Has the Book of Mormon changed my life?

This week the missionaries were joking with me about teaching the lesson for our weekly meeting.  And so after much consideration I went to lds.org and found an article that was in the Ensign back in 1992. It talked about how the Book of Mormon has changed their lives.  It was a really good article.  As I put together the lesson for the missionaries, thinking how can I teach the missionaries about the gospel that they don't already know. And so I choose to make it into a testimony building lesson.
But now the question in my life is how has the Book of Mormon changed my life?  I look back to when I was reading the Book of Mormon and I didn't have a life changing event while reading it for the first time.  I have been a member of my church since I was young, and even though I didn't read the Book of Mormon I have always had a testimony of it, that I know it is True and also another testimony of Jesus Christ.  But I can not say that the Book of Mormon has changed my life dramaticly.  Maybe it has changed my life, and I just haven't noticed it yet.  Maybe one day I will wake up and go oh yeah it has changed my life this way and that way. 

But right now I can say, I have read it, I understand it.  I know it IS another testament of Jesus Christ. That when Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected that he came to the Americas, and possibly to other countries and visited them and preached his gospel.  I know that the Nephites and the Lamanites lived and testified of the Christ.  I know that If you do not believe in the Book of Mormon, that if you open your heart to it and read with a sincere heart that you will come to know that it is true. That doesn't mean you have to become Mormon.  I know that the Book of Mormon CAN change lives, even if it didn't change mine right away. I bear my testimony of the Book of Mormon, in Christ's name....Amen.

http://lds.org/ensign/1992/10/by-faith-restored?lang=eng

This made me cry II

Today one of my friends posted this on facebook:

I was walking around in a supermarket when i saw a cashier hand this little boy his money back, the boy couldn't have been more than 5 or 6 years old. The Cashier said, 'I'm sorry, but you don't have enough money to buy this doll.'' The little boy turned to the old woman next to him, ''Granny, are you sure I don't have enough money?'' She replied, ''You know that you don't have enough money to buy this doll, my dear.'' Then she asked him to stay there for just 5 minutes while she went to look around. She left quickly. The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand. Finally, I walked toward him and I asked him who he wished to give this doll to. 'It's the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for Christmas. She was sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her.' I replied to him that maybe Santa Claus would bring it to her after all, and not to worry. But he replied to me sadly. 'No, Santa Claus can't bring it to her where she is now. I have to give the doll to my mommy so that she can give it to my sister when she goes there.' His eyes were so sad while saying this, 'My Sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mommy is going to see God very soon too, so I thought that she could take the doll with her to give it to my sister.'' My heart nearly stopped. The little boy looked up at me and said, 'I told daddy to tell mommy not to go yet. I need her to wait until I come back from the mall.' Then he showed me a very nice photo of himself. He was laughing. He then told me 'I want mommy to take my picture with her so she won't forget me.' 'I love my mommy and I wish she didn't have to leave me, but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister.' Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly. I quickly reached for my wallet and said to the boy. 'Suppose we check again, just in case you do have enough money for the doll!'' OK' he said, 'I hope I do have enough.' I added some of my money to his without him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for the doll and even some spare money. The little boy said, 'Thank you God for giving me enough money!' Then he looked at me and added, 'I asked last night before I went to sleep for God to make sure I had enough money to buy this doll, so that mommy could give it to my sister. He heard me!'' 'I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mommy, but I didn't dare to ask God for too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and a white rose.'' 'My mommy loves white roses.' A few minutes later, the old lady returned and I left with my basket. I finished my shopping in a totally different state of mind from when I started. I couldn't get the little boy out of my mind. Then I remembered a local newspaper article two days ago, which mentioned a drunk man in a truck, who hit a car occupied by a young woman and a little girl. The little girl died right away and the mother was left in a critical state. The family had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-sustaining machine because the young woman would not be able to recover from the coma. Was this the family of the little boy? Two days after this encounter with the little boy I read in the newspaper that the young woman had passed away. I couldn't stop myself as I bought a bunch of white roses and I went to the funeral home where the body of the young woman was for people to see and make last wishes before her burial. She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest. I left the place, teary-eyed, feeling that my life had been changed forever. The love that the little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to this day, hard to imagine, and in a fraction of a second, a drunk driver had taken all this away from him. Now you have 2 choices: (1) Copy & Paste this on your wall (2) Ignore it as if it never touched your heart!!
Just to let you know I cried too.

