Dear Gabriel,
One of the projects I am working on called '5000moms' is so close to being launched and I can't wait. It is going to be so powerful for so many women and I know we are working towards something great. But, I have a firm opinion that when something great is about to happen, obstacles present themselves faster than ever before in the path.
It has been VERY interesting to see the obstacles that have come into the lives of everyone on the team in the last few weeks. The obstacles vary from moving a 20 year business, breaking an arm, stitches in the ER, financial issues, emotional exhaustion, family emergencies, biking accidents, children getting hurt and one daughter having a major health problem. Yet throughout all the obstacles, my team members have been keeping up with the pace of the project.
I know something great is going to happen with this project because of all the resistance that has been placed in our path. When the forces of good are combined so strongly, the forces of opposition present themselves to see if we are really dedicated.
Remember, when obstacles come in your path, stay close to the spirit of the Lord. He will direct you the right way. When you have already gotten an answer to move forward then fight through it! My life experience says it means you are on the right path and grand things are to come.
I love you,
Your Mom
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Live Life On Purpose
Dear Gabriel,
The Old Testament has some of my favorite stories ever in it. Daniel and the Lions Den, Shadrack, Meshac and Abendigo in the fire, David and Goliath, Moses parting the Red Sea, Isaiah's visions, Elijah calling fire down from heaven... The list just goes on and on.
This morning I read about Daniel and the beginning of his story when he was admitted into the kings court. I love Daniel 1:8 where it says 'And he PURPOSED in his heart...'. That phrase just stuck with me. Daniel lived his life on purpose!
Living life on purpose is a powerful concept. The type of woman I am and will become depends on how I decide to live my life daily. We read about all the amazing stories in the scriptures... BUT the power those people achieved truly came from the way they lived in their daily lives. They lived their live's on purpose, so when the MAJOR trials came (that we actually read about) they were the men and women they needed to be to withstand the fire with courage and looking at the obstacle straight in the eye.
Live your life on purpose. Hopefully our posterity generations from now will love reading our stories. Every breath is a moment and gift to receive with an open heart and love for life!
I love you,
Your Mom
The Old Testament has some of my favorite stories ever in it. Daniel and the Lions Den, Shadrack, Meshac and Abendigo in the fire, David and Goliath, Moses parting the Red Sea, Isaiah's visions, Elijah calling fire down from heaven... The list just goes on and on.
This morning I read about Daniel and the beginning of his story when he was admitted into the kings court. I love Daniel 1:8 where it says 'And he PURPOSED in his heart...'. That phrase just stuck with me. Daniel lived his life on purpose!
Living life on purpose is a powerful concept. The type of woman I am and will become depends on how I decide to live my life daily. We read about all the amazing stories in the scriptures... BUT the power those people achieved truly came from the way they lived in their daily lives. They lived their live's on purpose, so when the MAJOR trials came (that we actually read about) they were the men and women they needed to be to withstand the fire with courage and looking at the obstacle straight in the eye.
Live your life on purpose. Hopefully our posterity generations from now will love reading our stories. Every breath is a moment and gift to receive with an open heart and love for life!
I love you,
Your Mom
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Feed Your Faith And Your Fear Will Starve To Death
Dear Gabriel,
'Feed your faith and your fear will starve to death'. I LOVE this quote. The famous guy 'anonymous' said it and I am so grateful to him. There is always a lot in the world to fear about, be mad about, be frustrated with, that doesn't go right... There is scarcity and 'being a victim' mindset that can be found everywhere in the media, in our culture and naturally inside of each of us.
BUT, I believe there is a stronger side of each person who has faith, has hope, has love, has abundance, has beauty and happiness. All we have to do is take the time to feed that part of us. When we feed our faith, the fear will have nothing to eat and will starve to death. No matter what your day brings, feed the thoughts which will inspire you to move upward, onward, higher and happier. After all, what we focus on expands and I want my faith to expand and fear to shrink!
Feed your faith. Feed your virtue. Feed your hope. Feed your love. Feed your thoughts that are from the Lord. Starve anything from Satan. Starve the anger. Starve the fear. Starve anything that is not full of joy and abundance.
Feed your faith and your fear will starve to death.
