What we can learn from children!

Kid's have so much to teach us! I think that is why we need to try and spend some time with a kid every week or every day ( if you could be so lucky ). They just see the world differently than we do, is that good?  Yes, because look how happy they are! Couldn't we all be so blessed... to feel that happy every day!

Good Night dear friends!

Follow the Light!

A talk that Jeff and I heard on Sunday during General Conference that made us stop and think. In that talk we were challenged to pick out one verse of scripture each week and Ponderize on it. The speaker went on to say that Ponderize is not in the dictionary but his explanation of the word was it is more like a combination of 2 things.. the first is 80% should be pondering about this scripture and the other 20% was in memorizing the scripture. Then he went on to explain how to do that in 2 simple steps, here they are...

First, choose a verse of scripture each week and place it where you will see it every day.

Second, read or think of the verse several times each day and ponder the meaning of its words and key phrases throughout the week.

Imagine the uplifting results of doing this weekly for six months, a year, 10 years, or more.

As you make this effort, you will feel an increase in spirituality. You will also be able to teach and lift those you love in more meaningful ways.

If you choose to ponderize weekly, you may feel a bit like a person who has enjoyed snorkeling in the past but has now decided to try scuba diving. With that decision, a deeper understanding of gospel principles will be yours and new spiritual perspectives will bless your life.

As you reflect on your selected verse each week, words and phrases will be written on your heart.⁴ Words and phrases will also be written on your mind. In other words, memorization will take place easily and naturally. But the primary goal of ponderizing is to provide an uplifting place for your thoughts to go—a place that keeps you close to the Spirit of the Lord.

The Savior said, “Treasure up in your minds continuallythe words of life.”⁵ Ponderizing is a simple and edifying way to do just that.

I have to admit, there are so many negative things in the world that floods our minds on a daily basis, through, Television, Radio and Internet. It is easy for our thoughts to become worried and discouraged. Why not have a higher place for our thoughts to go? It was a brillant idea and Jeff and I wanted to try and incorperate that in our day. Here is the scripture I picked...
St.John chapter 12

 35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

 36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. 

When I think of light, and people who have light in their lives, I am grateful to have them in my life. I am drawn to people who have that light, that hope, that happiness, that kindness that truly makes you want to be with them as much as you can. People who have that light, truly are the happiest people I know. I think that is exactly what type of people the Lord expects us to be at all times, not just on Sunday or when we know someone is watching us!
So this was one of the great spiritual message that I got this weekend.
I will let you know how it goes!
Good Night dear friends!

You can watch or read it yourself HERE:

Nana's secret Gift!

What an incredible story and a great cause too! It's too sweet!
Read it dear friends, I hope it touches your heart like it did mine tonight!
Good Night!

9 Women Kept This Secret For Decades That Not Even Their Husbands Knew About. Wow.

Somewhere in West Tennessee, not far from Graceland, nine women - or "The 9 Nanas," as they prefer to be called - gather in the darkness of night. At 4am they begin their daily routine - a ritual that no one, not even their husbands, knew about for 30 years. They have one mission and one mission only: to create happiness. And it all begins with baked goods.

"One of us starts sifting the flour and another washing the eggs," explained Nana Mary Ellen, the appointed spokesperson for their secret society. "And someone else makes sure the pans are all ready. We switch off, depending on what we feel like doing that day.

"But you make sure to say Nana Pearl is in charge, because she's the oldest!" she added with a wink and a smile.

Over the next three hours, The 9 Nanas (who all consider themselves sisters, despite what some of their birth certificates say) will whip up hundreds of pound cakes, as part of a grand scheme to help those in need. And then, before anyone gets as much as a glimpse of them, they'll disappear back into their daily lives. The only hint that may remain is the heavenly scent of vanilla, lemon and lime, lingering in the air.

Even the UPS driver, who picks up hundreds of packages at a time, has no clue what these women, who range in age from 54 to 72, are doing. He's just happy to get a hug and a bag filled with special treats. What he doesn't know is that he's part of their master plan. A plan that began 35 years ago - when the "sisters" got together for their weekly card game - something their husbands referred to as "Broads and Bridge."

"Pearl says it was all her idea," Mary Ellen teased, "but as I remember it, we were sitting around reminiscing about MaMaw and PaPaw and all the different ways they would lend a hand in the community." MaMaw and PaPaw are the grandparents who raised four of the women, Mary Ellen included, when their mother passed away; and they took in Pearl as their own, when her parents needed some help.

