tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81281322595914054912024-03-12T19:47:13.018-07:00Just Between The GirlsA place for women of all ages to go; when you're looking for advice, for help, for guidance, for friendship, and for enjoyment.The Big Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04661428139596733414noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128132259591405491.post-57483163442202846592013-10-24T13:25:00.003-07:002013-10-24T13:25:35.634-07:00Welcome to the Beginning<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hello my lovely Readers! This is a farewell note on this page. I am moving, and growing to a new blog that is better suited to my purpose and desires. I invite you to go to this new blog, and you'll find all these old posts, and many more new ones. I know, I know, you're thinking- but Shannon WHY the change? I'll tell you why- because it is time. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love you guys! Join me at my new blog: </span><a href="http://breakthroughthegrey.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>breakthroughthegrey.blogspot.com</i></span></a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">-Shannon </span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02910192151335062524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128132259591405491.post-78361697584971762812013-04-25T21:23:00.001-07:002013-05-04T23:15:03.453-07:00For young Mothers<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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We are all grateful for the women that
we call Mother, but I am not sure that we spend enough time being
Thankful to BE MOTHERS. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I want to point out first of all that
motherhood is our divine calling, and it is something extended to all
women- THAT includes those who have not yet had the opportunity to
bear or raise their OWN children.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sheri Dew, who was a member of the
General Relief Society Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints, has never had the opportunity to marry and bear
children, and she has expressed her thoughts on this subject much
more beautifully than I ever could so I am going to read it to you.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
While we tend to equate motherhood solely with maternity, in the Lord’s language, the word mother has layers of meaning. Of all the words they could have chosen to define her role and her essence, both God the Father and Adam called Eve “the mother of all living” and they did so before she ever bore a child. Like Eve, our motherhood began before we were born. Just as worthy men were foreordained to hold the priesthood in mortality, righteous women were endowed premortally with the privilege of motherhood. Motherhood is more than bearing children, though it is certainly that. It is the essence of who we are as women. It defines our very identity, our divine stature and nature, and the unique traits our Father gave us.<br />Elder John A. Widtsoe was explicit: “Women who through no fault of their own cannot exercise the gift of motherhood directly, may do so vicariously.”<br />Few of us will reach our potential without the nurturing of both the mother who bore us and the mothers who bear with us. (Sheri Dew)</blockquote>
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As women we are full of opportunities
to mother others, let me give you an example from my own life.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Linda Lawrence, is a wonderful woman,
who has just one child- yet she was a mother to all of us, her sons
friends- I knew when I was sad I could go to her and she would give
me one of her the Great hugs she is famous for, and I knew she
loved me and cared about what happened to me- and that was enough to
make it all better.</div>
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With or without children of our own- as
women we are ALL MOTHERS- and we have a great responsibility. But
when we are blessed with children in our home, the most important
work that we can do is THERE with them-</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We live in a difficult world where the
family is falling apart-- Divorce is almost as common as marriage and
people are more concerned with success than they are with their
children. Children are growing up without the strong family influence
so vital to their moral character- they are learning their values
from TV and Friends instead of from their parents- and we, as
mothers- hold the key to the whole problem!</div>
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Sister Virgina U. Jensen of the General
Relief Society Board said this</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
It is my sincere belief that the most powerful protection against the deteriorating condition of the family is a faithful, righteous mother. In 1993 President Hinckley said: “I remind mothers everywhere of the sanctity of your calling. No other can adequately take your place. No responsibility is greater, no obligation more binding than that you rear in love and peace and integrity those whom you have brought into the world.”</blockquote>
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What a great responsibility the Lord
has given to us- I feel SO HONORED to be a part of that- We are the
ones with the power to change everything- for our children.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This power given to us is almost
magical- we have the ability to mold and shape little minds- and to
watch them reflect the things that we have taught them. Here is
a moment I wrote about when my oldest was still small.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"My 4 year old, Ethan is quite a
talker- as a matter of fact he rarely stops- (I can't imagine where
that comes from) and so as he is getting older I am constantly seeing
myself in him- Imitating me—sometimes its sweet, sometimes its
funny, and sometimes I am shocked at what he has picked up- and
embarrassed that it came from me!-But each time this happens, I am
overwhelmed with the strongest feelings- because I am SO grateful
that it is MEEEEE that he is copying, not some babysitter, or daycare
worker- or the television.-- My husband and I are the strongest
influences in his life and that is how it was intended to be."</blockquote>
</div>
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In “The Family, A proclamation to the
world", they are very specific about the roles of parents.</div>
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By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.</div>
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WHAT DOES THIS MEAN????- Well also in
the proclamation the first presidency states-</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.</blockquote>
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Wow, what a big responsibility- I don't
know about you, but thats almost overwhelming to me! It is our SACRED
DUTY, and we will be held accountable for that obligation. I feel so
inadequate for this challenge the Lord has given to me- I look at my
two small children and feel scared, there is so much evil in the
world- how can I teach them everything they need to know- how can I
prepare them for it all. But the truth is that AS MOTHERS we are
blessed to be partners with the Lord. We are instruments in his hands
and he can guide us to do the things that are best for our children.
But when I get too overwhelmed with it all, I can find comfort in the
words of President Hinckley given in a General Relief Society Meeting
a few years back. He was speaking specifically to us mothers, and he
says</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
To you young women with small children,
yours is a tremendous challenge. So often there is not enough money.
You must scrimp and save. You must be wise and careful in your
expenditures. You must be strong and bold and brave and march forward
with gladness in your eye and love in your heart. How blessed you
are, my dear young mothers. You have children who will be yours
forever. I hope that you have been sealed in the house of the Lord
and that your family will be an everlasting family in the kingdom of
our Father.<br />May you be given strength to carry your
heavy load, to meet every obligation, to walk side by side with a
good and faithful and caring man, and together with him rear and
nurture and bring up your children in righteousness and truth.
Nothing else you will ever own, no worldly thing you will ever
acquire will be worth so much as the love of your children. God bless
you, my dear, dear young mothers.<br />Then we have you older women who are
neither young nor old. You are in the most wonderful season of your
lives. Your children are in their teens. Possibly one or two are
married. Some are on missions, and you are sacrificing to keep them
in the field. You are hoping and praying for their success and
happiness. To you dear women I offer some special counsel.<br />Count your blessings; name them one by one. You don't need a great big mansion of a house with an all-consuming mortgage that goes on forever. You do need a comfortable and pleasant home where love abides. Someone has said that there is no more beautiful picture than that of a good woman cooking a meal for those she loves. Weigh carefully that which you do. You do not need some of the extravagances that working outside the home might bring. Weigh carefully the importance of your being in the home when your children come from school.</blockquote>
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I am very blessed to be able to stay
home with my children-</div>
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I have people all the time who say- Oh
you are SO lucky, I wish I could stay home- but we just can't afford
it. And sometimes I just want to say to them- “have you ever
tried?”- I do recognize that there are many women who must work
outside the home to survive, for various reasons beyond their
control- and I admire these women greatly-but for the rest of us, I
bear my testimony to you that if you trust in the Lord and take that
leap of faith- it is possible.</div>
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When asked what her feelings were on
women working outside the home- A former General Relief Society
president- Sister Barbara B Smith has said...</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Sister Barbara B Smith (general Relief Society President): The decision of a mother to go to work outside her home is an individual matter. Some widowed and divorced mothers may find they have to work to support themselves and their children. For some women working is a right decision at a certain time; for others it is not. It is not a simple choice. This is an area in which a woman must be most thoughtful and prayerful. She must carefully weigh the economic advantages against the possible adverse effects on the family of her absence from home. She must recognize her vital responsibilities as a wife and mother and ask herself how these will be affected if she leaves the home for outside employment. She must explore all of the options and choose the activities which will permit the greatest good for those for whom she has primary responsibility.</blockquote>
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I'm not saying it's easy. I KNOW for a
fact that it isn't easy financially to stay home- We live on a cop's
salary- so believe me- I know... I spend hours budgeting and planning
every single penny we have. And I will NEVER be fashionably dressed,
and I shop for groceries with a calculator in my hand- make a tube of
foundation last three years and cringe when my kids need new shoes-</div>
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BUT, I am there when my children bring
me a book and say “read to me” 5 times a day, I am there to sing
them to sleep every night, and to talk about their latest "crush".
I am there to take them on walks to teach them about Nature, I am
there to answer every single one of the million questions, and if I
teach my children NOTHING else, I will have taught them that I
loved them enough to give up all the rest.</div>
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A Good chunk of mommys job is not to
give orders but to listen...</div>
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There was a fantastic story in the
Ensign called “Mother Come Home” Where a woman had planned and
prepared her entire life for her dream of being a successful
corporate executive. She finished graduate school and was offered a
job with a major international company that would assure her success
and wealth, but would be very demanding on her family. After much
prayer she was guided not to take the job and eventually became a
full time “stay at home” mom. let me just read you a quote from
that</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
After four years with this company, I
felt that I was not supposed to work outside the home anymore. After
another long night of counseling with my husband and with the Lord, I
told the company owner I would be leaving. This decision took a leap
of faith because we still had bills to pay, including student loans,
and we had recently welcomed another daughter, Aerie, to our family.
But I had learned that I am happiest when I follow the Lord’s plan
for my life rather than my own personal plans.<br />Three years after this difficult
decision to leave my job, our daughter Aerie asked me, “Mom, if
someone said you could have ten thousand million diamonds or your
Aerie, what would you choose?” I told her, “I would choose my
Aerie.” She went on, “If someone said you could have ten million
hundred dollars or your Aerie, what would you choose?” Again I told
her, “I would choose my Aerie.” She jumped up and down, crying
with glee, “I knew you would say that! I just knew you would say
that!”<br />It hit me then that I had chosen
my Aerie. Had I taken the position with the large international
company, I probably would not have her in my life. And she is truly a
joy, as are our four other children.</blockquote>
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My mother was Valedictorian of her high
school class, and when she recently went for her 30 year reunion,
people were shocked to find out she -by their standards hadn't done
anything great-, they expected so much of her- expected her to have
all these accomplishments and all these degrees- but she doesn't feel
like them at all- She could have been ANYTHING- but she CHOSE to be a
Mother-She says-</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“I made my job successful, because that is what I cared about- so I put my whole heart and soul into it. What is the difference between excelling there- and excelling outside the home- where down the road no-one really cares.<br />“I did a little of everything”- and that was MY CHOICE, and I don't regret it, not at all- I can't think of anything I would rather have done.”</blockquote>
</div>
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Now whether you stay at home or must
work- you are NO LESS A MOTHER- If anything it is more challenging
for those women who are forced into the workplace- for whatever
reason... I do have great respect and awe for these women and their
efforts to compensate for the time spent away from home.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Being a mother is difficult no matter
how you look at it- We all have different circumstances, and
different obstacles-</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I had a conversation with a friend the
other day who had had a disagreement with her husband over whose job
was more difficult. She didn't felt like he understood how hard it
was to be a mother- and he didn't feel like she understood how hard
his job was -and how much he needed to relax when he got home-
instead of sharing in responsibilities. Whether we work or not, I
imagine we have all had similar battles- feeling like no one
understands how difficult what you 43do is. I have found myself
spending what precious time I have with my husband complaining about
the difficulties of my day- and giving him a play by play of
everything that the kids did- and how frustrating it all was- etc
etc. It finally hit me that I was trying to prove to him that what I
did was hard and important- I needed him to know that I was working
hard.-- And I found myself doing it with other people too- Like I
needed everyone else's approval for my work as a mother. I call it
“Validation” when we constantly need others - be it our husband,
friends, family, or even the rest of the world- to approve or
validate what we do. We can never truly be happy when our happiness
or sense of self comes from others.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In this conversation with my friend, we
both realized, that it isn't anyone else's approval that we needed.
We just needed to believe in OURSELVES and believe in what we are
doing. As mothers, we have to find that strength within ourselves-
and that can be harder than we ever imagined as naïve young women
dreaming of what motherhood would be like. If you struggle with this,
as we all do, I promise the Lord can help you. A favorite scripture
we all know- <i>1 Nephi 3:7 reads, that the Lord giveth no commandments
unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that
they may accomplish the thing which he hath commanded them. </i>The Lord
has blessed us to be mothers- he knows our individual circumstances,
and if we go to him for support and approval we will find it. He will
help us through the challenges that come our way- whether you are a
single mom with two kids- trying to make ends meet- or a stay at home
mom struggling to find meaning in the day to day menial tasks that
never end.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We also have to accept some pretty
basic things about Motherhood, like the fact that the world is NEVER
going to view our job as important or worthwhile. We are going to sit
in work parties with our husbands and have the other women turn their
noses up when they ask what we do, and we say “I chose to stay home
with my children.” We are going to have people filling out forms
ask us for our job, and when we say “stay at home Mom” they are
going to say “Oh so you don't work”? Its going to happen, again
and again and again. And I won't pretend that these things don't
STILL bother me, but what bothers me now isn't that it makes me feel
small anymore. NOW, it bothers me that these women don't know any
better. That they don't have the same conviction that I do, that a
mothers place is in the home.</div>
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I have always wanted to be a Mother- </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I was going to be the perfect Mom-- </div>
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kids always dressed nice and matching-
and hair combed-</div>
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A nutritious meal always on the table
at 5</div>
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I would always have this sense of
fulfillment and accomplishment</div>
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<br /></div>
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Fast forward to a few years ago---- </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Its about 6:30 at night</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
the house is a disaster- although I
spent all day cleaning it</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
there are piles of dirty dishes- even
though the sink was empty this morning and there is a stack of
laundry that needs to be folded and another one that I SWEAR I just
put away that morning</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
the boys need a bath and are chasing
each other around the kitchen with their fish sticks and frozen corn
scattered all over the kitchen table</div>
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My husband is at work and won't be home
till the middle of the night and I am at my wits end-- It wasn't
supposed to be like this!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ethan has been arguing with me, and
even though he has dumped every toy he owns on the family room floor
I can NOT get him to clean it up!- I can't remember what he had said
specifically but it was enough to make me VERY angry with him.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
SO I call my Mom and I am just
complaining and venting about how frustrated I am, and how much these
guys drive me crazy and how tired I am and so on and so on and so on.
