tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232382442073465612011-04-21T19:41:46.146-07:00Carly Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913142022559554044noreply@blogger.comBlogger11100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-423238244207346561.post-84705079612871063202008-07-11T10:13:00.001-07:002008-07-11T10:57:27.236-07:00I am warning you that this blog is probably quite simple and the insights aren't groundbreaking. I just have thoughts throughout the day and I feel like I should write them somewhere but I am terrible at keeping a journal, so I am going to try and keep a blog on them. We shall see how it turns out. I also really decided to do this with all the talk of media lately within the magazine "Ensign." I have never been one to really proclaim the Gospel so this is my attempt to make a statement of my beliefs.<br /><br />Growing up I never wanted people to think I was weird because I was Mormon. In the South most people thought we were terrible people who worshiped Joseph Smith and they didn't want to hear one word about the Church. I never denied being a member but I never really brought it up either. When it came time to stand up for my beliefs I would do so quietly. I just didn't want to cause turmoil or make anyone feel uncomfortable. I wanted people to like me. So many times I went with the flow. Looking back, I wish I had been more of an advocate of the Church. I wish I would have realized that what makes LDS different from the rest of the world is what we hold most dear. I wish I wouldn't have camouflaged into the background, but stood out and proclaimed the Gospel. I have many regrets concerning this, so I have decided to turn myself around and start today to be a better member of the Church. I was reading President Uchtdorf's message in the July 08 Ensign and he quoted 2 Timothy 1:7-8: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord." So easily said; now I just have have to do.<br /><br />Another thing has caught my attention lately. Being a stay-at-home mom of 1, I often find myself without much to do. My apartment isn't big so it doesn't take long to clean. I can only bake and cook so much because Michael and I only eat so much. I am homebound for most of the day because my baby needs her naps. So what am I to do here at home daily that will focus on using my time, talents, and means wisely? Any ideas? I am still trying to think of some, so I am open to any.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/423238244207346561-8470507961287106320?l=cdadamsthoughts.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Carly Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913142022559554044noreply@blogger.com2