http://marensgarden.com/ en-us Nucleus CMS v3.21 MD © Weblog http://backend.userland.com/rss http://marensgarden.com//nucleus/nucleus2.gif http://marensgarden.com/ /blog?itemid=7704 maren-everafter.blogspot.com. I hope to see you all there!]]> General http://marensgarden.com/index.php?itemid=7704 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:14:54 -0400 /blog?itemid=7699 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was a very edifying experience. Answers we were seeking were found, the spirit was felt and our testimony was increased.

I am inspired by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s talk and Cjanes blog post to write about my own testimony.

First I want to share a bit of Elder Holland’s testimony. Here is a you tube video I found of part of his talk.



It doesn’t have the part that moved me the most however. I looked for the text to share that here, but the text is not available yet (I think it will be on Thursday). So, instead I am going to paraphrase. Elder Holland spoke with such power as an Apostle of Christ that I was moved to tears. I felt the spirit so strongly, probably more than at any other time in my life. He talked about Joseph and Hyrum Smith’s martyrdom. He talked about how just hours before they were killed, Joseph Smith bore a powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon to the guards in the prison. Joseph, at this point, knew his life was almost over. President Holland testified that, knowing what was coming, Joseph Smith WOULD NOT have continued to testify of the Book of Mormon if it was something he had made up. The truth is that the events leading to its translation happened just as Joseph said they did. If anyone doubts, we have sure proof in the Book of Mormon. It is impossible to read this book with an open heart without being moved by it.

For the scientific among us; my father was involved in a statistically study of wordprints of the Book of Mormon. He was able to conclusively prove that the Book of Mormon was not written by one man and that no part of it was written by Joseph Smith. There are many more such evidences today.



On a more personal note, I want to talk about my own testimony. I grew up in the church. I never went through a major doubting phase, but I still had to find out for myself if what I had been taught my whole life was true. I had read the Book of Mormon, I went to church weekly and to the Temple. I prayed often. I believed.

All of that was put to the test when I physically collapsed in November 2004. Faith became my only lifeline and I had to find out whether it was a weak string or a strong rope to hold me up. Whenever I was physically able, I dived into an in depth study of the Book of Mormon. I listened to past Conference talks and read the Church’s magazine--the Ensign. I read the Book of Mormon daily and was able to participate when President Hinckley challenged the whole Church to read it by the end of that year. After President Hinckley died, Jeff and I took part of the Book of Mormon Challenge to read the Book in 97 days or something like that.

Here is a picture of me at my brother's wedding reception. I was unable to even sit up for pictures. The fact that I was there at all was a miracle.



I knew the Lord could heal me, but would he? I had some amazing Priesthood blessings that promised healing would come, in time. I knew it was just a matter of waiting upon the Lord and his timetable.

My testimony of prayer increased dramatically during this time. I came to rely on prayer as if my very life depended upon it (which it often felt like it did). Since the first year I was down, I prayed about doctors and hospitals, and the like. The answer was constantly the same reassurance that now was not the time to pursue those avenues. I would be healed, but “not now”.

The Book of Mormon became a very important constant in my life. I did my best at living the teachings of Christ through it’s pages. I did my best to teach Reilly the lessons that I was learning. I taught him about faith and how it is belief in things not yet seen. I told him that, when the time was right, the Lord would heal me. Reilly also prayed for me in faith. He fully expected his prayers to be answered.

I have read the Book of Mormon many times over the last 5 years, as well as the Bible, The Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. Each time I am touched by a story or a passage in the Book of Mormon, I have no doubt that it is scripture just as surely as the Bible is scripture. It testifies of Jesus Christ from page one through to the end. I know that it’s origins were divine. There is no other explanation. If the Book of Mormon is true, then surely Joseph Smith was who He said He was and the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in these latter-days happened just as He said they did.

The Gospel has brought more joy and hope to my life than anything else. It helped me when I was so sick and unable to be there for my family. I found comfort, hope and peace. I realized that I was happier then than I had ever been, even before I collapsed. I always believed that I would someday walk again, but if that was not the Lord’s will for me, I was fine with that too. I prayed to know His will and when it was time, doors began to open and miraculous things began to happen (that’s a whole other post in itself). In short, after 4 long years, I recovered my health and am doing better now than I have in over 25 years.