This made me cry

Her hair was up in a pony tail, Her favorite dress tied with a bow. Today was Daddy's Day at school, And she couldn't wait to go. But her mommy tried to tell her, That she probably should stay home. Why the kids might not understand, If she went to school alone. But she was not afraid; She knew just what to say. What to tell her classmates Of why he wasn't there today. But still her mother worried, For her to face this day alone. And that was why once again, She tried to keep her daughter home. But the little girl went to school Eager to tell them all. About a dad she never sees A dad who never calls. There were daddies along the wall in back, For everyone to meet. Children squirming impatiently, Anxious in their seats One by one the teacher called A student from the class. To introduce their daddy, As seconds slowly passed. At last the teacher called her name, Every child turned to stare. Each of them was searching, A man who wasn't there. 'Where's her daddy at?' She heard a boy call out. 'She probably doesn't have one,' Another student dared to shout. And from somewhere near the back, She heard a daddy say, 'Looks like another deadbeat dad, Too busy to waste his day.' The words did not offend her, As she smiled up at her Mom. And looked back at her teacher, Who told her to go on. And with hands behind her back, Slowly she began to speak. And out from the mouth of a child, Came words incredibly unique. 'My Daddy couldn't be here, Because he lives so far away. But I know he wishes he could be, Since this is such a special day. And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know. All about my daddy, And how much he loves me so. He loved to tell me stories He taught me to ride my bike. He surprised me with pink roses, And taught me to fly a kite. We used to share fudge sundaes, And ice cream in a cone. And though you cannot see him. I'm not standing here alone. 'Cause my daddy's al ways with me, Even though we are apart I know because he told me, He'll forever be in my heart' With that, her little hand reached up, And lay across her chest. Feeling her own heartbeat, Beneath her favorite dress. And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads, Her mother stood in tears. Proudly watching her daughter, Who was wise beyond her years. For she stood up for the love Of a man not in her life. Doing what was best for her, Doing what was right. And when she dropped her hand back down, Staring straight into the crowd. She finished with a voice so soft, But its message clear and loud. 'I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star. And if he could, he'd be here, But heaven's just too far. You see he is a U.S soldier And died just this past year When a roadside bomb hit his convoy And taught Amercian's to fear. But sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away.' And then she closed her eyes, And saw him there that day. And to her mothers amazement, She witnessed with surprise. A room full of daddies and children, All starting to close their eyes. Who knows what they saw before them, Who knows what they felt inside. Perhaps for merely a second, They saw him at her side. 'I know you're with me Daddy,' To the silence she called out. And what happened next made believers, Of those once filled with doubt. Not one in that room could explain it, For each of their eyes had been closed. But there on the desk beside her, Was a fragrant long-stemmed rose. And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, By the love of her shining star. And given the gift of believing, That heaven is never too far.

-Author unknown

Pulled from Facebook.com

A Book That Peaked My Interest.

I am at a friends house watching it since they are away and kids are asleep. They have a book called
"the power of birthdays, stars, & numbers the complete personology reference guide
by saffi crawford and geraldine sullivan."
under my birth date it has your special someone section. Which says: for mental stimulation and love, you might want to begin looking for those born among the following date. Under that section is a soul mates section. And December 10th is under that. Yup that is Chango's birthday. Need to read more in this book!!

Hiding with in my home.

It has been two weeks since I have posted on my blog. Why is that I wonder.  I was just not in the mood to write.  I wasn't in the mood for much of anything these past two weeks.  I hid not only from my blog, but friends and family.  The only way you found me was by my posting on Facebook.  Some how I still seemed to get on fb and update my status.  Why is it that I was like that? I wasn't depresses, I wasn't sad, I just wanted to be alone and by myself cooped up in my house.  Even to go to work was work within its self. But the one thing that I do know is that my solitude helped me grow a tad closer to my Heavenly Father.  I was able to read from my scriptures more often.  Today, I have both mixed emotions.  I want to stay at home but yet I want to go and visit people. Well I guess I will just see how my day goes.  The one thing that I am looking forward to doing it talking on the phone with my Chango when he calls!!!

