SEEK, ASK & KNOCK!

       Our lesson both in Sunday school and Relief Society seemed to send us the same message today.  It always amazes me when this happens, because I know that this means that it is an important one.  It's just like when you are searching for an answer and there seems to be the same message coming from different sources, or in different ways.  For me, this usually means that I am not really listening, or that I don't want to hear the answer Heavenly Father is trying to give me... that's the stubborn genes that my parents argue over which side it comes from.

        A very interesting thing happened when I contemplated what to write about today.  I was so at a loss as to where to start.  I found all kinds of doubts start to enter my head, as I'm sure everyone has experienced at some point.  So many thoughts ran through my head, but nothing felt right.  I almost gave up!  (pathetic I know!)  But then I went to read my scriptures for the evening, and there was my answer!

D&C 88:63
"Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

          I cannot even begin to express what this scripture meant to me, and not just because I knew what I was to write.  I feel that this message is something that we all need to remember.  Whether you are ambitious and talented like beautiful Kasey, and so many of our MMWs are, in writing a book, or just like me hoping to survive her daily single-mommy-hood and maybe inspire someone along the way.  It is important that we remember to SEEK, ASK & KNOCK.  He's waiting for us to draw near unto him so that he can draw near to us.  I'll tell you that one of the greatest ways to do this is how I was reminded, and that is through searching the scriptures.  It amazes me so, to see that when we do, the Heavens open up, minds are enlightened and prayers are answered!  Here are just a few thoughts from today that I wanted to share with you;

1. Remember that prayers are not answered every time or in the way that we think.  Sometimes our prayer being answered is an unanswered one.  The majority of the time we are going to our Heavenly Father because we don't know what is best for us, and need his direction.  This means that we need to accept the answer he 'gives'.

2. Prayers are not answered the same way for every person.  We are all so very different, and therefore cannot expect our answers from God to come the same way either.  In fact, The Lord needs us to be different in this way so that we can bring to pass his purposes and serve ALL of his children.

3. When we seek for answers to prayers, we cannot allow our emotions to rule us.  Emotions have its place, as it is often the reason we are brought to our knees.  But if we allow it to consume us it can not only cloud our minds as we ask our questions, but it can prevent us from receiving the true answer we need.  We must deal with the emotions best we can, and do our best to approach this process as logical as we can.  It does not mean devoid of emotion, but being in control of them.

           There are so many other aspects and ideas on this one, and this subject is so much greater that my few thoughts.  But I hope that it got you thinking, and I'd love to hear any you have to add!

Remember-----> SEEK, ASK & KNOCK!  <3   Have a fabulous week!

Welcome Syra!

by Kasey Tross

As Nikki mentioned last week, the blog is a’changin! And I am excited to see the changes and be a part of them.

About a month or so ago, my sweet friend Syra was over at my house and mentioned the Mormon Mommy Writers blog. She said she thought she might enjoy writing for a blog like that. I told her that openings pop up all the time, and I’d be sure to let her know when one came around.

Well, one came around and so she applied! And shortly after that I got the e-mail from Nikki letting me know about the upcoming changes and asking if Syra and I would like to team up to take on Mondays. I said sure, why not?

Just FYI, I have decided that this change should lead to some changes for me as well, so I have decided to do a little resuscitation on a blog of mine called “Making It Up As I Go.” Basically, I always have random thoughts on life and writing and mommying and God and I want to have a place to share them. It’s possible I may also have some folks searching me out on the web due to the articles I’ve been writing for a local magazine, and I’d like to have a “home base” where they can find me. So if you start to miss me (I know, not likely, but it could happen, right?) come on over and visit me there. :-)

So now I am excited to step aside and enjoy reading all that Syra has to offer. She is not only a friend to me, but an inspiration. We are in the same ward at church, and she only lives about 4 minutes away from me. (Yes, I know you Utahns, that’s normal for you there, but not so much here in VA!) Her two awesome kids are in the same school as mine and her son and mine are in the same grade. Oh, and she drives a motorcycle. So that officially makes her the coolest mom I know. ;-)

Welcome, Syra!

Hi Everyone!  My name is Syra Mangus, and I am a photographer and single mother of two BEAUTIFUL children, a boy, J, 9 years old, and L, a girl who is just about to turn six this next month!

 I would tell anyone that my greatest love in this world is my children.  This being included, brings me to all the other things that us Mormon Mommies love to talk about!  I am addicted to my children and crafts.  I love the Gospel, music, DIY projects, bows, jewelry, sewing, photography, painting and drawing, working in my yard, my dad’s garage, my garden and occasionally you might catch me going for a ride on my motorcycle. 

 I’ve been writing since I was a kid, and haven’t done anything fancy or big, but my words come from my heart, and the wisdom from the experiences of my limited years.  Sometimes I write fancy, and sometimes it comes from something I scratched onto a napkin.  But I get a lot out of influencing others for good and lifting people up, so I pray I will be able to add to the wonderful knowledge that all these ladies give in lifting you up!