Some Thoughts For Thursday.

My heart is so full with joy this morning and would love to share my thoughts with you.

On my way to work this morning, I was thinking about life.

My life then and my life now. Wow! What a change!
Seriously...like a complete 360!

For a long time, before I came to know God, there was so much turmoil in my life.

Looking back, it really saddens me to think about all the years I wasted living that way.

I spent most of my time partying with friends on the weekends and even sometimes during the week.

My friends and I would drink, laugh, dance, play games and joke around. At the time I thought "Wow...life is good!" But what it? Was I really loving my life?

No...I wasn't. I was just going through the motions day after day after day. 

My daily life ended up feeling like it was on repeat

and as each day passed there was nothing to look foward to. I felt so lost.

 Looking back I was using the alcohol to cover up all of my struggles and problems I was facing.

 Of course the nights when I was drinking, I forgot about my trials for the night.

But you know what??

The next morning when I would open my eyes

with an upset stomach and a headache....

my problems and the heartache was still there.

That's no way to live. I wasn't truly happy.

I never had peace or even knew what it felt like to have peace.

God has brought me through so much and I know that everything that

happens in my life is for a purpose and has a reasoning. It's all apart of His perfect plan.

I am grateful for the trials, struggles and heartache that I faced then, because it brought me

to come to know God and my Savior and has shaped and formed me into the

daughter of God that I am today.

What have you overcome?
What has God brought you through?



Currently.

Listening to: Kari Jobe "Steady My Heart"

I can't stop listening to this song!!

Reading: Daughters in My Kingdom I have been overwhelmed with the spirit of this book’s message. It has taken me on a journey from one sister to another —all daughters of Heavenly Father who inspire and lift, comfort and build in extraordinary ways by very ordinary actions. It is a message of love and reverence and respect for women. I have grown closer to my Heavenly Father and I am now even more aware of His wonderful plan that He has for me and for all of His children. I hope this book will be read and cherished and that it will remind women how much they are loved by Heavenly Father. 

“The world's greatest champion of woman and womanhood is Jesus the Christ.”

Making: a coupon book for the love of my life for Valentines Day.

He will definitely get a lot of use out of this...especially the massage coupon.

Those will be used up real quick!

I found this cute free printable on Ashley's blog

Praying: for my Dad who is really sick. Hoping Heveanly Father

will soften his heart and make a way for him to move to Arizona.

Learning: to continue to trust my Heavenly Father in the midst of the hard times.

His way, His plan, and His timing is perfect.

Sometimes by small and simple things are

great things brought to pass.

7 Tips to Finding a More Peaceful Life

In a world where peace is such a universal quest, we sometimes wonder why violence walks our streets, accounts of murder and senseless killings fill the columns of our newspapers, and family quarrels and disputes mar the sanctity of the home and smother the tranquility of so many lives.

So where can we find true peace for our souls?

Faith in Jesus Christ and following His teachings give us a firm hope, and this hope becomes a solid anchor to our souls. We can become steadfast and immovable. We can have lasting inner peace; we can enter into the rest of the Lord. Only if we turn away from light and truth will a hollow feeling of emptiness, like the tree’s, occupy the innermost chambers of our souls.

In John 14:27 He tells His disciples, ^"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid"

[Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]”

Jesus essentially said, “I’m leaving you My peace. Now you need to do all you can to hold on to your peace and stop letting yourself get upset.”

Here are seven practical ways you can immediately increase your peace.

1. See the value of peace. Maybe you need to take peace a little more seriously. If you don’t think it’s a big deal to lose your temper, worry all day or get stressed out, you may have underappreciated the gift of peace more than you realize. See 1 Peter 3:11.

2. Take inventory of where you spend your time. Do you have an unsustainable life? Maybe you have way too much on your plate, but you keep saying yes to things and filling up your calendar. Remember that Jesus designed us to be fruitful, not busy.

So cut away the branches that are not bearing fruit.

3. Trust God. Believers in Christ are supposed to believe, right? That means we trust what He says in His Word and completely give everything over to Him. When we do that, we enter His rest (peace).

 See Proverbs 3:5.

4. Decide not to be a people pleaser. It’s impossible to keep all the people in your life happy all the time. This doesn’t mean you should be rude to them. Just don’t try to please someone at the expense of displeasing or being disobedient to God. Live to please Him first.

5. Mind your own business. I’ve learned that usually, the less I know about other people, the better off I am. Being nosy and spending energy trying to learn what others are doing or saying produces anything but peace in life. See 1 Thessalonians 4:11.

6. Let peace be the umpire of your life.  If you are thinking about doing something, but you don’t have peace about it, don’t do it—because if it’s not peaceful, it’s not God.