Bad mouthing a mom is not cool.

Today I was at a friends house and her oldest boy kind of ticked me off and I snapped at him just a tad. (And Friend if you are reading this I am sorry if I mad you upset when I did it.)  He was mouthing off to her, and back talking and I just couldn't stop my mouth from saying, "Why are you mouthing your mom like that? I wish I still had my mom." (or something on the lines like that, it just came out.)  I know he is a teenager and going through what the teenagers go through, but here he is around the age that I lost my mom and the way he was treating her that day just didn't sit right with me.  I wish I had my mom, so I can hold her and hug her.  To tell her I love her, just to see her everyday.  He gets that.  His mom has been ever so nice to him, from what I see when I am there, she doesn't require too much of him just to help around the house since he is of that age.  He is not treated like a slave like some moms do out there.  She doesn't raise her voice to them. When she does ask of them she says please and thank you.  So I see no need for him to back talk the way he was. 
I guess what I was really wanting was to take him aside and  tell him, "Look I was 12 years old when I lost my mom.  I would do anything and give anything to get her back.  Here you have a mom that loves you and does everything in her power to provide for you.  The way you talk back to her is uncalled for.  Just think what if today you spent your day the way you have been and tonight something happens to her and you loose her forever.  Think of how you would feel then. Think of how hurt you would be.  Think about that each and every time you back talk her.  Treat each day as if it was the last.  Yes some things may not seem fair to you, but she is teaching you life long lessons.  Cherish the time you have with her.  You are so lucky to have your mom, I wasn't she had to go to Heaven and help out up there."
But I just sat there and didn't say anything. It hurts to see kids not listen to their mom, they don't know how lucky they are that they have their mom.  Especially since that mom is kind and caring like my Friend. If only kids knew the pain I went through growing up without their mom, they would think differently on how they treat and act towards mom.

I love you mom, I will see you when my life has come to an end and we will be together forever!!!

my life is boring

At times I think I shouldn't blog/write. What do I do in my Life? I work, go home, sleep, and wake up the next day to do it all over agin. I wonder how can somebody be interested in my life? How can they stand to read about me?

Catching up.

Okay so lately I have been busy. Can't remember what the last entry was, but a few things happened. Quick run down of the week. Had an awsome time on sunday, have been reading my sciptures everyday, read mosiah ch 1-3 out of the book of mormon every day and each time it has taught me something different. Started a fast on thursday night until friday after 4:30 in preparation to recieve my patriarchal blessing. Friday was so spiritual for me!! Recieved my blessing friday. Got called into work. An now we are to today. Today I worked a full 13 hour shift. Boy at the end my body was tired. (its not used to working those type of shifts any more.). So here I am 1 am in the morning, needing to wake up at 8 no later than 8:30 to go to church. Tomorrow at church is fast and testimony meeting. The blessings that the lord has provided me have been great. And to be filled with the spirit and have the holy ghost manafest the truths unto me, what an awsome thing! Oh I forgot I wrote miguel, my cousin in prison. He has been reading the book of mormon. I wish all would open their minds and read it. Just to hear the testimony of the prophets of jesus christ. How they praised him, and believed in him. I read a journal entry I made back in 2000, boy what a lost soul I was back then. As I read the words which I spoke I felt that what I was reading wasnt from me. I felt like it was a different person who was speaking those words. Some journal entries I am not proud of and one journal I kept I am thinking of throwing it away, no burning it so those words will never be read again. What a lost soul I was. I thank the lord almighty for not giving up on me, his daughter. And I thank my heavenly brother, jesus christ, for loving me so much that he came to this world, suffered & died so all who believe upon him will have their sins forgiven and have eternal glory. I can not wait to be at the feet of my heavenly father and jesus to thank them for the great love they bestowed upon me. Their love never faultered! I love them with all my hear

