Marriage Counsel From Same Article That I Thought Was Helpful!

"I have observed over the years many, many couples who have maintained strong and vital marriages as they have remained true to their temple covenants. In conclusion tonight, let me share with you what I have seen these successful couples do. These seemingly “little” things have fortified and strengthened these families.

First, couples who build strong marriages and families know who they are. They know that they are a son or daughter of God. They set eternal goals to once again live with our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

They strive to leave the ways of the natural man behind.

Second, they know the doctrines of the gospel and the importance of temple ordinances and covenants. They know that keeping their covenants is necessary to achieve eternal goals.

Third, they choose to obtain the eternal blessings of the kingdom of God rather than the temporal and temporary possessions of the world. They seek high ground and stay there.

Fourth, such couples realize that when they are sealed for time and all eternity, they have chosen an eternal companion. There is no need to look any further. Their courting days are over.

Fifth, these couples think of one another before self. They grow together, and not apart, as they serve one another, love one another, care for one another, and communicate together with the Lord in prayer.

They converse often with one another, thereby never letting little things become big things. They talk early about the “little hurts” with little fear of offending. In this way they avoid big explosions of bitter feelings. It is so much better to let off a little steam before the top blows off the pressure cooker!

These couples seek one another’s good and avoid selfishness, which suffocates spiritual sensitivity. They do not nag, ridicule, or speak ill of one another to others. They know that such language and behavior damages the eternal potential of their relationship.

They are willing to change their hearts, to repent, to apologize, and to ask forgiveness if they have hurt the one they love. They work now to improve their relationship, knowing that they are not suddenly going to become nicer when they die!

They cultivate a thoughtful, considerate spirit and love one another always. In so doing, they lift each other to high ground and strengthen one another in their determination to stay there together"

here is to strengthrening our relationships with the ones we love!!!

Thanks Elder Hales for the Marriage Advice!

Financial Advice from Elder Robert D. Hales

I find that now that I am engaged, I have this crazy desire to spend money since I know that once I am married it will no longer be possible! So, the hard part is that coupled with wanting to purchase things; I also have a wedding to save for!

I already have bought my wedding dress and invitations and the vases for the centerpieces. And I have more to save for. In an effort to help get over my desires for material things, I read a CES broadcast article today, entitled "Seek and Attain the Spiritual High Ground in Life" By Elder Robert D. Hales.

These quotes might help you stay focused on not obtaining debt, like they are helping me to not obtain debt!

"For example, one element of provident living is to obtain an education and vocational training to prepare us for a profession that will sustain us and our families. Then we must give a full day’s effort for a full day’s pay. Such a work ethic, coupled with the qualities of integrity, character, and trustworthiness, qualify each of us as a “laborer … worthy of his hire” (D&C 31:5)."

"Another element of provident living is the ability to live joyfully within our means—avoiding excessive debt and not coveting the temporal things of this world. I want so much for you to understand that now at your age. There seems to be a sense of entitlement in today’s culture—a feeling that we should acquire right now everything that our parents have acquired over many years. Debt can enslave us."

"When we become burdened with excessive debt, we have given away our precious, priceless agency and placed ourselves in self-imposed servitude, spending all of our time, all of our energy, and all of our means to the repayment of our debts. A mounting feeling of hopelessness from this situation builds stress, which depresses us mentally and physically, affecting our self-worth, our relationship with our companion, and ultimately our feelings toward the Lord."

"Self-reliance is taking responsibility for our own spiritual and temporal welfare and for those whom Heavenly Father has entrusted to our care. When we are self-reliant, we can better emulate the Savior in serving and blessing others. We raise ourselves to a higher ground so that we can reach down and lift others.

The reason you will have success in your life is not for self-gratification but so that you can help others. Our ability to serve is increased or diminished by the level of our self-reliance."

Happy Savings and Simplifying!!! :)

Fun New Eating Plan!

I'm Back, Here is a Fun New Eating Plan! I will be trying starting next week when I go food shopping


Eating Plan Menu
Breakfast: (first hour of waking up) Protein Shake (make it how you want too)
(Blend: Soy milk, 3 cubes of ice, frozen strawberries, frozen blueberries and soy protein mix one scoop and 1 scoop of Ultras meal mix) I get Trader Joes Women's protein mix!

Snack: Fruit or vegetables with a small handful of raw nuts

Lunch: Lean Cuisine type meal with a protein bar

Snack: Vegetables and Slice of Whole Wheat Bread with peanut butter

Dessert: 100 Calorie Fudge Bar (around 4 pm)

Dinner: Half the plate vegetables, ¼ quarter protein, ¼ quarter carbohydrate (Stick with Brown Rice, jasmine rice, Balsamic rice

Snack: Milton’s Whole Wheat Bread slice with mustard and turkey meat toasted.

Try not to eat after 8:00 pm and no dessert after 8:00 pm, if you are going to have it, make it earlier in the day.

Other tips

Limit oranges and pineapple since it is more filled with sugar.
Eat a variety of fruit and vegetables
Drink water with every meal!


Diet by my friend Michelle at the Chiropractor's office, she looks fabulous and has gone from a size 14 to a size 6!
Try Luna Protein Bars, I have heard they are a good brand
Remember your vitamins, etc...