tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13312024994028145782024-03-05T10:11:22.846-08:00Maddie VioletMaddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.comBlogger514125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-84612851539826838062015-06-26T16:48:00.000-07:002015-06-26T16:48:01.209-07:00KnowingMy heart is full. I say that often, but I always mean it.<div>
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I am grateful for a testimony of Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ.</div>
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With the new change of marriage laws today, I am so grateful that throughout my childhood and my youth, I have worked to strengthen my testimony of God's laws and doctrine. How blessed I feel to be able to discern from right and wrong. I believe in marriage between a man and a woman, but I also believe that every child of God deserves and has a divine right to be treated kindly and with respect. </div>
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I have respected the beliefs of others, and in turn I expect the same respect from those who may not agree with me.</div>
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All my life, I have felt that I <i>just know</i> that God's plan is real, but as the world slips into an abyss far from morality, I must continue to act on my faith and continue to build my testimony. I do that by praying, reading and studying the scriptures, which are from God. I am not ashamed of my beliefs! I love the Lord! </div>
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I am not perfect. I make mistakes. Yesterday I watched Friends and today I thought, "Why did I watch that? Yeah, the jokes are funny, but it condones behavior that I do not agree with. What does that mean? I don't want to be a mediocre follower of Jesus Christ. I want to be His disciple." With all of my heart, I want exaltation. I want to be with my Father once again, so I will keep trying to be the best I can. I will continue to hunger and thirst after righteousness. As a human living in this world, I will be tempted and make mistakes, but I can be clean again through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I believe in the great gift of the Atonement. I know that repentance is not about shame, but about having a change of heart and coming to Christ, and being filled with His eternal love.</div>
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Although the world may say I am a fool, I know that Heavenly Father loves me, knows my heart, and has a wonderful, happy, perfect plan. Nothing and no one will ever lead me astray. As I put my faith in the Lord, I find that I am filled with peace, and a deep sense of the love that reaches from the other side, surrounds me, and buoys me up. Going to the temple helps me to understand who I am, but also God's plan, and His doctrine. Acting on my faith by trying to love others and Jesus would and studying the truths of His Gospel strengthen me.</div>
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I know that it is by living the Gospel as best I can and loving others that I am able to <i><b>know</b></i>.</div>
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How I love the Lord! How grateful I am for His atoning sacrifice that grants me eternal life! I know I have a Father in Heaven who is loving, merciful and offers me His grace!</div>
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Happy Friday!</div>
Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-64161120029599934652015-06-12T20:21:00.002-07:002015-06-12T20:21:20.243-07:00Father in HeavenYesterday I heard someone say that "Heavenly Father is <i>like </i>our father." I know that He <b>IS </b>my Father! My heart is filled with love for my Father in Heaven. The other day I was reading Gordon B. Hinckley's <i>Stand a Little Taller</i>. In one of the thoughts he writes, <div>
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"Put on thy beautiful garments, O daughters of Zion. Live up to the great and magnificent inheritance which the Lord God, your Father in Heaven, has provided you. Rise above the dust of the world. Know that you are daughters of God, children with a divine birthright. Walk in the sun with your heads high. Know that you are loved and honored, that you are part of His kingdom, and that there is for you a great work to be done which cannot be left to others" (138).</div>
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I know that before I came to this earth, my Heavenly Father taught me about the responsibilities I would have here on Earth. I love Him, and that is why I want to do all I can to be true to my birthright. Each day I am trying to let my Divine Nature shine through. I know I'm not perfect, but I am trying, and Heavenly Father knows that-- He knows me and loves me! </div>
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My heart is full every single day for a loving God who created me, gave me life and continues to fill my life with joy, happiness and peace as I stay close to Him and keep my covenants. No matter what, His love will never go away, never change-- it is eternal and everlasting! I feel His love even more as I make time to attend the temple.</div>
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How grateful I am for the temple which is the House of God! As I attend the temple with purpose and a prayer in my heart, I feel God's love for me and for His children. My spirit is home when I enter the doors of the temple.The temple gives me peace, but also helps me to understad the desires of my heart. I want exaltation. I want to live with my Father. I want to be there with my husband and children, my whole family. I know that Heavenly Father continues to prepare me for the things I need to accomplish in this life. A sure knowledge of God as my Father helps me to believe in myself and my capacity to do good; "to spread light and truth and understanding; to reach out to those in distress and need to help and bless them" (327). I have a grateful, believing heart. </div>
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I love the Lord! I love my Heavenly Father! I desire to be a valiant servant in His kingdom! I want to do the great work that he has prepared for me!</div>
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Happy Friday!</div>
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Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-4869187563275779672015-05-20T09:13:00.001-07:002015-05-20T12:29:36.691-07:00Individual WorthRunning into and meeting old friends once more is usually a joyous occasion, and for me it is. I am grateful for the many people who have taken some sort of part in my life. They have changed me, helped me to become the person I am, and they have helped strengthen my testimony.<br />
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Now as a young adult, the second or third question I'm asked when seeing old friends is, "So are you dating someone right now? Are you engaged yet?" I am going to be frank right now and say that if I was, you'd probably know. It always makes me laugh when people ask that. I am grateful for friends and family who want the best for me. One phrase that is harder for me to appreciate is, "Maddie, someday, you'll get married to some amazing guy." That statement isn't rude or offensive, but there are times it makes me feel that my accomplishments don't matter that much, because I am not married yet, and I don't have a husband or a little home to take care of. </div>
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Someday I will get married, but it will be on the Lord's timing. He has a wondrous plan for me, and I have many tasks to accomplish and responsibilities to fill in this life. I am reminded of a line in my patriarchal blessing which reads, "Heavenly Father has a time table of things that will happen when they will do you the most good and bring you the most joy in your life." I know that as I live righteously and become spiritually minded, having an eternal perspective, Heavenly Father will not withhold any blessings from me. Although I would like to be dating right now, I believe that those opportunities will come. I also believe that this time of being a single daughter of God allows me time to grow, become, and develop in preparation for my roles as a wife and mother. Even while I am discouraged sometimes, I know that with faith in my Father, I cannot go wrong. "Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel[...]" (2 Nephi 9:41).</div>