7. Do whatever you can to work toward simplicity. I’ve learned that the busier you are, the more important it is to have simplicity, which means sometimes it’s best to let things go instead of starting a war over something petty. Also, it might be simpler to not own so much stuff. Trying to take care of too much can just overwhelm and frustrate you.

 Remember that Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

 He can provide the tranquility you long for…even in today’s crazy busy world. 

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I Am a Mormon Monday

What is hope and what do you hope for?

 Hope is always looking and pressing forward for good things to come. 

  When we have hope, we trust God's

promises. We have a quiet assurance that if we do "the works of righteousness," we "shall receive our reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come" (D&C 59:23). Mormon taught that such hope comes only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ: "What is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise" (Moroni 7:41). The prophet Moroni taught, "Whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God" (Ether 12:4).

I love this quote:

How I live my faith

I live my faith by living trying to live each day to become more and more like Jesus Christ. I make sure that I pray every morning and night and meditate on Gods word daily to find answers, comfort, peace, happiness and to draw closer to my Father in Heaven. I try to share the Gospel with everyone around me and help people who are in need. I find true happiness in helping and serving other around me.

Read my story on how and why I become Mormon:

Part #1 

Part #2 

Part #3 

Hope you all have a fabulous Monday!

Can't Wait to Use This Baby!

This is the camera that I had....

Dont' get me wrong, it's a nice camera and takes decent photos.

I just wanted to step it up a little bit!

When my Dad came to visit a few weeks ago, he took some photos

of me with this camera. When we were sitting down at dinner he told

me that he has a nicer camera that he hasn't used in years and asked me

if I wanted it. What do you think I said? Uhh..YES!!

It just arrived in the mail today at work. 

It's a 35mm camera. I love the vintage look of it!

I have heard some really good things about 35mm cameras.

Some people will only stick to a 35mm camera over a digital

and some people who use digital would never shoot with a 35mm.

So we will see....

What kind of camera do you use?

Have you ever used a 35mm camera?

Any tips/suggestions would be helpful!

AASC State Convention 2013

My husband is the operations manager for Gamez on Wheelz 

It's a full service entertainment company.

We offer game trucks, laser tag, water tag, photo booth and glamour parties for girls.

During the week I work full time at a law firm in Scottsdale.
This is my part time job  if you even want to call it that....


Here is an event we did last night for the AASC (Arizona Association Student Council)
at Campo Verde High School in Gilbert, Arizona

They have 60-90 high schools participate and they have to
dress up as their favorite old school game then judged on who was the best dressed.
They had motivational speaker (cancer survivor) Josh Sundquist,  food, games, rides, and music.

I can't remember the high school I went to EVER doing anything
even close to something like this! They really went all out!

I hardly calling this working. We had a blast! So much fun!

 



Saved the best for last! Even my Mom was having a blast.
This is where I get it from!! I love my job!!




Come back tomorrow and see more pictures from tonight....

Trying To..

Yes, the time has arrived. I figured I would just put it out there and let you guys know.

 We have been trying to get pregnant for just a couple of months now.

My greatest desire is to become a mother and have the privelage

to nurture and raise one of Heavenly Father's precious children.

It has been exciting these past few months,  knowing that hopefully any day

now I will be able to read a test that shows up "Pregnant"

I picture and imagine that moment in my head. My heart longs for this day.

Sitting there with my heart beating a gazillion miles a minute hoping

and praying that the test will come out positive.

Reading it, crying and praising God for His goodness and His promises.

The overwhelming excitement and joy of telling my

Husband and eventually family and friends.

This is what I hope for. I hope that it will happen soon.

Even though it's an exciting time right now, it has also

been stressful and disappointing too. Every month that approaches

I get a test and think "okay this might be it!"

Then its negative....

Month after month, after month....

I get disappointed. I get sad.

Then I have to wait another month.

But throughout all of this its' teaching me alot

patience and to rely soley on the Lord and His plan for my life.

I have come to realize that I can only do so much and that

ultimately it is not in my hands. It's in the Lords hands and His perfect timing.

I believe that sometimes God doesn't give you what you want when you want it,

not beacuse you don't deserve it, but because you deserve so much more and He

has something really really big in store.

So I am going to be hopeful, prayerful

and wait on the Lord to see just what He has in store!

Are you trying to get pregnant?

I would love to hear some of your thoughts and stories too!

Etsy Favorites For Valentines Day

  I LOVE Valentines Day because its a day

to focus on love. A day to cherish the people you love and appreciate most.

Giving from the heart and spending quality time

with the one or ones you love.

Here are my 9 picks from Etsy that I love!

 

 

 

If you want to see more ideas for Valentines Day,
follow my Pinterest board HERE

Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY to win

a necklace from Wild About Jewelry

Hope you have a blessed day!!