I love you,
Your Mom
'Feed your faith and your fear will starve to death'. I LOVE this quote. The famous guy 'anonymous' said it and I am so grateful to him. There is always a lot in the world to fear about, be mad about, be frustrated with, that doesn't go right... There is scarcity and 'being a victim' mindset that can be found everywhere in the media, in our culture and naturally inside of each of us.
BUT, I believe there is a stronger side of each person who has faith, has hope, has love, has abundance, has beauty and happiness. All we have to do is take the time to feed that part of us. When we feed our faith, the fear will have nothing to eat and will starve to death. No matter what your day brings, feed the thoughts which will inspire you to move upward, onward, higher and happier. After all, what we focus on expands and I want my faith to expand and fear to shrink!
Feed your faith. Feed your virtue. Feed your hope. Feed your love. Feed your thoughts that are from the Lord. Starve anything from Satan. Starve the anger. Starve the fear. Starve anything that is not full of joy and abundance.
Feed your faith and your fear will starve to death.
I love you,
Your Mom
Sunday, July 19, 2009
This Life Is A Gift
Dear Gabriel,
My life is so blessed with the most amazing friends. Your Aunt Shauna came over last night to spend some time with us. You are going to love her more and more as you get older. Recently her father-in-law passed away. She was very close to him, practically her dad. We were talking about how the funeral went, how her week has been and everything involved. Then she said something that will stay with me for a while. She said, "You know I am tired of people saying this life is a trial. It is not. This life is a GIFT".
This life is a gift. She was reminded of it so potently because of being so close to the other side this last week. But most of all, it is important to feel that spiritual connection all the time so we can truly remember how much of a gift it is to really be here.
It is a gift to see, touch, smell, hear, love, give, think, learn, ponder, improve... to live! Looking through my spiritual eyes it becomes more and more evident to me how many gifts there are around me...truly how many tender mercies the Lord is always giving to me. Life truly is a gift.
I love you,
Your Mom
My life is so blessed with the most amazing friends. Your Aunt Shauna came over last night to spend some time with us. You are going to love her more and more as you get older. Recently her father-in-law passed away. She was very close to him, practically her dad. We were talking about how the funeral went, how her week has been and everything involved. Then she said something that will stay with me for a while. She said, "You know I am tired of people saying this life is a trial. It is not. This life is a GIFT".
This life is a gift. She was reminded of it so potently because of being so close to the other side this last week. But most of all, it is important to feel that spiritual connection all the time so we can truly remember how much of a gift it is to really be here.
It is a gift to see, touch, smell, hear, love, give, think, learn, ponder, improve... to live! Looking through my spiritual eyes it becomes more and more evident to me how many gifts there are around me...truly how many tender mercies the Lord is always giving to me. Life truly is a gift.
I love you,
Your Mom
Thursday, July 16, 2009
What Goes Around Comes Around
Dear Gabriel,
I had a really hard day yesterday. Quite painful actually. There were a few things dug up from past decisions made by someone closer to me than practically anyone... and it was quite painful. The questions, concerns and thoughts that came in and out of my life yesterday were hard to deal with because of it.
No details are necessary, only the lesson. Please know that decisions you make will come back around to you... whether they are good or bad. I firmly believe that 'what goes around comes around'. Unfortunately what has come around hasn't been the best. My friend told me this, "This is such a reminder that what I have done, even though forgiven, hasn't been forgotten".
Everyone makes mistakes, I have made plenty. Everyone makes decisions that aren't the smartest, I have made plenty. I don't expect you to make great decisions all the time. I just want to make sure and teach you about 'what goes around comes around'. Good or bad, effects of past decisions will come back around... whether the feelings are joyful (or regretfully) extremely painful.
I love you,
Your Mom
I had a really hard day yesterday. Quite painful actually. There were a few things dug up from past decisions made by someone closer to me than practically anyone... and it was quite painful. The questions, concerns and thoughts that came in and out of my life yesterday were hard to deal with because of it.
No details are necessary, only the lesson. Please know that decisions you make will come back around to you... whether they are good or bad. I firmly believe that 'what goes around comes around'. Unfortunately what has come around hasn't been the best. My friend told me this, "This is such a reminder that what I have done, even though forgiven, hasn't been forgotten".