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How grateful I am for the peace that the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings to my life. Because of my knowledge of truth which comes from prayer and scripture study, as well as partaking of the sacrament and acting on faith and the desires of my heart, I need not fear or worry about my future. He knows me, and He loves me just how I am. Heavenly Father knows of my accomplishments, and He knows that they will help me to be a better woman, a more patient woman, an understanding woman. </div>
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The moral force of righteous women in any standing is emphasized as D. Todd Christofferson taught, "Women bring with them into the world a virtue, a divine gift that makes them adept at instilling such qualities as faith, courage, empathy, and refinement in relationships and in cultures" (29). I am a woman, a single woman, but being single does not mean that I do not influence those around me. Heavenly Father rejoices in my desire to be a wife and mother, so He provides me with endless opportunities to let my divine nature show. </div>
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Individual worth is not merely based upon physical beauty, dateability, or popularity, but on the heart. Do I have the Lord's countenance in my face? Am I happily living and keeping the covenants I have made? Do I love others and help them to see their own worth as a child of God? Am I striving to progress each day? That is what individual worth is all about. That's what this life on Earth is all about no matter the status of an individual: helping everyone to come to a knowledge of truth, goodness, and to feel the love of God.</div>
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Happy Wednesday!</div>
Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-41428200698748905092015-05-11T10:34:00.001-07:002015-05-11T12:56:51.745-07:00Learn Wisdom In Thy Youth I love going to church every Sunday. I love church because, I am blessed to partake of the sacrament and receive answers to life's challenges. Lately I haven't felt like I have been doing the best I can, and that happens sometimes. Waking up yesterday, I decided that it was a new day. I had the desire to go to church and to renew my covenants with the Lord. The little struggles of motivation I've had lately were addressed, and I really did receive answers. I am grateful that Heavenly Father blesses us with the answers and solutions we need as we put our efforts forward, become humble, and have a willing heart.<br />
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One thing that gives me a lot of peace is going to church early. I love to sit in the quiet chapel and think about my week as I prepare to take the sacrament. Yesterday I was there early, and I decided to look at the hymns. I forget now what hymn it was, but I noticed the scripture was in Alma, so I looked it up. God really does know the desires of my heart. I read Alma 37:35-40, which reads:<br />
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35 O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.<br />
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36 Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.<br />
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37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.<br />
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38 And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the thing which our fathers call a ball, or director--or our fathers called it Liahona, which is, being interpreted, a compass; and the Lord prepared it.<br />
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39 And behold, there cannot any man work after the manner of so curious a workmanship. And behold, it was prepared to show unto our fathers the course which they should travel in the wilderness.<br />
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40 And it did work for them according to their faith in God; therefore, if they had faith to believe that God could cause that those spindles should point the way they should go, behold, it was done; therefore they had this miracle, and also many other miracles wrought by the power of God, day by day.<br />
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These verses gave me the council I needed. I want to let my thoughts and heart be directed to the Lord. I know that as I put my faith in the Lord and exercise my faith, I will know and follow the paths that the Lord has set before me, and I will become a better person and daughter of God each day.<br />
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As it was Mother's Day yesterday, the talks in sacrament meeting were about women and their divine nature. Those men were so inspired by the spirit. I knew that because their testimonies filled me with the love that God has for me. Sometimes, I am too hard on myself for falling short, very short, of perfection. I remember in one of the talks someone said, "It is okay that you aren't perfect because, you are so good. You are goodness." The men spoke about the influence women have in helping others to feel the love of God in their life, to become better each day, and to complete Heavenly Father's plan. I know that I have a purpose on this earth, and I intend to fulfill that in every way. I am grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ that enables me to become a Goddess someday to rule and reign with my husband. How great shall be my joy when I can stand before the Lord and tell Him that I did my best to love others and to help them become the daughter or son of God He knows they are!<br />
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I am grateful for a loving God who grants me His grace. I know that in the House of the Lord, I learn my purpose in eternity and my responsibilities, as well as my divine nature and role as a woman in His great and glorious plan. I know that Heavenly Father cares about me, and even the small things in my life. The Gospel of Jesus Christ brings such joy into my heart and helps me to know who I am and who I want to be.<br />
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Happy Monday!<br />
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<br />Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-42715304155668190532015-05-05T16:34:00.000-07:002015-05-05T16:34:25.679-07:00A Faith Filled Woman -- Family History StoryFor a long time now, I've enjoyed the time I have spent doing family history and genealogy. The most exciting part of the process, for me anyway, is learning the stories of my ancestors lives. Some of the stories have been surprising, heartbreaking, funny, romantic, sometimes tragic. Throughout all of the work I've done, I began to notice that I come from a family filled with working women, and I am so proud of that.<br />
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When I was younger, my dad showed me an envelope filled with a stack of yellowed paper, but I didn't know at the time how much I would come to treasure that yellowed stack of paper. I later discovered that the envelope was filled with letters dating back to 1896. Most of the letters were written by my great great grandfather, George Alma Varney to his wife, Emeline Elizabeth. She went by the name Libby. George Alma was on a mission for three long years leaving Libby home to raise their many children. Reading through the letters continues to be a tender experience for me. I laughed because there were several times where after George had written something humorous, he followed with, "Hahaha!" Isn't that amazing?! That was absolutely amazing to me. A letter from 1897...<br />
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Reading my great great grandfather's personal letters to his family helped me to know what kind of man, father and husband he was, but also what an amazing woman Emeline was. I remember one letter, which had me in tears. He wrote,<br />
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<i>"You said in your letter that you was so busy last week you could not write. Mam (his wife Libby), their is no use of you trying to kill yourself with work, because I am not home. I know you have a trying time to get along & I feel at times to shed bitter tears to think about the poor circumstances we were in when I left you. I know you have had to toil & labor to keep things rearing as they should be. All the consolation I can get is to retire into the woods & bow myself before the great I Am and ask him to lend us a helping hand & console us in our trying times, which we have to go through, and to open the windows of heaven & shower down his promised blessings upon out heads, and give unto us his Comforting Spirit to cheer & comfort our hearts at all times when I am absent from you."</i><br />
