Home Remodel

So I gave a sneak peak on Instagram the other day of some of our remodel projects. I thought I would put some bigger pictures in a blog post and explain what we did in each room. This will be in multiple posts as I need to take more pictures of the finished look. (I've been a slacker)

Before (Living Room)
Walls were pale Yellow
Windows had sheer cream curtains
Small Baseboards
Old Carpet

Living Room (After)

Walls Dark Grey/Green

New window blinds

Added 6 1/2" baseboards and crown molding

New carpet with paterns

Dining Room (Before)

Dated Chandelier

Red and Beige Walls

Wood floors were brown/red

Dining Room (After)

Replaced Chandelier with modern light fixture

Painted the walls a deep blue

Add 6 1/2" baseboards and crown molding

Add Wainscoting

Blinds and new curtains

Refinish the wood floors with a non-red tone and no gloss finish

Add vinyl artwork trees

Women's Divine Worth

What an interesting time we live in. A select group of women, that shall not be named here, have taken it upon themselves to create a group demanding to be ordained to the priesthood.

As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I strongly oppose their viewpoint. It feels to me that they have lost sight of their divine role in the plan of our Heavenly Father. Women have so many wonderful gifts, talents and abilities. Our spirituality is deeply woven into our beings.

The Women's meeting this past weekend was filled with many great inspired messages. We are daughters of a Heavenly Father, who loves us. We are more alike than different.

I've posted the link below to the official letter from the Church to their organization as they wanted tickets to the priesthood session.

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/church-asks-activist-group-to-reconsider-general-conference-protest-plans

Life Lessons

Besides family and close friends I don't usually talk about our struggle to have a family of our own. It's a very personal thing and it sometimes hurts to talk about.

This past Sunday in Sacrament meeting, one of our newly called bishopric member's bore his testimony that at times when we are going through huge trials, some of the greatest blessings can be received. He also mentioned that when he was laid off from his job, he was able to serve more people and experience his growing family.

After the closing prayer, I headed off to Sunday School. The teacher gave each of us a piece of paper asking us what some of our trials have been and questions on how we felt. What blessings have come of it, etc... As I started to fill out my paper my heart swelled with pain/joy and about every emotion possible. The teacher asked if anyone would like to share. I felt this nudge inside of me, like when I need to bear my testimony, but I sat silent. A couple of people shared some experiences and then the teacher asked again, anyone else, and I blurted out, "Alright, I'll share." I can't really describe the feeling that I had overcome me, but by sharing a small tidbit about our lack of children, I gained an insight that I wouldn't have otherwise.

I have had my eyes open to all of the people that I have been able to help that have had miscarriages. I have been able to be there to listen, to cry with them or to comfort them. If I had not gone through my own experiences of loss, I would not have been able to fully help them in the capacity that I have. God has helped me be his servant in this capacity.

As I was driving home from lunch with Ben today, I realized that Sunday's lesson is still resonating in my mind. In my darkest deepest times a line from my patriarchal blessing pushes into my thoughts. You will have many trials, tribulations, adversities etc that will make you like your Heavenly Father. This little glimpse into the "why" I'm experiencing this trial, doesn't make it easy, but it helps me to endure.

I am thankful for this ongoing trial and know that the Lord is mindful of me and my needs.