-- and she stops me in the middle of my tirade and says-</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Put everything down and go gather your
children in your arms and read them a story- and I was like “WHAT”
But Mom, I am so mad, and so on and so on... but she persisted, so I
did as she suggested. And do you know what? It got better. The
kitchen was still a mess, and the laundry still needed to be folded
and the playroom was still a disaster. But I WAS THE ONE WHO CHANGED.
My attitude turned towards loving and teaching instead of yelling and
screaming.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What did I learn from this small
moment? That I am NEVER going to be perfect, and that my kids aren't
going to be perfect- but my kids don't care- they love me no matter
what, and its BEING THERE that counts.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Elder Jeffrey R Holland gave us some
words of wisdom when he said.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Yours is the grand tradition of Eve, the mother of all the human family, the one who understood that she and Adam had to fall in order that “men [and women] might be” 9 and that there would be joy. Yours is the grand tradition of Sarah and Rebekah and Rachel, without whom there could not have been those magnificent patriarchal promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob which bless us all. Yours is the grand tradition of Lois and Eunice and the mothers of the 2,000 stripling warriors. Yours is the grand tradition of Mary, chosen and foreordained from before this world was, to conceive, carry, and bear the Son of God Himself. We thank all of you, including our own mothers, and tell you there is nothing more important in this world than participating so directly in the work and glory of God, in bringing to pass the mortality and earthly life of His daughters and sons, so that immortality and eternal life can come in those celestial realms on high.<br />“May I say to mothers collectively, in the name of the Lord, you are magnificent. You are doing terrifically well. The very fact that you have been given such a responsibility is everlasting evidence of the trust your Father in Heaven has in you. He knows that your giving birth to a child does not immediately propel you into the circle of the omniscient. If you and your husband will strive to love God and live the gospel yourselves; if you will plead for that guidance and comfort of the Holy Spirit promised to the faithful; if you will go to the temple to both make and claim the promises of the most sacred covenants a woman or man can make in this world; if you will show others, including your children, the same caring, compassionate, forgiving heart you want heaven to show you; if you try your best to be the best parent you can be, you will have done all that a human being can do and all that God expects you to do.”<br />Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Because She Is a Mother,” Ensign, May 1997, 36.</blockquote>
</div>
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I bear my testimony to you, that
motherhood is the greatest gift we, as women have been given. We need
to cherish it and appreciate what a gift it is. We need to believe in
ourselves if we choose to stay home and KNOW that what we are
CHOOSING our children over success in the world. What a wonderful
gift to have that choice to make! And I challenge you to sit down
with your children and love them, read to them, sing to them, and
play with them. Sometimes its okay to let the house go and just enjoy
the little moments. Because they really do grow up before you can
blink. I encourage you to get down on your knees and seek your
validation from the Lord and stop allowing the world to make you feel
small. We are mothers, and it is the greatest blessing in the
world!</div>
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The Big Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04661428139596733414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128132259591405491.post-32925700084713474032013-03-29T11:43:00.004-07:002013-03-29T11:43:51.136-07:00Ladies and Gentlemen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4drOcV3b1A4/UVSe0l-PlUI/AAAAAAAADwY/2tmRdLzqr4g/s1600/final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4drOcV3b1A4/UVSe0l-PlUI/AAAAAAAADwY/2tmRdLzqr4g/s640/final.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #ea9999;"> "Well isn't today just beautiful?!" I couldn't help but asking myself as I walked to work this morning. The sun is out <b>(I think you'll notice a common trend that I happen to love it when the sun is out.)</b>, the trees are green, there's no snow, and it is just radiant outside today! <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Seriously. I forgot my sunglasses, and my eyes are secretly hating me for it.</i></span>) Today, my message for you is about <span style="font-size: large;">not just love, but about life. </span> What exactly though? (I know...ALL of my messages are about the same kind of thing ;) ) </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today I want to address the idea of being </span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">ladies and gentlemen. </span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l_RCGrRbBGY/UVXdsUDRB3I/AAAAAAAADwo/P08q2xbKDoE/s1600/audrey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l_RCGrRbBGY/UVXdsUDRB3I/AAAAAAAADwo/P08q2xbKDoE/s1600/audrey.jpg" height="250" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>What does this even mean in our culture today?</i> Now think about that question for a minute. Were you raised to be a lady or a gentleman? <u><b> I'm talking to you ladies out there, and asking...how do you think of yourself?</b></u> How do you think of the <u>men</u> in your life? In our world today, there is evidence on top of evidence suggesting the loss of this concept. Take a look at the article excerpt from Leonard Sax's <i>"Ladies and Gentlemen, Skanks and Pimps.</i>" (I'm sorry for those words...but it is the article title.)</span></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #d5a6bd;">"The <i>New York Times</i> recently published <a class="ext" href="http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/10/i-dont-want-my-preschooler-to-be-a-gentleman/" target="_blank" title="NYT article by Lynn Messina">a column by Lynn Messina</a>, a regular contributor, in which she complained about her preschool teaching her 4-year-old son something about what it means to be a gentleman. Ms. Messina was upset that her preschool would dare to use the word “gentleman.” In Ms. Messina’s opinion, teaching girls and boys to be Ladies and Gentlemen is a “first lesson in <a class="pt-basics-link" href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/bias" title="Psychology Today looks at Bias">sexism</a>.” She admits that when she shares her concern with other <a class="pt-basics-link" href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/parenting" title="Psychology Today looks at Parenting">parents</a>, not all agree. “What’s the harm in teaching little boys to respect little girls?” they ask. I would ask the same question. If you fail to teach little boys to respect little girls, some years later you are likely to have teenage boys who do not respect teenage girls."</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/sax-sex/201303/ladies-and-gentlemen-skanks-and-pimps" target="_blank">Read the FULL ARTICLE</a></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Apparently, we shouldn't even be teaching children about ladies and gentlemen! Let me ask,<b><i> what happened to this ideal that used to be such a part of our society? </i></b> I was so saddened as I read this full article, that I made up my mind to write a post about it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> I was raised in a very traditional, religious, southern family. That being said, I love everyone I meet, and I was also raised to never hold prejudices against ANYONE, regardless of color, sexual orientation, background, or political party.<b> I want to make it plain though, that while I will never discriminate against those of homosexual orientation, I do not agree with, nor will ever support homosexuality. I have had many friends who are gay or lesbian, and I have never loved them any less. I would like for you to bear this in mind, as I discuss my views on this Ladies and Gentlemen issue, since I will only refer to love and marriage in a traditional sense. If that offends you, I am very sorry that it does, and I hope you will continue to read other blog posts that don't. It is not my intention to offend, but I want it clear where I stand. </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gkc0Sql8jwE/UVXe7QnSFTI/AAAAAAAADww/ROTIourD2qk/s1600/rapunzel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gkc0Sql8jwE/UVXe7QnSFTI/AAAAAAAADww/ROTIourD2qk/s1600/rapunzel.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Growing up, my mother relentlessly enforced the ideals of being a <i>"little lady," </i>and <i>"would a princess act that way?" </i> I can remember kicking my childhood best friend Christopher Stewart in his "man parts", and my mother about lost her marbles. In addition to that, I was always<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <b>splashing in the creek</b></span><b>, coming home mud-streaked, and <span style="font-size: large;">saying whatever was on my mind</span>.</b> <b>After each of these episodes (nearly every day) my mom would sit down with me, and discuss the importance of acting like a <u>lady</u>, and emphasizing that I could still have fun, but I needed to do it in the right time and place, and respect other ladies and gentlemen. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0W3pQf7Kkp8/UVXe88SA-9I/AAAAAAAADw4/D_liDzuza-c/s1600/me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0W3pQf7Kkp8/UVXe88SA-9I/AAAAAAAADw4/D_liDzuza-c/s1600/me.jpg" height="231" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <b><i> <span style="font-size: large;">My mother taught me to say kind things, help others in need, and dress in an appropriate manner. She taught me how to have tact, and hold my head up high, no matter how someone's biting words hurt. She taught me how to keep my composure, and how to act like a LADY. I have carried these principles with me as I have grown, and work to show others that today, I am the LADY she wanted me to be. Do you act like a lady? </span></i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">It's not just about femininity, it's about </span></i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><u>professionalism,</u> <u>tact</u> <u>and composure</u>. </span></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Now, with all of that in mind...now let me ask you my REAL question- <span style="font-size: x-large;">do you LOOK for a GENTLEMAN? If you already have a sweetheart, do you TREAT him like a GENTLEMAN? </span>This is our job as <b><i>women. </i></b>We act like ladies, they treat us like ladies. We find a gentleman, and we treat him as such. How should a gentleman be treated though? I'm not talking about doing the "make-me-a-sandwich" kind of things. <u>Here's a list of questions to ask yourself, because as a LADY, it is my responsibility to treat my gentleman as such, and it's yours too.</u></span></span><br />
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</span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. Do you treat him with the same respect you would your father?</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. Do you allow him to act as a gentlemen?</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> *Letting him open the door for you</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> *Letting him pay</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> *Letting him pull out your chair</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. Do you LET him protect you from harm?</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4. Do you let him compliment you?</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5. Do you try to "out-do" him? Stop. </span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6. Do you let him take care of you when you're sick or hurt?</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7. Do you take his arm, and allow him to take the lead? (Not just in dancing)</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">8. Do you let him surprise you?</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">9. Do you make him feel love in return?</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">10. Do you THANK HIM FOR EVERYTHING HE DOES?</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> If we fail to do these things as women, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Every girl wants to be treated like a lady, but <u><b>we have to let our men do so. </b></u> There is nothing wrong with being a strong, independent woman, but if a man never feels as though he can be the gentleman, and take care of you, then why will he continue to try? A major portion of being a lady is allowing gentlemen to act <span style="font-size: large;"><b>AS GENTLEMEN.</b></span> I've seen dozens of Facebook statues, and Pinterest quotes, and news articles asking the SAME QUESTION: "What happened to good old fashioned gentlemen?" Well women...I fear we have driven them away and forgotten their importance to us. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I challenge you <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I will always have a challenge for you)</span>, be a lady, and <i>allow your man to be a gentle one.</i> Let him do these things for you, and then allow him to feel loved in return.</span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Do things for him, surprise him, THANK HIM, and most of all, let him know how loved he is. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><br /></span><span style="color: #ea9999;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2sC9QDgxEDk/UVXgfpm-T3I/AAAAAAAADxQ/cd7BKYHLa34/s1600/suffrage-800px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2sC9QDgxEDk/UVXgfpm-T3I/AAAAAAAADxQ/cd7BKYHLa34/s1600/suffrage-800px.jpg" height="140" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Ask yourself if you act like a lady, with tact, composure, compassion and professionalism? <u> You don't have to sacrifice independence and originality for these things.</u> In no way am I suggesting that we put back on 50 layers of skirts, and give up the right to vote. But I am telling you, it's OKAY to be a LADY. It's about being respectful and respected in return; respected by the men we want to be GENTLEMEN.</span></span></span><br />
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</span><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I know I can be better at being a lady, and letting Eric always be the gentleman. <i>He gets on me for it all the time!! </i>We can all be better. So how will it be for you? I'm holding myself accountable here. I want to make sure that I can answer all of my own questions appropriately. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iElqrCHQj5k/UVXgvn8lb9I/AAAAAAAADxY/O2Ggvtm4le4/s1600/eric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iElqrCHQj5k/UVXgvn8lb9I/AAAAAAAADxY/O2Ggvtm4le4/s1600/eric.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><u><b> Think about it. Read up more on it if you want, and finish that article I posted. Decide what is of value to you, and what isn't. Most of all...be a lady, and let him be a gentleman. </b></u></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02910192151335062524noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128132259591405491.post-63583370161572183782013-03-18T12:41:00.000-07:002013-03-18T12:41:36.713-07:00Speaking of Priorities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWAEBpJgl4A/UUdt5YDdN0I/AAAAAAAADwI/Zuug2UxMnCo/s1600/Priorities.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWAEBpJgl4A/UUdt5YDdN0I/AAAAAAAADwI/Zuug2UxMnCo/s640/Priorities.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Good Afternoon lovely readers! It has been just about insanity the past couple of weeks as the final inning begins. My last exams are less than a month away at this point, and like the other millions of college students, I'm starting to feel the pressure. When it gets to this point in the semester, I tend to turn into a blond Hermione Granger. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tpHs4iHNxJ0/UUdpQS4-mhI/AAAAAAAADvA/oGv9S0clt9w/s1600/hermione.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tpHs4iHNxJ0/UUdpQS4-mhI/AAAAAAAADvA/oGv9S0clt9w/s200/hermione.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"What am I studying for? Are you crazy? You realize we need to pass
these exams to get into the second year? They're very important, I
should have started studying a month </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">ago, I don't know what's gotten
into me ..."</span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-saEP3rweJ7k/UUdpeyBTIsI/AAAAAAAADvI/G3rCVmWPSkA/s1600/6027_10151353180974786_1501487463_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-saEP3rweJ7k/UUdpeyBTIsI/AAAAAAAADvI/G3rCVmWPSkA/s200/6027_10151353180974786_1501487463_n.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Suffice it to</span><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">say that, yes...I become a bit busy during the final weeks of the semester. In addition to that, I've been busying myself with a few new things. (Songs will follow soon...trust me) I've recently decided it's high time I found myself a boyfriend. <b>So after a long wait of about a year and half, I finally brainwashed my best friend into dating me.</b> <b><i> Just kidding of course, I didn't have to brainwash him.</i></b> Things are going swimmingly, and I'm sure as the weeks dwindle down and that spring air fills my head, you'll be seeing more and more posts about what this relationship is teaching me, and the songs I've written about it. BUTTT for just a teensy preview- his name is Eric, and he is (in short) absolutely wonderful.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today what I really want to address is Priorities. I work at the Career and Academic Success Center at BYU, and priorities are something we cover in almost every study skill lesson we teach. <b><u><i> What even are priorities???</i></u></b> According to dictionary.com:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">pri·or·i·ty</span></span></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">1.</span> </span></span></span></span></span><div class="dndata">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">state</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">quality</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">being</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">earlier</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">time,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">occurrence,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">etc.</span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">2.</span> </span></span></span></span></span><div class="dndata">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">right</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">precede</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">others</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">order,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">rank,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">privilege,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">etc.;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">precedence.</span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">3.</span> </span></span></span></span></span><div class="dndata">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">right</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">take</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">precedence</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">obtaining</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">certain</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">supplies,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">services,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">facilities,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">etc.,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">especially</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">during</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">shortage.</span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">4.</span> </span></span></span></span></span><div class="dndata">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">something</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">given</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">special</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">attention.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span id="hotword"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">To put it in layman's terms...<span style="font-size: large;">priorities are the things that matter most to us.</span> We are often asked what they are, and have we sat down and written them out? As a college students, it's just about vital for me to recognize them, and focus my time around them. <span style="font-size: large;">But what about for younger students, or older parents? Are priorities important at that age too?? <b>YES!</b></span></span></span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In psychology there is a principle we learn about called<b><u> "Relational Importance." </u></b> What that means is, where you spend your time is where your heart lies. Are you spending the bulk of your time on things that truly matter to you, your goals, your dreams, or are you allowing time to slip away and fade into yesterday? <b> I'm asking you to sit down and honestly evaluate yourself</b>. Where do you spend the most amount of your time? Is it work? Class? Boyfriend? Shopping? Pinterest? </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When I was asked to do this very thing, I found that I spend the most amount of my time focusing on school and work. I asked myself...is that really where my top priorities are? No. I sat down and made a list of my priorities. This is my list, (Yes I'm willing to share! It's basic, but you get the idea)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Spiritual Well-being</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-poVbJsMDYG4/UUdqhTa9O2I/AAAAAAAADvo/R1j9RZOC7NQ/s1600/temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-poVbJsMDYG4/UUdqhTa9O2I/AAAAAAAADvo/R1j9RZOC7NQ/s200/temple.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I am a very spiritual person. This is my top priority because it is my Heavenly Father who has given me all that I am, and guides my footsteps every day. I am a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I want to live my life in such a way that everyone knows that and never doubts it. Regardless of my personal beliefs, I feel that the spiritual well-being of every person is important. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Family & Sweetheart</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> This is one of my top priorities because my life would be empty without my family. My family makes up a network of supporters, best friends, fans, and loving advice-givers. I am ridiculously close to my siblings and my parents. I believe in Eternal families, and therefore they take precedence over most other priorities of mine. I believe in constantly nurturing those relationships I have with them.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> In addition to family, I place my sweetheart as a high priority as well. Love is all about caring for the other person above yourself, and therefore I strive to make sure he is doing well and is taken care of. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7gsXsLLEYeA/UUdq6RmwFnI/AAAAAAAADvw/STVh6vJm5fY/s1600/472042_10150713330574786_1635118336_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7gsXsLLEYeA/UUdq6RmwFnI/AAAAAAAADvw/STVh6vJm5fY/s200/472042_10150713330574786_1635118336_o.jpg" width="132" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Self-improvement & Goals</span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> As an individual and an intellectual, I believe in constant progression. Yes, sometimes progression is slower than others, but there should always be growth. I heard once that life is like a down escalator. If you're not moving, it's moving down. If you're working hard, and pushing yourself, you can continue to improve, even when faced with resistance. I look for ways to educate myself about the world, and people, as well as help the lives of others. I also work towards my talents and career goals, as I try to better myself. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LxCr4nj_F-o/UUdqbJ4vL5I/AAAAAAAADvU/d10nwTV1AF8/s1600/415601_10151115092154786_734753644_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LxCr4nj_F-o/UUdqbJ4vL5I/AAAAAAAADvU/d10nwTV1AF8/s200/415601_10151115092154786_734753644_o.jpg" width="154" /></a></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">People & Friends</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> After my top three priorities, people and friends in general will always come next. I LOVE people, and I LOVE helping people. I listen, I advise, I help them burn old stuff, I'm a shoulder to cry on. No matter what kind of homework is pressing on my time, I will always make room if a person comes to me. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Service </span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Because I love people so much, serving people is vitally important to my life. It's not a self-fulfilling kind of thing, rather just that I genuinely love to serve, and feel useless if I'm not serving in some way. I guess you could say I have a giant hero-complex. People are my passion, and helping them is my obsession. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Finding Inspiration</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Life is difficult. I find you can't do anything else if you have no motivation or inspiration. So as an individual who is constantly trying to grow and help others... I look for inspiration everywhere. I look for the random flower that makes my day brighter, and in turn it becomes a priority for me to show it to others, and find it myself. Life is about winning the small day-to-day battles. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Education</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I am a student at BYU studying Therapeutic Recreation, and therefore school is important to me, but I believe that education is more than just schooling. It's a combination of experiences, people, and how you react to them that creates a sound education for an individual. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Health </span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I am very devoted to living a healthy life-style and re-defining for myself and other women what health and beauty is. I work towards loving the blessing of a body I have been given every single day. Good food, lots of exercise, and (trying really hard) getting enough sleep. These are essential to a healthy and happy lifestyle, decreasing stress, and being prepared to enjoy everything else in life. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Working </span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Working is in my top ten priorities because if there is something to do, it is worth doing well. I work almost every week day, and I thoroughly enjoy what I do. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Leisure</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Leisure is not something I really get to enjoy as much during the week, and since serving and people and educating myself are more important to me- when I have spare time, it's usually full of those. (especially the people) However, it is really nice every now and then to read a book or watch an episode of my favorite shows. :) Relaxation is essential a happy life, and so it's definitely A priority, just no the top one. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So now that you know my priorities, I can attest that those are the areas<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> I devote my life </span></b>to. I wish I could say I devoted as much time to my number one priority as I do to school or work, but it is what is in my heart. <u><b><span style="font-size: large;"> I challenge you to sit down and make a list of where you spend the bulk of your time, and then make a list of where you WANT to, and WHY, and then determine how those two can meet in the middle. This will help lead to a happier and more productive lifestyle, at EVERY AGE! </span></b></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u><i>Have a wonderful day, and happy prioritizing!</i></u></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02910192151335062524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128132259591405491.post-85704348861196017952013-02-14T14:06:00.002-08:002013-02-14T14:06:45.315-08:00Valentines<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">TODAY IS VALENTINES! Go out and serve someone, or sing them a song! Tell them you love them! Let people know that you care!!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Here is a valentines song for everyone!!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">I hope it's a wonderful day!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02910192151335062524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128132259591405491.post-40176273360626143532013-02-08T21:36:00.002-08:002013-02-08T21:36:19.507-08:00<br />
