Where's the drive - updated

In July we celebrate Independence Day and Pioneer Day here in the South Western United States.  To me those holidays are important because of the many sacrifices that were made for greater causes.  In the days of the pioneers, people were courageous and unwavering.  Most everything they did had tremendous value and purpose.  Where has that gone? 

When was the last time you or I were passionate about something?  Yes, I did try really hard to get my finger nails perfect, I passionately shooed the kids away as I applied the oh-so-cute polka dots, but that's not what I'm talking about. 

It seems like we have forgotten two things in my opinion:

• what is important (to see what I personally believe is important click here.)
• and how to keep those things in the important column.

Seriously folks, a lot of work has been done for us by our ancestors, and in return we are.... casual and laid back???  They lived and died to give us so many blessings and I feel like we have totally dropped the ball.  We hardly remember what their struggles were, and at times even mock the things that they worked so hard to give us. 

Sure it is great to live nowadays when everything is done at the touch of a button.  But let's not get so caught up in the trends of today that we forget why we are here and how we got here. 

I personally am perturbed with the lack of values of the day.  It is a frustrating thing to teach my kids right from wrong, when the world thinks wrong is right.  So here's an idea, let's follow the example of our ancestors and put forth real effort in to something.  And hopefully something of great value. 

I'm not saying stop what you are doing and go save some dolphins. In fact that's the opposite of what I am saying.  I am saying today for just a moment stop.  Stop and think about what is really important.  And then figure out a way to share that with others -through your actions.  And then stop doing things that are contrary to what you believe is important.  That's it.  That's how we get back to civility.  One person at a time doing what they believe is right.  That is enough to impact others.

Alright, that's it.  I'll get off my soapbox for the day.  I just like the kindness and purpose that I imagine life had long ago when a handshake, your name, or your word meant something.  I don't want to go back to churning butter, but I wouldn't mind life with a little more curtsies and a little less curtness. 

As always I am curious to hear your thoughts.  Please comment. 

Give Away

Hey Guys!  I am doing my first Give Away today Monday July 15th at my Facebook page.  I made a really cute Owl Prayer Board to help you remember the people you know who need prayers, you could also use it as a to-do board etc.  It's 8x10 and it comes with everything you need, papers, pins, etc. 
Here's the link to my FB page so you can enter:

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Focused-on-the-Positive/207847512639736

All you have to do is like my Facebook page, or share this give away on facebook with your friends.  Pretty easy.  It is open today Monday July 15th until midnight.  Good luck!

A Mother's Purpose

I want to share some of my thoughts about what it's like to be a mom today.  Thanks to the wealth of ideas on the Internet the expectations of a mother have become a little... unrealistic.  We feel pressure to:

• cook yummy meals using all the latest healthy ingredients; create edible creature snacks for the kids and fancy festive treats for the neighbors.
• maintain a clean and organized home, decorated with homemade crafts for every season. 
• rear our children with our sweet peaceful voices and artsy activities..... AND SO ON

Yes, I have participated in this latest practically-perfect-mom trend, until I remembered what my real purpose as a mother and wife is. The most important task I have is to teach, nurture, and love my children.  Everything else is secondary.  Even the cleaning. 

In Today's Family: The Eternal Role of Mothers Elder Ballard says, “What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else.” 

Above dirty dishes, and homemade soap? 

I think so. 

Don't get me wrong, it is important to live in a clean home and participate in wholesome activities, just not as important as spending time with our children.  Certainly most days have time for a little of everything, but let there be some days where the lessons learned and memories made take up more time.  Nothing terrible is going to happen if you read a book with your kids instead of mopping the floor.

So please, don't be embarrassed if the house is a little askew.  And do not feel sub par when you look at other moms who seem capable of doing everything. 

Be reassured in knowing that your children feel loved and valued, and when they are all grown they will fondly remember the love we gave them and the lessons we taught them.  Motherhood is such a divine calling.  I am grateful to be a mother, and I know that a mothers job is so very important. 

Credit: Edgar Barany (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0).

lady cleaning image by fanfo

My First real 4th of July!

As most of you know I officially became an American citizen this year, so this is my first real Independence Day!

A few days ago my family and I returned home from a vacation, in which traveling by car for 14 hours each way was required, and may I tell you this truly is a beautiful country to live in.

We travelled through the desert and the prairies, and it was all stunning!  What a blessing it is to live in a country so richly blessed, so vast and beautiful, and so abundant in freedoms!

I hope you have a happy Independence Day!   

Photos: Sunset