Happy New Years Eve

I Am a Mormon Monday

About Me

My name is Bekah Wagner and I blog over at A Mile in her Shoes. I'm a 21 (soon to be 22) year old girl who digs musicals, handmade treasures, and . I'm a girl who still believes in love at first sight. 

I love my family, 

friends, 

and a young man named Alex Baronins.

I've been a Mormon my entire life, and have always had a testimony of it's truth, but it wasn't until 2 years ago that I became truly converted to the gospel. I never realized how much of a difference true conversion brings to one's life, until the year 2010.

During my second year at University I hit a rough patch. I wasn't motivated in anything, dreaded going to school, and just felt extremely down about everything!! After much prayer and conversations with my parents I decided to take the following year off school. I felt like a failure. I was my own "bully". I thought I was stupid, good for nothing, and was never going to go anywhere in my life.

I had an entire year away from school. I was able to take the time to work on things that needed improving, and my testimony was one of those things. I didn't realize, but I was slowly loosing pieces of my testimony simply because I wasn't taking the time to actively work on it. You see a testimony is like an escalator moving down. If you don't make any movement, you go down. If you simply walk in place, you don't go anywhere. But if you want to get to the top you have to make the added effort to move.

 And I decided that I was ready to make that effort.

It is hard to be willing to change (especially when you are as stubborn as I am), but everything is possible with the help of our Saviour.

There have been things in my life that have made me happy, but the only thing on this earth that can give us true joy is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

What is hope and what do you hope for?
Faith and hope go completely hand in hand. For me hope is doing everything I can, in the best way that I can, and knowing that Jesus Christ will make up all the difference. 2010/2011 was an extremely difficult year for me. If it wasn't for hope, I wouldn't have been able to make it through.
I have hope that my desires will be fulfilled, that my prayers will be answered and that .

How I live my Faith
Growing up, everyone knew I was Mormon. I went to a Catholic high school (along a few other youth from my ward). If people asked questions I would answer, but I would never go out of my way to talk about the Gospel. Missionary work always terrified me. I never considered myself to be a good "member missionary". In all honesty I thought I was a terrible missionary. And then something very small yet incredible happened. On my 18th birthday, one of my best friends wrote in my card:
"I don't think you realize how much we all look up to you Bekah. Of all the girls in our group, you're the only that hasn't changed. You've never lowered standards for anyone. You are such an example to me."

Such a little note, meant so much to me. I've never did anything or acted in a certain way because I was being watched. I did it because I knew it was right. I live my faith by simply living my faith.

Anything can seem daunting, but taking things step by step, day by day, being consistent, and working on things that need to be improved or changed is the key.

I love the gospel. I have never doubted it's truth. Yes I have had questions, and yes I have gone through some extremely difficult trials, but it is all worth it. I can not wait for the day when I am reunited with my Father in Heaven and for him to say "Welcome home."

Thank you so much Kim for giving me the opportunity to share my testimony :)

Bekah

Want to participate??

Contact me at bostonksox@gmail.com

2 Years Ago

♥ Today is a great day! 2 years ago today, I married this amazing guy for time and all eternity. He brings so much joy and happiness into my life. I can't imagine my life without him. So blessed to be his wife ♥



Meet & Mingle Saturday Blog Hop

Friday's Letters Link-Up

Dear Emily

I am so proud of you for taking the step to get Baptized.
 

Dear Maddie & Maren

You are too cute in your fur-trimmed dresses. Love you!

 



Dear Husband

You found a sleigh bed! You are too good to me!

 

Dear Ayesha

This one is for you!!

 

Dear Suns Fans

I have to admit...this is one awesome hat!

 Dear Father-In-Law

Thank you for giving us a sweet deal!

We love it! Love you lots!

Now it's your turn to link up!

**Don't forget to stop back tomorrow for Meet & Mingle Saturday Blog Hop**

Feelings of Ingratitude.

Webster’s Dictionary defines “Ingratitude” as: “Forgetfulness of, or poor return for, kindness received.” It can also be defined as not appreciating or valuing what you have, or have been given. Unexpressed gratitude is also considered ingratitude.