Everyone makes mistakes, I have made plenty. Everyone makes decisions that aren't the smartest, I have made plenty. I don't expect you to make great decisions all the time. I just want to make sure and teach you about 'what goes around comes around'. Good or bad, effects of past decisions will come back around... whether the feelings are joyful (or regretfully) extremely painful.
I love you,
Your Mom
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Please Remember
Dear Gabriel,
I am humbled to know I am your mom. You are going to be an amazing man. You are going to be a light for people around you. You are going to spread love and warmth to thousands. Just looking at you as a baby, smiling at me, gives me goose bumps to know what kind of leader you are going to be.
Just please remember...
No matter how bad it gets, remember to smile about it. No matter what you see around you, remember to find the positive. No matter who gets mad at you, remember to see the good in them. No matter where you are, remember to make a memory of each place. No matter when your life goes up and down, remember to thank the Lord for each experience.
Always, always keep the Savior close to your side.
And, of course, no matter who says they love you... I love you more :-).
I love you,
Your Mom
I am humbled to know I am your mom. You are going to be an amazing man. You are going to be a light for people around you. You are going to spread love and warmth to thousands. Just looking at you as a baby, smiling at me, gives me goose bumps to know what kind of leader you are going to be.
Just please remember...
No matter how bad it gets, remember to smile about it. No matter what you see around you, remember to find the positive. No matter who gets mad at you, remember to see the good in them. No matter where you are, remember to make a memory of each place. No matter when your life goes up and down, remember to thank the Lord for each experience.
Always, always keep the Savior close to your side.
And, of course, no matter who says they love you... I love you more :-).
I love you,
Your Mom
Friday, July 10, 2009
Don't Be Embarrassed
Dear Gabriel,
So... I just looked in the mirror and have TONS of stuff in my teeth. Luckily I haven't really seen anyone today, just over skype. But it brings a thought to my mind I want to make sure and debrief with you: Don't be embarrassed to tell anyone, even random strangers, something that might embarrass them MORE later. Example:
-A girl is walking out of the bathroom with her skirt tucked into her nylons in the back (happened to me before). For heavens sake, walk up to her and tell her about it! The guy that told me was about 14 years old and I am so glad he did before I could walk around the whole restaurant like that.
-Your boss is in the middle of a meeting and his zipper is down. Tell him it is down! It will be distracting everyone anyway and your boss will wonder why everyone is trying to hide their snickers... and not the candy bar.
-You see a friend at a party and he smiles at you while nodding his head. You notice a huge piece of broccoli between his front teeth. Walk right up to him and tell him to get rid of it!
The list could go on and on. I am frankly so grateful for people who step out of their 'box' in order to help me out, even when I am a random stranger to them. Don't be embarrassed to step out of your box to help someone else out. Believe me, they will be grateful for it.
I love you,
Your Mom
So... I just looked in the mirror and have TONS of stuff in my teeth. Luckily I haven't really seen anyone today, just over skype. But it brings a thought to my mind I want to make sure and debrief with you: Don't be embarrassed to tell anyone, even random strangers, something that might embarrass them MORE later. Example:
-A girl is walking out of the bathroom with her skirt tucked into her nylons in the back (happened to me before). For heavens sake, walk up to her and tell her about it! The guy that told me was about 14 years old and I am so glad he did before I could walk around the whole restaurant like that.
-Your boss is in the middle of a meeting and his zipper is down. Tell him it is down! It will be distracting everyone anyway and your boss will wonder why everyone is trying to hide their snickers... and not the candy bar.
-You see a friend at a party and he smiles at you while nodding his head. You notice a huge piece of broccoli between his front teeth. Walk right up to him and tell him to get rid of it!
The list could go on and on. I am frankly so grateful for people who step out of their 'box' in order to help me out, even when I am a random stranger to them. Don't be embarrassed to step out of your box to help someone else out. Believe me, they will be grateful for it.
I love you,
Your Mom
Thursday, July 9, 2009
We See Miracles
Dear Gabriel,
So yesterday we spent some time at Grandma Bo's house. It is so great for me to go over there, help her clean and for her to spend time with you. She is a miracle for me because she always gives me such perspective. She reminds me every time we go over that we see miracles.