"MaMaw Ruth would read in the paper that someone had died," Mary Ellen remembered, "and she'd send off one of her special pound cakes. She didn't have to know the family. She just wanted to put a little smile on their faces. And we started thinking about what we could do to make a difference like that. What if we had a million dollars? How would we spend it?

So the ladies began brainstorming.

"One of the sisters suggested that we should all start doing our own laundry and put the money we saved to good use. I admit, I protested at first. There's just something about laundering that I don't like. But I was outnumbered! So among the nine of us, we'd put aside about $400 a month and our husbands never noticed a thing. Their shirts looked just fine."

And then the women started listening. They'd eavesdrop - all with good intentions, of course - at the local beauty shop or when they were picking up groceries. And when they heard about a widow or a single mom who needed a little help, they'd step in and anonymously pay a utility bill or buy some new clothes for the children.

"We wanted to help as much as we could," Mary Ellen said, "without taking away from our own families, so we became coupon clippers. And we'd use green stamps. Remember those? We'd use green stamps and we'd make sure to go to Goldsmith's department store on Wednesdays. Every week they'd have a big sale and you could spend $100 and walk away with $700 worth of merchandise."

The Nanas would find out where the person lived and send a package with a note that simply said, "Somebody loves you" - and they'd be sure to include one of MaMaw Ruth's special pound cakes.

The more people they helped, the bolder they became.

"We gave new meaning to the term drive-by," Mary Ellen said with delight. "We'd drive through low-income neighborhoods and look for homes that had fans in the window. That told us that the people who lived there didn't have air-conditioning. Or we'd see that there were no lights on at night, which meant there was a good chance their utilities had been turned off. Then we'd return before the sun came up, like cat burglars, and drop off a little care package."

For three decades, the ladies' good deeds went undetected - that is, until five years ago, when Mary Ellen's husband, whom she lovingly calls "Southern Charmer," started noticing extra mileage on the car and large amounts of cash being withdrawn from their savings account.

"He brought out bank statements and they were highlighted!" Mary Ellen said, recalling the horror she felt. "I tried to explain that I had bought some things, but he had this look on his face that I'd never seen before - and I realized what he must have been thinking. I called the sisters and said, 'You all need to get over here right away.'"

So 30 years into their secret mission, the 9 Nanas and their husbands gathered in Mary Ellen's living room and the sisters came clean. They told the husbands about the laundry and the eavesdropping -- even the drive-bys. And that's where their story gets even better - because the husbands offered to help.

"They were amazed that we were doing this and even more amazed that they never knew. We can keep a good secret! All but three of them are retired now, so sometimes they come with us on our drive-bys. In our area, all you need is an address to pay someone's utility bill, so we keep the men busy jotting down numbers."

It wasn't long before the couples decided it was also time to tell their grown children. And that's when happiness began to happen in an even bigger way. The children encouraged their mothers to start selling MaMaw Ruth's pound cakes online, so they could raise money to help even more people. And it wasn't long before they were receiving more than 100 orders in a day.

"The first time we saw those orders roll in, we were jumping up and down," Mary Ellen said with a laugh. "We were so excited that we did a ring-around-the-rosie! Then we called all the children and said, 'What do we do next?'"

That's when the 9 Nanas moved their covert baking operation out of their homes and into the commercial kitchen of a restaurant owned by one of their sons, where they can sneak in before sunrise and sneak out before the staff comes in. They even hired a "happiness coordinator" (whose code name is "Sunny," of course). Her identity needs to be a secret, too, so she can help out with the eavesdropping.

"We swore her to secrecy - her parents think she works in marketing. And, really, if you think about it, she is doing public relations and spends a lot of time looking for people to help at the supermarket!"

These days, The 9 Nanas are able to take on even bigger projects, given their online success. Recently they donated more than $5,000 of pillows and linens and personal care products to a shelter for survivors of domestic violence. And this August, they'll celebrate their second consecutive "Happiness Happens Month" by sending tokens of their appreciation to one person in every state who has made a difference in their own community.

And that million dollars they once wished for? They're almost there. In the last 35 years, the 9 Nanas have contributed nearly $900,000 of happiness to their local community.