I am so excited about tomorrow. I recieve my patriarchal blessing. today I have spent the day reading my scriptures, or at least it seems that way. I read mosiah chapters 1-3 again. I even found out how to become like a child, fully converted. In mosiah 3:19 it tells us. Just like I said the scriptures are like the Liahona and changes its message, this was one example. I have read that verse over and over everyday since sunday. So that has been 5 times that I have read it, and it wasn't until today that I understood the message. I just can't wait till tomorrow. Tonight I am going to start my fast and prayer. All day tomorrow I shall fast and pray. My apointment is at 4pm. After that I can give thanks and break my fast. I am so excited to see what the Lord has planned for me in this life and the life after. I just have to make sure I leave here to make it there on time. :)

Days off

I am so excited today! At 8pm my two days off started. If I did my math right thats 57 hours to myself. But way am I so excited? Its not like I get to rest. I have house work to be done, laundry, I have to deposit my pay check, pay bills, go to walmart, and I have a special day on Friday (I recieve my patriarchal blessing.). I wish I was going to the temple of friday, but my blessing is alot more important. So I guess I should get off this thing and start enjoying my hous free of work before I do house work.

facebook friend request

Today I got a friend request on facebook from someone I have not seen since I was a teenager. She is a member of my church and was one of my yw advisors. I have missed her so much. I remember wen she left I was at her house that day helping in everyway I could, and then when all was done she ad her family drove into the sunset. We were able to go and visit her in san jose. I have missed her dearly, she was like a second mom to me. I am just so greatful to have reconnected with her.

Chango's suprize!

Today I got a suprize. Chango called me last night and said they were coming by the house and he would be able to stop for a few hours. At first it was planned that he was going to stop 15 miles away but I got a nice wake up phone call asking me how many miles it was for him to take a different highway. The highway he wanted to take comes right through our town. And so I looked it up and it was only 30 miles and so he took the detour and came home. It was so nice to see him. I waited, like a school girl waiting for her crush, by the place he was going to park. And then here came his purple monster trucking down the hill. I couldn't wait for him to jump out of the truck. I almost yelled at him to hurry up. I didn't want anything else but to get into his arms for a hug and kiss. I was able to meet his student and we went to lunch, and then his student went to the truck for a nap and we went home to see our girls (the dogs). They were happy to see their "dad" . We had some nice alone time, huddled in eachothers arms. And then work. It made me wish I was off but nope, couldn't. And so I watched the love of my life drive away. This is what I posted on facebook during the time it happened:

And there goes my working man, walking to the truck to leave. It was nice to have him here for a few hours. Although I want him to stay he must go and my heart swell with pride for he is out there trying to make a better living for us.

Mixed emotions as I watch him from my work, happiness and sadness both trying to pull at my heart. Surprising its not like the other times that it feels like my heart is breaking. I guess I am coming to terms with the fact that he is out there trucking along. I may not get to watch his truck pull out of town; I may not need to see it happen. All I know is I will probably have a customer and when I look out afterwards his truck will be gone. But I do know no matter where he goes he will be in my heart and I in his. For right now we love each other, and plan on it for years to come.

I was able to watch him leave, him in the passenger seat his student at the wheel. His student blew the air horn as the pulled away; I think this is gonna be a tradition from now on. I wanted to cry but I told myself not to, it’s not like he is driving out of my life forever, he will return. My heart aches for him to be here by my side, but he must go and drive into the sunset. He is my knight in shinning armor.

And so here I am at home alone, without my husband. But I am very greatful Heavenly Father was able to bless us with a short visit. My heart is also filled with pride and happiness knowing that he is out there working, trying to better our lives. I love this man, the one I met 11 years ago at the College of the Sequoias who had me at "I'll be back. I'm going to get a 25$ taco."

being a trucker's wife.

I can honestly say I dislike being a truckers wife. I don't get to see my husband every night and morning. I don't get to sleep next to him. I have to do everything around the ouse, if I can't do it I have to find someone who can. When I do get to talk to him its always a quick conversation cause either I am at work or he is driving or asleep. I am always worring about his safty. I have to worry about if we have enough money for him to eat. So forgive me if I shoot you an evil eye when you hug and kiss yours. Do you have to sacrifice your husband not being home for 60-90 days? Do you know what its like going to bed and his side is empty and some nights you can't help but cry your eyes out? Be in my shoes for one month and see how you like it. Like they say no one is tougher than a truckers wife. But you know what, I love my husband with all my heart and I may not like his type of work but dang it I am gonna stand by him!!