In today’s fast-paced world, most people seem to not have time for thankfulness. Work, traffic, family, doctor appointments, and countless other things are their main priorities.

They seem to have no time to thank others or count their many blessings in their lives.

We live in one of the most abundantly blessed lands in the world. Our country enjoys plentiful food, shelter, electricity, running water, wealth, air conditioning, heating, transportation, sanitation, and many other blessings.

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our day to day lives and we simply forget or do not

acknowledge that EVERYTHING we have is from Heavenly Father.

I would love to share my personal experience...

Just a few days ago I found myself repenting and ask my Heavenly Father for forgiveness.

Last Monday we moved into our new house.

You can see the story on how we got this house HERE

We spent hours and hours packing, moving, unpacking, organizing, and trying to get things just where we wanted them.

It was pretty stressful especially moving and unpacking just a week before Christmas.

Amisdt all the unpacking and organizing, I found myself starting to experience a lot of feelings of ingratitude and I didn't even realize that I was doing it until I stopped to correct myself and then felt horrible because I knew this was a HUGE blessing from God for us to be able to get out of our apartment lease and find this home at the perfect time.

On some Saturdays I work Photo Booth.

Most of the parties that we do are in Scottsdale. With it being December we have booked

alot of Holiday parties. You walk into some of these homes that have been professionally decorated, super organized, spotless, or the wife is super talented and crafty and decorated the home herself.

It's the same thing you see on some of the blogs or on Pinterest. These picture perfect homes that some people have and you begin to feel a little low and a little envious of what they have or what their home looks like.  This is where the comparing starts and once it starts you have to stop it. Just simply stop it. Otherwise it will get a lot worse.

I started comparing and saying "I wish we" this and " I wish we" that. I simply had to stop myself, control my feelings and look around and think of all the many many blessings that God has given us. After pondering, praying and repenting I felt a huge weight lifted of my shoulders. I have also made a promise to myself to thank God even more at the end of each day.

Have you experienced feelings or are you experiencing feelings of ingratitude?

Although it is a part of our human nature, there are some ways to that we can avoid these feelings of ingratitude.

1. Thank God Daily

God commands us to go to Him in prayer with praise and thanksgiving. Do you thank Him daily?

The are many scriptures with examples of God’s servants showing their gratitude towards Him.

I Chronicles 29 records King David being deeply moved at the people’s generosity in preparing God’s Temple. David was inspired and expressed his earnest and sincere gratitude in honor of the great God. He exclaimed: “Blessed be You, Lord God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come of You, and You reign over all; and in Your hand is power and might; and in Your hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? For all things come of You, and of Your own have we given You”

Paul writes, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks” (I Thes. 5:16-18).

Psalm 92 records a special Sabbath psalm used to praise God: “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Your name, O most High: to show forth Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night…For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work: I will triumph in the works of Your hands. O Lord, how great are Your works! And Your thoughts are very deep…You, Lord, are most High forevermore. For, lo, Your enemies, O Lord, for, lo, Your enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered”

You should never run out of things to thank God for! Go to Him in prayer and continually thank Him for all the blessings He has provided you!

2. Tithes and OfferingsAnother vital way to demonstrate gratitude towards the great God is through tithes and offerings. The prophet Malachi records God’s words: “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me. But you say, Wherein have we robbed You? In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse: for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. Bring you all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Mal. 3:8-10).

Although God provides absolutely everything that we have, He promises to provide more—through pouring out blessings from heaven—if we merely do our part by paying tithes and offerings! Through our heartfelt dedication in supporting His end-time Work, He promises us much more than we can possibly desire!

3. Serve Others

I have always realized that there are many out there in today's world that are a lot less fortunate that we are. For Christmas Josh's family picks a family in need to help out.

The family that we served this year was so sweet. The father of the family had lost his job and they had to sell most of their things to pay bills. They moved into an apartment with their 3 boys (2,4, and 6) with literally a few trash bags full of clothes, a bed and a couch.

They literally had nothing. We all showed up at their doorstep (all 39 of us) with clothes, toys, household items, food, etc. The look on their faces was priceless. One we will all never forget. When you serve others you forget about yourself and your own trials.



