I Am a Mormon Monday

My name is Madeline & I am married to my Canadian sweetheart Tyler! I started my blog, Mr. & Mrs. Vance, to document all of the exciting adventures with my husband during these first few beautiful years of marriage. (It’s not all rainbows and roses though) I didn't know if I would stick with it or not, but I have ended up just LOVING to blog! It’s my little outlet and I love the friends I have made. 

What is hope and what do you hope for?

I like to think that hope is similar to faith. Hope is a feeling of trust and the desire for a particular outcome. My hopes are simple: I hope to better myself in this crazy life, I hope to be a mom, I hope to spend my life serving, I hope for years ahead full of laughter, family trips as well as spending it by my husband’s side. I hope to have a life revolved around the gospel, my family, and love.

How do you live your faith?

I think the best way that anyone can live their faith is by example. Live your faith by the way you walk, talk and dress. Speak kindly of others, do good. Invite others to feel the same joy you do. These are all parts of living by faith. I work everyday on living by faith, and not by fear. Above all, I live my faith through love.

I also want to say thank you to the beautiful Kimberly for asking me to be featured on her lovely blog! What a great opportunity this was, thanks again!

XOXO,

Madeline

Let’s be friends!

Blog link: http://madelineandtyler.blogspot.com

Bloglovin: https://www.bloglovin.com/madelinevance

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madeline.ashcraft.7

Instagram: @mrsmadelinevance

.................................................................................................................................................................. If you are interested in being apart of I Am a Mormon Monday, please contact me! Email: bostonksox@gmail.com

I Am a Mormon Monday: Meet Kaycee

A little about me! I live in Scottsdale, AZ for half of the year, and Oakland, CA the other half. My husband plays baseball for the Oakland Athletics, and we are a busy, traveling baseball family. Our life is pretty crazy [understatement], but we have been immensely blessed [also an understatement]. 

I was raised Mormon, but spent the majority of my young adult life away from the church. After getting married, my husband and I decided to start going to church. We weren’t like many of the stories you hear, where things were going terribly wrong, we had hit rock bottom and we needed to find something more. In fact, it was pretty much the complete opposite. Our life together was amazing, we had all we needed, and were very blessed and happy. Needless to say, we began going to church anyways and found exactly what we didn’t know we were looking for.

Being Mormon has brought nothing but happiness to my life. Following the teachings of Jesus Christ fills my life with joy, and helps me to have a long-term outlook on the day-to-day aspects of my life. I have never been happier than when I am living my life in a Christ-like way, and am so grateful for this church and it’s teachings in my life.

What is hope and what do you hope for?

For me, hope is the desire for something to happen. What do I hope for? Oh goodness. I might need the next 2,375 blog posts to answer that question! I think what I hope for most is complete happiness in my life. For a happy marriage, happy children, and to bring happiness to everyone that crosses my path. 

How do you live your faith?

I am not the type of person to hand a Book of Mormon out, or talk a lot specifically about my faith (unless of course someone asks!). I would like to think that I live my faith my living a good, Christ-like life and by being an example to those around me. Whether it’s helping someone in need, or simply being a good friend. I have been SO blessed by this church and am so grateful for it in my life.

Twitter: @kayceesogard

Instagram: Kayceesogard

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If you would like to participate in I Am a Mormon Monday, please contact me!
bostonksox@gmail.com

What We Wore Wednesday

September 3rd. Today is my Dad's birthday. It's been 47 days (to be exact) since my Dad left this earth to go live with Heavenly Father. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about him and miss him dearly. I know in my heart that he is always nearby. As today was approaching, I wondered how difficult it would be celebrating my Dad's birthday without him here. But this morning as I got out of bed and looked at the picture of my Dad on my nightstand...I felt love, peace, comfort, and joy. The only type of love, peace, comfort and joy that He can offer. True, pure and indescribable. I am so grateful for Him. I don't know what I would do without Him and I don't ever want to have to think about that.

Last night, Josh, E and I were laying in our bed cuddling and reading books together. All of the sudden, sadness came over E's face as she bowed her head and had this pouty look.