I credit the Book of Mormon with helping me through those difficult years. I love the Book of Mormon and want to share it with the world. I want everyone to know the peace that I know and feel. I testify that Jesus Christ lives. He knows me by name. He knows my struggles and pain. He listens and hears every prayer I offer with a sincere heart. He answers those prayers in His way and His timing is perfect. I love the Lord

At the end of the Book of Mormon, it’s last great Prophet, Moroni, offers a challenge to every one who reads it’s pages. He promises that if they will read with real intent and pray to know for themselves if it is true, the Holy Spirit will testify of it’s truthfulness. I challenge anyone who has not done that to pick up the Book and read it. For more information go to mormon.org.

Loves to you!
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Let's see....since I last blogged.....we had a fun outdoor photo shoot with a darling ballerina (I'll share some of those once I get them processed). I had a birthday. I am now 35, which I find it hard to believe. It honestly feels like my life is just getting off the ground (haha........literally). Reilly is doing very well in school. Homework is no longer a battlefield (he does it *on his own* as soon as he gets home so he can play with friends). His ability to focus has greatly increased. Life continues to be good and getting better by the day.]]> General http://marensgarden.com/index.php?itemid=7690 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:03:37 -0400 /blog?itemid=7687




















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Things continue to be good. We took Reilly to the Star Trek exhibit at the Franklin Institute in Philly this past week. The great news was that I did so well. Last month I didn't feel up to a big outing like that, but this month I just knew it would be ok.

We've done another baby photo session that I am working on processing. I will post some photos from that soon.

Reilly is doing better in school so far and seems happier than the past few years.

We are loving things just as they are right now. Life is good.]]> General http://marensgarden.com/index.php?itemid=7677 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:37:11 -0400 /blog?itemid=7673


Here is Reilly's birthday lego cake for his 7th birthday..





Last week's Sunday Morning Pictures









And lastly....Reilly's first day of second grade pictures.













We did a newborn baby photo session on Saturday. I am editing the photos now and will post a sneak peak soon.

Things continue to go well with us. We watched the BYU v. Oklahoma game on Saturday night. That was an exciting game and quite the upset (go Cougars!). That was fun.

Have a great Labor Day everyone!]]> General http://marensgarden.com/index.php?itemid=7673 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:43:02 -0400 /blog?itemid=7666


Gingersnap Peach Pie

Ingredients:

2 pound(s) peach(es), yellow or white variety
1/3 cup(s) sugar
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp Butter
4 oz gingersnap(s), about 18 cookies


Instructions:

* Preheat oven to 400ºF.

* Cut peaches in half and remove pits. Cut each peach half into four slices. Combine peaches, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon and cornstarch in a medium bowl; set aside.

* Melt butter in microwave or on stovetop. Crush gingersnaps into crumbs; place in a small bowl. Pour melted butter into crumbs and combine thoroughly.

* Pat crumb mixture into bottom of a 9-inch ceramic or glass pie plate; make sure crumbs are evenly distributed.

* Starting at edge of pie plate, arrange peach slices in concentric circles so that they cover entire surface of pie and form a petal-like pattern. To form center of flower, arrange several peach slices in a small circle. Pour any remaining liquid from peach mixture over top of pie so it is evenly distributed.

* Bake pie in bottom 1/3 of oven for 20 minutes; reduce heat to 325ºF and bake for 40 minutes more.

* Remove from oven and cool completely in pie plate on a wire rack (about 2 hours). Slice into 8 pieces just before serving. Yields 1 piece per serving.


Notes:

You can peel the peaches but do not have to ? the choice is yours.

This pie can be made up to 1 day ahead, refrigerated and then served chilled or at room temperature.

For a really exciting presentation, use a yellow peach for the center of your flower design and white peaches for the petals. Serve with a dollop of light whipped cream]]> General http://marensgarden.com/index.php?itemid=7666 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:38:52 -0400 /blog?itemid=7661
We went to bed earlier last night and I was able to get up early and do my morning routine (exercise, scripture study, etc.). It feels so good. I am hoping that this school year is a new beginning for us. I even made pancakes for breakfast and a big lunch.

I bought a pedometer and I LOVE it. It is fun to see how far I walk each day and watch it improve.

Jeff is recovering from the passing of his Uncle Joe. The days are still a struggle for him. Reilly has been a bit happier this week so I've been glad to see that. He REALLY does not want to go to summer school next summer, so I hope that motivates him to work a bit harder this year.

All in all, I am in domestic bliss and loving it. Life is great.]]> General http://marensgarden.com/index.php?itemid=7661 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:29:16 -0400