 

4. Say "Thank You" More

 Many people fear thanking others. They often fall into the mentality that, by thanking, they are somehow in debt or owe something to that person. But the truth is far from this!

Throughout history, great men have been known for specifically thanking others. It is not a sign of weakness—it is a sign of meekness!

Think of the things that people do for you—from opening a door for you, to giving you a ride to the store, or providing a kind and reassuring word. We live in an age when common courtesy and politeness are all but extinct.

Say “thank you” and “please” often. You should never run out of people to thank. You would be surprised how happy those little words can make others feel!

5. Count Your Blessings, Not Your Worries Look around you. When was the last time you lost a loved one to starvation or rampant disease? When was the last time you gave up eating to make sure your children had food? When was the last time you had to sell your children because you did not have the money to survive or even provide for them? Chances are you have never experienced these things. Unfortunately, these are grim realities that many around the world face each day. Thank God each day for all the terrible things that you have not had to endure!  I have started a Gratitude journal. Every night I record  the things that come to my mind that I was grateful for that day. It really puts things into perspective and it's nice to be able to flip a few pages back and see what I wrote days, weeks or the months before.

6. Everything Happens For a Reason

It is so easy to fall into the routine of constant “grumbling” and complaining about problems and worries. When you find yourself complaining about finances, traffic, problems at work, family issues, car troubles, or whatever other difficulty or trial you may be experiencing, remember that everything God does and allows is for a reason. Although difficult, it is for a greater good—if you overcome them!

Consider the following analogy that I have heard a few times.... Each ingredient used in making a cake is not always sweet or good to the taste. By themselves, their tastes can range from bitter, to salty, to sweet, to chalky. But the end result—the cake—is delicious and sweet!

King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, recorded, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecc. 3:1).

Although it is difficult to do, when you are experiencing trials, look for the good that God wants you to learn from them. For example, if you are having car problems, and will need an expensive repair, perhaps you are mishandling, or wasting money on other things, and God wants you to re-examine your budget. Many of the difficulties that you encounter can help you realize whether or not you are living properly. You can learn from these experiences!

When people grumble, they are complaining about a situation that God has allowed—and sometimes even caused—them to be in!

Paul admonishes us to “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:14-15). Remember Paul’s three commands:

(1) “Rejoice evermore.” (2) “Pray without ceasing.” (3) “In everything give thanks.”


Today think or write down all the many things that you should be grateful for in your life.
Have a blessed day!!

FYI: I came across THIS blog today. She is amazing and a great writer. Check her out!

Modest Dresses for New Years Eve Shabby Apple Style

New Years Eve is next week!! 

2013 here we come!! I can't believe how fast time flys by!

I have already started thinking of some of my 

New Years resolutions that I would like to make.

Are you attending a New Years party?

Don't know what to wear?

Want a more modest look?

Here are some modest options from Shabby Apple.

Save 20% on all dresses in the Sale of the Seasons Category with code 'Seasons'. Offer expires 12/31/2012.

Testimony Tuesday

Hello everyone! I'm really excited to be here! Thank you Kimberly!

I blog over at Where the Birds Call 

My name is Allison Lutz but everyone calls me Ali. I am the 6th of 9 children. I do not have a blog yet... (working on it!) but i follow blogs like there is no tomorrow! I love them! I was born and raised in both Colorado And the Gospel and have a deep love for both!

I have always know the church was true and never questioned what I have been taught. I feel the spirit deeply and although I've made more mistakes then I can count I never doubted. I can honestly say my testimony is where it is today because I have made mistakes and I have had trials (no dramatic ones... I'm not that good yet, just little ones so I can prove I'm on the right side of the fence)

Just like every other girl between the ages of 19 and 21 who was listening to conference in October, my life completely changed. I sat there stupidly crying and really didn't getting much out of the next couple of talks because I was listening to the Spirit testify to me that this is God's work and that I needed to go share the "Good tidings of Great Joy" (Luke 2:10) I have been taught! I couldn't believe that the Lord was allowing me to serve early, trusting me to. I've wanted to go on a mission for almost 2 years now and I was fully prepared to wait but I'm so grateful for the revelation given to our true and living prophet that allowed me (this little girl from Colorado) to serve His children. He trusts me to bring them the gospel. It is very humbling.