But that doesn't mean they're too busy to continue doing the little things that make life a bit happier. Sometimes they just pull out the phone book and send off pound cakes to complete strangers. And if the Nanas spot someone at the grocery store who appears to need a little help, it's not unusual for them to start filling a stranger's cart.

Not everyone is as lucky as we were to have MaMaw and PaPaw to take care of them, to fix all those things that are wrong.

"So this is our way of giving back," Mary Ellen said. "We want people to know that someone out there cares enough to do something. We want to make sure that happiness happens."

To learn more about The 9 Nanas and Happiness Happens or to purchase one of MaMaw Ruth’s special pound cakes, you can visit their website: The9Nanas.com.


Read more on how to help HERE:

Happiness is an INSIDE job!

I think that all of us struggle with being Happy every now and then. It only takes one look at the news to truly have something or another to worry about. But I think this quote was enlightening..

"True happiness is about purpose and meaning and connection and contribution,"

So true, if you know your purpose in life, then that knowledge gives your life meaning. When you has meaning, then you tend to want to connect with others in the world ( since it's not all about us anyway ). That connection with Other's gets stronger and you have a natural desire to contribute something to the world and ...make a difference! I would say that spells Happiness in a nutshell. :)

I found the quoteHERE:

What do I want to be when I grow up? "HAPPY!"

I loved this article from a Mom to her Daughter. I am assuming the Mother isn't that old...if her child is only 3, but what wisdom she has already learned! I think these Life Lessons, are good for your daughter, granddaughter, son, grandson, niece, nephew, husband, friend and especially for yourself! Take the time to read them, they are a great reminder of what we all should want to be when we grow up...and that is HAPPY!
Good Night dear friends!

My Dear C-Monkey,

In your 3 years of living on this planet you have already learned so much. You’ve learned how to walk, run, climb, and dance. You’ve learned how to say “please” and “thank you” …and how to throw an impressive tantrum. You’ve learned that life isn’t always fair, that sharing isn’t always easy, and that bedtime comes too early every day (for you).

There is plenty more lessons life has to offer; plenty more things for your inquisitive mind and curious heart to learn. In my own 30+ years on this earth I’ve had my share of lessons, too… some learned through hard work and dedication, others learned through failure and mistakes.

I’ve learned that I can’t control you or force you to fit into some preconceived ideal. To be honest, many of my parenthood expectations have been shattered by the beautiful reality that you are your own person, and have been from the very beginning. That reality has taught me more about love, patience, and what really matters most in life… so thank you. I’m sure I’ll need constant reminders, so please be patient.

Even though I can’t (nor desire to) control you, I can hopefully teach you. As I look to your future I have many questions and concerns. I wonder how you’ll adapt to social pressures, maneuver through difficult circumstances, and mold your life with the unique and diverse experiences awaiting you.

I don’t pretend to know all the answers, but I do know that there are some things that matter more than others. My hope is that you can sift through the unimportant to help you create the life of your dreams… whatever they may be.

31 Life Lessons for a Happy Life

1. Comparisons will steal your joy.

The temptation to base your own value by comparing how much better or worse your situation is than the person next to you will rob you of happiness. Worrying about what others think of you will poison your heart.

Value what you bring to the world. And then give that same gift to others by valuing their unique strengths and beauties. There are a millions ways to be beautiful, wise, talented, and useful in this world. Don’t fall victim to a life of shallow comparisons. There is no need for it.

2. Make food your friend.

People have turned food into some sort of enemy, plaguing certain foods with villain-like qualities. We are made to feel ashamed when eating certain things. We are celebrated for “turning down temptation” or being diligent in highly restrictive diets.

Please, don’t turn food into an enemy. Don’t attach feelings of guilt, shame, or fear to the thing that should nourish your body. Choose good foods as often as you can, but enjoy the pleasure of community and celebration when the time is appropriate. Don’t diet.Don’t count calories. Just eat good food and worry about more important things in your life.

3. Wear comfortable shoes.

Forget the heels. They’re bad for your posture, bad for your feet, and most women look ridiculous walking in them. If you really like wearing them, fine… but keep them for special occasions and always have a pair of comfortable shoes nearby. Comfortable shoes will ensure you feel good enough to MOVE. Don’t believe the hype that heels make you look more powerful or more sexy… trust me, they are just silly shoes.