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George Alma having great faith in the Lord fulfilled the call for a mission in the Southern States leaving his wife to run the farm, raise their children, and keep her job as a midwife. I can only imagine how hard that must have been on both of them.<br />
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Learning about my great great grandmother, Libby, has been a miracle in my life. About a year ago when I started teaching the family history class, I challenged my class members to choose an ancestor whom they did not know, and to research their lives-- see what they could find in a week. I chose Libby. It was hard for me to find anything about her. Those who could give me insight into her life had already passed on, and although some small memories of her were shared with me, they weren't exactly what I was looking for. I knew that she was a midwife in American Fork, but that was about it. The letters hadn't been discovered at that point, and so naturally I was a bit discouraged.<br />
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I prayed fervently for Heavenly Father would show me the way, telling Him that my desire was to know my great great grandmother. As the end of the week was nearing, I expressed my frustration to my mother, because I really hadn't found sufficient information. She said, "When your grandpa Penny died (Libby's son), I took something of hers for your sister. (My sister is named Libby). I think she has it." So I made a phone call and then headed to my sister's house. The cross-stitched wall hanging had fallen behind a bookshelf, so my brother-in-law had to move it to get the hanging for me. As he moved the shelf and pulled out the wall hanging, I felt the spirit burning through me testifying of the eternal love my great great grandmother had for me. She knew of my efforts, and Heavenly Father knew my intent. Crossed stitched by my great great grandmother, on an eighty year old piece of paper, the hanging reads boldly, "Remember Me."<br />
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How grateful I am to have such a faith filled woman to look to in times of trial and challenges. Grandma Libby was a stalwart woman, a support to her husband, a Godly mother, a pillar in the community, and beloved by many. I pray that I will become even half the woman she was and is! One of the greatest desires of my heart is to know my ancestors so that when I someday return to my Heavenly home, I will rejoice with them, and it will be the sweetest reunion. I know that my great great grandmother Emeline Elizabeth Chipman Varney watches over me, and she'll help me to become the woman and Daughter of God that Heavenly Father needs me to be.<br />
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I love my great great grandmother, and my heart is bursting with gratitude and love for such a faith filled woman.<br />
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Happy Tuesday!<br />
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<br />Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-90998658204535069892015-04-20T16:04:00.000-07:002015-04-20T16:04:00.012-07:00He Knows Me!Today I've been thinking about everything I have to accomplish in the next three days. Usually I'm not much of an emotional person, but there are a couple of things that get me, and one of those is school. My poor little heart has a hard time accepting anything other than an A, which is sort of stupid, and stressful. Each time I start to panic, I have to remember that Heavenly Father loves me, and He knows me. That is such a comfort to me! It's amazing how every little aspect of my life is directed back to that knowledge and truth.<br />
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Sometimes, when I start to think that I'm not good enough in anything, I remind myself that Heavenly Father will always be on my side. He knows me! He knows me! He knows me! I am in His Hands. No matter what life brings to me, I'll always know that I am His daughter.<br />
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My ward started this thing about confessing weaknesses. Well, there's one big one for me: Sometimes I see how wonderful people are, but I forget to see what's so wonderful about me. I'm grateful for the perfect love that Heavenly Father has for me. I know that He encourages me, and does not discourage me or make me feel bad about myself. Thinking back over my life and the hard stuff I've gone through, I'm amazed at how much I've grown, and Heavenly Father is so proud of that. He's so proud of how far I've come. He knows who I need in my life, and He knows why I am where I am. He sees my talents and accomplishments, and He is so proud of me.<br />
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My visiting teachers shared a message with me about the woman with an issue of blood who touched the garment of Jesus and was healed. She was inflicted for twelve years. That's a long time. And she kept building her faith all of those years, so that when the Savior came, she would be healed. How that woman is an inspiration and guiding influence in my life! I pray that I will develop the proactive patience that woman had-- that my faith will be just as bright as hers.<br />
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I have struggled a lot with various things, but you know, the peace of the Gospel of Jesus Christ fills the cracks of sadness and heartache. The seemingly trivial challenges of my life are not trivial to God. I have a sure knowledge that as I try each day to look to God, I'll be given the added strength to wade through my challenges no matter how big or small they are.<br />
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Although at times it's difficult for me to see my talents, I know that as I turn to the Lord, He'll show me, and He'll help me to see who I truly am. As I try new things and put myself out there, and reach out, the Lord will not withhold any blessings from me! My heart is filled with gratitude each day for the everlasting grace of God. Each day I desire more and more to be a righteous Daughter of His, a vessel for filling and an instrument for doing.<br />
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Happy Monday!<br />
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<br />Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-3928747079719462342015-04-16T19:05:00.001-07:002015-04-16T19:06:08.850-07:00You can do it.I've always wanted to be a teacher with the one exception of ten-year-old me wanting to be a labor/delivery nurse (EW!). Thinking about that now makes me physically sick. Bodily fluids=very sick Maddie.<br />
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Today I finished reading a Sherman Alexie novel titled <i>The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian</i>. I loved it. One passage hit me particularly hard:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">"Do you know how amazing it is to hear that from an adult? Do you know how amazing it is to hear that from anybody? It's one of the simplest sentences in the world, just four words, but they're the four hugest words in the world when you put them together. You can do it" (189).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">I remember sitting in my twelfth grade science class and the kid sitting next to me said, "I"m going to fail the test. I can't do it. I don't think I'll go to college." In high school, I was sort of quiet and to myself, but when the boy said that, I promptly responded to him saying, "You CAN do it! You are intelligent, but you have to work for it. You have to apply yourself, but you can do it!" I didn't think my little soapbox speech did anything, but then the day we took our final, he approached me and said, "Maddie! I did it! I got a B+!" My heart was beaming with pride. Not so much that the kid got a good grade, although that was part of it, but I was proud of him because he was proud of himself, and he believed he could do it. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">I believe in those four words! I plan on saying them a lot when I'm a teacher, because teenagers deserve that, and they need it. Every day it amazes me that teenagers are even functioning with all of the garbage they have to wade through, but they do it! In big, bright, beaming letters, 'You Can Do It!' will be plastered in my classroom.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Happy Thursday!</span>Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-88299541777056677082015-04-13T21:33:00.002-07:002015-04-13T21:33:25.828-07:00My Mission-- His Mission for MeGuys! I did it! I got out of my comfort zone a little bit tonight. FHE was tennis, and initially, I wasn't going to go, but I thought, "It's time to try new things." I'm grateful for my bishop's council. Sometimes doing new things is hard, but tonight it was more fun than anything. I'm not quite tip-top at tennis-- actually, clearly I'm a novice, but I enjoyed it! I also played some Frisbee, which was fun too. It's amazing to me to see how Heavenly Father blesses me even in the smallest aspects of my life. How I am grateful for His hand in my life! <div>