Me: "What's wrong honey?"

E: "I miss my Grandpa...I want him."

(I pushed her little body closer to mine and hugged her tightly)

Me: "I know honey. Grandpa is in Heaven. You will see him again. I promise you that. You know you can always talk to Grandpa and tell him how much you love him and miss him right?"

Within seconds, E stood up on our bed, tilted her head back looking to the ceiling and said "Grandpa? Grandpa? Can you hear me? Are you listening? I miss you Grandpa. I love you so much Grandpa. I will see you soon! Thank you Jesus. I love you.

My heart melted at that very moment and a tears fell down my face. 

 

 

(me) dress: down east  // belt: gift // shoes thrifted // earrings: thrifted // bracelet: TJ Maxx // watch: Target
(e) top: thrifted // leggings: thrifted // shoes: gift

BREAK ME OFF A PIECE OF THAT KIT-KAT BAR!

Gimme a break! Gimme a break! Break me off a piece of that Kit-Kat bar!
The other day I was uploading some images onto my laptop of...lets just called her "E" from now on okay?  I was uploading some images of E. As I was putting all the pictures into the folder, I came across these pictures I took awhile back when I taught a lesson "I Can Prepare For Baptism" in Primary. I made these for the kids in my class and got the idea HERE. I thought it would be a great reminder for them and I know that they all love chocolate..who doesn't right!?!? I love having the opportunity to teach them. They have such a strong desire to learn about God and Jesus Christ. They make me want to be better. They are such an example to me and I love each and every single one of them dearly.   

   

I AM A MORMON MONDAY: MEET VALERIE

About me:

My name is Valerie and I blog at A Little Life Journal 

http://valeriebt.blogspot.co.uk/

My blog is really just a family blog although it has taken some unexpected twists and turns since it began. We live in a small cottage by the sea on the East Coast of Scotland, and despite the weather, we love it here.

What is hope and what do you hope for?

Hope is the surety that everything is working out exactly the way it is meant to. Feeling hopeless is feeling cast adrift with no course and no purpose. I hope for peace and happiness, which sounds like a cliche, but in the end its what my heart desires for myself and for everyone I care about.

How I live my faith:

I live my faith with love. Loving everyone does not come naturally to me (most of us?),  but its how our Savior lived His life and He is my Teacher. Love can be divided endlessly, love can build bridges, and move mountains and change lives forever. I try to live my life full of love. “Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye.” 

Thank You for including me in Mormon Monday Kimberly!

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If you would like to be apart of I Am a Mormon Monday, 

please contact me and I will add you to the list! 

Email: bostonksox@gmail.com 

JUST IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING....

I testify to you that there is s God! He is real and personal and loving. He is also just. The fact that we can see, hear, and experience, all testifies of this fact that He is real and that He has a wondrous plan that allows us to partake of His goodness and creation all around us every day. I challenge you to try and find God in everywhere you look and in everyone you meet.

WE ALL HAVE A STORY TO TELL: ASHLEY JENKINS

Hey!    Hey Kimberly, this is Ashley Jenkins. I wrote on your Instagram how much I enjoyed your posts. I thought I would share my thoughts on how god has worked in my life.

My story starts as a new Mom to my first baby girl. Right after I had my first C-section, I started having some horrible stomach pains, pain so debilitating, all one could do is lay on the floor and cry. I spent many nights hospitalized, only to be sent home that they just couldn't figure out what was wrong.  I had 2 more C -section births only to have the pain get worse with each birth. I went to every doctor I could think of, tried every "natural treatment" I could find that was offered(over $15,000), went to countless specialists and out of state treatments.(insurance paid out over a million dollars in testing) No one could give me answers, so I lived with pain(different degrees of pain) for 7 solid years.

The doctors all suggested I live gluten, dairy, soy, and fruit free life. This was a horrible adjustment as I felt like i had no more enjoyment in food.I am 5'9 and weighed 100 pounds during my worst. I just couldn't find out what was wrong.