Ok I just realized I never told you guys where I am going. I have been called to serve the AMAZING people of Paraguay! :) and if you cannot tell i'm a little excited about it.

I know the Gospel is true! I believe in the healing and cleansing power of the atonement. I know that the prophet on earth today, Thomas S Monson, and all the prophets before, are Men of God. They are His mouthpiece to His children. I know that because of our Savior, it does NOT matter what we have DONE, It matters what we are DOING! I testify that We are Heavenly Father's children, that He LOVES us and that His favorite part about being God is that He gets to be Merciful! I know that missionaries are called of God to spread the great message to everyone. Its a wonderful thing isn't it?! I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God and goes hand in hand with the Bible to teach us all Christ wants us to know and do. I know that through temple marriages, Families can be together Forever!

Thanks again for letting me share! :)

I Am a Mormon Monday

  

Hi, Corinne here! I write a little blog called The Lookbook where my husband and I get real about life, style, and parenthood.

What is hope and what do you hope for?

Hope is something that I do everyday. I am constantly hoping that I can be a good wife to my husband and a loving mother to my baby girl. Everyday I hope that my husband gets home safely from school, that my baby doesn't have a break-down in Target, and that I can remember to lock the front door. I also hope that my loved ones are happy and healthy, and that I never do anything to upset or disappoint them. Quite frankly, there are some days that I just hope I can get my teeth brushed and dinner on the table. It's that hope in both the simple and in the complex that keeps me appreciative and aware of the fragility of life. Hope is something that motivates me to be a better person, for myself and for those around me.

How do you live by your faith?

I live by my faith through simple and daily acts. Sometimes it's as simple as saying a prayer or visiting a friend in need. My faith in God is something that I try to weave seamlessly into my life... I live it when I sing a hymn to my baby girl as I rock her to sleep, when I hold my husbands hand during church, or when I take a walk to enjoy this beautiful earth. Those tender moments keep me grounded and turned towards the Lord.

For more thoughts about real life and pretty clothes, come visit me at The Lookbook! 

Friday's Letters Link Up

 

 

Dear Self

Breathe in...breathe out...breathe in....breathe out.

Lord please give me the strength and energy I need

to get this through super busy weekend I have ahead.

 

Dear Body

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE

dont get sick before moving day.

You don't really have a good track

record. You always get me sick on

the worst possible days!!

 

Dear Unwashed Hair

You feel disgusting!

Why can't you go just one day unwashed??

Come on!!

 

Dear Jessica

I am so excited to work

with you all day and night tomorrow!

Can't wait to see your pretty lil' face!!

Love you friend ;)

 

Dear Corner Deli

You have the best breakfast sandwhiches.

EVER!

 

 

Headshots and a Winner

*Stanton Street Photography

The winner of the gem bracelet Giveaway is......

Kim Bird

Please email me your address and I will send your bracelet out!!

bostonksox@gmail.com  

John Hardy Jewelry

 

Shop John Hardy;s Holiday Gift Guide
 

“John Hardy is a luxury brand of handmade designer jewelry that reflects a synergy of designer and artisan to create objects of beauty in an environment of respect for people and for the natural world.” – Damien Dernoncourt, Chief Executive Officer

Origin:

John Hardy's first partners, the ancestors of the goldsmiths to the royal courts of Bali, were the basis of today's partnership between designers and artisans. Together, they meld time-honored jewelry-making techniques with fresh design to create John Hardy pieces.

Watch the Video- http://www.johnhardy.com/spirit/our-story

Vision:

We will be the recognized leader in luxury handmade designer jewelry and lifestyle accessories inspired by the essence of the earth. We will be recognized as a green company, it's an endless journey but we’re greener every day.

Mission:

We are a people company responsibly creating handmade designer jewelry and lifestyle accessories.