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I really love this cute little video and the message is great! There really isn't much more I could say about the idea of waiting till marriage. But something I noticed was when the kids were in groups of two it seemed to be a little easier. And you could see them copying each other, and supporting each other. I encourage you to surround yourself with GOOD friends, who will encourage you and uplift you. Friends who will help you through anything and remind you "not to eat that chocolate chip" and WHY! The Big Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04661428139596733414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128132259591405491.post-72351759932732413312013-02-07T12:16:00.001-08:002013-02-07T17:01:18.930-08:00Never less than Stunning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Good morning lovely readers! </span></b>So I've a couple thoughts to share with you on this beautiful day. It really is fabulous. Look. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0boOFvo9Plo/URQIbPqxVsI/AAAAAAAADf0/O2bvdRWJXRI/s1600/IMG_1598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0boOFvo9Plo/URQIbPqxVsI/AAAAAAAADf0/O2bvdRWJXRI/s320/IMG_1598.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's sunny, it's relatively warm (for Utah winter) and I couldn't feel more refreshed. Lately, there have been some difficult trials in my life, and that's no real excuse, but it is my reason for not blogging more. But I'm committing to those who read this...I promise to write more. Instead of just writing down my ideas for posts, I'll make sure I just write the post instead ;). </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> What I want to share with you today though, isn't simply a list of the reasons I'm sorry for not being a better blog queen,<b> it's how I feel today.</b> As I was getting ready, I was listening to a wonderful song by Phillip Phillips. It's called <u>Home</u>, and it never fails to put me a glorious mood. I tried on about 32 outfits, only managing to find a good one for my interview tomorrow. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Nothing for today!</span> So I kept trying on outfits and listening to this song over and over. When I finally had arranging the perfect outfit, I took a look in the mirror and thought,<i> "Okay...this is decent. WHAT?! I forgot to put on any makeup!!!" </i>Who forgets their makeup!?! So I quickly applied all the basics and put a red flower in my hair. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> But then something caught me...<b><u>what on earth was I thinking? </u></b> Yes...my outfit is cute, and the red flower is just perfect, my hair is in the right place...but is that REALLY what makes me beautiful? Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to call myself beautiful- but when I looked in the mirror, <i>that's exactly how I felt. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">WHY?</span></b></i></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> That's when it hit me what was different about the picture. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I FEEL beautiful. </span> I feel beautiful not because of the clothes and the makeup and the flower...<b><u>I feel beautiful because I am happy, and today is beautiful, and WHY ON EARTH would I feel anything less? </u></b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> My message for you today ladies is about<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> inner beauty. </span> We always talk about it, and we talk about boosting it, and appreciating it, but yet it always seems just beyond our fingertips. I've heard the old phrase<u> "beauty comes from within,</u>" I don't know how many times. I've heard it so many times thought because it is ABSOLUTELY TRUE. I recently went to an old friend's wedding reception and she looked radiant. My roommate/ best friend leaned over and said, "She looks so beautiful. She knows she's beautiful, and everyone else can see it. It must be how happy she is."<b> HOW TRUE IS THAT- for ALL of us? </b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <i>Inner beauty is that feeling of being happy, and knowing who you are. It's recognizing the flaws and the perfections in ourselves, and loving them both</i>. <u>I'm not talking appearance. I'm speaking about the quirks to our personalities that make us individual, unique, and yes BEAUTIFUL. When a woman, or a girl is happy with WHO she is, she honestly can't help but be stunning, and everyone around her knows it, and sees it. </u></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Woman are always looking for validation. <b>"Does my hair look okay? </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Can you tell I have a huge zit? </span> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do these jeans make me look lumpy?"</span></b> WHY do we ask these questions? I CHALLENGE you- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Don't ask.</span> </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>KNOW how you FEEL, and OWN IT! </u></b>Stop looking for validation in other places, in other people, on Pinterest for goodness sake. Look for validation in yourself. <i>Be happy with the woman you see. She may not be perfect, and she may have some truly rough things to deal with, she might not be great at crafts or math, and she may not be a size 0, but she is INCREDIBLE, and she is special. </i> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <u>The only person who needs to know that is herself, and then the rest of the world will be blinded by that happiness and light coming from her; blinded by her beauty that radiates around her. </u></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I wrote on my mirror, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Never less than Absolutely Stunning," </span></b>to remind myself that my beauty comes from within and when I'm happy, I will always be beautiful to others around me yes, but more importantly to myself.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happiness is beauty, and when I feel happy with myself, I feel beautiful. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> So I'm asking you to go look at yourself. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Go smile in the mirror and KNOW that you are happy, amazing, and<b> NEVER LESS THAN STUNNING</b>.</span> Remind yourself of this every day. <b><u>Work on the things that you want to change, and deal with the trials that come day by day, but above all remember WHO YOU ARE, and how beautiful that woman is every single day. </u></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happiness is your choice, and so is beauty. So remember, in my eyes, and in the rest of the world's, and in yours </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><u><b>You are never less than stunning. </b></u></i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02910192151335062524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128132259591405491.post-44509817470763602422013-01-21T06:37:00.000-08:002013-04-25T21:17:43.757-07:00Motherhood, A Blessing For All<br />
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">We are all grateful for the women that we call Mother, but I am not sure that we spend enough time being Thankful to BE MOTHERS. </span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">I want to point out first of all that motherhood is our divine calling, and it is something extended to all women- THAT includes those who have not yet had the opportunity to bear or raise their OWN children.</span></div>
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Sheri Dew, who was a member of the General Relief Society Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, has never had the opportunity to marry and bear children, and she has expressed her thoughts on this subject much more beautifully than I ever could so I am going to read it to you.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">While</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><em><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">we</span></em><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">tend</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">equate</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">motherhood</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">solely</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">with</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">maternity,</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">in</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">’</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">s</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">language,</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">word</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><em><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">mother</span></em><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">has</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">layers</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">meaning.</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Of</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">all</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">words</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">they</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">could</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">have</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">chosen</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">define</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">her</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">role</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">her</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">essence,</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">both</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">God</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Father</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Adam</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">called</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Eve</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> “</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">mother</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">all</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">living</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">”</span><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote3"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">3</span></u></span></a><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">—</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">they</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">did</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">so</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><em><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">before</span></em><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">she</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">ever</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">bore</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">a</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">child.</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Like</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Eve,</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">our</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">motherhood</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">began</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">before</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">we</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">were</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">born.</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Just</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">as</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">worthy</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">men</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">were</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">foreordained</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">hold</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">priesthood</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">in</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">mortality,</span><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote4"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">4</span></u></span></a><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">righteous</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">women</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">were</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">endowed</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">premortally</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">with</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">privilege</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">motherhood.</span><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote5"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">5</span></u></span></a><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Motherhood</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">is</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">more</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">than</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">bearing</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">children,</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">though</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">it</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">is</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">certainly</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">that.</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">It</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">is</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">essence</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">who</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">we</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">are</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">as</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">women.</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">It</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">defines</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">our</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">very</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">identity,</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">our</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">divine</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">stature</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">nature,</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">unique</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">traits</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">our</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Father</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">gave</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">us.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Elder</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">John</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">A.</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Widtsoe</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">was</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">explicit:</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> “</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Women</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">who</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">through</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">no</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">fault</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">their</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">own</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">cannot</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">exercise</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">gift</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">motherhood</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">directly,</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">may</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">do</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">so</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">vicariously.</span><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">”</span><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote10"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">10</span></u></span></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote10" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Few</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">us</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">will</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">reach</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">our</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">potential</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">without</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">nurturing</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">both</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">mother</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">who</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">bore</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">us</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">mothers</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">who</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">bear</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">with</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">us.</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">(Sheri</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Dew)</span></u></span></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">As women we are full of opportunities to mother others, let me give you an example from my own life.</span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Linda Lawrence, is a wonderful woman, who has just one child- yet she was a mother to all of us, her sons friends- I knew when I was sad I could go to her and she would give me one of her the Great hugs she is famous for, and I knew she loved me and cared about what happened to me- and that was enough to make it all better.</span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">With or without children of our own- as women we are ALL MOTHERS- and we have a great responsibility. But when we are blessed with children in our home, the most important work that we can do is THERE with them-</span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">We live in a difficult world where the family is falling apart-- Divorce is almost as common as marriage and people are more concerned with success than they are with their children. Children are growing up without the strong family influence so vital to their moral character- they are learning their values from TV and Friends instead of from their parents- and we, as mothers- hold the key to the whole problem!</span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Sister Virgina U. Jensen of the General Relief Society Board said this</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote10"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">It</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">is</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">my</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">sincere</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">belief</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">that</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">most</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">powerful</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">protection</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">against</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">deteriorating</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">condition</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">family</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">is</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">a</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">faithful,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">righteous</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">mother.</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">In</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">1993</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">President</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Hinckley</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">said:</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> “</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">I</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">remind</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">mothers</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">everywhere</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">sanctity</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">your</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">calling.</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">No</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">other</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">can</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">adequately</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">take</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">your</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">place.</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">No</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">responsibility</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">is</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">greater,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">no</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">obligation</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">more</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">binding</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">than</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">that</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">you</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">rear</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">in</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">love</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">peace</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">integrity</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">those</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">whom</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">you</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">have</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">brought</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">into</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">world.</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">”</span></u></span></span></a><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=57a7605ff590c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote9"> </a></span></u></span></span><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=57a7605ff590c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote9"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">9</span></u></span></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">What a great responsibility the Lord has given to us- I feel SO HONORED to be a part of that- We are the ones with the power to change everything- for our children.</span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">This power given to us is almost magical- we have the ability to mold and shape little minds- and to watch them reflect the things that we have taught them. Here is a moment I wrote about when my oldest was still small.</span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">"My 4 year old, Ethan is quite a talker- as a matter of fact he rarely stops- (I can't imagine where that comes from) and so as he is getting older I am constantly seeing myself in him- Imitating me—sometimes its sweet, sometimes its funny, and sometimes I am shocked at what he has picked up- and embarrassed that it came from me!-But each time this happens, I am overwhelmed with the strongest feelings- because I am SO grateful that it is MEEEEE that he is copying, not some babysitter, or daycare worker- or the television.-- My husband and I are the strongest influences in his life and that is how it was intended to be."</span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">In “The Family, A proclamation to the world", they are very specific about the roles of parents.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote10" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">By</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">divine</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">design,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">fathers</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">are</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">preside</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">over</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">their</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">families</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">in</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">love</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">righteousness</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">are</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">responsible</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">provide</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">necessities</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">life</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">protection</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">for</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">their</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">families.</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Mothers</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">are</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">primarily</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">responsible</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">for</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">nurture</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">their</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">children.</span></u></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">WHAT DOES THIS MEAN????- Well also in the proclamation the first presidency states-</span><br />