Wild About Jewelry Giveaway

 

I am a jewelry fanatic. Literally. 

I have over 150 necklaces, bracelets,

earrings, watches etc. to prove it!

On the weekends, I love throwing on a 

plain top and adding a statement necklace to it.

It completely changes up the entire outfit.   

This turquoise necklace was sent to me from Wild About Jewelry  

They have a wide variety of fun pretty jewelry to choose from.

Would you like the chance to win this necklace?

Enter using the Giveaway tool below.. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I Am a Mormon Monday: Morgan

Blog // Facebook // Twitter

What is hope and what do you hope for?

Hope to me is trusting in the Lord, and knowing that he is mindful of you at all times. The world right now is a very scary place, and I take comfort in knowing that Heavenly Father knows who I am, knows what I strive to be and do, and I has a plan for me.  I hope for my daughter now and my future children that they will be able to find and know their true purpose and meaning and they will embrace and love the gospel in the same way that I love it.

How do I live my faith?

I live my faith by trying to be understanding of all people’s situations. I think many times we are too quick to judge others. The way that they act, the way that they dress, the things that they do, when in reality we may not really know what is going on in their lives. Everyone is fighting a hard battle, and it is important to me to be empathetic of others and try to keep in mind that everyone has flaws, and I should not look down or judge others in the same way I hope others would not judge my flaws. Christ loved all people, and as I strive to be more like the Savior (which is SUPER hard by the way), I learn to love people regardless of how they act or what they look like.

Thank you so much for having me Kimberly!!

Interested in being featured?

Email me: bostonksox@gmail.com

****Right now I am booked through March but want to keep this project going as long as I can, so if interested shoot me an email and I will put you on the list****



****Make sure to stop back tomorrow & enter to win
an item from Wild About Jewelry****
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Today's Scripture:

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge, and though I have al faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

-1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Sunday Inspiration & What I Wore

Dress: Ross // Hat: Meet Mark-Avon //  Glasses: TJ Maxx // Sweater: F21 // Purse: Ross // Boots: Kohls

Lately I have really been meditating on God's love. Because love is the greatest commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk.

When we truly understand what it means to love as Jesus Christ loves us, the confusion clears and our priorities align. Our walk as disciples of Christ becomes more joyful. Our lives take on new meaning. Our relationship with our Heavenly Father becomes more profound. Obedience becomes a joy rather than a burden. regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us. 

 

“Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount—that is the measure of God’s love for you. God does not look on the outward appearance. I believe that He doesn’t care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God love encompasses us completely. He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our resume but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God’s love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked. What this means is that, regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us.” 

  -Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Meet & Mingle Saturday Blog Hop

Friday's Letters Link-Up

Dear Husband

I am so thankful for you 

and your unconditional love.

I wouldn't want to experience

this sweet life with anyone but you.

Dear Shadow

I am so sorry we had to get 

you neutered....poor baby :(

 Dear Fruit/Veggie Smoothie

Who would have ever thought you 

would be so yummy! My stomach

has never felt better!

Dear Daddy

I am so glad that you are 

here visiting. It's so great to 

have you here. Love you!  

Well....what are you waiting for??
Link up already!!

Someone Special

I have been counting down the days and the day is finally here!

My Dad will landing in Arizona in just a couple of hours.

I cannot wait to see him and give him a BIG giant hug. 

My parents have been divorced since I was a Junior in High School.
The news came as a complete shock to both my brother and I as our
family was very close. It was hard at first....really hard. At that
time in my life I never knew God so I had no one to really turn to
and didn't know how to heal my broken and confused heart.

 I think the hardest part throughout all of it, 
 is having one parent here and the other in another state (California) 

  My Mom moved here a little over a year ago after much praying and fasting.

Josh and I are now working on getting my Dad here also (God willing)

I feel so blessed that I now have a relationship with God. That I don't have to

figure things out on my own. That He takes my sorrows and turn them into joy.

I know that He hears and answers prayers...even the unspoken ones.

 I know that God is faithful and I know that He has a plan for everything which

brings me comfort, hope and peace.

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Scripture of the Day (my favorite):

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
-Proverbs 3:5-6


Do you have a favorite scripture?

Houndstooth

Dress: Ross// Coat: Victoria's Secret// Tights: TJ Maxx// Boots: Ross

It is FREEZING here in Arizona but I'm loving it!
The high for the past few days has been 48-50 degrees,
dropping down to 28-30 degrees at night.
BRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

When it's cold like this, my go-to outfits are
boots, tights/leggings, chunky sweaters, scarves,
and cute warm coats.

What are your go-to outfits to dress for the cold??


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Scripture of the day:

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.  Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.

-Psalm 9:9-11