Like a Puzzle!!

It's been an extremely busy past few weeks.  We're packing for a big move, and Abe is applying for jobs all over the country.

Yesterday, we had plans to wash a big school bus and continue packing up our house- with 6 kids running around and trying to help.  First, before we would do any of that, Abe had several job applications to fill out.  I watched him taking deep breaths as he attempted to attack all the forms he needed to fill out.

Hoping not to offend, I said, "Did you by chance read your scriptures before you started on that?"

Abe said, "No, do you think I should?"

I laughed and said, "Of course I think you should!!  That's what I just wrote about on my blog!!"  Then, referring to my blog, I said, "Unless, of course, you want to 'swim in jeans' all day."

He left the computer to read his scriptures.  What a humble man... truly.  I know, a lot of men wouldn't have listened to a suggestion like that.  He did, and I was grateful.

Over the last few weeks, Abe and I have said several individual and family prayers trying to find direction about our upcoming move.

Something different happened yesterday.  As we BOTH started our day out with scripture study and prayer, our thoughts became more united.  Abe and I had been communicating our ideas to each other, but now his ideas seemed to be more clarified in my mind and my ideas seemed to fit in better to his plans.

Once we were both on the same page, God made our ideas fit like a puzzle!  We had the pieces to the puzzle all along, but now we were starting to turn those pieces in the right direction.  Doesn't it feel good when you've been attempting to find where a puzzle piece belongs and then it finally slips right in to the correct spot?  That is how I felt yesterday!!!  Things were sliding together!

Not only did we discuss our future like a great puzzle coming together, we also washed the big school bus like puzzle work.

We each took our jobs and went at it until that giant bus was sparkling clean. Beyond that, we even had time to pack.  Abe even had time to jump on the trampoline with the children for the first time the whole summer.  Then, he read books to them with such enthusiasm that I had to leave the kitchen to come listen to his stories.

Abe usually goes to sleep while I'm still awake plugging away on projects.  Not last night... I couldn't even keep up with him!  I heard him stretching tape on boxes for hours after I fell asleep.

My friend called me yesterday:  She too was wondering about whether her family should take a job that would move them across country.  She said, "My friend told me to read my scriptures and pray, but it doesn't say anywhere in the scriptures about where I should move!"  We laughed together, and of course I bore my testimony of how the scripture study and prayer clarifies our thoughts.

If you read my blog yesterday, you know I believe in the power of starting the day off right... with scripture study and prayer!!  I'm grateful God showed us HIS power in uniting minds because of a united scripture study.  I also believe the more I read, the more God expects me to read with a little more depth.  That's my goal:  to read with more depth each day!  

Published on TOFW!!!

My husband performs at "Time Out for Women" conferences.  These conferences uplift and celebrate women all over the world.  I'm always a bit jealous every time he goes because he returns feeling so inspired and uplifted.  While I'm grateful for his boost, it is for WOMEN for goodness sakes. :-)

I am overjoyed today because my blog is featured on the "Time Out for Women" website!  I have the wonderful opportunity to join in their valiant efforts to uplift and celebrate women.

For the next four Thursdays in August, please visit their website to read another excerpt from my family's life.

Please go to this link:  http://www.tofw.com/Many-Mighty-Miracles-Staying-Afloat-Rachel-Mills/s/904 for today's story.

Thank you for accompanying me on this journey of life and this journey of finding God's miracles in our daily lives!

If you have time, I would LOVE it if you would share some of your uplifting thoughts about your lives after the story on their website.

Thank you again!!  Much, much love to you all!!!

Baked Goods

We haven't told our neighbors yet that we are moving.  I guess we're not quite accepting it ourselves!

Our plans are to move somewhere... still to be decided... by the end of next week.  We've lived in Michigan for 3 years and this particular house for only one year.

We have several, very friendly neighbors.  I wrote about a beautiful turn-around with one neighbor last week in a blog post entitled, "Boldly Hugging."

Today, for the first time ever, this same neighbor baked us a very special treat.  It was the most yummy caramel cake!  It was almost as if she knew this was our last week here!

About an hour later, another elderly neighbor, for the first time ever, brought over a different- yet also very special treat.  It was a yummy loaf of zucchini bread!  As she presented the bread to us, she expressed her great love for our family.

I personally don't think it was a coincidence that our two, sweet, elderly neighbors would bring over baked goods for the first time ever just an hour apart from each other.

I could be wrong... but I believe it was God's way of letting us know our time here in this neighborhood is over and that it was time well spent developing great friendships and great love.

I'm thankful for the love we received this morning.

Now Sister, Hold It Together...

On Friday, I returned home feeling drained after some busy errands.  I parked our van in the driveway, and my older children ran into the house.  My youngest two were sound asleep in the van, so I sat still for a moment.

I had been feeling a lot of worry over a failed business deal which hurt us terribly.  The van felt so private, peaceful, and quiet.  My thoughts turned to prayer.  The longer I prayed, my ability to reach into the depths of my soul strengthened.  I expressed my frustrations with the unfairness of our situation and my desires to do what was right, and I expressed my sincere love for my Savior.

I had been praying for a couple of weeks about this issue with full purpose of heart, but this prayer felt very different... even deeper than before.  This prayer came with a plea- withholding nothing.  It was a plea for direction.  My heart felt so relieved to speak openly and freely to my Heavenly Father with no interruptions.  I finished my prayer and continued to ponder the thoughts that came through my mind.

Soon after, the babies awoke, and I returned to the house to continue in my duties.  I received a phone call shortly after from the Relief Society president.  (A Relief Society president is a woman called of God from within the congregation to watch over and lead the women of the church in her area for a period of time.)  I have served as Relief Society president, and I know the love for the sisters that accompanies this position of service.

My president called to ask if she could let the sisters in the congregation know of our struggles so they could have a mighty prayer on our behalf.  In my mind I thought, "Absolutely not!  I don't want people feeling sorry for us and serving us.  It's embarrassing."  Before I could speak my thoughts, I remembered my own mighty prayer... I had asked for help.

God wanted to bless us, but I needed to be humble to accept the way His help would come:  through the power of the mighty prayers of the sisters of the church.  I agreed and told her she could share what she felt necessary as she followed the Spirit's promptings.

Last Sunday, we couldn't attend our congregation.  We had to attend the congregation that gathered in the morning instead, so I had no idea what was said to the Relief Society sisters.

That evening, a sister showed up with a meal telling me how strong the Spirit was as they shared how to focus their prayers like a magnifying glass on our family's particular needs.  She said they spoke of the service we had provided to so many others.  I started to feel embarrassed, but this dear sister continued.  She said what an honor it was for her to offer the closing prayer... the first of many mighty prayers which would be offered on our behalf.  She told me she knew our answers would come this week.

What faith!

The next day (last night) another sister showed up at our doorstep with dinner.  I said, "Oh you can see we're moving now."  She said she already knew!  These sisters knew we would probably be leaving Michigan, but they still nurtured that sisterhood with a wonderful dinner and lots of love.

Then, this morning, I received a phone call from a kind, humble brother.  He said, "Rachel...  I heard some heavy news from my wife.  She told me you kids are facing some trouble. We would like to bring some things over to you."  I guess he could hear my struggle to breathe through the tears.  He continued, "Now sister,  hold it together.  We're Latter Day Saints.  That's what we do... we serve each other."  Those words couldn't have been delivered with more love than the way he spoke them.

My pride is crumbling... and it actually feels good because I'm in the arms of my Savior.  I didn't want to write about this so publicly, but God is giving our family tremendous miracles this week.  Along with the dinners, we have received several phone calls, text messages, emails, and Facebook messages informing us of other job opportunities and encouraging us with love.

I thank God for placing us in a position to be the recipients of such mighty prayer.  Our hearts are lifted and our faith is strengthened that direction is coming soon and that God has had HIS hand in this entire process.

Do Not Use Sink!!!!

Abe finally arrived home on Saturday after 2 weeks of absence!!

We hugged.  We kissed.

...and then I gave him the assignment to fix the sink and the dishwasher that had both broken the night before.  How convenient that my husband would be returning the day after it broke! :-)

Abe worked on it while I cooked.  He mentioned in passing not to use the sink yet.  I heard him but didn't really focus on what he was saying.

We were hurrying out the door to watch Tyson do his end of camp skits and to drop off Jordan and Mariah for their play.  All the kids were in the car when I heard a dripping sound down in the basement.  I yelled for Abe, "There's water dripping into the basement!!  What did you do to the sink?  Why is this happening?"

Abe called back, "What could it possibly be from?"  I said, "I don't know, but it wasn't happening until YOU fixed the sink!"

We wiped up the water and cleared our valuables away from the dripping water.  I ran out to the car while Abe finished up the details.

When he came to the car, he said, "Did you use the sink?"

My mind raced back to dinner time: "Ummm... I think I did."

Abe said, "You did... that was why the basement was leaking!  There's water everywhere under the sink.  I took all the pipes out from under the sink- you can't use it yet."

Feeling bad for blaming him for the basement leak, I apologized profusely.  I said, "I need a sign on there.  I can't remember- I'm cooking with children running all around me."

We returned after our evening festivities, and Abe put up a sign below the sink:

About 10 minutes later I heard him grumbling to himself... HE USED THE SINK!

I said, "I think we need another sign!"

Abe put up a 2nd sign- this time above the sink:

About 10 minutes later, Abe walked into the kitchen and looked under the sink.  He said, "Did you use the sink again?"

I looked at my hands... they were still a little damp... I couldn't remember the details of what had happened, but the proof was there.  I MUST have used the sink AGAIN!!!

Then, about 5 minutes later, my son came in after eating and washed his plate out... in the sink.  Both Abe and I yelled, "STOP!!  Look at the signs!!  Don't use the sink!"

I thought, "We just need to tape it off!"  Just a few minutes ago, Abe tried another preventative method- he taped it off. (We'll see if it works!!):

I think there are a few lessons to be learned from our sink fiasco:

1)  We are definitely creatures of habit- even when there are big signs telling us to do otherwise.

2)  I was quick to blame others when problems arose.

3)  Sometimes, what seems like such an easy thing to do or remember to do for others isn't so easy once we're placed in the same situation.

Let me recap:

Abe couldn't believe that I would forget after he told me about the sink.  I couldn't believe that Abe would forget after a sign was put up- about the sink.  Again, Abe couldn't believe that I would forget with 2 signs up- about the sink.  Then both Abe and I were both shocked when our 11 year old forgot with those same 2 obvious signs- about the sink.

Back to the lessons:

1)  I could focus more on the warning signs and learn more quickly.

2)  I could consider my own mistakes in any problem before noticing others'.  There's always bound to be a fault of mine in there too!

3)  I coud definitely try to place myself in other people's shoes more often... especially my children.  Those cuties have a lot they're trying to learn in the few short years they've been here on Earth!!

Apparently, I have a lot to learn!!  I'm thankful for the lessons taught this weekend.  Since we are creatures of habit, I pray I can learn quickly!

Meijer Took a Stand!!

My boys are very aware of modesty.  A few months ago, I asked my boys if I should try on a dress that was hanging on the rack at a store.  They said, "Sure!  As long as it's modest!"  I was surprised by their response and even laughed at first; but more than anything, I was grateful they felt so strongly about modesty that they would even keep their own mother in line. :-)  It was modest by the way.

I work hard to teach them respect for women, and they in turn work hard to teach their sisters about modesty.  I often hear them say, "Oh Juliana, you need to wear a shirt underneath that." or "Isn't that getting a little too short, Mariah?"  I hope my girls always listen to their brothers' encouragement for virtue and modesty.  Mariah often says, "Modest is the hottest." :-)

I also hope my boys will have the courage to always talk to me about their changing bodies... we've already had some great talks!

I didn't understand why modesty was so important when I was younger, and I actually liked the attention from the boys when I wore short shorts.  With my own brothers' encouragement, I changed my wardrobe.  Since then, my eyes have been opened to the effects of immodesty... on so- many- families!!

Several years ago, I was helping a friend move; and as we lifted the mattress, there was a magazine under her son's mattress with lots of very immodest women.  She was shocked, and I was too.  I advised her to talk to her son about it.  In the end, she decided against it because she figured he would be fine because the girls still had some clothes on... she thought it was natural.

I didn't push the issue, but I have always felt sad for that boy- that his mother didn't talk to him about his feelings.  He was obviously hiding the magazines for a reason.  They made him feel something he wasn't comfortable sharing with his mother. That worried me because secretive behavior often breeds worse, more damaging, addictive behavior- which is also kept in secret.

There is a magazine in several grocery stores right now that shows a full-bodied woman wearing absolutely nothing.  She is only covering her private areas with her fingertips.  This magazine is right in the check-out line at eye level for all ages to see.  Most of the covers on the magazines are sensual and immodest by nature, and I wish they could all be banned from that area of the store.  The world isn't going to put reigns on how far they'll go!  That has to come from us!!

I talked to the manager about the problem, and I explained that this particular magazine crossed the line.  At first he was just very professional and said he would speak to the corporate offices.  He warned me it would be very difficult to get rid of the magazine because it would have to be a chain-wide decision to even take the magazine out of his own store.

He called me the next day to tell me he had indeed spoken to the corporate office, but he wasn't sure yet what would happen since the decision was not up to him.  I politely thanked him for his phone call and assured him that I looked forward to returning to his store once I knew it could be a safe place for my young, developing children to be.  I also reminded him how many thousands of dollars we spend at their store.  I further explained the negative effect these images have on young minds and where those problems lead.                            

By the end of the phone call, he began to show more understanding for my position.  He agreed that he did not want his own children to be exposed to the things their friends look at.  I was glad to hear his human side of the issue rather than the corporate side.

Several more days passed; and just yesterday, I received another phone call from the manager with fantastic news!!!

He informed me there had not been enough complaints in the other stores for them to take the magazine out of all the grocery stores.... however...  he DID take them out of HIS store!!!  In complete shock, I said, "YOU DID???!!??  Thank you so much!!"  He said he wanted to make sure the customers in his store felt comfortable shopping there.

Thank you Meijer grocery store for taking a stand!!!!

I believe our voices DO make a difference!! :-)

Youthful Zeal

Abe and Jackson are at scout camp together this week.  Although, I received reports that their tent and most of the campsite has been flooded, I know they're having a blast together!

While Abe and Jackson experienced the true spirit of scouting, I drove the children around to play practice and other errands.  

At one point, Tyson asked me to drop him off half a mile away from our destination, so he could take a run in the summer downpour.  He ran through a trail to reach the destination and took a little longer arriving than I would have expected... because he arrived with a SNAKE in his hands!!  He was so thrilled.  He stood at my van window showing me all the parts of it's body as it coiled an actual knot around his fingers- I'm still getting shivers as I picture the snake.

Then, later on in the day, while it was still a downpour, Mariah, Tyson, and Jordan asked to be dropped off along the way to our destination so they could all run in the rain together.  At our meeting point, they burst into the car with an energy that radiated from every bit of their bodies.  Their energy invigorated me out of my tiredness.

We arrived home, and I had a huge project to work on in the house.  After several hours of work, I walked into my family room to see my children in their pajamas jamming to some serious jazz music. 

It first started with the four of them in their pajamas and Daddy's "Jericho Road" hats... 

Then, with no assistance from me, they ran into their rooms and came out dressed like this...

 I'm not even sure where they learned their moves, but Jayden quickly joined in on the fun and shook his little body around the room as well. :-)

These kids were intense!  They tossed their "canes" and hats around, danced in a line, and kicked up their legs.

It actually looked like a prepared routine!  

Once again, they invigorated me out of my tiredness as I watched their expressions on their faces.  I laughed and cheered as they put on a true show for me.  All of my children have participated in multiple musicals and plays, and they come from two parents who also love to perform.  I guess I wasn't too surprised when they requested to take their routines to the streets for tips!!!

Hmmm...  I'm thinking about that one!  I could make balloon animals, Jackson could drum, Abe could sing, and the other ones could dance their hearts out!  It's a show!! :-) 

I finally quieted the children down and sent them all to bed.  After silence fell over my house, I sat at my computer to do my work and couldn't help but notice that some of my own youthful zeal for life was fading lately because of my other worries.  I felt upset thinking that if it weren't for these stresses, I could have enjoyed my day more!!  Then, I realized that I still had a choice!!

I decided I would allow myself to be a bit more free next time and join in on the fun!!  That's what letting go and letting God is all about!!  I don't want to be a crabby, boring adult just because I understand life's challenges all too well.  

This morning I read in Alma chapter 58.  In this story, Helaman heads his courageous, valiant army and is frustrated with the way some things are turning out.   In the midst of his frustration he says in verse 37, "But, behold, it mattereth not- we trust God will deliver us..."

I plan on trusting God more today!!  Worrying does no good!!  I plan on working hard but taking short breaks from my work projects to join in on the children's youthful zeal.  I bet my "Youthful Zeal" breaks will actually make me more productive in my projects of being an adult. :-)

I LOVE remembering that I have a choice in the matter!!  Today I choose the freedom to enjoy this life- challenges and all- and I choose to remember the zeal of youth.