She grew up in an era that was without a lot. The normal home was 900 sq. ft. She grew up seeing how electricity, plumbing, computers, technology and communication has evolved. Every time I see her she tells me about how we see miracles. We have the miracle of communicating because of how well our phone's work. We have the miracle of running water and being clean daily. We have the miracle of the computer in order to expand our knowledge base - google knowledge is always at our fingertips! We have the miracle of our own set of scriptures. We have the miracle of travel and ease with nice cars and roads. We truly see miracles without even knowing it!
The past few generations have had it so easy and haven't had to work as hard for innovation... as a result we have lost our sight of seeing miracles. But you will grow up, I believe, in an age that will remember the value of hard work. We have to work again like never before. We will begin to cherish these daily miracles...especially because what we work hard for we cherish. That is also something she helps me remember.
I pray every day that the Lord will open your eyes with the gift of recognition to see daily miracles. I pray every day that the Lord will continue opening my eyes with the gift of recognition to see daily miracles. And of course, you are the greatest miracle to see of all.
I love you,
Your Mom
So yesterday we spent some time at Grandma Bo's house. It is so great for me to go over there, help her clean and for her to spend time with you. She is a miracle for me because she always gives me such perspective. She reminds me every time we go over that we see miracles.
She grew up in an era that was without a lot. The normal home was 900 sq. ft. She grew up seeing how electricity, plumbing, computers, technology and communication has evolved. Every time I see her she tells me about how we see miracles. We have the miracle of communicating because of how well our phone's work. We have the miracle of running water and being clean daily. We have the miracle of the computer in order to expand our knowledge base - google knowledge is always at our fingertips! We have the miracle of our own set of scriptures. We have the miracle of travel and ease with nice cars and roads. We truly see miracles without even knowing it!
The past few generations have had it so easy and haven't had to work as hard for innovation... as a result we have lost our sight of seeing miracles. But you will grow up, I believe, in an age that will remember the value of hard work. We have to work again like never before. We will begin to cherish these daily miracles...especially because what we work hard for we cherish. That is also something she helps me remember.
I pray every day that the Lord will open your eyes with the gift of recognition to see daily miracles. I pray every day that the Lord will continue opening my eyes with the gift of recognition to see daily miracles. And of course, you are the greatest miracle to see of all.
I love you,
Your Mom
Monday, July 6, 2009
Peace On My Pillow
Dear Gabriel,
Just waiting for your dad to get home from his day and I can hear you breathing deeply in your crib... just sleeping like a baby :-). It is about 11pm at night and the house is quiet. I can sit and just think for a moment. The thoughts that are coming to my mind are these 'Can I lay my head on my pillow with peace in my soul knowing I did my best today?'. I truly believe I can.
No, I didn't do everything perfectly... but I did everything that best I knew how. No, I didn't accomplish everything I wanted to... but everything I accomplished was done well. No, I didn't have an easy day... but I am better because of everything today. I can truly say I will have 'Peace On My Pillow'.
The world around me is a little better because I worked hard today. The world around me is brighter because I smiled at someone who needed it. The world around me has improved because I added value to many people's lives. Even though everything wasn't done perfectly... it was still done with peace and happiness in my soul.
I just might sleep like a baby with 'Peace On My Pillow'.
I love you,
Your Mom
Just waiting for your dad to get home from his day and I can hear you breathing deeply in your crib... just sleeping like a baby :-). It is about 11pm at night and the house is quiet. I can sit and just think for a moment. The thoughts that are coming to my mind are these 'Can I lay my head on my pillow with peace in my soul knowing I did my best today?'. I truly believe I can.
No, I didn't do everything perfectly... but I did everything that best I knew how. No, I didn't accomplish everything I wanted to... but everything I accomplished was done well. No, I didn't have an easy day... but I am better because of everything today. I can truly say I will have 'Peace On My Pillow'.
The world around me is a little better because I worked hard today. The world around me is brighter because I smiled at someone who needed it. The world around me has improved because I added value to many people's lives. Even though everything wasn't done perfectly... it was still done with peace and happiness in my soul.
I just might sleep like a baby with 'Peace On My Pillow'.
I love you,
Your Mom
Saturday, July 4, 2009
I Love My Country
Dear Gabriel,
Today is the 4th of July. A historic date for the entire world...