<div style="margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote10"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Husband</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">wife</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">have</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">a</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">solemn</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">responsibility</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">love</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">care</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">for</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">each</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">other</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">for</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">their</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">children.</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">"Children</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">are</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">an</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">heritage</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Lord"</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">(</span></u></span></span></a><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/ps/127/3#3" target="_blank">Psalms</a></span></u></span></span><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/ps/127/3#3" target="_blank"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">127:3</span></u></span></span></a><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote10">).</a></span></u></span></span><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote10"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Parents</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">have</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">a</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">sacred</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">duty</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">rear</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">their</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">children</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">in</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">love</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">righteousness,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">provide</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">for</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">their</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">physical</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">spiritual</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">needs,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">teach</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">them</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">love</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">serve</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">one</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">another,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">observe</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">commandments</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">God</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">be</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">law-abiding</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">citizens</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">wherever</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">they</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">live.</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Husbands</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">wives</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">—</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">mothers</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">fathers</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">—</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">will</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">be</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">held</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">accountable</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">before</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">God</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">for</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">discharge</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">these</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">obligations.</span></u></span></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Wow, what a big responsibility- I don't know about you, but thats almost overwhelming to me! It is our SACRED DUTY, and we will be held accountable for that obligation. I feel so inadequate for this challenge the Lord has given to me- I look at my two small children and feel scared, there is so much evil in the world- how can I teach them everything they need to know- how can I prepare them for it all. But the truth is that AS MOTHERS we are blessed to be partners with the Lord. We are instruments in his hands and he can guide us to do the things that are best for our children. But when I get too overwhelmed with it all, I can find comfort in the words of President Hinckley given in a General Relief Society Meeting a few years back. He was speaking specifically to us mothers, and he says</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">To you young women with small children, yours is a tremendous challenge. So often there is not enough money. You must scrimp and save. You must be wise and careful in your expenditures. You must be strong and bold and brave and march forward with gladness in your eye and love in your heart. How blessed you are, my dear young mothers. You have children who will be yours forever. I hope that you have been sealed in the house of the Lord and that your family will be an everlasting family in the kingdom of our Father.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">May you be given strength to carry your heavy load, to meet every obligation, to walk side by side with a good and faithful and caring man, and together with him rear and nurture and bring up your children in righteousness and truth. Nothing else you will ever own, no worldly thing you will ever acquire will be worth so much as the love of your children. God bless you, my dear, dear young mothers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Then we have you older women who are neither young nor old. You are in the most wonderful season of your lives. Your children are in their teens. Possibly one or two are married. Some are on missions, and you are sacrificing to keep them in the field. You are hoping and praying for their success and happiness. To you dear women I offer some special counsel.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote10" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Count</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">your</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">blessings;</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">name</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">them</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">one</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">by</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">one.</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">You</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">don't</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">need</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">a</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">great</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">big</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">mansion</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">a</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">house</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">with</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">an</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">all-consuming</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">mortgage</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">that</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">goes</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; 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background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">do</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">need</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">a</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">comfortable</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; 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background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">where</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">love</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">abides.</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Someone</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">has</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">said</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">that</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">there</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">is</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">no</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">more</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">beautiful</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">picture</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">than</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">that</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">a</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">good</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">woman</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">cooking</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">a</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">meal</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">for</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">those</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">she</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">loves.</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Weigh</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">carefully</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">that</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">which</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">you</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">do.</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">You</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">do</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">not</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">need</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">some</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">extravagances</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">that</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">working</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">outside</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">home</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">might</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">bring.</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Weigh</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">carefully</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">importance</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">your</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">being</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">in</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">home</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">when</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">your</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">children</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">come</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">from</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">school.</span></span></u></span></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I am very blessed to be able to stay home with my children-</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I have people all the time who say- Oh you are SO lucky, I wish I could stay home- but we just can't afford it. And sometimes I just want to say to them- “have you ever tried?”- I do recognize that there are many women who must work outside the home to survive, for various reasons beyond their control- and I admire these women greatly-but for the rest of us, I bear my testimony to you that if you trust in the Lord and take that leap of faith- it is possible.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">When asked what her feelings were on women working outside the home- A former General Relief Society president- Sister Barbara B Smith has said...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote10"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Sister</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Barbara</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; 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background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Relief</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Society</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">President):</span></u></span></span></a><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote10"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">The</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">decision</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">a</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">mother</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">go</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">work</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">outside</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">her</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">home</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">is</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">an</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">individual</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">matter.</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Some</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">widowed</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">divorced</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">mothers</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">may</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">find</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">they</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">have</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">work</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; 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background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">For</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">some</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">women</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; 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background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">right</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">decision</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">at</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; 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background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">She</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">must</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">explore</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">all</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">options</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">choose</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">activities</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">which</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">will</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">permit</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">greatest</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">good</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">for</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">those</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">for</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">whom</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">she</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">has</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">primary</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">responsibility.</span></u></span></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I'm not saying it's easy. I KNOW for a fact that it isn't easy financially to stay home- We live on a cop's salary- so believe me- I know... I spend hours budgeting and planning every single penny we have. And I will NEVER be fashionably dressed, and I shop for groceries with a calculator in my hand- make a tube of foundation last three years and cringe when my kids need new shoes-</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">BUT, I am there when my children bring me a book and say “read to me” 5 times a day, I am there to sing them to sleep every night, and to talk about their latest "crush". I am there to take them on walks to teach them about Nature, I am there to answer every single one of the million questions, and if I teach my children NOTHING else, I will have taught them that I loved them enough to give up all the rest.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">A Good chunk of mommys job is not to give orders but to listen...<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">There was a fantastic story in the Ensign called “Mother Come Home” Where a woman had planned and prepared her entire life for her dream of being a successful corporate executive. She finished graduate school and was offered a job with a major international company that would assure her success and wealth, but would be very demanding on her family. After much prayer she was guided not to take the job and eventually became a full time “stay at home” mom. let me just read you a quote from that</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">After four years with this company, I felt that I was not supposed to work outside the home anymore. After another long night of counseling with my husband and with the Lord, I told the company owner I would be leaving. This decision took a leap of faith because we still had bills to pay, including student loans, and we had recently welcomed another daughter, Aerie, to our family. But I had learned that I am happiest when I follow the Lord’s plan for my life rather than my own personal plans.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8128132259591405491" name="22" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></span><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Three years after this difficult decision to leave my job, our daughter Aerie asked me, “Mom, if someone said you could have ten thousand million diamonds or your Aerie, what would you choose?” I told her, “I would choose my Aerie.” She went on, “If someone said you could have ten million hundred dollars or your Aerie, what would you choose?” Again I told her, “I would choose my Aerie.” She jumped up and down, crying with glee, “I knew you would say that! I just knew you would say that!”</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8128132259591405491" name="23" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></span><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: white;">It hit me then that I <em style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px;">had</em> chosen my Aerie. Had I taken the position with the large international company, I probably would not have her in my life. And she is truly a joy, as are our four other children.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=bd5b6f708ee71110VgnVCM100000176f620a____" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Here is a link to that Talk</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">My mother was Valedictorian of her high school class, and when she recently went for her 30 year reunion, people were shocked to find out she -by their standards hadn't done anything great-, they expected so much of her- expected her to have all these accomplishments and all these degrees- but she doesn't feel like them at all- She could have been ANYTHING- but she CHOSE to be a Mother-She says-</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">“</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">I</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">made</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">my</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">job</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">successful,</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">because</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">that</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">is</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">what</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">I</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">cared</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">about-</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">so</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">I</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">put</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">my</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">whole</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">heart</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">soul</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">into</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">it.</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">What</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">is</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">difference</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">between</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">excelling</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">there-</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">excelling</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">outside</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">home-</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">where</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">down</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">road</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">no-one</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">really</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">cares.</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">“</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">I</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">did</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">a</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">little</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">everything</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">”</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">-</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">that</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">was</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">MY</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">CHOICE,</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">I</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">don't</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">regret</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">it,</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">not</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">at</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">all-</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">I</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">can't</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">think</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">anything</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">I</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">would</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">rather</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">have</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">done.</span><span style="background-color: #00dcff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">”</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Now whether you stay at home or must work- you are NO LESS A MOTHER- If anything it is more challenging for those women who are forced into the workplace- for whatever reason... I do have great respect and awe for these women and their efforts to compensate for the time spent away from home.</span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Being a mother is difficult no matter how you look at it- We all have different circumstances, and different obstacles-</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">I had a conversation with a friend the other day who had had a disagreement with her husband over whose job was more difficult. She didn't felt like he understood how hard it was to be a mother- and he didn't feel like she understood how hard his job was -and how much he needed to relax when he got home- instead of sharing in responsibilities. Whether we work or not, I imagine we have all had similar battles- feeling like no one understands how difficult what you do is. I have found myself spending what precious time I have with my husband complaining about the difficulties of my day- and giving him a play by play of everything that the kids did- and how frustrating it all was- etc etc. It finally hit me that I was trying to prove to him that what I did was hard and important- I needed him to know that I was working hard.-- And I found myself doing it with other people too- Like I needed everyone else's approval for my work as a mother. I call it “Validation” when we constantly need others - be it our husband, friends, family, or even the rest of the world- to approve or validate what we do. We can never truly be happy when our happiness or sense of self comes from others.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">In this conversation with my friend, we both realized, that it isn't anyone else's approval that we needed. We just needed to believe in OURSELVES and believe in what we are doing. As mothers, we have to find that strength within ourselves- and that can be harder than we ever imagined as naïve young women dreaming of what motherhood would be like. If you struggle with this, as we all do, I promise the Lord can help you. A favorite scripture we all know- 1 Nephi 3:7 reads, that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he hath commanded them. The Lord has blessed us to be mothers- he knows our individual circumstances, and if we go to him for support and approval we will find it. He will help us through the challenges that come our way- whether you are a single mom with two kids- trying to make ends meet- or a stay at home mom struggling to find meaning in the day to day menial tasks that never end.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">We also have to accept some pretty basic things about Motherhood, like the fact that the world is NEVER going to view our job as important or worthwhile. We are going to sit in work parties with our husbands and have the other women turn their noses up when they ask what we do, and we say “I chose to stay home with my children.” We are going to have people filling out forms ask us for our job, and when we say “stay at home Mom” they are going to say “Oh so you don't work”? Its going to happen, again and again and again. And I won't pretend that these things don't STILL bother me, but what bothers me now isn't that it makes me feel small anymore. NOW, it bothers me that these women don't know any better. That they don't have the same conviction that I do, that a mothers place is in the home.</span></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white;">I have always wanted to be a Mother-</span></div>