During this time in my life is where I truly got to know my Savior Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father. I felt The Lord in all expects of my life. I felt like I couldn't enjoy my children because the physical pain caused so much agony, but he made up for my weakness. He held my hand as I laid on the floor and cried. He put his hand on my shoulder as I prayed. I prayed to him multiple times a day for guidance and he answered my prayers.

I had been giving a blessing by the proper authority of the priesthood, that told me I would be completely healed of this pain, and that one day I would be able to eat all foods again. During the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th years I questioned that he had forgotten me, and was truly just watching me suffer.

Heavenly Father helped me to feel joy when I was depressed. He lightened my burden when I couldn't take it anymore.

On the 8th year, I was going in for my 6th surgery on my stomach, and when I woke up from anesthesia  I knew my trial was over. The doctor informed me they finally found the source of all my pain, that they cut out all the growths on my stomach lining and bowels.

I learned 2 important truths about trials.
1-that things ALWAYS get better, no matter what it is
2-that trials change you. You either become the best version of yourself or the absolute worst version of yourself.

So how has god worked in my life? He changed me, he taught me how to love unconditionally and forgive, he taught me sympathy and empathy. He taught me family and relationships with people is all that matters in this life. He taught me that no matter how bad the trial, that he is always there for me and understands what I'm going through. He showed me what true joy feels like, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Love Always
Ashley Jenkins
Xoxo
.............................................................................................................................................................. Have a story to tell? Email me: bostonksox@gmail.com

I Am a Mormon Monday: Meet Alexa

I'm Alexa from Written in The Midst! I’m a 20 year old life wanderer who loves to write about my random occurrences of life and little happenings. I'm a still trying to find my place in this big ‘ole world, but I love the adventure of it! I love all things random and crazy. I’m a lover of pictures and letters, capturing the best moments of my life. I love to write, and my blog is my go-to place for that. I love life, and I love to share mine with people! So, let’s be friends, because I would love that too!

What is hope, and what do you hope for?

To me, hope is an incandescent feeling of the soul. A feeling of trust, courage, desire, and a longing for everlasting happiness; anticipating for good through faith. I love the way Elder Steven E. Snow describes it as "an emotion which brings richness to our everyday lives." Our hearts are always full of hope, and I think that's a beautiful thing. When we hope, we begin a journey into a lifetime of good works. I hope for success, adventure, and meaning; for a future filled with love, opportunities to serve and to learn, and for others to experience the greatest happiness. Along with all the silly things like hoping to one day travel the world and ride in a hot air balloon ;)

How do I live my faith?

I live my faith through love. I consider my huge heart a gift, and I strive to use it in any possible way I can. I believe that love can change the world, and I like to think that I'm helping the world through open arms. I want people around me to feel the love that our sweet Savior has for them, and we can help them feel that by loving. I try to set an example in the way I talk, dress, and act, and hope that it affects somebody in some way. I'm not afraid to stand up for my beliefs and to share them with others. I look for the positive in all things, because I know that trials are blessings, and I strive to help people see that. I am extremely grateful for this church and have the deepest love for the gospel and my sweet Savior! I can’t even begin to imagine my life without it.

Thank you so much for having me Kimberly!

// Blog ( www.writteninthemidst.blogspot.com )

// Mormon.org   ( http://mormon.org/me/DYSN )

// Instagram   ( http://instagram.com/writteninthemidst )

// Twitter   ( https://twitter.com/Lexa_Holmes )

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Interested in being apart of I Am a Mormon Monday?  Email me and I will fill you in on all the details! bostonksox@gmail.com

Steps.

