LDS General Conference - Sunday Words of Wisdom (April 2014)

I finally found the time to finish typing up my Sunday highlights
from the April 2014 General Conference
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints!
If you missed my Saturday highlights,
be sure to check out that post
to be motivated, inspired, & spiritually uplifted (:

Here are my highlights from the Sunday morning & afternoon sessions.
Keep in mind these are my hurried notes & they are not all word for word.

There's one thing we can do to make life sweeter...
We can be grateful!
- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Commandments are opportunities to exercise our agency & receive blessings.
- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I don't believe the Lord expects us to be less thankful in times of trial
than in times of abundance & ease.
- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

It's difficult to develop a spirit of gratitude
if our thankfulness is only proportional to the number of blessings we can count.
- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

See gratitude as a way of life.
- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Instead of being grateful for things,
be grateful in our circumstances.
- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

We can choose to be grateful no matter what.
- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

When we're grateful to God in our circumstances
we can experience gentle peace in the midst of our afflictions.
- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

How much of our lives are wasted waiting to see the rainbow
without thanking God for the rain?
- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Endings are not our destiny.
There are no true endings, only everlasting beginnings.
- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

A thankful heart is the parent of all virtues.
- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

If members learn to use the correct name of the church
(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints),
it will underscore that we are Christians,
members of the Savior's church.
- Elder M. Russell Ballard

Extending an invitation without following up
is like beginning a journey without finishing it
or buying a ticket to a concert without going into the theater.
- Elder M. Russell Ballard

We can all be more consistently involved with missionary work
by simply replacing our fear with faith.
- Elder M. Russell Ballard

Our Heavenly Father is always near & wants to help us.
God is watching over us.
We are not alone.
- Sister Jean A. Stevens

He accomplishes His miracles one prayer at a time,
one person at a time.
- Sister Jean A. Stevens

The gospel is not weight.
It is wings.
It carries us.
- Sister Jean A. Stevens

We can trust that God will not always help us the way we want Him to,
but the way that will best help us on our path back to Him.
- Sister Jean A. Stevens

This life is your "4 minutes".
While you are here,
your actions will determine whether you win the prize of eternal life.
- Bishop Gary E. Stevenson

If you're thinking you already blew your 4 minute race,
stop thinking that & never think it again.
It is never too late to get back into shape with the Atonement.
- Bishop Gary E. Stevenson

"I am a competitor.
I want to do my best,
but I want my fellow competitors to do their best too."
- Torah Bright, Australian athlete -
- Bishop Gary E. Stevenson

Is there someone who needs your encouragement?
- Bishop Gary E. Stevenson

We each carry a load.
Is our load creating enough spiritual traction that we won't get stuck?
- Elder David A. Bednar

Don't be loaded up with too many temporal things.
- Elder David A. Bednar

Sometimes we mistakenly believe that happiness is the absence of a load.
- Elder David A. Bednar

Christ has perfect empathy & will help us carry our loads.
- Elder David A. Bednar

We cannot fully love God if we don't love our neighbors,
& we cannot fully love our neighbors if we don't love God.
- President Thomas S. Monson

Love is the very essence of the gospel & Christ is our exemplar.
- President Thomas S. Monson

"I have wept in the night for the shortness of sight
that to somebody's need made me blind;
but I never have yet felt a tinge of regret
for being a little too kind."
- President Thomas S. Monson

Every day of our lives we are given opportunities to show love & kindness to those around us.
These opportunities often come unexpectedly.
- President Thomas S. Monson

Charity is the pure love of Christ.
Moroni 7:47
- President Thomas S. Monson

Some of our greatest opportunities to demonstrate our love will be within the walls of our own homes.
Love should be the very heart of family life.
- President Thomas S. Monson

"Why is it that the ones we love most
become so frequently the targets of our harsh words?"
- President Gordon B. Hinckley, May 1989 Ensign -
- President Thomas S. Monson

Always be considerate.
Be sensitive to the thoughts, feelings, & circumstances of others.
Be careful not to destroy another person's confidence through careless words or actions.
- President Thomas S. Monson

Forgiveness should go hand-in-hand with love.
- President Thomas S. Monson

"Of all sad words of tongue or pen,
the saddest are these: 'It might have been.'"
- John Greenleaf Whittier -
- President Thomas S. Monson