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<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white;">I was going to be the perfect Mom--</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1in;">
<span style="background-color: white;">kids always dressed nice and matching- and hair combed-</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">A nutritious meal always on the table at 5</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1in;">
<span style="background-color: white;">I would always have this sense of fulfillment and accomplishment</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Fast forward to a few years ago----</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Its about 6:30 at night</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1in;">
<span style="background-color: white;">the house is a disaster- although I spent all day cleaning it</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1in;">
<span style="background-color: white;">there are piles of dirty dishes- even though the sink was empty this morning and there is a stack of laundry that needs to be folded and another one that I SWEAR I just put away that morning</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1in;">
<span style="background-color: white;">the boys need a bath and are chasing each other around the kitchen with their fish sticks and frozen corn scattered all over the kitchen table</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1in;">
<span style="background-color: white;">My husband is at work and won't be home till the middle of the night and I am at my wits end-- It wasn't supposed to be like this!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1in;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Ethan has been arguing with me, and even though he has dumped every toy he owns on the family room floor I can NOT get him to clean it up!- I can't remember what he had said specifically but it was enough to make me VERY angry with him.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white;">SO I call my Mom and I am just complaining and venting about how frustrated I am, and how much these guys drive me crazy and how tired I am and so on and so on and so on. -- and she stops me in the middle of my tirade and says-</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Put everything down and go gather your children in your arms and read them a story- and I was like “WHAT” But Mom, I am so mad, and so on and so on... but she persisted, so I did as she suggested. And do you know what? It got better. The kitchen was still a mess, and the laundry still needed to be folded and the playroom was still a disaster. But I WAS THE ONE WHO CHANGED. My attitude turned towards loving and teaching instead of yelling and screaming.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white;">What did I learn from this small moment? That I am NEVER going to be perfect, and that my kids aren't going to be perfect- but my kids don't care- they love me no matter what, and its BEING THERE that counts.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Elder Jeffrey R Holland gave us some words of wisdom when he said.</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote10"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Yours</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">is</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">grand</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">tradition</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Eve,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">mother</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">all</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">human</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">family,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">one</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">who</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">understood</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">that</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">she</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Adam</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span></a><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote10"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">had</span></a></u></span></span><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote10"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">fall</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">in</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">order</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">that</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> “</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">men</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">[and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">women]</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">might</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">be</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">”</span></u></span></span></a><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b3bc55cbf541229058520974e44916a0/?vgnextoid=cf755f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=44a0be335dc20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1#footnote9"> </a></span></u></span></span><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b3bc55cbf541229058520974e44916a0/?vgnextoid=cf755f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=44a0be335dc20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1#footnote9"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">9</span></u></span></span></a><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote10"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">that</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">there</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">would</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">be</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">joy.</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Yours</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">is</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">grand</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">tradition</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Sarah</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Rebekah</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Rachel,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">without</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">whom</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">there</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">could</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">not</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">have</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">been</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">those</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">magnificent</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">patriarchal</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">promises</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Abraham,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Isaac,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Jacob</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">which</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">bless</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">us</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">all.</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Yours</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">is</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">grand</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">tradition</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Lois</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Eunice</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">mothers</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">2,000</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">stripling</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">warriors.</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Yours</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">is</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">grand</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">tradition</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Mary,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">chosen</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">foreordained</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">from</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">before</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">this</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">world</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">was,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">conceive,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">carry,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">bear</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Son</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">God</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Himself.</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">We</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">thank</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">all</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">you,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">including</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">our</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">own</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">mothers,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">tell</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">you</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">there</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">is</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">nothing</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">more</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">important</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">in</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">this</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">world</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">than</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">participating</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">so</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">directly</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">in</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">work</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">glory</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">God,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">in</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">bringing</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">pass</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">mortality</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">earthly</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">life</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">His</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">daughters</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">sons,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">so</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">that</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">immortality</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">eternal</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">life</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">can</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">come</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">in</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">those</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">celestial</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">realms</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">on</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">high.</span></u></span></span></a></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.49in;">
<a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote10" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: navy;"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">“</span></u></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">May</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">I</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">say</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">mothers</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">collectively,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">in</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">name</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Lord,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">you</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">are</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; 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background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">doing</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">terrifically</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">well.</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">The</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">very</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">fact</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">that</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">you</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">have</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">been</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">given</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">such</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">a</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">responsibility</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">is</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">everlasting</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">evidence</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; 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background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">claim</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">promises</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; 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background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">sacred</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">covenants</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">a</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">woman</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">or</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">man</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">can</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">make</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">in</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">this</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">world;</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">if</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">you</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">will</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">show</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">others,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">including</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">your</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">children,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">same</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">caring,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">compassionate,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">forgiving</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">heart</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">you</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">want</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">heaven</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">show</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">you;</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">if</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">you</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">try</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">your</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">best</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">be</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">best</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">parent</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">you</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">can</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">be,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">you</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">will</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">have</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">done</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">all</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">that</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">a</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">human</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">being</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">can</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">do</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">all</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">that</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">God</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">expects</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">you</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">do.</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">”</span></u></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote10"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Elder</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Jeffrey</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">R.</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Holland</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Quorum</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">of</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Twelve</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Apostles,</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> “</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Because</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">She</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Is</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">a</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Mother,</span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">” </span></span></u></span></span></a><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote10"><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Ensign,</span></a></u></span></span><a href="http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=291c8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1#footnote10"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">May</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">1997,</span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">36.</span></u></span></span></a></span></div>
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">I bear my testimony to you, that motherhood is the greatest gift we, as women have been given. We need to cherish it and appreciate what a gift it is. We need to believe in ourselves if we choose to stay home and KNOW that what we are CHOOSING our children over success in the world. What a wonderful gift to have that choice to make! And I challenge you to sit down with your children and love them, read to them, sing to them, and play with them. Sometimes its okay to let the house go and just enjoy the little moments. Because they really do grow up before you can blink. I encourage you to get down on your knees and seek your validation from the Lord and stop allowing the world to make you feel small. We are mothers, and it is the greatest blessing in the world!</span><br />
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The Big Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04661428139596733414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128132259591405491.post-41884200284256633932012-11-28T12:13:00.001-08:002013-02-07T16:44:51.675-08:00To Tell Them They Matter <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBzPUsLhn9s/URRKAECiSGI/AAAAAAAADgg/DzH8y18VH9Y/s1600/Theymatter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBzPUsLhn9s/URRKAECiSGI/AAAAAAAADgg/DzH8y18VH9Y/s640/Theymatter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cfe2f3;"> Hello everyone! I've just spent the last hour in the lovely library, typing away at my psychology paper (just kidding, I spent half an hour on Facebook and checking email ;)), and I would like to share an excerpt with you. The paper is dedicated to detailing my career plan. It's for my Psychology 101 (psych careers and what to do with them) class, and I feel very passionate about what I put, and I felt everyone deserved to understand my purpose!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cfe2f3;">Transitioning</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cfe2f3;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WV7HNIbPP0Q/ULZvFKADViI/AAAAAAAADew/LErpH47EPdg/s1600/204912_10152090330300648_686077189_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cfe2f3;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WV7HNIbPP0Q/ULZvFKADViI/AAAAAAAADew/LErpH47EPdg/s320/204912_10152090330300648_686077189_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cfe2f3;"> I can
still remember putting on “concerts” as a little girl, for my
family. My voice rang out loudly for Castle on a Cloud from Les
Miserables, and How Lonely from The Seventh Brother. <i>It seems like
yesterday I looked myself in my play mirror, dressing up in my
prettiest dress, and preparing to sing for my family and my beloved,
and devoted stuffed animals.</i></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cfe2f3;"> It's still my dream today to sing...<u>but
maybe not only in front of my teddy bears</u>. My career choice is unlike
anyone else's I have ever met. For me it's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>scary and makes me
vulnerable</b></span>, but I know in my heart <b>it will be worth it</b>. I am working
on becoming a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">motivational singer and speaker for young girls</span>. The
reason I am studying psychology and working to earn a degree in the
field is so that I can have the <u>invaluable foundation</u> that will come
with studying the individual. I am minoring in sociology as well, to
give me the group perspective, compared to the individual. <b>I recognize the challenges that come with this decision, and have chosen to charge forward!</b></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cfe2f3;"> For an
individual headed into my field of choice, there are numerous
uncertainties. That is what makes it such <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">a risk, yet so exciting and
unique</span> at the same time. My day to day responsibilities will vary
depending on where I am in my career path. Hopefully, they will
eventually include<i> songwriting, contacting speaking organizations,
networking, recording, working with non-profit foundations, speaking,
and working one-on-one with young girls who struggle.</i> In a field like
this though, there are many problems to tackle and try to help. I
want to focus on <b>self-esteem issues</b> in the younger generations,
<b>suicide prevention</b>, and helping to <b>create positive music</b> that uplifts
and helps people touching their hearts and their souls for good.
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmBG98_uFas/ULZvFwrBZKI/AAAAAAAADe4/z4x89wvx534/s1600/278527_10150730478420648_3283953_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cfe2f3;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmBG98_uFas/ULZvFwrBZKI/AAAAAAAADe4/z4x89wvx534/s200/278527_10150730478420648_3283953_o.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cfe2f3;"> I have
so many reasons that pull me in this direction, but the most
important are my love for music and my passion for people. <b>People
never cease to amaze me</b>; every single person you meet has an
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">individual and an incredible</span></i> story to their life. <u>No matter what
they look like to the rest of the world, they still face someone in
the mirror every night who is struggling in some way, and maybe just
hiding it from everyone.</u> I am driven to know their stories, and to
help them, through song and through the spoken word. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>I could not
picture a better way to spend my life, or to use my talents I've been
blessed with.</b></span> Each person, and every story I come to know- change
me, and help me in my endeavors to bring peace to the lives of
others. Though I'll probably spend several years<i> without a dime</i> to
my name, as the starting salary is nothing...it will be worth it to
help even one individual, and know that I made a <b>tiny difference.
</b></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cfe2f3;"> The
truth is, it <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>terrifies</i></span> me to put myself out there, and know that I
will be rejected by some, loved by others, and maybe never make a
difference. <b><u>However, the peace that comes in knowing I was given my
talents and my gifts for a reason, is immeasurable.</u></b> I know I can
help others, and I know I have a reason to do so. So while I can
still remember singing in front of my lined up baby dolls and beanie
babies, with my parents on either side, <b>I look to a future</b> of
singing, and speaking for those who have lost their way, or simply
need to know that someone understands, and is willing to take the
time <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To Tell Them They Matter.