Be proud of the steps, no matter how small they seem to you, that you have  taken to become better. Be proud that you are trying even if you aren't there yet.  Be patient with yourself & most importantly be proud of yourself.
-Al Fox

When Waiting on God Is Hard

Waiting. As I continue to get older and grow closer to God, I have realized that the fabric of life involves waiting, and sometimes lots of it. We wait for so many things. We wait for marriage. We wait for career moves. We wait for children. We wait for healing. We wait for answers to our prayers. We wait for change.
 We simply wait throughout different circumstances in our lives, and the longer we wait the more the wait itself can become a type of suffering that can weigh us down and slowly we can begin to doubt, become discouraged and lose our sanity without having the right perspective. Waiting on God can seem arbitrary and unnecessary at times, but an all-knowing all-loving God teaches His children that within our wait there is a purpose and an opportunity for our faith to grown in Him and in ways that we could have never imagined! God does have a purpose in our wait, but the question is will we make ourselves fall into misery and keep asking God "Why?" or will we step out in faith trusting in Him with a smile on our face knowing that He has a purpose and a plan for whatever we may be facing?
"Come and see what God has done: He is awesome in His deeds toward the children of men. For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried..you laid a crushing burden on our backs..we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance." -Psalm 66
This scripture should strengthen our confidence both in His power and His goodness. God's good deeds towards His children do involve trials. Being tried as silver, having crushing burdens laid on our backs and going through fire. We grow. We are strengthened. We are being perfected. God not only brings His people to trials, but He brings them through them.

Passive or Expectant?

We either wait passively, or we wait expectantly. A passive person hopes something good will happen and is willing to sit around waiting to see if it does. After a short time, he gives up, saying, "That’s it! I'm done! I've waited and waited and nothing is happening."
The expectant person, on the other hand, is hopeful, believing the answer is just around the corner, due to arrive any minute. His belief is not a passive thing. His heart is full of hope, trust and  expecting his problem to be solved at any moment. He wakes up every morning expecting to find his answer. He may wait and wait, but suddenly what he’s been waiting for has happened and God comes through (as ALWAYS)


Expect It to Happen....Because It Will

It’s just like when a woman is pregnant; it's said that she is expecting a baby. She carries inside her the promise of a baby, and even though she can’t see it, she knows it's there. She can feel it. The moment she learns of her pregnancy, she begins to plan for her baby's arrival. She starts collecting items she will need and busily gets the nursery ready. She actively prepares for the arrival of the baby because she knows the promise will be fulfilled—it's just a matter of time. She is expectant and she'll wait as long as it takes.

Waiting means "to expect" or "to look for." But remember, it also means "to serve"
Our act of waiting isn’t supposed to be spent sitting around passively hoping that something will happen sometime soon. We must get up....get out...help others....and WAIT.
Waiting also gives us the opportunity to grow, learn and wait on God's perfect timing.

I have tried the waiting on God period both ways when I have been waiting for an answer from Him. At one time or another, I have sat back passively doing nothing just waiting, wondering why and when my answer will come. I can tell you that that is no way to wait on God. I have found that being active while waiting is by far the best solution. Lift others up, offer charity and service to those around you daily, meditate on His words and promises, pray, simply focus on someone else and their needs instead of just your own. 

 

FAITH

When we ask God to answer a question or solve a problem, we need to be eagerly awaiting His answer. We need to be serving actively, aggressively and expectantly. When our hearts are eager to hear from God, He loves to rush in suddenly with His solution. In many cases this waiting period actually serves as a time of preparation for the answer. If God answered right away, many of us would be ill-prepared to handle His solution. How great is our God that He is watching over us and preparing us for the perfect time! Sometimes...maybe a lot of times.... we will find ourselves in such horrible messes that it's hard to imagine waiting even one more second. But we need to keep waiting on God and trusting Him with a sweet and simple faith. When we wait patiently and expectantly on God in the midst of our horrible circumstances, suddenly God breaks through and all of the weight is lifted off of our shoulders! So don't you ever give up! Don’t you ever stop believing and trusting! Stay full of hope, trust and expectation. God's power is limitless, and He'll break through for YOU. ALWAYS. Our wait is sometimes painful, but it will be pale in

 comparison to the glory we will one day see in eternity.

Happy Friday! Hope you have a great day!!