4. Love unconditionally.

There’s enough hate in the world, and not enough love.

5. Never forget: You have the ability to change the world.

Whether you want to be a powerful politician or a powerful stay-at-home mother, you have the ability to change the world in both small and large ways.

6. Don’t be afraid to take risks, but do so wisely.

Risks are a part of life. But there are good and bad risks. Don’t risk your life by driving recklessly. Don’t risk your life’s earnings on a slot machine. These are dumb risks.

The risk of failure, vulnerability, looking stupid, or making mistakes for the chance achieve greatness are risks worth taking. Relationships, passions, and incredible opportunities are usually only realized through risk.

7. Your body is a miracle. Love it deeply. Be comfortable in your own skin.

Look yourself in the mirror every day and recognize how amazing you are. Take care of your body. Cherish your strengths. Value wholeness instead of picking out insignificant “flaws.” Tell yourself you are beautiful. I will remind you, too. Believe it always.

8. Find friends who make you a better person. Let go of toxic relationships.

True friends will love you. They will make you feel good. They will be on your side, challenge you if they need to, and never try to make you feel less than a whole person. If a friend doesn’t do those things, let them go. There are billions of wonderful people in the world, don’t waste time on anyone who makes you feel otherwise.

9. Shine with optimism.

There is so much cynicism, anger, and entitlement in the world. Be a beacon of light through hope and optimism. Good things are attracted to good things. Challenges will come no matter what, but those who choose to see the bright side are just happier. It’s that simple.

10. Failing is one of life’s greatest gifts.

Our current education system is majorly broken. And one of the problems is the fear of failure that is instilled in our minds from the very beginning. Failure is one of life’s greatest teachers if we are willing to listen, learn, and progress forward. Never, ever, EVER be afraid of failing. True greatness only ever comes from learning from our mistakes.

11. You are so much more than what you do. Take time to learn who you really are.

Whether you choose to be a hair stylist, farmer, lawyer, doctor, or retail store clerk… you will always be more than what you do. You will always be more than a job title. That’s true for your actions as well. We all make mistakes (see #10 for a reminder), but they don’t define us.

12. Let kindness be your default.

Be kind to others. Be kind to yourself. A simple rule that we far too often forget.

13. Be happy.

Happiness is a choice. It’s also a practice. Choose happiness. That doesn’t mean you can’t feel and express other emotions… after all, we can only really know happiness if we know misery. Allow yourself to feel every emotion deeply, but don’t dwell on the negative. Make happy your home base.

14. Know I am here for you… No matter what.

Always.

15. Find your core, and then explore your edges.

Take time to find your core beliefs, your core purpose. Discover the fundamental principles that keep you stable, connected, and strong. Then move out and explore the world. Go beyond your comfort zone. Expand your understanding, knowing that your core beliefs will give you the power to stay connected to yourself as you practice walking in other people’s shoes (just not their heels).

16. Breathe deeply. Learn the power of being.

Take time to meditate daily. Learn to listen to your breath. Value the art of being still, of mindfulness, of simply being. Reminder yourself daily: We are human beings, not human doings.

17. Have fun.

Laugh. Be silly. Be creative. Play. These are the traits that allow children to master new skills, explore the world, and enjoy life. Unfortunately the qualities of fun are undervalued in the adult world. Find the fun in everything.

18. Question everything.

Yes, everything.

19. Don’t be ashamed of abundance.

Happiness, peace, and love are far more important than any paycheck. But also recognize that abundance comes in many forms, including financial abundance. Don’t be ashamed to seek wealth. Maintain an attitude of abundance; that there is enough for everyone. And then do good with the abundance you are blessed with. Never be ashamed of it.

20. Use your voice.

Speak your truth, tell your story. Help others tell their stories, too. Stories change people. Stories connect us. Stories transcend time. We need to hear the good stories of the world, and not just what the news or Hollywood decides to share.

21. Spend time outside everyday.

Nature heals. Nature enlivens. Nature gives us so much. Get outside as much as possible. (Barefoot, is even better.)

22. There is a fine balance between what you can and cannot control. Be okay with both.

You can not control others. You can not control the weather. And there will be many situations where the outcome is simply out of your control. Be okay with that. Sometimes when we let go of our need to control we find the greatest freedom in the world.

You can control your actions, reactions, and attitude. Be gracious, forgiving, and adaptable.