Count your blessings

My church teaches us to count our blessings, and give thanks unto the Lord for them. We even have a hymn entitled, "count your blessings". It goes:
When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, count your many blessings name the one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done. Count your blessings name them one by one. Count your blessings; see what god hath done. Count your blessings; name them one by one. Count your many blessings; see what God hath done.
Today I have to say I have felt a blessing. I found out today that on September 1st my car will be paid off. It will be mine. Now with all the struggling that Chango and I have been doing and trying to pay our bills, this is truly a blessing!! To be able to be rid of this bill is from Heavenly Father. Some may say but its because your contract was up, but that's not the case, I still owed a little bit more than what I can pay off right now. But the car will be mine!! What a true blessing this is.

Wasington D.C Temple damaged

Today as I was scrolling through the Facebook status updates I read one that made my heart ache. In the recent event of the earthquake that rocked the east coast on of my churches beloved temple had damage caused to it. It was the Washington D.C. Temple, the tips of the four spires broke causing damage to the marble, angel Moroni was damaged as well. As I read the comments my heart ached in pain and yearning to do something for one of our beloved temples. So on Sunday I will give some of my tithing towards temple construction in hopes it will be used to repair the damage. Temples are so sacred and are the house of the lord. I know that it will be repaired and that the saints will not allow it to go without repairs. It will be looking like new in no time. God bless our temples.

One Life to Live

I was sitting here wondering what I should talk about when I decided to read the recap of my soap opera. And that's when it him me, I should talk about my soap. My mom was the one who got me hooked on it. I was about 4 or 5 and there we were watching the episodes. Then as I grew into my teen years I started watching it again and recording it while I was at school. No we didn't have TVO then, it was the old fashion set your timer to the VCR and hope the power doesn't go out. I love this soap opera. It brings me memories of my mom, and it is not my soap but my moms. It saddens me that ABC has decided to take it off the air. Luckily it went from being canceled to going onto the internet. But still its going off air. It makes me mad, the TV channel thinks that more reality shows. Shows like the view, ugh I do not like the view. They do not know what we need. But at least it is going on online because there is only one life to live.

Today brought on a blessing.

     This morning I was woken up by Heavenly Father's angels to get up and get ready for church. I had set my alarm to wake me up an hour earlier and some how I had turned it off. Heavenly Father had a message for me today and he gave it through the speakers and my Sunday school class. Now that I have received his message I need to apply it to my life, and be diligent in keeping them and doing them each and every day. Today's talks hit me, this is what was needed and now I must apply this message.
          1st talk: Scripture Study.
                       * Need to do it everyday, you will get to know god through his words and it brings the spirit into your life.
                       * Set a time every day for it to be done. Me I like to read after I come home from work, a chapter a night and no less. (if the chapter is really long then I do break it down)
          2nd talk: Personal Revelation.
                        * Personal revelation comes to me through the Holy Ghost.
          3rd talk: Documentation of Personal Revelation.
                        * Record your blessings, promises are fulfilled as you live righteously.
                        * If you can't think of anything to write down, write your testimony in your journal.
                        * Don't focus on the negative or positive just be honest in your journal writing.
                        * It is commanded of the prophets to keep a journal. (this I need help in doing)
         4th talk: Prayer in Jesus Name.
                        * Pray for people and certain situations when prompted, you never know when the prayer is needed.
                        * The proper way to pray; use Heavenly Fathers name, thank him for the blessings, ask of him, close in the name of Jesus. Use thee and thou instead of you.
                        * Prayer is a two way communication with God.
                        * Pray with a sincere heart.
                        * Prayer helps us over come being not worthy.
                        * When you don't feel like praying get on your knees and pray till you feel like praying.
                        * Pray always, frequently, have a prayer in your heart, you may not always be able to get on
                              your knees.
                         * Take time for long prayers, even though short prayers are heard and answered also.
                         * God hears you prayers and answers them in his own time, sometimes he makes us wait for an answer to learn what we need to learn.
                         * God may say no to something you have asked, he does that for a reason.
                         * Pray for people needing the truth, pray for missionaries and church leaders, pray for strangers, and pray for strength to be an example.