I love my country. I don't want to write today about my opinion of what is happening to our country, that will be saved for later. I do want to write about my love for our Founding Fathers, My God, and the brave Americans who have always fought to keep me free.
You will see in your life time many people attacking the very foundation of freedom and liberty which God has granted to all men. I am seeing it constantly everyday. But remember this... Your mother loves her country, she believes in freedom and liberty, she believes in personal responsibility, she believes in God's establishment of this great land and she believes in the Constitution of the United States of America. Your dad and I have a laminated copy of the Declaration of Independence in the shower so we are reminded every morning of the gift God has given us to live in a free land and a blessed land.
Remember the sacrifice the brave men and women have made throughout history in order to fight for their freedom and liberty. It is the history of the world since it's foundation. Mankind has gone through struggle after struggle in order to establish their free agency. America was founded upon correct principles in order to grant that freedom and liberty, and it has changed the face of the world as we know it.
Always stand up for this republic. Always stand up for freedom. Always remember those who has sacrificed for us to be so prosperous and abundant today. Always remember Your God and His light and life He has given to our country.
I love you,
Your Mom
Today is the 4th of July. A historic date for the entire world...
I love my country. I don't want to write today about my opinion of what is happening to our country, that will be saved for later. I do want to write about my love for our Founding Fathers, My God, and the brave Americans who have always fought to keep me free.
You will see in your life time many people attacking the very foundation of freedom and liberty which God has granted to all men. I am seeing it constantly everyday. But remember this... Your mother loves her country, she believes in freedom and liberty, she believes in personal responsibility, she believes in God's establishment of this great land and she believes in the Constitution of the United States of America. Your dad and I have a laminated copy of the Declaration of Independence in the shower so we are reminded every morning of the gift God has given us to live in a free land and a blessed land.
Remember the sacrifice the brave men and women have made throughout history in order to fight for their freedom and liberty. It is the history of the world since it's foundation. Mankind has gone through struggle after struggle in order to establish their free agency. America was founded upon correct principles in order to grant that freedom and liberty, and it has changed the face of the world as we know it.
Always stand up for this republic. Always stand up for freedom. Always remember those who has sacrificed for us to be so prosperous and abundant today. Always remember Your God and His light and life He has given to our country.
I love you,
Your Mom
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Big Picture
Dear Gabriel,
Remember the 'big picture'. I have had many experiences that have taught me to step back from a situation in order to solve it effectively...residential treatment centers, dealing with crazy teenagers, dealing with their parents, teaching employees, tutoring business owners, marketing plans, inner city Chicago, massage clients, dealing with doctors, roaming around Russia, getting lost in DC, too long of road trips with family, having over 40 roommates, project management... I have so many stories about each 'chapter' in my life.
But no matter what each experience, each chapter, each day and each moment teach me about the 'big picture'. It is true that 'hindsight is 100% vision and understanding'. When I look back at the conflicts and stress I have made it through I remember no matter what, everything turns out just fine. I remember to act respectfully, stand up for what I believe in and set my boundaries. I remember to see the 'big picture'. What a gift!
I am so grateful for conflict. I am so grateful for what it teaches me about the 'big picture'. I hope I can teach you about it too. I hope every parent remembers the beauty of getting through daily conflict and stress in order to see the 'big picture'.
I love you,
Your Mom
Remember the 'big picture'. I have had many experiences that have taught me to step back from a situation in order to solve it effectively...residential treatment centers, dealing with crazy teenagers, dealing with their parents, teaching employees, tutoring business owners, marketing plans, inner city Chicago, massage clients, dealing with doctors, roaming around Russia, getting lost in DC, too long of road trips with family, having over 40 roommates, project management... I have so many stories about each 'chapter' in my life.
But no matter what each experience, each chapter, each day and each moment teach me about the 'big picture'. It is true that 'hindsight is 100% vision and understanding'. When I look back at the conflicts and stress I have made it through I remember no matter what, everything turns out just fine. I remember to act respectfully, stand up for what I believe in and set my boundaries. I remember to see the 'big picture'. What a gift!
I am so grateful for conflict. I am so grateful for what it teaches me about the 'big picture'. I hope I can teach you about it too. I hope every parent remembers the beauty of getting through daily conflict and stress in order to see the 'big picture'.
I love you,
Your Mom
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