</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cfe2f3; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A8uYeUWXRtM/ULZvHIjYJ2I/AAAAAAAADfA/KoUlQfVJLUw/s1600/338169_10150376977299786_1682310980_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cfe2f3;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A8uYeUWXRtM/ULZvHIjYJ2I/AAAAAAAADfA/KoUlQfVJLUw/s320/338169_10150376977299786_1682310980_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02910192151335062524noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128132259591405491.post-68405159469564828572012-11-09T15:24:00.007-08:002013-02-07T16:53:46.202-08:00As Individual as a Snowflake<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N3boTgoYf2A/URRL-U6jdLI/AAAAAAAADgo/ba8f8z1QCoA/s1600/snowflake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N3boTgoYf2A/URRL-U6jdLI/AAAAAAAADgo/ba8f8z1QCoA/s640/snowflake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A<span style="font-size: x-large;">s Individual as </span>a Snowflake</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hello my lovely readers! Today is a <b>glorious</b> day!! I have to admit- I've been in a bit a of a <i>"funk" </i>if you will, <u>ALL week.</u> As you well know my mom came to visit last week, and I guess I've been singing <b>the homesick blues</b> since then. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> But I'm happy to report that this morning upon waking up, I was reminded of one of the reasons I love living where I do. I woke up gently, and looked around, <i>feeling extremely cold </i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(my window was open)</span>. When I eventually peeked out of the shutters- what did I find? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">*</span>SNOW!*</b></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qd1bQnMyL2I/UJ2OtS91zHI/AAAAAAAADdw/jbpOdcjiJ1I/s1600/snowy+temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qd1bQnMyL2I/UJ2OtS91zHI/AAAAAAAADdw/jbpOdcjiJ1I/s1600/snowy+temple.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> </span><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: xx-small;">No I did not take this :) I found it on <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Google</span>. </span></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFcDkW6D4m8/UJ2POwoKHSI/AAAAAAAADeg/rdhtjStSU0c/s1600/chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFcDkW6D4m8/UJ2POwoKHSI/AAAAAAAADeg/rdhtjStSU0c/s1600/chocolate.jpg" width="132" /></span></a><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Growing up in North Carolina, snow was not a source of <i>inclement weather,</i> but a treat- a reason to <b>pull out cocoa mugs</b> and <b>cuddle up for the storm</b>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We <i>always</i> got out of school <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I wish this were still true now...:( )</span> and I would spend the day with <span style="font-size: large;">my family</span> and best friends gallivanting through the snow, pretending to be an <i>Ice Princess</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #ead1dc; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Every year I would spend the months of November through February peeking out of my blinds for snow</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #ead1dc; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <b>hoping</b>,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #ead1dc; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;">wishing,</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #ead1dc; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> praying,</span> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #ead1dc; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">and even <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">pleading</span></b> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #ead1dc; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(trying to make bargains with the Lord is not always the best route when wanting snow ;) )</span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #ead1dc; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <i>for just a few flakes. </i></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwFudgBQEss/UJ2O4M6bvdI/AAAAAAAADeE/cEOTlJuJMlo/s1600/playing+in+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwFudgBQEss/UJ2O4M6bvdI/AAAAAAAADeE/cEOTlJuJMlo/s1600/playing+in+snow.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Or a Snow demon...</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> </i>Once in a while, those childhood prayers were answered and I would see the <i><b>soft, white, beautiful flakes falling slowly to the ground</b></i>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Now that I live away from home, here in <u>Utah</u>, I see snow more often than not in the winter. Yet- despite how often I see the snow, <b>I never tire of those tiny crystals hitting my "nose, and eyelashes!"</b> So, waking up to see all of this wondrous snow- changed my tune<u> entirely. </u> What I thought would be the start of a bad weekend, full of work and business, is turning into a lovely weekend with just a touch of <i>Winter Magic</i>. <b>To me those tiny flakes bring a sense of magic to the atmosphere.</b></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tyg-c7fvTqk/UJ2O2y9f6AI/AAAAAAAADd4/WCxvlR8Qw8I/s1600/calvin+hobbs+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tyg-c7fvTqk/UJ2O2y9f6AI/AAAAAAAADd4/WCxvlR8Qw8I/s1600/calvin+hobbs+snow.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Calvin and Hobbes Snow Men :) </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> What is it that makes them so incredibly <span style="font-size: large;">special and mysterious? </span>Is it how they <i>flutter</i> to the ground, leaving a mark on everything that comes in their path? Is it how they <b>make one stop to wonder and remember life at different times</b>? Or is it that each one of them is <b><span style="font-size: large;">unique and individual</span></b>? To me it's a combination of each of these. But what I want to focus on today is the final qu<span style="font-size: small;">estion. <b>Each snowflake is it's own. They all have a separate pattern of beauty and flawless creation. </b></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ht_jHN6uNE/UJ2O4tn-3ZI/AAAAAAAADeM/Ho4gZT0gTqI/s1600/snowflake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ht_jHN6uNE/UJ2O4tn-3ZI/AAAAAAAADeM/Ho4gZT0gTqI/s1600/snowflake.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> What gives me pause today is knowing that just like <i>every single gorgeous flake </i>that falls, <i>every person I see, know, or simply pass as I walk through the winter wonderland is unique and different like the snowflakes</i>. <b>No two people are exactly alike</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cfe2f3; font-size: large;"><b><u>Just as the snowflakes fall </u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cfe2f3; font-size: large;"><b><u>into swirls and pattern of light and white,</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cfe2f3; font-size: large;"><b><u> the people we meet walk into our lives,</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cfe2f3; font-size: large;"><b><u> and touch us with their </u></b></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cfe2f3; font-size: large;"><b><u>individual beauty and love. </u></b></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"> This morning, I spent a good chunk of the morning finishing a fabulous book by <i>Rick Riordan, called The Mark of Athena</i> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(see my good reading section for a review). </span>Annabeth, one of the central characters, compares herself to other characters in the story, and asks what is special about herself. <i>Everyone around her seems to have a special quality, or a power that makes them almost invincible...and she wonders- what does she have?</i> She comes to the realization that <b>though her powers may not manifest themselves in wondrous and bold ways for everyone to see- she is just as powerful. </b> I love this, because we as people learning and growing, can apply this to our own lives. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <b>Never waste time comparing yourself to others,</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> for while you may seeing others <i>most glorious moments</i>, </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>we often compare those to <i>our own downfalls</i>.</b> <b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> In reality- we each have incredible <i>power</i> and </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">wisdom</span></i><span style="font-size: large;">, built from the years of experience </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: large;">and trial we have </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">endured <i>individually</i>. </span></b> </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aXPw6gxx47U/UJ2O3a43q9I/AAAAAAAADeA/D12dAKwLXeE/s1600/me+and+sno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aXPw6gxx47U/UJ2O3a43q9I/AAAAAAAADeA/D12dAKwLXeE/s1600/me+and+sno.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>We each have a purpose, and the gifts that enable us to fulfill that purpose.</i> Just like the snowflakes that I can see falling right now- <b>we are all different and beautiful in an individual way</b>. No snowflake compares itself to another...<i><b>that's silly</b></i>. <u>So why would we</u>?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I challenge every one of you who might read this- <i>go out and find what makes you special if you don't already know.</i> <b>Search yourself, and discover what blessings and gifts are things that you alone hold</b>. Whether it's a talent with beautiful music, or the ability to listen when others cannot, or the gift of making delicious bakery items...go uncover it, and appreciate it for all its worth. I've had a rough week, but with the <b><i>magic </i></b>I've been given this morning, <i><b>I am changing my tune, and appreciating the view.</b></i> I am exploring constantly to find me, and discover what I can really do. Most days I definitely need reminding! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">So I extend that challenge to you- </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">go find what makes </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">as<b> beautiful, </b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">as<b> <i>magical</i>, </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><b>as <span style="font-size: x-large;">Individual as a Snowflake. </span></b></span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02910192151335062524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128132259591405491.post-58624222773558397402012-08-01T11:38:00.000-07:002012-08-01T11:38:00.534-07:00Picking Up the Pieces<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This entire summer, my mother has been searching for the perfect seed-bead necklace. I've seen tons of these on Pinterest, and let me just say- THEY ARE GORGEOUS. But with all the time she's spending, I felt bad, so I volunteered to make the necklace for her. I found a pattern and had set in my mind that it would just take a few hours, and no sweat. <u>No sweat.</u>..<i>right. </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> So for the past few days, I've spent a good portion of my day working on a lovely seed-bead necklace for her. It's gorgeous, but it is quickly becoming the Bane of my Entire Existence. Do you realize what that means? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">It's like I'm Harry and it's Voldemort</span>. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm Frodo, and it is not just the ring, but Saron too.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I am Luke, and it is my father </span> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...you get the idea? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Needless to say, I'm having a hard time with it. So in my downtime, away from fighting the war on the necklace, I leave it set up nicely on my bedroom floor. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Now I'm not sure how many of our readers have children or little siblings, but should they find a pile of beads, an unfinished necklace, and<b> LOTS</b> of beading tubes with about 8 bright colors- well it's about the same as letting a shopaholic inside a shoe store with everything 90% off. <i> <b>They go crazy!</b></i><b> :) </b>And yes, I concede, it is a special happy moment to watch that joyous little expression as they trample through it, picking up pieces, fling it around, and scream with laughter. However...cleaning that up...when it was <u>everything</u> you were working on...<u>is just not. </u></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TlmqWhHCxJ8/UBlrtj9jfMI/AAAAAAAADbk/PTiBnuyzPFE/s1600/IMG_0745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TlmqWhHCxJ8/UBlrtj9jfMI/AAAAAAAADbk/PTiBnuyzPFE/s200/IMG_0745.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMMInFlAdvc/UBlrrwhqsDI/AAAAAAAADbc/SL5RgMyeuys/s1600/IMG_0744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMMInFlAdvc/UBlrrwhqsDI/AAAAAAAADbc/SL5RgMyeuys/s200/IMG_0744.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l4MVJM6hcVo/UBlrwWln9kI/AAAAAAAADbs/hbS_R7JJJhA/s1600/IMG_0747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l4MVJM6hcVo/UBlrwWln9kI/AAAAAAAADbs/hbS_R7JJJhA/s200/IMG_0747.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> This is how it ends. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Misery. </span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Ignore the blurriness...I took the pictures half-way through cleaning up when genius HIT, and I realized I wanted to post about it. )</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Lo and behold, I had to pick up every single piece I could find, and it took me the better part of this morning. It hurt because, I have back problems (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">but who doesn't? or at least elbow problems...or hip problems...everyone has problems)</span> and it was <i>frustrating</i>, because I kept dropping them and having to re-find them <b><u>again, and again...and AGAIN</u></b>. Just when I thought I had picked up all the beads in one spot, I'd find like 27 more. My point is- it was <i>hard</i> work, and it's not the kind you can take short-cuts on, or you will lose important beads. You have to just grin and bare it until the arduous job of evil is over. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Then I had the thought...how much is this like picking up the pieces in every other part of <b>my life?</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(You guys know I'm long-winded, bare with me.</span>) A year ago this month, I found out that I had been cheated on by my <u>stupid</u> ex-boyfriend and<i> wait, here comes the shocker-</i> one of my <u>best </u>friends from growing up. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>I'll save you the drama ;) because I'm sure somewhere along the way in these posts and my songs, you'll figure out the storyline ;). </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I can speak of this now light-heartedly because I've been through a year of what? Picking up the pieces. What happened <u>shattered</u> me- but I am <b>SO</b> lucky, because it shattered the <b><u>OLD</u></b> me, that I didn't know, that I didn't always love...or even like. When I arrived in Utah, I arrived as a broken girl, with a couple of suitcases and an entirely new chance to start completely over. You know what I did? I<i> took it, and ran with it. <u> I ran like I had never done before</u></i>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Literally, because I quite suck at really running.)</span> I made new friends, I tried new things, I changed my life, I changed where I wanted to be, who I saw myself becoming, and most importantly..<b>.I changed me. </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Now, don't let my happiness of the present fool you- it was the <u>hardest</u> thing I have ever had to go through. I had to readjust not just one or two things, but <i>everything</i>! I had to completely reorganize my priorities, the way I saw certain things, how I looked at different parts of life. I had been stuck in this "<i>wandering zone"</i> for the whole last part of high school, and for the first time in a long while- I had to learn what it means to stand on your own, and for yourself. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Just like the beads, <b>it was hard work</b>. There were days when I sat on the balcony of my apartment with my two best friends and chucked ice cream cones in anger at the pavement below, there were times I cried on my pillow until I couldn't quite remember what made me cry in the first place, there were days I felt <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">pathetic and miserable</span></i>...but after those days passed, there were days of <b><i>beautiful sunshine</i></b>, where new songs were born in my heart and new thoughts took hold of my soul. There were many <b>MORE</b> days that were <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u>good and wonderful </u></span>because<i> I didn't take shortcuts.</i> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><i><b>There are no shortcuts in life</b></i></u>.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <i>When you take what you think is a "shortcut" you are really just shortcutting yourself of all the incredible experience and learning about life and yourself that this world has to offer. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I had no short cuts with the stupid beads, but picking up every single piece made it<i> worth </i>it to have each of those important pieces back together, and this time the necklace will be even better. Picking up every single piece of my heart, and myself was the best thing for me, because when I put them back together, I knew<b><i> EXACTLY</i></b> who they were making, and I knew that that girl was <u>beautiful, inside and out. </u>I put those pieces, even the ones that were truly <i>the hardest to pick up</i>, together in a much truer way, and now when I look at what I thought at the time was a <i>mess</i>...<b>I see someone that was worth taking all that time for. </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Clearly, <b><u>we all have challenges</u></b>, and times in our live when we have to pick up the pieces, we have chances to find each bead and we have opportunities to change. <i>Every time you think you're picking up the pieces, I challenge you not to think of it as not only picking up pieces but building something better, stronger, something- someone to be completely content with being. </i><u><b>I challenge you to remember that you can't take shortcuts, but in the end, life will bring you to the most wondrous places and you will become that person you long to be most, all by putting in that hard work, picking up the pieces, and building something better. </b></u></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02910192151335062524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128132259591405491.post-73740617020669165882012-06-07T23:52:00.002-07:002013-02-07T16:59:23.484-08:00Lost and Found<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QbtbaEFxLEs/URRN4jTI21I/AAAAAAAADgw/G_WRGsmwBQc/s1600/mistakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QbtbaEFxLEs/URRN4jTI21I/AAAAAAAADgw/G_WRGsmwBQc/s640/mistakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What happens when you're lost...you can't read maps...</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">you have no phone, and it's about to absolutely pour?</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2G5lZMnxjDg/T9GdUZm_4kI/AAAAAAAADAo/v_KcDBc9aU4/s1600/2010-07-12-StormStrawberryField_MG_9368_6_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2G5lZMnxjDg/T9GdUZm_4kI/AAAAAAAADAo/v_KcDBc9aU4/s320/2010-07-12-StormStrawberryField_MG_9368_6_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So last week I took a two-day trip to the beach with my almost-cousins. It was an absolute blast. We spent the whole first day at the beach with the sun and weather perfectly meant for us. Imagine 82 degrees on the South Carolina coast, with just enough cloud cover to keep you from burning, but enough sun to warm up every part of you. The waves were big and great for bodysurfing. It was absolutely beautiful...until it destroyed my phone. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c-UuhyuWzn0/T9GdoqKYvSI/AAAAAAAADAw/vEhf3KqSSR4/s1600/301844_3293168884402_1376768488_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c-UuhyuWzn0/T9GdoqKYvSI/AAAAAAAADAw/vEhf3KqSSR4/s320/301844_3293168884402_1376768488_n.jpg" width="213" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">I realize the depth of my stupidity at taking my phone out of my car and onto the gorgeous beach. However, in my defense, my mother HAD asked me to keep my phone with me in case she needed me. You see, I was set to move 4 days later, and we were finishing up details for my trip. Moving on, I was splashing and swimming about, enjoying myself like it was 1999 again when I wore my Little Mermaid swimming suit with pride. My cousins and I were having the most epic wave rides ever as well. Unfortunately, when I came out of the water for a moment of peace, my sort-of-aunt informed me that one single rogue wave had plunged across my things out of NOWHERE, and savagely attacked my phone in the process. My heart fell as I ran up the embankment (yes- that's ALL THE WAY UP THE EMBANKMENT) and my eyes found my poor soggy phone. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">We tried SO hard- really we did. We prayed, played, reset, banged, and roasted my phone in all ways possible to save it from it's saltwater disaster, but it was all to no avail. So I sadly let it give up it's tiny electronic ghost and enjoyed the rest of my vacation. So I know this seems like such a funny little story with no real meaning or importance other than a $160 insurance bill, but that's because I've yet to explain the damage that this really caused. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Sure it was frustrating, but let me tell you, what really was hard, was driving home the next day. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b> Nothing. </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Nothing but me and the map book my dad made me bring...that I didn't know how to read. </u></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> I fully recognize that this might seem funny...now, but let me ASSURE you- at the moment it was ANYTHING BUT. I can honestly say that even though looking back on it, it was the most humorous situations I could have been in, it was also one of the most faith-building. Now I don't know how many of our readers are church-goers of any kind. Rest-easy that we love and appreciate every single person, regardless of their individual beliefs, and if you feel at all that this part about my faith could be offensive, you are more than welcome not to read it. But alas, it is who I am, and I cannot and will not change that- even for just a blog post. I share because it taught me something important, not because I believe in the power of brain washing. ;) </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbgIMEDPJF0/T9Ge9pSUhaI/AAAAAAAADBA/cFpdDQAb9Xk/s1600/il_fullxfull.329895818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbgIMEDPJF0/T9Ge9pSUhaI/AAAAAAAADBA/cFpdDQAb9Xk/s200/il_fullxfull.329895818.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">As I set off driving down the maze of highways and backroads that would lead me on a 5-hour (supposedly 3.5 hrs to begin with) I couldn't have been more worried. I kind of giggled to myself as I filled up my gas tank at a nearby station at my predicament, but the seriousness of actions, and the reality of the consequences hit me as I realized I had NO clue how to get home. Quietly, humbly, and trying to keep calm, I turned off the radio, and asked my Father in Heaven to direct my turns and lead me to home. I promised Him sincerely that if He told me where to turn, I would turn, even if it required going back and forth until I had found the right path. I set out more carefully after that, turning back on the radio for something to keep me awake. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> The next few hours were filled with driving cautiously along until something would spark my memory and a sure knowing that I should take that turn, or that merge, or that off-road. Small signs like ugly Lion statues in front of an old house, or a really disgusting Billboard poster, are what triggered these redirections of my path. After about two and a half hours, a monstrous storm set in above me. Remember this is in North Carolina now, and when we have a tropical storm off the coast, the weather can be downright hideous. The rain was crashing down with such force, I could barely see the road around me. Several times I contemplated stopping and allowing the storm to pass. After all- I had no possible way of communicating with my parents if I ran off the road or had any kind of accident, and I was making my way home turn by turn. I simply slowed down and allowed the storm to pass a little slower. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">I cannot describe to you the rush of relief that came to me when I pulled in my driveway; the comfort at knowing I was Home.</span> </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">All I could do was say thank you to a dear Heavenly Father who had seen me safely home, every single step of the way- giving me guidance and instruction, inspiration and confidence. Now I come to understand that power that this small and somewhat entertaining circumstance has as an example in my life. How many times has He taken me by the hand, turn by turn, to let me walk by faith, and return to my Heavenly Home? How many times has He blessed me with Tiny signs and precious miracles to guide me? How many times has He comforted me while the storms of life raged around me, battering me with their winds, and their torments? And how many times are there yet to come when He will whisper the directions to me, and allow me correct my course, should I stray? Every time I had to turn my car around was another time in life when He lets me repent, and forgive me.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ACJ2pw-uegU/T9GgBK5rIBI/AAAAAAAADBI/GJmNSGl1Y-4/s1600/tumblr_m31h5jy3AK1qft7n1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ACJ2pw-uegU/T9GgBK5rIBI/AAAAAAAADBI/GJmNSGl1Y-4/s200/tumblr_m31h5jy3AK1qft7n1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">The most beautiful part to me- is knowing that I will one day be able to return Home. It won't be pulling in the driveway, and just happy to see my house, it will be an all-encompassing peace that brings me to my Eternal home, with my Heavenly Father, and my eternal family. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">I may have destroyed my phone, and put myself into this predicament, but what a blessing in my faith it was- showing me in small ways that He is ever present in my life, and I CAN return home, no matter how Lost, no matter the storms, and no matter the decisions that turned into mistakes. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><i>I am so grateful for the blessing of being able to return home someday, and the knowledge that I will never have to be Lost; that I can make it step by step, </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Turn by Turn. </span></i></b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02910192151335062524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128132259591405491.post-16071946820613978512012-05-14T19:50:00.001-07:002012-05-14T19:50:21.576-07:00There is Always Hope Tonight I was sitting in my mom's sewing room as she and my dad were discussing his workout at the gym. It was a relatively calm evening until my dad received an email informing him that a former employee and a friend of his had committed suicide. To say that this blew us all away was an understatement. No one was expecting it. <br />
Being a volunteer with the Utah County Crisis Line and other organizations like To Write Love On Her Arms, suicide prevention is a major priority in my life. I've dedicated a great deal of time to educating myself, and now educating others on that very topic, and I've seen and felt its devastating affects first-hand. The Loss of that life tonight was a reminder that there are ALWAYS more people to reach, and always more people who need to know the facts about suicide and suicide prevention. <br />
I know that this is not a very happy post, but I just want to say- To any of our readers who have ever struggled with any kind of depression, self-abuse, suicidal thoughts or past attempts, there is hope and help waiting for you. All you have to do is ask. The Loss of ANY single life to that end is one our world cannot afford. There should always be a light at the end of the tunnel. So my message to you is that there is. <br />
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If you are struggling, or think you may have a problem:</div>
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Go to our Here to Help Page. There you will find a list of organizations, links to their home pages, phone numbers to call, and people who are trained and can help you. You are not alone, and you are not crazy, or weird, or any of those terms people use. You still have a fighting chance left at this life, and there are people just waiting to give you a hand. I am one of those people- I know. I sit for hours in the call center, KNOWING that people are trying to deal with a crisis on their own, and it kills me! There is NOTHING wrong with talking out your problems or just simply your concerns. It could mean the difference between a bad day and depression. Please do not be afraid to seek out help. </div>
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This is something that is very close to my heart, and I can guarantee there will be more posts about this in the future, but to start this out- I want you to know that THERE IS HOPE. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how dark or dreary, and no matter how long you've been walking. There is always a new chance waiting for you, and an opportunity to turn things around. No life is worth throwing away. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02910192151335062524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128132259591405491.post-40936697416519750992012-05-06T13:31:00.001-07:002012-05-06T13:31:11.198-07:00Are you hearing or listening?<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">What would it be like to never hear another song? Never be able to hear your grandchildren one day tell you that they love you? What if you could never hear the whispers of "You're beautiful," from the man who will one day sweep you off your feet? </span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I know that these aren't exactly positive questions- but it's something we should all consider. As a younger generation, we plug into our Ipods nearly every day and tune out the rest of the world. Sometimes it seems like youth feel it is so important to drown out the rest of the world and just focus on their own thoughts and feelings. WHY? What is the point?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Tuning out the rest of the world just cuts you off from the important things you might hear, or the things that might just mean the most to you...but how would you know if you're never listening? </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"> Today I am in Massachusetts with my brother and his new wife, and I got the chance to attend their church meetings with them. While I was sitting their in the main service (called Sacrament meeting in the LDS church) I noticed that there was an interpreter at the front of the congregation. I became extremely excited and started paying attention immediately. This year at school, I selected my language course for BYU. I chose to study ASL, and it has been an incredible blessing in my life already. So of course, I was all but ecstatic to watch an interpreter during church. After a few minutes, she noticed me watching and gave me a questioning glance. I quickly signed to her while she wasn't interpreting that I'm a student of sign at BYU. She then invited me to help her. Now- I have never interpreted before, and can I just say- it was SO hard? But the thing was...I realized while I was sitting there struggling to relay the speaker's story about her childhood, how incredibly important it is to appreciate our senses. What if we lost them? The Deaf Community does not view being deaf as any kind of an impairment and I think that is a beautiful thing...but having lived life with hearing thus far- where would I be if I lost it? </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"> So now I'm asking you- are you only hearing the things around you, or are you actually listening? So many kids hear what their parents tell them, but they don't truly listen to them. And what about when someone is asking for help...even if they don't just come right out and say it? If you're not <i>listening </i>but only hearing, what will happen to those people? I am trained to listen for cries of help or distress, between the lines of casual conversation, and if I am not paying attention...what kind of an affect will I NOT have on people's lives? </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"> As young women, we should be appreciating everything we have been given, and that includes things that we might often take for granted, like the simple ability to hear the raindrops falling on our windowpane during a summer storm, or the cry of that new born baby, or the crickets on a spring night. How often do you value the priceless gift of hearing your parents tell you they love you? Not enough. I am guilty of this too, and I am challenging myself to truly appreciate the gift of being able to hear, listen, and all other senses or blessing I take for granted. I challenge you to do the same. Just like those wonderful people I met today who were deaf, and cannot hear their children laugh appreciate the smiles they can see...I want to always remain grateful for everything I have been given. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Take the earbuds out...stop ignoring the hidden messages in other's simple words, and start listening to the simple messages of love and beauty in every part of the world. Stop just hearing...but learn to listen, and be grateful every single day for that chance. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This piano piece is the epitome to me of the things you could never hear again. It's my favorite piece. Enjoy listening to it after you read. </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02910192151335062524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128132259591405491.post-71235665972890938072012-05-02T09:42:00.004-07:002012-05-06T13:38:02.671-07:00Happily Ever After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Unlike Snow White's kiss, or Cinderella's Midnight Ball, <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">"Happily Ever After"</span></i></b> is not something that just HAPPENS to you. YOU have to CHOOSE it <b>every single day</b>. Obviously its in the big choices, like<br />
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Where do I go to college?</div>
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What will I do with my life?</div>
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Will I choose to sleep with my boyfriend or will I choose to wait for marriage?</div>
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Will I choose to smoke/drink/do drugs?</div>
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Will I choose to love myself for who I am?</div>
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But its also in the little choices that you make every single day. The ones that don't seem like that big of a deal all alone, but add up to make you the person that you are.</div>
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What do I do with my time?</div>
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Do I speak kindly to others?</div>
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Do I have a good attitude?</div>
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Do I turn in my homework and try for good grades?</div>
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Do I make an effort to get up on time?</div>
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Do I lie, even on the little things?</div>
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Do I respect my parents?</div>
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Do I obey the rules?</div>
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Do I try to look nice and take care with my appearance?</div>
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Who am I dressing for, myself or others?</div>
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Am I the kind of person that makes others feel good about themselves?</div>
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Do I set goals and work hard to achieve them?</div>
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Do I eat healthy?</div>
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Am I a good friend?</div>
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Do I gossip?</div>
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As you grow, your situation and your choices will change, but the message is the same. Each day, you have decisions to make- some you will think about and others you might not even realize are choices. But it all adds up to determine your level of happiness. You can't choose the bad things and not have them affect your life now AND in the future. We all know girls that seemed to have the perfect life and ended up pregnant, right? Girls, pregnancy is not something that just happens to you. <b>It is the result of a choice</b>. And the effects of that choice are life changing, not just for the girl, but for her family and ultimately for her child. However, even <b>small</b> bad choices can have life changing effects, like a small lie that gets bigger and bigger and eventually smothers you. One of my favorite authors said<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000; font-family: Schoolbell; font-size: 17px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">"The sordid things in life</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000; font-family: Schoolbell; font-size: 17px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"> leave you with nothing but </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000; font-family: Schoolbell; font-size: 17px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">(Emilie Loring)</span></div>
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Make the good choices girls, decide what <b>"Happily Ever After"</b> means for YOU. Maybe that's the perfect job, a college degree, or a home and family. Whatever your happily ever after is- CHOOSE IT NOW. And keep making the choices that will get you there every day. </div>
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Keep in mind that it doesn't happen all at once- not like in the stories- but gradually as you choose to live a good life you will come to realize that your life IS your Happily Ever After.</div>
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<br />The Big Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04661428139596733414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128132259591405491.post-16542138561106815582012-04-26T10:10:00.001-07:002013-04-23T16:36:19.455-07:00Are you a builder, or a destroyer?<br />
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So my 5 year old is fascinated with destroying things (thanks to Lego Batman on the Wii). We have had many conversations recently about why we would rather "build" than destroy. He can't seem to grasp why destroying things is bad..."but Mami, I would rebuild it!" he says to me. Wow...the innocence of a 5 year old and the ability to quickly rebuild the lego creation he has made.</div>
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It got me thinking though...I was watching a TV show where one young lady was talking badly about another young lady, and it hit me what she was doing was, in essence, destroying.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We as girls, or women, no matter our age have opportunities EVERYDAY to build or destroy others. We all know the destroyers, the girls who are unkind to others to their face, or behind their backs. The girls who gossip and talk about another girl who isn't as pretty as, as well dressed as, or as WHATEVER as they are. The girls who pointedly ignore another girl, when it would be so easy to include her in their conversation....YES we all know these girls, and I would be willing to wager we have all BEEN that girl at some point in time. Its so easy to whisper to a friend about another girls hideous haircut, or giggle about how bad her make-up is that day. Its so easy to get mad at a friend and tell someone else secrets about them that you know will break their heart to be found out.</div>