Greener Everyday:

“We strive to always do better. Being green is a never-ending process. Every day, we are implementing energy-efficiency programs and evaluating ways to lower our impact on the environment because we care for our people.”  - Damien Dernoncourt, CEO

The concept of “Greener Every Day” is a central aspiration for John Hardy. We have a deep commitment to the environment that permeates the way we do business at every level. But more than that, the phrase is meant to inspire working toward improving every day in everything we do

As part of their commitment to Bali and the environment at large, John Hardy plants bamboo, the long-lived, rapidly growing woody perennial grass that is capturing the attention of environmentalists and sustainability advocates around the globe.

*John Hardy ships World Wide

*Complimentary Shipping on ALL Orders for the Holidays

*Last date to Order for Christmas Delivery is December 16th, 2012

Testimony Tuesday: Meet Cora

Thank you so much for taking a little time to stop and read my testimony. My name is Cora Noelle, and I am the second oldest of 7 children. I'm 15 (almost 16) and I love journaling, acting, blogging (cocobirdy.blogspot.com), debate, and the gospel. I am so thankful for the wonderful opportunity that I have to share my testimony with you. Thanks so much Kimberly!

   I've always been told that everyone will have their own special conversion story, and I know now that this is true. We will all have our own unique story of how we fell in love with the gospel and learned for sure in our hearts that was true. We may not know when it will be, but there will be a time. I promise. 

    My story came 4 years ago when my baby brother, Matthew, was born. Matthew's eyes were different when he was born. They were unusually swollen and cloudy. He was born with glaucoma, an eye disease rarely found in children. Immediately Matthew was rushed to Primary Children's Hospital to undergo a number of surgeries that would hopefully save his sight. Each week as Matthew met with the Doctors he pulled my family closer as we realized how unexpected and fragile life really is. 

    Because of Matthew's physical eyes our spiritual eyes were opened. He brought us closer to the gospel of Christ and closer the the Savior. We depended wholly upon our Heavenly Father, and we relied on him to help us through our trials. 

      I am so thankful for trials in our lives because it is then that we rely on the gospel the most. It is in those moments that we know that we are never alone. 

    What Matthew did reminds me of something that another brother of mine did for me. Jesus Christ came to the earth as a baby. He spent his life healing, forgiving, and teaching the world. He suffered the pains of the world so that each of us could return to him. He lived and died for each of us. He knows me personally and suffered for me. 

    Christ is my best friend and my older brother. I love him soo much and I know that he will never leave me. 

    I am thankful for Thomas S. Monson and Joseph Smith. They are prophets of God now and forever. I am thankful for the knowledge of eternal families. 

I know that I am a daughter of God, and I know with all my heart that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. 

    I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Want to participate in Testimony Tuesday??

Email me: bostonksox@gmail.com

GIVEAWAY ENDS TONIGHT @ MIDNIGHT!

eFoxcity

Have you guys heard of efoxcity?

Efoxcity is an online fashion clothing wholesaler.

Efoxcity has a huge assortment of clothing and accessories to choose from.

Who doesn't like cheap online clothes at wholesale price?

They offer womens clothing  jewelry and men pants

 

They also sell wedding & event dresses, winter jackets and coats for women, party dresses,

cute T-shirts, stylish outer wears, and sporty sets.

Here are just a few of my favorites (including the jacket pictured above) from Efoxcity.

Be sure to enter my GIVEAWAY!!

Ends this Thursday @ midnight!!

Cheesy Breakfast Pizza

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

I decided to make this over the weekend for the Hubs and I.

It was so good I had to share the recipe with you guys!

Enjoy!

Servings: 8

Prep time: 30 (not including thaw time)

Bake time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

2 eggs6 Rhodes™ Texas or 9 Rhodes™ Dinner Rolls
¼ cup heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste
½ cup grated mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated provolone cheese
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
½ cup chopped cooked ham
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
fresh ground black pepper if desired

Instructions

Spray counter lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Combine rolls and roll into a 12-inch circle. Place on sprayed pizza pan and poke several times with a fork to prevent bubbles from forming. Bake crust at 375º for 5-10 minutes until it begins to turn golden. Combine eggs, cream, salt and pepper. Add cheeses, ham and onions. Spread mixture evenly over pre-baked pizza crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Sprinkle top with freshly ground black pepper if desired.