23. Forget makeup.

You may not believe me on this one, but trust me: You don’t need it. There is power in taking a stand against a world that tells us we need to spend billions of dollars on toxic crap to cover our face. Of course, if you choose to wear it I’ll still think you’re beautiful, but try taking a day off every now and then and realize how beautiful you are on your own.

24. Be powerful, gentle, strong, and delicate.

You are a magnificently complicated creature who can be powerful, strong, gentle, and delicate all at the same time. Power doesn’t mean aggressive. Delicate doesn’t mean weak. Be firm in your ability to be a force for good without giving up the ability to connect with lightness.

25. Don’t worry about what you’re going to be when you grow up.

People are obsessed with this question. Know that you can be anything you want, and it can change all the time… even in your thirties, forties, and beyond. When asked what you want to be, tell them you want to be happy.

26. Have vision. Take action. Be passionate. Be patient.

This is the recipe for success. You won’t get very far without all four. Know where you want to go, move in that direction, find your “why” to keep your going, and be patient as life will often throw detours and obstacles along the way. And remember to enjoy the ride. Life isn’t at the end of your goals. It’s happening right now.

27. Don’t underestimate the power of stress or sleep.

Forget all the debates about which nutrient is more important or what food you should avoid. Keep your stress down and get enough sleep and you’ll be doing better than most people. Learn how to breathe, manage, and adapt. Only sacrifice your sleep for the most precious things… like your own daughter some day.

28. Learn when to lead and when to follow.

The biggest problem is when people don’t do either and just sit around waiting for something to happen. Sometimes you’ll be called to lead, other times you’ll be needed to follow. Lead with love, passion, and a whole lot of wisdom. Follow with your heart and gut.

29. Nourish your soul.

You know I have a thing for healthy living, but as important as it is to nourish your body you also have to nourish your soul.  Foster your faith. Pray daily. Stand for something. Believe.

30. Remember: You are enough, just the way you are.

Repeat as needed.

31. Come home often.

I want you to have the courage and curiosity to explore this big world, both literally and figuratively. But make sure you come home to me every now and then (both literally and figuratively). I will do my best to ensure our home is a safe haven, a place where you’ll be loved and encouraged. There will always be hugs, love, and cookies.

Love always,

Mom

I found it HERE:

Second Chances!

From the time I was young, I always believed in Second chances, actually in Third and even Forth chances. I was always determined to make my family in the future, better than what I had. I remember when I realized that my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ really knew me, and would do anything to help me be successful and truly Happy in my life! That was a life changing moment for me. I knew that I was a child of God, and with that knowledge came a peace and happiness that has served me throughout my life.
In a world that doesn't like to mention faith or God, I have to admit that is my Faith that brings the most happiness and joy in my life. Life is tough, hard and there is a lot of Pain in the world. To truly understand that we are here to learn and experience hard things, things that would couldn't learn in any other settings or way, really helps. To know that we have a reason to be here and a chance to live again after this life... is a great blessing.
I loved to hear how this Navy Seal, a very tough, and successful man, finally felt that Happiness and Peace in his life, that he had been missing.
Hope you enjoy it too!
Good night dear friends!

Founding member of SEAL Team Six shares journey to faitht

Michael Moore, Larry Barrett and Frank Phillips (location and date unknown).

Frank Anthony Phillips sits in his clean, organized office next to his wife, Marci. Midday rays pour through a window and bathe them both in flattering light. When Frank looks at his best friend, which he does often during our two-hour interview, his features soften and the Spirit draws a smile on his experienced face.

Frank was a founding member of one of the United States military’s closest, most elite families: the Navy’s SEAL Team Six. He is accomplished — both on the battlefield and in business. He’s also authentic, genuine and tough.

In fact, he’s so tough, people don’t tell those clever Chuck Norris-style jokes about Frank Phillips. They wouldn’t be funny; they’d be true.

These are the 76 original members of SEAL Team Six, often called “Plank owners.”

Marci is a founding member of a biological family she never knew. As an infant, she was dropped on a doorstep in Korea and soon adopted in the United States. She is kind, extraordinarily capable and equally accomplished in business.

As I listen to Frank, as I watch his clear, confident eyes, it’s obvious he possesses great faith and trust in three things: God, Marci and second chances.