We have the power to increase the world's happiness
by giving a few words of appreciation to those we encounter each day.
- President Thomas S. Monson

Decide to respond with love & kindness to whatever comes our way.
- President Thomas S. Monson

Eternal knowledge comes only through personal prayer & pondering.
- President Boyd K. Packer

Christ is the anchor that holds us & protects us
& our families through the storms of life.
- President Boyd K. Packer

We should each commit to live 'true to the faith'.
- Elder William R. Walker

Get to know your ancestors.
The more connected we are to the stories of our forefathers,
the more likely we will be to make wise choices.
- Elder William R. Walker

We must not forget the experiences & blessings that come from going to the temple.
- Elder William R. Walker

We must not forget that we have a living prophet.
- Elder William R. Walker

We must be willing to completely alter our course when necessary.
- Elder L. Tom Perry

Out of respect for our agency,
the still, small voice
is never a strong, forceful tug.
- Elder L. Tom Perry

We must always be ready to receive the gentle tug of the Spirit.
- Elder L. Tom Perry

Today's complexity demands greater simplicity.
- Elder L. Tom Perry

Obedience is a choice.
It is a choice between our limited knowledge & power
& God's unlimited wisdom & omnipotence.
- Elder L. Tom Perry

There will always be a force to oppose the truth.
- Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge

You are more than human.
You are a child of God, our Heavenly Father.
- Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge

Do as young Joseph [Smith] & ask God to know the truth.
James 1:5
- Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge

In times of calamity or tragedy,
the Lord has a way of refocusing us & our priorities.
- Elder Michael John U. Teh

There is no end to what the world has to offer,
so it is critical to recognize when we have enough.
- Elder Michael John U. Teh

Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matthew 6: 19-21

- Elder Michael John U. Teh

What are some treasures in heaven that we can lay up for ourselves?

1. Acquire Christlike attributes

2. Put more quality time & effort into strengthening family relationships

3. Serve others

4. Understand the words of Christ

- Elder Michael John U. Teh

Satan distorts the real purpose of things.

- Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis

One should not roam through garbage.

- Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis

How can we recognize truth in a world that is increasingly blunt in its attacks on things pertaining to God?

1. We can know the truth by observing its fruits.

2. We can find truth by experimenting on the word ourselves.

3. We can know the truth by personal revelation.

- Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis

Faith without works is dead.

James 2:17

- Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis

No injustice is this mortal life is permanent, even death.

- Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Our lives are in reality, His.

- Elder D. Todd Christofferson

The Savior makes all things right.

- Elder D. Todd Christofferson

May we resolve to do a little better than we have in the past.

- President Thomas S. Monson

May we ever follow His example.

- President Thomas S. Monson

Our Heavenly Father is mindful of us & will guide & bless us.

- President Thomas S. Monson

May our homes be filled with love, courtesy, & the Spirit of the Lord.

- President Thomas S. Monson

Since these were just my highlights,

I encourage you to listen to or read the other wonderful words spoken at Conference...

Sunday morning:

Grateful in Any Circumstances by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Following Up by Elder M. Russell Ballard

"Fear Not; I Am with Thee" by Jean A. Stevens

Your Four Minutes by Bishop Gary E. Stevenson

Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease by Elder David A. Bednar

Love--the Essence of the Gospel by President Thomas S. Monson

Sunday afternoon:

The Witness by President Boyd K. Packer

Live True to the Faith by Elder William R. Walker

Obedience through Our Faithfulness by Elder L. Tom Perry

The Prophet Joseph Smith by Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge

Where Your Treasure Is by Elder Michael John U. Teh

If Ye Lack Wisdom by Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Until We Meet Again by President Thomas S. Monson

xoxo

LDS General Conference - Saturday Words of Wisdom (April 2014)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
holds General Conference twice a year.
6 months ago
I shared with you some of my favorite quotes or highlights from the October 2013 Conference,
& now I would like to share with you my highlights from the April 2014 Conference...

I've been slacking on getting my highlights up because we're moving in a week.
Yep, that's right.
Una semana...
I'll have Sunday's highlights up when I finish writing that post,
but as of right now
there's no knowing when that will be.

Here are my highlights from Saturday morning & afternoon sessions.
Prepare to be spiritually uplifted...
Keep in mind these are my hurried notes & they are not all word for word.

