CONFESSIONS OF A MOM — The Hershey Kiss

I had a hard time coming up with a picture to lead into this post, but I think this one will work well.

This is how the conversation went with Tigger the other night.

"Can I have one?" he asked.

"Not right now," I responded. (He was giving me a hug right before bedtime.)

"But I really want one."

"Great. Not right now."

"But I won't eat it."

"That's great. Not tonight."

"But I'm just going to take one and save it for the morning."

"No you won't."

"But I'm just going to put it on my dresser."

"I said no."

"But . . ."

By this time I have to admit that I was less than patient. It had been a long day, and Tigger was stalling for bed. I had gotten them out because I needed some chocolate therapy. I knew I should have hid them but I was slow on responding to my thought. So once again I lost my patience.

After he was in bed and my thoughts returned to this situation I felt bad for my lack of control. And, as it often does when I find myself in this situation, my thoughts turned to my relationship with my Savior. Do I push my Savior like Tigger pushed me? Do I refuse to take the first answer given to me? Do I continue to push after the same answer has been given multiple times? Does my Savior lose His patience with me?

The only question I can answer with assurance is the last one. No, my Savior never looses patience with me. As for how I respond to when answers are given me . . . I'm not a hundred percent sure. I would like to say that I don't push. That I do accept the answer given, and I think there are many times that I do. Then there are those other times.

Like Tigger, I'm sure that I push or I don't hear the answer given. Or I don't want to hear the answer that is given. I know that sometimes I feel I know best but I'm always humbled when things backfire. I feel like I'm drawn to this thought process a lot lately as Tigger is pushing and trying to figure out boundaries. It drives me crazy because he seems to think that anything and everything is up for negotiation, and he's good at negotiating. Hubby continually says that Tigger will make a great salesman or a great politician. His reasoning ability is amazing, and I'm finding I'm having to be very careful with the way I answer things. But I'm very grateful for the lessons he's teaching me. I'm grateful for the self-reflection that he is causing me to have. It is helping me become a better person.

So, I'm doing my best to have extreme patience at all times but I am continually falling short. It's part of the learning process. I'm working on it. But as I'm working on it, I'm reminded of the extreme patience my Lord and Savior has for me. He knows me. He loves me. He is always there for me. For that, I am eternally grateful.

LOVE IS A CHOICE by Lynn G Robbins — #reviews #books #amreading

LOVE IS A CHOICE by Lynn G Robbins. This has been a very interesting, informative read. A lot of us read about falling in love and the perfect romance. We see it depicted on the big screen. We watch people fall in "love at first sight" and our hearts thrum and we set our expectations on what we believe love really is. This book shows us that love really is a choice. It shows us that we need to take responsibility for our own actions. We need to give marriages a chance, even when things get tough. Now I'm not saying that you should never get divorced. There are always exceptions and situations which are not healthy and people should get out of. All I'm saying is that this book gives great guidance on what love really is and can be. It is one that anyone and everyone who is in any type of relationship should read because it's not just in a marriage relationship that we love someone else.

:) :) :) :) :)

We all know that actions speak louder than words. We may say “I love you,” but do our actions back up that claim? Elder Lynn G. Robbins teaches us that love is more than a feeling — it is a commitment, a promise to be responsible, respectful, and responsive to the needs and experiences of other. And like any other action we undertake, perfecting the act of love requires a lifetime of practice and good choices.

As Elder Robbins teaches, the daily choices we make in our marriages and families are what shape lasting love. He helps us to recognize the role that our agency plays in developing forgiveness, patience, kindness, responsibility, and other virtuous traits. We come to see that as we actively try to do things differently, Christ helps us to bethe people He wants us to be — people like Him.

Whether you're engaged to be married, a newlywed, or someone with decades of marriage under your belt, this counsel from an inspired leader will help you develop more Christlike love for those around you. As you draw closer to the Savior through your daily choices and actions, His love will fill your home.