Sometime after confirmation at age 13, he began to lose his taste for faith. Though his parents rarely attended, they insisted the children not miss a Sunday. When they dropped Phillips and a brother off at the chapel, the boys would wait for the family car to disappear. Then, they’d do the same. With tithing tucked in their pockets, they darted to a nearby donut shop.

The doughnut shop where Frank Phillips and his brother often spent their tithing as boys growing up in California.

By age 16, Phillips was a popular jock who enjoyed parties and dreamed of independence. Finally, after running away and being tracked down by his father and some high school coaches, his parents agreed that if he earned his GED, they would allow him to enlist in the Navy at age 17 following his junior year.

He did, and Phillips proved a quick study. Before long he became a member of the Underwater Demolition Team — a Navy frogman — and was raising eyebrows with his drive, desire and ambition to get things done.

Meanwhile, the world was in turmoil. In late 1979, the U.S. Embassy in Tehran was overrun by Iranian students and 66 Americans were taken hostage. In April 1980, a rescue attempt dubbed “Operation Eagle Claw” tragically failed and the Navy knew it was time for a new, world-class counterterrorism unit to rival the Army’s elite Delta Force.

Frank Phillips graduates from the Navy’s BUD/S.

Commanding Officer Richard Marcinko was tasked with launching this exclusive squad. He called it “SEAL Team Six,” reportedly to confuse the Russians and other enemies on the number of actual teams in action. Marcinko wrote extensively about this experience in his best-selling book, “Rogue Warrior.” He’s also spoken about his experiences on many television shows.

Over a period of just six months, Marcinko handpicked 76 of the Navy’s best, including Phillips, and trained for a rescue mission that would not be needed. Days before launching, on Jan. 20, 1981, the hostages were freed as Ronald Reagan gave his inaugural address in Washington, D.C.

The training, however, was not in vain and SEAL Team Six would take part in high-stakes operations around the globe. They are the team responsible for killing Osama Bin Laden, along with many other high-profile worldwide operations. Though other similar groups have come and gone, SEAL Team Six continues today as one of the most elite special operations counter terrorist units in the world.

Frank Phillips and Marci Carter on their honeymoon in 2007.

During Phillips’ 16 years as a part of SEAL Team Six, and later as a founding member of Red Cell, the first anti-terrorism team, he lived hard and experienced things most will only see in movies. When he wasn’t saving someone else’s life, someone was saving his.

He’s been blessed with second chances in firefights, chases, close combat and in amassing more than 800 parachute jumps. Many of those trips started from a commercial jet 35,000 feet above the Earth and while traveling more than 600 miles per hour. Imagine spending more than 25 minutes navigating your way to the ground in enemy territory.

Though he retired into the private sector in 1991, Phillips’ life continued to run at high speeds. He excelled in business and was soon managing high-level security and training projects around world worth half-a-billion dollars.

“You had it all,” I tell Phillips as our discussion swivels from career to faith.

Frank Phillips and Marci Carter on their honeymoon in 2007.

“Not really,” he answered. “I had a hollowness in me. I was not fulfilled. I’d always been a challenge-driven guy. I wanted the next mission and I wanted to be the top SEAL, top unit, top guy at work. I had achieved all that and acquired these material skills sets. But I was still never satisfied.”

He turns to his wife. “Even in relationships, I felt empty.”

Then came Marci in 2005. They met as colleagues working at a large defense contractor.

“I remember thinking, here is this V.P. of this company and he has a dinky little American flag on his desk,” Marci recalls as Frank’s eyes lock on her profile. “I thought it was goofy at first. But I learned very quickly how important it was to him. I learned what patriotism really is and that I’d taken it for granted.”

Marci describes how, for the first time in her career, she saw an executive who actually followed through on every commitment. “That struck me. I realized that Frank is a person of action. If you want something to get done, you ask Frank. And he had such ethics — that stood out.”

Moments before his baptism with, from left, Quentin Phillips, Marci Carter, Frank Phillips, Sister Malloy, Sister Lewis and Barry Bryant.

Soon after they began dating, Marci invited him to church. She’d drifted away from her faith — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — and knew it was time to return. She wanted the happiness only the gospel brings, and she wanted to share that with him.

“This was a new season in his life. I understood the things he’d done, who he used to be, but I didn’t see him that way.”