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Heavenly Father knows me, and I feel that every day. Yesterday in Relief Society, we were asked to answer the question: "How has Joseph Smith's experience in the grove changed your testimony? What has it taught you?" For a moment I thought about Joseph Smith and how his experience in the grove testifies of a loving Father in Heaven. Joseph Smith's experience in the grove has helped me to understand that God has a plan for me, and a specific mission for me to accomplish while I'm on this earth. </div>
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A couple days ago, I was talking with my mom and told her, "I cannot be mediocre in following Jesus Christ. I love Him, and I want to be His disciple." With my whole heart, I want to do what is right, and continue to feel the lasting peace and lasting joy that the teachings of Christ bring to my life. Lately I've thought deeply about the mission that I am here to accomplish. I know some things for certain:</div>
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I am a Daughter of God with a strong desire to raise a family in righteousness. Heavenly Father will never deny me blessings. I know that is true!</div>
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I have a work to do. My ancestors have sacrificed so much-- their testimonies buoy me up in times of trial. Their lives remind me of the great love that passes down through generations. When I reach the other side someday, I want to thank them. My heart is filled with gratitude and love for God's plan-- that I can be with my family again someday and rejoice in being together. </div>
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I want to share the great message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am continually humbled by the goodness of God. When I think about the opportunities I've had, and the wonderful people in my life, I feel such devotion toward my Heavenly Father and my Savior.</div>
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I want to learn of the important responsibilities that I have in the Kingdom of God. I know that as I do my best to be the woman Heavenly Father knows I am, I will be an instrument in His hands in bringing many to the Gospel.</div>
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It is the greatest desire of my heart to be righteous.</div>
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In General Women's conference, Bonnie L. Oscarson spoke about making alternate plans if the ideal doesn't happen, but to always plan for the ideal. Here is my ideal:</div>
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I will be a wife to a man who loves the Lord, who desires eternal life, who wants to raise a family with me in goodness and righteousness.</div>
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I will be a mother. My sweet little darlings will hold all of my love, and I will sing to them, read them stories and study the teachings of Jesus-- they will feel His love. I will teach my sweet children to look toward the temple. I will tell them the stories of their ancestors-- how brave and courageous they were.</div>
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My home will be a sacred, lovely place where the spirit resides. It will be a house of order, a house of prayer, a house of study, a home filled with all the love it can hold. I hope it will be filled with laughter, singing, dancing, kindness, and conversation.</div>
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I will be a teacher. I will teach kiddos the important role and contribution they have in the world, because they are SO wonderful and intelligent. I want them to know how greatly valued they are. Teenagers need that. They need to know they are needed!</div>
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Anyway, that's my ideal. I believe that Heavenly Father will help me to accomplish my ideal plan. I know that He recognizes and knows the desires of my heart, and how grateful I am for that knowledge. I am glad that the Gospel is about progress, and that it's okay that I'm not perfect. </div>
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I have a lot of faith, and it carries me. "I was led by the spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do. Nevertheless, I went forth." </div>
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So I'll go forth having faith and trusting Heavenly Fathers wonderful, perfect plan for me. Amen.</div>
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Happy Monday!</div>
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Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-82966287938153976652015-03-29T20:31:00.001-07:002015-03-29T20:31:06.230-07:00Who I am The last couple of months have been difficult ones. My heart is heavy sometimes with burdens that seem placed perfectly square upon my shoulders. Last week I was having a particularly hard day, so I did what I always do, which is to pray. It's amazing to me that such a simple act opens the Heavens anywhere and anytime. Anyway, my discouragement weighed heavily upon me, and when I knelt down, I couldn't say anything. It was during that moment that I knew Heavenly Father was there-- He knew my heart so well that I didn't have to explain everything going on in my life. My Father wanted me to be still and know that He knows <i>all</i> of me. My heart was brimming with the spirit as I pictured my Heavenly Father embracing me, letting me seek His comfort.<div>
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I have a strong knowledge and belief that God isn't only a powerful being, but He is a Father, gentle, loving, and understanding. Carole M. Stephens taught, "Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ are perfect. Their plan for us is perfect, and their promises are sure." How true that statement is! Each day I am learning how my talents and knowledge fit into Heavenly Father's plan. I know that God needs me on the Earth for specific reasons, and I intend to obey all of His commandments so that I might be a vessel for filling, and an instrument for doing. </div>
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My knowledge of the Gospel reminds me that I need to continue to progress through life by learning, sharing, loving, and doing. Recently I've thought a lot about the kind of mother I want to be, the kind of wife I want to be, but also the Daughter of God that I want to be. </div>
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I want to be a kind, loving and gentle mother. I want my children to know that like their Heavenly Parents, I too will love them eternally-- it is a constant love. I want my children to know that I will comfort them in times of heartache and discouragement. I want my children to know that they can always come to me, and I will listen. </div>
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I want to be a supportive, patient, kind, and loving wife. I want my husband to know that I love the Lord, and I intend to serve. I want my husband to know that I believe in the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I want my husband to know that I believe in the sanctity of marriage and the covenants & blessings that make a marriage worth the work and sacrifice. I want my husband to know that I will strive each day for progression toward eternal life, happiness, joy and peace.</div>
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I want to let my faith show. I know that within me is Divine Nature, which cannot be replaced or leave me. My Heavenly Parents are indeed my parents, and as their daughter I want to be true to them. My heart is filled with the desire to be righteous and to seek righteousness and to help others know just how important they are. </div>
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So in spite of challenges and daily discouragements, I am going to stay close to my Heavenly Parents, and to Jesus Christ. I know that "Heavenly Father has a mission and plan for each of us, but He also has His own timetable" (Bonnie L. Oscarson). It is through increasing faith, and doing the little things that will help me to be who I am-- who the Lord sees me as. </div>
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Happy Sunday!</div>
Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-10754283064503568052015-03-01T15:09:00.001-08:002015-03-01T15:09:16.522-08:00a heart full of love & gratitudeToday my heart is full. Exactly one year ago, my Grandma Beth passed away. I have missed her every single day since. As I'm writing this post, I have an icy Dr. Pepper next to me, and a beautiful pink rose & lily flower arrangement sitting on the counter.<br />
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It's amazing to me that I think about her every day. I think about her and my Grandpa Jay together in heaven with their son and two beautiful grandchildren. Sometimes when I'm in my car and thinking about the horrible day I've had or the little accomplishments I have achieved, I know my Grandma Beth loves me.<br />
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When my parents were going through a divorce, things were tough, feelings were hurt and I was broken. Almost every day I went to my grandma's little condo in Belle Monet and cleaned or just watched television with her. We usually ended up ordering Chinese food from Fong's, or as she called it, Chang's. I remember one day I was feeling especially low, and she could see that. My Grandma told me that she knew things were hard on me, but Heavenly Father would help me get through it, and she would always be there to help. I was so grateful that someone was there for me, that she was there. But you know, that's the thing about my Grandma Beth-- she loves me no matter what.<br />
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My heart is full because I know that although she isn't here right now, my Grandma Beth is always with me and always comforting me or cheering me on. I am grateful that I can feel her with me everywhere I go.<br />
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I am glad that I have the same mole on my cheek. I am glad that she showed me the beauty of pink everything. I am glad that she showed me how to love others. I am glad that she loves me so much. I am grateful that I have a loving Heavenly Father who has a plan that allows me to be with my family again.<br />
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Happy Sunday!<br />
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<br />Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-61058529028837121912015-02-17T20:40:00.001-08:002015-02-17T20:40:01.480-08:00It is Not Weight, It is WingsMany times lately, I come away from different things feeling sad, which is rather unlike me. For a couple of months now I have felt a small pang of loneliness, which is normal for many during this time of life. It's amazing that even in a room full of people you know, you can somehow feel slightly lonely, but it happens. Last night I thought about why I'm lonely, why I have been feeling sad. I could blame it on the fact that I need to date more, that I don't 'get out' more or that people are disinterested in me. Blame, however, doesn't lead to solving problems. Ever. <div>
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While I was contemplating the little pieces of sadness seemingly stuck inside me, I remembered something that should always be at the front of my mind and my heart, which is that Heavenly Father always needs me and I always need Him. While I can feel sad and sort of lonely, I could also be proactively strengthening my relationship with Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father. The wonderful thing about that is, that when I put my relationship with God before everything else, He will see to it that I am filled with His love and peace about my future. His love fills the cracks of loneliness and erases the small traces of sadness. Through times of discouragement and challenges, the lasting grace of the Savior gets me through. I have faith that even though there are times when I feel sad, Heavenly Father will send angels to be there with me in everything I do. </div>
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Obedience is the key to joy, peace and happiness in this life, and I know that when I choose the best choices, I will be strengthened in the face of discouragement. "Would Heavenly Father be pleased with me? Am I showing my divine nature? Am I letting others see Heavenly Father's love, goodness, and kindness? How can I be the woman that Heavenly Father knows I am?" These are all questions that I have continued to ask myself. I know that through the Savior's Atonement and by our Heavenly Father's plan, I can be happy and find joy. My heart, though sometimes sad, is filled with the light and love that the Gospel brings into my life. How grateful I am for the knowledge that I have a Father who taught me and prepared me to come to Earth. He helped me to understand the responsibilities that I would be given, and the accomplishments I would need to achieve while on the earth. I know-- I KNOW that I am His daughter. I cannot and will not ever question my divine heritage. </div>
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In relief society, a sister said, "Men are that they might have joy, [not guilt]." I believe that Heavenly Father wants me to be happy, but I also need to be actively seeking the righteous, virtuous, praiseworthy things that will help me to feel that <i>lasting</i> joy and happiness. As I remember my divine nature and try to help others see their own, my heart can be filled and my spirit too. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. "The Gospel is not weight, it is wings! It carries us." Sister Jean A. Stevens said that, and it is absolutely true.</div>
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Happy Tuesday!</div>
Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-78345026508307969652015-01-25T18:10:00.001-08:002015-01-30T11:33:20.880-08:00Be Still My Soul, The Lord Is on Thy SideLast night I was praying and telling Heavenly Father how hard it is to feel like I'm never someone's choice. Promptly following, there came a clear statement to mind, which is also a line from my patriarchal blessing saying, "You are one of His chosen daughters." My feeling of heartache quickly left and I was filled with the love of my Father. Today as I was taking the sacrament I thought about Jesus Christ and His mission. The sacrament became a far more personal experience as I pictured my Savior and remembered that I am engraved on His hands. Partaking of the sacrament is sacred, and today I really felt that sacredness. The thought came to me that I have a brother who chose to suffer and atone for my sins, and He chose to feel the sorrows and heartaches I feel. He chose me and continues to choose me. We have a wonderful, merciful, loving God.<br />
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Earlier in the week, I was feeling badly about some feelings I had along with some pride that was preventing me to be the best I could be. On Monday night, I went to FHE for all of about ten minutes to hand out some thank you cards, but my heart wasn't feeling too great, so I decided to go to the temple. I knew it was closed, but sometimes sitting in front of the temple does a great amount of good. The glory, whiteness, and light of the temple reminded me of who I am trying to be and my divine nature. Surely a daughter of God would be willing to forgive and to feel love and compassion for others. It's amazing that a car in a parking lot can become a sacred place. That night I prayed for forgiveness, and Heavenly Father continues to forgive me. My heart is filled with gratitude to know that I am a daughter of Heavenly parents who love me no matter what, and their love will not leave me.<br />
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Sitting in Relief Society today did a lot for my spirit. We were talking about helping those in need and then we read a scripture from Mark 14:8, which says, "She hath done what she could." Heavenly Father was speaking to me today, but I was also listening. Throughout the week, I was not listening to the voice of the spirit. Most of my days this past week were filled with voices that told me I'm not good enough and what I'm doing is not enough. Today I decided to listen one single voice-- the voice of the spirit. That voice told me, "You hath done what you could." I have a strong testimony that God speaks to us today, and that he is eager to give us answers, but we have to be listening and have a willing heart.<br />
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I have a strong desire to be an instrument in Heavenly Father's hands and to do the Lord's work. I know that if I continue to seek learning the things of God, that I will be able to do good in any capacity. How grateful I am for the blessings that come from living the Gospel joyfully and having faith in the Plan of Salvation and all it entails. Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ is hard work, but I know that it's a work I want to be part of, and I want to be satisfied with my accomplishments by the end of my time here on Earth.<br />
