This is my facebook entry:
Today is my baptismal anniversary. I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for 16 years now. I was baptized the summer I turned 18. It has completely changed my life for the better and I am so grateful!
Wendy Owens Sherman and Rabeka Spagnolo Harrison like this.
Chandra Fraser
You know whats crazy....I remember you getting baptized:)
Shawna Hildebrand
that was an amazing day... I just admire you!
Emily Wilson
Oh my goodness Jackie...I remember your baptism. Time flies doesn't it? We aren't getting old are we?
Mikko Van Wagenen That is so awesome Jackie. Congrats, you were always an example to me.
KaiLynne Davis Osborne That's way cool!! Just think 16 yrs from know with your family and your kids family, what strength you will be for them!
Jacqueline Harrison
It feels like yesterday and yet 16 wonderful years have gone by - I want to thank Aaron nielsen and his family for introducing me to the Gospel! The missionaries and all of you who are such wonderful examples in my life!
It has been an amazing journey. Getting married in the San Diego temple, having my Mom, Sister, Dad, & Brother baptized- having my brother serve a mission, witnessing friends join the church, having my children born in the covenant, same with my siblings children, having my parents sealed in the San Diego temple and us to them,seeing my own children be baptized and my siblings sealed and married to their spouses in the temple... it is just amazing! I have learned so much over the years and am still striving to be the best version of myself as possible-- after all isn't that all we can really hope for ? There is no way in this short blog I could possibly list all I have learned, felt and experienced - just know that I am eternally grateful for the woman I have become and the woman I have YET to become. Its been a gradual transformation not easy but absolutely worth it. On a side note-I am still holding out for my brother Sean - he is probably the kindest person I know with the best heart of us all. My hope is that one day he will accept the fullness of gospel in his life, see it and embrace the truth and choose to get baptized. I will love him forever no matter what he decides for I know that he is a child of God who is loved dearly and is such an incredible example to me. The knowldege of the Gospel has brought such peace in my life- life is life -joy and pain combined. The gospel does not place you in a plastic bubble free from trials or suffering- but it does give you an enlightened perspective about life , the world and our purpose here and that can make ALL the difference! We all have our list of flaws and weaknesses no one is perfect however with the Gospel we have true purpose of why we should improve ourselves and make this world a better place. I really am so grateful and have been so blessed!The truth is the truth whether we live it & accept it or not - It is called the "plan of happiness" for a reason. As we are obedient to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel we will be happier and I can absolutley testify of that!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
It's ALMOST my birthday!
I keep thinking these are my last few hours being 33! This next year will be INCREDIBLE not just because I can feel it but because I KNOW it! - if theres a will theres a way. I have a lot of hopes, dreams and goals for this up coming year and if I hit even half of them I will be thrilled!!! Thanks Mom and dad for EVERYTHING you truly are amazing and I am so glad to be here!!!!
Temple dedication
It was wonderful today to participate in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple dedication. In the state of Utah they cancelled all church meetings in order for the saints to be a part of this great celebration. We attended the 3pm session held in our stake center. The best part was bringing Jordan and Aidan with us. You needed to be at least 8 years old and baptized to attend. A member of the bishopric came to our home to interview them and issue a recommend. As I explained to the boys - we built a temple to perform sacred ordinances for the Lord, we then had an open house for all to attend -LDS (mormon) or not - all may enter the temple. In fact we took the boys including Noah to the open house a few weeks ago and they truly enjoyed walking through the temple, admiring the artwork & decor and having the different rooms explained to them such as the baptistry and sealing (marriage) rooms. It was so beautiful! Then, after the open house, we dedicate it to the Lord. There is an opening song, prayer, speakers including the prophet , the dedicatory prayer, another song and then the benediction. The spirit was very strong and it was such a blessing to hear the prophet speak to us. We love the temple! We are so glad that Brandon and I were married and sealed for time and all eternity. That our children were born in the covenant and that we have the opportunity to perform ordinances for our ancestors. Families truly are forever! It was such a great experience for us and the boys. The last temple dedication I went to was for the San Diego temple the same year I was converted and baptized into the church and how appropriate to go this time espcially since my baptismal anniversary is just 2 days away. I feel so blessed to have the Gospel in my life. I strive to follow the commandments and become the best version of myseslf possible. I am no where near perfect. I just try my best to do what I know and believe to be right. I am so thankful for the many blessings and trials in my life for they only make me stronger and help me to grow and progress to become the person the Lord needs me to be.
For those not of our faith I thought the least I could do was list the "articles of faith" so one could have a basic understanding of what we believe:
The 13 articles of FAITH:
1. We believe in God, The Eternal Father, and in His son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly;we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built on the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth;and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying honoring, and sustaining the law.
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul- We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
~Joseph Smith
For those not of our faith I thought the least I could do was list the "articles of faith" so one could have a basic understanding of what we believe:
The 13 articles of FAITH:
1. We believe in God, The Eternal Father, and in His son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly;we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built on the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth;and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying honoring, and sustaining the law.
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul- We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
~Joseph Smith
Friday, August 14, 2009
Jordan's Birthday Party
This afternoon we had Jordan's "friend" birthday party. His actual birthday was July 30th and this year we were in San Diego- so we arranged for Aunt Carla, Uncle David, and Grandmama to take him to Disneyland. No surprise he had an amazing time- however he still wanted to do something with his friends. So we did our usual but without all the frills! No pizza, no balloons, no pinata, or streamers, or matching b-day plates, utensils, or decorations.... and you know what?!?!?... it turned out BETTER and CHEAPER!!!! So whats the usual?? Relay races with a great obstacle course, air hockey, basketball , the play set of course and this year swimming! We turned the pool into a whirlpool by having all the kids run in the same direction, then double time, then reverse-- they had so much fun going against the current. They were screaming and laughing it was great! We also had the best cake ever- Ice cream sandwiches- no baking, no cutting or serving and then you don't need to buy all the plates, napkins etc and the best part-- easy clean up. My friend from Santee Chris Adkins shared that idea with me years ago! Wish I could say it was mine but sharing is a good thing! After Jordan blew out the candles it was speech time and we sprayed all his friends with silly string- they were so shocked!! I loved it! So here are a few pictures (you know I took about 100) of our fun party! By the way a typical party at home will run us on average $150 this one was under $20! Now that's an improvement!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Utah
I shot this picture the day I got back from San Diego and it was obvious we were now in Utah.
Take a good look at this picture! How can you tell it was taken in Utah???? If you haven't guessed it by now... its all the mini vans!!!! One day we actually saw 7 Honda Odysseys in a row!!!! No wonder I feel like such a "mom" all the time I am surrounded by kids and mini vans!
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