Over the next two years, Marci continued to learn what the country meant to Frank, and Frank learned what the gospel meant to Marci. Frank was taught by friends, church members and Marci’s parents. “But it wasn’t the words,” Frank says. “It was the actions of those around me.”

Many friends attended Frank Phillip’s baptism, including from left, Steven Lowe, Becky Lowe, Marci Carter, Frank Phillips

In June 2007, Frank was baptized by Barry Bryant, one of the church members most responsible for his continued conversion.

“I get goosebumps when I think about it,” Frank says. “It’s what I love most about the doctrine. This baptismal process, and the cleansing of my sins. I prayed it would all be true, this chance to start anew.”

When Frank came out of the water, he felt a warm, overwhelming feeling of relief. “I knew I’d been cleansed. Suddenly, 50 years was off my shoulders.”

The couple was married a month later, adopted into a loving, accepting ward family. In 2009, they were sealed in the Washington D.C. Temple, and they have countless church members to thank for fellowshipping and answering questions along Frank’s journey.

In between colorful stories and lessons learned, Marci and Frank both offer praise of her parents and how without them, she wouldn’t have the gospel. “They’ve been the biggest blessing in my life,” Marci says. “I know that God put me on a detour through Korea, but he knew where my earthly parents would be.”

Frank Phillips teaches a safety class at Golden Seal Enterprises.

When I ask Frank to consider some of the things that drew him to the gospel, he starts by nodding at his wife. “A big part of my testimony is sitting right next to me.”

He adds an appreciation for living prophets and apostles and the blessing of temple service. “The church is so service oriented, and we trust everyone does their part.”

The thought prompts him to make another military analogy. “When I think about the men I served with, I trusted them with my life.” He smiles at his wife and continues, “I do the same for her. We would die for each other.”

We listen as he’s reminded of the parable of the lost sheep. “It’s all about the ninety and nine versus the one,” he shares. “We save the one, no matter who it is.”

Frank Phillips poses in his office at Golden Seal Enterprises in Winchester, Virginia.

Today, the couple owns and operates a successful high-end training and security firm in Virginia. With employees around the world,Golden Seal Enterprises offers protective security services, weapons training, law enforcement courses, specialized driving training and more. But none of it, Phillips says, is more important than what they do as husband and wife, home and visiting teacher, Young Women president and counselor in a bishopric in the Berryville Ward in Winchester, Virginia.

As we prepare to say goodbye, I note how much good Frank Anthony Phillips has done with his second chances at life, love and faith.

“Well, it’s because I’m no longer empty,” he says. “Because of the gospel, I’m a different man.”

You can read more of Jason's articles HERE!

Food for thought!

I love those quotes that make stop and think!
Good Night dear friends!

  

Today was a blessing to me.

Today I went to work and although I teach these ladies a few new tips and tricks to quilting and sewing, it seems to me that one who is blessed is me.  I get to do what I love as my job! I get to see these ladies and spend some time with them. Learn about their lives, their concerns, their grandchildren, and they also share their creations with me. There is something healing about creating something to give to someone you love. Yes, these ladies are worth more than any pay check I get. They have become my dear friends, and I don't think I could ask for any better job than this.
Good night dear friends!

Here's what we made today!

Happiness!

Loved this quote, oh how true that is. Happiness can not bought or borrowed! It really is a choice, and an inside job.
May we all stop for a moment and see if we are truly happy in our lives ...and if not, may we have the courage to change that!

Fall is coming, what is there NOT to be Happy about ?

Faith and Fitness

What a great story of Faith and Fitness!
Read it for yourself...
Good  Night dear friends!

• .

Summary

Ron Williams grew up without a family, bounced around and battered. He found God at a point of crisis and never looked back. Now the nondenominational Christian minister and coach shares what he's learned about family, faith and fitness.

..

Ron Williams is talking about fat: How it sometimes seems impossible to defeat, clinging stubbornly to bodies despite exercise and calorie control and even prayer.

The latter is an important point, because Williams is not just a fitness instructor and body builder with international titles. He’s also a man of God, pastor of a nondenominational Christian church who taught himself to read by studying the Bible after he wearied of his way of life and found God in his late 20s.

Recently, standing before the congregation of the Community of Grace Presbyterian Church in Sandy, Utah, as a guest speaker, his well-defined musculature hidden beneath layers of a three-piece suit, he explained the “soul wounds” that send people to food for comfort, as well as the preservatives and other chemicals in foods that make the battle to stay trim a hard one.