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Happy Sunday!Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-29082724649961477402015-01-22T18:19:00.002-08:002015-01-22T18:21:31.669-08:00Love, Marriage & Dating-- my two cents <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes it seems like in dating and courtship, people are looking for a 'perfect' person to ride on in. I'll be the first to say that I do not expect perfection. I am not even close to perfection, so why should I expect someone else to have never made mistakes or continue to make mistakes? But, I am trying my best to be the best I can be. I think there's something to be said for progression, and looking at others the way that Heavenly Father sees them-- seeing someone's divine nature. This life is about progression and becoming the best we can be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I believe that marriage is not a magic wand. Habits don't change when you get married. Many people feel that when they're married they'll start being happier, maybe even that they'll start going to the gym every day for an hour and cleaning their bathroom twice a week. It doesn't seem that it works that way, which is why I am trying to become my best self. A parcel of marriages surrounding me have shown this to be true.</span></div>
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Love is love, but I also want to like the man I marry. To me, marriage means many things, one of those definitions being companionship. Hopefully when I someday marry, I'll be bffs with my husband. Haha. I want that so much. How great would it be to have someone to hang out with? The day I have someone to laugh with and hold hands with will be so lovely. Marriage seems to also be about compromise and sacrifice. Doing things together holds a lot of value, which includes holding hands. It's the small things that add up to make love wonderful. That's what I think anyway.... Because, you know, I have so much experience..., but I feel that my thoughts have value.</div>
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When I was in YW, I remember the advisers saying, "Write a list of the attributes of your future husband." I'm sure that list was pretty short, and said something like, "Good looking. Returned Missionary. Nice. Funny." My list now is vastly different. Here it is: A man who loves God more than He loves me. A man who loves to laugh and can appreciate my over-reaction to beautiful, exciting things. A man with ambition and intelligence-- intelligence is so attractive. A man who wants to be a father. A man who treats others with kindness, and sees their divine nature. A man who smiles. A man that sees the value of education and learning. A man who thinks I'm beautiful. A man that can provide, but also appreciates a working woman (I have plans on using my degree). A man who wants to hold my hand kiss me. A man who is well-groomed and looks nice and neat. A man who enjoys just being with me even if it's cooking dinner or sitting next to me while I do my 'old lady' family history hobby.</div>
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*I could probably go on, but I won't. Also, if you fit this description, please make a date and call me at __________. Hahaha. The opportunity was there and too good to pass...</div>
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With all of my heart, I want to be a mother. I also want to create a beautiful home that makes others feel at home. Decorating isn't just another thing to me-- it's about creating a welcoming, beautiful place where the spirit resides. Hopefully the man I marry wants a lovely home, because I want to make a home where beautiful children enter and fill it with even more happiness, craziness, laughter and lots of kisses. I don't need a huge house with lots of fancy things, but I want a home to fill with family, cooking, dancing, music, scripture reading, and laughter. </div>
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I believe that I will get married in time, and to a man who loves me and likes me. With a lot of support, patience, love and hard work, we'll be together for eternity; I believe that.</div>
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My bishop gave me a wise piece of advice, which I intend to follow. He said, "Maddie, I want you to get out of your comfort zone in whatever way that means for you." So I've been giving that some thought and action. I realize that to someday fulfill my goals, I have to do something about them! Here's to dating and creating lasting friendships and relationships. I've already started, and I know that Heavenly Father is blessing me with a great amount of gumption because He loves me and wants to bless me. I have made so many new, lovely, kind, funny friends in my ward. They have blessed my life so much. Isn't God great? I love knowing that I have a Heavenly Father who wants to bless me, and wants the best for me. He wants the best for each of His children!</div>
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Happy Thursday! </div>
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Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-25306459442496769202014-12-29T15:57:00.001-08:002014-12-29T15:57:37.351-08:00Six Word Memoir<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What is a Six Word Memoir?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The story of your life
written in six words.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes they are funny, and sometimes they are sad. </span></span><br />
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“For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” –Earnest Hemingway<br />
“I can’t keep my own secrets.” -Anonymous<br />
“Mom taught me how to shave.” -Anonymous<br />
“Evil bench stole my front teeth.” -Anonymous<br />
“It’s our fiftieth—table for one.” -Anonymous<br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here are some of my own Six Word Memoirs</span>:<br />
Minnie Mouse wouldn't cook the asparagus.<br />
He’s the cooked fruit in love.<br />
Reaching-- always reaching for the moon.<br />
Gumption: fruition of closeted pep talks.<br />
I am the leading lady here.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Some tips</span>:<br />
Six compelling words, not six syllables.<br />
Use punctuation to your advantage.<br />
Get rid of useless words.<br />
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Post some of your own Six Word Memoirs in the comments. I would love to read them! Happy Monday!<br />
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love, Maddie Violet<br />
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Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-78486824643651474802014-08-29T17:36:00.001-07:002014-08-29T18:32:30.675-07:00best teacher everI love people, but sometimes I need a break to be alone in a quiet place. I decided to go to the temple this morning and it was exactly what I needed. With school starting again, my stress level has been pretty high. My education classes are a bit overwhelming, but I am really enjoying them so far.<br />
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One of my five courses is Exceptional Students, a class that teaches how to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities. The professor began by writing backwards in perfect cursive, "My name is Kristin Wright and I have struggled with dyslexia my whole life." It was a powerful class time as she described her experience in school and later finding out she was dyslexic. Then she read <i>Thank You Mr. Falker </i>and I got a little emotional. Right in the middle of the book, I had the chills and knew, KNEW that I am doing the exact right thing. I want to be the best teacher ever!</div>
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Though this week was hard, it was also rewarding. I am so grateful for my family, my home teacher, friends and my coworkers. This week could have been completely awful, but Heavenly Father has blessed me with so many lovely, wonderful people in my life. </div>
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Happy happy blessed three-day-weekend!</div>
Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-1665731477538522592014-08-21T20:30:00.002-07:002014-08-21T20:30:16.375-07:00The Temple is a House of GodLast week I received my endowment in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. My heart was so full that day, and has been since that night. My testimony of a loving Heavenly Father grew stronger during that lovely session. I feel such a devotion to my Savior. My greatest desire is to do His will, and to make the choices that will lead me to live with my Father again.<br />