*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful men out there. Whether you're a father or not, you have influence on so many people. Thank you for all those men who have touched my life, especially my own dad, my adopted dad's, my husband, brothers, friends, neighbors, and many more.

KISSES IN THE RAIN by Krista Lynne Jensen— #bookreviews #books #amreading

KISSES IN THE RAIN by Krista Lynne Jensen. This was a very cute read. I love the Washington and this made me wish I was there with them. I enjoyed the plot, although it was predictable. That didn't bother me this time. The characters were fun and true to their situations. I didn't really believe the second love interest. It almost felt like he was there because he had to be there. It was fun to watch the growth of each character. It is a clean, easy read that I can recommend for any and everyone who enjoys a good love story.

:) :) :) :) :

Georgie Tate is a survivor. She survived an abusive relationship. She survived the car accident that took the life of her controlling fiance. Now she just needs to survive the memories that haunt her. Escaping to her aunts' cozy home on a tiny island outside of Seattle, Georgie finds just the change of pace she needs to pick up the pieces of her life. Taking a job at a local seafood restaurant is the first step in reclaiming her sense of self, but she is completely unprepared for the battle that awaits her there.

Jace Lowe has loved and lost, and he's determined that it will never happen again. Hardened by heartbreak, he stays focused on his work as sous chef at one of the island's top seafood restaurants. When beautiful Georgie takes her place on the restaurant's staff, Jace is resolved to keep her at arm's length, and his downright rudeness her first week goes a long way in achieving that goal. Georgie, on the other hand, doesn't want anything to do with Jace anyway and prickles against his abrasive behavior. As the combative pair comes together on a joint project for the restaurant, they find their distaste for one another dwindling. The connection is undeniable—and it terrifies them both. Can two people jaded by the past be softened by the promise of once-in-a-lifetime love, or is this just another recipe for disaster?

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

Tour Schedule

June 15th

http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/
http://www.wishfulendings.com/
http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

June 16th

http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/
http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/
http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

June 17th

http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/
http://mybookaday.blogspot.com
http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/

June 18th

http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/
http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/
http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/
http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

June 19th

http://littlelightdesigncollective.com/
http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

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MEN OF COVENANT by Robert L Millet — #amreading #reviews #bookreviews

MEN OF COVENANT by Robert L Millet. This is a great book for those who are raising boys. It helped me understand in more details the covenants they make as they choose to take on the responsibilities of the priesthood. It is divided up in a way that makes it easy to reference with questions, to find answers, and to explain to young men. I would highly recommend it to anyone who associates with a priestholder or a someday priesthood holder.

:) :) :) :)

We are a covenant-making people, but do we fully appreciate the power of the promises contained in just the twelve short verses of the oath and covenant of the priesthood?

In Men of Covenant, companion to Men of Valor and Men of Influence, author Robert L. Millet invites us to explore such questions as these:

What are the terms and conditions of the oath and covenant of the priesthood?

What would my life be like if I were more focused on my covenants?

How could my more covenant-focused life affect my family and others for whom I have responsibility?

As we consider the promises Melchizedek Priesthood holders make to God and His irrevocable promise to faithful priesthood holders, we discover the glorious blessings He makes available to us all, both men and women.

PLAYING FOR KEEPS by Ranee S Clark—#review #booksreviews #amreading

PLAYING FOR KEEPS by Ranee S Clark. This was such a good read. I devoured it and it keep me smiling for days. It's a cute football romance that even taught me a bit about football. All the characters were fun and easy to love from Ty and the Rocket to the more minor characters, like Rocket's mom. Their motivations were believable and the story seemed to weave itself. The only thing that felt a little forced was the creepy guy. He seemed to show up and I felt like the motivation there needed to be a little bit stronger. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good, clean, fun romance. 

:) :) :) :) :)

Football-loving TyAnne Daws has long admired BYU's star quarterback from afar. This semester, she's determined to step away from the sidelines — and she has the perfect game plan for winning the heart of Anthony "Rocket" Rogers. When some smart moves land her in one of his classes, she finds herself in the perfect position to make her play. But as she gets to know the real Anthony, away from the lights of the stadium, Ty realizes that this is no game — she's falling in love.

