New Testament in Ninety

In January I joined a challenge group to read the Book of Mormon in 60 days. 30 days in I was so inspired by it that I challenged the women in my ward to do the same thing. So I kept going and read another 60 days on the schedule. I ended up reading it through 1.5 times in 90 days and it was awesome. I decided my next scripture reading goal would be to read the New Testament in ninety days. A few ladies from that first challenge are joining me as well. It has been great so far. Honestly, I have actually been doing a combination of reading and listening, and I have really liked it.

I'd love to give credit to the artist,
but my search has come up empty...

Tonight as I was listening I thought of something I've never considered before. When Peter started to falter after getting out of the boat and walking on water, Christ told him it was because he was of little faith. Now, Peter was the chief Apostle. In my mind he had a heck of a lot of faith if he was willing to get out and even TRY to walk on the water. But here is what I'd never considered: Peter had total faith in Christ's power to save. He called out for Christ to save him. Where his faith wavered was his faith in himself. Or I guess in His ability to be made powerful through Christ. It happens again when the leper was not healed by the apostles and then Christ heals him. Their problem was that they didn't believe that they could be endowed with the same power that Christ possessed. They were learning what sort of faith was to be required of them when Christ was no longer physically with them to perform the miracles. Do you believe that the Lord can work miracles through you? Through the priesthood? 

I definitely have a testimony that Priesthood power is real and that when exercised and called upon by righteous men and women of faith, that miracles can happen. On our end we must "be clean" so that we may indeed "bear the vessel of the Lord".  We must "Cleanse [ourselves] from what is dishonorable, [that we] will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work." 2 Tim 2:21.  our vessel, our bodies, are temples that house the Spirit of the Lord. When we are clean, the Spirit can remain with us, guide us, and empower us that we may do more with His help and aid than we could possibly do on our own. 

The other thing I noticed tonight was how a few times it specifically said that Christ didn't do many mighty miracles because of the lack of faith in certain places. They doubted Him and because of that doubt they were not blessed with the same miracles that others witnessed and received.

"Faith in God is more than a theoretical belief in Him.  To have faith in God is to trust Him, to have confidence in Him, and to be willing to act on your belief in Him.  It is a principle of action and power." Mormon.org

All things new

I've recently been going through old blog posts trying to put together a baby book for Edward, but sadly I find my posts all but stopped when we made our move from our first Texas house to our second when he was only 6 months old. Three kids, a move, tons of piano students, etc. did me in. I am sad for this. Another move and another kid later and it hasn't much improved.

But here it is, my birthday, and it was a great day. I met my sisters Julie and Amanda at a near by park with all of our kids (even the teenagers came since they needed to go clothes shopping afterward!). We had lunch, let the kids play, and it was beautiful weather. I was worried because just an hour earlier it had been pretty cold and really overcast, but the sun peeked out and it was great.  I started potty training Edward (3) on Sunday, and I was quite worried about him having an accident at the park. But he went 3 times without telling me, for me to discover him walking out of the bathroom (our picnic bench was right by the bathroom) half naked telling me he had gone potty. "Mom! I pooped and I flushed!" Now that was momentous because he'd never even done that at home yet! Great birthday present.

After the park we all caravan-ed over to our new house. That was fun, though I was little worried taking such a big group in during the day. Luckily no one was doing major work at that time. I nearly had a heart attack when my 7 year old, blind nephew tried sliding down the brand new banister with concrete below. And Dean tried to follow. No, no, no, no. The house is looking great. We are set to close May 15, though I bet they could have it done sooner. We just didn't want to have our rent and our house payment overlapping. I am amazed how fast it is moving.

When we got home I let the kids watch some TV while I cleaned up a little, and my friend across the street came over to say happy birthday and she gave me some European chocolate. Yum. =) Our boys had a little play date in the street while we visited. Another neighbor whom I had not yet met came out for a few minutes. I found out that her son is serving a mission in the same exact mission as my parents!! What a freakishly small world I tell you.

Matt got off work a little early to make some Indian food for us. He made chicken Tikka Masala and he also picked up some Mali Kofta and Naan since that's one of my favorites.  He also made the traditional chocolate cake he has made the last 12 years for my birthday. Dean made me a paper airplane and a card, Matt got me some sour candies, I bought myself some new clothes, and my sister Julie bought me a new Temple dress since she knew I'd burned a hole in my other one. oops.

All in all it was fabulous. Life is good. 34 is looking to be a good year for us. Lots in store.