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Its easy to destroy!</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We all know the builders too, those girls that make a point of talking to everyone, who have a smile for every person who walks by. Those girls who we get SO irritated with sometimes because they won't talk bad about anyone...even though we are. We know the girls who make a point of complimenting a shy girl, or drawing the new girl into a conversation. The girls who invite "that weird girl" to their party...just to be nice!</div>
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-- So ladies, which are you? Are you a builder? Do you make an effort to make each person feel like a better person when you are around, to never want to hurt or to be unkind? Are you the kind of person who finds ways to make people smile, and to serve those who are hurting? Or are you a destroyer? And if you are, what can you do to change it? I think we all have had moments where we have felt better about ourselves after someone else made a positive influence in our lives. How can YOU be THAT girl?</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I personally know there have been times in my life where I destroyed a little, where I thought (like my 5 year old) that my words weren't going to be THAT big of a deal...and I could always fix the damage later, right? Wrong. You can never erase unkind actions or words...believe me, I have tried.</div>
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I remember one day when I was about 16 a guy had hurt me. This was a guy that everyone liked, but he was a jokester and teased unmercifully. I found out later that he had a little crush on me, and of course teased me even worse (stupid boys). Well, one day something that he said really hurt, and even though I KNEW he didn't mean it, I LET HIM HAVE IT! I didn't just tell him off, I did it in front of other people. My words were cutting and sharp. I have always had a way with words and I used my intelligence to wound him, with an audience!</div>
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Gals, I will never forget the look on his face. It worked! He was hurt, and badly...and everyone was there to witness his "destruction". For about 30 seconds I felt elated, and vengeful- he got what he deserved, I thought. <b>Then I saw his face</b>. I wished so hard that I could have taken those words back. We can do so much damage in just a short time span with hurtful words. Our "friendship" was never the same, and he was always very careful around me, not to talk much. I was a destroyer.</div>
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How much better would it have been, for me to swallow my anger and pride and talk to him later, in private and tell him that his teasing was bothering me. My words were painful for him, and I did it on PURPOSE!</div>
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I learned an important lesson that day, that speaking in anger and the heat of the moment, might be gratifying for a moment...but it inflicts long term scars. I always felt badly about my words- and never forgot them. And worse, other people remembered me for them. That's NOT how you want to be remembered, ya know? I would rather use my gift with words to help, and make others happy. I want to remember the faces of those I am around because of their happiness, not their hurt.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i> Be A Builder</i></span></b></div>
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Find ways to brighten the world around you as much as you can. Bring a smile to those who are sad, and serve those in need. Make the world around you a better place and you will always be surrounded by friends and people that love you :)</div>
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The Big Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04661428139596733414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128132259591405491.post-61431425466819216532012-04-26T09:48:00.001-07:002012-04-26T09:48:13.549-07:00<br />
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<span style="font: normal normal normal 48px/normal 'Party LET'; letter-spacing: 0px;">Barbies</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 36px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b> </b></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Verses</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 36px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b> </b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">G.I. Joe</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Do you ever wonder if you are ever going to figure out that mystery they call the opposite sex?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Have you just given up on ever having a successful relationship with one of “them”?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Whether you are dealing with a good friend or a romantic interest, the key to better communication revolves around recognizing and appreciating your differences. And how to use them to your advantage!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">SO Read on, Relax, and start talking on the same LEVEL!</span></div>
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*Disclaimer- Obviously the following is a generalization! Every person is a unique individual, and you should spend every day of a relationship getting to really know that person on an individual basis, but this is a good place to start.</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Basic Differences Between Guys and Girls</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><u>GIRLS</u></b></span></h3>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Very Verbal</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, Talk about Everything, solve problems by talking them out. Want to know whats wrong—Listen to understand, and to empathize. Good to talk to because they make you feel like they really care about your problem</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Emotional</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, Don’t like to be teased as much, take everything to heart, and everything is an insult. Much more</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> sensitive</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> about appearance, and others perception of them</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Natural Mothers</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">…-Gentle, kind, caring,</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Feelers”</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">—Both physically and emotionally.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Need Little reassurances of affection—Love surprises, and random expressions of appreciation</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Need </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Respect and Romance</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Read in between the lines and TALK IN RIDDLES!!! </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And expect guys to understand</span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">- (they don’t!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Build Castles in the Sky about everything- (DREAMERS)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Like to </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">talk about everything</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> that happens in a relationship- Want to go over every detail over and over</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Very "</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Touchy"</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> put their hands on a guys arm, or play with his hair, etc. Its natural for girls and they may not realize how it affects a guy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Girls like holding hands, and to have a guys arm around their shoulders or their waist.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">- Like to feel protected and safe--</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Likes SECURITY~</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Feelings change fast and often</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, easily become mistrustful--</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Believe that if something is good, there is always a way to make it better—Never satisfied with mediocrity. A favorite phrase is...“can we move to the next level in our relationship”- or feeling the need to “define the relationship”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Often hold a </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">grudge</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, can’t forget a fight – Bring it up over and over..</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Want Empathy</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> from guys</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Motivated when they feel cherished.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Need someone to talk to when they are upset</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><u>GUYS</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Better </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">problem solvers</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">; Think things out logically- </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Want explanations</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. Often when thinking they retreat into themselves, and don’t have any desire for conversation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Thinkers and Do-ers</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Not very verbal…enjoy talking, but not about everything. Enjoy downtime- and just NOT thinking for awhile (girls can NOT get this!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Listen to SOLVE problems, listen for the why, when and how</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">- Focus more on </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Facts instead of feelings</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Natural Fathers…desire </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">leadership, power, independence</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">–Often don’t know limits when teasing</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-More easygoing, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">take things for what they are</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, don’t read into every thing</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">BLUNT</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, pretty much tell it like it is</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Don’t know how to read between the lines (or even that they are expected to), so they often misunderstand girl’s intentions!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Don’t understand that girls read so much into their words.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Say whats on their mind without thinking first</span></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Need </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">acceptance</span></b></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Need to feel like they are NEEDED, don’t like to feel </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">expendable</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Like to feel like they are pleasing others</span></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Guys are affected strongly by physical touch, they notice every touch you bestow- even if they aren't listening to what you say </span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">–Have a </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">natural instinct for protection</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, often feel that they have to prove their Manhood- they don’t want to feel like a girl has to do something for them...or stand up for them</span></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Believe in the theory that </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“if it ain’t broke- then don’t fix it!” </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(especially in relationships)</span></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Forgive more easily…move on and forget past problems. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Don’t usually hold grudges</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Have a hard time just listening…They think girls want solutions…try to solve their problems for them…and just cause more</span></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Need to be alone when they are upset</span></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Like to feel that they are the one in control of the relationship, but like to feel wanted.</span></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Do NOT like to be told what to do, or how to think</span></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-NOT naturally spontaneous Its not in their nature to surprise you with flowers girls...you have to let them KNOW this is something you want, or expect...they can’t read minds-- and the same goes with anything else you expect of them</span></span></div>The Big Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04661428139596733414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128132259591405491.post-28716282964130446762012-04-26T00:09:00.001-07:002012-04-26T00:18:17.303-07:00Not Who I Used to Be Two nights ago, I was writing in my journal. The past few days have been pretty rough, after not getting the job I really wanted, and after not getting the boy I've currently got my heart set on. So naturally, I was venting all of my frustrations into my trusting journal, not to mention the $100 to fix my computer. Needless to say, I had quite a bit to vent. Then I stopped writing about the irritations of the day, and simply reflected on something interesting that had occurred in my life.<br />
<div>
On Sunday, I ran into a past boy-friend, and he was exactly the same. I got to really thinking about that moment when I saw him, and how I was able to smile and say hi, no hint of hesitation or pain in my whole being, and how he couldn't. I realized, in that journal-writing time...I really have changed. I'm not who I used to be, and I am entirely happy with who I am now. Life is a continual progression forward. We're always so worried about not changing too much, or holding onto past things that were perfect, but I am asking you...why? We cannot move forward if we never allow ourselves to let go of the past. That's like tying yourself to a huge rock and then walking forward like you actually might go somewhere...that's not how it works. </div>
<div>
We are supposed to change, we are supposed to progress. And this realization hit me with so much emotion, that lo and behold a new song was born. No- I am not who I used to be, and that is fine with me. I like the girl I see when I wake up in the morning. I love her inside and out- no matter how much I wish was better, or what love-handles I wish didn't exist at all. I still love that girl I see, and I am happy with the changes that have taken place in life. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remember the days,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when the world was still new?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought magic and kings, fairies with wings,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
weren't stories, but true.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Late under my sheets, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I turned pages and pages,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
convincing myself- they were real.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Years have gone by,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the mysteries have faded </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that I used to see...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not who I used to be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Music break)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I was seventeen,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I believed I could change anything,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
about a boy from a different land</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who happened to take my hand.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But one day I realized </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was me who was changing...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
not him or his lies.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Chorus)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've come to know the one in the mirror,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've seen the hopes of a fairytale dreamer,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
coming to life, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
after pain, after strife</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and Im finally starting to see...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not who I used to be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The chains of the past,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hold to me fast,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I'm breaking free from their misery</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not the girl I used to be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I wait for the day, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my prince walks my way,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
straight from my dreams</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
into reality</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and to who I'm becoming.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Chorus)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've come to know the one in the mirror,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've seen the hopes of a fairytale dreamer,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
coming to life, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
after pain, after strife</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and Im finally starting to see...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not who I used to be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'll be posting a video of me singing it in the next day or so, which means stay tuned! :) Thanks for allowing me to share!</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02910192151335062524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128132259591405491.post-2933554872268135242012-03-18T18:08:00.001-07:002012-04-26T00:18:32.952-07:00In The Looking Glass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQljW8vJr48/T2q0qXh3vUI/AAAAAAAAJLo/jrpdcVlg2nE/s1600/IMG_0304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQljW8vJr48/T2q0qXh3vUI/AAAAAAAAJLo/jrpdcVlg2nE/s320/IMG_0304.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I got up the other morning and stood in front of the bathroom mirror getting ready for the day, and as usual I found myself staring at my imperfections and focusing in on them one by one- wishing I had a smaller nose, bigger eyes, tighter abs, larger chest, etc...etc. I looked down to see my little girl, 3 years old standing beside me mimicking my every move. Pinching her face up and staring at herself in the mirror critically, she looked just like me. Normally my little one will twirl and prance in front of the mirror, very clearly admiring herself, but not today, today she was copying me. It kind of hit me in the face that this is a lot of what is wrong with our ideas about ourself as girls today. When we are young, we believe truly, that we are beautiful. As we grow and watch those around us, we start to pick out what we believe are our imperfections and the more we stare at them the less we like what we see. Shouldn't we instead, stand back and assume that youthful innocence and believe we are beautiful, for who we are? It is my intention to help you recognize the beauty in the looking glass, and to help you step back into that 3 year old mindset that we had before the world told us we needed to be 5'10'' and 110 lbs, with a large chest and perfect features. Love yourself, swirl in front of the mirror and remember you are beautiful.</span>The Big Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04661428139596733414noreply@blogger.com0