She Teaches Fearlessly

I have mentioned before that I have loved getting to know women from the Peony Project. Those women are such good examples of Christian women, representing their religions on their blogs. They are great member missionaries. I have also loved the daily emails and Instagram scriptures from She Reads Truth. So, I was very excited when I had to the opportunity to become a part of the admin team for a new devotional website dedicated to LDS women. It is called She Teaches Fearlessly. 

website // twitter // facebook // instagram // pinterest

She Teaches Fearlessly is a website dedicated to answering President Russell M. Nelson’s plea in the October 2015 General Conference:

“Today I plead with my sisters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to step forward! Take your rightful and needful place in your home, in your community, and in the kingdom of God—more than you ever have before. I plead with you to fulfill President Kimball’s prophecy. And I promise you in the name of Jesus Christ that as you do so, the Holy Ghost will magnify your influence in an unprecedented way!”

We are glad to answer his call. In the same talk, President Nelson said that “women of this dispensation are distinct from the women of any other…this distinction brings both privileges and responsibilities.” We know we hold responsibility in bringing light and Gospel truth to the world. We also know we have been admonished by the general authorities to be member missionaries. What a wonderful time we live in to be able to use technology to our advantage, to flood social media with uplifting messages and scriptures, easily bringing the Gospel to light with a simple tweet or graphic quote on Instagram.

There have been many LDS women who have been motivational speakers, celebrities both online and on television, and bloggers who have always upheld their beliefs. That takes courage. We applaud those women and would hope to join their ranks of strengthening the women of not only our faith, but all women in the world. In 1979, President Spencer W. Kimball prophesied, “Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world … will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world.” 

President Nelson declared, “The kingdom of God is not and cannot be complete without women who make sacred covenants and then keep them, women who can speak with the power and authority of God!” So, join with us in proudly teaching the gospel in our homes, neighborhoods and communities. Join us in the call to serve and teach, fearlessly. #sheteachesfearlessly

**You can read President Nelson’s full talk here.**

I have already written a handful of articles:

Martha and Mary Series Part 1: Anxiety and Temporal Worries

Advent Day 9: I Will Not Forget Thee

The Second Sunday of Advent (Day 8): Love

Patience is a Divine Virtue

Follow along with She Teaches Fearlessly!

DIY "A Savior Is Born" Ornament

For some reason, this scripture has popped out at me many times the past few months whenever I thought about Christmas:

Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given...and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." 

I love the different names of Christ. And, the fact that Child and Son is emphasized in the scriptures. Because of that, I decided I wanted to involve Rhys in the ornaments. I know this is his second Christmas, but since he is a toddler, it will hopefully mean something to him. So, for this year's Morrell DIY ornament exchange, I created these "A Savior is Born" ornaments.

Supplies

24 felt trees

1 can of puffy paint

1 paint sponge

24 sparkly star stickers

1 ball of thin twine

1 permanent marker

hole punch

at least one toddler =)

(I forgot to take a picture of the supplies!!)

Steps

1) Paint your toddler's hand with the white puffy paint on the sponge brush.

2) Press your toddler's hand onto the tree.

3) Let them dry.

(I forgot to take pictures of the rest of the steps...I'm awesome this year, huh?)

4) Punch a hole in the top corner.

5) Write the scripture from Isaiah 9:6 (or any Christmas scripture) in permanent marker, in your best handwriting.

6) Put the star sticker on the top of the tree.

7) Cut some twine and tie it in the hole.

What is your favorite Advent scripture?

Easter and General Conference

I want to wish you a Happy Easter weekend!

And, I want to invite you to listen to prophets, apostles, and disciples of Christ as they teach and uplift our souls this weekend during General Conference.

You can stream it live on this website or watch on the BYUTV channel. Sessions are today 10 AM and 2 PM and tomorrow at the same time.

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Now, for your weekend reading enjoyment:

** I talk about why blogging makes me brave
** Justin talks about lemonade and steak
** See what my motivation is to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight and shape

**Whitney shares some awesome tips on getting your own stock photos while on vacation!
** While watching Conference this weekend, take a break and make these delicious Easter Rice Krispy Treats by Tiffany!
**If you are graduating college, Madison has some great truths you need to hear!

Also, I am looking for sponsors! Please check it out! You won't regret it!

Proverbs 3:24

Scripture have been on my mind recently. As a Mormon, I believe in the Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ. But, I also believe in the Holy Bible and have come to love its' stories and messages. My favorite scripture is actually from the Old Testament.

I grew up in Virginia for most of my life. In the fall 2002, there was a very scary incident in northern Virginia. The Beltway sniper was having a killing spree. Many attacks were in and near D.C., but a few were around where I lived. The sniper was injuring and killing people at gas stations, waling into school, getting into their car in the parking lot, and during the day as well!