Anthony takes full advantage of his all-star status, holding girls at arm's length for one reason: it keeps him from repeating the same mistakes that once led to a devastating heartbreak. When he meets Ty, his assumption that she's just another pretty face is quickly proven wrong. Though he's completely drawn in by this sweet young woman, her intriguing mix of amusing football know-how, and her quiet selflessness, he will not let himself fall in love. But when faced with the reality of losing the woman he's come to care for despite himself, Anthony's resolve is tested — and he finds it's getting harder to keep his head in the game when his heart's on the line.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.


Tour Schedule:

June 8th

http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/

http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com

http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/

http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/  

June 9th

http://www.wishfulendings.com/

http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/

http://fireandicereads.com/

June 10th

http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/

http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/

http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/

http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

June 11th

https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/

http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/

June 12th

http://littlelightdesigncollective.com/

http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THE BLUEPRINT OF CHRIST'S CHURCH by Tad R Callister— #reviews #amreading

THE BLUEPRINT OF CHRIST'S CHURCH by Tad R. Callister. I have really enjoyed this book. It's broken up into small sections that are digestable. I was able to search for those things that I wanted to learn more about and read those sections. I didn't have to read through a lot of material to find what I was looking for. This book will answer questions for both friends of other faiths and those who share my beliefs. I highly recommend this to anyone whether they are searching for answers or not.

:) :) :) :) :)

A strong testimony requires a solid foundation. This is especially true in our day, when we have so much access to information from so many sources, both reliable and spurious. With the numerous voices competing for our attention, how can we avoid being "carried about with every wind of doctrine" (Eph. 4:14)?

In The Blueprint's of Christ's Church, Tad R. Callister provides a thoughtful, systematic explanation of foundational gospel principles, tying them to Jesus Christ and demonstrating how the "blueprint" of the original Church of Jesus Christ matches the structure of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Seasoned Church members and new converts alike will benefit from this "refresher course." The carefully reasoned, scripture-based summaries of a variety of basic principles offer a great resource for parents, missionaries, and Church leaders and teachers.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a nonbiased review.

CONFESSIONS OF A MOM

I found this plant last week for an extremely discounted price. Normally, I would pass by something that looks like this. It's broken, beraggled, brown in some parts and it just didn't look healthy. I kind of rolled my eyes and wondered why they were even trying to sell it. I'm mean really, who would buy a plant that looked like this?

But as I looked at other plants I kept being drawn back to this one. Maybe it was because I felt a lot like this poor plant: broken, stressed, overwhelmed, browning, and just down right ugly in a way. In the end, I picked up the plant because I felt like it just needed some TLC and I was just the person that could do such a thing.

I felt lighter and happier as I purchased the plant and was exited to get it repotted when I got home. I couldn't wait to see how my plant would thrive with some TLC and positive vibes. I also got to thinking about how often we might feel like this plant: a little broken, a little brown, a little down and out, in need of some TLC. Who do we turn to when we have those thoughts and feelings? What do we do?

A lot of times I'm not sure who to turn to. First, I have a hard time admitting when I feel that way. I have a hard time asking for help. Second, I realized that I need to turn to my Savior more when I feel that way.

Another reason I bought the plant is this . . .

Do you see it? The little light green part at the bottom. New growth. New life. New hope. So whenever we are downhearted there is always new hope to be found somewhere. Sometimes it's buried deep within us or deep within the situation, but there's always hope. Then, if we nurture that new hope, that new growth, it will grow and develop into something lovely that will eventually take over the old, broken, browning part of us.

So here's my happy plant now. I'm excited for the new growth on it. I'm excited for the opportunity to watch it grow. I'm excited for the lesson that I was able to learn from this little guy. I am loved, but sometimes we all need a little more TLC in our lives. I hope that when we find we need it, that we'll be able to turn to those who love us, including our Savior.

And can I just say . . . How blessed I am. I hope everyone has a great day! :)