and learn more.) I have three teenage siblings, and I am so happy to know that they are learning now to avoid temptation and to serve God. I hope that my children will learn truth and righteousness from this valiant generation of youth being taught now. I pray that the youth of the Church will prepare themselves for the temple and for missions and for eternal families.

How are you striving to "stand in holy places?"

Descargar la versión rosa aquí.

Descargar la versión azul aquí.

Download pink version here.

Download blue version here.

Inspiration and Motivation - Sunday General Conference Quotes

After hearing such amazing talks during Saturday's General Conference sessions (see the printables I created from them here! You won't want to miss out!), I was ready for lots more inspiration and motivation on Sunday...and boy, did I receive it!

I am always drawn to Elder Uchtdorf's talks. I feel like he understands the hearts of women in a very deep way, and that he speaks to my heart directly every time. He reminded me on Sunday that I need to draw nearer to God and seek out His light and truth. It doesn't matter how lazy I have gotten, how un-spiritual I am at times, or how many mistakes I make--I can return to the light and become better than ever.

I also really loved the talk by Elder Enrique R. Falabella of the Seventy. He reminded me of things I can improve on as a mother and as the matriarch of my home. I appreciated the reminder to hug my children, make them happy, and be a good example of Christlike living. It was very good that he also reminded me to not be one who gets involved with contention, especially with my husband.

There were so many inspirational messages shared. We are so blessed to have a living prophet and apostles, and I hope I can remember and apply the things I learned.

Keep checking back for more General Conference printables! I'm still working on a bunch of messages from Sunday and Saturday!

What was your favorite talk given on Sunday? Why?

Download "God's Light" here.

Download teal "Begin" here.

Download pink "Begin" here.

Download "Happy Child" here.

Download "Come & See" here.

Renewed Zeal - Saturday General Conference Highlights

I just love the messages that were shared at General Conference yesterday. (Did you miss it? Click here to catch up! Click here to watch live today.) I am always inspired by the unique ways that our leaders teach us principles that we have heard so many times. Their messages strengthened my testimony that God knows His children and reveals His will to His leaders.

One of the talks that got me thinking the most was Russell M. Nelson's: "Catch the Wave." So catchy! I love the reminder that all members are supposed to be doing missionary work and that it is exciting, fulfilling, and rewarding. It is so easy to get discouraged about missionary work, finding people to teach, or sharing our testimonies, but if we remember that we will find great joy in sharing the gospel, we don't have to fear the "wave." I definitely need to be a better member missionary!

Keep checking back to this page--I'll be adding more quotes from Saturday's sessions as I complete them.

Also, check out the printable messages from Sunday's sessions here!!

What message inspired you the most from Saturday's General Conference sessions? Why?

Download "Catch the Wave" here.

Download "Act Well" here.

Download "True Friendship" here.

 Download "Lord's Side" here.

 Download "Righteous Mother" here.

Download "She Understood" here.

We Thank Thee, O God, For a Prophet

In just a few days, a true prophet called of God will speak to the world. Our living prophet, Thomas S. Monson, is the authorized representative on the earth who leads The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the Head of the church. He calls prophets and apostles to receive revelation for His church. This truth, as well as the priesthood authority that the prophet and apostles hold, was lost for centuries during a time that we know as the apostasy. However, a loving and merciful God once again called a living prophet and restored His church to His children so that we could have the truth.

I am grateful that we have a prophet to guide us, especially in these crazy times where there is so much change and so much conflict. I love President Monson and sustain him and look forward to the inspired messages that he will share with us during General Conference this weekend.

You can watch and listen to the prophet and the apostles on Saturday and Sunday at this link here. There will be two sessions each day: the first is at 10:00 am MDT, and the second is at 2:00 pm MDT. Each session lasts two hours, and the speakers consist of President Monson, the Twelve Apostles, and members of the other quorums and auxiliaries of the church. We will also be blessed to hear beautiful music from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

I urge you to prayerfully prepare questions you may have, then listen to receive your answers. As you receive them, you will join with me in saying, "We thank thee, o God, for a prophet."

What are some of the messages you are hoping to hear about during conference?

Download blue version here.

Download pink version here.  

Download white version here.