I was 12 years old. My soccer games were canceled. My junior high was surrounded by a forest and my mom picked me up from school each day. I was scared to death to go out across the parking lot to her car. I would run and duck behind cars, scared to go closer to the woods. My bedroom was in the basement, with my window looking out under the back porch. I hated going to sleep in my room--I swore that the sniper (if he didn't get me at school), would peep in under the porch and shoot me in my bed.

One day, during my personal scripture study, I allowed God to take the lead and opened to a random page. I opened up to Proverbs 3:21-26--

My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

Isn't my baby boy adorable? I love watching him sleep so peacefully!

He was telling me that He would keep me safe. If I trusted in Him, I wouldn't fall. I would be able to sleep soundly in my basement room. He wouldn't let the sniper take me. That scripture gave me the confidence to get through the fall of 2002 until the sniper was caught. Ever since then, whenever I have been scared, or had a bad nightmare, I've always referred back to that scripture: For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep they foot from being taken.

What scripture has influenced you in your life?

Contentment // Peony Project

I am so happy that the Peony Project's word of the month for February is Contentment.

This has always, always been an issue in my life, and I have written on it many times:
May 2013--I was jealous of all my friends moving on with their adult lives
March 2014--I had trouble focusing and enjoying the little things in life
June 2014--I was losing faith in the Lord's timing with all the trials we had last year

Contentment is my weakness, but also at the same time, my strength. Odd how that works out.
I was very content with my childhood--I was given so much and had great opportunities.
I am very content (more than content) with my religion--I've never doubted.
I was very content (more than content) with my choice of a husband--he is all that I needed and more.
I was very content (more than content) with my wedding--it was simple and yet, the wedding of my dreams.
I am very content with my baby boy--he is a blessing in our lives.
I am can be very content in my lifestyle....

And see, that's where the weakness comes in. Yes, I'm happy living frugally. Yes, I have a beautiful townhome we rent. Yes, we have no debt (except for a car). Yes, we have everything we need and more and aren't lacking or needing anything. Yes, I'm happy with the clothes, accessories, makesup, etc. that I have.

But...

Then I see that my friends have bought a house. I would love to own a home, but it's not financially time for that yet.
Then  I see that my friends are pregnant again. I would love to have more kids, but Rhys is only 7 months.
Then I see that my friend's husband has a job making 70K. I would love to have that, but together, Justin and I still don't make that.
Then I see that my friends are becoming SAHMs and have opened businesses. I would love to have that (and will have the SAHM part), but I don't have the skills to open a shop, and our income will lower.
Then I see that my friends and spouses are traveling all over the country and all over the world. I would love to have that, but it's not financially realistic right now.
Then I see that my friends blogs are exploding with popularity. I would love that and I'm trying to balance growing and authenticity.

So, as you can see, the green monster has a good grasp on me. But, what helps me is to count my blessings--I have made many a blessing/grateful heart/drop of awesome list when I feel like discontentment is taking me over. I also pray for the Lord's strength and help. I have to remember this scripture:

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8 King James Version)

Being content means understanding this. Being content means counting your many blessings. Being content is trusting in the Lord. Being content means enjoying the little things. Being content means retaining hope, while being happy now.

I know I still have a lot of work at being content, but I'm trying, and that's all that can be expected of me.

Weekly Focus Linkup #2

Last week's goal: Don't raise my voice AT ALL to my students and STAY patient.

I believe I did a pretty good job with this goal. I kept my cool. Sometimes I did have to be stern to misbehaving kids, but I stayed patient and more asked for them to behave rather than demand. I focused on saying, "Let's remember our class rules, guys" in an almost sing-songy voice. It helped me a lot because it didn't add any mental stress or exhaustion at the end of the day.

This weeks goal: Read my scriptures every day for personal scripture study and family scripture study.

What Weekly Focus Is

I decided to call it Weekly Focus because it could be a wish, a goal, a mentality, a plan, anything really that you want to focus on for the week. It is the driving force of that week and you only need one.

How to Participate

Each week on Monday, write a post about your weekly focus. Include the Weekly Focus button at the bottom of this page. Review how last week's focus went. Join my link-up and visit others, leaving encouraging comments.

I feel that by focusing on only one thing, it doesn't consume your life, but you are still continually working toward improving yourself. I simply love the idea of personal "Happiness Plans," and I want to help those who would love to do their own, but are still very busy in life. This shows that we can still take control of our lives and make it what we want while still being busy bees. So, I hope you join and have fun!

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<a href="http://www.morrellfairytale.com/2014/02/weekly-focus-linkup.html" title="Our Fairy Tale" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNvzpotdppCVMSeGQxjE7N6WtRsUVPSNmop8vZt0X6OUOQsQ08OOGuxVKQaZILSKekOATrYloETD2-sBRKY4aOhJc8rR6SJjjGU9lrRDxiOTYTxAcsl_hwVvMOjzto-qRHrgb6AqnVWca/s1600/weekly+focus+linkup.jpg" alt="Our Fairy Tale" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

When Worry Hits Hard

I am worried. More so than I have been before. The reason I have decided to write this post was because of two posts: Suzzie Vehrs's on Fear and Sierra Penrod's on Anxiety. I have experienced both in my life to varying degrees. 