Defending your faith requires courage & courtesy on your part.
- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

You may wonder if taking a religious stand is worth it.
Yes, it is worth it!
- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Hate is an ugly word.
-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

The bumper sticker question, 'What Would Jesus Do?' will not always bring a popular response.
-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Christlike love is the greatest need we have on this planet.
- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Pure Christlike love flowing from true righteousness can change the world.
- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Defend your beliefs with courtesy & compassion, but defend them.
- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

It is so very important for us to focus on what matters most
because temporal things can be taken from us at any moment.
- Elder Ronald A. Rasband

It's our responsibility to serve others & make each other's burdens light.
- Elder Ronald A. Rasband

We should value & love what the Savior loves.
- Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Christ was always thinking of others.
- Elder Carlos H. Amado

Intimate feelings were designed to help us want to marry & have children.
Part of why we're here on Earth is to learn to control those mortal feelings.
- Sister Linda S. Reeves

We need to counsel with our children & youth on an ongoing basis with love, patience, & understanding.
- Sister Linda S. Reeves

Pornography damages lives.
How do we protect our children & youth?
The greatest filter is the personal & eternal filter of a strong testimony of Jesus Christ
& of our Heavenly Father's love for us.
- Sister Linda S. Reeves

It's okay if the house is a mess & the kids are still in their pajamas.
The only things that need to be accomplished are daily scripture study & prayer,
as well as weekly family home evenings.
- Sister Linda S. Reeves

We must want to change our hearts & desires
& be humble enough to ask for the help necessary.
- Sister Linda S. Reeves

The worst whirlwinds are the temptations of the adversary.
Repentance will subdue the winds of sin.
- Elder Neil L. Andersen

The whirlwinds in your youth can increase your spiritual roots
preparing you for your years ahead.
- Elder Neil L. Andersen

Challenges will come to you,
but as you trust in God they will strengthen your faith.
- Elder Neil L. Andersen

Sometimes you have to stand alone.
Stand in holy places & be not moved.
Doctrine & Covenants 87:8

- Elder Neil L. Andersen

In the Gospel of Jesus Christ there is no room for bullying or ridicule.

- Elder Neil L. Andersen

As you live righteously year after year,

your experiences will confirm to you again & again

that Jesus is the Christ.

- Elder Neil L. Andersen

Whoever you are & wherever you may be,

you hold in your hands the happiness of more people than you can imagine.

- President Henry B. Eyring

Duties must sometimes be difficult

because their purpose is to move us along the path

to live forever with Heavenly Father.

- President Henry B. Eyring

You cannot force righteousness.
- President Henry B. Eyring

If you let Christ lead your family,
all things will work out.
- President Henry B. Eyring

Faith is the anecdote for fear.
- Elder Russell M. Nelson

Are we securely tied to God so that our faith shows
or are we actually tied to something else?
Let your faith show.
- Elder Russell M. Nelson

Too many people look only at their bank balance for peace.
- Elder Russell M. Nelson

All truth emanates from God.
- Elder Russell M. Nelson

Keeping divine commandments brings blessings, every time.
- Elder Russell M. Nelson

Wrong is never right.
- Elder Russell M. Nelson

We must be sure to sincerely love those we want to help in righteousness
so they can begin to develop confidence in God's love.
- Elder Richard G. Scott

Love & trust are very important when helping others grow in the Gospel.
- Elder Richard G. Scott

We best serve our Father in Heaven by righteously following Christ's example.
- Elder Richard G. Scott

Don't participate in selective obedience,
but be 100% obedient to God's commandments.
- Elder Robert D. Hales

Why do we choose to be disobedient when we know the eternal consequences of sin?
- Elder Robert D. Hales

Follow the signs to reach your destination instead of mindlessly following others.
- Elder Claudio D. Zivic

We need to get to the point where we have a desire to keep the commandments
rather than be constantly reminded to stay on the path.
- Elder Claudio D. Zivic

Destructive words can take a situation from hazardous to fatal.
- Elder W. Craig Zwick

We need to cultivate respect for each other
& try to understand the other person's perspective.
- Elder W. Craig Zwick

Practice asking what's going through their mind & listen.
Have empathy for the feelings & context of others.
- Elder W. Craig Zwick

Family history work is essential in connecting eternal families.
- Elder Quentin L. Cook

Our family history centers are now in our homes.
- Elder Quentin L. Cook

Families should hold family tree gatherings
& do family history work together as a family after church.
- Elder Quentin L. Cook

The eternally significant blessing of uniting our own families is is almost beyond comprehension.
- Elder Quentin L. Cook

Family commitments & expectations should be at the top of our priorities.
- Elder Quentin L. Cook

Since I didn't share everything
I encourage you to listen to or read the other wonderful words spoken at Conference...