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I love my life and I'm grateful for the place I am right now. While many of my peers are getting married and starting little families of their own, I have been content with being single. You know, I am so glad I have been content because life would be a lot harder if I wasn't. <br />
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Well, as I sat through the session last week and soaked it all in, I thought to myself, "I want to be married to a worthy Priesthood holder who also desires exaltation." For the first time really I felt more of a desire to be married, but I also felt that I should work a little harder to make choices that will lead me to marriage. I don't think I'll be getting married anytime soon, but I should probably be better at putting myself out there a bit more.<br />
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I love my Savior. I love the temple. Tonight I went back to do initiatory for some names that I found and did baptisms for. I know that the power of the priesthood allows for the work of the dead to move forward. How grateful I am for the work of the Lord! It strengthens me and I feel an infinite love for my ancestors. <br />
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Happy Thursday! ... well, almost Friday.<br />
<br />Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-14520379961162984162014-08-11T10:58:00.003-07:002014-08-11T10:58:26.394-07:00I know He lives, I will follow faithfully, my heart I give to Him, I know that my Savior loves me!It's interesting to discover the different trials people go through or have gone through in their lives. For me, it's been a blessing to learn about my great-grandparents and how they faced tragedy and hard spots of life. Their lives give me peace and strength, and I'm so grateful for that!<div>
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The hardest trial and biggest blessing in my life has been my parent's divorce. I remember finding out that my parents were splitting up. I was seventeen. Life was bound to come crashing down, and it did. My heart was heavy with aching as we had to leave the home I grew up in. Worst fears are a real thing and mine came true. </div>
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Although there were a lot of tears and sadness, my testimony grew stronger each day in that couple of years. I can remember one night where I felt especially burdened with heartache. I needed to know and feel that Heavenly Father is the father of my spirit, that he loves me and knew exactly how I was feeling. That night, as I began to pray, I couldn't. I was so burdened, but immediately after I addressed my Father, I knew He loved me very much, that He would always be there to comfort me, that He is the Father of my spirit. </div>
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Many people wonder how I got through this trial and made it through coming out better than I was. The desires of my heart are turned toward the Lord, and my Heavenly Father. I love my Savior, and I know that He is my redeemer, that His atoning sacrifice was not only for my sins, but for my heartache and grief. I know surely that I have a Heavenly Father. Before I came to this earth, I lived with Him and He taught me and I felt His love. </div>
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Though my past trial still burdens me once in a while, my heart is full of gratitude for the goodness of God, and the goodness of people. I am so grateful for the blessings in my life, some of the greatest being my family and my ward. </div>
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My heart is so full! I love the Gospel, and I know that Heavenly Father knows the desires of my heart. As I read the stories of my great-grandparents, I am inspired by their faith through trials and tribulation. Someday I hope my children will find peace and strength through mine as well. </div>
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The greatest joys in my life come from keeping my covenants and seeking for exaltation. I know Heavenly Father loves all of His children. When we keep our covenants, we can see others as Heavenly Father sees them and have a greater capacity to love and comfort others that are in the midst of trial. </div>
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Happy Monday!</div>
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Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-88423241073391503452014-06-11T18:38:00.003-07:002014-08-11T11:01:41.809-07:00bestThe wonderful thing, even though life changes, and goes on, Heavenly Father's love is still there and always a constant.<br />
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I went to an event where I ran into someone from high school, and the reminiscing began. I didn't hate high school, but it was a hard time in my life. I'm grateful to be where I am now. Eternal perspective is a lovely thing to have, and strive for. Don't get me wrong, I feel blessed to have gone through those hard years because I am a stronger, more faithful individual, but it's hard to look back.<br />
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Remembering my worth, the blessing it is to be here on this earth, and the knowledge that "forever" is a real thing fills my soul with gratitude.<br />
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love, Maddie Violet<br />
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<br />Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-70305933625188606712014-04-21T20:04:00.002-07:002014-04-21T20:04:08.935-07:00from The Living Christ: The Testimonies of the Apostles<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">"We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human
history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the
Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the
Redeemer of the world.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">He rose from the grave to 'become the firstfruits of them that slept' (<span class="scriptures"><a class="scripture" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/1_cor/15/20#20">1 Corinthians 15:20</a></span>). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His 'other sheep' (<span class="scriptures"><a class="scripture" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/john/10/16#16">John 10:16</a></span>)
in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to
the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised 'dispensation of the
fulness of times' (<span class="scriptures"><a class="scripture" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/eph/1/10#10">Ephesians 1:10</a></span>).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: 'His eyes were as a
flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his
countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as
the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah,
saying:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">'I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father' (<span class="scriptures"><a class="scripture" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/dc/110/3-4#3">D&C 110:3–4</a></span>).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Of Him the Prophet also declared: 'And now, after the many
testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of
all, which we give of him: That he lives!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">'For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the
voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">'That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were
created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters
unto God” (<span class="scriptures"><a class="scripture" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/dc/76/22-24#22">D&C 76:22–24</a></span>).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church
have been restored upon the earth—“built upon the foundation of . . .
apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner
stone' (<span class="scriptures"><a class="scripture" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/eph/2/20#20">Ephesians 2:20</a></span>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">We testify that He will someday return to earth. 'And the glory of
the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together' (<span class="scriptures"><a class="scripture" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/isa/40/5#5">Isaiah 40:5</a></span>).