The first time I truly felt fear was in 8th grade. I lived in Stafford, VA at the time. The same time and place as the Sniper Shootings. My neighborhood and my school were surrounded by forest. It'd be all to easy for him to sneak behind a tree and shoot me. Or, since I slept in the basement, sneak under our porch in the pitch darkness and shoot me through my window. I was reading scriptures one day, and fell upon these verses: Proverbs 3: 21-26. It really helped--Christ telling me directly that he will watch over me and keep me safe.

I have felt anxiety numerous, numerous times: big projects, finals, surprises even. I felt it almost every day during my student teaching internship last year. The beginning of the year was so bad for me, Justin had to force me to actually eat my dinner.

However, this week, my worry has been a combination of both fear and anxiety. My worry is not about myself, but about my husband. 

He has a pre-existing condition. That is all I am saying. It is his choice to indulge more or keep it private and I respect that. Recently, he started a new medication--a pill! We were so excited for him to only have to take an oral pill as opposed to his previous medication. He started it about two weeks ago. About last Thursday, he got a sore throat and headache, but we were still able to have the time of our lives with his family during the holiday weekend. We were both able to go to all 3 hours of church on Sunday and both felt fine (I didn't even get any degree of headache, which I typically do). Then, Sunday evening, we helped out some friends by taking them to the ER. Justin started to feel bad then. We thought it was maybe just bad memories popping in. We went home and he was cold--Justin is never cold. Even in the winter, he sleeps without any covering. He spent all night hacking and coughing and dry heaving. 

Monday was the same--hacking, coughing, dry heaving, sore throat, heavy head, couldn't stomach anything. I've said it and Justin has said it: he loves food. So, when the only thing he eats all day is a banana and a piece of toast, you know something is wrong. Monday night, we try to go to bed. He is up and out almost every 10 minutes, saying how he needs to throw up. I have never seen my husband this sick or disheartened or in this much pain. It scared me. We decided to go to the ER. 

The doctors and nurses there were very nice and very helpful. They gave him some medicine for his nausea and stomach pains, but said they weren't sure what it is. We mentioned about the new medication and wondered if that was causing it, but the ER doctor hadn't really heard of it (it is, afterall, a new medicine for Justin's condition, so that was understandable). We ended up thinking Justin got a bug coincidentally the same time he started the new medication and the pill was just exacerbating the symptoms. Justin was able--for the most part--to sleep the rest of the night.

Yesterday, he was doing  a bit better--even able to down half a cup of rice and veggies. He said the stomach medication was helping and was able to get some rest throughout the day. The worst part, though, about yesterday, is the fact that it was Justin's birthday. What a crappy gift. However, as much as it looked like he was improving, that all disappeared last night. We hardly slept a wink again--coughing, barfing, can't find a comfortable way to sleep.

This morning, he tells me that he really does think it is the pill. He called the pharmacy and they think it may be the pill. So, we may be going back to the hospital today. I am scared. This is my husband--my rock, my man who never worries or frets, who (even with his condition) never gets sick  and hardly gets headaches, my food-devour-er who can't eat a single piece of toast, my hard-studying statistician who is trying to finish school. I am worried, desperately worried. I knew since our first date about Justin's health. During our engagement, it made me worried. I even wrote about it here. But he's never been this affected. He is so hungry and tired and weak, and the isn't anything I can do about it. I can't sleep, I can barely eat myself. How in the world can I help him when I can't even help myself from being worried sick over him? Our apartment is a mess, there aren't any clean dishes, we are running out of food (I don't want to go grocery shopping with him in this condition). I am more worried about him than I've ever been before. 

But, for all this hopelessness and forlorn coming from both of us, I am trying desperately to have faith. I am reading the scriptures out loud to both of us. We are continually praying not only for his recovery, but our friend's as well. His family knows and are praying, too. I know down the road he'll be fine, but I'm worried about the here and now. I know we'll be able to get through it, but with what consequences? Going back to the medication he hates with passion? Getting really behind on his studies? I am surprised I'm not worried about the expense of the hospital visits we had/will have. But, I have to keep faith. In the Book of Mormon (the other set of scriptures for the LDS church), there is a passage --1 Nephi 3:7 " And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." Along with this, is the axiom, that God won't give us trials we can't overcome. So, for now, I'll let this be my hope. Justin and I can both overcome this. Justin has this condition because he is strong enough to deal with it. I married him because I am strong enough to help and care for him.

Though, I still will ask the blogosphere to send us prayers.