Saturday morning:
Welcome to Conference by President Thomas S. Monson
The Cost--and Blessings--of Discipleship by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
The Joyful Burden of Discipleship by Elder Ronald A. Rasband
Christ the Redeemer by Elder Carlos H. Amado
Protection from Pornography - A Christ-Focused Home by Sister Linda S. Reeves
Spiritual Whirlwinds by Elder Neil L. Andersen
A Priceless Heritage of Hope by President Henry B. Eyring

Saturday afternoon:
Let Your Faith Show by Elder Russell M. Nelson
"I Have Given You an Example" by Elder Richard G. Scott
"If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments" by Elder Robert D. Hales
Let's Not Take the Wrong Way by Elder Claudio D. Zivic
What Are You Thinking? by Elder W. Craig Zwick
Roots and Branches by Elder Quentin L. Cook

xoxo

LDS General Conference - Sunday Words of Wisdom (Oct 2013)

If you missed yesterday's post,

you missed a bunch of motivating & inspiring quotes.

It was basically a recap of some of my favorite talks

from the Saturday morning & afternoon sessions of General Conference

of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
You should definitely check it out!

Today I'll be sharing my favorite highlights from
the Sunday morning & afternoon sessions of conference.
Again, keep in mind these are my hurried notes & they are not all word for word...

Heavenly Father has perfect foresight.
He knows each of us, & He knows our future.
- President Henry B. Eyring

I gave him to you because I knew you could & would love him,
no matter what he did.
(referring to a grandmother with a grandson in prison, but could easily relate to many of us)
- President Henry B. Eyring

There is joy guaranteed for the faithful.
- President Henry B. Eyring

We are responsible to be compassionate, charitable, & loving toward all men.
We are also to be respectful of the religious beliefs of all people.
- Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Have courage & face your fears with dignity.
- Elder Dallin H. Oaks

We are here on Earth to run the race, pass the obstacles, & get to the finish line
with the stamina of our faith & testimony.
- Elder Richard J. Maynes

Satan will try to use our memory of previous guilt to lure us back into his influence.
We need to protect ourselves & avoid his enticements.
- Elder Richard G. Scott

The Lord sees weaknesses differently than He does rebellion.
Unrepentant rebellion will bring punishment,
but when the Lord speaks of weaknesses, it is always with mercy.
- Elder Richard G. Scott

Fill your life with service to others.
- Elder Richard G. Scott

Shall I falter, or shall I finish?
- President Thomas S. Monson

Never dwell on what you're lacking.
Focus on the blessings & be grateful.
- President Thomas S. Monson

Good timber does not grow with ease;
The stronger the wind, the stronger the trees.
(excerpt of poem by Douglas Malloch)
- President Thomas S Monson

How we preserve time for family is one of the most significant issues we face in most cultures.
Let us be at the forefront in protecting time for family.
Make any necessary sacrifices to protect our own family & the rising generation.
- Elder Quentin L. Cook

We are liberated by the love, grace, & atoning sacrifice of our Savior.
- Elder Quentin L. Cook

A teacher is also a student.
- Brother David M. McConkie

To stay ahead of the storms that come our way,
Don't forget to look up.
- Elder Adrián Ochoa

Rather than solve our problems Himself,
the Lord wants us to develop faith that will help us rely on Him in solving our problems & trust Him.
- Elder Terence M. Vinson

Our Savior wants us to really love Him to the point that we want to align our will with His.
- Elder Terence M. Vinson

You are never too young to learn, & never too old to change.
- Elder Russell M. Nelson

Are we not all children of God?
- Elder Russell M. Nelson

We should love God more than even our Earthly parents,
and we should love our neighbors as our brothers & sisters.
- Elder Russell M. Nelson

How you use your body affects your spirit.
How will you choose to care for & use your body?
What spiritual attributes will you choose to develop?
- Elder Russell M. Nelson

Like many great prophets of old,
you were chosen before you were born.
- Elder Russell M. Nelson

Freedom from self-slavery is true liberation.
- Elder Russell M. Nelson

Sin, even if legalized by man, is still sin in the eyes of God.
We cannot change His doctrine.
It is not ours to change.
- Elder Russell M. Nelson

Each day is a day of decision, & our decisions determine our destiny.
- Elder Russell M. Nelson

May your homes be filled with love and courtesy, & with the spirit of the Lord.
- President Thomas S. Monson

May we show increased kindness to one another.
- President Thomas S. Monson

May heaven's blessing be with you.
- President Thomas S. Monson

So there you have it...
My favorite highlights from today's conference talks.

The Mormon religion seems to often be misunderstood & misinterpreted.

So if you have any questions,

feel free to ask me!

I promise I won't try to convert you.

I will, however, give you honest answers
so that you may better understand our religion.
Email me at

lifeisfantasmic {at} hotmail {dot} com

Like yesterday,
Since I didn't share everything,
I encourage you to listen to or read the other wonderful words spoken today.
When the talks are available to read, I'll provide the links below...

Sunday morning
To My Grandchildren by Henry B. Eyring
No Other Gods by Dallin H. Oaks
Be Ye Converted by Bonnie Oscarson
The Strength to Endure by Richard J. Maynes
Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ by Richard G. Scott
"I Will Not Fail Thee, nor Forsake Thee" by President Thomas S. Monson

Sunday afternoon

Lamentations of Jeremiah: Beware of Bondage by Quentin L. Cook
Power in the Priesthood by Neil L. Andersen
Teaching with the Power and Authority of God by David M. McConkie
Continually Holding Fast by Kevin S. Hamilton
Look Up by Adrián Ochoa
Drawing Closer to God by Terence M. Vinson
Decisions for Eternity by Russell M. Nelson
Till We Meet Again by President Thomas S. Monson

xoxo

LDS General Conference - Saturday Words of Wisdom (Oct 2013)

This weekend is the 183rd Semiannual General Conference

of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Prepare for some inspiring quotes...

Conference weekend:

Two days of quality family time.

Two days of staying home & lounging around in our pajamas watching tv.

Two days of eating Pull-A-Part Bread & Breakfast Casserole for brunch.

Two days of simultaneous conference bingo w/ the kids & note taking.

Two days of uplifting & motivational talks given by our living prophet & his apostles.

Two days of talks given by other church leaders who have amazing faith in God.

Two days of relaxation, revelation, & inspiration.

The spirit felt is wonderful.

I love it.

I always take notes during each of the talks,

then I go back & highlight my favorite messages.

Today I'm going to share some of my favorite highlights

from the Saturday morning & afternoon sessions of conference.

Keep in mind these are my hurried notes & they are not all word for word...

What is said at conference is not as important as what you hear & what you feel.

- Elder Robert D. Hales

The Lord will tell you what He wants you to do if you will listen.

- Elder Robert D. Hales

We gather to hear the words of the Lord, & we return to our homes to live them.

- Elder Robert D. Hales

How to become meek:

1. Improve ourselves day by day. Try a little harder to do a little better each day.

2. Learn to control our temper, be patient, & avoid contention.

3. Be humble. The humble are teachable & meek.

Meekness is vital to become more Christlike.

- Elder Ulisses Soares

Look ahead and believe.

- Elder Edward Dube

Significant yet subtle blessings come from paying tithing.

- Elder David A. Bednar

One of the blessings of tithing is finding gratitude for what we have & what the Lord has given us.

A grateful person is rich in contentment.

- Elder David A. Bednar

The blessings that come from paying tithing prove that you can do more with less.

- Elder David A. Bednar

Read the scriptures. Peace & inspiration will come. Solutions will follow.

- President Boyd K. Packer

A woman's moral influence is nowhere more powerfully felt than in the home.

Bring up your children in light & truth. Teach them to pray often.

- Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Small & simple things can touch hearts.

- Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela

Let us reach out to others with faith & love.

- Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela

Fatigue is the common enemy of us all.

So slow down, rest up, replenish, & refill.

- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Don't assume you can fix everything, but fix what you can.

- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Be merciful, non-judgmental, kind.

Have faith, hold fast to hope, & don't give up.

- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Just be positive & those around you will feel your love.

- Elder M. Russell Ballard

It is impossible to fail when we do our best & are on the Lord's errand.

- Elder M. Russell Ballard

Why would anyone join such a church?

1. This church was restored in our day by Jesus Christ himself.

2. The church provides opportunities for doing good.

3. Walking the path of discipleship leads to promised blessings.

If the gospel is so wonderful, why would anyone leave?

1. Some are offended.

2. Some lose their way due to temptation.

3. Some disagree on certain beliefs.

4. There are many reasons.

Whatever the reason, we respect their right to worship according to the dictates of their own conscience.

- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The church would only be perfect if it were run by perfect humans.

He works through us, his imperfect children, & imperfect people make mistakes.

If you expect to find perfect people here in the church you will be disappointed.

- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner.

Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.

- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

We need your unique perspective.

- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

and those were just the highlights...

Can you imagine how long this post would be if I typed up all of my notes for all of my favorite talks?

Yeah, that could get kind of crazy.

Since I didn't write everything down,

I encourage you to listen to or read the other wonderful words that were spoken today.

When the talks are available to read, I'll provide links below...

Saturday morning:

Welcome to Conference by President Thomas S. Monson

General Conference: Strengthening Faith & Testimony by Robert D. Hales

Be Meek & Lowly of Heart by Ulisses Soares

Do We Know What We Have? by Carole M. Stephens

Look Ahead & Believe by Edward Dube

The Windows of Heaven by David A. Bednar

Come, Join with Us by Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Saturday afternoon:

The Key to Spiritual Protection by Boyd K. Packer

The Moral Force of Women by D. Todd Christofferson

Hastening the Lord's Game Plan! by S. Gifford Nielsen

Small & Simple Things by Arnfulo Valenzuela

Wilt Thou Be Made Whole? by Timothy J. Dyches

Like a Broken Vessel by Jeffrey R. Holland

Put Your Trust in the Lord by M. Russell Ballard

xoxo

MOPS: Advice from experienced moms

Yesterday at MOPS we had a mentor mom panel.

We got to learn more about 6 wonderful ladies that have been there & done that with the whole parenting thing.

They answered a bunch of anonymous questions that we had come up with ahead of time.

Most questions were about parenting or marital issues,

they touched a bit on how to deal with difficult in-laws,

and how to cope when you're super stressed & your family lives far away...

Although I didn't think to write the questions down
(and I wish I would have),

I took notes on the advice that I found most helpful or profound.

Here's what I learned from the pros:

Pray often.
Pray for your husband.
Pray for your children.
Pray for their future & for their future husbands.

Stop worrying about cleaning your house today & just play.
You'll truly regret it if you don't.

Don't beat yourself up about things you didn't do this week,
there's always next week.

Write yourself encouraging notes.

Encourage other moms.

When you feel like your husband isn't spending enough time with you or your family
ask him, 'What memories do you want our kids to have about their Dad?'
'What memories do you want me to have about us 10, 20, or 50 years from now?'

Ask these things or address issues when things are going well & you are at your best
rather than when you are upset or frustrated.

Make a gratitude list.
Write about things you are thankful for that relate to your husband
and the work he does for you & your family.

Child swap with other moms for relief

Put God first.
Put your marriage second.
Find time for dates & intimacy.
Keep that spark alive.

Show your children that you love your husband.
Don't be afraid to hug, kiss, & hold hands in public.
Keep it PG though...

The only control you truly have is over yourself.
You have complete control over the way you live your life
and the way you handle things you're faced with.
Whether it be a day-to-day or life changing situation
be a good example
& although you can't control your family or others you associate with,
you can influence them for the better.

There is power in using the words "You're right."
If you seem to be having disagreements with your spouse or in-laws,
find something that they're right about,
and use those words to let them know you agree.

Try to look at things through your in-law's eyes if you don't really get along.
They were raised differently than you & have a reason for their differing opinions on things.
If you want to raise your children differently than they raised theirs, that's okay.
You married their son & already know that they raised a winner,
but it's ultimately up to you and your spouse to choose how you raise your family.

Create networks in your community for support, especially if you don't have family nearby.
There are always plenty of experienced moms that would love to "adopt" you & help you out.

So those were the highlights of advice that the mentor moms gave yesterday at MOPS...
Hopefully you can apply that wonderful advice to your life
or pass it along to other moms that may need it!

I think I might make MOPS highlights a regular thing here on the blog.
Whatcha think?

xoxo