He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every
knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each
of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the
desires of our hearts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the
Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel,
who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the
life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to
happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be
thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">-I know Jesus lives and loves me! He is my Savior.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Cheers!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="color: #38761d;">love, Maddie Violet</span> </span>Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-36954188216733970622014-03-27T16:57:00.001-07:002014-03-27T16:57:24.877-07:00I have a voice<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">It's been far too long. This week all I've wanted to do is write a good blog post, one that actually has some value. I feel that I need to voice my opinion on some things that have been on my mind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">1- Moral Relativism does not sit well with me. If you make the choice to follow God, you are making the choice to uphold and stand for the morals of God at all times, in all places. More on this subject<span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/people-of-faith-should-defend-freedom-of-religion-elder-oaks-says" target="_blank"> here</a></span>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">2- I am a woman in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and I know who I am and the divine role I have on this Earth and in the eternities. I do not need the Priesthood to feel God's love for me as a woman and His daughter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">3- This Saturday I get to participate in a meeting celebrating womanhood and the relationship between Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and women. Go <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch?cid=HPTH032714628&lang=eng" target="_blank">here</a> to learn more about the General Women's Conference.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">4- I want to be a mother. There is nothing I want more than to have the great blessing of raising beautiful, loving, children. I also want to be an English teacher and teach other people's children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">My short list here is important to me. I want all of my readers to know that I know who I am, I know that God has a plan for me. I try my best to be like Jesus and follow Him though I am not perfect. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Happy Thursday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">love, Maddie Violet </span><br />
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<br />Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-59360433722378225212014-02-25T16:48:00.002-08:002014-02-25T16:48:57.281-08:00chin up darling<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Today was hard. Going to school to take a grammar midterm wasn't even the hard part. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">After a month of waiting to receive a grade for my American Lit. paper, today it was handed back to me with a big fat C on the back page. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">It's funny how the feeling of not being good enough fills every aspect of your life when one thing goes wrong. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Needless to say, I'm not upset with the professor; however, I am going to kick his behind with my next paper. Count on it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">So instead of thinking about my horrid grade, the pants that will never fit, and the better things I could be, I'm going to try to think of the good in my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I'm grateful for the sunshine, for the Gospel, and for the fact that I probably won't have to know every single detail of MLA format to get into Heaven.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Cheers! My thoughts are with you college students trying to make it through another day, another midterm, etc...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">love, Maddie Violet</span><br />
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Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-58234959540104498962014-02-20T16:48:00.003-08:002014-02-20T16:51:42.559-08:00forever & ever<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Life has been so busy lately, and by busy, I mean doing homework constantly. Though this semester has taken it's toll, I'm grateful for the classes I'm taking. I am also grateful for the fact that in two years I'll be done done done! woohoo!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Today at work I thought about how I need to remember to do things that will bring me closer to God. It's not like I am doing anything bad, but I feel like I have been so focused on school work, that somehow I forgot to work on my relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I felt bad that I haven't done so well at really studying my scriptures, or going to the temple, but you know, Heavenly Father knows me and the desires of my heart. Heavenly Father knows that I am not perfect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">On my way home from work, I was listening to "Danny Boy," and immediately running through my mind were pictures of my family. I just thought about my ancestors and my living family, about how grateful I am for their experiences and for the knowledge that I can live with them again. My heart is filled with peace when I think about seeing, hugging and being with my family again someday. I know that it's because of Christ, and me following His teachings, that I am able to have an eternal family. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Learning about my roots is extremely important to me. I almost feel like I have a small piece of all of my ancestors inside of me. Because I have taken the time to learn about the lives of my ancestors, my life is richly blessed and I feel such great happiness knowing that I am a descendent of wonderful, humble, hard-working, beautiful people. Each time I read a personal story or experience, I feel like that small piece inside of me starts to glow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Cheers! Happy Weekend! Almost anyway...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">love, Maddie Violet</span><br />
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<br />Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-60065156121997412272014-02-01T15:11:00.005-08:002014-02-01T15:11:47.843-08:00overwhelmed<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">After four hours of homework every night this week and doing homework since 10 AM this morning, I still have a two papers to write and 100 pages to read. I am completely overwhelmed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">There is no end. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I've reached the point of either getting it done or sitting and crying, but I've decided to take the high road, the better road. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">So even though my head hurts, my brain hurts, my stomach is nauseated and tears are lumped in my throat, I'm going to be happy (try anyway) and have faith that Heavenly Father will help me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Cheers! Now back to the books. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">love, Maddie Violet</span>Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-20251108059912470142014-01-30T11:16:00.002-08:002014-01-30T11:16:47.532-08:00I've been tagged!<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The lovely Sydnee tagged me in her post and now I answer a list of questions. So here we go!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1. What is your typical outfit? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Dark wash skinnies, flats, a colorful blouse and I never leave the house without earrings on. I keep a spare pair in my car just in case.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2. What is the background on your phone? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's the Salt Lake City temple. I need something bright and beautiful to see every day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3. Lipstick or lipgloss? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Lipstick please! Revlon Just Bitten lip stain. My favorite shade is Honey. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">4. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What non-natural hair color would you dye your hair?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Plum. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">5. What is something truly unique about you?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I know who I am. I've never questioned that.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">6. What is your favorite cookie?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Chocolate Chip.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">7. What is your dream career?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Teaching high school, but also being a Mom or being paid to do what I want. haha.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">8. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Honestly, I'd probably stay in Pleasant Grove. I love it and there's nowhere that's quite the same. Though, I'd love to visit Ireland. Maybe I'd live back east. That would be beautiful.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">9. </span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">New Girl question: Who would you date: Nick, Schmidt, Winston or Coach?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Nick. I think...</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">10. </span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What's something you want to be really good at?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I would love to be really good at conversation.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">11. </span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Who's your favorite fashion designer?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Ooo, that's hard. So hard that I don't know. I'm not up & up with designers right now. School is killing me.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">cheers!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">love, Maddie Violet </span></span>Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331202499402814578.post-81589824633616754622014-01-27T18:57:00.003-08:002014-01-27T18:57:32.686-08:00good way to start a monday<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Driving to school this morning, the sky looked like it was on fire while it turned the clouds pink. I was grateful to see such a beautiful sky. Living in such a wonderful place and knowing Heavenly Father loves me brightens my day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Yesterday I went to church because I love going to church as it's uplifting and renewing. One of the speakers in sacrament meeting talked about the power of daily scripture study and the affect it has on daily life. Today, rather this morning, I read and studied my scriptures and my day was so much better. My thoughts were clearer, I had a desire to act in a way that the Holy Ghost would be there my whole day, guiding and comforting me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I am grateful to know that God loves me and also loves you! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Cheers!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">love, Maddie Violet</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">As a family history teacher, I feel like I need to let everyone know about the neat event happening next week: roots tech. Go to rootstech.org to get more info. It will be amazing!</span><br />
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<br />Maddie Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12810330962399551091noreply@blogger.com0