I Am a Mormon Monday: Meet Aubrey from Dreaming About Someday

blog // bloglovin // twitter // instagram // pinterest 

I am a single working girl dreaming of someday being a stay at home something. I am a lifestyle blogger obsessed with diet coke, cardigans, sparkle, and painted nails. I am a Mormon!

My name is Aubrey, and I blog over at Dreaming About Someday. I blog about a little of this and a little of that. I blog about everything from crafts to fashion to running to products and everything in between. Besides documenting and sharing my life, my favorite thing about blogging is connecting with others. Come on over and say hi. I love meeting new friends.

What is Hope and what do you hope for?

Hope is the idea that in the end everything will work out. No matter what bad things happen in life...death, accidents, failed marriages, job loss, premature babies, unmet expectations, disappointments, sadness, etc. there is always hope. Hope is so connected with faith. The only way for me to really get through the tough times (whatever they may be) is to have that faith and hope that Heavenly Father is watching over me. 

How do you live your faith?

Living my faith is something I learned from a young age. I have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints my whole life, but there came a point where I had to decide for myself to live the things I was always taught. Living my faith means doing what is right not because someone is telling me to but because I want to. It means loving and serving others. It means standing up for what is right. It means trying my best to be like my Savior Jesus Christ.

Thanks so much for having me Kimberly!

.............................................................................................................................................................. Are you interested in being apart of I Am a Mormon Monday?  If so, please email me and I will fill you in on all the details! Email: bostonksox@gmail.com

Happenings

Jacket: Thrifted // Top: Guess // Skirt: eShakti // Bracelet: Ettika // Shoes: Target // Purse: from Josh // Sunglasses: Thrifted
Happening #1 On Saturday, Josh and I attended a 2 hour car seat training class (one of the requirements to becoming foster parents) Even though it was two hours, the time just seemed to go by so slowly. All the information was very helpful. Turn's out, Josh knew more about car seats that I did! He says " What do expect? I have 20 nieces and nephews! I have had many experiences with car seats." Once the class was over, everyone got a free car seat..we ended up with two. Don't ask me how, but his first name is Josh. The trainer had each of us drive our cars up to the front and install the car seat so she could approve it. Needless to say, we passed with flying colors! I cannot tell you how excited we are! My heart melts when Josh and I got out and we look in the back and see that car seat there. This is happening. This is really happening! On our way home from the class, we decided to go to lunch, we park and before going in Josh says: "You make me so happy. I can't wait for us to start our very own family. The best part about all of it is it's with you" 
Happening #2 A little over a week ago, my Dad was rushed to the emergency room. Just a little background information for you..my Dad has to have a lung transplant because his lungs are so damaged. In order to get on the "list" there is a series of tests (a lot of tests) that he has to take in order to get accepted on the list. The doctor ordered to have a CT Scan done and found a mass that he was concerned about, but he couldn't make out exactly what it was. He ordered to have another CT Scan done for the following week, but this time with die so he could make out exactly what it was. He had this test done on a Wednesday. The doctor called him Thursday morning around 10am and told him that the mass was aneurysm on one of his arteries and he needed to go to the emergency room right away. I was at work when I got the call from Josh and immediately rushed to the hospital. Within just 2 hours, my Dad was taken in for surgery. Just before that, we met with the Chaplain to discuss my Dad's wishes and desires if something happened to him during surgery or after. That was so hard to discuss. Just before he was ready to be wheeled into the surgical room, he held my hand and said (Dad) "You tell me that you will see me again if I die right?" (Me)"Yes Dad, I know that I will with all my heart" (Dad) "Well I guess I am not afraid if I die then, my only worry is leaving you. If I do die, I just ask one thing.....please don't take a long time to get up there!" I laughed and cried at the same time. The surgery took about 2-3 hours. Josh and I sat in the waiting room as we waited for the call from the doctor with results on how the surgery went. The phone rang, my heart dropped. "Mrs. Bonham, we are done with the surgery and it was a success. Your Dad is doing okay. He will still be under for the night, but you are more than welcome to see him in about 30 minutes or you can come back tomorrow" We decided to stay and see my Dad even though he was out. When I saw him, I held his hand, gave him a kiss on his forehead and prayed to God thanking and praising Him for His goodness. My Dad was in the hospital for a week and is now back home with us. Every doctor that we came into contact with said that my Dad was very very lucky because the aneurysm was so close to bursting. This was a complete miracle. If the doctor hadn't of ordered that specific test first, this would have never been found and he wouldn't be here right now. This was all God without a shadow of a doubt. I am so grateful for His goodness, His grace, His love, His promises, His miracles, His healing, and that fact that He is simply ALWAYS there through every single thing. I am in awe of Him. I love him so much! I was even more grateful when I heard this story: Josh mentioned to be the 2nd night that we were in the hospital that one of his good friends Zach, his Mom died that week from an aneurysm on her artery. Zach and his Mom were talking and laughing. Zach left the room for a few minutes and when he came back he found his Mom on the floor. She was gone. It was too late. I cannot even begin to imagine. My thoughts and prayers go out to that family.
Happening #3 Josh and I are FINALLY going away for a few days. I cannot tell you how excited I am! I honestly, since we have been married can't remember the last time that Josh and I got away just the two of us. We are going to Lake Havasu for 3 days and I am going to soak up every single bit of it. The best part is, everything is paid for! I am counting down the days until then!
4. I have to speak at church this coming Sunday! The topic of the talk is Perfect Love Casts Out All Fear (1 John 4:18) I have been working on it for a few days now and really like how it is coming along. Wish me luck!
**There is one other huge happening that I would love to tell you about, but lets save that for next time ;)

A Fancy Giveaway

  Hello all! I am so excited to share this amazing product with you today. I was ecstatic when Alexandra from Fancy Slips contacted me and asked me to do a product review and giveaway on my blog. For all you women out there that love to dress classy and modest, this is a product that you have to have! Nowadays the shorter, tighter and smaller the better. I don't know about you, but I have so much trouble trying to find modest dresses and skirts. Fancy Slips is the perfect solution! Have you come acrros a dress or skirt that you love, but its to short or has a huge slit up the back? Try a Fancy Slip! They are designed to impress your dress and turn something that isn't so modest into something that is. Fancy Slips is based in Highland, Utah. Each Fancy Slip is designed with anti-static pongy polyester lining material, so it feels as though it isn't even there, and doesn't gather or bunch up as you walk. Now I need to get one in every color and style! If you are a Fancy Slip fan, today is your lucky day! Enter below for a chance to win one for yourself!  

 

  Dress: Thrifted // Necklace: Ross // Bracelet: Thrifted //  Betsey Purse: TJMaxx // Shoes: Thrifted // Sunglasses: Thrifted // Slip: Fancy Slips   a Rafflecopter giveaway

I Am a Mormon Monday: Meet Anne

   

Hi friends! My name is Anne, and I have a little lifestyle blog called The Hills Are Alive. I blog about our daily life, little adventures, and mostly my cute baby Eli, because I can't get enough of him! This year we moved from Alaska to Canada, and the blog has been the perfect way to chronicle our journey. I hope you'll come follow along with us! 

What is hope and what do you hope for? 

To me hope is a quiet assurance that through work and faith we can achieve and receive great things! I hope for so many things, but now as a mother, my hope more than ever is that I can do a great job raising a child of God. I hope I can raise a righteous, fun, and happy family! 

How do you live your faith?

I live my faith by trying to be a bit more like Jesus everyday. That's a tall task, and I wouldn't say I am always the best at it. But, one of my favorite ways to try and be Christ like is to smile at people and/or say a kind word. On the street, at the store, wherever you may be. Human kindness goes a long way, and it brightens my soul!

Blog http://www.thehillsarealiveblog.com

Instagram http://instagram.com/annehilldesign

Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/annehilldesign/

Twitter https://twitter.com/annehilldesign

So fun to share a piece of me on your lovely space. Thanks for having me Kimberly!

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If you are interested in being apart of I Am a Mormon Monday, please email me!

Email: bostonksox@gmail.com