He has written a book about lasting weight management called “Faith and Fat Loss” and has been teaching its principles, based on such scriptural truths as self-control, restoration and healing. Ever since Adam ate the apple, he said people have had a complicated relationship with food.

“It’s not entirely your fault,” said Williams, speaking to those who are overweight. “But it is your responsibility.”

That is a statement that could apply to most aspects of his own life. Taking responsibility for change is how Williams has become the man he is today. He has chosen transformation and renewal, moving past early hurts and embracing health in his physical habits and in his relationships — with people and with God.

Rough childhood

Abandonment was the first of Williams' “soul wounds,” which he describes in interviews and in the foreword to his book. He was born in Indianapolis 52 years ago and grew up in a poor neighborhood. His father, who never married his mother, dropped him off at a baby sitter when he was 3 years old and didn't come back for him.

Williams was too young to understand all the details of his abandonment, but he remembers bits and pieces he overheard: The woman on the phone, asking his father to come get him because she already had her own eight kids to feed. When he was a little older, he heard the woman’s husband, then dying of cancer, tell her to raise the boy because no one else wanted him.

Williams stayed mostly with that family, knowing that his was another appetite they could ill-afford. As a result, he developed an eating disorder. Sometimes he was pawned off on others briefly; along the way he was sexually and physically abused. He grew up feeling unloved and, he was certain, unlovable.

By the time he became an adult, he was desperately lonely and sometimes pondered suicide..
You can read the rest of his story HERE:

.

Everyone has bad days!

I loved this article from Jason F. Wright that I found HERE:
It was his response to one of his readers, who claimed that he seemed to never have a bad day, I loved his response. Just as contagious is gloom and doom are, Love and Happiness are even more contagious... and sooooo much better for you!
I wish there was more good stories on the news, just watching or listening it for very long, makes me sad, and apprehensive. Good news on the other hand...leaves me feeling hopeful, encouraged and down right excited for another day!
I hope we all can remember that...everyone has bad days, and that we will be willing to be there with them, and just keep looking forward ourselves.
I appreciate all of you, who have done that for me, on more than one occasion!
Good Night dear friends!

Fatherhood

Fatherhood is not always what you expect it to be. This was an incredible story of a man, whose wife gave him he best and last gift she had to give. Read it ...it is an amazing story about a DAD, who chooses to keep going against amazing heartache. Read more of his story HERE:
Hope you have a great day dear friends!

Extraordinary events stir in the world of medicine. A mother who certainly have died were still able to give birth to tiny baby perfectly. This news was suddenly spread everywhere and became the subject of conversation in the medical world.

Is Mahmoud Soliman, 29. He never imagined could face the sadness and happiness into one. His beloved wife, Jayne Soliman, 41, went for ever. And instead, he got a beautiful baby girl who was born from the womb of his wife.

Touching, Aya Jayne, thus the name of the infant, born two days after Jayne was pronounced dead as a result of his brain could not function anymore. Thanks to Aya medical aid can be delivered safely.

Jayne pregnancy actually not problematic. But at age pregnancy at 25 weeks, he suddenly fainted, after complaining of headaches.

Soon Mahmoud rushed to hospital John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. But a few hours later, the doctors declared brain of former England national skiing ace is already dead.

The team of doctors tried to help the heart throb Jayne to stay with a variety of equipment. This effort is being done so that the baby in the stomach Jayne can be helped. Jayne was given two large doses of steroids so that the baby can grow a heart. And finally, Aya Jayne can be delivered safely by caesarean section.

After removed from the uterus Jayne, Aya was placed on the shoulders of his mother to give a little time for the two to meet.

After that Aya immediately rushed to the intensive care unit. While Mahmoud given the opportunity to say goodbye to his wife, a doctor before turning off his life support equipment.

"The doctor said there was nothing they could do for Jayne. But they need to stay strong for our unborn child, "recalls Mahmoud.

"She's very petite, small fighter like his mother," said Mahmoud who ceaselessly shed tears while holding his daughter.

 

Found this photo and story HERE:

Aya word is derived from Arabic which means miracle. That is the name chosen Jayne while still alive.

"When Aya adult, I would say how much her mother loved her. I will tell you everything. This is Jayne desire to have a baby and be a good mother, "said Mahmoud.

Found the story here: