letting go and fnding peace.

I think, as humans, we struggle most with loss and especially with letting go. Sometimes we're asked to let go of things or places, sometimes dreams and goals, and in the worst of times, we are asked to let go of people.

This year has seen the sacrifice of some of my personal goals and dreams for my family and children but also the passing of many people I love.
Last night, a beautiful little girl, Abigail, who shares my birthday, graduated this life, ending her 2.5 year battle with cancer, and went home to our Father in Heaven's arms.

This loss has caused me to reflect on my own loved ones lost, the life I'm living, and on my faith in God, His Plan, and eternal salvation. Today I have spent much time on explaining the Plan of Salvation and why Mormon funerals are different from others and so I feel compelled to share here as well.

In 1988, Boyd K Packer shared a story of two young missionaries who happened along a funeral for a young boy who had drown and a preacher had been called to "say words." The minister began his sermon and sorely scolded the boy's parents for not having baptized him. He told them their son was lost in endless torment as a result of their not having him baptized him. The parents received no comfort from this minister or from the funeral service for their small child.
The Elders approached the boy's parents after his interment, and told them of the Lord's plan of Salvation. They quoted the Book of Mormon, "Little children need no repentance, neither baptism, "(Moroni 8:11). 
President Packer went on to say, "A comforting, spiritual funeral is of great importance. It helps console the bereaved and establishes a transition from mourning to the reality that we must move forward with life. Whether death is expected or a sudden shock, an inspirational funeral where the doctrines of resurrection, the mediation of Christ, and certainty of life after death are taught strengthens those who must now move on with life."
The revelations tell us that “thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die, and more especially for those that have not hope of a glorious resurrection.” (D&C 42:45.)
At times of sorrow and parting one may experience that “peace … which passeth all understanding” (Philip. 4:7) which the scriptures promise. Many have come to marvel in their hearts that such a feeling of peace, even exaltation, can come at the time of such grief and uncertainty.
This peace can only be fostered by reverence and knowledge of the Plan of Salvation.

Plan of Salvation

I have eternal perspective but it is so easy to be lost in the trials of our day to day lives and loose sight of where we are going and where we have come from. Sweet Abigail and her beautiful family never lost sight of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and in his Plan for them. I am inspired by their blessed example to strive to do better, to find the good in each day, and to keep the faith.

I hope you will join me in praying for the Goss Family and all who have lost. Keep the Faith friends.

xoxo,
Sara

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food stress

I'm a fluffy girl. Always have been, probably always will be. Currently, I'm right around 80lbs over weight... that's a medium sized child if you're keeping track.

I've never had a healthy relationship with food. I often eat my feelings, using food as a coping method for my stressors and depression. Even as a 27 year old, married for more than 8 years, woman, I still feel defensive about my eating habits around my parents and grandparents who are products of the depression-era "you must clean your plate; children are starving some where in the world" mentality.

I also feel pressures to "try" everything on the table even if I know it's not something I like. I can remember, as a child, being forced to eat my green beans and I REALLY hate green beans. There were times I ate them, very last, just so I could finally leave the table. I would head directly to the bathroom and stick my finger down my throat.

Fast forward to having children of my own. I find myself, like many, parenting to compensate for what I perceive to be my parents' missteps (whether real or imagined).
I spend a lot of time trying NOT to transfer food related anxiety to my monsters.

As we've been altering our lifestyle, and especially our eating habits, for the better, I again feel defensive of my choices. Is it really so hard to understand that we don't want our children ingesting countless chemicals, GMO's, and pesticides?? I don't think so, but some do.

I guess what it comes down to is, if I believe I'm doing the best for my family, does it really matter what anyone else think?

What things cause you stress and defensive behaviors??

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the dreaded potty training

We've done this once already with the Monster Man but gave it up after about 5 weeks of #2 issues.
That was nearly a year ago, and now he's three so we've decided to give it another run.

We got some lovely Angry Birds boxer briefs which he's sure to love.

So, Friday, when Momma and Daddy both get home from work, we're making him toss his diapers in the trash.

No yelling, no shaming, no potty parties in this house. We don't want any negative feelings about the bathroom or our bodies.

We're going with the "tell momma when you need to go" and "don't forget to keep your pigs/angry birds/etc dry!" and lots and lots of jelly beans for successes. Hopefully it will be quick and painless....

Wish us luck!!

xoxo,
Sara

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