Pony Beads

OK so my friend gave me a lot of beads. (you know who you are!) and since then I have been making key chains, I even made two for them as a present for their hand fasting. I forgot how fun it was to make key chains out of pony beads. I can't wait to buy more with different colors and even pattern books. For now I. Will be happy in looking online for patterns. Gotta get back to making stuff.

My Kids

Some of you may say that my kids are not kids but pets. I got news for you. My kids are my babies, my fur babies, and I know some of you would agree with me. Since I have no children, my pets have become my kids. Here let me introduce you to them:

Alera, she is a chiweenie, 5 years old. She knows she is top dog and is right below me in the pack, she even thinks her dad is below her. She is a brat, spoiled, can be mean and an ankle bitter, but at the same time she is also very loving.

Grimlynn, is the granddaughter of Alera, she is a chorkie. Shes 2 years old, a submissive dog, loves to lick and is very hyper! She also loves to prance around when she has something new placed on her, like a collar or clothes or a new hair cut.

Bia, is a Staffordshire. She is about 4-5 years. She can at times be a handful because she is big and she doesn't know it.  She does the most dumbest things and it makes you wonder if she is dumb or just being goofy. She loves to please and loves to be loved and will nudge you with her paws or nose for attention.  But boy if you tie her up outside you better make sure she doesn't know how to get out because she will find a way to get loose.

DarLa, is a wienie dog.  She can be around 3 years.  I received her because a lady didn't want her no more and DarLa had no place to go.  I think that she has a little bit of neurological problem. She loves to jump up like a squiggly wiggly thing.  She is very submissive and layed back, but I love her anyways.

FleaBag, is my kitty that I found when she was about a month old. She wasn't even wined from her mom yet.  I had to bottle feed her. She is very head strong and independent.  And boy can she drive me up the wall with her crying.

LittleFoot, I found LittleFoot about a week after FleaBag.  He taught FleaBag how to use the litter box.  They both are about 7 years old.  LittleFoot was named that way because when he was a kitten he had these big paws, they were bigger than his body.  LittleFoot loved attention and we call him a foot whore because he will rub up against a foot, and the smellier the more he loves that foot. 

 

 

 

Drako, is a Bearded Dragon, she is so loveable and very curious.  She enjoys her crickets, enjoys them enough to eat them. RedRum is our Guinea Pig.  He is very vocal, he cries for anything, for his food, for his hay, if you are not paying attention to him.  He loves to interact with the dogs and he will nibble on them.

 

 

Nemesis (on the left), is an albino corn snake, I got him when I was working at Petco lady had to give him up.  I feel in love with him the first time I saw him and I had to have him. Kadisus (on right) was bought at Petco when she was small.  Chango and I have always wanted snakes and so we bought her.  Both of them live together in the cage and they enjoy each others company.  Oh and they love the mice!!

These are the mice that I have that are there to reproduce and feed my snakes.  I have 3 male adults and 4 female adults and that is all they do is reproduce.  At one point I have 40 Baby mice.

This is my family and I love them, they are my kids.Well they are my kids until I have real kids.

Tulare, CA

Tulare California is my home town. I really can't say it's where I was born because I was born in Visalia, CA. But Tulare is where we lived for all of my childhood and part of my adult life. We may say that the cows over populate the humans, or even call it "Cowtown", but it is also called home!! My home, and for some strange reason I miss it so much. I want to go home!! Why, there is nothing to do in Tulare, but yet there is way more nothing to do here in Waverly. (oh how funny they said to stay away from windows but yet in my house I am surrounded by windows. I think my power may go out, its acting funny. Oh yeah BTW we are having a sever thunderstorm right now.) but tulare is home. I have wanted to go home way before I came out here!! I love Tulare and I can't wait till Chango moves me back home. Yup he said tonight that he would move me back home if that would make me happy because if a trucker's wife is unhappy then no one is happy. I can't wait till I say here I come, I'm coming home Tulare!!!